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  “Calm down, Tom. It's not as dire as all that. Elizabeth will discover you cannot be turned from your authoritarian ways. You will train her in the art of being a jakara, teach her to serve you, enjoy the pleasure of having her naked body available to your touch, and all will be right with the world.”

  “Have you lost your mind, Tony? I will not train her, because I will not take her to my bed, either as a free woman or a jakara.”

  “Watch yourself, Thomas. Your tone may be justified under the circumstances. However, you have no quarrel with me. I will step aside and give you free reign to proceed with Elizabeth in any way you determine best.”

  “You're telling me, you will allow your lady to…”

  “Enough!” Hart was standing. “I have said all I care to on this subject. 'Tis in your hands to do as you wish. Either take the lady or don't, it's of no concern to me.”

  Bowing at the waist, Thomas replied, “As you wish, Milord.”

  “Nothing is as I desire, Thomas. However, I am powerless to stop the coming events, so will simply await the outcome.”

  Thomas watched as Lord Hart walked back along the path and disappeared from sight. Turning to sit on the now vacant bench, he stared into the distance and cleared his mind of all thought.

  Chapter 4

  Here now, over two months since that momentous night, when Hart had given his acquiescence to her request, Lady Elizabeth would finally know if her hunger for Thomas Wolfe would be satisfied.

  The light had yet to fade from the sky, as she entered the great hall. It was over four hours before the evening meal would be served, so the hall was empty. Not even the servants stirred yet. She walked slowly to a bench placed in a corner alcove, partly hidden behind a tapestry depicting a hunt. Taking a seat on the bench, she spread her gown around her, the blue and gold velvet flowing to the floor. She had dressed carefully for the evening and arrived early for this meeting with Thomas Wolfe, second-in-command to Anthony Hart.

  Earlier in the day, she had not been surprised when Lord Wolfe's slave, Chantelle, delivered the handwritten note telling her the time and place of this meeting. After reading the neatly printed letters, she'd instructed Chantelle to inform her lord she would meet him at the designated time. There was never a doubt in her mind this summons would come and she expected to suffer some discomfort as a result of the events two evenings past.

  It happened shortly after the conclusion of the evening feast. The entire court was in attendance, when without warning or her consent, Thomas Wolfe announced his decision to take her as his jakara. Hell, Jakara was just another glorified word for slave in the male-dominated world. He had turned to her and offered his golden collar, a symbol to all that she would from that day forward be forever his.

  Stunned by the announcement, in her fury, she'd not only declined his offer, she'd slapped his cheek, shouting for all to hear, “I am a free woman, Sir. How dare you make such an announcement! How dare you offer your collar to me! I bow to no man!”

  The outburst, so unlike her, brought the court to silence. Every eye in the hall turned to watch as she pulled herself to full height and stormed from the room. She'd failed to use proper etiquette when addressing Wolfe, and even more grievously, she'd failed to announce her departure to Lord Hart and the assembled court. Anthony had accepted her apology later that evening, had actually done so without demanding punishment. She understood it would not be so with Wolfe and knew this summons was to discuss the error of her ways.

  She was willing to accept her punishment, if it was reasonable. She would also attempt to bring peace between Thomas Wolfe and herself. However, she was not willing to take the whipping she felt certain he would demand. Wolfe could petition Lord Hart to force her to the whipping room. However, she was confident her lord would make no such demand.

  Although deep in thought when he entered the hall, she knew he had arrived. No longer alone in the room, she felt his heat before her eyes found his body standing tall in the opening of the alcove. His presence registered in every fiber of her being.

  “Good eve, Lady Elizabeth.” His voice held no emotion as he moved to sit next to her on the bench.

  “Good eve, Lord Wolf. I hope you are well.”

  “Only time will tell, Milady.”

  She did not respond to this remark and awaited his next words. Several minutes passed in silence and she became uncomfortable with the quiet.

  “Milord, it was you who petitioned for this meeting,” she smiled. “Perchance you have decided it best to forget this past eve and move forward. Or maybe…”

  “Silence, woman!” he roared. Standing quickly, he turned to face her. “You have not been given permission to speak. Unless you wish to be banned from the palace, you will hold your tongue until I tell you to speak.”

  She stood as well, anger welling from deep within. “You, arrogant bastard. I am not your slave! A little matter you seem to keep forgetting. As for banning me from this palace, what makes you think you have the power to accomplish such a thing?”

  “Because, Milady, you have rejected me and I don't take rejection lightly. I'm willing to wait for you to come to your senses and realize you belong at my feet. However, I warn you—do not push too far.”

  “I belong at no man's feet and I fear you overestimate your power. Do you really think Lord Hart will allow you to ban me? Anthony and I have been friends and lovers for over two years. The most you can hope for is punishment, which I will agree to in moderation.”

  “You dare try to dictate to me?” His voice rose again. “Do not press me, Lady; your language alone has earned you a trip to the dungeon. Fifty lashes on your ass might be just what you need to learn your place.”

  “You wouldn't dare!” she screamed, her indignation mounting. “I will never sit at your feet or the feet of any man. I am a free woman, with a will of my own. 'Tis not something I will give up. Ever!” She paused to take a deep breath, gaining control of her tone before continuing. “You could have had my heart, my love, and my body,” she purred. “I would have given it all to you in freedom. Now you will never know the pleasure of my lips, the softness of my body on yours, or the burning desire as your cock and my pussy become one in orgasm.”

  As these words escaped her lips, she realized she had gone too far. The mounting rage in his eyes told her to run and yet she stood her ground. Before she could do anything to stem the flow of fury, Thomas Wolfe pulled a small transport device from his vest, and hitting the button, Lady Elizabeth found herself in the dungeon.

  She had been stripped of her gown and chained to the wall. Her body lay bare to await his gaze and his whip. Her arms were pinned high over her head, her legs spread wide with chains holding them snug to the wall. She realized, with a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach, she was at his mercy. She had lost control of the situation and no one would come to her rescue.

  Even Anthony Hart could not override the dungeon command of his errant knight. The anger of his voice had seeped into her body. For the first time, she became aware of the danger she had placed herself in and fear coursed through her veins. Unwilling to give him the upper hand, she steeled herself to fight.

  She waited for him to join her in the room. The moment he released the locks holding her pinned to the wall, she would give him a piece of her mind. Minutes ticked by without his presence. As the time dragged on, she wondered just how long he planned to keep her here. Her limbs became numb as the minutes stretched into hours. And still, he did not come.

  Chapter 5

  Thomas Wolfe had grown angry and frustrated with the conversation. No woman had ever dared speak to him the way Elizabeth had. Why had he allowed her to continue beyond all reason? She was right about Hart never allowing her to be banned. However, to state it so blatantly was the height of insult.

  Maybe he had moved too fast the other evening, offering his collar without first telling her of his intention. Maybe he should have approached the situation differently. And yet, it was she who h
ad been hinting for weeks her desire to make herself available to him. The scene her refusal of his collar made was unforgivable and yet, he really did understand her reluctance to give up her freedom.

  Thomas was angry and for several reasons. He was angry with Hart because he felt desire for Lady Elizabeth just as she was: wild, open, honest, and free, free to come and go at her will. It was Anthony's law that all knights remain unmarried and slave owners, as if a man could not be husband and knight at the same time. He'd even asked Hart about it once and was told, “A man cannot serve two masters.” As if he would ever allow a wife to become master of him!

  He was angry with Elizabeth because she knew his bond with Anthony Hart was one of warriors and not to be taken lightly. He had been willing to let her stay, in spite of her rejection. He'd not demanded she be dragged back into the great hall two nights ago for a public whipping. He had not done many things, which were his right under the circumstances. Most of all, he was angry because all he really wanted to do was take her to his bed and make love to her from now until the end of time.

  When she'd called him a bastard, he'd remained calm. Then she dared taunt him with sex talk. It was too much. Thomas was forced to hit the transport button sending her to the dungeon, naked and chained. She must have known it was coming the moment the word orgasm left her mouth.

  He'd taken more than any man could be expected to endure. Her words left him no choice. It had taken every ounce of control to fight the urge to grab her, the urge to lock his lips over hers and silence her outburst as he kissed her into submission.

  Damn the woman and her refusal to accept him as her lord and master. She wanted to be a part of this world and yet maintain her freedom as if she still belonged to the real world. It did not work that way.

  The hours ticked by slowly as Wolfe awaited the evening meal. The great hall slowly filled with servants. Lords and ladies, free men and women, knights and slaves entered through several doorways, taking their places at table according to rank.

  Married couples sat closest to the high table. Then the free men and women sat in small groups around the middle of the room. Against the three walls facing the lords' table sat the knights, slaves at their feet. These women collared and chained to their masters' belt, sat naked, eyes downcast as they waited for their masters to give permission. Permission to speak. Permission to come and go. Permission to serve.

  Moments before the bells tolled the seven o'clock hour, Wolfe's jakara, Chantelle, arrived. She crawled on hands and knees to his side. Her naked body glistened with oil and her hair was neatly pinned at her neck to prevent it from shielding her nipples. Arriving at his feet, she kissed his boots, her eyes lowered, as her forehead touched the floor. She spoke the words required to join him: “Good evening, Master, may this girl be granted permission to sit at your feet and serve you this eve?”

  “Yes, little one, you may sit at my feet and service my needs. Kneel and greet, my pet, so all those present know you are here to do my bidding.”

  Having received instructions to greet, Chantelle knelt and in a clear voice spoke, “Greetings, Milords and Ladies. This girl, jakara to first knight of the realm, Lord Thomas Wolfe, hopes you are well this eve.” Her eyes did not leave the floor. She spoke her words and waited for Wolfe to attach a chain to her collar.

  Thomas connected the clasp to the golden links encircling her slender neck, brushing her breast as he did. She was a beautiful woman, her body tempting in all ways. Pulling gently on the chain, he indicated his desire to have her body between his legs. She knelt in front of him, her lips offered for his pleasure, her eyes closed in submission.

  His fingers traced around the dark areole surrounding her nipple, before pinching gently to make it hard and defined. “You will serve my dinner, little one, and then I am leaving for a while.” He spoke, as his fingers trailed down her stomach. “You are to await my return, here in the hall.” Looking down at her closed eyes, he brushed her lips with his, as his fingers slid into her pussy, his thumb coming to rest on her clit.

  Moving his thumb quickly, he felt her body push down into his hand. His fingers became wet with her juice and he heard the deep rumble of a moan escape her lips. He knew she was close to orgasm, that in a moment her body would start to quiver, and others around him would become more aware of his play. In his frustration, he allowed her to continue moaning. The pull of her muscles on his fingers increased and her mouth opened to scream with release. Thomas stopped his movements and pulled his fingers from her folds. He saw the shock on her face as she realized his intent was to leave her in need.

  More harshly than planned, he growled his command. “Go now, without delay, for I am hungry.”

  “Yes, master,” she replied, disappointment in her voice, her body still visibly shaking with need.

  As he released the leash from her collar, he noticed the confusion pass over her features. Unwilling to discuss the situation with her here in the great hall, he simply waved his hand in the direction of the food tables, indicating it was time for her to go.

  Chapter 6

  Anthony Hart entered the dining hall at exactly seven. Taking his seat at the high table, his eyes scanned the room looking for Elizabeth. She should already be sitting on his right side. Her perfumed body close, her breasts pressed tightly against the bodice of her gown, nipples covered with soft lace. Her body clothed, yet available to his touch. She should be smiling into his eyes, talking sweetly, trying to tempt him with her feminine wiles. Her legs should be slightly parted, allowing his fingers access to her pussy.

  Looking further to his right, he scanned the area around the knights' table reserved for Thomas Wolfe, in the event she had merely lost track of time. She was not there. Growing concerned, a knot forming in the pit of his stomach, he scanned every corner of the great hall to no avail. The dinner hour was passed by ten minutes and still she failed to make her entrance. Raising his hand to silence the crowd, Anthony Hart looked over the faces of his subjects. “My brothers, I fear Lady Elizabeth has come to illness or harm. Please confer with your slaves and find out if any here present know of her whereabouts.”

  A hushed whisper flowed around the room, as master questioned slave on the possible reasons for Lady Elizabeth's absence. Before any could speak, Thomas Wolfe stood and walked toward the high table. Bowing at the waist to honor his lord, Wolfe waited to be acknowledged.

  “Thomas, my faithful knight, tell me what you know of Milady's condition.”

  “Milord,” Wolfe started, “Lady Elizabeth is not ill, nor harmed. Yet!”

  “Yet?” Anthony stood, placing his hands on the table in front of him and leaning toward Thomas. “What say you?” Anthony spoke loudly, “I demand you provide me with her location.” His fist slamming hard on the tabletop, causing glasses and china to clatter as they bounced from the vibration, punctuated this last order.

  “Lady Elizabeth is in the dungeon, Milord. There she will remain until such time as I release her. None will interfere with her punishment; none will intercede on her behalf.”

  “By what right do you make such demands Wolfe?”

  “Milord, our laws allow me to punish any woman, free or slave, who fails to show proper respect. Two nights ago, this assemblage was witness to her disrespect. Today she compounded the situation when she called me a bastard. The lady in question will be taught a lesson she will not soon forget.”

  “And I am expected to sit back and allow this?”

  “Yes!” Thomas lowered his voice. “It was you, Sir, who told me she was to be tamed, trained, and sitting at the feet of a master. Do not now question my methods. You have enjoyed the lady's delights for two years and now, for reasons we both know, you want her gone from your bed. I did not interfere when she belonged to you, did not question when you stated your desire for me to take her. So, yes, Milord, I expect you to allow this. I expect you to ignore her pleas for release and allow me to punish her as I see fit.” The tone of Wolf's voice left no doubt he would a
llow no intrusion.

  Taking a deep breath, Hart nodded his head in agreement. “I will allow this punishment. However, I make one request,” he paused. “I would speak to her before you proceed with your plans.”

  “Of course, Milord. I will release the lock on the transport and await your return. Take all the time you need,” he stated with assurance, “because it will be many days before you lay eyes on the lovely lady again.”

  Moving around the table, Anthony approached Wolfe with deliberate steps. Leaning close, his voice very low, Anthony whispered, “Be careful you do not carry the punishment too far. The lady could very well make all your dreams come true or she could crush your heart beyond repair.”

  “Of this I am more than aware, Sir,” Thomas stated as he handed the transport keypad to Anthony and stepped back.

  Lord Hart looked one last time at Wolfe, then pressed the proper button and disappeared from sight.

  Chapter 7

  Her eyes were closed, her features blank of all expression. Anthony stood silently, looking over her nakedness. Every inch of her supple body branded in his mind, forever etched into his soul. He had loved her for years and yet knew she felt less than that for him. He wanted her to love him, had given her everything she ever wanted in the hope her love would grow.

  Thomas Wolfe had come between them for reasons he could not completely understand. He knew she tried to fight the desire he stirred: he also knew she could not. He was so attuned to her moods, he knew the moment she started dreaming about Wolfe. It took several days for her to admit her feelings, yet once she did, Anthony decided to let nature take its course.

  While he still enjoyed her company and bed, he had released her to follow a relationship with Wolfe. She knew as a free woman she could tempt him to her, although she must always remember Thomas was a knight—he owned slaves. He did not marry. If Elizabeth wanted to be with Thomas, she would have to wear his collar.