Kailyn, the Emperor's daughter, went riding that day, unknowing of the peril that her father faced. And she surely had little reason to worry. Many times her father had left Ephirum on campaigns; sometimes for months on end. Always he was successful. More than successful. His victories were glorious, his triumphs celebrated from Ephirum on the Long Sea to the Great Mountains in the east - those that could never be scaled by mortal man.
And so, during the Emperor's absences, Kailyn continued to live an idyllic life befitting the beloved offspring of a powerful ruler. But while it would be natural for a young woman in such a position to become lazy, to become soft, self indulgent, to embrace hedonism, Kailyn was determined that this would not be her fate. She continued her studies, although she was well past the age when this would be expected of a girl in Ephirum. She paid attention to affairs of state, cajoling her father who reluctantly allowed her by his side as he ruled from day to day.
Well, he loved his daughter and was proud of her, and he could deny her nothing. And she did not shy away from hardship, knowing it to be nourishing for the character. And her body was strong, kept so by running, the playing of sports and other physical arts. I know what you think, reader. Did this girl, privileged but determined, have ambitions? Perhaps one day to be a ruler? To inherit her father's Empire? I think not, although it cannot be said for certain. But in Ephirum in those days, empires were earned or stolen, not inherited.
As Kailyn entered the palace courtyard, still in her riding attire, she saw Garsa the scholar emerge from the library, his arms full with books.
"Garsa, what are these? They look new."
"Indeed My Lady," he replied. "They are newly-draughted translations of older works purchased by traders from Ephirum in the lands far to the west."
"From the lands of King Osta?" she asked in excitement.
"Indeed. And from lands further from the Long Sea. Cultures we know almost nothing of, although our spies are beginning to explore them. Gradually we learn more."
"Oh Garsa, I must have one to read. Let me take one! I will return it to you tomorrow!"
Garsa was reluctant, but Kailyn snatched one from his grasp.
"The Book of the Prophet. A religious text, Garsa?"
"Indeed, from the City of The Goddess, a long way____"
"The City of The Goddess? That does sound exotic. I will take this one, Garsa."
"Well, My Lady, it is rather a strange text. Perhaps you would prefer this book of folk tales from Osta's realms. I find it engaging. And a holy book from a far away land might be considered sacrilege to some in the Empire."
"Hush! None will know. I will take this book. My mind is made up. Seek me out tomorrow, Garsa and I will return it."
She bade the scholar good evening and, noticing that the sun was already low in the sky, turned and made her way to her bedchamber. Her night slaves, Han and Javi were already there, kneeling naked by her bed, thighs open, hands behind backs, eyes to the floor. Ignoring them, she took the book to her desk and opened it at the first page. 'In the beginning was the Goddess...' Well, why not, she thought. In the beginning there must have been something.
"Javi, serve me wine!" she called.
The slave rose slowly to his feet and fetched the wine, pouring it into a glass before kneeling and presenting it to her. She took it and instructed him to return to his place by the bed.
"Move more slowly Javi!," she called after him. "My bedchamber is not a place for rushing around. It is a place for calm and relaxation. You know this!"
Kailyn returned to the Book of The Prophet, reading the first three chapters before noticing that it had become dark within the room. She rose and lit candles herself, leaving the slaves in their places. Finally she walked over to stand directly in front of them. They were beautiful creatures, these slaves, these boys. Muscular, but not too much so, pretty in facial features, but still manly enough. And obedient, well trained and enthusiastic in the service of their Lady. Only the best for the Emperor's daughter, and indeed they had not been cheap. The use of male slaves in a Lady's bedchamber was unusual in Ephirum, in those days at least. Kailyn's father had begged her to give them up, concerned that the people would see it as somehow unseemly, even depraved. But she had held firm against him. It was her single special pleasure, and she was perfect in every other respect. And, as I have already said, the Emperor loved his daughter and could deny her nothing.
"Boys, we are going to play a game." she said to them, moving to the chest of drawers in which she kept her toys and extracting two silk scarfs. She moved behind them, tying a scarf across the eyes of each, so that they could see nothing.
"Whatever is presented to your lips, you will kiss and lick!"
