The King Takes His Privilege

A long time ago...

Lizzette was without doubt one of the most beautiful girls King Alec had ever seen. Over the years he had certainly seen many who were very beautiful, but this one seemed exceptional. While out in the provinces one morning he caught the aroma of freshly baked bread, and spying the nearby bakery, made his driver stop the coach. He entered unannounced. She was bent down, stocking a display case and turned the other way. As she turned and looked up, he saw her eyes and for a moment it was as if the world had stopped.

"Lizzette!" Her father called her name from the back, an urgent tone in his voice. Perhaps he knew the King had just entered and had an inkling what it might mean. But it was too late. He had seen her. In an instant there was simply no question. He had to have her. She saw his retinue behind him and she also knew it, only moments after he did. She knew it from the fire in his eyes, and because he did not look away. Yet, even though he was her King, and many years her senior, Lizzette also did not look away.

They stood in silence that seemed to stretch into infinity, until the King spoke. "Good morning, Miss. Your bread smells absolutely divine. One whiff and I simply had to come in. Do you think I might have a taste?"

"Of course, sire. It would be my pleasure to serve you."

Alec took a seat and watched her graceful hands cut a slice off a loaf and present it to him. Her downy forearms, her wrists, her tiny fingers, all moved together with a grace that completely enchanted him. He looked up again at her eyes. They were big and brown and endlessly warm. Her smile was soft and pleasing. Her hair shone like silk. Her lips were full and inviting. He was taken with her completely, at second glance even more firmly than the first.

She handed him the piece of bread and he closed his eyes to savor the taste, but as he did so, his mind's eye was entirely full of her. He inhaled deeply. "Delicious." He opened his eyes to gaze directly into hers. "Wondrously delicious."

She giggled, embarrassed because she felt it. The taste of the bread was not the only thing that had delighted him.

"How old are you my dear?"

"I'll be 18 tomorrow, sire."

"Perfect."

And then her father appeared beside her, bowing and scraping and being obsequious, monopolizing the conversation as he sent her to the back. The King bought five loaves.

"The girl in the shop," he told his man as soon as they got back into the coach. "Have the lawyers draw up the papers and send someone back here tomorrow. I wish to claim her."

"Certainly, sire."

It had been several months since King Alec last made a claim, but his men knew better than to second guess or contradict him in such matters, even when his decision might seem sudden and capricious. He seldom asserted his rights, but when he chose to, there was no dissuading him.

Lizzette was so captivatingly beautiful, in the coach Alec closed his eyes again, still drunk on her wine. His cock got hard as he contemplated the pleasures that would await them, together.

The King's men returned the next morning. Lizzette and her father were in the shop, as was their usual, but both were nervous. They had no notice, but the arrival of the royal emissaries was not a complete surprise, to either of them, even though they had not spoken of it.

"Lizzette Barbeau, it is my great honor and privilege to inform you that under the powers granted by The Sovereignty Act, his Royal Highness, King Alec II, has exercised his rights of droit de seigneur to lay claim to the benefits of your affections. Congratulations, young lady, your every need will be provided for. As you are no doubt aware, this is a very great honor. Your family will be more than justly compensated. You are to accompany us at once."

"But what of my things?"

"You may make a list of personal effects or items of sentiment. We will send someone to retrieve them. But as stated, your every need will be provided for. You will have the finest in clothes, food, every type of care."

"I knew it," her father said. "I knew it at once when he was in here yesterday. I saw it in his eye."

"Yes, father, you were right."

"It is not what I dreamed for you. It may not be what you dreamed for yourself. But do us proud, Lizzette. Do us proud." He kissed her forehead.

She kissed his cheek. "I shall, father." Lizzette was a good girl and a dutiful daughter. She was apprehensive, but resolved. She got into their carriage and left with the men as she'd been told.

A young girl dreams. And then she sets aside those dreams, and sets her sights on dreams that seem more within reach, more realistic. Lizzette had many romantic notions when she was younger, but as she had grown older, they were tempered by the knowledge of what most men really wanted from her, what they desired, what they valued. Her wit, her talents, her character, all these were not without value, but in the minds of men they certainly seemed to run secondary to the swell of her breasts, the curve of her hips, and the treasured prize she kept between her legs. Like moths to a flame they were drawn to her, especially over these last two years, flittering and crashing senselessly in pursuit of something she guarded jealously and would not let them obtain.

But now, without even meaning to, she'd drawn the biggest moth of them all, the King himself. But he would not be crashing senselessly. No. He would have what he wanted from her, and she would give it, of that there could be no doubt. That certain knowledge both scared her and thrilled her as she rode in the King's carriage to begin her new life in the palace as the King's concubine.

Her virginity would be given to the King. There was no dishonor in it. She would not be queen, nothing like that. The queen had a formal role in affairs of state. She was old. The King too was old, although still fit, still virile. At 48 he remained very much a man in full. When the monarchy had been invested the High Council was realistic. They knew that a man, especially a very powerful man, would have needs, and it was not reasonable to think the needs of such a man could all be met by one woman.

Rather than slinking and skullduggery it was thought that when the King sought to meet his needs he should be able to do so forthrightly, entirely on the up and up, and so, when then young King Alec requested it, the ancient right of droit de seigneur was revived.

Yet this right was not given lightly and not to be abused. Every woman so chosen was to be fully provided for, her family compensated generously, if not lavishly. For every woman so chosen, to comply was her patriotic duty. Access to her body was a small price to pay for the good of her country, so that the King could attend to affairs of state with a clear head and not have to worry about the complications and deceits that might surround base pursuits.

Lizzette could be assured that she herself would be treated very well. And one day, when her time of service was concluded, she might return to her family in a position of respect. If not returned, it was not uncommon that former concubines of the King were married to men of high position in the government, or to foreign ambassadors or wealthy businessmen. To be the concubine of the King could be very much a stepping stone. One advantage of being chosen while still so young was that she might still be within her peak of desirability when the King finally grew tired of her.

Of course there was also another possibility, that she might give birth to the King's child. Children born to concubines were eligible for the line of succession. Their country's monarchy was not strictly bound to the children of the Queen. Although the Queen's children were given first consideration, if they were found to be unfit, or any of the secondary progeny had especially high aptitude or suitability, the High Council had the power to select one to rule instead, upon the King's passing.

Only one thing was certain. Her old life was behind her now. Her new life was beginning.

***************

King Alec II believed himself to be a just Lord, both merciful and fair. Throughout all his lands, and amongst all his subjects his reputation bore this out. For 31 years now, since first ascending the throne at age 17 upon the death of his father, his people had lived in peace. No invaders threatened. The gods blessed them, for the most part, with timely rains to water their fertile soil. Crops yielded well. The woods were full of game. Merchants prospered.

In all modesty it must be said that this bounty was due in no small part to Alec's wise administration. Neighboring lands, beset with strife among their rulers, had fared far worse. Everyone knew this to be true, and anyone fair-minded must acknowledge it.

Was it wrong for such a ruler to ask in return that he be allowed to claim an ancient privilege as his right? Most thought not, and that is why the High Council granted it. Yet there are some who say it is manifestly unfair, a relic of a bygone era. In making the request, Alec put it thus:

"I ask little. I do not tax the people unfairly. Other rulers are not so generous, and live in palaces far more opulent than mine, despite the comparatively greater wealth of my lands. By what right, what measure of justice would you seek to deny me something so comparatively minor? My needs are simple. My weakness is well-known, a susceptibility to the charms of the fairer sex. I ask that I be granted this right as my just reward, and if so granted I give my solemn promise to use it judiciously, and not to excess."

And so the High Council granted to His Royal Highness, King Alec II, the ancient droit de signeur, or right of the lord. Through exercise of this right, Alec may compel any female under his realm to become his concubine.

There are rules. This power is not unconstrained. This is not prima nocta. In common cases compensation equal to at least five times the annual prevailing wage for her station must be paid to the lady's family. And the lady, of course, is returned to her husband or family unharmed at the conclusion of her service to the King.

It must be said that claiming a lady on her wedding day, or after she is married, although technically allowed, is considered to be in very poor form. Alec had only once made such a claim.

If a child results through the lady's contact with the King, then it was in practice, because of the child's position in the line of succession, nearly inevitable that the lady should welcome it.

It must also be said that by law the droit de seigneur would apply equally in the case of a reigning Queen, should the succession deliver a female ruler, although this eventuality had never, as of yet, occurred.

It is considered a great honor to a woman and her family to be chosen to serve the King in this way. Many women offer themselves, usually indirectly but sometimes not. Fathers (and mothers) have been known to offer their daughters. A few have even sent portraits, advertising the girl, showing her off to what they believe is her best advantage. On rare occasion nude portraits have been sent. When bored the King will sometimes peruse the offerings, but in most cases he prefers to select someone he has encountered in person, in the flesh, so to speak.

By law, any female over the age of eighteen may be claimed. A married lady may be claimed for only one night, after which time she is returned to her husband, that is, unless the King desires she remain his for longer, and the lady in question also agrees to remain, in which case her marriage is considered dissolved. By law the King is allowed no more than twelve concubines at any one time. Currently, King Alec has only nine.

When he was younger, King Alec exercised his rights more frequently, even sometimes to the maximum limit of twelve. But in recent years he had drawn upon the ancient right less often. He took more comfort in the repeated contact with established courtesans or concubines, those who knew him and whom he knew well. With age he had become less enchanted with the thrill of the new. He'd found that with the new, his expectations were often not met, despite the program of instruction he had put in place for them.

This new girl, the baker's daughter, had really struck him. He could not remember how long it had been since he had been stricken so suddenly and so deeply. He reflected on her for a long time while sitting in his carriage after their first meeting. He had a strong feeling she was not merely naive and innocent as many young girls are. She seemed pure and good. It wasn't her (he assumed) virginity. In truth, he didn't even care about that. To him, at this point in his life, her virginity was but a small thing.

That girl seemed quite possibly pure and good of heart in a way he felt like he had always sought, but never found, despite the many women he had bedded, both those claimed and those whose affections he had won. The crown made it easy to win a woman, but he always suspected it was the crown itself that had won her, as much or more so than it was the man who bore it.

Lizzette was to be put through The Program at once. He was eager to find out if his first impressions, and the hopes he had for her, might be proven true.

Any concubine is typically compelled to go through The Program. This course can take several days, or even weeks. In The Program she is taught the many and best ways she can please her sovereign. She is trained in the finer arts of providing this pleasure. For this reason, program graduates are much prized among the noblemen of the realm.

Despite the benefits of service to the King, some women are reluctant. Occasionally, they are even, at the King's discretion, allowed to leave before completing The Program. In practice, King Alec has rarely compelled a woman who does not wish to serve him. He derives no pleasure in forcing a woman to serve against her will, and will do so only in cases where he believes a little more time might bring about a change in her attitude.

In truth, as sovereign with all inherent powers, King Alec does not ask much. He is very widely regarded as more than fair. The people truly do love their King.

***************

Lizzette was given an outline of The Program elements so she would know what was to come. The Program had taken a few years to refine, but since it had now been in place for over 20 years of Alec II's 31-yr reign, it was now well-established. The main elements were as follows:

Presentation. The finest beauty experts in all the land evaluate the lady and together they decide on hair, makeup, and fashion choices that suit her best. King Alec's tastes are simple, tending toward only lightly made up, if at all.

Health and nutrition. The lady is provided only the healthiest foods, and a fitness regimen designed to maximize her attractiveness. The King values soft, smooth skin. A pretty face is more important to him than any one particular body type. He likes healthy muscle tone, not too hard, not too soft.

Conversation. The King likes an intelligent woman. In the program she learns her strengths, the areas and topics where she is knowledgeable, and areas where she is not. The more strengths the better. The King does not always wish to engage in conversation, but when he does, it is far better if his companion is able to hold up her end.

Behavior. This can be a delicate balance. As stated, the King prefers a woman who serves him willfully. The positive inducements are many. But if her feelings toward her service are negative, even if only for an hour, a day, or a week, then she is taught how to get through these times in the least objectionable way possible. Alec generally prefers her real personality, not simple passive subservience, but for some, subservience might be the best they can achieve.

Sexual Technique. Alec delights in receiving oral attention. There's no point in putting too fine a gloss on it. Ladies in the program are taught how to give the way he likes it, with plenty of eye contact, and an overall attitude of commitment to providing him pleasure, if not absolute enthusiasm in doing so. They learn that if they are able to delight him, he has been known to provide all manner of special gifts in gratitude. Alec likes his ladies to make use of all their assets, using her eyes, lips, tongue, fingers and hands, and also breasts and hair to help enhance the experience.

For intercourse, she has to know her own body, and what positions and movements can help contribute to her own pleasure. Alec likes an active participant, and is more than willing to change up his position, or speed, or angle, or what he does with his hands and/or tongue to help her to achieve orgasm. Past and current royal concubines assist in this instruction, with demonstration and practice.

Program graduates are often very eager to try out what they have learned on a real live male. The King himself is naturally the first one they encounter. The one time a married lady went through The Program, when she returned to her husband, he noticed the difference and it made him feel a little better about having his wife removed from him for a short while. Surrendering his wife to his sovereign did not come naturally, but that husband remarked that although he had been resentful at first, on balance, he was happy with the result.

***************

Upon arrival at the castle, Lizzette was taken immediately to see Mistress Diana, a dark-haired woman with a few streaks of grey, who struck her as still quite beautiful, and also quite fit, despite being likely well past 40 years old.

"Hello. Lizzette is it?"

"Yes, Mistress."

"Lizzette, you are to call me Mistress Diana. I will be responsible for your training. The first thing I will need you to do is to remove all those clothes."

"What, Mistress?"

"I said remove all of your clothing. We will provide new clothes for you, much nicer than those old rags you have on. Come girl, there's no need to be shy."

"Yes, Mistress." Lizzette began to disrobe. "Everything?"

"Yes, everything." While Lizzette undressed, Mistress Diana spoke. "I am First Concubine to King Alec. By first, I mean first in rank, and also that I was his first. I have known King Alec since before he was King, before he met Queen Karin even. It will be my job to teach you how to please him. Are you a virgin, Lizzette?"

"Yes, Mistress."

"Well then we will have our work cut out for us. But no mind, you are certainly very pretty, and that will help, but pretty is not enough, do you understand?"

"I think so, Mistress."

"You are right to be uncertain. A virgin cannot know what she does not know. When I say I will teach you, you understand I mean teach you how to provide him with sexual pleasure?"

"Yes, Mistress." Lizzette understood very well it was her duty to be compliant. She had always been a good girl. She had always done her duty.

"Good. What do you know of the various sexual acts?"

"I believe I know more than most. One of the girls at school showed us a secret book she had found hidden in her father's things. It contained descriptions and even drawings." Lizzette was now standing naked in front of Mistress Diana.

"Tell me exactly what you've seen or read."

"I have seen and read depictions of intercourse, in multiple positions, and both men and women using their mouths on each other, and buggery, and one drawing of a lady with two men, so I think I've seen quite a bit. I mean, I'm sure there are other things more...unusual. Is he, I mean is the King, interested in those things? Is that something I'm going to need to learn about?"

"That depends on what you mean by 'unusual,' but I think I can put your mind at ease then." She laughed. "He won't ask you to do anything you probably haven't seen or guessed at. You should find it enjoyable."