Little one

Hello one and all, KaS here, finally back. As I said, I am reworking this whole story. So if you came here going where the hell is the rest of the story, sorry! I was never really happy with the way that Little One turned out the first time; there were many inconsistencies and plot holes that needed filled. Also, it is a story I started three years ago, and my writing style has changed a bit. This is the first installation of new chapter organization and rewriting to be added, and will be followed hopefully soon by the rest. I hope you enjoy this much more than the original, I know I do. Please feel free to leave a review, any and all feedback is welcomed during the rewrite.

" ~*~ " This denotes a time change, scene shift, beginning or ending of a chapter.

Title: Little One
Date: August 2, 2008
Chapter: One


~*~

Against the walls the setting summer sun shot colors that painted the dreams of children and lovers. Its dying light gave way to the deep blue rippling beneath the clouds like cold water, just as this waning summer night would give way to cool autumn mornings.

It was inconsequential to the girl who anxiously made way up the gleaming staircase and kept herself pressed to that same wall which was painted with colorful sunlight. Jess walked up the stairs slowly, trembling from the thoughts of what was to come. She kept her eyes carefully glued to the floor and glanced up only to make sure she was not about to crash into someone.

When she saw the last stair and the flat expanse of the hallway floor extend before her, she paused and resisted the urge to run screaming back down the stairs. Holding back tears she took that last step, and in that moment she knew here was no going back.

Jess continued down the hallway until she caught the sight of her reflection in a mirror. She had not paid attention to the other harem girls when they had dressed her; she had been too distressed. Her young body was visible through the sheer blue and gold cloth of the wrapped top and loose, flowing skirt. Her makeup was well done and accentuated her round cheekbones and wide eyes.

A thin chain of gold with a pendant with the Empress’ crest engraved on it encircled her neck; it was not anything special, all of the girls had them. Her dainty feet were shod with little blue slippers with gold patterns embroidered into the tops. Her plain brown hair was piled neatly on her head, with a few strands left down to frame her face. With careful sweeps of subtle color, her makeup accentuated her delicate bone structure and matched well with the clothing.

She would look stunning, dressed or not. Jess suppressed tears again. She did not want to go to the Empress’ rooms tonight.

Jess heard the clanking step of the guards coming down the corridor and hurried on her way. She still did not want to go, but being discovered lingering in the bright corridor by a guard would be worse. She came at last to the wide, engraved doors that led to the Empress’ chambers. Jess had been there only once before; she had been sent to deliver a box that the Empress had requested to her rooms.

She remembered marveling at the lush colors and soft fabrics that covered the floor and furniture and the massive bed that the Empress had rested on as she called Jess farther into the room. The bed had been covered in black comforters and more silver and blue pillows than Jess could count. Jess also remembered blushing furiously at the thought of how many people could fit in that bed at once. That image became reality when she turned the handle and entered the elaborate chambers. She didn’t see the empress upon entering, so she quietly made her way to the bedroom as befitted a simple pleasure slave.

There, before her that same bed stretched out dark sheets smoothed to perfection. It was unlike any other bed she had ever seen. Heavy dark wood intricately carved with slinking animals weaving themselves amongst exotic plants in forests unseen by modern eyes. It was the dark, intimidating thing that seemed to be perfect for such a foreboding personage as the Empress of the Great Southern Empire, Kateri Shale

And there, on the other side of the room, facing her over the broad expanse of the bed was the lady herself.

~*~

From the west facing window, Kateri could see across the tops of every building in the whole city. Distantly, she noticed the setting sun, a blaze of light against a rapidly darkening sky. Scarcely an hour ago had she sent word down to her most trusted servant and manager of her harem that she was in the mood for someone new. It had been a month since her last lover, Marcia, had left, and Kateri had not yet taken a new slave to her bed. Impatiently she smoothed the silk nightgown down the front of her body. The door to the main room of her chambers creaked open and attracted her attention; it had to be the new girl.

Kateri watched the small girl walk into the room and kneel at the foot of the bed, waiting for a command. She was so little. Kateri had asked for something young, and had been told the girl being sent up was sixteen. Yet the chit was so petite it made her look even younger. The girl’s eyes remained downcast and she stayed perfectly still. Kateri walked from the window around to where the slave knelt.

As she drew nearer she noticed the girl was trembling. Kateri paused for a moment. She kept careful track of the girls in her harem and where they came from. She knew every detail of their lives, from their parent’s names to how many people they had had sex with before entering the harem. Kateri knew that some of the girls preferred to stay out of her bed; there had even been a time when Kateri herself had only liked men in her bed. But this one had been a bit of a mystery; there were holes miles wide in the girl’s file.

She was a good mistress, and she had given orders to the managers of her harem that if one of the girls refused to go up to Kateri’s rooms, they were not to be forced. She would not take a girl by force. As Kateri looked down at the frightened little slave at her feet, she hoped that this girl had not been sent up by mistake; it was not completely unavoidable, sometimes the girls would not speak up about their wishes. Kateri threw a glance at the ceiling as she prayed that the girl was just nervous and had not been sent up by mistake. She was a pretty thing, and the sight of her had sent fire through Kateri’s body. She would truly be put out if the she had to send the girl back down. “Pet?” Kateri said softly.

Jess tried not to jump when the Empress called out. From the rumors she had heard, she had expected to be ravished the moment she set foot in the door. Yet here she was, sitting quietly at the foot of the massive bed in her majesty’s chambers. The Empress had not even laid a hand on her. She swallowed hard. If the Empress did not find her appealing, was there a punishment? Jess had not been in the harem long enough to know, and had been too stunned earlier to ask. She desperately hoped that she would make it through the night.

Kateri gently stroked the girl’s hair. Kateri then slid her hand down to grasp Jess’ little hand. Drawing the slave up, the empress looked her over more intently. They girl had a sweet air of innocence about her, but her body so scantily clad spoke of anything but innocence.

“Lovely,” Kateri complimented as she gathered the little slave closer. Unconsciously, Jess let out a breath she didn’t realize she had been holding. The Empress at least liked the way she looked.

She laid the girl out on the black sheets and began to unwrap her clothes. The toga-like top fell away fairly easily. Hopefully if the girl really didn’t want to be touched by another woman she would speak up. The scanty blue top slid silkily down the slaves arms. Perfect skin was revealed by each inch she lowered the embroidered cloth. Kateri gently stroked every flash of sensuous flesh that came within her reach. The Empress’ silk clad body pressed so close to Jess’ she could feel the other woman’s tight breasts and firm body.

For her part, Jess could only let herself be led, let her owner strip away the thin clothes hiding her body and shielding her from the hot gaze of the Empress; she was too afraid to try to do anything else. This was it; this was the great and terrible Empress, and she was no more than another slave in a long line. This was the leader of the Unified Forces in the war that tore across their entire world. Her reputation among her soldiers was fierce, and among her people she was portrayed as a harsh, violent, powerful woman. This was the woman who could plunge the whole world into chaos… or bring it back to peace.

It was too much to think about; how was she supposed to act? Like she enjoyed this? Like she wanted to be raped? But what choice did she have? As with every other slave owner before her, the Empress was going to take what she believed was hers.

Questing fingers found treacherously hardening nipples, so with adroit movements, Kateri caressed the tight nubs. At a small gasping sound that did not bear any semblance to pleasured moans, Kateri paused in her attentions long enough to glance up at the slave’s face. By the faint glow of the candles, she could barely make out the tears coursing down Jess’ cheeks. Kateri sighed; she couldn’t take the chit now. It was a mistake. Hopefully the girl would not resent the night too much; perhaps she could still be happy elsewhere in the castle.

“Jess, love?” she inquired softly. Jess opened her eyes and saw the curious expression on the Empress’ face. Blatant shock dawned in the back of her mind at noticing that the Empress had not only known, but called her by name.

“Jess,” she said again. Jess flinched as Kateri reached up and brushed away her tears. Kateri shifted on the bed until she could wrap her arms around the trembling girl. “You should have said something. Rene would not have sent you up here if you had said you did not want this. I enjoy the company of pretty women, but not everyone does…” She was interrupted in her apology by the stuttering voice of the girl beneath her.

“I…I do, too.”

If nothing it confused Kateri further. Jess liked women, then why was she practically panicking? She had not arrived a virgin, which Kateri knew.

“Then why are you shaking in my arms?”

Jess swallowed hard, nearly gasping for air, completely at a loss for words to express her fear. She could not say that she was terrified of Kateri herself, which would only anger the lady. But maybe a half truth would let her ease past the question.

“I am afraid.”

Well, that was obvious. Kateri almost said aloud. “Why are you afraid? I will not hurt you, love, always know that. You are safe here. And if you do not want to be here, then go back.”

With that, she turned and left the bed, and its remaining stunned occupant, behind. Her robe, draped across the back of the vanity chair, was snatched as she passed and finally left the room as well.

For a seeming eternity, Jess lay on the enormous bed. Her first thought had been to cover herself; the satiny sheets made a cozy cocoon. Surrounded by such luxury, in a room filled with every imaginable comfort, she lay and thought about how very nice it would be to run screaming from it all.

But a soft, nagging voice kept telling her she could run, because the very woman she feared had just left her alone, without raping her without anything more than a little groping and stolen kisses. If she left, she wouldn’t ever have to come back, but, in all likelihood, she would never be allowed back either.

She startled at a pointed knock on the side door leading down to a servant’s passage. Rene stuck his head in. Jess blinked in surprise at his sudden appearance.

He tossed his head in the direction of the other door, indicating the departed Empress. “She said you were coming back down. I wanted to know if you were alright,” he explained.

“I’m, um, I’m fine,” she stammered under his intent gaze.

“You’re sure of that?” she raised her eyes to meet his and found kind amusement. His eyes stayed very firmly on hers, though, despite his worries for her safety. With that she realized that when she had been startled, she had partially sat up, and Rene was trying not to catch a glimpse of her bared breasts.

“Well,” he started, after a pregnant pause, “Are you coming back down with me, or staying here?”

Again Jess looked up to him. He had been so kind to her while she had been here, and he seemed to care for her at least a little. But he did like the Empress and had no problem serving her. Still, it couldn’t hurt to ask his opinion.

“What do you think I should do?”

His eyebrows shot up and he sucked in a deep breath. “You really want to know?” at her nod he continued, “It’s entirely up to you. She won’t hurt you, she will never force you past your endurance, she will care for you. Know that if you stay, there is a possibility she will ask for you again and again, or not at all. If you leave, it’s a pretty good bet she will never send for you again, because once a girl refuses her bed, she accepts it, and doesn’t ask again. But this is your decision. It should have been dealt with before you got here,” frustration turned his voice into a slight growl, “but it wasn’t. When I told you she asked for you, you should have said something. I assumed since you agreed there wasn’t a problem.” The last carried an admonishment that sounded sincere.

Jess couldn’t help closing her eyes as she thought. The Empress was certainly beautiful, and she had not been unkind to Jess. The sight of the Empress’ worried eyes flashed inside her mind. If the Empress could give her this choice, if she was willing to put her own desires aside for the wellbeing of her slaves, was that not the owner every slave wanted? Was that not what Jess had begged to the gods for? Wasn’t that worth giving a chance to?

“I’ll stay.”

Rene just smiled, nodded in approval, and left.

“You two had better have gone, I do need some sleep before tomorrow.”

The Empress’ voice carried through the door and Jess couldn’t help the chill that bolted up her spine. She had not expected the lady to return so soon, and she believed Jess to be gone with Rene.

When the door opened, and the Empress stood framed in the shaft of light coming in from the lit candles in the room beyond, Jess had to admire her beauty. Shielded surprise graced the lady’s face.

“You decided to stay?”

“Yes, I did,” Jess cursed her voice for sounding so breathy when she meant to sound sure of herself.

“Well then,” the Empress dropped her robe and revealed the same silk nightgown she had been wearing earlier. Jess watched her come closer with puzzlement. But the Empress was oblivious to the stare as she blew out the two candles in the room and climbed into bed. Jess did not resist when the Empress tugged her down to lie beside her, wrapped her arms gently around her waist and settled down.

“Mistress?” Jess asked in plain confusion.

“Sleep, Jess, sleep,” and with that Kateri drifted off into sleep herself. Jess lay frozen in her mistress’ arms, wondering how she had just changed her fate. Deciding not to lose the brief reprieve she had, Jess fell into uneasy sleep.

~*~

Jess awoke, unaware of when she had finally fallen asleep in the arms of her owner, but now pleasantly warm. The source of that warmth stirred behind her and a sleepy voice whispered,

“Good morning.”

She already felt stiff from being so tense the night before that when he muscles drew taunt at the sound of her mistress speaking, she could feel the knots in her neck and shoulders. Kateri seemed oblivious to her slave’s tension, but laid a reassuring and gentle kiss to the back of Jess’ neck and rolled out of bed.

Now alone in the monstrous bed, Jess snuggled deeper into the covers. Kateri was gone for a long time, but Jess stayed still, unsure of what she was supposed to do. There came a knock the door to her left, the servant’s entrance. Careful to keep her chest covered this time, she sat up and watched as Rene stuck his head around the corner.

“You want to come down for breakfast?” He asked with an impish grin.

Jess blushed at his implying smile, but nodded her assent and struggled under the covers to find her discarded top and slip it back on.

When she was decent again she crawled out of the bed and followed him out into the servant’s passage. He was still smiling; for the first time she noticed how it crinkled the corners of his eyes. Today he was dressed very plainly, just a brown, long sleeved Henley and loose pants that covered his bare feet. But still anyone who came across his would be able to tell that beneath the simple clothes was a beautiful body.

They walked in companionable silence until they reached the harem; he showed her the way to his office, where breakfast was waiting for them.

His office was tucked away through a door connected to the main room of the harem, and like all the doors there, was made of a heavy, dark wood that allowed little sound to pass through. The handle was silver and ornate with a dozen nightingales etched expertly into the base of the knob.

There was no marking on his door to make it particular, or to mark it as an office. Inside the floor was covered in thick, forest-green carpet, which matched the wooden ogee molding and baseboard. The walls were a deep, buttery cream color with wide windows overlooking the royal gardens. Dark green curtains were pulled back so the summer sun shone in on them. Spread across his desk, which was made of the same dark wood as the door, was what she could only suppose was their breakfast.

Dozens of little dishes offered a wide selection, the likes of which Jess had never seen before. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries sat alongside cream filled pastries, soft rolls, crepes, pancakes, and muffins; three jugs sitting nearby held water, milk and strong smelling tea. Jess could not hold back her shock at the smorgasbord board before her. It all looked so good!

Rene handed her a spare white plate with rose colored trim along its edges and gestured to the food. “Have as much as you like, I wasn’t sure of what you liked to eat.” Then he too picked up a plate and took his selections from the dishes.

When they finally settled into the two overstuffed cream chairs each held a full plate of their favorite things; Rene had raspberries pilled on top of a crepe, two little muffins and cup of tea, while Jess had chosen strawberries and pancakes, a roll, and milk. They munched for a while in silence before Rene set down his cup of tea and turned somewhat serious eyes to her.

“So, then, what happened last night?” his voice was calm, as were his gazing eyes. He was in earnest about the question, she could tell, yet she could not remain as aloof as he and blushed scarlet at the implication. He thought she had slept with Empress last night, and while she technically had, it was far more innocent than what he thought.

“Nothing, after you left, we went to sleep. We didn’t really say that much to each other; she just wanted to go to bed.”

There was an awkward pause while Rene scrutinized her. “Nothing? That’s a bit odd.”

“We cuddled… sort of. I was a human shaped pillow.”

A grin peeked out in his eyes before his lips had even twitched in echo. “Well, I was going to ask you if everything went alright, but seeing as you were just a pillow,” the grin could not fully hide anymore, “do you object to going to Kateri’s bed again tonight?”

Jess took a deep breath and brought her glass of milk to her lips as she considered her answer. Inevitably, Kateri would want to take her pleasure from Jess, but last night she had seen the first glimmer of a gentle woman who would treat her right. It was worth giving a chance.

“Yes,” she said over the rim of her glass, “I’ll go. She seems, well, kinder than I would have thought.”

Rene’s grin morphed into a true smile as he replied, “Most people do come to realize that; trust takes time. Now I’ve noticed we haven’t even touched the blueberries…” Content with her answer Rene turned their attention back to the food and lighter, happier conversation.

~*~

That night Jess waited readily in Kateri’s rooms when the Empress returned from her daily meetings and duties. The older woman gave a cordial smile to see her there already. As her eyes swept across the picture her slave presented she could not help but to think it was arranged. The western facing window let in a beam of light that swept across the wall, over the bed, and painted Jess’ white linen skirt and bodice with intense crimson and orange light. It cast a blush across the girl’s skin that could never be replicated by make up and turned her liquid brown eyes into pools of reflected fire.

Kateri herself wore the darker colors of the night to come; a deep blue velvet dress was overlaid by a black corset. Her straight black hair brushed her shoulders left bare by the sleeveless gown. Sapphires glittered from the coronet she wore, as well as from her earrings, necklace, and one of the rings adorning her hand. With a provocative glance thrown at Jess, Kateri strode to her vanity and sat regally on the black bench.

Starting at the top, the coronet went first, followed by each earring taken off excruciatingly slow. She knew Jess was watching, both from the weight of the little slave’s eyes and from a stolen reflection in her mirror. Next she unpinned the few strands of her hair that had been swept back and up away from her face.

As she picked up her black lacquered hair brush and drew it slowly through her silky locks she knew Jess had to be anxious by now. But she continued taking her time removing her rings and necklace, being careful to brush her fingers along her neck. Sure enough, when she caught the girl’s reflection in the mirror, Jess was watching the slow movement of those fingers and the delicate neck they moved across.

She bent to remove her shoes and swore she could feel Jess’ gaze rake down her backside to rest on her butt. Kateri took her time, letting her slave have a good look at her. When she decided it had been long enough she stood and plucked her robe from the back of the chair. Giving Jess a taunting smile over her shoulder, she left the room to change, but left the door to her small changing room open a crack. As she unlaced the corset she caught Jess peering through the crack. Good, she thought. Everything was working according to plan.

Last came the dress itself, pooling around her feet like a content cat settling for a nap. The velvet was still warm when she bent and picked it up. Laying it across the rack where the laundress was sure to find it, Kateri wrapped her robe around her and slowly turned back to her room.
Just as she had wanted, Jess was back on the bed, with a blush fixed on her face that could not have been a result of the now gone sun.

Jess knew from the unrelenting heat on her face that she was blushing, but she could hardly suppress it. She had silently watched her owner undress, from the play of sapphires sliding down her elegant neck, drawing the eye along the smooth line of the Empress’ back which was framed by her backless dress.

When Kateri had left to dress, Jess could not help but to look where the door had cracked open. There was the Empress, slowly stripping. Unable to catch her breath any longer, Jess had watched captivated while Kateri exposed her beautiful body to her eager eyes. Firm, pale breasts rode high over a lean stomach, and Jess’ eyes continued down to affirm that the Empress kept herself as clean shaven as her slaves. A twinge between Jess’ legs let her know that the rest of her body was enjoying the show.

It pained her, almost, to have to scurry back to the headboard to appear unmoved when Kateri had donned her robe and returned to the main room. She tried futilely to hide her arousal, but the growing tingle low in her stomach and her pounding heart would not let her forget.

“Ready for bed?” Kateri queried. Jess shivered as Kateri’s smoky voice, low and suggestive, fluttered to her ears. She squeezed her thighs a bit tighter and drew her bottom lip between her teeth, but gave the Empress the nod she was waiting for. “No you are not; you are far too over dressed.”

Jess felt her heart leap as Kateri ran her eyes down her still clothed form. Shakily she rose from the bed and, at her owner’s approving nod, lifted her shirt over her head.

“Slower,” came a sultry command.

Deciding that if her mistress wanted a show, she would try to give her one, Jess slid her hands down the front of her camisole before discarding that, too. Lastly, she unfastened the closures on her skirt and let the wrinkled linen crumple at her feet. Jess hadn’t bothered with underclothes; they would just have been in the way.

Kateri took a moment to enjoy the sight of her newest treasure bared before her. The night before she had barely glimpsed the girl’s breasts, but now she had ample time to gaze at her small, tight orbs. Shapely hips led to delightful legs and delicately ankles. Freckles were spattered across otherwise flawless skin.

“Lovely,” Kateri whispered, echoing her comment the night before, and for a second, Jess wasn’t sure if her was supposed to have heard that, but the lusty look in her owner’s eyes when she looked up was enough. That look kept her pinned to her spot on the floor as Kateri came closer, hand outstretched. When she had come near enough, Kateri trailed her hand along the curve of Jess’ cheek to cup under her chin and tilt her face towards her own.

Pulse frantically fluttering, Jess let the Empress kiss her tenderly. She melted into the soft, warm lips that caressed hers. When Kateri’s hand wrapped around her waist and tugged her against closer, closer, until the slick fabric of Kateri’s robe was all that separated them, Jess let herself be led all the while trembling.

Kateri’s kiss became more insistent, and she began nibbling Jess’ lip until the girl had to either open her mouth or be bitten. Letting Kateri explore her mouth, Jess braced her hands on Kateri’s shoulders. And as Kateri’s hands slipped lower to cup Jess’ buttocks, Jess felt her finger tips rubbing small circles and heard a slip of a moan escape her throat.

It was wonderful, and the heat pooling in Jess nether regions was nearly driving her crazy. Never had anyone’s touch felt so good, so reassuring and caring; but before Jess could truly enjoy it, the Empress pulled away, walked to the other side of the bed, climbed under the covers and rolled over, as if to simply fall asleep.

Deprived of her wanted contact and left stranded, Jess could only stare at the back of her owner.
“You coming to bed or not, love?” Kateri’s voice came from the covers. Jess blinked once as her brain tried to process the change of events before climbing into bed beside Kateri.

When she had settled in the bed, Kateri rolled over and slipped an arm around her slave. With a gentle kiss to her forehead, Kateri snuggled down again and slipped quickly into sleep.

For Jess, it was easier to relax, but harder to sleep with her inner thighs dampened by her unrelieved arousal.

~*~

Slowly Jess noticed the nagging pressure in her lower regions that begged attention. Getting out of bed she noted that she was again alone, as she had been for the past two mornings. But distinctly new was the lack of a little pile of cloth at her feet. Where had her clothes gone?

Peeking under the bed she found them absent; checking on the other side of the bed they were just as missing. She looked under each piece of furniture in the whole room, even going as far to scoot the vanity away from the wall. But nothing, not a single embroidered stitch or shred. Eyeing the dressing room door, Jess figured it would be logical, and she should have noticed it earlier; of course, the empress probably had a servant bring up fresh clothes.

Relieved at her leap in thinking, Jess blithely walked to the door, grasped the handle and pulled. The door did not budge. Jess frantically pulled harder. But the door stood solid and unmovable.
Well, this was a problem.

~*~

As the summer sky brightened to its stunning cerulean blue shortly before noon, Rene found himself chasing around the winding corridors searching for his lady. A maid had kindly told him where she was hiding away, and now he made the final turn into the royal baths.

Sure enough, in the Obsidian Room he found Kateri lounging back in clouded water surrounded by three maidservants; one diligently scrubbed the Empress’ hair while the other two scrapped razors along Kateri’s legs, removing the stubble that had grown there.

Deep blue, subdued eyes sought him out. Quickly Rene suppressed a laugh; his mistress despised beauty treatments, but also could not stand being filthy or hairy and she looked miserably bored with all that the maids were worrying over.

“You’ve never been one to linger in the baths,” he commented by way of greeting, managing still to keep the smirk off his face.

“I do have some appearances to maintain, Rene,” she bit back with annoyance ringing clearly in her tone.

“I would think you’d be in a better mood today,” he redirected mildly.

“You would think so, if anything had happened.”

“Again?” he sighed, “there are other slaves in the harem, if she is so resistant, send her back and I will find someone else. Someone who will not object,” he interjected before she could protest.
She waived him off with a newly manicured hand, “That is not necessary. Things will work themselves out shortly.”

“How do you predict that?”

“She is not to be given any clothing, Rene, not until I say otherwise.” She replied, not a bit evasively; her methods of seduction were hers alone to know, and Rene would think it over complicated for something as simple as claiming a slave.

“Confining her to your quarters?”

“Not quite so literally. She is free to move about as she wishes, but she will not be given any kind of covering until she is comfortable being naked around me.”

“I don’t understand this modesty of hers; she isn’t a virgin, she knows what she was brought here for, so why now so shy?”

“A single drop of poison ruins the whole cup. I can see it when she flinches; someone hurt her. I can not simply ignore that and hope she comes about later on. Nor can I send her away and leave her with that fear for the next person, in ignorance, to compound.”

“You’ve always taken care of me, and it sounds like you are going to take care of her, too.”

“Well, that sounded almost sentimental, Rene, be careful, I might think you miss me badgering you night and day and take it up again.”

“You need someone to take care of, you always have.”

“I have someone to take care of, Rene, several hundred thousand, in fact.”

“But a nation cannot thank you, cannot kiss you in their joy. The whole population cannot run to your arms at the end of the day and tell you that you are wonderful. You need more immediate gratification than a statue built in your honor years after your noble death by an adoring, mourning populous.”

“When did you learn me so well?” she asked wistfully.

“‘Longer ago than the stars can remember’,” he quoted back from an old children’s book.

Their familiar laughter rang in the room long after they stopped.

~*~

That day had gone by with little incident, save for Jess’ embarrassed surprise that she was not to have any clothes until Kateri said otherwise. The Empress had, however, decided that there was no harm in Rene continuing to take breakfast up to the girl confined in her room. In fact, it may even break down her frightened modesty.

So the next morning after his meeting with the Empress and a quick bath, balancing a full tray, Rene walked into the Empress’ rooms to be assaulted with a squeal and a flash of a naked, retreating slave girl.

“Rene, you scared me!”

“Sorry, didn’t mean to. I brought you breakfast,” he added helpfully and lifted the tray up to bring her attention to it.

Jess blushed but remained crouched down beside the bed where she had leapt to hide.

“It’s nothing I haven’t seen before,” he said factually.

“I know but its… embarrassing,” the last was so mumbled he had to listen closely to catch it.

“Why would it be embarrassing? You have a lovely body, and you shouldn’t be afraid to show it off.” He set the tray down on the corner of the vanity table and pulled up an extra chair for himself. That left the vanity chair open for Jess. “And it isn’t like I am going to stand here and gawk at you.” But when she stood, he almost had trouble restraining himself from doing just that; he opted instead to catch glimpses of her form from the corners of his vision as she hesitantly edged around the bed and stepped forward. He could see how hard she was trying to be confidant.

When all was settled, Jess curled in the vanity chair with her knees tucked up to hide her body.

“Why does it bother you so much? Being naked I mean. From what I understood, you were a pleasure slave before you came here.”

“Not exactly. I was, eventually, but it didn’t start out that way.”

Rene stayed silent; there were many ways to wind up a pleasure slave and simply being a convenient lay for a master was one of them. She could have just been at the wrong place at the wrong time and seized upon as the perfect opportunity. It would explain several of her behaviors if that was the case. He contemplatively took a sip of his tea and turned to glance at window.

“But... Rene! What happened to you?!” she exclaimed when she saw the side of his neck. A bruise had spread there down his shoulder and disappeared into his shirt.

“What do you…” he asked, genuinely confused.

“Your neck, oh, Rene, who did this to you?”

“It’s fine, really, Jess,” he soothed, cursing himself for not covering it better. Jess, however, was not appeased by his words and tugged his shirt down to look at the great bruise.

When she had had her eyeful, and her fingers ghosted over the marred skin, she tremblingly asked,
“Rene, did, did she do this to you?” She took his silence as a confirmation. Sympathetic anger stirred in her chest and burned her lungs so that her words were choked. “How could she hurt you like that? This is my fault, isn’t it? I haven’t, I couldn’t satisfy her. So instead she does this to you? I am so sorry; she hurt you because of me.”

“She didn’t hurt me, really, I promise, I’m fine,” he interjected as often as she would let him.
Shaking her head furiously, tears threatening in her eyes, she managed to ask, “How could that not hurt?”

He was silent for a while; in the interim he drew her back and forced her to sit down in her chair. Neither his voice or face gave away a hint of his true feelings, but Jess knew he was very, very serious when he spoke again.

“You’ll find out one of these days, I’m sure.”

~*~

Jess tried to hide her confliction when Kateri returned again from a long day. The Empress was quickly forming a habit of entering and immediately greeting her slave with a kiss.

This time though, when Kateri bent lower to Jess’ neck, the girl jumped nervously, Kateri asked,
“What? Afraid I will bite?”

When she heard no response she turned her eyes to her slave and saw the fearful confirmation of just that.

“I told you, I will not hurt you,” she murmured patiently.

“Like you didn’t hurt Rene?”

“What?” Kateri asked blankly before a memory flashed of a spreading bruise over Rene’s throat reared its head. It had to be what Jess meant. “That? I did not hurt him.”

“Yes! You did, didn’t you see his neck? I was horrible.

“He was not complaining when I did it. I am quite sure he enjoyed it more than you know. It felt good.”

“Maybe to you.”

“What makes you sure of that?”

“Has it not ever felt good? Ever one spark of pleasure?”

“Once or twice something felt… alright, but mostly it just hurt.”

“I am sorry” she whispered, lips hovering closely to Jess’ ear.

“For Rene or for me?” Jess retorted harshly.

The first trickle of something stinking vaguely of bitter pity sank deeply into Kateri’s chest. “You, love, you are a player in a game you have been taught to master, but not enjoy.”

“Nothing could ever feel that good, that you would let someone hurt you like that.”

“Maybe you will change your mind one of these days.”

Shaken by the eerie way the Empress’ words echoed Rene’s, Jess had trouble the rest of the night every time Kateri tried to touch her. Could she go through with this if that was what was in store for her?

~*~

Jess had slept in the Empress’ bed for almost a week now, and every night was met with a sickening combination of fear and anticipation that it would be the last that the Empress would tolerate her chastity. And even with that preoccupying her, Jess couldn’t help but notice that Kateri was not the tyrant her political enemies made her out to be.

Jess was surrounded by bliss and comfort. She never could have imagined that people could live in such luxury. It was a heaven and a haven by day, but she still trembled as night fell and the Empress would call her to bed.

As night neared and the light dimmed from the open window, Jess took up her place at the end of the bed with her eyes downcast and hands neatly folded in her lap. She had returned to her training as a slave a few nights ago, presenting herself to her mistress as the ideally submissive slave.

The Empress seemed amused by it, but never let her stay there long, drawing her up into a deep kiss or gentle caress each time. Patiently Jess waited, and the light grew dimmer and dimmer until the crimson sliver of sun was a distant memory on the nighttime horizon. Too tired to sit there anymore, Jess climbed into the bed.

Kateri walked into her rooms an hour later than she had wanted to. Matters in court were heating up and she had had to stay to hear out both long-winded politicians. She found Jess asleep on her bed already. The poor thing had fallen asleep. Since Kateri had ordered that she not be given clothes yet, the Empress was treated to a view of her lovely little slave. Every line of her delicate face was bathed in the soft golden light of candles. Her eyes were closed and her soft, pink lips parted a hair’s breath.

Kateri’s gaze ran down the rest of Jess' form. The smooth column of her neck curved gently to small pale shoulders. And just beneath those shoulders were Jess' breasts. They were small but full; a pale smattering of freckles was barely visible against her alabaster skin. Her nipples were a pale a pink against her skin. Going lower, the flat plains of her stomach gave way to the endless expanse of her softly rounded hips.

She was so young, and her body promised things that raised an unspeakable desire in Kateri. She paused her inspection at the juncture of her slave’s legs, which were modestly bent inward at the knee, hiding any more view of the girl. It was then that Kateri turned her attention to Jess' legs, miles and miles of shapely, tender flesh. Kateri slid her hands to her own waist and gripped the edge of her shirt. Raising it, she let a small wicked smile wash over her features. She quickly slid her pants down her long legs and left them in a pile with her shirt by the door. She turned back to the bed and the body of her innocent little Jess. She had waited long enough, with that tiny little body pressed against her, every touch chaste, every night pure.

"Jess, Jess, love," she whispered. The slave’s eyes fluttered and Kateri gasped at the wide innocent look her slave gave her.

"Milady?" Jess' voice was breathy, and she looked on in apprehension as her mistress approached the bed. She belated realized why she was lying on the bed with he mistress perched above her.
Silently berating herself, she lowered her eyes and waited for her mistress to do something. When a hand landed on her shoulder, she nearly jerked; as it slid lower to cup her breast with more confidence and determination than the Empress had ever shown before, Jess felt her heart shoot up into her throat.

Taking very quick stock of the possibilities, Jess came upon the simple fact that the Empress would not wait any longer. Jess scooted up into a sitting position, scrambling towards the head of the bed. The look in her mistress' eyes was no longer human but a feral, wicked look. Kateri watched as Jess moved; the way her breasts heaved with her quickening breaths. She watched Jess with all the intent of a predator.

"Jess, love, do not be afraid, I will not hurt you, come here Jess, pet, come here, now" the last word held in it a fierce command that sent waves of terror fluttering through Jess. How many times had a harsh order come like that come from one of her owners? Somewhere in the back of her mind she knew Kateri, her kind mistress, would not hurt her, but the rest of her mind screamed that she was about to be ravished and forced, like so many others had done to her, and Jess wanted to flee the oncoming pain.

Kateri now knelt just in front of Jess' legs. Jess pressed her legs tighter together and prayed that this would not happen. Kateri's desire waned as she saw how fearful Jess was. The little slave was huddled in a tight ball against the headboard. Her face sobered and she reached out to touch Jess' leg. Jess involuntarily flinched, and Kateri drew back. Suddenly Kateri looked not on her beautiful, desirable sex slave, but on an abused, tormented fourteen year old girl.

She looked so young, so raw, and Kateri wanted to take that pain from her, soothe all the fears, that was after all the idea of taking the chit to bed. She had told herself so many times, Jess had to learn that not everything in bed was pain, not everyone wanted to hurt her. She had been plucked unripe from the tree and had been cast aside, bruised.

Jess opened her eyes as she sensed that Kateri had stopped moving.

They sat there one the bed frozen in time. Cool blue eyes searched soft brown ones as Kateri stared at Jess. Slowly, Kateri leaned forward the last few inches and captured Jess’ lips in a soft, chaste kiss. Jess sat not responding for a moment before she leaned forward as well and returned the kiss. Gently, Kateri reached out and found the tops of Jess’ knees and drew them apart; when the were wide enough apart, she slid her body into the nook created by Jess and deepened the kiss, running her tongue along Jess’ lips till they parted.

Beside herself in shock, Jess sat still frozen, but thawing; what was happening wasn’t entirely unpleasant, she was quite enjoying herself, but still that nagging voice in the back of her mind kept telling her that the Empress would be no different; she would take what she wanted and then abandon Jess. She was just a poor little slave, a piece of property, to be used and abused at her master’s… or mistress’… discretion. But, another little voice reasoned she hasn’t been unkind yet. To which came the reply, yes, not yet.

In a wave of frustration Jess pushed away the little voices and gave into the sensation of her mistress’ tongue delving into her mouth. Kateri went along cautiously; she didn’t want Jess to become frightened. But suddenly she sensed a change in her little slave, she gave herself over to the pleasure and everything flowed from there on. Kateri’s hands slid down the tops of Jess’ thighs and up her hips. Her fingertips danced in intricate patterns across Jess’ smooth, pale skin. She then ran the backs of her fingers down Jess’ arms. Grasping each wrist in her own hands, Kateri raised Jess’ arms up above her head. She rested them against the wall just above the headboard.

“Keep them there.”

Jess’ stomach fluttered anxiously at the order. Then she reached back down and gripped Jess around the waist and scooted back, pulling the smaller girl down with her. They finally broke their kiss, and Jess looked up at her mistress. She still had her hands clasped up above her head and he legs were parted around Kateri’s legs. Kateri smirked and leaned back down to rain Jess’ neck and collarbone with soft, warm kisses.

Next she paid homage to those tender, sensitive little breasts and carefully drew each nipple into her mouth, teasing them until they drew up tight and hard and Jess let out a soft, desperate moan. It felt good, better than she could have imagined. Giving a low, dark chuckle Kateri continued down and laid kisses and small nibbles down Jess’ stomach.

She paused at her navel and dipped her tongue down in an imitation of more intimate things. Her hands all the while had been twirling little circles and patterns down Jess’ sides. Jess bit her bottom lip. Kateri glanced up at her little slave’s face and saw an intense concentration there; she also realized that since that first little moan Jess had been very quiet. Frowning she moved up so that she was eye level with her slave.

“Jess? Love, moan for me,” Jess’ eyes fluttered open at that and she stared up at her mistress. Kateri smiled at her and then moved back down to where she had been. She nipped the side of Jess’ hip with her teeth and was satisfied with the little yip that it earned her. She ran her hands lower over her thighs and moved them up and apart. Going first to the right, she bit and sucked the delicate skin on the inside of Jess’ thighs and licked long, wet lines across them, earning her a loud moan.

Kateri smiled to herself, her pet was proving to be most amusing in bed. One day she would have to spend all the day finding out what made the chit moan and scream the loudest. She did the same to the other thigh, and Jess shivered at the feel of her mistress’ tongue along her skin. Now Kateri sat back a bit and gazed down at Jess’ sex. Her lips were parted and she was already wet. Kateri lowered her head between her slave’s legs and ever so slowly ran her tongue down along Jess outer lips.

Jess gasped, no master before had ever cared about her pleasure, let alone toughed that place so intimately with their mouth. Kateri gently licked along Jess’ cunt as she used her thumbs to spread her swollen lips. Jess screamed as Kateri’s tongue pushed inside her. Kateri’s thumb absently strayed to Jess’ clit; she flicked it and teased it, causing Jess to cry out again. Jess felt a rush of pleasure sweep over her like a tidal wave crashing along the beach. The world was a mixture of sensation and anticipation, every moment a thrill. Jess pushed herself towards Kateri, offering her sweet sex up for more.

Her toes curled; her hands twisted the silky black sheets. She was thrown in a whirlwind of pleasure like a twig caught up in a twister. Kateri sped her ministrations as she felt Jess draw nearer to the edge. Finally Kateri slid a single digit into her young slave and smirked as Jess’ body racked with release. As the little slave lay trembling, Kateri pulled herself up, pressing kisses along Jess’ quavering stomach and up to her breasts and neck and finally found her sweet mouth. She pressed hard against Jess, and the kiss was so deep it seemed as if Kateri wished to draw the very life out of her slave through her mouth. Then, at last, she drew away and clasped Jess in her arms, falling into a deep slumber.

~*~

Sunlight fluttered in on the two sleeping young women stretched out on the enormous black bed. Kateri woke first and rolled over to look at Jess. The little slave was lying on her side facing Kateri, her arms still wrapped around Kateri’s arm. Her hair had fallen loose sometime in the night, and the sunlight dappled bright patterns on her skin.

She looked more at peace while she slept, her lips half parted in a sigh, her face relaxed, her dark lashes sweeping her rosy cheeks. She reached out and brushed her fingers along smooth, warm skin.

“Jess, lovey,” she called soothingly. Jess’ eyes fluttered open and she raised them up to look at Kateri. Kateri smiled down at her little slave. “Pet, it is almost noon, we need to get up.”
Jess blushed bright red at the thought of how late she had slept and why.

Kateri gave a soft chuckle before withdrawing her arm from Jess’ and sitting up on the bed. Hesitantly Jess glanced up at Kateri and jumped in surprise as she saw deep blue eyes staring back at her. Jess froze as Kateri walked around the bed and came to her slave’s curled form. Jess immediately lowered her eyes in submission and waited for orders. Kateri’s hand came up and griped Jess’ chin in a firm but gentle grasp. Jess’ eyes went wide at the unwavering strength in that grasp and she cautiously glanced up at the Empress. Kateri leaned down and captured Jess’ lips in a fiery kiss. Kateri leaned Jess back without breaking the kiss.

With another small laugh, she broke away and led Jess off the bed and back to a small hallway by the hand. Jess went along quietly, wondering where they were going. Kateri stopped for a moment in the stone corridor and opened a door to the side that Jess hadn’t noticed. Kateri looked back at her and smiled; she then turned and plucked a torch off the wall.

They entered the cool, dry room. Jess gasped as Kateri lit the braziers in the corners of the room. A gigantic raised tub sat in the center, the whole of it black marble and silver fixtures, and all with little dragons and demons etched into them. Marble steps led up to the tub and it was up those steps that her mistress now led her. Kateri pushed down on Jess’ hand to indicate for her to kneel by the tub.

She then circled the tub, turning various taps on. When the tub was full, she circled again and shut the taps off. Jess watched all the while her mistress’ nude back moved with ease and grace. Her long legs were topped by her round firm ass and her lean muscular back. She turned and Jess was met with the sight of her generous bosom and her flat stomach. Her black hair swept her strong shoulders and bangs framed her pale sharp face. She held some sort of power in herself; her whole body seemed rigid and disciplined. Yet overall she wasn’t unattractive. Rather she seemed like a statue Jess would see in the museums as she walked by on the streets. Cold, pale and stern, but still magnificently beautiful.

She jumped when she found Kateri’s intense gaze. The Empress smiled and led her by the shoulder. They walked down the stone steps of the bathtub together. The water was pleasantly warm, and a slight mist of steam rose off the water. Jess stood uncertainly in the neck-deep water, waiting for instructions. But Kateri only gave her a smile and a quick kiss before disappearing into the water. Jess glanced around but soon realized she couldn’t see into the water. Kateri swam silently beneath the surface and circled around Jess.

Jess screamed as strong arms wrapped around her and dragged her under as well. She felt herself pulled up and barely had gasped a breath before she found her mistress’ lips pressed against her own. Kateri drew Jess over to the wall and a small bench that protruded out from the wall. She sat down on it and Jess sat down on her lap. Kateri let her hands roam over her slave’s legs and hips before she gently spread them.

Jess forced herself not to tense when she felt Kateri’s hands open her legs. She knew what was to come. She felt blood rushing to her face at the thought of the night’s activities. Kateri brushed her fingers along her slave’s inner thighs for a moment longer before she delved down to find the girl’s sex. Spreading apart her legs a little further for her mistress, Jess moaned and arched her back. Kateri leaned forward to capture her lips once again. Jess felt Kateri’s tongue lick her lip and she parted her lips, opening herself to her mistress’ probing tongue. Kateri’s hands had found Jess clit and she stroked it deftly as her other hand went lower to her slit. Jess spasmed in her arms as Kateri’s finger entered her slowly. Kateri lowered her mouth onto her slave’s neck and softly nipped at the tender flesh there.

With no restraint, Jess moaned and writhed as Kateri’s fingers sped up the pace and as more digits were added. Kateri waited until Jess was on the brink of orgasm before she withdrew her fingers. Jess turned frantic eyes to her mistress and Kateri saw the lust and need in them.

Taking pity on her little slave, she replaced her finger on Jess’ clit and pressed down just enough to maintain contact. Jess tried to lift herself up to grind her sex against her mistress’ hand but Kateri’s other hand grasped her hip and held her in place. That same hand slid up her stomach and captured her nipple, twisting it and pinching it lightly. Jess bit her lower lip and then gasped as Kateri’s mouth descended onto her neck once again. Kateri couldn’t get enough of her slave’s scent; it was intoxicating and arousing. It was addictive. She slid her fingers back to enter Jess again and quickly worked her into a frenzy.

As she neared orgasm Jess briefly considered if her mistress would let her come this time. Her question was answer in a moment though as she dove over the edge and into bliss. As her little slave came screaming in her arms, Kateri bit down, breaking the skin and lapping up the blood that burst forth from tender blood vessels. Jess screams reached new heights as she felt the new and unforeseen pain of her mistress’ bite. Kateri withdrew from Jess’ throat as Jess collapsed against her chest, panting and heaving with her orgasm. The bleeding had slowed as Jess’ heart rate dropped and she turned her head to nestle the side of her face into the Empress’ shoulder. Kateri looked down at Jess and smiled contentedly.

When they dragged themselves, clean and content, from the tub, Kateri halted them in front of one of the mirrors. Turning Jess’ head slightly, she displayed the bruising bite there and leaned down to whisper, “I told you that you would change your mind.”

~*~

KaS