Chapter III - In Master Twelve's Chamber
"Enter."
I have never shown Thirty-Seven any favor that she has not earned. She has always served me well. Under my tutelage, she has become versed in philosophy and literature and has surpassed my abilities in the art of playing violin. Over the years, I've grown quite attached to her. She has become my closest confidant and I've passed many nights in conversation with her. Though I have not spoken it in almost ten years, I remember her true name: Marisette.
I would call her friend, were she not my Prime. It is my greatest hope that upon her Emancipation Day, she will wish to call me friend once we're on more equal footing. She would be the first to do so. I cannot blame her if she doesn't. Still, I hope.
The guards having let her in, she kneels beside my bed, cups her breasts and bows her head before she speaks. "Master, I have news."
I stretch and rub the sleep from my eyes. "What is it, Thirty-Seven?"
"It's regarding Two Hundred and Seventy-Six, Master."
Sixey. The small one. So weak and sickly. "Has she taken ill?"
"No, Master," Thirty-Seven says. "And I was very careful with her, as per your request. The groomer should be with her now."
"Very good," I say. "Have the medicus inspect her anyway."
"I will, Master," she says and then looks me in the eye, a privilege she has earned many times over. "Regardless of her health, you'll want to be certain of her... condition."
It isn't like Thirty-Seven to be cryptic. I'm alert now. "What are you trying to say, Thirty-Seven?"
"Your new Tithe claims to be a virgin, Master."
"Then you have full permission to flog the truth out of her."
Thirty-Seven looks away. "I believe her, Master."
Now I'm wide awake. There simply are no virgin Tithes. I cannot imagine a young woman not saving that most precious gift for someone they loveβor at least that they believe they loveβbefore entering the lottery. But I guess to some, love means nothing. She'll not earn any special favor for it here, but still... I've never taken a virgin before.
"Have the medicus make sure," I say. "If she's lying, make her regret it. If not, her virginity belongs to me."
"I understand, Master," she says and then turns to crawl away.
"Wait."
She looks back over her shoulder, her auburn hair cascading to the floor, her green eyes flashing. She is as beautiful as the day she arrived but a thousand times more experienced. I feel my cock begin to stir.
"Tell the medicus," I say. "Then hurry back."
She smiles knowingly. "Yes, Master. Thank you."
I grin in return. "I will. Very soon."
As she crawls away, on perfect display as always, I can see her nether parts already beginning to swell and flush. The guard lets her out. I lie back, brimming with pride and pleased with the knowledge that Thirty-Seven normally prefers partners of the fairer sex. Though she would accept into her any cock that I command her to take, it pleases me to know that she has come to desire mine.
I sit up and swing my feet off of the bed, look down, and then remember the thin young man I've kept shackled there overnight, the one who has served as either my bedroom chair, table, or footstool for the last week. Poor boy. I can find little more use for him than furniture. As a Tithe, I had many men and many men had me, but by nature I don't like them. Though his pretty, girlish face is enticing, what is between his legs is of little interest to me. It is, however, bright red and hard as a rock.