Hanja, perhaps unusually for a priestess, enjoyed plenty of friendly discourse with Temple boys before moving them to her couch. She listened with genuine interest as he described his day working in the Temple suf-herb gardens; details of the cultivation, the health of the current crop and gossip about other Temple boys.
"Suf-herb is mentioned in the Book of the Prophet and growing it brings you closer to the Goddess. So I'm glad you enjoy your work, Tak. And it keeps you beautifully tanned, being out there in the sun."
"Yes Mistress," replied Tak. "The Garden Priestess kindly allows us to remove our tunics on hot days."
"Of course she does." said Hanja, stifling a laugh.
"Mistress, may I ask you a question?" said Tak earnestly.
"Of course my sweet boy, what is on your mind?"
Tak blushed.
"May I...May I come to you more often in the evenings?"
This time, Hanja was unable to suppress her laughter.
"Oh Tak, you silly boy! You know that is not how things work. What would the other priestesses say? I cannot own you like that Tak. Not like a boy might be owned by a mistress in the City. You belong to the Temple. Tomorrow night, for example, you are going to Priestess Ashala."
Tak looked crestfallen.
"But Mistress, she is...older."
Hanja threw back her head and laughed.
"Tak, you are so funny. And you really should not exaggerate like that! But Ashala does remember the reign of the old Queen. If you please her, as I know you will, and if you ask her nicely, she may tell you stories of those times. And she adores you Tak, I can tell. But, enough of this nonsense, move to the couch Tak!"
"Position Mistress?"
"She-Crab Tak!"
Tak assumed his place on Hanja's couch and she began attaching restraints to his body, leaning over him to adjust the leather straps. As she did so she heard him whisper, "Please Mistress. Please let me hold you."
Hanja rose with a flash of anger.
"Tak! That is obscene! How dare you! I should have you perform the Act of Obedience and fetch my cane!"
She glared down at the now frightened Temple Boy. His sex, which she had seen to be engorged and upright as she worked to secure him, was now diminished.
"Oh Tak. What am I going to do with you?" she said, softening. "You know the Goddess sees and hears everything. She is all around us here in the Temple. And, furthermore, if you ever talk to another priestess like that I will not be able to help you. Here, get back into position and I will finish with your restraints and arouse you once more so that I can properly enjoy you."