4 comments/  6660 views/  7 favorites

Sacrifice For Love

By: OriginalT



Katia loved her family very much which had made her decision to be sold as a slave easier and harder. Her family was very poor and her parents couldn't afford to take care of all eight children anymore.

The oldest child, her brother Sidrov had left home almost four months ago to work as a decoy for the royal family, it was ridiculously dangerous but paid well. The large sums he sent home had helped until their mother had fallen ill, now the money was used to pay for her doctor.

The next child in the family and Katia's second oldest sister had left for the neighboring country to be a dancer at a theatere in the city. That was weeks ago, it would take some time for her to start sending home large sums of money.

Katia had been in town when the slave traders had meandered through with their caravan of silk and fluorescent colours. They made all the buildings and locals look shabby even the natural flowers that shown with bright hues of blue and red were dulled as they pranced by.

The caravan had been made up of three wagons large, sturdy, and pulled by camels. The wood that wasn't painted in obscenely bright shades of purple, yellow, orange, and speckled with gold was a deep brown. Drivers were regal perched on top of overstuffed cushions. Magenta drapes were drawn shut the only exception a crack in the second window of the last wagon, silver finger cuffs sparkled in the sun an emerald eye heavily coated in kohl peaked out, watching the village folk gawking. The rest of the caravan was littered with men on horseback, other camels heaping with crates and rolls of fabric, and tied behind the wagons were men and women mostly young. Filled with fascination she was drawn in like a moth to flame.

Once they parked Katia noticed the traders brought water to the occupants inside the wagons, then the animals, and lastly those tied up behind the wagons. Wondering what made those in the wagons so special she slowly gravitate towards a lonely trader checking his rucksack on his horse.

"Umm.." Clearing her throat," Excuse me sir?"

"Yes?" He wasn't mean or gruff but seemed busy. "Do you need something? Or are you a prostitute offering your services?"

"No nothing like that. I was wondering where you're going and where you're from?"

"Ah I see, you're curious? That can be very bad. We are from Dostania, do you know it?""

You would've had to live under a rock to not know of Dostania, as the largest trade port anything new, high quality, or valuable came from Dostania. All aspiring to make a change in the world flocked to that one city. If you were looking for new talent of any kind you had your pick. It was also located on the continent of Pagora most known for change and progress. To live in any part of Pagora you had to be filthy rich.

The country was a monstrous island surrounded on all sides by ocean, and the ocean landscapes were chalk full of summer villas for the wealthy. It was warm all year round, sported dark beauties, in essence it was paradise.

"Of course I know it. What are you doing here?"

"We traders take a long trek to the other continents every Fall, we are almost done we have two more cities to visit, Worloas and Indestra. Then we travel back to meet or clients and employers." He had found whatever he was looking for taking long strides he made his way to the lead wagon handing a wrapped parcel and a sealed letter to the driver he seemed surprised Katia was still there.

"Don't you have somewhere you need to be? Feeding chickens maybe?"

She grinned up at him, eyes shining with the wonder of a small child. "No I've already taken care of my chores today, and ran my errand. What are you getting from Worloas?"

Scraping a large callused hand over his face he groaned both internally and externally, the curious ones were the hardest to get rid of. "Your chores might be done, mine are just starting. I don't have time to answer so many questions."

"What if I help you? You'd be done quicker and in turn you answer my questions?" Lazily stroking the muzzle of the white and brown spotted beauty the trader had rode in on. Katia caught movement out of the corner of her eye glancing over her right shoulder she saw another trader handing a bowl of fruit and a loaf of bread through the door of the wagon last wagon. So distracted she almost missed the traders answer,

"Ugh fine! But when we finish you go home? Deal?"

"Deal. By the way, what is your name?"

"No name. Just a number." Holding out his leg she saw the numbers 06-04-8712 tattooed into the skin of his right calf, perfectly centered on the top of the muscle.

"So if someone wants to get your attention they call out... What exactly?"

"Twelve." He said it as one would say to a village idiot.

"That's ridiculous, I'm serious what is your name?"

"No one calls for me except my employer and yes he calls out twelve. I lost the privilege of having a name when I failed to pay on a debt." He was frustrated and hoped by doing the hardest chores first he would lose his little talkative shadow.

Katia kept pace through unloading the horse, setting up camp in a field rented for the night, chopping wood for the six fires throughout camp, and now they were cleaning a large calf for dinner. Before getting to work on the calf the trader had rolled up his sleeves and removed his large over coat, catching an eye full of a large tattoo of an anaconda eating a sword. Katia had then taken to calling the trader Snake. Through the rest she had been informed that at the next stop the caravan would be forcefully taking a young man back with them, he had apparently been eluding his debtor for awhile but was then arrested for horse thieving. He was currently contained and waiting to be picked up. In the last city they were picking up a gift for Snake's employer.

"Wealthy merchants want to stay in business at all costs, to insure this they will give a servant to a nobleman in order to have a solid guarantee that their stock will be sold at higher prices. This particular merchant is giving his eldest daughter to my employer."

"That's awful! Who would do that?!"

"I've heard the daughter is quite upset she sent a messenger to my employer offering three servants, one of which is still a virgin. My employer wasn't fond of the idea seeing as servants of the Northern people are always dark skinned."

"So? Why would that matter?"

"He only likes light skinned women."

"What a pig."

"No matter, the daughter has tried offering large sums of money to girls in her village to go in her place."

"It would have to be a very large sum for someone to willingly sell themselves. I couldn't imagine doing something like that for anything less than a hundred thousand credits." For that much money her family could fully pay off their doctor bills, pay to heir servants for their large farm, and put her younger siblings in a private school.

Conspiratorially Snake leaned over whispering in her ear,"I heard she offered four times that amount."

Katia's breath caught in her throat, that kind of money could secure her family for the rest of their lives, her younger sister could have a dowry and marry instead of working. Her brothers could all go away to the finest schools, in any trade they wanted. Her father could retire! Such sinful thoughts filled her mind, she was only half teasing when she next spoke. "I would take her place if she hasn't found someone."

Snake scoffed at her,"You? Take the place of a merchants daughter? You'd have to have a special talent to be worth my employer's time." He looked down busying himself with tying the calf to the spit. "The only reason the merchant is giving up his daughter is because she has red hair, these days everyone has brown or black hair you'd be hard pressed to find someone with natural hair a different colour."

"What about yellow hair?"

At this Snake burst out laughing a deep bark that led to cackling, a sound that should never come out of a man his size,"Yellow hair? No one but royalty has yellow hair, and even they haven't produced an heir with that distinction in generations it is a trait not seen everyday. How would you expect to find such a rarity? I could colour a girls hair but after some time her natural shade would show." Wiping at his watering eyes he chuckled.

The walked side by side through a thicket of trees to wash their hands in the stream flowing freely by the camp, their conversation covered up by the noise it created.

"Do you think if you could find someone the merchants daughter or your employer would pay handsomely for them?"

"Oh without fail! My employer would make a deal with the devil to get his hands in a woman with yellow hair, could you imagine bringing those traits back into the world? And to be the head of the family that produced yellow haired children." A far away glance stole across Snake's features, in his mind he imagined the reward his employer would grant him if he brought home a yellow haired woman.

"What if I knew of a yellow haired girl?"

"Perhaps in your dreams." 

Grabbing Snake's arm Katia looked into his eyes becoming deathly serious she asked again,"What if I knew of a yellow haired girl?"

Snake's eyes became large, he couldn't believe this young woman might actually give him the key to his freedom. Cautious of any trick this might be he hesitantly asked,"What would you want in return?"

Katia took her time, she had to be sure this is what she wanted to do, one thought of her frail baby sister working herself another day in the fields made up her mind," The money, a written letter from your employer saying he wouldn't come looking for her lineage, and your blood oath that you protect her against any harm."

Taking out his dagger Snake cut the palm of his hand, Katia cut her's then the clasped hands. "Now take me to the yellow haired girl." He practically growled at her.

Stepping back Katia pulled off her half turban, unwound her hair from her bun and let her golden locks fall down her spine.

Snake took one look at her before commanding her to hide her hair once more. He wrapped both their hands with a torn bit of cloth, then marched off back towards camp. Katia assumed he was trying to treat her unbiasedly. No one could know that she carried a trait that had died out years before, her parents had mentioned recessive genes once then they had lectured her about the care she would have to take with her "curse".

While Katia mulled over the pros and con's of her so called "curse" Snake had called for a carrier foul, it looked like pictures of old time falcons only this one had an underwing of vibrant teal along with tail feathers of teal and deep cerulean.

Writing down a message in scribbled gibberish Snake rolled up the piece of plastic paper, sealed it with a medallion from around his neck, and sent the bird off.

"Where is she going?"

"To my employer of course, I need a letter of pardon for the merchant's daughter, and he."

"What?" Katia was pulled away from watching the beautiful fleck of teal soar away.

"The colored Falmming are Male."

"I see. What do I do now?" Now wondering if his employer would even agree to such a trade, she suddenly was overcome with self consciousness.

"Oh I'd go home." Dread boiled up from her toes and sat heavy in her stomach. Snake already knew she wasn't wanted. Catching her down trodden look he continued with,"And say goodbye to your family. Without doubt you'll be leaving tomorrow with us to Worloas. From there we'll head straight back to Dostania."

"Then why don't I stay here until you all head back through?" She didn't see the point in traveling to Worloas just to back track. She could have that bit of time left with her family.

"When we head back through we won't be stopping, we travel on the outskirts of all the cities until we get to port then we bored a ship to Dostania. That is the way it always is."

"I want to stay here. Besides we don't know if your employer even wants me. You all should head out in the morning then pick me up on your way back through."

"Do you not understand the concept of being a slave?! You don't get a choice, you will lose your identity, all of what makes you a person will be taken away."

"Technically I'm not a slave, yet."

Snake's hands tingled and shook, he'd never had to restrain himself from disciplining a slave when they talked back. Now there was this tiny infuriating minx, and the first thing she did was get bratty. He wanted to strangle her!

Barely containing the urge to muzzle her, he sent her home. "Fine. We'll pick you up in a week, don't bother packing clothes they'll all be replaced. Any trinkets or heirlooms you'll give to me for safe keeping during our trip." With that he shooed her out of the camp.

Once she was out of site he went to his personal tent, laying down on his makeshift bed he pressed on his temples. At once his subconscious mind was present in a white room, white pillars formed a hexagon room his employer sat meditating on a cloud just kiddie corner from him.

Going down on his knees and tucking chin to chest he presented the perfect picture of a male slave. "Master I request an audience."

"Oh? Are you having trouble with the Redhead already? You're at least a few weeks above schedule." His employer fixed bright blue eyes onto his slave, no emotion could be seen in their stare.

"It has something to do with that. There has been a development, may I speak freely to explain?" Snake peaked up at his master, giving him a cheeky grin.

"Please! And get off your knees, you look ridiculous." Slouching back the puff of cloud changed into a long stretch of cloud for the tall man to lounge in. "And join me I'm guessing this'll be the closest thing to sleep you get until you're home."

Moving towards his master a second grouping of cloud appeared then molded to Snake's body. "I found a girl who wants to be substituted in place of the merchant's daughter."

"Ugh! I had hoped to have some kind of prize to present at the Monarch Station."

"Oh she's a prize alright. You'll enjoy her company immensely."

Intrigued his master sat up,"Do tell. What does she look like?"

"I can't tell. I want to surprise you."

"Should I trust you?"

Snake leaned forward returning the burning gaze he was experiencing. "Of course."

"Alright! One surprise. Bring her to me here. I'm tired of traveling all the way to Dostania for one toy."

Snake fixed his green eyes on the flawless white floor. "Well there was something else sir."

"Whatever it is yes. I'm tired and don't want anymore interruptions."

"I'll need a signed request sent to the Leadman."

"Fine just go. You're giving me a headache you pain in the ass."

Sweeping low Snake bowed. When he straightened up he wasn't surprised to see his master flipping him off. Chuckling he turned to leave, at that moment a monstrous dark oak door appeared it swung open by itself allowing Snake back to his conscientious mind.

Sacrifice For Love Ch. 02



Katia meandered back through her generously sized town. It wasn't small but half the population was spread out over hundreds of acres running large farms and ranches. Her family, for instance, lived just on the outskirts of town and by that it was really five subpars (about ten miles). 

She had always imagined what life would be like outside of Kistoog, running off with a lover, hiding away on a hover ship, or even heading off to a university. Never actually believing she'd leave. In her realistic day dreams she saw herself marrying a rancher's son or even a middle aged shop owner. 

Hiking up her mid length skirts she climbed over a high fence, built out of wide logs and thick cords of intertwined imitation medal. she didn't need to worry too much about knicking her leather leggings. Hoping down on the other side she cut across the massive field, the grazing lions were intermixed with a herd of angora goats. Dogs had died out a long time ago, then scientists had tampered with wild animals' genes to make them able to survive off grain. Most farmers now used large cats to guard their live stock, her own family had a half dozen pumas in their care.

The first sun in the sky was just setting when her home came into view. All her family's land was fenced in by hundred foot trees, shooting straight out of the ground all the branches stretched skyward. Thick vines were grown in between the spaces of the trees thus creating a natural barrier. The gates connecting the fields were fashioned out of vines and bamboo. Only the rich could afford metal these days, even that stuff was imitated.

Her feet slowed as she neared her house, the three story villa would've seemed out of place in the past now they were the standard building. All the windows downstairs and the windows in her sister's room were glowing bright blue from the natural light supplied by solar panels on the roof. Energy had to be self sustained, any luxury was hard to come by even for those who had thousands of credits to their name.

Stepping up just outside the front door Katia stood watching her family interact. Her father sat in a worn chair at the head of the table reading a flash board which was completely in cased by his massive hands. He had once been a book worm while at university, the whole family had pitched in so he could still read without having to spend hundreds of dollars per book. His glasses were perch on his large nose, almost tipping and falling off his face. His tanned skin contrasted with the light bouncing off it. Her mother's curvy body could be seen standing over their hot stone cooking slabs of meat and roasting chunks of vegetables. Her auburn hair was pulled back at the base of her neck, streaks of gray could be seen just at her temples flaring backwards like shining wings. Her younger brothers were crammed at one side of the long dining table each fiddling with a different machine, each hoping to get a scholarship into school. 

At that thought a small smile crept onto her lips, they didn't have to worry about which one would get into school now. Her nerves were finally settling down. Grasping onto that thought she schooled her facial expressions and walked through the door she'd been walking through for the past twenty years. 

"Oh good you're home!" Her mother had mastered the "eyes in the back of her head" she didn't needs to turn around to know who it was."Will you set the table? Then run upstairs and see if Izebeta is coming down to eat." 

Long ago the family had learned that Ize could barely stomach food all the time. Her tiny body diminished everyday but no one knew why. "Is she sick again today?" Katia always worried about her baby sister.

"She won't tell me. You know she won't talk to anyone."

Hurrying to set the table Katia rushed up stairs, stopping outside of Izebeta's bedroom door she knocked softly.

"Come in." Ize's soft voice answered.

Once inside her sisters room she took the time to really look at her sister. Izebeta lay on her caved in stomach, likely giving herself bruises, watching a show on her flash board that was mounted to her wall. Dark brown hair was braided and flipped over one shoulder, bangs softly lay across her forehead accentuating the freckles that were sprinkled all over her thin face. Dark blue eyes with a ring of honey brown looked up at her. Then a small smile graced Ize's face, lifting her feeble right arm she patted the bed next to her.

Using her muscles to sit on the bed as softly as possible she stroked the end of her sister's braid.

"Ize?" 

"Hmm?"

"Do you ever think about how different life would be if we were rich?" 

Raising one eyebrow Ize looked at her older sister with an expression that spoke for itself,"Where are you going with this?" 

"Just humor me for a second, okay?" 

"Okay.... If we were rich Mom could see a proper doctor, Dad would have a real library full of old musty books, the boys would all go to school, and you would travel." 

"What about you Ize? What would you do?" 

Sheepishly Ize looked at her worn bed cover, the thick knit material was tearing in spots, she picked at a patch of fuzz. But her eyes flashed with an intense burning Katia recognized as passion. 

In a reassuring tone Katia commented,"I bet anything you want to do would be amazing! Let's see... Do you want to be a model?" 

Ize grimaced.

"No? Well you certainly have the body for it. Ummm... How about a scientist?" 

Ize buried her face in the fuzzy spot she had just been picking at. "No!" She moaned out her answer.

Chuckling Katia spouted," Fisherman, painter, musician, oh I know!! A dominatrix!" 

A full blown laugh escaped Ize,"Ugh! No!" Once their laughter died down Ize looked at her sister thoughtfully. "Do you really want to know?" 

"Of course I do! Please tell me!" 

Katia was now laying down next to her sister, a stranger would see no resemblance between the two females. One was short, curvy, her complexion was light, her face was soft, and her personality drew people in. The other was tall, sickly thin, her complexion was dark, her face was all sharp angles, her personality made her easy to look over. But in that brief moment their laughs and smiles were almost identical. 

"I want to be an animal doctor." 

"But those are everywhere." 

"I want to be an exotic animal doctor." 

"But the only exotic animals are on other planets, still being discovered." It took a moment, finally the light bulb clicked on. "Oh my gosh!" Katia squealed with excitement. "You'd see so many different places! And for someone to have a career they'd have to start young, learning through experience."

Ize rolled on to her back, following suit Katia noticed the map on her sisters ceiling. They all had one,"To instill a hunger for knowledge and the unknown." their mother had said. Only now her sister had written notes all over her ceiling marking different planets and scribbling out others all together. Slowly standing up Katia squinted at the scrawl in her sister's hand,"New species of fish, new species of amphibian, existing species of untamed lions and tigers, new species of bird," making her way around the room she stopped at a planet with a purple star next to it she had only noticed one other planet with a star. Pointing up Katia looked at her sister confused,"What about these ones?" 

Refusing to answer Ize pushed herself off her bed."I think dinner is done." 

"Ize?"

"If I ever get the chance to go, then I'll tell you." 

The both made their way downstairs, sitting at their spots at the dining table they bowed their heads as their Father said a prayer to bless their food. Being to anxious Katia didn't dig in with the rest of her family once the prayer was finished. Instead she spent a few moments basking in her the routine moment of her family. Brothers bickering over who hard gotten a bigger piece of meat, her sister picking at the vegetables she could digest, and her parents holding hands under the lip of the table, and here she was about to drop a bomb shell on all of them. 

Her Father was discussing an issue with the farm,"The water distributors aren't shutting down after the buds sprout. They still mist up until the envirobots start harvesting the crop. I guess I'll have to take the system apart, we'll lose at least three days of crop." 

"What kind of payment decrease will that be Yulia?" Her mother didn't seem too concerned

"At least twenty thousand credits." 

Her mother pursed her lips. "We'll just sell two or three envirobots. Then harvest the two lower fields by hand." 

As Katia listened she knew she had made the right decision. Speaking up she tried to be as nonchalant as possible,"Oh I don't think it'll be that bad. In fact I'm calculating a high percentage increase of credits here within the week." 

Silence fell throughout the table. Her father turned in his chair leveling her with his most stern look,"And why is that? What have you done?"

Katia gulped noisily,"I got a job." 

"Oh? And they are going to pay you this week? In a large lump sum?" 

"Yes." 

"How big of a lump sum?" 

Katia stared at the table,"Four hundred...."

"Well that's generous, it will help."

"......Thousand."

A glass shattered on the floor, two forks clattered on top of the serving platters, and her little sister choked on a mouth full of electrolyte fluid. 

Her mother ignored the glass shards at her feet, her eyes started to mist over. Bottom lip quivering she touch her husband's arm trying to quiet the storm before it started.

Her sister was still coughing violently while staring at her with large eyes. Two brothers had stopped shoveling food into their mouths, although the baby of the family was still scarfing down food oblivious to those around him.

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!!!" Her Father was glaring full force, he stood up towering over her.

Her youngest brother finally stopped eating looking up with doe eyes, his cheeks stuffed like a chipmunks. Had the moment been any less serious his face would've been comical.

"The traders caravan came through town today, I talked to a trader and I found out that his employer was going to be given a girl as a gift. She has red hair and is paying handsomely for someone to take her place. I figured I could use my "curse" to help us." 

Her Father's face had turned a deep shade of red, his eyes bulging, and his breathing was labored. He scrunched his eyes closed then snapping them open marched to the door, grasping the hard plastic knob in his bear like paws. 

Her mothers eyes shot to her husband,"Yulia! You can't leave. She's your daughter." 

"Enough. Dania, love I can't...... I can't." To see this grizzled man so hunched in defeat would've broken any persons heart. Katia had no idea why he was so upset. Yes she'd live somewhere else and it would be hard work but couldn't he see how great an opportunity this was for their family?

Seizing the moment to perhaps smooth over the chaotic moment Katia rushed into an explanation,"You can hire workers! Ize can go to school, the boys can go to school! And Mama you can go to a top grade doctor, this could fix our whole lives!" 

Yulia still had his back to her. Without saying a word he stalked out into the night. A kaleidoscopic night shown all around him. No one saw the silent tears that escaped Yulia "the bear"s eyes.

Katia's mother took a moment to collect herself, masking her emotions she gingerly stood from the table,"Katia come with me, we must speak in private. The rest of you finish eating then tend to your evening chores." The two of them made their way down the hall and into her parents bedroom, instead of sitting on the bed as Katia had assumed they walked into her parents large closet. Dania walked to the very back, pushing a slat of wood the whole back wall opened up.

Walking through the opening Katia and her mother emerged into a massive concrete basement. The walls were bare, there were no windows, and it was freezing. Their bodies registered a ten degree drop as soon as they entered. Katia's mind, however, didn't pay it any notice up against the farthest wall was a wooden chest. Made entirely out of oak the hinges, binding, and clasp were made out of a metal that looked like pictures of gold had. 

Walking forward Katia placed her hand on the metal, it was cool to the touch. Usually imitation metal was slightly warm and fuzzy, like the tiny hairs on the underside of your chin. A soft gasp escaped her lips,"Mama? Is this.... gold?"

A sad smile graced Dania's face,"Yes dear. 24 karat but that doesn't mean anything to you." 

Twisting a metal prong at the center of the clasp, the lid softly clicked open. Lifting the mountainous lid up Dania motioned for Katia to join her in front. Inside lay a variety of colored wisps of cloth. Katia wondered why her mother kept thin curtains in a hidden place. As Dania lifted a deep blue wisp up and out Katia finally saw it for what it was, pants. See through pants!

Blushing a mild pink Katia couldn't look at her mother as she asked,"Who would wear pants like that?" 

"Slave girls do." 

The color drained from Katia's face. A mix of nausea and fright welled up inside of her, that gave way to panic in a split second. "They what!?"

"Dear what did you think a slave girl was?"

"I thought they cooked, cleaned, and waited on their masters.... They have pictures of them in history books. I.... I thought I was going to be working." Swallowing continuously Katia tried to keep down the bile that was rising in her throat.

"I can head back to the caravan, maybe I can get out of the deal!" Her hopefulness was short lived once she remembered her blood oath with Snake. 

"Oh my love it will be alright." Dania was setting out matching outfits, chunky sparkling jewelry, and dainty shoes. After some time she had to rest her midsection on the lip of the chest and tip herself inside to get to the keepsakes at the bottom. Lifting out an old flash board she handed it to Katia. The first picture on the screen was of a burly muscly man, and beside him on a thin silver chain was a curvy woman in the attire of a slave girl.

"Who are these people?" Katia didn't recognize them, the woman had overly curly blond hair and the man was dressed from head to toe in flashy attire. It was hard to notice anything else about them.

Standing beside her daughter Dania pointed to the man,"This was a prominent military Admiral of the royal family he was terrifying and had a habit of buying women, they called him The Bear. And this woman was the last slave girl he ever bought, some time after this picture was taken they disappeared." 

"Don't you always call papa Bear?"

"Mm-hmm." 

"Oh my god! Oh my god!" Katia's eyes shifted from the picture to her mother and back again. "Since when did you have yellow hair?!" 

"I was born with it."

"But you don't have it now?"

"I color it. Are those really the questions you want to be asking right now?"

"No, you're right. When were you a slave?" 

"When I was eighteen. The world was at war, my village was ransacked, and I became property." 

Shaking Katia averted her eyes from the revealing clothes. "What do I do?" 

"You keep your oath, I didn't raise a quitter." 

"I can't... I don't want to have sex with a stranger. I want to go to school, to find a passion and contribute to the world." Tears spilled from her eyes,"I'll run. I can go north and hide. Or we could fake my death."

Her mother strode over to her, grabbing her forcefully by the shoulders she shook Katia a little,"Do you realize what that would mean for all of us? What if they found you? No you are going to face the decision you made, you will make the most of it, and I will help you." 

"But there are so many things I don't know, what if I make him angry?"

The next week went by as if nothing had changed, once Yulia forgave Katia the family functioned as it always had. Katia almost forgot she had to leave, on the last day of her freedom Katia found herself sitting outside looking up at the stars. The clusters of stars she saw were bright purple, dark blue, light pink, and streaks of yellow. The beauty wasn't lost on her. Wondering if she'd ever see the view from this spot Katia cursed herself for rushing into a decision without a thorough knowledge, now she had motivated herself to make the most of it. 

Unable to sleep Katia watched the night sky until it bled into the first sunrise, peaking over the mountains a tiny dot of light that burnt blue. The pasty blue brightened her spirits, the smallest sun in the sky traveled in a random orbit around their world always making the world adapt to it. She would do the same, making her world change to suit her.

The warm caress of that tiny dot made her cheeks turn a soft pink. The smile that had graced her lips fell when she noticed the burly rider on a black beast thundering down the main road. Snake had come for her.

Scurrying inside she gathered her family, Ise was the first to speak, pulling her close she whispered in Katia's ear,"I'll see you soon, you have to be there when I board my first star cruiser." Her mother told her to be strong and trust her instincts. Her father gave her a dagger to hide in her corset platings.

Snake had her mount his horse behind him. Nodding to her parents, bowing it to them both in a show of respect he bolted off taking their daughter with them. They shot across the land of her upbringing like a reverse comet, a black streak on a bright morning. Even at their punishing pace it took a few hours to catch the caravan. He slowed to a gallop once the bright colored wagons came into view.

"You will not speak to anyone else, you will not look at anyone else, when you aren't in the wagon you will be at my side at all times." Snake had a commanding tone, slightly harsh but not abusive.

"What if I have to pee?" 

"At ALL times. Keep your hair covered, you'll only take food from me directly, and don't give me any trouble. We might have made an oath but you are my charge I will discipline you. Any questions?"

"Nope."

They marched up along the second wagon, slowing down to a meager trot. Katia had assumed she'd be placed inside a wagon once they met up with the caravan, she was sorely wrong, they didn't stop until that night when the made camp. Katia was sore, sun burnt, and bow legged. As soon as Snake lifted her off the horse she let him know how unhappy she was with each awkward step,"Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow! Can I ride in the wagon now?" 

"Those who ride in the wagons wear slave clothes."

"Never mind I want to ride with you!"

"You'll wear slave clothes either way after you're presented to your master."

Feeling a tad light headed Katia once again offered to help with the chores of setting up camp. Again the two found themselves working steadily side by side, Katia asking questions, and Snake answering them.

"Why is it you call your employer my master? Wouldn't he be the same for us both?" 

"No, I've earned the privilege of being paid for my services as well as being able to refuse jobs I don't want. You don't."

"What exactly did you do to lose your freedom?"

"No."

"What do you mean No?"

"You don't get to ask personal questions about me."

Making their way back to a large tent with a carpeted floor and colorful beddings. He led her to a pile of cushions on the floor pulling her down when she resisted.

"Take off your clothes." His gaze was empty, his voice monotone.

"Oh hell no! You keep your hands to yourself pervert." 

"Calm yourself. I need to take care of your burns, and mark you."

Her soft features twisted into one of suspicion. Slowly she shed her top garment, using it to cover her cheat she turned her back to Snake. 

"All of your clothes."

"No. You don't need all my clothes off."

"You will or I will make you."




Sacrifice For Love Ch. 02



"I'll kill you." She reached for her dagger stashed in her waist band. Finding nothing her hand frantically searched her middle.

A callused hand raised her engraved dagger up for her to see."With this? I don't see that happening any time soon. Now you will remove you clothes." It was spoken as a command, immediately her hands dropped her covering and began to strip her. 

"I.... No!" Raising her voice she screamed at Snake "You fucker!" Mentally she strained to control her traitorous limbs, silently begging for them to stop as they reached for her under garments. Tears streamed down her face, at this moment she was completely vulnerable and violated beyond belief. 

Thumbs hooked in her band, slipping them down over the curve of her rear they fell to the floor taking with them any dignity she might of had. She glared at Snake hating him, he sat there looking at her. No, he was looking through her as if she wasn't there. It shouldn't have hurt her feelings but it did, she must be undesirable for a man to not be fazed at all by her naked body.

She nearly jumped out of her skin when Snake barked out for someone to bring him a bath. Two thick dark men marched in carrying a steel drum with them. Sitting it down between them they then moved back outside returning with buckets of steaming water, continuing until the tub was full.

"Get in." His commanding tone controlled her legs, they glided across the floor. As she sunk into the hot water his empty gaze finally cleared and he looked at her.

"You need to learn to obey. I am not going to molest you, I need you to prepare you for our arrival in Dostania."

"That should still be another weeks travel from now. And we need to cross a water barrier."

"We will go as far as the coast then transit ship from there to Dostania. We only take our time traveling at the beginning of our season, mainly for show, by the end all the clients are eager for their product so we make our way back within a couple of days."

"So I meet our employ.... Master tomorrow?" 

"No you'll be given to your eunuch tomorrow. And he will take you to your master." 

"I thought you were my eunuch."

Snake burst with laughter,"I am most certainly not a eunuch. Do you need proof?"

Shielding her eyes with sudsy hands Katia protested,"No! No, no. I'm just fine. I just assumed with all this alone time together won't my master be suspicious of my intactness?" 

"My employer trusts me. We could sleep in a bed naked together for a year and my master would never question me on your intactness."

Again Katia wondered if she was undesirable, maybe that's why her master wouldn't question Snake. "What will we do to prepare me?"

"You'll have your extra body hair removed where it is deemed unnecessary , your hair will be dressed properly, you'll be given your new attire, and lastly you'll have your masters claim permanently put upon your body."

"How?" 

"A minor tattoo on your hip bone, that won't take place until after you meet your master."

"I don't wear green."

Shocked Snake wasn't sure he had heard correctly,"What?" 

"I don't wear green, not any shade. It clashes with my eyes and my skin. If I'm to be a man's toy I'll be the best presented toy there is."



Sacrifice For Love Ch. 03



Another installment for you guys. I'm guessing my previous author notes were deleted or something because they haven't shown up. This story might be about slavery but I don't intend to include rape or force.

This is a fantasy story, it's my own work. Please enjoy. Feel free to vote and comment.

T

Dumb founded Snake's mouth dropped open in a full on gawk. "You are a strange girl." 

"No I just don't have any way to compete with these other girls, and I won't be misrepresented by a man who doesn't know how to accentuate a woman's body."

The rest of that night had been full of lasering away unwanted hair, shaping her eyebrows, her hair was thoroughly washed then braided down her back. After Snake felt like he had indeed done all he could for the night Katia was given an outfit to sleep in, it had soft silk over her most private areas and lace everywhere else. The shorts were much too small, the curve of her butt cheeks could just be seen as she walked. The thin spaghetti straps of her top had trouble staying atop her shoulders. 

Snake kept her in his tent, she slept on a large cushion in the far back corner while Snake slept near the door on a cot of some sort. Katia was ordered to go to sleep, shutting her eyes she waited a few beats before slitting them open. Through her long lashes she watched as Snake touched his temple, at once his body shook violently then froze. His breath came out like he was hyperventilating. 

"Snake?" Katia whispered.

"Snake are you okay?" 

Tiptoeing over to his bed Katia reached out to touch him, stopping when she caught sight of his lips moving. Bending at the waist she held back her braid as her ear inched ever closer to Snake's mouth.

"...not necessary. Tomorrow we'll be in Dostania, have Sherone notified."

His whispers tickled the cusp of her ear. Leaning closer she tried to catch more of his sleep talking.

"...yes absolutely gorgeous, only the best for you."

Giggling Katia assumed he was dreaming of a lover. It would take one hell of a woman to tame a man like snake. Smiling and shaking her head Katia grabbed the blanket Snake had let fall to the floor, covering him back up Katia took a long look at her guardian. She couldn't bring herself to get past her prejudice of him, her whole idea of him had changed earlier.

Once she had snuggled back into her cushion Katia slept fitfully. Dreaming of a tall monster with bright turquoise eyes who hoarded shiny trinkets, his deep laugh echoed around his thick cave. He made Katia dance for him naked, spinning the balls of her feet. Spinning, spinning, until she fell on the floor panting. The monster roared at her, throwing huge stones towards her body. A stone collided with her face, it felt oddly soft... Not a stone but soft luxurious silk. Running itself around her belly grazing her upper thighs. A warm hand rubbed her back, sliding up her spine. The silk slid between her legs, creating an ache she'd never experienced.

Snake could hear Katia tossing on her cushion, picking up a grape from their morning platter he threw it at her hoping to rouse her. It bounced of her forehead succeeding in making her toss harder. Once he made his way to her Katia had pulled her top up exposing her tight stomach. Using this moment to tease his employer he touched Katia's temple linking her with her master.

Nikolai Grand Sulzar of the Western tribes felt a tickle at his temple. Groaning in frustration he touched the same spot, he saw a blond standing in his mental chamber, her eyes were closed and she was moaning. He saw her silk nightgown ride up her stomach her then it fell low again brushing her thighs, feeling the pale skin at her back he lead his hand up towards her neck while his eyes traveled down her loose braid of gold. Her moan of appreciation spurred him on, grabbing her shorts he pulled the material slightly making it rub against her sex. Her throaty gasp was followed by her leaving.

Moving back to reality Nikolai sent a small drone to the caravan's camp site, through a feedback screen he saw Snake and his "surprise" lying in bed glaring up at his employee. Settling back into a large chair at his breakfast table he watched the two interact.

"What the actual fuck! Where you watching me sleep?!" Katia felt even more violated than she had last night. Waking up horny, wet, and gasping in pleasure then looking up to see a tattooed perv standing over you wasn't the ideal way to start a day.

"No, I was trying to wake you up." 

A soft humming came in through the flaps of the tent, a silvery snowflake flying horizontally stopped just behind Snake, righting itself it showed what appeared to be one large eye blinking at Katia.

"What is that?" Having hugged her covers to herself on the drone's entry she flicked her chin in its general direction.

"A gift from your master."

"A gift? What kind of gift?" 

"I don't know everything, figure it out for yourself"

Snake marched over to the platter of food, he engrossed himself while Katia eyed the silvery thing suspiciously.

"It won't hurt me will it?" Her question had been directed at Snake, but a tinkling feminine voice came from the flake.

"Absolutely not!" The voice held a robotic like quality to it, the eye even opened a bit wider conveying some sort of poorly imitated emotion. Shock or maybe a hint of offense.

Deciding the flake was harmless Katia rose and made her way to the platter to eat alongside Snake. Before she could eat a piece of melon she was holding up Snake spoke.

"Your clothes for today are on in that chest, don't wear the white one it's for tomorrow." 

Popping the melon in her mouth and ignoring Snake, Katia became suddenly interested in the flake sitting in front of her on the table.

"What's your name?" 

"No name was issued."

"Everyone needs a name."

"Then give me one." The flake watched Katia, it's eye blinking and then narrowing almost daring her to try to think up a name.

"How about flakey?"

"How about Niki?" Snake finally spoke up, mumbling around a mouth full of meat.

"Oh that's adorable!" Katia squealed.

Niki's eye flashed red at Snake before focusing again on Katia.

"I don't see why I need to dress up for today, I'm not even meeting my master today. So why should it matter what I wear?"

"You'll be representing your master, you need to look your best at all times from now on." Barely giving her notice Snake continued. "Let Niki help you puck something out."

"Ugh!" Dragging her feet over to the chest Katia flung it open disdainfully. "These are atrocious! He wants me walking around half naked?! What kind of man is your employer anyway?"

Niki spoke up again,"He has a flare for the dramatic, he likes to show off his treasures..." 

A spark of interest flared up in Katia,"What's he like?" Toying with a pair of sheer pants she waited in earnest for an answer.

"What would you like to know?" Niki's robotic voice came from inside the chest, a thin claw extended from the silver body it pulled and sorted clothes.

"Is he nice?" The drone paused for a moment, swiveling to fix Katia with a stare.

"Why would it matter?"

"It doesn't, it would be easier to obey a nice master."

"He's very handsome..."

"I don't care about that!" Katia interrupted. "I would much rather an ugly or plain master who was kind than a handsome or gorgeous master who beats his slaves." A knot of fabric now sat in her lap. Her hands were shaking and her eyes were misting over.

"What are you afraid of?" The drone pulled a black outfit adorned with gold coins up with it. Holding them out to her it took the knotted up pants, unraveled them, then put them back in the chest.

"Everything. I'm scared he'll be mean, or that he won't like me and send me home, I'm scared of him going after my family." Grabbing up the clothes Katia moved behind a changing screen and proceeded to switch clothes.

Niki made a sound similar to a sigh,"Your master is one of the most respected men on Pagora. He got to be that way by leading his tribes by being strict but fair. He's been known to fund scholarship programs and leads an extensive trade company. He's a history buff, and an adventurous soul. Anything else you want to know?"

"I guess not..." Stepping out Katia's hips naturally swung from side to side, her chest defying gravity with little help. "How do I look?" She moved her hands around her stomach in a subconscious move to shield the view of her toned tummy.

"Lovely." Niki hummed in approval.

"Ugh! You look like a little girl playing dress up!" Snake strode forward from the table, gripping her wrist he pulled her to a pouf then pushed food into her lap. "Your hair will be dressed by your eunuch as we'll as your makeup, eat up while I break camp." 

She watched his back vanish out the dangling beads in the doorway. "He's not a very gentle man." 

"No but that's why he's been hired to fetch treasures." Niki hovered in front of Katia, stabbing a chunk of melon the drone brought it to her mouth to be eaten. Katia turned her head away opting instead to pluck it with the tips of her fingers before popping it in her mouth. "I'm quite capable of feeding myself thank you."

If a drone could look sheepish and perturbed at the same time Niki did in that moment. Rolling it's eye the silver mass watched diligently as Katia finished her food then helped to pack up camp. Only once did it try to interfere by asking,"Don't you think you should leave that to the men? You could get hurt?" An angry Katia forcefully swatted the pest away. Before raising her voice in answer,"Women are just as capable! I'm not fragile and I won't be a delicate woman who sits on her ass watching men work."

Nike watched from a distance the only utterance from the machine after that came whenever Katia cursed, a faint,"Such language!" Could be heard by most close to the drone.

Deciding to spite Snake, Katia once again chose to ride outside of the wagon. Her white skin was soon a screaming red, the burns from the day before almost going purple. A spastic humming could be heard from Niki who constantly shifted angles watching her skin burn. Snake could feel a tickle at his temple with each change of position from the drone. Eventually he could take no more. 

Signaling the wagon driver Snake took a moment to switch Katia to inside the wagon. She was followed in by Niki who toted a small cylinder of purple goo. 

"What is that?" Shaking the container she eyed the contents, small shimmers of light could be seen shining back at her, and a hint of green outlines the mass no matter where it went.

"It will heal your burns." Niki tried to open the container, failing with the small claw appendage.

"Here let me." Katia twisted then popped the top off, collecting a bit of purple on three fingers she smeared it on her forearm. The skin smoked as the purple turned black then fell away like ash, the skin beneath that had been covered before now had a soft sun kissed glow to it. Katia wasted no time in covering the other spots she could. 

Niki noticed a strip of skin that Katia had missed letting her know the drone watched as she tried and failed at covering it. 

"If I was there I'd get it for you."

Katia froze,"Niki are you a human?"

"No, I'm a drone."

"Is there a human controlling the drone?"

"Yes."

"Oh this is wonderful! I won't be so alone now! Do you live in Dostania?" Missed strip forgotten Katia bounced with excitement.

"No, but I do live on Pergora."

"Are you a slave?" 

"No."

"An employee like Snake?" 

"No."

"Member of military?"

"No."

Becoming exasperated Katia glared at the little machine,"Well then what are you?!"

"A friend." 

Katia softened up immensely towards Niki after that, treating the drone as a little pet. They passed the time by speaking of Pergora, Katia asked Niki to describe her new home and her imagination was over run by tales of spectacular parties, parades in the streets of Dostania, the dinners at her master's home that usually ended in a drunken blur, and lastly Niki described the stars that shown over the ocean.

"I like to go out late at night and watch the waves, they look like they're rocking the stars and planets to sleep. The round bodies of close planets shine bright with shades of blue and green one has a ring of deep yellow wrapped around it. One of my favorite things to do is to watch for falling stars. When they slam into the ocean you can see a cloud of pink and orange as it's inner fire is extinguished."

"It sounds beautiful, someday will you show me?"

"Yes, of course."

"How do I know you will?" Katia looked heartbroken at the prospect of not seeing the beauties Niki spoke of.

"I promise, when I promise nothing can make me break that oath, and I can not lie when I promise." 

A soft silence fell in the wagon, the two occupants accompanied by tents, cushions, extra blankets, and shiny wooden boxes. Watching out the window Katia could see a faint blue haze on the horizon, after an hour it turned into a large chunk, it continued to grow until it covered her vision from one peripheral to the other. She had to turn her head to not see blue.

The shore line came into view and with it the glimmering of the port city. Salt from the ocean had coated all the buildings in a layer of salt giving the city the illusion of being carved out of crystals. 

"Isn't it beautiful?" Katia crammed her head pout the wagon window to look more fully at the city going by.

"Come inside and draw the curtains!" Niki pulled the cord holding the heavy curtains back. "Stay inside, if you have to leave don't leave Snake's side. I don't want you near their filth." 

"Not a fan of things shinier than you?" Katia joked.

"I'm not a fan of people who pretend to be pure and highly ranked when really they cheat, steal, and tarnish all they touch." 

"What is this city's name?" 

"Oh they were very creative in picking the name, it's called Salt." Katia laughed at the drones sarcasm, Niki however was not amused moving in between the wagon door and Katia, Niki took up a stance like a guard dog. 

"Oh my hero! I'm sure anyone would be terrified at seeing a silver snowflake! The horror!" Katia pretended to faint, throwing herself on to the seat at her side.

"How old are you?" Niki's off the wall question led Katia to pause in her hysterics. Before she could answer the wagon lurched forward the thunder of horse hooves the only other audible sound. Fear over came Katia, she clutched the seat holding on with every fiber of her being silently wishing that this wasn't how she died.

"We're heading for the transit bay, just breath we'll be through in a wink." Niki wasn't kidding a flash of white shown under the thick curtains, if Katia had blinked she would've missed it. She was greeted by a whole new landscape when Niki threw back the curtains.

Sturdy cobbled roads made the wagons travel smoothly, three story buildings lined the walk way, merchants shouted out at passerby haggling prices to make a sale. The second sun blazed down on the beach city lightening the colors of the caravan and giving the atmosphere a cheerful characteristic.

"Why couldn't my master live her?"

"Pfft! Your master has the second most lavish home on Pergora their is. Excepting the Royal family's summer home."

The caravan entered an open area through high stone gates. One in the open space the movement came to a sudden halt. Snake came to the wagon and collected Katia, the two big men from the previous night, one lifted out the chest from the tent, and the other began unloading the rest of the cargo.

Snake led Katia towards a building lining the open space. Tiny blue flowers shaped like stars were in a pot by the door, their blossomed heads following them like eyes as they passed. The gaping front entrance was carved right into the wall, gliding inside Katia was greeted by the smell of perfumes and the sight was of a woman's home, thin drapes hung all about the room, plush cushions spotted the floor, and a tall woman was humming in the back corner as she pruned an herb bush. Once Katia had made it inside Niki had tucked away in Snake's pocket, proceeded to close it's eye and sleep soundlessly.

"Hello gorgeous!" Snake walked up to the woman and kissed her gently on the cheek. It was the first soft side of Snake that Katia had seen.

"Katia this is Sherone."

"Sharon?" Katia was slightly confused, Sherone sounded like a mans name.

"No dear, my name is Sherone." The woman walked forward grasping her hand in a large brown one, Katia had to angle her head back just to see Sherone's face. Sharp cheeks bones and thick dark makeup greeted her stare.

"Is Sherone a man's name?" Snake looked like he wanted to strangle Katia, his face clouded over with rage.

"Oh honey! It can be for which ever gender." Sherone's wide shoulders shook with her mirth.

"I'm sorry I've never heard a name like that before." 

"My mentor wanted me to have a name that was as unique as I am." Snake patted Sherone lightly on her forearm. 

"Dear where are your things? I'll get them put away for you, then in the morning when you two are finished you can set off right away." 

"Just down the hall, I'm having the rest sent over later."

"Can o help you with supper?" Katia didn't want to sit any more.

"Oh yes thank you." Sherone led Katia over to a kitchen and handed her a knife and vegetables to cut.

"You aren't afraid I'll kill you and make a run for it?" Katia waved the knife as she talked.

"Oh love I wouldn't be worth much of an untrained slave could over power me with a kitchen knife." Sherone set about dicing up a dark red meat with a practiced skill.

Niki's soft humming came from the door way. "Hello Sherone."

"Hello to you too."

"Oh you know Niki?!" Katia asked.

"Niki?" Sherone arched one manicured eyebrow.

"It was Snake's idea." Answered the drone.

"Ha! How clever!" Sherone giggled. "Make yourself useful and help Katia cut up some vegetables." 

Niki hovered over Katia's shoulder watching her closely, she slipped and nicked her finger. Niki freaked. "Sherone! Sherone! Help her!"

"Niki it's just a scratch." Katia washed her finger after refusing Sherone's help, after bandaging it she went back to work.

Later that night after the four had sat down to a delicious dinner dull of laughter and teasing Katia fell asleep on the couch. She woke up to raised voices in the hall. She could hear Sherone cussing someone out for being over protective. After a few minutes silence fell, Niki hummed back into view and Katia motioned for the drone to snuggle up with her. With Niki tucked into her arms she fell back asleep.

The next morning was a flurry of movement Niki had told Katia that it would be sleeping in her purse for the duration of that day. Katia was feeling the tiny drone's absence.

After Snake had Katia dress in her white outfit her mood turned sour. She had on a pale white wrap, it was literally a white piece of cloth that was wrapped around her body to create a dress. Held in place by strategically placing gold clasps. The dress crapped over one shoulder then barely covered her from mid breast to just under her rear. She complained and even tried begging to switch clothes. sherone and Snake both agreed her master would love the choice in clothes.

"Fine. Can we do the rest and be done with it?"

Softly grabbing Katia by the hand Sherone's pulled her down the hall after Snake and into an airy bedroom. They side stepped Snake and made their way to an impressive vanity. Sherone dressed Katia's hair; undoing her braid into soft waves, then pinning back the sides with gold clasps, a few strands of gold chain were tucked into her hair. Next came her make up. Sherone worked tirelessly on Katia's face, focusing on a "less is more" basis.




Sacrifice For Love Ch. 03



After a short meal at Sherone's house, Snake escorted them both to the wagon he kissed Sherone's hand after helping her up in to the cleared out bench across from Katia.

"You'll be driven out quickly, I'll ride with you as far as the city limits then you'll be on your own. You should arrive before sunset. My employer's guards will take care of you from there." Not once did Snake look at Katia during his speech. His eyes were trained on a pair of rich brown. Reaching into his pocket he tossed the still sleeping Niki in Katia's direction.

Looking amused but still shaking her head at him Sherone patted Snake's bristly cheek."You are such a brute." 

"The drone is fine. You be safe. Katia?"

Having tuned them out Katia jumped at Snake's voice,"When will I see you again? You promised to keep me safe."

"Your master will not doubt call for me within the week, hell want an extra guard for his upcoming festivities. You're safe Sherone, stay with her and obey." At his last word he looked meaningfully at Katia, who blushed clear down her neck.

The Wagon ride was a bit bouncy outside of the city, the driver had sped up to make better time. Katia assumed it was also to discourage thieves or would be robbers. Sherone didn't speak to her much other than to tell her to sit up straight and stop toying with the gold in her hair. It was like going from one mother to another. Determined to do her beat and make both "mothers" proud Katia fixed her posture, folded her hands in her lap, crossed her ankles, and patiently sat quietly.

As the wagon slowed down Katia's heart sped up. Her eyes grew wide and she glanced nervously at the window, unable to see anything do to the way she was facing.

"Come sit next to me child." Sherone patted the soft material beside her. Once beside her Sherone petted her blond locks in a soothing motion. Katia watches the window as a great gate came unto view, it towered over head looking down forebodingly. Katia gulped low in her throat. The two sides of the gate swung open effortlessly, giving way to a long and manicured entryway. Bushes, trees, flowers, statues, song birds, flowing flags with a crest on then, banners, and lanterns. Her vision was swimming in an overfed nightmare, too many colors and new sites, too much grandeur. Katia's stomach sat in her throat and her head just about exploded.

Coming to halt in front of a front stair case Katia gripped Sherone's arm,"I can't do this. I'm going to be sick."

A deep timbered voice spoke back from Sherone's mouth,"Honey if I can dress as a woman everyday you can pluck up enough courage to enter your new home." Then switching back to her feminine voice,"Now come on love! Don't keep your master waiting!"

Putting on her game face Katia climbed out of the wagon and followed Sherone up the intricate steps to the front door of the mansion that would be her new home. Steeling herself she followed the two guards that escorted them inside.



Sacrifice For Love Ch. 04



Finally another chapter! Special thanks to my editor trrgrhppy, you rock!

Please vote and comment. Thanks again for reading hope you guys enjoy.

T

*****

Two thick oak doors stood opposing behind their matching human counterparts. They were hand carved with swirls climbing up the full expanse of the ten by five foot rectangles. Rich colors of deep browns showed the grains spiking and chipping into each twist the artist had made. The pair of angry looking guards swung the doors open inward to reveal the vaulted dome ceiling to the small entourage, colored glass shown down on the white marble throwing splashes of color on them. They passed two symmetrical alcoves on the side, marble benches were carved into the walls piled high with pillows and soft throws. White gossamer curtains were tied to the sides, placed perfectly to give privacy when needed.

Past the deep alcoves stood the start of the second level of the house, a stair case was center stage taking up all the room save for a space on either side for two average sized doors. Up the stair case they marched, walking along a white banister that matched the floors and stairs. 

"Is there anything in this house that isn't overly beautiful?" Katia had spoken in a soft tone but she could hear faint snickers from the guards behind her.

Walking down a brightly lit hall they came out on top of the white stair case. Katia stopped for a minute confused. The whole house was a mirror of its self, down to the same two alcoves off to the sides of the stairs. The only difference was that were the massive door stood in the front of the house there was a gaping hole leading out to the back gardens of the house and the beach beyond.

In the alcove to their right the curtains were drawn but the figures of people were discernable behind them, there was obviously a small gathering of people. Women stood around with serving baskets of food, four guards were strategically placed around a youngish looking man. He was sitting forward looking at something on the table in front of him, he chuckled when a fat man to his left whispered in his ear. 

One of the guards stepped towards the curtains opening, once his head had peaked through the whole atmosphere in the alcove changed into one of formality. The young man sat straight up and set his mouth in a straight line. Sherone was the first to enter, walking up to the man she sat at his right, patting Sherone's her knee and motioning to Katia with two fingers in a "come here" fashion.

Katia made her way through the curtains on shaking legs. The filmy texture of the curtains had made the room seem less daunting now she felt like she was about to be fed to a group of piranha. The man was slightly darker in his appearance than Katia had expected. His body was strong and bulky, his hair almost black, and he had a spot of blond in his hair very small but there all the same. Katia gawked for a moment at him, while staring into his bright green eyes.

He stared right back at her drinking her in with every breath he took. They stared so long their breathing synced. Two beings moving at exactly the same time. His mouth curved at one corner doing nothing to lessen the tension in the confined space. When he finally spoke, Katia jumped slightly, "What a treat."

"Excuse me!?" Katia now glared at the man. Her mind raced with images of orgies, her thrown over the table while many feasted on her body.

"Your hair. It's very lovely, and such a treat to have its owner share a home with me."

Sherone cleared her throat widening her eyes at Katia and flicking them at the floor meaningfully. She was trying to tell Katia to kneel. Katia instead raised her chin in haughty defiance. "Sherone? You'll turn our duckling into a swan yes? I want a proper lady of the house once you're finished." The room fell silent, a lady of the house?!

"Bezac!" One of the large dark guards stepped forward. "You'll be responsible for her when she's not with Sherone, Twelve, or myself." Bezac bowed low then stepped behind Katia. Facing Katia again the man spoke, "Now my dear would you like to eat?" Katia reached towards a green pear in the bowl offered to her. The man grabbed her wrist pulling her until she sat down next to him. "You will be at my side when I'm not tending to my duties or whenever you aren't in lessons with Sherone do you understand?" His voice was firm but gentle. Like her father telling her to point the sharp end of a knife away from herself.

"Yes, sir."

"Nikolai. Not sir."

Nikolai offered her the pear. She didn't know whether to eat from his hand or take it from him, she did the later earning a disapproving look from Sherone and the slave girls carrying the bowls of fruit. Nikolai watched her eat small bites of the pear, dainty and ladylike. Leaning forward he grabbed a lock of her curly blond hair, twirled it around his finger, then brought it up to his nose and breathed in the scent of her.

"Would you like a tour?" Katia shook her head no.

"Would you like to see your rooms?" Again she answered no.

"Want to swim in the ocean?" No.

"Ugh!" Nikolai threw himself off the plush bench. Everyone could hear him grumble as he left the immediate area, a few moments later a door could be heard slamming shut.

Sherone glared at Katia, she had the decency to wait until everyone but Bezac had left before ripping into Katia.

"You are a brat! Do you know how lucky you are to have choices? Or any kind of human contact?!" Fuming Sherone's natural deep voice came forward. "There are masters out there who beat their slaves for breathing too loud! They take away their slave's identities, tearing them down until they are an empty husk of who they once were!" 

The bite of pear Katia had in her mouth lost all flavor, her guilt making it taste like a bitter brick burning the side of her cheek. She had nothing to say for herself, she had wanted to put distance between the gorgeous man and herself. Now she was afraid she had gone too far and made him angry.

"You will go apologize." Sherone grabbed Katia by the upper arm pulling her into motion. She led her back up the stairs, down the second floor hall there was a large engraved door she hasn't noticed on their way in. Sherone knocked on it three times.

"Come in." Came a wary reply.

Sherone nudged Katia toward the door then took up post next to the door with Bezac. Katia opened the door, it silently swung open a quarter of the way, Katia slipped through the opening. The spacious bedroom didn't fit the man Katia thought Nikolai was. She had pictured dark brown, black, and hard plains of glass. His bedroom was like stepping back in time to a Moroccan themed bedroom. He had every color in his room except black, the browns he had were light and playful. So caught up in her perusal of Nikolai's room she didn't hear Niki come buzzing in behind her. 

Nikolai angled his head slightly to the side, not looking at her but giving her his full attention nonetheless. Katia studied the beautiful features gracing his face, a sharp strong jaw, regal eyes, thick dark hair she wanted to play with, the only soft part of him was his button nose. Giving him a young appearance while his posture was that of a seasoned general. Sherone's words hung heavy in her subconscious as well as her heart. "Umm... I behaved badly... And I... I didn't mean to anger you... Ummm." Her imagination kicked in she pictured Nikolai with a whip tearing open her back laughing at her pain. Gulping noisily deep in her throat Katia tried to continue. "I'm so sorry and I'd like to make it up to you...?"

That caught Nikolai's attention he swiveled in his seat watching her with emotionless eyes, "How would you like to do that?" 

Katia gulped against a dry throat, licking her lips she missed the soft moan of approval from Nikolai. She stepped forward kneeling in front of Nikolai her hands shaking. She didn't know what to do... Did she take off his clothes? Just his pants? 

Seeing her staring at his groin Nikolai chuckled softly. "I don't require that kind of attention." A sigh of relief could be heard from Katia.

Nikolai stroked the tops of her hands with his, letting his large fingers dance across the soft flesh he became slightly aroused. A small tent sprouted in his soft black pants. Katia gasped raising her wide eyes to his, "I... I don't want to...to..." Nikolai grabbed her hands to reassure her. He felt her calluses and frowned.

"What's this?" He raised her hand to her face.

"A hand?" 

"No."

"Okay, what is it?"

"Calluses. Hard, scratchy, and awful." 

Katia felt embarrassed she had tried to scrub them all away in the bath, they were too old to remove all at once. Life on her parent's farm had given her working hands. She had never truly felt humiliated by her status until this moment. She stared at her hands hating ever scar and bump. 

The scar on her knuckle was from getting her finger smashed by her older brother, he felt so bad afterwards he actually cried. A long white scar between her thumb and pointer finger was from Ize who had been pretending to be a space pirate slashing a gnarled piece of metal while chasing Katia. That had earned her seven stitches. Each different imperfection carried with it a story, those stories made up who Katia was.

"No. They are beautiful."

"Your hands resemble those of a common worker."

"That's what I am... Or was. I was raised on the knowledge that nothing is free, those who work hard earn more."

His hand stroked her cheek in a reassuring gesture. "I didn't mean to offend you. I thought they were from forced labor." 

"Oh! No." Katia giggled softly trying to ease the awkward tension in the air. "I can soften my hands more with time but I don't want to change who I am. I'd like to keep my scars if that's alright."

"That is perfectly fine." Leaning forward he placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. His plump lips caressing the skin like an old friend.

Katia sighed with pleasure. The tension in the room had changed to that of sex. Two people pulled toward each other without making a conscience decision. 

"Why are you so nice to me?" Nikolai had his nose buried in her hair, he was breathing deeply, moaning. "Nikolai?"

"Hmm?!" He shook himself out of his daydream. "Yes dear?"

Blue eyes locked with green eyes. Their breath mingled in the space between them. Time was nonexistent for that moment. Somehow they came back to themselves, eventually calming their racing hearts and labored breathing. Katia's startled expression sobered Nikolai, he shook himself mentally taking him farther away from his testosterone filled thoughts. 

"How about that tour?" he shook out the invisible wrinkles in his pants.

Katia had just enough time to school her flushed face. She hadn't been this flustered over a boy since elementary school. This time she couldn't run away and tell the teacher or threaten that boy with cooties, this time she was in trouble of lusting after a man.

"I guess."

It took three hours just to finish the expansive tour of the northern gardens. The landscaping must have taken a team to complete and maintain, the beautiful pathways were scattered with crushed shells that gave off a gleam Katia had started to associate with Nikolai's estate. Towering waterfalls were obviously manmade, no natural waterfall created a perfect tunnel leading from one garden to the next. Katia had stopped inside the tunnel and let the water trickle over her fingertips. As she marveled at the crispy cleanliness of the water a tiny fish fell down the waterfall and into her hand, the water formed a round protective bubble around the fish as it searched her hand like a little dog. 

"Oh my gosh! Do you see this!?" Her squeal of delight amused Nikolai to no end. He stepped up behind Katia and watched the colorful finned friend.

"It likes you." He really didn't know if the fish liked her or not but he loved the way her face lit up when she giggled.

After Katia begrudgingly let the fish swim away back into the water fall, they meandered back to the house. Nikolai watched Katia's body sway in her white outfit the sheer material teasing his eyes. When she had first arrived she had tried to hide her naked bits of body from his prying eyes now she was fully embracing her skimpy coverings, strutting like she belonged here. 

"I love your home." Katia shyly offered him her sincere compliment.

"Thank you. I do enjoy it. But it is your home too now."

"I know. It's hard to wrap my head around it." 

"I'm sure. It'll take a few days to give you a proper tour of everything then you'll get to rediscover the grounds on your own. I assume you'll need adequate time to really feel like this is your home."

"Yes, even then it'll never truly be MY home. I hope to someday have a place to call my own. Perhaps when I'm older I'll buy some land and build a home like the one I grew up in. Who knows?"

"Katia, your home is here. Even if someday in the future you have a place of your own that is a ways off. For now it'll make the transition easier if you accept this place as your's."

"Yes sir." Katia schooled her emotions and started back for the house.

Nikolai caught up to her in a few strides thanks to his long legs. They continued through the gardens in silence.

As they walked up the front steps Katia stopped short, "Where are we going?" 

"Either the kitchen or the bathroom... I'm hungry but I'm sure you'd love some time to relax." 

"How about both? We'll eat and then I'll take a nice long bath."

"Mmm sounds like a plan."

Nikolai took the chance to grab Katia's hand and walk her through a side hall just after the alcoves. Katia felt goose bumps erupt all over her body. Nikolai's hands were so warm and manly, they stirred ticklish feelings in her stomach. Peaking at his profile from the corner of her eyes Katia couldn't help but smile, he was very attractive and so kind, during their walk she had almost forgotten her circumstance. 

They came out on a sparkling kitchen, it was old fashioned, still containing a fridge and oven. Katia walked right up to the fridge and perused the fresh food, grabbing random things she'd never seen Katia put them on the counter then turned to Nikolai.

"What are these?"

"What? Strawberries?"

"Is that what they all are?" Katia stared at the miniature pile of food, finding no similarities between them she was skeptical.

"No, the little red ones that are shaped like hearts are strawberries. Have you ever tried one?"

Katia shook her head in the negative. Nikolai tenderly grabbed the fruit and held it out to Katia, pushing her hand away when she tried to grab it. Obviously he was determined to make a pet out of her. Stepping forward Katia nibbled on the end, delicate skin broke under her teeth then the tangy juice slid from her tongue down her throat.

"Good right?" Nikolai held the rest up to her.

Viciously biting the rest off right where his fingers held the leaves Katia mumbled an agreement. Next he grabbed a skinny green branch, breaking of the leaves on top then rinsing off the body of the stalk he held that out to her next. She was less skeptical and took a generous mouthful. Nothing, the watery juice was obstructed by stringy bits.

"It tastes like water." Pulling at a piece of green substance wedged between her teeth she didn't realize she was glaring at the rest of the plant thing she had just bitten into.

"It's called celery, it's made up almost completely of water!" Nikolai had first tried celery on an explorative expedition years ago, he still found the plant astonishing.

"Where did you find it?" Katia took the stalk out of his hand and studied the ridges that characterized the outside, as well as the clear like insides.

"A planet called, Earth."

"How unoriginal." A whole living mass named after the soil that gave life, Katia decided she'd never want to visit that planet it would probably be covered in dirty beings who ate all the time. They must if they worshipped the ground so much.

"Here eat this one next." During her mental musings Nikolai had taken an orange and red fruit off the counter, cutting away the skin from the raindrop shaped body succulent orange shown from underneath. After carving out a large slab he held it out for her. Expecting this to be flavorless as well Katia took the whole chunk into her mouth and chewed vigorously. A sharp sour taste overpowered her mouth swiftly followed by a thick sweet. 

Slowing her chewing Katia let slip a small drop of nectar from the corner of her mouth, it stole away running down to her chin and dangling precariously there unnoticed by her. With eyes closed her other senses were focused on the meat of the fruit and nectar occupying her mouth. 

Nikolai saw the small orange escapee, tracking it visually he went to capture it with the pad of his thumb. Scooping it up as Katia jumped from his physical contact his eyes met her heavy gaze, he traitorously licked the dew from his thumb never breaking eye contact.

Katia moaned softly, jealous that she hadn't been offered the juice he had found. Greedily she asked for more, he held out the rest of the body to her to take and eat. Katia had other plans.

Boldly she pressed up against his side, her hand lay atop his and then her plump lips found the fruit eating ravenously but thoroughly. By the time the pit was all that was left, more juice had collected around her mouth and on it. Nikolai swooped in pressing his lips to hers effectively initiating their first truly intimate act and cleaning her face. 

His pliable lips touched Katia's and they both lost themselves, he grasped her hips and pulled her flush against his solid front she twined her delicate fingers in his hair, using it as a guide to deepen the kiss. He groaned open mouthed, Katia at that moment accidentally nipped his bottom lip. Frozen in place she was steeling herself for an outburst or punishment. He instead licked the victimized area then nipped her back. Her gasp opened the luscious gates for Nikolai's tongue. He got as far as brushing the tenderized flesh of her outer upper lip before she pushed him away forcefully.

"Stop! Please?"... Labored breathing suffocated the silence," Please don't punish me. I've never... I've never kissed a boy before."

His deep growl made her jump. "Never?"

"Never." Shaky fingertips pressed on her bruised lips. Katia met Nikolai's eyes, he stroked her abused flesh gently, reverently.

"I'd never punish you, not for anything in the world." His sincere statement kicked Katia's heartbeat up a notch. 

Noticing her anxious stance and wanting to cool them both down Nikolai escorted Katia to a seat at a granite outcropping in the middle of the kitchen, a stove top was straight ahead of her. Rubbing her back encouragingly Nikolai briskly gathered a few items from the pile she had presented, the rest were returned to the fridge.

"Have you ever heard of an omelet?" Nikolai asked while grinning at her. She shook her head no. Chuckling Nikolai began to prep her meal while telling her of this planet he loved so much.

"Shouldn't I be doing that? Or at least doing something for you?" Fingers tapping on the counter top Katia was restless, and a bit anxious to start her work as a slave girl.

"You don't know how to cook an omelet, you haven't been marked so just sit and listen." Although he had said it in a teasing manner Katia took his words as a command. Her back got a little straighter her face a bit more stern, she wouldn't disappoint Sherone!

"I was on an explorative expedition, still quite young and had traveled in hopes of finding myself. During these expeditions you are required to stay on an alien planet for a few months, learning anything you can; eating new foods, learning about different cultures, and above all their history. I had picked Earth because of the new population there, after only inhabiting that world for a few hundred thousand years from start to finish they had already depleted all their resources. It was a shame really, they had such a passion for life. I took a fondness to their summer homes and vacation resorts, staying for extensive periods of time while trying my hardest to experience everything at once."




Sacrifice For Love Ch. 04



He handed her a plate covered in a yellow crescent that was topped and filled with more bright colored foods. The smell was divine. The first mouth full brought a moan out of her mouth, the second and third had her shoveling copious amounts into her cheeks.

"Oh! Mmmm. Oh this is divine!" Slowing down to truly appreciate the flavors and texture Katia listened to Nikolai continue his story as he started another omelet for himself.

"Obviously if I had gone earlier in my life I'd have seen Earth at its most fruitful time. But the Earth I saw and came to love was beautiful none the less. Did you know they have forests there? Smallish for a planet but considering they also have oceans and enough room for their population it's quite impressive." Now Nikolai had a crescent on his plate too. Sitting down next to Katia he ate alongside her, soon she noticed that the colors on his omelet were different from hers. Boldly she stabbed a gray bit and popped it into her mouth.

"Hey!" Nikolai fake glared at her as she chewed.

Tasting dirt and feeling a mushy texture on her tongue Katia spit out the gray bits onto her plate."Bleh!" She scraped the mush off her tongue. "That's horrible! Why do you eat that crap?" 

"I happen to like mushrooms." To prove it Nikolai looked her dead in the eye as he ate a piece of omelet with an evil mushroom sitting on top. "That should teach you to eat off of someone else's plate."

Katia stuck to her food for the rest of their meal. When she was done Nikolai took their dirtied dishes and handed them off to a slit in the wall. Within seconds you could hear the dishes slide back into place in the cupboards, washed and dried.

Nikolai took Katia by the hand again and led her upstairs into his bedroom then into a large bathroom. The vaulted ceilings added to the spacious look, the bath hole was carved into the ground, a perfect hexagon steaming with warm rose pedal water. Katia was still admiring the high windows and hanging chandelier to notice Nikolai stripping right next to her. The slosh of displaced water roused Katia to Nikolai's actions, she was met with a full view of his solid ass tensing and releasing as he descended the steps into the water.

As the water line covered up all of God's gifts to Nikolai, he turned around to face Katia, whose mouth was still gaping open.

"Are you coming in?" After waiting a few moments without an answer Nikolai splashed Katia, as the water droplets connected with the sheer material of her outfit, the layer layers of soaked cloth clung to her body..

"Mmm? What?!" Katia asked slightly startled out of her mental reverie.

"Are you joining me?" His voice came out huskier than usual, his mouth dry from the view in front of him.

"I didn't know we were bathing together..." Katia looked at the floor to ceiling window hoping for an answering to pop up in the clear glass. "Maybe I'd better go unpack?"

"Katia, you will join me. Even if I have to climb out of this water to fetch you."

"No! No no. That's not necessary!" Moving her hands to her top Katia silently prayed. "Please let this be an innocent bath!" As the air in the bathroom more fully hit her breasts Katia quickly moved to the waist band of her pants and shucked them. Taking one more deep breath to steady herself Katia stepped down into the waters and towards Nikolai.



Sacrifice For Love Ch. 05



Here it is! The much overdue chapter 5. I apologize for the wait, life caught up with me. 

Huge thanks to my editor, trrgrhppy. You are awesome!

Please enjoy, comment, and vote. 

T

*****

Once she reached the end of the miniature staircase the toasty water had risen to her collar bone. Hunching down Katia could cover her shoulders completely. Even now she grasped at any modesty she could get. Crossing her trembling arms over her chest and twisting her legs to protect her innocence. She pretzeled herself into a protective stance. Then wiggling her feet backwards Katia sat on the smooth bench carved on the inner side of the tub.

Nikolai sat on the marble bench across from her, water stroking just under his perfectly chiseled pecs. Ripples of water pulsed between their bodies sending Morse Code to their every nerve. His elbows rested on the upper lip spread out in a welcome to her naked body. His feet were like wise spread apart, leaving his body open to the relaxing ministrations of the water.

He bent his head to the side, peering at Katia as a curious puppy. A grin parted his lips, and one curly tendril fell across his forehead tempting her fingers to stroke it. "You look tense." Nikolai waved his fingers cross the surface of the bath water sending vibrations of movement to Katia.

"I'm not tense, not really."

"You're a human boondoggle."

"A what?"

"It's an Earth reference, never mind. Come sit by me."

Delicate steps moved her just within reach of Nikolai. She refused to move any farther, if he wanted them closer he'd have to move.

Seeing her steel herself for his disapproval Nikolai did in fact move closer to her all on his own. Katia grinned with her small victory. A young woman walked in toting a large basket, sitting herself at the top of the steps she began too undress.

"Whoa! Ummm what is she doing?" Katia glared at Nikolai ready to jump up and leave.

"This is my bathing maid, she's going to wash us." Duh! Could've followed that statement, of course he had someone to wash his body! He couldn't do anything himself!

"Well she isn't washing me!" Turning her eyes to the young girl Katia meant to say "no offense" with her eyes.

"Fine. Leave."

"Fine!" Hurt and furious Katia jumped up to leave. A wet hand intertwined with hers tugging her down onto a thick thigh.

"Not you! Her!" The girl had already gone, vanishing as a ghost would through a wall.

"If you won't let my servants wash you," Nikolai pulled her back against his chest,"I will." His husky voice growled into her ear. He lifted her to where the basket perched. Grabbing a thick luffa he started to work up a foamy lather with sweet smelling soap.

"What if I'm not ready?" 

"Not ready to bathe?"

"Not ready for sex." A soft plop could be heard as the luffa fell from Nikolai's stunned hand. His arm was still suspended in midair.

"We were going to have sex?" The arm holding her loosened noticeably. 

"Weren't we?" Katia peeked over her shoulder to look at Nikolai, his large eyes confused her to no end.

"This was just a bath! I wouldn't... wouldn't take your virginity here, now."

"What does THAT mean?" Suddenly her female ego got in the way, he didn't want her. "Why not?! Because I'm a slave? Or is it because I'm not slender like your food bearing... concubines!"

Nikolai grabbed Katia forcefully by the upper arms, lifted her half way out of the water, spun her the rest of the way to face him properly, then sat her back down on his lap. By now she was straddling him and not covering herself, too hot headed to care, Katia fumed.

"First, my girls are NOT concubines. Second, you being a slave has nothing to do with anything its completely irrelevant. Third, your body is fantastic and exceptionally slender in the right areas. And last, If we ever make love it will be in our bed after our wedding."

"We're getting married?" Her squeaky voice and bugged out eyes didn't compliment her ashen face. Bile crawled up her throat tickling her voice box as it passed. The urge to vomit was over whelming. "I can't, we can't! We don't know each other!" Rushing to the stairs Katia ascended to the second step, goose flesh rose up on her body. Ignoring the chill she rested her head between her knees, one on each side of her face. 

"Did no one tell you? Snake? Sherone? Anyone?! I sent for a wife, I was buying a wife. Had to really, no woman wants to marry into such a dangerous life. Constant threats and possible kidnappings..." 

Katia pressed her knees into her head effectively muting the outside world, Nikolai's words were a rhythmic humming now. Trying to process what had happened, 'marriage, loveless, kidnappings,' an image of her mother and father came to mind. Their tan hands clasped together under the dinner table. 'Marriage, love, Nikolai'. Releasing her legs all sound came rushing back.

"...keeping the children safe would be almost impossible."

"Children?" A sweet baby to cuddle, listening to coos at 2am.

"You want children?" She could picture Nikolai snuggling a tiny bundle, arousal coursed through to her center heating up the junction between her legs.

"I hope for children, a few actually. Not right off but eventually it would be very nice..." He waded over to her chilled form. Grasping hips and dragging her back in the water. "I had hoped for a woman with spark, and heart. You, you are an enigma." 

"I hope you weren't planning on being married soon...? I want to get to know my fiancé first, possibly even learn what my last name will be." "Really?!" Nikolai's grin shown brighter than the largest sun in their sky. He wrapped her in his beautiful arms and proceeded to kiss every square inch of her face except her lips. He even kissed right behind her earlobes and down her neck, reducing her muscles to jelly. They molded themselves together, embracing in a lovers lock more intimate than sex. Truly laying their hearts on the line in the hopes of an everlasting love. 

Nikolai washed her long tresses, lathering her hair and massaging her scalp with his strong fingers. After her hair was soaking in a thick moisturizer he sat her up, on his lap and thoroughly cleaned the smooth skin on her shoulders and back. Staring at her flawless shoulder blades, Nikolai lost his thoughts, content to stay like this, he ran his finger nails lightly up her skin. His tickling sensation chilled Katia's skin in an arousing way, hardening her nipples and wetting her core. She shifted on his knees delicately.

"Tell me something about you." Her only hope of distraction from her hormonal loins.

"Like what exactly?" Nikolai was still zoned out on her flesh, memorizing the individual angel kisses sprinkled on her shoulders.

"How about a story from your past? And if it's good I'll wash you." Truly enthused by the possibilities now, Katia wiggled on his lap unaware of the male appreciation he had for her movements.

"Alright... Something good... Oh! I know, when I was much younger, well barely a lad really, there was a great war, one so terrible it covered all the lands, no one was free from the horror or troubles that followed. In the midst of this turmoil a warrior arose so powerful he single handedly led our world to peace. Like a wild fire word of this man spread. 

My father was the Grand Sulzar then, he led his armies out across the plains up North wiping out anything in his path, until some of his men came across a family out in the wilderness the whole family had blond hair, the father and mother took up arms fighting in vain. Fighting against the Sulzar's army is punishable by death, the parents were killed at the first chance. There were two children left in a false hole in the wall a boy and a young woman, they both were taken as property, yet, on the way to the Monarch's Station, the boy became ill and died. The sister, I hear, was so distraught she begged my father to kill her. He instead promised to give her to a man he knew would kill her." Katia washed Nikolai's hair slowly, mesmerized by his story and the images it painted in her mind. She wept inside for the siblings. And silently cursed the soldiers who were so cruel.

"Watch that soap beautiful, I would hate to get it in my eyes." Snapped out of her musings Katia hurriedly washed away the soap, using her fingers to brush the suds off his eyebrows where it had collected.

"Sorry. I started daydreaming." Feeling sheepish she tucked her head down.

"No, you're fine." Nickolai grasped her wrist, kissing the palm of her hand he continued with his tale.

"At the Monarch's Station, where all the tribes give gifts to their most decorated warriors and leaders, my father found the powerful warrior and gave the blond woman to him, sure that she would be dead by the nights end."

"What happened?!" Gripping his stone built shoulders Katia was leaning up to see his face, her breasts mashed into his back.

"Wh... What?" 

"To the girl? What happened to her?!"

"The next morning the warrior and the girl show up for morning meal, and the mid day meal, and for supper. Everyday for the whole week of festivities and each day the warrior is more and more relaxed, he's smiling, conversing with this girl, even making her laugh. Everyone was taken back by the completly out of ordinary characteristics.

My father, upheld by his promise, confronted the warrior on his intentions with the girl. He was straightforward as he asked if the warrior would kill the girl as he was meant to. The warrior was outraged! Lashing out at my father, threatening to kill him if he came within reach of the warrior's girl. My father took the threat seriously ordering the warrior be taken into custody. The great warrior killed more than twenty men with no more than his mercury sword. Finding an opening he ran away with his girl, completely vanishing for a few years before reports came out that the two had died. No one saw them again."

"No! What do you think happened?" Katia's nails had dug into his shoulders, praying that the couple were okay.

"I don't know, but he was my hero, The Bear! Oh I wish I could've met him. To see the great warrior fight or even breath would be an honor. And the girl who captured his heart? She must've been some thing amazing!"

"The Bear?" Katia gasped.

"Mm-hmmm... But I was a boy then, if he was alive some how he'd surely be a hermit or a withered old man." Plunging his whole body underwater Nikolai rinsed himself off, Katia began to become concerned when he didn't resurface after a few moments. Her concern changed to panic as her body was pulled under water. Lungs burning, throat spasming for air. Katia kicked and squirmed, she and Nikolai came up sputtering for air.

"Now that all that seriousness is out of the way, how about we get you settled in?" The look he gave Katia was pure excitement, he was a boy on Christmas morning and she was his present.

Katia was given her own room right next door to Nikolai's, it was smaller which suited her perfectly, all the walls in the house were cranial hyperlink, you thought it, and it happened. Katia had wished her far window was larger upon first walking in, within seconds it had grown and morphed into an impressive floor to ceiling look out. Katia was relieved to learn that only select few had access to the cranial hyperlink, so peeping Toms wouldn't be a concern.

The smaller room was hers to decorate as she saw fit, within moments the oversized king bed had been dissolved into the floor along with a wardrobe, mother of pearl vanity, and a miniature chandelier that was sucked up into the ceiling. Picturing a whole new room Katia closed her eyes and focused on her dream room. A simple Moroccan theme, a bed draped in vibrant colors to encase it like a plush cave, a few dim lamps for nightly reading, a pouf by her window, and an empty space for her giant chest up against the far wall. As each item was thought of a soft rustling could be heard, as Katia opened her eyes her room was just as she had imagined it even her chest was in place.

"How...quaint? Why not a bed made of pure crystal? Or a solid gold floor?" Nikolai eyed her choice of room with contempt. "This is so..." His inner snob was emerging, a haughty countenance took over his handsome features.

"It's cozy. A crystal bed wouldn't be very comfortable, and a solid gold floor? You're outrageous! A bedroom is meant to be a sanctuary, a restful environment that is all your own." Taking to ignoring the way he was eyeing her bedroom, Katia moved to her window. Looking out at the wondrous view of the ocean Katia became homesick. "Why does it matter what my bedroom looks like?"

"You are going to be married to the Grand Sulzar of the Western Tribes, everything you do, say, wear, or even eat makes a statement to those around you."

"Is that why your house is so...so... Ugh! It's awful is what it is, I'm scared to do anything because I might break a priceless art or dirty some fine heirloom! How can you live here day after day?"

"My home sees a lot of visitors; dignitaries, military leaders, politicians, and other Tribe Sulzars. My house makes a statement of power, wealth, and history. It is important that I always have a house as grand as my title." Puffing out his chest while pacing Nikolai took to defending his home. No one had questioned his choice in homes before. The urge to please Katia and the habit of making a statement were warring factions. 

"Okay. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it as an insult. But my quarters are private so it shouldn't matter what it looks like."

"But you could have anything, and you choose this!?"

"Nikolai!" Raising her sweet voice to one of stern command was new for Katia, she wouldn't back down on this. "It's my room."

Frustration boiled over, clenched fists were the only indicator of his true feelings, Nikolai had left quietly no slamming doors or shouting. He was polite at supper and curtiously walked Katia to her bedroom door before saying goodnight. He had kissed her tenderly on the forehead before turning to walk the few paces down the hall to his door, reaching it he had nodded to Katia before entering his domain.

Laying in bed Katia thought back on each moment of their disagreement. She worried herself to the point of a headache before getting up and walking downstairs to the kitchen. Upon finding that she had taken the back stairs instead of the front Katia was too depressed to correct her mistake. Her only companions the alcoves and the back walkway to the ocean, Katia miserably gave up and lay down in the secluded curve of the bench in the far alcove. Falling asleep to the sounds of waves Katia was finally able to drift off to sleep.

Nikolai was laying in bed after waking from a nightmare, Katia had ran away because of their argument. 

With it still being early morning Nikolai conjured up a plan to settle the air between them. Once he was satisfied that enough time had passed into a decent hour of the morning he thought of an arch way into Katia's room. Striding in with a fresh determination Nikolai was met with a cold, empty room. Searching the bed Nikolai hoped Katia's small person had been lost in the frumpy bed covering. Finding nothing after stripping the bed of its cover Nickolai stormed into the servant's quarters to find Bezac, half naked and still asleep.

"Where is she?!" His voice carried across the large sleeping chamber waking more than a handful of other sleeping guards.

"Sir?" Mashing the sleep from his dark brown eyes Bezac was beyond confused with his Leader's outburst.

"Katia! Where is she? She's not in her room! You're suppose to be with you!"

"Sir she never sent for me. I was sure she was still in her chambers adjoining your rooms." Jumping out of bed and hastily dressing Bezac and the on duty guards began a sweep of Katia's room. "No one else has been here, there's no sign of struggle. She must've left on her own."

Nikolai sent his men out to search the gardens, if she had run away she couldn't have gotten far. Jogging down stairs, passed scurrying servants, Nikolai was on his way to alert his ocean patrol when a dark figure in one of his alcoves stopped him. Stutter stepping to a halt Nikolai peaked in on the sleeping form of Katia, her deep breathing proof enough that she'd been there all along.

Katia woke up to excited voices next to her head. Squinting through sleep sealed lashes Katia viewed the lower half of a finely tattooed body, every inch of skin was marked with miniature symbols still indecipherable from this distance. A bouncing knee was just inside her vision.

"...I want you and her fitted with them today, as soon as they are here, I'll have mine reactivated and also linked with yours so this won't happen again." 

A soft pressure glided from the top of her head down her back, a soothing petting motion. Katia closed her eyes basking in the chill it sent down her spine. A soft moan purred in the back of her throat, upon opening her eyes Katia almost burst out laughing.

Nikolai and Bezac were bent over so their heads were within her line of vision. Still business like and tense they met her with stern stares, Bezac's more so than Nikolai's.

"What were you thinking!" Bezac raised his voice. "You were told to have me with you at all times when you weren't with the Leader. You had all the guards in an uproar!"

Nikolai slid her still sleepy body onto his lap. Rubbing her back was the only soothing touch he gave. He let Bezac continue reprimanding her.

"Did you think of the chaos your little night walk would cause?" She shook her head in the negative. "Irresponsible! Careless! And ignorant! I have never NEVER met a more selfish human." His tattooed face was slightly red from his fuming. His chest rising and following in a ferocious heaving. 

Katia was scared, her galloping heart echoed clear up her throat. "I don't understand. I went for a little walk, I was still in the house."

"Dear you have to have one of us with you to walk down the hall. You should've called Bezac if you wanted to take a late night walk." While soft and patient Nikolai's voice still had a level of lecturing in it.

"You were upset and I didn't want to wake Bezac." Katia's mind was raising. Her own home wasn't safe to be alone in? What about bathroom visits? 

"It's his job love. He gets paid to be at your beck and call. He will gladly wake up multiple times a night just to walk with you to get a night snack. He doesn't do anything else but wait for word from you."

Katia's ear picked up the sound of Nikolai's heart, the vicious thrumming was unexpected. Had Nikolai really been that upset? His stressed out organ softened her heart, no man could fake a frantic heartbeat. Butterflies sprouted in her stomach, swirling fluttering in a dance without music. How could she already have feelings for this man? A man older than her oldest sibling, someone she had barely met, and someone who was too powerful for his own good. Deciding to hold off on declarations of feelings unknown, Katia was wisely taking these moments in stride. She could wait to see what would develops between them.



Sacrifice For Love Ch. 06



I know this chapter took awhile, my apologies. I did try to make this chapter longer so hopefully it's an ex exceptable length. Already working on the next chapter so that should be coming soon.

Thank you to my editor trrgrhppy. Your support and speedy editing keeps me on track.

Please vote and comment. And enjoy.

T




Katia had underestimated how badly Nikolai would overreact to her leaving her room unguarded. Not only had he ordered for her to have a central security chip installed to her person he also had called in Snake to assist Bezac in guarding her. Apparently he was staying until after the Monarch's Station.

Katia had tried to understand the need for extra security, she had apologized to each individual guard that had been woken up to search for her, and had listened intently to the new rules set by Bezac. But as soon as Nikolai had mentioned that the security chip was going to be injected into her arm she had lost it.

"Oh. HELL. No!" 

"Love it's important, you need one, we'll be able to locate you at any time and communicate mentally." Nikolai thought explaining it to her would ease her nerves. It didn't.

"You mean I'll have weird seizure things and you'll be in my head even if I don't want you there? Nikolai I want privacy! I don't want you to know where I am at all times." Stomping off Katia had thought that was the end of it, then Bezac had literally picked her up and body slammed her on the cushioned bench. He hadn't hurt her seriously he had only shocked her.

Gripping her left wrist and pulling it up above her head Bezac then pinned her stomach flat against the bench. A sharp sting registered in Katia's mind right before a loud click and the smell of cauterized flesh. It had happened too fast for Katia to put up a fight, for some reason her muscles had tensed up instead of writhing in pain.

Bezac released her to Nikolai. After Katia had a few seconds to inspect the hard circle under her skin did she turn her full attention on Bezac. "I hate you! I don't even get a choice? You stupid brute!" He for the most part had stood fast, taking her anger in stride. In his mind he had done his job and that was all that mattered. "Don't you hear me?! I fucking hate you!!"

"Fine. Hate me. Hate me while I keep you alive." Bezac nodded solemnly to Nikolai then he waited outside the alcove, the ever present living statue.

"Why didn't you do anything!?" Katia smacked Nikolai forcefully on his chest. "You let me get man handled. You didn't even try to stop him!" Betrayal weighed heavily in the pit of her stomach. Unable to fully understand the necessity of being chipped like a working lion.

"I won't apologize, he did the right thing. I'd let him do it all over again if the need arose." Despite the tough guy facade Nikolai kissed her new boo boo. 

"Oh yeah?! Well Mr. " not sorry" where's your chip?"

Nikolai grabbed her finger to rub over his bicep where a much longer hard lump sat. His was almost as long as her finger. "I've had that since I was able to walk. I'm sorry you weren't ready but you'll survive." 

"Why...." Katia got choked up at the image of a baby getting chipped like she had. "Why is it so big?" She couldn't keep herself from pressing around to gauge the true size of this anomaly in him.

"I have to be able to communicate with each of my tribe members that has been given a central security chip. Your's is a singular chip, able to be linked with a maximum of a few hundred other people. Mine has the ability to be linked with tens of thousands." 

"What did you mean when you said you wanted Bezac and I fitted ....?" Katia swallowed loudly. What else could possibly be needed?

"This is very important.... You'll be fitted with a visual projector. If you were ever kidnapped or in a dangerous situation you'd be able to project what you see to my mind."

"How?"

"We're going to have lenses attached to your irises... Permanently." Katia had vomited on the floor. Clear mucus in a small puddle, her empty stomach voided of it's meager contents.

Hours later, after eating, continuously reassured of the painlessness of the procedure, and Nikolai's promise to make it up to her Katia had finally agreed to be fitted quietly. Snake had shown up with a small clear box, inside were crescents the size of clipped finger nails. 

Snake had taken the box and ran them over Nikolai's closed eyes, upon reopening them Nikolai's eyes had the slightest glow to them. Without a distinct color enhancing them it was more of an instinctual knowledge than a fact. His eyes seemed more clear, sparkly just under the curve at the top of his iris. Stepping closer Katia squinted, willing her vision to focus like a microscope. That's how minimal the change was. A small sheen caught her eye, nose to nose with Nikolai Katia saw what had been hidden to her. A white grid shown over his inner circle, the intersecting lines shining like stars.

"How? ....... It's beautiful." A small shiver went up Katia's spine. 

Grinning in a mischevous way only Snake and Nikolai could. Snake ran the box over Nikolai's left eye, effectively removing the projector.

"Seriously?!" Gaping in betrayal Katia grabbed Nikolai by the cheeks forcefully, bringing him to her. "It's gone!" Accusing him while looking at his smooshed face, "You said they were permanent!" 

Sheepishly Nikolai kissed the palms still mashing his face. She in turn kissed him full on the mouth, accidentally giving into the intimate feelings they had for each other. Her hands softened up, from squishing to caressing his strong jaw line. His hands had flown up in shock as their lips met. Taking the opportunity to hold her close Nikolai wrapped his arms around her small waste completely encircling her. A soft cough brought them back to reality.

"Uh... Love you want to try them?" His lips whispering in her ear was intoxicating to Katia.

"Mmm.... I guess so. You promise they don't hurt?" 

She hadn't felt any change. She shut her eyes and when she opened them a whole computer system was now layered over her vision. White words flashed in her peripherals, a new kind of thermal shown as a aura instead of filling the whole body, and Katia also had access to an x-ray, back tracking mapping, and a weapon targeting system just by thinking of them.

"Wow. Oh... My.... Wow! But I don't need all this, it's completely overboard! Nickolai.... I don't want this, why in the world would I need this?" Snake stepped up to remove the projectors with his little box. Katia's hand absentmindedly came up to stop him as her other hand was stretched out in front of her face. Her fingers an alien appendage of glowing lights and bones.

"I'll never get use to this..." Katia turned her eyes to stare at the floor. At first she saw the giants tiles then her curiosity got the best of her,"I wonder what this house is made of." She thought to herself. On cue her projector started scanning everything she looked at, foot, grout, crystal, "Go figure ." she thought as she rolled her eyes. Her vision focused, she was now staring at the foundation, then the thick support systems wired throughout, then the dirt below. 

"You really only need one on your dependent eye. You'll be able to see fine and view the projector with ease." Snake walked up with the box ready to remove one, Katia motioned to her left eye. With in seconds it was gone. 

"Nikolai?"

"Hmm?" Nikolai was busy listening to something Bezac was whispering to him. His attention immediately refocused on Katia.

"Is this a punishment? The projector, the guards, and the chip?" Her mind swirling around his words from the other day.

"No this is for your safety. They should've been installed as soon as you got her but I was a bit distracted by you. And usually women know what to expect at a Sulzar's home." Nikolai spoke with a fierce emotion turning Katia's knees to jelly. He really cared for her safety and was equipping her with the perfect tools to aid her if the need arose. His sincere concern made Katia rethink some of her attitude towards the guards, especially Bezac.

"Then don't you think I need to hear what Bezac has to say too? He's head of my security he and I should be talking directly." The room fell silent Snake and Nikolai starred at her. Bezac stood stiffly with his body angled away from her.

Stepping towards him Katia chose her words with strict care," Earlier I was unprepared for the force that you executed in taking care of me. I know I scared you and could've caused you greater trouble. I might've come off as a spoiled naive girl and I'll work on that. I'd also appreciate some delicacy on your side." As she spoke Bezac arched one eyebrow at her before turning towards her directly. After her small speech he nodded minutely.

"I'll try." His overly tattooed face expressionless but his body did relax a bit in the shoulders. 

"Good! Now can we talk about tonights dinner and the Monarchs Station!" Snake said it with sarcastic enthusiasm.

"Let's not ruin the surprise for Katia." Bezac chuckled. 

"Whoa! Tonights dinner?! What's so special about tonight?" 

"We're having a few dignitaries over tonight, they'll be the same group we caravan with to the Monarch's Station." 

"WE'RE? When did I agree to this?" 

"I guess it's just me. Because we can't tell them of our engagement until at the Station anyways. So you'll be acting like a real slave while they're here."

Katia felt a small lump in her throat. Not only was she not included in making decisions concerning the house she was going to be treated like dirt for the rest of the night. Silently a sarcastic, "yay" left her lips. Only heard by Snake who glared at her to be quiet. Katia couldn't come up with anything better, stuck her tongue out at him. 

Sherone was gushing as she got Katia ready for dinner later that night. Dressed in a flaming red outfit and adorned with white gems and gold Katia was feeling slightly better. "Oh! You'll be the sexist slave tonight! All the other masters are going to drool over you."

"Well that's reassuring. What will my duties be tonight?"

"Mmmm sit there and look appetizing!"

"I'm not the main course!" Katia giggle at the image of her sitting on a silver platter with an apple her mouth.

"No but you won't be ignored either. Nikolai will probably hand feed you, which you need to give in to tonight, he'll discuss plans for security at the Monarch's Station while you sit on a pillow at his side or in his lap, if he's thirsty or needs anything you'll be getting it for him. And when you do always say, " yes master". Can you do that?" Sherone arched a perfectly sculpted eyebrow at Katia through the mirror she sat behind. Sherone's large hands were busy curling Katia's hair in long stands down to the curve of her lower back. 

"Sounds easy enough." 

"Sounds like fun to me! You get to dress up and tease Nikolai all night. He'll have to watch other men staring at you without being able to tell them that you are his fiancé. Imagine how hard tonight will be for him." Collecting a few strands of hair from Katia's temples Sherone twisted them into loose braids feeding to the back of her head were they finally joined together.

Perking up Katia smiled with glee. "I never thought of that!"

Sherone laughed from her belly, a deep rumbling sound that raised Katia's spirits even more. Tying on her delicate sandals Sherone dabbed on some lip stain then escorted her out the door to the hall where they met up with Bezac. A quick peck on the cheek with a whispered, "Go get em tiger." and Sherone headed off in the opposite direction. 

Heading down the front staircase Katia's belly was a tangle of knots and butterflies. Fixing her eyes on the front door she descended the steps elegantly and with a confidence she didn't feel belonged to her. Because of where her eyes were trained Katia didn't see Nikolai off to the side speaking with another man, she didn't see his double take when he first caught a flash of red from the corner of his eye. And she didn't see his mouth drop open before scurrying to grab her hand at the bottom of the staircase. All she saw was the neutral expression he had masked his face with.

"Hello Master." Her voice came out low and breathless, seductive with her innocent greeting.

"Mmm hello." His voice was husky and authoritive a voice Katia hadn't heard him use before. Becoming scared of him and his intimidating stance Katia lowered her eyes and shrunk into herself. The moment was short lived as Nikolai leaned over to whisper in her ear. "You look stunning." Again his voice was husky. Looking up Nikolai winked at her the gave her a small smile. His large hand came to rest just below her hair, forming with the minor shelf where her rear started.

His encouragement lifted her spirits. He proceeded to introduce her to the man he had been talking to. Who was gulping at a goblet Katia was sure was filled with spirits. "Jurek this is my new slave, Katia. Katia this is Jurek Great Sultzan of the Northern Tribes. And my brother." 

Katia gasped slightly. Nikolai had a sibling! And he was just as handsome. His eyes were so strange though, Katia felt like she had seen them before. Not knowing whether to curtsey or to kiss his hand Katia dipped her head low and spoke softly,"I am honored Sir."

Jurek smiled his purple stained lips splitting open wide,"Oh she's a beauty! May I borrow her later?" 

"No. I haven't broken her. She's my current favorite, and she'll be staying with me."

Jurek squinted at Katia then pursed his lips together thinking hard. "I'm quite disappointed. She is adorable and I was hoping to buy her off you, her hair is exquisite. Maybe you'll consider my offer?" Jurek straightened his back throwing a shadow over Katia and making a silent challenge to Nikolai.

"If I choose to sell her you'll be the first person I call Jurek." Nodding Jurek tipped his goblet high, downing the rest of it's contents. Shaking on it Nikolai led her to short man across the room.

This man checked her like a prized horse. Stroking her hair, feeling her calves and thighs, then squeezing his hands around her rib cage to determine her size. "Nikolai why do you let your pet walk around with you? You should've left her with the others." A vein on his neck started to strum with his escalated heart beat. Katia new instantly she didn't like him. "You don't see my lovelies walking with me. Slaves should be checked at the door!"

Katia was fuming. Instead of lowering her head Katia glared at the little man hoping to incinerate him with her anger. Nikolai rubbed her back soothingly.

"Pavel you know I can't help showing off my trinkets. Katia is my favorite she'll be joining us for all of tonights festivities." As Nikolai spoke the stocky man boiled beneath his skin, the vein in his neck was bulging and his face was turning a deep shade of red that hurt to look at. 

"Nikolai! This is absurd, you can't....."

"I can't do what?!" Nikolai had raised his voice some, just enough to draw the eyes of the people around them. "I am THE Great Sultzan, there is nothing I can't do. You should remember that Pavel. A man with your reputation can't afford to lose favor with me." 

Pavel shook violently, his head sweating, and his breath halting all together. "No. I can't. My apologies." He bowed stiffly then marched away fuming.

"Do you enjoy throwing your title around?" Katia asked softly.

"Only when it's with little worms like him."

"I see." Katia giggled a little. Nikolai was fun even if he had to put on a show. Walking around the alcoves Katia took in all the changes that had been made for tonight. Nikolai must've spent awhile in the cranial hyperlink. The usually white walls were now a milky clear with spots of lights on the inside, the drapes to the alcoves were a deep blue adding even more privacy, and the servants were all wearing the same deep blue colored outfits. Katia was the only one in red.

"I clash with these colors. I should've worn something else." Katia tried to make it sound like a teasing remark.

"I asked Sherone to dress you this way, I wanted you to stand out." Shifting her eyes Katia now saw that Nikolai had on white pants and shirt but the stitching matched her clothes perfectly. A subtle way to connect them without raising suspicion.

Walking towards the front door Katia noticed one alcove was more dimly lit than the rest, tugging Nikolai with her Katia pealed back the drapes to peek inside..

"I wouldn't..."

Before Nikolai could finish Katia had already ran inside to help the poor women chained together sitting on the cold ground. Noticing that the bench and pillows were missing Katia frantically tugged on the chains trying to free the half naked women who were shivering and whimpering softly. Nikolai's voice cut through her hysteria.

"Katia you mustn't. The other owners will be cross with you."

"Don't just stand there make them more comfortable, help me find the key, get some help!" Tears leaked out of Katia's eyes her hands yanking at the cuff tightly locked around one girls ankle. 

"This is the way they store their slaves leave them be."

"Then why am I not in here? Why do I get to walk around freely? These are people! How can you stand by as they are chained to the floor?"

"I must. My reputation would be forfeit if I let them go." His shoulders slumped with the truth of his words.

"Reputation be damned! If you won't help then get out! I'll free them myself." Katia shoved Nikolai hard out of the alcove. He stood motionless for a moment before walking off, leaving Bezac in his place.

Linking herself with the cranial hyperlink Katia made the chains dissolve into the wall. Plump cushions began popping up all over the room under each girl. A blazing fire rose in the middle the outer ridge of it holding large platters of food. The lights changed to a deep red igniting the room in it's warmth. 

The assorted women didn't move, the stared at Katia in horror.

"Are you insane?!" A dark haired women to her left screeched. "You're going to get us all in trouble! Do you want us all to be whipped for tonights entertainment?" A duplicate of the woman began to whimper softly.

"I was trying to help, you were cold and chained...." Loosing some of the anger induced courage from before Katia began to doubt herself.

"This is a gift from The Grand Sultzan. You may eat and enjoy tonight, Katia has volunteered to take full responsibility." It was Bezac who spoke when Katia turned around she was met with the glares of a few of the girls' owners. 

"Is this true Nikolai?" A giant woman with a spiky mohawk stepped forward from the crowd her deep voice carrying across the front hall silencing all conversation with it. "Your pet is letting our toys have the same freedoms as herself? And she'll be taking the consequences upon herself?" 

The woman was dressed in heavy garb etched with metal that matched the metal spikes in her hair. She had a sword strapped to her hip the scabbard nearly scrapping the ground as she marched forward. As she came closer to Katia her imposing frame grew blocking out all other occupants and leaving no room to run. In that moment all Katia wanted to do was be swallowed by the ground at her feet.

"It would appear so. I hope no one is too put out at having all these gorgeous women walk amongst us for the rest of the evening?" Nikolai stood behind the giant speaking to the rest of the group.

"Here here!!" Rang out from the staircase. A slightly drunk Jurek was raising his goblet in toast. "Let's have a night with our pets! Tomorrow they can go back to being wall flowers!" 

The rest of the room murmured in agreement. "Well then let's get these women in proper attire and out frolicking!" Nikolai clapped his hands together. The girls emerged in sparkling outfits of bright pastels. Pinks, yellows, blues, greens, and purples. Each bee lined to their masters side. The one who had yelled at Katia was standing next to Pavel with her head lowered. Pavel looked ready to explode.




Sacrifice For Love Ch. 06



Katia side stepped the giant woman to stand next to Nikolai. "You know alcohol usually let's people loosen up." Katia whispered loudly. In minutes the room was flooded with servants carrying trays of goblets and jugs of heavy liquor. 

"You will be punished, you do know that don't you?" Turning sad eyes on her Nikolai watched her face closely.

"Oh yes master. I'm looking forward to it." Katia teasingly brushed her chest across Nikolai's arm.

"You are a troublesome minx aren't you?"

"Mmm I've learned from a very troublesome master." Smiling up at Nikolai, he looked back at her with twinkling eyes full of mirth and a soft edge that left Katia's heart throbbing with a giddyness she hadn't felt before. Her cheeks flamed red before she adverted her gaze.

"Nikolai." The giant was back. "I believe introductions are in order."

"Aw yes of course. Makisma, this is Katia. Katia, Makisma."

"A pleasure ma'am." Katia dipped her head politely.

"Hmmm. We'll see child." Watching Makisma march away Katia began to wonder how tall she was.... The ceilings were around 20 feet tall. But they looked as if they had been risen to 25.

"Twelve feet 8 inches, but if you count her Mohawk that should round her out at fourteen feet." Nikolai said.

"Not to mention her attitude." Threw back Katia.

Walking towards the dining room Katia. Noticed name cards on each plate, curiously she couldn't find hers. Grabbing her hand Nikolai pulled her down on his lap sideways with legs draped over the opposite arm of his chair. "Pets sit on laps." Katia chuckled as a delicious ache started in her sex. Dinner would be interesting.

The others filed in, those with pets had wider chairs to seat them both comfortably. Although most masters had their slave seated like Nikolai had Katia. Pavel had two cushions on either side of him, the twin brunettes sat at his left and right, one holding his dish of food the other feeding him and dabbing at his mouth with a silk napkin.

The first course was a light fruit medley that was stabbed by a tiny long spear like utensil then each fruit could be slid off into the mouth. Nikolai would take half a bite of fruit then offer the other half to Katia. Usually he'd watch her, his eyes following the movement of her lips as she accepted his offer then her tongue as she licked her lips. 

By the time the second coarse was brought out Nikolai was continually adjusting his impressive member. Katia began a game of wiggling just enough to keep his member hard but not enough to draw the others' attention. A soft purring like noise came from Nikolai who repositioned her behind back enough to rub against him more fully. Her head now lay on his shoulder arching her chest up. Nikolai caught more than a few masters eyeing Katia suggestively. Clearing his throat quite loudly and scaring Katia who jumped at the noise. Her chest jiggled some moving her top in the process. Her areolas now clearly visible along with her hard nipples.

Their collective plate arrived with a beautiful arrangement of meat. Along with a slave girl from the master four seats down she bowed before whispering in Nikolai's ear. "My lord? Master Luka respectfully requests to trade slaves for this coarse." Hesitantly Nikolai agreed. Katia and the girl changed places. Nikolai held on to her hand forcing himself to let her go. Katia saucily swayed her hips as she walked away. 

Master Luka was very handsome in the exact opposite way Nikolai was Brown sparkling hair, sharp green eyes, and a laughing face that was inviting. He stretched out his hand beaconing her to sit on his lap. Katia hadn't noticed but each master had a different way of sitting with their girl. This one widened his legs and moved Katia to straddle him her butt wedged in between his toned thighs. With each succulent bite he would brace the back of Katia's head and lean her back enough to drop a perfectly square piece of meat down into Katia's mouth. Luka would then have Katia feed him a piece of meet with his fork. Within a few bites Katia felt something thumping against her intimates. Looking down Katia saw a monstrous tent rhythmically jumping. Gasping Katia backed away until her rear bumped into the table. 

"Shhh sh shh." Luka gripped her cheeks and pulled her flush against him rubbing their sexes together. "I'll stay inside my clothes. Just feel pet." He humped up against her drawing a gasp from her throat. "Look at your master, let him look into your eyes as you are pleasured." Katia did look to Nikolai, he had Luka's slave perched on one of his knees bouncing her lightly making her silkly skin pop out slowly from her top. His eyes though were locked on Katia. 

Luka pushed against her, Nikolai's eyes blazed with hatred and arousal. Katia bit her bottom lip stopping her moan from escaping. Luka would not be denied he rubbed his head up against Katia's wet center shoving her to a height she'd never been. Just as Katia had a panicked feeling in her womanhood the third coarse was brought out along with the return of Luka's slave.

On jelly legs Katia stumbled back to Nikolai. He returned her to her reclining position. This time each leg was spread out over his knees. She was open for everyone's view. The master to Nikolai's right ogled Katia's sex and commented on her aroused state. 

"I believe your pet needs tending to, might I relieve you of that task?" He made a come here motion with two of his fingers then raised those fingers to his lips in a v and cruedly flicked his tongue between the two. "Or I could assist you, Nikolai you know how much I love young ones." All black eyes stared at her, eating up each detail and storing them away for later. Katia squirmed extracting a wicked smile from him. She feared for the slave at his side who looked to be barely legal.

"Thank you PharZuph. Aren't you usually tormenting your slave by now?" Nikolai drew an arm around Katia protectively accidentally brushing against the underside of her chest. Pulling a previously stifled moan from her.

"Ha! Too right you are Nikolai! Although my slave doesn't reach her legal age for two more days. I'm forced to bottle up all my desires until she can be touched." The poor girl next to him shivered. Her delicate pink outfit making sense now. Pink like an untouched blossom. Her body was betraying her however, full womanly curves and hard nipples drew Zuph's eyes to her pelvis where she sat with her legs wide apart. Noticing eyes upon him Zuph winked at Katia, "I won't touch but I'll look my fill. And she's so good to encourage me. Aren't you Astrea?"

In answer the girl stretched her legs even wider pulling the blush colored pants tight against her weeping lips. The pants clung to her body as her moisture pooled at her juncture. Licking his lips Zuph whispered in the girl's ear, she raised her hands to her top and began to unbutton it. 

"No!" Katia launched herself at Astrea halting her fingers. "You can't mean to let this innocent expose herself for everyone here?!"

"Oh I do. How can I appreciate her beauty when she's covered up? It's ludicrous to leave tonight without sharing her gorgeous physique with all in attendance. In fact I think all the pets should be relieved of their clothing." Narrowing his predatory gaze to Katia Zuph nudged Astrea back into motion.

Turning to face Nikolai, Katia hoped he'd stop this nightmare in it's tracks before the night got out of hand. "Nikolai...?"

A collective gasp then silence went up at the table, Nikolai looked startled for a brief moment before he raised his eyebrow at her. "How dare you address your master so informally!" It was Makisma who yelled across the dining room.

"I...I-I didn't mean to." Back pedaling at break neck speed Katia was grasping at any escape available, none were. Her eyes pleaded with Nikolai to get her out of her mess. It was Luka who spoke up on her behalf.

"Oh hush! You don't know what she's allowed to say or do. Perhaps Nikolai has a more lax slave protocol than you do."

"It isn't right! She shouldn't even be here! Slaves are only to be seen in the bedroom!" Makisma slammed her mammoth hand on the table nocking her food and drinks to the floor.

"Says you! My slave is allowed free range at home. She's a full member of my house hold." 

"Ugh! Luka how's can you claim to be a slave owner when you treat the woman as if she was your wife." Pavel spoke from his reclined position his feet resting on the back of one slave girl while the other picked his teeth for him.

"Don't you say that! You know no slaves are allowed to marry their owner! Doesn't anyone remember what happened to Nikolai with his last slave? He marries her and what does she do? She tries to kill him! Luckily it was only 12 in the bed instead or we would've had to hold an early council! Then that whore went and hung herself! Why would we want to risk that? These rules are in place for a reason!" Makisma stood up tipping the table and spilling goblets of liquor on the waiting people below her.

Luka jumped up and began cursing Makisma his laughing face marred by the raging anger he was now possessed with. Pavel was screaming at his lovelies to clean up his stained clothing. The noise escalated into a roar, hell itself couldn't match the wailing that pierced the ears of those in the dining room. Katia sat on Nikolai's lap, barely able to keep from screaming herself. 

As words formed on her tongue Katia found her voice and whispered three words, one question that burned her heart even to utter. "You were married?"