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fellowshippers2005-08-29 12:34 pm
mind-of-onion.livejournal.com) wrote in fellowshippers2005-08-29 12:34 pm
Love of all Times (1/?)
I have neither posted nor commented on any of the stories for a long time, but... that's mostly because I had so much else on my mind that I simply had taken a break from the fandom in general. And because I was writing with my friend Fin and didn't want to start posting before we were at least halfway through the writing/editing process. Anywho... Hope you like it!
Title: Love Of All Times 1/?
Author: little___hobbit and Fin_Anwamane
Type: RPS
Pairing: Liv/Miranda
Rating: NC-17
Beta: Ourselves
Warning: Physical violence, abuse and rape described in later chapters not between the main pairing.
Disclaimer: This never happened. This was written in fun that's all.
Feedback: Yes please send to Paddington-bear@web.de
or glorfindel@hornofgondor.com
Archiving: The Angel's Realm, others please ask.
Summary: A.U. - An Egyptian Princess and her slave fall for one another and overcome the threats of their environment
Italics indicate thoughts
~~~~~~
The sun was burning hot down on the exhausted slaves as the caravan finally came to a halt on the great market of Thebes and they all slumped down to the hot sandy ground. All around were market stalls, and merchants crying out offers of their goods to the crowds.
"Finest oil from the south!"
"Jewellery for your wives!"
"Best wine from the slopes of the Nile!"
"Strong barbarian men to help you on your farm!"
As they opened the door of her wagon and helped her out, Miranda squinted her eyes at the blinding sunlight and looked around. She knew why she was being treated differently from the other slaves, though she did not fully understand that. She didn't have to walk, like the others, she was being kept out of the sun, and if there was no way to keep her out of the sun, they had covered her skin with some strange paste to keep it from burning.
The slave master took care of her personally, making her sit on a small chair underneath a canopy, then he secured her hands and feet with a soft rope to keep her from trying to escape. However, despite having traveled in a wagon and having received more and much better food than the rest of the slaves, Miranda still was far too weak to even think of escaping. Silently, she accepted the amphora and the small bowl with seminola that were handed to her and began to eat.
She winced quietly when she saw the guards kick out at the other slaves for begging for water. Her own amphora was constantly being kept full by her guards, but Miranda knew that even with the value she had for her master, they would kick out at her just the same if she stood up for them. She badly wished she could somehow help the other slaves, but there was nothing she could do, and it frustrated her a little.
As she ate, she looked around a little more. They had halted on a big market square, and it was sure that some of the slaves would pass on to new owners, and that their master would buy new slaves he'd be selling elsewhere. Just as she looked up, a man was passing before the little stage she sat on, looking at the slaves her master had to offer. When his eyes fell on Miranda, he suddenly seemed to freeze, and Miranda blushed. Quickly she lowered her gaze, afraid it had been her look that had made the man freeze. She did not dare to look up again, otherwise she would have seen the bright smile on the man's face as he turned and hurried away as fast as his legs would carry him, talking to himself as he went. "He will be pleased. Yes very pleased. She is a real treat, yes a real treat indeed. Hair of gold. Yes, yes. The King will be pleased." The man beamed as he went along making his way through the crowd to the Temple.
Up on the hill above the city, in the Royal Temple, King Raneb sat upon his throne talking to his High Priest while a slave girl was massaging his shoulders. "The day of my daughter's twentieth birthday is almost at hand. You must see to it that all of the preparations are in place for the fest. I will accept nothing but the best for my favorite daughter. This is nice," he said with a sigh, "Now come to the front and see if your fingers are as good at massaging other parts as they were on my shoulders," Raneb added. The girl nodded quietly and came around the throne to kneel before the King, shaky fingers opening his breeches.
"Of course, my King," replied the Priest, ignoring the scene that was going on before his eyes. He was used to Raneb's never ceasing hunger and lust. Just in that moment the guards escorted a very out of breath man into the King’s chambers.
Raneb raised his eyebrows at the man. "Who are you to burst in here like this? What do you want? Speak quickly, or I'll have you made alligator fodder!" he barked. The man ducked and fell to his knees, bowing deep before the monarch.
"Your Majesty," the man said trying to catch his breath, "I have come from Thebes to deliver news to you."
"What sort of news?" the Priest asked on behalf of Raneb who was lost deep in the throws of pleasure at the hands of the slave girl.
"A slave girl, a girl with golden hair. A sight I have never laid eyes on before. I thought perhaps maybe she could be the perfect gift for your daughter on her upcoming birthday," the man said excitedly, "She is just the perfect kind of slave to serve Princess Liv as lady in waiting."
The Priest looked from the messenger to the King. "Shall we send someone to look into this, your Majesty?"
"A golden haired woman?" Raneb mused, stroking his beard as a greedy gleam appeared in his eyes. He looked up at the Priest and shook his head. "No. I must see for myself," he said as he grabbed the slave by the hair and yanked her brutally away from him sending her flying across the stone floor. Ready my carriage and alert my daughter. I want her to accompany me to Thebes," he added as he fastened his breeches. "Little whore can't get enough," he said with a smirk as he slapped the messenger on the back. "Tell me more of this golden haired slave," he said as they made their way outside the temple. "If your information suits my needs then you may have her," he said motioning to the naked woman still cowering on the floor, "She will please you I'm sure."
***
It had been five hours since they had arrived at the market. Miranda was still sitting in the shadow of her canopy and discreetly watched the hustle and bustle around. Although there had been a few offers to buy her no one had offered enough to please her master. Suddenly the noises on the huge market square grew even louder than they already had been. All at once, the merchants started shouting even louder, praising their offers in even more flourish words than they had before. Miranda craned her neck to see what the noise was all about.
On the east side of the market, she could make out a small army surrounding two magnificent carriages that were pulled by three black horses each. She knew immediately that the owners of the carriages must be someone very important and noble, if not even royal. The head of the caravan caught her eye and beckoned her to lower her gaze; Miranda obeyed, although she kept peeking secretly up at the carriage.
She simply had to; *something* was telling her that the carriages bore her destiny, although she did not know if it would be for her good or bad. Still, Miranda could hardly restrain her impatience and curiosity.
When the procession stopped in front of her owner's stage, she wasn't surprised, though her master obviously was. The small, bald-headed men paled and fell to the ground, pressing his face into the sand.
"Oh blessed be you, your Majesty, I am not worthy of your attention!" he stammered. Miranda too got up from her chair and dropped to her knees to bow to whoever was to step out of the carriage, but something kept making her glance up. Her heart was beating fast, thumping loudly in her chest, so loud in fact that she was surprised no one heard it but her. With effort, she made her head drop forward again so not to offend whoever was emerging the carriages.
"Raise, my friend", a deep male voice said, "Raise and show me what you have got today." The King new this slave trader well. He had, in the past, bought several nice women from him. All of whom had pleased him in bed as well as served their purpose as slaves at the temple. "It is my beloved daughter's birthday soon; I mean to give her the most extraordinary present ever. Word has reached me you have brought the most exotic flower to Thebes? Show her to me."
Miranda knew immediately what the man was talking about. The man who'd stared at her in shock came back to her mind. He must have told them about me, she thought, And now they want to buy me for their daughter. If Miranda had somehow managed to stay calm before, that self-control was now gone. Curiously but carefully she lifted her head a little to see her master bow towards a tall, majestic looking man and behind him... Miranda's jaw dropped as she sat up a bit further, staring in open admiration at the vision in the carriage behind the tall man.
It was a woman, probably a few years younger than Miranda, but more beautiful than any other living creature she'd ever seen before. Tall and slender, long black hair that looked like liquid silk, white skin that Miranda was sure was as soft as satin, and a face that seemed to have been modeled by Ra himself. Immediately, an ache spread inside her, as she yearned to feel the skin under her fingers, to feel her pulse beating under her lips as she explored, tasted... Miranda let out a breath that she'd not even noticed of having held and lifted her head even further, to get a yet clearer glimpse of the beautiful girl.
Suddenly, it seemed to her that the woman looked back at her and she felt the heat inside her grow even more, coloring her cheeks. Her instincts told her to lower her head again, but she could not tear her gaze off the godlike creature. But then, the woman in the carriage frowned and looked away, and the spell was broken. With an inward sigh, Miranda dropped her head again and waited patiently.
Liv stared down from carriage at the slave girl in front of her. She was a very beautiful creature Liv thought as her long blonde hair took her in. She could not remember ever seeing such hair before. Briefly the two made eye contact. How dare she look at me? Liv thought indignantly for a second before that emotion was replaced by another she could not name. Swallowing deeply she broke her gaze on the woman and looked at the slave's master as he began to speak to her father. He heart was beating fast and she could not explain the reason for this. This was just another slave, another young woman, although much more exotic than any other she had ever laid eyes on, but she was a slave just the same. She would tend to her night and day. Feed her, bathe her; the thought of the woman bathing her sent a strange sensation throughout her she had never experienced before. She felt a tingle, warm and wonderful and she knew she must have this woman.
"My King has heard right!" the slave master exclaimed and bowed again, "I do indeed have the most exotic and most beautiful flower here. Of course, she will never reach the beauty of her Highness Princess Liv," he quickly added with another deep bow in the direction of the carriage, "But I dare say, I have not seen any other woman that she will not outshine. Come, see for yourself!"
Miranda heard the steps of three people approaching her and lowered her head even more, despite the strong urge to look up; even without having seen it, she knew that the woman had stepped out of the carriage and joined her father and the slave master to come and take a closer look at Miranda. She didn't have to see it; she could feel her. As the three stopped beside her, Miranda noticed that the woman – Princess Liv, according to her master – was standing right next to her, and she closed her eyes in a frantic attempt to slow her heart rate down. Digging her fingernails into the wood of keep her hands from reaching out for the woman, Miranda took a shaky breath and bade her time.
"See what I mean?" she heard her master say breathlessly, "When I found her, I thought immediately of you, my King. Look at her!" He bent down and tugged at her arm, "Stand up!"
Miranda did as she was told, briefly making eye contact with the Princess again; it was enough to increase the aching heat inside her again, and it made her realize something: For the past weeks, she'd been dreaming of a mysterious woman, one to bring her love and happiness but also pain and fear, and the woman she'd been dreaming of was the one standing right before her now. Before anyone else could notice her renewed glance at Liv, Miranda dropped her gaze as nearly ten years of slavery had taught her.
"Such a lovely thing," the King said looking her over, his eyes already measuring the girl for himself. Oh, but she would make a wonderful companion for his bed! His mind began to race with ideas of what he'd do with her. His eyes stopped at her lips; Raneb could not fully hide the anticipant smile that curled up on his face as he imagined those lips closing around his member... The thought alone made him stir, though with his official clothes, the motion kept well hidden from everyone, except for a small shudder that he could not fully suppress. Reaching out, he ran his hand through Miranda's long, golden hair and brought it to his face, deeply inhaling the scent of honey that emerged from her. "Move closer," he instructed her, "Let me get a better look at you."
Liv glared at her father. She knew what his intentions were for this woman, she had seen it before. She hated this man she called father, he was an unfair and cruel King. Secretly she wished him dead but she had not the nerve to speak it or to act on her thoughts. As the slave stood Liv's attention returned to the woman. She was really taken in by her beauty and stood there and stared in awe at the beauty of the woman as her father spoke.
One of the guards had stepped up behind Miranda, and at a wave of her master, he loosened her restraints that had kept her in her place so she could obey the King. Miranda knew he would be staying directly behind her, making sure that she would not try anything to hurt the Royal customers, nor try to escape. Miranda glanced up to find the beautiful woman still staring at her, and quickly she lowered her gaze again, stepping obediently up to the King, silently enduring his groping examination.
"She is strong and skillful, and she learns quickly," the slave trader started praising his most valuable slave, "When we found her, she hardly spoke your language at all. Now she is almost fluent. She understands all the important orders and will carry them out without questioning. And look at her, her skin, it is special! And her hair! Does it not look like gold?"
Miranda had to suppress a snort at the words of her master. He was exaggerating, of course he was. Even though she had no real idea for money, she knew of her value, especially since it was the King of Thebes thinking of buying her for... Miranda fought back the urge to take a step back when Raneb brushed her breasts. She knew even if he said out loud that she would be his daughter's slave, that Raneb meant to take her for himself before long, and she sent a quick and silent prayer to the Deities to give her strength for whatever would await her at the temple.
Raneb studied her more as she moved closer. After her master spoke he replied, "Yes, hair of gold," and the body of a Goddess. She will be wonderful in my bed, he thought as he breathed heavily. "You are sure she will obey without question? We could use more slaves like her." He looked over to his daughter. "She would be a present for you on your birthday. What do you think, my child?"
"I would love to have her," Liv replied without even taking her eyes from the lovely woman. "What is your name dear?" she asked the slave girl.
Giving a start when the Princess addressed her, Miranda ducked her head even more, afraid if she looked up now her gaze would give away her excitement over the Princess' agreement to buy her. Also the words, though Liv had spoken them almost like a command, there had been a softness in her voice, and a tremble that seemed to mirror exactly what Miranda was feeling at this very moment. "My name is Miranda, your Highness," she said with a shaky voice. "I will be happy and obliged to be your faithful servant." And everything else you want me to be, she added in her thoughts.
"Do not be afraid Miranda. I mean you no harm," Liv said as she watched the girl cower slightly.
"It is settled then, I will take her, pay the man," Raneb snapped at his chancellor. He looked back to Miranda's master. "She had better not disappoint or it will be your life."
As the slave trader was paid Liv and her father returned to the carriage. Liv watched as the guards grabbed Miranda and started to lead her to the back of the carriage.
"Halt!" Liv commanded, "She will ride next to me," she said without waiting for her father to disagree. She exited the carriage. "Halt I said," she ordered once more as she moved to Miranda. "You need not fear me my child," she reminded Miranda as she put her fingers under the other woman's chin, raising it to look in her eyes. They were beautiful, eyes of the Gods Liv thought.
Still avoiding looking her new mistress into the eyes, Miranda nodded when Liv reassured her and let the guards lead her to the carriage. When the Princess ordered for her to be seated in the carriage beside her, Miranda froze.
Why was she doing this? Miranda was just a slave, valuable yes, but still exchangeable. She barely suppressed a wince when she felt the finger at her chin forcing her to look up and into the Princess' eyes. Only distantly did she hear the words that were spoken to her as she felt the dark sapphires bore into her very soul, and it took her a while to process them.
Miranda shook her head, keeping her gaze looked with the Princess', feeling like she was drowning in the deep blue pools that were Liv's eyes. Suddenly, breathing became difficult and her pulse was way too fast as she kept looking into the Princess' eyes, struggling to hide in her own gaze the emotions that she was experiencing. "I will not run, your Highness," she said softly, "I promise. I will obey your every order and be a good slave. Neither you nor your father will be disappointed to have bought me." It were the words that her former master had taught her, but they came from the depth of her own heart now and were spoken with the utmost sincerity. Never will I part from you unless you ask me to, she added in her mind but was too scared to voice it, fearing it might reveal her emotions that were already going beyond those a slave was supposed to have for their owner.
Liv put her arms around Miranda gently and helped her into the carriage before climbing in herself. As soon as her hand touched the slave's soft skin, it seemed to her as if the fire inside her that she'd fought out with effort just moments before started blazing anew, spreading from her stomach all throughout her body and leaving her skin itching and tingling. What is happening? She is just a slave, nothing else, why am I feeling all the things? she wondered warily and took a deep breath before she too got into her carriage. She took a seat next to her newly acquired slave and looked at her once more, finding it almost impossible not to reach out and touch the soft skin again.
"Are you hungry?" she asked, "If you are I will see to it that you get something to eat after you get settled into your quarters."
The carriage started on its way as Liv smiled at Miranda, suddenly glad she'd opted for the closed carriage rather than the open one like her father was using so her gaze stayed undisclosed to everyone but the slave girl beside her.
Miranda took her seat in the carriage - inside, not at the back bench outside! - and looked down at her hands. She gave a start when the Princess sat down next to her and shyly looked up.
"My master gave me some semolina and water earlier on," Miranda said, "Thank you." She hesitantly took one of her hands and let it run over the soft fabric of the cushions the seats of the carriage were covered with.
Liv watched the woman reacting to the strange surroundings around her. She could tell Miranda had never experienced such lavishes.
"Good. But if you change your mind I will see to it that you get food before dinner time," Liv said smiling as Miranda continued to rub the cushions. "Where are you from?" Liv inquired as they continued on their way.
Miranda interrupted her touch-testing of her surroundings and looked up and straight into her new mistress' eyes. She blushed and immediately looked away.
"I am sorry, your Highness," she stammered, "I did not mean to offend you." Breathing deeply a few times, Miranda calmed herself down again, before she answered the Princess' question.
"My people are from the north," Miranda said quietly, "We live on the shores of the ocean, my father is a fisherman. He told me once that our people have come here from across the ocean. But I was born and grew up here, on the shores. I lived there until I became a slave."
"From across the ocean?" Liv asked looking at the beautiful woman beside her. That would explain the hair of gold, she thought as she stared at the waves of gold washing around Miranda's shoulders. She had heard stories of people with such hair, but never had she seen it herself, and now she was sitting right next to this woman who looked like she was from a different world, thus making it hard for Liv to remind herself of Miranda's status as a slave. The longer she studied the woman beside her, the stronger the strange feeling in her stomach became, and the urge to feel it became almost unbearable. "May I?" Liv finally asked breathlessly and reached out to touch the hair, slowly running her fingers through. It was even softer as silk, the Princess thought, and she could hardly restrain herself from bringing a handful to her face and inhale its scent.
"That is what my father told me," Miranda nodded and shyly moved closer to the Princess so she could touch her hair. It took her all self-control she could muster not to move too close to the Princess, fearing it would give away the emotions her mistress stirred in her. She could not fully suppress a small shiver as the fingers slid through her hair though; Miranda closed her eyes and tilted her head into the touch that filled her with a heat well known to her and everything but comfortable. Within the blink of an eye, she lost herself in the sensation and unconsciously heaved a soft, almost happy sigh. But as quickly as she'd forgotten herself, she realized what she was doing. Blushing again, Miranda shifted away from her new mistress, stammering apologies and ducking her head. You must not give in to your feelings! she chided herself silently, She is your mistress, this can never be!
"What are you apologizing for?" Liv asked as Miranda ducked her head. "You have done nothing wrong," she said reaching out and putting a hand on top of Miranda's. She took her other hand and turned Miranda's face towards hers. Liv leaned in just inches away from Miranda. "Please relax." She said softly and gently, trying to make the woman feel at ease. "It may be so that you are my slave but you will see that I will not mistreat you," she whispered looking into Miranda's eyes. She wanted nothing more than to press her lips against those of the golden haired woman but she could not bring herself to for fear that someone would see. Instead she ran her hand gently down Miranda's cheek, caressing it with the back of her hand before slowly moving away.
"I should not... must not... cannot..." Miranda stammered, but stopped when the Princess placed a hand on top of her own and used her other to make her look at her new mistress again. Miranda's breath hitched for a moment when the Princess leant in closer. She did not really hear what the other woman told her, she was too occupied drowning in the dark blue of Liv's eyes. Her lips parted as she studied the beautiful face before her. She felt like watching herself as she lifted a hand and ran it lightly over the Princess' cheek. Even though she barely touched the skin, her fingertips began to tingle, itching to touch more of the soft flesh.
It took her a lot of effort to fight down the urge to lean forward and wrap her arms tight around the Princess, and to bury her face into the coal-black hair and inhale the scent. She was still a slave after all, no matter how well the Princess treated her. All her good principles melted however, when a soft hand ran down her cheek. Miranda sighed softly and gently pressed against the caressing fingers, looking longingly into the Princess' eyes.
Just in that moment, the carriage slowed down, and Miranda gasped softly, backing away against the wall of the carriage again. She did not really fear for her own life, but the Princess was far too kind, and somehow Miranda knew that if they caught them in such an intimate situation as they just had been in, her new mistress would be in just as much trouble as she herself.
Liv stared into Miranda's eyes and was about to say something more just as the carriage stopped and Miranda backed away. The doors opened and Liv helped Miranda out. They were greeted by the High Priest and more of the King's guards.
Miranda dropped her gaze again as she stepped out of the carriage and silently endured the curious glances of the King, the High Priest and also some of the braver guards. This was her destiny; Miranda knew that even the kindness of her new mistress would not keep her from this fate forever. Before long, either the High Priest or the King would claim her for their own, and there would be nothing even Princess Liv could do about it. Miranda decided to enjoy the time she'd have in safety, no matter how long or short that would be.
"Show her to her quarters," the Priest instructed, his eyes, like Raneb's before, roaming all over the slave's slender figure.
Liv watched as they began to lead Miranda away. "Hurry up, slave!" one of the guards shouted at Miranda and pushed her slightly.
"No!" Liv cried out as she ran to her, "I will take her myself."
Miranda winced slightly, nearly stumbling and falling, but she managed to steady herself just as Liv cried out angrily and rushed to her side.
"But Princess..." the Guard started.
"Do not 'but Princess' me. She is *my* slave and a gift from my father. I will show her," Liv yelled at the much larger man.
"As you wish," the guard replied backing away from the two. The High Priest watched the scene with interest and turned to the King.
"Your Majesty, do you think it wise to leave your daughter alone with this new slave?" he asked, "She might try and harm her."
When the High Priest suspected her of thinking of ways to harm the Princess and escaping, she suppressed a glare and an angry retort, and kept her eyes down instead.
The Princess had treated her more than well so far, and Miranda felt too much for the younger woman already. Despite she knew what would happen sooner or later, Miranda had no desire at all to run away at all. Even more so, she thought it unbearable to be parted again from the beautiful woman she was to be waiting on from now on. She knew it was foolish to hope for anything more than the gentle kindness she'd experienced so far, and maybe this would end soon anyway, but she could not fully suppress the emotion anyway. She kept her gaze low until the Princess gently put her arms around and led her away, and even then she avoided looking at anyone directly.
Raneb watched his daughter put an arm around Miranda, and for a moment he was tempted to stop them and lay claim on the slave, to have his way with her first before she was to take up her duty as Liv's new lady in waiting.
"I don't think there is any need to worry," Raneb replied finally, deciding it would be better to have the girl settled in and regain all her strength before he claimed her for his own bed. "She seems almost timid and shy." Together, he and the Priest watched the Princess lead the slave off towards her quarters, which were located next to Liv's room.
"Send for Cassandra. I need to work out some of my wanting for the new slave," Raneb said to the Priest as he stood and left for his chambers.
"I'm sorry if he hurt you," Liv said she led Miranda into the Temple. "I will have a word with my father and make it clear that no one is to lay a hand on you."
Miranda remained silent at the Princess' promise; she knew that Liv's pledge to her father would find deaf ears. The looks with which Raneb had measured her both on the market and just now were only too well-known to her. Instead, as they slowly walked through the Temple, Miranda looked around, trying to get accustomed to her new home already. "It is beautiful here," she finally said quietly and dared to look over to the Princess. Immediately, her skin began to tingle and her hands ached to touch the soft skin again but she bravely fought down the notion.
Liv looked over at Miranda. "I'm pleased you like it," she said as she took Miranda upstairs and down a long winding corridor. Liv kept sneaking little glances at the woman as the two of them went along. Her figure, though partially covered by her slave gown, was stunning. Her smile made Liv feel as if she would melt, and her hair, Liv was still taken by the golden waves that bounced slightly as Miranda walked. "Here we are," she said at last, stopping in front of a door. She opened it and led Miranda inside. "This was the room of my last maid in waiting. I hope you like it. If there is anything else you desire, please ask me," Liv said as she turned to look Miranda in the eyes. Even in the dim light of the Temple the slave's eyes sparkled with life.
Liv reached up once more and caressed Miranda's cheek. "I do hope you like it here," she said, "And if you need me, my room is right next to yours." She smiled sweetly at the beautiful woman as she brought her hand to rest on Miranda's shoulder. Catching herself once more, Liv fought off the urge to lean in and kiss Miranda on those beautiful lips.
"My name is Liv," she said instead in a gentle voice, "You may call me that in private, but I'm afraid in the company of others you must refer to me as Princess." She gave Miranda's shoulder a soft squeeze.
Miranda looked around the room the Princess had led her into. It was twice as big as all the rooms combined in the house where she and her parents had lived before she had gone into slavery. For the Princess, it was probably small, tiny even, Miranda was sure, but to her, it was a lot more spacious than she had ever dared to imagine her quarters would be one day.
She could hardly believe it when she saw a real bed standing in one corner of her room. When the Princess turned to look at her, Miranda tore her gaze off the rich furniture and returned the look, amazed at how easily the Princess seemed to conquer her very soul. Her eyes fluttered shut of their own accord when her mistress once more caressed her cheek, and she tilted her head again into the soft touch. The hand, though the touch was gentle, made her skin burn and tingle, and the feeling quickly spread throughout her body. Miranda was so taken by the moment that it took her a while to process her mistress' words, but when she did, she blushed and had to struggle so not to step back.
"Thank you for your kindness, my Princess," she said gently and bowed slightly, though making sure the hand stayed on her shoulder, not wanting it yet to let go, "But I am your servant, not your guest. It should be you to ask me for anything you need, not me asking you."
"You may be my servant, but there is no reason you should be treated badly. I offer once more that if you require anything, I will see to it that it is done." Liv nodded curtly to Miranda as she headed for the door. "I will be in my room," she said as she glanced back over her shoulder, already feeling sorry for having been a little harsh to Miranda just now, especially as she was angry with herself for letting this woman get to her as much as she did. "You should come to my chambers once you are settled so you can acquaint yourself with its furnishings as well. Since you will bathe me and lay out my clothes and tend to my needs, you should know where everything is."
Miranda blushed once more when the Princess insisted on her offer. "Thank you, My Princess. I will let you know if I am in need of anything then," she said softly, "Forgive me for offending you by rejecting your offer. I will come over soon, my Princess," she continued just as quietly, "And take up my duties. But if I may, I would like to rest some first. Our caravan has traveled very far; we rested only little on our journey."
"Get all the rest you need," Liv replied as she turned back to the door and exited closing it behind her. She entered her own room and closed the door behind her, leaning against it. For a moment, she remained quiet, but then she put her hand on her heart, trying to steady its beating, and she whispered, "Thank you father."
Miranda watched Liv retire to her own room and slumped down on the bed, almost jumping up again in surprise at how soft it was. Carefully she leant back and lay down, pulling the blanket up to cover herself with it. Now that she lay, Miranda finally noticed how tired and burnt out she was, but on the other hand, her mind was racing far too much to find sleep.
She had loved a handful of women in her life, and seen even more, but she could not remember to have ever met any woman quite like the Princess - Liv, she corrected herself with a gentle smile. Neither in beauty nor in gentleness had anyone ever matched her. "Liv," Miranda said quietly as her eyelids finally fluttered shut, "I thank the Deities to have made our paths cross." With that, she drifted off to sleep, her dreams already full of her beautiful mistress.
- TBC -
Title: Love Of All Times 1/?
Author: little___hobbit and Fin_Anwamane
Type: RPS
Pairing: Liv/Miranda
Rating: NC-17
Beta: Ourselves
Warning: Physical violence, abuse and rape described in later chapters not between the main pairing.
Disclaimer: This never happened. This was written in fun that's all.
Feedback: Yes please send to Paddington-bear@web.de
or glorfindel@hornofgondor.com
Archiving: The Angel's Realm, others please ask.
Summary: A.U. - An Egyptian Princess and her slave fall for one another and overcome the threats of their environment
Italics indicate thoughts
~~~~~~
The sun was burning hot down on the exhausted slaves as the caravan finally came to a halt on the great market of Thebes and they all slumped down to the hot sandy ground. All around were market stalls, and merchants crying out offers of their goods to the crowds.
"Finest oil from the south!"
"Jewellery for your wives!"
"Best wine from the slopes of the Nile!"
"Strong barbarian men to help you on your farm!"
As they opened the door of her wagon and helped her out, Miranda squinted her eyes at the blinding sunlight and looked around. She knew why she was being treated differently from the other slaves, though she did not fully understand that. She didn't have to walk, like the others, she was being kept out of the sun, and if there was no way to keep her out of the sun, they had covered her skin with some strange paste to keep it from burning.
The slave master took care of her personally, making her sit on a small chair underneath a canopy, then he secured her hands and feet with a soft rope to keep her from trying to escape. However, despite having traveled in a wagon and having received more and much better food than the rest of the slaves, Miranda still was far too weak to even think of escaping. Silently, she accepted the amphora and the small bowl with seminola that were handed to her and began to eat.
She winced quietly when she saw the guards kick out at the other slaves for begging for water. Her own amphora was constantly being kept full by her guards, but Miranda knew that even with the value she had for her master, they would kick out at her just the same if she stood up for them. She badly wished she could somehow help the other slaves, but there was nothing she could do, and it frustrated her a little.
As she ate, she looked around a little more. They had halted on a big market square, and it was sure that some of the slaves would pass on to new owners, and that their master would buy new slaves he'd be selling elsewhere. Just as she looked up, a man was passing before the little stage she sat on, looking at the slaves her master had to offer. When his eyes fell on Miranda, he suddenly seemed to freeze, and Miranda blushed. Quickly she lowered her gaze, afraid it had been her look that had made the man freeze. She did not dare to look up again, otherwise she would have seen the bright smile on the man's face as he turned and hurried away as fast as his legs would carry him, talking to himself as he went. "He will be pleased. Yes very pleased. She is a real treat, yes a real treat indeed. Hair of gold. Yes, yes. The King will be pleased." The man beamed as he went along making his way through the crowd to the Temple.
Up on the hill above the city, in the Royal Temple, King Raneb sat upon his throne talking to his High Priest while a slave girl was massaging his shoulders. "The day of my daughter's twentieth birthday is almost at hand. You must see to it that all of the preparations are in place for the fest. I will accept nothing but the best for my favorite daughter. This is nice," he said with a sigh, "Now come to the front and see if your fingers are as good at massaging other parts as they were on my shoulders," Raneb added. The girl nodded quietly and came around the throne to kneel before the King, shaky fingers opening his breeches.
"Of course, my King," replied the Priest, ignoring the scene that was going on before his eyes. He was used to Raneb's never ceasing hunger and lust. Just in that moment the guards escorted a very out of breath man into the King’s chambers.
Raneb raised his eyebrows at the man. "Who are you to burst in here like this? What do you want? Speak quickly, or I'll have you made alligator fodder!" he barked. The man ducked and fell to his knees, bowing deep before the monarch.
"Your Majesty," the man said trying to catch his breath, "I have come from Thebes to deliver news to you."
"What sort of news?" the Priest asked on behalf of Raneb who was lost deep in the throws of pleasure at the hands of the slave girl.
"A slave girl, a girl with golden hair. A sight I have never laid eyes on before. I thought perhaps maybe she could be the perfect gift for your daughter on her upcoming birthday," the man said excitedly, "She is just the perfect kind of slave to serve Princess Liv as lady in waiting."
The Priest looked from the messenger to the King. "Shall we send someone to look into this, your Majesty?"
"A golden haired woman?" Raneb mused, stroking his beard as a greedy gleam appeared in his eyes. He looked up at the Priest and shook his head. "No. I must see for myself," he said as he grabbed the slave by the hair and yanked her brutally away from him sending her flying across the stone floor. Ready my carriage and alert my daughter. I want her to accompany me to Thebes," he added as he fastened his breeches. "Little whore can't get enough," he said with a smirk as he slapped the messenger on the back. "Tell me more of this golden haired slave," he said as they made their way outside the temple. "If your information suits my needs then you may have her," he said motioning to the naked woman still cowering on the floor, "She will please you I'm sure."
***
It had been five hours since they had arrived at the market. Miranda was still sitting in the shadow of her canopy and discreetly watched the hustle and bustle around. Although there had been a few offers to buy her no one had offered enough to please her master. Suddenly the noises on the huge market square grew even louder than they already had been. All at once, the merchants started shouting even louder, praising their offers in even more flourish words than they had before. Miranda craned her neck to see what the noise was all about.
On the east side of the market, she could make out a small army surrounding two magnificent carriages that were pulled by three black horses each. She knew immediately that the owners of the carriages must be someone very important and noble, if not even royal. The head of the caravan caught her eye and beckoned her to lower her gaze; Miranda obeyed, although she kept peeking secretly up at the carriage.
She simply had to; *something* was telling her that the carriages bore her destiny, although she did not know if it would be for her good or bad. Still, Miranda could hardly restrain her impatience and curiosity.
When the procession stopped in front of her owner's stage, she wasn't surprised, though her master obviously was. The small, bald-headed men paled and fell to the ground, pressing his face into the sand.
"Oh blessed be you, your Majesty, I am not worthy of your attention!" he stammered. Miranda too got up from her chair and dropped to her knees to bow to whoever was to step out of the carriage, but something kept making her glance up. Her heart was beating fast, thumping loudly in her chest, so loud in fact that she was surprised no one heard it but her. With effort, she made her head drop forward again so not to offend whoever was emerging the carriages.
"Raise, my friend", a deep male voice said, "Raise and show me what you have got today." The King new this slave trader well. He had, in the past, bought several nice women from him. All of whom had pleased him in bed as well as served their purpose as slaves at the temple. "It is my beloved daughter's birthday soon; I mean to give her the most extraordinary present ever. Word has reached me you have brought the most exotic flower to Thebes? Show her to me."
Miranda knew immediately what the man was talking about. The man who'd stared at her in shock came back to her mind. He must have told them about me, she thought, And now they want to buy me for their daughter. If Miranda had somehow managed to stay calm before, that self-control was now gone. Curiously but carefully she lifted her head a little to see her master bow towards a tall, majestic looking man and behind him... Miranda's jaw dropped as she sat up a bit further, staring in open admiration at the vision in the carriage behind the tall man.
It was a woman, probably a few years younger than Miranda, but more beautiful than any other living creature she'd ever seen before. Tall and slender, long black hair that looked like liquid silk, white skin that Miranda was sure was as soft as satin, and a face that seemed to have been modeled by Ra himself. Immediately, an ache spread inside her, as she yearned to feel the skin under her fingers, to feel her pulse beating under her lips as she explored, tasted... Miranda let out a breath that she'd not even noticed of having held and lifted her head even further, to get a yet clearer glimpse of the beautiful girl.
Suddenly, it seemed to her that the woman looked back at her and she felt the heat inside her grow even more, coloring her cheeks. Her instincts told her to lower her head again, but she could not tear her gaze off the godlike creature. But then, the woman in the carriage frowned and looked away, and the spell was broken. With an inward sigh, Miranda dropped her head again and waited patiently.
Liv stared down from carriage at the slave girl in front of her. She was a very beautiful creature Liv thought as her long blonde hair took her in. She could not remember ever seeing such hair before. Briefly the two made eye contact. How dare she look at me? Liv thought indignantly for a second before that emotion was replaced by another she could not name. Swallowing deeply she broke her gaze on the woman and looked at the slave's master as he began to speak to her father. He heart was beating fast and she could not explain the reason for this. This was just another slave, another young woman, although much more exotic than any other she had ever laid eyes on, but she was a slave just the same. She would tend to her night and day. Feed her, bathe her; the thought of the woman bathing her sent a strange sensation throughout her she had never experienced before. She felt a tingle, warm and wonderful and she knew she must have this woman.
"My King has heard right!" the slave master exclaimed and bowed again, "I do indeed have the most exotic and most beautiful flower here. Of course, she will never reach the beauty of her Highness Princess Liv," he quickly added with another deep bow in the direction of the carriage, "But I dare say, I have not seen any other woman that she will not outshine. Come, see for yourself!"
Miranda heard the steps of three people approaching her and lowered her head even more, despite the strong urge to look up; even without having seen it, she knew that the woman had stepped out of the carriage and joined her father and the slave master to come and take a closer look at Miranda. She didn't have to see it; she could feel her. As the three stopped beside her, Miranda noticed that the woman – Princess Liv, according to her master – was standing right next to her, and she closed her eyes in a frantic attempt to slow her heart rate down. Digging her fingernails into the wood of keep her hands from reaching out for the woman, Miranda took a shaky breath and bade her time.
"See what I mean?" she heard her master say breathlessly, "When I found her, I thought immediately of you, my King. Look at her!" He bent down and tugged at her arm, "Stand up!"
Miranda did as she was told, briefly making eye contact with the Princess again; it was enough to increase the aching heat inside her again, and it made her realize something: For the past weeks, she'd been dreaming of a mysterious woman, one to bring her love and happiness but also pain and fear, and the woman she'd been dreaming of was the one standing right before her now. Before anyone else could notice her renewed glance at Liv, Miranda dropped her gaze as nearly ten years of slavery had taught her.
"Such a lovely thing," the King said looking her over, his eyes already measuring the girl for himself. Oh, but she would make a wonderful companion for his bed! His mind began to race with ideas of what he'd do with her. His eyes stopped at her lips; Raneb could not fully hide the anticipant smile that curled up on his face as he imagined those lips closing around his member... The thought alone made him stir, though with his official clothes, the motion kept well hidden from everyone, except for a small shudder that he could not fully suppress. Reaching out, he ran his hand through Miranda's long, golden hair and brought it to his face, deeply inhaling the scent of honey that emerged from her. "Move closer," he instructed her, "Let me get a better look at you."
Liv glared at her father. She knew what his intentions were for this woman, she had seen it before. She hated this man she called father, he was an unfair and cruel King. Secretly she wished him dead but she had not the nerve to speak it or to act on her thoughts. As the slave stood Liv's attention returned to the woman. She was really taken in by her beauty and stood there and stared in awe at the beauty of the woman as her father spoke.
One of the guards had stepped up behind Miranda, and at a wave of her master, he loosened her restraints that had kept her in her place so she could obey the King. Miranda knew he would be staying directly behind her, making sure that she would not try anything to hurt the Royal customers, nor try to escape. Miranda glanced up to find the beautiful woman still staring at her, and quickly she lowered her gaze again, stepping obediently up to the King, silently enduring his groping examination.
"She is strong and skillful, and she learns quickly," the slave trader started praising his most valuable slave, "When we found her, she hardly spoke your language at all. Now she is almost fluent. She understands all the important orders and will carry them out without questioning. And look at her, her skin, it is special! And her hair! Does it not look like gold?"
Miranda had to suppress a snort at the words of her master. He was exaggerating, of course he was. Even though she had no real idea for money, she knew of her value, especially since it was the King of Thebes thinking of buying her for... Miranda fought back the urge to take a step back when Raneb brushed her breasts. She knew even if he said out loud that she would be his daughter's slave, that Raneb meant to take her for himself before long, and she sent a quick and silent prayer to the Deities to give her strength for whatever would await her at the temple.
Raneb studied her more as she moved closer. After her master spoke he replied, "Yes, hair of gold," and the body of a Goddess. She will be wonderful in my bed, he thought as he breathed heavily. "You are sure she will obey without question? We could use more slaves like her." He looked over to his daughter. "She would be a present for you on your birthday. What do you think, my child?"
"I would love to have her," Liv replied without even taking her eyes from the lovely woman. "What is your name dear?" she asked the slave girl.
Giving a start when the Princess addressed her, Miranda ducked her head even more, afraid if she looked up now her gaze would give away her excitement over the Princess' agreement to buy her. Also the words, though Liv had spoken them almost like a command, there had been a softness in her voice, and a tremble that seemed to mirror exactly what Miranda was feeling at this very moment. "My name is Miranda, your Highness," she said with a shaky voice. "I will be happy and obliged to be your faithful servant." And everything else you want me to be, she added in her thoughts.
"Do not be afraid Miranda. I mean you no harm," Liv said as she watched the girl cower slightly.
"It is settled then, I will take her, pay the man," Raneb snapped at his chancellor. He looked back to Miranda's master. "She had better not disappoint or it will be your life."
As the slave trader was paid Liv and her father returned to the carriage. Liv watched as the guards grabbed Miranda and started to lead her to the back of the carriage.
"Halt!" Liv commanded, "She will ride next to me," she said without waiting for her father to disagree. She exited the carriage. "Halt I said," she ordered once more as she moved to Miranda. "You need not fear me my child," she reminded Miranda as she put her fingers under the other woman's chin, raising it to look in her eyes. They were beautiful, eyes of the Gods Liv thought.
Still avoiding looking her new mistress into the eyes, Miranda nodded when Liv reassured her and let the guards lead her to the carriage. When the Princess ordered for her to be seated in the carriage beside her, Miranda froze.
Why was she doing this? Miranda was just a slave, valuable yes, but still exchangeable. She barely suppressed a wince when she felt the finger at her chin forcing her to look up and into the Princess' eyes. Only distantly did she hear the words that were spoken to her as she felt the dark sapphires bore into her very soul, and it took her a while to process them.
Miranda shook her head, keeping her gaze looked with the Princess', feeling like she was drowning in the deep blue pools that were Liv's eyes. Suddenly, breathing became difficult and her pulse was way too fast as she kept looking into the Princess' eyes, struggling to hide in her own gaze the emotions that she was experiencing. "I will not run, your Highness," she said softly, "I promise. I will obey your every order and be a good slave. Neither you nor your father will be disappointed to have bought me." It were the words that her former master had taught her, but they came from the depth of her own heart now and were spoken with the utmost sincerity. Never will I part from you unless you ask me to, she added in her mind but was too scared to voice it, fearing it might reveal her emotions that were already going beyond those a slave was supposed to have for their owner.
Liv put her arms around Miranda gently and helped her into the carriage before climbing in herself. As soon as her hand touched the slave's soft skin, it seemed to her as if the fire inside her that she'd fought out with effort just moments before started blazing anew, spreading from her stomach all throughout her body and leaving her skin itching and tingling. What is happening? She is just a slave, nothing else, why am I feeling all the things? she wondered warily and took a deep breath before she too got into her carriage. She took a seat next to her newly acquired slave and looked at her once more, finding it almost impossible not to reach out and touch the soft skin again.
"Are you hungry?" she asked, "If you are I will see to it that you get something to eat after you get settled into your quarters."
The carriage started on its way as Liv smiled at Miranda, suddenly glad she'd opted for the closed carriage rather than the open one like her father was using so her gaze stayed undisclosed to everyone but the slave girl beside her.
Miranda took her seat in the carriage - inside, not at the back bench outside! - and looked down at her hands. She gave a start when the Princess sat down next to her and shyly looked up.
"My master gave me some semolina and water earlier on," Miranda said, "Thank you." She hesitantly took one of her hands and let it run over the soft fabric of the cushions the seats of the carriage were covered with.
Liv watched the woman reacting to the strange surroundings around her. She could tell Miranda had never experienced such lavishes.
"Good. But if you change your mind I will see to it that you get food before dinner time," Liv said smiling as Miranda continued to rub the cushions. "Where are you from?" Liv inquired as they continued on their way.
Miranda interrupted her touch-testing of her surroundings and looked up and straight into her new mistress' eyes. She blushed and immediately looked away.
"I am sorry, your Highness," she stammered, "I did not mean to offend you." Breathing deeply a few times, Miranda calmed herself down again, before she answered the Princess' question.
"My people are from the north," Miranda said quietly, "We live on the shores of the ocean, my father is a fisherman. He told me once that our people have come here from across the ocean. But I was born and grew up here, on the shores. I lived there until I became a slave."
"From across the ocean?" Liv asked looking at the beautiful woman beside her. That would explain the hair of gold, she thought as she stared at the waves of gold washing around Miranda's shoulders. She had heard stories of people with such hair, but never had she seen it herself, and now she was sitting right next to this woman who looked like she was from a different world, thus making it hard for Liv to remind herself of Miranda's status as a slave. The longer she studied the woman beside her, the stronger the strange feeling in her stomach became, and the urge to feel it became almost unbearable. "May I?" Liv finally asked breathlessly and reached out to touch the hair, slowly running her fingers through. It was even softer as silk, the Princess thought, and she could hardly restrain herself from bringing a handful to her face and inhale its scent.
"That is what my father told me," Miranda nodded and shyly moved closer to the Princess so she could touch her hair. It took her all self-control she could muster not to move too close to the Princess, fearing it would give away the emotions her mistress stirred in her. She could not fully suppress a small shiver as the fingers slid through her hair though; Miranda closed her eyes and tilted her head into the touch that filled her with a heat well known to her and everything but comfortable. Within the blink of an eye, she lost herself in the sensation and unconsciously heaved a soft, almost happy sigh. But as quickly as she'd forgotten herself, she realized what she was doing. Blushing again, Miranda shifted away from her new mistress, stammering apologies and ducking her head. You must not give in to your feelings! she chided herself silently, She is your mistress, this can never be!
"What are you apologizing for?" Liv asked as Miranda ducked her head. "You have done nothing wrong," she said reaching out and putting a hand on top of Miranda's. She took her other hand and turned Miranda's face towards hers. Liv leaned in just inches away from Miranda. "Please relax." She said softly and gently, trying to make the woman feel at ease. "It may be so that you are my slave but you will see that I will not mistreat you," she whispered looking into Miranda's eyes. She wanted nothing more than to press her lips against those of the golden haired woman but she could not bring herself to for fear that someone would see. Instead she ran her hand gently down Miranda's cheek, caressing it with the back of her hand before slowly moving away.
"I should not... must not... cannot..." Miranda stammered, but stopped when the Princess placed a hand on top of her own and used her other to make her look at her new mistress again. Miranda's breath hitched for a moment when the Princess leant in closer. She did not really hear what the other woman told her, she was too occupied drowning in the dark blue of Liv's eyes. Her lips parted as she studied the beautiful face before her. She felt like watching herself as she lifted a hand and ran it lightly over the Princess' cheek. Even though she barely touched the skin, her fingertips began to tingle, itching to touch more of the soft flesh.
It took her a lot of effort to fight down the urge to lean forward and wrap her arms tight around the Princess, and to bury her face into the coal-black hair and inhale the scent. She was still a slave after all, no matter how well the Princess treated her. All her good principles melted however, when a soft hand ran down her cheek. Miranda sighed softly and gently pressed against the caressing fingers, looking longingly into the Princess' eyes.
Just in that moment, the carriage slowed down, and Miranda gasped softly, backing away against the wall of the carriage again. She did not really fear for her own life, but the Princess was far too kind, and somehow Miranda knew that if they caught them in such an intimate situation as they just had been in, her new mistress would be in just as much trouble as she herself.
Liv stared into Miranda's eyes and was about to say something more just as the carriage stopped and Miranda backed away. The doors opened and Liv helped Miranda out. They were greeted by the High Priest and more of the King's guards.
Miranda dropped her gaze again as she stepped out of the carriage and silently endured the curious glances of the King, the High Priest and also some of the braver guards. This was her destiny; Miranda knew that even the kindness of her new mistress would not keep her from this fate forever. Before long, either the High Priest or the King would claim her for their own, and there would be nothing even Princess Liv could do about it. Miranda decided to enjoy the time she'd have in safety, no matter how long or short that would be.
"Show her to her quarters," the Priest instructed, his eyes, like Raneb's before, roaming all over the slave's slender figure.
Liv watched as they began to lead Miranda away. "Hurry up, slave!" one of the guards shouted at Miranda and pushed her slightly.
"No!" Liv cried out as she ran to her, "I will take her myself."
Miranda winced slightly, nearly stumbling and falling, but she managed to steady herself just as Liv cried out angrily and rushed to her side.
"But Princess..." the Guard started.
"Do not 'but Princess' me. She is *my* slave and a gift from my father. I will show her," Liv yelled at the much larger man.
"As you wish," the guard replied backing away from the two. The High Priest watched the scene with interest and turned to the King.
"Your Majesty, do you think it wise to leave your daughter alone with this new slave?" he asked, "She might try and harm her."
When the High Priest suspected her of thinking of ways to harm the Princess and escaping, she suppressed a glare and an angry retort, and kept her eyes down instead.
The Princess had treated her more than well so far, and Miranda felt too much for the younger woman already. Despite she knew what would happen sooner or later, Miranda had no desire at all to run away at all. Even more so, she thought it unbearable to be parted again from the beautiful woman she was to be waiting on from now on. She knew it was foolish to hope for anything more than the gentle kindness she'd experienced so far, and maybe this would end soon anyway, but she could not fully suppress the emotion anyway. She kept her gaze low until the Princess gently put her arms around and led her away, and even then she avoided looking at anyone directly.
Raneb watched his daughter put an arm around Miranda, and for a moment he was tempted to stop them and lay claim on the slave, to have his way with her first before she was to take up her duty as Liv's new lady in waiting.
"I don't think there is any need to worry," Raneb replied finally, deciding it would be better to have the girl settled in and regain all her strength before he claimed her for his own bed. "She seems almost timid and shy." Together, he and the Priest watched the Princess lead the slave off towards her quarters, which were located next to Liv's room.
"Send for Cassandra. I need to work out some of my wanting for the new slave," Raneb said to the Priest as he stood and left for his chambers.
"I'm sorry if he hurt you," Liv said she led Miranda into the Temple. "I will have a word with my father and make it clear that no one is to lay a hand on you."
Miranda remained silent at the Princess' promise; she knew that Liv's pledge to her father would find deaf ears. The looks with which Raneb had measured her both on the market and just now were only too well-known to her. Instead, as they slowly walked through the Temple, Miranda looked around, trying to get accustomed to her new home already. "It is beautiful here," she finally said quietly and dared to look over to the Princess. Immediately, her skin began to tingle and her hands ached to touch the soft skin again but she bravely fought down the notion.
Liv looked over at Miranda. "I'm pleased you like it," she said as she took Miranda upstairs and down a long winding corridor. Liv kept sneaking little glances at the woman as the two of them went along. Her figure, though partially covered by her slave gown, was stunning. Her smile made Liv feel as if she would melt, and her hair, Liv was still taken by the golden waves that bounced slightly as Miranda walked. "Here we are," she said at last, stopping in front of a door. She opened it and led Miranda inside. "This was the room of my last maid in waiting. I hope you like it. If there is anything else you desire, please ask me," Liv said as she turned to look Miranda in the eyes. Even in the dim light of the Temple the slave's eyes sparkled with life.
Liv reached up once more and caressed Miranda's cheek. "I do hope you like it here," she said, "And if you need me, my room is right next to yours." She smiled sweetly at the beautiful woman as she brought her hand to rest on Miranda's shoulder. Catching herself once more, Liv fought off the urge to lean in and kiss Miranda on those beautiful lips.
"My name is Liv," she said instead in a gentle voice, "You may call me that in private, but I'm afraid in the company of others you must refer to me as Princess." She gave Miranda's shoulder a soft squeeze.
Miranda looked around the room the Princess had led her into. It was twice as big as all the rooms combined in the house where she and her parents had lived before she had gone into slavery. For the Princess, it was probably small, tiny even, Miranda was sure, but to her, it was a lot more spacious than she had ever dared to imagine her quarters would be one day.
She could hardly believe it when she saw a real bed standing in one corner of her room. When the Princess turned to look at her, Miranda tore her gaze off the rich furniture and returned the look, amazed at how easily the Princess seemed to conquer her very soul. Her eyes fluttered shut of their own accord when her mistress once more caressed her cheek, and she tilted her head again into the soft touch. The hand, though the touch was gentle, made her skin burn and tingle, and the feeling quickly spread throughout her body. Miranda was so taken by the moment that it took her a while to process her mistress' words, but when she did, she blushed and had to struggle so not to step back.
"Thank you for your kindness, my Princess," she said gently and bowed slightly, though making sure the hand stayed on her shoulder, not wanting it yet to let go, "But I am your servant, not your guest. It should be you to ask me for anything you need, not me asking you."
"You may be my servant, but there is no reason you should be treated badly. I offer once more that if you require anything, I will see to it that it is done." Liv nodded curtly to Miranda as she headed for the door. "I will be in my room," she said as she glanced back over her shoulder, already feeling sorry for having been a little harsh to Miranda just now, especially as she was angry with herself for letting this woman get to her as much as she did. "You should come to my chambers once you are settled so you can acquaint yourself with its furnishings as well. Since you will bathe me and lay out my clothes and tend to my needs, you should know where everything is."
Miranda blushed once more when the Princess insisted on her offer. "Thank you, My Princess. I will let you know if I am in need of anything then," she said softly, "Forgive me for offending you by rejecting your offer. I will come over soon, my Princess," she continued just as quietly, "And take up my duties. But if I may, I would like to rest some first. Our caravan has traveled very far; we rested only little on our journey."
"Get all the rest you need," Liv replied as she turned back to the door and exited closing it behind her. She entered her own room and closed the door behind her, leaning against it. For a moment, she remained quiet, but then she put her hand on her heart, trying to steady its beating, and she whispered, "Thank you father."
Miranda watched Liv retire to her own room and slumped down on the bed, almost jumping up again in surprise at how soft it was. Carefully she leant back and lay down, pulling the blanket up to cover herself with it. Now that she lay, Miranda finally noticed how tired and burnt out she was, but on the other hand, her mind was racing far too much to find sleep.
She had loved a handful of women in her life, and seen even more, but she could not remember to have ever met any woman quite like the Princess - Liv, she corrected herself with a gentle smile. Neither in beauty nor in gentleness had anyone ever matched her. "Liv," Miranda said quietly as her eyelids finally fluttered shut, "I thank the Deities to have made our paths cross." With that, she drifted off to sleep, her dreams already full of her beautiful mistress.
- TBC -
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