Her Highness, His Hostage

[IRP2011]

"Her Highness, His Hostage"

The OOC Thread​

The Woodsman lowered his ax at the sound, then the sight of the approaching caravan. Two dozen Royal Guardsmen rode before, after, and to the sides of an elegantly detailed coach and two covered Escort Wagons. Knowing that his ax would be taken as a weapon, he swung it down into the trunk of the tree, then strode away from it -- toward the caravan -- stopping a few yards later to give an over-exaggerated peasant's bow to the lead rider.

"What is this?" the Soldier barked as the others behind him slowed to a stop. "Clear the road."

The woodsman looked first to the huge tree crossing the road, then to the Soldier. "Clear the road, my lord? That is what I'm a working at, sire."

A second horseman came forward, this one in much finer attire and carrying himself with obvious self-importance. As if unable to see the two foot diameter tree across the forest road, he asked, "What's the delay, Captain?"

The Soldier pointed forward, announcing, "Tree across the road, Viscount Melden."

The Viscount scrutinized the tree, then the Woodsman, contemplated for a moment, then ordered in an easy, matter-of-fact tone, "Bring the men forth. Cut away the tree, and kill the idiot who dropped it across his majesty's road."

The Woodsman's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. "What?"

Other soldiers were already moving forward, some dismounted, some still atop their horses. The Captain gestured between the tree and the Woodsman, repeating the Viscount's orders and ordering a handful of men back to one of the wagons for axes.

Suddenly, the forest was filled with the whizzing sounds of arrows in flight; the first volley, seemingly coming from all directions, dropped most of the still-mounted soldiers. By the time the Captain called out "Ambush!", the second volley was in the air, dropping the remainder of those mounted and many of those rushing about the ground.

The Captain's horse reared as it was pieced just before it's saddle, dumping the man to the ground. As he regained himself, pulling his sword, he turned with a face full of anger to locate the traitorous Woodsman -- only to locate the man's ax as it was swinging down into his shoulder.

In less than half a minute, all of the Royal Guardsmen were dead, dying, or on their knees, hands raised, pleading for mercy; they got none, as a final volley struck those as-of-yet unhurt. Save for the writhing men on the dirt road, the next, long moment was a quiet one.

Finally, a single man, emerged from the underbrush, stepping atop a large, moss covered rock to survey the damage. He wore battle-worn chain mail over padded clothing of a purple restricted to the Nobility; further telling of his position were the steel wrist protectors that featured the crest of the House of Kormaldi, which at the moment was in a sort of cold war with The Crown over taxes, Noble Rights, land distribution, and the conscription of Barony troops for the Kingdom's army.

After a long moment, the Man whistled, quick and sharp. From every direction, bowmen and swordsmen -- most in the simple, dark clothing of Forest Mercenaries -- exited the woods, weapons at the ready, eyes on the downed Guardsmen. They moved forward checking bodies, gathering the living and moving them together.

The man from Kormaldi moved to the Coach, arriving as a second man opened the door, slightly at first to check for armed occupants, then fully to reveal a young, exotic beauty. He backed away as his Lord knelt on the slight bank of the road near the road's edge. "I am Baron Kormaldi, your Highness. And you ... you are to be my guest for a bit ..." He smiled broadly. "Until your father and I have a nice talk."

 

[haremfaery]

((Here I am!))

The Princess Hasini (swan-like, beautiful lady) heard the word ambush and thought fast. She was a clever girl, even if she had led a sheltered life in the palace. She had read many books, played chess and was skilled in many arts.

Her maid, Jiya, screamed and pushed herself into the corner of the coach.

Hasini moved to her side and pinched her arm. "We do not have time for this childishness. You must pretend to be me." She was happy that her servant was dressed as richly as she.

She put her slippered foot in the girl's lap. "Undo my anklet. Hurry! We don't have much time."

Meanwhile she took off her bangle bracelets and her necklace, then her earrings and the most expensive of her hair jewelry.

((I know there is a name for that thing that covers the part in the hair and hangs down to the forehead, but I can't find it ))

"Put these on and give me your foot." She began fastening the ankle bracelet on her servant."

"I don't know how to be a princess." The girl whined.

"Shush! I have heard you with the other servants mocking me. Just do that, and you will be fine." Hasini said. "Go sit in my place."

Jiya reluctantly moved to seat on the other side of the coach. Just in time, too. The door of the coach opened and a man in armour, not one of their guesrds opened the door and then stood back to revel another man in armour, more richly dressed.

Jiya did not recognize him, but Hasini knew the crest of Kormaldi.

Jiya whimpered. Hasini moved to sit next to her. She wrapped her arms around the girl. "You must not address the princess directly." Hasini said looking at the man as if her were a slug. "Call it for what it is, my lord. You are taking the princess hostage." Jiya began to cry in earnest. "Shhh." Hasini soothed the girl and glared at the man. The audacity of him. "And, you have made the princess cry."

((If you really didn't have plans for a maid, let me know. I just thought a princess wouldn't be travelling alone with a bunch of men, plus she needs someone to help her dress and fetch, etc for her.))

 

[IRP2011]

Kormaldi looked between the two women with confusion. The princess didn't appear as she had the last time he'd seen her, striding down the long hall of her father's castle during the Spring Feast Festival several weeks earlier, surrounded by the usual entourage of Maidens and Royal Guards. Of course, Kormaldi had only seen her from many yards away; the tensions between the Crown and his Barony kept him separated from the Royal Family, even at State functions.

"You must not address the princess directly," the servant girl beside her snapped. "Call it for what it is, my lord. You are taking the princess hostage."

Kormaldi gave the servant a long, hard look as she comforted the whimpering Royal and continued, "And, you have made the princess cry."

The servant seemed familiar, more so than Princess Hasini. The Baron had on occasion partook of the Royal courtesans, sometimes with the Crown's permission, sometimes without; and he found himself wondering whether this servant had served him in the past...

He turned his attention back to the Princess, scrutinizing her once more. He turned to the man standing with him, whispering quietly, "Is it her, Jakob?"

The man looked past his Master, studying the sobbing woman. He'd been at the castle when the Princess and her entourage boarded the coach and wagons, and he'd shadowed the caravan for much of the trip across the open farm lands, until he'd finally broken off to meet up with Kormaldi and the mercenaries to put the ambush into action. He leaned to hide from the view of the women, answering with his own question, "Isn't it? You've seen her from nearer than I, my lord."

Kormaldi turned back to the coach, nearing it closely and looking through the interior. Only the two women were inside. By the short excited screams and sobs coming from the other wagons, Kormaldi knew that the rest of the entourage were in the following wagons. He scrutinized the two women again. It was a common ploy of the Royalty and Nobility alike to use doubles to protect themselves; in most jurisdictions, less than one in ten people could actually identify those people of stature who ruled over them. Images on coins or flags did little to inform the Commoners of who their leaders were; and the large, oil paintings mounted above castle halls or in the elegant marble stairways that were the best images were seldom seen by the peasantry.

Some of the Royalty and Nobility were better known by their people. They spent vast amounts of time in public, meeting with the peasantry, hosting Commoner feasts, partaking of carnivals and competitions that brought great, viewing crowds. Others, such as Kormaldi himself, were more hermit-like and could walk unescorted into a local Inn for a pint of ale and be taken for nothing more than a wayfaring traveler.

Kormaldi couldn't be sure that this Princess was the princess he wanted, but he trusted Jakob's assurance that there had been no switch of women between the wagons along the route. He looked to the woman in the fine jewelry, bowed slightly, and apologized, "Forgive me for bringing fear to your heart or tears to your eyes, my Lady. Trust me when I say that no harm will come to you ... so long as you follow my instructions ... precisely. And my first instruction is ... sit back and enjoy the ride."

He backed a bit and repeated his sharp, short whistle. With great speed, the dark clothed Forest Mercenaries were all about, some mounting each quarter of the Royal coach, while others rode up quickly on the lighter, quicker horses common to their kind. He looked back to the women, smiled knowingly, and said, "Have no fear. My men will protect you ladies ... all the way back to my Keep."

As the servant began to open her mouth in what Kormaldi could only assume would be a dutiful protestation to his treatment of her Lady, the Baron quickly swung the coach door closed. He pulled a dagger from his belt and jammed it into the handle, securing it from use by those inside. He turned to Jakob, ordering in a loud voice that he knew the women inside could hear, "Secure the other side. Keep it surrounded. Ensure no one gets inside to harm our guests. Anyone who attempts to get in ... or out ... deal with them appropriately. Split off the wagons. If anyone from one wagon attempts to flee ... punish those people in the other wagons."

"Yes, my lord," Jakob called out, already on the far side of the coach stabbing his own dagger downward to secure the other door.

Kormaldi hesitated for a moment, then called back toward the drapes hiding the coach's occupants from view, "Comfortable, Princess?"

He didn't hear her answer as the Mercenary atop the coach slapped the reined upon the horses' backs and the vehicle surged forth, passing easily around the end of the downed tree through the break in the underbrush which had been open to the caravan all the while. The rest of the caravan followed, and a moment later the breeze had moved the kicked-up dust into the forest.

Kormaldi looked about him. Men still writhed about the ground, surrounded by Forest Mercenaries whose eyes were on their employer, anticipatory expressions upon their faces. Kormaldi looked to the killers' Leader and nodded. As he mounted his horse and followed after the caravan, he knew that behind him, the injured were being killed and dropped into a pre-dug mass grave, but only after being stripped of the armor, weapons, boots, and paraphernalia that would soon be incorporated into the possessions of the Forest Mercenaries.

 

[haremfaery]

((I'm sure either my headstrong princess or thoroughly frightened servant will make a blunder at some point.))


Hasini held her breath.Kormaldi suspected the princess might not _be_ the actual princess. If she was found out, she mentally shrugged, at least she had tried. He would not dare to harm wither her or her women. His offense was already great. If any harm came to her, it would leave her father little choice on hos to deal with him. he would die slowly and painfully. She nearly smiled at the thought.

She diliked this impudent man with very part of her being. "Do not address the princess directly." She said as the door to the carriage closed.

The doors to the carriage were secured. Hasini thought it a rather redundant thing. Where would she go with armed men surrounding the them? What could she gain by leaving the carriage?

"Oh, do stop crying!" She said to her servant. "You give me a headache. Kormaldi will do nothing to harm us. Particularly you, my princess." Who knew this girl had so little backbone? "Just remember to address no one. I will do all of the talking."

They road in silence for some time, punctuated with the occasional sob from Jiya. Hasini meanwhile let any fear she had churn into anger. fear would be of no use to her. She would not let this man see her cower.

She looked out of the window and watched the scenery without seeing it. The road eventually became smoother and after making a turn she saw Kormaldi's Keep. It looked like a fortress. Or a prison. Her stomach clenched wondering what was in store once they arrived. She imagined her father would receive word, send the ransom and she would be returned safe and unharmed.

 

[IRP2011]

At the edge of the Great Wood, Jakob signaled and the man at the reins of the coach brought it to a stop. By now, the other two wagons, filled with the Princess's entourage and traveling needs, had peeled off down other less-traveled roads and were likely already at their deep wood destinations. There, the goods would be divvied up between the Mercenaries and the hostages secured by Kormaldi's own men, to ensure their protection, particularly that of the female hostages from the male mercenaries.

Kormaldi rode forward and handed a bundled cloth, tied with a leather strap, to one of his men. The horseman untied what turned out to be a purple and gold cape bearing the Kormaldi crest. He donned it and, flanked by two Forest Mercenaries, rode forth toward the castle at a slow canter. It would takes several minutes for the decoy and his escort to reach the Keep -- or, if a trap was set by the Crown or any other element not currently happy with the Kormaldi Barony, not reach the hill top castle.

Kormaldi wheeled his horse around, returning to the coach and dismounting. He jerked the dagger from the door handle and opened it wide, finding both women staring his way. The Princess retained her frightened child expression, which surprised the Baron greatly; he'd never met Hasini, but he'd always been told she was a head strong, brave, young woman. He'd been looking forward to a spirited encounter with the Royal, but now...

He looked to the servant and got the same, hard, disapproving glare she'd given him hours earlier, deep in the woods. She would make a good Princess, a good opponent, Kormaldi thought to himself. Then another thought came to him, as he glanced down at her young body, gowned nearly as elegantly as the Princess herself, excluding the array of fine jewels and gold links that decorated the other girl's ears, wrists, and ankles. This one I could violate without repercussion ... and just might, if she doesn't curb that tongue of hers.

He turned his attention back to the Princess, and offered out a hand. "Perhaps, m'lady, the two of you would like to stretch your legs for a moment. We will be here for a while ... 'til the sun has fallen."

 

[haremfaery]

((So the princess isn't the only one using a decoy ))

"Do not speak directly to the Princess. I did not think my command of your barbaric tongue was so poor that you do not understand me." Hasini glared at Kormaldi. She moved to the door and took the Baron's hand. She stepped lightly out of the carriage then turned to help 'the princess' out.

"May I assume that the Sultan has been notified of the princess' capture? How long before she is returned home? And why must we wait until dark? To hide your nefarious deed from your people?" Hasini looked around gauging the chances for escape, but there were too many soldiers. Even if there were not, how far could she run? She did know how to ride, it was an indulgence of her father's to let her go riding, but only with him and a full contingent of guards for her safety. But how could she steal a horse?

She glared at Kormaldi again in impotent anger.

 

[IRP2011]

"Do not speak directly to the Princess," the servant commanded once again. "I did not think my command of your barbaric tongue was so poor that you do not understand me."

Kormaldi struggled to contain a smirk as the servant took the hand offered to the supposed Princess and exited, then helping the other woman herself. As she continued on about Kormaldi's intentions concerning the Princess, the Sultan, and -- though she didn't specifically say so -- her own self, Kormaldi looked off to Jacob and gave him a knowing nod.

A moment later, the Baron's right hand man had a polite but firm grasp of the servant's elbow as Kormaldi himself repeated the gesture with the supposed Princess.

"I hope m'lady doesn't mind providing me with a private conversation," he said in a polite tone to the woman he was securing. Turning to the other, he added, "And I hope m'lady's servant won't incite my man to slide a blade across her throat while we are gone."

He turned away, leading the resistant, young woman with him slowly down the trail the coach had arrived upon; he ignored the protestations of the woman he knew Jakob would restrain without harm -- much harm.

Once they were out of ear shot of the other woman, Kormaldi repeated his warning about the sharp blade, released his grip upon her elbow, gestured her politely forward, and -- after a few quiet steps down the grass-choked road -- began his soft, polite questioning of her.

His inquiries were of little importance initially -- questions about life at court, for the most part -- but then became more specific about the Crown, the Royal Family, and their politics, economics, and social interactions. The young woman ignored some questions totally and answered others vaguely, as Kormaldi would have expected a Royal hostage to do so.

After a several minute walk -- which never took the pair out of view of the servant -- Kormaldi was satisfied that the woman he was escorting was not Princess Hasini. It was less about the answers the young woman was willing or unwilling to give and more about which questions she was willing to address at all; they were questions, answers, and attitudes a member of the Court, not a member of the Royal Family itself, would have.

Eventually, he thanked The Princess with a polite bow and gestured her toward the nearby coach. "You and your lady may return to your coach, Princess Hasini. My man will help you re-board. We will be departing in a moment."



Near the coach, Jakob -- always the impersonal profession -- ignored the servant's protestations. His grip on her elbow fluctuated according to the young woman's resistance. Kormaldi's man was the Baron's right hand man because he understood the man better than anyone; and right now, he knew his Lord was questioning who exactly these two women were.

The Baron would, of course, come to the truth. That wasn't Jakob's concern. His only concern was of restraining the woman with him, which was made easier by his ability to ignore her angry response to being separated from the other woman. She was, of course, annoying the hell out of him -- he wished he could simply lay her over a downed tree and do with her what women were put on this planet for, shutting her up -- but until Kormaldi had determined which of the women afforded the protections that came with being a Royal female -- and which didn't -- Jakob would keep his trousers secured about his waist.

Eventually, the conversation down the trail came to an end and Jakob, released his grip on the woman, saying softly, "Remember the blade."

When the woman shot him a sharp look, he simply smiled politely and gestured her toward her Princess.

 

[haremfaery]

Hasini jerked her arm away from the Baron's soldier. Or, at least, tried to. He tightened his grip. "If you _dare_ to harm the Princess..." She called after the Baron, "It is not proper for the Princess to be left alone with a man!" She added straining forward.

She wondered where Kormaldi was taking 'the Princess' and why. She hoped that Jiya could maintain the ruse and simply keep her mouth shut. Surely she had been around the true princess enough to know how to act toward such an impertinent man as the baron.

She drew herself up and glared again at the man holding her. She did not like the way this man looked at her. She would have his eyes put out. And his hand cut off. And she would see Kormaldi gutted and fed his entrails. Her anger was a good thing, it kept her fear at bay.

She was relieved when Jiya returned with the baron. She brushed past the man and his threat ignoring both. She helped Jiya into the coach and without accepting help, joined her inside. She gave her servant a look to quiet her until the coach was underway.

"What did he say to you?"

"Nothing, just simple conversation."

"Simple conversation? What was he trying to discover?"

"I'm not sure. He asked many questions about the court, the Sultan, politics..."

"And what did you tell him?"

"I answered a few to make him happy. Mostly I said I was not interested in such things, or did not answer at all."

"Do you think he is suspicious that you are not the princess?"

"I do not think so. His demeanor did not change. He was very pleasant."

Hasini was not sure. But it was true that nothing had changed when Kormaldi returned. He did not seem to bait either one of them. She looked out of the window of the carriage and wondered what would happen once they reached the keep.

 

[IRP2011]

The sun fell behind the Great Woods, the leading edge of the forest's shadow rushing across the open fields of grain and native grasses, casting the land in deepening darkness.

"Mount up," Jakob called to the Baron's men and remaining Forest Mercenaries. All about the coach, Kormaldi's warriors -- be they his own loyal soldiers or those loyal to money only -- prepared for what they'd been awaiting.

From the top of the Kormaldi Keep, a banner fluttering in the breeze suddenly lowered from atop the log pole, only to rise again a moment later.

"Move it," Jakob called out.

The coach surged forth, the dozen riders remaining leading, following, and flanking it as it rushed out from the heavy brush and onto the open, flat valley floor. The coach bounced wildly, its driver and coachmen staying in place only because they'd strapped themselves in place; Kormaldi, who was following just beyond the thick dust cloud, began to wonder whether the vehicle would make it the full length of the less than superior secondary road. He was tempted to hurry ahead and signal for a slower speed -- when, ahead of him, Jakob peeled away from his escort duty, signalling several of the riders to follow him.

Kormaldi looked ahead of his right hand man's new course and discovered two dozen or more riders, also at top speed, approaching from the direction of the main road to the hilltop castle. Had the operation been found out? Was this the Royal Guard, come to take the Princess back? Or, perhaps, more mercenaries, informed of the Royal daughter's disappearance and looking to score a monetary and social victory by executing her return.

Kormaldi suddenly realized they were going to get cut off. The secondary road, which would soon turn to follow the river, would force the coach to slow. He hurried his horse ahead, but only to urge the coach driver to speed the horses along as far as the waterway. He took Jakob's place in the lead, directing the remaining soldiers and Forest Mercenaries to follow Jakob and engage the approaching men.

As they reached the first curve of the valley waterway and the coach driver urged the horses to slow, Kormaldi knew the mission was about to fail. In a moment, Jakob and the men behind him would engage the assaulting band and, surely, be overwhelmed. The Baron and the wagon would be halted, and -- presuming he wasn't killed here and now -- Kormaldi would spend the next few days or weeks in a dark, dank cellar dungeon, being questioned and tortured, until finally Royals and Nobles from every corner of the known world had assembled about the raised platform built specifically so the Sultan's executioner would have a place to raise, then drop his ax.

Then, just as suddenly as the band of men had appeared from the distant wood's edge, they came to an abrupt stop and began falling from whinnying and spinning horses. Kormaldi pulled away from the road, signalling the coach onward, and looked to the assaulting band -- which he realized was surrounded by archers, on foot, hidden within the tall wheat and horse grasses, launching volley after volley of arrows at the intruders.

As Kormaldi watched, Jakob and the other leading men drove through the panicking, disrupted group with slashing swords ... and a moment later, the rescue of the Princess Hasini was no more. The Baron's gaze shifted about, from the attack to the departing coach to the wood's edge and back.

And he breathed a sign of relief as, a few minutes later, the Princess, her servant, and the remaining escorts entered the castle gate, and security.

 

[haremfaery]

((Okay, wow, this took awhile to write.))

When the carriage lurched forward, Jiya screamed and clutched at the seat to keep from being bounced to the floor. Hasini did fall to the floor and crouched there pulling Jiya down. The two huddled with their arms around each other.

"Perhaps our rescue is here already. At least someone must have escaped to tell her father what had happened." She frowned, but they were here so quickly. Had her father suspected this might happen and send another group of soldiers to follow them?

She was frightened and elated at the same time. She had never experienced so much excitement in her life.

But they didn't stop and they weren't rescued. They continued on into the castle. Hasini beat her fists against the cushions in frustration.

The women were escorted from the carriage by the House Man and his wife, Judith.They arrived at extremely well appointed rooms. Things were eerily familiar to Hasini in that the room was in the style of her rooms at the palace. These were not her things, but a close enough approximation that she felt chilled to think that someone in her own palace had aided in her abduction.

"I hope all is to the princess' liking. If there is anything you need, anything you want, please ask." Judith said. She tugged on a bell pull. "You have only to pull this to ring for me. I took the liberty of preparing baths for you both--just through that doorway. I am very sorry more of your ladies are not here to attend you. I would be happy to assist."

"I think the princess would prefer to be alone just now." Hasini interrupted Judith. "It has been an eventful day and she is tired. I will call if we need anything."

"Oh, one more thing before I go." Judith walked across the room and lifted an ornate cloth from an even more ornate cage. She opened the door and a small fluffy white dog with a pointed face emerged wagging it's tail.

"Look!" Hasini cried. It looked so much like the princess' own dog that she nearly forget herself to run and cuddle it. "This cannot be Kian." She said looking at Judith. That would be too much if they had captured her own dog and brought it here. When could they have stolen Kian?

"No, but a dog like him. Lord Kormaldi wishes the princess to feel at home and enjoy all the comforts she had in her own palace."

The dog danced and sniffed around the women wriggling happily. Jiya sat on the floor to scratch the dog behind it's ears.

"The princess is tired. Please leave us. I will call if we lack for something. " Hasini breathed a sigh of relief when the woman left them. " I wish to bathe. Bring some the fruit and some wine into the bath chamber." Hasini began removing her clothes and dropping them along the way.

Judith had been correct, the room was similar to the baths in the palace, although on a much smaller scale. A raised platform created a large sunken tub. the water was circulated somehow and came out of a small spout. A panel in the side of the platform opened to add wood to heat the water. In the far corner of the room was a partition which hid what was needed to take care of the most private of business. All-in-all Hasini would have been very pleased with the accommodations had she been visiting Lord Kormaldi as a guest. As it was, she saw this as a very lovely prison.

She removed the last of her clothes letting her chemise puddle at her feet. Her skin was flawless. As was the custom for high-born women, she was also devoid of all body hair from the neck down. Her waist was slim and blossomed into luscious hips. Dimples accentuated the curve of her lower back just above her peach-like bottom. Her breasts were high and round. Her nipples that looked like they had been stained with the juice of plums.

She stepped into the tub and sat down. "Jiya! Come and bathe and we will forget our cares for awhile. Lord Kormaldi will not dare hurt us and father will deal with him soon enough." She leaned back and sighed.

Jiya came in with a tray of fruit and two goblets of wine. She set the tray on the side of the tub and disrobed. She was thinner than the princess, less curvaceous. She settled into the tub feeling much less frightened especially since she could be herself again and not pretend to be the princess.

((there, if Kormaldi has peep hopes in the bath he'll get an eyeful and his suspicions will be 100% confirmed as to who is who.))

 

[IRP2011]

Kormaldi arrived in the Dark Room just in time to hear, "I think the Princess would prefer to be alone just now. It has been an eventful day and she is tired. I will call if we need anything."

The Dark Room was adjacent to the quarters Kormaldi had had redecorated for Hasini's visit. It was, as the name suggested, dark ... as black as night, in fact, with black cloths and paints covering all surfaces, absorbing any remnants of light that entered the small space. The outer door -- which came directly off his own quarters -- was concealed behind a large tapestry, and was locked at all times, and led to yet a second door; this kept the candle and torch light from his own bed chamber from illuminating the Dark Room during the quick moment it took the Baron to enter. And the Arrow Slit windows that looked out upon the pasture lands to the east were covered over by black painted shutters as well.

The room was what Kormaldi imagined hell to be, and at times it was hard for him to enter it, despite knowing that being there provided him the greatest opportunity to learn from his guests. Most people kept their secrets close to the vest, revealing them only in moments of safety and/or intimacy, both of which were afforded -- or so they hoped -- by the privacy of their own bed chambers. Hasini's bed chamber had originally a surveillance location, offered to Noble Guests from whom the Baron hoped to glean bits of intelligence, about economics, politics, even social or romantic interactions.

Today, as he stepped forward to the long slits in the wall, Kormaldi hoped to learn more about his hostage, or more specifically, about how her father would be coming for her. Surely, the Royals had a plan for rescue in place; hostage taking was common in these hard, desperate days, and even with an entourage of Royal Guards, threats were always present, and thus always planned for.

Kormaldi knew he would be suspected of having taking Hasini. The men they had killed this evening -- in the woods, and later in the pasture -- would not be returning to tell of the Baron's misdeeds. But, he knew he would be -- was, as the initial attack was already half a day old by now -- high on the Sultan's list of suspects, and by sunrise, a detachment of Royal Guards would be at the gates, demanding entry with a Royal Search Warrant.

But for now, he could only do what he could only do. And right now, he wanted to listen in on the true-Princess and her Lady in Waiting. He stepped up to the wall, looking through one slit, then moving quietly left, to yet another. There were a dozen of these three foot long slits, which gave him a view of the adjacent room that was nearly as good as being in it itself. They were positioned such that he could sit back in the comfortable chair for an extended viewing, or stand and move about, stretching his legs. Either choice gave him a full view of the entire room, including the sole entrance, the barred window, and everything in between.

Kormaldi had had nearly everything in the room stripped out and replaced, basing its redecoration on information he'd paid a great sum for; the chamber was as close as the Baron could get it to the style of Hasini's people. He'd done his best to recreate the cultural style of the dining area, the bathing quarters, the rest area -- which included several different types of sitting and lounging chairs and couches, and had been positioned nearest to the stone fireplace and windows -- and even the bed; Kormaldi hadn't considered or planned for a servant, although he should have known the Princess would either have one with her or insist on having one provided, so only one bed had been put in place. But it was large, very comfortable, and -- assuming the Princess didn't find herself above sleeping with her closest Lady in Waiting -- would serve the pair well.

And, as an added feature to Kormaldi's own pleasure, the bed chamber and bathing quarters had been placed closest to the Dark Room's spying wall...

Which, at this moment, Kormaldi was realizing had likely been the best decision he'd made during his months-long planning to take the young Royal captive. For as soon as Hasini had played with the puppy the Baron had provided, then dismissed the Servant Judith, she dropped her clothes -- all of her clothes -- and began removing, with her servants aid, the multitude of jewels, pearls, and gold art pieces that decorated what was already, in Kormaldi's opinion, a perfect work of art.

She proceeded to the bath that Horvell had been preparing since Jakob had signaled from the forest's edge hours earlier that the mission was a success and Kormaldi's guests would be arriving after sundown. She was an exquisite creature; her form was perfect, young and firm, smooth and flawless; Kormaldi had been told that women of birth in Hasini's culture were stripped of every hair below the neck, but until she made her way to and around the bath, stepping up into it, leaning stretching, reaching ... the Baron had never imagined how such a cultural deed could make such an exotic, erotic girl even more so of each.


"Jiya!" Hasini called out, giving the Baron the other woman's name for the first time that he recalled. "Come and bathe and we will forget our cares for awhile. Lord Kormaldi will not dare hurt us and father will deal with him soon enough."

He smiled, suppressing the desire to chuckle at the woman's certainty that rescue was imminent, so much so that a luxurious bath was in order.

As Hasini dropped into the tub of warm water, the servant crossed to her, carrying fruit and wine. She set the food and drink aside, then dropped her own clothes as well, proceeding to join the other in the lightly steaming bath. She was a beautiful girl as well, though not the heavenly being that her Lady was; she was more girl-like in shape, less dramatically defined, yet Kormaldi's gaze didn't leave her womanly features until she, too, was below the bubbling, roiling surface.

Kormaldi watched with great interest -- his manhood had begun peaking the moment the first article of clothing had fallen to the oak flooring and was was now stiff and eager and screaming for relief -- as Hasini positioned herself for the servant to splash water upon her back and shoulders, wiping away the grime of what surely was a hard, frightening, questioning day.

The Baron's mind jumped back nearly two decades, to the time when he made the transition from boy to man at the skillful hands of a pair of scullery maids. It had been made plainly clear that when he was ready for them, they would be available to him. For the mere cost of a bar of olive oil soap and a flask of scented shampoo, they provided a bathing show for him -- ironically, in the very tub Hasini and Jiya were now cleaning themselves in -- after which they took him to their tiny bed and captured his virginity and did stuff with their mouths -- to him, and to one another -- that he'd never even imagined a woman could do with their lips and tongues.

Kormaldi loosed his belt, dropping his trousers, and fell back into the big chair situated such that he could easily watch the two woman while he very quickly exercised himself to satisfaction...

As he contained his desire to grunt out his satisfaction, stretching his legs out before him and slouching back into the chair as the euphoria enveloped him, he considered the demands that would be pressed upon him to restrain from partaking of the Princess Hasini, and how he would be dread the idea of being so close to such a fine work of womanhood and not be allowed to experience it.

As his climax waned, and he opened his eyes to again look back upon the two, he concentrated his attention upon the servant Jiya and consoled himself that if -- still just an if -- he couldn't have the King's daughter, he could still have the next best thing, the King's daughter's servant. It wouldn't be the same, but it would certainly be close enough...

And in the meantime, the daughter of one of his first scullery maids was in his bed, waiting dutifully for his return. He would have gone straight to her for satisfaction ... but watching the two beauties before him now was simply too hard to walk away from. Later, he told himself. She's not going anywhere ... later.

 

[haremfaery]

Both women had long black braids that they left in place. Washing hair as long as theirs was a process that was not done often and required much more time than they had this night.

Jiya massaged her princess's neck and shoulders. The two talked about the happenings of the day, mourned the soldiers who's lives were lost in trying to protect the princess and listed the many ways the sultan might exact his revenge.

"But where are my things from the wagons? Tomorrow we will investigate these rooms. I cannot be expected to wear the same clothing over and over." The princess said.

"Perhaps your boxes will be brought in tomorrow."

"That these rooms are so like mine at the palace...someone, one of my servants _must_ be an informant. Father will have their tongue and more for their transgression." She moaned when Jiya worked a muscle knot.

"Do you think Baron Kormaldi suspects our deception?"

"I do not know. He seems to. We should keep this up as long as possible. But I do not think he means us any harm. How can he expect a ransom if something happens to me? Besides, I am sure father will send his soldiers once he knows what has happened and Kormaldi will lose his lands and his life. Foolish man."

Hasini continued, "If I see him, I shall ask about the rest of the servants and clothing. He cannot expect 'the princess' to get by with a single lady in waiting." She smiled. "But if he separates us again, you must _demand_ the rest of your women and clothes and jewels. Remember you are a princess. You must act like one."

Hasini stood up. "I am ready for bed now. Jiya got a towel and dried the princess then herself. Hasini stretched out on the bed. "Baron Komaldi either did not think I would keep my maid with me, or perhaps he thought we sleep together." She rolled over on the bed twice. "But it is big enough for two. "Come sleep with me." She patted and spot next to her and giggled.

Jiya joined her on the bed. Hasini wrapped her arms around the girl and kissed her gently. "We will not be here long, but in the meantime--let us enjoy the Baron's hospitality." They both giggled.

The two women kissed and fondled each other until their giggled turned to dove cries. They fell asleep in each other's arms.

((There. A an extra treat for the Baron. Sorry, it's late and I don't have time for more description for him.))

 

[IRP2011]

The familiarity the two women showed one another told Kormaldi that they'd certainly shared a bed before. Above and below the bedding alike, the movement of hands upon bodies proved a familiarity that the Baron was conflicted about. He knew that it was common than most men would imagine for women to partake of one another for sexual pleasure, and -- considering the sheer beauty and wonder of the female form and its innate sensuality -- he didn't blame any woman for desiring to touch or be touched by another of her gender; yet at the same time, he had questions about whether it was appropriate for a Royal to be showing -- and shown -- such intimacy with a common servant.

Of course, Kormaldi knew nothing of the servant, Jiya; for all he knew, she was of a higher breeding than the common peasantry, perhaps the daughter of a noble or a high ranking officer. And even if she wasn't, did it matter? He suddenly thought of the contradiction in his thinking: he could ride to any of the villages inside the Kormaldi Barony, enter an Inn, and bed the first wench he spotted. Oh, there would be compensation, of course -- the younger and less experienced she was, particularly if she was still pure of body, the more he would be expected to pay, by tradition -- but there would be no question about whether or not the selected woman would be parting her legs for the Baron's pleasure.

And yet, here and now, Kormaldi questioned the Princess's intimate moment with Jiya, based on the possibility that she was only a commoner. It was hypocritical of him.

But, the self-criticism ended quickly when -- as the women blew out the last of the candles near the bed, leaving the room illuminating only by a candelabra in the far corner near the hearth -- Kormaldi spun and marched back to his bed chamber and to the scullery maid's daughter. He stripped away his robe, fell upon her, parted her thighs, and penetrated her without foreplay or concern of whether she'd be ready for his intrusion. She grunted in pain for a moment and he pushed his way to the bottom, but soon was sharing moans of pleasure with her Master.

It wasn't long before he was grunting loudly and increasingly faster. He orgasmed with one final, explosive groan, then rolled to his back, pulling her atop him with the same move. They would lie there as one, until she sensed by his breathing that he was done for the night; then she would pull him out and lay against him, caressing his skin until he was certainly asleep.

As consciousness escaped him, his last thought -- as he felt the maid's hands caressing him and softly stroking his still hardened penis -- was of doing to the Princess and her servant both, possibly together, what he'd just completed with the young woman at his side. He knew that protocol dictated that he kept his hands off Hasini ... but after seeing her and the servant tonight, he seriously doubted that he'd be able to do that for much longer.

 

[haremfaery]

Jiya woke and stretched. She rolled over and snuggled with the princess for a bit. "You will have to get up first. Tell the servant Judith what I want for breakfast. Then help me dress." Jiya smiled sweetly.

Hasini opened one eye and peered at her maid. "You are enjoying this far too much." She pouted. "But it is for the good for you to think like a princess when you see the Baron again. Help me dress and I will call Judith."

The two women investigated the rooms more fully. They found some clothing, but not what the princess had brought with her. It made Hasini angry. Where were her things?

Hasini used the bellpull to call of Judith. It was not very long before the woman arrived. "The princess requires breakfast and also wishes to know when her clothing and other things from her wagons will arrive. The Baron sent them off separately before we arrived. She cannot be expected to wear the same few garments."

"I don't know anything about the princess' things. You will have to ask
the Baron." Judith answered. "If there is nothing else?"

"Where are the rest of the princess' ladies? I cannot be expected to tend her all by myself."

"Again, You will have to ask the Baron. I do not know." Judith curtsied and left the room.

Hasini and Jiya spent the time going through the rooms carefully looking for anything that might be useful. Not that Hasini thought they would be able to escape on their own, but it gave them something to do. Hasini was angry that so much attention was paid to her surroundings, but her clothes and ladies were missing. She pushed away thoughts of what might have happened to the women. They were more than servants, they were her friends and confidants. Some were daughters of lesser nobles, like Jiya. Perhaps they were being ransomed separately. The baron had much to answer for.

When breakfast came, Hasini dismissed Judith quickly. The two ate and wondered when they would see Kormaldi again. And how long before the sultan's soldiers came to take them back.

 

[IRP2011]

The Great Forest, dawn:

The Royal Guard patrol, one of dozens scouring the countryside, rode over a rise on the Western edge of the forest to discover a makeshift encampment flying the Sultan's banner from the top of nearby, dead tree.

"Where is the Princess Hasini?" he demanded, arriving at the encampment.

"They took her," a man out front answered, pointing back toward the dark forest and adding, "Last evening ... on the Great Wood Road."

"Was it Baron Kormaldi's men?" the Lieutenant asked, unsure of whether he wanted an affirmative or negative answer.

The history between the Sultan and the Baron had long been one of distrust, suspicion, and on a few occasions outright conflict.

The Lieutenant wasn't eager for continued fighting. This area was on the far edge of the Sultan's territory, and was the least secured; stories of bandits and mercenaries attacking the Sultan's possessions or talking hostages for ransom were numerous. The Sultan had vowed to increase the size of the Guard here, in and near the Kormaldi Barony, but the Western War was demanding on troop numbers, and the Lieutenant doubted that more forces were coming.

To make things worse, Baron Kormaldi was the most powerful and popular of the Nobles here in the Eastern portion of the Sultan's lands. And while Kormaldi publicly expressed his service to the Sultan, the Lieutenant doubted the man's loyalty. A few years earlier, the Sultan had forced the Kormaldi Barony to give up a key pass through the mountains. The Sultan needed the pass for security; without control of it, the Sultan faced invasion from a great enemy to the west. Kormaldi needed the pass for money; every man, goat, cow, and wagon that passed through it paid a toll.

"Was it Kormaldi?" the Lieutenant snapped at the man. "Speak!"

"No, sire," the man answered. "They were bandits, my lord."

The man described the attackers in detail, including what little he knew about the taking of the Princess. "They took her coach a different way, my lord. We did not see her again."

The Lieutenant immediately dispatched a Messenger to the Sultan with news of the Princess's taking. He added to the message, "There is no ... I repeat, no indication that Baron Kormaldi is involved at this point."

A Captain approached, asking the Lieutenant, "What of the reports that our patrol to the Baron's keep is missing?"

"That doesn't indicate his involvement," the Lieutenant answered quickly. He did not want a war with the Baron, particularly if Kormaldi in fact wasn't involved. The Sultan's forces would prevail in a war, of course; he had no doubt about that. But hundreds, possibly thousands, would killed on each side. Kormaldi had a large force of professional soldiers, loyal Forest Mercenaries, and conscripted peasant warriors, and because his resistance to the Sultan was a popular stance amongst the other foreignNobles, their troops would join the Baron in a fight against the Sultan. The blood would flow ... thick and fast.

The Lieutenant knew as well that the Sultan would not hesitate to kill every man, woman, and child living within a day's hard ride of this point if that was what it took to get his daughter back -- or was what it took to get revenge, should he learn that she be harmed ... or killed. The Lieutenant ordered, "Send me two more messengers."

"Expect a diplomatic mission, escorted by the Royal Guard," The Lieutenant dictated to a messenger he ordered dispatched to the Kormaldi Keep. Once the man, and his escorts, had departed, the Lieutenant ordered the other messenger home, to inform the Sultan of his plan to meet personally with Kormaldi. Once that rider was gone, the Lieutenant turned back to his Captain. "Make the Princess's entourage comfortable and secure. I will return tomorrow."

Gathering a half dozen men, the Lieutenant rode off into the Great Wood at a slow canter, giving the messenger ahead of him time to get the message to Kormaldi ... and giving himself time to consider his upcoming conversation with the Baron.



The Kormaldi Keep:

The Main Hall's dining table sat thirty couples during social events, but today it was covered not in food and drink but in clothing, perfumes, and much more. Kormaldi walked slowly down the length of the hardwood table, curled about it's end, then returned its length once more. The possessions here -- which had been packed for the short trip the Princess had been undertaking -- represented more wealth than all of the servants working within the walls of the Baron's keep, particularly these days when Kormaldi was on the verge of financial ruin.

He opened the lid of a wood and steel strong box exposing fine jewels, gold bands, pearl necklaces and ear rings. He laughed, amazed. The boxes value surpassed the tolls he would have earned in a year from The West Pass, had he still controlled it. He slammed the box's lid down, the sound echoing off the Keep's stone walls.

He looked to Jakob, sitting at the table's end, eagerly eating his first meal since the attack in the Great Woods the morning before. "Your men...?"

"No casualties in the forest, m'lord," he answered, licking at the bread crumbs on his lips that threatened to fly out onto the table as he spoke. "But I lost two later ... during the evening attack, out in the meadow."

"And the Sultan's men?"

"Dead," he said bluntly, sipping at the tea before expanding, "Dead, one and all. There will be no one returning to the Sultan to tell of our guest."

"Good," Kormaldi mumble under his breath. He added, louder, "They will still come, Jakob. That patrol reached the Keep before we did. We were suspected immediately. And we will continued to be suspected ... even if our ruse at the far side of the Great Woods was effective."

Jakob answered with a simple nod, continuing to eat heartily. He watched Kormaldi as the man inspected the Princess's belonging. The Baron lifted a piece of clothing, displaying it out before him with both hands; Jakob could see his master through the sheer cloth, smiling. "Do you think she wears anything over that ...? Or under...?"

"Perhaps we will find out, my friend," Kormaldi answered, lowering the intimate gown to expose his wide smile before laughing loudly, quickly joined by his crumb-spitting friend.



Later:

The bolt on the outside of the Princess's door slid aside with a solid thunk, the door opened a bit, and Jakob announced his presence with a polite, "Princess Hasini, may I enter."

He didn't a very short moment, but not necessarily for a response; he was entering whether she was ready to receive visitors or not. While Kormaldi may joke about having the Princess -- although Jakob didn't honestly believe the Baron would violate the sanctity of a Royal's purity -- the Baron's right hand man would have no qualms about forcing himself on the woman ... that woman, or any woman if the desire came upon him. So, now, getting a peak at an unprepared Princess was of no concern to him.

"The Baron requires your attendance for breakfast, Princess" he announced to Jiya, knowing full well who was who. Then, looking to the actual Princess, he added sharply, "Without ... your escort. There are ... let's call them matters of state ... privileged, confidential issue ... to be discussed."

Jakob turned and returned to the hallway, looking back to add, "Please ... your highness."

 

[haremfaery]

((Unfortunately, I'll be heading out for a bit and not back for a few hrs, but we can see how far we get.))

The women were playing backgammon when Jakob came in. Hasini glared at the man. I stay with the princess, or you may send her regrets to the Baron." She stood up. "Anything the Baron wishes to discuss he may do so in my presence. The princess may not be alone with a man."

Kormaldi knew that. What was he playing at?

 

[IRP2011]

"I stay with the princess," Hasini responded to Jakob's instructions, rising, "or you may send her regrets to the Baron. Anything the Baron wishes to discuss he may do so in my presence. The princess may not be alone with a man."

Jakob looked back over his shoulder and gestured. Four Guardsmen entered and moved around the room to stand, a pair each, behind Hasini and Jiya.

Jakob gave a sly smirk and answered Hasini's challenge by telling the faux-royal, "We can do this the easy way..."

 

[haremfaery]

"How dare you!" Hasini exploded at Jakob. She looked at the large imposing guards.

Jiya looked afraid. Afraid to be alone with the Baron, not that she expected he would do anything to her in her guise as the princess, but afraid she would say or do something and be found out.

"The princess cannot be without an attendant." Hasini insisted. "And speaking of attendants, where are the rest of the princess' ladies and servants? And her clothing and jewels?"

 

[IRP2011]

"How dare you!" Hasini exploded, as Jakob had expected. "The princess cannot be without an attendant. And speaking of attendants, where are the rest of the princess' ladies and servants? And her clothing and jewels?"

"The Princess's possessions are in the Main Hall," Jakob answered, his attention moving between the two women to gauge their personal reactions. And m'lady's servants are being held downstairs as well. They will be released ... returned to her highness's care and service--" His lips widened into a manipulative smirk. "--just as soon as the Princess accompanies me to her breakfast ... with m'lord ... alone."

 

[haremfaery]

"The princess will deign to share a meal with the Baron, _if_ and only if she is attended by me." Hasini insisted again. Why was the Baron intent on being alone with the princess? She did not like Jacob at all. She did not like the look in his eye. She would speak to the Baron about that as well and ask for some other male to be assigned to them. Judith was fine, but not this Jacob. He did not know his place.

"The princess is very comfortable here."

 

[IRP2011]

"The princess is very comfortable here," Hasini said, speaking for the pretender.

A shot of air escaped Jakob's lungs in the form of a quick, short chuckle. He eyed the Guardsmen, who without hesitation each grabbed the nearest female arm and hand securely.

Ignoring the protestation, Jakob ordered the faux-Royal taken to the Baron. The Guardsmen easily manhandled the servant toward and out the door.

 

[haremfaery]

Hasini screamed. "Take your hands off me!" She nearly forgot the ruse. "Take your hands off the princess!" She struggled against the men holding her.

Jiya for her part was more passive and tried to look regal as she was half walked, half carried out the door..

Hasini continued to berate Jacob and the guards even after they finally left her in the room.

Jiya was taken through the corridors making a few turns on the way and arriving at the Baron's rooms. A diverse and lavish array of foods were set out on a table. The Baron was nowhere to be seen. The guards left the room, but Jiya was sure they were just outside the door. She was not hungry having eaten earlier, but some of the food was very tempting. Some she did not recognize.

Jiya walked around the table and choose a piece of finger food, some little pastry filled with sweetmeat. She took a seat and tried to look regal as she sat there.

 

[IRP2011]

Kormaldi waited for Hasini's servant to come into his line of sight before turning away from her and commanding to his Scullery Maid lover, "Leave us!"

His back to Jiya, he didn't see her rise, but he was certain that the sound he heard was that of the feet of her chair scraping the floor as she shot to her feet. As a servant would do, he mused.

He remained back to her as he stepped, naked and dripping, from the elevated tub in the Bathing Alcove. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught his lover looking -- scowling -- in Jiya's direction before anxiously attempting to close on her lord and conceal his body with the robe in her hands.

Kormaldi snatched the robe from her grip, repeating his order with a growl, "leave us!"

The girl backed, more out of duty than out of the fear that someone unfamiliar with their relationship might assume. Kormaldi had a reputation as a hard, brutal man on the battle field, which led people to believe he was so with his female subjects within walls of his bed chamber; but while he was a passionate and energetic lover, he was only seldom cruel or violent, and then it was less about sex and more about social statement.

The Scullery Maid hurried away from the Baron; as he dabbed the robe against his sculpted, battle-scarred body, he waited for the sound of her beating on the bed chamber door, followed by the door being opened by the Guardsmen. As the opening slammed shut again, he finally wrapped the robe around him and turned to approach Princess Hasini.

 

[haremfaery]

The Baron's voice startled Jiya. She stood abruptly and turned toward his voice, then abruptly turned back. He was _naked!_ She wanted to run away. What would the real princess do? She flinched again when he ordered his...servant out of the room. She kept her back to the man, but she straightened her posture.

She heard Kormaldi move across the room and turned slowly. She prayed that he was properly clothed. She took a deep breath relieved to see he at least had a robe on, but she was sure Princess Hasini would be outraged at this new affront.

"I see that the Baron is not ready to receive guests. I shall tell the guards to return me to my rooms." Jiya took a step toward the door.

 

[IRP2011]

"I see that the Baron is not ready to receive guests," the pretender said, eager Kormaldi could see to escape his presence. "I shall tell the guards to return me to my rooms."

The girl turned and headed for the door, to which Kormaldi was closer. He took two long steps and snatched her by the arm, softly but with a hand large enough to encompass the whole of her elbow, preventing her from continuing.

"There will be no need for that," he said, adding with a knowing tone, "Your highness."

He turned her forcefully, urging her to accompany him ... around the stone wall that separated the Entry Hall to his quarters from his Bed Chamber ... where, with the power of a man of war, he launched Jiya onto the large, still-unkempt bed.

He let the robe fall open, partially exposing exposing himself. He smirked as he neared the bed slowly, asking her, "What was it you said your father would do to me if any harm came to you...?"