"When I first saw you," he said conversationally, "I thought your fiery red hair could not be natural, but now," two fingers sifted through the curls on her mound, "I see it is most beautifully your true color. My lord will be most pleased."
"M-my mothers thought I was a changeling child. N-no one else of my tribe has red hair." Something was twisting up inside her as he stroked her. She gasped as she felt the tip of a finger pierce her entrance.
"Sweeter than the most luscious fruit of a tree," he said as he pressed deeper, spreading her lips wider. "Softer than the clouds in the sky. With a fierce, courageous heart. My lord will be most pleased indeed."
She felt herself begin to rise from the water as he added a second finger to the first. Then a finger began to circle over her clitoris.
"W-what are you doing to me?"
"You have never experienced an orgasm, have you?"
"N-no."
"You have never pleasured yourself."
"Of course not."
He twirled his finger inside her, brushing another finger across her swollen clit.
"I see. That will be remedied as well. So perfect, Eli-ah, release your soul, give me your pleasure."
One more sweep of his fingers across her clit and she was free, soaring into the clouds, flying like she never had before.
With his finger still resting inside her cunt, his other arm curled around her, lifting her from the water to press her against his chest as she arched and cried out, shuddering against him, finally collapsing as though she were a leaf carried by the wind, floating back to the ground.
He removed his finger and guided them both back to the edge of the pool. He lifted her and carried her out of the water, placing her carefully in a reclining lounge chair.
He knelt next to the chair and brushed her hair back from her face. She gazed up at him, her body suddenly feeling weighted down, yet replete.
"Again," she said without really thinking about what she was saying.
He smiled. "Constant practice is indeed the first lesson. And you have obviously learned it well. I am glad you are such an eager student. My lord will be pleased as well."
But it wasn't "his lord" that she wanted right now.
It was Teacher.
Chapter 7
* * *
Within the space of two weeks her world seemed to have bloomed in ways she never could have imagined. There was such a different sensuality to this world. She expected there had been some element of the same to her own home, but she hadn't been awakened to it. Not like Teacher had done for her in this land. She was beginning to understand what her sisters must have experienced in their own relationships. Maybe if they had shared some of their knowledge, she wouldn't have been as afraid.
But that kind of intimate enlightenment was forbidden to be exchanged with unmatched women. Only through the lessons of Amak from a skilled teacher was one allowed insight into the world of intercourse.
All of her senses were heightened and her body attuned in ways she had not experienced before. Each morning she now looked forward with eagerness to the swimming lessons. And the reward of orgasm afterward.
The swimming lessons were much like the lessons with her brother in sword work back home. Teacher pushed her just as hard as Zane had to learn the rhythms of the water and to reach beyond what she thought her energy would allow.
And then came the massage and the touching and the intimacy. And she soared. Her lips curved into a smile. She had always loved learning new things, being challenged. And this place, and this man, challenged her like nothing ever had before. She leaned back against the soft cushions of the chair and gazed up at the sky. She thought she could go on like this forever.
"Come with me," Teacher said as he rose from the water. "It is time for your next lesson."
She raised her head to look up at him. "My next lesson?"
He nodded. "Intercourse of fantasy. Come." He helped her to rise and, taking her hand, led her inside. She quickly donned her caftan and accompanied him from the room.
"I am intrigued. Intercourse of fantasy?"
She saw him smile. "Habit without inventiveness breeds ennui. You have become accustomed to intimate pleasure. But there are many ways to receive and give pleasure, some more inventive than others. Today you will learn about self-pleasure. I think you will find it enjoyable and my lord will find it exciting as well."
Elita was quickly becoming tired of hearing what "my lord" would find pleasing. "And what about you, Teacher? Would you find it exciting?"
A gulf of silence fell between them until she thought he wouldn't answer her. But then, had she really expected him to?
"Yes," he finally said quietly. "I would find it exciting to watch you pleasure yourself."
The small ball of warmth inside her spread outward. Logically she knew there was no hope of a match with him. Her duty lay with Lord Guardian Raoul Duarte. But for now, for today, she wanted to know what he did with her, what he taught her, gave Teacher pleasure as well. That it wasn't all strictly duty.
"What about you?" she suddenly asked. "How do you find pleasure? Do you orgasm?" She knew it was rather bold of her to ask such a question, but she couldn't help herself.
"Yes, I receive pleasure and I climax."
"But not when you are with me." She stopped walking and he turned to look at her. She reached out and gripped his cock. "What about now, Teacher?" She stroked his cock, along the length of his rigid flesh. She felt liquid press between the seam of his slit and she stroked the pad of a finger over the flared deep blue head.
His gaze bore into her, the pale pupils of his eyes widening and contracting in rhythmic waves as he stared at her. She released him and brought the fingertip to her mouth, smeared the liquid across her lips and then as she returned to stroking him, she slowly licked her lips, tasting his maleness for the first time.
Her lips curved into a small smile as she gazed up at him. "I like the taste of you. Is there more?"
Suddenly he yanked away from her, his breathing fast and hard, the tip of his cock leaking pre-cum. She tried to follow him, but he held up a hand.
"No. I am your teacher, not your lover."
"Then teach me the taste of you. Allow me to explore." She licked her lips, eager to sup at his flesh, to experience more of him."
"Enough. We will continue." He strode down the hallway and there was nothing else she could do but follow. Obviously, he did not want his eager pupil to take the lead in these lessons of love.
They walked through long hallways and then entered a room lined with books. One glass case caught her attention and she walked over to it, and studied the gilt-edged book that was displayed inside the glass case. The embossing on the cover was in a strange language she wasn't familiar with.
"What is this one?" Her curiosity was aroused by the flowing gold lettering, the rubbed red leather that almost looked velvety in texture. It seemed to be a very sensual binding and made her want to reach inside the glass to stroked across the surface, just like she wanted to stroke Teacher's beautiful, rigid cock.
Teacher came up beside her. "That is the ancient text upon which the tenets of Amak are based. It was gifted to our people many thousands of years ago by a great lord from another world. There are few that are able to read the original writings. The language has almost been totally lost."
"What does it say? What is this book called?"
"It is called The Kama Sutra and was written by a foreigner to our world by the name of Vatsyayana. It is, in essence a treatise on the many and varied aspects of passion. It was a very wise man who gave it to our people so long ago. Over the years many of its precepts have been incorporated into our beliefs."
Elita could well believe that within its pages were the secrets to intimacy. Just looking at it evoked sensual thoughts in her head and she couldn't even read the written language of its creator.
She touched the glass. "Is there anyone left who can read the words?"
"Yes. No
t many, but a few."
She turned to look at him. "Can you?"
His gaze locked with hers for long moments before he answered. "Yes. I can interpret the words."
"You are a strange man, aren't you? A warrior, a teacher, a philosopher. So many different faces to you. I wonder what else?"
He turned away from her. "You will leave here soon. Come. We must move on. Time is passing."
He strode toward the doorway. Then he stopped and turned, waiting for her to join him.
She stopped in front of him and gazed up. "Teacher, you realize you are opening doors for me that can never be closed. I have this yearning now, it is like one of the sleeping volcanoes in the mountains, and I don't know what to do about it. The pleasure you've taught me is so profound. Yet, something tells me there is much more. Experiences you are holding back."
"There is more. But remember, your final lessons of intercourse and fulfillment will come from my lord. It is his right as your lawful match."
"But what if I want you to teach me everything?" Her heart thundered in her chest as she asked the question.
His light eyes darkened. "It is not unexpected that you will feel that way. Once you leave this place, it will be different. For now, let us go so you may learn more of the ways of intercourse."
She really had no choice. She had hoped to see something in his eyes, some returned emotion, but his expression told her nothing and, in fact, had locked her out, setting him at a distance from her.
They walked out into the corridor and, following along the blue, gold-veined marble hallway, they came to another door. Teacher reached out for the gold handle on the crimson-painted door and opened it. He stepped back for her to pass inside.
The lighting was subdued in here. There were huge gold and maroon cushions scattered around the room. This floor had a thick layer of light blue carpeting and her feet pressed deeply into the velvety texture. It felt like she was walking on the sky, giving her an odd sense of floating through space.
Elita was shocked when another door opened and a man passed through carrying something cupped in his hands. This was the first time she'd seen a male servant here, and suddenly she felt her lightly-clothed nudity keenly.
She turned to look up at Teacher questioningly.
The servant reached their side and knelt before Teacher, holding up the items he carried, more like some kind of offering. He bowed his head. His skin tone seemed much lighter than Teacher's and his eyes were very dark.
"This is Olan. He will show you the proper preparation and use for these items of self-pleasure."
Her eyes opened wide. "He will? But I thought you were my teacher. I want you to teach me if I have to be taught. I don't want anyone else."
He turned to look at her. "In this place you are the student and you will listen and obey. Olan made these especially for you at my direction. And you will continue the lessons as I direct."
For the first time since being in the Northern Shore, she felt the flare of rebelliousness rise inside her. Shoving her hands on her hips she turned and lifted her chin. "And what if I won't obey?"
In the flash of a second between one and the next, the benevolent and sensual personality she had come to know as Teacher was gone and Elita was now faced with the warrior commander who accepted no opposition of his authority. He took a menacing step closer to her.
"Then reprimand is in order, as I see you have not yet learned the value of obedience and caution."
Chapter 8
* * *
"What do you plan to do?" she whispered as she took a step back. Frantically she looked around for some way out.
He halted and stared down at her. This man could easily crush her with just one blow. She'd never felt so much power aimed at her before. It wasn't necessarily anger, but a strength and expectancy of submission to his authority.
"No one has ever made you responsible for your decisions, have they?" There was almost a sense of surprise in his question. "You have never been held accountable for your actions."
She lifted her chin, and set her jaw. "I'm the daughter of the High Lord of the Desert."
"Do you really think that is reason for you not to be punished when you do something wrong? When you flout the authority of those who are more knowledgeable than you?"
"I can take care of myself."
"Can you? What about the altercation with the underworld minions? Could you take care of yourself then? And what about the men who followed you on that rebellious little adventure? They are all dead. Do you take no responsibility for that? Yes, you want everything your way, but accept no responsibility for your actions."
She felt the bravado seep quickly from inside, leaving her shaken at his words. He was right. She was responsible for the death of her guards. She hadn't understood the gravity of her situation even after Zane had warned her about the danger from Kadin. She faltered before this man who saw so much.
"I-I didn't want them to die." She looked up at him and tears threatened to break free. "I didn't realize..."
"Yet you knew the underlord wanted you for himself. There is bravery and there is foolish bravado. I know how you wrapped the men of your tribe around your little finger. You are the youngest and you have been coddled to the point of being willfully spoiled--someone who must always have their own way. Do you think that is what makes a strong woman? A good leader for her people? Being able to wheedle what she wants from the people around her? But never taking responsibility? Never listening, never accepting orders from those in higher authority?"
The tears fell, she couldn't help it. She'd never thought of it that way. "I-I just wanted to be free. I didn't want to be like my mothers, my sisters, always hidden away, never experiencing life. I just wanted a chance to live."
"And you think that the women of your household do not experience life? That loving their match makes them lesser in the eyes of their people? Yet you know nothing of love, and next to nothing of intimacy. Who are you to judge the paths they have chosen for themselves? Do you really think you are the better person for the chances you have taken with your life and with others?"
Elita just shook her head, sobs breaking from her that she was unable to control. She couldn't find words to answer him. No one had ever ripped away the facade of her life and held up the mirror of her actions, her thoughts, in such way. And she now found that she didn't like the person reflected back to her.
"I-I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt anyone. I-I just wanted--"
"Freedom. Yes, I know. But at what cost?"
He waited for her answer, but she had none for him. She wanted to be someone that Teacher admired. She wanted him to see her differently than what he apparently saw right now.
She dropped to her knees before him and bowed her head. "I'm sorry. Help me." It was all she could think of to say.
She felt his hand beneath her chin, lifting her head to look at him. "My lord saw something special in you, Elita--something worth taking the time to nurture and draw out. But only you can decide if you are ready to become the woman worthy to be called lady of the Northern Shore and to stand by the Lord Guardian's side. Or will you just become another anchor that he must worry about and drag behind him?"
"What of you, Teacher? Do you think I can learn, that I can become a woman you would be proud of?"
She saw just a hint of a smile curve his lips and he reached out to stroke her jaw. "I have not always been a commander of men. I have taken my share of discipline and it has made me a stronger leader because of it. It was never unjustly applied--not by my father, or those commanders before me. Can you accept the same, Eli-ah?"
She straightened her shoulders. "I will try, Teacher. If I can become a woman you respect, I will accept whatever punishment you deem appropriate."
"What kind of woman do you want to be, Elita? This is not the desert and your position will be different here. Do you wish to learn? Do you wish to become a woman of the Northern Shore? Accepted as a leader they can respect by the
people?"
"Yes, Teacher. Please help me."
He released her chin and stepped away. She held her breath. In the flash of an instant the axis of her world had shifted. He had revealed things to her, opened her skin, exposing every vulnerability. And she knew he would mold her into a stronger person--if she let him. He would not force her obedience to his command. She must give it freely. And she had never wanted to give to another more in her life.
It was not duty that bound her. It was some core need, some recognition of a force beyond her comprehension, but one she must yield to. In some way her life depended on it.
"Olan, take her to the red room and bind her to the wall."
She stiffened, but knew that whatever she did next, how she responded, would impact her future and how Teacher saw her. She found that it pained her at the thought of disappointing him. And so, she allowed Olan to help her up and guide her out of the room. She trembled as she followed him silently along the corridor and entered another room.
Her breath stuttered in her chest as she looked around at the stark, hard-angled room, so different from the other, more sensual rooms she had encountered. The floor was made of cold, smooth black slate, the walls, covered in some material she didn't quite recognize. Maybe crushed red stone? Olan guided her to the far wall where she could see glittering gold hooks anchored into the wall.
There was a black lacquer cupboard, with lethal water creatures painted on the surface in red and gold--ragged-toothed predators, many-legged swimmers. All mythical creatures she had read about in books, frightening beings.
This was a room not meant for teachings of Amak. Instinctively she understood that. This was a room of punishment hidden within the body of pleasure.
She exchanged no words with Olan, but simply stood watching him as he pulled out four gold cuffs and then turned toward her. He lifted one of her hands and encircled her narrow wrist with the first one and then sealed it closed. She noticed several round hooks embedded in the metal bracelet.
Azurene: Divine Seduction Page 4
