Dessert Goddess

Introduction Pt3

“Ma’am? Mrs. Happernick is here for you.” He announced clearly. His eye for detail showed as his uniform was pristine. He was dressed after a character in a video game back home. Black pants, fitted black shirt, leather harness with floor length, Japanese inspired trench coat and heavy boots. This explained why I could hear him coming. He was neither one of my boys or one of Ezra’s. He was Switzerland. He was the one person in this entire castle who actually worked here. He was a page and greeter to visitors. Our harems did the rest of the work. He was kind enough to dress the way I asked him too, even though I did not have the hold on him that I did around my boys. Plus he was fabulous at what he did, so we were keen to keep him around.

“Did she let on as to the purpose of her visit?” I asked as I picked a dark purple dress off the line. It had a plunging neckline, with an asymmetrical hem. Any fabric not covering the private areas, was sheer, made up of tiny fishnet.

“No, ma’am.” Remaining stock still with perfect posture, standing by the door. His professionalism knew no bounds considering I was standing here in my naked glory when he entered.

“Alright. Inform her I shall be out shortly. Please offer her a refreshment.” I asked of him. His slinky movements gave away his beast as he moved rectilinearly down the hall. Creast closed the door behind him, growling at the back of his throat. “Problem with Faveh, Creast?” I inquired in amusement.

“I just don’t care to watch snakes slither about.” He conceded, finally showing a bit of that panther attitude as he returned to my side and began placing finishing touches upon my hair. I held up the dress for a moment before I finally decided to put it on. After donning the dress, Creast helped me attach my accessories.

“I suppose its time to face this old bat.” I said as I looked at my presentable self in the mirror. I had not even eaten yet and she was here to bend my ear about something else. “Does she not know how to mind her own business?” I mused as I approached my bedroom door. The door swung open to reveal Brent. He shifted to one side and bowed as I passed. Creast fell into step behind me. I heard Brent join us shortly after. I glided down the hall towards the dining room. I don’t have time to entertain this senile old woman. She was one of the nosiest people I had ever met. She insisted on knowing all the gossip so she may spread it as fast as possible. Brent cleared his throat behind me as I approached the dining room doors. A pair of beautiful, oversized French doors I had designed, painted in a stunning peachy blush color.

“Hyun-Ho will arrive to escort you to the stables upon the completion of breakfast, My Lady.” He said softly in my ear before moving around me to grasp the doors. He breezily swung them both open. Once again moving out of my way and bowing when I passed. Creast stayed on the other side of the door, bowing as well. I nodded my dismissal and he quickly spun and disappeared as Brent closed the doors behind me. My eyes swiveled towards the older woman sitting at the table off to the left. The hearing in my right ear was not what it used to be, so I sat all visitors to my left in order to ease hearing. As I made my move to sit down, Brent pulled out my chair. Yukita, one of Ezras boys, made his way in with a covered plate. Yukita was in charge of all the cooking, and he preferred to deliver the meals in person to Ezra and I. Ezra was happy about this because it decreased the amount of hands that touched his food. He had survived several assassination attempts over the years, to include poison. So from a security stand point it was also a plus. I drew in a deep breath as I sat down. My plate appeared in front of me right away. I chose this time to start what was bound to be a grueling conversation.

“It is pleasant to see you this early in the morning, Lorelai.” I said addressing the elder Hawaiian. She had been on Nefritum for almost 200 Nefritum years before I had showed up over 70 years ago. In earth years, I had been here about 18 years. I would have only been in my 30’s instead of my 90’s. The difference in Time was also how women lived for so long in Nefritum. The men would not live so long. The more pure their blood and powerful their beast, the longer they will live. Which is probably why I had not lost my husband yet. He was in his 20’s when I arrived, making him almost 100 years old. I never really knew how much time I had left with him. On the other side of that coin, I was not entirely sure I would want to remarry for a while after he was gone. He was a dream wrapped in candy made of morphine. That would be difficult to replace.

“A truly beautiful day today.” She croaned. Her tired face still held a youthful will to live as she sipped her tea.

“Indeed.” I said as Brent took the cover off of my food. The smell of eggs wafting up to my nose. Sausage and a wheat based gravy over what you could call a scone. I gripped my cutlery in my hands as I continued, eager to push this along. “My breakfast will not wait for anyone, so I do hope you forgive my rudeness.” I just wanted to stuff my face. Being who I was also had its setbacks. I had to perform like a circus monkey daily for high tier people. I smiled a cordial smile at her.

“Oh don’t mind me.” She brushed off. I knew she didn’t actually mean it. I could see her fluster as I began to eat. Putting all those etiquette lessons to good use, I ate as delicately as I could.

“What news have you brought me, Lorelei?” I managed to question her between bites.

“Straight to it then?” She croaked. I nodded as I gracefully placed another small bite of eggs into my mouth. I scooped it off of the cutlery with my lips as she continued. I quietly listened to her tell me all about the alpha female of a tribe of Tigers outside of the capital. It did not take her long to move on to a new fashion designer she hated. The poor girl had arrived a few years ago. She had loved fashion at home too from what I had read. From my knowledge, she was skilled in male fashion. I could not see what basis this heifer had to hate her so thoroughly. “…At least you are not that way.” She was finishing when I snapped back to the conversation. I nodded in a vague response to sate her. “Oh! I almost forgot! Have you heard there is a new crop of boys over at the slave market?” So that was why she was here. I despised the slave market and had spent most of my time here fighting to eradicate the practice. However, most level one beasts would make the choice to go into the market in hopes of catching the attention of a woman. Their power wasn’t enough to draw attention and they sure didn’t want to fight for it.

“Have you already been by?” I asked already knowing the answer.

“I did manage to stop by yesterday. Just to investigate of course.”

“Of course.” Anyone who had spent a shred of time with this woman would know that was not actually the case. My tone had been dripping with distain and misbelief. I knew better. This woman gathered slaves like lawn ornaments. She made them carry her around like she was one of those dogs you put in a purse. She insisted they taste everything she was served first to check and see if one of her many, many enemies had poisoned it. She also happened to be the sole proprietor of the dragon necklaces. As of yet I had been unable to ascertain if she planned on taking on an heir. This woman felt like she could live forever and I knew her demise was imminent. She had been witnessed coughing up blood recently, as well as dizzy spells and sudden forgetfulness. Her health was failing and there was only so much even the best doctors could do for her.

“I did happen to spy a young thing there. Only around 11 I would say. Unusual for one that small to be available.” I was taken aback a little. Boys don’t gain a human form until puberty. He was barely at the age of puberty but he had already taken on a human form. This showed early skill in transformation. Perhaps she was onto something here.

“Do you plan on claiming him tomorrow?” I asked referring to the process of taking in slaves. Much like racehorses in a claiming race, the men were displayed to show off their strengths over the course of a few days. Then on the final day, they were auctioned off. However, if he was claimed before the show started, you got to take him home when it was all over.

“Oh, I don’t know….” She said sneaking a glance down at her feet where one of her current slaves waited. He sat on his feet with his knees under him. His face was on the floor and his hands behind his back. My heart went out to him for just a moment. I reeled it in before it showed on my face. She continued to pretend she wasn’t interested in him for a moment more. “The ones I have test my coin as is.” She said with a threatening tone. Like she was levying something over them all. This disgusting display was something I have had to stomach for years. I could not wait to be rid of this woman.

“Perhaps. Last I heard you were housing upwards of ten of them. That must be a strain on your income. Are you wanting to discuss an increase in price for the dragon necklaces?” I spied her suspiciously as I slipped the last of the sausage between my lips.

“Oh no dear. You are generous enough to keep me in good wealth as is.” She smiled. It was a evil saggy smile. I wanted to cringe and did so inwardly as much as I could. My eyes remained like ice connected to hers. “I simply wanted you to know of the anomaly currently housed at the market. I feel as if this is out of the ordinary enough, that someone of your stature might wish to know.” She tried to smooth things over with me. The last thing she wanted was to be in my bad graces. But it was an equally sharp sword for me also. If I upset her she could make my life living hell until she keels over.

“I do appreciate your worrying about us.” I said through my teeth, steadily loosing my grasp on my demure attitude. I placed my cutlery on the almost empty plate in front of me. I have lost my appetite. Brent moved swiftly in and whisked the plate away. I placed my napkin on the table and pushed my chair out, standing up. As I did this, Hyun-ho entered on a breeze, landing next to me. He held his hand out to me, intending on escorting me. His other hand was resting upon the hilt of his sword. This was an unspoken warning to my guest as to not make a move deemed unseemly.

“Mrs. Cutter!” She shrieked, as she made an attempt to stand.

“I do apologize, Lorelei. I have to make my way to the stables. I have a carriage ready.” I said hoping to dismiss myself. She scrambled like she was trying to find a reason to keep me here. I looked down my nose at her, hoping she would do something I could admonish her for.

“Number 6!” she hollered. A tall lanky boy emerged and rushed to her side. He immediately folded into the same position as the one by her feet. This was ridiculous.

“Along with it.” I firmly stated, inserting a bit of a growl into my voice.

“Take him with you. He is skilled with horses and I believe he will add to your household.” She kicked him in the side, goading him to stand and rush over to my feet, folding back down. There it was. While I normally moved quite slowly, taking things at my own pace, I instantly abandoned my position. I appeared at her side, having taken only a few large steps, head high towards her.

“Lorelei.” I growled at her, bending down to frame her into her chair. I stepped over her slave, protecting him from her. “If you ever have the slight of mind to violently assault someone else in my home again, I will lock you in the stockade downtown so you may experience it for yourself.” My voice was low and firm. This was not a threat. This was a promise. I straightened myself back up as I watched her practically piss her undersift. “I shall take him. I will also inform you that I have sent one of my butlers to go claim to boy you want. No more slaves Lorelei. You have had your share and its enough to keep you comfortable until you leave us. I just hope that is when you pass peacefully and not when I have my husband ban you from this country.” She might be able to make my life hard, but I was sure in my statement. I knew Ezra could make it happen if I asked him too. All women were tradeable. From one tribe or country to another. No matter the freedom we had. Lower level girls who marry lower can be traded at any time with the leaders wishes. I was a high tier female, and as such could not be traded and wouldn’t be since my husband was the leader. I turned and placed my hand out to my side. Hyun-ho moved to intercept, grasping my hand gently. “I do hope our next meeting isn’t so dramatic, Lorelei.” I held my head high as I turned towards the boy deemed ‘Number 6.’

“Hyun-ho.” I said. He didn’t require any more from me. He bent down to the boy.

“What is your name?”

“What ever name the madam wants to give me.” He answered, still not unfolding.

“Faveh! Escort Mrs. Happernick out. We have concluded our current business. Creast! Fetch some clothes for this boy! Brent!” I began hollering orders out as I took in this boys form. “Someone find, Mysty!” I screamed for one of Ezra’s boys. It was going to take a village to get this boy back on track. “and locate Jurino!” The entire dining room erupted into a bustle of activity. People came and went. Mrs. Happernick complained the whole way out the door, trying to stay longer. So nosy. I looked back down where Hyun-ho had him at least sitting up a bit. He wiped a handkerchief over the boys face.

“How old are you?” I asked him as I squatted down beside him. He immediately avoided my eyes, looking frightened out of his skin. I reached out slowly and touched his arm gently. “No one here is going to harm you. I know it will take time to learn that but I assure you that if it does happen, you can come right to me and we will sort it out together.” I will save every single one of them that I can.

“17.” He muttered softly, only managing to glance at my face.

“17! 17? Jeez you are a baby.” I scoffed, thinking about how she could have truly messed him up if he had remained in her care. Anger boiled in me again as I stood up. Just then, Jurino arrived. His short hair was hidden under a large brim hat. His skin was tanned to perfection.

“I am told this boy shows skill with horses. I need you to ascertain his education level and skills.” I instructed.

“Absolutely my lady.” Jurino agreed, bowing to me. I bent back down. “Jurino is the stable manager. He also happens to be a pretty good tutor. He will show you not to fear.” I whispered to the boy. Loud noises were making him flinch and I didn’t want to startle him more. “Mysty will be along shortly. He is going to get you a bath, some medicine and some food.” I continued to express what was supposed to happen. I stood once more motioning for Brent to move in. He skillfully replaced Hyun-ho, cradling the boy in his death grip before hoisting him to his feet.

“You will be alright now young one.” Brent cajoled. The boy flailed as he was not prepared for the sudden movement. Nothing could break that grip though as Brent set him down. The boy fought to bend back down. How long had she had him? He was trained with fear and it was arguably cruel. Faveh returned seeming to coil in the corner. I motioned for him to approach me.

“Yes, Ma’am?” He asked politely.

“Go to the slave market. There is a boy there. Perhaps about 11 in age. I want him claimed under this house. He is not to go to Lorelei’s torture chamber.” I held my hand back out for Hyun-ho. He fluidly moved into his place. Faveh bowed shortly and made a beeline for the door. He was one of those who wholly supported the demise of the slave operations. So if he was my boy or not, I knew he would be willing to make the long run to the market. I turned back to the boy.

“Are you willing to tell us your name?” he stood upright, almost all on his own. However he was violently shaking in terror. “Or maybe would you like to tell me what beast you are?” I thought to get a little less personal. Their beasts were often more confident then they were.

“uh… Im an Ostrich ma’am.” He confessed. His frame suddenly made sense. Tall and lanky and skinny with long legs.

“Ostrich are speedy creatures with a bit of a fire side. Im a little shocked you stayed with your former mistress.” I admitted in return. I would treat him as I would treat anyone. What better way to get him comfortable than if I was? “That is admirable. You could have run but did not. Now life will reward you for your loyalty.” I told him as I stepped around them. “Brent, as soon as he gives a name I am to be informed. Ask Herit to fly it to me.” I said over my shoulder. I heard him giggle behind me.

“Yes My Lady.” He responded as I walked away with Hyun-ho in tow. “See shes not so bad. You will like what happens next.” I could hear Brent attempt to make him feel better. I also heard the dining room door burst open as Mysty’s voice sang through the space, working its way down to me. I smiled to myself. We walked in silence a moment before Hyun-ho attempted to talk.

“What do you plan on doing with him, My Lady?” He asked softly. His armor shifted as he walked, making noise with every step. But it was a comfortable noise that made me feel safe. I wrapped my arm around his as we made our way to the stables. That whole ordeal had taken far longer than I had expected. It was late morning already. I had hoped to be at the Colosseum by now. I thought for a moment before I finally spoke up to answer his question.

“I have not had but a moment to think about it. However I feel as though we could spare a little to train him up, give him a chance in the fights. Depending on his skills, I could also see him taking up a trade and being his own beast.” I said assuredly. Every one of them needed to be free.

“I don’t think that is what he is thinking is going to happen.”

“I tried to be upfront about what I wished to happen. Was I not clear enough?” I pondered, actually second guessing the clarity of my directions.

“No, ma’am. I just don’t think he believes you.”

“He might not, but that will not stop me from trying to set him up for success.” I countered. Hyun-ho smiled as we approached the carriage. He was looking at his feet when I turned to face him. “Is something wrong?” I asked him. He sure looked flustered.

“Nothing wrong, my lady. Um… I just…” He finally looked up at me, reaching his hand out to cup my cheek. “Your determination is intoxicating… Ma’am.” He added that last word as an after thought it seemed, which actually made me blush. Forgetting to title your mistress was a big no no in these parts. If he was so entranced with what he was trying to convey to me, to nearly forget his manners, I was honored by that devotion. My love language tickled over my skin, starting from my head and down the sides like a lovers touch. My body mapping where I wanted his hands to touch me in this moment.

“You honor me, Hyun-ho.” My cheeks flushed at this compliment. He was a man of few words so he often got straight to the point. Very rarely had I seen him fumble so. A wave of warmth settled over my skin. When my eyes met his face, he looked equally nervous. While I have had him in my harem for years, we have never taken the step to fully embrace our s****l desires. His gaze was on fire as his eyes searched my face.

“I hope to bring you much honor, my lady.” His whisper reached my ears full of love. Hand planted gently on my cheek, he opened the carriage door. I took my face out of his grasp as I moved into the carriage. He closed the door behind me. I heard his shrill whistle. Followed by harsh hoofsteps. I assumed he mounted his horse since we began lumbering forward.