Lessons in Manners

“Have any of the riders returned yet?” Markas asked.

“A few sire, all from the closest counties, the snow has melted sufficiently to open most of the roads.” Steven said, still looking over his notes.

The day was clear and bright, there was still some snow on the ground to reflect the light, but as Markas stared out he could see more green than white in the courtyard.

“So what’s the news?”

“Nothing in the realm of civil disorder, but the extreme cold has lead to several deaths in the peasant population. Many of the governors are requesting funds to bury them as soon as the ground isn’t frozen over.” Steven said.

“Will this effect the planting?”

“It shouldn’t sire, most of the deaths are amoung the old and young, the number isn’t high enough to be of much effect anyway.”

Markas nodded, “Excellent thus far, nothing unexpected, although I wont rest easy until I hear from every county.”

“Indeed, is there any other business?” Steven asked, getting ready to rise. As with the old it was more of a planned event, rather than something casual.

“Yes… but it is of a personal note, a lose end that still needs to be taken care of; do you know who holds Ellie’s right of marriage?”

Steven arched an eyebrow, “Although I am uncertain, it would probably be her father, if he survived the winter that is. I do admit that if he goes around promising her hand it could be… problematic.”

“Summon him.”

“Yes, M’Lord.”



It was the dead of night, but Markas couldn’t sleep. It wasn’t insomnia or worry, but he was hungry for something. Perhaps beef, or cheese, maybe even potatoes, it was one of those cravings. Normally he would wake someone to get it for him, but since he didn’t know what he wanted bringing up the whole kitchen would have been a waste of time. So he went to the kitchen instead.

The whole area was mostly dark, but kept warm and illuminated with some low burning fires. The whole room was stone, with meat and food being abundant everywhere, but in an order that only the head cook understood. There was a large wooden table in the center, solid and sturdy, with a thousand cuts dug into it. Markas started looking through the food trying to figure out what bit of what he exactly wanted.

Someone barged in; holding a stack of pans so high that at first Markas couldn’t tell who was behind them. The stack was far from stable, it swayed in one direction, and then the other, the person moved with it trying to keep it from falling over. Although he couldn’t see her, he knew exactly who it was.
“You know, someone more prudent would have taken two trips.” Markas said.

Ellie cried out in surprise, which was then punctuated by the sound of a stack of metal pans hitting the stone floor. She fell backward and was now sitting; rubbing her behind while the pans came to a rest around her. Markas reached out a hand to help her up, which she accepted. He wore a grin of one ravishingly hungry, Markas had finally figured out what he was craving.

Markas kissed her, hard, while pushing her backward. Eventually she hit one of the stone walls and he continued to push her against it. With one hand he reached under her collar and jerked down, nearly pulling her to the ground ripping a large strip of dress. Then he started to move his mouth, kissing his way down to the side of her neck, Markas could feel the blood through the artery in her neck and the warmth of her skin.

Then he bit down, Markas sank his teeth into Ellie’s neck and she screamed out in pain. He didn’t break the skin, but when he finally released there was a deep indentation. Then he moved down and bit into her shoulder, she cried out again and he nibbled into the spot. Reaching into a part of the first tear he pulled down again, pulling off more of the dress. Ellie started to pant as he moved his hand across her stomach and brought it up to her breasts.

With his right hand he rubbed her nipple until it became hard, and he moved his mouth to the other. Playing with both of them made Ellie tremble as he flicked the hard nipples faster and faster. Then he nibbled on one has he pinched the other, she cried out in a mixture of pain and pleasure. Satisfied, he reached for more of the dress and pulled again, now what was left finally fell to the floor.

Markas grabbed her long hair, and pulled it like a leash. With one arm he swept at everything on the large wood table, spilling an assortment of food and utensils on the ground. Picking her up by the waist he lifted and put her on the table, lying on her back. Holding her down he got on top; using one hand to undo his clothes while using the another to finger between the legs.

His hand was immediately soaked as he moved his fingers in and out. Markas kissed her on her upper leg, biting and licking on the way. She moaned and screamed as he moved both his fingers and bit in places on her inner leg. He moved up and gripped her breast, as he now moved up and flipped Ellie over.

Markas pulled her up onto all fours and got behind her. Ellie felt it go inside her, it was warm and she still hadn’t got used how it pushed its way in and stretched everything inside her. Markas squeezed a cheek has he pushed it in, and then went faster. Every time he thrust Markas slapped her on the ass, with every thrust he hit her, and the faster he went the more red her backside got. Her arms gave out and Ellie’s top fell to the ground, and as he pushed her breasts into the table.

Her muscles spasmed and she screamed, Markas could feel new wetness as her head rubbed on the table with her tongue falling out of her mouth. Then Ellie felt a pushing as he filled her. They were both panting and she collapsed on the table, naked and wet on the kitchen table.

By the time Ellie came to her senses Markas was already dressed.
“Well that was pleasant, be sure to clean everything up.”


Markas settled himself into his chair and awaited his coming guest. It wasn't in the throne room, where he conducted public business; nor his office overlooking the courtyard where he dealt with civil matters.

This room was in the basement, surrounded by stone. The only furniture was a large desk, his high back chair and the small seat for the other person. This room was to inform his guests that it was wise to do whatever that he suggested.

It didn't take long until the guard forcefully showed Markas's guest into the room.

He was obviously a peasant, ill dressed and dirty. Of average height but strong and well built. His nose was also crooked, probably broken at some time and never set properly. Despite all this Markas could see him being a leader in his community, although here the poor man was on the absolute bottom.

"Now, what would your name be?" Markas said, motioning for the man to sit.

"Thomas your lordship, Thomas of Willhelm, a farmer by trade." Thomas said.

Markas nodded, "Well I'm sorry to bring you all this way, but we do have some business to discuss."

"Uh, w-we do? And what would that be sire?"

"Your the father of the maidservant Ellie correct?"

Thomas nodded.
"What do you plan to do with her?" Markas asked.

Thomas swallowed, "Well the money for the family is good, but its time for her to get married. I know a nice enough boy, a blacksmith’s son, not as high as I hoped but it will have to do. I--"

"No"
"Huh?"
"I said no, that is completely unacceptable, she will not marry him."

Thomas looked dumbfounded, and the limited gears in his brain started to turn.
"Oh, uh, well do you want to marry her y-your gracious lordship?"

Markas was taken aback, then started to chuckle.
"Oh heavens no, one marries for land not for pleasure. No I have something else in mind."

Markas leaned forward and gave Thomas a dead stare, "You will give me both guardianship and her right of marriage in exchange for one hundred silver. Above all you will have my everlasting goodwill; Of course you may refuse, I am no tyrant, but of course I will be greatly... displeased."

"Now, are there any objections?"
Thomas shook his head.
"Excellent."


Markas stood on the outer wall, staring out into to countryside. The moon was out in full and he could see the long grass swaying back and forth.
“Out late I see.”

“I could say the same about you Steven.” Markas said.

Steven laughed a bit, “Indeed, so I trust everything went well.”

Markas nodded, “Everything has been taken care of.”

“So how long do you plan to keep her?”

Markas gave her a look, “One doesn’t put down a dog because it can no longer hunt, it’s irresponsible. She will be taken care of for as long as she lives, it’s my duty now.”

Steven smiled, “Long life and happiness M’Lord.”

Markas nodded, “To you as well Sir Steven, good night.”



To Minako: I’m really flattered; I like to know that I have succeeded.

To WanderingKnightsFire: No at that time she had no idea what happened to her, and unless she asked some more knowledgeable ladies of the night she still probably has no word for it. I thought it was good to take advantage of an age of ignorance.


Authors End Notes:

When I started this series it was supposed to be a one shot deal, a favor to my beta. I had never tried erotic fiction before and I had to admit that I was skeptical that I would be able to write in this way, but five stories later I can say that I am more comfortable and had fun writing in this genre.

I definitely plan to start a new series, probably something made to last longer with a more connected overall plot. Unfortunately my beta is leaving the country for a month, and right now I have given my word that my beta will be the first eyes other then my own to ever see my work. I will probably work on the series while my beta is gone, but I cannot post until that person returns.

I am thankful to all the people that read and commented on my work, and I look forward to returning in the beginning of August.