A Prince's Duty: Part 6

Another tie vote! LOL Again, I'll do what I can with it.

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Though one part of you felt that you ought to stay for what was technically a celebration of your birthday you were not about to question your powerful and fearsome bride to be. As the orgy of sex and blood commences you follow the servant, with Dahlia close behind, through the castle and up the long, circular stone stairway of one of the high towers. During the climb all was dark beyond the dim light cast by the servant’s lamp. At last the stairs level off in front of a grand black and silver door a dozen feet tall. Without even a pause the servant leads you past this door to a much smaller and simpler door. He produces a key and unlocks the sturdy lock built into the stout wooden door.

Turning to you he offers you the key. “Your room, Sir.”

“Thank you.” You say as you take the key.

He opens the door and leads you through into your bedchambers. Slowly the room comes into view as the servant walks around lighting the various candles about the room held in threes by silver candelabras. It was a not a large room though neither was it cramped. There was a window and balcony door, both framed by heavy black curtains, along the curved exterior wall to your right and to your left another door like the big one you’d just passed that clearly lead into the Countess’ chambers. A large four post bed, a walk in closet, a water closet, a fireplace, a writing desk, a small assortment furniture, a massive thick rug to protect your feet from the cold stone floor, and the expected accoutrement of a well appointed room was the extent of your little corner of the castle. The aesthetic was completely different from your room back home, less colorful and sumptuously extravagant yet elegant in it’s dark luxurious simplicity, but overall it was basically the same. You just hoped that it didn’t become a gilded cell like the one you just escaped.

You direct Dahlia to take your gifts into the closet as the servant sets to lighting a fire to chase the night’s chill from the room while you slowly walk around to inspect your new environs. When she returns Dahlia reports that there was already a selection of clothing in the room along with the extra gown you’d acquired. Not only that, a collection of her own belongings had been brought from the village and placed in the servant’s quarters within.

“Quarters?” Taking a candelabra you walk into the closet to see that at the back corner was a small door, narrow and only as high as your shoulder, that lead into a tiny room with a cot and a few basic furnishings. On the cot was folded a stack of peasant clothes and on the dresser a collection of personal effects. “This is not acceptable for my personal maid.”

“I am pleased with it, Prince.” She says softly as she peers around your shoulder. “My own room in the castle. It is an honor.”

“We’ll see what we can do for you.” You say.

After ensuring the fire was properly burning the servant rises and faces you. “Will you be needing anything?”

You look to Dahlia. “Are you hungry?”

“Me?” She says, seemingly surprised that a prince would ask of her needs. “Um…”

“Food.” You order. “And drink. Nothing extravagant, nothing heavy. Quick and simple fare is fine. I’m not fussy as to what.”

“Yes, Sir.” The servant bows. Before leaving he motions to a braided rope hanging beside the door. “There is a bell pull within if you require anything.”

“Very good.”

With that he leaves and for the first time today you are left in peace. Despite the pressure in your jewels you needed a minute to collect yourself. Shuffling toward the armchair nearest to the fire you slump down into it with an exhausted sigh.

“Prince Jacarian?” Dahlia hurries to your side.

“Give me a moment.” You wave her back. “Please, sit with me.”

“Yes, Prince.” She sits in the chair next to yours.

Head resting on the velvet cushioning on the back of your chair you stare into the dancing fire and allow your frayed mind time to center and your tense body a moment to relax.

Hypnotized by the flames you whisper. “Did I do the right thing?”

“Prince?”

You look over at a concerned Dahlia and give her a reassuring smile. “I guess it’s a bit late for having second thoughts.” You offer your hand and are grateful for the softness and warmth of her touch as she takes it. “Deep down…I didn’t think I would make it this far. I thought my father or my brothers would have struck me down before I could even leave the dias.”

Her eyes widen. “Your family would do that?”

“To protect the crown and our family name?” You laugh a humorless laugh. “They’ve done worse.” Just then the servant returns followed by another. With them they bring a platter of bread, cheese, cured meats and pickled items along with a pitcher each of wine and water. Once the food and drink had been placed upon the low table in front of you you dismiss them. “Do not disturb us again until called for.”

“Yes, Sir.” The man bows.

“And lock the door on the way out.”

He glances to the other servant then back to you. “I am afraid that there are only two keys to your quarters. Yours and the Countess’.”

“Ah. This is good to know.”

“Sir.” He bows again and the pair leave.

Dahlia’s eyes pan from the door to her hand held in yours. “They will talk.”

“The servants always talk.” You say. “Besides, I have permission.” Letting go of her hand you say with a wave. “Eat, drink, have your fill.”

“I will prepare yours first.” Slipping from her chair she kneels in front of the tray and takes one of the small pewter plates. “What would you like, Prince?”

“Water.” You say. “Nothing more. I cannot eat right now and I wish my wits to remain sharp.”

“Nothing?” She looks to you, confused yet again. “Then I cannot…”

“Dahlia.” You cut her off, already knowing what she was going to say. “This is your home now. As much as it is mine. And it would please me to see you comfortable.”

“I shall take a plate to my room for later.”

“No. Again. This is your home and I want you to feel as such.” You say. “Unlike me you didn’t even have a choice. For that twist of fate, I do apologize for my role in it.”

“There is no need, Prince.” She says softly. “I was born to serve. I live to do so.” After a pause she says even more quietly. “I am grateful for the opportunity you have given me.” A lovely smile plays at the corners of her full lips. “My family will not believe me when I tell them. Maid to the Prince? A room beside the Countess? My father and mother will be so proud of me. And they will be happy to see me out from my old Master’s control.”

“Ambrose?”

Her smile fades, her expression turning grim. “Yes.”

“He did not treat you well?”

“He treated me…as is his right to treat me.” She says as she pours your a goblet of water and passes it over. “I do not know why the Countess chose me or why you lifted me to be your lady-in-waiting but I am so grateful for it. I will not let you down, Prince.”

“Good.” You take a sit of the water, surprised to find it as cold as snow as it touches your lips. The cool made its refreshment that much more.

“I…am quite hungry.” She says, her eyes drawn to the platter’s tasty riches.

“Then eat.” You smile. A single giggle escapes her. Self-conscious of eating in the presence of her ‘Master’ Dahlia collects a plate for herself then returns to her seat. Though she was trying to maintain her proper servile decorum it was impossible not to notice the gusto with which she consumed the fine food. It seemed that Ambrose did not feed his servants well. When she finishes her meager portion you again wave to the spread. “Eat your fill.”

She laughs, her whole demeanor brightening by the minute, and returns for a more robust helping. While you do not stare you cannot help but to peer over from time to time. She hadn’t the refined manners of royalty that you were used to and it was exactly for that reason that you enjoyed it so much. She smiled and giggled and made cute little noises like ‘yum’ and ‘mmm’. It was so honest and real, a far cry from the veneer of stuffy etiquette you were accustomed to and did wonders to soothe your jittery nerves. Watching Dahlia enjoy this simple fare was better than any gourmet birthday feast you’d ever enjoyed. The fact that she was so easy to look at made your enjoyment that much more, enjoyment that came with a throbbing ache from your balls. Dahlia finishes the plate then drains her goblet of wine.

“Thank you, Prince.”

“My pleasure.” Leaning forward you refill her goblet with more.

“Oh!” She gasps. “Served by a Prince!?”

“Welcome to your new life, Dahlia.”

She laughs and takes another sip then puts her drink and plate down on the table. Dabbing her lips clean she turns to you. Returning to kneeling on the floor she faces you, her flushed cheeks giving her a warm glow in the fire’s light. Batting her big brown eyes she gazes into your eyes and just…stares into you in a way that stirs the fires already raging within you.

“The Countess ordered me to help you.” Her gaze slowly glides down your body until it settles upon your raging erection that stretched your pants. Her eyes flare as her cheeks darken a shade. “I am not experienced but I will give you my best.”

“Not experienced?” You say. “I have no experience. I was…forbidden…” Your eyes lower to drink in her soft, buxom figure. “Oh my.”

“I am yours.” She whispers and shift closer to you, risking a tentative touch to your knee. “Let me serve you.”

“You would do so willingly?”

She smiles. “Most willingly, my Prince.” Swallowing hard she looks at your manhood again. “Would you like my mouth or my hand?”

You take a deep breath and summon every ounce of self-control you had. “Neither.”

“Neither?” Her eyes snap back up to yours. “Do I not please you?”

“Ohhh, you please me more than I can say.” You say. “But…my body is hers. I want to remain as pure as I can for my Mistress’ touch. I’ve waited this long I can wait a little longer.”

“Oh.” Her shoulders sag in disappointment.

“But…”

“But?” She perks up again.

“I do need your help.”

“Tell me! I am willing.”

“I…do not know how to give pleasure to a woman.” You say, your virgin nerves rising. “Would…would you teach me, Dahlia?”

“Teach you?”

“About your body. About what feels good. About how to touch you and not touch you. About…everything.”

Her smile returns. “I am not sure what I have to teach you, my Prince. But I will do what I can.” Sitting back she lays her hands over her knees and sits up straight. “Have you seen a woman’s body before?”

You shake your head. “Not fully.”

“Have you touched a woman’s body before?”

“Not…intimately.”

“You honor me, my Prince. Tell me, I beg.” She croons. “How would you like to begin?”

Part 7