Terindra's Story

by Arafel

Part I Part II Part III Part IV Part V

Part I

"So you've come," someone rasped behind her, followed by a soft, hollow chuckle. "Never thought the likes o' you'd ever sink down here with us rats."

Camouflaged by the inky darkness of the alley and her own deliberately black clothing, the Princess Terindra of the Royal House of Arbigahl turned gracefully on her heels, casting a withering stare at the one-legged man who sat atop a large pile of rotted crates. Hers was not an interesting face, a beautiful one, but there was something intangible in her air that could make a man melt with desire or make his blood turn to rivers of ice-and usually at the same time.

"Remember who's paying who, Rinn," she told him, smiling angelically at him beneath her halo of red-black hair, looking obtusely non-threatening in the half-light. "And remember who can sentence you back to the prison camps with barely a yawn." A threat, sharp as any razor, hid itself just beneath the polite veneer of her words, and Rinn sensed it deep in his bones.

A chill passed through the wizened man as her eyes met his, sharp pools of deep hazel and liquid amber, alive with hunger, ambition, and a multitude of things that were beyond him to understand. He swallowed. The princess looked particularly fierce this morning.

"Of course, my lady."

Terindra raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. "Then, tell me of my sister's presentation to Lady Tuscine yesterday," she asked.

"There 'as a grand banquet, and--"

"I was there, Rinn," she interrupted. "Tell me what really happened."

Rinn glanced up at her, sighed, and began again. "While I was restin' in the kitchens, I overhead the pages gossiping about how Yasmina accepting Lady Tuscine's son as her first concubine would bind their houses and provide Yasmina with personal resources, while protecting Tuscine's estates, as she has born no daughter to inherit."

Terindra's bright eyes narrowed dangerously. "So now Tuscine wants to become a part of the game. Well then, she and her armies are welcome to it. We'll see who wins at the end." A dark light filled her eyes, and for a moment

Rinn almost wished he were back in his drudgery as a prisoner, instead of in the service of this young chit of a girl who seemed to carry the authority of a thousand years in her eyes. Terindra wanted power very, very badly, and he only hoped that she would not destroy the world in the process of getting it.

Then she spun again on her heel, impossibly graceful, and smiled crookedly at Rinn. The dark angel was gone, and back in its place was the charming, witty princess with the wine-colored eyes. He could only scowl, not wanting to show any of the anxiety he felt whenever Terindra seemed to change like that.

"Next week again, Rinn," she said, tossing two gold pieces at him before she stalked out of the damp alley, eventually disappearing into a secret back entrance to the Royal Gardens.

The ambassador the Empress sent to the court of Kahlzistan should be arriving there soon. It was intended that a marriage be arranged between the eldest daughter of the Ambassador, and the Prince of Kahlzistan, Estaldo. What the Empress doesn't know, is that Tessia, the eldest daughter of Ophelia, the Ambassador, is an agent of Terindra, since their days as young girls under the strict rule of the clerics. Terindra had needed to do a lot of convincing to get her to sacrifice her freedom to become a wife, as the northern barbarians called it. The younger daughter, Lobella, is a sheep, fit only to decorate a corner somewhere.* * *

It was going to be a good day, Terindra knew, though not because of the weather. In fact, when she last looked out of a window, the sky was actually quite dismal, a gloomy purple-gray left in the wake of a noisy monsoon. As she strolled down the marble-lined corridors of the palace wing that she shared with her sisters, Terindra smiled to herself, thinking of the report she'd just received from Kahlzistan.

"Princess Terindra," a pair of guards simultaneously greeted her, opening the doors to her sister's antechamber.

"Stop fussing, Tofellin," she could hear Nadora admonish as she and Sepha, their mother's seamstress, struggled with the girl to get her to fit into the gown she would wear for the eldest princess' alliance feast. "Stay still!"

"Tofellin," Terindra called out in a crisp voice, masking her face with a small smile. The girl turned and saw her, her yellow hair doing little to mask the rush of color to her neck.

"My dear, please stop this nonsense and get yourself fitted."

"Yes, my lady," the girl replied in a half-mumble, going limp and allowing herself to be carted off by an irritated Sepha. Tofellin was a young lady in service to the princesses, who was to have a part on the ceremony.

Nadora, meanwhile, sighed loudly and flopped ungracefully into a high-backed chair, rubbing her hands together and looking at her elder sister with a skeptical expression. "Here to get fitted, Indra?" she asked dryly.

"Hardly, sister," Terindra replied, seating herself across from her. "I came to ask you something, is all."

Nadora frowned, her mannequin face easily showing her wariness. Hers always was an open face, which was why Terindra trusted her. Nadora was straightforward, if nothing else. "What is it?"

Terindra shrugged, noticing for the first time the bolts of fine cloth that lay scattered about the room, obviously borrowed from Isadora's own supply. "I received an invitation from Merchant Stollerin this morning," she said, not caring to mention the other letter that she had just received. "He's coming to his river palace again."

"Spare me, Indra!" her sister exclaimed, displeasure and something like nausea clouding her young face. "I despise the and I hate his idiotic river festivals. Every year he just ends up charming another poor girl out of her right mind and into his bed."

"Nadora," she replied in a mockingly sweet tone, "you know that's not nice."

A length of ruby-red ribbon found its way near her head, and Terindra batted it away easily, laughing despite herself. "It's not my fault, Dora. Mother's ordered me to go after Tessia's festivities are over. And you're coming with me." She smiled differently now, a darker, hungrier smile.

Nadora sighed, burying her head in a bolt of green silk in frustration.

"Sometimes I wish I was never born into this family," she half-shouted, her voice muffled by the cloth.

"So do I, sister," Terindra said, rising from her seat and turning for the door. "But we have to make the best of it now, don't we?"

Terindra returned to her own rooms, and found her personal maid waiting there for her. She bowed to the floor, saying, "My Lady, if it please you, I was given this message for you." She offered a plain roll of parchment, sealed with unmarked wax. "It was given me by one of the laundry servants, who said she was approached by a kitchen girl, who was given it by a delivery slave."

Inside, Terindra found a note inviting her to meet with somebody at an inn in the city that night. The note hinted at information of great value to the Princess, and was signed with a sigil known to her through her street rat, one used by smugglers. Beside it was a glyph denoting nobility. The association is not one ever publicly admitted to exist.

It was nearly dinnertime now so Terindra deiced that it was time to start on into town. Carrying her usual dark hooded cloak, she quietly slipped out of the castle. The sun was just beginning to set as she strolled along the dirt road that led into town. As she did so she draped the cloak around her shoulders, concealing the rich garments she wore below. Terinda then slipped her infamous auburn hair beneath the frayed edges of the cloak. As close as she could ever be to looking common, she strode down the hill that led into the city.

People passed by her but no one recognized the features of one of their elusive princesses. As she came to the welcoming inn, she stopped a moment to pull the hood farther down on her already concealed face. Opening the door a feast of sights and sounds greeted her. The inn smelt of whisky and broth, with a homely quality that one usually finds in the company of strangers. She scanned the room and her eyes set on a squirming balding man sitting alone. Bingo, she thought as she took in the rich quality of his clothes and his unease in the lower quality establishment.

Terindra walked straight towards him and gracefully sat in the chair across from him, "I hear that you have some information for me?" She purred, turning the full effect of her innocent looking cerulean blue eyes.

The man looked to be in his late forties to early fifties. From his rosy cheeks and pudgy body, it was evident that he enjoyed life in all its forms. Clearing his throat, he says, "It's about Bransford." To Terindra those three words made her mind reel. It had been quite the scandal when the handsome rogue had escaped her mother's side. Terindra decided that this might not be a spoof after all. "What about him?" she asked sweetly, masking all the turbulent thoughts inside her head as she leaned back in her chair casually.

"I need your help in finding him, you see... he's my Lady's son. We've heard that has become a pirate and might be captaining a ship stolen from your mother." He adjusted his collar, perspiration showing gleaming at his temples. "You can't imagine how sorry my Lady is about this, the disgrace that has befallen her family. She offers to provide you with finances and information in exchange for arranging a few permits and a little, let's say, blindness, among the Navy to allow them to hunt down my son. She can't stand the disgrace any longer..."

Her eyes, already tearing over with boredom from this sob story, helped her as she grabbed the man's hand and said quietly, "I'll do anything I can, with two conditions, though. One is that this arrangement must be kept in secrecy. From now on, there will be no meeting in public places. The other one is that if ever I need a favor I would love to be able to count on you?" She trailed off, looking at him as if offering friendship.

"Oh yes, of course!" he replied, while painfully squeezing her daintily offered fine-boned hand in agreement. Her revulsion at being touched by this pitiful man, almost caused her to jerk away as she escaped his clutches and said, "I'll leave you to eat your supper now, I have to be going."

She pulled her hood closely around her, and swept out of the bar. Terindra pondered her newfound source of power as she journeyed back to the castle.She found herself breathing just a little fast, and realized that she was excited. Finally, all her games at spying outside the palace were paying off. The others thought that nothing ever happened outside, but they were wrong. Everything happened outside! Everything real. She stopped, realizing that she didn't want to go back to the Palace. the thought was stifling. She wanted, she wanted something different, something untamed. She turned toward the docks, looking around her as she went. So many buildings, she wondered what went on in all of them. It had never occurred to her to wonder before. They all must have their purposes. Somebody had ordered them built. Suddenly she wanted to know. Wanted to know it all, what everybody did in all those buildings, with all the meetings and business that went on in this city. She came to a side street and turned down it a t random. It led to a small courtyard surrounded by old buildings. A private place. Something about it called to her. She determined to build her own life, a secret life. A real life. She turned back, making a note of where it was, and headed deeper into the warrens of warehouses that crowded the streets between here and the docks. A noise came from ahead and to her right. She wandered that direction, and the traffic on the street increased, until she realized that most of those on the street were leading slaves, either toward or from the large open building ahead. There were large men with whips posted at the open front doors, and she could see more toward the back, but they didn't seem worried about the people passing freely in and out. They watched inside the building, not for trouble outside. When she reached the door she suddenly realized why. It was the slave market. She had never thought of coming to such a place, but as she gazed around, she found herself interested. The main space was taken with walkways before long cages with rows of slaves on display, as the potential buyers walked along inspecting. The center was an open area where individuals and groups of slaves could be paraded for auction, but private sales were happening, also. She strolled along, moving back past the common laborers offered at the front toward the skilled workers and specialized slaves offered in smaller pens toward the back. Merchants had desks set up near the groups of pens they were using for their wares. Most glanced at her and ignored her. She didn't have the entourage that would accompany somebody with he means to purchase these more expensive wares.

She moved further back, and found an area of more carefully guarded and heavily bound slaves, both men and women. They appeared to be warriors, probably prisoners of war being sold to pay for their keep. They stared at her sullenly as she walked by, no sense of proper behavior for a slave. She headed back out of that area, and came to a pen with a single man in it. He was chained more heavily than all the others, arms held away from his body toward the wall, chains running behind him and up to the ceiling. He wore shreds of what were once nice clothes, and tossed his black hair out of his blue eyes to grin at her. Grin at her! This slave in so many chains he could hardly stand for the weight of them, grinned at her. She grinned back, feeling the excitement grow. A woman cleared her throat behind her. "No, loitering, missy. He's an expensive one, and dangerous. Not for the likes of you!" A whip streaked out between the bars and licked across his shoulders, leaving a line of red crossing the others already there. He jerked and the chains rang against each other. "None of your insolence there! Eyes down!" The slave merchant motioned at the guard with the whip again when the slave had the temerity to look straight back at Terindra.

"How much for him?" Terindra turned the full force of her eyes on the merchant. The woman backed as step without quite knowing why. "This man has escaped three times since his capture! The only reason we caught him is that he stopped to help another. He was seized during a border raid with Kahlzistan, but he bore no credentials or identification, so he came to me! A fine specimen, and well worth the 300 Impress asking price!" She started to turn away, knowing the young woman alone could have nowhere near such an amount when Terindra answered, "I'll take him." She knew it was an outrageous price, but wasn't interested in haggling with the smelly merchant. "You will keep him for me until I send for him. You will hear from Lady Tordin." Terindra drew a Goddess coin from her belt, worth 500 Impresses. "This should pay for his keep. There will not be another mark on him when I receive him." She turned her gaze on the woman again, and she nodded as she looked from the coin to Terindra's face. Terindra flipped it to her and turned away, mind already working on new plans.

The lissome boys twined around each other as Terindra leaned back on her cushions, observing Lady Tordin closely. Her wine glass had been kept full through out the evening, as Terindra had instructed, and she had not been shy in emptying it. Which was not to say she was drunk, but appeared nicely malleable. Terindra gave an exaggerated yawn, just as the boys reached a particularly titilating part of their act. As expected, lady Tordin responded by leaning back herself, affecting not to be near as interested in the performance as she had been a moment ago. "My apologies for the quality of the performance. There is only so much one can do here in the palace, you know. One must keep up appearances." Terindra waited for the fading lady's responce. How much leading would it take to bring her onto Terindra's team? Not much, she was sure.

"Oh, appearances are so important, my dear. But they can be constraining at times, I agree." She heaved a sigh, her ample breasts not quite popping out of her strained bodice. Why did women of her age and size insist on such styles, as if squeezing into them made them suitable?

Oh well, at least they led her where Terindra wished her to go. "I imagine sometimes," she breathed in a low voice, conspiratorily, "that I have a place, a secret place, a private place. One where I can do what I choose, and appearances be damned! Oh, such dreams I've had." Terindra now allowed herself to stare at the boys on the floor, winding together to the end of their dance. She allowed speculation to show on her face, encouraging her jaded companion to imagine what lascivious pleasures might be had in such a private place.

Lady Tordin licked her lips, her face slightly fluched under the powder. "Of course, I could never purchase such a place myself! It would be known in an hour! It is so confining, being a princess!" She pouted, ever so slightly, waiting for Tordin to take the bait. She took it, hook, line and sinker.

"You poor child, missing out on the freedom and pleasures that should be the birthright of a girl your age! Perhaps I might offer some small assistance? If you were to desire to fund such a secret place, I might arrange its purchase, under another name of course. But for such a place to be truly the place of your fantasies, it would take a good bit of funding, my dear, and gold is often tracked as carefully as princesses!"

"Do you really think we could do such a thing?" Terindra was enjoying herself. This game of insipid princess usually gave her a bored headache, but this time it was a game of her own choosing, and she found herself actually enjoying leading the old cow by the nose! She flopped back on the cushions again, giving another slightly wistful sigh. "Oh, it would be such fun, to have a place of my own to slip away to! If only it could really happen. But you're right, how could I finance such a thing without it being noticed?" She rolled up on her side, looking earnestly at Lady Tordin. "If I found the money, would you really do it? Could you really hide the purchase of a whole house, so neither of us was connected to it? It would need to be a large place, and we would need to staff it with house staff, slave handlers, and guards. And of course, slaves! How could we do all that secretly?" She carefully plastered on a hopeless yet wistfull expression.

"Oh my dear! It is done all the time! How else would we women get the leisure we so deserve! I could arrange it easily! Still, as I said, the money is the thing. For such a large venture, surely it would be difficult to hide the expense from your own household!' From her mother, the woman didn't quite dare say.

"It would be difficult. I must think on it. Perhaps there is a way." She lay back to plan, knowing the evening a success, and Lady Tordin firmly recruited to her plot. Of course, she would have to die once everything was in place. But that could be dealt with later.

The grapes were firm and juicy, as lucious as everything else about her new house. Terindra stretched luxuriously in the silken pile of pillows, all subtle ambers and siennas to surround her with warmth. The eunuchs brought in her new slave, freshly delivered from the market. They had brought him directly to her, as ordered, the stink of the slave market still on him. His chains clinked and the house slave hurried to place rugs ahead of them so they wouldn't scuff the fine parquet of the floors.

His calm gaze raked her indolent pose and she smiled, anticipating the enjoyment of training this one. "Attend me. He is to be kept in chains at all times, no less than three handlers when out of his cell. This one is wild, and any damage to him or to any other of my property caused by incompetent handling will be dealt with severely. Bathe him and keep him fit, exercise to maintain tone, not great bulk, I like him just as he is. I will inspect later." She waved them out, enjoying the rage in his eyes as he was prodded away. Oh, this would be fun!

First however she must return to the palace. It wouldn't do for her absence to be noted too frequently. She stood and strode to the front door. Her maid met her there with a cloak and they exited to the waiting coach, kept ready. Terindra kept herself from sneering at its plainess. One day she would go where she would in style, without this secrecy unless she chose it. For now she must go un-noticed. The doors closed securely and she settled as best she could on the cushions as they rattled over the cobbles.

A summons waited in her room, to attend the empress immediately, in her private rooms. Now what could this portend? The note had arrived only a brief time ago. Terindra rushed the maid through preparing her for the audience as she thought about it. There were no great plots afoot that her informants had uncovered. No new tidbits about the pirate that had been her mother's courtesan had surfaced recently, her vapid sisters were involved in their plans for the summer season. Lady was obligingly dieing of withdrawel form the subtle poison that Terindra had been feeding her during their frequent meetings, and Terindra had been sure to show the apropriate sympathy as her condition worsened from lack of the drug. What could the Empress want?

The long walk to the Empress' private wing of the palace gave her no new insights. She arrived finally before the great arched doorway that lead to the personal rooms of the Empress of Arbigahl. Gold chased, with ornate carving of heraldic beasts and classically proportioned men surrounded scenes of past victories of the Empire. The guards opened the doors as she approached and she strode into the reception chamber, as ornate and uncomfortable as such places usually are. A slave stood across the chamber, carefully tended muscles rubbed in golden oil to make them gleam. He opened the door and knelt as she swept past into the next chamber.

This was a more inviting room, and so more dangerous. Two soft cushioned divans stood across form each other, inviting comfort and relaxation, deadly when dealing with Isadora. Sideboards with various wines, juices, and delectable offerings stood along the wall with another of the golden slaves to attend them. The Empress Isadora, her mother, reclined on a wide divan, her fine gauze robe draped around her still lovely form. One of her favorite slaves knelt near her feet, rubbing them with scented oils as she read a scroll. She looked up at Terindra's entrance and gestured at another slave, who offered the princess a tray of glasses to choose from. She chose a cool fruit juice and at her mother's nod took a seat on another divan. Isadora placed the scroll on a small table and gazed at the man rubbing her feet. "It is nice to have your own stable of such excellent stock. Returning here at the end of a day to be pampered by my own chosen people among my own things and decor is a great comfort to me." Her gaze swung to Terindra who sat still under that penetration look, suddenly unsure if she would leave this room alive. Isadora would tolerate no sloppy plotting among her daughters. If she knew...she obviously did. But Terindra's recent activities were no direct challenge to the Empress, or to her sisters. How did she know?

Isadora motioned again to her slaves and they rose and silently left the room. Terindra still said nothing, unsure where this was going. Then Isadora smiled. Amazingly, it was a satisfied smile, as if some secret goal was achieved. "Very well done, my dear. Worthy of one of my daughters. None of the others has been half so subtle! I've waited long for one of you to show any intelligence! Yasmina has the ambition, but her methods are about as subtle as an axe, and she has no apreciation for the balance of power. Nadora is a lovely little bird flitting and chirping with not a thought in her head. You, my dear, are dangerous."

"Mother, I'm sure Yasmina will learn as she runs her own estate. Her marriage will surely help. And Nadora will make an advantageous marriage. Your daughters will do you proud!" Terindra hoped the note of pride was the right tact. She still could not see where her mother was going with this. She obviously knew about the house, but was she angry?

"Astute observations, as usual. It is not them that I am presently concerned with, however." Isadora sipped from her cut crystal goblet, gazing at Terindra over the rim. "You have made a step toward independance. Very well, you shall have it. But it comes with a price. You wish your own residence, then reside there. You may take your personal staff from the palace, and you will recieve an allowance to replace the expence of residing elsewhere. You are, after all, a princess of Arbigahl, and will reside in a style suitable to our image."

Terindra silently thanked her training as a girl, or surely her jaw would be hanging open. It was the last thing she expected from her mother. It was, it was, what was it? It was exile, of a sort. It seperated her, at least temporarily from some of her informant network. It gave her independance, but the full price would be figured later. Why would her mother do this? "Mother, I'm grateful for your understanding of my young woman's desire for a certain indepencance." She cursed herself silently for the self description. Her mother hated to think of herself as aging. "I would not wish to leave your side, though, if you have any need for my unworthy services? Surely there is some small task I can oversee for you, to repay your generosity?"

Isadora smiled again, then laughed out loud! "You are my daughter in truth! No, I do not wish to openly give you any responsibility in my service at this time. Instead, we will allow the rumors of a disagreement between us to flourish. There are many plots against the throne at the present time. There has been no war in some time, the markets ahve been good, and the noble women are bored. When they have nothing else to occupy their minds, they plot. If they see you as disaffected with me, they will come to you with their plots. Your sisters may also take the opportunity to remove a possible rival. Well, Yasmina may. Residing in your own house will make you appear that much more approachable. Of course, you will be that much more vulnerable. Therefore, I have another gift for you." She gestured over Terindra's shoulder.

Terindra wasn't sure how many more of her mother's 'gifts' she could survive. She looked in the direction indicated and gasped at the nearness of the woman standing at her shoulder. This woman had entered so silently Terindra had no idea that they were not still alone in the room. And the woman was so dark! Her skin was like polished mahogany. A nomad from beyond the mountains! She wore unusual garments, loose for easy movement, and yet tailored to her body so they were silent and did not risk snagging on anything. She had crossed harnesses hung with several scabbards, empty of course in the presence of the Empress. Ternidra looked back at Isadora in question.

"Yes, she is a nomad. She is a security expert, and will be in your employ at your new residence. You will have need of her skills. She is very loyal. I saved her from the degradation of belonging to the infidel males that trade along the southern coast. She was formidable then, and I have given her the best training available since. She will serve you well." The Empress eyes gleamed as she read Terindra's face. She was obviously amused with the situation. "Go now. You have much preparation to make for your move. Remember to look angry as you leave!"

Terindra thought that would not be difficult. Her mother gives her freedom in one hand and takes it back with the other, assigning this walking blade as her 'security expert' indeed! Spy and guard, more likely, to make sure Terindra couldn't get too much freedom! And to set her up as bait! Well that could present some interesting situations. She couldn't of course, participate in any of the plots that were brought to her, but they might present opportunities, none the less.

She strode briskly through the halls of the palace, the priceless paintings and sculptures on display lost on her as the thoughts spun through her head. She stopped in her own doorway as she realized what she was seeing. Her belongings were already being packed by her servants and slaves. They saw her expression and knelt in a flurry. "Lady, we were told to pack by the Empress messenger. Please Lady, did we do wrong? We can restore everything!" her favorite maid glanced up from the floor fearfully. Terindra smiled and the maid shivered. "No, finish the job. I will be well satisfied to leave as soon as may be. In fact, I shall leave now. Come, and the rest of you finish and come as swift as you may. Be sure to leave nothing behind!"

She turned and the warrior stepped back nimbly, bowing out of her way. The worn leather grips of her blades were restored to the scabbards of her harness. "Come, and you can begin your duties at my new home." Ternidra looked a moment more, appraisingly, then strode to the carriage courtyard used by the royal family. This time, she would take her own coach. No more skulking in that run down rattle trap!

*****

The heat of the water slid softly around her limbs, relaxing her from the tensions of the afternoon. Yes, it was good to be in her own place. She had never realized the tenseness of knowing that others resided all around her and might intrude at any time. She felt more relaxed than she could ever remember, knowing she had no need to hurry, or return, or hide. The maids' hands ran firmly over her skin, cleansing her and massaging with scented soaps and bath oils. Her favorite sandalwood rose in the steam. "Aah, that feels so nice, Milanda. Is it not good to be here at last?" She glanced up at the magnificent slave chained to the wall. He looked even better, cleaned and oiled, hair combed down around his shoulders, beard scraped away. The tooled leather manacles attached to the chains anchored in the wall gleamed with oil in the lamp light.

He had been warned not to speak to her unless she requested it, and the warning had come with a graphic example of the punishment for disobedience. Arbigahl slave master were experts at inflicting pain with out mark or injury. She watched him as the maids' hands worked up her thighs and soft fingers explored her sensitive regions. More hands massaged her breasts and stroked her arms as she reclined in the pool. Her breath came a little faster as they aroused her and relaxed her at once. She enjoyed the sensations with no sense of urgency until she decided she wanted more.

"Come, girls, we shall celebrate our move tonight!" She kissed them each thoroughly, then moved away. His eyes followed her as she rose from the water. The maids dried her with soft warm towels. She moved to her bedchamber. It was a large open room, with a balcony opening to her gardens, still being planted. It would be full of lovely perfume when the flowers bloomed next year. For now there were dried aromatics in bowls around the room and a small fire of scented wood in the fireplace. The bed was huge, with silken sheets and mounds of pillows, gauze draperies hung from the bedposts and over the closed glass doors to the balcony. She had never had such sheer space in her suite at the palace!

Milanda put on a robe and opened the hall door. "Firoll, we're ready to move him now!" The slave was brought in, chains jingling softly between the leather manacles, a yard long metal bar fastened to the center of the chain so that he could be held securely out of reach if needed. His wrists were fastened to the wall brackets before the wrist locks were opened. He was never unchained during any transfer, as she had ordered.

Terindra reclined on the bed. She whispered to a maid, and the girl hurried from the room. The others joined her and continued their ministrations, tongues joining hands on her breasts and thighs. "A little this way, Zilla!" She moved so she could watch the huge slave watch her. His eyes followed as she stretched on the sheets. Milanda, her favorite maid, was suckling on her right breast, the whole aureole in her mouth. The sensation ran through her, bringing an answering fire from her groin. The other maid, Zilla, stroked her thighs, fingers just brushing the soft hair at their apex. Terindra encouraged her to move between her legs and begin licking her. She gasped as the warm tongue parted her lips and made the first stroke up to tiny hot coal at the top.

The slave looked away, obviously trying to avoid being drawn by the scene before him. Terindra bet with herself on how long it would take his attention to be riveted to her. Zilla's talented tongue was moving slowly and firmly up and down and she breathed along with the rhythm, letting the sensations move through her, building slowly at their own speed.

The door opened and her other maid returned, the slave she had sent for following obediently. Merrith dropped her house robe and joined them on the bed, moving to her other breast, pausing to share a kiss with Milanda. The bedslave, a man she had been gifted with at puberty, shed his brief wrap and moved to stand where he could be seen. He began stroking his penis to erection, as he knew Terindra liked to watch him do.

This time, however, she barely glanced at him, watching instead her new slave. He was glaring at her, unable to ignore what was going on, and unable to stop his own reaction. She shuddered at the sensations the three women were giving her, Zilla's tongue moving faster now, Milanda and Merrith moving over her body with hands and mouths, skilled in pleasing her after years in her service.

Watching the man chained to the wall, though, she wanted more. She motioned them away and called the bed slave to her. She had him lie on his back and straddled him backwards, facing his feet and the fascinating man who's erection now swayed stiffly out in front of him, and whose rage was almost palpable on the air. Milanda lay before her and she leaned back on her arms, arching herself so Milanda's tongue could reach her clit as the the slave fucked her from underneath.

She stared at the chained man, imagining that it was him on top of her, watching his enraged fascination as the cock pumped in and out of her, the tongue working on her. She moved faster with the slave's thrusts, feeling the tension build. The walls of her pussy tightened, sending waves of sensation every time she sank down on him, the tongue echoing with electric rushes. She locked eyes with the man as she came, screaming and bucking, pushing for more. She sat forward, pushing Milanda out of the way and rode down hard on the dick inside her. It drove her to the final shudders of her climax. He knew better than to come, allowing her to finish before leaving discreetly to finish himself.

She lay back on the bed, letting the maids cleanse her with warm wet cloths, watching still the man chained to the walls. It had been good, but she still felt less than satisfied. She rose and walked to him, noticing his erection bobbing as it decreased. His eyes followed her warily. She ran a hand down his smooth, hard chest. "You shall give me so much more pleasure, when you are ready. Do you want me now?"

"I want you all right, but you wouldn't enjoy it as much as you think!" She smiled at his expression, then laughed. Lust, anger, defiance all mixed there. "Merrith, would you like to have him?" She turned and looked at the girl, red curls fanned on the bed where she lay, waiting her mistress's desires.

The girl smiled and rose, walking gracefully over to join them. "If my Lady wishes, I would take him! I fear releasing him, though. How would you wish me to do this, Princess?" His eyes were wide now. Terindra reached down and fondled his returning erection.

"No, you are right, we cannot risk loosing him just yet. Turn around and you can back up to him. Zilla will support you." Zilla hurried to them, and the two girls embraced and kissed. Zilla sank down to her knees and again her talented tongue went to work, preparing Merrith for a good fucking. Terindra turned from them and saw the slave watching them, a hungry look on his face. He caught her eye and again rage appeared there. She squeezed his cock and the look was replaced with confusion and despair as he groaned in spite of his determined silence. She stroked him, his smooth warm skin feeling good in her hand. She reached her hand to Merrith's hip, guiding her back until she was bent over, arms around Zilla's shoulders and pussy just ready to back over the huge penis of the wild slave.

He closed his eyes and Terindra guided her further back over his member. His hips thrust forward and Merrith groaned as he filled her. His arms strained against the restraints and muscles pumped as he tried to move more. His eyes opened and stared at Terindra, and he grinned at her as Merrith rocked back and forth, impaled on him. He thrust as well as he was able chained to the wall, eyes on Terindra. She felt herself becoming aroused again and he saw it in her face. His grin grew larger and he pumped again and again into the maid. The insolent man thought he actually had some control here! It was time for his first lesson.

She motioned behind her back at Milanda, who hurried out to retrieve the bed slave. Merrith groaned and rocked harder, mouth joined to Zilla's as she became more and more excited. Terindra watched the slave closely letting him enjoy himself, but not wanting him to get too far. When she saw the tension build in his eyes, she reached down and separated them. His startled expression brought laughter from her as she sent Merrith to bend over the bed. The returned bed slave entered her, moving slowly but soon returning her to the same rhythm she had been at. Terindra smiled at the chained man, who was glaring again, erection glistening with Merrith's juices.

"The only pleasure here is at my command, slave. But it can be great pleasure, indeed!" Terindra sat on the bed. "Milanda, come, I've found this rather arousing myself! I knew he would be fun to train!"

"Yes M'lady, I believe he will be well worth the time!" Milanda smiled back over her shoulder at him as she knelt at Terindra's feet. She buried her face between her mistress's thigh's and her tongue went directly to her clit, flattened and circling to bring her to full arousal quickly.

As Merrith's groans increased, Terindra nodded permission to the bedslave to reach his own satisfaction. Merrith's groans became cries as the slave drove into her, now eager himself for this rare treat. The man on the wall grimaced, forced to watch again as Terindra herself groaned, the tongue driving her to distraction. She still wanted the huge man inside her, and as she felt herself nearing, she saw his erection, again slowly fading. She pulled Milanda away at the last minute and herself backed up to the man, determined to feel him. She wrapped her arms around Milanda's waist and impaled herself on his thick cock, driving herself on it as she fingered her clit, determined to reach her own satisfaction before he could come.

He filled her, sending incredible waves of pleasure through her as she pushed back on him. She could feel him stretching her and pushing deeper inside her than she knew she could take. Then she was coming, driving back on him one last time before pulling off, leaving him gasping as she collapsed on the bed, grinning up at him. He groaned and closed his eyes. Leaning as best he could back on the wall. Merrith came and stroked her as Zilla and Milanda cleaned them both, the soft cloths comforting.

"You two enjoy yourself with my bedslave, too. I want everybody here satisfied tonight. And he will watch it all. It will give him some incentive to learn as he begins his training tomorrow." The two maids smiled, knowing the abilities of the royal bedslave, trained almost from birth for this.

Terindra watched as they played. The chained slave slowly lost his erection, despite the games he was forced to witness. He stared instead back at her. She wondered at his thoughts, aside from the anger he was obviously feeling. Would she ever be able to enjoy his attentions without fear? The thought of this huge man atop her, unrestrained, brought a thrill to her that she could not deny.

She had him returned to the slave barracks when the girls were done, and slept with thoughts of his training still in her mind.

Part II

Andinel strode into the room with an athletic swing that Terindra found fascinating. She wouldn't know how to move like that. The 'security specialist' from her mother had requested this meeting with her and her staff to clarify lines of authority. Terindra had never thought about it as applying to her own household. She had of course studied such things as governmental and business structures, but such things were already settled before she was born on a personal level. Once she realized how much of her future life would depend on such things, she found herself absurdly fascinated.

The nomad was very educational as she explained her security plans and how the other departments of the household must cooperate. It also made her realize just how many new faces it took to set up an independent royal household. She was more vulnerable than she had realized. The thought sent a chill down her back, a reminder that she still had a lot to learn. She would be forced to depend on Andinel. Her mother's cleverness became more apparent by the hour.

She listened closely to the plans, asked questions until she understood them and their reasons thoroughly, then approved them all. When the meeting ended, Milanda brought her a tray loaded with envelopes. Apparently the word was out and the wolves were at the door already. Terindra sighed and sat down at her desk. She was going to need a Korda. Korda was her mother's secretary and assistant, the screen that made the life of an Empress bearable by dealing with the minutiae.

Actually, she needed a staff. Terindra followed the meeting with a massage. She padded down the hall in deep thought, but still enjoying the simple lines of white walls framed in rich dark wood. She entered the massage room and slipped the robe from her shoulders. This room was kept warm and small scented steamers kept the air soft. Fine wooden cabinets and tables around the walls held oils and unguents, scents and lotions. There were two massage tables in the room, solidly built, and well padded. One was draped with sheets of rare cotton fabric.

The bed slave, Edmin, assisted her onto the first table with warm hands, draping the sheet over her to shield her from drafts. She lay on her stomach and concentrated, thinking about her mother's staff and tracing the lines of authority through the palace household, on down through the slave population. It was an enlightening view of how information likely traveled through the palace. Edmin's fingers worked deep into the muscles along her spine, using a warm oil to smooth the skin and the motions. She thought about the things she had agreed to this morning and decided on some things she would keep her eyes on.

Edmin's thumbs worked deep into her lower back, just where her hips joined her spine. The door was opened and her prize slave was brought in. He was laid face down on the other table and chained so that he could be turned without being released. He turned his face toward her and stared across the gap. Terindra smiled at him. Milanda came in and began his massage. She was very good, and after his exercise session and the hot bath he had just come from, he relaxed under her touch. What else was there to do?

Edmin had worked his way down to her feet, and she turned over, watching as Milanda worked on...what should she call him? "Milanda, what should we call him?" A smile showed on Milanda's lovely face as her fingers worked the man's lower back and buttocks. His eyes stared at her again. "I once met a man named Rhodry, and thought it a nice name, mistress."

Something flickered in his eyes and was gone. "Yes, Rhodry is an interesting name. I like it. Rhodry you shall be." He closed his eyes and turned his head down into the bed as Milanda worked on his thighs. Long smooth strokes with the heel of her hand, following the line of each muscle beneath the skin. Terindra could see him breath with her strokes. Edmin had worked his way up her legs and lightly oiled her mons and the skin around it. He continued up her body and as he reached her chest she reached up and pulled his mouth down to her breast. He bent over her, and his arms came around to support her as she arched her back under him. His right hand continued massaging her, stroking down her side and up her thigh. Terindra brought her knee up and he reached between her legs, large hand cupping the curve of buttock and wrist pressed between her legs.

Milanda was turning Rhodry on the other table, and he looked at her with a despair in his eyes that she found rather comical, considering the treatment he was receiving. His cock was half erect already, and when he saw Terindra and Edmin, it filled out impressively. Rhodry's head rolled back and he stared at the ceiling in an odd gesture of futility.

Terindra allowed Edmin to slide her toward the foot of the table, where he bent over her. She gasped as Edmin's tongue found her labia. Her body moved sinuously as she reacted to his massage. His hands continued working her thigh and buttock muscles as his tongue massaged her clit. Rhodry stared at her, as she moved with the utterly uninhibited motions of a person that never had to worry about pleasing another, who would receive an enthusiastic response to her every whim and therefor guarded her reactions not at all. She opened her eyes and Milanda climbed on the table with him, kneeling over him to massage upward on his chest. Her hair brushed back and forth over his cock as her hands worked forward over his pectorals and down his ribs.

Terindra enjoyed the sight of it appearing and disappearing as Milanda moved. Her own need grew under Edmin's talented tongue. It moved steadily, insistently on her, demanding her attention. She rocked her hips in rhythm with Milanda's motions on Rhodry and Edmin changed his rhythm to match. Milanda reached down and grabbed Rhodry's erection and rubbed through her damp curls, still moving back and forth over him in the same slow deliberate pattern. She teased herself with him, rubbing him back and forth from her clit to her warm cleft. When she finally lifted up to impale herself on him, Terindra could see the moisture glimmering along his length.

She watched, fascinated by the sight of his member disappearing and reappearing from Milanda as she rode him. Again the feeling rose in her. She wanted it to be her riding him. Edmin brought her closer and closer, tongue swirling steadily over her swollen bulb and Rhodry's cock thrust into the lovely maid. His muscles bunched and relaxed as he tried to meet her efforts in spit of the chains. Milanda moaned as she drove herself on him, and Terindra saw his balls start to draw up.

She swung off of her massage table and stopped Milanda with a hand on her back. She stepped up onto the table to straddle him herself. Milanda bent over the now vacant table and Edmin moved up behind her. Milanda guided him into her quickly, already close from Rhodry. He pushed into her and reached around to encourage her from the front. Terindra smiled down at Rhodry. She mimicked Milanda's earlier motions, rubbing herself on him, waking courses of fire that traveled through her belly and down her legs. Enough of this. She was not good at waiting. She buried him in her, grinding down hard to feel herself stretched tight around him. He fit well, she was completely resting on his groin, creating friction on her clit as she rode him, and he filled her enough to stretch a little, sending surges of sensation through her with each thrust.

She rode him hard, grinding into him with each move until she screamed and the walls of her pussy contracted around him with each new motion, and she continued to move on him. Milanda echoed her cries, coming herself on Edmin's well practiced pole. He continued to thrust into her, as Rhodry tried to do, lifting himself from the bed in his attempts to continue to move in her. She lifted herself off of him. "Would you like to come?" She asked him. He growled at her, eyes raking her in lust and fury. "When you look on my appearance with excitement and pleasure in your eyes, then you may receive your own pleasure." His muscular frame and the strength she could feel in him even from below had excited her, though, and she wasn't satisfied. She wanted to be fucked. Edmin had the skills, but not the build to give her the feeling she found herself craving. Terindra decided to go shopping again.

She sent Merrith out on an errand for her, and sat down to begin sorting the mail. There seemed to be many offers of services that no new household could do without. Those she set aside for the housekeeper to look though. There was also an impressive assortment of invitations to various social events. She looked around in thought, and wandered down the hall, past the guards posted in the hall. She actually thought they looked rather impressive there, men and women alike in superb condition, all in her personal livery, the royal crimson and black cut with paired gold stripes across chest and sleeves, showing her as the second daughter of the Empress. Rather gaudy, actually, but impressive.

Yes, here was the room she was thinking of. It had a large table, as well as a desk and many shelves with a scattering of books seemingly randomly placed on them. She recognized her own small collection, mostly left from her lessons. She realized that this was her office, and her desk. She went and plopped herself happily into the chair and opened drawers. She found it stocked with basic paper, pen and ink. It somehow seemed the least completed room of the house, and she determined that of all the house, this room would be hers. Yes, she needed to go shopping. Tonight and tomorrow! She began laying out the invitations, lining them up by connections, lines of influence. She pulled out some paper and started making cards of other people to fill in gaps. Soon she was engrossed in her project, defining and redefining patterns.

*****

"Mistress?" Milanda called from the door. Terindra looked up from her sketching. She realized she was thirsty and had been at it quite some time. "Yes, Milanda?"

"Mistress, you wanted to go to the auction this evening?" Terindra glanced out the window and saw it was even later than she had thought. "Yes, Milanda, I'll change quickly. Please have the plain coach brought around." Despite her enjoyment of using her own coach to come home, there were times when being less conspicuous was still a good idea. She dressed accordingly, as Milanda had known she would like, loose trousers that fit snug around her hips, a loose blouse and an enveloping cloak with a deep hood. Milanda brushed her hair quickly and tied it back with a scarf and she was ready to go.

The coach rattled out the gate and turned toward the slave market. She hadn't been back since she had found Rhodry, and she looked forward to it with excitement. It had been so stimulating. She had several things to look for. This was also the place to hire slave staff. Her housekeeper had given her three names that she recommended on hearsay from other houses. The housekeeper had been her lead household slave since she had reached her legal majority, with her first menses. She was given her initial staff at that time, and her childhood servants had been reassigned. It had been difficult for her, but Hazil had guided her to an adult relationship appropriate to their stations. She trusted Hazil implicitly, as they both knew that Hazil could leave her service only in death. A Princess's life contained too many secrets for one so privy to them to be released any other way. This was true of her personal maids, as well.

They arrived at the market and that intoxicating smell of humanity rolled over her again. She supposed it was rather rank, but to her palace sheltered nose, it was wild and unknown. She went first to the area off to the right of the doors. This was the handlers' area, where those looking for work made themselves available while the market was open. Milanda gave the list of names to the receptionist and requested a private room for the interviews. Terindra wanted the use of the new person for the rest of her shopping trip, if it could be arranged. Andinel hovered nearby, the others of her four member team were spread out around her, watching the crowds continuously while she looked around curiously. Terindra was impressed with the smoothness of the team that had come with Andinel. The twenty person core group was highly trained and unobtrusive. Terindra wished she could think of them as hers, but they never would be. She needed to begin building her own, soon.

Milanda returned with a hovering servant who led them to a small interview room with a table and chairs, and offered cold drinks, assuring them that the women they had asked for would be there immediately. Soon enough the first one arrived. She came in and bowed, assessing them in quick glances as she kept her eyes down until invited to speak. Milanda questioned her, following and interview pattern composed by Hazil and Andinel with Terindra paying close attention.

There was something about this woman that she didn't care for. She stared at Milanda's breasts and avoided their eyes. She seemed fidgety. Milanda finished the interview and she left, ducking out past Andinel. The second woman came in, bowed gracefully to her and seated herself firmly upright in her chair. She faced them and waited patiently for the first question. Terindra looked at her closely, letting Milanda continue the interview. She was well built, a bit stocky. Terindra had seen the measuring glances she and Andinel had exchanged as she came in the door. This woman was obviously very good at what she did. Her demeanor almost bothered Terindra. It seemed too smooth, and yet she otherwise seemed a most impressive candidate for the job. Terindra flipped the names of her last employers mentally through the charts she had woven in her office earlier, and found lines and connections with many possible sources, leading back to one of three of the leading noble families. Interesting. She thanked the woman and waited for the last candidate. She was beginning to think she would have to look elsewhere for her trainer. But she feared that would allow her enemies more time to place ringers in her path. She needed to move quickly.

The next woman strode in with the same athletic grace she had noticed in Andinel. She bowed and seated herself, sweeping her hair back with one hand and bringing her gaze up to lock on Terindra's. There was almost a shock from this woman's personality. There was an implacability and certainty in that level gaze that Terindra couldn't look away from. She forced herself to meet that look. The woman leaned back comfortably in the straight backed chair and answered Milanda's questions. They seemed insipid now. "Why are you here?" Terindra interrupted. The eyes glinted renewed interest. "My last employer began thinking that I was one of her slaves, because I worked with them. We had a difference of opinion regarding wages due when I quit. She was one of your sister's crowd. Figured watching the game from your side of the stands might be interesting, if you look like a player."

Terindra smiled at the frank answer. Andinel's eyes never left the woman's face. Terindra made a decision. "Walk with me." She stood and left the room, Andinel stepping out ahead of her and motioning the others to position as the moved into the market. "Your name?" she asked as the woman stepped up beside her. "I am Saiadine, your highness."

"Saiadine, I am building a household. I need a good secretary, discreet and capable. I am also looking for a new bedslave. I need to purchase two more for general household work. There is an additional seven at the house. My holdings should be expanding soon, and this job may extend to oversight of labor on a more extensive scale. So. I want to know what you know. Your interview now consist of a tour of the market, with the above noted needs in mind." She smiled a challenge at the brunette.

Saiadine met her look and grinned herself. She led the way between the rows of viewing boxes. They passed several lines of very handsome slaves, well displayed, skin oiled, with a variety of skills professed. Saiadine dismissed them as being over bred for looks and overpriced for the same. She moved back among older slaves. These tended to be well groomed but for sale more for their resumes then their looks. "You need somebody capable. That means one who is comfortable in his position, with experience in organization and communication. Here you find slaves whose mistresses have died, or businesses have come upon hard times. Slaves crave stability. These are likely to serve well the person who gives it back to them and lets them do what they know how to do. Most buy the young handsome ones, and train them all over again. These know if they don't sell soon they will end as cheap labor and die in a field somewhere. Here you find loyalty."

An interesting perspective. Terindra strolled up the line of boxes, seeing the intensity of the gazes of these men. Most weren't actually bad in appearance, just beyond their prime. She scanned the tags. Most were office personnel, shipping clerks, inventory specialists, schedulers. Several were bedslaves, past their prime. She found an older man with light skin and hair that still had some yellow to it. A northerner! He had been owned by an import concern owned by a family she had heard of but knew little about. They did not spend time at court. Apparently the department he was in had been closed down and he had been sold with the others currently assigned there. Milanda asked about his experience. "I've done many things there, miss. They moved me all over in the past 40 years. I've done accounting and scheduling, inventory and reception, communications. For awhile I was assigned to guests to see to their needs. I can do anything you want, miss!" He was well built and looked healthy, though the signs of age were becoming clear.

"I need a personal assistant. You would be me secretary, attendant, and representative. You would be expected to be accurate and organized, as well as discreet. You would answer only to me and the slave mistress. Servants of mine in positions like that don't leave my service alive." She watched his eyes widen as he realized who she was. He bowed low. "I would serve you well, mistress, I can do anything you need. You would be my life." She nodded to Milandra, who addressed herself to the agent hovering nearby.

Terindra turned on up the aisle with Saiadine and Andinel. This time they moved toward the back, through less professional types to general labor. Again, Saiadine recommended slaves just past their prime. She found good looking stock with solid training and reasonable prices. She did choose one handsome young man trained as a beginning household worker. He would be suitable for serving and greeting guests. Her house would have a good appearance and run smoothly, she felt. She was pleased with the evening.

Now Saiadine led her to the pleasure slaves. The style these days seemed to run to the overbuilt muscular type. She kept going through the thicker crowds of browsers in this popular area. She began seeing a few more interesting specimens. They were built more naturally, to her eye, smooth well toned muscle, careful grooming, very aware of themselves and of her. There were a few women, all of extraordinary beauty and exquisite training. She already had the best of those, though, in her three maids. They had essentially grown up together, and the three knew little outside the palace.

Here was an interesting one. She liked the long hair, and his smooth build. He posed for her and she enjoyed a good long look at him, but something wasn't quite what she wanted. Saiadine pointed out another, commenting on the trainer's reputation. The man moved seductively and promised advanced skills, but didn't hold her interest. She stopped at a couple more, and caught Andinel staring at one striking man who had been shaved and advertised as proficient in various rather unusual techniques. Now here was an interesting view.

She realized that all four women were staring at him, Milandra having rejoined them. He had long dark hair, hanging to the middle of his back. His shoulders were broad and beautifully proportioned. He was in exquisite condition, and he smiled in sensual anticipation as he looked at her. Deep blue eyes flashed with good humor. "My Lady has excellent taste," Saiadine said, looking up from his tag. "This one was trained by the Hanarzy Stable. They are renowned for their training of pleasure slaves. They do not breed their own, indeed, all their stock is sterilized. They choose them as children through a series of screening processes. They train for years, learning the workings of the human body, and are trained in basic medicine, as well. There are advanced courses available to them if you wish them to attend, on a variety of subjects. If I might advise My Lady?" She waited for Terindra's nod. "A close association with a training organization such as Hanarzy Stables could be most advantageous for you. Such a place learns your preferences and can train to meet them. And patronage of an Imperial daughter is a valuable thing for them. My Lady mentioned expansion."

Saiadine stepped back to leave her to think as Milandra finished her discussion with the stable representative. Terindra stepped up to the woman, offering her congratulations on the quality of their offerings. Were private sales available? The woman made haste to assure her that her every whim could be met, and she made the appropriate return noises. She was becoming bored and wanted to move on. "Bye the way," she said to Saiadine. "You're hired, to start immediately." She continued to stare at her new acquisition. "I have a project for you, that you should find a challenge. This one should be helpful. I have a wild slave, I wish to train to pleasure. Perhaps to more." She began the walk back to the carriage, feeling Saiadine's stare at her back.

Aah, finally, she spotted him. Merrith's message had gotten through. She was beginning to wonder. Her smelly little contact from the docks. She signaled to Andinel to attend her. "I will be speaking with that man, out of earshot of anybody. You will not follow him or disturb his activity in any way. Do you understand?" The nomad nodded stiffly and signaled her team. Terindra continued strolling up the aisle past her contact to look at another slave, this one a young boy, just in his full growth. Some liked to train them personally. The man stepped up beside her.

"I see things happening for you, princess! I have news, as well. There are purchases of small businesses along the waterfront. Strangers who offend nobody, run smooth shops, and take an interest in the neighborhood. The consensus seems to be that it is good for the area. But then a few people noticed comments from the sailors that it's happening in other port cities as well. My superiors began wondering who was investing behind these people. They've traced most of the funds back to merchants in Kahlzistan. Men who we know have connections with fences in their port cities."

"What are fences?" Terindra asked impatiently.

"Men who sell what other men steal. Like pirates."

Terindra moved on to the next cage, thinking hard. This one was a little older, but looked up through boyishly long eyelashes with an ingenuous glance that made her grin back at him. Oh, he would be fun! But she was quite satisfied with her choices. "Give me regular reports one the activity at these places. I want to know what they do, what they sell, who lives with them, who they hire. "

He stared at her. "That will take money, my Lady. And may attract notice if done clumsily. It's a bigger job than I can do without bringing in my guild. Do wish to hire the thieves guild?"

Terindra considered. The idea had its merits. And its problems. It needed more consideration. "I'll let you know. Do nothing for now." She handed him a purse and strolled on her way down the cells, her party reorganizing itself around her. She directed the slaves to be delivered to her home, and instructed Saiadine to gather whatever belongings she had and report there immediately. It was early yet as she headed for the doors. The evening market should still be worth visiting. "Andinel, I have more shopping to do. The market, please!" Terindra climbed into the coach. Andinel approached the door. "My Lady, I must advise against that! You have been here long enough for your presence to be noted. To go from here to another public place would be to invite attack."

"Oh, I think it will be safe enough. Nobody wants to kill me until they know whose side I'm on! I will enjoy what freedom I have while I have it, it will only grow more dangerous later!" She pulled her cloak around her and sat back as securely as possible for the ride in this poorly sprung box on wheels. It put her effectively out of range of further argument from the guard. She could not remember the last time she was able to go out without disguises and sneaking out service doors of the palace! She wasn't ready to stop yet.

The smell of the city came to her, damp with evening. Birds echoed from all around. The light showed that parchment color it sometimes gets just before sundown. The carriage clattered over the flagstones and out onto the Empress Way that quartered the city along with the Goddess Walk. The market was of course at the center. This time of day most of the produce vendors have packed up and turned for the long journey home. But there remained sellers of clothing, jewelry, and many another finished item. Lanterns hung at every post, lending diffuse light to the sunset.

Terindra wandered through the market, fascinated by the difference in the feeling of the place in the evening. Andinel hovered near her elbow, two guards at her back, another ahead, two more ranging through the crowd. She looked around for things for her house, especially her office. She spotted the gleam of polished brass and moved toward it. The merchant bowed effusively at her approach, and she looked over his wares. He had a selection of lamps, and she thought one would be an improvement over the squinting she was doing earlier. He saw her interest and moved in with obsequious haste.

"Your Highness, you honor me by gazing on my poor wares. May the perfumes of a thousand flowers sent the breezes around you! May the light of a thousand lamps shine on you! This one, now, is my own poor thought of something that might illumine a lady's chamber, though I never thought one so grand as yourself!" He offered up a small piece, cunningly wrought as a seashell, and she looked at it.

"Fine work, indeed. However, my eyes seek something a bit more substantial. Something perhaps on a stand, that would shine down on my work. Perhaps another for the desk. Also a worktable needs light, and a reading chair with a table next to it. The existing lamps light the shelves well enough I suppose, but..." She sighs. "I want this room to be perfect. I suppose one must see it to know what I need." She stares at him and he realizes that his jaw has dropped at her words. He closes his mouth. She looks around at his wares again. His work shows a cleanliness of line that she finds appealing. "You will come to my home tomorrow. We shall look at my office, and you will design the lighting for it. If I like it, you may claim patronage by a Royal Daughter." She motioned for Milandra to make the arrangements and turned away, moving on through the lanes.

A hard arm came around her middle and threw her to the side. She turned to get up, outrage already darkening her face when a weight landed across her legs and she was sprayed with wetness, her eyes covered for a moment. She wiped them clear with her wrist, a warm salty taste in her mouth. She was looking at legs, and followed them up to a back just as the tip of a sword came through it, then that was yanked out of her view and Andinel whirled into it from the side. The owner of the sword Terindra had glimpsed saw her too late and then he dropped from sight, Andinel's blade continuing its' stroke trailing a red spray. Everything was suddenly quiet. Terindra looked down and realized what was laying across her legs. Then Milandra was there, pulling her out from under the mess that her mind refused to recognize. Andinel grabbed her other arm and the two hustled her back through the market to her carriage, guards tight around and weapons bristling.

*****

"My sister!" Terindra raged. Milandra and Merrith knelt nearby. Andinel watched her as she paced back and forth across the room. "It had to be my sister. That bitch thinks she can eliminate me. She'll learn. I won't be as crude as to kill her though!" She grinned fiercely, baring her teeth. "I'll beat her. I'll see her bow to me." Zilla returned from taking away the bloody rags that had been her clothes. Terindra shuddered at the quick vision of the blood that flashed past her mind at the thought. She stopped pacing suddenly and stared at Andinel. "This will not happen again."

Andinel stared back at her, and began to answer. She stopped her. "I will not be trapped in my home. You will do what is needed for my security. Let me know what you need. You will also teach me. I will not be so at a loss again. You will teach me to fight, with and without weapons." Andinel continued to stare back at her, without answering. A wise woman. She knew the security leader had much to say to her, but tomorrow was soon enough. She was aware that this was probably not the best state of mind for her to make decisions in, either. That just made her more angry.

The door opened again, and Saiadine stepped in. That surely wasn't a grateful look Andinel gave the woman. Terindra let it go. Her mind went to her new acquisitions and she let it, grateful for the interruption herself. "Saiadine. I'm glad you're here. Have you found things to your liking?"

She swore the woman moved like a tiger, loose boned and utterly confident. "The slave quarters are satisfactory, although I would like to make a few changes in room assignment. May I have permission to arrange the training rooms to my preferences? There will be some initial expense."

"Tell Milanda what you need. Wait. Tomorrow, assign the new slave to Milanda. Milanda, you will teach him the household and what he needs to know to begin his new job. That can be one of his first tasks. Now, Saiadine, have you met Rhodry?"

"Of course, my Lady. He is an admirable specimen. Such men are frequently impossible to train though, my Lady. You have heard this before, I'm sure."

"I've heard it. We will do it anyway. I have started on him. I would hear your recommendations tomorrow. I have kept him sexually frustrated and tried to fixate him on me. For tonight, should this continue?" Terindra wasn't sure she wanted to deal with it, tonight. A night alone with the new one was what she was thinking of now. But she didn't wish to interrupt the training if Saiadine felt it should continue. Terindra knew she was no expert in the process, although she had enjoyed her attempts!

"I would advise not, my Lady. The only thing that should be consistent in his life right now is inconsistency. I will spend some time with him and evaluate him. If you represent pleasure to him, I will be pain. Do you wish the Hanarzy sent up?"

"Yes. That will be all tonight. I wish to be alone. Milanda, send up some wine and fruit and cheese, then you may consider yourself off for the night." The room emptied rapidly and Terindra moved to the window, looking out at the city. She had almost died today. And had been completely dependent on her mother's gift, again. She had no choice, for the moment. That would change, somehow. She hadn't thought her sister, if it had been her, would come after her so quickly, but she supposed it made sense. Why allow her to become strong before eliminating her? She kept this as a lesson to herself. How does one go about recruiting people one can trust, for positions like security, and information? Anyone she could go to could be in somebody else's employ, or have their own game in mind.

The door opened again, and she put the thoughts from her mind. He was exquisite, his eyes darting up to gauge her reactions. His hair had been brushed to a shimmer and fell loose to the middle of his back. He carried the tray of wine and food over to a table and set it down. He wore a pair of loose soft pants, gathered at the waist with a drawstring. They curved gently around his buttocks and thighs. He turned to her and boldly looked up at her. She smiled.

"Bring me some wine, love, and let me get a closer look at you. You may speak and act freely around me, in private. My name is Terindra. 'My Lady' gets a little annoying in bed."

He smiled, and it tilted just a bit. Oh, my, this was going to be nice. She felt a blush of warmth between her legs already. "May I have some wine, my Lady?" Bold indeed! But that is what she was looking for.

"As you will." She leaned back against the window frame where she stood and watched the muscles play under his skin. She loved his build, taller than her by a few inches, powerful upper body without being muscle bound, legs in proportion. He brought the wine and came close to offer her glass. He stood near enough to look down into her eyes momentarily, and she caught his scent, rich and warm. Then he stepped back and sipped from his glass, watching her. She remembered her own glass and drank, taking a good swallow. She wanted him near again, but was enjoying watching him work. It boded well for his more physical talents.

"My Lady is breathtaking, standing before the moon there. I am lucky indeed to be your slave." His smooth deep voice sounded very sincere with that last statement. She had a vision of several of the court ladies and felt some understanding. She laughed a little at the thought and was abruptly more at ease with him.

"You are rather breathtaking, yourself, love." She ran her eyes over him again. "Yes. Most appealing." She strode past him, trailing a hand across his chest as she went. So smooth, so hard. That scent again. She untied her robe and slipped it from her shoulders as she turned back toward him. "I do hope I am better than some of the crones you must have feared."

"Yes. In the barracks, we would talk, wondering who would purchase us. We scared each other with tales of terrible masters. We also tantalized ourselves with plans for a beautiful mistress. How to please her so well she would never part with us. Our plans changed as we learned. I always thought mine was the best." That crooked smile again. She enjoyed it as his eyes traveled over her in turn. Sure of her approval of his boldness, he came toward her, eyes meeting hers directly again, that tilted smile on his lips. He moved slowly up to her, giving her plenty of time to react, until he stood over her once more, his face close to hers, his scent filling her head. "What would you like me to do, Terindra?"

She found herself staring at his lips, wanting to taste them. "I want you to do," she started, then moved her eyes back up to his, meeting them clearly, "whatever you want to do. No plans, no instructions. Just what you want. What is your name?" She asked, startling him a little as he tried to think through her request. She usually named her slaves, like Rhodry, but found herself wanting it from him, instead.

His eyes fastened on hers again, hesitation gone. His hand cupped the back of her head, fingers warm in her hair. She felt him brush her robe off her shoulder as he bent to her lips. She pressed herself against him and his hand slid down to her thigh, cupping under her and pulling her tighter. "I am called Listani." The words were murmured against her lips and then his tongue parted them and lightly opened them to meet his. He tasted of her, sucking lightly at her lower lip, then letting his teeth graze the upper one. His hand behind her head steadied her as he met her mouth reaching for his, and his tongue darted deeper into her mouth, caressing hers and coaxing it out. She didn't need much coaxing, responding with thrills to this confident handling.

He broke away suddenly and bent a little, to lift her in his arms. He carried her to the bed and reached to place her in the middle, pausing to pull the drawstring on his pants and let them fall. She rose up to look at him, and caught a glimpse of a hard erection. Then he was before her again. "Shh." He whispered her to silence, a finger before his lips and humor glinting in his eyes. "You said what I wanted," he breathed on her neck as she lay back and he moved with her. "I want you to lay back, and don't speak. Close your eyes." His lips just brushed her neck, then were gone. She felt his hair draw across her chest, then lift as he reached to capture her hand. "You might be tempted to change your mind if I don't remind you." He had both of her wrists now and held them beside her. "This will remind you that I'm doing what I like." Then his hair caressed her again and she felt his mouth on her breast. He lightly kissed it, leaving a trace of moisture, and the aureole contracted in the cooler air. His hair drifted over her and heat trailed his tongue down the curve of her belly. "You taste good, Terindra." His deep voice vibrated on her belly, as his tongue continued to explore her.

She was excited, waiting for his next touch. She pulled slightly against his grip on her wrists, not wanting him to let go but wanting to feel him there. His lips met hers, this time assertive, pulling a response from her. Her tongue reached for his without her willing it and she loved his taste in her mouth. She wanted more of him, found herself wanting to taste his erection. She requested that only occasionally, finding it usually more pleasing to watch the others. But now she found herself hoping he would offer it. This kind of suspense was interesting. The feeling jolted through her when his mouth moved to her other breast, massaging it with his tongue, working the nipple around and around. She lifted herself closer, wanting him to suck on it. He did, for a moment, then moved on again. "You liked that. So did I." She almost groaned with frustration, then quieted as he took the first breast in his mouth and suckled on it, the suction sending fire through her, the feeling rebounding through her from her groin. She groaned, pulling again on his grip on her wrists. She moved under him, straining to feel more of him than hands and lips. "Soon, Lady, soon. I want to taste more of you first."

She felt him move on the bed and he parted her thighs with his knee. She eagerly spread her legs. He knelt above her and reached for her lips once more. She could feel his cock brush her belly and she pictured him poised over her. This time the kiss was demanding, taking her mouth thoroughly and deeply. She took him in, her tongue dancing with his, wanting more. He pulled back, and she felt him kneel back. "Now, Lady." He drew her arms back down to her sides and released them. "Don't move. I want you to lay still." His voice kept reminding her of her of her instructions. What he wants. Then his tongue slid along her folds, parting her in a smooth stroke that ended at her clit started back down without lifting. She arched her neck as the sensation ran through her, and he grabbed her wrists again before she could reach for his head. His arms were under her raised knees now, pulling her tight to him. His tongue moved over her, expertly exposing her clit from its hood and diving her wild.

The feeling of loss of control was a new one for her, and profound in its effects. She was a mass of sensations, and he brought her very quickly to the edge. He felt it and carefully kept her there for a time. She almost screamed when he stopped without giving her release. She wasn't about to order him though, not when he was making her feel this good! His tongue moved again into her pussy this time, probing at her walls enough to bring a rush of desire for more, then he let go of her. She felt him move up beside her on the bed.

"Open your eyes." The soft voice purred and she did, turning to find him sitting beside her, erection at eye level. It was beautiful, not something she usually thought of them. This was beautifully formed, elegant, like the rest of him. "I want you to suck it, Terindra. Taste it and want it." She turned eagerly, reaching her lips for the head, were a bead of moisture beckoned. She wrapped her hand around the base of his shaft. He gathered her hair out of the way and her tongue found that sweet drop, teasing inside him for more. He tasted good and she took the head in her mouth, laving her tongue around it, relishing the taste and feel of it. She took it out again and ran her tongue down the underside, moving between his legs now. She drew one of his balls into her mouth, gently massaging it without pulling. She drew back and engulfed the head again, this time taking a little more of him in. "Yes, Lady, that's it. I want you to use your tongue on the bottom, that's where it's most sensitive. The little notch at the ridge. Yes, there." His voice turned to a deep rumbling groan as her tongue found the spot.

She drew back again, sucking as she went, then ran her lips back over him, tongue flattened and keeping pressure as she moved, taking over half of him now. Her hand moved up to meet her mouth, and back down as she let him back out. Well lubricated now, she was able to guide him all the way to the back of her throat. He groaned again, and she found herself thrilling to the thought of causing his pleasure. She had always enjoyed watching her slaves come, and knew that they found pleasure in serving her, but this was different. "Just like that, Lady. Yes, don't stop." She moved her head up and down, trying to keep a rhythm. His hand in her hair helped, guiding without pushing. She felt him grow even harder, and noticed the tension in his thighs against her arms as she moved. She remembered to use her tongue more and heard his breath catch.

She moaned herself, finding that this made her want him even more. She sucked and moved faster on him. His tension grew, she could feel it and it excited her. "Oh, Lady, you are good. All the way, Lady, as far as you can. I want you to grip it tighter. Yes, like that! Oh, goddess!" It occurred to her that he might come. She had never let a man come in her mouth before. She had tasted it, but found nothing to desire in it. She hesitated a beat and he was lifting her off of him. She was bewildered for a second, then he was turning her.

He moved above her again, those deep blue eyes looking into hers, seeing her want and daring to share it. It thrilled her. It was the look she sometimes caught in the barbarian's eyes. Abruptly she wanted him now, right now, this second. He ducked down once more ahead of her reaching hands to bury his face in her pussy once more. She grabbed the sheets in her fists and rocked as his tongue once more moved over her. He wrapped his arms around her hips and allowed her to feel his strength as he held her steady and fed on her, working on her clit until she started to shudder, then moving to her pussy. His tongue moved on her while he kept her in place, ignoring her hands pulling on his arms.

She found that her eyes were closed again. He brought her to the edge again, colors on her eyelids changing colors with the waves of sensation. She wanted him in her and pulled on his wrists. They were as immovable as stone. She felt helpless adrift in color and feeling. He unwrapped his arms from her and moved up. He stopped briefly at her breasts again, to make her shiver under him. He captured her wrists again, this time holding them crossed behind her head as he leaned on his elbows. She felt the warmth of him all down her body. His smell enveloped her, stronger now and wanted to lose herself in it. He kissed her, her own taste and scent on his lips. She licked it from him, kissing him deeply, urging him on.

She felt the tip of his cock at her entrance. He was rock hard, and moved his hips forward pushing straight into her. She opened easily for him but he stopped with just the tip in her. "Don't move." He whispered in her ear. Warm breath added to the shivers going up and down her skin. "I want you to move only with me. " He kissed her again, gripping her wrists tightly. He moved within her, slowly, oh so slightly deeper. Then back. Again. So slowly, so gradually moving deeper. Each stroke was a world of sensation that never quite stopped. She was moaning in time with him, unable to stop herself. She was pinned, held there by his desire and her own. She couldn't even hold on to him, and pulled at her wrists in his strong arms.

He ignored her and kept moving, lowering his body now to hers. "Oh Lady, yes, this is what I want. I want you to come. I want you to pull me to you, and wrap yourself around me, and come.' He let go of her wrists and she brought her arms down through his. One went over his shoulder, the other gripped his bicep as with this stroke he finally entered her completely. He stopped, holding a light tension against her. The pressure on her clit was incredible as feelings played out from inside her. Then he moved again, and she drew breath, crying out with his next thrust and he was moving again, still slow and smooth, but building now. He buried himself each time, moving on her clit as he rocked his hips into the next movement, never leaving her completely.

She was lost in it now, wave after wave running through her, colors swirling through her mind behind her eyelids. She clung to him, tasted him, bit him. He was inexorable, that same steady rhythm that lifted her, higher, faster, harder. She arched against him and screamed as she spasmed and he drove into her. Her legs lifted high around his ribs as she came, fire flashing through her as he continued to slide his beautiful cock in, even deeper now, still holding the same rhythm as she came with every thrust or kept on coming, it didn't matter.

Finally she started to wind down, the sensations still incredible, her body still pulling him in. She realized she was feeling something new, something deeper. The new sensation rose from deep inside her, and she felt a change in him. His cock felt even larger, and his motions became more determined, less smooth. He lifted his head to look into her eyes and she saw a question in the deep blue gaze. Suddenly she had the control again as she gave him permission with her smile. He dove to her lips, taking them as he took her, feeding on their bruised taste.

She felt herself lifted and he slipped an arm low under her hips, tilting them up to him. His other arm wrapped under her shoulders and he held her tight to him as he fucked her hard, cock moving only part way out now as he reached even deeper into her. That feeling inside her welled up, she could feel it building and realized it was him, his orgasm taking her up with it. She worked with it, tightening on him as he withdrew, pulling him in with each thrust. She felt it crest and he slammed into her again. She tightened down and held him there for an instant before it pushed her over the edge again too, and they moved together without further control.

Eventually she realized they were more or less still, the occasional twitch starting in one of them and moving to the other. She was gasping for breath and he lifted himself on his elbows to let her breath, although his head hung down to her shoulder as he regained his own breath. She stroked his hair back from the tangle around them and simply enjoyed the warmth of their exertions and his body covering her. It was a very secure feeling she thought. She felt him slip from her, and pushed him a little until he moved off of her to her side. She turned her back to him, pulled his arm around her like a blanket, and slept.

Part III

The decorators just didn't seem to understand what she wanted. "Out! Get out, all of you! You're useless!" The three women moved to the door, woebegone expressions on their faces. To be summoned by the Princess was the best thing that could happen to their business, but to be dismissed by her was a disaster. She didn't care. Milanda closed the door behind them and brought her a glass of cool juice to calm her. She looked around the still unfinished office. It seemed to be the mirror of her life right now.

She called the new slave in, the clerk. The man bowed low before her and waited her instructions, well trained in his position. He wore gray tunic and trousers of the type issued by the slave market. Another thing that need her attention. "Milanda, would you or one of the other girls look into designing some livery for us? We must get our people out of this awful gray." She continued her inspection of him, not that there was much to see. "What is your name?'

"My last owner called me Clerk Thirty-two, Mistress."

"That won't do. What do you call yourself?" She had never asked such a question before, never thought about her slaves beyond their function. Now they were hers, though. It felt different.

"My Lady? I call myself Hardil, if it please you."

He looked concerned, as if she might steal it from him. "That will serve, Hardil. This is my office. It isn't finished yet." She stopped to look around again, dissatisfaction in the set of her face. "You will have the desk out front, when there is one. In the meantime, there is pen and paper in this one. Please make a list of general supplies we will need to set up a functioning office. Give it to Milanda when you are done. Then you will begin reviewing these books." She gave him the more public of her account books, although she doubted much information in the other ones was unknown, now she realized how naive her dealings had been to this point. Well, like everything else, it was a start.

She left Hardil and Milanda and went toward the servant's quarters. She stepped out through the small dining room to the courtyard. The servants quarters and slave barracks were in the south wing of the manor house. The gates and stables were off to her left as she crossed the drive to the central gardens and strolled across. This too she imagined replanted, the fountain replaced with something more, more, well, she didn't quite know, but certainly not that monstrous monument to conformity. At least the spray was cool since they got it working again. The gardener was driving them both to frustration, sending her designs for plantings that she refused again and again. He was getting closer to what she wanted, but needed to expand his imagination a bit.

She paused a moment, thinking about the changes going through her household, trying to take a step back and see it all. On the whole, she thought it was feeling rather good. Her first major independent project, and she thought she wasn't failing too badly at it. It was so much more complex an undertaking than she had ever thought. She was finding it fascinating, though! This judgment of people and building of relationships, her mind kept finding patterns in it she had never paid attention to before! She knew she wasn't near ready to begin her public life again. The thought brought her spirits crashing down. She kept trying to avoid thinking about it, knowing she had no clue how to get started in the hotbed of intrigue that was the Imperial nobility. She thought she had played that game before, and found too many people had read her like a book.

It made her angry, and determined. Her drawer full of notes and file cards convinced her that she knew more than she had ever thought she did. It also told her there were reams of information she still needed. It was a deadly game, and she couldn't avoid it too long. The more she learned of how her household was run, the more she wondered about other households as the probable sources of a great deal of information. The nobility ignored their servants, as she had until recently. She was beginning to learn just how big a mistake that could be, and determined that she would know all of her own servants. And ensure that they wished her well.

Suddenly another thing occurred to her. She had a number of estates around the country that she knew literally nothing about. They were hers. They provided much of her income. The Imperial Lands department had always managed them. Another thing to take a good hard look at. Perhaps in person.

Yes, a tour of her estates. It would be both an education and a chance at more time to put her situation together to suit herself. It would not be soon, but she thought to herself that she would ensure it was not too long, either. She would need to leave next month for the summer fete at Merchant Stollerin's estate. She could leave on her tour from there.

A wagon clattered in the gate, after being inspected be Andinel's people. The lamp merchant perched with another man on the bench. Good. A beginning on her office at last.

Leaving the ugly fountain, she continued across the garden and the far side of the drive to enter the south wing. It had been furnished before her arrival in utilitarian functionality. Ugly. Surely her servants would work better if they had some comfort of their own to work for. The wing was arranged with the offices and rooms of the various household managers in an easily accessible central hallway. Stairs led up to the servants quarters and slave barracks. Larger rooms toward the street allowed training areas and a dining hall was toward the kitchen, then the house turned and the public rooms were in the west side of the building. She entered the wing and turned right to reach the office Saiadine had claimed. She opened the door and Saiadine looked up, annoyed.

The speed with which she was out of her chair and bowing was truly impressive. Terindra smiled. "Sit down, sit down. I decided to see this end of the house instead of sending for you. What do you have to report?" Terindra seated herself in one of the two chairs across the desk from her slave mistress. They reviewed the slave list, and discussed Saiadine's training plans for Rhodry. Terindra hadn't realized how much would be required of her. Oh well, she'd do what it took.

"Give your lists of supplies, needs, budget, whatever to Hardil. It will be seen to." When she finished with Saiadine, she refused to let her call an escort and stepped back into the hall herself. Walking to the end, she climbed the stairs and walked back up the hall. The slave barracks on either side were neatly kept, neatly made beds and chests of clothing and such in between. Slaves didn't need much.

She stopped. They were her servants, too. They could talk, too. They didn't have as much opportunity, still they were sent on errands and they were present with the slaves of others when visitors came. It would be a wise thing to have their loyalty, too. She looked again at the plain barracks room, thinking. A gasp came from down the hall to her left. A girl was on her knees there, trying to gather her dropped laundry, glancing desperately up at Terindra. She smiled at the girl. "Calm, child. You're in no trouble from me for going on about your work. Anyone can be startled!"

She continued down the hall to the end. A warm breeze was rising up the stairs, damp and fragrant. Terindra's stomach growled. She moved quietly down the stairs into the bustle of the huge kitchen. Pausing on the lower steps, she looked around at the people working for her. Cook bent over the iron stove, carefully seasoning a broth. One of the drudges chopped roots at a counter while another further down scrubbed at pots from lunch. The third dropped a plate of bread and cheese she was headed to the door with when a pile of wood crashed to the floor behind her.

"What be wrong wi' you idiots! You be making a right mess o' my kitchen! Herby how could you..." Cook followed his eyes as he dropped to his knees and bowed to her, then they were all kneeling except Cook, who curtsied deeply. "My Lady, I'm so sorry, we didna see you!" Her eyes went to the two messes on the floor, then snapped back to Terindra, waiting for her anger.

"I must have the demeanor of a dragon today!" That startled them all, though they did not dare to move. "Everywhere I go people are dropping things." She took one more step down, then another to the floor. Still nobody moved. "Please, everybody get up. You cannot do the work for which you are here if you must kneel every time I walk through. You'll burn the sauce! Nobody need kneel to me in this house, unless in front of guests, or other formal situations. Nor do you need bow each time I walk in, Cook. I expect proper respect, but I've no interest in creating problems in my kitchen just by walking in." She motioned at the slave by the scattered fire wood to continue, smiled at the poor drudge gathering the spilled food from the floor were she still knelt, then went to smell the broth Cook had been laboring over.

"You have outdone yourself, I think!" The spicy scent brought another growl from her mid section. She smiled at Cook. "Do you have a few moments to speak with me?" She interrupted before Cook could answer her. "Please tell me if this is not a good time, before dinner and all. It can easily be done later. But I only wish a few moments, truly."

Cook stared at her, a puzzled expression on her face. "Yes, my Lady. O' course, I mean, the broth must be simmering a time yet, twill hold. Oh, thank you, my Lady, fer liking it, I mean, the smell..." she stopped, swallowed, and tried again. "I do have the time now, my Lady, if you please." She looked vaguely around the kitchen. They were far from any place where she would expect to attend Terindra.

"Can we sit there? And might there be some juice around?" Terindra led her toward the rough table near the door to the courtyard, open to send the draft and the heat of the kitchen up the stairs and keep the room livable. Cook called for the juice and joined her at the table nervously.

"What might I be doing for you my Lady?" She sat on the bench as if ready to bounce off of it at a moments frown from Terindra, eyes cast down but flicking up again and again to try and gauge her face.

"I would like your advice. You run your kitchen admirably, from what I can see. Somebody needs to oversee the rest of the household. I thought of giving you the position, as you are doing a good portion of it already." Cook paled, and Terindra knew she was right about how much work was involved to support all the people of her household. It was enough simply to feed them morning noon and night. "I've realized that there is much too much for one person, however skilled." She gave the obviously relieved woman a reassuring smile. "Hazil managed it for me for years, when the staff was only the servants tending my suite at the palace. She is old, though, and this larger household is too much for her. However, as I said, you have done a fine job so far, which means you know what is required for such a position. Would you assist me in finding somebody who will work well with us?"

"Well, I, ah, o' course, my Lady!" Her stout body seemed to expand as she relaxed and sat up straighter. A bit of pride swelled in her. She glanced to the side to see who had witnessed the Lady asking her opinion, and coming to see her in the kitchen, no less! "My Lady, you should be knowin', it's been Zilla what's helped wi' much o' it. She says as how you don't be requirin' that much o' her, and she's been that happy to help out, so she says. She's a right knack for it, an' it please you, Lady."

"Zilla? What an interesting thought." Terindra considered, twining a curl of hair through her fingers and idly watching Andinel working with the guard in open area before the main doors of the house. It served as training area when not occupied with carriages, which was usually, so far. She was startled to see Listani join them. Andinel didn't react, so she assumed that Saiadine had approved it. She knew Hanarzy body slaves were bodyguards as well, but she hadn't really thought about it.

"Zilla is right, I don't occupy much of her time. Milanda has become a personal assistant, and Merrith aids me in other ways. I hadn't thought about Zilla. You believe she has the skills to manage the house? More importantly, I think, does she command the respect of the people who would work for her?"

Cook smiled. "My Lady is wise. Yes, my Lady, she does." Terindra thought she looked almost proud, gazing across the table earnestly. "Might I make so bold as to say, my Lady, that I'm happy to be serving here? Not that my likes should mean anything to you, my Lady, but just the same, I am."

Terindra found that the remark oddly warmed her. She smiled back at the round woman. "I hope that everybody here feels the same. Please tell me or Zilla if there is anybody who isn't happy here, or anything that you feel is needed for the staff. This must be a home to all of us. I will talk with Zilla, and I hope the two of you will work as partners in this. Another thing I wished to speak of to you. But do you need to stir the sauce? And is that some fruit and cheese I see, what's her name? Arranging on a plate down there?"

Cook hurried off and Terindra let her eyes return to the distracting view of the fighters working out in the courtyard. Their movements were smooth and controlled. They were shirtless in the heat, and so that Andinel could see better their positioning and movements. She called out short commands and they moved together from position to position, glistening with sweat. There were ten of them, plus Listani and Andinel. The others must be on duty or asleep for the night watch. They were split between men and women, all in superb condition. Only Listani moved with the smooth grace of Andinel, though.

She was startled when Cook slid the plate of cheese and fruit before her, and refilled her glass with cool juice. Terindra had emptied it without being aware of it. "Thank you!" She turned back to the table to meet an amused look, quickly wiped away. The cheese was white and flavorful, a perfect contrast to the sweet slices of grenfruit and the slightly tart juice. She determinedly kept her attention on them, not the courtyard. She might have to come here more often, though!

"It is comfortable here, Cook. Another sign of a well run place!" Terindra stopped, and looked at the woman across from her. Really looked at her. 'Cook' was a stout woman, taller than most. Her face was strong featured, and might be called handsome, in a womanly way. Her hair was auburn and pulled back in a soft knot on the back of her head. Her eyes saved her from looking severe, expressive and alert, with a spark of good humor behind them. Terindra had seen them flash, though, when the wood had dropped earlier, and had no doubt she could manage her people quite well. She wore a plain green gown, with several pockets stitched in it, and a large ring of keys hanging from a cord on her belt.

"What is your name? I should not name you 'Cook' as though you have none of your own." Terindra watched her face, trying to judge her reaction. This was new ground for her, trying to understand her servants. She feared they understood her all too well. At least, until recently. They seemed a bit puzzled today. She enjoyed the thought. Cook looked pleased.

"I am Helosin, my Lady. But Cook is what I am, and I've worked hard to get here. I answer to it proudly, my Lady." Her voice was warm and firm, and she smiled confidently at Terindra. This woman was sure of herself, and secure in her place. Good.

"You are personal Cook to the Princess Terindra, second in line to the throne of Arbigahl, and her trusted advisor. You have every right to be proud, and know that I am proud as well. Somebody once told me, I don't remember who or when, that you could judge a person by the quality of the people around them. I didn't understand her until now, but she was right." Helosin glowed, and Terindra realized the kitchen was quiet. She glanced around at the others present. They were staring at her, then bent earnestly back to their jobs at her glance. She smiled.

"Now, the other thing I wanted to mention to you. I've just walked through the south wing. I would like to see it more comfortable, more welcoming. I said before, this must be home to all of us. Would you and Zilla and the others consider what you would like to do to improve it? Paint, fabrics, personal mementos, rugs of course, and curtains. Give Hardil an estimate of the cost, and I will make funds available."

"Yes, my Lady!" They were all smiling now, even the slaves would appreciate such things, and she meant to see they had a bit more to appreciate, as well. But she was not so foolish as to start that without consulting Saiadine first. Her mind turned back to the door.

"Thank you for your time, Cook. I'll sit here and finish my snack, if you don't mind. But please don't let me keep you from your duties." Terindra didn't see the woman's smile as she returned to her sauce.

Andinel was just dismissing the guards as a new voice joined the others in the kitchen, where the workers had finely adjusted to her presence somewhat. "Oh! There you are my Lady! I mean, my Lady, Milanda is looking for you!" The maid curtsied before her, and she sighed. She had enjoyed her respite here immensely. She would certainly make it a regular habit!

"Where is Milanda?" She left the kitchen back up the back stairs, determined to finish her tour of the house. The disconcerted looks that followed her made her even more sure of her choices today. The workroom stood open, bare tables and bins and racks of supplies for everything from darning to mixing household remedies and herbals. It was a nice large room, and she thought it could be made a comfortable place for people to work together without losing its functionality. But she would let the staff request the things that were important to them. She would learn more that way.

She continued on, down the long hallway that ran along the side of the ballroom, where the ceiling rose through the second floor. Soon she was at her office, where Milanda waited with Hardil, looking a bit anxious. "We couldn't find you! I know you didn't leave, my Lady, but where did you go?" Milanda was honestly puzzled, not used to the mistress she had known for so long wandering off to odd places. She had never done so at the Palace! She wondered what she had missed!

"I went to look at my house! All of my house. I'd never actually seen the whole thing. I felt that I should. I believe I was right!" She smiled, trying for enigmatic. She thought she might have succeeded, by the expressions on their faces. "Now what did you need me for? I wasn't aware of any appointments for this afternoon." She picked a chair, becoming irritated all over again at not sitting in the chair she knew should go behind the desk that she knew should be there and wasn't.

Milanda held something out to her. It looked like a letter, crumpled and smoothed out again. She took it and looked at it. "You've seen this?" she asked Hardil.

"Yes, my Lady. The maid found it as she was filling the new lamps, tucked in the bottom of one. She saw writing on it and asked me if it was important. I called Miss Milanda right away."

"You did well. I would have had you read it anyway. Interesting, isn't it?" Milanda nodded, understanding the value of the information she held in her hand. Hardil nodded as well. He probably knew little as yet of the ins and outs of the noble class, but he would learn. And any clerk would understand the value of a complete, as far as she could tell at a glance, list of the holdings of one of her sister's major supporters. Who gave her such information? The merchant? She doubted it, the man was a genuine artisan, and much too productive to have time for this level of intelligence work.

But he might know who did. Somebody had access to that lamp. "Send Merrith to talk to the merchant. Gently. He is valuable to me, unless he is truly involved in this. But I must know where the note came from. A couple of guards are to accompany her." She turned back to the secretary. "Hardil, you are to have one of the south wing office suites. You will move into one immediately, and begin setting up an office for yourself there, as well. Add your requirements to the list you have started. And you are to make your room comfortable for yourself. I will expect much of you. You will need a place more suitable than that barracks."

"Yes, my Lady. Thank you, my Lady." His long mouth turned down at the corners, and his eyes were thoughtful and a bit concerned. "My Lady, you told me to take paper and such from this desk." He waited for her nod. "I found your notes, my Lady. I didn't know what they were at first, so I looked at them, intending no harm, my Lady." Again he waited, but when she nodded he looked a bit relieved and continued. "I thought, from what you've said, that you might want me to have an understanding of your, ah, situation and competition." He hurried on, sure now that she wasn't angered by his presumption. "If that is so, Lady, might I study your notes? They seem well organized and, actually, I found myself following the connections you made with interest. You think different from others I've worked for." He looked quickly back down at his desk, and she thought he was a bit embarrassed.

"Yes, do study them, and tell me if you see something I've missed. I wish to build a great deal of such information. You will be doing a lot of that, filing and connecting things. And I must find who brought us this note. Look at my notes in relation to the information here, and add the connections you find. Make a summary of them to review with me."

Later, she rose from an early bath when Merrith brought word back about the merchant. He seemed to be innocent of any knowledge. He had apparently hired the assistant from a local labor pool for the day, his usual practice for deliveries. They were always accompanied by one of his trusted people, so he never worried about it before. Nobody at the labor pool remembered having seen him before. It had to have been him. Now that she thought about it, Terindra could barely recall the man herself. He was just a nondescript worker. Again, she saw what a failing it was to ignore the common folk!

Merrith had gotten the names of some decorators from him as well, a team he said worked well with his designs. Milanda was with the decorators, discussing schedules and payment. By now she had a good idea of what Terindra wanted for the room, and Terindra trusted it to her. Hardil was with them, readying himself to assume more responsibilities. In the meantime, Zilla was with her. Bathing early wasn't quite so relaxing as her usual custom of bathing after dinner, but it would be worth the change in her routine for the training session with Rhodry tonight. It was to begin at dinner, and Terindra suddenly couldn't wait to find what Cook had done with that sauce that had smelled so good!

She donned a sheer gown after Zilla dried them both, and moved into her bedroom. She thought she wanted it done to match the office. All warmth and flame, smooth silk and soft cotton and leather and wood. The table was set and Zilla signaled the kitchen for dinner. Watching her, Terindra was reminded of her other intention for the evening. "Zilla, I was talking with Cook today. I have heard that you have done much to aid her in ordering all the things that are done for me each day."

"I am glad to help. It has kept me busy and I've enjoyed that. I hope I have pleased you." She came and knelt beside Terindra's chair, looking up at her, her fresh lips parted and her bright eyes dancing up at Terindra. Terindra bent quickly and kissed her softly, just tasting her for a moment.

"I'm glad you found something to occupy you. I have neglected you, and I apologize. There has never been any lack in you, the three of you are just too good for me to actually need three of you! But I need you now." Terindra smiled as Zilla's eyes lit. "I think perhaps you have found your niche with me, at last. I would like you to run the household, formally. You will be my Chamberlain, and sit with Cook, Andinel, and Saiadine to arrange things as need be. The four of you will form the structure of my household. Would you like that?" She saw her answer shining from the beautiful woman's face, and kissed her again, smothering her answer.

The door opened and Saiadine came in, leading Rhodry. A guard accompanied them. Rhodry was hooded, but was obviously freshly bathed. Nobody said a word as he was seated in a special chair at the table and chained in place. The guard left and Saiadine, still silent, moved behind the slave to a seat by the wall. The door opened again and her new young waiter brought in a large cart. He presented dishes to her one at a time, and at her nods placed them carefully on the table. He poured wine and water, bowed, and left. Still they were all silent.

Milanda had come in while the waiter worked, and took her seat at Rhodry's left side. Terindra sat to his right. Zilla kissed her once more and left. Saiadine had said that the fewer faces for the slave to fix on at this stage, the better. The room was even arranged to present a plain, featureless face to him. Terindra and the food must fill his mind for this brief time, before he was returned to his quiet isolation and darkness. Saiadine had also warned her, and they would use great care tonight, for the slave would hate her now, even more than before.

"Milanda, remove that hood from him! My lovely Rhodry should not be covered so!" She made her voice clear and open, this first thing he had heard in a day and a half. He started, and again when he felt Milanda's gentle touch removing the hood. He blinked owlishly in the light, face a bit pale. "Oh, my poor Rhodry! My new slave mistress is so hard on you! I wish she wouldn't treat you so, but she insists it is necessary." His eyes tracked her voice and found her eyes, and she saw hatred there indeed. "You are with me now, and you will not be treated so under my eyes. You will eat here with me tonight, for I could not stand to think of you down there again and insisted that she let you out!" Milanda began serving them from the bowls and platters. The menu had been selected for its rich aromas and colors, of foods that would stay down in a stomach that had been recently neglected somewhat.

They began with a soup, and Terindra chattered on, instructing Milanda to feed him, encouraging him to eat. He did, but his eyes never left her, glaring at her as if he would memorize every pore and skin her with his eyes if he could. She let him look, her sheer robe hanging open as she moved. She touched him often, softly caressing his arm, his shoulder, his chest. She was careful to never allow his hands a chance to grab, or his teeth a chance to bite. Saiadine had assured her that this memorization was what they wanted. It was all he would see hear, smell, taste when he was returned to the dark. He would play it over and over in his mind, and over time he would wait desperately for her voice, her touch her face as his only escape from nothingness. If he didn't go insane first. She vowed to herself that wouldn't happen. She would watch closely and they would change the program if it went too far.

For now, she filled his senses with herself and pleasure as much as she could. She found herself less aroused in this situation than she had with him before, and was not sure why. She put the thought aside and concentrated on feeding him this fine dinner, and took time to enjoy it herself. Cook had truly done well. The sauce was over a pastry with succulent mushrooms backed in it, and was truly a wonder.

Eventually the dinner was over. Rhodry had not attempted to refuse the food or attention. He had probably vowed to himself to live for revenge or some such. She understood it was very hard to come to terms with the idea of being no longer your own to plan for. It was harder in adult men, those who had been strong when captured. They could be forced to work, chained and under a lash, but that was not the same as being tamed and trained, as she intended with Rhodry.

Milanda moved the table away, and worked on the side of Rhodry's chair. It was made to adjust, and by opening catches and moving levers, she flattened it into a table like the massage tables down the hall. His hands were pulled again above his head, his ankles anchored to the base of the table. Terindra stood over him and Milanda brought her the oil, a light sandalwood, her own scent to go with him. She poured some in her hand and began rubbing it into his skin, smooth circles on his chest. She kept murmuring to him, keeping her voice in his ears.

He continued to glare at her, but offered no resistance. Terindra continued to spread the warm oil, working in slow circular patterns down his chest and muscled stomach, then down one thigh and leg, and back up the other, finishing with his arms. The table was designed to allow the chains to be turned, so that she could roll Rhodry to his back without releasing him. Talking gently all the while, she rolled him over and oiled his back, his beautiful rounded ass, and the backs of his legs. Now she was becoming a bit aroused, finally.

She returned him to his back. He seemed relaxed, until she began oiling his groin. He was soft, but still large. She started with his testicles, telling him how she liked the feel of them, soft in her hands. She massaged them gently, then began spreading the oil up his penis. Her motions were designed to apply the oil evenly, arousing him was a side effect, but it worked all the same. She could feel the anger, never quite gone, growing again, rapidly. As soon as the oiling was finished, she stopped, and moved back from him.

Milanda tilted the massage table up. She had positioned another massage table where the dining table had been while Terindra worked on Rhodry, and adjusted it like a chaise lounge, one end raised to support the back. He was now almost standing, facing it. Terindra seated herself up on it. "Oh, Rhodry, I liked doing that for you, but I know you don't want me yet. I want you, very badly indeed! But not until you are ready for me. I will satisfy myself as best I can until then. But know that it is you that I want." She brought her knees up, her feet on the table. Her hand slipped between her thighs, fingers parting her lips in Rhodry's full view.

She began massaging herself, fingers still oily from Rhodry. He couldn't keep himself from watching, and she grew more excited under his eyes. Her fingers slid deep inside herself, then all the way back over her clit, and down again in slow smooth strokes, and her breath grew quicker. Milanda went and leaned against the other table alongside Rhodry. Her hand draped casually on his thigh and she watched Terindra with him. He glared down at the top of her head, but she paid him no attention at all, watching her mistress and letting her own hand drift to touch herself. He had no choice but watch one of them.

Terindra felt herself grow wet, and her fingers moved a bit faster. She let herself fantasize about sex with him, and told him about it. Her free hand drifted to her breast, and rolled the stiff nipple between her fingers, pulling on it while supporting her full breast on her hand. Her hips began rocking with her motions, fingers sliding still into her quim and back to her little knob. She angled her hand to stimulate it for the full length of each movement, and watched Rhodry watch her.

"Aah, yes, Rhodry, it feels good. I wish it were you, licking me, and fucking me! I want you so bad. I can see that you want me, too. We'll wait, lover, until you're ready. But it's hard, Rhodry. It's so hard, I want so much more. After a whole evening with you, it's so hard." She kept on, the same things in between her own sighs. Her hand moved faster between her legs, her other hand trailing over her skin. She told him where she wanted him to touch her.

Milanda was breathing hard, too, leaning against his side. His cock was fully erect now, and she took it in her free hand. He gasped and jerked next to her, but could do nothing. She never looked away from Terindra, her beautiful body spread on display before them. She looked amused, and Terindra wondered why. She ran out of breath to talk, then, as she neared her climax. She wasn't used to doing this much for herself, and certainly not on display like this! She had asked the other to do it often enough, but not herself. She was always the one watching. So she watched.

Milanda's hand moved more quickly and Rhodry's hips rocked with her in spite of his anger, still showing in his face. Still, she saw his breath coming faster, too. His lips were moving, but she couldn't hear him. She wondered what he was saying. Her eyes drifted back down. Milanda's small hand moved quickly and skillfully on him, and she enjoyed the sight. She saw him swell even more, and his balls began to draw up.

Then she came, remembering at the last minute to call his name while her body jerked on the table. She felt her pussy tighten around her fingers, and the fire shot through her. She groaned, forcing her hand to keep moving while the rest of her locked up for a moment. She heard other sounds, and opened her eyes to see Rhodry spurt his cream from Milanda's hand. She smiled at the surprised look on his face. She'd never allowed him his satisfaction before, probably why it had come so quickly now. That, and Terindra knew exactly how skilled Milanda was!

"Good Rhodry, if we can't be together, at least we can share our own pleasures! You will be with me soon, I hope. When you're ready, lover. I hope it's soon, this is so hard, seeing you without having you! I don't know if I can stand it! Now, I'm afraid, it is time for you to go to bed. I do hope you will be ready soon, or I won't be able to stand seeing you like this! Good bye, Rhodry!" She motioned to Milanda, who replaced the hood.

He yelled as it went over his face, "You bitch! Never, you bitch! I'll never be ready for that! You can just keep on fucking yourself, bitch! Leave me alone!" She stared at him, amazed. Nobody had ever dared to speak to her like that! She kept her silence as Saiadine came forward and dragged him out the door, table and all. The guard joined them from just down the hall.

"Finally! That was much more difficult than I thought it would be. I'm glad it's over. Milanda, take the rest of the evening and night for yourself. Just send in Listani, would you?"

"I'd be happy to. Just relax, it's been a long day. Good night, my Lady."

"Good night, Milanda." Terindra threw herself on the bed, then got up and walked to the windows. The last of the light shone on half of the garden, the rest in shadow. The sight of the unplanted space made her turn away again. She was irritable, restless, too tired to actually go do anything but unable to settle down. Damn that slave anyway. He took entirely too much of her attention, and left her like this! She'd have him trained, all right, but she might end up truly a bitch, as he named her, by the end of it!

Listani let himself quietly in the door and stopped to look at her. He was utterly beautiful. He carried himself straight, and stood quietly under her gaze. She realized that he was watching her, too. Not looking down as a slave waiting for orders, but looking at her, assessing her. When she met his eyes, he smiled. "May I may you a special drink, my Lady?"

"A drink? What kind of drink?" Curious, she strolled to her armchair and sat down. She remembered she was still naked when the fabric touched her skin. No wonder he was looking at her like that.

"Some wine, some herbs, a thing I was taught. It will help to relax you. I brought the herbs with me, and the wine here in the room will be fine." He moved to the sideboard near the fireplace and set a poker in the small fire burning there, for mulling. Then he began sifting herbs into a carafe. He filled it with wine and smiled at her as she came to look over his shoulder. He smelled good, and she rested her chin on him and put her arms around his waist. He turned his head and swiftly kissed her nose, startling her. Then he bent to the hot poker and dipped it in the carafe. The hissing steam carried a light spicy aroma to her nose. He poured two glasses through a woven strainer and handed her one, sipping from it first.

She tried it. Light and spicy, as it smelled. Rather nice actually. She drank a little more and wandered to the windows again. Now the whole yard was shaded, and sunset was glowing in the western sky. She felt rather than heard Listani come up behind her, then his arms care around her waist, holding her loosely against him. It felt very comforting, and she relaxed back against his chest. His arms moved up a bit, wrapping her in warm and gentle strength. She swallowed the last of her wine with the last of the colors in the sky.

She felt his breath on her hair, and he nuzzled lightly against the side of her head. She turned her head and kissed him lightly on the lips. Then found herself doing it again. She paused and looked in his eyes. They looked back, a smile in them. She kissed him again, a little longer, testing her own reaction. Oh, yes, this was nice. Then she was facing him, and this kiss had passion in it. Suddenly she was very aroused. He picked her up in his arms and carried her to the bed, laying her gently on the sheets. He kissed her again, slowly and carefully exploring her lips. She tasted his in turn, sucking the lower one into her mouth for a second, darting her tongue to the roof of his mouth. His hand stroked her side and he lay down beside her, head raised on one arm. He explored her body with his fingers, amusing himself with touching every inch of her.

She seemed to relax more with every touch, though she felt more stimulated than ever. His hand trailed down her side again, around the curve of her hip and down the side of her leg as far as he could reach. Then back up the inside, moving to the top to miss her sex. He trailed it back up her body, briefly curved it around her breast, then cupped her head to give her another kiss. Back down it went, her other side this time. Another kiss. Then he smoothed his hand over her belly, fingers tracing the muscles she kept there with her own workouts. His head lowered toward her and his lips closed on her nipple as his hand brushed the hair on her pussy. The combined sensation brought a gasp from her, but she stayed relaxed.

Her hand trailed in his hair, enjoying the silky feeling of it around her fingers. She made no effort to guide him, just enjoyed his explorations. His hand was back, cupping her mound in warmth as he sucked the end of her tit in his mouth. "Mmm. Listani, that feels good. Whatever was your drink is lovely. So are you." He lifted his head a moment and smiled at her, then his finger slipped inside her and she let her eyes roll closed and just enjoyed.

She felt him lean over her again and his tongue began exploring her as his hand had done, while his hand stroked her gently. His finger slipped just inside her every now and then, and the lips of her pussy slowly opened under his petting. Finally his hand started touching her clit lightly every now and then. The feeling shimmered through her lightly, building every so slowly. His kisses drifted south, caressing her belly. She felt surrounded in warmth, inside and out.

He bent far over to slip his tongue between her nether lips, and she caught her breath at the smooth feel of it. He lapped at her, and she felt his weight shift on the bed. He moved around between her legs, and lifted her knees. She felt the tip of his penis settle between her lips, and he leaned over her. His lips touched hers and he kissed her slowly, deeply. His cock slid slowly into her, and she sighed at the way it fit. He came to rest, his groin pressing against hers. She thought she could feel every tiny bit of him inside her, she was so sensitive. He kissed her lightly, and as he caressed her lips he began again to move, ever so slightly. It was incredible!

The feelings washed through her, and still she felt relaxed, not reaching for her satisfaction, not doing anything consciously but feeling. She knew she moved with him, her body doing what it needed to her while she simply enjoyed.

His strokes grew slowly longer, still moving at a smooth constant pace. The fires inside her built and built, finally bringing some urgency with them. She floated, her mind rocking with her body as it rocked with him. Suddenly she realized he was moving all the way in and out of her, and now he began to move more quickly. Her thoughts spun away again as her body took over. She had no idea what she did besides cling to him as he took her beyond anything she had felt before!

She might have drifted forever, but suddenly he changed his rhythm. He began thrusting hard into her, pulling back and thrusting again. The sensations became demanding, the change driving her intoxicated body over its limits and she came, hard. She screamed, arms and legs locked around him as he drove into her again and again and again. Then she knew no more for a while.

When she woke, thoughts of the strange letter floated through her mind. Listani slept beside her and she left him there. She donned her robe and made her way silently to her office. She lit a lamp for herself, taking a moment to enjoy it. The artisan was truly skilled! She smiled and pulled out Hardil's work of the afternoon. She found his summary, neatly written out on top, and lost herself in the web of the nobility and merchants again. After awhile she looked up to see Listani standing in the doorway. He said nothing but took up a position outside her door, reminding her of his position as her bodyguard. A slight irritation crossed her mind, that he should guard her in her own house, but she supposed she should become accustomed to having him there. Her head bent back to her studies, red glints from the lamp shining from her dark hair.

Part IV

Terindra posed in front of the mirror. The gown was exquisite, panels of silk twining around her body, colors of living flame. It was echoed by the mirror itself, crafted by Kelder, her lamp maker. It matched perfectly his work throughout her house. Lady Jordil had put great effort into having so fine a personal a gift made for her. It was a message, a welcome to the players token. Lady Jordil was a powerful woman. She wondered what had drawn her interest. Terindra smiled into the mirror. Tonight might reveal quite a bit.

"Are you ready, my Lady?" Merrith stood near, dressed in a gown that echoed Terindra's, in a subdued manner. "The carriage is ready, and you should be sufficiently late."

"Yes, it is time." She smiled at Merrith and allowed her to drape a wrap around her shoulders. Then she strode to the door and the waiting carriage. Andinel's team took their places on the coach and escorting it to either side and they clattered out the gate. This was the third party this month. She learned a lot from them, she admitted to herself, more than she had ever expected. She and Merrith would spend hours later comparing notes and debriefing the security for every shred of information they could glean. Who spoke with whom and, when possible, what did they say? Who was in whose entourage? How many servants did they arrive and leave with? Were any messages delivered during the party, from who and to whom?

It was the most intricate puzzle in existence, and she was learning to revel in it! Her benefactor must put in an appearance soon. Where had the information that had become so very useful come from? Pondering it still made her toss at night. She was certain there would be a price attached some day soon.

The streets were dark as the carriage rattled along the cobbled way. They moved around the city, not entering the center this time of night. The breeze eddied, sometimes bringing the scent of jasmine from the jungle, sometimes sewage from the warrens. Maybe her mother did have a point about the public works projects.

They clattered in the gates of an estate, the grounds spreading to either side. A small army of mounted guards lined the approach to the house, and a parking lot of carriages was visible behind the stables. The air here was scented from the gardens. The stench of the city would never be allowed to intrude. The carriage stopped in the light before the doors and the way was quickly cleared for her. She took her time, allowing Andinel to hand her down. She strode alone up the stairs and into the immense foyer, her entourage trailing behind her.

A butler in the Jordil livery of scarlet and silver motioned her toward the ball room, and she paused as she was announced. She wasn't sure if either of her sisters were here tonight. It would be interesting if Yasmina was here. They hadn't crossed paths since Terindra had moved out. It was bound to happen sooner or later. She wasn't ready to go against her sister yet, but she wouldn't mind showing her presence along side her mother's eldest scion.

She stepped into the room, pausing at the top of the stairs. Her tutor's voices echoed in the back of her mind as she scanned the room, poised just so, on display. She mentally counted, holding the pose she had decided on in the mirror, while she catalogued the faces and positions of the people around the hall. Lady Jordil moved to meet her at the foot of the stairs, and she began her descent, slowly, her face impassive. An Imperial Princess was not impressed with a ball, no matter how impressive it might be. It was impressive. It was a message. The colors were flame, to echo her dress, her decor, her mood lately. Lady Jordil had done her homework indeed, and wanted something from her, badly! Terindra was sure now what it was, and a flash of irritation went through her as she was reminded again that she knew not who her source was!

Not a flicker of her thoughts showed on her face as she accepted Lady Jordil's greeting. The woman was tall and rangy. It was known that she reveled in sword play and had gone far beyond the minimum competence that any Arbigahlan noblewoman was expected to achieve. It showed in muscular arms exposed by her sheer gown. Her bronze hair glowed against the russet colors she wore. She had carefully chosen to complement Terindra's garb, highlighting the princess's position in their society.

"My Lady, your sister Yasmina is in the next room. I'm sure she will be happy to greet you! There are many others here grateful that you have favored us with your presence. Allow me to offer you anything you might wish." Her voice dropped. "If your highness would be so kind, I think you are aware that I would like to speak with you privately at your convenience, a little later." She turned and motioned forward a slave, with long black hair and startling blue eyes. Terindra gave a little start, then realized it wasn't Rhodry. She quelled the odd emotion that rose in her at the reminder. Things were not going as well as she had hoped with her wild slave. Lady Jordil was speaking. "Please allow Markin to see to your needs. He will escort you to the dais where seats have been placed for you and your sister. I will attend you there later. Please, enjoy yourself! If I might be excused, my Lady, to tend my other guests?"

Terindra nodded, allowing a slight smile to ghost to the surface of her lips. "Indeed Lady Jordil, you have outdone yourself, and I do think we have somewhat to speak of later. I will see you in a while. Markin, to my seat please, then an iced fruit, I think." He offered his arm, eyes low, and led her toward the raised platform she had seen to the side of the great room. She returned smiles and nods as they went, the crowd dipping before her as they curtsied and bowed to a Princess of the Blood. By the time they reached her chair she thought her neck might wobble and her lips fall off. Many of the noblewomen of the empire were not suited to the colors of fire. It was clever of Lady Jordil to leak her intentions. The woman had ensured that her prize guest and herself outshone the others by simple virtue of their coloring. Terindra seated herself and waited to see who might approach first. Merrith circulated through the crowd, plying her whiles on the entourages of the many families represented here.

The dark slave, Markin, sent a server for her iced fruit and took his place at her feet, ready for anything she might wish. The ice would be welcome, the aroma of so many bodies and personal scents was a bit overwhelming. She was glad to see the drapes being pulled back from glass doors. They opened into the gardens. Basins of flame on tall stands lit the darkness beyond, and a soft breeze began to drift through the ballroom.

Terindra sipped on her fruit ice, admiring the fanciful blown glass straw she sipped through. The fruit was laced with enough white wine to cut the sweetness and the chill cooled her, slipping down her throat. She felt the cold as if it arced to her breasts on its way down. Her nipples contracted and for a second she wished she could touch herself.

"Your Highness! I'm so glad to have this opportunity to thank you!" The high voice belonged to a woman in an unfortunate shade of orange, a dress that looked as if it would have made a better sun awning. Her washed out brown hair and sallow skin looked yellow next to the yards of cloth. Terindra had no idea who this was. She raised an eyebrow and looked at the woman, wishing she would take her cutting voice and go elsewhere. "Oh, Your Highness, I'm so sorry for approaching you like this, but after what you've done I just knew you wouldn't mind if I introduced myself. I am Lady Verdor. My family owns the shipping company you so recently assisted with your most generous investment! We've been able to do so much with it!" She paused for breath and Terindra saw Yasmina headed their way. She did not want her sister hearing this fool spouting information, and the way the woman's voice pierced the babble around them, she surely would in less than a moment.

"I'm glad to have been able to help," she cut the woman off before she could start again. "I do not like to talk business at such an entertainment as this, and I would appreciate it if you would keep my assistance to yourself. I would be most unhappy if others began soliciting me for similar contributions." Terindra made a mental note to find out who this Lady Verdor was and how she knew who was investing in her little shipping company. That should have been a ghost transaction. And if she owned enough of it, it would go under new management soon. If they'd been competent to begin with, she wouldn't have been involved.

"Yes, Your Highness, of course!" The woman bobbed in a clumsy curtsey and Merrith appeared at her elbow to guide her away, an apologetic glanced flashed toward her mistress.

Yasmina stepped up to the chair alongside hers. Terindra stood, curtseying first to her elder sister and exchanging a wary smile. "Yasmina! I knew we would meet soon! Such a splendid place in which to run into you! Jordil has done a lovely job."

She watched Yasmina take in her dress and equate it with the theme around them. Her gaze turned a bit more measuring. "Terindra, dear sister! How are you enjoying your freedom? I have heard you are doing well, enjoying your shopping and tours of the city markets." A jibe at the attack on her at the night market some weeks ago. Terindra smiled.

"Yes, it is exciting to see something of life beyond the palace! I find my interest in all those horrid lessons of our youth coming back with force! Still, one must find time to play, or what use being of the nobility?" She gave her sister a laugh, empty and bright, and watched to see if she bought it. It could be that Jordil was trying to woo a wild princess just to curry such favor as might be possible. It could be that there were no deeper things going on here. It could be. Would Yasmina believe it? She let her hand trail absently through Markin's hair where he sat beside her chair.

Yasmina smiled back, eyes measuring. "Speaking of playing, I hear you plan a journey soon. A tour of your estates or some such? Whatever for?"

"Oh, I thought it might be interesting to see the land beyond the city. Mother has traveled around Arbigahl, you know. It would be nice to know what she speaks of when she talks of this city or that river. I find these interminable parties so dull, don't you?" Terindra tried to make her eyes echo the interest in her speech. "Perhaps I will do some hunting while I travel. It must be more exciting than this!" Yasmina would never believe she was empty headed, they knew each other too well. She might be persuaded to underestimate her for a while yet, though.

Terindra gazed around the room, and spied Lady Jordil headed toward them. She didn't want to talk to her with Yasmina in attendance. "I believe I'll step outside, dear sister. The gardens looked lovely as we drove up. Perhaps I'll see you later?"

"Oh, yes. I believe it's time that I see your new home, Ter. Perhaps in a few days?" The look in her eyes was impossible for Terindra to read.

"Of course! I was thinking of having a small dinner party next week. Perhaps I will see you then?" They nodded and smiled at each other as Terindra moved off. Lady Jordil had thankfully made little progress as her guests each had something to say to her. She caught Merrith's eye as she moved to the open doors to the patios. The young woman nodded and moved off.

"Markin, love, bring me some of those lovely things I see on the table over there, and a fresh glass of the chilled wine. I'll be outside." She stepped onto the broad expanse of stonework that overlooked the formal gardens. It was designed in semicircular overlapping areas, dropping in steps down to the lawns. Potted plants and small fountains graced each small area, soothing the air with mist and fragrance. Odd corners provided at least the illusion of privacy. She must keep that in mind.

Markin brought the plate of tasteful temptations, and she tried one as she wandered. She found a concoction of crab and pimento melting in her mouth. Somehow the cook had made it so that the fish taste was gone and only a fresh flavor of dill remained as she finished it. She must speak to cook about the dinner party she must plan now.

Ah, this place would do. A corner placed below a fountain on an upper level, and above a planting of flowering houriglen below. The lush thorny plant was valued for its wonderful scent, but it was impossible for anybody to penetrate the thicket it made. It was rarely planted in formal gardens because it was impossible to train. It was perfect for her purposes. A selection of potted shrubs screened the spot from view while allowing glimpses of anybody approaching.

"Leave the plate here and go tell your mistress where I am, Markin. Do not be overheard." He bowed low and left immediately. She watched as he walked away. She found herself excited, as she often was at these games. He still reminded her of her pet project. She feared she was losing Rhodry. He was so stubborn, and she feared the glint in his eyes the last time he was brought to her.

A young slave woman approached, and knelt before her. "Yes, what is it?"

"My Lady, I was bid to bring you this." She offered a folded piece of paper. Terindra took it and scanned it quickly in the light of the lantern hung nearby.

"Who gave you this, girl? Quickly!"

"I, I don't know, Mistress!" The girl was frightened, stammering at Terindra's sudden intensity. "A man, dressed like all the others. He didn't give me his name. Please, Mistress, I only did what he said! He told me to come here and give you the note!"

"Yes, yes, fine. Go." Terindra waved her off, knowing she could never find the man in the crowd here tonight. She read the note again, then folded it and tucked it away as she saw Lady Jordil making her way this direction. Merrith should have her sister occupied for a short time, they should be able to speak privately. Except that the sender of the note was obviously watching her, and knew where she was. And now who she was with. This was not good.

"Lady Jordil! A fine party, truly!" The older woman approached her gracefully and stepped around the arrangement of bushes into the private nook.

"I see you found one of my favorite places out here! The sound of the fountain and the scent of the houriglen make this place so restful. I confess I used to hide from the servants here, when the place was new. Since then, of course they have found all my favorite places!" She smiled, and Terindra answered it, surprised at sharing such an intimate little feeling. She found herself actually liking this woman. It was a dangerous feeling in this game. "You have begun well, Terindra. Surprisingly well. I wish I knew the source of your information. You managed to get in ahead of me, and I've been watching for just such an opportunity for some time."

Terindra watched her face, turned suddenly serious. "Yes, it is exactly what you have needed to bring Lady Vargrin down. Tell me, do you wish to destroy her, or to own her?" Such a blunt question should pull some reaction from the elegant woman.

It did. Lady Jordil stared at her, searching her blank face in turn. Then she turned away, considering her answer carefully. When she turned back, her eyes were direct. "Lady Vargrin is too dangerous to try to control. If she wasn't, I'd have been able to reach her long ago. She must not only be brought down, but destroyed beyond her ability to gain influence again. Permanently."

"Ah. Perhaps." Terindra was surprised. She had hoped they would reach an understanding, but this was a frankness she wouldn't have guessed at.

"What of me? Do you think to use the same hold to control me, or bring me down?" The woman's eyes were sharp as the glass in her mirror.

Now we come to it, Terindra thought. The same financial twist that made Vargrin vulnerable could strike at the Jordil holdings. They were after all competitors. "No. This is not enough to control you or to bring you down, though it could wound you severely. I would much rather work with you."

"I have your sister's patronage already. She would not be pleased if I gave my support to you." The dark eyes were considering, locked on Terindra's face.

"Yasmina may attend your parties, and lend you her name, but she has done nothing for you. My sister plays games with her title and favors. I intend to do business. I can lower your shipping costs immediately, as you know. There is more we can do for each other. You will trade the use of a name for the use of a different name, and real advantages."

"The Princess Yasmina is not so uninvolved as all that. She may not place her holdings on the line herself, but she has her finger on the pulse, and the strings she can pull reach far."

It was Terindra's turn to look consideringly at the other woman. "You need do nothing now. Watch. I will do as I have said, and you will benefit. Then watch some more, and see where your advantage lies. I ask only your silence, at this point. In return, I will bring down Vargrin and increase your profits."

The deep brown eyes looked back at her, then the corners crinkled as Lady Jordil smiled. "Yes, I think I can do that. You just may become a very dangerous player, Your Highness. I will keep my own counsel, for now. Perhaps we can do business together some day soon."

Terindra smiled and strolled out of their misty nook, not looking back. She moved around the nearby wall and lost herself in the gardens, returning to the ballroom from another direction entirely. She spotted Yasmina, dancing with a handsome man, one of Lady Jordil's brothers, she thought. Markin was standing near a door and she waved him over. "Dance with me, handsome boy!" His blue eyes flashed as he smiled at her, all white teeth. He spun her onto the floor and she enjoyed the feel of his arms around her waist. They soon passed Yasmina and they exchanged a smile on the turn. Another turn and she saw Lady Jordil enter from the hall. Enough business, she allowed herself to enjoy the music and the handsome men on display.

She didn't see Merrith for some time. She hoped whatever she was doing was fruitful! She danced several more times, escorted by the men of several of the noblewomen there as well as Markin. As a princess with no acknowledged concubines, there was no shortage of families looking for that kind of imperial alliance. They needn't know she had no intentions of such a tie for some time to come.

The music was turning from the complex steps of mid-entertainment to the sensual dances kept for later in the evening when Terindra saw Merrith again. She caught the bright eyes and Merrith smiled at her. Terindra stopped the tall man she was currently with, well built but unfortunately bland in appearance. "My dear, I believe I've had enough for now. Escort me to my seat, there's a good lad." The bright colors were beginning to glare in her eyes, and the need to smile at all the important people was making her cheeks feel stretched. She rested a few moments in her chair, sending Markin to alert the service to prepare her carriage and gather her people. Merrith joined her.

"Have you been enjoying yourself, my dear?" She smiled up at the redhead, an amused suspicion in her eyes.

"Oh, a simply lovely time, my Lady! Delicious!" Merrith's freckles stood out in high relief on her flushed cheeks.

Terindra laughed. "You'll tell me all about it when we get home. Every kiss! Now, shall we go?"

Lady Jordil was at the door, sending her guests on their way. They bid each other a pleasant night and Terindra went down to the waiting carriage. She looked forward to a bath and the attentions of Listani and perhaps Milanda. Merrith could debrief the guards tonight, and they could compare notes tomorrow. She climbed into the carriage and froze. On the seat was a folded and sealed square of parchment. Terindra considered, then shook her head and picked it up. The information it might contain was not for the eyes of her mother's servant, and the chance that it might be poisoned was slim. She tucked it away to examine later. "Home. Enough for tonight!"

*****

Giggling erupted from the bath, the four women splashing as their eyes sparkled in enjoyment. "She did what?"

"She licked my knees! That's all she wanted to do, I swear!" Another fit of giggles afflicted Terindra as Merrith lifted a smooth limb out of the water to demonstrate. "Her mistress thinks she's odd and won't let her do it. She was incredibly turned on by it. I think she actually came, just about the time she got, um, there!" Merrith twisted to point at the hollow behind her knee and slipped. Gales of laughter erupted as the water bounced into the air around her.

"Like this?" Milanda caught her by the ankle and lifted the leg above the water, dipping her head to bestow a long tongue swipe from the top of the shin over the knee to the thigh. Merrith wiggled her toes. "Or like this?" She turned and licked it sideways, then kissed it.

"Yes, that's pretty much it!" Merrith wiggled her toes again.

"Well, I'm afraid it doesn't do much for me. What about you?" Milanda raised her eyebrows and looked at Merrith.

"Actually..." The redhead glided through the tub toward Milanda, knees disappearing beneath the water. She met her in a kiss, lips melding together and laughter forgotten.

Terindra watched while Zilla gently washed her back. Merrith had heard some interesting things about the odd young woman's mistress while getting her knees licked. This evening had delivered a wealth of information. She had only scanned the mysterious note, enough to confirm that it was the same as the first one. There was a note at the end saying she had used the information well so far, and if she continued to do so, they would meet soon. She wasn't sure if she should be affronted at the temerity of the author, or grateful for his interest! She wasn't used to being grateful for anything. Except her mother's forbearance.

She didn't like that thought. Merrith and Milanda were thoroughly involved now. Terindra watched as Merrith slipped down to take Milanda's dark aureole into her mouth, suckling at it as Milanda's face showed her pleasure. Merrith had straddled Milanda's leg and the light brown skin of the other woman showed dark against Merrith's pale skin, even through the water. Merrith's hips moved sending waves to obscure the view as she rubbed against Milanda's strong thigh. Her hand slipped between them, fingers moving in the dark shadow of the other woman's cleft.

Zilla's hands moved around to rub Terindra's breasts. Suddenly Terindra was achingly aroused, but she knew the women weren't what she wanted. She watched anyway, not ready to expend the energy to leave the warm water.

Merrith pulled back and lifted Milanda to the edge of the pool. The brown legs parted for her and Milanda lifted one slim foot out as she lay back along the edge. Merrith spread the lips of her cleft and gently blew on the already swollen knob that dwelt there. A small sound escaped the other woman and she shivered, her hands going to her own breasts to roll the nipples between her fingers. Merrith licked her thighs and moved up quickly to her goal. Her tongue drifted lightly across the sensitive lips, then stroked her clit firmly.

Milanda moaned and Merrith locked her lips to the soft flesh, tasting her clean light musk. Milanda moved under her, slowly writhing as though she simply couldn't stay still. Her long fingers pulled at her nipples, hands cupping her breasts as Merrith's tongue brought her swiftly closer to satisfaction. Merrith rested one hand on a thigh, supporting it in the water. The other went to her own sex, fingers moving rapidly over her clit in time with her tongue.

Terindra's own hands moved between her legs. One finger glided smoothly and slowly along her cleft as she watched. She felt the swell of desire building slowly within her. She was nowhere near orgasm herself as the other two climbed to their peaks. Zilla reclined behind her, hands gently caressing her back and sides. Zilla seemed only mildly interested. Her tastes generally ran in other directions, although she was always willing to accede to her mistress' desires.

Milanda's soft cries were coming with each rapid breath and her head moved back and forth until suddenly she arched her back, straining. Merrith's mouth moved on her and she dropped back then lifted her hips again to Merrith's lips and tongue. Her hands went to the other woman's hair holding her tight to her mound as her orgasm ripped through her. Again and again her cries echoed and her hips thrust before she relaxed.

Merrith lifted her face from the wetness between Milanda's legs and dipped to the water to rinse herself. She was gasping, her hand still working on herself. Milanda rolled into the water, moving along side Merrith. She encouraged Merrith to lay over the edge of the pool and slid up behind her. Then she began in turn to lick, her fingers moving into the wet heat of the pale lips, bright pink showing from the swollen folds. Merrith was more than ready and her legs kicked in the water. The position rendered her unable to move much. She had nothing even to hold onto and she groaned in frustration as Milanda's skilled tongue lapped at her.

Terindra wanted more and she rose to her feet. Zilla passed her a towel and the other two paused until Terindra waved them back to their play.

"Send Listani to me, please, Zilla, then go to your own rest." Terindra turned toward her bedroom then stopped. "Zilla. You are doing a wonderful job here. Thank you." Pleased with herself for remembering to encourage somebody, Terindra moved on into the other room. She drew back the bronze colored satin sheets, enjoying the way the lamp light shimmered across the loose folds of shining cloth. She crawled up on them, reaching for the chilled wine left on the table within reach. She was sprawled among the pillows when Listani let himself into the room. He wore a loose robe which he let fall as he stepped toward her. "Your wish, my Lady?" His eyes traveled over her and she saw him start to respond already.

She turned to her back and opened her legs, and the moisture glistened there. "I want you here, now." She smiled as she watched him take himself in hand and encourage his erection as he strode toward her. Soon he was over her, supported on his arms, his member ready. She took him by the hips and pulled him hard into her. He smiled and cooperated, and she gasped as he sank deep, sweetly piercing her until she felt as if he would reach all the way through. The desire flared through her and she bit him, encouraging him to move. He made a sound like a low growl into her breast as he lowered himself to his elbows and began stroking in and out or her. She felt her consciousness sink into the sensations, his hot smooth skin sliding into her hunger, his groin pressing fire from her center each time he filled her. She wrapped her legs around his back and pulled him in, and her nails raked his back. "Harder. Harder!" He answered her, driving hard as she rode the wave higher and higher. She felt it begin to crest and hovered there as he filled her once more, and again, and yet again. Then he shifted slightly and shattered her, his cock hitting that spot so deep inside that drove everything away into colors and cries and fiery waves until she began to subside, slowly. He still moved in her, watching her closely as her eyes fluttered back open. She wanted more, but knew it would be awhile before her body would respond. She stopped him. "Enough for now. I may want you again later."

"Yes, my Lady." He obediently pulled out and moved to gather his robe. Then he returned to fill her wine glass and straighten the sheets around her before taking his station outside her door. Merrith and Milanda soon entered, quietly checking on her needs. She dismissed them to their own sleep then lost herself in contemplation of the evening. She wanted to make as many connections as she could from her own observations and the reports of her own people before reading the newest report from her mystery spy.

Merrith's little handmaiden had let slip a few interesting tidbits with no idea that she had done so. She didn't like it when her Lady Orbigantry visited with Lady Serchen, and such visits had been much more frequent lately. There were a limited number of reasons for these two ladies to meet, and coupled with the observations that each of them had met privately with Yasmina tonight made for some very interesting connections indeed. Terindra's mind saw a diaphanous spiderweb of fine silken lines running between the people of her Empire. It formed an ever-changing tapestry, and she knew that one who could see and read that tapestry would truly rule the Empire.

She rose and pulled on a light robe, returning to the office as she had done more and more often these nights. Hardil was already there, hard at work. He had the lamp lit at her desk and gave her a smile as she came in. "I've prepared an initial report for you, my Lady. It is there on your desk. Shall I order anything from the kitchen?"

"Some light snacks would be good, Hardil. This is becoming a routine, isn't it?" It occurred to her that she was keeping him up to work with her on a regular basis. She looked closely at him. "Are you getting enough sleep, Hardil? I need you alert for this work. It would be too easy to miss details with a foggy mind."

"I am fine, my Lady. I sleep in the morning while you have no need of me. I find I like this schedule, we accomplish so much when the household is quiet." He paused, and she glanced up to see him looking at her, and odd expression on his face. "Thank you, my Lady, for bringing me here and giving me interesting work to do. My life here is better than anything I could have hoped for. You are a kind mistress." He smiled slightly and ducked his head back to desk.

Terindra stared at him. Such an odd man. His comment made her feel good, in an odd way. She had never particularly considered the feelings of her servants until recently. She had expected such considerations to give her better work performance and loyalty. She had not expected to gain and emotional return herself. Why should she care about what a servant thought of her? Still, it did feel good. She shook off the odd thoughts and returned to her work.

Some time later she leaned back, stretching her back and neck. She glimpsed Listani standing outside the door and smiled a little. She wasn't sure why he felt it his duty to guard her night time work, but he always did. She never asked him about it. He was good to look at between bouts of concentration!

She had been right about the connection between the houses of Orbigantry and Serchen, and Yasmina's interest in it. She had found several obscure connections between the two houses, and one of Yasmina's allied houses had been active in contacting both of them recently. She had suspected a forced buyout of another house, known to be a hostile competitor of the house of Serchen. The more she looked, though, the more she saw that as a front for a much more complex maneuver by Yasmina and her allies. They were cornering the market on the production of a particular cloth used in huge quantities for a yearly festival in the northern portions of the Empire. The festival was becoming popular along the border and even farther north because of the amusing nature of the costumes and games it encouraged. The color and type of cloth was traditional, and exports last year had begun increasing considerably.

House Narchiae was a major producer of the dye used for this cloth, and was in imminent danger of going under and becoming a subsidiary of Serchen. This was only one house of a pattern, though. The others were seemingly unconnected, as none of them worked directly together, but each contributed some important item to the production of the cloth. Each was coming under ownership of an ally of Yasmina.

Yasmina's purposes behind this were a little harder to figure. She made no direct profit from it. Those profiting were already her allies. Their gratitude would be perhaps more in proportion with the increase in their profits, but that would last exactly as long as it would have before all this dealing, which was to say as long as it benefited them.

Again, the mysterious supporter's information shed light. It was the exports to the northern countries, of course. It was a unique opportunity to make contacts and place her people in places that would not be open to her in any guise other than a festival. There were signs that the spread of the festival was being encouraged as well. The letter suggested a way to take advantage of Yasmina's play, as well. To Terindra's fascination, it involved the same corner of the market as the last one.

Shipping. Only minor families took any interest in shipping. It produced nothing, it was backbreaking work requiring huge stocks of livestock and feed. It was much cheaper and easier for the larger houses to hire somebody to take care of this necessary end of business. Shipping in the interior of Arbigahl was accomplished by small individual companies that owned routes between towns, or sections of the rivers. There was a great deal of turnover in those small companies. Families died out or were killed by bandits or natural disaster. Poor management, or disease among the livestock forced sale of the routes. There were incredible possibilities here.

It was the same blindness to the working class, the servants, that seemed to be endemic to her culture. It was an opportunity for building an incredible power base, and information network! And her sister, along with the rest of the nobility, would be unlikely to see it for the same reasons they had not seen it before!

There were problems, but she was sure she could work around them. Yes! This was it! The potential was outrageous! She grinned at Hardil and he stared back at her, puzzled, too immersed in minutia to see the picture forming in her mind, like a dark web under the other one. A dark web that vibrated to her control!

Excitement raced through her.

"Enough for tonight, Hardil! Enough. I have what I want for now. Tomorrow we begin to plan how to use it. Tonight, it is enough!" She grinned at his puzzled face and waved him to the door. Terindra drank down the glass of wine sitting beside her, then rose and went to Listani still standing at the door. She grinned at him too, then grabbed his head and pulled him down for a kiss. Suddenly the fire rushed through her and she wanted him in her, no waiting!

She yanked open his tunic, loosely belted at his waist. She wrapped a leg around his thigh and climbed him, lips still locked to his. Her robe fell open. Listani's strong hands cupped her buttocks, parting her. She felt the tip of his ready erection at the door to her dark chambers, and thrust down, impaling herself on him. He gasped, warm breath filling her mouth and she laughed, throwing her head back. He staggered and turned, pressing her to the wall, holding her high against him. Terindra screamed in laughter and wild pleasure as he thrust himself into her. His strong grip under her round ass pulled her wide open and she sank onto him forcing him incredibly deep inside of her. She braced her arms on his thick shoulders and bent her neck to kiss him again, running her tongue far along his, devouring his mouth. He matched her passion, thrusting wildly into her, gripping her hips and pulling her to meet him. They cried out together, their voices mingling with their tongues.

She wanted to feel his climax as she climbed him only to sink onto him again. She had to tell him, or he wouldn't. "Don't hold back! Do it! Yes!" Her words turned to a scream again as her own climax was upon her, and she felt him seem to swell even larger inside her as he drove her through her orgasm before releasing his own. He scalded her and the feel of him jetting inside her sent her over again. He moved with her until she was limp in his arms. Then he left her inner recesses and shifted her in his arms to carry her back to her room. He placed her on the bed and gently bathed the stickiness from her before tucking the smooth cool sheets around her. She slept before he finished, a smile on her lips.

Part V

Terindra was bored. She found that traveling around the countryside was less adventure and more discomfort than she liked. They had left Delrinda far behind, along with apparently all true civilization. The river journey to Whiletta had been tolerable, drifting along sipping chilled drinks beneath an awning with Nadora. They had amused themselves commenting on this strong back or that well turned thigh as the strong barge slaves fended them off the bank while the oxen drew them slowly up the lazy river.

They had guested at various estates along the way, meeting other noblewomen on their way to the notorious party of the foreign merchant, Ser Stollerin. His attempts to provide appropriate entertainment for the noblewomen of Arbigahl had become a peculiarly fashionable sort of a joke among the noble houses, and sending some member to attend was now a yearly tradition. One never knew what the fool man would do next to impress his guests.

This year he had outdone himself. Trained animals abounded. He must have collected them all the preceding year. He had large dogs with trays on their backs delivering food; more stable animals like sheep delivering drinks. Big cats snarled from gilded cages in the corners, birds screeched above. Animals were everywhere. Terindra admitted to herself that it had been amusing, especially when one of the dogs decided to go after a monkey and Nadora landed in the pond! The merchant would be apologizing for years to come.

But now she was bored. She had left the river and her sister behind to travel north and a little east toward one of her holdings, a timber farm where teak and other fine hardwoods were harvested. The roads were well maintained, but sitting on horseback all day had left her incredibly tired and sore. She was still glad she had refused a carriage. She couldn't stand the thought of being cooped up in such a small dusty space all day long. Even her aching seat was better than that. Her temper wasn't helped by the impression that she got that Andinel was impatient with their progress. Did the nomad expect a princess to cripple herself with riding too long at a time? Surely a few breaks were not too much to ask. It was her journey, after all, to order as she would.

The woman had a point, though, Terindra admitted to herself. The towns they spent their nights in would not get closer for her, princess or no. The beasts that roamed the night would not distinguish between her and the others, either. Sleeping in the jungle was not recommended, for anybody. Terindra sighed and shifted her seat in the saddle once more, her horse sighing as well at the movement on her back. Milanda had tried to distract her with descriptions of the local flora and fauna, until the princess had snapped at her to stop her incessant chattering. Since then they had left her alone.

Even her obsession left her alone this day. She couldn't bring her mind to focus on her plans and the web of information she was building. A few more tidbits had fallen to her ears and eyes at the merchant's party, but nothing too significant. Hardil had taken notes of all manner of shipping in each town they had passed through, and the talk with the various stewards, farriers, carters and such they had traveled with was dutifully added to her store of knowledge. But it was all a stew in her mind today as her aching hips intruded themselves in her thoughts. They had been long days on the road, these past few since leaving Whiletta, longer for her stops. But tonight they were to arrive at Lirengana, her estate. She hoped they at least had a decent bath available. Listani's massages had helped, but she really needed a long soak with no thought of another day's riding ahead. It was close to evening, surely they were close to the estate!

One of the guards fell from his horse. She didn't realize at first what was happening, anger brushed through her at this sloppy behavior. Then a wasp buzzed close by her head and Listani was falling with her as he dove over their horses, taking her to the ground. She landed hard with him on top of her and only realized what was happening when the shouting penetrated the ringing in her ears. Attack! They were under attack! Listani stood over her, a sword in his hand. She threw herself to her feet, pulling her own sword from its scabbard, looking around and trying to make sense of the milling horses and people.

Andinel's training had the guards in a circle around her, horses and servants milling within, providing cover for the princess. She had to step back as a turning horse almost ran himself up her sword. There was a clash of metal behind her and she spun to see figures in the green of the forest crossing blades with the guards, then her vision was obscured as an inner circle formed close about her. There was shouting and a few screams amid the clang of blades, then sudden quiet again. Andinel's voice called out to leave off pursuit, and suddenly the tension left the air. Whatever it had been, it was over.

A figure with Andinel's rangy stride approached and bowed to her and Andinel's face resolved in Terindra's vision, a haze she hadn't realized was there clearing as the world made some sense again. "My lady, they have gone. It was a two fold attempt, and may have succeeded but for your Listani. The crossbowmen went after you directly and tried to force a hole in the perimeter guard at the same time. When you were no longer a target, they tried to spear through the gap in the defensive ring, but didn't stay around when it didn't work. We are searching the bodies now for clues, but I doubt we will find very much.

"We lost three guards, and two are lightly injured but can ride. I do not think they will be back, but I suggest we press on for the estate as quickly as we may." Her eyes seemed to question Terindra and she nodded, not trusting herself to speak quite yet. So fast, it had happened so fast. She dimly realized that she still held her sword. She looked down at it in her hand for a moment before smoothly sheathing it. A dull surprise filled her that she hadn't sliced her hand open doing that.

Listani steadied her as she remounted and then they were riding, quicker than before. She made no complaint, and determined to make none in the future. Her route had been no secret, could not be really, given the nature of her tour. Therefor they should move quickly and smoothly, as Andinel had desired. She would adjust, and would again pay more attention to the training the woman tried to give her. She herself had demanded such after the last attempt.

She had believed herself in possession of a better grounding in swordplay then it appeared she had any right to claim. Andinel told her that her early fencing instructors, it appeared, had been more interested in form than substance. Terindra had resisted this idea. Surely her mother had hired the best. Perhaps the best reputation as a teacher of young noblewomen did not mean the best teacher of true sword work. Terindra resigned herself inwardly to hours of actual work. It had to be better than the daze she had just felt herself in.

The horse was pounding herself into Terindra's spine by the time they reached the estate. Lady Gurmbester met her at the door with warm moist clothes to wipe her face and hands and a cool drink to wash the dust from her throat. She left the others to tend the horses and gear, taking Milanda and Listani with her to follow the woman into the house. It was quite a large building, and impressive as estate houses went. Built in a broad rectangle, there was a central courtyard and many breezeways and windows to catch any coolness the air might carry.

Lady Gurmbester herself was rather impressive. She was large. Not fat by any means, just large. She looked as though she might fell the trees that were in her care all by herself. She dressed in loose flowing pants and blouse that appeared very cool and comfortable here in the jungle where she made her home. Her arms showed great curves of muscle and scars here and there. This woman worked hard. Terindra smiled to herself. It was no wonder this estate showed better profit than most others she had managed to compare it to. Work always showed.

They shared the required meaningless small talk, and Lady Gurmbester showed herself to be an understanding hostess, as well. She put Terindra at ease with the right mix of deference due a princess and landlady without the fawning of one uncertain of their place, or desiring of another. She showed them directly to a suite of rooms without delay and offered to have food sent up to allow her guests to rest this first evening and leave business for the morrow. Terindra gratefully accepted and found herself looking forward to speaking with this woman in earnest.

*****

The next morning found her much improved in temperament, probably owing much to the improvement in her body's condition, the fact that she did not have a saddle waiting for her. Listani and Milanda's attentions last night might have helped, bathing and massaging her until she slept. She felt a slight tingle between her legs at the thought of their hands on her, and decided that tonight she would feel well enough for that, as well. She realized with a bit of surprise that it had been some days since she had felt an interest in sex. She had been more tired than even she had realized!

"You have a lovely place here, Lady Gurmbester, truly, and I feel much better for a night under your roof." She could here the sincerity in her own voice and smiled at the woman, relaxed in a comfortable chair at breakfast. The screened porch was bright with the light shining on the yard beyond, firebirds strutting on the trimmed grass. Their tails were spread to dry the morning dew from them and the display was magnificent, false eyes seemingly ringed with flame in the sunlight.

"It is your house, my Lady, I merely keep it for you." Pride managed to find its way into the humble words. "If it please you, Highness, call me Rendella. Lady Gurmbester is such a mouthful!" She sipped from the tea that remained once the morning dishes had been cleared away. "What would you like to see today? I'm unsure of just what you intended in your inspection, although of course everything is open for you. Did you wish to look through the books, or see the actual operations..."

Terindra smiled back, hearing the uncertainty in Rendella's voice. The poor woman must have been worried about the meaning of this tour. Terindra had deliberately left that point open, thinking that some uncertainty among her tenants could be very revealing as the tour progressed. "I wish to see everything, Rendella. I have no doubts of your capabilities, and no immediate intention of interfering in your management, I simply wish to learn about my holdings. I have found that a thorough understanding of a thing is rarely wasted. But for today, I do appreciate the chance to rest a bit. Perhaps my secretary, Hardil, could look through the books while you and I look about the grounds here nearby and talk for today. Tomorrow I would like to ride out to a harvest area and see how the work actually progresses.

"I am not so foolish as to think I can learn the timber industry in a few short days, but perhaps a basic grounding in how things work might be possible? Think of me as your student for a time. You may call me Terindra during this short tutorial, so long as we are here amongst our own people. I feel as though I shall enjoy this portion of my tour very much."

The powerfully built woman actually blushed at this sign of favor and looked down for a moment. "I thank you, my...Terindra. I shall try to make your stay as comfortable and informative as possible. I appreciate your confidence in me." She looked up, straight at the princess. "I do believe you shall have my confidence as well, if I may be so bold, my Lady."

Terindra felt a rush of pleasure at this, rather surprised at herself. She smiled back, and suggested that Rendella have Hardil shown to the account books and then share a walk with her, to start.

The day passed pleasantly enough, Terindra absorbing a surprising amount of information about timber, its production, shipping, and marketing. The problems with insects and disease, drought and fire, flood, equipment, and labor made it so much more than cutting down trees and selling them. She found an eager and knowledgeable teacher in Rendella. She knew her business well and ran it with a close eye. Once she was sure it wasn't about to be taken from her, she appreciated a landlady who wanted to understand her problems and help her manage them.

By the end of the day they were approaching friendship. Rendella's consort joined them for dinner, riding in from a harvest site he had been working at. He was a large man, suitable for Rendella's size, and seemed to act much as her partner rather than her concubine. Terindra found herself watching their easy camaraderie. She had never seen a man act quite so, so, equal with a woman. She wasn't sure how she felt about it, but they certainly seemed happy with their arrangement. He showed her perfect deference, so she had no reason to feel offended. She almost felt she should be, on behalf of this woman for whom she felt a budding friendship. She shook her head. Silliness. Surely how Rendella chose to treat her people was her own business, so long as she took care of Terindra's business.

Still, she found it strangely fascinating. Milanda had found a servant that had caught her eye, and after gaining permission from her hosts and her mistress had taken the evening off. Terindra found herself looking forward to being alone with Listani. She fed him tidbits from her plate, local delicacies that Rendella's cook had concocted. "Listani, remind me to request the recipe for this baked lira fish for Cook. It is delicious!"

"With a will, my Lady!" His eyes twinkled at her as he stole another bite from her plate. She swatted at him playfully. He read her moods so well, but still would never presume to disagree with her as Rendella's Orvel was doing. Something about managing the work team at some site or other. They came to an agreement as Terindra turned back to them.

"You must find it very useful to have so knowledgeable a consort, Rendella. Wherever did you find him?" She smiled at Orvel, and was startled to catch the barest glint of what might be resentment in his eyes. She could have imagined it, she supposed. Why would he resent such an innocent question, phrased with his praises?

"He is my right hand, and indeed I doubt I could manage the place without him. He is the son of a neighbor, and we grew up together on the tree farms. There was never any doubt between our families that he would come to me when the time came, and no more doubt between us." She smiled at him, something warm lighting her eyes. He smiled back, and there was certainly no coldness when he looked upon her. Surely she had imagined it.

Listani drew his hand along her thigh, distracting her. Suddenly she was no longer interested in Rendella and her place. She rose, and the others rose as well. "I thank you for a very nice day and your excellent cooperation, Rendella. It was a delicious meal, and I shall wish to impose upon your cook for some recipes before I leave! But I believe I will retire now. I look forward to seeing you in the morning."

"Of course, my Lady! Sleep well. Shall I have somebody show you to your rooms?" Rendella gestured to a servant standing ready near the door.

"No, I believe I can find my way. Good evening to you." Terindra waved the man back and took Listani's arm strolling around the courtyard in the moonlight on the way to her suite.

She had bathed before dinner, after their walks this day in the heat of the jungle, so she felt no need to do so again. She opened the belt on the loose robe she had worn over matching pants and turned to Listani. "Undress me, then strip. I wish to see you."

He obeyed, saying nothing. Gently he removed her robe and untied the pants, barely touching her as the fabric slipped away. Then he stood before her and opened his own clothing, eyes cast down as he slowly bared his body. Truly he was a fine specimen, and she silently congratulated herself on her taste in his selection. His smooth skin and muscle so well toned was much more to her taste then that over built rugged man of Rendella's. She had no idea why the thought of him was even in her mind. He was not at all attractive to her, but there was something about the way they looked at each other. She shook it out of her mind.

Listani was standing patiently, his cock already erect, ready for whatever she wished. "Bring me those other pillows and pile them here behind me, yes, like that." She lay back against the pillows, head propped up so she could watch him. "Come and kiss me, sweet, then you will pleasure me with your tongue." He dutifully kissed her, his lips as sweet as ever, skilled on hers. Her hands found her breasts and squeezed the nipples as he moved between her legs, lightly kissing her thigh. She sighed as his lips found her own lower ones, and his tongue parted them. He lapped at her warmth a moment before letting his tongue move up to find her clit.

She watched his dark head move as he stroked her with his tongue, bringing a familiar burning to her body and her thoughts. Her eyes traveled along the strong back to the lovely curve of his buttocks, unconsciously flexing now and then as his head moved over her pussy. She found herself wanting to kiss him there, and shook her head at her foolishness. No, was doing just what she wanted. "Harder, Listani." She lifted her hips a bit to him, willing the feelings to take her over as his skilled tongue moved over her flesh. He moved his tongue hard around her clit, his hands gripping her hips to hold her still as she rocked with him. He was so good, she felt her flesh swell under his touch and she pushed for her climax. He didn't stop, worrying at her until finally she jumped under him, orgasm washing over her in a quick rush.

It was singularly unsatisfying. He'd done everything she wanted, but it wasn't enough. She needed to be filled, that was it. "Turn over, Listani. I want to ride you." He lifted himself away from her and laid on his back, smiling his willingness at her. His erection lay on his rippled belly like a challenge, and she smiled as she straddled him, rubbing herself along his length. She watched his eyes go dim a moment at the sensation, then he was smiling up at her again. How did he do that, she wondered, store those feelings away so that he was always ready, never coming until permitted. What kind of training would teach such control? She had a feeling she didn't really want to know.

She leaned down and kissed his chest, inhaling his scent and taste, playing with his tiny nipples for a bit, still sliding back and forth on his shaft. Finally she felt herself begin to glow as her arousal began again. She tilted her hips a bit farther and drew his hands to her breasts, enjoying their warmth in the cooler air of evening. She reached down and lifted his cock to meet her entrance and lowered herself over him, filling herself with his warm hardness. He seemed to fit there so well. His fingers lightly pinched and rolled her nipples as she raised herself along his shaft and then sat down on him again. She began fucking herself on him, setting a steady rhythm that matched her need. She felt herself building on his ready member and was grateful to have him with her.

She slid up and down along him, leaning far forward to bring her clit down hard on him when she sat down, rocking her hips back to catch her favorite spot as she rose. She was quickly gasping as she drove herself toward her climax. He moved with her, perfectly matching her to avoid disrupting her balance or her pace. So good, he was so good, it felt so good, then it was there and she came again, the fire washing through her as her body pulsed around his length.

She almost screamed her frustration as she lay atop him. Again it was weak, not enough. She still felt this need, and she found herself suddenly crying though she couldn't say why. She beat her fists on his chest and screamed at him. "Why won't it work? Why isn't it good enough!" she sobbed and beat at him until he gathered her in his arms and held her sobbing and crying in his shoulder, weakly struggling against him. He made quiet shushing noises that made her want to scream some more, and turned them over.

He smoothed her damp hair back from her face and kissed her cheeks, whispering nothing and holding her tight with the other arm while she cried. Wiping the tears from her cheeks, he moved in her once more, so gently she didn't realize it at first. He kissed her and talked to her and soothed her and filled her and slowly she quieted, burying her face in his shoulder, silent tears still running from her eyes as she lay under him, arms folded tight to herself. He cradled her against his chest and slowly, slowly moved in and out, in and out. His lips never stopped moving over her, his voice telling her it was okay, he would take care of it. She ever so slowly relaxed against him, letting go, letting him take her.

He moved in her more firmly, giving her some strength to hold against her. She rose to meet him, moving a bit with him finally, and he whispered encouragement to her. Her arms finally relaxed and went around him and then she was clinging to him as he held her tight, filling her fully with each stroke. This time the feelings burned through her, hot and strong and she bit him, arms clenching him hard to her. His hard muscled arms were tight around her, holding her at shoulders and hips, lifting her to meet his thrusts. She gave herself to it and she came, hard, screaming into his shoulder, clawing at him, her legs pulled up to his ribs as she pulled him in again and again. Finally she screamed at him, "Come, damn you! Come in me!" and he did, slamming into her and driving her over one last time, groaning into her own shoulder as she collapsed under him.

She was asleep before she could think. Listani pulled away from her carefully and brushed her hair back from her face, damp and reddened. He stared down at it for some time. Then he smiled. There might have been a certain gleam of triumph in it, had anybody been there to see.

Terindra woke feeling both well and rather drained. She threw open the windows for some fresh air and stood there looking out. The jungle encroached on the lawns, a strict line dividing them. The gardeners even now worked to keep that line, pulling every stray sprout. She turned away and called for Milanda to bathe and dress her. She was suddenly anxious to finish her tour of this place and move on.

Hardil joined her for breakfast on the small balcony attached to her rooms and summarized the holding's financial status. It was moderately but consistently profitable. There was nothing here to hold her attention beyond today's planned ride. Good.

She found swinging astride her horse a much more comfortable experience than it had been when she started this journey. A day off had let her thighs catch up with their healing, and she actually enjoyed the ride. A wide track lead off into the forest, apparently kept open by constant traffic and occasional care. It was a long ride, and they stopped for a bit at a nearer patch of forest. The trees here were young, but still well grown.

"Lovely, aren't they?" Rendella gestured at the young forest around them. "This planting was done by my grandmother. It will be ready to harvest by my granddaughter. The trees take such time to reach maturity. I am harvesting plantings put in place by my ancestors, six generations back. Each generation adds new harvest to the area, and always we replant. It is a huge circle, with the estate in the middle, the whole valley, with the river running down the center to carry the logs down to the mill."

She turned to Terindra. "What do you think of our work, my Lady? You have observed us, and surely your man has reported on the books. Have you formed a plan yet?" Her eyes were very direct, a ghost of fear there, and determination. It occurred to Terindra that if she did have any ideas about replacing this woman, it would not be an easy task.

"No plan, Rendella. I am quite satisfied with the way things are. You know your work well, and it would be foolish of me to interfere." Terindra looked away. "I am curious, though, about a different matter." Terindra wasn't quite sure where this question had come from, or what it could possibly have to do with her, but she was going to ask anyway. "You allow your consort to act almost as your equal. Do you not find that this makes him difficult to manage?" Terindra tried to bring it back to business at Rendella's measuring look. "More than that, do you not find that others of your crews take advantage of this laxness? I would think it would cause you management problems."

"No, my Lady. The men here work well, as do the women. My consort is my equal, in all but law. He was raised nearby, and knows the business as well as I. I think you will find, out here beyond capital society, that there are two schools of thought on that." She began stripping a piece of grass absently between her fingers. "There are those who believe that only the strictest discipline can hold us safe in these remote holdings. They hold their people in the tightest control they can devise, investing in security forces and replacements for the ones that are killed or die of poor conditions. It is abominable what is done to those people.

"The rest of us find it easier to just be people, together, each with our jobs to do. My consort supports me completely, and is free to tell me when I make an ongru of myself. It does happen occasionally. He is a very good manager, and keeps operations at an optimum level. Our workers, for the most part, have been here for generations along side us. It is a good life. The other is not."

Terindra stared at her for a few moments. "Are we ready to proceed?" She found herself angry, and was unsure why. Her servants were hers to do with as she would, and always had been. This woman's plebeian attitudes had nothing to do with her. It was time to ride on from this tree farm. She found she had no interest in farming, anyway.

Back on the water the next day, they took a barge out of the valley down a slow tributary of the Farish River. If they stayed on it long enough, it would take them into Ormilla, but they would not stay afloat so long. Still, it was nice, relaxing again, traveling without effort. Terindra lay back on the cushions, enjoying the feel of the sun on her skin. A light breeze kept if from becoming too hot, and caressed her.

After a while, they went around a broad curve in the river and she found that the sun was shining directly on her sex, the thin cloth of her lounging clothes growing hot where it rested between her legs. She shifted a bit, opening her knees farther, and Milanda brushed her hair back from her face. Terindra turned her head and kissed the soft thigh beside her. Milanda ran her hand down Terindra's neck and over her breast, and the nipple hardened rapidly in response.

The princess looked up at the black-haired beauty bending over her. Milanda smiled at her and bent to kiss her softly. The hand slipped to her other breast, and she felt herself growing wet. The heat of the sun on her pussy was almost a physical pressure, and she reached down to touch herself through the cloth.

A cough sounded from her left, and Milanda lifted away as she turned to look. Ah, yes, the bargemen. Well, she supposed it was her own fault, they really had no where else to look. "Milanda, drop the curtains, would you?" She hated to cut off the delicious sunlight, but it wouldn't be enough for much longer anyway. The man studiously turned away, and she saw the others also finding other things to fascinate them as Milanda dropped the sheer curtains around her little pavilion on the deck. They didn't hide much, but an illusion of privacy was all Terindra had ever really had. "Come here now. I want your touch where the sun was so warm."

Milanda knelt between her knees and bent forward to send her hot breath through the thin cloth covering Terindra's groin, and it flared through the princess' body, spreading up to her breasts. Terindra lifted her own hands to her breasts as Milanda worked the cloth off of her before softly biting and licking her way back up. Terindra groaned as Milanda's warm lips moved up and finally her tongue parted the wet lips of Terindra's sex. She realized she hadn't been so aroused by one of her women in some time, and relaxed into the sensations Milanda's expert tongue was causing her. Almost as warm as the sun, and most definitely more agile, it swirled around her clit, making her lift her hips from the pillows in pleasure. Her hands drifted to her breasts and she played with her nipples as Milanda's tongue slid over her, long slow strokes up and down pussy, from her canal to her center of pleasure and back. Terindra sighed as the heat the sun had left seemed to soak in and burn inside her, swelling through her belly.

She licked her lips as her breath quickened, small moans escaping her, her hips thrusting up at Milanda. The woman concentrated more on her clit, working in hard circles over it, and Terindra knew it wouldn't be long. It felt so good, so very good. She reached down and ran her fingers into Milanda's hair, holding her tight to her sex as her climax neared, her hips rising from the cushions as she reached for it. She moaned and her head rocked from side to side as she felt the first slight pulse that signaled she was there, then it crashed through her and she cried out a little, her legs locking around Milanda's head as the lovely thing took her over the edge.

She moaned and turned her head again, eyes opening randomly as she arched her body again. Her head rolled back, then what she had seen penetrated the colors swirling in her head. Her eyes widened in shock as she yanked her head back to see the bargeman with his engorged cock in his hand, staring avidly at her through the veils.

Terindra shrieked with anger, and was on her feet. "Andinel! Guards! Seize that man! How dare he! Nobody uses an imperial princess like that! Nobody!" She barely noticed the man's white face as she shook with rage. These people had no respect for her authority! These men no longer knew their place! Never would a male in the Imperial City have dared such a thing! "I want him whipped!" She glared around at the rest of the men who ran this filthy excuse for a barge, fastening the foreman with her gaze. The man actually strode toward her as though to confront her! His scraggly beard bristled as he approached, jaw clenched. This man had the effrontery to be angry, with her! What had these people come to? It was perverted, the way these men behaved!

Listani was suddenly there, stepping in front of her as her guards closed around her. Andinel gestured two of them to hold the foreman. He struggled a second then looked around and seemed to sag as the reality of her small army of well armed guards in the imperial livery sank in. "Andinel, these men must be taught a lesson. Lady Grumbester and her kind have been far too lax in these parts. That man actually thought he could satisfy his base desires gazing upon the Imperial presence. They seem to have forgotten what Imperial power is. Teach them."

She stood rigid before her small pavilion and watched as the bargeman was stripped and tied to a pole in the stern. Andinel ordered the barge halted so that all could observe the punishment. She observed with them as the guard's arm swung the lash. She watched as first red welts, then red blood ran down his flesh. She watched as he screamed until he fainted, and she watched until the blood pooled under his feet. Finally Andinel had him cut down and his body thrown over the side. The overseer was strung in his place, feet slipping in the blood as he tried to hold himself up, arms pulled far over his head. The lash struck and he grunted. A few more strokes and he screamed as his man had. Then he was cut down, and his men released to tend him.

Terindra turned and entered her pavilion, ordering the heavier curtains dropped, and sending everybody out. Then she lay and stared at the ceiling while the barge moved slowly down the river.