Wilhelm smiled wickedly but then forced himself to look serious. “I bet he's stronger than he looks,” he offered, then said hesitantly, “Can I ... I mean, can we see him? Have him step forward?"
The steward signaled to the auctioneer, and the slave was brought towards them.
The slave went where he was directed, eyes respectfully lowered. He didn't look up.
Wilhelm licked his lips, heart rate picking up a little. He leaned forward, looking the slave over. He was even more attractive closer up. Wilhelm knew the slave's appearance shouldn't have any bearing on whether he bought him or not, but it did matter to him. Especially when this one was so beautiful. “I want him,” Wilhelm said softly.
"Of course, Your Majesty,” the steward said in a hushed voice. He waved the slave away and placed a bid.
The slave couldn't help but glance back as he was led away, and for a moment his gaze locked with the richest, most captivating dark eyes he'd ever seen before he was forced to look away or stumble over his chains.
Wilhelm beamed, glad now that he was hidden under the cloak. He couldn't wait. The slave was going to be his. He moved closer to the steward and said, “Make sure I get him. Price doesn't matter."
The steward won the bid, although it didn't go exorbitantly high. The other bidders were more interested in larger, stronger-looking slaves. He slipped off to the fee collector and paid for the boy, named Marcus, finally leading him back to Wilhelm.
Marcus was purchased by an older man, and led out to the crowd. He seemed reasonably gentle, and he didn't mind him, until he realized that the first was merely acting as an agent for another. The man with the captivating dark eyes he'd briefly glimpsed when he was led forward. He looked down quickly, not wishing to displease his new Master.
Wilhelm was excited. He'd never gotten to choose a slave before. He knew it would be unseemly to show it, though, so he tried to act cool as he addressed his steward. “Do you think any of the others are suitable for the staff?” He kept peeking at the new slave from under his hood. He was breathtaking up close.
"There are a few, but I can engage someone to bid on our behalf if you'd like to return now. I wouldn't wish to keep you waiting out here all day, Your Majesty,” the steward said. He nodded politely and left Wilhelm's side again to find an agent to engage.
Marcus had heard the softly spoken title and his heart started pounding. He was alone with royalty, though he really knew nothing about those who ruled.
Wilhelm gazed at the new slave curiously. He stepped closer and whispered, his face still covered, “What's your name?” He wanted to know everything about him. He wanted more than that.
"Marcus, Your Majesty,” he stuttered, barely above a whisper. He kept his eyes down, looking at his own, tethered hands. Clearly the other man didn't wish his identity to be revealed, and Marcus had to wonder why such a man was in the market, buying a slave personally.
Wilhelm's heart beat even faster. The slave's voice was soft and quite lovely, to match the rest of him. He appeared to be about the prince's age, or perhaps just slightly younger. He couldn't wait to find out more about him. “Where are you from?” he asked, thinking it was a reasonable question.
"A village on the coast,” he said softly. “A very small place. You probably wouldn't have heard of it.” He hadn't been there in years, anyway.
Wilhelm nodded. He tried to know all the names of the villages, but it was quite impossible. He was about to question the slave further when he noticed the steward returning. He stepped back; he had a feeling the older man would disapprove of him conversing with the slave in public.
The older man came up beside them. “The others will be transported later in the day. Are you ready to return?” he asked Wilhelm officiously. He gave Marcus a glance that betrayed a slight distaste.
"Yes,” Wilhelm replied firmly. He was anxious to get back to the castle and get to know his new slave. He couldn't help stealing looks at him. He was the prettiest man he'd ever seen.
They made their way back through the crowds to where the carriage was parked. Because they were traveling incognito, it wasn't the finest coach, but it was large, well-made, and pulled by four matched gray horses.
Marcus sat on the box with the driver, and the steward joined Wilhelm in the coach. As soon as they were off he visibly relaxed. “Are you certain that was a wise choice, your Majesty?” he asked critically.
Wilhelm looked at the steward, pretending innocence. “Of course. I do not want some muscle-bound idiot bumbling around my rooms, knocking things about. Mar—” He caught himself; he really shouldn't already know the slave's name. “This slave seems graceful, and obedient. I think he will do perfectly."
The steward pursed his lips and nodded. “As you wish."
Marcus was unaware of the discussion below. He held onto his seat, incuriously watching the countryside go by. He'd already traveled so far from home it no longer felt as if he was in the same country. But he didn't mind. He would rather be a slave to royalty than some cruel shopkeeper that wanted someone for hard manual labor. At least he had a reasonable expectation of a warm bed at night and perhaps more decent clothing, and regular meals. He was starving, and his stomach growled as he thought about food.
Wilhelm was nearly bouncing as they approached the castle. He wondered if Marcus had a clue who had purchased him, or where he was going. Well, he would know soon. They drew close to the castle gates.
When the carriage pulled up to the castle courtyard, Marcus felt a shiver of apprehension. He climbed down from the box and waited meekly for instructions.
The steward climbed out of the carriage to hold the door and position the step for Wilhelm to exit safely. “Shall I have him bathed and adequately clothed before he is sent to your rooms, Your Majesty?” he asked, bowing.
Wilhelm stepped out of the carriage and stood before the slave. For the first time, he lowered the hood of his cloak. He gazed at Marcus, trying to disguise his pleasure at his new slave. “Yes, please,” he answered the steward, though he looked only at the slave. “Make sure he is fed well, too."
Curiosity got the better of Marcus, and he stole a quick glance at the man before him. His eyes widened at the sight. A long cascade of silky raven hair framed an angular face. The lips were sensual, the nose straight and proud, but it was the eyes that held him. Huge brown eyes that he'd glimpsed before. Delicately shaped eyebrows. Lashes that would make any female jealous. Though each feature itself was acceptable, the combination was magnificently handsome. He swallowed and lowered his eyes again. “Forgive me, Your Majesty,” he whispered.
The steward walked over and took hold of Marcus by the elbow. “Come along, insolent boy. We must make a silk purse of you before evening."
Wilhelm watched them go, smiling serenely. After a moment, he went to his rooms to rest. The journey into town for the auction had been longer than he was used to. He couldn't stop thinking of his new slave. He'd never thought he needed a personal staff, but his father had insisted. He wondered if his father would object now.
Marcus was taken away to the slave quarters. They were more comfortable than he'd been expecting. The man who'd bought him left him with another servant, and before he knew it he was being shoved towards a warm, fragrant bath and told to scrub thoroughly. He hadn't bathed in quite a while, so it felt wonderful. Even the stiff scrub brush didn't bother him.
When he was clean, he was given fine clothes—a pure white shirt and soft wool britches. His old shoes had been meticulously cleaned and polished. After an older woman combed his hair as if he was an unruly child, he was brought to the cavernous kitchens. His stomach growled again at the smells, and soon a meal was placed before him. He dove in like a savage, moaning as he ate his fill of meat pies and potatoes.
Finally, when all he wanted was to curl up in front of the fire and fall asleep, he was brought down long corridors, and up stairs to a much grander part of the building. He was ushered into a bed chamber and instructed to wait.
It wasn't until after dinner that Wilhelm managed to get back to his rooms. He'd almost forgotten about his new slave, but when he walked in, he stopped cold. Marcus was there, waiting for him, and it was like having a new toy when he was small. He just looked at the smaller man; he'd bathed and changed clothes, and he looked even more beautiful than he had before. Wilhelm knew that men weren't supposed to be beautiful, but this one was. Marcus’ hair shone in the firelight, his skin was pale and perfect, and he seemed made for gazing. So Wilhelm did, walking forward slowly.
Marcus glanced up and instantly looked down again. The man looked like an angel. Or a demon, he wasn't sure which. Whichever it was, he was surely the most handsome being Marcus had ever laid eyes on. And he was his new Master, apparently. He was more than willing to serve such an ethereal creature.
"Hello again,” Wilhelm said softly. Now that they were alone his heart was beating faster. He knew it was frowned on to fraternize with slaves. There were special pleasure slaves for that purpose, and it wasn't spoken of.
"Hello, Master,” Marcus said quietly. He looked up for a moment, a little panicked. “Should I call you Master? Or Your Majesty?” he asked.
Wilhelm smiled soothingly. He was used to dealing with slaves, but he liked to treat them like the human beings he knew they were. Many people didn't, but he didn't believe in that. He considered. Everyone called him ‘Your Majesty.’ He wanted Marcus to be different. “Master is fine,” he finally decided. “Do you like it here so far?"
Marcus nodded. “Oh yes, thank you, Master. I hope I will not eat you out of house and home,” he said quietly. Overall, he felt extremely fortunate. There were far worse places he might have ended up, no matter what he was asked to do here.
Wilhelm stepped closer. “I do not think that is possible,” he said softly. “I wish you to be happy here. So eat well.” He walked slowly around Marcus. The young man was even prettier close up. “Have you been treated well so far?” He knew that the other slaves could be jealous of the royal personal slaves.
Marcus smiled. “Yes, thank you, Master,” he said breathily. “I've had a warm bath and these lovely clothes, and as much as I could eat.” He looked up shyly, and he was momentarily mesmerized by the sight of the other man.
Wilhelm let himself imagine the slave naked in a bath, and his face flushed a little. He hadn't purchased Marcus with the intention of lusting after him, he really hadn't. But he hadn't counted on being so attracted to him. “You must be so very tired,” he said, reaching out to push a strand of hair out of the young man's eyes. “You've had a very hard day."
Marcus gasped when the Master touched him so gently. He could feel his body start to stir in reaction and he blushed, too, swallowing hard.
"When we are alone, you may speak freely,” Wilhelm said, gazing into the slave's pale eyes. “Please relax. If you please me, things will be easy for you. I am not a harsh Master."
Relaxing was the last thing on Marcus’ mind. He looked into his Master's eyes. “The bath and the food made me a little sleepy, but I can serve you however you wish, Master,” he said quietly. Just looking at the other man was delightful. He imagined he could take quite a lot of harsh treatment if the reward was one of those smiles.
Wilhelm's smile widened. He knew what he wanted. “I am a bit tired myself,” he admitted, “but I would like a bath before bed,” he said. He wanted his slave's hands on him, even if it would test his control.
Marcus nibbled on his bottom lip. “Yes, Master.” He stepped back and went to the alcove off the bedroom that held the bath. “Do you have any special requirements, Master?” he asked. He hoped he would get direction so that he could please him.
"I like the water very hot,” Wilhelm replied. “The kitchen staff knows this so if you tug on the bell three times, slaves will bring the water.” He went on, “I wish the vanilla scented oil tonight. And...” He considered. He usually preferred to bathe himself, but now that he had a personal slave he thought perhaps he should get used to it. “And you will bathe me.” His body started to react at the thought of it.
Marcus nodded and summoned the water. The very idea of seeing his Master naked, of touching him while he was naked, was making him uncomfortably hard. He tried to think of something else. Anything else. But it was no use. By the time he had the steaming hot water ready, scented with the vanilla oil, and the other slaves were dismissed, he was afraid it was obvious.
But Wilhelm was distracted by his own problems and didn't notice the slave's arousal. He wanted this, but he didn't want to frighten Marcus by being obviously aroused. So by sheer effort, when it came time to disrobe for the bath, Wilhelm had his body under control.
Marcus stepped forward and started to assist his Master with his clothes. His fingers were trembling as he unbuckled his beautifully hand tooled belt.
Marcus’ soft touches were pleasing, and he let the slave take his clothes off, fighting with his body the entire time, willing himself not to be aroused. He was proud of his body; he worked hard to stay fit, and he wondered if it pleased the smaller man to look upon it, or if he was only attracted to women.
Marcus was very nearly panting and hard as a rock by the time he had the Master undressed. He kneeled to remove his shoes and hose, and he looked up at him, licking his lips.
Wilhelm looked down at the slave on his knees, and started to lose control of his body. Marcus just looked so perfect like that, and surely the young man would soon notice. He closed his eyes and concentrated.
Marcus slowly rolled to his feet. He knew it was only a matter of time before the Master noticed the stiff bulge at the front of the slightly too large trousers, and he colored, embarrassed. He looked down and waited for the Master to get in the bath so that he could serve him. Perhaps if he did a good job he would be forgiven.
Wilhelm turned to step in the bath, and out of the corner of his eye, he noticed something. Now, Wilhelm liked men. He liked to touch them, kiss them, and make love to them. He loved to look at them, and he noticed things. His slave was aroused. His beautiful, obedient slave, who was alone with him in his rooms, was hard. It made Wilhelm aroused, too, but he sat down in the hot bath quickly.
Marcus stood beside the bath. “Do you wish me to bathe you, Master?” he said in a choked whisper. He couldn't look at him. His face was burning with shame.
Wilhelm knew he shouldn't, that he was tempting fate. He wasn't the sort of Master that took advantage of their slaves this way. His Kingdom and his family were known to be kind and gentle rulers. But he wanted Marcus’ touch. He was almost sure that the slave's arousal was for him, and he wanted to know for sure. Certainly he wouldn't be able to keep his body from responding, but he would try. “Yes,” he finally said.
Marcus nodded and rolled up his sleeves. He knelt beside the tub and started to gently lather the Master's skin, starting with his chest and working his way down. He lost himself in the task, caressing more than scrubbing. The Master had a fine body, and it was a pleasure to touch him.
Wilhelm moaned softly, enjoying the treatment. He finally said, his voice a rough purr, “You have a very pleasant touch, Marcus.” He licked his lips. “But I do not wish you to get your clothes wet. Perhaps you should take off your shirt?” He wanted to see the slave's body.
Marcus nodded and leaned back. He shook the water off of his hands and pulled the shirt off over his head, folding it reverently. He moved close again and started touching the Master's beautiful body again. He glanced up for a moment.
Wilhelm was gazing openly at the slave's slender body. Marcus’ skin was porcelain pale and completely unblemished. He was absolute perfection, in Wilhelm's opinion, and as he looked up, suddenly he was gazing into the slave's eyes. He'd been caught staring.
Marcus’ breath hitched, and he stared wide-eyed at his Master. He was so beautiful it was hard to look away. He only belatedly realized that his hand was resting lightly on the other man's upper thigh under the warm water.
Wilhelm was close t
o panting. He reached out and ran his fingers lightly over Marcus’ bare chest. He still didn't speak, afraid to ruin the moment.
Marcus whimpered at the Master's touch. His cock was aching, and he prayed silently that his Master was touching him because he wanted him, too. He licked his lips, and his gaze traveled down the other man's body to see. The Master was hard.
"You're beautiful, Marcus,” Wilhelm breathed, but surely the slave knew that. He let his fingers slip lower, over his perfectly flat belly, and tugged at the drawstring of his pants. “Want to see all of you.” He was very aroused now, his cock lying against his stomach.
Marcus pulled himself to his feet, and toed off his shoes. He tugged open his trousers and slid them off his slim hips. Again he folded them carefully and put them aside with the shirt. He stood still, letting the Master look his fill.
Wilhelm hardened fully when he looked upon his beautiful slave. He'd never seen anyone as perfect or desirable. And Marcus was aroused; that made Wilhelm moan out loud. He knew he shouldn't do this, but he ached to touch, to taste him. “Marcus,” he whispered. “Please. Join me in the bath."
Marcus wondered if two baths in one day could be bad for him, but he didn't want to protest. He stepped into the bath and crouched down in the water between his Master's knees, not sure how he should position himself. It was a narrow space, but he knelt before him in the water, making himself as small as possible.
Wilhelm smiled reassuringly at Marcus. He sat up and traced his fingers down the slave's chest. “You don't have to do anything you don't want to do,” he assured him, though the slave was as hard as he was. Marcus was so beautiful that Wilhelm could hardly stand it, but he wouldn't force himself on him.
Marcus looked into Wilhelm's eyes. “I would be honored if you should want me, Master,” he said breathlessly.
Wilhelm wondered whether the slave was telling the truth, but the evidence was before his eyes. And he wanted this too much to refuse what Marcus was offering. “I do want you, Marcus. So much.” He leaned forward, putting his hand behind his head and pulling him close enough to kiss. He pressed his mouth gently against the slave's.
Phaze Fantasies, Vol. III Page 5
