by Lily Harlem
“But why her? Why your slave and not one of the other masters’?”
“It was nothing to do with me, not back then.”
“What do you mean?”
“At the parade, he took a liking to her. She was incredibly beautiful, her hair the color of the second sun, her skin white, and her eyes matched the green of a lightning bolt.”
“Oh, I see.” She beat down a wave of jealousy for this beautiful Zoid woman who’d clearly stolen her master’s heart.
“You’re beautiful too,” he said, as if sensing the tight-fisted emotion that had coiled in her guts. “Your hair matches the moon on a sunless day, and your eyes are the same pale gray of raindrops. And your body,” he glanced at her, “is a pleasure to own.”
“I’m glad you think so, Sir.”
“I do, very much, so don’t forget it.” He squeezed her leg, then returned his grip to the steering wheel.
“Can you tell me what happened, Sir? After the king took a liking to Skylar?”
“He declared that she was to join his harem in the palace. That he would take on responsibility for her medication. This angered me more than if she was simply going to another master, because in the harem, the king uses many Roun men to medicate. Not all are considerate of female pleasure. They feel that the gift of their semen is enough and can be rough and cruel.”
“We were told that was the case, at training camp, Sir.”
“But it’s unfair, don’t you agree, that just one person gets pleasure?”
“But females get the gift of breath.”
“This is where I differ from many Roun men. I believe every species has a basic right to be able to breathe on the planet they’re on. It should not be their only pleasure in life, the only goal.”
“You’re very kind, Sir.”
“I’m glad you think so.” He glanced at her. “I would not enjoy medicating a woman who did not want me inside her for erotic pleasure as well as semen.”
Briella was quiet for a moment, thinking of how much pleasure her master gave her, then, “Is Skylar still in the king’s harem?”
“No.” He shook his head. “From what I heard he bored of her quickly.”
“Why?”
“I’d trained her well, she needed little or no punishment, she was a gifted slave. Devout, humble, and obedient. The king as you know likes to dish out pain, hence all the rules his enforcers have to check up on.”
“So what happened to her?” Briella hardly dared ask what happened to slaves when the Roun king tired of them.
“She was passed to a master in the northern kingdom. From what I hear she is content and well medicated and…”
“And what, Sir?”
“There was news that she was preparing to give birth, her belly swollen with child.”
“Oh, I see.” She paused. “And that pleases you?”
“I’m pleased that she is from all accounts happy and starting a family with her new master. It is a healthy social system for the planet, children in the community again and not brought up in institutions.”
“The way you were.”
He nodded. “Yes. But I knew no different so do not feel sorry for me.”
“I don’t feel sorry for you, Sir.”
“You don’t?” He glanced at her.
“No, I just wish you’d had the love of parents, the way I did.”
“That must be a truly special thing.”
“It was. Very.” She glanced out of the window at the vast orange plains and the now familiar mountains rising in the distance. She missed her parents very much. Their existence was being snuffed away on Zoid, but one thing that would always be in their legacy was their gift of how to raise children.
Chapter Twenty
Gast finally pulled up in the vehicle storage area beneath the dome. The suns were sinking in the sky and Briella’s chest was becoming tight.
But she didn’t want to think of herself. Her master was her priority. She needed to tend to him, make him comfortable.
He didn’t bother to hold her lead as they walked up the steps. His head was bowed as though exhausted and his feet dragged up to the front door.
“Sir, why don’t you lie down and I will prepare what we need,” she said.
“Thank you, slave.”
He shuffled into the sleeping area then fell flat on his stomach, face buried in a pillow and his boots hanging off the end of the bed.
Briella wasted no time in getting organized. She filled a bowl with warm water, hunted out the softest cloth, then scooped up the poppy salve. It felt good to finally be able to do something to help her master.
She set the bowl on the table by the bed, soaked a cloth, then gently moved his hair to one side.
His eyes were closed, his shoulders shifting slowly, as though he was spent and asleep.
If she could have left him, she would. But this had to be done. Not least because small dots of orange grit sat in his wounds.
With small swipes, as light as a feather, she began to clean his cuts. Some were deeper than others, but all were wicked and had broken his skin their entire length.
A few times he murmured a complaint, or shifted under her touch, but mostly he just laid still and quiet, accepting his treatment.
She wiped away a tear. The king was hateful to inflict such cruelty upon a good man. She hoped that when his turn to pass power on came, a man with more honor would take up leadership of Roun.
Eventually the wounds were clean, each shocking stripe free from dust or contamination.
She began to delicately swipe poppy salve onto each one, starting at the top near his neck and working her way downward. She had to get another tube of salve, such was the extent of his injuries, but finally she was finished.
As she stood and looked at her work, she was pleased to see that already, the lashes by his nape, where she’d first applied the balm, were looking less red.
She tidied away the cloths and balm, then went outside to tip the water onto her seeds.
Stooping low, and being careful not to disturb the soil as she poured, she paused. In the very center of her trough, though the netting, she could see a small green-tipped stalk. It had shifted some of the soil to break through and was pointing at the sky.
She smiled in wonder. It had worked, her flowers were growing, the soil and the air compatible. Soon the others would burst free, then they’d grow tall and strong, produce leaves, petals, seeds.
Gently she spread the rest of the water. How pleased Gast would be, she was sure of it. They’d likely have to keep it a secret, allow the birds to spread the seeds over the planet—which she knew Gast would be happy about—but they’d have flowers on Roun. Botany had arrived, even if only one species.
After wandering back into the dome, she stood under the shower fall. She washed away the paint that had adorned her body but was now smudged and indecipherable. Once dry and dressed in her usual short skirt, she went into the eating room. It was dark outside now, as the suns had slipped behind the mountains. Her chest was tighter still, but she didn’t want to disturb her sleeping master. Medicating her would be the last thing on his mind. He needed to rest and recover.
She sipped sweet water as she heated his food. When it was ready, she took it into the dark sleeping area on a tray. The moon lit her way as she flicked on the lamp and set his food down. She hoped the rasping wheeze in her chest wouldn’t disturb him until he was ready to stir.
“Slave, lie with me.”
“You’re awake?”
“Please do as I ask.”
“Yes, Sir.” Quickly, she slipped onto the bed next to him. He was hot, heat radiated from him, and the scent of the poppy balm filled her nostrils. “How are you feeling?”
“Probably better than you, I can hear your chest whistling.”
“I’m okay. Do not worry about me.”
“And what kind of master would I be if I didn’t worry?”
“You’re the perfect master.” She stroked h
is hair, shifting it from his cheek. “And I…”
“You what, slave?”
Could she say it? Should she say it? The words were there on her tongue. They filled her heart, her every waking thought and dream.
“What do you need to say, slave? I order you to tell me.” He narrowed his eyes and stared straight at her.
“I love you, Sir.”
His eyebrows drew together a little.
She wondered if she’d overstepped the line and said something she shouldn’t have.
He lifted and set his mouth on hers, stroking his tongue in and sweeping it around.
She sighed and absorbed his flavor. She knew by his kiss that she hadn’t angered him.
He pulled back and propped himself onto his elbow. “I love you, too.”
“You do?” She cupped his cheek. “Really?”
“Yes, really. I’ve never felt this way before. You’re my slave and I cherish you with everything that I am. I love you with every beat of my heart and feel humbled that you’ve chosen to submit to me and serve me.”
“I will submit to and serve you for the rest of my life.” She coughed, a pathetic little sound that racked her ribs.
“Which,” he frowned, “won’t be a long life if I don’t medicate you soon.”
“But… your wounds?”
“They’re healing.” He shifted over her, nudging her legs apart with his. “I’m sure with a few more applications of balm and your gentle care, I’ll soon be as good as new.”
“I hope so.” She gripped his biceps and stared up at him.
His hair hung down as he nudged his cock at her entrance.
“Master,” she gasped as he began to stretch her wide. “Oh, yes, please…”
He bit on his bottom lip, as though exerting great concentration, and eased in some more, riding his body over her clit.
She hooked her legs behind his, adoring watching his expression as he claimed her pussy. “The suns and the moons meant for us to be together,” she said, holding his face.
“Yes, Briella, my beautiful slave, they did.” He pushed to full depth, his sac pressing up against her.
She groaned as pleasure rolled over her. When Gast was inside her so deep, it was as if the rest of the universe had faded away. There was only them, they were all that existed.
He began to rock, gently butting up against her.
Instantly her clitoris reacted to the stimulation. She reveled in it, knowing that it would only grow and get better, that soon bliss would circulate her body the same way air did.
His weight was heavy on her but not too much so, and he filled her vision. His gaze was intense as he concentrated on medicating her.
“It’s so good, Sir,” she gasped.
“I like to see you,” he said, “like this, beneath me, open for me, taking me.”
“I’m yours to take, Sir.”
He dipped his head and kissed her, rolling his hips a little and upping the pressure on her clitoris.
“Oh…oh, Master, my erotic pleasure is here…” she said against his mouth, then held her breath. The moment of release was intense. Then everything crashed down, her pussy spasmed, and her clitoris pulsed. She battled to keep her eyes open, staring up at him.
He groaned long and loud then shunted into her hard, a deep thrust that had her crying out in bliss. She was sure he could see right into his soul as he expelled his semen. And in his soul she saw love and honor and a bright and brilliant future.
More release spilled into her. Air free-flowed into her lungs.
He stilled and his eyelids fluttered shut. “Oh, yes…”
“Yes,” she panted. “Yes, Sir, thank you.”
He smiled then withdrew and carefully lay down on his front next to her.
She was breathing fast, and stared up at the curved ceiling. It was familiar now, home; she didn’t miss Zoid or her dirty, polluted brick built shack there. This was where she belonged, at her master’s side in his dome. She hoped the king would never bother them again, that their love for each other would grow and he’d always be pleased with her.
She’d work hard to avoid punishment but if she did step out of line, she’d take her spankings stoically. She’d try to preempt his needs, be a good slave in public, and conform. This relationship with Gast and building their life together was all that was important now.
“What are you thinking, slave?” He slipped his hand over her breast and tweaked her nipple.
She turned her head to face him, unaware that he’d been watching her.
“About you… us.”
“And where did those thoughts lead you?” He reached for her other nipple, rolling it between thumb and forefinger.
She smiled. “I was hoping that we’d have a long and happy future. That I’d be able to please you with my submission.”
“I don’t doubt for a minute that will be the case.” He smiled, his eyes half closed; he was clearly tired and in need of sleep. She decided not to mention his meal; he’d ask for it if he was hungry.
He slipped his hand lower, sliding his palm over her belly. He spread out his fingers, rubbing gently.
Suddenly his eyes widened. He didn’t look so sleepy anymore. He sat, supporting himself on one arm, his hand still on her abdomen. “Slave!”
“What, Sir? What is it?” Alarm went through her. What had happened to make him change from sleepy to full alert so rapidly?
“Your belly… it’s…” He looked down at it.
“What?” She studied his hand, resting on her stomach.
“It’s swollen.”
“Is it?” She pressed her hand over his.
“Yes, I know your body well and here it’s rounder than it has been.”
“So you think…?” She hardly dared hope. It was the ultimate dream.
“That you’re with a baby, our baby.” He grinned suddenly. “Yes, I think you are.”
“But it’s so fast… I mean…”
“It’s the way of Roun men and Zoid women; it happens, this bump, within weeks.”
Briella was silent as thoughts tumbled through her mind. Had one of the worst days she’d ever endured really ended as one of the best? A master who loved her and his baby in her belly?
He swept his lips over hers, smiling as he did so. “This makes me so happy.”
“It does?”
“Yes, of course.” His smile faltered. “Doesn’t it you?”
“Yes, yes.” She cupped his cheeks. “Happier than I could have ever believed possible.” She kissed him, letting her master know with her mouth how important he was to her. Nothing else on any planet in any universe compared to him. And now they’d created a baby who would be one of the pioneering children of Roun.
Their union as master and slave really was meant to be.
Epilogue
Five years later
Briella adjusted the strap on Siren’s bag, which was fastened over her shoulder. “Have you got everything you need?”
“Yes, Mother,” Siren replied, a note of exasperation in her voice.
“I’m sorry, but if you haven’t it’s too far to come back or for your father to bring to you. And last week you didn’t take your history of the universe book.”
“I know, but I’ve double-checked, Mother, and I have everything I need for the next four days.”
“Good girl.” Briella smiled. “Here, some sugared sunflower seeds for you to eat on the way.” She passed over a small bag of the candies she’d taken to making for Siren. They were her favorite.
“Thanks,” Siren grinned and as she did so, there was a loud honk from the parking area below their dome.
“The transportation vehicle is here. Time to go, little one,” Gast said, stepping out from his work area to the front doorway.
“Goodbye, Father, see you at school end.” Siren smiled at Gast, her cheeks balling the way his did.
“You will.” He stooped low and pressed a kiss to the top of Siren’s head.
Hi
s eyes were filled with love. Briella knew his daughter meant the universe to him. He’d do anything for her. Kill anyone who even attempted to hurt her. Siren was the perfect child they’d created and was growing fast to become one of Roun’s first indigenous women for many centuries.
She’d go down in history for making their planet one of a double-gendered species. And whatever she did with her life would be documented and studied for years to come.
Which was why, like all the new children, she went to an education facility in Ryl four days a week to fill her brain with scholarly learning. Briella was pleased that Siren was getting such amazing opportunities, becoming knowledgeable about things Briella had never even heard of. But for those four days each week, she missed her daughter terribly.
When she was home, the sound of her laughter filled the dome as did her constant chatter. Gast had built a new sleeping room, smaller than theirs, and painted it the color of the sunflower petals. Siren adored it and whenever they had to go into Ryl as a family she’d always find a new string of beads or picture for her wall.
They went to Ryl more often now. The king had been struck with a debilitating illness that confined him to his bed and rumor had it he was no longer able to medicate women. He’d become a recluse and as his public sightings and dabbling in Roun life had lessened, the citizens’ attitudes had become lighter, and they smiled more. His iron fist way of ruling had ceased to grip the planet and that was a relief to everyone.
Briella bent and dragged Siren into a final hug. “Be good. Do what the teachers tell you and learn well.”
“I will, Mother. We’re studying pollution this week. I want to know all about it and maybe find a way to save my grandparents and their planet Zoid.”
“If there’s a way, I’m sure you’ll figure it out,” Gast said, peeling Briella’s arms from around her daughter. “That’s enough now, slave. Siren has to go.”
“Yes, Sir.” Briella released Siren and stood. Her arms felt empty already, as though she didn’t know what to do with them.
Siren grinned up at her parents, then turned and skipped down the steps, her bag bobbing on her back.
