Breaking Chains (Closed)

[silvertongue217]

"Land Ho!"

The ship cut through the waters its narrow frame enabling it to practically glide through the water. A heavy fog had moved in from the harbor masking the surrounding land for the moment as the ship moved into the bay.

From below deck two men appeared. The lead man was tall with a slight lanky build and wearing robes of a deep purple and gold, his companion was entirely different whereas the other man was tall and lanky this man was tall and broad. The robes he was wearing were of a nice quality but a simple reddish color with white accents.

"This blasted fog!" The lead man said moving over to the starboard side of the ship0 "I cant see a thing Maestro"

"Patience Prince Kuragin" The second man said snorting at his friends impatience "How many times do I have to tell you-"

"Per omnia saecula saeculorum sperantibus" The Prince Stated cutting off his mentor before he could speak.

(Patience Comes to those who wait)

"Good you have been listening" The Maestro said snorting and leaning against the railing.

"The question is will you listen to me Alonzo?" The Prince Stated back raising an eyebrow.

"I do not know why you even brought me" Alonzo said rolling his eyes as he so often did when this was brought up.

"If you worried I was going to ruin diplomatic relations then why have me come?"

"I told you I would show you the world" Prince Kuragin stated with a shake of his head "It was my promise to you repayment for what you did for me..... I could not leave you when I visited a foreign land not unless I wanted to bring great shame and bad luck on my rule but...... I implore you to remember things are done differently here."

"You mean there are still slaves" Alonzo reminded the prince stroking his goatee and casting his sea green eyes out to the fog.

"There are" Prince Kuragin stated shifting "It does not make me any more comfortable but-"

"Politics" Alonzo stated snorting and turning his eyes back to his pupil and friend "You do not have to worry I will behave unless of course I am other wise provoked not to"

"Thats the best im going to get huh?" The Prince stated sighing warily

"If it makes you feel any better it would seem our fog has lifted" Alonzo stated nodding his head.

The prince turned and they both gave a low whistle at once. The fog had indeed lifted and they were now moving past rows of foreign wooden ships of all shapes and sizes. The port was bustling fisherman coming on with the morning haul ready to be hawked. The Capital City of the nation of Harishama was built along the curve of the island. It was a large city stretching from one end to the other and dotted with ports and large sloped buildings. From the port you could also see the Palace of the Emperor which was built into the mountain and over looking all.

"Well you did promise me some sights" Alonzo stated unable to stop himself from smiling as the ship began to pull into port "At the very least I can promise you not to make to much trouble.

"Thats all I ask for"

MEANWHILE

The Palace Of The Emperor

"Emperor Gaozo I have news!" One of his Aides said coming in and bowing low.

The Emperor rose his large cloak billowing out as the emerald and gold caught the light. He moved away from the woman feeding him grapes pushing them away with a wave of his hand as he put down the bamboo sheet he was reading.

"Have the visitors arrived?" The Emperor asked raising an eyebrow and running a hand across his shaved head.

"They have!" The man stated bowing once more "The harbor master is bringing them in now! They should be here with in an hour or two!"

"Excellent!" The Emperor said his lips curling into a white smile "Make sure we are ready for them"

He nodded and after bowing several more time scurried off. Gaozo turned his left hand stroking the jade dragon ring curling across his finger. It was some thing he often did while he was thinking and he continued to do so as he left the grand hall and moved to his private room atop the tower.

Where she would be waiting for him

"I have a mission for you" He said moving into the tower and turning to her. He gestured for one of his attendants to remove his cloak his eyes hungrily taking her in as they did so.

"We have guest coming foreigners" He told her as the attendant pushed the heavy robe off and moved to further undress him "She can handle that" He said waving the attendant off.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Niu stood, back straight and arms by her side as she waited. The Emperor had summoned her an hour ago and, as usual, she had responded immediately. She had arrived in his quaters a mere five minutes after being summoned, dressed in her grey cotton servant's garb. Two thick bangles of iron encircled her slender wrists, signifying her position of servant, and her eyes were downcast in the modestly appropriate manner.

When Emperor Gaozo entered the room Niu didn't look up. She didn't stir. Her posture remained perfect, despite the fact that she had been standing on the spot for nigh on an hour. She heard the whoosh of his cloak as the attendant took it from him, sending a wave of his familiar scent her way. It wasn't until the dismissed attendant left the room and shut the door behind him that she looked up. Strands of silken black hair fluttered down onto her face as her head tilted up, having escaped the twisted bun that sat at the nape of her neck.

"I am yours to command Your Imperial Majesy," Nui said in a soft voice as she took a step towards him. Her eyes raised to meet his, and she saw the fires of lust sizzling there. So, casting aside any of the formal attempts to kowtow or apply appropriate respect, she reached out, fingers pushing the fine robe off his shoulder. It was something that most people would be beheaded for in an instant, but Niu had a special position, and history, with the Emperor that meant that she could bypass such formalities. In private at least.

Niu of course, knew of the foreigners arrival already. She had a strong network to back up her work. Prince Kuragin and Maestro Alfonzo. Their purpose here was two fold; they had been invited by the Emperor and they were touring for their own information and leisure. The Emperor had referred to them before, the relationship between their two empires had been tenuous for quite some time.

"So is that the only mission you wish to entrust me with this day, Sire?"

Flick! The other side of the Emperor's robe was pushed off his shoulder.

 

[silvertongue217]

"As for now yes it is" Goazo said his lips curling into a smirk of pleasure at her words "I do not have need for your other talents just yet though I admit I gladly would love to"

He let the robe fell and he moved back motioning for her to undress while he poured them both some wine.

"They are foreigners" The Emperor said his tone making the word dirty "I rue the day my father ever decided to start letting those kind on my land...... Even worse the king of their lands the one coming to visit us he is well known for having removed slavery and making his people equal! Could you imagine!"

He came over his eyes drinking in her body as he handed her a cup of wine "For now I want you to follow them report all of their movement back to me I want to make sure they are NOT here to incite rebellion in our dynasty"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Niu stood and listened obediently as the Emperor spoke. She knew he had a hatred of foreigners; one that she herself didn't share with him. She had crossed many people in her life, and she found that (in the end) they were more similar than different. In the end, everyone died. Servants, royals, natives, foreigners. Only one thing was certain in life.

Niu untied the deep grey sash and waist skirt she was wearing and carefully laid them over the back of a nearby chair, always conscious of the Emporer's desire for neatness. From there it was easy for her to shrug off her servant's garb.

Beneath their outer clothes, women of all stations liked to express their individuality with their undergarments. The shapes, colours and materials all worked together, despite class, to express their own personality and desire, usually unbeknown to all. Niu was no exception on this day. In the palace, she was always prepared for the Emperor to call on her sexual services. So, unlike the poor servants who had barely any money to their name, she was sure to splurge.

Niu stepped forward, accepting the cup the Emperor offered and then gently taking his. She sniffed his drink (a strong, fruity red), swirled it around (vibrant, deep vermilion) and observed it with a keep eye, and then tasted it. She held on for a few moments before giving it back with a nod of approval. She didn't detect any poisons there. It was a habit of hers, testing his drink for him, and once she had given it back she would only then be allowed to test her own.

So Niu stood, imagining what a world with no servitude would be like, as she looked at the Emperor. The room was warm, warm enough for her to be comfortable in her dudou. Unlike many other women, Niu bypassed red. She was not a person who was want to show her joy, wealth or inner goodness as the colour suggested. Instead she chose black, a reminder to herself and her Emperor that she was there for his glory, to be his hand of death. The diamond of rich silk covered her pert breasts, securing at the back with two weak ties, the bottom peak barely covering her womanhood. On the silk she had taken a risk; swirling patterns had been embroidered in rich yellow thread. Dragons writhing around the edge, stylised versions of the characters for honour, strength and possession. All there, contrasting boldly in the Emperor's very own colour.

The Emperor could, if he chose, have her sent to jail or even hung for daring to have yellow on her person. That was his birthright, and his alone, but Niu had always been one to take small risks with him. So, as she stood before him, her eyes raising to meet his, even her clothing was devoted to him. A symbol, a message. She belonged to him, he owned her in every way possible, and she was completely at his mercy.

Niu knew he liked to make obvious claims of his possessions.

"No sire, that I cannot imagine," Niu said to him. Stepping closer, putting her wine down without drinking it. She reached out, one hand swiftly and expertly ridding him of his own undergarments. "I will do as you ask."

Then Niu dropped to her feet before the emperor, keeping her eyes tangled with his as she leaned forward and sucked his stiffening member in between her lips.

 

[silvertongue217]

LATER THAT EVENING

"Look at this place!"

"You have said that five times already" Prince Kurigan said sighing and unable to stop himself from smirking at his mentors over excitement.

"How are you so calm?!" Alonzo said in exasperation "Were in a foreign palace! Completely different architecture!"

"Are you saying its as awe inspiring as ours?" Prince Kurigan said raising an eyebrow.

"Oh no you dont" Alonzo grumbled shaking his head "Im not falling for THAT trick"

"I have no idea what your talking about" Kurigan said unable to stop himself from snorting.

Before Alonzo could say any thing more the attendant they had been waiting for stepped out and came over to them. The look on Alonzo's face clouded as he noted the chains on the man and what they meant.

"Be calm Maestro" Prince Kurigan murmured as he strode forward with a smile.

"Welcome Prince Kurigan" The attendant said bowing low "On behalf of the emporer we welcome you to the Palace!"

"The emperor couldnt be here himself?" Alonzo asked raising an eyebrow.

"I am sure he is busy running his kingdom Maestro" Kurigan said turning and glaring.

"Yes very busy" The attendant said bowing again "But he will join you for supper.... For now I am to take you to your rooms if you follow me please...."

They walked as a group with Kurigan engaging the attendant in conversation and Alonzo struggling to keep himself in check. The palace was filled with slaves servants and people who were clearly placed for eye candy. It rackled inside of him and he struggled doing his best to resist the urge to yell scream and other wise make a "scene".

"Sir?"

"Oh sorry" Alonzo said noting the group had stopped at the front of two double doors "Is this my room?"

"It is sir" The Attendant said bowing once more "your maid will be in their waiting for you"

"Oh joy" Alonzo said unable to resist the eye roll before he sighed "I shall see you for supper then My King"

They said their good byes and he finally turned opening the door. He walked in closing it behind him and pressing his head against the cool wood.

"Blast it all" He said loud enough to hear as he resisted the urge to bang his head against the door.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

As soon as the Emperor dismissed her Niu got down to work. She shimmied back into her robes and was slipping through the hidden door in the room before his head hit his pillow. From there it was a swift trip through the labyrinthine servants' corridors down to her contact in housekeeping. She arranged for one of her key informants and herself to be assigned to Prince Kurigan and Maestro Alonzo. She herself decided to take Alonzo; from what she had researched he was the more outspoken of the two. She often found that with the scholarly types; they had a lot of trouble keeping quiet when they were passionate about something. All Niu needed to do was find something he was passionate about.

So, dressed in her modest grey servants robe, dark grey belt, and with her hair freshly retied, Niu slipped into the Maestro's room and waited. She stood arms by her side, the cool iron of her servant's bangles pressing against her thighs. Her deep brown eyes were downcast.

Niu didn't have to wait long before he arrived. The door opened, the Maestro entered, and then he closed it behind him. He pressed his head against the door as his exasperated voice filled the room.

"Blast it all"

The Maestro was tall and broad, much more so than many men in this city. His deep red and white accent robes were rumpled from his travels.

"Greeting sir," Niu said, stepping forward and averting her eyes respectfully. "My name is Niu and I have been assigned to be your personal slave and assistant for the duration of your stay."

 

[silvertongue217]

Oh great

He heard her words and he resisted the urge to swear more vocally this time. Of course! Since he was a foreign dignity some one had deemed it appropriate and even a good idea to give him a slave. A personal one to boot! Which meant she was to work with him and him alone.

Wonderful

"It is a pleasure to meet you" He said sighing and turning to greet her "but I-"

He stopped his eyes widening as he took her in. Even though her outfit was not necessarily designed to impress, even though her head was done.

She was beautiful

"I" Alonzo said shaking his head and swallowing "What I was going to say was that I have no need for a servant and surely not a personal one tell whoever assigned you to me thank you but no"

He moved away from the door eyeing her once more as he went over to the decanter and poured himself a glass of wine. He took a slow sip trying to keep himself under control as he tried not to peek at her.

And it was very tempting to do so.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Niu watched Alonzo from under her lashes as he poured himself some wine. It was such a natural action for him. She listened to his refusal.

"Sir, if I may speak bluntly... That would be unwise. The kind himself saw that I was assigned to you,",she kept her voice meek and unassuming.

 

[silvertongue217]

"Of course he did" Alonzo said sighing and turning to her

"I dont suppose your allowed to drink in my presence? Even If I order you to?" Alonzo asked seating him down and looking at her with one raised eyebrow.

"If so this is going to go a lot worse than I thought" He said smiling light in amusement "After all good wine leads to good conversation and I prefer to conversate than I do to order around"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

"I have been designated as your personal slave, sir. I am bound to do whatever you deem necessary," these words came with a mischevious twinkle in her eyes, a hint at just what she could do to be of service. She stepped closer with a deep breath, shy and unsure. "Though it needn't be worse than you thought. Having a slave can come with many benefits. I can tell you how to get around, about the history of the palace. I cam help you dress, draw a bath, call for food..."

 

[silvertongue217]

"I can do all that my self thank you" Alonzo said ignoring the double meaning and pouring her a drink "However history conversation those I will take but as a friend not a servant"

He turned handing her the glass of wine he had poured for her "So now that we have the ground rules set please sit" He said gesturing at one of the chairs.

"You will find I am the very opposite of most masters you have had" Alonzo said sitting down across from her "Though my king has told me to be..... behave while I am here I am a staunch opponent of slavery in all and any forms"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Niu observed that Alonzo certainly wasn't wasting any time. She took the offered glass and shuffled about on her feet, awkward, as if unable or unwilling to sit in his presence.

"Sir, if word gets out that I am not doing my job, or I am behaving inappropriately.. "she trailed off, looking away from him as she spoke.

 

[silvertongue217]

"Who is going to say you are?" Alonzo said raising an eye brow "Im certainly not and even so you are supposed to follow my every command are you not?"

"So sit please" He said nodding at the chair "If any one bothers you about it tell them I insisted hell tell them I forced you to if it makes it any better!"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Niu frowned but say obediently and looked up, deep brown eyes finally catching him and holding them.

"Any other orders, sir?" She asked, a reluctant wry grin on her face. For someone who said he wasn't good with slaves or giving orders, he had quickly adjusted well to both.

 

[silvertongue217]

"To talk to me" Alonzo said shrugging and pushing the wine towards her "that and to have a drink"

"I guess we can start with the simple stuff" Alonzo said taking a sip "Who are you?Tell me about your self and your history I find that every ones history is so fascinating now a days as the world becomes larger and larger the world is changing and we all have a part in it even if we dont always think so"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

It was an interesting request. He asked her questions that few, including servants and especially masters, had never bothered to. She took a tiny sip of the wine before setting it down on a table nearby. One of her hands clasped over the other, her thumbs rubbing the iron bracelets on her wrist.

"My name is Niu. I am a slave here. I was found on the streets and brought here and taught how to serve."Niu them smiled at him, a shy tentative thing, as if that was her story in total.

 

[silvertongue217]

"Some how I doubt that is the whole story" Alonzo said shaking his head "Thats your slave story and I very much doubt it stops and ends their not a beautiful woman like your self you must have goals wants and needs things you like"

"What is your favorite thing to do? When you arent serving? do you do any thing in your personal time?" Alonzo asked probing deeper leaning in and setting his own wine down.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Niu didn't have to force a blush at the compliment. For the first time she found herself wishing one of her masters would order her to bed. He was handsome, this Alonzo, and charismatic. He was also the first person who had asked her for her story and not assumed that was the whole of her.

"Dance," Niu said, eyes widening as the word tumbled out. Then, she thought of something. "And I have always wanted to... Well, no, nevermind. It is silly of me." She averted her eyes, embarrassed.

 

[silvertongue217]

"You like to dance?" Alonzo said his eyes widening at that "Thats... Well thats excellent!"

He couldn't help but smile in pleasure at that but then when she alluded to some thing else he couldn't help but lean in more curious now than ever.

"Go on tell me!" He said his eyes alight with happiness and passion.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

The smile on Alonzo's face was radiant, and Niu knew it would be hard not to get caught up in his enthusiasm. He pried about what else she wanted, falling right into her trap.

"Well, it's just-" Niu took a deep breath as she too leaned forward. "I've always wanted to learn to read! One day I had to set the fire in the Emperor's library and it was wondrous! All of those books and scrolls... the stories and knowledge and-" Niu, realising she was gushing, sat back in her seat a little. Her eyes then widened, followed by a scared gasp. "But- I'm sorry sir! I should have said anything!" She put her head in her hands and shook it vigorously, "I could be whipped for even saying such things! I'm sorry! Please, don't mind me, I am a fool!"

Niu was right in one aspect; slaves were forbidden from learning to read. The more esteemed household servants were allowed to if it were required for their job, but for the base slave level it was considered dangerous to teach them to read. They were, apparently, the most likely ones to betray their masters if they could read their missives. Niu, however, had learned to read, write, and speak a number of languages due to her position as the Emperor's assassin, but Alonzo wouldn't know that.

 

[silvertongue217]

Alonzo politely beamed when she mentioned reading.

"I tell you nothing makes me happier than to hear some one wanting to learn to read" Alonzo said boldly putting his hand on hers "I dont care if its forbidden! I can teach you and I promise you there isnt any thing like it"

He got up going to his trunk and opening it. There were a small collection of clothes but most of the trunk was dedicated to books. He fished one out and came over placing the red leather bound book on the table and pushing it over.

"Here take this" he said nodding at it "consider it a gift"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Inside Niu was beaming, her knack for slipping through the cracks of a person and getting into them had come through yet again. On the outside, though, she looked terrified. Alonzo bounced around the room with an endearing enthusiasm and drive, and returned to her with a red, leather-bound book.

"I couldn't possibly..." She said, pushing it back towards him and stumbling to her feet. She took a step back, eyes wide as she shook her head. "Please, you don't understand what they'd do if they found out! H-have you ever been whipped before? I can't- I can't go through that again!"

 

[silvertongue217]

Alonzo starred at her a long time before rising up

"Its hard I know but some times its worth it for what you believe in" Alonza said unbutton his cloak and letting it go. Under he was wearing a simple white linen shirt and he turned pushing it down so she can see the top of his shoulder blades.

And the whip marks

"I got these the day they found me teaching the people in my group to read" Alonzo said moving his shoulders up and down "they flogged me a total of fifteen times each times increasing the intensity"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Niu's eyes widened at the marks on Alonzo's shoulder. She stepped forward, genuinely surprised at the revelation, and pleased to have uncovered something interesting about him.

"And... you would teach me this?" She asked, looking into his eyes, gaze hesitant, "Despite the risk. It is not only to me though, you know that? If the Emperor found out..." She trailed off, reaching out a tentative hand to run her fingers along the scars.

 

[silvertongue217]

He shivered feeling her touch on his scars. He hadnt expected her to have the courage to touch him there or to get up close and see his scars. he found his touch all the same surprisingly pleasant so much so he bit back a moan.

"I know Kurigan will protect me if it comes down to that" Alonzo said shrugging his shirt back on and gesturing at the table.

"Now shall we begin?"