Slave of My Heart

Part 2 - Taming

Chapter One

Walter

I was besotted.

I had thought my hunger for him would diminish now that I had
claimed him, had made him mine. It always had before this. No
matter how beautiful the body, how willing the embrace, after
time it would become commonplace and my appetite would disappear.
But not with Fox. He was like the Syrup of Poppies -the more I
tasted him, the more I craved him. He flowed through my blood and
filled every breath I took. He became as necessary to me as food
or drink. And, moreover, I was rapidly becoming content to have
it so.

I had an inkling that I was in trouble that first morning when I
awakened to a sense of satiation greater than I had ever known,
not only in body but in my heart and soul as well. I could not
remember ever feeling this - this complete in my life.

Fox lay sprawled on the bed with the abandon of the young, half
on my chest and half spread across the remaining space of the
bed. Opening my eyes, I could see his face clearly in the early
morning light and I smiled. His eyes were smudged with fatigue
where his long lashes brushed his cheeks and there was a half-
smile on his swollen lips that did my ego good to see. I reached
out to caress his head, running my fingers through the shaggy,
soft hair. His short, spiky scholar's haircut had grown out
unevenly while he was imprisoned, the bangs now falling into his
eyes. That needed to be trimmed, I thought, but I would let the
back grow out, just for the pleasure of running my fingers
through it. Light glinted on the slave earring and I studied the
dull gleam of the base metal with a frown. I would replace that
with silver, I thought, or gold. I pictured the effect of a
gemstone and thought in amusement that I had never before desired
to bedeck a lover.

Sleepy eyes blinked open at the sound of my chuckle and a smile
curved that tempting mouth. "That's a merry sound for such an
early morning, Master."

"And why not?" I let my hand move down to stroke sleek skin. "It
is a beautiful morning and I awakened to the equally beautiful
sight of my own fox cub's sleeping face."

He flushed, embarrassed but pleased. "You think I'm beautiful,
Master?"

"I do, and I hardly imagine that I'm the only one." I frowned at
that thought and captured his chin so that his eyes met mine. "I
don't mind if others admire that beauty, but I shall be the only
one to possess it. I do not share what is mine with others. Am I
understood, Fox?"

Chameleon eyes that had turned smoky blue met mine. "I
understand, Master. I would die rather than let anyone else touch
me."

I pulled his head up to mine and kissed him. "A little drastic,
perhaps, but I appreciate the sentiment. And I shall take great
care of you, my treasure." A sudden thought came to mind. "Why is
Sir John so anxious to get his hands on you? I thought his
desires ran to more - exotic pleasures." There was a shudder in
the body under my hands, and I pulled Fox up into my arms,
seeking to reassure him. "What, Fox? Tell me."

"He first came to my father's house three years ago, just after
my fifteenth birthday. He had business with my father - I never
knew what it was, just that it involved the Court and it was very
secret. The first time I felt his eyes upon me, a chill ran
through me. There was something in his eyes, something evil. My
sister and I usually stayed out of the way when my father had
business at home. But one night my father - drank a little more
than usual and passed out. I had to see Sir John out and he - "
Fox flushed a little. "He - said things that I had never heard
anyone say, told me what he wanted to do with me. After that I
took care to make sure I was never around when he visited."

"Did you tell anyone what happened? Your parents? The priests?
You know that the age of consent is sixteen - he had no business
approaching you when you were so young without their consent."

Fox shook his head. "I was too afraid of what he would do." There
was a shadow on his face that was not hard to interpret. "Perhaps
it would have been better if I had let him - "

I tightened my hold on him. "Fox, what happened to your family
had nothing to do with your refusal of Sir John's attentions. No
matter how great your charms, I doubt that he would go to so much
trouble just to possess you. There must be some other reason -
you said that your father was involved in some secret involving
the Court. Did others come to the house?"

"Not that I know about. Just Sir John."

Something about the whole situation made me uneasy. "Did you ever
hear what they were talking about? Or is it possible that Sir
John thought that you overheard them?"

I could see the look of comprehension in Fox's eyes. "You think
that's why he wants to get his hands on me? To keep me from
talking about something he thinks I saw or heard?"

"Or something you saw or heard that you don't remember or that
you didn't think was important."

Fox's brow furrowed. "I can't think of anything."

"Don't try so hard - it will come to you. Just relax." I kissed
him again and let my hand caress his smooth skin again. "And it
just so happens that I know exactly how to relax you."

Fox returned my kiss eagerly, shifting in my arms so that his
body lay atop mine, then he grinned down into my face. "But
Master, I'm afraid I don't feel very relaxed right now."

"Brat."

I rolled with him, pinning him underneath my body. I silenced his
laughing reply with a kiss again, then moved down his body as my
mouth and hands cataloged every inch, every response for future
reference. He was gasping and begging for more, but I refused to
be hurried. I thought of the possibilities before me; I had
already taken him twice that night and had no intention of doing
so a third time even if I had been capable. I noticed with
amusement that Fox was not having any difficulty in that regard
and fleetingly envied the physical resources of youth. But, as
they say, age and cunning will overcome youth and skill, and I
was not above using every bit of cunning I possessed to bind this
vibrant creature even more firmly to me and my bed.

By the time I finally relented and took him into my mouth, he was
nearly weeping in his need and surged desperately upward, seeking
satisfaction. I released him, sitting back up as he swore in
frustration, then bent back down to continue. Again, he moved and
again I backed off, my eyes catching his and conveying the
message that I would only continue if he remained still. I could
see him gritting his teeth and, for the third time, slid my mouth
down his hard cock. This time he remained still although I could
see him sweating with the effort. I smiled and brought my hand up
to caress his nipples, still highly sensitive from the night's
love-play, felt the instinctive bucking quelled. So beautiful, I
thought, and so eager to learn, so ready to please. It would be a
long time, indeed, before I tired of this one.

I increased the speed of my attentions, moving my hands to hold
his hips down, encouraging him to let go fully. And it wasn't
long before he was coming, only a small amount to be sure after
so many previous climaxes, but intense nonetheless, giving in to
his passion with an abandon that I found refreshing and wholly
intoxicating.

Oh yes, I was besotted. And I didn't care who knew.

Fox

He is going to kill me if he keeps on like this, was the first
vaguely coherent thought that crossed my mind as I came back to
reality and found myself nestled against a warm, hard body. And I
don't think I'll mind in the least. I felt a laugh bubbling up
inside me and vainly tried to repress it but I could see that he
felt the shaking of my body and heard the snicker I couldn't
control.

"And that is a merry sound, too, my brat."

I leaned my head back to grin up at him. "I can't help it,
Master. I've never felt this happy before."

I saw a strange expression come over his face, half-sorrowful and
half-pleased, and the tip of a finger traced my cheek with
infinite gentleness. "Nor have I, my cub." There was a tapping at
the door and he sighed. "Well, I knew that it was too good to
last. That'll be Maggie with our breakfast - you'd better let her
in."

I hopped out of bed, wincing a little at the protest from parts
of my body unaccustomed to the previous night's activities and
heard another low chuckle from my master. Opening the door, I
found both Maggie and William present and stood back so that they
could enter the room. Maggie's eyes quickly flickered over me, as
if assessing me for damage, and I flushed but resolutely ignored
any other sign of embarrassment at my nudity as I fetched my
master's robe and helped him put it on. He settled into his chair
in front of the fire, listening attentively as William ran over
the items of business for the day although I could sense that
most of his attention was on me as I prepared a plate of his
favorites from the lavish tray. He accepted the plate from me,
running a caressing hand over my head as he did so.

"Thank you, my Fox. And I expect you to do justice to your own
breakfast this morning - you'll need to keep your strength up."

I flushed at the implied statement but couldn't help but be
pleased at the attention. "Yes, Master. Thank you."

William cleared his throat. "Any instructions for the day?"

Lord Walter appeared to consider this. "I am feeling rather
indulgent today. How would you like to spend this day, my Fox?"

I looked up at him, startled, and saw a wicked twinkle in his
eyes. Glancing briefly at Maggie and William, I saw that they
were likewise stunned. "What - whatever my master wishes is
likewise my desire."

"Very prettily said, my sweet slave, but I prefer to hear the
truth. Come - there must be something you would like to do in
particular."

I couldn't think clearly. I was exhausted from lack of sleep, my
brain had gone completely, and everyone was staring at me.
Suddenly it was all too much. I was trapped, I couldn't breathe,
I couldn't move; I was once again in the dungeon longing
desperately for a sight of blue sky -

"I would like to go out - outside the castle," I blurted out.
"Walk, run, ride - I don't care. I just need to be -out."

A gentling hand on my head and a soft voice brought me back to
myself. "Then that is what we shall do, my cub. William, I shall
attend to business matters this morning. Have my personal guard
and our horses ready to go out at midday - Maggie, a picnic lunch
to take with us, if you will." The hand carded through my hair,
soothing me. "And tonight, perhaps an evening in the library?"

"You are very kind, Master," I murmured, ducking my head to hide
my embarrassment at my overreaction.

"But first, I think, a bath."

Still a trifle unnerved, forgetting for a moment the presence of
the two servants, I said teasingly, "You have an unnatural
fondness for bathing, my master." The instant the words left my
mouth, I felt appalled at my own boldness and waited for the blow
that would punish my impudence.

Instead I heard that soft laughter. "Perhaps I do at that. My
father used to say the same about my mother. She was raised in
the Temple and never got out of the habit of bathing daily.
Maggie, I believe that we are done with breakfast, and you can
see that young Fox has suffered no serious harm at my hands.
William, I will join you in my study when I have finished bathing
and dressing."

Once the door had closed behind them, I felt an insistent tug on
my hair and let Lord Walter pull me up and into his lap. His hand
captured my chin, forcing my eyes up to meet his.

"You are an impudent rascal, my Fox, and by rights I should teach
you to mind your tongue with the flat of my hand."

I shivered at the stern note in his voice. "Yes, Master."

"Do not push my indulgence beyond its limit. As fond as I am of
your sharp mind and ready wit, I will not be teased or
embarrassed before others. Save that charming impertinence for
the times that we are alone, like now." His mouth descending on
mine, ravishing it thoroughly and reminding me in no uncertain
terms that he was master here and that I was his slave and
bedmate, and not his consort and equal. "Am I understood?"

My lips were bruised from the kiss, my body shaking from arousal
generated by his touch, my eyes burned from the tears they wanted
to shed, and my heart felt like it would break. "Yes, Master," I
whispered.

I would never again forget that, although a slave may certainly
fall in love with his master, the master would never, ever, fall
in love with his slave.

Chapter Two

Walter

I began to regret my harsh words when I saw the light in his
beautiful eyes die. And yet, what else could I have done? Bad
enough that I was besotted with the boy, bad enough that my
household staff knew my weakness, but if I allowed this slave boy
to treat me with impudent familiarity - like a lover - then I
would have lost complete control. I might as well sit in the
corner and drool into my porridge.

And so instead of reassuring him, I kissed him again, briefly,
and pushed him off my lap. "Bath. The Gods know that we could
both use one."

Fox was quiet but efficient as he bathed and dressed me. I found
myself missing his usual chatter and inquired about his studies,
hoping to spark that enthusiasm, but he only smiled faintly and
quietly replied that he hadn't had much time lately. I was
inclined to credit his unusual behavior to nothing more than a
sulk due to my reprimand but he betrayed none of the usual signs.
And, after the years spent with my late wife, I was very
knowledgeable of the signs of sulking and bad temper. I gave up
the attempt, deciding that the boy was merely tired and could use
a morning for reflection, so I dismissed him until lunch and went
down to my office to take care of business.

For the better part of two hours, I reviewed the messages that
had come in over the past few days. William and I discussed the
upcoming harvest, estimating the size and the amounts to be
expected from the various farms. I made plans for clearing and
distribution of the current contents of the granaries, trying to
anticipate where shortages might be expected. Then there were the
visits to the various castellans owing fealty to me to be
planned, and all the trivial matters that made up our daily lives
to be handled.

I was surprised when, at mid-morning, Maggie entered bearing a
tray which she set before me. "What's this?"

"I thought you could use a little something to eat. You barely
touched your breakfast."

I looked at Maggie in amusement, having judged by the appearance
of a plate of gingerbread that I had been forgiven for my sins.
Maggie’s gingerbread had been a favorite of mine from childhood.
"Do I appear likely to fade to a shadow for lack of a meal?"

"No, but it won't hurt for you to get a little more meat on those
bones."

I snorted at that, picking up a large square of gingerbread. It
was still warm from the oven and I bit into it with great relish.
"If you want to coddle someone, I advise you to direct your
attention to Fox. The boy could use some fattening up. I expect
he's in the library."

"I already took him some, and he is not in the library."

I frowned, hoping that he was not sulking in my bedchamber or up
to some kind of mischief. "Where is he, then?"

"In the armory, putting your armor to rights."

"Putting my - why in hell is he doing that? Scully usually gets
one of the men for that task."

"Seems to think that he's responsible for it."

I sat back in my chair, rubbing my neck as I thought over this
situation. Curiously, I asked, "Does he know what he's doing? The
boy hasn't had any military training."

"Scully showed him what to do. When I left, he had finished
sponging and brushing the fabric and was checking each plate
individually to make sure none of them were loose. For some
reason," she added tartly, "he seems determined that you should
be as safe as possible."

Well, there didn't seem to be anything else to say on that
matter, so I picked up another piece of gingerbread before Maggie
could come to the decision that I was unworthy of her culinary
skills. Also, it gave me a good excuse to swallow the sudden lump
in my throat.

"William, where did we put the small jewel box?"

"Lady Sharon's jewelry, my lord?"

"No, the box with my mother's jewelry."

"In the strong room, my lord. Shall I fetch it?" I nodded my
assent and he left.

Maggie looked at me, frowning. "And what would you be wanting
with your mother's jewels? You're not selling them?"

"No. Although I expect I should dispose of Lady Sharon's when I
go to town next." The Gods knew that I didn't want to see those
again. Every gaudy piece had a memory associated with them, an
argument or a bitter accusation flung at me, failings of mine
that had to be redeemed with a trinket before peace was restored
in the house. After our years together, the worth of the contents
of that box nearly rivaled the Kingdom treasury.

William handed me the small box containing my mother’s jewelry
and I could see him exchanging a curious look with his wife. I
unlocked it and sifted through the contents, smiling as I touched
each piece and remembered my mother wearing them. For all that
she was a King's Consort, she had remarkably little taste for
show and had preferred the simpler ornaments. I extracted a
simple hoop earring of braided gold and held it up to the light.

"Yes, this will do nicely. You may put away the box, William."

"It's for the boy, then," Maggie said softly.

I could feel myself flushing under her sharp eyes. "I don't want
to risk an infection from the base metals in those cheap slave
earrings. It would be tiresome to have his looks marred."

"Of course," Maggie said solemnly, then smiled. "I'd best be
getting back to the kitchen - this castle doesn't run itself."
She paused in the doorway. "Oh, and I'll make sure to pack some
gingerbread with your picnic lunch."

Well, I was certainly back in Maggie's good graces I thought as I
chuckled. "You're too good to me, Maggie. I don't deserve you."

"Aye, that's the truth," she said tartly, "but at least you
realize your good fortune."

That I did, and my good fortune appeared to be growing with each
passing day. She left me to contemplate one gold earring, cradled
in my palm.

Fox

Dismissed from my master's service for the morning, I cast a
longing look at the library but I had a task that I had left
unfinished from the previous day. I crossed the courtyard and
entered the armory in search of Captain Scully, finding her in
her office staring at a scroll with a frown. I tapped on the
door.

"Captain Scully? I'm sorry to bother you - "

She smiled, pushing the scroll away with a smile. "Just the
thrice-damned paperwork that's an unfortunate part of the job.
Payroll, accounts, lost and damaged equipment - " She sighed.
"So, what can I do for you, Milord Fox?"

"Lord Walter's armor that I brought here the other night -you
told me that you'd show me how to take care of it."

Scully nodded and rose, leading the way into the main part of the
armory. She lifted the heavy garment off the dummy and laid it on
a table, unbuckling the sides so it would lay flat.

"How familiar are you with armor?" she asked as she worked.

"Not at all," I admitted. "My father was a Clerk, and I was to be
one, too. I never had any military training."

She gave me a curious look. "No matter. I'll tell you what you
need to know. Normally, a man in Lord Walter's position would
have a squire to look after his armor in return for training, but
his Lordship isn't a knight himself so - "

"Why not?"

"Why not what?"

"Why isn't he a knight? He's the king's brother, son of a king.
He was the Lord Protector of the Realm."

"A knight has to be sanctified by the High Priest," Captain
Scully said, her eyes meeting mine. "The Priests would not do
that unless Lord Walter publicly denounced his mother and did
penance for her sins. He refused. He's too powerful for them to
declare him Outcast but, believe me, there is no love lost
between Lord Walter and the High Priest."

"It's not fair to punish him for his parents' sins," I said,
brooding on this slight to my master, and I heard a chuckle. I
looked up in surprise at Scully. "What?"

"You are a slave, Milord Fox, because of your own father's
mistakes, but I believe you are more indignant for Lord Walter's
wrongs than for your own."

I flushed, unwilling to admit to my inexplicable feelings for the
man that owned me, body and soul. "You keep calling me 'Milord
Fox'. I'm not a lord; I'm just a slave. You should call me Fox."

Scully tilted her head and looked at me with a faint smile on her
face. "I don't know - it somehow doesn't feel right to call you
'Fox'. So I shall continue to call you 'Milord', whether you like
it or not."

"Well, I can't stop you," I said with a sigh. "So that's why
there's no priest in the castle? How do the people living here
feel about that?"

Scully shrugged. "There's a priest in town. Are you religious?"

"Not particularly - I've seen too much hypocrisy among those that
are supposed to be holy. Are you?"

"In a way. I belong to the Temple of Artemis."

I nodded. The followers of Artemis were women, dedicated to the
art of warfare and the science of healing, and the Temple was
outside the religious mainstream.

"So tell me, what exactly does a squire do?" Seeing the puzzled
look on her face, I said, "I'm the closest thing he's likely to
get, so I should at least learn how to take care of his armor
properly. I take it that this thing is pretty important, right?"

"This thing is what can save his life in battle, and it cost 10
times what he paid for you at the least." Scully said dryly. "The
cloth on the inside needs to be carefully sponged and brushed to
prevent chaffing which could hamper movement in battle. Each of
these pieces of metal on the outside has been individually
riveted to the leather, and they must be checked individually to
make sure that they are not damaged or loose. One well-place
arrow combined with one loose plate could be fatal."

I suddenly felt dizzy at the thought of Lord Walter being killed
and felt Scully grab my arm.

"Are you all right? You look ill."

"I'll be fine," I said as the dizziness receded, and suddenly I
was grimly determined to ensure my protector's safety. "Tell me
what to do."

An hour or three hours later - I couldn't be sure of how long I
had been sitting here -I heard my name being called. "Hmm?"

"By the Gods, Fox, I was starting to wonder if you had gone deaf.
What are you doing, child?"

Maggie set down a plate and a glass and peered at the garment
draped across my lap as I sat cross-legged on the table. "What -
that's Lord Walter's armor. What are you doing with that, lad?"

I stopped, shaking out tired fingers. "Checking the riveted
plates. Does this part look loose to you?"

Maggie peered at the section I indicated and tugged a little.
"No, I think it's fine."

I looked at the coat of plates critically again. "Well, it could
really do with being taken apart, thoroughly cleaned, and put
back together again but I'm afraid that's beyond me."

"Fox, why on earth are you doing this? Scully usually has one of
the men take care of it."

"It's my responsibility to take care of my master. What does it
matter to them if he gets hurt or killed - he's merely the man
that pays their wages. I, on the other hand, have a vested
interest in keeping him alive. I lo- " I broke off, flushing at
what I had been about to say. "There are worse masters out there
- I could be a lot less lucky if I had to go on the sales block
again."

"Fox," she said gently. Startled, I looked up into her kind and
sympathetic face and realized that she had seen what I felt. I
flushed, embarrassed, and was grateful when she changed the
subject. "I brought you something to nibble on till lunch," she
said briskly, turning my attention to the plate of gingerbread
and glass of milk. "The Gods know that you don't eat enough to
keep a bird alive, much less a growing lad like yourself."

"Thanks, Maggie."

"You're welcome, Fox." Maggie's hand covered mine and squeezed
it. "It will all work out in the end, lad," she said softly.
"You'll see. Have faith."

Faith? I lost that long ago, when my world had been ripped apart.
But trust - maybe, just maybe, there was enough trust left inside
me.

Chapter Three

Fox

Captain Scully wasn't pleased when Lord Walter announced he
wouldn’t be taking his escort along on the picnic but he looked
at her with a smile in those warm brown eyes.

"Why, Scully, do you think I am in danger from one slave boy? And
an unarmed one at that?"

Scully gave me a look that I couldn't interpret and then looked
back at Lord Walter. "I expect that you couldn't be in safer
company, my lord."

"Then you think that I am unable to protect the two of us?
Perhaps, at my advanced age, I should surrender my sword and sit
by the fire."

Scully glared at him and I hid a smile. "You won't get around me
like that, Lord Walter. I'm responsible for your safety. I will
take only your personal bodyguard and we will ensure your privacy
- but we are going with you."

Their eyes met for a long moment and then Lord Walter sighed.
"Very well, Captain."

We rode out at a brisk pace, Captain Scully leading the way with
two soldiers following behind us. I threw back my head and
breathed deeply, nearly dizzy from the intoxicating scents of
grass and sunlight and flowers. It had been long, so long, since
I had been able to take the time to just enjoy the world around
me.

As a child, I had grown up in the confines of Town with its
narrow, dirty streets and tiny backyard gardens, and it was not
until I attended University that I realized the full wonder of
nature. The University, situated on its own lands across the
river from the city, had extensive grounds and I had taken great
delight in exploring them. Often times, when faced with a tough
exam or while trying to work out a problem, I had taken to
walking through the woods and gardens, sometimes for hours at a
time. In fact, I had become something of a joke among my fellows
with my penchant for long walks over the University's grounds,
but there was something about the exercise outdoors that cleared
my head.

I closed my eyes and breathed again, deeply, turning my face
towards the warmth of the sun. The light breeze whipped through
my hair, teased my shirt, and caressed my skin like a lover. I
suddenly felt as weightless and free as a bird on the wing.

A soft chuckle caught my ear and I opened my eyes. Turning my
head, I caught Lord Walter watching me curiously and blushed,
feeling a little silly, but he smiled.

"You reminded me of my favorite falcon for a moment," he said
with a smile.

I looked at him, my eyes speculative. "And is it your intent to
tame me to your fist, my lord?"

I had spoken in jest but his eyes regarded me seriously. "I don't
know if there is anyone alive who could do that."

I looked away from those intent eyes, flushing again. "You own
me."

"It's not the same thing. And I think that the only one to tame
you will be the one who wins your heart."

I glanced back at him. There was a slightly sad look on his face
and I wanted to ease his sadness. I wanted to tell him that my
heart was almost completely his already, but this morning's
lesson was still fresh in my mind. It wasn't my love that he
wanted; it was my body. And that was what causing my distress – I
wanted to give him not only my body but all that I was.

"So where are we going, Master?" I asked quietly, steering my
thoughts into other channels.

"A quiet glen situated by a little pool not far from here. We can
enjoy our lunch there in peace."

I grinned. "You think Captain Scully will let you out of her
sight?"

"She had better, or I won't be responsible for the consequences."

The tone was light but there was a hidden meaning in those words
and I found myself flushing as my treacherous body responded to
his teasing. What a slut I am, I thought despairingly. The man
has only to snap his fingers and I am spreading myself for him.
Of course, a part of my mind that could still remain reasonable
said, the man owns me and will have my body no matter what I
want. Why shouldn't I enjoy it as well? And wasn't it in my best
interest to keep him happy and satisfied? Otherwise I would be
getting on friendlier terms with the castle's soldiers than I
would like.

The problem wasn’t with Lord Walter. He knew what he wanted - a
warm, comely body in his bed – and had never claimed otherwise.
The problem was with me. With each passing day, I was falling
more and more in love with the man who owned me. And moving
further away from the person I had been only two short months
ago. In another two months, I thought bitterly, there would be
nothing left of the University student. There would only be Fox,
the slave, willing to do anything for the smile and touch of my
master. In another year, I wouldn’t even remember what it had
felt like to be free, to be able to go where I willed and love
whom I chose. In another three years, there would be nothing of
the man who had dreamed of traveling the world, finding the
answers to a hundred mysteries awaiting me. In seven years, when
I was finally free, I wouldn’t even be able to take care of
myself. I wondered what would happen to me then – I would be too
old to go back to the University, too unskilled at anything other
than pleasuring a man. Drearily, I imagined that I would become
one of those around the fringes of society, a whore or – if I was
lucky – someone’s kept man until I lost my ability to please.
Until I grew old, or sick, or ugly -

My thoughts were rapidly destroying my good mood and worrying
about future troubles was useless. With a sigh, I gave up my
inner struggle and just settled back to enjoy the beautiful day.

Walter

We arrived at the entrance to the clearing and dismounted,
leaving the horses to graze and the soldiers to eat their lunch.
Captain Scully and Fox carried the picnic basket and blanket down
the pathway, Fox setting up while Scully checked the place over.
Satisfied, Scully joined her men and left us alone.

Despite my teasing remarks to Fox, I didn't bring him here to
seduce him. My sole reason for coming here had been an
instinctual response to the panic in his voice, a certainty that
he needed this, needed to get away from everything and everyone
for awhile. I was also aware that he was uncomfortable with me,
that somehow I had mis-stepped this morning and that I needed to
put it right. Which was difficult to do when Fox wouldn't look at
me or say anything but "Yes, Master" or "No, Master" and when he
barely touched his food and that only in response to a growl from
me. The boy was clearly unhappy about something and I hadn't the
slightest idea what it could be or how to break through the wall
of reserve he had raised around himself.

I looked over at Fox, lying stretched out on the blanket with his
arm over his eyes. I looked over at the pool of water and a
thought occurred to me.

"Fox, let's take a swim."

Fox lowered his arm and looked at me, puzzled. "Sir?"

"Swim? You do know how to swim?"

He grinned, and I was amazed at how relieved I was to see that
smile. "Like a fish." He stood up and stripped, then ran down the
bank and plunged into the water. A moment later, he burst to the
surface, gasping for breath. "Shit! It's cold! You didn't tell me
that."

I laughed. "You didn't ask."

I began removing my own clothes then remembered the small earring
I had tucked into my pouch earlier. I pulled it out, debating,
then stripped off the rest of my clothes and walked down to the
pool.

Fox was frisking about in the water, swimming with strong, sure
strokes towards the far end of the pool before turning and
heading back. He emerged from the water just in front of me,
shaking water onto me like a puppy and I laughingly protested.

"Brat!" I reached out and pulled him towards me. "Stand still a
moment."

He obeyed, puzzled as I removed the simple slave earring and
tossed it away. I saw his eyes widen as he caught a glimpse of
the gold in my hand but he didn't make a sound as I inserted the
gold loop into the hole in his right earlobe. I studied the
effect of gold against his skin and nodded.

"Much better."

A tentative hand came up to touch the loop and he looked at me,
puzzled. Good, I thought to myself, keep him a little off-
balance, get under his defenses. With that in mind, I placed my
hand in the middle of chest and pushed.

Fox emerged sputtering from the water after the unexpected
dunking. "You - that wasn't fair!" He launched himself at me,
laughing, knocking me off my feet. We wrestled playfully, each of
us trying to best the other, Fox giving as good as he got. I
might have been more muscular but he was quicker and my hands
slid off his water-slick skin. I caught him once, tickling him
until he squirmed away, and he dunked me once by pulling my feet
out from under me, so the score was just about even.

It was the chill of the water that finally drove us out to
collapse on the blanket in the warmth of the afternoon sun.

Fox

We lay on the blanket, soaking up the warmth of the sun as it
drove away the chill of our naked bodies. I lay on my back and
closed my eyes, listening to the sounds of the woods around me,
aware that Lord Walter had rolled over on his side and was
watching me. His hand stroked my skin soothingly as we lay there,
his voice soft and hypnotic.

"Before the leaves turn, we'll have to go up the mountain so you
can get a good look at Beauforte."

I yawned sleepily. "What's a beauforte?"

Lord Walter looked at me in amusement. "The castle is Beauforte.
Didn't you know?"

I shrugged. "No one told me, and I never asked. It wouldn't have
made a difference, would it? A slave goes where his master bids,"
I said reasonably. "But it's a nice name. Beautiful fort."

"My mother named it. She loved this place." Lord Walter rolled
closer and began nuzzling at my neck. "I'll take you hawking,
too. Have you ever been?"

"Beyond my touch. My family were merely clerks."

"You'll like it." His mouth worked its way down my body, and I
found myself responding automatically. Inexplicably, I felt a
brief spark of resentment that he knew just how to push me, how
to make me perform for him. "And soon there will be the harvest
festival - I think you'll enjoy that. There's a fair with food
and games and merchants."

"Sounds like fun," I said, a little breathlessly, as his fingers
played with my nipples.

"It is. And, with a good harvest, there'll be no need for a Corn
King." Brown eyes twinkled at me. "Although I believe you're safe
from that fate."

I frowned, realizing he was teasing me with a hidden meaning.
"What's a corn king?"

"An old ritual practiced among those that follow the Old Ways,"
Lord Walter said blandly. "It is said that a bad harvest is a
sign of anger from the gods and a young, virile, virginal male is
sacrificed to appease them."

I laughed and captured his palm, kissing it. "After the past
night, I think I can safely say that there is no hint of virgin
left on me."

He smiled back and caressed my face. "The sacrifices I must make
to ensure your safety, my cub."

I pushed myself up, moving closer to him, watching the brown of
his eyes deepen to black with passion. "Then I must ensure that
you are amply rewarded, my protector." I kissed him, pulling him
down on top of me, and wrapped my legs around his waist to draw
him closer.

Walter

"Are there many practitioners of the Old Religion here?"

I must admit to surprise at that question. It is not the first
thing one expects to hear after catching one's breath from mind-
blowing sex. However, I was rapidly coming to realize that Fox
was no ordinary young man. Moreover, it was this odd quirk to him
that made him even more endearing. Still, I couldn't help
chuckling and I reached over to pinch a firm ass.

"Ouch!" he protested as he sat up, rubbing the spot. "What was
that for?"

"Your choice in post-coital conversation, my brat."

"Oh." He crawled up the blanket, slowly and sensuously, his eyes
locking on mine, and I found I couldn't look away. Hell, I could
barely breathe. He was smoldering sensuality, sheer male animal.
Warm lips pressed a trail of kisses from my stomach to my lips,
barely touching the surface of my skin. "Have I ever told you,
Master," he purred against my lips, "how grateful I am that you
found me that day in the market?" His lips began back down my
body, his eyes never leaving mine. "Allow me to show you how
grateful."

Suddenly, I heard the echo of the last whore I had taken to my
bed, the practiced tones of one knowing what to say to please the
customer and earn his fee. It was like a bucket of cold water
dumping over me and I reached out to grab Fox by the hair,
pulling his head away from my body.

"Ow!" he complained in his normal voice, rubbing his head. "Now
what did I say?"

I couldn't look at him, could hardly tell him that I was
suddenly, inexplicably jealous. That I had pictured him
responding to other men as he had to me, using practiced skills
to pleasure them, making the same noises for them as he did for
me. Hot rage was suddenly replaced with cold again, picturing Fox
alone in the world and forced to sell his body, knowing that I
had brought him to this end, had turned him into a pleasure
slave. I pulled him back down into my arms, holding him tightly
to reassure myself and banish these ghosts. It would not happen,
I told myself fiercely. He was mine for seven years and a lot
could happen during that time. And even if he chose not to remain
with me in the end, I would make sure that he was well taken care
of for the rest of his life.

"Nothing," I growled in response to his question. "But I am too
tired to play your games, cub."

He sighed and I could almost feel the mental shrug. "Sorry,
Master."

"Never mind. And, in answer to your earlier question, there have
always been practitioners in this area - there's some kind of
sacred place nearby."

"Really?" I could almost feel Fox perk up at this and sighed
again. "I've heard about some of the practices but there's very
little in the University library on the subject, most of the
traditions being oral. Is there anyone in the village who
practices? Maybe I could talk to some people and go to this
sacred place and - "

I silenced him with my hand over his mouth. "I warn you now, Fox
- you leave the castle without permission and without a guard,
and I'll take my strap to you till you can't sit down. Am I
understood?"

A sulky voice replied, "Yes, Master."

"I'm serious, Fox. You don't know this area and there are lots of
dangers. On the other hand," I added, figuring that a little
bribery couldn't hurt, "if you behave, I'll have Scully take you
into town when she has a free day and introduce you to the local
healer, her blood-sister from the Temple. She's a Wise Woman as
well and can tell you everything you need to know - she knows
those who practice the Old Ways."

Fox sighed. "All right. I'll behave."

"Good." I sat up, stretching. "Now, as much as I like your
current attire, you must get dressed. We need to return to the
castle. Tomorrow will be a busy day."

Chapter Four

Fox

Two weeks passed and, despite my impatience, I managed to stay
out of trouble. Lord Walter kept me busy during the day as the
harvested crops began to pour into the castle to be sorted into
three lots: that which went on to the King, that which remained
in the Castle, and that which went into the storage granaries
against future need. And, of course, the grains already stored
there from last harvest had to be removed, checked for mold or
other damage, and then distributed as needed to parts of the land
that had not had as bountiful a harvest. I was impressed with
Lord Walter's care for his people: while he expected a full tally
from those whose harvest had been good -and received it with very
little grumbling - he was also generous towards those whose
fortunes had not been as good through no fault of their own. As
for those whose own idleness or mismanagement had caused their
misfortune, he reduced them to quivering and repentance with a
thorough tongue-lashing and - in a severe case - turned a father
out of his place and gave title to his eldest son.

Following these kind of these incidences, everyone was careful to
stay out of his way until he recovered his temper. Everyone
except me, of course, and I had no real choice in the matter as
Lord Walter ordered my almost constant attendance. I quickly
learned to judge his moods and adjust my behavior accordingly and
even, on occasion, to coax him back into good humor. The castle
staff was quick to observe this and took shameless advantage of
the situation, leaving me to break any bad news and deal with the
consequences. As a result, I soon became more of an Assistant to
his lordship than his bedslave, at least in the eyes of the rest
of the household. But in his eyes I knew that I was nothing more
than a slave - a highly desired one, but a slave nonetheless.

That I was highly desired I had no doubt. There was a certain
look that came into Lord Walter's eyes during the day that, if I
happened to catch it, could make me blush from the intensity
while all the remaining blood in my body rushed southward with
painful intensity. Each night was a lesson in the art of
lovemaking from one whom was obviously a master. Limited though
my experience might have been, I still had a healthy imagination
and, moreover, had spent two years going through the University's
collection of erotica. But imagination and reading had left me
totally unprepared for reality at the hands of Lord Walter, and I
had certainly never imagined that anything could feel this good.

He was a generous lover, more generous than any slave had the
right to expect, ensuring that my satisfaction was at least as
great as his own. And I never knew what to expect each night. It
might be exquisitely tender lovemaking built up with word upon
kiss upon touch until my whole body tingled with anticipation and
dissolved upon completion. Or an impetuous and explosive coupling
that was like being caught outside in a thunderstorm -all heat
and flash and fire until we exploded into a million pieces. Or
relaxed and sleepy, lying peacefully content in the joining as he
slowly rocked us towards a gentle release.

Tonight he was in an especially good mood. The first reports of
the harvest had been tallied and were better than expected. The
woodsmen had been reading the weather signs and predicted that
the coming winter would be a mild one. The land was at peace and
the people were content. Lord Walter had ordered a portion of
wine for all at dinner and had once again called me from my place
standing behind him to set me in the chair beside him and feed me
from his own plate.

We made an early night of it and he pounced on me when we reached
his room. Tossing me onto the bed, he tickled me mercilessly
until I begged for quarter, then made love to me with a surety of
touch that took my breath away and dropped me into
unconsciousness. And it was bliss itself to come back from
oblivion to find myself wrapped in his arms with gentle kisses
being liberally bestowed all over my face. I sighed and shifted
deeper into his arms, utterly content with the moment. His hand
moved soothingly, caressing my back, skimming the cheeks of the
ass he had so recently possessed.

"So smooth and cool," he murmured softly. "You've been very good
over this past week, my Fox. I haven't had to punish you at all.
You deserve a reward."

I lifted my head, looking into his face to judge the seriousness
of his words. "You said that if I was good you would have Captain
Scully introduce me to the Wise Woman in the village."

He sighed and smiled. "So I did. And I expect that there will be
no peace until you get this out of your system. Very well - you
can go visit the Healer tomorrow. I'll tell Scully in the
morning."

I grinned and put my head back down with a contented sigh,
kissing the firm flesh under my cheek. "Thank you. You're so good
to me."

"That's because you're good for me," he said softly. "Fox -"

"Hmm?" I turned my head up to look at him when he didn't
continue, and saw a peculiar expression on his face, half-longing
and half-fear. "Master, what's wrong?"

He sighed. "Nothing. Go to sleep, Fox."

I sleepily nodded and snuggled back down, and was asleep in
minutes.

When I awoke the next morning, the bed and the room was empty. It
appeared that Lord Walter was getting an early start on the day.
I got out of bed and cleaned up, then dressed and went downstairs
in search of my master. Entering the study, I saw that Captain
Scully was already there and Lord Walter was reading over a
message with a frown.

Scully spared me a brief look. "My troop will be ready to leave
when you are," she said to Lord Walter, leaving at his nod.

Walter looked up at me briefly and gestured for me to approach
him. "Change of plans, Fox. My woodsmen report strangers on the
northern borders - Scully and I need to go investigate. We'll be
gone till late afternoon." He saw my face fall and stroked my
cheek affectionately. "I promise I'll make it up to you and take
you to town myself later this week. And while I'm gone I want you
to work on your studies. You've been neglecting them sadly these
past weeks."

What point was there to studying? I thought in irritation. It
wasn't as if I was going to actually get my degree or use
anything I learned. I swallowed my disappointment. "Yes, Master."

A short time later, the courtyard was filled with horses and
armed men. Disappointed and dejected, I sat on the front steps
and watched the troop mount up. Captain Scully paused to give Lt.
Lamana last minute instructions.

"- the rest of the shipment will be in today. Lord Walter is
expecting some special goods, so take your troop into the village
to escort the wagons here."

"Yes, Captain."

My ears pricked up at the mention of the village and a plan
formed in my head. I watched the troop ride out with Lord Walter
and Captain Scully at its head, my heart racing at the risk I
would be taking but unable to delay my need to know any longer.

Shortly before noon, I saw Lamana assembling his troop and put my
plan in action. Grabbing my cloak, I went down to the courtyard.

"I'm ready, Lt. Lamana."

Lt. Lamana looked at me, puzzled. "For what?"

I pretended to be surprised at the question. "Why, to go to town
with you. Lord Walter wanted me to consult with the Wise Woman
there and pick up some medicines. Captain Scully was supposed to
escort me, but he needed her so I'm to go with you."

Lamana frowned. "He said nothing to me."

"He must have forgotten." I put on my blandest, most innocent
face. "He was in a bit of a rush to get out of here."

Lamana looked at me doubtfully, then at Maggie who had given him
the list of goods that Lord Walter was expecting and stood there
listening.

"I did hear Lord Walter talking to Scully about it," she
admitted.

Yes! I thought triumphantly but managed to keep my thoughts to
myself.

Lamana chewed his lip. "All right, but you'll have to ride
pillion. We haven't time to catch and saddle another horse."

I nodded - at this point I would have walked to town if
necessary. One of the younger men helped me swing up behind him
and we set off.

I was elated at the success of my plans and questioned the young
soldier eagerly about the village. He was more than willing to
talk - it seemed that he was a native and was on his way home for
a week furlough. He told me about his family, his younger
brothers and sisters, and the girl that waited for him to
complete his allotted service so they could be married. I
listened, my throat catching at the memories of the normal family
life I had known. If only - but then, I would never have known
Lord Walter. Or would we have met anyway? A pretty little fantasy
spun up in my mind where I went to work in the Court after
University, catching Lord Walter's eye with both my looks and my
brains, meeting him as an equal where he would have been able to
fall in love with me. I sighed.

"Here we are," said the young soldier, and I came out of my
reverie to see that the horse had halted before a hut on the
outskirts of the village. I swung down, thanking him before he
rode off, and then turned to take a good look at the hut.

It was a medium size building, its walls made of wattle-and-daub
with a fresh coat of whitewash, and its thatched roof was
likewise new. To the side, I could see part of a garden, and
smoke curled out of the fireplace above.

"Well, if you're coming in, then do so."

I started and moved forward, ducking my head under the low
doorway. "Hello?"

"Come in and take a seat, lad. Are you hungry? Silly question -
boys your age are always hungry." A small, slender woman looked
up at me from the fireplace as she ladled thick stew into a bowl.
"I know you're not hard of hearing, just stubborn." She gestured
pointedly towards a stool. "Sit."

I obeyed, accepting the bowl thrust into my hands. "Thank you,
ma'am."

"Melissa."

Thinking that she had spoken to me in some strange language, I
said, "I beg your pardon?"

The Wise Woman smiled at me, blue eyes twinkling, and settled
into a chair opposite me. "It's my name, boy. The villagers call
me Sister Melissa."

"Oh." I dipped in my spoon and blew on it to cool the stew,
surreptitiously looking over at the Wise Woman.

"Go ahead, boy. Get your fill of looking at me. You won't hurt my
feelings."

I looked at her squarely then, seeing a small woman with dark-red
hair and sharp blue eyes. In years, she looked to be older than
myself but not as old as Lord Walter. "You seem rather young to
be a Wise Woman."

She laughed. "I am older than you think, little cub. And far
younger, as well. I am as old as these mountains and as young as
a spring lamb."

I sighed. "Why do mystics always speak in such riddles?"

She laughed again. "It's one of the Guild rules. We have to talk
like that, otherwise people realize that most of what we're
telling them is plain common sense."

"Oh." This woman was not an Adept, then, just a woman with
knowledge of herbs and healing. Overwhelming depression filled
me, drowning the hope that had brought me here. "Then you won't
be able to help me, will you?" I rose, turning to the door.

"She is alive and well."

I swung back around, and I know that my eyes were as wide as
wagon wheels. "Who?"

"Your sister - and no, I can't tell you where she is. The place
where she is kept is well-shielded. But I can tell you that she
is safe, even happy, and well attended."

"You are certain?" I sat back down on the stool.

Sister Melissa nodded. "The Goddess has Her hands over both of
you. No harm will come to you."

I felt my lips twist bitterly at that. "You'll forgive me if I
don't have much faith in your Goddess at present. Or in any of
the gods. Their protection doesn't appear to be worth much."

"Really, Fox?" Her eyes were intense and I dropped my own,
picking up the bowl to have something to focus on. "And what
would have happened to you if Lord Walter hadn't happened to
attend the market that day? You could be in far worse hands than
his."

The thought of his hands brought images to my mind, memories of
how those hands had touched my body, and I could feel myself
blushing. "I know."

"You are a seeker of Truth, Fox. Lord Walter will be your shield,
keeping you safe from those who would have the Truth be hidden.
Sister Scully will be the sword that will restore justice for
those who have been wronged."

There were layers upon layers of meaning in her words. "Will I
find it? Will I find the truth I am looking for?"

"You will find the answer to all your questions, young Seeker -
but you must not make the job of your protectors any harder than
it already is. Foolish and reckless endangerment of your life
will not only destroy your life but the kingdom as well."

I found myself smiling a little. "You sound like Lord Walter when
you talk like that." A sudden thought occurred to me and I swung
around to look out the window. I could see that it was already
late afternoon; time had passed faster than I had thought
possible.

The wise woman paused, as if hearing something, and looked at me
sharply. "Did your master give you leave to come see me?"

"Oh, shit!" I said. "I'm in trouble, aren't I? He's here, right?"

She nodded, then smiled ruefully. "You must give Lord Walter a
lot of trouble."

"He does indeed," said a grim voice from the doorway and I
dropped my head into my hands with a groan. I was a dead man.

Walter

The strangers on my northern borders turned out to be a small
band of mercenaries, men whose faces and livery were unfamiliar
to me. They remained sullenly silent under my questioning and
nothing on their persons informed me of their intent although I
had an uneasy feeling about the situation. Although I would have
preferred to question them further, I had no legitimate reason to
do so, so I had Captain Scully send the larger part of the troops
and one of her sergeants to escort them off my land while the
rest of us returned to Beauforte.

It was mid-afternoon when we arrived back at the castle, and I
found myself looking forward to the pleasures the evening would
hold. A warm bath, a quiet dinner, and then bed. With a warm -
although possibly sulky - bedmate to keep me company. I smiled,
thinking how I would tease my young love out of his bad mood, and
shook my head ruefully as I realized that this old war-horse was
becoming settled in his middle age.

We entered the courtyard and found a scene of mild chaos before
us. Lt. Lamana had evidently just returned from the village and
half of his men were engaged in unloading the wagons while the
other half were standing open-mouthed as Maggie stormed at the
poor lieutenant for some misdeed.

"What's going on?" I asked, amused and thinking that Lamana must
have forgotten to take sufficient care of the goods. Lamana swung
around and, if it were possible, turned even paler than before.

"L-Lord Walter! Captain!"

"What did you break this time?" Scully asked in amusement as she
gestured to her men to tend to their weary horses. A stable-boy
ran forward to hold my horse's head as I dismounted, stripping
off my gloves.

"Go easy on him, Maggie," I said, and looked around for Fox.
"Where's Fox? In the Library sulking, I suppose?" I started up
the stairs.

"Um - your Lordship - the thing is - we seem to have -misplaced
Fox."

I stopped and turned around, frowning at the stuttering Lamana.
"Misplaced? How can you have lost him in a castle this size?"

"Well - he's not exactly lost - we know where he is - we think.
And he's - not exactly in the castle."

Captain Scully strode forward, grasping Lt. Lamana by the front
of his maille shirt. "What do you mean - you think you know where
he is? Where exactly is Milord Fox?"

"In the village."

I came back down the steps. "And what is Fox doing in the
village?"

"Visiting the Wise Woman, as you wished." As he saw the look on
my face, he started shaking. "Sir! He told us - he assured me
that he had your permission -"

The Amazon captain shook the poor man, glaring at him. "Lt.
Lamana, if Milord Fox went to village with you, why didn't he
come back with you?"

"Um - we sort of - forgot him."

"Forgot - How in the hell could you have forgotten him?" she
demanded.

"We didn't have time to saddle a horse for him - he rode with one
of the soldiers - young Billy, Captain?" Lamana was speaking
rapidly, trying to save his skin. "Only Billy went on furlough
today and there was a problem with the wagon and - and it wasn't
until we got back just now that I realized that none of the other
men had brought him back."

I was already back in the saddle. "Captain Scully, gather some
men and follow me."

"Yes, Lord Walter." She turned back to Lamana, giving him one
last shake. "Settle my men and unload these goods. And I expect
you to be waiting in my office when I get back. I'll have a lot
to say to you, Lieutenant." He nodded weakly and she gave the
order to mount.

It was a short distance to the village and we covered it quickly.
I alternated between praying that Fox was safely there and
planning just what I would do when I got my hands on him. As I
dismounted outside the Healer's hut, I heard a very familiar
voice saying in a tone that would have been funny if I hadn't
been so angry, "Oh shit! I'm in trouble aren't I?"

I heard the Healer laugh softly and say, "You must give Lord
Walter a lot of trouble."

Who could ask for a better cue? I pushed open the door to the
Healer's hut.

"He does indeed."

Fox jumped up from the stool he was sitting on, hastily setting
down the bowl in his hands, and turning pale. "Master!"

I advanced on him slowly, watching him back away, letting him see
the anger in my face. "Did I give you permission to come here,
Fox?"

"No, Master, but I thought since Lt. Lamana was coming -"

"Did you understand me when I said you could come later?"

"Yes, but Master - " He was up against the wall, unable to escape
me, and his eyes were large with fright.

"Have you somehow lost your ability to hear within the last 12
hours?"

"No, Master, but I thought - "

"You thought?" I was right in his face now, and I grabbed him by
the neck, shaking him. "I think that your actions prove that you
did very little thinking at all on this matter. Your actions
could be considered an attempt to run away - which can be
punishable by death." There - Fox's face completely drained of
color and it was clear that he had forgotten that he was a slave,
not a freeman.

"Lord Walter, you cannot kill him here in my home," the Wise
Woman said calmly. "The disharmonic vibrations would be extremely
damaging to my healing powers. Besides which, blood is so hard to
clean up."

"Sister Melissa is right," Scully said from the doorway. "Bring
him outside, my lord, and we'll kill him there."

"Scully!" Fox protested feebly. "I thought you were my friend!"

"And your point would be?" Scully asked coolly.

I grabbed Fox by the scruff of his neck and pushed him towards
the doorway. "Outside and on my horse. Now!"

I don't think I've seen anyone move that fast in my life.

Fox

At that point, I knew my only hope was to get my ass out of range
and pray that Lord Walter cooled off before we got back to the
castle. The penalties for running away were indeed harsh - a
slave could lose a foot or a hand or even be put to death,
depending on the whim of his owner. My only hope was that Lord
Walter would settle for the whipping that he had promised me
instead. And wasn't it a sorry state of affairs when that was the
best result I could imagine.

One of the village boys was holding the reins of Lord Walter's
horse and looked at me curiously as I practically leapt up into
the saddle. I said nothing, staring at the horse's mane while I
waited. A few minutes later, Lord Walter and Captain Scully
emerged from the hut and I was relieved to see that Walter was
laughing with the Healer. Maybe he wouldn't be too angry, I
thought hopefully. After all, this whole thing was partly his
fault, too. He had promised that I could come to the village
today, and he had broken his promise.

Scully turned back to the smaller woman and they clasped arms.
"It was good seeing you, Sister."

"And you, too, Sister. Take care of yourself - there is unrest on
the horizon. And guard this young one well."

Scully nodded and mounted her horse, and I felt Lord Walter swing
up into the saddle behind me. A hard arm went around my waist,
settling me tightly against him, and for a moment I forgot how to
breathe. "Take the troops on home, Captain Scully. I will be
shortly behind you."

"Lord Walter - "

"I'll be fine, Captain." There was a note of finality in that
voice. Captain Scully sighed and I could feel her eyes on me for
a moment, then she was leading her troop back towards the castle.

"Sister Melissa, thank you for your hospitality toward my brat
here. I hope that he at least got some information to make his
little trip worth the price he'll be paying." The growl was back
in his voice but I began to have a little hope that I'd at least
survive the afternoon.

The Healer laughed. "All information is useful, Lord Walter. Even
that which we think is worthless." I felt her take my hand and
press something into it. "An amulet to protect you against the
dangers ahead, young Fox." I murmured my thanks, then wished I
could take them back when she turned to Lord Walter and presented
him with a switch. "And for you, Lord Walter, to punish this
lovely young man." I let out an outraged protest and glared at
the Healer but I could see my master's lip curl with a hint of a
smile. He set his heels to the horse and we began riding slowly
towards the castle. Slow was good, I thought to myself. The
longer it took for us to get to the castle, the longer my ordeal
would be delayed.

Lord Walter had transferred the switch to the hand wrapped about
my waist and I stared down at the thing. "You're not really going
to use that, are you?" I asked, reluctant to call his attention
to the punishment I deserved but equally filled with a dread-
fascination about my fate.

"After she went to so much trouble to choose a good, stout
switch, it would be churlish of me to turn down such a gift." He
glanced over his shoulder, as if gauging how far away we were
from the village, and turned his horse into the woods. "Ah, that
will do nicely."

I eyed with trepidation the fallen tree that seemed to have
caught his attention. "Um - Master - shouldn't we be going back
to the castle?"

He swung off the horse, tying the reins to a branch, and settled
comfortably on the log. "Very nicely, indeed." He crooked his
finger at me. "Come here, Fox."

For a moment, I contemplated setting my heels to the horse and
fleeing. Only the certainty that Lord Walter's horse would throw
me and that, if that didn't kill me, Lord Walter would, made me
give up that idea. I sighed and slid off the horse's back, slowly
walking over to my waiting master. In less than a minute, my
breeches were around my ankles and I was staring at the ground
from over Lord Walter's knees.

"Time for a little lesson, I think." The switch came down hard on
my bare ass and I couldn't help jumping. "Do you know the meaning
of the word 'no', boy?"

"Yes, Master," I gasped, twitching as the switch struck again.
Gods, but that stung!

"Did you hear me telling you not to go to the village, not to
leave the castle without an escort?"

"I had an escort - " I couldn't help yelping as the switch struck
rapidly several times, the strokes thin and burning across my
skin. "I heard you!"

"So you deliberately disobeyed me?"

"Yes!" My whole ass felt as if it was on fire, and I could feel
sobs welling up inside as he continued.

"And you lied to Lt. Lamana, getting him into trouble as well."

"Y-yes, M-master." I was openly sobbing now.

"And if you hadn't been 'lost'? If you had returned to the castle
with the troops? Were you going to tell me what you had been up
to?"

"Um…"

"Wrong answer, brat." A few more strokes and then he tossed the
switch aside. "You can get up now, brat."

Easier said than done, I thought, trying to get myself under
control. I struggled to my feet and reassembled my clothes,
dragging a sleeve across my eyes.

"Here." Lord Walter's voice was surprisingly gentle as he handed
me a handkerchief.

"Thanks." I dried my eyes and blew my nose. "Um - I didn't say it
- you didn't ask me to - but I'm sorry I disobeyed you."

"I expect you are." To my surprise, Lord Walter pulled me into an
embrace. "Do you have any idea how I felt when I learned you were
missing? Anything could have happened to you, Fox. Have you
forgotten that Sir John would like nothing better than to get his
hands on you?"

I could feel tears welling up again and buried my face against
his tunic. "I'm sorry - I wasn't thinking - "

Lord Walter sighed. "Well, if it takes me beating your ass black
and blue, that is the one thing you will learn from me -how to
think before you act, not after." He released me after one last
hug. "Come, it is getting late and we need to return to the
castle before Captain Scully starts hunting for my ass."

Speaking of ass, I thought to myself, there was no way that I was
going to be able to sit comfortably on that damn horse now. I
should have known that Lord Walter had already found a solution
as, in short order, I found myself lying face-down across the
horse's neck.

"This is so embarrassing," I muttered, feeling my face redden,
and tried to shift into a more comfortable position.

A swat to my tender backside stilled me. "You'll be even more
embarrassed if you tumble off onto your head, so stay still,
brat."

I sighed and lay quiet for a few moments, lulled by the movements
of the horse. "Master?"

"What is it now, Fox?"

"She says Samantha is safe. Should I believe her?"

"She's been known to be right more times than wrong. Do you
believe her?"

I sighed. "I want to believe."

A gentle hand moved soothingly over my back. "I know, my cub. I
know."

Chapter Five

Walter

Scully looked relieved when we rode into the courtyard, her lips
twitching a little when she saw Fox draped across the front of my
saddle and his obvious discomfort when he slid down to stand on
his feet. Lt. Lamana stood at her side and I could see that
relief at Fox's safe return was warring with dread for his coming
ordeal. Scully was a tough Captain, dispensing discipline among
her troops with a just but firm hand, and her men feared and
respected her in equal parts.

"The troops have been settled, Lord Walter. If you have no
further need for me, I have Lt. Lamana's punishment to deal
with."

I nodded. "Thank you, Scully. It's been a busy day - I believe
that I shall indulge in a quiet dinner tonight." I turned to the
stairs, gesturing for Fox to follow me.

To my surprise, he hesitated and turned to Scully. "Captain, what
will happen to Lt. Lamana?"

She looked at Fox squarely. "He will be whipped at the post. Ten
lashes for failure to carry out his duties, five lashes for
forgetting that he takes orders from Lord Walter and myself
alone, ten lashes for his - misplacing you."

I could see Fox pale but he squared his shoulders. "Lt. Lamana
shouldn't be punished. It was my fault. I told him I had
permission to go, and I lied. I should take his punishment."

I could see that my astonishment was mirrored in Scully. She
frowned, saying, "Do you know what you are asking? Twenty-five
lashes is enough to send a man to his bed for several days."

Fox swallowed hard. "Then I am even more certain. You cannot
afford to lose Lt. Lamana's service. I can be more easily spared
- I am not so important."

I came down the stairs to join them, frowning. "I wouldn't be so
certain of that, Fox. You understand that this would be in
addition to what you have already received?" Fox flushed at the
mention of the switching that he had received but nodded. I
looked over at Captain Scully; management of the troops was under
her command and I would not lightly usurp her authority. "Well,
Captain?"

Scully shook her head. "I can't whip Milord Fox. It is not my
place to do so."

"And if I whip him in your place? Will that satisfy you?"

I could see her weighing the matter, trying to determine where
justice would be served the most. "Very well. I can't allow
Lamana to go unpunished, however. He will receive ten lashes, the
rest to be taken by Milord Fox on the condition that you
substitute a strap in place of the whip. And both punishments to
be conducted in private instead of at the post." Her voice
softened. Such generosity of spirit should not go unrewarded."

I nodded in agreement. "Agreed. Come, Fox."

Fox nodded and turned to follow me. Lamana, who had been watching
the entire proceedings in stunned silence, moved now, dropping to
his knees before my startled slave and halting him. As he looked
up at Fox, I was startled to see grateful tears in eyes that
burned with feverish dedication.

"I am in your debt, Milord Fox. If there is ever any way that I
may serve you in future, you have only to name it," Lamana said
humbly, and I knew that the young soldier would protect Fox with
his own life. A sudden chill ran up my back at that thought.

Fox shook his head. "Thank you, but you owe me nothing. It was I
who got you in this trouble." He reached out a hand to help
Lamana up. "And I am not a noble. I am but a slave."

Lamana shook his head and smiled but said nothing else as he
turned to follow Scully into the Armory. Fox stood watching him
for a moment, looking up at me when I gently touched his
shoulder.

"Come, Fox."

He nodded, following me to my chamber. I sat down on the bed,
weary from the long day, and sighed.

"Bath first, then a quiet dinner here before bed."

Fox began removing my clothes, unfastening my belt and laying it
across the bed. "You forgot about my punishment, Master," he said
quietly.

I touched his cheek gently. "I haven't forgotten, my cub. That
was a generous thing to do."

He shook his head. "It was my fault, that's all. I deserve the
punishment, not Lamana. He shouldn't have been punished at all."

I caught his chin, forcing his eyes to meet mine. "You are not to
blame for everything. Lamana made some bad choices, as did you. I
will not have you beating yourself up over this." I smiled at
him, trying for a little gallow's humor. "That's my job."

Fox drew a deep breath. "When will you do it, Master? I - I don't
like to wait for it."

I drew him against me, settling his nerves. "After our bath. You
won't want hot water on your ass afterward, and I imagine that
you won't be able to eat till it is over."

Fox nodded, resting his head on my shoulder. "Why are you being
so nice to me, Master? You were furious with me earlier."

"Idiot," I said affectionately. "I can't begin to tell you how I
felt when I realized you were missing. I haven't been that
frightened since I was a lad going into my first battle. And
then, to see you alive and well - of course I was furious. But I
didn't punish you because I was angry - I did it because you
disobeyed me and risked your neck without cause. I would be most
unhappy to lose you, brat."

Fox's voice was odd and muffled against my shoulder. "You would?"

"Of course. You are precious to me, my cub, and becoming more so
as each day passes. I would not willingly part with you."

There was a sound like the release of held breath, and then Fox
was pulling away, determinedly removing my clothes. "You need a
bath, my master."

I laughed. "Is that a comment that I smell?"

"Well, Master, I wouldn't have mentioned it myself but - "

I laughed again and cuffed him gently. "Brat."

Our bath was quick and quiet, but I was pleased to see a look in
Fox's eyes that I had seen once, when his eyes had opened on the
morning after I had first taken him. A look that I had somehow
destroyed with careless words a few hours later. I had gone over
our exchanges several times in my mind, trying to determine where
I had erred, but had ended up with no more of a clue than before.
And now the shadow was gone and that peaceful contentment was
back, and I still had no idea what had brought about this change
but I wasn't about to risk ruining it again by questioning it.

We returned to the room and Fox helped me into my bedgown, then
brought me the belt as he had every night for the past month
since I had purchased him. Of late, I hadn't had much occasion to
use it as he had been remarkably well behaved, but it was still a
nightly ritual. Only tonight Fox's luck had run out.

"All right, get over the bench."

Fox nodded, drew a deep breath, then moved into position and
gripped the cross-brace underneath the bench. I put a hand on his
back, steadying him.

"Tell me what this punishment is for."

"I'm taking Lt. Lamana's punishment, for getting him in trouble.
I lied to him, telling him that I had permission to go into town.
Then I didn't stay with the troops so they forgot about me, which
caused you to worry when you got home and I wasn't there."

"That's right. And you are to receive 15 strokes. Are you ready,
boy?"

Faintly, he replied, "Yes, sir."

I studied his bared bottom for a moment, noting that it still
bore thin welts from his earlier thrashing. I determined not to
use my full strength on this whipping, only enough to carry out
the punishment. I raised the belt and brought it down on his
upturned bottom, counting out the strokes. I could see Fox
squirming under the blows, heard the catch in his breathing that
told me he was trying to keep from breaking into sobs. I paused
for a moment, halfway through the required strokes.

"Fox, it's okay to cry or yell or swear if you want. I won't
think any less of you for it."

"T-thank you, sir." Despite this, it took three more blows before
the first sound passed his lips. The next stroke forced a sobbing
groan from him, and for the remaining five blows he sobbed
freely.

"All done, Fox," I said, setting down the belt. Fox nodded and,
after a few minutes, had collected himself enough to push himself
to his feet. As before, I pulled him into my arms, and he clung
to me. I could feel silent tears soak through the shoulder of my
bedgown and decided that he needed a little coddling tonight.

I scooped him up into my arms and carried him over to the bed,
settling him on his side. He rolled onto his stomach and grabbed
a pillow, burying his face in it, and I rubbed his back
soothingly for a moment.

"I'll be back in a moment, Fox."

I left the room, almost running into Maggie in the hallway
outside the room carrying a heavily laden tray. I smiled at her,
taking it. "Thanks, Maggie. Could you get the healing cream - " I
halted as she lifted the cover off a small pot and I caught the
faint aroma of herbs. "Bless you, Maggie."

"How is the lad?"

"Resting at the moment, then I'll try to get him to eat. He'll be
fine. Have you seen to Lamana yet?"

Maggie nodded. "Already asleep, unless I miss my guess. He'll be
fine as well and will heal with no scars. Very grateful he is to
young Fox, too."

"I would imagine so. Good-night, Maggie."

I took the tray inside and set it down on the hearth, then took
the pot of salve over to the bed. Fox lay so still that I thought
he had fallen asleep until I saw the convulsive shaking and
realized that he was still crying silently.

"Shh," I said, sitting on the bed beside him. "Do not weep so, my
heart."

The body beside me went still and a wet face appeared from under
the pillow. "Master?"

"Lie still. I have a soothing balm to put on your backside. It
was my mother's recipe and it will both ease your pain and heal
your injuries."

Fox tensed and tried to move away. "I don't deserve either -"

"Lie still, Fox," I said sternly. "I will not have you damaged or
in pain."

Fox drew a deep, shaking breath and all the tension seemed to
melt away. "Yes, Master."

Fox

I heard Lord Walter saying something to me but the waves of pain
washing over me made the words sound like a distant rumble. I
heard the door close behind him quite clearly, though, and felt a
fresh batch of tears well up. He was disgusted with me, with my
childish tears, and couldn't even stand to be in the same room as
me. I buried my face in the pillow, feeling miserable inside and
out. And this after my early hope that I might mean more to my
master than a warm body.

A heavy weight settled on the bed next to me and a warm voice
murmured, "Shhh. Do not weep so, my heart."

My heart?

The sound of that endearment stunned me, and I lifted my head
from the pillow to make sure that it was, indeed, Lord Walter
sitting beside me. "Master?"

"Lie still. I have a soothing balm to put on your backside. It
was my mother's recipe and it will both ease your pain and heal
your injuries."

That was wrong - I had to pay for my misdeeds. I didn’t deserve
any kindness. I tried to pull away.

"Lie still, Fox," he said sternly. "I will not have you damaged
or in pain."

Of course. Earlier, I would have said it was because I would be
worthless as a bedslave in this condition, and a worthless slave
was sold or assigned to other duties. But he had just called me
"my heart" and earlier he had said that I was valuable to him.
Could it be - was it possible that Lord Walter cared for me? That
I had not mistaken the affection that I thought I had seen in his
eyes on several occasions? Could it be that I had misunderstood
him that first morning? Perhaps, just perhaps, he had only meant
to remind me that - although he did care about me - there was a
gap in our stations and I must be aware of that at all times.

I drew a deep breath, trying to control the shaking of my body,
willing myself to obedience. "Yes, Master."

The feel of something touching my tender backside was sheer agony
but it was immediately followed by a cooling relief so intense
that I nearly blacked out. The world narrowed down to one sharp
focus, that of the hands running over my inflamed skin, soothing
away the pain and heat as easily as he had caused it. It was
almost erotic, that release from pain, and I groaned and tried to
wriggle into closer contact with those hands.

A soft laugh and a fond voice said, "Such a hot little one!
Relax, my brat - the pain will return soon enough and then you
will be in no mood for such games."

I turned to meet his eyes, giving him a sultry look. "So we
should do something before the pain returns, shouldn't we,
Master?"

Lord Walter laughed again and leaned over to kiss me. "Yes. You
should eat before the pain returns."

I made a face at him, but he ignored me and fetched our dinner. I
lay on my side on the bed while he fed me, an act that amused me
greatly and seemed to give him pleasure. And if it was strange to
feel this relaxed and happy after having the two harshest
whippings of my life within hours of each other - well, I was
willing to blame it on the herbs in the salve. That, and the look
in Lord Walter's eyes.

Chapter Six

Fox

I woke up in the early morning just before dawn aware of two
things: the throbbing ache of my backside and the warmth of the
man curled around me. The one made me long to find that wonderful
salve and bathe in it; the second made me want to stay curled up
in his arms without moving forever. What to do, I mused - and
then the answer was taken out of my hands as another need made
itself known. Swearing slightly, I eased out of Lord Walter's
arms, shivering slightly against the early-morning chill as I
made my way to the privy. As I returned to the warmth of the bed,
Lord Walter stirred slightly. He wrapped his arm around me,
pulling me closer and nuzzling my neck.

"Your feet are like ice," he grumbled.

I yawned. "So are the floors. Ever think about rugs in here?"

He murmured something vague and drifted back to sleep, and I
grinned and followed him down.

It was mid-morning when I awoke again, this time to awareness of
a chill on my backside and the gentle hands that were easing the
pain. I turned my head slightly on the pillow to look at him.

"You know, Master, if you keep being this nice to me after
punishment, it's going to stop being a deterrent."

There was a soft laugh. "Somehow I don't think so, Fox. You
aren't the kind of person who enjoys pain." More soothing balm
and I sighed blissfully. "There, that ought to do it."

I rolled up into a sitting position, suddenly aware that Lord
Walter was already dressed and the day was bright outside. "You
shouldn't have let me sleep so late, Master."

An eyebrow raised at that. "Presuming to tell me what I can and
can't do, boy?"

"Of course not, Master," I murmured, bowing my head but peering
up at him through my eyelashes. I was beginning to discover that
certain actions like this could effectively distract my master,
turning his thoughts into a more pleasurable channel. "It's just
that I have so many things to do today. Your armor never got
cleaned yesterday, and I didn't finish recopying the last of the
barley accounts for you, and -"

The Look didn't appear to be working today. Lord Walter crossed
his arms and stared down at me, no sign of passion overwhelming
him. It seemed that I was going to have to work harder on those
seduction techniques - that was the second time in less than 12
hours that he had turned me down.

"Lt. Lamana collected the armor earlier and Captain Scully says
he's going over it like his own life depended on it. The accounts
are fine as they are - you have a much neater hand than I, even
on a rough draft. Today you are to spend time catching up with
your studies, my boy. You've gotten behind on a number of
subjects."

I shrugged. "What's the point? I won't ever be going back to the
University so why should I bother?"

A firm set of arms dragged me out of bed. "Learning is never a
waste of time, brat. Now get your lazy ass out of bed and get
dressed."

He set me down on the floor and I moved quickly out of reach
before he could add a little emphasis to his words. I had taken a
few steps before I realized that something was different. I
looked down. There, beneath my feet, was a thick carpet and
there, in front of the fire, lay a fur rug. Dumbfounded, I turned
and looked over at Lord Walter.

The eyebrow raised again. "What? You never heard of rugs?" A
slight smile and he was out of the room.

Which, of course, was no reason why I should find myself hugging
an old fur rug like it was a long lost treasure.

Walter

For a young man that smart he could be incredibly stupid at
times.

Case in point - yesterday's escapade. Although, I must admit, one
also had to admire the ingenuity that had come up with such a
scheme on the spur of the moment. That is, of course, unless you
had sworn to protect the body that housed such a sharp mind and
indomitable spirit. And how to keep that body in one piece while
leaving that brain sharp and that spirit free was the big
mystery. For a moment, I wished that we could have met under
different circumstances - at my brother's Court, perhaps. But
such thoughts were useless - Fox would never have given me a
second look and would certainly never have shared my bed had he
been free to make a choice.

I sighed as I settled at my desk for another day of accounts and
reports, this one unenlivened by Fox's presence at his little
desk. At the thought of Fox, a smile crossed my face. The way
that he had looked at me this morning, those green eyes peering
up at me through those impossibly long lashes - and the brat had
known exactly what he was doing. It had taken all my
determination not to betray the sudden flush of desire that had
filled me, not to throw him down on the bed and fuck him
senseless. The boy was developing new tricks and it would
definitely be interesting to see where this led.

These thoughts, however, were not conducive to concentrating on
my work. I turned my attention away from my arousal and back to
the paperwork that needed to accompany the shipment of grains to
the Royal storehouses. With my attention where it needed to be, I
made quick work of the papers so that by luncheon I was finished
and had the rest of the day free. I decided to indulge myself and
went to the library in search of my cub.

Fox was stretched on his stomach before the fireplace, so
absorbed in his reading that he didn't hear me enter the room.

"Must be an interesting book to have your full attention."

Fox's eyes flicked toward me and he nodded but said nothing as he
finished reading, then closed his book with a contented sigh.

"Sorry, Master. I wanted to finish that section - I'll go fetch
the lunch tray."

I settled into my favorite chair, sighing with satisfaction as I
allowed my body to relax.  I had been so busy over the past month
with the estate business that I had taken little time to simply
relax and enjoy a good book at my fireplace. I decided that I
must make time for that, particularly now that I had someone to
share that fireplace and love of books.

The door opened and Fox entered with the tray, setting it down on
the table.  "Maggie sent enough to feed a troop so I hope you're
hungry." He brought me a plate and cup.

I accepted them and gestured towards the chair beside me. "Join
me, Fox."

He flushed again. "Um - Master, it's not very comfortable for me
to sit right now."

I nodded in understanding.  "Of course, my cub.  I had
forgotten."  I rose with my plate.  "Then I will join you on the
floor."

He looked startled but moved quickly to bring pillows and furs,
assuring my comfort before bringing his own plate over. He
stretched out on his stomach again, eating with a good appetite.
I watched him, delighting in the pure joy of being able to look
upon him, and then my eyes fell on the thin book Fox had set
aside. I picked it up, noticing his aborted reach for it, and
opened it.

“Greek poetry, Fox?”

He flushed.  “I’m brushing up on my language skills.”

Slowly, I turned the pages and scanned the poems.  I was a fair
Greek scholar myself and I recognized these as love poems. More
than that, poems written by an anonymous author about the male
lovers in his life. The poems themselves were very beautiful,
ranging from soft and tender to highly erotic.  I handed him back
the book.

“Read to me.  I would enjoy hearing the sound of your voice.”

He blushed as he took the book from my hands and flipped through
the pages. Quietly, he began reading aloud, first in Greek and
then translating it. Fox read well, his voice becoming more
animated as he read, and I closed my eyes to let the words wash
over me. The poem that he had selected was one of the poet’s
early ones, expressing his love for his mentor, his feelings of
unworthiness, and his yearning for any sign of affection.  Fox’s
voice reflected the deep longing and I felt my throat tighten in
sympathy for the poet.

Fox stopped speaking and I opened my eyes to smile at him.
“Beautiful, my cub.  You have a gift for languages.”

“Thank you, Master.  Should I read another?”

I looked over at him, his face flushed in the firelight and his
young body stretched out before my eyes.  I was suddenly hungry
for his touch again, longing to taste him, to feel him moving
under me. I reached out to touch his hair. “Fox,” I said
hoarsely.  “Take off your clothes.”

His eyes widened.  “Here?”

I ran my fingers over his lips.  “Yes. Here. Now.”

“But – but someone could come in,” he protested.

“Yes.”  I leaned over to kiss his lips briefly, tasting their
sweetness.

“Master – I can’t – “

“You can and you will.”  I kissed him deeper and then released
him. He flushed and bit his lip, moving up on his knees, and
pulled his tunic over his head.  His eyes were downcast and I
could almost swear I saw tears in those long lashes. I took his
chin in my hand and forced his head up.

“Look at me, Fox,” I commanded.  Eyes filled with misery met
mine.  “Why the tears, my cub?  Does my desire for you cause you
this grief?”

“No, Master,” he whispered.  “I – I am pleased that you desire
me.”

“Then perhaps you do not desire me?”

“Oh no, Master!” he said quickly. “I want you very much.”

“Then why are you distressed?”  He was still silent and I pulled
him closer, nuzzling his neck. “Is it because I want you here
instead of up in my room?”

“Yes, Master,” he whispered, flushing. “Someone – someone might
see – “

“Only Maggie, William and Scully come in here, and never without
knocking.  They have seen you naked.”

“But not being – um – “

“Fucked?” I kissed him, feeling the trembling in his aroused
body. “I think that they would find it a beautiful sight. Your
body gleaming with sweat, your head thrown back in passion as I
ride you hard, your voice hoarse with the sweet sounds of passion
that you make as you climax.”

I felt his lips against my neck, heard his whisper, “You are
beautiful, my master.  Not me.”

“Are you arguing with me, my cub?  I shall have to punish you.”
I pushed him down on the floor, covering his body with my own,
kissing him with deliberate passion.

When I released him, his eyes were bright with need. “If that’s
the punishment, Master, I’m going to be very, very bad.”

“Brat,” I said affectionately.  I kissed my way over his chest,
exploring every inch anew, hearing him moan with pleasure under
my attentions.  By the time I reached his waist, he was gasping
and clutching my shoulders. He made no protest as I tugged his
leggings down, merely lifting his hips to help, and I continued
my explorations. When I finally took him into my mouth, he was
whimpering in his need and so hot that it took little to release
him.

Immensely satisfied with myself, I sat back and watched my
beautiful slave come gradually back to his senses.  He lay
sprawled on his back on the rug before the fire, gloriously naked
and flushed with passion, and I felt a deeply satisfied sense of
possession. He was mine, I thought fiercely.

Fox opened his eyes at that moment and he must have caught the
look on my face.  A slow smile crossed his own face and his
eyelids drooped with desire. He held out a hand to me and said in
a husky voice, “You have too many clothes on, my master.”

I smiled and leaned forward to kiss him. “That can be remedied.” 
I stood and shed my clothes, seeing the resurgence of interest in
his body as I did so.  “No more problems with this, my Fox?”

He held out his hand again and I let him pull me down. “Master,
if you want to take me in the courtyard at mid-day, I am yours.”

I chuckled and pressed a kiss against his lips.  “Brave words, my
heart, when you must know that I am too jealous to let anyone but
my most trusted servants see your beautiful body.”

“Really, Master?” His gaze was painfully intense. “You wouldn’t
send me to another’s bed?”

“No,” I said roughly, capturing his mouth again. “You belong to
me and in my bed.  Do you hear me?”

“Yes, Master.”  He wrapped his arms and legs tightly around me,
kissing me fiercely.  I caught fire and devoured his mouth, our
bodies rubbing together and generating a heat more intense than
the fireplace at our backs.

“Please – take me – please – “ he whispered, rocking against me.

“Yes,” I murmured, biting his neck. “Yes, my beautiful cub.”

I could tell that his backside was still sore from last night’s
punishment and he hissed as my finger entered him. I would have
pulled back but he grabbed my hand in silent entreaty so I
continued to prepare him.  Then I rolled onto my back, pulling
him with me.

“Ride me – it will be easier on you thus.”

I saw the flare of passion in his eyes and he pressed a kiss on
my lips before sitting up.  He carefully eased himself down onto
my hard cock and I bit my lip, fighting the urge to thrust up
into that tight warmth.  I focused on his face to keep from
exploding. There was an intensity in his expression, his whole
being concentrating on his own movements as he slid up and down
on my cock, rocking his hips slightly to take me in more
completely.  I was enchanted by this new view of him, enjoying
the sensation of being worshipped, and decided that I would have
to allow him to pleasure me like this more often.  Then,
unbidden, the thought of him over me like this but moving within
me filled my mind and I felt my body flare with heat at the image
in my mind. The intensity of my need surprised me - I was hardly
a virgin but I had never really enjoyed being penetrated by my
previous lovers. But it seemed that with Fox all things were
different.

I pulled him down for a kiss, hungrily feasting on the mouth that
brought me so much pleasure, and holding his hips with my hands
as I rocked up into his body.  He groaned against my mouth,
thrusting back to meet my body, and if it caused pain to his
abused ass he didn’t seem to notice.  I felt the familiar
tightness beginning in my belly and released him, letting him sit
back up so that he could move deeper while my hands grasped his
cock, stroking it firmly.  I heard him gasp and then he was
moving frantically, riding me hard as he erupted in my hand.  I
felt his muscles clench tight around me, and his shout of joy
blended with mine as I came deep within him.

Fox collapsed onto my chest, breathing hard, and I smiled as I
wrapped my arms around him.  “I think you wore yourself out, my
cub.”

“Mmm-hmm.”

“Then I suppose it would be useless to suggest that we get up and
dress?”

“In a little while, Master,” he said sleepily, his head snuggling
against my shoulder.

I smiled again indulgently and pulled a fur over us, hearing him
nearly purr in contentment.  Reaching out for a pillow to cushion
my head, my hand brushed over the book of poems. I picked up the
book and began reading aloud, letting the beautiful love words
lull my beloved cub to sleep in my arms.

Yes, I was besotted.  And I didn’t care who knew.

End of Part 2