Possessions Ch 11

Raikol walked cautiously after Alaliya's slave. He had noticed early that she was only Alaliya's slave. The woman may answer to the Keeper, but it was very clear that her loyalties were to the Madam Keeper. It was also obvious that neither woman considered Triya a slave. This was the first time he had been on his own since coming to this cursed country. He didn't know how to anticipate whether it was a good thing or not that it was happening in the presence of this particular slave.

Triya led him to a comfortably decorated room that he had never been in before. It reminded him of the home of a young widow he had once had a tryst with. The items in it were all useful, but somehow decorative at the same time. It was far from bare, but had nothing in excess. It was obvious that the room was well lived in, but it was neat and clean.

Raikol was led to the bed where set of shackles and chains waited. He didn't bother trying to resist as the shackles clanked closed around his wrists. The guards left without a backward glance. Oddly enough, the shackles weren't attached to anything except each other.

Triya noticed his attention. "It would be ill advised to harm me. If my Mistress notices a single mark on me, if I say you mistreated me in any way, your friends will bear the scars of your punishment. You will witness every lash." She handed him a goblet. "You may as well relax."

Raikol eyed the goblet, remembering the way Trivalm was tricked.

Triya smirked, taking the goblet back and raising it to her own lips. "I have no reason to use herbs on you." She again offered him the goblet, smiling when he accepted it. "You have been here several weeks. With the exception of the night you were sent to Sarantha, you have been in the company of only men. Your culture teaches that homosexuality is wrong. You have been celibate."

Raikol took a sip, then set down the goblet as Triya spoke. He knew where this was headed. He just didn't know why. Deciding to play the woman's game, for now at least, Raikol raised his eyebrows, knowing that his curiosity was showing in his eyes. "That is what one could deduce."

"Hmmm." Triya unflinchingly held his eyes. "Fuck me."

Even though Raikol had known the request was coming, he hadn't expected the slave to be so blunt about it. It made him wonder if it was her desire, or her Mistress's. He had to remind himself that for all intents and purposes, this woman may as well be free. He doubted if Alaliya would ever give her the order to share her body. That freedom would be left to Triya. But even given that freedom, Raikol didn't know if Alaliya would condone such a thing if it were done without her knowledge. Especially with a war slave.

"No."

Triya's eyes narrowed. She didn't like being told no. It didn't happen often. She sauntered toward him, swaying her hips. "You want to. I can see it in your eyes." When she stood toe to toe with the war slave, Triya brazenly stroked her hand over his groin. She smiled. "You are starting to harden. It will be uncomfortable for you. Let me give you relief."

Raikol cursed to himself. He was hardening. Triya was beautiful, gorgeous. The very epitome of a woman. Flawless tan skin, curvy body, long dark wavy hair that shone with health and care. He had seen many soldiers look at her with lust in their gazes, had heard the men brag in the training rooms when they were had been permitted to use her body. With all the men she had at her disposal, it made no sense that she would choose a war slave. "Why?"

"I want a child. You would be a good sire." Triya either didn't notice his eyes grow stormy, or didn't care. "You are strong and well built. Your face is handsome. You are intelligent and quick witted. You will pass on strong traits to your child. I would need to even out that temper of yours, but I believe it could be done."

Raikol felt the anger that had been a constant as of late override his curiosity. He snarled at the slave, disgust rolling off him in waves. "No. I will never bear a child to live life as a slave, to be abused and discarded when owning them is no longer convenient."

Triya tilted her head slightly. "My child will be born free." She smiled at the shock on the war slave's face. These men really didn't understand yet. "My Mistress, my friend, has assured me as much. This is not your country." She stepped close to him, skimming her hands up his chest to slide around the back of his neck and thread up into his now short hair. "Here loyalty is rewarded. You will not be used and discarded the way you were by your Queen. Not by the Keepers. Not by me." After staring into his eyes for a moment, she stepped back. As if to prove her words, Triya took out a small key and unlocked the chain shackles on Raikol's wrists.

Raikol inhaled her alluring scent. Standing as close as he was to her, he couldn't block it out, even if he had bothered to try. He couldn't pick out a fragrance, no oils or powders. The scent was all her own. And damned if his mouth wasn't watering, demanding to know if her taste matched.

Without warning, the war slave snatched Triya's hair and smashed his mouth against hers. For several minutes, he kissed her, his tongue dueling with hers, sucking and biting until she whimpered under the onslaught. Only when the woman was gasping for breath, clinging to him, did Raikol finally raise his head, holding her eyes and smirking smugly. He smiled even more when Triya's eyes grew dark with temper.

"So," Raikol turned away, allowing Triya to stumble just slightly, and snatched up the goblet that had been carelessly dropped and forgotten. "You desire a child. You have, for some unfathomable reason, decided that I will sire this child. How does such a thing benefit me?" He filled the goblet and smirked at her, sipping the sweet wine. The fine quality should have surprised him, but it didn't.

Triya's body was on fire. The man could kiss. She wondered what else he could do with that mouth. The soldiers she was gifted to never kissed her. They used her, fucked her, always on her terms, of course, but then she left and that was the end of it. She got the impression that this war slave somehow knew that. This was a game that she was losing. And she didn't like losing. Triya wanted to have a fit. She met Raikol's amused gaze with fire in her own.

"It will gain you favor...and freedoms."

Leaning forward so his lips just a breath away, taunting her, Raikol smirked. "No."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Trivalm never thought he would be grateful for Alaliya or hope beyond reason that she would succeed in her twisted endeavors. However, Trivalm found himself silently praying that she would succeed in convincing Sarantha of the ridiculousness of her reasoning. It didn't seem likely.

"Little sister, I understand you want your war slave to be happy, but I do not understand why you have suddenly decided that he requires lessons from Allek's boy."

Sarantha huffed again. "Because it will make him happy."

"He doesn't seem happy." Ehrik was straight faced, though he was amused at his wife's perseverance and his sister's insistence. Listening to the two women argue was much like listening to a toddler explain why they should be allowed desert for breakfast.

"He will be!" Sarantha exclaimed. "He is upset because he doesn't understand. He was taught that affections between men are wrong! I will give him herbs to help him the first few lessons-"

Trivalm couldn't help but choke on his drink as panic shot through him, earning him curious looks from those around him. The War Generals typically didn't show such reactions, so to see one so severe garnished attention. He even opened his mouth to argue but Ehrik was already intervening.

"I thought you had agreed that giving him herbs would not best suit your desires for your war slave, my precious sister. Perhaps less...

physical

education would eventually lead him to what you desire."

Sarantha huffed yet again, growing even more exasperated, her irritation keeping her from understanding Ehrik's insinuation. "I have asked him what he wants to learn and he refuses to tell me! I threatened him with the brothel and he still didn't tell me. But then I saw how he looked at the slave at the slave traders'. He was...intrigued. See?" When all her inquiry gained her was blank stares from all those at the table., Sarantha rolled her eyes. "To him it was not a threat because it was a reward! He needn't tell me what he wanted to learn because he was getting what he wanted either way!"

Trivalm almost spoke again to disagree. He had been curious over Ehrik's conversation with a slave, especially one that was not a worker or a fighter. He had been in absolutely no way interested in the man as a

man.

Allek sent him one look from across the room. The Captain had remained silent throughout the conversation, his face militaristically neutral. Trivalm wondered if the Captain hoped for Sarantha do as she wished so he could make good on his veiled threat from earlier, or if he hoped for the General and Madam Keeper to persevere in changing Sarantha's mind as to keep the war slave away from his boy.

Alaliya pursed her lips. She was done with this. Sarantha honestly thought she was doing something kind for her slave. Homosexuality was not abnormal in their country, as it was in the War Slaves' country. Sarantha would think nothing of sharing her war slave with another man. But Alaliya very highly doubted that Trivalm enjoyed the physical attentions of men. No, he was one of the men that tolerated what he viewed as a disgusting sin if it happened in the shadows, far from his sight. But allow it near him, in any way that he might be associated with something so vulgar, and his attitude would drastically change. Were it any other act that Sarantha thought to force on her slave, Alaliya would not care. She enjoyed seeing the war slaves' reactions to things in their lessons that were abnormal to them. Drimelk's disbelief over the idea of some men being the primary child tenders had been comical. But not this act. "My darling little sister, he is your slave and of course you may do as you wish with him. We only believe that this course of action may be too abnormal to the slave's regular routine and beliefs that it would be counterproductive. He may view it as rape instead of lessons."

Sarantha sat bolt up in her seat, her eyes wide with shock. "No! My slaves know I care about them! I would never allow someone to harm my slaves that way!" Her gaze flew to Trivalm, tears in her eyes, before sliding to Ehrik, who was glaring daggers at his wife. "I am not a rapist." Her voice was small and shaking, as her eyes slid to one of the men still chained to the walls.

Just that easily, Trivalm knew that Ehrik and Alaliya had lost. In the weeks the war slaves had been in the Keep, Ehrik had never been able to withstand the force of Sarantha's tears.

"Of course not! Nobody would dare make such an accusation. Trust me, my darling, nobody denies your love of your slaves." Ehrik sighed. "Perhaps a compromise? Perhaps if your slave were to receive lessons only a voyeur, until he is more openminded to such relationships, he would be more open to participating. Such would be beneficial for all involved, I believe."

Sarantha seemed to consider it a moment. "But Captain Allek does not share his boy. Who would my slave view?"

Finally, Allek spoke. "I do not sell my boy's services. However, he is permitted to indulge with the other soldiers' slaves. The other soldiers that use their boys as a form of income, they allow such dalliances as a form of instruction so that their boys may be practiced, and as such bring in more coin. If that were not acceptable to you, there are many owners who would not be averse to allowing your slave to view their boys with paying customers, so long as it were to financially benefit them."

Trivalm glared at the other man. It was now obvious who he desired to win this battle of wills. Allek was obviously not forgiving and had not forgotten Trivalm's perceived insulting accusation. No, the Captain would have his pound of flesh, one way or another.

Ehrik smiled at Sarantha. "A perfect solution to a complicated situation. Your slave may view to his heart's content. Should he decide he desires to participate, you may decide whether to allow him permission to do so at that time. Denial of one's desire can be as much a punishment as any lashing. Should he decide that he does not desire such affections, and you believe he speaks sincerely, you need not continue such lessons."

Sarantha smiled back at her brother. "Thank you, brother." She reached out to take his hands. "You are most kind." She turned to Allek. "You insist on proper safety precautions for your boy. What do you require?"

Allek inclined his head. "I have already discussed such things with the Madam Keeper, who has kindly agreed to assist me in preparations for your war slave's lessons tomorrow."

Trivalm's stomach churned. An angered Allek and a sadistic Alaliya would make a plan to keep him compliant. Trivalm had the sneaking suspicion that Allek gave the information just to tease his imagination as to what those preparations may be. The only comfort that Trivalm could find was that Alaliya was adamantly against the use of herbs to control slaves. Not just the war slaves, any slaves. Even so, whatever preparations they did come up with most certainly didn't bode well for him.

Sarantha literally clapped her hands joy. "Wonderful!" Conversation finished, Sarantha stood. "I wish no rest now. I am exhausted. Kyrsti told me that additional rest may still be required." She took a deep breath, obviously not happy with something. "Brother, your war slaves did not eat midday meal?"

"After the morning's activities, they were returned to their room to take meal, darling. You've no reason to fear I will starve my slaves. I worked hard to earn those two. I will not let them waste away." There was laughter in Ehrik's voice.

Sarantha pursed her lips slightly. "Are they in the training rooms today?"

Ehrik frowned. "Yes, with Kriel, I believe, little sister. Why do you ask?"

"Would one of your soldiers be allowed to escort my Trivalm there?"

Ehrik's eyes narrowed in distrust. "Only yesterday you were so adamantly against allowing your war slave to the training rooms. What has changed, my precious sister?"

"Trivalm was exceptionally well behaved last night, and I wish to reward him. He asked to be allowed near his countrymen. Perhaps I will have him continue to sit in on their lessons as well. He did so when I was ill, correct?"

"He did." Alaliya confirmed. "Culture, history, language. However, we have discontinued those lessons until the slaves are in a mindset more suitable for learning. We hope to begin them again soon."

Before the conversation could continue, one of the King's servants stepped to the front dais. "My apologies for the interruption Keeper, Madam Keepers." Even though he spoke the words with respect, it was obvious he felt no regret in disturbing the conversation. The servant inclined his head politely and continued when not reprimanded. "My King sends his sincerest apologies for missing midday meal. However, he hopes to discuss matters with the Lady Sarantha at her earliest convenience. The Keeper and Madam Keeper may discuss as well with the Lady Sarantha's permission."

Sarantha's little lips pursed. The King was smart, placing the all the decisions in her hands, catering to her in such a seemingly insignificant way. "You may inform the King that we may discuss such matters after my rest. It is at his healer's insistence that I rest as much as my body demands."

The servant inclined his head. "I shall inform my King." As Sarantha lifted her daughter into her arms and walked away, the servant turned to Ehrik. "My King also instructs that the Keep be made ready for the imminent arrival of his niece."

Sarantha couldn't help but laugh as Ehrik's liberal cursing faded behind her as she continued out of the Great Hall.

Sarantha ignored the guards trailing her. Again, they were the King's as well as her brother's. It seemed neither Jecis nor Ehrik trusted the other man's guards enough to not send his own as well. When she got to her room the King's guards opened the door and walked inside, causing Sarantha to pause.

Finally, after a moment, the guard reappeared and gave her permission to enter.

Permission

to enter

her room

. Sarantha felt her irritation rise.

"There is some confusion, guard." She tried to be calm, but her voice came out sugary sweet and coated with venom. "This is my room. I may enter it whenever I like. I need not have your permission."

The guard inclined his head. "My lady, my name is Fliepp. I understand you have not discussed the King's expectations just yet, but I have my orders. I will enter every room before you and search it for any possible danger and you will not enter until you have my permission."

Sarantha saw red. This was not the capital. This was Ehrik's Keep and Ehrik had never failed to see to her safety. There was no reason for this and the King had absolutely no right to tell this strange man that he was not only permitted but expected in her personal rooms. The only ones she allowed in her personal rooms were her family, slaves, servants and Allek. The King had the audacity to banish Allek, her friend, from her rooms but allow this stranger there?

She flicked a look over her shoulder, ensuring that her brother's guard was near enough to intervene if necessary. The man gave her one curt nod, signaling his understanding. She turned her attention to the King's guard still standing next to her door. "Make no mistake,

guard

," her voice was harsh. "I have not a single care for your orders. Do not ever step foot in my personal rooms again. If you do, I will make you regret it. You will

wish

for the platform." For a split second the guard looked shocked at the venom in Sarantha's voice. Truth be told, Sarantha was slightly shocked as well, but she didn't let it stall her. "You may run along and tell your King that the next time one of his men steps foot in

my

rooms, where I rest

my

daughter, without

my

permission, I will take the child back to

my

Keep, where I will raise her as a widow."

The shock had worn off, leaving only cool calculation in Fliepp's gaze. After a moment, the man had the boldness to smirk at her. With his eyes steady on hers, the guard lifted one foot, the one nearest the door, leant slightly, and tapped his toe on the floor on the other side of the threshold.

For a moment, Sarantha wanted to curse and scream, rage making her irrational. The only thing keeping her from attacking the guard was the child resting in her arms. The man had the audacity test her words. She didn't recognize the guard and he in turn probably knew very little of her. The fool obviously didn't know that she was a woman of her word.

Taking a deep breath, forcing herself to calm, Sarantha walked into her room. She turned to her brother's guard, smiling to find him with his hand on his weapon, ready to defend her if she so ordered. Instead she just held her small smile. "Please instruct Melil to begin the packing of my rooms immediately and send for my slaves to be readied for transport. My personal slaves are to be sent here, of course. We will require meals readied for the journey as well, including evening meal, as we will leave as soon as I wake."

Her brother's guard nodded his head, his lips tight though he showed no surprise at her instructions. The King's guard looked irritated. He opened his mouth to speak but Sarantha used her foot to push the door closed before he could utter a word.