"She is far more lovely than I thought she would be. There is an exotic look to her, that golden skin and black hair, those eyes, were she with us I would be fielding a dozen requests for her as a bride."
Jenyse watched Mina as she roamed the walled garden, thinking herself alone and unseen. "It would be better I think were she destined for a strangers bride.She is so fragile, he almost choked her the other evening."
The elder woman just nodded, "She is stronger than you think child. She has the will to survive, but is also young enough to be molded. We need to temper a monster, not create a second one. Now, your request. It is highly unusual, but yes, I also think it would help her mindset, and may even bond her to you emotionally. "
"Would that not risk your intended goal, Matron?"
"Not if you continue to guide her toward that goal. You will simply become a vine, growing around the pair, binding them."
"And my wish for her stay here?" Jenyse held her breath.
The old woman chortled softly, "Yes. I think the idea an excellent one. Let us teach the lovely one just what power a woman can have."
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It was so peaceful. A place tucked away and sheltered from the world, locked away and guarded. She drifted along the tiny path and brushed fingertips against the colorful cascades of flowers. Butterflies took to the air and bees were frantically gathering, ignoring her. A fanciful wish, she could be a statue within this garden, nevermore to leave it, never more to be touched by anything harsher than rain and butterflies.
A soft cough and a young lad stood in the doorway, "You are Mina? Guest of the Daughter Jenyse? Please follow me, lunch has been prepared."
She followed reluctantly leaving the bit of paradise she had found. Jenyse and an elderly woman with kind eyes sat at a small table, the scents that rose reminded Mina she had skipped breakfast and dinner had been sparse. The lad drew out a chair then stepped away to grab a tea pot, pouring first for the stranger, then Jenyse, lastly for her. The scent reminded her of the garden, flowers and sweetness. The taste was light, the older woman was called Matron and teased Jenyse mercilessly recounting tales of when the concubine was younger, growing up in the House. Mina nibbled at the treats, trying not to be greedy, strange fruits, tiny sandwiches, tarts and little bites of sweets. Slowly she relaxed, becoming almost drowsy, the room was warm but not hot, a bubbling fountain gave the room a bit of music.
She took Jenyse's hand when it was offered, no question why or where they were going. The bathing chamber, one that made the Lord's look like a hovel. Hands helped her from her gown and she stepped nude into the large pool. More hands running soapy cloths over her, shampooing her hair. She should protest, but it felt good to be pampered. She didn't even have to walk as one of the male attendants lifted her and carried her to a padded table.
Scented oil was massaged into her skin as she laid back and watched the play of light reflecting from the pool onto the ceiling above. Someone was playing music nearby and she closed her eyes. The hands stroked and found every knot and sore spot, she had the amused thought of pouring boneless off the table. Jenyse was also being worked on near her. Hands of strangers.. she should be alarmed.. but the red haired woman looked like she had fallen asleep. Maybe it was alright to simply relax and enjoy the attention. The hands cupped and stroked, tugged her nipples intto hard points, her breathing became uneven. Oiled hands slid between her thighs and she gasped, surprised at the need that suddenly flowed through her. But no touch lingered long enough, no caress was enough.. she whimpered faintly as the hands vanished. She was being dressed. Her hair arranged, perfumed, make up applied by the lightest touches. A mask of lace and feathers was fastened over the upper half of her face. She couldn't know that her eyes looked huge and jewel like in the setting.
She half drifted off as she was carried into a hall that echoed, candlelight flickered, a scent she couldn't place, sultry and arousing, gold and scarlet colors. It was a temple she first thought. Confused as she was settled into a pile of cushions and soft slick cloth, Leaning against Jenyse, "Little one, see the men coming in? I want you to catch the eye of the younger one, look at him, smile, then look down. A breath, another then look back up at him. "
She wanted to ask why, but then the trio were near enough, a small giggle, a flick of the shimmering dark purple silk she was wrapped in did the trick. The young man stopped so abruptly one of the older men ran into him. His eyes were blue as a summer sky at dusk, she smiled, then looked away. A few seconds later she looked back up, drawing the silk up under her chin, unaware the vision she presented of gleaming gold skin and slender limbs entangled with the rich deep twilight purple silk.
"Her.. " The young mans voice was barely audible, a prayer, "She is so..."
The two older men laughed, "She is the first one you have noticed. And you know that it is far to soon to know who you will be presented to. And that the ones you need to impress are on the dais. But aye lad, that is indeed a sight to behold," His eyes were more taken with Jenyse's lush curves so boldly revealed.
