Golden sunlight bathed the room in a comforting warmth as the birds outside sang their lovely tunes. The cheerful sounds from the citizens flitted through the open windows. The soldiers went about their training with steadfast resolve. To everyone today was a good day, but not to Olivar.
He wiped at the sweat forming along his chin, his gaze burrowing into the door. His tea had long gone cold as did the pastries on the table in front of him. Today was not a good day since Lady Priscilla had ignored his invitation again. The Duke’s daughter had vehemently rejected every of his invitations for the past week. Ever since that meeting, she wasn’t the same.
The once prim and dainty Priscilla now marched through the halls with an imperial air. Her steps are firm and precise. Head held high as she went about her way, and she no longer tried hiding her disgust towards him. The cup in his hands shook violently as he remembered her words. I have no time to waste on a loathsome and degenerate cock such as you. If you need the company of a woman then call upon your attendant, for I will no longer humor you.
The cup cracked in his hand. “How dare she say that to me!” his teeth cracked against each other. A knock echoed from the door. “Enter.” His tension eased a bit when Myra stepped into the room. “What did you find out?”
“Not much I’m afraid.” Myraelle stopped next to the couch. Olivar slapped his shoulders, and she quickly hurried behind him, kneading her fingers into his flesh. “No one has ever seen this benefactor save for Lady Priscilla herself, and her handmaid.”
Olivar released a slight groan as her thumbs dug into his neck. “Do we at least have a name for this individual?”
“Everyone knows him as master Legion.” She ran her thumbs along his neck causing him to shiver in delight.
“Master Legion, that sounds familiar.” Olivar tried remembering, but Myra’s massage was too distracting. “What else did you find?”
“He’s only been active in the city for a year, but he’s been a staunch supporter of the Duke. He’s made several large donations to the duchy’s coffers.” She hummed in thought for a moment. “Not to mention, Lady Priscilla’s knight used to be in his employ.”
“The amu’ryjin?”
“Also, the renovation project was spearheaded by this master Legion, not the Duke.”
Olivar tightly grabbed her hands. “What?”
Myra groaned in pain. “Apparently, he owns a tavern in the lower city. He wants to renovate the area to increase his business.” Olivar released his grip and paced around angrily.
“Have a carriage prepared.” He growled. “I want to visit this tavern.”
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By the time the carriage entered the slums, the sun slowly faded into the west. Olivar huffed as he watched the citizens move about the streets, their worn, dirty clothes not even fit for rags. However, the main street was clean which allowed the carriage to move freely into the square. He stared in contempt as the commoners haggled their cheap wares from freshly painted stalls as the carriage pulled up to the front of a well-kept tavern. He stepped out and took the building in with a stern eye. A loud ruckus came from within the building, nearly drowning out the joyful melody. As soon as Myra stepped out of the carriage, he stormed into the building and was immediately assaulted by the smell.
The hall was filled with large, disgusting ruffians in soiled armor. Their weapons used weapons hung on racks by the door to prevent fights from getting out of hand. A few guards sat amongst them which lessened his view of the Duke’s forces.
Most of the adventurers gathered around the stage. They danced and whooped while the ones sitting at the tables slammed their mugs in time with the jaunty tune. A few of the adventurers by the door eyed Olivar in contempt, but they kept their words to themselves.
He started moving towards the bar. “So, this is how the lesser people enjoy themselves.” He huffed derisively but was cut off as a lascivious barmaid danced between the groups to deliver fresh tankards to the guests. The barmaid gave him a warm smile as she went back to work. “Perhaps there is some appeal to this place.” Olivar suddenly wished he had brought guards with him.
All the tables were littered with dirtied dishes and food crumbs. When he went to approach an empty table, one of the adventurers would rush to sit down and glare at him menacingly. Eventually he was forced towards the full bar at the back of the tavern. Thankfully, the bar maiden was pleasing to look at.
The golden-haired temptress leaned across the bar, giving him a generous view down her dress. “Welcome to the Crimson Maiden, my lord.” Her eyes sparkled with the same warmth as her smile. “Is there anything I can get you?”
“You wouldn’t have any tables available, would you?” Olivar replied, leaning close to her.
“I’m afraid no, my lord.” Her eyes lingered on the stage and the crowd around it. “I’m afraid you’ve come at the worst time.”
“And why is that?”
The barmaid pulled out a bottle of wine, uncorked it, and slid it towards him with teasing smirk. Olivar picked up the bottle, ready to throw it back, but stared in awe at the quality vintage. The barmaid’s smirk grew as she slid two glasses over.
“You’ll see soon enough, my lord.” Before he could say anything, a loud commotion came from the stage.
“Quiet down everyone and take your seats! Lady Mina is about to perform an original song!” The crowd roared in delight as they ran back to their seats. Olivar stared in stunned silence as the stage became visible.
A young boy struck a beaten pot with a spoon trying to calm everyone, but it was the beauty sitting behind him that everyone was focused on. Her long raven black hair was set in an elaborate bun with rich, ornate pins holding it in place. Her luxurious robes teased her gorgeous figure in a way that reminded him of nobility. She radiated purity and innocence, and that made Olivar suddenly desire her.
“I love you, Mina!” A voice broke from the crowd. Olivar’s heart nearly stopped at the embarrassed smile she gave everyone.
“What’s the song?” Another voice called out.
“It’s a ballad.” Mina replied, failing at hiding her blushed face. “It’s called the Monstrous Savior.” Hushed, confused whispers filled the room.
Mina slowly stood and walked to the edge of the stage. She took several deep breaths then started singing. As Triemiere was on the west coast, Olivar was familiar with a few amu’ryjin songs, but hearing the lyrics in his own language was something he wasn’t prepared for.
Great sadness and despair took over him as Mina sang the opening. The tale of a young woman stolen from her home and forced into slavery. Terrible shame stole the warmth from the room as the deeds escaped Mina’s lips. A few of the adventurers were already in tears as Mina finished the first verse, then the despair turned to terrible fear.
Goosebumps formed on his arms as Mina sang about a monster with eyes like blood lurking within the depths. It wasn’t simply him, everyone was on edge, especially the barmaids. Olivar had to take a deep drink to calm himself as the second verse ended, but it was the third verse that changed everything.
A sudden warmth filled his stomach, and he felt incredibly light. Mina’s singing expressed great joy despite the subject being under the authority of a terrible monster. The feeling intensified as Mina continued the third verse, and the edges of fear gave way to admiration. Tears were flowing freely from the adventurers as well as Myra beside him. His own eyes were becoming misty, but he couldn’t understand why. Finally, the song ended, and silence filled the tavern. Then everyone erupted into applause.
“That was beautiful, Mina!”
“Marry me!”
“She’s too good for you!”
Mina waved at everyone as she made her way over to the bar. “Another wonderful performance.” The barmaid slid a glass of water to her.
“Thank you, Ada.”
“Truly spectacular my dear.” Olivar slid next to the minstrel with a large smile. “I’ve heard amu’ryjin music before, but your song was the best out of all of them.”
Mina’s smile wavered. “Thank you, my lord.”
Olivar’s smile widened as he let his gaze wander. She was a beautiful woman even if she was of short stature. Mina squirmed under his intense gaze which made her even more desirable.
“What services do you have here?” He asked as another barmaid walked past.
“Well, we serve food and drink, and we do have rooms should you wish for more personal services.” Ada replied, trying to draw his attention away from Mina.
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Olivar’s smile widened. “How much for mistress Mina’s time?”
Ada’s smile faded as Mina released a small squeak. “Lady Mina doesn’t provide those services.” Ada said, placing a comforting hand on Mina’s.
Olivar tossed his purse onto the counter, gold coins spilling out. “Surely the master of this tavern wouldn’t turn this down.” The gold shined brightly in the lantern light.
“That is a generous sum.” Ada eyes lingered on the coins before glancing at Mina. “But as I said Lady Mina does not perform those services.”
“Is my gold not good enough!” Olivar slammed his fist onto the bar causing the ruckus to die down. “I am the son of Viscount Triemiere, or is a nobleman not worthy of the lady’s time?” The adventurers around him glared, their knuckles cracking from their tightly clenched fists, but he wasn’t concerned. His hard gaze shifted to Mina. Her eyes shined as she stared at the money. “Well, answer me!” Mina simply nodded as she bit her lip and she reached for the coin with trembling hands, but another pair grabbed them first.
“My lord, you are truly worth Lady Mina’s time.” Ada said, sidling next to him. His eyes were instantly drawn to her chest as it shook with each deep breath. She leaned down so that her lips tickled his ear. “But would you truly be satisfied with her? A delicate flower needs proper care and attention. To pluck it before its time would be a terrible mistake, wouldn’t you agree?” Olivar took a deep breath as Ada’s hand ran down his chest and stomach. “Why not let me attend to you?” Her lips brushed against his cheek in a light kiss. Olivar found it hard to concentrate as one of her hands ran through his hair and the other along his leg.
“He didn’t ask for you whore.” Myra’s harsh tone broke her spell. “If he wants the island girl then he’ll get her.”
Ada drew away which stole Olivar’s breath, but her eyes glowed brilliantly as she stared at Myra. “My lord truly knows how to pick his women.” She cooed as she moved towards Myra. She allowed her finger to run along his shoulder as she pulled Myra into her other arm. “Truly lovely indeed.” Ada smirked as her right hand ran along Myra’s back and hips. Myra tried to pull away, but Ada kept a tight grip on her waist. “It must wear you out to sate him.” Olivar stood there enraptured as the two women pressed against each other, their lips a hair breadth away. “Perhaps, I could be of service.” Ada stared deeply into Myra’s eyes as she went in for a kiss. Myra simply stood there stunned.
“How much for your services?” Olivar asked, tugging at his collar.
Myra gasped as Ada broke the kiss, the two women held each other’s gaze. “Why don’t we head upstairs to discuss it?” Ada replied, pulling the two of them away. Olivar lost all thought as the prostitute’s hooded eyes fluttered at him, and he found himself drawn into her touch. With a meaty hand, he grasped her left cheek hard as another hand brushed past his skin to grab Ada’s flesh.
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Mina stared as Ada ascended the stairs. The golden-haired woman gave her a quick wink before disappearing from her sight. Mina gazed down at her violently shaking hands. Tears fell onto her knuckles, and a low sob escaped her lips. She was aware that others were watching her, but she couldn’t hold back the fear and anguish.
A gentle touch drew her attention, and she stared into the eyes of one of the barmaids. “Don’t worry Lady Mina. Madame Ada knows what she’s doing. Why don’t you go downstairs to rest. We’ll take care of everything.”
Mina gave a small nod in response as she slid away from the bar. The voices from the patrons faded as she descended each step, and the door at the bottom beckoned warmly to her. Her hands tightly gripped the brass knob, its cold touch returning some feeling into her hands, and she stepped inside the cozy basement.
The basement bar was bathed in the soft, warm light of the golden lanterns, and a faint scent of fruit filled the room. There was no one there as they were all out running errands, and the box that master Reviled sat was also empty. Except it wasn’t.
Mina glared at the woman lounging on a bed of pillows eating candied fruit from a bowl. Her dark blue hair was pulled back into a ponytail and her golden bangles clacked with every slight movement. For a moment, she thought the woman was naked, but as she approached, she found that the shadows hid the few scraps of clothing she was wearing.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Mina snapped.
“Waiting for the master.” Cynmora replied, popping another piece of fruit into her mouth. “It is my day off, and I wanted to spend it with him.” There was a rustle of paper, and Mina noticed the book nestled next to her arm.
“You know how to read?”
“A literate slave is a useful one.” Cynmora sighed and cursed in her native tongue. “I was hoping he’d get with the spy.”
Mina approached slowly, trying to catch a glimpse, but the shadows hid the words. “What are you reading?”
“An amateur’s attempt at romance.” Cynmora slammed the book closed and tossed it away. Her maroon eyes took Mina in with a soft smile. “What’s wrong little canary?”
“Nothing’s wrong.”
Cynmora slid out of the box and stood over her. A gentle hand brushed against Mina’s cheek, wiping away the tear stains. “Then why were you crying?” Mina tried to look away, but the zymarrian kept a firm grip on her cheeks.
“A patron asked me to service him,” Mina whispered, “It brought back bad memories.” She flinched as Cynmora leered down at her.
“I’m not surprised.” Cynmora gave her a toothy smile. “You are a very lovely woman.”
“I don’t want… people to look at me like that.” Mina pulled away, hugging herself. She quickly glanced at the half-naked woman. “How do you stand it? Those lustful looks people give you.”
“Quite easily.” Cynmora’s laugh echoed throughout the room. “I underwent the zhar’resh when I was about the princess’ age.”
“What is that?” Mina asked, trying to keep her voice calm. She didn’t want to appear desperate.
Cynmora glided to the center of the room and clapped her hands over her head. She stamped her right foot, causing her bangles to jingle. “You see little canary; my body is my instrument.” She started dancing. Mina was mesmerized at the exotic steps. “The eye is naturally drawn to movement, so I trained my body to move at the slightest of steps.” She performed a slight hop, and Mina’s eyes lingered on the zymarrian’s bouncing breast. Then her eyes fell to Cynmora’s gyrating hips. “Are you enjoying my demonstration, little canary?”
Mina tore her eyes away. “Why would I enjoy such a vulgar dance?” She snapped. Her face felt incredibly warm.
“Because we enjoy looking at beautiful things.” Cynmora chuckled. “The zhar’resh is designed to accentuate the natural beauty of the human body. After all, a woman ugly of face can still be seductive if she has the right figure.”
“So zhar’resh is a type of training for prostitutes?”
“All prostitutes undergo zhar’resh, but not all who undergo zhar’resh are prostitutes.” Cynmora replied, folding her arms. “A painter must understand what is beautiful if he wishes to create works of art.” Mina scowled as the snake posed seductively. “There is nothing to be ashamed of when you’re truly beautiful.”
Mina mumbled, the words coming out slowly. “Could you teach me this zhar’resh.”
“Are you certain little canary? You may not enjoy my instructions.”
Mina glanced at her with misty eyes. “Please.”
Cynmora slipped next to her and embraced her. “As you wish,” she whispered. Her hands slid down to the sash holding Mina’s robes closed. “First, you’ll need to comfortable in your own skin.” Mina nodded with a grimace as the sash fell at her feet. She gasped when Cynmora slipped her hand into the gap. “Do you wish for me to stop?”
“No,” Mina stuttered, “Keep going.” She closed her eyes tightly as the robe fell to the floor. Goosebumps formed along her skin, despite the warmth in the room.
Warmth tickled Mina’s ear. “I’m envious, little canary. My training would have been easier if I had your figure.”
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The warm, wet cloth gently glided across the smooth skin of Ada’s neck and chest. After ten years of working as a prostitute, she knew how important it was to be clean. However, she was aware that the smell of sex could attract men. There was a delicate balance of maintaining proper hygiene and the alluring musk. One she had long since mastered.
“How would you like to be my personal concubine?” Ada looked over to the lord laying on the bed.
“That is a tempting offer, my lord.” She replied with a soft smile. The man’s victorious smile made her chuckle. “But my master wouldn’t approve.” Her smiled turned amorous as she remembered that day Reviled saved her from Eirgnon. “He can be very possessive.”
“I’m certain I can change his mind.” Lord Triemiere scoffed. She kept her smile up despite being assaulted by the disgusting sound. “I’ll gladly pay any price.”
“It’s not a matter of money.” Ada said, slipping on her clothes. “We are a part of him, and that’s why he’s so possessive.”
“Yet he whore’s you out.”
“I am a prostitute, so why wouldn’t he?” Ada’s smile faded. “Princes don’t come to save us.”
The Lord smiled brightly at her. “I could save you.”
“Then you’d have to fight my master.” She returned the smile, sauntering over to the bed. “And I’m afraid you’d lose that fight.” She gingerly kissed him, enjoying the lustful glint in his eyes. “But I’ll still be here ready for you.” The Lord leaned forward, trying to extend the kiss, but she pulled away and gave him a playful wave as she left.
With the door closed, Ada headed back to the main hall. She was aware of the looks the men were giving her, and it made her feel powerful. It was easy to manipulate men with a warm smile, a gentle touch, and some exposed skin. She brushed past a large adventurer, allowing her fingers to linger on his back, and he gave her that ridiculous smile men give when they perceive interest. It sent a tingle down her spine, and she gave him a lovely smile of her own as she returned to the bar.
“Is everything alright, madame Ada?” Vaera asked as she gathered the dishes.
“Yes, everything is fine. Do you know where Mina is?”
“Lady Mina went downstairs when you left with that lord.” One of the barmaids replied, looking concerned at the stairs. “She hasn’t come back since.”
Ada sighed deeply. “I’d best go check on her.”
Worry gnawed at her as she descended the stairs, and she was afraid about what she would find on the other side. However, she ended up smiling instead.
“No, no, no.” Cynmora scolded the amu’ryjin. “Each step must be purposeful, and what are you doing with your hips? You look like goose waddling across the street.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t understand what you mean.” Mina shrank into herself. She perked up a little when she spotted Ada. “Are you alright?” She cried.
“I’m fine dear.” Ada chuckled, stepping inside. “Honestly, I was more worried about you.”
“You should be.” Cynmora huffed, rubbing her eyes. “This little canary came in here crying her eyes out. Then this poor thing requested my help in developing her womanly charms.”
“I wouldn’t say that.” Mina squirmed under their gaze.
“I’m sorry dear.” Ada took Mina into a warm embrace. “If you wanted to work on your femininity then why not ask me?”
Mina pressed her face into Ada’s bosom. “I’m tired. Everyday I feel anxious about people looking at me like that lord. So, I thought that Cynmora could help me act more feminine.”
“I see.”
“I thought it would be best to start with teaching her how to walk,” Cynmora replied, “The little thing walks around like she as a stick inside her.” The zymarrian gave a quick demonstration, and Ada was impressed at how skilled she was. “She has the hips but doesn't know how to swing them.”
“Before we start training her on walking, I think we should determine how she wants people to see her.”
Cynmora nodded. “Good point.”
“What are you talking about?” Mina glanced between them.
“It’s important to determine how you want others to see you. After all, people look at a queen differently than they do a whore.” Ada smiled at her, playing with her hair.
“I don’t want people leering at me.” Mina whispered.
“Then we should start with your clothes,” Ada said, “How about we go shopping tomorrow. We can purchase you some fine clothes from the upper city, and we can teach you how to powder your face.” Mina stared at her in shock.
“I recommend we go with a rouge from Zymarra.” Cynmora stated, inspecting Mina’s face. “They put powdered gems in it, so it should give her a more ephemeral look.” Mina turned her eyes to Cynmora.
“That’s a wonderful idea. Why don’t you join us tomorrow?”
“I’d love to.”
Both women smiled brightly at Mina. “We’ll take good care of you, don’t worry.”