This story follows on from A Dark Welcome and continues the story of Rhiannan's submission.
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I opened my eyes to darkness. Rubbing them gently to push sleep away, I looked around the room, seeing more as the seconds passed. At first I knew not where I was, but then I saw the frame and the memory flooded back to me. Just as this day broke I was as a child, but now all of that was gone, taken by my Master, by the man who took me into his castle and raised me as his own. I remembered too, the whispered words of the other village girls as I passed them in the square. "She is no woman, who would want her? wait till the slavers come - they will teach the virgin to squeal like the dogs do!". If only they knew! I was a woman now, and I knew the pleasure in the touch of a manβs hand. I knew the tenderness of belonging to a man too, of belonging to my Master. Rolling onto my back carefully, I felt his hard body behind my own, his breathing slow and regular. He seemed deep in sleep.
Quiet as a mouse, I rose and stretched my hand high above me. My flesh ached, but it was not in pain. It felt almost like my body was remembering how it worked again. A light air passed over my body and I shivered, the soft downy hair over my back tingled and the soft brown circles on my breasts puckered in response. I wrapped my arms about my nakedness, and as they brushed my breasts, I shivered excitedly. Walking on toe tips, I approached the beautiful frame that was the stage for my awakening from childhood and ran my fingers over the soft pillow pad where not long before my body rested. The silky cushion that had supported me was wet to my touch; it glistened like morning dew on petals at its center. Unable to resist I lifted my fingers to my mouth and licked the shining wetness, suckling on them like a baby on its motherβs teat. I savored my own taste, sweet and musky. A tiny groan escaped me.
This was enough to wake Master. "Rhiannan, why do you stand before your frame, little one?" He asked, in a voice so well known, but somehow so new to me.
"I did not wish to wake you Master, and seeing the frame has made my mind return to what passed here but a short time ago," I replied, hoping I had not displeased him. "Forgive me if I have done wrong Master, please?"
Master chuckled and lifted the edge of the quilted throw, his eyes swept their gaze over my body and he inclined his head, urging me to return. I quickly slid beneath its warmth and nestled my head on Masters chest. His heart beat a strong slow rhythm that almost seemed like music, or the chants of the holy men in prayer. Ah! The love I felt in my heart was spilling forth from me, and his strong embrace made me feel so safe.
Lifting my chin with a finger, Master brought my eyes level with his own. He fixed me there with the intensity of his stare and then he spoke, "Little one, there are many new things you will learn as each new day rises, some have more weight than others and those things you need to learn now. I have never treated you ill, never beaten you, and never forced you in any way - have I?"
"No Master, never!"
"I told you also that I have waited for you to reach your twenty-first annum so patiently. When I brought you here, I knew I would take your childhood from you, that I would be the first, I believe this was my right. I sent you to scholars to learn, for I do not want a stupid woman in you. I have draped you in fine silks and satins, bought you the best of lotions for your skin. All of this was in preparation for what you are to become."
My eyes never left his face, but terror rose in my heart. What was my Master trying to tell me? Had I served his need? Then the truth struck me. It pierced my heart like an arrow - He was done with me and I would be given to the Slave Bonders! He would double the asking price for one such as me. My eyes flashed in terror. I wanted to flee, but my heart was too heavy.
"Master, oh my Master! Please the Gods, I beg you not to give me to the Bonders. I will try harder. I swear."
He placed his fingers to my lips and quieted my outburst. "Rhiannan, do not interrupt me! Silence! This is one of the first things you must learn, when I speak - you listen!"
My body lay fixed. My tongue was silenced, and I nodded gently.
"I allowed you time to study and learn of matters not given often to women, little one, use that learning now. Do you think I am going to throw away a flower that I raised from seed? Oh, no! But understand this Rhiannan, just like that flower, you are mine." His hand slid into my long hair, fingers winding it to them. He gripped me tightly. "You are my property, my piece of treasure, like a lute I will play you for my amusement. When you gave your pledge to me it bound you to me forever. I will guide and protect you, my pet, but you will never question why I do what I will do."
I began to understand.
"Things will change now. You will no longer dress as a child. You will dress for my pleasure. When the servants are nearby you will wear a gown, which you will find plentiful in your chamber. When we are alone you will disrobe. It will please me to see your skin unadorned, naked and ready for me."