Captivated

prologue

The tall, veiled woman in the voluminous, brocaded blue robes scanned the platform carefully. Her dark eyes moved slowly and calculatingly over each of the naked men, discarding, then flicking on to the next. Finally, she raised a gold-braceleted arm, and a fat, white beringed finger pointed."That one," she said.

"The gods! The gods!" the slave merchant half moaned beneath his breath, but then he brightened a bit. This woman was the one buyer who just might find suitable the most difficult and dangerous slave who ever had passed through his establishment. He fixed the creature with a stern look. "Step forward," he commanded. "You are to be examined."

The man looked down from his great height at the short, plump worm attempting to order him about, and considered his usual form of rebellion, which consisted of shouting and swearing in his natural tongue and intimidating those attempting to enslave him with bared teeth and fierce looks until they finally sent him back to his cell. Then, for some reason, he looked directly at the tall woman in blue. He could see nothing of her but her fine dark eyes. They were dancing with amusement, as if she could read his thoughts. He stepped forward silently, frankly intrigued. After all, he reasoned to himself, he couldn't spend the rest of his days in that stinking prison.

"What is his history?" the woman asked. Her voice was deep and very smoky. "From where did you obtain him?"

"A caravan brought him in from the west several weeks ago," the slave merchant said. "He is a barbarian, and while he speaks our tongue, I can learn nothing from him of his past, great lady. But he is strong, as you can see, and would be suitable for your mines, or your fields."

The woman emitted a sharp bark of laughter. "Indeed," she said dryly, her gaze lingering on the slave's large genitalia, and then, "Help me onto the platform, Master Ashur, so I may better see this possible purchase."

The slave merchant signaled to his assistants, and they aided the woman in blue to climb the steps.

"Elevate him so I may see him better," the woman instructed, and a smaller platform was immediately brought for the man to mount. Now his prospective buyer began to slowly circle him, touching him here and there. The skin was healthy and fine. She ran sure hands over his well-muscled calves, feeling him start just slightly. The hands moved to his buttocks, squeezing gently, pulling the cheeks apart to determine if he was a lover of women, or a sodomite. Satisfied he preferred female flesh, she said, "Step down," facing him again, and he obeyed her. "Open your mouth for me," she instructed him quietly, and, to her surprise, he did. She peered into his facial cavity, seeing rows of white teeth. "You have all your teeth," she noted approvingly, "and they are strong and healthy. That is good." He closed his mouth, and she looked directly into his eyes. They were very blue, rimmed in thick dark lashes, and the whites about them were quite clear. "Step back up again," she said, and moved back so she might view him fully.

He was a very tall man with broad shoulders and chest. His frame was large, yet delicate. His hair was black as a raven's wing, long, but tied back. The rest of his body was fair and smooth but for the bushy thatch of midnight-dark curls between his thighs. She noted that both his hands and his feet were well shaped and elegant. His face was long, with a long, refined nose, high cheekbones and forehead, and a big, narrow mouth. A tangle of dark eyebrows rose over his oval-shaped eyes. The jaw was determined, and his square chin had a dimple in its very center. He was neither a peasant nor slave-born, the woman decided. She could scarcely believe her good fortune, but hid her delight beneath her veiled face.

Stepping directly in front of him once more, she pushed his thighs apart with a firm fist, and, reaching up, cupped his balls in her palm. She felt the faint quiver run through him, but, looking up, she saw his handsome face was totally impassive. She fondled him, mentally weighing his sex in her hand. It was heavy and well made. Releasing the pouch with their twin jewels, she took his penis in her hand, and began to work it. She had previously noted its unusually large size. Now she wanted to see exactly how large he would become, and how quickly he could be aroused.

Unable to help himself, the man's cheeks flushed to be so publicly used, but, helpless to the wickedly skillful fingers caressing him, his eyes closed and he let himself enjoy the sensations of pleasure now beginning to sweep over him. The gods! How long had it been since he had possessed a woman? He had almost thought that part of himself dead and gone, but this odd female swathed in her blue shrouding was proving otherwise. At the same time he felt ashamed at what was happening to him, and struggled to hold back, but the woman would not allow it.

"I would see the copiousness of your juices," she said softly. "Release them for me now." And then she stepped away from him.

The sultry sound of her voice was mesmerizing. He could not have helped himself if he tried. With a groan he discharged the hot seminal fluids, spattering their creaminess onto the platform below him. When the last drop had been jolted from him, the blue eyes opened. "Have I passed your trial, lady?" he murmured low and defiant.

Looking directly at him, she nodded imperceptibly, then turned to the slave merchant. "He will do, Master Ashur. What price do you put on him? Remembering that I am probably the only buyer you will find for this great barbaric beast."

The merchant swallowed hard, but common sense overcame greed. "If he were less difficult I should ask ten gold latkas, great lady, but, under the circumstances, I think five will suffice."

"Four," she replied, handing him a silken bag.

The slave merchant's fingers slowly closed about the pouch. Then he took it from her. "Going once!" he cried in a loud voice. "Going twice!Sold to the High Procuress of Kava!"

chapter 1

Dagon, Prince of Aramas, watched as the blue-robed woman murmured her instructions to the slave master. Then, without a backward glance at him, she moved away. The sale was over for the day, and the slave merchant turned to Dagon.

"Do you know how fortunate you are, barbarian? That was the lady Zenaida of Kava. If you can manage to keep that vicious temper of yours under control, you will live a life of luxury servicing the women of Kava. That equipment of yours looks as if it will give a lot of pleasure." He snickered. "You are to be bathed now, and then sent to the lady's encampment. They depart tomorrow for Kava."

Dagon remained silent, and followed the merchant's assistants to the public baths, where they announced to all who would listen that the barbarian had been purchased by the High Procuress of Kava. A murmur of excitement rippled through the steamy baths as he was put into the hands of the head bath master. His companions sat down to wait for him.

"What is this place? Kava?" he asked the bath master.

"It is the fabled city of women," came the reply. "Have you never before heard of Kava? No one is certain where it is, for those who have attempted to follow the Kavan caravans claim those very caravans disappear right before their eyes, leaving not even a trace upon the sands of the desert road. Once a year their High Procuress comes to Ramaskhan looking for male slaves.They only buy males.

"Kava is ruled by women. It is said their wealth is endless, and their land fabulously rich and beautiful. Great shipments of gold and precious gemstones from their mines pass through our land regularly. Silk from Kavan looms is famous and greatly sought after, as is the fine light wool cloth they produce."

"How do you know it is a city of women?" Dagon asked. He wanted as much information as he could gather about these women who thought they now owned him.

"Once, a very, very long time ago," the bath master confided, "a slave escaped from Kava. He finally reached Ramaskhan. It was a long and dangerous trek. He lived but a short time afterward. Before he died, he told of the city of Kava where men serve the women inhabitants but are not permitted in the city after dark except on rare occasions. He told of a place where the male children are taken from their mothers when they reach the age of eight years. Then those boys spend the next eight years being trained as warriors. It must be true, for that is another of Kava's exports. They sell cohorts of fighting men. The absolute best mercenaries to be had."

"If no one knows where the city is," Dagon said, "how is this all accomplished?"

"At the time of the winter solstice," the bath master replied, "Kava's female warriors bring the cohorts for sale that year to the winter festival, which is held outside the gates of this city. They never have enough cohorts, of course. The demand for Kavan cohorts far outweighs the supply. Some years they bring but a single cohort, in other years, perhaps two or three. Once in my memory, they did not come to the festival at all… Now, will you seat yourself, please. I wish to wash your hair, and I must pare your nails." The bath master busied himself as he continued to speak. "You are a fine figure of a man, and will undoubtedly sire many sons on the beautiful women of Kava."

Dagon said nothing more. He had learned enough. He would never see Kava, but it would make an interesting tale to tell when he escaped back to Aramas. Once home, he would slay his traitorous twin brother, Nogad, who was even now usurping his rightful place as first heir to the King of Aramas. He would use the Kavan caravan to leave Ramaskhan, and two or three days into the journey, he would disappear into the desert to make his way back home. He had two deserts, and three seas to cross, but he would regain what was rightfully his. Nogad would regret the day he crossed his elder sibling.

When Dagon had been bathed, and a fresh length of clean linen cloth had been wrapped about his loins, he was taken to the encampment of the lady Zenaida. A leather-clad woman warrior took charge of him at the camp's perimeters as the slave merchant's assistants bid him farewell, but not before making a few snide remarks regarding his amatory future. The leather-clad warrior looked scornfully at the pair. Without a word, she motioned to Dagon to follow her, leading him to the largest tent set directly in the center of the camp. She pulled back the entry flap.

"Go in, barbarian. The High Procuress awaits you," she said.

He moved slowly through the entrance. Inside, the tent was luxuriously furnished, and the blue-garbed woman, now veiless, was seated upon a small dais. She was quite beautiful despite her girth. Her skin was the color of the white jasmine flower, and looked to be as soft as silk. She had an elegant nose, and a small rosebud of a mouth.

"Come in! Come in!" The plump hand motioned him forward, the black eyes sparkled. "Sit down opposite me. Are you hungry? Of course you are," she answered her own question before he might. "I doubt the fare in Master Ashur's slave pens is either tasty or even palatable."

Half a dozen young women were setting down platters and bowls from which tasty odors were emanating. The gold goblet near his hand was filled with a fruity red wine. His nostrils visibly twitched.

"First tell me your name, and then you may eat," the lady Zenaida said. "I'm sure you already know who I am. Ramaskhan is a city of gossips," she chuckled.

"I am Dagon, Prince of Aramas," he said without hesitation, and then reached for the goblet.

"And just how did you come to be in Ramaskhan's slave markets, Dagon, Prince of Aramas?" she asked him, reaching for the bread.

"I was betrayed by my twin brother, who desired to have our father's throne," Dagon said. He pulled a small chicken apart, and began to eat hungrily.

"You were the elder," Zenaida said.

Dagon nodded, swallowing. "By about a minute or two, lady. They say when I was born, Nogad's hand was fastened about my ankle as if he were trying to prevent me from coming into the world before he did."

"A formidable opponent," Zenaida observed. "Eat now, and then we will talk more," she told him.

He ate slowly, carefully, not allowing himself to be fully satisfied lest he make himself sick. It had been several months since he had had a decent meal. He finished the chicken, a loaf of bread, and then swallowed down a dozen oysters, liberally quaffing the red wine so that his cup was refilled twice. When a platter of fruit was offered to him, he took a peach, splitting it with his two thumbs, and eating it with a grin of delight even as the juice ran down his chin. Finally, licking his fingers clean of the peach juice, he looked directly at her. "Do you always feed your slaves so well, lady?"

"No one goes hungry in Kava," she said quietly. "It is not our way to mistreat people.We are not men. "

"But you need men," he remarked softly.

"They toil in the mines, in the fields, and in other capacities," she replied.

"Where will I labor?" he probed.

"You are intelligent," Zenaida answered, ignoring his innuendo. "I believe you when you tell me you are a king's son, for you have not the look or the bearing of a peasant. After I purchased you today, your ears were undoubtedly filled with all manner of salacious gossip, and some of it is true. Men are subservient in Kava, but why is that so different from other cities where women are subservient?"

"Men are superior to women," he said quickly. "We are stronger, bigger, wiser."

"Stronger and bigger in many cases I will allow, butwiser? No, Dagon. Men are not wiser than women, and women are the superior sex, because it is through them that the gods have chosen to reproduce our kind. Before you protest that your seed is necessary to that task, let me remind you that it is the only thing required. Your seed is useless without a woman to nurture the new life, to bring it to fruition, and to finally birth it. And when it is birthed, we nourish it with the milk from our breasts. Men have nothing with which to nourish a newborn. Without the fertile field of our bodies, your seed is worthless, Dagon. That is why women are superior."

"What do men do in this world? They start wars which kill innocents, and ruin both agriculture and commerce. And why? For more land? More wealth? To do what with? Bah! That is why Kava exists, and is ruled by women. We use men's strength, and we use their seed, both of which are positive things. Men, however, are but an auxiliary to women, and must be kept servile. That is our way. We do not cause, or go to war. We are wealthy beyond your wildest imagination because we spend our energies in making things grow by our toil. You will soon see." She smiled at him, and then took a long draught of her wine before continuing.

"In Kava we are governed by a queen. When our queen falls in love and mates, a new queen is chosen. Kalida, the queen who now rules us, has never fallen in love. She has ruled longer than any of our queens, and while she has offered to step aside so a new queen can be chosen, we cannot allow it, for it breaks with our custom. She must fall in love, and take her mate. Or she must remain queen."

"And you think I am that mate?" he said.

"Possibly," Zenaida told him. "Understand, the queen must love you, not just make love to you. Few Kavan women under the age of fifteen are virgins. We celebrate life, our bodies, and all that it entails. Kalida has an insatiable appetite for making love, but, sadly, no man has ever captured her heart. If you can do that, my handsome princeling, your fate will be golden. You will live in the Outer Palace of the Consorts, and nothing, even other women, will ever be denied to you."

"But my sons, if the gossips of Ramaskhan are to be believed, will be removed from their mother's home at the age of eight, and trained as warriors to be sent off at sixteen, and never seen again," he said.

"But is that not what men love to do best, Dagon? Fight. We simply teach our sons how to fight, and how to survive in a man's world. Kavan cohorts are extremely valuable, and greatly sought after. We turn your male vice into a commercial asset," she chuckled. Then she reached over, and patted his hand. "You will not be forbidden from seeing your sons. Their barracks are quite near the Outer Palace. You will probably see more of them there than when they live within the city proper. Besides, your life will not be that of a love slave. You will have other duties that will keep you quite busy, I promise. Certainly a young man trained to be a king has other talents than a large penis."

"Now, however, you will want a woman to satisfy those pent-up lusts of yours. How long has it been since you have had a woman?"

He flushed at the directness of her query. "Months," he admitted.

Zenaida smiled, showing a row of strong, even white teeth. It was not a smile of amusement, but rather one of understanding. "My poor princeling," she consoled him. Then she turned to the young women serving them. "Well, which one of you wants him tonight? Do not quarrel among yourselves, for you will all have your turn."

"We already decided amongst ourselves, great lady," a yellow-haired girl said, stepping forward. "We drew lots, and I have won him for this sleep time."

"They are so practical, eh, Dagon, but, as you can see, there has been no quarreling about the pleasure of your company. Would men be so pragmatic regarding a beautiful woman?" Zenaida chuckled. "I think not. There would be some sort of argument, and then the poor girl would end up having to entertain a dozen randy cocks. Her name is Dore, by the way. Go along now, and enjoy each other's company," the older woman said.

Dore took Dagon by the hand, pulling him up from the cushions and leading him off through a red silk curtain into a small sleeping space. The curtain fell with a soft sound, shielding them from the rest of the tent. He looked about. The space was empty but for a large mattress set upon a wooden dais.

"On your knees, slave!" Dore commanded. "You must be taught that women are your betters." She pushed him gently, but firmly.

His first instinct was outrage, but then, catching himself, he obeyed her. Escape meant gaining the trust of these women.

Dore slid out of her simple gown, revealing her nakedness to him. "You will place your hands behind your head, slave. You will not be permitted to touch me with your hands unless I give you permission to do so. Do you understand me?"

He nodded, saying softly as he did so, "Yes, mistress."

"Oh, that is very good!" Dore told him, sounding quite pleased. "I shall reward you, slave. You may lick my slit, but you will not push between my nether lips until I allow it." She positioned herself so that her lover's mount was directly before him.

His tongue slipped from between his lips, and with its very tip, he began to stroke the dark pink slash that ran down her plump lover's mount. Her lush body smelled of flowers, but her feminine musk was very exciting. He longed to touch her more intimately, but he did not.

Dore reached down with her hands suddenly, and pulled her nether lips open, revealing her treasures to him. "Pleasure me, slave," she said softly, "but remember, you must keep your hands behind your head unless I tell you otherwise."

His tongue immediately found her pleasure point, and he began to lick at it; softly at first, and then with vigor. She tasted like wild honey, and he watched, fascinated, as the sweetly tortured tip of her sex began to grow deep pink and swell with her rising excitement.

She moaned with her enjoyment, and then shuddered violently with delight as she reached the apex of her satisfaction. Her hands fell away, and she sighed gustily. "That was quite wonderful," she told him, her voice still a little breathless. "I shall be certain to tell the others of how clever a tongue you have, slave. Stand up now, and I shall return the favor." He rose to his feet, and carefully she unwrapped the length of linen about his loins. Then she fell to her knees, catching his hand up and beginning to suck his finger while her other hand fondled him. "Ummmmm," she murmured. "Your skin is so soft for a man." The hand caressed his buttocks while she continued to suck each finger in turn.

He stood quietly looking down at her. She was a pretty girl with nice big round breasts he would enjoy. "The gods!" He groaned aloud as she suddenly took him into her mouth. His fingers had obviously been but an appetizer to the main course. She pushed back his foreskin, and her tongue teased about the head of his cock, and then she began to suck him, drawing his length deep into her throat, pulling on him so strongly that he grew quickly hard. He was so swollen that he was amazed her seemingly dainty mouth could contain him. He groaned again, and, unable to help himself, loosed his juices down her throat. "Ahhhhhhhh!" Still, she suckled him forcefully, making certain she drew every drop he had to give. His legs almost buckled beneath him.

Then, as quickly as she had begun her sweet torture, Dore rose to her feet, her little tongue swiping about her mouth. "There!" she said. "The edge is off your lust now, and we can enjoy ourselves. Do not, however, loose your juices in the future until you are given permission. You are now permitted to touch me. Come. Lie with me, Dagon." She pulled him toward the large sleeping mat.

"You are experienced," he managed to say weakly as they lay down.

"I should hope so," Dore said with a toss of her yellow head. "I am seventeen, and have had at least a dozen lovers since my first man. He was my mother's body servant, and I gave him to myself on my fourteenth birthday. We lay beneath a full summer's moon. When my mother found us, he was atop me plunging mightily. My mother was furious."

"Because you stole her lover?" Dagon asked. His fingers began to worry at one of her nipples.

"Oh, no! She had long ago discarded Brann as a lover. He was merely her servant. She was angry because he was atop me, and I knew better than to allow a man the dominant position. So did Brann. She whipped him herself, and gave him for common pleasures for a whole day." Dore giggled. "The women so exhausted him that he could hardly walk when his punishment time was completed." Dore giggled with the memory.

"What are 'common pleasures?' " he asked her, curious, taking the nipple into his mouth to play with it.

"Ohhh, that's nice," Dore said, purring. "When a slave is disobedient in Kava, his mistress may take him to the main square of the city where he is spread-eagled upon a platform, and any woman who wants to, may use him as she sees fit. The platform can be rotated, and so the man may be taken in the proper position, whipped upon his buttocks, or taken in an improper manner. Most women only punish their slaves for a few hours at the most, but even if I hadn't known better, Brann did, which is why my mother gave him to the city for a whole day. He was not a particularly good lover I have since learned. On your back now, slave! I want to sheath you."

And before he might protest that he wasn't ready for her yet, Dore reached down, pushing a hand beneath his balls, and with a single finger found a spot so ultra sensitive that he gasped aloud. "The gods!" He watched with amazement as she pressed against his hidden flesh several times, and his cock was immediately aroused, thrusting itself skyward.

Dore was immediately upon him, kissing the head of his penis, and then mounting him, sheathing him slowly, slowly, leaning back to balance herself upon her hands, her gray eyes closing."Ohhh, that is nice," she murmured. "I have never before entertained a cock so large."

Reaching up, he grasped her two round breasts in his hands, and began to knead them as the girl atop him rode them both to the most incredible enjoyment he had ever known.

Were all the women of Kava this lustful? he wondered the following morning when he was awakened. Four times she had aroused him, and mounted him, and given them satisfaction. The answer to his question was yes as he learned over the next few weeks. The women of Kava were uninhibited, and totally free of any sexual restraints. Zenaida's serving women used him almost every night.

"You must be ready to service the queen, for after the size of your cock, your performance must be flawless. That will gain her attention, my princeling," the High Procuress told him. "Then you will teach her about love. You know love, don't you, Dagon?"

He nodded. "I was in love with Aurea, the daughter of a neighboring king. We were to marry, and the two kingdoms would one day be joined, for Aurea was King Arlen's only heir. Now my brother will have her to wife, may the gods have mercy upon Aurea. She never liked Nogad, but he wanted her anyway because she was to be mine. Nogad always wanted what was mine."

"Again the greed and ambition of men," Zenaida reminded him softly.

There was no escape from his captivity, Dagon quickly learned. During the day, a slave collar was placed about his neck. He was attached both in front and behind by a length of chain to another male slave. His ankles were also shackled. He marched in step with his companions. The situation was impossible. At night he lay with the serving women, and one night after the girl with him had fallen into a deep sleep, he arose, intending to slip from the tent, for night was the only time he was unshackled. He could not go out the entry because it was guarded, but, creeping across the floor, he lifted the fabric of the tent only to discover that he was in a cage with iron bars. Desperately he moved quickly to the entry of the sleep space, and drew the curtain aside to be met with more bars. He was amazed that he had not heard a gate being closed on him, but he had to admit he had not. There was no help for it. He would simply have to escape from Kava itself. It was not impossible, just unusual.

They traveled the main caravan route for a week, moving across the desert until one morning they turned north onto a smaller track toward the snowcapped mountains in the distance. After another week, they found themselves in the foothills wending their way along seemingly nonexistent paths deeper and deeper into what appeared to be a total wilderness. The canyons grew narrower, the stone walls higher, leaving but a strip of bright blue sky above them. Yet each night they camped at perfectly suitable sites near running streams. It was obvious that this was a familiar passage for the Kavans.

Once they had reached the foothills, each of the male slaves being transported was given a pair of sturdy leather sandals to protect their feet from the rough terrain. And to Dagon's amazement the men were not forbidden from communicating. He fell into the habit of speaking with the men behind and before him. Both knew of Kava prior to their enslavement, and were delighted to have been chosen by the High Procuress to become new members of the women's community.

"She is a former queen herself, old Zenaida," one of the men, called Wit, said one day as they walked and spoke of the future.

"How do you know that?" Dagon was surprised.

"One of the women warriors told me," Wit said with a chuckle. "She favors me, and has made our trip quite pleasant. Tell me, why are you kept in the High Procuress's tent each night? Does she favor you, Dagon of Aramas?"

Now it was Dagon's turn to laugh. "Nay," he answered, "but she means to give me as a gift to their current queen."

"Ahhh," murmured the other companion, Ziv, "to have a cock twice the size of mortal men, and half again as big as a god's!"

"Their women are wearing me out," Dagon complained. "I never knew such lustful creatures. Women should not be so forward. It is unnatural. They treat me like some toy with which they gratify their own desires and passions. I am nothing more to them than a plaything!"

"I can't complain about such treatment," Wit said seriously. "It is every man's dream, my friend. A lustful woman upon whom one can pleasure himself, and yet have absolutely no responsibility to that woman. I shall be very content in Kava."

The caravan climbed higher now, moving into the mountains. Soft, light wool cloaks were issued the slaves, for, despite the sun, the days were cooler, and the winds sharper.

One evening Zenaida announced to Dagon that they were but three days from the city of Kava, but on the morrow they would enter into its kingdom.

"Your mighty cock is well primed after all these weeks of travel," she told him. "My girls cannot say enough in praise of you, my princeling. Until we reach the city, you must rest that magnificent organ so the queen may know its full power the first time you couple with her. Tonight I shall tell you of Kalida."

They sat opposite each other, a charcoal brazier between them heating the tent. They had eaten a fine repast of roasted gazelle, a freshly caught fish that had been grilled with steamed greens and served with a bowl of groats, and a large bunch of green grapes. He was warm, and the wine was mellowing him.

"Is she beautiful?" he asked, curiously.

Zenaida nodded. "The goddess has more than favored her, and in more ways than just her beauty. Kalida's grandmother was a queen of Kava. She is a very proud woman, and a very intelligent one as well. This has perhaps contributed to her inability to fall in love. I do not think she believes she can give herself to anyone who is not her equal. Many men have been brought to Kava, both noble and peasant alike, but never have I found a king's son, a future king, among my slaves. I believe the goddess has sent you to be Kalida's mate, Dagon."

"And yet it was my great penis that attracted you first, lady," he teased her gently.

Zenaida chuckled. "Aye," she agreed, "it was, but was that also not a ploy of the goddess to bring you to my attention?"

He laughed with her. He liked this big kind woman who had more the qualities of a good mother, it seemed to him, than a queen or a dignitary. "Tell me what Kalida looks like," he said. "You say she is beautiful, and the goddess has favored her, but how beautiful?"

"She is tall for a woman. Her head will come to your shoulder. She is slender, yet her form is most womanly. Her breasts are like high cones of snow topped with rosy tips like a pale sunrise just touching the mountain's peak. Her face is shaped like a heart, her forehead smooth, high and unmarked. Her eyes are oval in shape, and the green of an emerald. Her nose is slim, and in perfect proportion with her face. Her mouth is large for a woman, and very, very sensual. Her hair is the color of gilt, the palest gold touched with silver. You have never seen hair this color before, I promise you."

"She sounds most fair," Dagon said softly.

"If you are to win her, you must tread a very fine line, my princeling," Zenaida cautioned him. "She must be treated like a queen at all times, but you must also make her feel like a woman. None have accomplished this feat before you. Do so, and your fortune is made."

"You are asking me to subvert my own nature to please your queen, Zenaida, and I do not know if I can," Dagon said honestly. "Your handmaids tell me each night as they mount me how inferior men are to women. Yet I believe the opposite. How am I to reconcile these two adverse reasonings then? And I must if I am to succeed in this endeavor."

"It is not unknown, although it is not spoken of aloud, for a man to hold a dominant position within his lover's bedchamber," Zenaida said quietly. "Although I shall deny it if asked, my size makes it far more comfortable for my mate, Durantis, to ride between my generous thighs than for me to mount his slimmer frame. I should crush the poor darling," she chuckled. "Once, however, I was as slender as our queen. Age has increased my girth, but even in our youth, Durantis and I sported in a variety of positions," she concluded. "You will have to have forbearance, Dagon, my handsome princeling. You must attract Kalida first with your great sexual prowess, and then with your intelligence and wit."

"How must I approach her?" he queried his mentor.

"First with respect, for she is a queen, though you are her equal. Still, make not the error one poor fool made several years ago when he decided that the queen was just a sweet little girl in need of a strong man's dominance. He was given that very night for public pleasures, and then sent to dig in our diamond mines where he still resides, greatly chastened, I am informed, and considered a fool by his companions. Kalida may try your patience at first, and even seem arrogant, but she knows of no other way, having been Queen of Kava since she was just fourteen. Once she believes your esteem for her is genuine, you may safely begin your campaign to win her heart. Every woman has a heart, even Kalida, the Queen of Kava."

"I shall try not to disappoint you, great lady," he told her. No. He would not disappoint her, for the only way he might escape Kava and return to Aramas would be to become the queen's mate. This would allow him to live in the Outer Palace of the Consorts, free of restraint. He had learned a great deal from Zenaida's handmaidens these past weeks. The consorts of the former queens were men who could be trusted. The women warriors who guarded Kava paid them little heed. He would indeed have to be patient, for it would take months to effect his plan of escape, but escape he would.

And one day he would return to Aramas. Nogad might have taken Aurea for a wife, and sired sons upon her, but he would nonetheless slay his traitorous sibling, and his spawn. If Aurea objected, he would slay her, too. He could not marry a woman defiled by his twin. And if their father still lived, he would applaud his eldest son's actions. His father was a man of honor. If his father, however, had gone to the gods, he would simply destroy Nogad and all that was his, and take his rightful place upon the throne of Aramas.

Halfway through the following day, the caravan stopped before the foot of a tall mountain whose top belched forth smoke. The High Procuress stood before a wall of flat, black rock at the mountain's base, and struck it three times with her staff of office, calling, "In the name of the goddess, Suneva, open to me!" With a rumble, an opening appeared in the rock, and the caravan passed through into a well-lit tunnel. Zenaida then turned, and, striking the earth with her staff, said, "In the name of the goddess, Suneva, close, and keep us safe!" The opening then disappeared even as it had earlier revealed itself.

They moved through the passage for several hours. It was very silent but for the sound of feet, both animal and human. The area was comfortably wide enough to accommodate the caravan, and very well lit. The air was still, and a trifle musty. Dagon had noted the smoking top of the mountain as they entered beneath it, but he saw no evidence of volcanic activity as they moved along. They stopped to rest and eat after an hour or more. A woman warrior came and unchained Dagon, reconnecting Wit to Ziv.

"The lady Zenaida wishes your company, barbarian," she said.

Reaching the High Procuress, he bowed deferentially to her.

She handed him a piece of flat bread to eat, and offered her flask of wine. "Walk by my side the rest of the way," she said.

"I thank you for your kindness," he answered.

"Nicely done," she remarked approvingly. "Polite, but not servile. I knew I might count upon your instincts, Dagon."

"Why does the mountaintop smoke?" he asked her. "This is no volcano, great lady."

"You are observant," she replied. "The top smokes because we make it smoke. People see it, and assume the mountain is dangerous. That, of course, suits our purposes as you will soon discover. It is so simple. The smoke comes from pitch burning in a kettle. The kettle sits atop a clay brazier so no flames from the fire can be seen." She held out a hand to him. Pulling her to her feet, he helped her into her cart, which was drawn by two sturdy white horses. "Another hour," Zenaida said, "and we shall exit this passage into the valley of Kava, my princeling. It will be another day and a half to the city from there."

It was late afternoon when they came forth from the tunnel. Immediately the sound of trumpets was heard echoing back and forth throughout the great valley with its rim of green hills. Dagon looked about him, and saw the fortifications at the tunnel's mouth. Upon the barricade walls stood well-armed women warriors, and a half a dozen trumpeters who were sounding both a welcome and a message to the forts farther on, and closer to the city itself. He was impressed in spite of himself.

They made their encampment that night by the tunnel fort. Looking out over the valley before the sun set, the Prince of Aramas thought he had never seen a more beautiful place. Their travels the following day confirmed his first impressions. Zenaidapointed out the road moving back into the mountains where the mines were located. They came down into an area of soft hills where sheep and cattle grazed. In the deeper valley there were orchards and vineyards. They passed through several small villages, the most interesting feature of which was the paucity of men, and older boys.

"Are there no men in these villages?" he asked.

"There are some graybeards, of course, whose good behavior over the years has earned them the privilege of remaining with their mates. Other men are allowed to come at planting and harvest times, and, of course, at festival times," Zenaidaexplained. "Each year on the great feast of Suneva the eight-year-old boys are gathered up throughout the land, and brought to the military barracks to begin their training."

"Have you ever had any sons?" he gently inquired.

"Durantis and I bred up three boys and four daughters," she replied matter-of-factly. "Our sons are long gone, and our daughters are a great comfort to us now. Sons leave their mothers when they take a wife anyway," Zenaida reasoned. "They would have gone sooner than later, my princeling."

It was midmorning of the next day that they saw the city for the first time. Dagon had to admit to himself that he had never before seen such a wonderful and fantastic place. It was all white marble. Golden domes and soaring silver-roofed towers that touched the sky, green hanging gardens, and glistening water courses all beckoned.

"There is the Outer Palace of the Consorts," Zenaida told him, pointing to a magnificent group of buildings as they passed it. "And there are the boys' barracks there."

He noted both were well outside the city's walls. He was surprised when the caravan turned off, but his mentor explained that the new male slaves would be bathed, evaluated, and then sent to their assignments. "What of me? Am I to go to the queen now?" he asked.

"No," she said. "You are my personal gift to the queen, Dagon. I did not purchase you with Kava's funds, but my own. You will come to my home to be bathed, fed, and rest. Tonight I shall offer you to Kalida with my compliments."

"I thought men were not allowed within the city walls at night," he replied.

She smiled at him. "They are not but for lovers, and rank has its privileges, my princeling, as you well know."

The palace of the High Procuress was a gracious structure of creamy marble. Entering into its courtyard, Dagon saw the great pillars holding up the porch were of red-veined marble capped in gold, and the courtyard was filled with flowers. By the time he was taken to the bath, Zenaida's handmaidens had already broadcast forth the details of his manhood, and he was surrounded by an extraordinary number of women.

"Get away from him, you lascivious little demons," the bath mistress scolded the murmuring, pointing females. "He is the great lady's gift to the queen this very night, and must not be worn out by your enthusiastic licentiousness. Go along with you now. Shoo!"

Disappointed, the women departed.

"I hope he displeases her, and gets sent to the square for common pleasures," one girl said. "Then I'll ride that big stallion to a froth, by Suneva, I swear it!"

"You never rode any man to a froth, Gaia," came a voice, and the other women erupted into laughter.

The old bath mistress cackled. "They will carry on at the sight of a bulging manhood," she said bluntly. She stripped the linen from his loins, and stared. "By Suneva, they have not lied! I've bathed many a man in my life, but never have I seen a manhood this big! It is at least thirteen marks in length. Can it be fully sheathed within a lover?"

"It can," he replied.

"Ahhhhhhh!" the bath mistress said wistfully. "To be young again, or perhaps not even so young." She fondled him, shaking her head and sighing. Then, catching herself, she took up the tools of her trade, and began to bathe him, calling to her assistants to come and help her, for there was much to do. Dagon must be fed, and rested, too, before the evening came.

He was taken naked from the bath, given a solid meal, and then washed lightly again before being taken to a bed space to rest. He slept for several hours before being gently awakened. He was clothed in a length of snow-white linen which was artfully wrapped and draped about his loins, and a twisted golden torque was fitted about his thick neck. Gilded leather sandals were placed upon his big feet. Zenaida herself brushed his thick dark hair with sandalwood oil, and then tied his locks back with a thin gold cord. She ran her hands over his naked shoulders, turned him about, and ran them over his broad chest.

"You are beautiful," she told him with a sigh. "Keep your wits about you, my princeling, and remember all I have told you. Ah, to be thirty years younger!" Then she turned, and he followed her.

"We are walking?" he asked the High Procuress.

"The queen's palace is but across the square," she replied.

They were permitted to pass into the royal residence without challenge, as Zenaida was known by all. Zenaida moved swiftly for a woman of her girth. He moved after her. A beautiful young woman who looked familiar to Dagon greeted them at one point. She was garbed as an officer of the guard.

"Good evening, my lady," the officer said.

"Good evening, Captain," the High Procuress responded. She turned to Dagon. "This is my middle daughter, Berenike, who is captain of the queen's personal guard."

Dagon bowed. "I greet you, Captain Berenike."

"He is magnificent," Berenike said to her mother, barely acknowledging Dagon. "Do you believe he will be successful?"

"It is in the hands of the goddess, my daughter," Zenaida answered. "Is she waiting? What has she been told?"

"Only that you have a gift for her," was the reply. Then the captain let her gaze wander to Dagon's crotch. "Let me see, Mother!" she begged girlishly."Please!"

Zenaida chuckled. "You are incorrigible as always, Berenike." Then she delicately lifted the draped linen up so her daughter might see.

"Ohhhhh," Berenike sighed wistfully. She reached out, and caressed the great length of flesh.

Zenaida slapped her daughter's eager hands away. "It is a most sensitive organ, and easily aroused. I will not have him spoiled for the queen, Berenike. Shame on you!"

"You never brought me a gift like that," the young woman complained.

"He is a king's son, and only fit for the queen," the High Procuress replied. "We must go now. Straighten your clothing, Dagon!" she scolded him, as if he were responsible for all that had just taken place. "Come along now! I can see if I do not get you off of my hands soon you may cause a riot within these walls."

She hurried down the wide hallway again, her captive in her wake. They stopped before a great bronze double door. The warriors on duty flung open the portals so they might pass through.

"I hope to always have your friendship, lady," Dagon murmured low.

She turned for but a brief moment, and smiled at him. Then she rotated herself ahead again, bowed low before the throne in front of them, and said, "Hail, Kalida, Queen of Kava!"

Dagon allowed his eyes to look directly upon the queen for but a quick blink of the eye, and, in doing so, his heart was lost forever. Zenaida had said Kalida was beautiful, but never before in his entire life had the Prince of Aramas seen such an exquisite creature. He knew in that moment that he would do whatever he had to do to win her heart.

chapter 2

She wore a pleated, short-sleeved white gown with an open round neckline. Her pale golden hair with its silver lights was dressed in thick braids that were affixed atop her head like a crown. Her teardrop-shaped eyes were the color of emeralds, and matched the necklace of large stones about her slender neck. Her arms were filled with slim, bejeweled gold bangles, and on her feet were gold sandals.

"Is this the gift you have brought me, Zenaida?" she purred in a husky voice. "It lacks originality, I fear."

The High Procuress chuckled. "Nay, Majesty, I would not bring youjust a man," she said. "This is Dagon, Prince of Aramas, his father's heir until he was betrayed by his twin brother, who, though the younger, always coveted the elder's place. I bought him for you with my own gold in the slave markets of Ramaskhan. He is unique. Remove your wrap, Dagon, and show the queen your assets," Zenaida concluded.

Standing unbowed, Dagon's fingers undid the linen cloth covering his loins, dropping it gracefully to the floor. Head up, he looked directly into Kalida's eyes, and almost jumped as the silent lightning passed between them. Then, clearly hearing her voiceless command, he unfocused his own eyes, but his head remained unbowed. He was, after all, a king's son.

Kalida swallowed back the gasp of surprise welling in her throat. She was the Queen of Kava, not some virgin gazing upon a manhood for the very first time. The truth, however, was that she had never seen anything like the penis now displayed before her. It was enormous; long and thick as it lay at ease upon its ebony bed of tightly bunched curls. About her, the women warriors who guarded her were just as openmouthed with their own amazement, and not just a little envious.

"Can something of that size actually function properly?" Kalida asked Zenaida. "We must have a demonstration here and now!"

"Trust me, Majesty, it is a very serviceable weapon that Dagon wields. My serving women will attest to it. They have spent the nights of our return journey, but for the last three, training this handsome young barbarian for your pleasure. Now he is yours, with my compliments."

"Berenike!" the queen called, and the captain of her guard stepped forward.

"Yes, Majesty?"

"You are the largest woman in the room. Arouse him, and let us see what this prince is made of before I take him into my household," the queen commanded.

He was astounded by Kalida's order. Had she no heart? he wondered to himself. Then he realized that this was precisely the problem Zenaida had spoken about. Kalida was beautiful, and, he suspected, passionate, but she was quite without feelings."My queen!" The sound of his deep, musical, and very masculine voice startled them all. "Will you not let me speak, oh beauteous Queen of Kava?"

"It would appear that you are speaking," Kalida said dryly, but then she waved her hand at him, assenting to his request.

"For three nights I have rested from love's labors, oh Queen. The desire and the passion that have been building within me are for you,and you alone. I am a king's son. My love should be only for a queen.For Kalida, Queen of Kava." Stepping forward, Dagon knelt, and, taking the hem of her gown between his fingers, he kissed it.

"Would you disobey me then,slave?" she demanded of him imperiously.

"Nay, oh Queen. Whatever you so wish, I will obey, but fine wine should not be wasted. Captain Berenike is most lovely, and it would be an honor to be mounted by such a one, but if you truly favor me, oh Queen, you will keep me for yourself as the gracious lady Zenaida hoped you would. I am born a king's son, but to be your slave will be an honor."

"His tongue is quick," Kalida noted, half amused, half intrigued. She looked curiously at the man kneeling before her. She had never known a slave with such charm, or such boldness. Men arriving in Kava were either defiant or foolish. "I am sorry, Berenike, but perhaps I shall give him to you after he no longer amuses me. Take him to my private quarters. Later I shall see if he is indeed worth my trouble." She nudged Dagon with the tip of her sandal. "If you are not,slave, you will find yourself given over for common pleasures by the morrow."

"It will be a just punishment then," he responded seriously.

Kalida laughed. "I must teach you to speak only when spoken to,slave. Do not allow your boldness to overcome your obvious allure," she warned him. Then she turned to Zenaida. "I may thank you in the morning."

"Indeed, my queen, you will," Zenaidasaid with a smile, and then bowed herself from the royal presence even as Dagon was being escorted from the chamber. "Do not tamper with him," Zenaida warned her daughter when they were out of the queen's hearing. "I cannot have your lust destroying my plans. You are too much like your father."

Berenike laughed. "You do not object to his lust, Mother," she teased her parent. Then she grew serious. "I know how important this is to Kava. I will not play the spoiler."

"Very good," Zenaida replied. Then she turned to Dagon. "Your deference toward the queen was perhaps a trifle heavy-handed. Kalida is not a simpleton, as I have already warned you."

"I am rebuked," he said, a twinkle in his blue eyes.

"Do not outsmart yourself, Dagon of Aramas," she advised him. "I can be the best friend you have ever had, but do not be fooled. I could also be your deadliest enemy should you fail me. Power is corrupting when held for too long a time. Kava needs a new queen, but we cannot go against our traditions lest the goddess punish us."

"Perhaps the goddess has meant for Kalida to rule as long as she has," he countered.

"Mayhap," Zenaida answered him with a small smile, "but now you are here. You are clever, and you are handsome. How can she not fall in love with you? Do your best, and keep me informed of your progress. Berenike will carry your messages to me. Commit nothing to writing."

"What is it you are not telling me?" he asked her.

"I am suspicious of the queen's household," Zenaida replied. "It is possible that they are encouraging the queen to her single state. You will learn if that is true or not. Trust no one, not even Kalida herself, my princeling. Now, go with Berenike." The High Procuress turned away from him, and hurried off down the corridor.

"It is beginning to appear that your mother has given me a harder task than I anticipated," Dagon said quietly.

"My mother is a patriot, and great believer in tradition. I agree with her. Kava has always prospered because it has followed the rules set down by the goddess herself in a time lost to our memories but clearly written down in our holy books," Berenike told him. "My mother does what is best for Kava. She has the backing of the Queen's Council, or she would not do so, you may be certain."

"Who heads the queen's household?" Dagon inquired.

"His name is Zeras, and he has been with Kalida since she was a child. Some say he is her sire, but no one is certain. Kalida's mother died when she was born. She was raised by her mother's two sisters."

"A man heads the royal household?" Dagon was surprised.

"Of course," Berenike said. "Many of our servants are male slaves. Women have far more important things to do than to be bothered with household tasks."

"But your mother had serving women," he said, puzzled.

"We do not allow our male slaves to leave Kava," Berenike explained. "The young women who served my mother on her trip to Ramaskhan are learning the business of trade. Buying and selling slaves comes under that heading, Dagon. Ahhh, the queen's apartments. Be on your guard now."

The bronze doors to the queen's private apartments were swung open by the two female warriors at their entry. Inside the colonnaded anteroom the torches flared with golden light, the air was lightly perfumed, and all was calm. A man hurried across the black-and-white marble squares of the floor. He was of medium height, and slender in his white robes. There was a bejeweled gold collar about his neck. His face was both angular and severe.

"Greetings, Zeras," Berenike said. "I have brought you the queen's new toy. He is now in your charge." The captain then turned, and without another word departed.

"What is your name, slave?" Zeras asked.

"I am Dagon, Prince of Aramas."

"Indeed," Zeras remarked impassively. "And just how did such a fine royal fellow as yourself end up a slave?"

"Through treachery," Dagon said briefly. "I have learned since to be wiser."

"Well," Zeras said quietly, glancing down briefly, "I can see your obvious attractions. Perhaps you can keep the queen amused for a time or two, but be advised, Dagon of Aramas: no man remains long in her bed. Kalida has no heart. You will probably end up in the mines eventually, unless, of course, you have a talent for agrarian pursuits. Do not make yourself too comfortable within these walls. You will not be here for very long."

"We shall see, Zeras," Dagon answered him.

"You dare to speak back to me,slave?" Zeras angrily inquired.

"You are a slave, too, if I am not mistaken," Dagon replied. "If you were not born a king's heir, then your original station in life was inferior to mine. Now, however, we are both slaves within the city of Kava, and therefore equals. Unless I am told otherwise by our mistress, the queen, I shall speak to you as an equal."

"Welllll! Well, well, well,well!" Another voice chimed in, and its tone was decidedly mischievous. A small, plump man came into view. "It would seem, my dear Zeras, that the queen's new toy is not to be cowed by your usual pomposity." The gray-blue eyes suddenly bulged as they looked upon Dagon's manhood. "Suneva preserve us! Why was I not born a woman? I have certainlynever seen anything likethat in all my born days! It is surely enough for two men." He sighed dramatically, and then was all business again. "I am Vernus, dear boy. It is my duty to take care of the queen's playthings. Follow me, please. You must be prepared for her bed as soon as possible. Oh, do stop scowling, Zeras! It adds years to your face, which is not a particularly pretty one to begin with. According to my informants, Dagon is exactly who he says he is,and he is going to make Kalida very,very happy."

With just the barest nod to Zeras, Dagon followed after Vernus, who led him to a tiled bath.

"I was bathed earlier," the prince told Vernus.

"Just a quick wash then, and I shall see to it myself," Vernus replied. "Empty your bladder there first." He pointed to an open drain that was constantly being flushed with water. When his charge had obeyed, Vernus matter-of-factly grasped Dagon's penis, and pushed the foreskin back as far as it would go. "They always need washing no matter how careful you are," he said. Then, taking up a soft cloth, he carefully, and most thoroughly, cleaned the organ in his hand. "There, now, that's better. Raise your arms." Vernus smeared a thick whitish paste in the hollow of Dagon's armpits. Then, kneeling, he did the same to his legs. "She dislikes too much fur," he explained. "Your nether curls set off that magnificent cock, so I will not remove them unless instructed to do so. As for your chest, it is perfect, dear boy. Smooth, and soft,and so well muscled." He sighed again. "I suppose you only enjoy women."

Dagon swallowed back his chuckle. Vernus was quite harmless, he could easily see. "Yes," he said.

"Pity," Vernus murmured. "If you should ever change your mind, dear boy, we could becomevery good friends." He scraped the hair from Dagon's body.

"I hope we can bejust good friends," Dagon replied with a small smile in Vernus's direction.

"You are not offended then?" Vernus said. Usually these beefy fellows were very protective of their masculinity.

"Why? Because you find me attractive?" The prince laughed. "No, I am not offended at all. If I prefer women as lovers, that is my choice. You have obviously made different choices, but they certainly do not offend me. I see no reason why we cannot be friends simply because our sexual tastes are dissimilar."

Now it was Vernus's turn to chuckle. "Zeras will have a most formidable opponent in you, I think. Not that I mind," he finished with a purr. "Come, now, and let me rinse you with some perfumed water and get you dried.She has a large appetite for pleasure. I assume they have told you that.She is also very impatient, and having seen that formidable lance of yours will be eager to try it out."

"Have you been with her long?" Dagon made conversation as Vernus toweled him.

"My brother and I were brought here together years ago," was the reply. "His name is Durantis, and he is the mate of Zenaida." Vernus smiled knowingly at the startled look on Dagon's face. "Oh, I know what Zenaida hopes to accomplish. Though I dare not voice my approval"and now he lowered his tone"it is time for Kalida to fall in love, and take a mate. Zeras, of course, does not want that to happen. He has a passion for power. If Kalida is replaced, his power is gone. He is your enemy, and right now he has her complete trust."

"They say," Dagon answered in equally low tones, "that Zeras is her father. Is it true?"

Vernus nodded. "He is, and she is aware of it. Her mother died when she was born, and she was raised by her aunts, who put her in Zeras's care. They are both merchants of great importance, and had no time for a baby. Zeras found it was to his advantage to teach Kalida as a Kavan mother would have; but, unlike a Kavan woman, he taught her to scorn men. While the women here believe they are superior to the male of the species, they nonetheless enjoy their company, and their sexuality. Kalida, however, has been schooled by Zeras to deny her emotions. She sates her body with the pleasure a man can give her, but has been educated to feel no affection for any other living thing. Even Zeras."

Dagon nodded. "This is an impossible task Zenaida has set for me to complete."

"Nay," Vernus replied. "Of late Kalida has been restless and unhappy. Something within her that she does not understand yearns to be loved, not just with a strong, skilled body, but with a full heart. Zeras was foolish to believe he might keep her free of all emotion. He cannot. Even he once loved. It was the death of Kalida's mother that turned him to ice. He did not want to see his daughter die as the mother had, in childbed. It would have been easier for him if Kalida had not become queen, but she did."

"Then Zeras began to enjoy the power that came with being the queen's confidant. Now that power consumes him. He does not think of Kalida's happiness. Only of his own lust for domination. He will be a dangerous opponent, Dagon. Be careful… There! You are ready for the queen, the lucky bitch!"

Dagon laughed. "You are a most irreverent fellow," he said as he followed Vernus from the bath, down a corridor, and through gold-leafed double doors into the queen's bedchamber. His eyes widened at his first sight of Kalida's bed. It was a great square dais upon which was set a huge mattress covered in coral-colored silk. Above the bed hung sheer turquoise-and-gold draperies from a gold ring suspended from the painted ceiling. Dagon gasped softly, surprised, for upon the ceiling were the figures of men and women sporting themselves in all manner of sexual positions. By the bed was a woven basket of gold wire within which he could see a variety of lotions, and exotic toys. There was little else in the square room, whose creamy marble walls were veined in gold. The floor beneath his feet was also marble, squares of gold and cream.

"You are permitted to await her upon the bed," Vernus said. "You must drape yourself artfully among the pillows. Ahhh, yes," he approved as Dagon lay himself down. "Most charming. She will come when she comes. Whatever you do, don't fall asleep. You'll be punished if you do. She expects you eager for her arrival."

"How fortunate I napped earlier," Dagon said wryly.

Vernus chuckled. "Suneva help you," he remarked as he hurried from the chamber.

Dagon's mind was awhirl assimilating all the information the gossipy Vernus had imparted to him. How in the name of all the gods was he to breach the icy stone walls Kalida had allowed to be set up around her heart? Especially in a situation where the beauteous young queen believed herself superior to all men, and did not know how to yield herself to a lover's passion. He shook his head wearily. He was already half under her spell with just one look at her. She was much too lovely to be allowed to go through life without knowing love. He had to succeed!

"You are thinking," she said. She was standing by the bed stark naked. "Of what do you think? Your past life? Another woman?"

He had not even heard her enter the room. He tried to keep himself from gaping at her beauty. She had a body such as he had never seen. It was utterly flawless. Small, but perfect cone-shaped breasts crested by dainty pink buds. Her torso was in proportion; her belly flat; her limbs rounded and long. Her hair was now unbound, and hung about her like a shimmering curtain of pale silvered gold.

"I was thinking of you," he responded frankly. "Of how I could win your heart, my queen."

"How amusing you are," Kalida replied, slithering onto the large bed, and reaching out to caress his penis. "It is magnificent," she said softly. "I can barely contain my desire to sheath you!"

He caught up her hand, and, turning it over, placed a kiss upon the palm. "Pleasure," he said, "is best enjoyed when the anticipation and the appetite for it is whetted slowly. You are, I am advised, impatient. Let me teach you to be more composed with passion." He slipped one of her fingers into his mouth, and began to suck upon it, his deep blue eyes meeting her emerald-green ones.

"You are bold," Kalida murmured, fascinated in spite of herself, "and you speak to me as if we were equals. I am the Queen of Kava. You are naught but my slave." She could feel her heart hammering erratically within her chest. "I will overlook your behavior this one time, for you have just come to Kava, and have not yet had time to learn our ways. You must obey me, Dagon, for I am your mistress. I am not above beating my slaves when they are disobedient. You are very beautiful, but you must be docile. I do not yet want to send you to the fields, or to the mines."

"I speak to you as I do, my queen, because of all the men you have ever met, I am your equal," Dagon replied softly. "They say you have no heart, but I do not believe it. How can someone so beautiful, so wise a ruler, be heartless? I am already half in love with you!"

Then before she might remonstrate with him, he pinioned her beneath him, and his lips met hers in a deep, passionate kiss. Kalida's head spun wildly. The mouth against her mouth was firm and warm. A tiny tingle of pleasure raced through her body before he lifted his head but briefly, and then again began to kiss her. His lips played along hers, touching at the corners, brushing over her eyelids.

"The gods!" he whispered. "You are so damnably sweet, my queen!"

Kalida attempted to regain her mastery over this unruly slave Zenaida had given her. "You do not have my permission to kiss me," she scolded him. "I will whip you if you do not behave! You must be trained to respect the superiority of the female, Dagon! Cease, or I will punish you!"

Releasing her, he leapt from the bed, and, looking into the basket by the bed, drew forth a small leather whip. "Punish me then, my queen," he said, "for I will not come to heel like the others who have peopled your bed. Passion is to be shared equally by the man and the woman, not just taken to be enjoyed by only one alone."

His kisses had rendered her almost drunk, but she was a queen, and not to be bullied or disobeyed. Taking the whip from his hand, she arose from the bed. "Stand upon the floor, and bend, bracing yourself with your hands upon the bed," she commanded him.

The gods! Would she really do it? he wondered, then winced as the fingers of the leather whip bit into his buttocks. Dagon grit his teeth. She would raise no cry from him, but to his surprise she struck him only three times before ceasing. His flesh was burning nonetheless, and there was a tingle in his manhood.

"You may reenter my bed," she said loftily. "Are you now chastised, and comprehending of my authority over you?"

He lay gingerly upon his back. "You are utterly beautiful when you are so masterful, my queen," he told her.

Her exquisite features darkened with her displeasure. "Must I give you over for common pleasures then, Dagon?" she demanded of him.

"Why are you angry with me because I find you beautiful?" he countered. "You have hair like thistledown." He took up a strand between his fingers, rubbing it, and then bringing it to his lips to kiss.

Kalida felt a catch in her throat. This man was confusing her. She was used to abject obedience, utter devotion, a quick, pleasant sheathing, and then she would send the slave away. Men did not speak as this man was speaking to her. Men were rough, crude creatures whose baser nature must be kept under strict control.

His hand wrapped about a length of her long hair, and he drew her down so that their faces were but inches apart. "You have always held the upper hand, my queen," he whispered so only she might hear him. "Have you never wondered what it would be like to give yourself over totally to your lover's care? It takes avery brave woman to do such a thing, but I believe that you are as brave as a woman comes.Are you, Kalida? Are you?" He drew her closer, his lips brushing hers softly. "My queen. My beautiful queen," he murmured low.

"Stop it!" she cried. "You are confusing me. Lay back so I may rouse, and sheath you. You talk too much, Dagon of Aramas!"

"By the gods!" he swore softly."You are afraid!"

"I am not!" Her cheeks were pink with the denial.

"Then trust me, Kalida," he coaxed her.

"I did not give you permission to address me by my name," she scolded him nervously.

"Give yourself to me," he gently pressed. His lips brushed her brow.

"It is forbidden," she protested.

"Is not forbidden fruit the sweetest?" he countered teasingly, kissing the tip of her nose.

"I am the queen!" she cried. "You must let me have my own way! I shall send you to the mines if you do not!"

"I will be a king one day, and must havemy way," he teased her mischievously. "And if you send me to the mines, you will never know the sweetness that only I can give you, Kalida, my fairest queen." He wrapped his arms about her, and pulled her against his chest. "Iwant you." But then he saw the real fear in her eyes, and quickly released her, reaching into the basket and drawing forth a crystal vial of pale-pink lotion. "I will massage you, with your permission, my queen."

"Yes," she answered him, and her voice was shaking.

She rolled onto her stomach, and he began to smooth the liquid cream onto her long back. It smelled of apricots. His hands moved rhythmically and soothingly. Dagon felt her begin to relax beneath his firm touch. Without realizing it, Kalida had given him the key to her conquest. He would stake his life on the fact that she had never felt real passion, and was possibly even afraid of it. The first man to bring true joy to her would be the man with whom she would fall in love and take for her mate. But cajoling her into giving herself over to him would not be a simple or an easy task. Still, it must be done tonight lest Zeras, who had obviously taught Kalida to stifle her emotions, intervene to prevent the queen from favoring him.

Dagon leaned over as he worked. Pushing aside her lovely hair, he bent to kiss the nape of her neck. It was soft, and delicately perfumed. His fingers dug gently but with strength into her shoulders. She murmured contentedly beneath his touch. His cupped hand took a dollop of the apricot lotion and smoothed it over first one buttock, and then the other. He kneaded the rounded halves of her tempting bottom firmly, his finger running teasingly down the shadowed groove separating the twin parts. Now he was spreading her thighs, his lotioned fingers sliding along the satiny flesh, caressing them, brushing gently.

Kalida was purring with contentment. She had certainly not expected an evening such as this one was turning out to be. Usually her male slaves were brought to her like a plate of pretty sweetmeats, all oiled and muscled, and she would choose one to favor that night. She roused him, sometimes allowing him to kiss, or even caress her. Then she sheathed him, and when he had released his tribute to Her Majesty she would send him from her bed. They rarely spoke to her, although some would murmur inane things. Only the boldest would reach out to fondle her breasts as she rode them. They certainly did not suggest the forbidden as Dagon had done; or massage her with such expertise as he had. Kalida had always wondered why other women made such a fuss about lovemaking. The queen took lovers because it was expected of her, but she frankly found it boring. None of the men she took to her bed had ever touched her emotions in any way. Tonight, however, was different. She was beginning to feel strangely. While she was a little fearful, it was nonetheless quite exciting, and she was enjoying herself very much. How far would he press her? Would she allow him to do so?She was not afraid! She was a queen.

He rolled her over gently, and seated himself upon her thighs. The hard flesh of his rump against her soft skin was strangely stimulating. Kalida could not see it, although Dagon could, but her cheeks were flushed pink with her arousal. Sapphire eyes met emerald eyes. He smiled faintly, knowingly. Then he poured a stream of lotion directly from the crystal vial onto her belly, and began to rub it into her skin, with light, delicate strokes. Kalida sighed with delight. This was absolutely wonderful! Her masseuse in the bath did not make her feel so delicious and tingly all over."Ohhhhh!" The sound was drawn forth from her as he began to cream her breasts. She watched his big hands, mesmerized, bronze against ivory; the delicate feathery touch as his fingers brushed across her flesh, teasing and gently pinching the little nipples. Her eyes closed with pure enjoyment. His fingers pressed against her mouth. Unable to help herself, Kalida kissed them. They were quickly gone, caressing her face gently, tracing her features tenderly.

"You are so beautiful," he said softly, "but you know it, my queen. How could you gaze into your mirror, and not see how very, very lovely you are, Kalida, my precious love." Lowering his dark head, he took a nipple into his mouth.

The warm wetness startled her, and her eyes flew open. Then he tugged upon the nipple sharply. Another small cry escaped her. Other men had fondled her breasts, but none had ever worshiped them as he was now doing. He continued to suckle strongly upon her. She sensed a hot thrill in the hidden place between her nether lips, and shivered with budding wonder, for she had never before felt such a sensation, and she liked it. She moaned low.

He raised his head briefly only to renew his attentions to her breasts when he had ascertained she was enjoying them. This time he sought out her other nipple, which he licked and encircled with his tongue until she began to squirm beneath him, unable to help herself.

He leaned forward, kissing her deeply, coaxing her lips apart, his tongue dancing about hers until finally she engaged him in battle. Now, he thought coolly, the time for the real seduction had come. He nibbled upon her mouth like a bee taking honey from a flower. She murmured, moving gently beneath him. Then he was gone from her lips; his body moving down her torso, slowly, seductively, placing a trail of fiery little kisses upon her quivering flesh.

"Wh-what are you doing to me?" Kalida's voice was tremulous.

He raised his dark head from her perfumed skin, and looked directly at her. "Will you trust me not to harm you, my queen? If you do, I shall give you a new pleasure such as you have never known." Because she had posed the question, he realized, amazed, that never before had any man ventured to really make love to Kalida.

"Y-yes," she whispered to him, wondering even as she said the word if she was mad to allow him to continue, but she simply could not help herself. Her body was filled with a powerful languor such as she had never before felt. She was astounded by her newly discovered ignorance and wanted to know more. While Zeras had always warned her about allowing her body to overrule her head, did even he know all she had learned this night? And if he did, why had he forbidden her to avoid such sweetness? Zeras had much to answer for, but for now she wanted to know more!

Dagon gave Kalida a moment to reconsider her decision, and then he proceeded forward. He had hoped that once he began to make passionate love to her, her natural curiosity would encourage her onward. He had been right. He nuzzled at the soft inner flesh of her closed thighs, gently nudging them apart, placing a warm kiss upon her lover's mount. Her legs fell open as if to offer him everything she had. He ran the very tip of his tongue up from the bottom of her moist cleft to its top. Kalida shivered. Tenderly Dagon drew her swollen nether lips apart, and again using the tip of his tongue, delicately touched her pleasure point. She shivered a second time. He could hear her breathing growing harsh and strained with her rising lust.

What was he doing? In the name of Suneva, what was he doing to her? His tongue flicked relentlessly back and forth over that place Zeras had taught her to deny even existed. She should make him stop, but she could not muster the strength to forbid him. There was a hot sweetness flowing through her. Kalida, always honest with herself, knew that she didn't want her lover to cease this glorious torture.

"Ohhhhh, yes!" she moaned eagerly. "I command you to continue!" But even as she said the words, something new was happening. She could feel the burning, tingling tension building and building within her. Then, like a wave crashing onto the shore, it burst inside her and slowly drained away, even as she strongly protested its loss.

Dagon rolled away from her and onto his back. Reaching out, he lifted her above his loins, lowering her slowly as he said hungrily to her,"Now, my queen! Mount me, and take your pleasure of me!"

Breathlessly, she slowly, carefully, absorbed his great length into her hot, wet sheath. She wasn't certain if she could consume all of the great penis, but she could feel the walls of her sheath opening to accept him, then closing about the hard length of him. He fit her perfectly as no man before him ever had. Amazed, she rode him furiously until, finally exhausted, she half sobbed, "Why will you not give me your tribute, Dagon?"

He had closed his eyes with relish as he had felt her taking him in, using him until he thought he would perish with delight. His eyes flew open at her poignant cry. Her beautiful face was a mask of striving,but not attaining. Shocked, he realized in that blinding moment that Kalida had never in her entire life reached the zenith of love. She believed that a man's release was all there was to a coupling.

In a single motion he rolled her beneath him, saying, "If I die for it, Kalida, you shall have this night the full pleasure every woman deserves! Wrap your legs about me, my queen!" To his delight she did, offering no resistance. He began to slowly delve into her hot, throbbing sex, each thrust taking him deeper and deeper. He was drowning in pleasure, but he wanted her to have an equal share of passion.

It was forbidden! But who had forbidden it? Kalida wondered. It was glorious, and splendid! She did not feel at all intimidated by the fact he was so lustily riding her. Indeed, her very bones were melting. Behind her closed eyes golden starburst followed golden starburst until she seemed to soar into the night skies. She was acutely aware of the powerful thrusts of his great, hard manhood as it plumbed into her very depths. She could feel herself trembling wildly, utterly consumed by a fierce heat; and then a wild abandon devoured her, her very innards convulsing as his tribute thundered into her secret garden.

Kalida cried out, startled to realize that until this very moment, she had never really known pleasure between a man and a woman. Her eyes opened, and she saw him smiling, not with any sense of triumph, but with the joy they had just shared.

"I did not know," she said simply, feeling like a virgin taken for the first time.

He wrapped her in his warm embrace. "Then I am forgiven for tempting you to the forbidden, my queen," he murmured against her ear.

She laughed softly. "You are forgiven, Dagon of Aramas," she said. She snuggled deeper into his arms, rubbing her cheek against his smooth, damp chest. "Will you tempt me again?"

"If you wish it, my queen," he returned. "There is so much I can share with you that I suspect you have never shared with any man." Then his voice grew more serious. "Tell me, Kalida, did you never until this night know real pleasure? How can this be, my love? You are so warm and eager for passion."

"Perhaps the goddess did not mean me to know passion until you came into my bed, Dagon," she answered him, equally serious. "Zeras has always warned me not to allow my emotions to overrule my intellect. Zeras says a queen must be clear-headed, focused and free of foolish sentiments. In Kava our queens only rule till they fall in love. I like being a queen, but how could Zeras have kept this magnificence from me? I shall scold him quite harshly for it in the morning!"

"Do not, my love," Dagon cautioned. "You are the queen, but Zeras has raised you, and he is devoted to you. Perhaps he did not tell you of the sweetness of passion because he feared to lose you to another man when you took a mate, Kalida. That is the way with fathers. It is hard for them to give their daughters to another man. Besides, my beautiful queen, I have but offered you a glimpse of passion. You enjoyed it, but there is more to true love than passion. If you vent your anger at Zeras, he could prove difficult."

"It is said that Zeras sired me, but he is a slave. He had not the right to keep this wonderfulness from me. I will punish him, Dagon!" Her look was resolute.

"If you do, Kalida, he will find a way to make certain I die for my daring, or disappear from your life. You may not realize it, but Zeras holds a certain power within your palace, slave though he be. It is that way with upper servants of his class the world over. Tell him not of what you have learned this night, and do not punish him. Behave with him as you always have done. Let us haveour little secret, which we will keep from Zeras. He need not know the delights we share. If it is your will to eventually make me your favorite, he may be irritated, but you are the queen. It is your will that shall prevail, not his. He has already told me you will quickly become bored with me, and discard me. Allow him to continue to believe that, my love, I beg you. "

"When my eyes first beheld you, my queen, I began to fall in love with you. Sharing passion with you has but deepened that love. May the goddess turn your heart to me, Kalida. Even if Zenaida had not brought me here in chains, had I come to you of my own accord, I should have fallen in love with you, my queen. I shall never again desire any woman but you, for you are perfection, and having tasted of your sweetness, all else is ashes in my mouth."

"Why is it that other men have never spoken to me as you do, Dagon?" she asked wonderingly.

"Because they are fools, Kalida. They sought only but to slake their own lusts upon your beautiful body. I want your heart as well as your body, my queen."

"Zeras says a queen can have no heart, Dagon," she replied.

"You are a woman first, Kalida, and all women have hearts," he answered her, kissing the top of her golden head.

She laughed softly once again. "You are a very wicked man, Dagon. I should take my whip to you again for your irreverence, but instead I want you to fill me once more with that glorious manhood of yours!"

Now it was his turn to laugh. "I have unleashed a shameless monster," he teased her. "Do not be in such a great hurry, my queen. Passion shared must be gently cajoled to flame. There is pleasure in anticipation, Kalida. Let us rest for a short time, and then we will make love to one another once again."

"I am in your hands, Dagon of Aramas," she replied. "I have never before trusted a man, except for Zeras, but I will trust you, for you have shown me pleasure such as I have never known."

"You will not regret your decision, my queen," he told her, his heart soaring with excitement at her words. He really was already half in love with this exquisite woman. He desperately wanted her to fall in love with him, to take him as her mate. If he continued to please her, he believed he would attain that goal. "Sleep now, my love," he encouraged her.

chapter 3

"Shall I send him to the mines, or to the fields, my queen?" Zeras asked his mistress the following morning.

"Neither," Kalida said. Then she laughed. "He amuses me, Zeras. Besides, it would be rude to dispose of the lady Zenaida's gift so hastily. I shall keep him by my side for a short time. Now, fetch me a bejeweled gold collar and a length of gold chain. After Vernus has bathed him, put the collar on him. And keep him naked. I want all the women of Kava to see his impressive and sumptuous assets. Let them have their dreams of the time when I shall send him for common pleasures prior to dismissing him." She slid off her bed and stretched lazily. Then, reaching out, she took up the small leather whip. "Buttocks up, Dagon!" she ordered him harshly.

"As my queen commands," Dagon replied, rolling over and rising onto his hands and knees.

Kalida laughed again. "Is he not amusing, Zeras? Watch!" She laid the whip with its half dozen knotted leather fingers across her lover's hard, rounded rump several times. "On your back, slave!"

He immediately obeyed, and Kalida slid the whip beneath his penis, raising it slightly so that it was draped over the whip's handle, a wicked smile upon her beautiful face.

"See, Zeras!" she said excitedly. "The whip begins to arouse my beautiful prince. Ten strokes, and he is ready to be mounted. I swear it! I have never had such an eager lover. I must keep him for a while longer. This Dagon is most entertaining. Now, I will go and bathe, Zeras. Carry out my orders immediately."

She ran off to her bath while Zeras glowered irritated at Dagon. "Well, that cock of yours is more talented than I gave it credit for, oh prince," he said sourly. "Come along to Vernus while I find a suitable dog collar so your mistress may lead you about."

"Tell me absolutely everything!" Vernus said when Dagon arrived at the baths. His gray eyes were dancing with curiosity. "Did she mount you? Did you please her? Are you to remain in the palace? Dear boy, I simply must know!"

"I believe I pleased the queen," Dagon said carefully, remembering Zenaida's warning to trust no one.

The gray eyes rolled with their exasperation. "Suneva help us. A discreet lover! My brother, Durantis, has been here twice this morning attempting to ascertain your status, and all you can say is you believe you pleased Kalida! Surely there is a tiny bit more?"

"She has not dismissed me," Dagon replied. "And she asked Zeras to fetch a collar and chain for me so I may accompany her today. Beyond that, I can tell you nothing, Vernus, because I know nothing."

"This is good," Vernus noted. "This is good! She has never before kept a male slave so close. The lady Zenaida will be well pleased. She wants to see you, but if you are to remain by the queen, I do not know when such a thing will be possible. I shall send word, and leave her to solve the problem. Women are so much better than we men in solving problems like this." He picked up a soap-filled sponge, and began to wash his charge vigorously, all the while humming merrily beneath his breath.

Dagon was bathed. Massaged with a sweet oil that left his body shiny, his muscles well defined. Vernus brushed his dark hair with musk oil, tying it back with a length of gilded leather. He took the collar from Zeras, who joined them, examining it to be certain that it was lined with silk and lamb's wool to prevent chafing. The gold circle was an inch in width, and heavily bejeweled in emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds. Vernus removed Dagon's golden torque, and fastened the collar about his thick neck. It rested perfectly upon his collarbone.

With a barely disguised sneer, Zeras snapped the golden chain to the collar. "Come, slave," he said. "Your mistress awaits you."

"Do not yank upon the chain so!" Vernus scolded Zeras. "If you bruise him, I shall report you to the queen!"

Zeras brought Dagon to the queen's dining chamber, where Kalida was already seated. He handed the chain to the young queen.

Kalida gently tugged upon the chain. "You may kneel by my chair, Dagon," she told him, and when he had obeyed her, she smiled. "Good prince," she approved. "Now, open your mouth, and I will give you something to eat. You are to keep your mouth wide except when you are chewing your food."

About them, the servants moved silently, bringing the food, pouring liquid refreshment for the queen, who ate alone. Now and again she would pop food into his mouth. Bread, meat, fruit, and cheese. He played her game, nuzzling at her hand, licking her fingers mischievously. All the while Zeras remained standing at the opposite end of the table from where the queen was seated. He could see nothing of their byplay, which suited Dagon well, for every now and then he would lean down and nip at Kalida's thigh playfully.

"I think I shall walk through the city this morning," Kalida said when she had finished her meal. She bathed her hands in a basin held by an attractive young blond man, and dried them on the linen towel draped over his sinewy arm. "Have an escort fetched for me," she said to Zeras.

"Shall I also accompany you, my queen?" he asked her.

"No, I think not," Kalida said. "You would only stand behind me, and hiss at me about keeping my dignity. I want to show off my gift to my people. They will be admiring, and want to touch him, and perhaps I shall allow it. If you were with me, Zeras, you would scowl, and remind me that a queen is above the common people. But there are no commoners in Kava. You still hold with the values of your world, despite the fact you have been in Kava for twenty-five years. Now, go and do my bidding." She arose from the table. "Come, my prince," she murmured, pulling gently on his leash.

They left Zeras behind, and went out into the city with four women warriors escorting them. The guard was a sop to the royal presence, and entirely unnecessary. Almost immediately, the women in the streets began to point and call out at the sight of Kalida and Dagon.

"Ahhh, to be Queen of Kava!" said one, giving Dagon's penis a friendly tweak.

"Does your stallion ride well, oh Queen?" called another. "He looks a right lusty mount!" The woman patted his bottom.

"He is," Kalida replied, laughing."Very lusty!"

Dagon said nothing, but he was taken aback by Kalida's behavior of this morning. Gone was the warm, passionate woman he had loved last night. In her place was an imperious creature, but, remembering the Kalida of the previous evening, he held his peace. Tonight would surely reveal the truth of the matter to him. They entered into a square.

"This is the place of common pleasures," she told him. "It is here recalcitrant slaves are brought to be whipped. The Public Punisher administers the discipline so the slave's anger is not directed toward his mistress. Sometimes a slave is spread-eagled upon the block, and given over to any woman's pleasure. When that happens, the square is full to overflowing, particularly if the slave is handsome." She turned, and ran a seductive finger up and down his jaw line. "I shall never allow another woman to mount you, Dagon, my prince. You are mine, and mine alone."

Her tone was tender, and for a brief moment, her eyes soft with her passion. Then suddenly she was the Queen of Kava once more. She led him off back to the palace where he knelt next to her as she completed the administrative tasks scheduled for this day, Zeras once again by her side, advising, murmuring in her ear. Dagon began to feel a gnawing of jealousy toward the older man. When the evening came, and she again sat alone at her meal, Dagon realized how isolated Kalida was, for other than their short excursion into the city streets that day, she had had no contact with anyone but Zeras and her servants. There was, it seemed, no court; no friends. Just Zeras.And now Dagon.

Halfway through the evening meal she dismissed Zeras and the rest of her servants. "I wish to be alone," she said, and not even Zeras would dare to argue with her. She ate silently, absently feeding him bits of food. Finally, when several minutes had passed, and she appeared to have forgotten him, the leash slipping from her hand, Dagon slid beneath the table. Positioning himself before Kalida, he began to slowly push her gown up, kissing her feet, her ankles, her knees as the fabric slithered higher and higher until it reached the tops of her thighs. Wordlessly she opened her legs to him, and he licked the soft, warm flesh of her inner thighs. Then his dark head dove deep, his fingers peeling back her already moist pouting nether lips as he sought her pleasure point. His tongue flicked back and forth over the pinkish flesh. He saw her excitement build as the softness grew darker, the nub swelling and stiffening.

Kalida's breath was coming in short, hard gasps. Her slender white fingers kneaded his dark head, encouraging him to continue. The tightness built, and she struggled to hold on to the delicious feeling, but she could not. The hot sweetness broke, filling her with pleasure, even as he drew away from her. "That was wonderful!" she told him enthusiastically. "I shall end my meal each night that way from now on, Dagon!" She managed to stand up, albeit shakily. "Let us seek my bedchamber. You have but whetted my appetite for passion."

Once within the privacy of her chamber, Kalida tore off her gown and unfastened Dagon's collar. "There!" she said. "We are now once again equals. Were you angry at me for my behavior today? I believe Zeras does not suspect a thing, my prince. I was very bad, though. Will you punish me, Dagon?"

"It is not a slave's place to punish his mistress," Dagon said. He reached out to take her in his arms, but Kalida spun away from his grasp.

"I was very bad," she repeated. "I should be spanked, Dagon."

"Spanked? You want to be spanked, my queen?"

"Yes!" she said. "I command you to spank me!"

He was astounded by her request. "Have you ever been spanked?" he asked her. "What do you know of spanking?"

"Zeras spanked me when I was a little girl," Kalida told him. "Of course my aunts made him stop, and sent him for common pleasures to punish him for behaving so crudely toward a female. He would have stopped anyhow, though," she giggled.

"Why?" Dagon demanded.

"He discovered that I liked it," Kalida replied with complete candor. "When I told my aunts, they said I was an unnatural child. That I must never relinquish myself to another's power, particularly a man's. I have not been spanked in many years, but when I saw how your glorious manhood reacted to my whip today, I remembered being spanked, and the childish pleasure it gave me. You have opened my world to pleasure once more, Dagon, and I have given you my trust. I would be spanked by you."

"What if someone should hear you cry out, my queen. Your guards would rush to your aid, and seeing me apparently abusing you, they would slay me where I stood," he protested.

She pushed him into a seated position upon the bed. Then she stood between his long legs. "Once we draw the draperies about the bed, Dagon, no one can hear us. All Kavan women have draperies of this sort. They look as if they have been spun by spiders, but drawn, no sound penetrates them. It is a magic known only to Kava." Reaching for the drawstring to the curtains, she drew them so that they encircled the bed. Then she called out in a loud voice,"Guards! To the queen!"

To his great amazement, no one came.

Kalida looked down into his handsome face. "Spank me," she purred at him, and lay herself facedown across his broad lap.

Dagon looked down at the split peach of her deliciously round and tempting bottom. "Your behavior in dragging me about the city this morning was rather unforgivable," he reasoned. His big hand smoothed in a circular motion over her skin. She wiggled against his lap in a most provocative fashion. Raising his hand, he brought it down hard.

"Whoooooo!" she squealed, wriggling more, and the hand punishing her came down again, and again and again until her backside was stinging and she could feel the heat of it. There was also a distinct tingling in her nether regions that was very familiar, and felt quite good. "More!" she demanded of him.

"No," he said quietly, "but you shall learn something else new, my sweet, naughty queen." His hand again smoothed over the very pink, warm flesh. Then his finger found its way between the twin moons of her bottom to rub suggestively against the tight, puckered orifice.

Her breath caught in her throat, and for a moment she could not breathe. Finally, she said, "I had heard it could be done there, but I never have. None before you even hinted at it."

His finger pressed firmly against the aperture. "Only if you desire it, and not tonight, my queen," he told her. "We but explore the possibilities now." He felt the vent yielding to the pressure of his finger, and then it slipped in to the first joint.

"Ooooooooo!" Kalida hissed breathlessly.

The finger pushed deeper, first to his knuckle, and then its entire length where he kept it, allowing her body to adjust to this new invasion. After a short while, he began to move his finger rhythmically within the narrow channel. His other hand slipped beneath her lover's mount, cupping it, a single finger seeking and finding her pleasure place, teasing it until his hand was sticky with her love juices that his dual actions had convinced her to release in a shuddering zenith of pleasure.

She slid off his lap. Kneeling between his legs, she took his already aroused manhood into her mouth. Her pointed little tongue encircled the ruby head of it, teasing, taunting. He was astounded, and utterly gratified, when she took him completely into her mouth, her throat relaxing as she half swallowed him. He groaned with delight, his eyes closing as he allowed the pleasure to sweep over him. But he wanted to release himself within her body, and so he finally pulled her away, lifting her up to sheath him as she sat upon his lap.

Kalida sighed with enjoyment as she felt him pushing into her. She surrounded him with a hot throbbing that roused his lust even higher. Dagon took her face between his two big hands and kissed her deeply, passionately, his sensuous mouth ravishing her with pleasure. Their bodies moved together in a hot, furious rhythm.

"It is too much! Too sweet!" Kalida cried as their crisis approached. Then she collapsed against his shoulder, drained and replete with pleasure.

His cock shuddered within her as she squeezed the last drop of his tribute from him. "Ah, the gods! If I were yet my father's heir, I should take you for my queen, Kalida. I love you. There is no other woman for me!"

Now it was she who took his face between her hands, and looking directly into his eyes, Kalida said, "You are he for whom I have been waiting all these years.You are my mate! I would have your daughters."

"My love," he said, as they lay back among the pillows of the bed, "you honor your slave, but I would have you be certain."

"I am certain," Kalida said. "You are the only mate for me, Dagon. Do you not want to be my mate?"

"I do!" he cried, "but allow me a small trial. Tomorrow night, invite both me and another of your choosing into your bed together. If when the dawn arrives, you are still certain that I am your mate, then so be it, my lovely queen. You are the only woman I have ever truly loved, but I love you enough that I would be certain that you will be content and happy with me. For to take me as your mate means that you must give up the rule of Kava, and turn it over to another. Are you certain you are ready to do that?"

"Yes," Kalida answered him without hesitation. "Being a queen is a lonely pursuit. I shall allow you your test of my love, Dagon. You shall see that you are the only mate who can make me happy."

In the morning, Zeras again wished to know if Kalida would send Dagon away.

"No," she answered him. "Have I not said this slave amuses me? What is it that you do not comprehend, Zeras? When I wish to be rid of Zenaida's gift, I will tell you. Do not keep asking me each dawn. I find you irritating beyond all." She turned her back on him, saying to Dagon, "Go to Vernus to be bathed, my pet. Then rejoin me, and we will break our fast."

Dagon bowed deferentially. "As my queen commands," he replied.

"I do not like that fellow," Zeras said when the prince had gone. "Why do you bother with him? You are a great queen. You do not need such a creature about you defiling you with his big hands, and his muscled body. If it is that monstrous dangling penis of his that keeps you entertained I will have it cast in plaster. We shall make a most realistic dildo in any variety of materials for you. Then we may be quit of this Dagon of Aramas."

"You overstep your boundaries, Zeras," Kalida said coldly. "Do you think because you are my body slave, and have been since my birth, that you have the right to speak to me as you have just done? You do not. You are nothing more than a slave, as Dagon is a slave."

"I am your father, and as such am entitled to your respect," Zeras said pompously.

"You are not my sire," Kalida told him. "My mother mounted you once, twice, no more. My mother had dark hair as do you. If you were my sire, how could you have made such as fair a child as me? My sire was golden-haired. His name was Valcon. I'm certain that you remember him. He loved my mother with all his heart. When she died giving birth to his child, he killed himself. I'm sure you remember that, too. "

"It suited my aunts to convince you that I was your child. That way, you would care for me with devotion. They had, as you well know, neither the time nor the inclination to raise an infant. They were actually sorry I was not a boy that they might have rid themselves of me when I reached age eight," Kalida said. "You have served me well, Zeras, and certainly with devotion, but you are a man. In this world men do not have the right to criticize women. You are inferior, as all men are. You hold your little position because I allow you to hold it. Do not overstep your boundaries, Zeras. I have raised you high as I was raised high. I can easily cast you down," Kalida warned him.

"You are a queen because I made you a queen!" he countered angrily. "Do you think the goddess's dove alighted on your shoulder by chance, foolish woman? It was I who sewed grain into the neckline of your gown, thereby guaranteeing that the dove would choose you from all the maidens gathered in the arena that day.Idid it! I, Zeras!"

"I never before realized what a schemer you are, Zeras," Kalida told him. "You have kept me isolated and imprisoned in this palace as Kava's queen far longer than I ought to have reigned. You think you exploited my choosing, but you did not, and you shall no longer keep me from the fate the goddess means me to have. I believe you when you say you sewed grain into my gown that day so long ago; but grain or no, I was chosen by the goddess, even if you choose to believe otherwise, Zeras. "

"Do you think the messenger of the goddess would be tempted by a little grain in a gown? I have been Queen of Kava not because of what you tried to do, but because it was the will of the goddess,not the will of Zeras, a mere man. Go from me now. I am very angry at you, but I will not cast you aside as I should do. Your loyalty to me must count for something."

"Are you preparing to take him for your mate?" Zeras demanded boldly.

"I have not decided yet," Kalida lied smoothly. She would tell Zeras nothing lest he attempt to spoil her happiness. "When I do take a mate, the announcement will be made as tradition demands."

"How do you know Valcon was your sire?" he asked her. He had often wondered how he, Zeras, had made such a beautiful golden child.

"When I became queen, my aunts told me the truth," Kalida replied. "They feared your influence over me."

"Will you make public the truth?" he persisted.

"The truth of what?" she asked him.

"Your parentage," he answered.

"What difference does it make?" she wondered aloud, and then she smiled slyly. "Ahhh, I see, old schemer, what you are about. You have traded upon the rumors that you were my sire to gain your small foothold. Now you fear to lose your prestige." Kalida laughed. "If you do not annoy me further, I shall say nothing. Why would I? It matters not who my sire was. Not in Kava. Go now, or I shall send you from my service forever, Zeras." She watched him leave her presence, his shoulders drooping just slightly, but she noticed as he exited the bedchamber, he made an effort to straighten himself up. Kalida smiled, then turned, and hurried off to her own bath, her thoughts turning to Dagon as she went.

Dagon, meanwhile, had gone to seek out Vernus. To his surprise he found the High Procuress awaiting him in his bathing room. He bowed low to her, then stood awaiting her pleasure.

"What news do you have for me, my prince?" she asked him.

"It goes well, my lady Zenaida," he said, his eyes going to Vernus, who stood with another man.

"You may speak before Durantis, my mate, and his brother, Vernus, my prince," Zenaida said.

"You were right, my lady," Dagon began. "Zeras exercised great control over the queen. He taught her from childhood not to give in to her emotions. So it was that she had never tasted real pleasure until two nights ago when I brought her the gift of joy. Indeed, our bodies fit so perfectly together, it is as if the goddess had fashioned us for one another, as I believe she did. She desires to take me as her mate, but I have demurred, for while I love Kalida, I want her totally happy. Tonight she will invite me and one other man to her bed so she may be certain it is not just lust she feels for me. On the morrow she will, I believe, take me for her true mate. Kava may then choose a new queen."

"Are you certain that this is a wise thing to do?" Zenaida asked him. "If she is content to have you for her mate, then so be it, Dagon. Why must you tempt her with another man?"

"Kalida has been Queen of Kava longer than anyone else, my lady. You said it yourself. No man has ever really pleasured her until me. By taking another man into her bed tonight, she will learn with certainty that I am the only man who can pleasure her. She will then feel no reluctance in relinquishing her power over Kava; and nothing Zeras says to her will change her mind. His influence will be ended, and Kava will have another queen. You must trust me, my lady Zenaida. For Kalida's sake, this is the best way to proceed."

"You are a clever man, my prince," the High Procuress noted. "I am not certain that you are also a dangerous man as well."

"I am but a man in love, my lady," he answered her smoothly.

Zenaida laughed, genuinely amused. "Very well then, if you are certain Kalida will not be distracted by another lover and decide not to take you for her mate, then I must be content with your plan."

"I am the only man for the queen," Dagon replied with certainty.

When Zenaida and Durantis had left, Vernus said, "You do realize, dear boy, that women tend to be fickle. Having opened the gates of passion to our beloved queen, how can you be so certain that another man will not now be able to stoke her fires?"

"Because, my friend," the prince replied, "I know something about Kalida that no one else does. When I told Zenaidathat our bodies were well matched, I did not lie. I have never been able to fit my manhood entirely into any woman until I met Kalida. Her sheath is longer than any I have ever known. She devoured my entire length easily. Part of the problem was that no man had ever been able to fill her. Is there another man here in Kava who can match the size of my penis? If not, then there is no man who will offer the queen the pleasure I can; and only the man who can please her will mate her."

Vernus was almost faint with this revelation. "Ohhh, the lucky girl," he murmured, "to have such ecstasy for eternity!"

Dagon laughed. "A year ago, if I had been told I would be betrayed by my brother, sold into slavery, and become the mate of a beautiful queen, called Kalida, I should not have believed it," he said.

"Then you are content," Vernus said.

"For now," Dagon, Prince of Aramas answered him.

chapter 4

Kalida had chosen a handsome young slave named Adon to join them in her bed that night. He was of medium height with curly blond hair and melting brown eyes. His body was stocky, but well muscled, and his penis was thick, at least eight inches in length. Vernus washed him vigorously, strangely silent.

"You have cared for her other favorites," Adon said nervously. "What is she like? Will I please her? What has happened to the slave with the enormous penis? Did she tire of him that quickly?"

"He will be with you," Vernus said. "He has pleased her greatly. It was his suggestion to her that she might perhaps enjoy having two men to play with rather than just one. You must be at your best, Adon."

"Two men at once," the young man said wonderingly. "The queen's appetite must be a great one indeed, Vernus."

"Oh, it is," he agreed. "I don't envy you, Adon. Women are so demanding, aren't they?" He smiled at the boy.

"What is the other slave's name?" Adon asked.

"Dagon. He is a prince," Vernus replied. The queen, clever creature she was, had chosen a baby, he considered. Obviously she had made her decision, but to please Dagon, was going along with his test of her affections, Vernus thought. Adon was a pretty lad. He hoped they would not devour him whole. "I shall be here in the morning to take care of you, dear boy," he murmured, patting the young man's rosy buttock. Adon did not flinch. "Come now, and I shall turn you over to Zeras, who will take you to the queen's bedchamber," Vernus concluded with an encouraging smile.

"What in the name of Suneva is the matter with you?" Vernus asked Zeras as he delivered the young Adon up for the sacrifice.

Zeras shook his head wearily. "It is all over," he said despairingly. "There is simply no accounting for the vagaries of a woman. I thought I had kept her from her emotions. Now we are ruined, and all because of that man!"

"Nonsense!" Vernus retorted. "We will simply move from here to there. There will be much honor in her former position." Then he glanced meaningfully from Adon to Zeras.

"You are right," Zeras said. "In my disappointment I, who pride myself on my composure, have almost forgotten myself." His scornful glance went to the handsome young blond man. "Come," he told him frostily. "The queen awaits you." Then he ushered Adon to the doors that opened into the queen's bedchamber and pushed him through. He did not go in this time. He could not bear to see Kalida so suddenly and smugly content like some ordinary woman of the city.

Now that they were alone, Vernus said, "If she indeed chooses to take Dagon as her mate, it will be several weeks before a new queen is chosen, and we have to leave the palace. Her private residence has been ready for her for several years now in anticipation of her coming. We'll have a great deal to do, opening it up, furnishing it, preparing for her arrival. And, of course, Dagon's apartments at the Outer Palace of the Consorts must be done up as well. There will be absolutely no time for either of us, or the other servants, to brood, Zeras. It is past time the queen took a mate. Surely you know you held no real power here.This is Kava."

"As long as she was queen, I held power, Vernus. Do not fool yourself. I have been a man of importance; an adviser to the queen."

"Well, it more than likely is over now. So best not to grieve but to move on, Zeras," Vernus said in practical tones.

The tall, lean man sighed deeply. "I suppose you are right," he admitted. "For all my years in Kava, I never have really gotten used to women controlling everything."

"Let them have the power, and the responsibility, my dear," Vernus said with a chuckle. "I enjoy being taken care of, and having no worries except whether I can obtain oil of gardenia for the queen's bath supplies." He took Zeras by the arm. "Let us go and have a goblet of wine, my dear. Everything always looks so much better after a small draught of the grape."

"Two men at once," Zeras despaired. "I have never known her to be so insatiable. You will not believe what she said to me today."

"Well, do come along and tell me," Vernus replied; but as they hurried off, he glanced at the closed doors of the queen's bedchamber. Poor little Adon. He did hope they would treat him kindly.What on earth did a woman do with two men?

The doors closed behind him, and Adon stood a moment, his eyes growing used to the dimness of the queen's bedchamber. The only light was that of flickering candles set about in gold and silver holders upon the marble floor and on the inlaid tables. The room was filled with the fragrance of wildflowers. The queen was sprawled naked upon the great bed, and the slave with the great penis lounged assuredly by her side. Adon stood frozen. They were the most beautiful couple he had ever seen. He felt a tingling in his manhood.

"Come and join us," the queen called silkily to him. "Do not be afraid, my pretty Adon. I shall not bite you… well, at least not yet." Then she laughed softly, her slender hand beckoning him forward.

Encouraged, he walked across the chamber until he reached them.

"Onto the bed, my pretty Adon," Kalida commanded gently. "I want to see more closely what you have for me." She caressed him as if she were patting a favored pet. "Ohhh, how strong you seem." Her elegant fingers sleeked over his muscled arm. "What do you do?"

"I work in your gardens, my queen," Adon said.

"Do you like my gardens, pretty Adon?" she purred.

"Yes, my queen! I was a farmer's son before I came to Kava," he replied. "The caliph's tax collectors took me in exchange for the additional taxes they said my father owed them."

"And how old are you, little pet?" Kalida asked him.

"I am seventeen, my queen."

"You had no wife?" Kalida's hand brushed Aden 's thigh.

"A betrothed. We were to be married in the full moon after her first show of blood, but I am no virgin, my queen. I know what a man must do to please a woman."

"I am twenty-three," the queen told him, "and I have been pleasing myself with men since I was thirteen. Have you had a woman since you came to Kava?"

He blushed. "No, my queen. There are no women in your gardens, I fear. That is where I have been in the year since I arrived."

"Do you know how the women of Kava make love, little Adon?" The queen's green eyes narrowed as she spoke, assessing her new lover.

"I have heard rumors, my queen," he said, blushing further.

"You will do nothing without my permission,or Dagon's," Kalida told him, the fingers of one hand now marching down his chest, across his taut belly toward his groin. "Dagon knows what pleasures me, and so I have given him permission to act for me when he divines I wish it. Do you understand, my pretty little Adon?" She took his penis in her hand and squeezed it lightly.

"Y-yes, my queen," he half gasped.

"Excellent," Kalida said, releasing her hold on him. Turning onto her back, she put her hands behind her head. "You may both now begin caressing me," she told them sweetly. She watched through slanted eyelids as their hands began to move over her body. Dagon's touch was sensuous and sure. Adon's was shy and hesitant. She could understand that he was not certain of himself. She took one of his hands and placed it upon her small, round breast, smiling into his startled face even as she did so. "Do not be afraid, pretty Adon," she purred.

He grew bolder with her encouragement, slapping her breast lightly, pinching the nipple gently. Then, seemingly unable to help himself, he bent, and began to kiss the plump little breast.

"Lick her," he heard Dagon say to him.

"Ohhh, yes!" Kalida agreed as the two men began to stroke her with long, warm, wet sweeps of their tongues. They licked her lithe body from her neck all the way down to her toes. Then Dagon turned her over, and they began to tongue upward over her legs, her thighs, her buttocks, the length of her back, pushing aside her long hair to finish with the nape of her neck. She was again rolled over. Dagon, pillows propped behind his back, took Kalida between his open legs, his big hands wrapping themselves about her breasts. Kalida's legs fell open, revealing her bounteous treasures to the wide-eyed Adon.

"Go on," Dagon encouraged him. "You know what to do now, don't you? Her pretty cunt is as sweet as honey. Taste it!"

"Oooooo!" Kalida squirmed in Dagon's embrace as Aden 's pointed tongue began to explore her most intimate places, hesitantly at first, then with bolder stabs, and caresses that set her aflame. It was absolutely delicious, she thought. While she wanted Dagon for her mate, she would certainly keep her facile-tongued little gardener about. His tongue plunged into her sheath, and she squealed again with delight. Having Dagon pinching her nipples and fondling her breasts while little Adon tongued her pleasure point was wonderful. Her hips wiggled furiously. Finally, when she could take no more of his incredibly sweet torture, she managed to gasp, "On your back, Adon! I want to mount you!"

Adon obeyed her, whimpering with his own delight as she swung over him, and encased his thick penis within her body. She rode him hard, but even as Dagon had predicted to Vernus, she could not gain the pleasure pinnacle. Finally, Adon could no longer sustain himself, and his juices burst forth as she dismounted him, the creamy substance spilling upon his taut belly. Ignoring him, Kalida was already upon Dagon, and, moments later, she cried out as body and mind touched the heavens.

"He is useless as all the others before you were," she murmured to Dagon as she lay sated within his arms. "Let us send him away."

"Not yet, my beautiful queen," Dagon advised. "Will you allow me to guide us through the rest of the evening's entertainment?"

"Agreed," Kalida said. "But first we must bathe." She arose from the bed. "Come," she beckoned to her two lovers, and they followed her to her private bath.

Immediately the two men quickly rinsed themselves free of sweat and love juices. Then they took up soap-filled sponges and began to wash Kalida. Next they rinsed her, and toweled her dry. Returning to Kalida's bedchamber, Dagon took up the little leather whip, and handed it to the queen.

"Adon's lack of control must be punished, my queen," he told her softly. "He allowed his love juices to flow without permission."

A slow smile lit Kalida's beautiful features. "You are right, of course, Dagon. Adon needs correction for his lack of self-control." She turned her green eyes onto the younger man. "Palms on the bed, Adon, and buttocks up!" she commanded. When he had obeyed, a fearful look in his brown eyes, Kalida brushed the whip lightly across Aden 's back, its knotted leather fingers tickling his skin. "A slave never releases his love juices before his mistress gives him leave to do so. Are you not ashamed of yourself, Adon?"

"Yes, my queen." Adon's voice was low, a trifle frightened.

"And do you not deserve to be chastised for your naughtiness, Adon?" Kalida murmured, her tone sad.

"Yes, my queen," her victim replied nervously.

"So be it, Adon," Kalida said. "Be warned, however, for each time you cry out, I shall add another stroke." Then she brought her whip down hard across his buttocks. He winced visibly, but was silent. Kalida smiled, and began a rhythmic flogging of her young lover's bottom. Soon it was pink with her efforts, and Adon's penis was thrusting forth between his thighs. "Is it enough of a lesson?" she asked Dagon.

"I believe so, my queen," he answered. "Upon your hands and knees now, my beauty. It is time for Adon to put that fine weapon of his to good use. Come, Adon, and put yourself within the queen's mouth; but this time you will not release your juices until I give you the signal to do so. Is that understood?"

Adon nodded, his calloused hand reaching out to tilt Kalida's head up as with his other hand he pushed his thickened penis into her open mouth. He trembled as her tongue and lips began to work him.

Dagon hid a smile. Poor little Adon with his burning bottom was going to have a difficult time of it. Kalida had the most skillful tongue Dagon had ever known. Kneeling behind his beauteous lover, he whispered in her ear, "Which route shall I take, my queen? That of Suneva herself, or that of Sodom?" His hand caressed her twin moons, and, drawing them open, he pressed the tip of his penis to the rosy aperture. But seeing Kalida shake her head, he slid his great hard penis down, pushing forward to slide effortlessly into the throbbing wetness of her hot, humid sheath.

Kalida arched her back for him as his hand tightened about her hips. Her head was swimming with the sensuousness of it all: the thick cock in her greedy mouth, which she was now most vigorously sucking upon, Dagon's most magnificent length plunging in and out of her with an almost primitive cadence. Why was it, she wondered muzzily, that of all the men she had known, he was the only one to truly please her? Was it because Suneva had meant him for her mate? Was it like this with all women and their chosen mates?

Her crisis was approaching, and, sensing it, Dagon called out, "Now, Adon!" even as his own juices thundered from his strong body and into her exquisite one. He heard the young man almost howling with his own pleasure as Kalida skillfully milked his tender balls, fiercely drawing forth his juices and greedily swallowing them. Then they collapsed together into a heap upon the cool marble floor.

After a short time, Kalida and Dagon came to themselves, and helped Adon onto the bed with them so he might recover fully. The queen drew the curly-haired blond slave into the comfort of her arms and crooned softly to him, caressing him lightly. For a time he lay motionless, but then he began to respond, lowering his head and fastening on to one of her nipples to suckle upon it. She caressed him gently, smiling as Dagon took her other nipple into his mouth.

"Ummmmm. That is so nice, my darlings," she praised them. Her nipples were tingling with pleasure, and her small breasts were swollen with this fresh arousal. Finally, she pushed her younger lover away, saying, "Fetch a basin of perfumed water, Adon. You will bathe my sex first, then Dagon's, and then your own." Then she lay back with a sigh as Dagon began to kiss her with deep, passionate kisses, his tongue playing with hers; licking her face, running teasingly along her soft lips. "I adore you," she managed to say when he freed her lips briefly. "I have not changed my mind."

"I am yours, my queen, now and forever," he told her. Then he began to kiss her again, their lips pressing, releasing, pressing again. He nibbled her mouth, kissing its corners.

Kalida murmured her contentment. Adon was now bathing her sex, which was tender and very sensitive. His touch, though delicate, was extremely sensuous. When he had finished, he daringly bent down and kissed her lover's mount. When he had bathed Dagon's sex, and finally his own, he removed the basin before rejoining them upon the bed.

Dagon now reached into the golden basket by the bed and drew out a vial of pale-lavender lotion. "Shall we massage your skin with this lotion, my queen?" he asked her.

Kalida looked at the purple stone vial in his big hand. "No," she said. "Rather, Adon and I shall massage you."

He lay obediently upon his stomach while the two pairs of hands rubbed the spicy lotion over his back, his shoulders, his buttocks, his long legs. At one point the queen's little hand pushed between his legs to massage his balls.

"How cold they have grown," she noted. "Now, Dagon, my handsome one, roll onto your back."

He obeyed the command, and they continued to rub the pale-lavender lotion into his skin. Dagon suddenly realized that his body had become extremely sensitive, and when she drew back his foreskin to rub the head of his penis, the sentient organ felt as if it were going to explode. "What is it?" he asked her through gritted teeth.

"Just a little something to enhance your performance, my love," she told him. "Adon, seat yourself behind Dagon and hold his feet when he raises them up as he will now do. That's it. Ohhh, what a lovely view," she teased her princely lover. Then, kneeling before him, she leaned forward and began to lick at his balls, which were so well displayed for her. They hung heavy and pendulous, and they were downy to the touch as she teased at him with her facile tongue. Then she gently took them into her mouth, rolling them about as he groaned with the pleasure-pain she was so deliberately inflicting upon him. His penis felt as if it was going to burst and shatter into a thousand pieces. It was thrusting skyward, its ruby head almost glowing, and quite dark red.

Kalida released her hold upon his balls, and slipped back, saying as she did, "You may release his feet, Adon. You may lower your legs, Dagon," and when he did, she mounted him, slowly absorbing his throbbing length into her eager body. "You will never forget that I am your queen, my prince, will you?" she murmured as she rode him. Then she leaned forward, and kissed Adon.

"Witch!" he said low, so only she might hear him, and raised his head just high enough so he might nip at her breasts.

Kalida broke away from Adon, and laughing replied,"Slave!"

"My beautiful queen," Dagon replied, and pulled her down into his embrace to kiss her until she was quite breathless.

"Give me your tribute," she whispered, and sighed as he filled her again with his love juices. Finally, when she had recovered from her passion, Kalida ordered Adon to bring them wine. Then the trio sat together upon the bed sipping the sweet vintage. "You have pleased me, little Adon," Kalida said in kindly, approving tones, "but now you must return to your quarters. I will not forget your charm, your obedience, or your skillful mouth. You will always be my slave. When I return to my own home within the city, which even now awaits me, you shall be in charge of my gardens. Will that please you?" She gently ruffled his blond curls.

"Oh, yes, my queen," the younger man replied.

"Kiss me," the queen said, and he sweetly brushed her lips with his own. "Now, go," Kalida commanded, and she watched, smiling as Adon left her bedchamber. Now she turned to Dagon. "You are my mate," she said. "Tomorrow I shall announce it to the city, and the search for the new queen will begin. We will sleep for a while, my prince. Then I expect you to mount me, and ride me with your full vigor."

"It shall be as my queen commands," Dagon answered her.

They slept together, limbs entwined, for several hours. Kalida was awakened by the sensation of soft kisses upon her face. She sighed, stretching herself languidly like some exotic cat. He took her face in his hands, drawing her up, and kissed her deeply, his tongue running along her lips in a teasing manner. His fingers dug into her head, combing the gossamer strands of her gilt hair. Kalida slid her arms about his strong neck, pressing her breasts against his broad chest.

"You are my mate, Dagon of Aramas, and for you I will give up a kingdom," she murmured softly against his mouth. Then, moving her head slightly, she bit his earlobe gently.

"You could have me as your slave and still keep your kingdom," he tempted her, curious to see what she would say in reply.

"I could indeed," Kalida agreed, "but I could not have your children, and I want your daughters, Dagon." Her fingers kneaded the back of his neck gently. "Our daughter might one day be Queen of Kava."

He was silent.Our daughter, she had said. But what of their sons?His sons, who would be taken from her house at eight, and sent from Kava at sixteen. And this was why he would not remain in Kava, Dagon thought silently to himself. He would be Kalida's mate, and go to the Palace of the Consorts to live. There was time enough to plan his escape in the next year or two. He would take Kalida if she would come with him,and their sons, but he would not remain in Kava; nor would he allow his sons to be taken from him.

"What are you thinking?" she asked him. "Your face is so serious, my love. What troubles you, Dagon?"

"You are such a good queen, Kalida," he began. "Do I have the right to take you from your people?"

"A woman is meant to mate and have children. That is how we perpetuate our species, Dagon," she replied. "I thought that I should never fall in love, and I was saddened by it; but the goddess meant for me to wait for you. Now you are here, Suneva be praised, and I am happy.Really happy! It is time for Kava to have a new queen. I am more than glad to relinquish my power and my authority so I may be loved by you and bear your daughters."

"But what will you do?" he asked her. "Will you not be bored just being in your home?"

Kalida laughed. "I shall belong to the Council of Queens," she told him. "We are the judiciary here in Kava, and there is always someone in the courts testing our laws. I also own a third share in my aunts' trading company. I am not an absentee owner, Dagon. I have always been involved in their commerce. We own several mines yielding gemstones, and a silk factory. The women of Kava are never idle. Idleness is a form of death, and abhorred by the goddess."

"You amaze me," he said, and he meant it. "I have never before known women to be so intelligent, and so industrious, Kalida. In Aramas women are owned by their fathers, their families, or their husbands. Their primary function is to give their husbands sons to carry on the family name. They live inside their homes most of their lives, rarely venturing out even to the market or shops, for their servants do that for them. The women of my class spend their lives beautifying themselves and making life pleasant for their men. Of course, among the poor it is a bit different. They must struggle so to survive. Tell me, how did Kava come into being, Kalida?"

She snuggled deep into his arms. "No one is truly certain, but the legend says that a group of women, captured in a war, were being transported across the desert to be sold into bondage. Among them was a beautiful girl, the only child of the murdered, vanquished king. Her name was Suneva. It was she who secretly rallied the women into refusing to accept their ignominious fate. During a terrible sandstorm she led them out of the victor's encampment. When the storm was over, they could no longer even see their enemies' camp, and they had no idea of where they were. The princess, however, was a strong leader. She led her little band of women into the mountains. They wandered for weeks, and during that time, Suneva taught them how to be independent of everyone except themselves, for they were very much like our women are today. She taught them to rely on each other to govern and defend themselves. "

"Then one day they were attacked by bandits who sought to enslave them. Forced, despite their best efforts, into a canyon with but one entry, they believed all was lost. It was then that Suneva struck the face of the rock mountain, and a passage opened for them. The women escaped into the passage, Suneva ordering the rock to close behind them. Thus they once again outwitted the men who would seek to subjugate them. They followed the tunnel to its end, and into the valley of Kava. "

"Under Suneva's direction they built the city, discovered the riches of the earth, and learned to be autonomous of men. But because we understood that males have value else the goddess would not have created them, we brought men into Kava as slaves to do the heavy work, and we needed them to immortalize our race. But we have never allowed them to have sovereignty over us, for men are a troublesome sex, Dagon. Look at your own condition. Had your brother not been greedy for all that was yours, you should yet be your father's heir."

"What happened to Suneva that you deified her?" Dagon asked, stroking Kalida's silky hair.

"Suneva never grew old as the others who had originally escaped with her eventually did. It was quickly realized that she was not like other women. One day she went into the temple to pray. She was never seen again in mortal form. The next day a great marble statue appeared in the exact place where she was last observed. None could explain where it had come from, or how it had been placed within the temple. The women knew then that Suneva had been possessed by the spirit of a goddess because she had been able to lead them so capably, for the princess they had known in their own land was certainly no stronger than they had been. Who this great and generous spirit was they did not know, so it was the Suneva that they had known all those years that they prayed to, and have prayed to over the centuries. She has never failed us, and I hope we have not failed her."

Her story was an amazing one. Dagon wondered how much of it was truth, and what the real truth was. They would never know, he suspected. Reaching down, he tipped her face up to his. "Will you permit me to make love to you, my queen?" he asked softly.

Kalida smiled into his face and nodded, her small hand cupping the back of his head and drawing it down to hers. Their kisses were heady, and like the finest vintage wine. They were quickly intoxicated with each other as their tongues intertwined in a sensuous dance, but suddenly she drew away from him, smiling at his puzzled look.

"Come with me," she said, rising from their bed and holding out her hand to him. She led him to the far side of the bedchamber through a colonnade of marble pillars, out into her private garden. The space was silvery with the light of the full moon. On the far side of the garden a second colonnade gave way to a view of the mountains beyond, its terrace falling steeply down a sheer, smooth rock incline. While Dagon could not identify the shadowy growth of bushes and flowers, he could smell both the sweet musk of roses and the heady, potent fragrance of lilies. "Can you swim?" Kalida asked him.

"Yes," he answered, puzzled, and then he saw the pool with its delicate marble shell fountains at either corner. The water glistened darkly in the moonlight.

Releasing his hand, Kalida moved down the marble steps of the pool, and began to swim away from him. Dagon watched her, fascinated. He had never known a woman who could swim. Her gilt hair spread out behind her like a spider web, half shielding her lithe body from his sight. She dove beneath the surface, and for a moment he was frightened. Then he laughed, seeing her shadow swimming toward him. He moved swiftly down the steps into the water and plunged beneath the surface, swimming to meet her, their lips touching first.

As they broke into the night air again it was Kalida who laughed aloud, and it was a most joyful sound to his ears. "How well you understand me, my beautiful Dagon. How can this be in so short a time?"

"We have been destined to be together since time began," he told her, smiling and drawing her into his arms again. "It is the will of a most generous Suneva, my queen."

Her hands cupped his buttocks, drawing him closer to her. She could feel his love lance stiffening as it made contact with the soft pillow of her mount. She stood on tiptoes and ran a taunting tongue over his lips. "Aye, the goddess is very kind," she purred at him. Then, turning, she threw herself back into the waters, but she was not quite quick enough.

Dagon had anticipated her teasing mood, and his fingers closed swiftly about one of her ankles. For a moment she struggled to free herself, then she relaxed, floating lightly upon her back in her captivity. He bent and, taking her foot in his grasp, licked it with broad strokes of his tongue, pushing it between each of her toes, and finally sucking them individually in turn. Releasing her foot, he took the other and rendered it the same homage before freeing it, too.

For a long moment she floated before him, eyes closed, her long, beautiful hair streaming out behind her like gold and silver threads of spider's silk. Then she opened her emerald eyes, and she could see his great penis thrusting up from the ebony thicket of his groin. The tip of her tongue slid swiftly over her lips as if she were anticipating a delectable meal. Seeing her slight action, he reached out, and, taking her in a gentle grip, first her ankles, then her calves, and finally her slender thighs, he drew her inexorably forward to slowly impale her.

Kalida sighed gustily as he entered her body. With a wicked skill she tightened the muscles of her sheath about him, holding him firmly, releasing him, again and again. Bracing her, his hands beneath her back, Dagon leaned carefully forward. His tongue slipped from between his lips, and he began to encircle the nipple of one breast with a teasingly delicate motion. He made no other move but to encircle the sensitive little nub over and over again, just occasionally flicking at it with the very tip of his tongue. Her eyes closed, and by watching her face, he could see her passions rising moment by moment.

Finally, he raised his head from the first breast, and moved to the second. This time, however, his actions were harsher. He suckled fiercely on the second nipple, his teeth sometimes biting down on the tender flesh, not so hard as to harm it, but hard enough to send a jolt of lightning through her. He could feel himself growing bigger and harder within her, if such a thing was even possible, but the hot, spongy morass of her depth was arousing him now as she had never before aroused him.

Kalida could feel him throbbing furiously within her. The frenzy and turbulence of their hungry coupling was madness. She gasped desperately for air as she reached her crescendo, half sobbing as her love juices sprinkled forth, liberally and generously moistening the blazing red crown of his penis, but not satisfying it in the least.

Raising her up, Dagon carried her to the steps of the pool, setting Kalida down on her hands and knees. She arched her back, raising her buttocks up, and uttered one word."Yes!" Standing behind her, he pulled the twin halves of her peach apart, positioning himself before the rosy aperture. Carefully he pushed against it, gently, gently, then more insistently, more assertively. The flesh gave way, opening slowly, and then suddenly the tip of his love lance entered the hitherto unexplored orifice of her lush body. She gasped, more in surprise than pain, and he pressed onward, one hand holding her firmly.

She was so tight. He knew at once that it would take little effort for him to reach the pinnacle of his own passions. He was halfway inside her now. Unable to help himself, he thrust his full length. Kalida gasped again, but forbade him not. He withdrew slowly, and thrust again… and again… and again. To his great surprise her bottom began to wiggle itself and press hard into his belly. Leaning forward, he sought and found her pleasure point with his other hand. She was creamy with her juices. His finger teased at the swelling nub as he moved himself within her until finally they arrived at the meridian of their lustful satisfaction, his tribute thundering into her wasteland while she squealed with her pleasure, almost squirming away from the grip of his hand in her excitement, while the hand beneath her was soaked with another libation of delight.

Finally, he withdrew from her. Kalida slowly turned over onto the pool steps to view the state of his love lance. She smiled, pleased at the sight. He was more shriveled and smaller than she had ever seen him. "I have milked your balls quite well, Dagon," she said with a chuckle.

He laughed weakly, seating himself next to her, the warm water of the pool lapping at them. "Aye, my queen, you have," he agreed. "I never knew such frenetic, hot desire as we have just experienced, but we shall make no babies that way, Kalida." He took her hand in his, turning it about to kiss its palm.

She smiled wickedly. "I have never allowed a man to do what you just did. It was interesting, and very exciting, but I do not think I would do it often." She took the hand holding hers, and sucked her juices from his fingers. Her heart was only just beginning to slow its furious beat.

Above them the sky was beginning to show signs of lightening. There was the faintest smudge of pale lavender-gray above the purple mountains. It would soon be dawn, the beginning of a new day. The lovers rose from the water and returned to the bedchamber to sleep, for they were both fully exhausted, their labors of the night even now drawing to an end.

It was there Zeras found them several hours later, Kalida curled into the protective curve of Dagon's muscled arm, a small smile upon her face. Seeing them thus, Zeras knew Kalida's decision was made, and there was nothing he could do to prevent it.

"Oh, well," he said softly to himself, "I suppose it was time for us all to retire." Then he bent, and gently shook the lovers awake.

chapter 5

It had been over ten years since the population of Kava had been called into the Arena of the Queens. The marble and colonnaded sphere had but one entry, through the great temple of Suneva itself, for its purpose was but twofold. The abdication of one queen, and the choosing of another. The large bronze doors opening into the arena were always kept closed but for those two special times, which were separated by three days' time.

Kalida had, upon awakening, bathed, dressed, and then gone directly to pay a visit upon Uphala, the High Priestess of Suneva. Uphala was a tall, statuesque woman with raven's black hair and silver-gray eyes. Ageless, she had been Suneva's High Priestess for most of Kalida's lifetime. She now came forth to greet the queen upon the front portico of the snow-white temple, bowing deferentially and saying, "Hail, Kalida, Queen of Kava! I bid you welcome to the temple of Suneva."

"I salute you, Uphala, High Priestess, and beloved of the goddess," the queen responded, and together the two women entered the temple proper.

When they were seated in Uphala's private chamber, wine was poured by a young novice, who, bowing, withdrew, leaving the queen and the High Priestess alone. Kalida arose, and going to a little altar, poured a small libation of her wine into the offering dish at the feet of a slender statue of the goddess.

"Power and position have not obviated your sense of respect for Suneva, I see," Uphala remarked, pleased.

"How can I deny Suneva when she has answered my prayers so admirably?" Kalida answered the High Priestess.

"Then the faint rumors I have but only heard recently are true?" Uphala said quietly.

"Yes. I have chosen my mate," Kalida replied.

"You are certain?" Uphala queried the younger woman. "I am given to understand that his attributes are greater than any ever before seen here in Kava. It is not just that, is it? After all, if it is, you do not need to mate with him to enjoy him."

"I know," Kalida told the High Priestess. "He, himself, asked me the same question, and made the same suggestion as you did, but the answer I gave him, I give you. I love him."

"So," Uphala noted. He was obviously clever this man, to have captured Kalida's icy heart so quickly.

"I have waited all my life for Dagon. I know now it was the will of the goddess that I not fall in love until she brought him to me. He is a man, and my inferior, it is true, but he loves me, he respects me, and in his own land would have been a king one day. He seems to know what I am thinking before I do. He makes me laugh, and he is frankly the most incredible lover I have ever had. He is the only man who hasever brought me to true joy. Is there a better reason for me to take him as my mate, Uphala? If so, tell me, I beg you!"

The High Priestess could see Kalida's sincerity. "No, your reasons are valid, my daughter," she told the queen. "I have never seen you so happy, or so content. It is truly Suneva's hand in this matter. I accept her will. The temple will this very day send out messengers to all the villages in Kava, calling upon our women to come to Suneva's temple in three days' time so you may announce your decision. And three days after that, all thirteen-and fourteen-year-old girls shall be gathered in the Arena of the Queens that the messenger of the goddess may choose a new queen from among them. Suneva be praised!" Uphala drained her cup.

"Suneva be praised!" the queen echoed, draining her own.

The High Priestess rose. "Let us go into the temple, my queen, and pray to the goddess for your happiness with your mate, Dagon of Aramas. I shall look forward to meeting this man who has secured your heart when so many others before him failed."

Together the two women knelt before the huge statue of Suneva. It was most unique, made of flesh-colored marble, its eyes two enormous blazing blue sapphires. Strands of gold and silver were worked into the marble that covered its head and long hair. The goddess stood straight, yet relaxed, one arm by her side, the other with its hand raised in blessing. On her shoulder sat a snow-white marble dove. She was naked but for a large wreath of fresh flowers that was placed about her neck daily. Her whole demeanor was one of benign love as she stood silent within the flickering lights of the candles and torches of the temple's main chamber.

Their prayers completed, the women stood, and the High Priestess kissed the queen upon both cheeks. "I feel her blessing," Uphala said.

Kalida nodded. Then, turning, she departed the temple.

Those who saw her crossing the square back to the palace longed to stop her and ask her if the murmurs and whisperings were true. Kalida walked, a slight smile upon her face, and while she had always been approachable, this time, despite their great curiosity, no one asked her to halt and speak with them. There was something about the queen today that made them hesitate, and so she passed by unopposed.

Kalida called upon Zenaida next. "I owe you a great debt," she told the older woman. "He is magnificent."

"And?" Zenaida pressed the queen.

"You mean Vernus has not already dashed here to share the gossip with his brother, Durantis? And Durantis with you?" Kalida teased.

The High Procuress shook her head. "We have not seen Vernus since yesterday, my queen," she answered honestly.

"So," Kalida remarked almost to herself, rather pleased to learn that Dagon could be so discreet.

"What? What?" Zenaida begged the queen.

Kalida smiled mischievously. "Perhaps I should say nothing yet until Uphala sends out her messengers."

"My queen!" Zenaida sounded exasperated, and Kalida laughed.

"Oh, very well, Zenaida. I shall repay my debt to you by telling you that I have decided to take Dagon as my mate; but you somehow knew I would when you purchased him in Ramaskhan, didn't you?"

"I did," Zenaida admitted. "Suneva be praised!"

"Yes," Kalida agreed, "it is all the doing of the goddess. I firmly believe it, Zenaida. Ido!"

The two women embraced, and then the queen took her leave of the High Procuress, returning to her palace, where she called Zeras and Vernus to her privately.

"I have been to visit the High Priestess, Uphala, and the High Procuress, Zenaida, to tell them of my decision to take Dagon of Aramas as my mate. Now I tell you, because you are both my trusted servants. I ask that you allow my news to be nothing more than an open secret until the formal announcement. Neither confirm nor deny it."

"Yes, my queen," the two chorused.

"We go to the Arena of the Queens in three days' time, and three days after that, the messenger of the goddess will be set free to choose a new queen from among the young girls. You two have a great deal to do before then. I expect you to be so busy that you will not have the time to gossip. Now, find Dagon, and send him to me," Kalida instructed. She turned on her heel, and entered her bedchamber, closing the door behind her as she went.

"Well, there it is," Zeras said bitterly,"It really is over."

"Oh, don't be so querulous," Vernus replied. "Have you any idea of how much must be done in less than a week's time? We have so many decisions to make, I don't know where to begin! What servants are we to take, and which will remain for the new queen? Has anyone bothered to see if the water pipes in Kalida's home are connected? And what in the name of Suneva are we to do about furnishings? And we have to obtain a decent apartment for Dagon in the Palace of the Consorts!"

"First I must fetch Dagon," Zeras grumbled. "Have you any idea of where he may have gotten to, Vernus?"

"He's steaming himself in the baths," Vernus replied. "It was obviously quite a night, dear boy.Quite a night!"

"The baths are part of your province," Zeras snapped. "You fetch him for the queen. I can barely stand to even look at the brute."

"I like looking at him," Vernus chuckled. "He really is gorgeous, with those big muscles, his ebony hair and blue eyes."

"And that obscene penis," Zeras said sourly.

"Why, Zeras, dear boy, I didn't think you had noticed that magnificent cock at all," Vernus murmured slyly. Then with a chortle he hurried off to find Dagon.

"Custom demands," Kalida told Dagon when he had been brought to her, "that now I have chosen you for my mate we be parted for the short time prior to my formal announcement. When I tell my people of my decision, it will be required that we mate publicly before them. I will mount you in the Arena of the Queens, and you must then show my people that you can give me pleasure as no other can. Only then will they accept my decision. You may have whatever women you require during the time of our separation, Dagon, or you may be celibateas you choose."

"I want none but you," he said quietly, and she believed him.

"Vernus will see you are housed and cared for until we meet in the arena, my love," Kalida told him. Then she kissed him ardently, and his penis immediately rose up. Laughing, she allowed him to cup her buttocks, and raise her so she might wrap her legs about his waist as he plunged deep inside her. Backing her against the wall allowed him to hold her with one big hand, while two fingers from his other hand drove into her other orifice. Kalida squealed, wiggling herself as she tried to satisfy both the burning itches he had aroused.

"Ooooooooo!" she murmured hotly in his ear, bending her head to sink her teeth into his shoulder as he doubly pistoned her.

"Bitch!" he groaned, feeling his crisis nearing. "I shall have a thin little silver dildo made to help me pleasure your outrageous desires. And three matching balls for your eager sheath," he told her.

"And I shall have a carved ivory ring made especially for your cock," she threatened him. "I shall keep you in a constant state of desire for me. Ahhh!" she cried out softly as they reached the top of the mountain together. Her head dropped onto his shoulder, and she sighed gustily with her deep satisfaction. Her legs dropped away, and he held her close so she would not fall, amazed he could stand himself.

Finally, Kalida pulled away from him. "Go now," she said, "and in three days' time you will show all of Kava how much you love me, my beautiful Dagon."

"It shall be as my queen wishes," he promised her, smiling, and he backed from the chamber.

When he was gone Kalida sighed. When he had promised her he wanted no other lovers to amuse him during their time apart, she had promised him no such thing. Still, she thought, no one had ever given her the pleasure Dagon had, and she expected that nothing had changed in that respect. Even sweet little Adon with his facile tongue would not make her happy. Like Dagon, she realized, she was doomed to three days of longing, and deepening desire. Somehow it didn't seem fair, but he was worth it!

The queen was not seen for three days as word of her impending abdication was broadcast throughout the land of Kava. It had been so long since a new queen had been chosen that there was great excitement and anticipation of the celebration to come. Every mother with a female child between the ages of thirteen and fourteen, who had had her first show of blood, imagined her daughter as the next queen. The record of each eligible girl was carefully checked, for there were those who were tempted to cheat the authorities with daughters who were yet twelve, or closer to fifteen, or had not yet become women.

The day of Kalida's abdication came. It was a beautiful day, clear, warm, and sunny. For two days, the city had been filling with those women from the farthest reaches of Kava's borders.

Now the flow of females of all ages surged up the temple steps, and out its rear bronze doors into the Arena of the Queens with its green-and-white pillars. In the center of the arena's sandy floor a large, flat marble altar had been set. The arches and balustrades of the arena were draped with colorful flowers of all kinds, and the air was heady with fragrance.

The queen's box was on the west side of the arena. The female genitals, carved in gold, were proudly displayed on the box's front. An awning sewn from cloth-of-gold shaded the single throne, and the marble benches about it. The cacophony of chatter died immediately as the queen, the High Priestess, and the High Procuress entered the royal enclosure. Then a mighty cheer went up as Kalida stepped forward and acknowledged her subjects. They grew silent again as she raised her hand in order that she might speak.

"Women of Kava! Ten years ago I was chosen by the goddess to rule over you. I have ruled longer than any queen in Kava's history. Until recently no man captured either my heart or my attention enough that I would give up the throne, and my crown, to mate with him. Recently, however, the goddess has brought to me a man for whom I am willing to do just that. Today I come to you to tell you that I have taken a mate, and will, in three days' time, give up my authority over you. Suneva has blessed me. I would that you, my beloved sisters, render me your blessing, too. Pray that the new queen will rule you as well as all those who have come before her have ruled you. We have thrived, and survived since the days of our earliest existence because of the peace and concord among us as women. We are not like men, who war and destroy. Suneva be praised!"

"Suneva be praised!" the entire arena of women cried out.

The High Priestess now came forward to stand by Kalida's side. "The time has come for the queen to mate," she said so that all might hear her. Once more the arena grew silent with anticipation.

Dagon was brought forth into the arena escorted by a group of beautiful young women who were clothed in nothing more than wreaths of flowers and their long hair. There were flowers on their ankles and wrists, and about their necks and in their flowing hair. The nipples of their breasts were stained a carmine red. Dancing and laughing, they surrounded the queen's mate.

He towered above them all. He had been bathed and primped by Vernus, who was almost beside himself with delight that Kalida had chosen Dagon for her mate. His dark hair shone with a blue-black sheen. It was tied with a gold-and-pearl ribbon, and topped with a floral wreath. He wore a simple linen wrap about his loins, and was barefooted. The muscles of his chest, his arms, and his legs were oiled to best show them off. He was bronzed and handsome, and the women leaned forward to obtain a better look at him, nodding appreciatively to one another.

They brought him before the royal box, and Kalida, walking slowly down the staircase, joined him, to stand by Dagon's side. Reaching out boldly, he took her hand in his, lifting it to his lips to kiss. She could not help but smile at him, and a murmur of pleasure rose from their audience. Then the High Priestess raised her hand, and all grew silent once again.

"Kalida, Queen of Kava," Uphala said, "is it your wish to take this man for your mate, knowing that by doing so you must renounce your queen ship with all its power and authority?"

"It is my wish," Kalida replied.

"Do you comprehend that he is now your charge and responsibility and that you may not repudiate him slightly or in pique, but only if he becomes disobedient and cannot be corrected. Understanding this, Kalida, Queen of Kava, is it still your wish to have this man for your mate? Answer truly, for Suneva alone knows the secrets of your heart."

"It is my wish," Kalida repeated.

"You have heard the queen," Uphala said to the assembled. "Have you anything to say to her, oh women of Kava?"

"Is this your wish, Kalida, Queen of Kava?" the women cried.

"It is my wish," the queen said a third time.

"So be it," the High Priestess said. "Bring the mating cup."

Two young girls hurried forth from the space beneath the royal box. One carried a large double-handled gold cup, carved about with both male and female genitals. The other held a carafe. They came before Uphala, and bowed low.

"Pour the wine," she instructed them, and they hurried to obey her.

Then the girl with the carafe put it aside upon the ground, and helped her companion to hold the double-handled mating cup up for the High Priestess to bless, which she did. The cup was then brought to Kalida and Dagon, and they drank deeply from it.

The crowd cheered, and took up the chant:"Mate him! Mate him! Mate him!" This was, after all, what they had come to see. All mating ceremonies were alike, but this big man who had taught the queen how to love came with a reputation that was not to be believed. Still, they were anxious to see if those fabled attributes of his were real.

Dagon was once again surrounded by his escort of laughing girls. Dancing and singing in a tongue he could not comprehend, they led him to the marble altar in the center of the arena. Finally before it, they removed the wrap about his taut loins, revealing him to a thousand pairs of eyes as they turned him slowly about for all to see.

"Ahhhhhhh." The collective sigh went up. The rumor was truth. More than truth! The women turned to each other, chattering excitedly and pointing. Many were seen to rub themselves in lustful anticipation of the public mating to come.

Dagon's companions now set to work arousing him. A pot of pale-green cream was brought forth from behind the altar, and several pairs of hands began to massage him rapidly over his entire body. His legs were spread, and the cream lavishly laved on his genitals. One girl knelt before him, taking his penis in her mouth to suck vigorously upon it. Another slipped beneath him, and took his balls into her mouth, rolling them about, and tonguing them until he was groaning loudly with his rising lust. There wasn't a part of his body they left untouched, and where their hands moved, his skin became so sensitive that he was hard pressed not to scream with the acute sensuality that was rising up and threatening to smother him with his unfulfilled desire.

The girl entertaining his love lance could no longer contain it within her mouth. She fell back gasping for air. The girl with her teasing tongue also released him. His penis was enormous, and, seeing it, a shriek of excitement rose from the audience as they stood as one, pushing and shoving to better see this incredible man. The cup was put to his lips, and he was ordered to drink, which he gratefully did.

"He is ready now," he heard Kalida say.

His legs were near to buckling with the hunger racing through his entire body. The troupe of women brought him to the foot of the altar, and, laying him back, drew him up upon it. The audience was screaming with delight at the sight of his great love lance raised high to salute the queen. Dagon's head was swimming with a mixture of wine, and pure unfettered lust. He did not see them remove Kalida's simple white gown, but suddenly she was mounting him; slowly, and to his great relief, encasing him within her burning sheath. The sound of her voice calmed him.

"Do not release your juices until I give you leave, my love," she warned him. "If you shame me now, our mating cannot be completed."

Dagon drew in a deep, cleansing breath, and, reaching up, grasped her breasts in his hands. "Ride me, my queen," he said. "I will be strong as long as you are strong." Then he flashed a smile at her.

Kalida smiled back, and began to ride him; slowly at first, rising up, and then grinding herself back down into his groin. She went on like this for some minutes, then her tempo became faster and faster. The watching women caught quick glimpses of his great lance as it flashed back and forth within the queen, in and then out again. They screamed, maddened, and many tore their clothing, rubbing and playing with their own genitals until the entire arena of women burst with an orgasmic crowning of pleasure even as Kalida cried,"Now!" to her mate, and they together howled their satisfaction.

The arena was suddenly quiet, and then the women broke forth in a thunderous clapping of approval."They are well and truly mated!" arose the collective blessing of the women of Kava. They stood, hands applauding the newly mated couple.

"I do not think I can get up," Dagon said, a twinkle in his blue eyes. "You have totally exhausted me, my queen."

Kalida dismounted her lover, springing lightly from the altar, and said, "Show the women how strong you are, my love, and tonight I will give you leave to do whatever you desire with me."

"Anything?" he said, cocking an eyebrow at her.

"Anything," she promised him, and he leapt up to stand by her side with a grin. Kalida laughed. "You are a villain," she said.

"You have promised," he reminded her, "and I promise you a night of such unbridled ecstasy, my queen, that you will not regret your decision to give up your throne."

Together they exited the Arena of the Queens through a passage beneath the royal box that took them back to the palace without having to appear again in public that day. When they had reached the queen's apartments, Dagon excused himself.

"I must see Vernus if I am to keep my promise to you, my queen," he told her. "In another place this would be our wedding night, and I would have it be a very special one for you, Kalida."

"I am in your hands," she told him happily.

chapter 6

Vernus was more than delighted when Dagon came to him for his help. It was he who would be the most important member of the former queen's new household. Poor old Zeras would be relegated to managing Kalida's commercial interests, but he, Vernus, master of the queen's household, would reign supreme, and his mistress's consort was already paying him the deference due to his position. Vernus felt mellow, and overflowing with goodwill. He positively beamed at Dagon.

"How may I aid you?" he asked the prince. "I must say that your performance in the arena this afternoon was absolutely spectacular; if you will permit me to make the observation."

"I did not think men were allowed in the Arena of the Queens but for a consort," Dagon said, amused.

"I watched from the tunnel entrance," Vernus said, chuckling. "No one saw me, or I should be punished for my presumption. These women are so proprietary about their little ceremonies. Such a fuss over very little, but, of course, in your case…" He chortled once again. "Now, dear boy, how may I help you?"

Dagon told him, and Vernus's gray eyes grew wide, but he nodded vigorously as the prince spoke quietly to him. "Can it be managed?" Dagon finished.

"Yes, of course it can," Vernus said, "but why there?"

"Kalida has given me permission to do whatever I desire with her tonight; a reward, if you will, for my pleasing behavior this afternoon in the arena. Since I intend introducing her to some rather unusual experiences, I should prefer we be in a more private setting than the queen's quarters here in the palace. A cry of passion might easily be mistaken by the queen's guard, who could come dashing in at exactly the wrong moment." He winked broadly at Vernus. "Now, I shall also need…" he said, lowering his voice.

Again Vernus's eyes grew wide, and he said admiringly, "Of course, dear boy, I can obtain everything you need. I can but imagine how delightfully inventive you will be. I shall personally see to everything for you, and the queen will be there at the appointed hour."

He hurried off, humming beneath his breath in anticipation. Dagon's plans were broad in scope, and he wondered if Kalida would really cooperate… but one could ask.

One hour after the sunset, Dagon crossed the deserted royal square, hurrying along the private street to Kalida's home where she would live after her abdication. He saw no one as he moved through the darkness, but he had practiced the route several times during the late afternoon, and knew the way well now. He could have traveled it sightless. Entering the unlit house, he made his way to Kalida's bedchamber. This room was lit by many candles and empty except for a mattress set upon a wooden dais. On the floor next to the dais was a large basket filled with the items he had requested, a carafe of wine, and several goblets.

Kalida, herself, was restrained, spread-eagled between two marble pillars. She was blindfolded with a strip of silk, and gagged.

And she was totally naked. Seated silently near her was the young blond slave, Adon, also naked. Dagon removed her gag.

"W-who is th-there?" Kalida half whispered.

"Be silent, wench," Dagon replied in a harsh voice. "You are here to give pleasure, and to be pleasured in return, not to ask foolish questions." He removed his loincloth, and peered into the basket. For a moment he considered the contents, and then he drew forth a long, stiff white feather with a tiny, well-honed point. Seating himself cross-legged on the floor before Kalida, he ran the feather slowly along her slit, and across her plump lover's mount.

She gasped, surprised, unable to decipher just exactly what he was doing to her, yet he certainly was not hurting her.

Dagon ran the feather back and forth over the tempting little crease for several minutes. Soon Kalida was squirming, and her nether lips were beginning to pout and grow puffy. He could see new moisture just behind the folds. He plied the feather a bit more deftly with quick strokes and small jabs until he was able to push through her defenses, seeking her pleasure point.

"Oooooo!" Kalida shrilled as the feather's tip found its mark, and she began to squirm. Was it Dagon playing the feather?It had to be Dagon. She wasn't so certain now she should have offered him such freedom to act on his own, but she would look weak and frightened if she went back on her word now. "Daaagon!" she moaned, but he didn't answer, and the feather kept working itself over her pleasure point until suddenly it burst, and she sighed gustily at the release.

The feather brushed sensuously at the inside of her right thigh, and then was gone. "Whoooooo!" she shrieked as a tongue began to lap up her juices, setting her afire once again. The tongue moved relentlessly over her flesh, stroking at her pleasure point so hard that it hurt, but then the fire began to once again burn. She strained against her bonds.

Hands were fondling her, but as she couldn't see, she couldn't decide how many hands. They slid up her legs, stroking, caressing, pushing both into her sheath and her rear aperture, driving and thrusting inside her until her constrained body was twisting wildly. She realized she wasn't afraid at all, but was very excited as she struggled naked, blindfolded, and bound, totally at the mercy of who? Dagon?But who else?

The hands moved softly over her thighs and buttocks now. They slid across her belly, and up her back. A hand grasped her face, and turned her head to one side. Lips pressed down on hers, a tongue drove past her lips, and teeth into her mouth, sucking upon her tongue. Kalida's head whirled. Her breasts were being fondled, and kissed lightly. Another tongue began to lick at them, nuzzle between the twin mounds, lapping and encircling the nipples roughly. A mouth closed over a nipple, and sucked hard upon it, sending a streak of lightning from the nipple to her pleasure point. Teeth lightly scored the sensitive flesh, and she screamed softly with her pleasure.

Then she felt her limbs being quickly untied, and the blindfold was taken away. Kalida blinked several times as her eyes grew used to the light once again. Seeing her mate, she smiled tremulously at him, and then her eyes swung to Adon, widening with surprise and delight.

"You are so bad," Dagon said sadly. "We pleasure you, and you do not even thank us, Kalida. You must be taught to be mannerly." Reaching out, his fingers closed about her slender wrist, and he dragged her across the room to the bed upon the dais. Sitting, he pulled her over his knee, and his hand descended hard upon her pristine white bottom. "You are a very wicked girl, Kalida, aren't you?" The hand came down a second, and yet a third time. "Answer me, wench!" He smacked her again, and again, and yet again. "Have you nothing to say to me?" His hand came down upon her buttocks a seventh and eighth time as she began to squeal, and he noted that the previously snow-white bottom was beginning to grow pink with his attentions. "Tell me just how wicked you are, Kalida!"

"Very wicked!" she confessed, wiggling provocatively as she lay across his knees. "I need to be spanked!I want to be spanked!"

He obliged her until her tempting haunches were red and hot, and his hand had actually grown sore. He was quite surprised by her capacity for this kind of treatment. The hand that had spanked her was firmly in the arch of her back now; he slid his other hand beneath her mount, and was not in the least surprised to find her wet with her juices.

"You are shameless," he said, half laughing. "Adon, bring me the balls. Our fair queen needs to be punished for so enjoying her spanking." He turned Kalida over, and, cradling her in his arms, kissed her soundly. "You really are quite naughty," he told her, but his eyes were dancing with amusement.

"What are you going to do?" she asked him.

"Why, teach you to be even naughtier, my love," he told her.

Adon brought Dagon a small red silk box embroidered with dragons. The prince took the box, and, opening it as he balanced Kalida in his lap, he showed her the contents. Inside, set in silken niches, were three little balls, each slightly larger than the other. One was gold, one was silver, and one was carved of ivory. Inside the gold ball, which was the largest, were several metal tongues. Dagon inserted it deeply into Kalida's sheath first. Next came the silver ball, which held a drop of mercury, and lastly the ivory ball, which was hollow and empty. "I think you will be well punished by these," Dagon said mischievously, and then he tipped her from his lap. "Walk about the chamber, my beautiful queen, and when you have completed three full circuits, you will dance another three. Then you will bring Adon and me a goblet of wine. Such sweet torture is thirsty work."

Fascinated, Kalida began to walk about the room. She had taken only a few steps when she felt a curious sensation in her pelvis. By the time she had circled the chamber once, she realized she had never before known such pleasure-pain. He was watching her, and, gritting her teeth, she completed the next two circuits. Then she began to dance about the room. By the time she had finished, and brought them both a goblet of wine, she was half mad with the sensation blazing throughout her entire nether regions. "In the name of Suneva, take them out," she said through gritted teeth. She stood very still, desperately avoiding movement of any kind, for when she moved, and the wicked balls smacked against one another, it was torture. Delicious torture, but all she really wanted was Dagon's big cock piercing her.

Dagon put down his wine cup, and, pulling her into his lap, extracted the three balls from her sheath. Then he ordered her on her back, and she lay with excited anticipation upon the mattress. But he again surprised her. She could see that sweet Adon had seated himself at her head.

"Raise your legs," her mate ordered her, and she obeyed.

Adon then leaned forward slightly, taking Kalida by the ankles, and pulling her legs back so that her sex was now exposed completely to Dagon's view. He reached into the basket, and drew forth first a vial of lavender oil, followed by a thin silver dildo, which he dipped into the oil. Then, placing the vial upon the floor, he slowly, and most carefully, dipped his fingers into the oil, and lavishly anointed her fundament with it. Taking up the silver dildo, he pushed it into her aperture, working it slowly at first, and then more rapidly, his slick fingers grasping the dildo's handle. It was cool, and very hard.

Kalida moaned with her rising lust. He was clever, her mate. His own love lance was really too big to be comfortable, but this thin little dildo was perfect, and it was arousing her greatly. Then he sensed that she was close to breaking, and he ceased his actions. She protested fiercely, but he only laughed.

He took her legs, one at a time, and lowered them slightly, nodding to young Adon, who half rising, popped his penis into the queen's open mouth while Dagon slid between her legs and plunged into her burning sheath. Kalida's legs wrapped about his waist, and she closed her eyes with her pleasure as he pistoned her while she sucked vigorously upon Adon's thickening member. The sensation of being ravished in all three of her orifices was incredible. She had never known anything like it. When their passions burst simultaneously, she couldn't believe it. She seemed to fly before crashing into the blackness, so totally satisfied she almost wept with her delight.

The trio lay half conscious upon the bed for some time. Finally, Dagon pulled himself to his feet, saying to Adon, "The night is young. Let us bathe, and then continue our orgy of pleasure."

Adon struggled to his feet, and together they drew Kalida up with them. Her eyes were still glazed with her passion as they led her to the bath. Torches in silver holders lit the room, whose walls were painted with scenes of men and women engaged in erotic pursuits, the women having the dominant roles; riding their lovers, whipping them, entertaining them in groups.

She stood silent as they took up the soap-filled sponges, and gently bathed her. The scent of gardenias filled her nostrils, and she vaguely wondered where she was, for Vernus had not told her when he blindfolded her and brought her to this place. It was strangely familiar, and yet she could not quite place it. "Where are we?" She had finally managed to find her voice again.

"This is your house," Dagon told her. "The place you will live after your abdication, my love. I thought such an evening as ours would be better spent in a secret place, away from prying eyes." He slipped the sponge between her legs, and gently washed her sex.

She nodded.

"We have not frightened you, Kalida?" His voice was concerned.

"No," she said, "but I never imagined…" Her voice trailed off, but there was a small smile on her lips.

"Shall we continue, or shall I send Adon to his own bed, my beautiful queen?" he asked her. "This is for your pleasure, Kalida, but if it pleases you not, then it comes to an end now."

"Until you, Dagon," she said softly, "I did not know love, or even true passion. Since I was fourteen I have mounted any man who took my fancy, but my purpose was to dominate. I gained no joy, as you well know. You have shown me that passion and love must be found together. And you have exposed me to the forbidden, which I seem to find most delicious." Her emerald eyes laughed at him. "And how kind of you to include our sweet Adon. I am glad you are not jealous of him, for while he does not offer to me what you do, I still enjoy him." She drew the blond slave to her, and kissed him tenderly.

The boy blushed, and said boldly, "I am proud to be your slave, my queen. I will always serve you in any manner you desire."

"Come," Dagon said. "The queen is bathed as are we now, and Vernus has brought us a special jar of cream to massage into our skins. And I have a thirst for some wine."

They returned to the bedchamber, and Adon poured them all a draught of wine which Dagon knew had been doctored with special herbs that would stimulate their lusts further. They drank, and then using Vernus's special cream, began to rub each other's bodies, pressing against one another as their desires began to rise once more. The two men had Kalida between them. They fondled her breasts and her buttocks. Finally, the trio fell upon the bed, each of the males on either side of the queen.

Dagon faced his mate. His mouth fused against her in a deep kiss, his hands going about her to caress her rounded and taut buttocks; while Adon, behind her, reached around to play with her swollen and aching breasts, pinching her nipples to arouse her further. The only sound in the chamber was the harsh panting of the combatants.

"Put your legs about me, my love," Dagon instructed his mate, "and remain on your side."

Kalida slid one leg over him, and another beneath his body so that she might embrace him with her limbs if she desired, but that was not, she quickly discovered, her mate's intent. Instead, Dagon quickly thrust his great penis into her eager sheath, impaling her fiercely. She sighed with pleasure, and then gave a little shriek as behind her Adon pulled the twin moons of her bottom apart, and slowly, slowly insinuated his own hard lance into her temple of Sodom. Kalida gasped for air. The sensation was overwhelming. The dildo had hardly prepared her for Adon's thick and very lustful penis.

"There's a rhythm to it, my love," Dagon murmured in her ear. He pulled her forward so that she was pressed tightly against him, and the pressure in her rear lessened somewhat. Then her other lover drew her back, and she found her bottom pushing at his belly. Back and forth. Back and forth. Back and forth. "You see," he encouraged her.

Kalida's head was swimming with her hot desire. Arms about Dagon's neck, she pressed her breasts and belly against him; then propelled her rounded hips back against Adon. The young man was moaning with his boiling lusts, and he boldly bit the soft nape of her neck in his passion. Unable to help himself, and sobbing, Adon released his juices in hard spurts until he was totally and completely drained. Then he rolled away from the queen, curling himself into a ball, exhausted with his efforts.

Dagon turned Kalida onto her back, pushing her legs back so he might delve into her more deeply than he ever had. The sensual pleasure-pain of his driving penis loosed the tigress in her. She clawed wildly at him. She sunk her little white teeth into his muscled shoulder, drawing blood which she licked away with her tongue.

"Bitch!" he growled into her ear, nipping at the lobe.

"Don't stop! Don't stop!" she panted hungrily. "Ahhh, Suneva! It is finally enough!" she cried, her passions exploding but a moment ahead of his. She strained, her sheath becoming a greedy mouth that sucked him dry, contracting and expanding about his love lance to squeeze every possible drop of the tribute that he had to offer her. Then Kalida fainted, unable to bear any more of their combined lusts.

When Dagon had recovered his strength, he said to the blond Adon, "Go now, and remember your promise to Vernus to tell no one of this night. You will be well rewarded, not simply by the queen, but by me as well. You have done us a great service, Adon."

Adon rose from the bed, and re-dressed himself in the short tunic he had laid aside upon entering the room earlier. "I shall speak to no one of this," he said. His eyes strayed to the exhausted woman. "I would not hurt her, Dagon. I adore her. I know you are her chosen mate now, yet I cannot help but love her, too."

"I understand," Dagon told the younger man. "If she desires you, I cannot forbid it, although I do not promise I can contain my jealousy," he finished with a wry smile.

Adon nodded, and then departed.

When Kalida awoke several hours later, she found only Dagon by her side. Bending, she brushed her lips lightly against his, and his blue eyes opened. "Thank you," she said to him. "It was wonderful!"

"I hope you do not expect all of our nights to be so exciting," he said, smiling lovingly at her. "I think I have depleted my font of originality." He wrapped his arms about her. "How I love you, my beautiful Queen of Kava."

"A queen no more in two days' time," she told him.

"It will not matter, Kalida. I shall always love you even when you are old and wizened," he replied.

"In Kava, women do not become wizened," she replied.

He laughed. "I shall love you no matter," he promised.

"Let us remain here together until the time comes for the choosing," Kalida said. "Vernus can bring us food, and we have each other. It is enough for me, my handsome prince. Can it be enough for you as well?"

"I could remain here in this room with you forever!" he said.

"Then I command it, my prince!" she agreed.

So while Zeras fussed and fumed at the queen's unexplained absence, Vernus enjoyed his part in the conspiracy with the lovers.

"She has duties to perform," Zeras complained.

"Not until the morning of the choosing," Vernus replied, "and she will be there to complete her reign. When have you ever known Kalida to shirk in her duties, Zeras? You raised her to be better than that."

So Zeras was forced to wait until the morning of the third day since Kalida's official mating, when she appeared from her bedchamber as if she had been there all along. She was radiant, and seemed full of energy. Zeras scowled seeing Dagon by her side, but then he sighed. The beast was her mate, and he must live with it.

The queen was dressed in a simple sleeveless gown; but this day, rather than the white she usually favored, Kalida's gown was cloth-of-gold, fashioned into tiny, narrow pleats that ran from waist to hem. She wore a rope of enormous emeralds that lay upon the smooth, fitted bodice of her chest. Gold-and-emerald armbands had been clasped about her slim upper arms. The only other ornament she wore was her ring of office, which she would today pass on to the new young queen. Her hair hung loose, contained only by the narrow, filigreed crown of gold and silver, which was studded in emeralds. Dagon wore a simple pleated white linen wrap about his loins, and his gold torque about his neck. His was, after all, the lesser role.

"Have the maidens been gathered?" Kalida asked Zeras.

"Aye, my queen, it but awaits your coming," Zeras replied sadly.

Kalida nodded. "Then it is time," she said. Then she turned to Dagon. "You will walk just behind me a pace or two," she explained. "Today, however, you may enter the royal box and stand just to my right. Zeras. Vernus. If you should like to see the ceremony, I will permit you to watch from the tunnel entry," Kalida told them generously.

"Thank you, my queen," Vernus bubbled, delighted to be included.

"No," said Zeras. "I hid in that place the day you were chosen to be Kava's queen, but I cannot be there today when another is picked to stand in your place. It is too much to ask of me!" His voice broke.

Compassion lit Kalida's beautiful features. She reached out a hand, and touched Zeras's shoulder gently. "You do not have to come if it would make you unhappy, Zeras," she told him. Then she turned again, and was gone, followed by Dagon and Vernus.

A mighty cheer rose from the assembled women as the queen and her mate entered the royal box. Vernus tucked himself into the shadows below the stairs, but he had an excellent view. Uphala and Zenaida had been awaiting the queen. Below in the arena there were slightly over a hundred young girls between the ages of thirteen and fourteen standing nervously and talking in whispers. They grew silent as Kalida arrived.

When the cheering had died, the queen stepped forward. "Today we choose a new queen," she began. "I am proud to have ruled Kava these past ten years. My reign has seen our prosperity grow to its greatest levels. May it continue to grow under your new queen, and may Suneva guide her as well as she has guided me," Kalida finished, stepping back to take Dagon's hand in hers. He squeezed it encouragingly.

The High Priestess now took the forefront. "It is time," she said. "Remember that she whom the goddess chooses will bear a great burden. I advise the new queen, even before she is chosen, to remember from whence her blessings come. They come from Suneva who guards and guides us all. Suneva be praised!"

"Suneva be praised!" came the echoing cry from the benches in the arena, and from the girls below the royal box.

A temple novice stepped forward and handed the High Priestess a small box. As Uphala lifted its lid, a snow-white dove flew forth and circled the arena three times. The crowd held its collective breath, gasping in total shock when the bird alighted upon the dark head of Kalida's handsome mate, and there it sat preening itself before the stunned women.

Uphala snatched up the dove, and flung it into the air once more. Again the bird circled the arena thrice, alighting a second time upon Dagon's head. There were cries of "Sacrilege!" but Uphala held up her hand to silence them.

"Go," she instructed Dagon quietly, "and stand in the entry to the tunnel below the royal box." Then she took the bird from his head once more.

He did not argue, realizing this was a difficult situation, and he could easily find himself dead if it pleased these women.

"What is going on?" Vernus asked Dagon as the prince came down the stairs and stepped into the tunnel entrance.

"The messenger of the goddess has twice lit upon my head, instead of choosing one of the maidens gathered before us," Dagon said.

Vernus's eyes widened with surprise. "What can it mean?"

"That the bird is stupid," Dagon said softly. "Now that I am hidden, it will alight upon one of the proper candidates."

The messenger of the goddess, released a third time, however, flew aimlessly round and round the arena, refusing to alight on any of the maidens. The crowd began to murmur nervously.

"What is happening?" Kalida asked the High Priestess.

Uphala did not answer her. Going instead to the edge of the royal box she called down, "Dagon of Aramas, conceal yourself among the maidens for me," and when he had, the dove flew immediately to him, lighting upon his head with a triumphant little cry.

The Prince of Aramas walked through the group of wide-eyed and silent maidens, back up the staircase to the royal box, the dove perched atop his head. Uphala took the messenger of the goddess and returned it to its case, handing it to the stunned novice. Then she stepped forward to address the women.

"It is prophesied in the Holy Book of Suneva," she began, "that there will come a time when a queen will rule longest of any before her; and when she finally falls in love, and takes her mate, it ishe who will be chosen by the goddess as a sign that the queen, and her daughters, and her daughters' daughters are to rule in Kava in perpetuity. Because Kalida had ruled for so long, I remembered the prophesy, and consulted our holy book for its accuracy. It is there for any and all to see, and none can doubt it. I proclaim Kalida, Queen of Kava, and her mate, Dagon of Aramas, the very consort that Suneva prophesied of back in the dawn of our history. Are there any among you who do not believe or would question the will of the goddess?" Uphala challenged them.

The arena was very silent.

"Then, all hail to Kalida, Queen of Kava, and to her consort, Dagon," Uphala cried loudly, and a thunderous cheering rose from the assembled.

"All hail to Kalida, Queen of Kava, and to her consort, Dagon!" the women cried loudly.

"I am to remain queen?" Kalida asked the High Priestess, as surprised at what had transpired as any of the other women.

"You will become Kalida the First of Kava," Uphala said, "and Dagon will remain by your side, your equal in all but the government of this land, although his voice will be respectfully heard should he raise it, and his words considered. Your eldest daughter will be our next queen. This is written."

"But how can a queen rule well when her mind and heart will surely be torn in all directions? Kava's queens have succeeded because they had but one goal. Torule Kava," Kalida said.

"We cannot deny what has happened here today, Kalida," the High Priestess replied. "I can imagine your confusion. You have ruled Kava well, and believed, according to custom, that you could lay aside your heavy duties to live peacefully with your mate and bear your children. But the goddess has decided otherwise."

"I never wanted to be queen," Kalida said softly.

"And perhaps," Uphala answered her, "that is precisely why you were singled out for this great honor. For you, ruling has been a duty. You have never been overwhelmed by any sense of power or authority. Be content with this, my daughter. Come into the temple now with me. We will pray for guidance. I will show you the prophecy in the Holy Book of Suneva. I will help you to come to terms with this." Uphala led the queen away. As they passed through the group of half-relieved, half-disappointed young girls, she gave them her blessing, and the queen reached out to sympathetically touch as many of the maidens as she could. They had no idea how fortunate they were not to be in her sandals.

When they had gone, Dagon turned to Zenaida. "Did you know of this prophecy when you purchased me in the slave markets of Ramaskhan?" he asked her. Then he sat next to her on the marble bench.

She shook her head, and her fine dark eyes looked directly at him. "No, I did not know. I was as surprised as anyone else here today by what has happened."

"There will come a day, Zenaida, when I shall want to take my sons and escape Kava," Dagon said quietly. "I cannot allow the fruits of my loins to be sold away to die on battlefields fighting for nameless kings and warlords. I am the rightful heir to the King of Aramas, and my brother shall not usurp my place, nor that of my sons."

"You cannot go back," Zenaida said to him.

"I must claim my inheritance," Dagon insisted.

"You cannot," Zenaida told him. "Hear me, Dagon, and hear me well. For each year that passes in Kava, twenty-five years pass in the world beyond ours. That is one of the reasons we have been able to keep our kingdom safe from outsiders and marauders, who if they found us would plunder our riches and enslave us because we are women. We are more legend than fact to the people beyond our valley. We sell our cohorts who have been given a potion so they may leave Kava, and exist in the outside world. We sell our silks, our wools, and our gemstones there. We come and go so quickly none get to know us. We know the secret of controlling time. When we enter their world, we exist in their time, but when we return home to Kava, it is only as if a few days have passed. You were not born in Kava. If you leave, you will become the age you should be in your own world. Time has slowed for you here. "

"When I brought you to Kava, how long had it been since you had seen your own land? A year? And if you reentered your world, and actually managed to reach Aramas, it should be another year. And the few weeks while you have been here in Kava over six years have passed. Six years, Dagon! Can you imagine what has happened in that time? You have told me that your father was frail, which is probably why your brother acted to rid himself of you when he did. Undoubtedly he rules in Aramas, Aurea by his side, their children about them. You would bring civil war to your land if you returned now. "

"Remain here in Kava by Kalida's side, for you love her, I can see. Look what has happened today. A queen who was expected to step aside and enter retirement has been told she will rule until her death, and that her female descendants will follow her. This will be a great change for Kava. Who is to say there cannot be other changes? If a queen can rule forever, cannot her sons be put to better use than being sent away to fight other men's wars?"

"Do you think such a thing is really possible?" he asked.

"Change comes slowly, Dagon," Zenaida replied, "butanything is possible. I am not the only mother who wept secretly to see her sons sent away. It is true that men are an inferior sex with their penchant for violence, cruelty, and greed, but why can that not be changed as well? If you leave Kava, who will engineer that change? I believe the goddess brought you here not just for Kalida's benefit, but because she knew there would come a time when the women of Kava must begin to learn to live with their men in a more equitable, objective, and unbiased manner. You are the key to that change."

"There is much wisdom in what you say," he told her thoughtfully.

"Stay with us," she said softly.

"It is an enormous undertaking," he answered her.

"I know," she replied, "but I chose you not simply for the hugeness of your penis, but because I believed your intellect was as immense as well."

He laughed aloud, and, taking up her hand, kissed it. "You must have been a very wicked young woman," he told her.

"I am still very wicked," she answered him with a chuckle.

"My lord Dagon, Consort of Kava," he heard Kalida call.

Turning his head, he saw her standing in the center of the now empty area, for while he and Zenaida had spoken, the amphitheater had emptied.

"My lord, come and escort me home," the queen said. "We must talk on what has happened this day,and you have your marital duties to perform if we are to give Kava a new ruler one day."

"You are insatiable, my queen. I can but hear and obey," he called back to her, rising from his place by Zenaida's side.

"Then you will remain?" the High Procuress said softly to him.

Dagon's blue eyes were fastened on Kalida. Kalida, his beautiful mate, his queen, his lover. He had never known anyone quite like her. Strong, brave, intelligent, yet vulnerable. She needed him.He needed her! "I will stay," he said to Zenaida, and then hurried down the steps from the royal box, running across the arena to catch Kalida up in a passionate embrace. Then, together, a smiling queen and her happy consort departed the arena.

"Well, well, my dear," Vernus said to his sister-in-law, "what a day this has been, has it not? And what will happen next, I wonder?"

Zenaida tucked her arm into his. "We are witnessing the beginning of a new era, Vernus. Suneva only knows what will happen."

"Indeed," Vernus said dryly. "You are asking me to supper, my dear, aren't you? If you do, I shall tell you, and Durantis,but of course it is for your ears alone, the delicious naughtiness the queen and Dagon have been up to these past few days. They brought that charming young blond gardener, Adon is his name, my dear, into their midst to partake in the royal orgy, and he told me…" Vernus dropped his voice as they exited the royal box and walked across the arena.

"No!" Zenaida was heard to exclaim at one point, but she sounded more titillated than shocked by what she was being told."Are you sure?"

"Adon, the dear boy, relies on me," Vernus said smugly. "Now come along, sister. My brother, Durantis, will want to hear it all."

And arm in arm they walked together through the temple proper, and out into the main square of Kava, where the celebrations were already beginning to usher in this new will of the goddess that would change their lives, and certainly the destiny of Kava, forever.