3 comments/ 8134 views/ 14 favorites What Price Power? Ch. 01 By: Eyeslikestars His. She might disagree. But it was the truth. She was his student, his protege, his fuck toy. Currently she was kneeling and suckling his cock as if it were the only source of life for her. Maybe it was. He had selected her carefully, young, poor, lovely as the dawn. She had talent enough that fully trained and developed would rival any Archmage. But without the training he offered, she would wither, the mage core eating at her life essence. Even worse than the slow lingering death would be the fact that she was suited for no task up that of a whore. Men fucking her holes and abusing her even as the core drained her. She had been just another war orphan when he found her. The spark of the mage core shining bright to his eyes.. in another time that alone would have been enough to assure her an apprenticeship. But that was before the war. There were a lot of untrained mage potentials now, he could make an army of them. But few were as lovely as Mina, the long hair he could twist about her throat, the delicate features, the sheer youth of her, barely an adult. His eyes half closed and he groaned in pleasure, that tongue was damn near enough to make him keep her even if she wasn't one day going to be a very powerful pet. This was half the price she paid for each lesson. Today he almost wanted to cast aside the lesson and throw her to the floor and fuck her young body till she couldn't scream. Oh he had such fond memories of doing just that the day she had agreed to the bargain. She had stood there trembling, a false bravery in her voice, "Yes. For each lesson.. " He had been running a hand over her, feeling her flinch and shy like an untrained filly. "Each time I enter this room I will come straight to you and pleasure you as you choose. Also for each lesson.. my body is yours for as many hours as the lesson. My time for your time." He had stripped her as she stood there. her skin was soft, glowing , flawless.. slender hips, small high breasts, hairless, silken folds. He had pulled her to the floor, she was shaking, nervous, tight and dry.. a moment of mercy had his mouth on those puffy folds, his tongue finding her taste to be sweet, clean.. he had enjoyed it more than she had. So terrified of the deal she had made, more so as he stripped and his cock had stood throbbing at attention. She hadn't expected him to be so well endowed. Even with his ministrations she was too tight, but he didn't care as he drove into her. She had tried so hard not to scream, but he wanted those screams. Wanted to feel her tighten and thrash. Wanted to make her fear him so much she would not rebel. Again and again he had pressed into her till his balls slapped against her ass and her screams had become moans of agony. He remembered the look in her eyes as she realized her deal would not be simply putting her soft lips to use and laying on her back for a few moments to tire an old man out. He felt that tingling tightness in his balls dragging him back to the present, oh the thoughts were so sweet, that tongue so damn talented. The memory of her laying on this very floor, legs spread and cunt leaking his cum, cheeks stained with tears. He grabbed her hair and began violently fucking her mouth, forcing his cock into her throat, she gagged and tears filled her eyes. He came in spurts, forcing her to swallow it, then clean his softening cock before letting her fall away. Mina rose and went to the basin beneath the window, washing her hands and face. Returning to stand before him, her eyes were blank now, her expression neutral. Yes he wanted to again have her laying on the cold stone sobbing. But she had done her task, so a lesson in magic was in order. He was many things, arrogant, sadistic, lustful, violent. But he kept his word. Besides she was his and he would make her strong. ~*~*~ How many times already? How many more would it be? She breathed evenly, settling herself, becoming still as she had to for the training. Emotions colored and ruled the magic. One needed to remain calm, in control, if she did not then the magic could form wildly and become deadly. And she wanted that so much right now. Wanted to set her Master on fire and hear him scream for once. Her throat ached, and she fought to quell the nauseous feeling. She stood quietly, knowing at least for a time he would not make use of her body. Oh he would hurt her, drive her into exhaustion, make her furious. But he would at least teach her to control the thing that lurked within her. She understood that early lesson, without his training the mage core was a death sentence. With it, well one day she might have enough strength to never again endure a man's touch. Once she would have been found as a youth, sent to a school to learn the beginnings, groups of the Magi would have tutored her through this part, she would have become one of several apprentices eventually. But the war had changed that. The surviving Magi had changed that. Now if your child had the mage core, you had to pay dearly or watch them die miserably. A powerful family might have enough influence to make it worth it for someone to train their offspring. But she had been born to lesser nobility, a family with little wealth, little influence, and even that was lost to the war. An orphan, a nobody, another starving kid in the camps. But someone had seen something in her, no the old whore hadn't seen the mage core, she had seen delicate bones and silken hair, flawless skin and known that as she grew too old to make a living on her back the girl would grow to be lovely and worth a fortune. She had seemingly taken in the girl, mothered her, protected her began the process of making it almost natural to one day be a whore. That was how he had found her, a chance encounter a mistaken identity. His lustful nature had wanted the pretty little whore, but his mage sight had seen the core. He had made her an offer, become a magi.. become powerful. All he wanted in return was for the time she was his apprentice.. she would also be his private whore. She wondered if she would have made the deal had she known exactly what he would do to her body. And by the time she had known, she also knew why so many died screaming, withering away. That it would be her fate too. Unless she gave into his every demand, every whim, every cruelty, the core would devour her. Some nights she wished she wasn't a coward and could just slit her wrists and die quickly. But he did teach her. After what ever perversion he demanded he walked to his desk and set the hourglass into motion. Her lessons could be simply lecture, meditations, they could be the start of casting spells, maintaining perfect concentration. Those she hated, as he would do anything to shake her, from loud noises to stripping her, to the sharp strikes of a cane against her legs and ass. He never broke skin, it always seemed important to him for her to remain flawless. Tonight's lesson was a blending of things, he seemed to be testing her ability to reason, to remember, to make connections, one moment he asked a question about theory, the next he demanded an answer about some half forgotten war hero. In between were the first spells one learned, over and over until her head ached and she could barely stand. She knew she had ceased answering even the simplest questions correctly. She worried he would become violent as she failed more and more to do as he asked. Instead he walked over to the desk and laid the hourglass on it's side, ceasing the flow of the sand. She trembled and collapsed to the floor so exhausted she could not stand. She knew what always came next, turning the glass over and taking his payment. But he didn't come back for her, didn't turn the glass over, but left it on it's side and took a seat. "You are getting better. Your core is growing stronger, it takes longer to exhaust it. No lesson tomorrow, instead I will send some books for you to read, no attempting to do the spells alone. You are depleted. Tonight you will bathe and go to sleep. Tomorrow I will have meals sent to your room as well, eat as much of each as you wish, but no matter how hungry you feel, eat nothing but what I send. " He followed her gaze to the hourglass, "That will have to wait for another night. I don't want an unconscious rag doll. Maybe I will combine a few lessons worth and spend all day enjoying you as a reward for my generosity. Go. A hot bath is waiting for you, then straight to bed." He left and she half crawled down the hall and to the bathing chamber. He was telling the truth a bath had been drawn, still painfully hot, scented oil shimmering in the water. She sank into the blessed heat and felt tension start to fade from her muscles. Her thoughts were racing with terror, a few hours of his attention was hard. A full day of it.. She sighed in resignationn she would endure it. In all honesty this was a better life than she would have had as a whore, a different man or men every night, desperately trying to make enough coin to survive. Here she lived on an estate, true her room was a narrow chamber smaller than some of his Lordships closets. But it was clean, a real bed, she had clothing brought to her, she was never cold, never hungry. He kept his part of the deal well. A mage apprentice needed food, healthy food to keep the body strong enough until the mage core could draw from the ether. He never scrimped on her meals. Never shorted her on rest, another dangerous thing to do with a fledgling mage. Never refused any of her needs. He took care of her far better than most masters would their apprentices. All he asked for was her body. Mina began crying hunched over in the tub. A few more years and she would never be touched again. Just a few more years. What Price Power? Ch. 02 He was pleased. The girl was indeed starting to show more promise than he had thought. He was ambivalent about losing the chance to recreate their first time together. He had thought that was how he would end the lesson instead he had started pushing her to her limits. Draining her to the point she could no longer think properly on purpose. And he was pleased with how long it had taken, very pleased. He was smiling as he entered his private chambers and found his concubine lifting an eyebrow in surprise from the couch she had curled up on. He took a moment to compare the two, one was tall with fiery red hair and milk white skin, lush curves and ample breasts. The apprentice was tiny, slender, dark hair and golden skin, barely tits enough to grab. A few years ago he could have had neither. The apprentice would have been one among many and untouchable. The concubine would have been reserved for the higher nobility. She was rising to come toward him, her hips swayed and her body moved in a way that promised delights untold. Oh yes, this was why the Sinra concubines were so highly prized and sought after. This seemingly unconscious ability to seduce with just their presence. She raised arms to rest against his shoulders, hands picking at his hair, slow pass of her tongue over perfect red lips. Even the breath she took before speaking, that made those heavy globes rise and strain against the restraint of silk and lace was calculated. She didn't fear him in the least, no trembling, no shying away from the hand that wove into her hair and tugged her head back. He may have demanded the kiss but she demanded his utter attention, teeth nipping hard enough at his lower lip he tasted blood. This wench shared his appetites so well he could almost have been satisfied with just her and the occasional prisoner of war. She wouldn't take half the abuse his apprentice endured without a murmur. But what she did do was meet his lust with an eagerness that was refreshing. Already his cock was twitching and rising to her open challenge. "That was a short lesson." She purred. "No. I just didn't claim my payment tonight. I want a warm and eager body, not an exhausted rag doll." "Wore the poor thing out before the lesson? Naughty." "No I ended up testing her limits. She has almost tripled her reserve in the past few weeks. I may even start working her with fire soon." "I would be careful the little darling doesn't decide to set you on fire." Her hand roamed down his chest and cupped the swelling member, "And I don't mean in this manner." "She knows what is best for her. She might not like, but she will do. By the time she could challenge she will be loyal only to me." He began plucking at the seemingly endless ribbons that held her dress together, trying to figure out which would send it cascading to the floor. "You push too hard, soon she'll break instead of bend." She shifted and danced making it hard for him to catch the ribbons. "You should reward her. Make her start to adore rather than fear you. If all she ever knows of you is cruelty then eventually she'll become broken or rebellious." His cock softened, her chiding words rang a bit to true. Damn Sinra.. you could not beat them into submission. If one was mistreated all reacted, you then had their furious masters to deal with. And now his had taken an interest in the girl. "She is my apprentice, her every need is met. She is being taught and taught well. She is better off than other apprentices and well knows it." "No.. you meet the bodies needs because that provides for you in time, you do not meet her spirits needs and that is what is starting to suffer." She slipped from his arms and walked away, the grown fluttering and falling by bits to the floor till she was wearing only some bit of lace that covered nothing of her swollen nether lips or the perfect round ass that tempted him to redden it. A pulse of blood rushing through his cock again and he strode forward, his hand striking one creaming swell and leaving a bright hand print, before she could turn a matching one on the other side. He grabbed her and sat on the couch, dangling her kicking over his knees like a toddler. The sound of his hand against her flesh rang through the chamber along with her frustrated cries, then moans of pleasure. A hand slipping tween her thighs found her soaking wet. She would not be abused, but a little pain was just the thing to get her distracted and ready to play. His fingers dipped into her slick folds and teased her clit for a moment, then making sure they were sodden he traced a path toward that small pucker that lay between cherry red cheeks. One, two, quickly three fingers pumped into her asshole. This was something he had yet to do with his apprentice. Not that he didn't wish it, but he was a well endowed man and the girl was so damn tiny he was amazed she even took his cock at all. Besides, every time his finger or tongue flickered over that tiny dark rosebud she became terrified and tense. He liked having that hold over her. Oh eventually he would probably start stretching her out, preparing her for the day he would use any and every part of her. But for the moment he had a moaning, willing and usable woman in his lap. Lifting her and forcing her to kneel on the couch, her ass facing him at the perfect height. He tugged the robe open enough to reveal the thick cock that was so eager now. A few quick strokes in the slick little clit and then pressing against the pucker.. feeling that tight ring of muscle give way and allow him to slip deep into her bowels. Yes he would have to have the girl prepared.. maybe the concubine could do it and at the same time attend to the so called neglected spirit. A touch of annoyance surged through him and he grabbed the narrow waist and tugged her hard into his groin. For him it was bliss, for her a bit less so. "Play with that needy little cunt. Make yourself cum with my cock fucking your ass." He growled into her ear, hunched over her like an animal, Pushing and pulling her body roughly. She slipped one manicured hand down and did as he commanded, he could feel her cunt spasm almost instantly. Oh she might bitch and complain about this, but she was as aroused as he was. It was all he could do to hold back, but he wanted to have her begging, panting and limp before he released. He needed to remind her that she was his concubine, a well paid and well compensated one. But still she was his and would best do as he demanded. Hand coming up to grip her hair, pull her head back and expose her throat to his lips and teeth. At that her body seemed to explode, she thrashed almost wildly against him, he worried for a moment she might hurt herself.. or him the way she suddenly tightened down on his cock was near painful. Then she screamed.. no howled would be a better word for it and he couldn't hold to his resolve, his cum spurting thick and hot into her body. He pulled her with him, sitting down heavily on the couch, she squirmed uncomfortably on his lap. He lifted his hips in warning, still embedded in her ass and not yet softening. For the moment he was content to sit back on the couch with her laying against him and feel her bodies tremors and spasms. He wrapped his arms about her and growled low in his throat. __________________ Mina had thought herself far too exhausted to sleep, but no sooner had she stretched out in the narrow bed she had fallen into deep and dreamless sleep. Morning light came in through the metal grill work of the single window. She stretched amazed it was so late and that she still felt tired. She was also ravenous. A tray sat nearby, a single roll filled with smoked meat and cheese, a single piece of fruit and a cup of some herb scented tea. Not nearly enough for the ache that tore at her. She had not known such hunger since the war camps. Even then she had been able to forage enough to keep it from being so painful. Was this why he forbid her to eat anything not brought to her? Another test? Another cruelty? She tried to slow herself, but the hunger made her bolt the food down, not even savoring the rare sunstar fruit. Normally a few segments were a treat, but this was a whole fruit, tasting like sunshine on her tongue. The books were also already waiting in her room. As a youth she had access to her families library but had always considered it a chore. Now after years of war, books were an expensive luxury for most. The sight of the stack filled her with excitement. They held knowledge, knowledge was strength. Strength would give her freedom. She forced herself to clean up first, setting the tray outside her door and then making sure her hands were scrubbed. She Looked through the grouping and was curious. A theory study about elemental magic, a pre-war era history of the noble houses, a small tattered book about forbidden magics supposed true uses, a romance novel of a type hidden in ladies chambers before the world turned upside down. Another was an introduction into fire aspect... that one was what caught her attention the most and she settled down at her desk with it. Not even a chapter in and a soft knock announced one of the maids. No chatter, but another tray containing again what seemed more of a tease than a meal. The maid seemed a bit in a huff, then again they were rarely ordered to wait on her. She was not one of the higher ups, nor a servant. So she fell into some gray area to herself, mostly ignored. She sat aside the book and took the tray to her bed, more fruit, another bit of bread, a soft creamy cheese, a glass of cold cream laden milk. She had not had that in years. She stopped mid bite, this was not punishment or cruelty, she was being forced to pace herself, control the hunger. There would probably be several small rich meals through the day rather than letting her gorge and make herself miserable. She cleaned up again and found a small.. almost pamphlet that she had missed before. This made her sit down in surprise, it was a dissertation about the war. She had heard so many rumors and theories over the years she had no clue what had really happened. This told of the growing issue of magi being treated as disposable, there were so many with the mage core. Nobles were guilty of abuses and poor judgment. Then one day the mage college was found burning, a majority of the students were found murdered by poison. All the ones found were too young to control their core. All the higher level, all the teachers, all the magi were simply gone. She frowned, realizing at her level she would have been one of the murdered students. A hand full of years passed before anyone saw a magi. By then the next generation with mage core were old enough to start dying off. The single Archmage agreed to take any that could meet his price. The nobles rushed to save their children, the common people weren't even told. One day a year an Archmage came and took away the ones who could afford it. But none returned. A neighboring country had attacked, and that was the start of the war. The common people accused the nobility of attacking and driving away the mages, of preventing their children from being saved, of sending them to be slaughtered. The nobles were desperate to keep control, a bit to heavy a hand.. and it wasn't the neighboring country that was the problem. Revolution swept through violently, in fact so violently that the other country retreated from the chaos. They had wanted the wealth of the country not the rabid violence that was rising now. More and more people joined the fighting, those who had nothing to lose proved deadly to the nobility. Then the magi returned. What few nobles remained were now puppets. The wasting illness was not attributed to it's true cause, but rather to poverty and illness. The Magi came as saviors, restoring order, peace.. prosperity in time. All you had to do was follow them, obey them, because if you didn't... She sat aside the pamphlet with a racing heart. Why had this been included? An accident? No. She knew he didn't make mistakes like this. A warning? A glimpse of what her future could hold? As a fully trained magi, she would be one of the now elite, knowing why dozens died each year. Unable to speak out because if it became common knowledge then again there would be an uprising. The remaining nobles couldn't tell the secret, they relied ion the magi to save their children, and to keep them in power. Another knock at the door, she was wide eyed and alarmed, making the little maid frown. Soup this time and bread fresh from the oven, the scents making her stomach growl and mouth water. How could she just mindlessly devour food after what she had read? Her body answered that, easily. The soup was rich and too hot, she was forced to slow down a little, sopping the broth with bread. More milk, cold, sweet creamy counterpoint to the meaty soup. The tray was returned to the hallway and she sat down looking at the traitorous pamphlet. Maybe everything in it was just a lie? Maybe it was a test to see what she believed. Maybe it didn't matter? She shivered, but it was true. No one had taken care of her except an old whore who saw her as a meal ticket. No one had saved her. No one had cared. He was cruel. He was violent. He was perverse. He was powerful. He was teaching her. He was taking care of her. She was his apprentice. An apprentice owned nothing, not even their own body. It was not uncommon at all for masters to use their apprentices for sexual gratification. She rose and returned to the book about fire. Calming her mind, she would just forget that she had ever read that. She would just pretend that she was ignorant of possibility. Better to fill her head with useful information that something she could do nothing about. All through the day she read and studied the fire book. Ignoring the other books for the time. Then again, one maybe two would be left untouched. The history had no bearing she could see and the romance was nothing but a waste of time. The tiny meals arrived hourly she figured out and by the end of the day the starvation feeling was abated. The knock again and this time no tray. "His Lordship wishes you to join him in the dining hall for evening meal." Mina sat frowning for several minutes then began a frantic arrangement of her hair and makeup. Picking out garments to wear took less time than to quell the nervous butterflies floating through her stomach. He had never invited her to share a meal. Maybe she was just being called in to ask about the books. Maybe.. gods what if he asked about that damn pamphlet? When next the maid knocked she strode out as regal as a queen, looking perfectly calm and unruffled. A still pool with a treacherous rip tide lurking beneath the surface. The hall was dimly lit, candlelit pooled at three settings she wondered for a moment who was the third. The stood waiting. The other doors opened and his Lordship strode into the room with a fire haired woman on his arm, the concubine she had heard of but never seen. Now she was even more confused why she was here. What Price Power? Ch. 03 Firelight and incense, gleaming gold and blood red silks, her feet made no sound on the thick carpet that ran down the middle of the temple. A word others might avoid, but she didn't this was a temple of lust. She was nude save the delicate lacy looking gold bands on her wrists and ankles, marking her as already assigned. Any might look and indeed she was far from bothered by the eyes that watched her. She would have been more upset had they not. The House of Sinra was not as some commoners thought a whore house. Every member, male and female was trained to be masters of their own bodies, masters of their own sexuality. And as those who came to the House and made deals for their companionship, masters of pleasing others. Those who came where not allowed to choose, rather they came to the matrons and over a long almost courtship they were presented to a few that would match their personality, even then it was not the new patrons choice. Her Lord had only match one other and it had taken no discussion between them to make a choice. His hunger had shown through, not for just sex but pain and control. He was a candle to her that brought light but also brought pain when she danced too close to his fire. She reached the end of the carpet and seemed to wilt like a flower to the floor. Long moments she held perfectly still in the position of pure submission. "Child, you grace us well. It is not for error I call you. Retire to your chamber I shall fetch you soon." The breath she hadn't realized she held finally released. If not a fault, then why? She wanted to pace and demand some answer, but she had been trained very well. Her room remained, a sign to all that she did not belong to her Lord, but to the House. She had been an unwanted burden, but healthy and with a promise of beauty as a young child. Her family had sold her for a price equal to a harvest. In addition they would receive a small portion of her first five years of service. This bargain always had more More families offering children than they required. Her earliest memories were not of her family but of the creche, a separate estate gardens, sunlight, laughter, lessons in history, art, music... so many things her families poverty would have denied her. All were encouraged to be curious, only those with the right nature remained, others were sent away to other tasks better fitting their natures. Only at adulthood had she been taken into the House proper to be assigned to a Matron and finish her training. Of the twelve age mates she started with only two others remained, a handsome male and his twin sister both as golden as the sunlight streaming through the window. Last she had heard they were going to a couple with royal blood to be pampered pets. She watched the courtyard, the unmatched at play or leisure, some practicing their flirtations. Oddly very few indulged in sex for the sake of simply fucking in the House of Sinra, Sex was pleasure yes, but also their task. She was lost in thought as the door opened and a young trainee cleared her throat and shifted nervously. "Our Matron asks that you come now to her chamber." She raised one perfect arched eyebrow, the girl was such a nervous nature, lovely, would be gorgeous in a year or so more, but that timid streak.. Perhaps she was being raised for a marriage. Such happened from time to time. She headed off down the hall, every evening that she had been here she had made this journey to report her account of the day and her thoughts of her lessons. This apartment made her chamber look like a storage closet, but Matron in her day had been highly sought after, even claiming a king as a patron. But the power lay in the hands of the Magi now and her Lord was one of the more powerful ones. She held her head proudly. "Child what do you know of your Lord's apprentice?" She frowned and her composure must have given away her surprise as the Matron's switch instantly struck her legs like a naughty student. But of anything she could have been asked today, accused of, told.. that was one subject she simply had never thought to have to speak of. __________________________________________________ Mina was equally confused at that moment but for different reasons. She was currently standing in the middle of the training room wearing nothing but a leather collar attached to a rope leash. And answering questions about what she had read so far on fire magic. Her master sat in a comfortable chair drinking some golden liquid from a crystal glass and wasn't even looking at her anymore. He had ceased pacing about her almost thirty questions ago. His questions had bounced all over the place, covering not just the first book , but the other two he had sent her the next day. Her eyes would wander to the hourglass, there was more sand in the bottom now that she had ever seen, endured before. She was nervous, unsure, his actions were not normal for him. To invite her to the meal, then order her to strip tonight, placed the collar around her throat, attach a rough rope leash and then have her hold one end of it while he went straight into the lesson. Her mind had been quick to focus and answer at first, but now the questions came slower. "I suppose we shall start on elemental auras tomorrow. We will be headed to the swamp of the Ankar tomorrow morning, incentive is I believe the best way to teach auras." Her mind was so focused on why a swamp was an incentive to learn auras. For that matter what were auras? She hadn't noticed him turning the hourglass over and walking toward her till his hand stroked down her spine. She paled and trembled wondering what hell he would force on her. Long moments his hands roamed over her cool skin, soft, gentle, "Your skin is flawless." His voice was soft, pleased sounding, "So small, delicate, soft looking. Yet you have a core that is strong, and your body is resilient. My concubine fears that your spirit however is becoming frail and I am now inclined to agree with her. You shake when all I do is caress. Am I such a monster to be feared?" If her eyes had been open they would have been wide with terror, as it was she ceased to breath. How was she to answer that? "Ah yes I have been haven't I? And I will do many more things to your lovely body before you are finished with your training. I already cannot fault how well you suck my cock. But fucking you can be boring at times. And I still need to have that tight little pucker stretched enough to take my cock up your ass. " His finger brushed against the sensitive star of flesh and her eyes did open, fear sparkling in them. He smiled indulgently at her and took the leash from her hand, picked up the hourglass and began leading her toward his room. She followed automatically down the halls and past the servants. __________________________________________________ He smiled and his cock started to throb with life of its own. He could almost smell the terror, yet she obeyed. He was uncertain what he wished to do this evening, too bad his concubine was absent, he had the notion of late to see those two tangled together. He didn't know or care if either liked the idea. They were his and would do what he demanded of them. Another evening. He dropped the leash as soon as he entered his bedroom and she stopped in her tracks. He unclasped the collar and tossed it aside. It had amused him, now it didn't the rope had reddened her skin in places. He disliked that. His hands roamed over her again, she barely controlled the shaking. So soft, silky, he upbraided her hair and let it fall long and wavy down her back. It was softer than he expected, thick, scented of something floral, jasmine maybe, but also something spicy. He breathed deep of her hair, nuzzling at the nape of her neck. His hands reached round and cupped the small pert breasts, so small his hands completely covered them. He toyed with the nipples and although it took him a moment they finally hardened with reaction. Suddenly he had an amusing thought, could he break through her fear enough to make her climax. It had never bothered him before if she did or didn't. It was just his pleasure that mattered. Tonight he was bored and two things would break it. One would leave the girl broken possibly and he had come to agree that she needed to fear him less. So tonight.. he continued to kiss her neck and throat, he held her close to him. One hand roaming down her stomach, one up her throat tilting her head back. He brushed his cheek against hers, warm breath against her ear. "Relax. Tonight I want to hear you scream in pleasure." She stiffened against him, nothing in her could believe what he said. He had never lied to her, but she still could not believe him. So instead he swooped her up into his arms and took her to the bed, she bounced once and then stared at him with those gorgeous green eyes. He stripped as she watched. Kneeling beside the bed he tugged her toward him, parting her legs to rest over his shoulders. His hands roamed over her thighs, and he followed them with his lips, tongue, nipping the tender flesh once, not hard enough to be painful but still she squeaked. Her nether lips were silky soft also, not even a trace of stubble of down, golden skin parted to reveal the thinner pale pink folds, and still more the dark rose valley. Her clit was a tiny hidden gem too afraid to come out and play yet. His tongue flicked over the hood and teased it. She gasped and squirmed but he held her in place. His breath warmed her chilled flesh, and he set to work making her wiggle not to escape but to move toward him. Her taste was clean, still scented of the soap she had used, her own fluid faint, sweet, making him determined to taste it more fully, to coax the honey from her reluctant body. He rose up careful to keep his weight off of her tiny frame, his tongue flicking across her stomach, delving into her naval. He spent long moments worshiping each breast with lips and tongue till her breath was faster and her nipples little pearls between his teeth. Her throat was next taking long moments to nuzzle, kiss, suckle.. When he finally kissed her she was slow to react, she could feel his hard cock against her thighs and was far from ready for him. After she seemed to calm and respond tentatively to him he again worked his way down her body. This time his tongue flat against her inner folds and he hummed, she jumped beneath his hands. Parting the folds he found the clit now peeking out of it's hiding place and he breathed against it, her moan was almost music to his ears. Kissing it he then began to lavish attention on the rest of her cunt, tongue probing at her core, the fluid now shimmered and started to flow. It was sweet, a little salty.. it reminded him a bit of the soft fruit that was ripe only a few weeks a year. Same silky soft skin, the soft flesh, the nectar from biting into it then lapping. He mimicked the bite with his lips only tugging carefully, suckling the inner folds, then lapped at her as he would the fruit. She shuddered but for once was not stiff with fear. More slick fluid leaked out and his tongue caught and savored it. This was almost addicting. More and more she wiggled, squirmed, her breath was rapid pants. He caught the clit and sucked hard on it a moment and she almost leaped out of his embrace, her body shook and a blush crept across her skin. He didn't give up but pressed hard against her core, his tongue seeking entrance and she cried out. He realized abruptly that she was fighting the climax, it was strange and unfamiliar to her, it now scared her. He rose up and embraced her, demanding a kiss of her in distraction, sharing the taste of her. Never had he slid so easily into her, felt her body milk him, so damn tight and yet he moved easily in the slick canal. She whimpered and whined and he cooed softly to her, his movements not demanding but slowly pressing her toward that point she feared. Finally she did scream, a strangled sound, and her whole body tensed, then relaxed in a boneless manner, but her cunt.. Oh gods above he was in Paradise, she squeezed him, her cunt was sucking him deeper into her. He couldn't take another moment of this, his cum jetting deep into her womb as he tightened arms about her limp body, she shook for a different reason now and her breath was rapid not from fear. He smiled and reached up to stroke the side of her face, she looked at him with those green leaf eyes, amazed, stunned, bewildered. He found that he loved that look, and his cock responded staying hard as he drove her to yet another climax and a third before he felt himself be utterly drained, by then she was barely alert. He straightened her out in the bed, then curled up around her, she fit perfectly against his body. So exhausted she couldn't fear him for the moment, a few soft kisses and she vanished into sleep. He held her close, watching her for a while. Would it be hard to make her devoted? To make her want to please him? To not have to force her, to pay a concubine.. but to have a willing lover? What Price Power? Ch. 04 He awoke a bit confused, warmth pressed against him, soft, the scent of sex lingered, so did a faint spice and heady floral. Mina was curled up on her side, the black hair a veil about her face and shoulders. She looked innocent, relaxed, he could never think of a moment he had seen her so. Even she did not know he watched she was rigid, remote, removed from the world. One could almost see the wall she erected between her and the rest of the world. He knew that was one of the reasons he enjoyed tormenting and degrading her. He had as a youth known too many such, remote, untouchable, he had been beneath their notice. How had a common little whore developed such a manner? Why? A flicker of anger, how dare she think herself removed from him. His blissful thoughts of the even before lost as his cock hardened and he watched the rise and fall of the small perfect breasts. She slept with the innocence of a child, however those rosebud lips had been stretched around his cock often enough. For that matter his cock had been swollen inside the sleek little body the evening before while those lips had parted with cries of pleasure. He shifted slightly and she murmured in sleep and curled her hands beneath her, burrowing into the thick padding of the bed. He smiled, her skin was golden and sleep warm, her rounded buttocks dainty curves. He moved carefully not to awaken her too soon, he knelt between her legs, hands loosely cupping her ass and then moving to hold her waist, lifting her up. She whined as she started to wake, confused a moment where she was. Then before she could wake fully and realize where she was, before she could retreat behind her wall he surged forward. His cock parting the soft petals of her sex, pushing into her core with no warning. Her strangled scream was muffled in the pillow that she now clung to. He paused a moment, holding her still, his cock twitching within her. He watched as she wiggled and tried to find a way to make it easier to take. The stricken confusion thrilled him, the tears that glittered in her eyes. The power to disrupt her calmness was heady, withdrawing till the fat dome was all that remained within her. The shudder of relief, then slamming deeper into her and making her gasp in pain. He could feel her body cramping, trying to push him out of her unprepared body. It felt like paradise and yet enraged him further, how dare she try and reject him. His pace was merciless, her screams turned to whimpers and moans as her mind began retreating from the pain he inflicted on her body. He wanted her to scream again, wanted the music of her pain to spice his pleasure. The small puckered opening nestled between her ass cheeks caught his attention, he withdrew his cock and pumped his fingers into her cunt harshly, one, two them three. Then pressing against the tight hole, her eyes opened and she struggled briefly, but it was in vain. His first finger slipped in and she started begging him to not do this. His second finger pushed into the tight ring and made her yelp. So intent on his new task he had not heard his bedchamber door open, not noticed the soft shift of the bed, but fingers wrapping around his hard cock startled him. He looked at the smiling face of his concubine, "You seem to have started your day early." He groaned as the soft fingers began stroking him, skill and training allowing her to know tricks that would have had an average man spurting in moments. Even as her head bent to his lap and a tongue stroked along his shaft, over his dome, "Oh.. she is sweet isn't she?" The red head cooed and began devouring his cock eagerly. He slowed his assault on Mina, torn between hearing her scream as he fucked her ass, and simply allowing his concubine to continue to do what she was doing. Mina was crying, a rough choking sound, he withdrew his fingers and turned her onto her back, tear stained cheeks and terrified eyes. His cock throbbed hard, having a hot mouth and the sight of two women, one eager and lovely, the other shattered and trapped.. A groan and he came spurting into the concubines throat and she purred in delight. All that made it less than perfect was the glazed look of his apprentice, the wall had come down and removed her from him in someway. He stroked the bright red hair and smiled indulgently at her, "You were missing last night Jenyse." ***** Jenyse shrugged, "I am always at the command of the Matron. You know that. Were it my choice would have been your bed, not a cold cell." She spared a quick almost dismissive glance at the apprentice. Was she too late? A few moments later and the Lord Magi would have torn into the smaller girl. She feared there was something horrifically wrong. But she could not appear interested in the girl, not just yet. She had to distract and reduce the risk to the girl. A pout touched her reddened lips, "Now.. have you wasted all your strength or can My Lord rise once more to the occasion?" She knew full well he would and could. She understood that what had made her and the few others suitable was the healers gift, not enough to become true healers but enough.. just enough to allow certain actions. Such as bringing his cock back to hardness with a mere touch of her fingertips, restoring his vigor and lust. He groaned and the growled, lust blazed in his eyes and she smiled at him. "There is the Lord I know. So you haven't worn yourself out on the little one. But looks as if you have worn her out." She ran hands over the girl, disliking the flinching, but finding the girl's body not as damaged as she feared. She ran fingertips between the girls legs, still wet from his use of her, bringing those fingers up to suckle on them. Oh how his eyes flared at that, she moved away from him and over to the girl. She crawled up the trembling body, whispering softly in her ear, "Relax, this will be pleasure." She moved slowly kissing Mina's unresponsive lips, trailing down her throat, toying with first one then the other nipple. She felt the Lord Magi move to watch them, his hand stroking down her back in fascination. So he had thought of this himself, and now would do nothing to distract from it's possibility. Good.. she wanted him to find the greatest pleasure coming to him when the Little One was also being given pleasure. Eventually she would at the Matron's command train him to think his greatest pleasure came from the girl. She still didn't understand the final plan, but she was obedient. Besides, it would suit her to see the girl made happier. She now knelt over the girl and ran hands down her body, "Such a tiny little thing My Lord, but so very sweet, like a newly ripe peach. Still firm, a little tart, but the sweetness is coming. It needs only a little more time and coaxing.. " As she bent over, her bright red hair trailed over the golden skin, she wiggled her hips and grinned up at him. "Are you going to be lazy My Lord? Or will you not attend my needs while I make coax this little one to giving up her nectar?" He didn't have to be asked twice, he was behind her, hands gripping her hips and cock prodding at her folds. She chuckled at his eagerness, and ran a hand over the girl's flat stomach, "See Little One, you just have to ask nice." Oh but those eyes held nothing but fear and confusion, she ran her tongue over the silky smooth skin that guarded her tender treasure. It would take a good deal of skill to override the fear and pain, the memories that made the body beneath her tremble. She wiggled her hips, then arched her back, sighing in delight as he slid deep into her. "Little gods of the sky.. that feels so good. " His answering growl echoed her thoughts and she started to tease the girl, flat of her tongue running over the smooth sex, then tongue diving in between the folds and tickling the tiny hidden gem. His strokes were slow, deep, languid, he was more entranced with the show than the act at the moment. Again she used her faint healers spark, this time to sooth the aches, the bruises, mend a small tear, as pain vanished the girl started to squirm nervously. Those first tiny mews of confused pleasure made her purr and redouble her efforts. No trick she had ever learned was spared. Slowly she coaxed the girl into writhing pleasure, the legs relaxing, the folds puffy with need, soon it was not the taste of his cum, but something clean, sweet and salty. She purred and the vibration made the girl moan and arch her back from the bed, hands knotted into the covers. She felt him swell and lunge forward at that sound, that vision, perfect.. now more of her tricks, she moved and gripped his cock inside of her, milking it. Fingers drove into the tight body and found a soft pillow or flesh , beckoning gestures timed with her tongue caressing the clit.. the girl half screamed as the first wave of pleasure shook through her body. An answering roar and his hands gripped her hard, pulling her tight against him, spilling his seed deep inside her body. Hunching over her, breathing hard against her back. She twisted a bit and offered him her coated fingers, he looked puzzled a second then drew them into his hot mouth, a surprised look and he chased every last trace of the girl's fluid from her fingers. "You are so lucky to have found such a sweet little peach." ***** Mina tried to relax in the bath, the water was hot, soothing, the fact that she was currently resting in her Master's lap, was not comforting. Nor was the concubine that was scrubbing her skin with a soft sponge. The two talked, teased, sipped wine, even offered her sips of it, nibbled on bits of fruit... they acted as if it were perfectly normal for the three of them to share the over sized marble tub. Maybe it was for them. He was soft and unresponsive still she tried to stay as still as possible. Her sex ached, and was tender it was almost pleasant to have his soft cock brushing against her hairless nether lips. His hands would lazily stroke over her skin, he bent forward once and teased a nipple to hardness, laughing at her reaction. They would feed her tidbits, slices of apples, cherries, segments of sunfruit. "Too bad it is not yet time for peaches." He teased her nipple with a strawberry then brushed it against her lips, "But now I have a little peach do I not?" His mood had swung so wildly again she dared not breathe, this morning she had awoken to his anger, his rage and desire for her pain. Now he was treating her like a beloved pet. Jenyse, she now knew the red haired woman's name, seemed to have not a bit of fear of her Master. Then again a royal Concubine of Sinra was far more valuable than a mere common whore who had the mage core. Jenyse was a symbol of power among both nobles and magi. She dared not refuse either of them, dared do nothing to anger them. She hated herself in this moment, hated this new game, hated what this pair had done to her body. The weakness, the moments of blindness, the almost wish for their touch again. She shivered and the pair took notice, "Are you getting chilled? I was meaning to teach you aura shields today. But it is far to late to start out to the Swamps now. Instead I think that you will study a bit more today." He leaned forward and she froze as his lips brushed against her throat, "Or maybe we shall spend the day at rest." Jenyse laughed softly, "You would make her raw and worthless for anything. What about taking a ship to the swamps? A pleasant evening aboard ship, a night beneath the moon, the waves turning the ship into a cradle..." He lifted an eyebrow in thought, "It has been sometime since I had such leisure. And you are right, the ship will make a far more comfortable retreat when we are not at lessons. And will allow her to arrive rested and refreshed enough to pay attention." He stood gathering her in his arms, and placing her on the rug, handing her a thick towel, "Dry me off." Mina obeyed without hesitation, running the towel over his body. Unlike some Magi he was well muscled and toned, He was not ugly in looks, for all his manners were. Many a woman would find him charming, at least till they knew him. His cock twitched to life and his hand was in her hair, forcing her to kneel, She simply ceased thinking and did as she knew he desired. Her lips parted and tongue traced along the length, running along the veins, finding the small place beneath the head that made him draw in a deep breath. Her hands encircled the base and cupped the heavy balls tenderly, looking up at him she slowly started the process of drawing him into her mouth, the ache of her stretched lips ignored, the desire to gag as she swallowed and moved gracefully. She was aware of the concubine stroking her Master, kissing him, watching her, both now had hands in her hair, petting, stroking. She felt the tightening of the balls, felt the twitching.. and then he groaned and salty liquid flooded her throat, threatened to choke her. She fought the panic until she could breathe, looking down at her hands and controlling the urge to heave. They patted her head like a good pet and wandered off to finish grooming and dressing. She rose and gathered the towels, placing all but one in a pile then wrapping it about and crept off down the hall to her room. A servant arrived a short while after with a trunk for traveling and left it just inside her door. Packing was fairly easy she had little. But she had never been on a ship before, it sounded at once exciting and terrifying. More so with the recent change in her Masters behavior. She would almost prefer the mindless abuse to the past days changes. She steadied herself again. Just survive till she was a magi.. then no one would touch her again. Ever. ***** Many a plan went awry for the Lord Magi, it turned out his apprentice suffered seasickness so severe that a few of the crew thought it would be best to land early and let her recover. At least Jenyse had no issue, other than it seemed the sea made her utterly insatiable. Not that he was going to complain. It made his trip fair more pleasant. Would be a day longer than planned. No way the girl would be fit for training until she had rested and eaten. Neither would happen till she was on solid ground. He was also undecided about another issue. If he wished to seduce the girl. Then he would need another play toy. A war captive.. or near enough who could not complain. He would have to join in on one of the border raids, or perhaps one of the uprisings. There was the that one convent that was suspected of housing rogue nobles.. that could give him the perfect toy. Jenyse was near exhausted from keeping the Lord distracted, but she checked one more time on the now sedated apprentice. She had never been on water before and never should have been it seemed. The girl had finally emptied her stomach, it had taken almost a dozen doses till enough had stayed down for her to pass out. A crew member was assigned to stay near encase she started choking in her sleep. Killing the object of the Matrons plans would not be a credit to her. She brushed a stray stand of black hair from the girls pallid face. "Rest Little One, you have a very hard task ahead of you. But I promise I will make it better than the one you would have had." What Price Power? Ch. 05 He could see the determination in her eyes. There was a fire there he didn't expect. He could also see how very close she was to understanding the spell, understanding its needs and demands. Then a look of shock, she had it figured out. A flicker and the shield formed only to fail almost instantly. Fury sparked in her eyes and the shield came back up, held, one breath, two, three, the fourth breath it failed. He watched her closely, she was thinking it through. She wasn't giving up. There was a stubbornness he didn't expect in her. He felt a surge of pride in his student. Again the shimmer of the shield appeared, this time it was holding. Several long moments he let her hold it, then he struck at it and broke through it. She responded by bringing it back up and he smiled, twice more he broke it and she restored it. Each time it took him a bit more effort, but now she was pale and breathless, the eyes getting dazed. "Enough. You are still feeding the core with your body so you cannot hold it for too long nor can you withstand me. But you have done it. Now come let us go back to the encampment." He moved to offer her his arm and she reluctantly took it, she still didn't trust him too close to her. "Now you have the basic shield, what would happen if you focused ice magic into the shield? Or into the area between you and the shield?" That distracted Mina and she lost some of the stiffness, "Between? You would chill the area I think. Too much and you would harm yourself. But into the shield? How... the forming? Pour the ice energy into the shield as you form it? Can it become solid?" He nodded, "Yes it can, a wall of ice between you and an enemy is useful. You can push people away, deflect a blow or arrow." Oh those eyes were alert now, but the skin showed exhaustion, her face was thin, cheeks hollow. "As for the other..." He pushed his shield outward, enough to cover her as well, the coolness was a relief, more the endless attack by the insects ceased. She sagged slightly against him, and he on a whim lifted her into his arms, her eyes held that ever present leeriness. A feral creature too use to cruelty. But she was exhausted enough not to argue and the bubble of cool air welcome. Camp was a lacking word for the area set up on the shore, a tent of fine mesh covered a large area, his personal tent was as luxurious as his room at home. The servants had laid out a light meal, chilled bits of food to tempt appetites in this steamy heat. He settled down on a pile of cushions still holding Mina, calling for cloths and cool water. Jenyse came strolling in wearing as little as could be decent and walked over to them with the heavy lidded smirk of amusement. He was pleased as she took over the task of stripping Mina, running the scented cloth over her as he held her in his lap. The cool air and wet skin making those tiny nipples harden, a flush of color touching her cheeks. Lovely, almost innocent looking, so young, so very powerful. He lifted a morsel of melon wrapped with paper thin cured meat to Mina's lips, "Eat. You have used up too much of yourself. You will start taking your meals with me so I can make sure you are eating enough." Obediently Mina's lips parted and his cock hardened at the sight of her taking the bit of food. She was half laying in his lap, Jenyse having propped her up with more pillows. Her nude body open to his caress, his sight, but he did need to coax her to eat enough to not grow ill. It would probably be the concubine who slaked his hungers. Damn it she was right, he needed to seduce Mina into loyalty make her come to adore him. There was simply too much power in that delectable body, too much fire he now understood. He wanted her at his side, not become the enemy she would become in time. He ran a hand over her shoulder and down an arm, she was young so it should be easy. He shifted her to lay nestled in the cushions beside him and pulled Jenyse to him. "My little student has made a fine showing of herself today. After she has a chance to rest I think we will discuss a bit more of the possibilities of what she is learning. But for now, I can shield her and you from this wretched heat, and see how appreciative you can be my concubine." Jenyse instantly responded by straddling his lap and facing him. She needed to be careful, not frighten the girl nor repulse her from her Lord mentor. She wanted the girl to become more responsive, less frightened she needed to intrigue her, teach her that sex could be very enjoyable. She began slowly writhing, undressing him, teasing him. When he would reach out to touch her she would shy away and then catch his hands and push them away. Finding one of his sashes she tied his hands behind him. "There my fine Lord. You will rest as well. This is mine to play with." She stroked his cock and kissed the head of it. "I have had nothing to do all morning.. and been thinking such interesting thoughts." A glance over to Mina showed that the wide green eyes were watching alert and curious, almost amazed that someone dared to order the Lord Mage to do anything. Jenyse pushed him back to lie next to Mina, and started at his throat, moving down, kisses, nips, licking his skin, making him moan, making him growl as she ignored the hard cock that rose from its nest of black curls. A nip at his inner thigh and he almost sat up, "Mina dearling, caress him, touch him anyway you wish." "She needs rest." Jenyse smiled at him, "Oh she'll not be worn out. You will however." She dragged fingernails down his outer thighs from hip to knee and he bucked beneath her. Mina's hand reached out slowly, she seemed to fear at any moment she would be grabbed, the little fingers drifted over his chest, finding the muscles there growing more bold as she was almost ignored. Jenyse kept his attention on her, if he lingered to long on Mina she nipped him, his breath became rapid and ragged, "Mina.. do you think I should put our poor Lord out of his misery?" Mina looked at her in confusion, she had never been asked her opinion of anything. The prey caught by the hunter look was all that Jenyse got. "No? Then he will just have to wait till you think he is ready. Have you ever played with his ear? Ran a fingertip along the edge, then your tongue? Nipped the lobe? Try it." Jenyse moved to lay on the other side of him, "No hands my Lord, patience has a reward." Mina now had moved to try what she suggested, and Jenyse mimicked it. His cock was stiff and leaking the clear pre cum, "Oh see what we made him do." Mina's hand reached down and a finger touched the fluid, caressed that tiny opening and his groan was pleasure mixed with agony and Mina's eyes grew huge. "What do you think dearling? Can we make him cum without touching his cock?" Both looked at her with confusion, she reached over, cupping that sweet little face softly, leaning over him and kissing Mina, the slow response was frustrating, but at least she did respond. Her breasts rubbed against his chest, and she knew when Mina shifted to lean more toward her those tiny hard nipples were also tickling him. She moaned against Mina's mouth and encouraged her, soon trembling hands were touching her curiously. And laying between them taking in the whole show was a man fascinated and infuriated. He wanted.. he didn't care as long as something wrapped around his cock... And then Mina's cool heavy hair was floating over his stomach, his cock twitched in the silken mass. Jenyse had plucked it loose of it's customary braid. A groan as he watched the pair kiss, red and black, fire and ice. A gasp escaped his lips as that hair curled and stroked his over sensitive cock. Jenyse pulled away with a smug look and Mina's eyes were watching as it throbbed and then erupted, white streaks catching in the jet black hair. Mina pulled away and the hair caressed his stomach and chest Then warmth and weight, Jenyse was astride him, pressing down on his still hard cock, "Now to have my own fun." She started riding him slowly, no not ride, she danced on top of him, Mina's hands explored his chest, throat, ear... he caught her finger once and sucked it into his mouth to tease her. He reflected this was the first time she had ever been willing to touch him. But he had a hard time focusing on her with what the concubine was doing to him. He gasped out loud as she squeezed and milked him with her body, how did a woman do that? Bend and arch her body like that? "Mina..will you kiss me." His voice husky and low. He didn't think she would, then a small hand cradled his cheek and hair blinded him. Soft lips, barely brushing against his, he waited, seeing what she would do. Gradually his little apprentice got bolder, now he returned her kiss. Her breath was faster, his nose detected a scent that surprised him, "Mina. Kneel over me.. kiss Jenyse." She did as he asked, he had no clue if it was willing or obedience. He also had no care. But she was aroused, he slipped his hands from their bonds and pulled her down, his tongue slipping through those smooth nether lips seeking every drop of her sweet moisture. Jenyse was slower, distracted, but the way she moved made him light headed. Gods above and below he was a blessed man right now. Mina was starting to buck and move against him, her soft whines and moans making him eager to suckle and prod at her core, to send her over the edge. A flood of nectar flowed over his lips and Mina cried out loudly, he could no longer hold back. He bucked against Jenyse, hot pulses filling the concubine's womb. He half blacked out for a moment, barely aware of shifting bodies, a warm mouth on his cock cleaning it of every drop of the mixed fluids, Jenyse nuzzling his throat.. his eyes opened. Mina willingly doing this task? He reached down and pulled her lightly to him, "You need rest." He pulled both of them close, letting his shield wrap them in comfortable relief from the swamps heat. Mina was half asleep laying against him, hearing him snore. Hating herself for the weakness, but also seeing a potential Please him and he was far more pleasant to be around, the concubine was always gentle with her. A tiny frown he wanted her to share his meals, he might also demand more of her body, yet if it were like this afternoon, even exhausted she could give in to him. The problem was her body liked this very much, it felt good. And he was an evil man, a cruel man, a dangerous man, but if he favored her? She could have a better life, a better time as his apprentice. She was learning faster than expected she understood now, she was strong, and once she was fully trained. Then it wouldn't matter if he could make her body tingle and grow languid. She would be free. ______________________ The cooks had managed to make a decent feast of little in a crude surrounding. He had made a plate himself and given it to Mina with orders to eat all of it. "Tomorrow you will have the hunger again, not as bad I did not drive you to full exhaustion. But I expect you to rest, eat and we will discuss more of how to use the shielding spell to protect yourself, both from others and from yourself." "From myself?" "Yes pet, I will be teaching you fire spells, but to work with them properly you need to be able to shield yourself from the flames." "So...the cold between shield and myself...a buffer? And fire to warm against some of the ice spells?" He blinked at her then smiled broadly, "Exactly my clever one, also as you saw earlier you can keep yourself comfortable in the worst environments. No more shivering in snow, or sweating in heat." "Is that why you wished to come here to the swamps to teach me?" Again he nodded, "My master did the same to me, think of it as extra encouragement, the insects will be repelled by the shield as well." Oh he loved that light that shown in her eyes, the sudden awareness, the leaping from one thing realization to the next. She learned faster than her body could handle. "But until you no longer draw from your body for your strength you will only use the shield in an emergency or when casting a fire spell." "My Lord? How long till I can draw from the aether rather than have it drain my body?" How soon till she could free herself? "I am not sure, you are still growing my pet. Until the core is mature you must bear it's demands. It is like a pregnancy, you will endure the discomfort or die of it, then the core will be.. born and become a separate being that can feed it's self and strengthen you." Mina very much disliked that thought, and started picking at her meal, "Eat. You have been starving your body and the core is draining you to a shadow. This is why you will be taking meals with me from now on. Besides.. I find the company of two lovely women enjoyable." What Price Power? Ch. 06 He was restless. It told in his small cruelties, but he was forced to control most of his urges. The girl was becoming too valuable to use. Something he had not actually foreseen. His concubine was not someone he could abuse as he wished. The servants were also not truly useful. He needed something.. rather someone. A week now he had been paying more attention to reports and raids. He was looking for an opportunity, one of the noble families caught in rebellion. But one that had what he sought an adult unwed daughter. Someone he could make a toy out off with no remorse, no need to hold back. Tonight had finally offered something of interest, a family that may have hidden away the children from one of the exiled houses. He had agreed to have it investigated as they were closest to his area. In council he had seemed bored and annoyed, sent to chase children. But it had been almost seven years, perhaps not children anymore. Perhaps a daughter.. or the family would have one. He would prefer a noble blood.. but at this point he would take a peasant until he could find what he wanted. Tomorrow... Until then, he strode down the hall to the new room he had installed his apprentice in. She sat at a desk reading not noticing him yet. He was amazed the complete order of the room, the bookcase he had filled for her was perfect order of subject and authors. A dresser had her various brushes, perfumes and makeup on it. He swore he could measure the distance between the items and find it identical. The rug was perfectly aligned to the bed, the covers had not a single wrinkle. Her room was a glimpse into her mind, perfect order, demanded regiment. This was why she would make a strong mage.. maybe even an archmage. His toy might have been lost, but he had a weapon in his possession. A half growl, and that was why he needed to be gentler with her. She whirled, the eyes huge and still holding fear, he smiled reassuringly, "I came to check on your studies. It seems I may be away for a few days." He worried that she was able to stay so neutral in expression, so distant. Damn it he wanted her to cling to him, to start needing his attention, to bind her self to him. That ability to wall herself away annoyed him more than he wanted to admit. Just like all the highborn bitches in his youth. He walked over, "Come.. spend this evening in my bed." He was careful to offer it as a question, but she knew it was a command. After all she would have days of freedom from him. He led her down the hall, another advantage of her new room for him, she was within easy reach on a whim. "Strip for me little one." He released her hand and sat down on a chair, watching as she unbuttoned the night robe, beneath a thin gown that clung to her faint curves. Softest white a bridal gown, it made her skin golden and hair blacker, the ribbons loosened and she drew it from her body, thin lace decorated her rather than hid her privates. He motioned for her to come closer, he wanted to remove these. Stroking her skin as she stood before him, soft, smooth, flawless. He pulled her to kneel in front of him and sat back, "I would enjoy those lovely lips." Mina started to undress him wordlessly, hands running along his thighs to part the robe and let it fall to either side. The caressing hands stroked his thighs, coming so close, but avoiding for the moment, till he was half hard. His cock twitching and moving with a mind of it's own now. She bent her head, tip of tongue brushing so lightly over the silky skin of his shaft that he felt breath more than anything else. But looking down, the flicker of her tongue against him very visible. Mina felt the jolt through his body, at that she looked up at him, then very slowly took the thick dome between her lips, half kissing it, half suckling at it. Ever so slowly she took him into her mouth, heat, pressure, the tongue pressing up against it, the hands still stroking and squeezing the shaft. She continued taking as much of him as she could without choking, not relenting until she felt the tightness, felt the heavy balls lifting in their protective sack. He drew he up and away from her task. He wanted more now, he wanted to feel her sleek little body tighten about him. He picked her up and carried her to the bed. Laying her down so her legs hung off the edge he knelt there between the tanned thighs and toyed with the lace that pretended to hide her nether lips from him. Bending to breath over it and feel her jump, her breath becoming faster. His tongue teased her through the rough lace, then he slid it to a side. Tongue slowly parting the puffy folds and tormenting the clit that was still hiding beneath it's hood. He was amused as she tried not to wiggle to much, he could affect her. He could break that wall now and force her to feel. He rose and looming over her kissed her, she was still timid of kissing him back. Or reluctant, he pushed forward, his cock making the lace slip again to the side, a scratchy feeling against his cock, but her body was silky, soft and barely wet enough to slip into. But enough, he thrust deeply making her cry out. Mina's back arched from the bed and the angle changed squeezing him so tight he groaned. He ceased caring and began a punishing assault on the small body. He wanted to hear her cries and whimpers, wanted her screams, but he held back enough.. just enough that when he finally came she was breathing hard and tight with unspent need, but not in pain. He withdrew and sat on the bed, pulling her to lay face down across his lap. A playful swat on the taunt ass made her yelp, but it didn't even redden. His hand slid between her thighs and fingers played with her still aroused cunt, thumb toyed with the small pucker of flesh. "Maybe while I am gone Jenyse can show you how to loosen this enough for us to enjoy." Mina fought between the arousal and the fear of his words, she didn't want to enjoy this, didn't want him taking her ass. It hurt, she remembered to well the burning fire of his fingers tearing into her. His cock was far larger. She felt her body become tight, shaking, the small jolts and her body leaping like a fish in his lap. Even as she came he slid his thumb into her asshole and fingers into the now milking sheath of her cunt. He kept her aroused and prolonged it even as he carefully pushed deeper past the tight ring of muscle. "See.. doesn't have to hurt." He coo'ed as she hid her face and tears in the thick comforter. ---------------------- It was not a large place, nor the smallest. A bit larger than average, a bit wealthier, a bit more comfortable, but not enough so to make it obvious the reason. The woman was hanging laundry out, several small children running about, a younger woman was working in the kitchen garden, or almost seemed to be playing in it. Every member of the family was the same, stocky dark brown hair, sun rough skin, except the woman in the garden, blond ringlets and pink cheeks, a fancier dress than the rough homespun wool of the others. She was perfect for his needs, likely the older woman had been a nanny, too fond to let her charge face the fate of the rest of the family. Stole a few bits and bobs, the child and taken refuge here to build a life and start having children herself with the regularity of spring following winter. The only question now was what to do with them? He wanted the girl, but so would the council. He had no use of the family, but they might well complain if he left them. Even as he was thinking the younger children were racing off to a creek out of sight, the woman returning to the wash kettle. And the girl was gathering a basket and prancing off toward the woods. He was able to follow her until far enough away. From there is was a matter of charm, riding up alone on a horse, "Such a lovely lady alone in the woods?" The girl tittered and fussed with her basket, "Nana says I shouldn't talk with strangers." "Does this Nana have such control of your life?" He got off the horse smiling, pleased now he had decided to wear the more formal garments and that the girl was easily impressed. "And how is it that such a rose has come to bloom in such an isolated place." "Nana brought me here when she got married. My parents will come for me one day she says." A smile and a giggle, "She says one day I will be a lady." "Maybe they will send someone, are you little Vylana?" Her blue eyes widened and she dropped the basket, "Oh yes! Have Mummy and Daddy sent you?" He smiled and took her hand, lifting her up onto the horse, "Why else would I be seeking a precious pink rose in the forest?" He would have to reward the spy with extra gold for making this far too easy. "They are at my estate, I know they wish to see you as soon as possible. Then we can send a reward to your Nana." The girl settled happily against him and not even a bit of fuss as they rode though the woods toward a hunting lodge. Tonight would be most enjoyable for him at least. "I think I will call you Rosie." Another giggle, that was getting on his nerves, "Silly.. that isn't my name." Oh but it would be...