The Bearer of Secrets (Dark Legacy)

by Kyle Belote

  On the third night, after Kam’s nightly dose, Julie posed a line of questioning similar to the night before but tweaked it. “Why are you okay with your husband taking me?”

  Lily smiled indulgently. They bathed together, Julie leaning back into the wife. Candles burned low, and a small fire crackled in the fireplace. “Kam loves me and always has. He is good to me. I was a prostitute in my youth, a choice done for various reasons that I would rather not get into at the moment. He bought out my contract from the establishment’s owner and married me. He loved me for a long time and always treated me with respect. For that, I adore him. Sometimes he would buy me for a night or even a week so I wouldn’t work and never partook of me unless I offered it. I swear he’s the last of the gentleman in Ralloc.”

  She paused in her story, and Julie turned around. A myriad of expressions flickered across Lily’s face, solemn, shame, heartache. She continued. “At times, I feel guilty for all the men I slept with in service to Lord Brenton. But Kam never once complained. It must have been hundreds of men, thousands, countless. After a hundred, I quit tallying; I didn’t want to know. I felt shame, allowing myself to become a whore, even for the best of intentions. Life deals unfairly, to say the least.

  “Occasionally, I try to find him another woman to enjoy, so I don’t feel so guilty about my past,” she said, her face changing again from depressed and aggrieved to something more like endearment when she looked at Julie.

  “But he never asks,” she clarified, “and he has never ran around on me, and never does anything to me unless I want it. He worked hard to save up the money to buy my contract, years worth of savings, and worked even harder to buy me a house and allow me to travel, visiting whatever family will still accept me after my profession. How can I not love a man like that? How can I not try to please him in any way I can? How could I refuse to make him happy?”

  She smiled wistfully. “Almost every woman I found for him, he turned away and would only join if I was involved. Afterward, he told me he never wanted to see the girls again, even the ones he turned away. So each time, the search became harder.” She sighed. “He’s only been with two other women since we married and each of them only once, but he’s never taken them by himself, not like you. You are the first, which is how I know he likes you.” Lily kissed her, and she felt the passion beneath. “You should come to Ralloc with us. You could stay with us.”

  Julie beamed, her chest warm with amorous feelings. “Maybe.”

  Since Lily’s tale, Julie saw Kam in a new light. He had his faults, but who didn’t? Even with his drug addiction, he was never once vile with either of them, and she loved the way he treated his wife. Julie was envious of Lily and the near-perfect man she married. Kam accepted her for what she had been, seeing her beauty when others abused her. Julie found it hard not to love him herself after hearing the story, but couldn’t discern her personal feelings from Lily’s, unsure if they were genuine or if they bled over like the lust.

  Lily gave Kam free reign to visit Julie anytime he wished on the condition of Julie’s approval. A few times during the early afternoon he came to her room, and she eagerly welcomed him. His visits varied, pleasing her with his mouth and she him, with frantic, sweat drenching passion mingled throughout. A particularly exciting moment occurred when he didn’t disrobe her, but pull her small clothes down and enter her, a salacious, taboo, hurried act. She enjoyed those quiet moments with him. No matter which way he took her, he always released his seed inside her. Lily supplied a steady stream of dewgrass for pain and swelling, but towards the end of the week, she took it less and less.

  When Julie and Kam were not exploring each other in isolation, Lily and Julie entertained each other, mostly after Kam passed out, but that didn’t mean they didn’t spend time together during the day. Lily taught Julie the knowledge she acquired from her profession and hungrily observed Julie practicing on Kam. She instructed Julie how to achieve an orgasm regardless of what Kam did to her. The process required a bit of mental concentration on her part, but she was grateful for the experience.

  Though explained, Julie only made the connection through magic. She didn’t believe Lily at first, but when she witnessed Kam and Lily the next night, she reached her climax several times, making Julie a believer. The oddest part, a second sight overcame her, a sight with magic. Lily’s aura turned different colors, especially in states of extreme bliss. Julie matched the color of crimson to Lily’s sexual climax; she glowed brighter and brighter, knowing it was real every time. She never faked with Kam.

  Lily’s specialty in Lord Brenton’s establishments was oral stimulation and showed Julie the many different techniques with her tongue and fingers. By the fourth night, Lily trained Julie how to swallow Kam’s seed. The results had been disastrous the first time.

  “The secret to having a great married life is to have a great sex life, and to do that you got to keep an open mind,” Lily explained. “As long as you are clean about it, you should always be willing to try,” Lily advised her, and try Julie did.

  Lily never ceased to shock her or amaze her. Once, while Julie venerated Kam from her knees, Lily knelt behind her husband, pleasing him with her mouth. As Lily’s tongue twirled, Julie watched through her mage-sight, the color of blue rolled through Kam’s flesh which she promptly categorized as his aroused hue. With Julie, Kam always shifted to a shade of blue, but she kept that knowledge to herself.

  Each time that the blacksmith came to her, either privately or with his wife, Julie strived to be Lily’s equal, emulate her in every manner as the lechery ran rampant. The more she tried, the closer she arrived at a level equal to Kam’s drug-induced state. Once, the magelust proved too strong and made her sick. With Lily, she could control her apparent yearning if she chose, but didn’t. When she and Lily came together, it was by choice. Adding Kam into the mix, a crazed compulsion dominated, helpless to control. Nor did she want to.

  Their times together didn’t always involve the bedroom. By day, Lily and Julie strolled the streets, peering into windows of shops, debating on becoming patrons. Julie, with her limited wardrobe, cycled through her robes quickly, having them laundered each day. When Lily saw this, she dragged Julie into a tailor’s shop and fitted her for two new robes. Madam Elaine, the establishment’s owner, fulfilled her the order with deft magic. Finding a fellow mage, Julie queried her profession.

  “You could be a Master Wizard or higher in Ralloc!”

  “I’ve been to Ralloc,” she said, her tone sharp, directed at the subject. “I tried my hand at becoming a High Wizard, but my heart was not in it, never has been. I’d rather follow my passions. I can’t be a Master Wizard of tailoring in Ralloc, but I can be a master tailor in Far Point.” She moved to the back room to fill the order and Lily sidled up to Julie.

  “Is that what you want? To be a Master Wizard?”

  Julie shook her head, moving through the rows of folded clothes and fabrics. “I just don’t want anyone to take control of my life.”

  Lily smiled. “Hun, I think everyone wants that.” She stopped by the section of underclothes, her eyes roving over the selection. With a tug, Julie came close, and she questioned. “Which do you like?” Blush flowered the youth’s face, but she said nothing. Lily picked up a pair of salacious, black silk undergarments. “Kam likes black. You should wear this for him.”

  “No,” Julie voiced in a rush, turning redder. “You should wear them for him.”

  The other laughed, a merry mirth. “Please, I have so many at home.” Lily methodically shifted through the section, unfolding whichever caught her fancy before putting them back. Madam Elaine returned after a while, bringing the two sets of robes to the counter. “Right, then, that’ll be two sets of linen robes with inner and outer. Total is forty scepters.”

  Lily gave her an admonishing look. “Come now, most people ask is fifteen scepters per robe.”

  Madam Elaine nodded. “Oh, aye, but most cannot tailor a set within ten minutes of you pic
king out which ones you like. Speed, dearie, equates to the extra charge.”

  Lily nodded and smiled. “True.”

  “Anything else?”

  “Just this,” Lily said, tossing up the black silk undergarments.

  “No!” Julie protested, reaching for them.

  “Hush,” Lily insisted, holding her hands away.

  “Excellent selection. It will make your husband quite happy.”

  “That’s what I am counting on,” Lily cooed, suppressing a smile.

  “Silk undergarments are forty-five scepters. Eighty-five scepters total.”

  Lily doled out three silver chips and received five copper bits in return. Madam Elaine thanked them for their patronage and the girls left arm in arm.

  “I wish you didn’t,” Julie commented once they reached the busy street. Guilt rankled her from lack of having anything to give in return. Having sex with Lily’s husband only compounded the issue.

  “You need to stop worrying so much,” Lily chided her. “I am a giver, giving makes me happy.” She leaned in closer. “So try to be a little excited.”

  Julie smiled. “Okay, I’ll try. Thank you.”

  “You are very welcome, my dear.”

  A flicker of darkness clouded the young woman’s face. “Please, don’t call me that.”

  Perplexed, Lily frowned. “What? What’s wrong?”

  Julie shook her head. “Someone I used to know called me that.”

  Without another word on the subject, they walked down the road, finding a small cafe, taking a seat, and ordering. Their conversation, small and idle, comments on the food or past experiences until Julie broke the routine. “I want to go to Ralloc with you.”

  With fork lowering to her plate, Lily paused mid-bite. She beamed at Julie and finished her mouthful. “Really? Do you mean that?”

  A look of sadness entered the young girl’s eyes. “Yes, I want to, but I can’t.”

  “Why not?”

  Julie let out a deep sigh. “You’ve told me about your past, but I haven’t told you about mine. The trouble is, I can’t remember my past. For me, this week with you, this will be my past. I woke up not too long ago, but it seems like an eternity. I don’t know who I am, where I come from. Do I have a family? Who knows my real name?”

  Lily brushed a lock of blonde hair behind her ear, her elbows resting on the table. “But your name is Julie.”

  “Is it? When I woke up, that is what he called me. For all I know, my name could be Rebekah.”

  “Who is he? A lover? Husband?” Julie shook her head and waved the question away. Lily pursued. “Is he the one that used to call you dear?”

  With a sidestep, the younger woman continued. “I want to come back with you to Ralloc and start a life, but I can’t. You are the closest thing I have to a friend. In time, I could call you sister or more. These last few days with you have been amazing.”

  “Of course,” Lily gave a malicious grin. “I’m astonishing in bed.”

  This caused Julie to laugh, but her eyes misted. “No, I’m not talking about that. You are everything I could want except one thing, and it is something I can never have with you.”

  “What can’t you have with me?”

  “Power.” The word rested heavily between them.

  “What can power bring you? What is it worth? More than Kam and I?”

  “It’s not worth more than you and Kam, but it will benefit my life.” Julie shook her head, blinking back her welling emotions. “There is so much you don’t understand.”

  “Then, tell me. Help me understand.”

  Julie took a bite of the cake sitting before her, chewing to acquire time. Swallowing, she continued. “You awoke me to a life I never fathomed. A friend, shopping, sharing stories, where I am going, I will never have this. But at the end of my journey, it is what I want. Does that make sense?”

  Lily nodded. “Very much. It was the same feeling when I first met Kam. At the end of my road, I wanted someone like Kam, but I knew along the way, I had to sacrifice immediate wants for the ultimate desire.”

  Julie set her fork down. She couldn’t finish the cake. The next few words made her sick to her stomach. “Returning to Ralloc with you is my sacrifice.”

  “Oh,” Lily said, deflated. In a rush, she asked, “Is it Kam? Was he rough with you? Did he hurt you?”

  “No, no,” Julie smiled, shake her ludicrous questions away. “Nothing like that. Kam is an adoring man, and I would be so lucky with someone like him. And there’s nothing wrong between you and I. Your offer severely tempted me for a time. I nearly faltered, but I started something, and I need to finish it.”

  Worried, Lily inclined forward. “Are you leaving now? I thought you were leaving tomorrow.”

  “I don’t want to leave, but tomorrow, I have to.”

  “Kam said since you have yet to accept the offer, it meant you weren’t going to come home with us.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  Crestfallen, Lily reclined. “Is this goodbye?”

  Julie’s chest tightened. “Do you want it to be?”

  “No,” came the immediate reply.

  “Neither do I.”

  “Good,” Lily sniffed, sitting up. “Kam’s taking this hard. He really likes you.”

  “You don’t think….”

  “That he loves you?” Lily shrugged. “Now? Probably not. In time? Maybe.”

  “Does that worry you?”

  Lily smiled again, “Not at all. Julie, I hope, in time, you learn a simple truth: it is possible to love two people at once. One day, if you come and live with us, and he grows to love you, it will not make his love for me any less. If all three are there for each other, we will be stronger together.”

  Julie tilted forward. “The most important question is: do you want me in your life?”

  Lily placed her hand on top of Julie’s. “Without reservation. From what I see, I like. I think you are holding back, and while I may not understand the what, the why is evident. If you wish, keep your secrets.”

  The word secrets sent a chill down Julie’s spine, harking back to the book Judas gave her in the swamp. She was the Bearer of Secrets, another affirmation that she made the right choice in leaving. She stood precariously on the edge, tempted to abandon everything and stay with Lily. But the seduction could not overcome her vow.

  I will never be weak again. I will never be helpless.

  “Will you join us tonight?” Lily broke into her thoughts.

  She blinked. “Yes, if you want me to.”

  “Good,” Lily said, standing. She left three bits of copper on the table, more than enough to cover their meal. Julie pulled up beside her as they exited, Lily snaking her arm into the younger’s. “Will you take Kam now?”

  “What about you?”

  She shrugged, a coy smile on her lips. “Someone’s got to start packing, and Kam can’t fold clothes worth a damn.” Julie deliberated. “Oh, please,” she pressed. “It’ll be the last time with you for a while, excluding tonight, of course.”

  “Will he be up for it?”

  “Wear the black undergarments I bought you and he will be.” Lily laughed merrily, and the younger shared her smile. “Go on ahead; I’ll send him to your room. Make him happy.” Julie took off, and Lily shouted to her. “Wear the black!”

  An hour later, Kam entered her room. His gray eyes took her in; the black silk hugged her form, and he hungered for her. Since this was the last time she and Kam had privacy, she aspired to embody Lily. When he neared her, her tentative touch found him eager and she kissed him, standing on her toes. With slow movements, she undid his sash. “I want you to take me like you did Lily last night.” She knew what she asked, even though his eyes showed doubt.

  Tugging his robe, she walked around him, undressing him. “This will be our last time together for a while.” Disrobed, she circled back around and stopped in front of him, her hands touching his warm, muscled chest. She lowered to her knees, fondling him.
“She told me to make you happy.”

  He trembled beneath her touch, his legs flexing. His breath came in deep through his mouth. She held him with both hands, but her vision did not swim. The magelust tickled her insides instead of overwhelm. Eyes closed, she basked in his need with conscious volition instead of undeniable compulsion. Lily, a maestro upon a summit, and Julie could only hope to climb, to narrow the gap marginally. Kam’s fulfillment was his wife’s desire, and Julie complied for Lily. She imagined her present, offering words of instruction and praise and heard her merry laugh wash over her.

  Kam twitched at her swirling, indulgent touch, causing Julie to open her eyes. Standing, he kissed her reddened lips. “Will you do it? Like Lily?”

  “Are you sure?”

  Julie could only nod, trepidation and exhilaration trembled through her. She turned, pulling the soft silk down, bending over for him. Massive arms draped across her diminutive back; his velvety tongue explored her before he entered her. He adhered to her wish and took her vigorously. Through the haze of pleasure, she couldn’t perceive where he ended and she began, her flesh tight around him. At some point, Lily entered the room, finding her husband deep in her. Sheets entwined through her legs, both husband and lover glittered with sweat. A thrum of bliss churned through her, his ardent fingers thrilled her responsive body.

  With halting movements, Kam reached his pinnacle. His kisses trailed down her spine, unsheathing himself. Quivering, Julie pushed herself off the bed. Kam wrapped her up in his arms, kissing her fiercely, taking her breath. His hands snaked down her slick back, squeezing her buttocks. When he broke away, she panted, almost falling out of his embrace. Lily stood nearby, holding his clothes, and she received a kiss of equal passion. Once Kam left, Lily, with a knowing smile, proffered two servings of dewgrass.

  They spent the rest of the afternoon in each other’s company, filled with wishes and warm conversation. Looking back at the past week, Julie used most of her time with Lily and the majority in acquaintance rather than promiscuity. Even if the lust never brought them together intimately, Julie found she enjoyed the older woman’s companionship; Lily was the other part of her missing soul. She never had a friend like her, and she’d never forget her.