Dorian the Everlasting

Foreword:

A heartfelt thank you to everyone for your reviews and kind messages. Your support and feedback mean so much to me!

This is the 7th chapter of my series, Dorian the Everlasting. If you're new to the story, I highly recommend starting from Chapter 1 for the best experience.

I hope you enjoy this installment--happy reading!

Chapter 7 - A performance to remember

There truly is no better way to awake, after a deep sleep, than to have a beautiful woman sucking on your cock. That was exactly what I woke up to. Opening my eyes, I found my greedy first concubine, Sonya, devouring my cock.

She looked up as I awoke. "Good, you're awake. I need you one last time."

She climbed up and smoothly aligned my cock to her wet pussy and sat down, impaling herself immediately. "Oh, fuck. this cock is amazing. I never knew I would love sex so much." she babbled.

Still waking up from a wonderful slumber, I surrendered to the beautiful warrior goddess and enjoyed the sensation of her tight pussy repeatedly engulfing my cock. I watched her tits bounce, as with closed eyes, she moaned in pleasure.

Soon, she was rutting on my cock, and soon after that, we both shared in a beautiful morning climax. I shared a quick cleaning dip in the bath with both Sonya and Katarina, before I left to start my day.

As I approached the common area of the harem, the melodic strains of a harp reached my ears, each note played with expert precision. Smiling, I stepped into the spacious room and found Louisa seated gracefully at the harp, clad in a sheer white robe that left little to the imagination. The thin, ethereal fabric displayed her every curve.

The sunlight was streaming through a nearby window and caught her wavy, copper hair, setting it aglow and highlighting her striking green eyes. The dazzling display was only enhanced by the heart-stopping smile she gave me as her gaze met mine.

"Good morning, my lord," she said, fingers never faltering on the strings.

"Good morning, Louisa," I replied, returning her smile warmly.

"I trust you slept well--and I imagine your morning has been... eventful," she added with a mischievous grin, her eyes sparkling with playful intent.

I chuckled, appreciating her candor. "Indeed, it has. Thank you. And how was your first night in your new home?"

She finished the final notes of her melody, the sound lingering in the air as she stood. Her sheer robe shifted with her movements, offering a tantalizing glimpse of the beauty beneath. She approached me with confident grace, her delicate hand brushing the exposed portion of my tunic as her gaze locked with mine.

"I must confess," she said, her voice a sultry whisper, "my sleep was restless... my thoughts were filled with you... anticipating our first night together."

Taking her hand in mine, I pressed a gentle kiss to her knuckles. "Do not fret, my dear, I will see you soon. Await word from Lady Cassandra--I've planned something special for you."

Her cheeks flushed slightly as she giggled, biting her lower lip in a way that was both innocent and inviting. Stepping back, she curtsied, the movement doing wondrous things to her sheer outfit. "I await your pleasure with bated breath, my lord."

With a flirtatious sway of her hips, she turned and sauntered back to her harp. My gaze lingered for a moment, drawn to the subtle, hypnotic movement of her figure, as she settled once more into her seat. The soft strains of her harp resumed, weaving an enchanting melody that followed me as I departed the harem quarters.

As the warm morning light streamed into the dining hall, I made my way through the room, greeting the gathered nobles and my family with practiced ease. The air was filled with the scent of freshly baked bread, cured meats, and sweet jams, mingling with the lively hum of conversation. My eyes immediately sought out Cladia, who stood at her father's side, looking poised yet slightly nervous, amidst the bustling morning scene.

Standing tall, I approached Duke Eimon De'Rolla, extending a hand and clasping his forearm in a firm grip. "Duke Eimon, good morning. I trust you and your daughter had a restful night."

Eimon gave a hearty chuckle, his Northern brogue adding a gruff charm to his words. "Aye, lad, though I can't say we're used to such southern comforts. My daughter was well pleased with both your library and gardens."

Cladia blushed at her father's remark, but I offered her a warm smile. "Lady Cladia, it's a pleasure to see you this morning. I am pleased to hear you are finding your soon-to-be new home to your liking."

She curtsied gracefully, her pale cheeks tinged with a soft pink. Her soft Northern accent, lilting and charming, added a melodic quality to her voice that was hard to ignore. "Thank you, Duke Dorian. Everything has been wonderful. Your hospitality is most gracious."

Arla, ever perceptive, stood and approached us. She placed a gentle hand on Cladia's arm and gestured to an empty seat beside her. "Lady Cladia, come, sit with me. Let us get to know one another better. I'm sure you must have questions about life here."

Cladia looked to her father, who gave her an encouraging nod. "Go on, lass. Best to learn the ways of your new home."

As Cladia settled beside Arla, I turned back to Eimon. "Shall we take a moment to discuss matters of the North, Duke Eimon? I wish to understand which houses we can rely on, in these troubling times."

The large, burly man stroked his thick, golden-beaded beard thoughtfully. "Aye, that's a conversation worth having. The North is a harsh land, lad, but we De'Rollos know where the loyalties lie."

I guided him to a quieter corner of the table, where we could speak more privately. Over plates of hearty fare, we discussed the intricate web of alliances, feuds, and opportunities among the Northern houses. Eimon's insights were invaluable, his words painting a vivid picture of the challenges and strengths of the realm's northern reaches.

Meanwhile, I couldn't help but notice how Arla and Cladia were already deep in conversation. Arla's warmth and easy charm put Cladia at ease, her initial nerves melting into a more confident demeanor. Seated nearby, Cylvia chimed in occasionally, her youthful curiosity adding a lighthearted touch to their exchange. The silver-haired beauty caught my gaze, her returning smile bringing a slight blush to her cheeks before she turned back to the conversation.

The children, seated at a separate table, were buzzing with excitement about the arrival of their new 'aunts'. Their chatter about upcoming lessons and their plans for the day added a cheerful backdrop to the morning's proceedings.

After my discussion with Eimon, I made time to meet with Duke Corlen May'Shire, father of Sonya and Katarina May'Shire--my first two concubines. The significance of his offering was not lost on me, and it was clear that a strategic alliance would benefit both our houses.

Once we were seated, I addressed him directly. "Corlen, your daughters are remarkable women--a testament to the strength and grace of House May'Shire. Their place in my household signifies more than just a personal bond; it forges a new connection between our houses, one that should be reflected in our dealings."

Corlen inclined his head, his expression shrewd yet open. "Duke Dorian, I appreciate your kind words, and I agree--our newly established ties create immense opportunities to strengthen our alliance further. If I may ask, which dealings, in particular, have your focus?"

Leaning forward slightly, I ensured my tone conveyed both respect and intent. "Your agricultural exports rely heavily on our canals and rivers to reach the wealthy markets of the Crown Lands and the southern kingdoms. The tariffs we impose for using those waterways are substantial--and for good reason. The canals of Tur'Ruk Valley are a marvel of engineering, and their upkeep is no small matter. However, for allies of our house and duchy, I propose replacing those tariffs with a fair, fixed fee per shipment.

"Furthermore, with the looming conflict ahead, I seek to formalize an alliance between our houses--one that ensures we stand together in the battles to come."

A gleam of understanding lit Corlen's eyes, and the beginnings of a smile tugged at his lips. "Your offer is intriguing. I believe we can come to a suitable agreement. That said, with the markets of the Crown Lands in turmoil--and their future uncertain--it may be wise to take this a step further. What if we established a unified operation, perhaps even a guild? If our duchies negotiate prices together, we could wield greater influence and secure higher profits from trade with the southern kingdoms."

We sealed the terms in principle, and as the morning drew to a close, I looked around the table with quiet satisfaction. The bonds between our families were visibly strengthening, and the groundwork for future alliances had been laid with care. Surrounded by kin, with the promise of newfound unity before me, I was reminded of all that I fought to protect.

I spent much of the day conferring with both Duke Eimon and Duke Corlen, finalizing the details of our respective agreements. My discussions with Duke Eimon centered on establishing standards for military communication, contingency plans, and overarching strategies. He seemed genuinely impressed by the level of foresight I had devoted to preparing for a potential conflict with the Queen--and with any opportunistic lords who might exploit the brewing civil strife. Eimon assured me that, given recent developments, the North would stand united against any attempt by the Crown Lands to subjugate them.

I cautioned him, however, that the Queen would not shy away from morally unethical tactics. Assassination, sabotage, and betrayal were all in her arsenal. Drawing on my own experiences with treachery during the sieges of Harvest Hall and Ravens Rock, I advised him to remain vigilant. In particular, I stressed the importance of keeping an eye on lesser lords who had historically been overlooked or slighted; such individuals could easily become pawns of the Crown, lured by promises of power or riches.

Beyond military matters, we spoke at length about renewed trade opportunities. Though our lands are separated by potentially hostile fiefdoms, we agreed that commerce might still be secured by sea. Ships could take the western route around the continent, then sail east to the northern port of Kor'Haven--a duchy on good terms with House De'Rollo. This route, while long, promised safer passage and opened the door to valuable new markets, ensuring that both our lands could flourish despite the turbulent times ahead.

We also explored an alternative route through the western duchies, where riverways were well-established and land-based trading routes led to the North. Though this path was shorter, it came with additional tariffs and would require agreements with the houses that ruled those lands--most notably, House Ja'Vez.

Duke Eimon grinned as he mentioned his unmarried son, a promising match for Duke Diego Ja'Vez's firstborn daughter, Marcia, who stood to inherit her father's lands. He also noted that Duke Diego had a much younger daughter, born to his second wife, who was said to be both beautiful and quick-witted. At about the same age as my firstborn son, she could one day be a suitable wife for him--especially considering he was heir to Harvest Hall and would require a match befitting his station.

With our strategy for trade and marriage alliances thus outlined, Duke Eimon and I concluded our meeting. We parted with a clearer understanding of how our houses would move forward, bolstered by our shared interest in consolidating power and navigating the looming threat of the Crown.

From there, I turned my attention to Duke Corlen. We spent the remainder of the day finalizing the finer points of our trading agreement and establishing expectations for mutual military preparedness. Our conversation naturally shifted to the possibility of shipping goods through the western duchies, prompting us to negotiate the fixed passage fee for trading vessels. We also negotiated the initial establishment of a 'Southern Produce Guild', whereby we would unify our negotiation power with the southern realms while our trading within the borders of the kingdom would remain unchanged for the most part. Though the details were intricate--typical of tax law--it was clear that laying this meticulous groundwork would serve both our interests well in the future.

The weeks to come saw my scribes drafting the necessary provisions, transforming verbal promises into codified agreements that would stand the test of time. Through these alliances--secured by trade, marriage, and military cooperation--our duchies inched ever closer to the strength needed to weather the Queen's ambitions and preserve our rightful autonomy.

My morning concluded with a series of simpler meetings involving the three bannermen, who had offered their daughters for my harem. We settled on slight tax reductions for a limited period, coupled with reminders of their obligations toward our ongoing military and economic preparations. They readily agreed, thanking me for the gracious adjustments.

Afterward, I rejoined Duke Eimon De'Rollo, his family, and Duke Corlen May'Shire for lunch. Following the meal, I took a stroll in the gardens with Cladia, under the watchful eye of a discreet chaperone. Our conversation flowed with ease; she displayed both keen intelligence and wide-ranging interests. By the walk's end, I felt certain my intuition about her suitability as a wife had been correct. The brief, sweet kiss she offered held a promise of deeper affection yet to come.

With the wedding feast planned for the end of the following week, I issued invitations to the prominent figures within my duchy, as well as to Duke Jamis of House Ko'Era--ruler of Era'Token, the remaining southern duchy. My aim was to formalize a southern coalition, binding the three southern dukes together in a robust alliance that could stand firm against the Queen.

In the late afternoon, I spent time sparring with my son Dario, wielding little more than wooden practice swords. Our exercises focused on building strength, balance, and the purposeful movement essential for a true blade. When we finished, I turned my attention to the growing stack of correspondence. Chief among these letters were those destined for the eastern and western dukes, each carefully composed to cultivate alliances or, at the very least, secure their neutrality in the turmoil that seemed all but inevitable.

The evening soon arrived, and dinner was served. I sat next to my intended, Cladia, and discovered her passion for riding--a shared excitement I was more than happy to indulge. When I proposed a ride through the vineyards the following day, she agreed eagerly, her eyes alight with anticipation.

Once dinner concluded, I bid goodnight to my guests and family, then made my way toward the harem quarters. In particular, I headed for the parlor, where Louisa waited for me--ready to share our first night together.

***

The parlor of the Harem Quarters was designed with an elegant, raised dais where performers could captivate a small audience. Entering this intimate space, I found Mistress Cassandra waiting for me, her poise and easy confidence reflecting years of service in her esteemed role.

She greeted me with a warm smile and a light kiss on the cheek, a customary show of affection that underscored our closeness. I remembered the many nights we'd shared, her expertise guiding me toward the skills and demeanor required of a lord with a flourishing harem.

"Cassandra," I said in a low tone, returning her smile. "Have all the arrangements been made as I requested? I trust I was clear."

She inclined her head, her eyes shining. "Yes, my lord. Your off-duty personal guard will arrive as instructed, and the visiting mistresses are on their way. I've acquired the props you specified, and all is prepared for Louisa's performance."

My anticipation stirred as I imagined the evening ahead. The parlor, adorned with plush seating and subtle, seductive lighting, would serve as the perfect venue for Louisa's debut--one carefully crafted to ensure her talents shone and our first night together became a memory worth treasuring.

Soon enough, my personal guard--eight of my most skilled and loyal men, all noble men of character and respect--filed into the parlor. They bowed in unison, and I inclined my head in acknowledgement.

"Men," I began, my voice echoing in the intimate space, "thank you for indulging me this night. My concubine, Louisa, is a gifted performer and desires an appreciative audience. As my most trusted soldiers, I've chosen to grant you the privilege of witnessing her skill and beauty."

I gestured to a nearby table, where an assortment of masquerade masks lay in neat rows. "Please select a mask," I instructed, "and then take your seats. This performance is for Lady Louisa's benefit, and you are to acknowledge her talent and respect her station. This is not a tavern and she is not some common performer. You will limit your appreciation of her performance to applause. Above all, it is important that she is not made aware of your identity. As far as you are concerned, you were never here. Once the performance concludes, you'll be escorted from the Harem Quarters and may enjoy the remainder of your off-duty evening as you see fit."

They placed their hands over their hearts and responded in unison, "Yes, my lord," before each guard chose a mask and took a seat.

A few moments later, Mistress Cassandra returned to the parlor, accompanied by four other women--Mistresses of Pleasure representing Houses De'Rollo, May'Shire, Tyr'Shin, Dir'Athon, and Ba'Reef. These refined older women, each with an air of practiced confidence, selected their own masks and settled into the arranged chairs.

Everything was in place. I met Cassandra's gaze and gave a brief nod, indicating that all was ready. She stepped out, only to return shortly with Louisa in tow. Draped in a flowing red satin robe and wearing a blindfold, Louisa was guided gently toward the small stage.

I moved close enough for her to sense my presence without revealing the onlookers. Leaning in, I whispered, "Good evening, Louisa."

She started slightly at the sound of my voice. "My lord? I... I don't understand," she said, her tone a blend of excitement and confusion.

"You'll be performing for me and... my guests," I said softly, giving her a moment to absorb my words.

She tilted her head, her face turning toward the faint sound of people shifting in their seats. "Your... guests?" she echoed, uncertainty lacing her voice.

"Yes," I replied, letting my hand linger near her cheek. "I know the idea of having an audience excites you and perhaps even arouses you. So... I've arranged this performance for you." I brushed my thumb gently across her soft lips.

Her breath hitched, and she gave a delicate shiver. "I... what would you like me to perform, my lord?"

I smiled at her directness. "You're standing on the small stage in the parlor. In front of you, you'll find a lute, a violin, and a piano. I want you to perform five compositions--arias, if you will--that you've mastered. You may choose any instrument for each piece, but there is one stipulation..."

She shuddered slightly. "Yes, my lord?" she asked, her breath catching.

"I request that after you've performed five of your finest pieces," I said softly, my thumb brushing across her cheek, "you sing an aria for me. Not just any aria, but the one you love most. Is that acceptable, my dear?"

Her lips parted, and she swallowed. "It is, my lord. I am honored to perform for you and your guests."