It was early and still dark when I woke. Kendra stirred sleepily beside me as I sat up. Something was different, not wrong just different. Then I realized my side didn't hurt. As I sat in the dark something else struck me. Why was Kendra in my bed. Slowly the fog lifted and I remembered some of what had happened last night. I also remembered that she'd shown no sign of the injuries inflicted on her two days ago. I climbed out of bed , and rubbed myself gently as I stood up. I was a little sore but that would pass in a couple of days. I retrieved a clean dress and went down to the bathroom. I lit and stoked the fire, then sat down with my diary whilst I waited for the water to heat. I have found it strangely cathartic writing this, but it has created a problem, who or most likely what is Sulin?
The opportunity to obtain a partial answer to that question presented itself some 15 minutes later, when Sulin, walked into the bathroom. "Is there room in there for me?" She didn't actually wait for an answer but climbed straight in. As she did so I noted she showed no signs of soreness or in fact any sign she'd climaxed at least 6 times last night that I could recall
"Who are you, or more to the point what are you?"
"My name, as you know is Sulin, and I'm a citizen of this city. Beyond that I will tell you I'm no threat to you. In fact like now you benefit from my presence"
Now she mentioned it, I could feel her foot between my legs, her toes gently massaging me. As she did so, I could feel an energy flow and the soreness leave. It also had a side effect that bore fruit 5 minutes later. We dressed each other afterwards and went our separate ways, me to check on Molly and Sulin to check in on Teleta and Zandra.
Molly was somewhat better this morning although she still looked a mess. The cuts were all drying and scabbing nicely and the bruises were all turning a nice shade of yellow. About the only part of her that didn't ache or hurt was her arm, not necessarily the best sign. We sat and discussed what had happened at the Captains Rest, although I left out certain details much to Molly's annoyance. In the end I placated her by healing some of her injuries, although my talent in this is limited.
The morning gathering was late because of last nights events and several of the girls sported hangovers, although there was a new atmosphere of optimism. Things improved further when Kiona arrived, assisted by Torvald, although there was an initial awkward moment until Kiona made it clear that Molly was in charge. I quietly gathered some breakfast and retired to my room.
It seems to have been a habit of late for people to disturb me whilst in the middle of a Tai Chi session. I called enter, expecting it to be one of the girls only to have Torvald walk in. Strangely I felt embarrassed at being naked. Torvald offered to come back but I asked him what he wanted. He seemed to be as uncomfortable as I was but for different reasons. He wanted to know how I got the better of Trinkam. I told him that was my business. Convincing him of this took somewhat longer. In the end I was forced to admit I knew about the blood oath and that his secret was safe. After that he left, albeit reluctantly.
The rest of the day passed quietly. Trinkam sent the girls belongings, and Molly hired a pair of scullery maids to get on top of the cleaning. I spent the day on the balcony, and trade picked up a little although it was still down on previous weeks. The evening trade was better and the bar regenerated some of its lost atmosphere. I retired early pleased to find fresh sheets on the bed.
Today was spent much as the yesterday, although Molly had me heal Selial rather than her. The waiting was becoming a little tedious and in the end I got Panchae and Fela to show me the markets and other city highlights. During the evening I chose to sit down stairs with the girls and had to turn down several offers. Kendra is now working, although Molly is filtering her clients. Sulin, Teleta, and Zandra are attracting a lot of attention and I hope it won't cause any friction.
I had hoped we would sail today, but the last of the cargo didn't arrive until after the evening tide. The day began much as yesterday. I woke early and went and had a bath. Returning to my room I caught Sulin leaving Koleen, Marsa, and Fela's room. I asked her if she intended to spend any night in her own bed. She said "eventually".
I acquired breakfast and retired to my room. My Tai Chi session was again interupted, this time by Molly. She supposed, correctly, that I was leaving today and wanted to talk about the bar and the future and how she'd manage without me. I told her not to worry and that everything would work out. She had a decent bunch of girls working for her and she could rely on both her mother and Younta for support.
I can only surmise that Molly had intended it to be a short conversation, and it certainly hadn't been my intention when she walked in the room, but as we sat talking I began to wonder what she'd be like. She must have sensed something a when she went to kiss me as she was about to leave I stopped her and started unlacing her dress. She didn't resist.
She left a couple of hours later having unburdened herself of all the baggage of recent events. Her action against her father, and in particular the method of her action, was only now coming home to roost. She had done at the time what she believed was right and would now have to live with it and put it into perspective. So in many ways would I.
I packed my things into the trunk, which was now beginning to become full. For the first time I was traveling with more than a large rucksack and strangely enjoying it. When I went downstairs the girls were all waiting for me. Molly arranged a trap for me whilst I hugged them all in turn. After I'd hugged Molly I withdrew a small pouch from my sash. "This should keep you going for a few months, even after you've brought them each the two dresses I promised them. Look after yourselves. I'll come back and see how you're doing in a couple of months".
After the bustle of the inn the cabin is strangely quiet, although the ever present sound of water lapping against the dock is there. All being well I should be back in Amber in a few days. What happens to the ship and its crew when we get there I don't know.
I had been asleep in my cabin when the captain had me woken. I suppose I 'd managed about 5 hours sleep and was just about recovered. The lookout had spotted sails on the horizon heading directly for us and the captain wanted me on deck. By the time I got there he was worried. He'd altered course but they were still gaining. He said it was a privateer. To me it just looked like a ship. He handed me his glass and asked if I recognised the banners. I didn't. Then there was another shout from the lookout "Sails. Port Ahead". The captain grabbed the glass. "Frigate. Different Banner. Can't outrun them both. Know this one?". He handed me back the glass. I scanned the rigging. At the top of the mast was something I recognized - The pennant of Amber.
"Head for the Frigate. It's friendly"
As we altered course the privateer gained a little then swang sharply away cutting across our stern wake. He was using us to shield himself from the frigate. We closed rapidly on each other until we were within hailing distance. They ordered us to "hove to and prepare to be boarded". I asked the captain to comply.
The captain of the frigate wanted to know who we were and where were we headed. I told him. He believed everything except the bit about who I was. He said if I was who I claimed to be I'd have a signet ring, as I didn't he'd leave the matter to Gerard. At least we got an escort into port.
When we arrived Gerard was waiting for us. I assumed that's what the change in flags on the frigate had been about. Gerard wasn't best pleased but he couldn't fault his captain for following orders. When I asked about signet rings to told me to talk to Random. I told him Random had asked me to give him a message about ensuring the "Gara-Ult Order was dispatched" He said he'd ensure that was loaded first thing in the morning for me. Why did I have a bad feeling about this? He arranged for a cart and driver to be made available so I could take the cargo to Dave's and sent my trunk on ahead to the castle.
When I got to Dave's there was another surprise in store. Random was there waiting for me. "Need to show you how to open the gate to Dave's store. It's keyed to the family, one of Fiona's little gadgets." He walked past the front of Dave's and stopped at the pair of doors beyond. "Come here then, you can't do it from there. Right then. Stand there, face the gates put your hands there and there, and spread your legs. This won't hurt a bit. "
I glared at him. "Okay. Okay. So I made the last bit up. Now do as you're told." I placed my hands where he'd indicated. he stepped behind me and placed his hands under my arms and on my tits. I clamped my arms down, and slammed my heal into the top of his foot then released my hold, allowing him to fall backwards.
"Ow. Fuck that hurt. What'd you do that for I was only playing."
"I didn't find it funny."
"We are tetchy arn't we. Obviously didn't enjoy the Velvet Rest. Now can we get on"
"Actually I did. Been a few changes since you were there last though."
"Anything I should know about. Wouldn't want to blunder in and upset things again"
I glared at him. He had a big grin on his face. "You set that whole bloody thing up didn't you?"
"Well lets say I needed something done and needed to find out what you're capable of. Since you survived, it means you sorted things out. You met Trinkam?"
"Yes. He and I had a chat."
He became serious. "What sort of a chat"
"Is this the best place to discuss this?"
"Yes. There are less ears here. Now what sort of a chat"
"If you must know I mind fucked him."
"Really. You didn't remove Fiona's memory blocks did you"
"What memory blocks. At the time I was trying to find something to stop his men filling me with crossbow bolts. I just left with a few compulsions regarding the Velvet Rest."
"Good. Now do you want to know how to open these gates or not?"
"Yes, but you"
"Well lets get on with it then."
After we'd finished unloading, he insisted we return to the Palace. "You're just back in time. There's a state function tonight for the Enegnor Ambassador. Isla will be there but I need you there as well. Do you have another frockless evening straps like you wore to the ball. Distracts everybody. Puts them off their guard."
I said I didn't but would three fig leaves do. He said only if they were small enough. When we got back to the palace he insisted I go with him to his chambers. I wanted to know why but he said he wouldn't tell me until we got there. I said I wasn't going and he told me to trust him. I told him I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him. He told me to stop worrying, that getting into my knickers was more than his life was worth, and why did I always assume that's what men wanted. I told him because in 99% of cases it was true.
When we got to his suite, he ushered me inside, managing to pat me smartly on the arse as he did so. He closed the door behind him. "Okay Get you kit off then. I need to check what size fig leaves you need"
When I started to comply he nearly had kittens. "Don't you dare. I told you thats more than my life's worth."
I continued to undo my dress "Where's the bedroom? It's so much more comfortable in a bed. Through here if I remember correctly." I dropped the dress in the doorway as I vanished out of sight. The bed was a big four poster that fitted neatly into the proportions of the room. I ran across and hopped up so I was partially hidden by the corner drapes. Random can scuttling in, cursing and telling me to stop that this wasn't a game. As he picked my dress up I removed my panties so that when he stood up again I had them dangling from my right hand as I hung seductively out of bed. I started twirling them. "No don't you dare"
I let them go. They didn't quite land where I wanted them but it was good enough. I looked at him then at the bed. "You w." I looked again. "Alright yes you would. Now this isn't funny any longer."
I burst out laughing and sat down. He turned away and threw my dress at me. I heard the door go and then a familliar voice. "Random Barriman! I'll have words with you. And if you haven't got haven't got your dress back on by the time I get in there Miss Chan, then you'll be making your way to your room without it."
I laughed again. "What, and have the whole castle gossiping that they saw me leave the Royal Chambers naked.. Still it'd put one over on Flora."
"Just put it back on and stop winding my husband up. You'd have thought he'd have learnt by now."
Vialle came into the room and glared at her husband. For a blind woman she seemed to know an awful lot. "You're supposed to just give her the trump deck. You've already skived off enough today. There's a whole stack of paperwork that needs your signature before the ball tonight. And Cordelia get off the bed.."
I slid off the side of the bed and into my dress. "You said something about a trump deck."
"Yes. Most of the family have them. Its a modified Tarrot deck, with all the Major Arcana replaced by family members. Those of us who can use trump, like Llewella, often replace the minor Acarna with place trumps, so we can travel backwards and forwards to places easily. There's a few things I need to go through with you though. Random why are you still here?"
My briefing on the trump deck lasted nearly and hour, leaving me serious little time to find a dress and grab a bath. The perogative of the King, you're never late, everyone else is early unless they arrive after you.
Random wanted me to wear something revealing but I didn't have anything in my closet. I did in the condo on Earth, in fact I had lots of stuff there, not of any use in my current predicament though. The only other person who might have something was Flora. I shot out my room and down the corridor. Flora's quarters were on the third floor close to the library.
I knocked on the outer door and got no answer. I needed a dress and Flora was the most likely person to have one. She was the same size as me but had tits and hips where I didn't. I took a breath opend the door and went in. There were all to familiar sounds coming from the bedroom. If I waited she could be all night. I took another deep breath and walked in. "Flora. Sorry to intrude but I need to borrow a dress. I've just got back and Random's sprung this damn ball on me".
"Damn you Cordelia. Your timing really sucks. Try the closet". Flora's apartment was significantly larger than mine, and in addition to having its own bathroom, had a large walk-in closet. As I crossed the room Flora disentangled herself from her conquest, who retrieved his clothes and made a rapid exit. She followed me into the closet.
I felt the need to apologize again "Sorry Flora, but I do need a dress. Something like I wore at the ball".
"Next time just slam the outer door first, its slightly less embarrassing that way." She looked me over. "You're looking well. Been out in the sun?" She slid her hands round my waist then moved them down.
"We don't have time and I need a bath"
"We can use mine and kill two birds with one stone."
I removed her hands, turned and kissed her lightly. "No. Just the dress. You'll just have to wait till later. I'm sure there will be lots of young men at the ball"
"Fat chance. It's a state do. It'll be full of boring lords, and ambassadors, and their wives"
"I'm sure something will present itself, after all Isla will be there"
She collapsed in a heap laughing. "Yes. Right. And I'm the Queen of Sheba"
I'd stopped sorting and pulled a dress off the rack. I held it up. "What do you think"
"Try it on"
"You just want me naked"
"I'll have you any way you like, but you still should try it on"
I put it on the rail and pushed my dress off my shoulders.
She looked at me suspiciously. "I thought you said you'd only just got back"
"I did"
"So why wasn't your dress done up and where's your underwear"
"Maybe I don't wear any"
She smiled.
"Okay. I was winding Random up. And my panties are hanging off the canopy of his bed, just above where Vialle sleeps"
She collapsed again. "Just wait till I tell Gerard that one"
"You do and I'll have to mention the limp dick this afternoon"
"Oh alright."
The dress didn't fit perfectly but it would do. I stepped out of it, and picked my other dress up off the floor. I thanked Flora and said I'd see her at the ball. Apart from half a dozen startled servants I made it back to my room without being seen - well servants don't count do they?
I bathed and dressed and made it down to the ballroom at about the same time as Flora did. She beckoned me over. "You were seen"
"Was I"
"Who by"
"Martin"
"Who's Martin"
"Random's son. Over there"
Sure enough standing talking to Benedict and Gerard was the young lad I'd initially been palmed off onto at the ball who'd stormed off compalining about baby sitting family members. I'd nearly sent him flying as I'd piled into him coming down the stairs. The collision had caused me to drop the dresses and in the process he'd got a good look. I'd thought there was something familiar about him at the time but couldn't place it and had had more pressing concearns at the time. Noticing I was there Gerard grinned at me and Martin looked more than a little embarrassed. That made two of us.
Further embarrassment was averted by the arrival of the Ambassador and his party, and then the arrival of Random and Vialle, who looked as radiant as ever. The rest of the evening passed without too much incident. I managed to avoid having to dance with both Gerard and Martin, but couldn't avoid Random who enjoyed my predicament until I reminded him where my panties were.
I tried to apologize to Llewella and was told it wasn't the time or the place. In the end I left shorly after Flora, but unlike her I left alone.
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