Valcore sat with Minerva, one of his wives. She had been a childhood friend and was his first marriage; already giving him two sons. She was the one wife he knew the best and trusted the most.
"Valcore, are you feeling well? You feel distant today." Minerva searched his eyes. She was the only one who addressed him by name.
"I am feeling a bit nervous actually." Should he trust her with his thoughts about the slave girl? "We have several new slaves in our wing. I have requested that I meet them. I would like to see who is attending to my family." He explained to Minerva.
"Oh, I see. But why are you nervous about that? You have met slaves before." Minerva playfully laughed at him.
"I guess it is because Mother picked them out. I am afraid I will not like some of them and offend her." It wasn't a complete lie; he truly did not want to offend his mother.
"You have nothing to fear of that. I believe your mother a good judge and if by some strange occurrence, there is one you do not wish to keep, she will understand." Minerva took a bite of egg. "If you like, Valcore, I will come with you."
"I would like that." He appreciated her offer. Valcore met her gaze. Her deep brown hair matched her eyes perfectly. They reminded him of the rich chocolate she often enjoyed. Her skin was soft and the perfect shade of gold. He enjoyed all his wives but if he could keep only one, it would be Minerva. She was kind and gentle but adventurous as well. He felt a longing in his groin that deepened.
"Why do you stare at me, my dear Valcore?" She blushed, her small round breasts turned a soft shade of pink.
"I was thinking it has been too long since I have had the pleasure of you." The sincerity of his voice made her blush deepen.
"I will arrange for an early evening meal for us. We can enjoy the pleasure of each other." His wife smiled as she offered him a wonderful evening.
"That sounds like a delicious idea." Valcore needed to get up and move before his member would make itself too noticeable.
"Let us inspect our slaves and then I will see to the arrangements for the evening." She smiled mischievously at him. The twinkle in her eye said she knew he needed to move and why.
The prince walked to the reception hall with Minerva, a few steps behind him. Her footsteps were a whisper compared to his. When they entered the hall, twenty slaves were lined up. Valcore walked down the line examining each one. There was a mix of ages from young boys to old men but there were only two women.
"You," he stopped in front of the oldest man. The slave lowered himself to one knee and bowed his head. "What is your use?"
"My prince, I am a gardener. I tend to your many gardens," he answered quickly. Valcore nodded and continued down the line. He stopped in front of the slave girl; her grey eyes were scared and nervous.
"What is your use?" Eve had told him that she was damaged and unpure but he saw no marks on her pale skin.
She curtsied and lowered her head. "I help attend to the cooking and cleaning, my prince."
"Minerva, do you need another attendant?" Looking at his wife. He knew immediately that his eyes gave him away. She knew he had a deep curiosity in the slave girl.
"Yes, my husband. I could use another." She stepped next to him and examined the slave. She touched her hair and garments. "If she is going to be one of my personal attendants, she will need some new clothes and a bath. This is unacceptable."
"See to it then. She is your responsibility. I have some other matters to attend to currently. I will see you this evening." Prince Valcore kissed Minerva, a quick and passionate kiss; a promise of things to come. She responded in kind.
♥
"Follow me." Minerva looked at the slave. Valcore had some interest in her. For some reason, he trusted her to get the slave cleaned up.
