Chapter One
“I wish it were me getting out of this house. How lucky you are to be going out into the world. It is not fair that I have to wait another year!”
Katia, daughter of Jabon, a servant of the House of Draconia, ran a brush through her long red hair and tried to tune out her younger sister’s plaintiff wail. Kayia just didn’t understand it, she thought of serving in a household as one big adventure. Katia knew better. The laws of the land might call a collared woman a caretaker, someone to make things run smoothly for your master, but what it truly meant was that you were a slave, forced to do his bidding, no matter what.
They even used the word slave during the collaring ceremonies. Why couldn’t Kayia understand that it was wrong?
“If I could trade places with you I would,” Katia said, placing the brush on the counter and turning toward Kayia. “I would gladly stay here. You could serve High Prince Macon, have him make you a prisoner. I could stay here and care for father.”
“Macon! I have no idea why you suggested to father that you accept his collar. He’s an old man. Now his son, yum. When Prince Efram succeeds his father he will keep you at his home. Perhaps you can charm him and become part of his harem. He is delicious.”
“It is because of Macon’s age that I pressed his suit,” Katia said, giving her sister a smile. “I have no desire to be bound to any man. At least with Macon I know that his harem is large and therefore he will not need me in that area. He will visit them for his needs, and not me. I will do my duty as his house servant and make sure things run smoothly.”
“Humph,” Kayia’s sigh turned into a giggle. “I think you had rotten teachers at the Saltana. I have loved every minute of my training. I can hardly wait to feel a man’s cock between my thighs, in my mouth, and other places.”
Katia checked her reflection in the mirror as memories flooded back. The Saltana, the House of Education where women of the servant class were taught how to pleasure their future masters. It was there that she learned how to stroke, caress, kiss, lick and pleasure a man until he lost control of his senses.
But Katia had hated the classes. She did not want to be a member of a man’s harem, available to him whenever he wanted, and for whatever he wanted. Was it fair that because she was born the oldest of seven daughters in a family of servants that she be used as a sex toy and nothing else?
Katia stared at her reflection. Dark red hair framed her pretty face. Big green eyes stared back at her. Under the sheer robe she was naked. Her large breasts stood up straight and full; and her denuded mons was nestled between her creamy thighs.
By the end of the night she would be wearing High Prince Macon’s collar around her neck, branding her as his property. And she would never again be her own person. Ever.
She closed her eyes and thought back to her dream of running away, of actually making it through the realms and finding transport to another planet. One that did not make sexual servants of woman just because they were born to the lower class.
Katia knew that two of her sisters, Karina and Kamaria, felt the same way. She hoped and prayed that they would find a way out of the dilemma she now faced.
“It’s time,” Kayia whispered, running her hands along her sister’s shiny hair. “Several slaves will be collared before you but you have to watch, as is tradition.”
Katia stood and the sisters hugged.
“Don’t be so worried. I am sure things will work our perfectly for you.”
Katia nodded. She’d worked hard to make sure of it, seeking a man who wanted a household servant and nothing else. She prayed he lived long, despite his age, for when his son took over the household, she was sure he would take her to his bed, make her serve him there.
The sisters made their way out into the hallway. Most of the other woman of collaring age were laughing and joking as they made their way to the main hall where men of the higher class waited to claim their new property. Later in the night the men’s hard cocks would claim the slaves’ maidenheads and the fates would be sealed.
At one point in her life Katia had thought to pierce her own maidenhead, to make herself unattractive to potential owners. But she knew that by doing so she would have shamed her father and she could not do that to the sweet man. It was not his fault that he was a servant with seven daughters.
Only two slaves besides Katia were slow to make their way to the great hall. Those two, Shelby and Lucia, were in love with each other and Katia hurried down the hall to give them time alone. Soon they would be parted, unable to live their life as they wanted.
She stopped in the doorway and listened to the women kiss, and then cry in each other’s arms. How unfair, Katia thought, to be forcibly separated from the one you love. Just as unfair as it was to be forced to submit sexually to a man that you cared nothing about just because he was nobility.
Katia took a deep breath and stepped into the great room. Other slaves stood around the room and waited their turn.
The diam, head of the Sultana, called names of the slaves and then ordered them to kneel before their new masters. Once on their knees their masters publicly claimed them. This ritual had been passed down through hundreds of years, but that didn’t mean it was right. Maybe she could catch Prince Macon’s ear, try to convince him to support the efforts to stop this barbaric practice.
Or maybe not. As Kayia had pointed out he was old. Did he really care what happened to his slaves after he died? Somehow she doubted it.
Katia shivered as she waited for her turn. There was no way out now. By nightfall she would belong to High Prince Macon.
*****
“She’s a beauty is she not?” Prince Efram nudged his friend Prince Raney and pointed in Katia’s direction.
Raney examined the slave who waited her turn. She was indeed a beauty. Long red hair and beautiful sea-green eyes. Her breasts were large and full and she wasn’t a stick figure as many of the other slaves were. She was round in all the right places, as a woman should be.
He felt himself harden as he imagined taking her to his bed. Yes, she was definitely a beauty.
Just to anger his friend he shrugged. “She’s OK, for a woman her age.”
“Her age?” Efram stared at Raney. “She’s barely over twenty, the legal collaring age. And her father has six more just like her at home.”
Raney snorted. “She’s twenty-three, at least. And if you are so taken with her why don’t you claim her from your father’s household? Why don’t you take all seven of them? You could keep them in your father’s harem since you’ve met your limit. It won’t be long until your father’s harem is your harem. When you’re High Prince you won’t have a limit on the number of slaves you can keep.”
Efram gave a sad sigh. “True, my father is not long for this world. But I have no desire to have Katia in my harem. She has an attitude. I have no desire to deal with her problems. But you like spirited women. Why you don’t have a harem I’ll never know. Once my father is gone and I join my harem with his I’ll have more than fifty slaves willing to perform as I wish.”
Raney shook his head. “Are you sure your father is on track with this plan? I have no desire to anger him.”
Efram laughed. “He doesn’t care. He can’t pleasure the women in his harem anymore. They have to pleasure each other. Or I get to do it when I get permission. He agreed to take her on as a favor to her father, who is a trusted servant. She planned it this way, knowing she would be safe from my father’s attentions. Besides, I have my sights set on her sister next year.”
Prince Raney stared at the redhead again. He closed his eyes and let his mind wander. This time she was moaning under him, begging him to take her.
His cock grew painfully hard and he smiled to himself. It would be a pleasure to teach her how to enjoy a man’s attentions. She’d been trained, yes, but training and doing were two different things. And her training would bring him great satisfaction. At least he wouldn’t have to visit the public harems anymore.
“Very well,” Raney replied. “Just don’t hit me too hard during the challenge. And I’ll try to return the favor.”
*****
Katia moved up in the line. She was next. Shelby and Lucia were behind her, hands clasped together. Silent tears ran down their faces.
When the diam called her name, Katia stiffened and then moved toward the center of the room. High Prince Macon moved slowly toward her and she smiled to herself. Her maidenhead would be safe tonight. The man could barely walk across the floor without looking as if he would drop dead.
A movement from the far side of the room caught her eye.
“I challenge High Prince Macon’s right to this slave.”
The words hung in the air and Katia felt her stomach drop to the floor.
Prince Raney of Bador moved toward her and her head swam. No, no, she thought, this can’t be happening.
“Prince Raney,” the diam said with respect. “You were given a chance on bidding day to make your intentions toward this slave known. But you did not. Why?”
The room fell silent as everyone stared at the handsome young prince.
“This slave was not put up for bidding,” Raney said. “Her father and Macon brokered a deal privately. Under the law I dispute that deal. As a Prince of Bador I have the right to issue a physical challenge for the collaring of this slave.”
The room erupted with noise and the diam help up his hand for silence. There hadn’t been a challenge to a collaring in years.
“I know Amada law and you are right. If there is a dispute it can be handled this way. But Prince Macon can hardly stand up to a physical challenge.” The diam gestured toward the elderly man. She bowed in his direction. “Great High Prince, would you relinquish your right to this slave?”
“I would not,” Macon said with a wheeze. “I gave my word to her father. But, if there is to be a challenge my son will stand in my place. He will fight for my honor.”
Prince Efram moved toward the center of the room and nodded toward the diam. “Indeed I will.”
Katia felt her knees go weaker. She looked into Prince Raney’s eyes. Laughter made them bright and she shivered. Her heart beat rapidly under his stare. Why was he doing this? He couldn’t possibly want her. He didn’t keep slaves, everyone knew that.
The diam took hold of Katia’s arm and pointed toward the dais in the front of the room. Without being told she walked to it and climbed the steps so that she was front and center before everyone. The diam had gone over the procedure for a challenge before the collarings began. A slave was to stand in front of everyone, her arms clasped behind her back, her head down until the challenge was over. No one expected a challenge, however.
Slaves were bought on bidding days. Had she brought this about by not taking part in that sordid affair, where the nobility poked and prodded slaves to see if they appealed to them?
The two princes stripped off their shirts, both revealing enormous chests and wide shoulders. The walked to the center of the room and shook hands. Both were massively built men, well over 6 feet. Muscles bulged from their arms and chest. But Raney was definitely the more handsome of the two. He had dark brown hair and dark eyes.
“The challenge continues until one yields,” the diam said. “The winner gets collaring rights to the slave, Katia. Begin.”
The old diam moved out of the way and the two princes began circling one another. Loud male voices began cheering them on and woman started to giggle. All except Katia. Despite what she’d been told she watched the proceedings as if her eyes were glued to them. All her work, all the planning she’d done was about to be for naught. If Raney beat Efram she would find herself transported to his home, to the far side of the planet. She would leave everything she held dear: her mother and father, her sisters. Bile rose in her throat as the men continued to circle. Efram made the first move. He lunged toward Raney who moved out of the way. Efram tumbled to the floor and the crowd cheered.
The downed prince swung out his leg and Raney fell beside him. The cheering grew louder as the two men grappled. Loud grunts and omphs of exertion battled with the cries from the crowd.
After a few minutes Efram pinned Raney and yelled, “Do you yield?”
Katia breathed a sigh of relief that turned to dread when Raney yelled, “No!” The prince kicked out and Efram flew across the floor.
Both men jumped to their feet and locked arms. They twisted and turned until Katia thought she would faint and fall off the dais. She wanted to scream at Efram to beat him, encourage him to fight harder. If she prayed to the gods would they listen to her? Somehow she doubted it. Slaves were not permitted to pray, although she did it all the time. In her mind. So far, though, her prayers had never been answered. And it didn’t look like that would happen today, either.
She stared at the handsome prince as he fought for the right to her ownership. Questions again swirled through her mind. Why would Raney want her? He’d never expressed an interest. In fact he didn’t even have a harem. The thought made her knees feel like jelly.
If he won Katia would be his only slave. She would have to warm his bed every night. What sort of things would he make her do? Her hands began to shake and she clasped them tighter.
The crowd cheered as Raney swung out a fist and Efram fell to the floor with a loud oaf. Raney quickly dropped down beside him and placed his knee on the other man’s stomach.
Both men were dripping with sweat, their chests heaved with exertion.
“Do you yield?”
The room fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the two fighters.
“Aye.” Efram said softly and Katia raised her hands to her mouth to cover the soft sob that escaped.
Raney stood and helped Efram up. They clasped each other on the shoulder and the diam motioned toward Katia.
“Kneel before you new master.” His voice was loud over the excitement that still clouded in the air.
But Katia did not move. She stared at her new owner, her face frozen in fear. Raney turned toward her and frowned and the diam issued his order again.
“She will be a tough one,” a member of the crowd said jokingly. “Better whip her nightly!”
Laughter filled the room and Katia took a deep breath. Her chest ached with the movement. She knew better than to stay where she was. If she defied him further he could punish her publicly, whip her in front of everyone. If she ran they would catch her. And running from a collaring meant death. Her legs shook as she stepped down and made her way across the room. When she knelt in front of the prince, her eyes down.
Tears fell down her cheeks. Her plan, her hard work to keep away from being a sexual slave was gone. There was no way this man would keep his hands off her.
“Look at me,” Raney said softly.
The room grew silent as Katia raised her watery eyes and stared into his.
Raney snapped his fingers and a slave moved forward, an emerald green collar in his hands. Raney took the collar without breaking eye contact with Katia.
“Katia I claim you for my household.” His voice was low and Katia shivered. “Raise your hair.”
Her hands trembled as she raised her hair and he fastened the collar around her neck. The crowd cheered and clapped and then the room fell silent.
Run Katia! Run now. There is a break in the crowd near the door, and horses are outside. Steal one of them. Ride away, far away. She tried to ignore the words running through her mind. It wouldn’t do any good to run, and when he caught her…she felt nauseous at the thought of what he would do.
“Why?”
“It’s your beauty,” he said softly. “How could I resist it?”
“You are, by far, the most fetching slave here, and it would be a shame to waste such as you on a man as old as Macon. He cannot give you what you need.”
But that was the plan! That’s why I wanted him.
“You may stand.”
Katia stood and pulled her robe close around her body but the material failed to hold back the cold that permeated her bones. She was careful to keep her gaze lowered, to not challenge him in that way. But she would let him know exactly how she felt.
“I pray you don’t do this. I have no desire to serve you.” There. Maybe her words would make him change his mind. He had already placed his collar around her neck, true, but it was not unheard of for collars to be transferred between the nobility. She’d seen it done all the time when a Master tired of a slave.
“Efram told me you’d be trouble.” He took her hand and lead her toward the far side of the room, away from where other slaves were meeting their fates. “You will like your new home. It is in the country, far away from the noise and pollution of the masses of people here at court. I have a cook, so you don’t have to worry about that. And I have a housekeeper, too.”
“All that leaves is your bed?” She pulled to a stop, trying to wrench her hand away from his grasp.
“Yes. Would you rather serve the old man than me?”
“I’d rather serve no man. It is not right for people to make slaves of other people.”
When he spoke again his voice was low. “Right or wrong it is the way, and the law. If I took back my collar you would just go to another household. Something tells me Macon’s pride would not allow him to accept you again. Is that what you want, to be give up for auction?”
“No.” She closed her eyes. He was right. If he took back her collar now she would be considered damaged, and therefore undesirable. No she would have to accept things as they were, for now, and try to find a way to escape later.
“Perhaps a public punishment will keep you in line.” She looked up at him. His eyes were darkened with anger. She should not have defied him. Not here. When would she learn to keep her mouth closed?
She’d seen public punishments before. When a member of the harem was punished in the Draconia household the staff was forced to watch while the Master whipped the slave. Then she had to stand with her nose in a corner, her reddened ass and thighs on display for everyone to see.
Those punishments had always disgusted Katia, but sometimes she thought the women disobeyed on purpose, that they enjoyed the consequences of their actions. She would not be one of those women. She did not want to be on the receiving end of a whipping, especially on collaring day, when everyone present would watch. That would be too horrid to stand.
“Forgive me.”
“One more word and I will ask Efram if I may borrow a whip. I know he has one with him.” He took a step closer. “Or perhaps you and I need to go to the market and select one for ourselves. I don’t own a whip, not for the purpose of using on a slave.”
“Master…” she stumbled over the word, stopping when he held up his hand.
“Do not call me Master. You will call me Prince Raney.”
She nodded, her brows knitted in confusion. She wouldn’t question him about that, though. Any chance of being on more equal footing was fine with her.
“Forgive me.”
“Even though you belong to me I don’t want it pointed out every time you speak. Perhaps that will make you feel better about your new situation.”
She lifted her gaze to him. “Perhaps if you don’t want it pointed out you would do better just to cut the ties between us. Once we are away from the city, no one will know if I just disappear. I have a few coins that I have saved over the years. I can leave for another planet. Take care of myself.”
His smile surprised her. “You would like me to aid you in running away, is that what you’re saying?”
“No. If you allow it I would not be running away.” She took another step closer. “You would be giving me my freedom.”
“Just because I do not wish to be called Master does not mean I don’t believe in the ways of our land. You are a slave, and you now belong to me. If it allows you to accept your position easier I will have you call me Master.”
Katia remained silent, afraid if she opened her mouth more she would continue to anger him. And if she continued to anger him there was no telling what would happen. She needed to be silent, distance herself from the situation for a little while and see what sort of solution she could come up with for the problem that she faced.
“That’s better. I’d hate to have to punish you on our first day together.”
“But it won’t bother you after today?” Stop it! The words screamed in her head. Why are you egging him on in this fashion?
“Perhaps we should visit the market. Follow me.” He went to the door, stopping from time to time to talk to other nobles who congratulated him on “making collaring day more exciting.”
The walk to the door seemed to take forever and then they were outside the pavilion. The sun was bright and Katia sighed in pleasure. She loved the outdoors, loved the feel of the sun on her skin.
He led her to a stand in the marketplace, which bustled with activity. Collaring day was always busy, and today was no exception. The stalls were filled with nobles from the outlying areas who were stocking up on supplies.
They bypassed the food, clothing, material and weaponry stalls, only to stop in front of a leather shop.
“No.” She shook her head. “I said I was sorry, please.”
“I heard you. But I’m afraid this trip is very necessary. As you know you are my first, and only slave. As such I have nothing to use in your discipline. We will go inside and you will select one item. And then I will select an item. That will give me a choice as to what to use the first time I need to administer a good whipping on your behind.”
Katia thought her heart would stop with his words.
“And I’m warning you, Katia, cause a problem in here and I will test out all the implements I look at today. And I will test them on your buttocks. Do you understand?”
She nodded and indicated she should step up to the stall. “Select one, Katia. I think it will help you accept your new position in my household.”
Katia kept her thoughts to herself, even though she wanted to scream at him that she would accept nothing. Not for long. She would find a way to escape, whether or not he had his implements of discipline or not. And then she would find a way to help others gain their freedom, as well. Her own personal war against the laws of Amada.
Would you like to read more? Katia's War by Maura McMann is a completed story on Bethany's Woodshed. Click HERE to Join and you'll be reading more within minutes.
