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fellowshippers2005-10-30 06:29 pm
mind-of-onion.livejournal.com) wrote in fellowshippers2005-10-30 06:29 pm
Love of all Times (8/?)
Title: Love Of All Times 8/?
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@hornorfgondor.com
Archiving: Angel's Realm, Everafter Love, 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
~~~~~
It was the early morning hours, maybe two hours until dawn; soon Miranda would have to be in her Princess' chambers to prepare her for the day, but she dared not move. She lay as still as she could, trying to breathe without stirring the King who lay on top of her and snored, his softened member still inside her after what had been an endless night of Raneb ruthlessly taking Miranda over and over again, deaf to her begging to let her go and ignorant of the bruises his rough hands left on her delicate skin. Every inch of her body was aching, and Miranda knew that she was probably bleeding.
Her thoughts went out to her Princess who surely had been waiting in her chambers all night, and Miranda could not help crying silently. She did not know what she should tell Liv about where she'd been this night and what had happened. Of course, Liv knew how her father treated the female slaves. Miranda was sure that Liv would know, but it still broke her heart to think about having to tell the Princess.
Suddenly, the King stopped his snoring; Miranda immediately stopped her crying, stiffening up again, but then she could hardly believe her luck as the big man rolled off her and turned around, lying with his back to her. Miranda remained still and quiet until the King's breathing evened out again and the snoring resumed. Only then did she dare to move, slowly shifting to the edge of the bed and sitting up. She suppressed a painful moan as she stood; she did not know how she managed to walk over to her ripped dress, to pick it up and cover herself with the tattered gown, but at this point, it didn't matter at all. Miranda tiptoed over to the door, looking back at the sleeping monarch with disgust. Quietly, she opened the door and got out of the room she prayed sincerely she'd never have to enter again.
As it was still before dawn, Miranda did not meet anyone on her way to her own chamber, and she was thankful for it. Only as she turned around the corner into the corridor where the doors to her and Liv's rooms were, she saw a dark figure standing by the door. Miranda stopped dead, stiffening up again, her panicking mind believing that it was the King. When the tall figure turned and approached her, silently calling her name, Miranda whimpered but was unable to move. She gave a small squeal of fear when big hands grabbed her arms and she tried to free herself, with shaky hands hitting out at the man. It took her almost a minute to realize that it was not Raneb but Nakhti who was trying to pull her near.
"Miranda, please, be quiet!" he whispered anxiously, "It is me, you have nothing to fear of me!" Nakhti said as he struggled with the frightened Miranda who was sobbing uncontrollably. Finally she calmed some and allowed the guard to take her in his arms. "Your Princess has been worried out of her mind," Nakhti said softly and lifted the woman up to carry her into her own chamber.
"She must not see me like this," Miranda whispered urgently and looked at the guard with pleading eyes as she frantically tried to cover herself with the remainders of her gown, but she had little success.
Nakhti ignored her nakedness and replied, "She will not," and gave her a reassuring smile, as he hid the rage her appearance caused inside him.
Gently he put her down on the bed and moved over to the connecting door, locking it without any sound before he returned to sit beside Miranda with a small bowl of water and a soft cloth.
Cupping Miranda's chin in his hand gently he said, "I was just about to come for you, to get you out," as he carefully washed Miranda's face, "He may be my King, and you may be a slave, but what he did to you is..."
"... is his right," Miranda interrupted him weakly, trying to sit up, but she felt a sting of pain in her stomach and lay down again, whimpering softly. Tears came to her eyes as she started crying again. "Please do not hate me, Nakhti," she sobbed, "It is enough punishment for me that Liv will no longer love me after this... After all, how can she love a whore of the King?" Curling up and pressing her arms over her stomach, she cried silently. "It was wonderful while it lasted," Miranda whispered and sadly looked up at Nakhti again, "But I better get used to my new position now."
Nakhti shook his head. "No, he should not have done this and what makes you so sure the princess will turn you away now." Nakhti had grown fond of the slave girl who finally had been able to liven up Liv again.
Before Miranda had arrived at the Temple, Liv had been stern and quiet, hardly ever smiling, but now he saw the Princess even laugh and sing again, and for that, Nakhti was more than thankful.
"She will love you more than ever," he replied as he pulled her tattered gown to her waist. He fought back the tears as he took in every bruise on her tortured body. Getting the cloth once more he began to gently wash her body, making sure to not press too hard as he continued, "I have known Liv since the two of us were mere children and I can reassure you, there is no reason to fear the loss of her love." Suddenly, he noticed a red stain in Miranda's lap, and he gasped.
Miranda followed his gaze and saw what had shocked him so much. Where the gown was covering her lap, it had turned red from her blood. "It is alright, Nakhti, honestly. I will live, and I will be fine," Miranda said quickly, knowing what was wrong at once. "Help me clean and cover my bruises so I can go and wake up the Princess."
"Miranda, you cannot go and do your duty as if nothing has happened!" Nakhti said urgently, "You are injured far too severely
"Liv needs me," Miranda said in a gentle tone that did not allow any objections though, "Do you not see why I let the King take me? I did it to keep her safe, Nakhti! My body was the price he wanted for forgetting about punishment for the Princess. Somehow Raneb has found out about how we feel for one another," Miranda whispered and tears sprang to her eyes again, "My letting him have me may have saved the Princess' life."
"Liv needs me," Miranda said in a gentle tone that did not allow any objections though, "Do you not see why I let the King take me? I did it to keep her safe, Nakhti! My body was the price he wanted for forgetting about punishment for the Princess. Somehow Raneb has found out about how we feel for one another," Miranda whispered and tears sprang to her eyes again, "My letting him have me may have saved the Princess' life."
Nakhti listened to the woman attentively. He knew she was right, the King if not persuaded would have Liv flogged for her actions, but he still could barely believe it.
Completely removing Miranda’s gown from her abused body Nakhti blushed slightly as he cleaned and dressed the wounds. Miranda was a very beautiful woman, both inside and out, and the more Nakhti thought of Raneb’s actions the angrier he became, and Nakhti squeezed the damp cloth in his hand in anger. Miranda noticed and looked at him over her shoulder as he was tending to her back.
"Nakhti, I beg you, do not let the anger you are feeling now make you do anything you might regret later. With the King having laid eyes on me, I need to know someone is there to protect Liv should I not live. It will be easier for me if I know that you look out for her when Raneb calls for me to lie with him again as I am sure he will. If you go for the King to take revenge, you will be caught and imprisoned leaving no one to protect my love." Miranda sat up again, hissing softly as another rush of pain hit her body, and slowly stood to walk to a chest to retrieve another gown. She paused just long enough to throw her tattered dress into the fire. With much effort she entered the bath and prepared it for her Princess before returning to her own chamber where she found Nakhti still sitting on her bed, a sad look in his eyes.
Smiling gratefully, Miranda brushed her hand over his cheek. "Nakhti, I thank you so much for your kindness. You are a true friend. You could have given us away weeks ago already, but you chose to keep us safe. I do not know how to thank you for this, I have only my body to give, and even that is not mine," she added sadly.
"Please, do not say such things,” Nakhti replied as he took Miranda's hand in his and pulled her to sit beside him. "You owe me nothing, Miranda," he said sternly, "Just make the Princess happy, that is all I ask of you.” He pulled the girl to him and kissed her cheek softly. "Are you sure you can tend to Liv? You could take the day off to recover, I can send for Cassandra." He started to stand but was held back by Miranda.
"No, Nakhti,” Miranda said shaking her head. “I need to go to her, to hold her and be held by her. I will be fine, do not worry about me." She put her hands on the guard's broad shoulders and squeezed them.
"Thank you, my friend. I will find a way to recompense." She stood and walked over to the connecting door, unlocking it. "Go now, and guard her door again," she whispered as she turned the handle to open the door and slipped through.
Nodding, Nakhti left Miranda's chamber through the main door to the corridor, positioning himself so that he could get to both Miranda's and Liv's door in no time if needed.
Miranda quietly closed the door behind her and quickly crossed the room as she saw her Princess stir and look up. "It is me, my love, forgive me for having made you wait. I was kept busy in the kitchen until now," she whispered and sat down on the edge of the bed, running her hand across Liv's cheek. "But I am here now.”
Liv sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes, smiling when she looked over at Miranda. The smile quickly disappeared though as she saw a rather large bruise on Miranda's cheek. "My love, what happened?" Liv asked reaching up and touching Miranda's cheek gently. Her mind began to fill again with all of the thoughts and fears she had last night.
Miranda winced slightly as Liv's gentle fingers touched the bruise Raneb's first slap had left on her cheek. Avoiding her love's gaze, she murmured, "It is nothing, my love. Do not worry. I am fine, and you are safe." She reached out with a shaky hand to intertwine her fingers with Liv's and brought the hand to her lips, pressing a kiss on it as tears started welling up in her eyes. "Oh Liv, how I love you," Miranda whispered and lowered her head into Liv's lap, struggling hard not to sob.
Liv felt tears well up in her own eyes as she heard Miranda's words and watched her actions. "Oh my love, no!" she gasped as she placed her hand gently on Miranda's head, caressing her hair. "Please, no," Liv continued as the tears began to run down her face, "No!" She started to cry because she realized what her father had done to her love, that he'd done what she had feared he would. What hurt her even more though was that Liv knew *how* Raneb had managed to get Miranda into his bed – he had made her do it out of fear that he would harm his own daughter if she didn't. Liv had no idea what he'd said to make Miranda believe he'd hurt her, but she knew he'd succeeded, and that knowledge nearly killed her.
"No," Liv managed once more in a shaky voice through her tears as she wrapped her arms around Miranda and pulled her tight to her, rocking her love gently.
As she found her love breaking into tears, Miranda let herself be pulled close. Giving herself a mental shake, she squeezed her love's trembling body. "I am fine, my love," Miranda said softly, still hiccupping slightly from her crying and tilted her head to kiss Liv gently. "He can take my body, but he cannot take my love for you, never." Miranda kissed Liv again, eager to reassure her love that she was fine. "It is nothing, I will be fine, and we are together, that is all that counts. I would give my life for you. I could not bear to think what he'd do to you."
Liv continued to weep as Miranda spoke and she hugged her love tight. "I am so sorry this happened to you. I love you and to see you like this hurts me," Liv sniffled. She brushed some stray hairs from Miranda's slightly swollen face. "I would give my life for you as well," she said as she gently rubbed her hand down Miranda's back, then she straightened her shoulders as she made a decision.
"You will take the day off today, and I do not want you arguing with me about it, my love," Liv said and stood, "I will take you away from this place and we will spend a few days together somewhere far away from here. And never return. Just you, me, and Nakhti to keep us safe."
Giving Miranda another small squeeze, careful not to hurt her, she continued, "No one will have to know. It will appear as though you are doing your job but once we are away I will take care of you." She kissed Miranda on the cheek. "I love you," she whispered drying her eyes. "Come now and let us get ready. I cannot wait to get away from here," she said giving a half smile to Miranda as she wiped at her eyes again and sniffled.
Miranda looked into her Princess' eyes and saw that there was indeed no way of arguing with her now. She nodded slowly and sat up straight. "Yes, let us escape for a while. Though I wish we'd never have to return." She stood and held out her hand to Liv to pull her close. "My love," she whispered and kissed Liv again deeply, not noticing at all that she had not even once used the usual 'my Princess' during their talk.
Pulling back Liv looked in Miranda's eyes. "My love... I like the way those words sound coming from your lips. I hope you will always say that to me from now on and never use my title again," she said as she lightly touched the other woman’s lips with her finger tips, "Let me inform Nakhti of our plans then I will bathe, and I would love for you to join me. I will wash you this time." She gave Miranda's hands a small squeeze and exited into the corridor.
Watching Liv move towards the door, Miranda smiled softly, the outlook to a few days away from the Temple and Raneb already filling her with new hope. She walked over to the bath and checked the water, finding it at the perfect temperature. Moving about slowly, she set to prepare the bath as she did every morning, lighting candles and adding scented oil to the water, then she stood by the bath, waiting for her Princess to return.
When Liv returned she locked the door behind her and as she passed the bed removed her gown and walked into the bath smiling at Miranda as she entered. "I thought I'd save you the trouble of undressing me," Liv said as she stepped up to Miranda, pulled her close and kissed her gently.
As Liv walked into the bathing chamber Miranda's eyes brightened up at the sight of her love's exposed skin. Despite her condition, she could not help the desire that seeing Liv like this woke in her.
Returning the kiss with a soft moan, Miranda let her hands roam all over Liv's body. "I don't mind undressing you," she whispered, "It gives me great pleasure to do so. Though I don't mind if you undress yourself for me," she added with a wink, then she stepped back and grabbed her own gown to undress herself. Suddenly though she remembered the traces that Raneb's treatment had left on her body. Miranda looked up into Liv's face and hesitantly bit her lip. "I think I should warn you, my love," she began slowly, "The bruise on my cheek is not the only one your father has given me. But I assure you, it looks worse than it is," she added quickly, not wanting to scare Liv too much.
Liv had feared as much. She had been witness to some of her father's *handy work* on some of the other slave girls. She inhaled deeply. "I'm sure I can handle it," she said, although she wasn't so sure of her own words. Reaching out Liv took Miranda's gown in her own hands. "I will do it for you my love," she whispered as she began to raise the gown over Miranda's head.
Miranda stiffened slightly when her love reached for her gown and started to pull it up. Suddenly, she felt very vulnerable and self-conscious. As the fabric was finally removed, she dropped her head, unable to look at her love. Her arms hung limply on either side of her body, though she ached to bring them up to cover herself with them.
There were several bruises and cuts all over her body, two especially large ones at her inner thighs where Raneb had gripped her to spread her legs, standing painfully dark against the white skin. Miranda could hear Liv's sharp intake of breath and bit her lip as tears welled up in her eyes. "I am so sorry, my Princess. I should have obeyed your father better," she whispered.
"Oh my love," Liv whispered as she looked at Miranda's body. She felt like crying again, but wanted to remain strong for Miranda at the moment. Taking her by the hand Liv led her into the water where she began to slowly wash Miranda's body gently as she wrapped an arm around her and held her close. "It will be alright my love," Liv whispered.
Miranda leant into Liv embrace and silently let her clean her body. The tears were still running freely down her cheeks, but she already felt a lot better now that she was with her love and Liv was taking care of her. In the end, an amused smile even curled up on Miranda's lips at the way her love fussed about her. After the brutal handling Raneb had given her body, Liv's gentle caring and caresses surely felt good, and she snuggled closer into the arms wrapped around her body. "I know it will be, my love. Thank you," Miranda whispered as she turned her head and searched for Liv's lips to kiss her love deeply.
Liv pressed her lips against Miranda's, letting her tongue slip inside her mouth as they kissed. After a long passionate kiss Liv pulled back. "Let me finish bathing you and myself. Nakhti has gone to prepare for our departure, he will return soon." Liv began to wash Miranda's back as she continued to speak. "After we have bathed I want you to lie down in my bed and sleep until we are ready. You will be safe there," Liv said as she kissed Miranda on the shoulder. "I will watch over you to make sure."
Despite her condition, Miranda felt the familiar tingle in her stomach that being held and kissed by her Princess always caused, and she moaned once more softly. As Liv spoke, she blushed. "No one has ever taken care of me like this before," she said softly, "And quite frankly, a big part of me keeps telling me that I should refuse, that I should take care of you and watch over you. But I know I cannot argue with you about this."
Miranda lightly kissed Liv's lips and gave herself completely over to the gentle caring of the Princess, letting Liv fuss about her, washing her body and cleaning her wounds, then she let herself be led to her Princess' bed, sinking into the covers as Liv started to give her a back rub. Soon, the events of the past day and night demanded their tribute, and Miranda's eyes fluttered shut as she dozed off.
"I love you," Liv whispered as she lay down on top of the covers beside Miranda. "You are my Princess," she continued as she watched her love sleep.
After a few minutes Nakhti knocked quietly at the door and Liv got up to let him in, locking the door behind him once more.
"I have the carriage ready in the stable," Nakhti said as he glanced at the sleeping Miranda. "Let's pack some things quickly so we can leave by dawn."
Soon the two of them were busy packing everything they needed for their flight as quickly as possible. "I have packed two tents, and went to the kitchen to get pots, pans, cutlery and provisions," Nakhti said as he took a gown out of the closet and began folding it neatly.
"Don't bother folding that Nakhti; just throw it in the bag." Liv said taking the gown from his hand and stuffing it in a bag together with a dozen other dresses.
Nakhti nodded and stored blankets and pillows in another bag. "You're not planning on returning here any time soon," he said; it was not a question, but a statement.
Liv stopped for a moment and gave him a glance, then she nodded and resumed her task of packing. "I will make sure he can never lay hands on my love again," she said curtly, thus ending the small talk and they finished their task in silence.
Soon they were ready and Liv turned to wake Miranda. "Let her sleep," Nakhti said and bent down to lift the sleeping woman up. Hastily but still careful not to make any sound, they made their way to the stable. As soon as he had made sure that both women were safe and hidden well inside the carriage, Nakhti grabbed the reigns of the horses and silently led them out of the Temple through an unguarded side gate. Once outside, he mounted the driver's seat and urged the horses on through the dark as on the east the dawn slowly dove the sky in red gold.
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@hornorfgondor.com
Archiving: Angel's Realm, Everafter Love, 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
~~~~~
It was the early morning hours, maybe two hours until dawn; soon Miranda would have to be in her Princess' chambers to prepare her for the day, but she dared not move. She lay as still as she could, trying to breathe without stirring the King who lay on top of her and snored, his softened member still inside her after what had been an endless night of Raneb ruthlessly taking Miranda over and over again, deaf to her begging to let her go and ignorant of the bruises his rough hands left on her delicate skin. Every inch of her body was aching, and Miranda knew that she was probably bleeding.
Her thoughts went out to her Princess who surely had been waiting in her chambers all night, and Miranda could not help crying silently. She did not know what she should tell Liv about where she'd been this night and what had happened. Of course, Liv knew how her father treated the female slaves. Miranda was sure that Liv would know, but it still broke her heart to think about having to tell the Princess.
Suddenly, the King stopped his snoring; Miranda immediately stopped her crying, stiffening up again, but then she could hardly believe her luck as the big man rolled off her and turned around, lying with his back to her. Miranda remained still and quiet until the King's breathing evened out again and the snoring resumed. Only then did she dare to move, slowly shifting to the edge of the bed and sitting up. She suppressed a painful moan as she stood; she did not know how she managed to walk over to her ripped dress, to pick it up and cover herself with the tattered gown, but at this point, it didn't matter at all. Miranda tiptoed over to the door, looking back at the sleeping monarch with disgust. Quietly, she opened the door and got out of the room she prayed sincerely she'd never have to enter again.
As it was still before dawn, Miranda did not meet anyone on her way to her own chamber, and she was thankful for it. Only as she turned around the corner into the corridor where the doors to her and Liv's rooms were, she saw a dark figure standing by the door. Miranda stopped dead, stiffening up again, her panicking mind believing that it was the King. When the tall figure turned and approached her, silently calling her name, Miranda whimpered but was unable to move. She gave a small squeal of fear when big hands grabbed her arms and she tried to free herself, with shaky hands hitting out at the man. It took her almost a minute to realize that it was not Raneb but Nakhti who was trying to pull her near.
"Miranda, please, be quiet!" he whispered anxiously, "It is me, you have nothing to fear of me!" Nakhti said as he struggled with the frightened Miranda who was sobbing uncontrollably. Finally she calmed some and allowed the guard to take her in his arms. "Your Princess has been worried out of her mind," Nakhti said softly and lifted the woman up to carry her into her own chamber.
"She must not see me like this," Miranda whispered urgently and looked at the guard with pleading eyes as she frantically tried to cover herself with the remainders of her gown, but she had little success.
Nakhti ignored her nakedness and replied, "She will not," and gave her a reassuring smile, as he hid the rage her appearance caused inside him.
Gently he put her down on the bed and moved over to the connecting door, locking it without any sound before he returned to sit beside Miranda with a small bowl of water and a soft cloth.
Cupping Miranda's chin in his hand gently he said, "I was just about to come for you, to get you out," as he carefully washed Miranda's face, "He may be my King, and you may be a slave, but what he did to you is..."
"... is his right," Miranda interrupted him weakly, trying to sit up, but she felt a sting of pain in her stomach and lay down again, whimpering softly. Tears came to her eyes as she started crying again. "Please do not hate me, Nakhti," she sobbed, "It is enough punishment for me that Liv will no longer love me after this... After all, how can she love a whore of the King?" Curling up and pressing her arms over her stomach, she cried silently. "It was wonderful while it lasted," Miranda whispered and sadly looked up at Nakhti again, "But I better get used to my new position now."
Nakhti shook his head. "No, he should not have done this and what makes you so sure the princess will turn you away now." Nakhti had grown fond of the slave girl who finally had been able to liven up Liv again.
Before Miranda had arrived at the Temple, Liv had been stern and quiet, hardly ever smiling, but now he saw the Princess even laugh and sing again, and for that, Nakhti was more than thankful.
"She will love you more than ever," he replied as he pulled her tattered gown to her waist. He fought back the tears as he took in every bruise on her tortured body. Getting the cloth once more he began to gently wash her body, making sure to not press too hard as he continued, "I have known Liv since the two of us were mere children and I can reassure you, there is no reason to fear the loss of her love." Suddenly, he noticed a red stain in Miranda's lap, and he gasped.
Miranda followed his gaze and saw what had shocked him so much. Where the gown was covering her lap, it had turned red from her blood. "It is alright, Nakhti, honestly. I will live, and I will be fine," Miranda said quickly, knowing what was wrong at once. "Help me clean and cover my bruises so I can go and wake up the Princess."
"Miranda, you cannot go and do your duty as if nothing has happened!" Nakhti said urgently, "You are injured far too severely
"Liv needs me," Miranda said in a gentle tone that did not allow any objections though, "Do you not see why I let the King take me? I did it to keep her safe, Nakhti! My body was the price he wanted for forgetting about punishment for the Princess. Somehow Raneb has found out about how we feel for one another," Miranda whispered and tears sprang to her eyes again, "My letting him have me may have saved the Princess' life."
"Liv needs me," Miranda said in a gentle tone that did not allow any objections though, "Do you not see why I let the King take me? I did it to keep her safe, Nakhti! My body was the price he wanted for forgetting about punishment for the Princess. Somehow Raneb has found out about how we feel for one another," Miranda whispered and tears sprang to her eyes again, "My letting him have me may have saved the Princess' life."
Nakhti listened to the woman attentively. He knew she was right, the King if not persuaded would have Liv flogged for her actions, but he still could barely believe it.
Completely removing Miranda’s gown from her abused body Nakhti blushed slightly as he cleaned and dressed the wounds. Miranda was a very beautiful woman, both inside and out, and the more Nakhti thought of Raneb’s actions the angrier he became, and Nakhti squeezed the damp cloth in his hand in anger. Miranda noticed and looked at him over her shoulder as he was tending to her back.
"Nakhti, I beg you, do not let the anger you are feeling now make you do anything you might regret later. With the King having laid eyes on me, I need to know someone is there to protect Liv should I not live. It will be easier for me if I know that you look out for her when Raneb calls for me to lie with him again as I am sure he will. If you go for the King to take revenge, you will be caught and imprisoned leaving no one to protect my love." Miranda sat up again, hissing softly as another rush of pain hit her body, and slowly stood to walk to a chest to retrieve another gown. She paused just long enough to throw her tattered dress into the fire. With much effort she entered the bath and prepared it for her Princess before returning to her own chamber where she found Nakhti still sitting on her bed, a sad look in his eyes.
Smiling gratefully, Miranda brushed her hand over his cheek. "Nakhti, I thank you so much for your kindness. You are a true friend. You could have given us away weeks ago already, but you chose to keep us safe. I do not know how to thank you for this, I have only my body to give, and even that is not mine," she added sadly.
"Please, do not say such things,” Nakhti replied as he took Miranda's hand in his and pulled her to sit beside him. "You owe me nothing, Miranda," he said sternly, "Just make the Princess happy, that is all I ask of you.” He pulled the girl to him and kissed her cheek softly. "Are you sure you can tend to Liv? You could take the day off to recover, I can send for Cassandra." He started to stand but was held back by Miranda.
"No, Nakhti,” Miranda said shaking her head. “I need to go to her, to hold her and be held by her. I will be fine, do not worry about me." She put her hands on the guard's broad shoulders and squeezed them.
"Thank you, my friend. I will find a way to recompense." She stood and walked over to the connecting door, unlocking it. "Go now, and guard her door again," she whispered as she turned the handle to open the door and slipped through.
Nodding, Nakhti left Miranda's chamber through the main door to the corridor, positioning himself so that he could get to both Miranda's and Liv's door in no time if needed.
Miranda quietly closed the door behind her and quickly crossed the room as she saw her Princess stir and look up. "It is me, my love, forgive me for having made you wait. I was kept busy in the kitchen until now," she whispered and sat down on the edge of the bed, running her hand across Liv's cheek. "But I am here now.”
Liv sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes, smiling when she looked over at Miranda. The smile quickly disappeared though as she saw a rather large bruise on Miranda's cheek. "My love, what happened?" Liv asked reaching up and touching Miranda's cheek gently. Her mind began to fill again with all of the thoughts and fears she had last night.
Miranda winced slightly as Liv's gentle fingers touched the bruise Raneb's first slap had left on her cheek. Avoiding her love's gaze, she murmured, "It is nothing, my love. Do not worry. I am fine, and you are safe." She reached out with a shaky hand to intertwine her fingers with Liv's and brought the hand to her lips, pressing a kiss on it as tears started welling up in her eyes. "Oh Liv, how I love you," Miranda whispered and lowered her head into Liv's lap, struggling hard not to sob.
Liv felt tears well up in her own eyes as she heard Miranda's words and watched her actions. "Oh my love, no!" she gasped as she placed her hand gently on Miranda's head, caressing her hair. "Please, no," Liv continued as the tears began to run down her face, "No!" She started to cry because she realized what her father had done to her love, that he'd done what she had feared he would. What hurt her even more though was that Liv knew *how* Raneb had managed to get Miranda into his bed – he had made her do it out of fear that he would harm his own daughter if she didn't. Liv had no idea what he'd said to make Miranda believe he'd hurt her, but she knew he'd succeeded, and that knowledge nearly killed her.
"No," Liv managed once more in a shaky voice through her tears as she wrapped her arms around Miranda and pulled her tight to her, rocking her love gently.
As she found her love breaking into tears, Miranda let herself be pulled close. Giving herself a mental shake, she squeezed her love's trembling body. "I am fine, my love," Miranda said softly, still hiccupping slightly from her crying and tilted her head to kiss Liv gently. "He can take my body, but he cannot take my love for you, never." Miranda kissed Liv again, eager to reassure her love that she was fine. "It is nothing, I will be fine, and we are together, that is all that counts. I would give my life for you. I could not bear to think what he'd do to you."
Liv continued to weep as Miranda spoke and she hugged her love tight. "I am so sorry this happened to you. I love you and to see you like this hurts me," Liv sniffled. She brushed some stray hairs from Miranda's slightly swollen face. "I would give my life for you as well," she said as she gently rubbed her hand down Miranda's back, then she straightened her shoulders as she made a decision.
"You will take the day off today, and I do not want you arguing with me about it, my love," Liv said and stood, "I will take you away from this place and we will spend a few days together somewhere far away from here. And never return. Just you, me, and Nakhti to keep us safe."
Giving Miranda another small squeeze, careful not to hurt her, she continued, "No one will have to know. It will appear as though you are doing your job but once we are away I will take care of you." She kissed Miranda on the cheek. "I love you," she whispered drying her eyes. "Come now and let us get ready. I cannot wait to get away from here," she said giving a half smile to Miranda as she wiped at her eyes again and sniffled.
Miranda looked into her Princess' eyes and saw that there was indeed no way of arguing with her now. She nodded slowly and sat up straight. "Yes, let us escape for a while. Though I wish we'd never have to return." She stood and held out her hand to Liv to pull her close. "My love," she whispered and kissed Liv again deeply, not noticing at all that she had not even once used the usual 'my Princess' during their talk.
Pulling back Liv looked in Miranda's eyes. "My love... I like the way those words sound coming from your lips. I hope you will always say that to me from now on and never use my title again," she said as she lightly touched the other woman’s lips with her finger tips, "Let me inform Nakhti of our plans then I will bathe, and I would love for you to join me. I will wash you this time." She gave Miranda's hands a small squeeze and exited into the corridor.
Watching Liv move towards the door, Miranda smiled softly, the outlook to a few days away from the Temple and Raneb already filling her with new hope. She walked over to the bath and checked the water, finding it at the perfect temperature. Moving about slowly, she set to prepare the bath as she did every morning, lighting candles and adding scented oil to the water, then she stood by the bath, waiting for her Princess to return.
When Liv returned she locked the door behind her and as she passed the bed removed her gown and walked into the bath smiling at Miranda as she entered. "I thought I'd save you the trouble of undressing me," Liv said as she stepped up to Miranda, pulled her close and kissed her gently.
As Liv walked into the bathing chamber Miranda's eyes brightened up at the sight of her love's exposed skin. Despite her condition, she could not help the desire that seeing Liv like this woke in her.
Returning the kiss with a soft moan, Miranda let her hands roam all over Liv's body. "I don't mind undressing you," she whispered, "It gives me great pleasure to do so. Though I don't mind if you undress yourself for me," she added with a wink, then she stepped back and grabbed her own gown to undress herself. Suddenly though she remembered the traces that Raneb's treatment had left on her body. Miranda looked up into Liv's face and hesitantly bit her lip. "I think I should warn you, my love," she began slowly, "The bruise on my cheek is not the only one your father has given me. But I assure you, it looks worse than it is," she added quickly, not wanting to scare Liv too much.
Liv had feared as much. She had been witness to some of her father's *handy work* on some of the other slave girls. She inhaled deeply. "I'm sure I can handle it," she said, although she wasn't so sure of her own words. Reaching out Liv took Miranda's gown in her own hands. "I will do it for you my love," she whispered as she began to raise the gown over Miranda's head.
Miranda stiffened slightly when her love reached for her gown and started to pull it up. Suddenly, she felt very vulnerable and self-conscious. As the fabric was finally removed, she dropped her head, unable to look at her love. Her arms hung limply on either side of her body, though she ached to bring them up to cover herself with them.
There were several bruises and cuts all over her body, two especially large ones at her inner thighs where Raneb had gripped her to spread her legs, standing painfully dark against the white skin. Miranda could hear Liv's sharp intake of breath and bit her lip as tears welled up in her eyes. "I am so sorry, my Princess. I should have obeyed your father better," she whispered.
"Oh my love," Liv whispered as she looked at Miranda's body. She felt like crying again, but wanted to remain strong for Miranda at the moment. Taking her by the hand Liv led her into the water where she began to slowly wash Miranda's body gently as she wrapped an arm around her and held her close. "It will be alright my love," Liv whispered.
Miranda leant into Liv embrace and silently let her clean her body. The tears were still running freely down her cheeks, but she already felt a lot better now that she was with her love and Liv was taking care of her. In the end, an amused smile even curled up on Miranda's lips at the way her love fussed about her. After the brutal handling Raneb had given her body, Liv's gentle caring and caresses surely felt good, and she snuggled closer into the arms wrapped around her body. "I know it will be, my love. Thank you," Miranda whispered as she turned her head and searched for Liv's lips to kiss her love deeply.
Liv pressed her lips against Miranda's, letting her tongue slip inside her mouth as they kissed. After a long passionate kiss Liv pulled back. "Let me finish bathing you and myself. Nakhti has gone to prepare for our departure, he will return soon." Liv began to wash Miranda's back as she continued to speak. "After we have bathed I want you to lie down in my bed and sleep until we are ready. You will be safe there," Liv said as she kissed Miranda on the shoulder. "I will watch over you to make sure."
Despite her condition, Miranda felt the familiar tingle in her stomach that being held and kissed by her Princess always caused, and she moaned once more softly. As Liv spoke, she blushed. "No one has ever taken care of me like this before," she said softly, "And quite frankly, a big part of me keeps telling me that I should refuse, that I should take care of you and watch over you. But I know I cannot argue with you about this."
Miranda lightly kissed Liv's lips and gave herself completely over to the gentle caring of the Princess, letting Liv fuss about her, washing her body and cleaning her wounds, then she let herself be led to her Princess' bed, sinking into the covers as Liv started to give her a back rub. Soon, the events of the past day and night demanded their tribute, and Miranda's eyes fluttered shut as she dozed off.
"I love you," Liv whispered as she lay down on top of the covers beside Miranda. "You are my Princess," she continued as she watched her love sleep.
After a few minutes Nakhti knocked quietly at the door and Liv got up to let him in, locking the door behind him once more.
"I have the carriage ready in the stable," Nakhti said as he glanced at the sleeping Miranda. "Let's pack some things quickly so we can leave by dawn."
Soon the two of them were busy packing everything they needed for their flight as quickly as possible. "I have packed two tents, and went to the kitchen to get pots, pans, cutlery and provisions," Nakhti said as he took a gown out of the closet and began folding it neatly.
"Don't bother folding that Nakhti; just throw it in the bag." Liv said taking the gown from his hand and stuffing it in a bag together with a dozen other dresses.
Nakhti nodded and stored blankets and pillows in another bag. "You're not planning on returning here any time soon," he said; it was not a question, but a statement.
Liv stopped for a moment and gave him a glance, then she nodded and resumed her task of packing. "I will make sure he can never lay hands on my love again," she said curtly, thus ending the small talk and they finished their task in silence.
Soon they were ready and Liv turned to wake Miranda. "Let her sleep," Nakhti said and bent down to lift the sleeping woman up. Hastily but still careful not to make any sound, they made their way to the stable. As soon as he had made sure that both women were safe and hidden well inside the carriage, Nakhti grabbed the reigns of the horses and silently led them out of the Temple through an unguarded side gate. Once outside, he mounted the driver's seat and urged the horses on through the dark as on the east the dawn slowly dove the sky in red gold.