Nelina’s hand brushed across the sheet, which was still warm from where he had lain. Ru’ark had made his departure, once again before she had awoken. 'Not long this time,' she thought. She moved over to his leftover warmth. ‘Why can’t you be here one morning?’ she could not help thinking and wishing that Ru’ark was with her. She curled into a ball, it would only be a moment or two before the hand she dreaded would be there to wake her. She forced her eyes open to find a glow from the candlelight filling the room. Lying over the back of a chair was a smaller version of men’s doeskin breeches and a black tunic. A bowl was also waiting with her breakfast. She pushed the bedding off making her way to the table. The small plate with bread was not there, only the putrid bowl of disgusting slop. The meat on the bones the dogs ate appealed to her more than this gruel. “Don’t think so.” It was apparent that Gwen figured out she was eating just the bread. Picking up the bowl, she walked over to the window ledge to dump it out.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Gwen snarled, “You’ll not be skipping your morning meal.”
“I’m not eating this,” the offending mush was foul in smell alone. “It will give me a sickness.”
“You will,” she took several steps closer. “Or, I will shove it down your throat.”
Taking the bowl and leaning it over the edge of the window, Nelina dumped out the sludge with an icy stare and then threw the bowl and the spoon at Gwen’s feet. “Get out,”
“How dare you?” For several weeks, she had kept Nelina where she had wanted her with Lucas’s help. “You’re lucky I allow you to bathe in the cold water I give you.”
Nelina inclined her head to Gwen. “The line is drawn here,” she motioned directly in front of herself. “Don’t cross it.”
A mocking laugh sang out from Gwen’s mouth. “I’m supposed to be afraid of you? I’ve already landed more than one punch on you since your stay here.”
The threat brought Nelina to the point of calmness. Gwen lashed out at her with an angry fist. With little effort, Nelina shifted her weight dodging the blow, while moving in to grab Gwen’s arm and pinning it behind her back. “Leave me!” She shoved Gwen away from her.
“I’m not going anywhere.” Gwen lunged for Nelina, not with a punch, but instead tried to tear at her face with her bare hands and nails.
Without even thinking, Nelina dropped her weight to swing low and knocked out Gwen’s legs from underneath her. As she had expected, it sent Gwen slamming down to the floor in a painful landing on her back.
Gwen rolled on her side, clutching her belly. “He doesn’t want you,” she gathered her footing. “Ask, yourself, when was the last time the Magus had breakfast with you?”
The words had their intended effect, leaving Nelina stunned and taken aback.
“Oh, I see the Magus hasn’t considered you important enough to tell his liaisons to?” She licked her lips. “He enjoyed me that morning, he didn’t even think about you, the second you were gone, he could not get up my skirts fast-”
Nelina backhanded Gwen with her closed fist in a rage that before this had been foreign to her, she was shaking in a way she did not anticipate.
Gwen fell to her knees, her hand went to her cheek while staring at the floor, she tasted the blood in her mouth. Nelina squatted down low. “Perhaps the Magus does enjoy you, but do keep it in mind that whatever he has me for, he’s training me to fight like a man.” She smiled with a shrug. “Imagine, since I am a woman, if I said that my emotions got the best of me and one day and I hurt you?” Standing upright, Nelina stepped backward with her arms folded. “You’ve wrecked my morning, you’d better leave as I asked you to do the first time.”
Pulling herself up, Gwen stood proud wearing her bruises. “My back is hurting, other slaves will have to carry my work.” she laughed, “Wait, until Lucas finds out.” Gwen turned from Nelina and limped out of the chamber.
After she was gone, she locked the chamber door, then made her way to the other side of the room, where she collapsed on the floor crying. She allowed herself these few precious moments to cry, to release the pain, the fear, and the stress. She chided herself, ‘Time to get up,’ her sadness was short lived, she could not be late to meet Adar, or he would suspicious. She also had to hide what happened, the thought of the Magus asking her about any of it and having to admit to her anger after finding out Ru’ark had been with Gwen was too much. She had no right to have those feelings for him, let alone to strike a woman whom he had taken to his own bed. Her eyes would remain a little red at most. ‘Easily explained away by a bad night’s sleep,’ at the filled basin, she splashed her face with some cold water. Her uncle had made her cry enough that she learned a long time ago how to fix a tear stained face.
Gwen, making her way through the hallway of the palace, with a hand on her back, pulled open the door to her private chamber. “Let some other slave spend their mornings with that bitch.”
“Gwenny!” Lucas, concerned, stepped over to her as the door closed shut. He checked over Gwen’s badly bruised, cut cheek. “Did the Magus do that?” From the look of her, a man with decent strength had struck her.
“No, it was that bitch, Nelina,” Gwen’s tears stung trickling down her split open cheek.
His dark brown eyes were wide with shock that a woman could inflict such violent damage upon another woman. “But, she’s a woman,”
“She’s not a decent woman, she does not deserve that consideration, she is too dangerous, and we have to be rid of her.” Gwen sat down in the chair at the table.
Lucas brought her over to the small table taken in the back of the room. With their morning meal set out for two, he offered Gwen a plate which had small cuts of meat and cheeses while filling her cup with the honey mead. “Are you okay to eat?”
She nodded, “She knocked out one of my teeth from the far back, but I can eat using the other side of my face.”
Lucas moved closer to hug her. “I can go to Elian, he might-”
“No,” Gwen frowned disgusted. “Have you seen how much the Captain seems to enjoy his training sessions with his new recruit?”
“Um, no, I,” In truth he had not witnessed his Captain’s lessons with Nelina.
“Well, I have watched,” Gwen drank down a gulp of her mead. “She bewitches men, and your Captain respects her, and you can see it in his eyes. Make no mistake about it.”
“Then what do we do?” Lucas ate his food since he did not have long before he needed to get to his post.
“Rumors, gossip, and more, we need to destroy everyone’s view of the flaxen haired bitch and poison them against her.” She took a small bite of one the softer cheeses.
“Most of the City Guard doesn’t know what to make of the Magus’s whore.” He gulped down half of his mead. “Going with that, spreading that she is too friendly with the Captain should be easy.”
“Good, and in the meantime, I will make certain the Magus hears my words before Nelina’s.” She gave up on eating all together because of the pain and finished the rest of her drink while talking with Lucas until he had to leave.
The light breeze off the Torbian Sea slipped in through one of the many open windows yet left the small stacks of papers and books untouched on the polished wooden desk with its carved corners. Gwen glanced over to one of the many books written in a language she had never seen before she approached the Magus Ru’ark. She found his study to be peaceful, and with his mid-morning tea in hand.
He blinked in disbelief from seeing her face. “What happened to you?”
Gwen’s light blue eyes spilled over with tears gazing up at his “Because you have given this slave woman privileges, she has done this out of jealousy with how well you treat me.”
Ru’ark clenched his jaw, “Do explain.” He stood up from his desk moving closer to her
“While serving her the morning meal, she accused me of keeping you from her,” She was sobbing into the palm of her hands before looking up at him. “She’s possessive of you, Master,”
“Is she?” What a thought that was, that Nelina cared for him. His thumb, which rested gently on her wound, now pressed hard on it. “Her violence against you intrigues me.”
She pulled away upset. “I am loyal to you, you don’t need her, cast her away from your grace, burn the finery she wears, and show her that you will not tolerate her treating your slaves or me, this way.”
Ru’ark glared, “You will not bring me another petty problem again. For if you do, I’ll have to see if there is not someone more qualified to hold your position.” Turning back to his desk and taking his seat in the large chair, his attention returned to his tea and the books he was reading before Gwen’s interruption. “Leave me.”
The sun was setting with a dusting of color when Nelina stepped into the ice cold bath, it was never warm. Ice was a luxury that was imported into Danthamore from the Lower Kingdoms. Ru’ark’s kitchens had a small storage area for ice in the eastern wing of the palace, which was how Gwen managed to make her bath water freezing. She endured it too, because she wanted to be clean when she was around Ru’ark. She brought up her knees to her chest, and after a few minutes she heard the door open to find Ru’ark standing near the tub. Trying to pretend that the water was not freezing was impossible to do as she shivered. “I am sorry,”
“For what?” He pulled a wooden stool over by the tub.
“Shivering, for being cold,” she was nervous he had never visited her when she bathed.
“You mean ice baths aren’t your preference?” He kissed the curve of her neck while his fingers glided in the water where it created its own heat as if it had been freshly poured.
“They are not,” she reached over to touch his face with a grateful smile. “Thank you.”
He ran his hands down along her shoulders. “Indeed, you are most welcome, Sweetling,” He watched as she unfolded her body to relax in the pleasant warm water. “I’ll leave you to finish washing I look forward to seeing you at the evening meal tonight.” He was glad he had checked if she was in her bath before having some of his things brought into the room.
“I’ll not be too long,” smiling in appreciation she closed her eyes to savor the temperature of the water she had been denied by Gwen for weeks on end.
While not his favorite post, it was not the worst. The tower was on the western wall overlooked the Torbian Sea and the Kings road with its incoming wagons and merchant bands from the Upper Kingdoms. Off in the distance was the constant plume of black smoke from the Apostate camp. Lucas glanced up to the moon starting to rise, he had not spoken much during his shift.
Richard clasped his friend’s shoulder. “You’ve barely said a word, is there trouble brewing between you and Gwen?”
“The Magus’s flaxen-haired whore is the problem.” Lucas rubbed his forehead, “She beat Gwen for confronting her about her wanton behavior.” He leaned against the stone wall, “She will spread her legs for any man, I’ve heard she goes so far as to fancy our Captain who trains her.”
Richard grew solemn, “The Captain is an honorable man.”
“I do not doubt his honor, but he is being forced to train the vixen.” Lucas smirked, “She does enjoy a man’s attention, if you approach her right she might let you take a romp with her you know.”
Thomas walked up, “One of you ready to call it a night?”
“Me,” Lucas glanced at Richard, “Gwenny, you know needs me.”
Richard grinned, nodding, “Off you go then, you weren’t much use here anyway. Tell her I send my greetings.”
Grabbing the empty flask and the pouch from his midday meal, Lucas took the stairs down to the lower part of the tower and the streets of the common quarter below.
Thomas waited until Lucas was out of earshot. “He acted strange tonight, what’s going on with him?” He offered a handful of dried fruits and salted nuts from his food pouch to his comrade.
Richard happily accepted the tasty mix. “You know how that woman the Magus has, is getting trained by our Captain?”
Thomas chuckled. “Yeah, I was telling my wife about it.”
“She beat Gwen, the woman that Lucas sees.” Richard held out his hand, “Have any more of that?”
“Ada is a mother hen over me about not being hungry during my shift.” Thomas handed the pouch to him. “Here, I have another full one on my belt, and you’ve been here the whole day.”
“Thanks,” he took the food. “Lucas calls her the Magus’s whore,”
“I’m not calling her that.” Thomas shook his head, “They say the Magus paid five gold trade bars for her, more than the cost of a home in the Merchants Quarter.”
Richard laughed, “Also, according to Lucas she will part her legs for any cock, including yours Thomas, unless Ada has cut your balls off already.”
“Aren’t you funny? She’s a pretty one to say the least. Ada thinks the Magus has an affection for the woman to pay that much. When I told her that she was given chambers better than Gwen’s, she thought right away Gwen was on her way out of the palace.” He pulled out his wineskin while looking out over the expanse of his post. “We’re here in the palace because the Magus is as powerful if not more powerful than King Agnar or Queen Celeste. This could be a good opportunity for us.”
“You’re right, the city guard has never been brought in to replace the palace guards like we were.” Richard folded his arms, “Getting involved in the Magus’ personal issues is Lucas being stupid, what I wouldn’t give to stand guard by her chamber all the time, instead of an outdoor post like the one we’re at.”
“Well, Ada wouldn’t want me by that one if there’s any truth to what Lucas says. I’ll just keep this post here I think.” He laughed to himself, his wife would enjoy this gossip when he came home later.
After finishing their evening meal, Ru’ark and Nelina returned to the chamber, which now belonged to her.
The soldier standing watch who opened the door was a member of Ru’ark’s personal guard. “Magus, Madame”
Ru’ark put his hand on the small of her back leading her in.
Once inside, Nelina glanced around to see many of his possessions moved into the chamber such as clothing, books, parchments, and an inkwell on a shiny polished wood desk with an oversized dark maroon cushioned chair.
Giving her a quick kiss on the cheek Ru’ark sat down in the large chair and picked up his quill to pen notes for his research. “You may find your rest if you wish. I unfortunately have work that I need to do.”
“I-” She did not continue with her sentence and instead made her way behind the changing screen to find a sleeping gown waiting for her. She undressed and then slipped it on over her head. In the thin violet nightdress, she walked over to a small table by the bed and unpinned her hair.
Ru’ark stopped mesmerized by watching her neck disappear under the soft flaxen curls that she unpinned. Noticing his own distraction, he opened one of his books that he had been delving into of late. Flipping through several pages, he worked his way to where he had left off reading.
Nelina walked over to his desk and stood next to his chair.
Closing his book and setting it down on the edge of his desk, he maneuvered his chair directly toward her. “Nelina-” her green eyes were filled with determination when she straddled his lap it was unexpected but not a complete surprise. “Mhm, I wonder what brings you to me in this manner?” His hands went to her slender waist.
“I wanted to say good night,” she gave him a gentle, soft kiss on the lips.
“Is that so?” He drew her in close to him and whispered, “You are very much like the moth that flies too close to the flame.”
Her lips caressed his neck. “Then, I will burn for you, like the moth.”
“Careful, you just might.” He put his hands through her hair, “I want to know why you bashed Gwen’s face in the way you did.”
She froze, her mouth slightly parted. “I-I’m, so very sorry for hurting her, I didn’t mean-”
“It’s not what I asked,” His hand moved downward to hold her chin between his index finger and thumb. “Don’t lie to me either,”
Her eyes were locked with his “She- she told me that you called her to you after that last morning we had breakfast, I lost my temper with her.”
“I did call her to me, since I could not have you.” He moved her hair off her shoulders. “I was not aware you carried affection for me Sweetling.”
Hot tears welled up in her eyes, “I care for you,” a few trickled out amidst her fight to keep them back.
“Stay your tears,” he wiped away a couple of them. “I’ll not touch her again if it bothers you.”
“I would like that.” Her tears started withering away.
A seductive smile played across his handsome face. “I am enamored of you, and you intrigue me in ways Gwen could only dream about.”
She blushed, “I do?”
He wrapped his arms around her, letting his hands settle around her bottom. “Indeed, as I said, when I was with Gwen I had to think of you.” His mouth demanded hers, with his tongue embracing hers. “When you are done with your training, I promise that I will indulge in you each and every way that I have imagined, and I have imagined many.”
“But, you don’t have to wait,” she was breathless wanting more from him.
“Ah, but I do,” he kissed her neck, then cupped her face in his hands to look at her. “Otherwise, your training won’t have your full devotion.”
“I can’t help the way I feel about you.” She rested her hands on his strong shoulders, she could feel his firm muscles tense with her touch.
“I can see that.” His hands slipped under her nightdress to her bare thighs before moving lower. “You are an endearing bed-slave.” His gentle fingers glided downward finding her slick arousal waiting for him.
“I belong to you.” She was trembling and shaking, while staying entwined on his lap.
“You do,” he guided her, slow and gentle at first against his hard shaft which was covered by his robe. After a couple rocking motions back and forth, she chose her own pace with him. He smiled to himself when he heard her gasp in pleasure at reaching her point of rapture. Her body was now a spent quivering mess on his lap. “Indeed, that was quite delightful, thank you for saying Goodnight.”
“You’re welcome.” It was the best she could say.
He stood up from his chair and set her on her feet giving her a chaste kiss on the forehead. “You will have a long day tomorrow and I want you to get a good night’s sleep for it.”
“I will, and I hope you sleep well too.” She wrapped her arms tight around his neck, giving him a peck on the cheek.
He hugged her back then watched her climb into bed before sitting back down at his desk.
Gwen squeezed her fists in anger after watching Ru’ark and Nelina’s intimate exchange through the crack in the wall of her own chamber. Storming down the hall with no thought to the other slaves carrying out their chores, she pushed past them. Lucas was waiting for her by the kitchens to have their meal together and she did not want him to leave.
“Gwenny,” He was happy she arrived. “I’ve missed you,” He gave her a quick kiss before sitting at the table.
“I missed you throughout my day too,” she started putting their plates of food together. “How did things go today?”
He folded his arms, “I started what we talked about earlier, I was with Richard and I saw Thomas. Between those two, things should get around pretty fast.”
Gwen set the plates of food on the table, then sat down to join Lucas. “The Magus and his little bitch were busy tonight becoming closer,” she stared at Lucas “We need to do more,”
“Sure, what do you have in mind?” He ate some of the potatoes and gravy.
“You’ll have to use her body by force you can say that she threw herself at you if need be.” She poured them both some wine. “They’ll believe you, I watched her tonight climb all over him, she should be on her back at one of the brothels in the common district.”
“I think I have an idea, but there’s no chance of it until the Magus’s protector is gone, once he is though, I’ll do it.” He reached over to take Gwen’s hand. “I love you, so if this is what you want, I’ll do it.”
“I love you too Lucas and I know that this will work.” She smiled back at Lucas as the two finished their meal together.