Clause Fifteen
Ya know, this is one of the more unusual situations I've gotten myself into.
I'm in a stone cellar underground. I trail my hands over the thin cotton shift, surprised I'm not cold. I head to the sink, fill the cup with water and drink--again and again. Finally, the hangover lifts. Gotta love a young body. Nineteen years old and I bounce back like a mama!
The question is, how did I get here?
I flop back down to the mattress, wings splayed, hands tucked under my head. I stare at the sunlight slanting through the high, barred window. Dust motes dance delicately in the beam, giving me something to focus on that isn't the single wooden door beyond the bars.
We'd arrived at this fae court. I remember unpacking gear, setting up the band. J promised we'd get to sightsee this Court--it's meant to be stunning.
They paid me after sound check: a solid's evening's worth of fairy cakes and grog.
Maybe taking it all at once wasn't my smartest idea. Song three's the last thing I remember.
And now I'm here.
A loud click echoes through the room. The door swings open silently. No one's there--
Until I look down.
Holy all that is--these fae can be tiny.
'Glad to see you're up and hydrating. Are you hungry?' His voice is high and echoes faintly.
I sit up. 'A bit.'
He glides a brown sack through the bars, remaining out of arm's reach. 'Fruit, cheese, and nuts in that. With a few other items. Have any questions?'
I pull the sack to the mattress. 'Yes.'
He chuckles. 'Look inside first.'
I open it. Food, yes--but also paperwork. A scroll. I unroll it. The lines are dense, too much text to bother reading. But at the bottom--
My signature and yesterday's date.
My eyes snap to the top line.
'Contract of Servitude - Term Three (3) Years'
My heart slams in my chest. What have I done?
He drags up a chair and sits. A pixie. Maybe two feet tall.
'Can you read?'
My mouth goes dry. 'Is it legal?' My uncle's a lawyer.
He nods, dry smile. 'Yes. Do you understand the implications?'
I skim the first few paragraphs. I've signed three years of indentured servitude to this Realm.
'Is that your signature?' I ask him.
'It is. So here's is the deal: you do what I tell you. Behave, and things stay pleasant. Misbehave, and I pass your contract to another House.'
I swallow. 'What do I have to do?'
He smiles. 'You're a demon. You're strong--and pretty. What are your strengths?'
I pour another glass of water, drink it down, then return to the mattress. So many things come to mind.
'I'm a dancer. Great with computers. Office work. Data entry. I'm a good cleaner.'
He scoffs. 'We have plenty of those in this dorm already. Think, girl. What sets you apart from humans and dwarves?'
He leans forward. 'Do you follow Demon Edicts?'
I lick my lips. I think I see where this is going. 'Yes. I'm devout.'
His expression lights up. 'Now we're getting somewhere.'
I smile, more to myself than him.
He stands up and bows. 'I'm Rat. I'm your handler. This is the dorm basement. Would you be open to events that allow you to worship your gods?'
I cross my legs and flare my wings wide.
That? That's not work. That's all play and pleasure.
'Do I get paid?'
'Clause fifteen.'
I scroll down. At the end of my contract--units. A lot of units.
'Who covers living expenses?'
'All covered while you work the circuit. We provide food, clothing, make up, care products, medical, and STI and pregnancy prevention. The whole lot.'
A thrill races through my chest. I shiver. 'What about alcohol?'
He shrugs. 'I'm responsible for your health. You earn treats from clients.'
He smirks. 'The better you please the clients, the better the treats.'
'There are things I don't do. Who controls what I do?'
He meets my gaze, instantly serious. 'You do what you agree to. We fill out an annex to the contract that lists your taboos. It's my job to keep you healthy and safe. I vet the clients and the events. If you ever need help, I'm a call away.' He gestures to his neck.
It's then I register that I'm wearing a warm metal collar. Or he just magicked it there.
I don't have to think about it. 'When do I start?'
He chuckles. 'We need your measurements, dewdrop. You can do this yourself-- or I'll send Gud to help.'
A hulking bulk blocks the doorway.
I straighten my legs. 'What do you need?'
Rat gestures at the sack. 'A few measuring cones in there. You'll get the drift.'
I pull out three conical rods. Each thicker than the last.
Rat twirls a finger. 'I can help with lube. I recommend starting at the top. Measure all three holes, and I'll give you your first payment.' He holds a palm up with three blues. 'Or... I can send you to the farms.'
Good gods, no way.
I stand and skip the first rod.
I've been a diligent worshiper since I was thirteen. I suspect I'll need the end of the third.
'Put some music on, Rat.'
He pulls a phone out. A groovy beat fills the air.
I sway, spin. The shift falls away. My leathery wings stretch wide, brushing each wall of the cell.
I run my hands over my body, cupping my tiny human breasts, teasing my nipples as delicious vibes ripple through me.
I might mention--I love being watched.
I knee, shifting my weight as I slowly work the rod down my throat.
Rat watches wide-eyed, taking notes on his phone.
This isn't punishment. It's opportunity.