Nadyah was heartbroken that Adelina wasn’t her mate, but a part of her was relieved. It would have been complicated and Adelina could never have been completely dedicated to her. A marriage to a male and a husband would have been required. Nadyah would have ended up as the consort and not the wife; although there was a part of her that would have burned for a polyamorous relationship with Adelina at the center.

They both stood silently in Adelina’s sitting room. Nadyah had sent a cast for something they could both eat and drink. “How do you feel about the results?” Nadyah asked carefully, clearing the small dining table.

Adelina shook her head. “I’m glad to know the answers, but I’m overwhelmed.” She sat at the table and threw a grateful look at Nadyah. “I’m starving.”

There was a chime from the door and she went to answer it. A submissive servant handed her the requested tray and Nadyah thanked them before closing and locking the door. If they were going to start the camerraleto she wanted to take precautions. Another command into the wall panel and the rooms were sealed against spy tech and sound-proofed.

“Do you plan to speak with Elara concerning the matter?” Nadyah asked carefully, setting the tray down on the dining table. She set up two plates and then poured the chilled tea. A dash of milk for both and the orange swirled around the white.

Neither said a word as Nadyah sat and they both dug in to the food. It had been a trying day already. They should rest, but stomachs needed to be full for the camerraleto. They would burn a lot of energy.

“I will speak with Elara,” Adelina said around a mouthful. She looked thoughtful rather than panicked. “We’ve always been rather close until recently when I grew so busy with all these events. Still…” she trailed off and took a sip of the sweet tea. “I think I will wait to bring up the matter. I’m not quite ready to ask her about her relationship with my mother – or the queen,” she sighed. “She’s still my mother I suppose, but it feels different somehow.”

Nadyah could understand. Courtesans didn’t know their parents. The babies were bred for the most part in the House program and then were raised communally. There were nurses who took care of the infants, and then those who taught basic school and the theory of the bedroom arts until their physical training could begin. She supposed if she suddenly found out who her dam and sire were her entire worldview would be slightly shifted.

It wasn’t something she’d ever thought to seek out, but Nadyah understood the desire to find out where one came from. Occasionally she wondered if it had been her dam that had eyes the same color as hers, or was it her sire.

Nadyah tilted her head and studied the princess. “You’re truly happy to have the mate bond deactivated?” That was the one thing she truly regretted for her princess.

When a mate bond fell into place after the sex, the connection was deeper than anything that could be described. If true, lasting love in fairytales were real – it was the mate bond. The courtesans who’d been lucky enough to find their mate and end up with them always had stars in their eyes when they spoke of their new life.

One day Nadyah wanted that for herself.

Adelina nodded in response to her question. “I’m relieved,” she said. The princess pushed her empty plate away and sipped at her tea. “I know you and Ian think I’ll be missing out on something, but my life is not my own Nadyah. If I can be spared any more heartbreak, I’ll take it.”

The words were so similar to the ones she’d told Varan once. Nadyah almost flinched at the reminder, but she understood. Adelina’s rights were minimal at the moment, and there was nothing she could do even if she did find her mate. The sadness lingered. Nadyah wished for her princess’s sake that she had been her mate. It would have given her the love she deserved even in a loveless marriage.

At least they had this time together, they had the camerraleto. “Are you ready to begin?” she asked Adelina.

Adelina stood and nodded, clasping her hands before her.

Nadyah gently directed the princess to her bedroom and her bed. Adelina trembled under her fingertips, but Nadyah didn’t think it was fear, not anymore. It was anticipation. She could smell the arousal in the air and she smiled.

She could still have Adelina for a little while longer.

“Sit here, Princess,” Nadyah murmured, eyeing the space. “We’re going to begin the official training of the camerraleto. As you’ve studied all the material I’ve given you and more we can move onto the physical aspect. You’ve done amazingly well with the seduction techniques I’ve taught you.”

Adelina stared at Nadyah with her lips slightly parted. She licked her own as her gaze traced those full lips, waiting to hear what she was supposed to do with them.

“Now, the camerraleto isn’t required and it isn’t necessary to have pleasant, satisfying sex,” Nadyah explained as she took out the pins in Adelina’s hair. “It is so that your value increases just like with anything else. It is the same with knowledge. You’ve learned foreign languages to be able to communicate properly with possible allies. You’ve studied state policies, history, current events, and different cultures – all to aid in your position as princess.”

Nadyah took a step back. “The camerraleto isn’t only for the satisfaction of your future spouse. It is to be used in state affairs. It will train you to see what a person desires and to use that to your advantage. You can seduce a person and take them to bed, learning what you need from them. Or…” she trailed off as she wondered who Adelina would one day marry.

“Or you could use it to build a stronger relationship with your spouse.” Nadyah shrugged and turned to the door that connected her room to the princess’s. “Now strip and kneel. We will begin when I return.”

Once in her own rooms Nadyah took a deep breath. She was now the mistress and not a lady-in-waiting. No, she would have to teach Adelina everything no matter how much it would turn her on, and how much she wanted to give in to please the princess sexually.

Nadyah slipped off her dress until she was stark naked. If she was lucky Adelina would be willing to use her instead of another female to learn how to please a woman. She shuddered as she slipped on her see-through spidersilk robe. Already she was wet with anticipation.

She slid a golden box out from under her bed and opened it. A few straps of leather lay on top and she slipped them on. They framed her hips and came to a point over her clit, but left her slit completely exposed. Nadyah tried not to imagine what Adelina would think and closed the box of paraphernalia.

If Adelina wasn’t interested, Nadyah would most likely have to go to the House of Kismet for a release. It was difficult to operate without the usual amount of sex she was accustomed to. Nadyah burned inside.

Deep, red lip-stain darkened her lips and Nadyah let down her hair until it bounced around her shoulders in golden waves. It was time to teach her princess how to please. When she stepped back into Adelina’s bedroom her breath caught.

All that golden skin was on display and the princess knelt as instructed in the submissive position with her hands flat on the tops of her thighs. Her long black hair covered her perfect breasts and her eyes were downcast.

“Very good,” Nadyah murmured, just barely managing to keep her hands to herself. “What we learn in the camerraleto is the art of seduction, the differences between seducing a female, and seducing a male. Then we learn how to please. We learn to please both sexes, and the various techniques to do so.”

Nadyah paced in front of her pupil while she recited everything she would teach. “The common trait in a desirable partner is communication and attentiveness,” she explained. “This is true for both sexes and once you’ve made the other feel desired, special, and as though you care about them and their thoughts and desires, they are halfway yours already.”

Nadyah stopped pacing and placed one finger under Adelina’s chin, lifting her face. Those amethyst eyes searched her own, and the desire was obvious when she noticed Nadyah’s attire.

“You will learn fifteen different positions for female to male sex, and the same goes for the female to female sex. You will learn to give oral pleasure to both as well as how to properly give attention to all the erogenous zones of both sexes. Once we are finished with the basic camerraleto you can decide if you’d like to learn all 30 positions courtesans learn for both sexes as well as various different configurations for a terzetta, more commonly known as a threesome.”

Adelina nodded, but Nadyah could see the questions swirling in her eyes. She was a good girl though, keeping her mouth closed until Nadyah gave her permission. “Any questions you have may be asked now.”

Adelina didn’t move as instructed but those amethyst eyes ate Nadyah alive. “Why would I need to learn how to please a female when I am required to marry a male?”

Nadyah turned and set her golden case on the decorative table against the wall. She slowly opened the case and surveyed the tools of her trade. “You are trained to be an advisor, to be an ambassador, and I know you’ve trained yourself to spy when necessary. Learning how to seduce a female is different than a male, and if you truly want her to beg to tell you all her secrets, you should know how to make her do so.”

She saw Adelina shudder from the corner of her eye.

“Can I have sex outside the camerraleto for my own pleasure?”

Nadyah hummed a bit as she took out what they’d need for this session. She’d known this question would be asked. Now that Adelina couldn’t be accidentally mated she’d no doubt want to seduce Nash. “Yes, you may, although you will need to report to me about the incidents so I can see where we are in the camerraleto and perhaps address any issues you may have.”

She could smell the arousal and embarrassment on the air. The part inside of her, the part courtesans had been designed for – recognized what Adelina needed, detected all of her emotions and helped Nadyah select the correct approach. Being an empath wasn’t always pleasant, but in the bedroom it was imperative. Nadyah would have to train Adelina how to listen to those instincts as well.

“How would you advise a Kalan, Draga Princess to sleep with a foreign Corinthian Prince of Khara?” Adelina asked.

Nadyah frowned. Yes there was the issue that they knew very little about the Corinthian sexual preferences. It wasn’t something courtesans trained for. Every Corinthian they’d ever met hated courtesans. She picked up the dildo and turned to face her pupil. Adelina’s eyes widened when she took in the toy and the size of it.

“Trust your instincts, Adelina. Use what you learn in the camerraleto and you should be fine.”

“What is that for?” Adelina breathed.

Nadyah stroked the long, thick silicone penis. It was detailed with the same veins a male would have when fully erect and at the base was a nice set of testicles that hung realistically. She gave her pupil a wicked smile. “Before you can learn how to please others, you need to learn how to please yourself. Knowing what you like and what will bring you to orgasm will aid you in the bedroom. You can direct a partner in bringing you to completion. Remember, communication is key. Confide in them about what you like, but also listen.”

Adelina nodded, her eyes glued to the massive, phallic toy.

“Any other questions?” Nadyah asked.

Adelina shook her head and Nadyah grinned. “Good, now let’s begin.”

She set the dildo on the bed and then went back to her room for a moment. When she came back she set the large mirror against the closed door to Adelina’s sitting room, right in front of the princess.

Nadyah stepped back and was pleased to see her pupil hadn’t moved a muscle. She slowly walked over to Adelina, taking the damper off her sexuality. Her hips rolled and the sultry motion had brought many to their knees to properly worship her. The heat in Adelina’s eyes flared and so did her nostrils when she scented Nadyah’s arousal. Good, Adelina had many of the courtesan’s best traits on top of the heightened senses the Dragas possessed.

The plush carpet against her knees felt divine and the see-through robe pulled taut against her peaked nipples. Nadyah’s breasts felt heavy with desire and they practically ached for attention, but she breathed as all courtesans were taught and reached over. Her fingers slid over the princess’s deliciously delicate skin until Nadyah got a good grip of her inner thigh. Gently she pulled Adelina’s knees apart, wide enough they could both see everything in the mirror’s reflection.

Her princess let a gasp escape as the air hit her slick center. Nadyah’s mouth watered at the scent and barely managed to restrain herself. When she spoke, her voice was huskier than normal, laced with desire. “Please yourself,” she instructed. “Touch yourself so you can see what will bring you to orgasm.”

Fingers trembling Adelina reached for her clit, slowly circling the nub and the scent of arousal practically doubled. “Good,” Nadyah murmured, feeling her own wetness drip down her thighs as she watched. “Now, do you need something inside of you to orgasm?”

The blush across Adelina’s cheeks was deep red, but she managed to answer Nadyah. “No,” she gasped. “It heightens the pleasure, but I don’t require it.” Her fingers increased tempo and Nadyah could see she was already close to coming.

She stilled the princess’s hand. This wasn’t just for the camerraleto; this was also something Nadyah needed. “May I put my mouth on you?” she asked.

Adelina’s gaze crashed into her own and the desire nearly crushed Nadyah, hitting her right in her core. “Why?” Adelina breathed.

It took all her training to slowly move in front of the princess on her hands and knees, and then do nothing. “I want you to instruct me how to please you with my mouth until you orgasm. You will then be able to tell any new lover, female or male how to bring you to completion in this way.”

Adelina didn’t even hesitate. “Yes – please.”

Nadyah nearly groaned with the pleading request. She grabbed Adelina by the backs of her knees and yanked. The princess landed on her back, legs wide and fully exposed to Nadyah. “Most like to be dominated or controlled in the bedroom,” Nadyah explained. “When you act with confidence it heightens the desire and pleasure.”

When she bent down to place her mouth gently over Adelina’s clit she could feel her own knees trembling as much as Adelina’s. She licked long and slow, from the bottom of her slit to the top and then flicked her clit with her tongue. The princess gasped, her hips bucked, and her hands clutched the carpet in desperation.

“Tell me what you need,” Nadyah demanded. This was always the most difficult aspect to train. Most were naturally shy in the bedroom, even courtesans who grew up around it permeating every aspect of their lives.

Adelina’s hips lifted and every muscle in Nadyah’s back was tight with restraint. “I need you to suck on me,” she said breathlessly.

“Good girl,” Nadyah said, her lips brushing Adelina’s folds. She licked again, tongue flat against her princess until she reached her clit. Then she sucked gently on the sensitive nub. Instantly Adelina moaned and Nadyah had to close her eyes to keep control of herself.

“Touch yourself,” Adelina demanded. “I want to watch you too.”

Nadyah paused in her attentions. The command was clear, the dominance flared and it was difficult to resist. This wasn’t a normal request during the training. She’d expected Adelina to tell her to finger her, or to use the dildo, but no. She wanted to watch.

With shaking fingers Nadyah started to touch herself. She dripped everywhere and it made her clit slick. Hungrily she sucked and licked and teased until Adelina’s hips rolled against her mouth. Nadyah was already close as she watched her princess watch her.

Adelina pulled her up on top of her. “I believe you should teach me how to properly kiss someone first,” she said, that dominance lacing every word. “It seems I already know what pleases me.”

Nadyah shook. She’d never taught the camerraleto before, but she’d heard from other courtesans about it. Raena and Giselle had been content to listen to their instructor and never deviated from the program, though perhaps it had been different because their instructors were male.

Jael paired instructors with pupils based on dominance and personality, but Jael didn’t know Adelina was also a dominant.

She couldn’t resist even if she wanted to. Nadyah kissed Adelina the way she’d been dreaming about kissing her since their first session at the House of Kismet. She used every ounce of skill she possessed to show Adelina the way to make someone burn from the inside out.

Nadyah gasped when the princess’s sly fingers found her clit and began to stroke slowly.

“What do you plan to teach me with the cock?” Adelina asked, licking her bottom lip as Nadyah had done.

She rode Adelina’s hand, seconds away from coming. But she was supposed to be the mistress. “I brought it out in case you needed penetration,” she gasped. “Later I will show you how to –” She couldn’t finish the explanation, her thoughts shattered when Adelina slid a finger inside her.

“I want you to show me what you can do with it,” Adelina demanded. “But only after you come for me.”

The dominance and the command hit her deep in her core and she instantly shuddered, the pleasure rippling through her body like an explosion and Nadyah moaned, kneading Adelina’s breast as she rode the orgasm.

The princess watched her with lust filled eyes. “I know it’s not the same here as it is at the House,” she said gently. “You needed this as much as me.”

Nadyah kissed Adelina again, taking her time to build that fire inside. Her tongue danced with Adelina’s, teasing and adoring. Her princess was also an empath; otherwise she never would have known how badly Nadyah had ached. The relief was instant and she wanted to properly thank her.

She reached for the dildo and strapped it to the leather around her hips. If done right she would be grinding her own clit against Adelina’s and she would be able to bring them both to orgasm that way.

Adelina couldn’t look away from the cock now protruding from between Nadyah’s legs. “Let me show you,” Nadyah said.

Bending down she sucked one of Adelina’s nipples into her mouth, pinching the other just hard enough to sting and then traced small circles around it to ease the hurt. Finally her princess moaned for her, arching her back to fill Nadyah’s mouth and hand.

Then she settled between Adelina’s legs to finish what she’d started. Her tongue laved the swollen clit and sucked. She didn’t stop, slipping one finger into the princess and then pressed against the sensitive spot inside. Adelina clenched around her hand and practically screamed as she came.

Nadyah didn’t wait; she pulled away and then pressed the dildo’s head against Adelina’s entrance, using her hips to slowly slide the entire length into her. Adelina clutched at Nadyah’s hips until they were pressed together. “Does this please you?” Nadyah asked.

Adelina could only nod as Nadyah pulled out and pressed back in.

“I’ve only had sex with a male the one time,” Adelina said, fingernails piercing the skin of Nadyah’s hips.

She didn’t mind, not even when she smelled her own blood. Nadyah was finally able to give her princess pleasure and satisfaction, even if the training had gone a little off the rails. She would make sure to teach her everything she could for the day when Adelina would be on her own.

Nadyah ground her clit against Adelina, knowing exactly how to press and fill to stimulate both the clitoris and the sensitive spot inside her princess. “Always tell your partner when they are doing well,” she said between pants. “Positive reinforcement, especially with males will keep them coming back to what works.”

“Right there,” Adelina said, adjusting Nadyah’s position. “I want it there and I want it harder.”

Amora save her. That dark jasmine filled her nose and surrounded her. It was a jasmine she’d never smelled before in her life, but Nadyah was determined to find the flower that matched Adelina’s scent, if such a thing even existed.

She followed her princess’s commands and rode her hard until they both came, gasping and panting on the plush carpet of Adelina’s floor. The princess laughed when Nadyah collapsed on top of her and rolled until she was the one above Nadyah.

“I think I know what pleases me,” Adelina teased. “Would you agree?”

Nadyah snorted a laugh and tapped her princess’s nose. “For the most part, though there are many things yet to try.”

Adelina’s eyes sparkled. “I’m sure you will show me when the time comes.”

Nadyah gave Adelina’s lips a peck. “We will work on one skill at a time, Princess.” Carefully she extricated herself from their entangled limbs. “Now let’s wash. We courtesans have to make every action a dance of seduction. Let me show you.” She offered Adelina her hand and the princess took it with a warm smile.

“Of course, Mistress. I promise to do as you say.”

Nadyah chuckled and led them both into the washroom. Despite the added difficulty of dealing with a surprise, a dominant instead of a submissive, she knew she would never forget this time she and Adelina had together. Nadyah was grateful to Amora for giving her this opportunity to love, no matter how it ended.