A Life Discovered

Author's note:

Hi, and thank you for reading my work.

I've been trying not to fill the story with explainers about things that have happened previously, so, given this chapter contains more back-references than average, here's a quick recap. If you like the story, I'd strongly recommend you read the previous chapters, as there are plot points in there that I don't have room to cover here.

Again, thanks for reading my work. Constructive comments are always welcome and appreciated.

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Rhys Atherton

: a naïve young man raised by an adoptive mother in the backwaters of the country of Seibjerg. Native language: Seibjern. Capital city: Roligvan. He wears a magical ring, a gift from his unknown father. He has been given an alternative identity as "Rhys Niain" but doesn't know why.

Minshull Foundation:

A shadowy organisation sponsoring Rhys to go to university in Chatamor to study "General Studies", a euphemism for magical studies. It works for social justice across the Anaroc Alliance.

Jade Niain:

A former pleasure slave whom the Minshull Foundation rescued and now works for them. She accompanied Rhys on his journey to Chatamor. She doesn't like talking about her background, but is very knowledgeable about magic and life.

Katarina (Kat) Wildwood

: A former slave on the ship "Skotur" that Rhys and Jade boarded from Roligvan to Chatamor, which sank in a storm. Rhys saved her from the ship, and she saved Jade and Rhys from drowning. She took them to the magical plane and met her great-great-grandfather, Cadellin.

Richard and Sarah Spencer

: a couple with two children who live in Chatamor and are members of the Foundation. Kat, Jade and Rhys are currently staying with them.

Anaroc Alliance

: a defensive alliance containing the countries of Reiland, Seibjerg, Asterlia, Rovina, Wenland and Munnin.

Reiland

: capital city: Chatamor. Language: Reijik. The largest country in the Anaroc Alliance and the only one where slavery is legal

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Chapter 6 - Our House

For the second morning in a row, Rhys woke up hearing strange, female noises nearby. This time, though, there seemed to be a weight on his chest accompanied by much wriggling. It was difficult for him to raise his head to see what was happening, and as soon as he tried, a bare foot caught him in the side of his head. He decided to lie there and see what happened.

What did happen was another few minutes of muffled groans and sighs plus more movement atop his chest, groin and legs. The movement and noises slowly increased in frequency and intensity until they peaked with soft cries, then a sudden silence and stillness.

Rhys risked looking up again and saw Kat's head on his chest and what appeared to be Jade's legs draped over his shoulders and head. Kat looked up at him with a sheepish grin. "Sorry, master," she said. We couldn't get off the bed, so we, ah, entertained ourselves?"

"Couldn't get off the bed?" asked Rhys.

"We think you might have created some magic to stop us falling out of this tiny bed," said Kat, "only it means we can't get out even if we want to."

"Oh, my goodness," said Rhys. "I am so sorry!" Kat suddenly rolled backwards and fell out of bed, followed almost immediately by a thump as Jade hit the floor, as Rhys abruptly cancelled his unintended magic. Kat sprang to her feet and ran towards the bathroom, followed by Jade, who shouted and laughed at her. Kat disappeared into the bathroom, flicking the door closed behind her. Jade stopped at the now-closed bathroom door, then turned and walked back to the bed, sitting on it next to Rhys's still supine body.

"You didn't mind us 'playing' together, did you?" she asked. "We didn't want to wake you to ask permission."

"Mind?" asked Rhys, sitting up. "Why would I mind? I know you want me to be your master, and I've promised to do that for you, but you're the one who suggested we try fire magic to remove Jade's collar. You're the one who decided what to tell Richard about events since the Skotur sank, and what not to tell him. You're the one who decided when we'd leave the magical plane and that we'd come here. If we're specifically being master-and-slave, that's one thing. But outside of that, as long as everyone involved is content, carry on as far as I'm concerned! If Kat and you want to do some 'playing' without me, have at it!"

Rhys had seen the bathroom door open, and Kat now stood in the door frame, leaning, naked, on one of the jambs. He turned to look at her. "Kat," he said, "I know we haven't explored how we both want our relationship to work, but I wanted you to know that the same goes for you. You don't need to involve me in anything that, well, doesn't involve me."

Kat looked back at him. "I know you've been careful around me," she said. "I understand why. But, just to set a starting position, I want what she has." She flicked her head at Jade, still sitting on the bed. "I want the sort of relationship she has with you. I want to learn some of her skills. Not just," she blushed, "in the bedroom, but in life. I can't think of anything I can offer in return, but if there's anything I can ever do, know that I will do so willingly and with pleasure. And, as regards Jade and me, I thought I could love her as a sister. But now that's not enough. I want to love her as a lover. And I want to love you, Rhys, as a lover. And I hope you want the same from me?"

Her fragility showed as she stared at the pair sitting on the bed with beseeching eyes. As one, Rhys and Jade rose and walked over to her before enveloping her in a three-way hug. Not a word was spoken between them. Jade started to turn the group slowly around until she stood in the bathroom doorway, and Kat and Rhys were in the bedroom. She broke the hug, stepped back and closed the bathroom door, saying "Sorry! Desperate!" as she went. Rhys and Kat broke their hug, giggling.

Kat collected their freshly laundered clothes from outside the bedroom door and, once Jade had finished in the bathroom, Rhys went to complete his morning ablutions. Just as he finished, the bell rang, signalling breakfast was ready.

They trooped downstairs, and Jade steered them into a different room where breakfast was served. She called it the "morning room", a large, airy room dominated by a massive set of bay windows with a bench seat below. There were rattan chairs arranged around the window. A sideboard on one wall held a stack of plates, a fruit assortment, and a tray of warm, sweet pastries. A bread board had a loaf of fresh bread, a small block of butter and knives. An insulated jug held hot water to make tea. There was also a glass jug with fruit juice and a small jug of milk.

Kat headed to the sideboard and started to make breakfast for Rhys and Jade. Rhys gave her a sideways look as if to say, "That's not your job," but Kat just shrugged in response, and Rhys didn't press the matter.

They sat on the rattan chairs, gazing out the window at the scene before them. The Spencer house sat atop a low hill, and the east-facing windows captured the morning sunshine and provided a panoramic view over Chatamor. The city sat in a coastal plain with the sea on one side and mountains on the other three sides.

Around to the right, on the city's edge, were the docks with the tall masts of the sailing ships and derricks slowly loading and unloading crates. Great warehouses lined the dock fronts. On the left were the leafy suburbs where the rich and powerful had mansions and fake castles. In the centre of the city was the Royal City, which held the King's palace and the official buildings of the Reiland government. And towards the front, by the sea, were grand buildings topped by tall towers flying flags of various colours. This was the University of Chatamor, where Rhys was ultimately heading.

In between, like arteries carrying the city's lifeblood, ran winding streets flanked by high-density buildings - shops, inns and houses of all styles. The buildings nearer the docks looked like they were of lower quality and, generally, shabbier. Dotted here and there were green areas; some were private parks owned jointly by several families for their own pleasure, but the more prominent spaces were open to the public.

The three friends marvelled at the city while eating their breakfast. Rhys had never seen a metropolis like it. Even Roligvan, the largest city in his home country of Seibjerg, was small in comparison. Kat had been in and around Chatamor for most of her life, but had never had this vantage point where she could see most of it at the same time. Jade had been in this room many times before, but even so, the sunny weather and the company of her lovers made her heart swell.

The door opened, and Richard entered, accompanied by the children dressed in school uniforms. They, again, rushed to be with Jade. Richard followed them more slowly and allowed them a few minutes to interact. The children chatted happily about their planned day at school. After a few minutes, a woman came into the room and ushered the children out.

"They go to a private school," explained Richard. "Public schools are good around here, but Sarah and I prefer that they get a broader schooling. The official Reiland curriculum can be fairly narrow in certain respects, and we want them to have more open minds." He pulled another chair over to sit by Kat, Rhys and Jade.

"Rhys, Jade," he said, "your new papers should be here by lunch. Kat, yours are being worked on, but as I said last evening, it will take a little more time. We hope to have your basic identity papers later today, but the supporting documents will take a few more days. There is, though, a problem."

The three looked up at Richard, who continued. "Reiland society is, as you know, rigidly hierarchical. Jade and Rhys are foreigners, so they sit outside the system. But Kat," he looked at her, "is to be a Reiland citizen so she needs a place in that pyramid. I've spoken to my colleagues at the Foundation and we've agreed that," he looked at Kat, "if you will accept the offer, you are to be Rhys's paid assistant."

Rhys and Jade stared at Richard, and Kat held up her hand as if to object. But Richard waved her down and continued. "It will put you in the Administrative rank, which is a respectable position, and there will be a small salary. Not enough for you all to live on, but combined with Jade's and Rhys's income, you will be comfortably off. And, before you say anything, it is not charity. We expect you to work at your new job, and that is what we will pay you for."

"There is a problem," Kat said. "I can't read or write. That's likely to be a red flag if I'm challenged."

"Oh," said Richard. "Yes, it may be. You will have to learn, and quickly. I'll have to look into tutoring - we can't have just any tutor teaching an administrative citizen how to read and write - that would also be a red flag. I'll see what we can do. However, the offer still stands."

"Thank you, Mr Spencer," Kat said formally, eyes downcast. "If Mr Atherton is willing to ask me to be his assistant, I would consider his offer." She looked up at Rhys with a tiny smile on her face.

"Ms. Wildwood," said Rhys, smiling too, "I'd like to offer you the position of my assistant. Would you be so kind as to accept?"

"Why, Mr. Atherton, I would be pleased to accept," said Kat and the two laughed and embraced. Jade moved across to join the hug.

Richard cleared his throat, embarrassed, and the hug broke up. "I've also been authorised to offer Kat a stipend so she can buy the clothes and accessories as befits her new position," he said. He reached around to a small purse hanging from his belt. He unclipped it and handed it to Kat. She released the drawstring and tipped the contents out into her hand. There were twenty gold coins and maybe fifty silver ones. She stared at it. Rhys also stared at it - it was more money than he'd ever seen except in a bank. It was more money, by a long way, than Kat had ever seen.

While the two were staring at the money, Richard continued. "Sarah has offered to take Kat shopping - Jade and Rhys are welcome to accompany her. Going in our carriage and being with Sarah will help you avoid attracting attention until your papers arrive. It's nothing to worry about; it's just that you're not familiar with life in Chatamor, and you may stand out because of that. You don't want to be stopped by the guards for an identity check and be unable to identify yourselves."

Everyone thought the shopping trip was a great idea. Richard went to make arrangements, and Kat put the money back in the purse. She reached down through the neck of her tunic and stashed the purse inside her bra, between her breasts. "I'll know if anyone tries to steal it from there!" she joked. They finished their pastries and drinks and returned the dirty plates and glasses to the sideboard.

Sarah swept into the room. She was dressed in a thick sweater with riding trousers and boots - a figure not to be messed with. "Girls' planning session!" she said, moving over to Kat and Jade. She looked at Rhys, who shrugged and went to sit on the bench seat under the window. He picked up a discarded newspaper.

The three women pulled into a tight group and talked in low voices. Rhys was pretending to read the newspaper but was surreptitiously watching the women. He could see that their discussion was animated, and they gestured with their hands to show each other shapes and lines. Each of them occasionally glanced at Rhys, then returned to their discussion. He saw eyes go wide, hands go over mouths and shakes of the head accompanied by giggles and the occasional "No!" or "Really?"

After ten minutes, Sarah announced, "We're ready! Rhys, you can stop pretending to read the newspaper now." Kat and Jade giggled. "Come on!" she told Rhys before turning and sweeping out of the room. The others followed her to the open front door. Outside stood a covered carriage with a pair of black horses harnessed. A driver sat on a bench at the front of the coach, and a footman opened the carriage door. Sarah climbed aboard with the footman's assistance. Jade and Kat needed a little more help as both wore long skirts. Last of all, Rhys clambered up the single step and sat beside Sarah. Jade and Kat were next to each other on the other side of the compartment, facing them.

The carriage started, and they went down the Spencer driveway and onto the road. They were travelling gradually downhill over a well-made road. The carriage was well sprung and very comfortable.

"We'll go to Miller Lane," said Sarah. "It's a side road with little passing traffic, so it's quite discreet. And it has some of my favourite shops. We're going to have fun!" Rhys turned his head to look at her and gave her a quizzical look. Kat and Jade giggled at his reaction. Sarah smiled at him. "Really," she promised with a smile.

It took about half an hour to get to Miller Lane. The footman helped the four shoppers out of the carriage and got back on the front. The driver steered the carriage down the street and around the corner.

Sarah, Kat, Jade and Rhys were standing outside a shop called "Modiste". It had displays of formal dresses in the window with tight bodices, long skirts and hats with feathers stuck at jaunty angles. Sarah led the way in, and a bell above the door jingled as they entered. A female assistant came over to greet them, and four women entered into yet another group discussion. After a few minutes, they moved across the shop and into one of a series of fitting rooms built into the side wall. The door closed behind them, and Rhys was alone on the shop floor except for a handful of assistants spread around the shop. They were all looking at him. He scanned the shop and took in the racks of dresses, skirts, sweaters, trousers and coats. The underwear section occupied a large section at the back of the shop by itself.

Another man was sitting on a bench by the wall next to the dressing rooms. Rhys exchanged a nod of greeting with him, then started to wander around the shop at random. He stayed away from the underwear section but noticed the shop assistants' eyes followed him. They weren't openly looking at him; they were just aware of where he was.

The dressing room door opened and Jade, Sarah and their shop assistant came out and dispersed to various parts of the shop. They gathered armfuls of all sorts of clothes and headed back into the dressing room, and closed the door. Rhys watched with a tinge of amusement, realising that he had no idea about women. He continued pacing around the shop until he got bored and headed back towards the changing room.

An older woman had come out of one of the other changing rooms and was talking to the man who had been sitting on the bench. Another assistant was carrying an incredibly frilly dress. The man looked at Rhys as he approached and gave him a resigned look. Rhys cast his eyes to the changing room where Kat had taken residence and shrugged. The man nodded and also shrugged before heading to the cashier's office at the back of the shop, presumably to pay.

Rhys sat on the bench just as the door opened to Kat's dressing room. Sarah, Jade and the shop assistant came out and repeated their trips to all corners of the shop before coming back with armfuls of clothes. Rhys closed his eyes. The women repeated it twice over the next half-hour, but were more subdued the fifth time they came out.

Jade approached Rhys. "I think Kat's a bit overwhelmed," she said. "Could you talk to her, please?" Rhys nodded and entered the dressing room, closing the door behind him.

Kat was sitting on a bench at the back of the room, dressed only in her pull-on bra and pants, surrounded by piles of clothing. She looked up at him, tears in her eyes. "I don't think I can cope with being a free woman!" she said. "All these decisions they're asking me to make. It's just too much. And they're only decisions about which clothes I like. How can I make life decisions if I can't even decide on clothes?" She was crying properly now. Rhys held his arms out and Kat leapt into them, hugging him tightly and crying into his shirt.

Rhys may not have known much about women, but he knew now wasn't the time for logic. He just held Kat quietly until her tears started to subside. They stood there for five minutes until Kat pulled away, looking embarrassed. Rhys held her by one hand and sat on the bench so he wouldn't look down at her, given their height difference. He pulled her into him, but she side-stepped, sat astride one of his knees and put her arms around his neck.

"I know it isn't easy," he told her. "I'm not going to pretend I understand your feelings, but Jade and I are here for you. Whatever you need, we give it freely." Kat had her eyes closed and was concentrating hard. Rhys noticed her hips were gently gyrating against his thigh as she sat on it. He put his arms around her, holding her in the small of her back, not applying any pressure on her, just letting her know he had her. Her hips started to speed up until she was fully humping his leg. She began to utter little "ugh, ugh" noises until, suddenly and spectacularly, her orgasm hit her and she fell forward into his chest. He pulled his arms further around her, holding her against him.

"I'm so sorry," she said into his chest. "I don't know what's wrong with me."

"As I said, I'm here for whatever you need. If you need a human rubbing post, I'm your man," he replied, trying to sound both flippant and tender at the same time.

"It's not that," said Kat. "I think I might be addicted to you. I was in here with Jade, Sarah and the shop assistant, and they asked me about this, that and the other. They weren't pressuring me or anything. It was just overwhelming. And then you come in and suddenly everything's better. And then you bring me off, and now I'm ready to go again."