Chapter 6: Our House

For the second consecutive morning, Rhys woke to strange, feminine noises nearby. This time, however, a heavy weight rested on his chest, accompanied by frantic wriggling. Struggling to raise his head to investigate, he was immediately struck by a bare foot to his temple. He sensibly decided to lie still and wait.

He endured several more minutes of muffled groans, sighs, and rhythmic shifting across his chest, groin, and legs. The sounds and movements steadily intensified, peaking with soft cries before dissolving into a sudden, profound silence.

Rhys finally risked looking up. Kat’s head rested on his chest, while Jade’s legs were draped haphazardly over his shoulders and head. Kat offered a sheepish grin. “Sorry, Master,” she murmured. “We couldn’t get off the bed, so we, ah, entertained ourselves.”

“Couldn’t get off?” Rhys asked.

“We think you inadvertently cast a spell to stop us falling out of this tiny bed,” Kat explained, “only it meant we couldn’t leave, even if we wanted to.”

“Good heavens,” said Rhys. “I am so sorry!” As he abruptly cancelled his unintended spell, Kat suddenly rolled backwards and tumbled out of bed, followed instantly by a heavy thump as Jade hit the floor. Kat sprang to her feet and bolted for the bathroom, pursued by a loudly laughing Jade. Kat vanished inside, swiftly flicking the door shut. Jade halted at the closed door, then turned and sauntered back to sit beside Rhys’s still-supine body.

“You didn’t mind us playing together, did you?” she asked quietly. “We didn’t want to wake you to ask permission.”

“Mind?” Rhys replied, sitting up properly. “Why would I mind? I know you want me to be your Master, and I’ve promised to fulfil that role. But look what this particular submissive slave has actually been doing. You were the one who took charge at the Roligvan docks. You were the one who suggested using fire magic to remove Kat’s collar. You decided exactly what to tell Richard about the events since the Skotur sank. You decided when we would leave the magical plane to come here. When your pleasure slave persona is to the fore, I’m your master, and I take that seriously. But other times, you’re a free woman, and you can do as you please. And do I object to the two women in my life developing their own relationship? Of course not!”

The bathroom door had opened; Kat now stood naked in the doorway, casually leaning against the jamb. Rhys turned to her. “Kat,” he said gently, “I know we haven’t fully explored how we want our relationship to work, but the same absolutely applies to you. I’d like to be involved in planning for things that involve me, but apart from that, you’re a free woman now with all the rights and responsibilities that come with that.”

Kat held his gaze. “I know you’ve been very careful around me,” she said. “I understand why. But, let me be completely clear: I want what she has.” She tipped her head towards Jade. “I want the kind of relationship she has with you. I want to learn her skills. Not merely,” she blushed deeply, “in the bedroom, but in life. I currently have little to offer in return, but whatever I can do, I will do willingly and joyfully.

“Regarding Jade and me ... I thought I could love her as a sister. That is no longer enough. I want her as a lover. And I want to love you, Rhys, as a lover too. I desperately hope you want the same?”

Her sudden fragility was evident as she stared at them with wide, beseeching eyes. Moving as one, Rhys and Jade rose, crossed the room, and enveloped her in a warm, fiercely protective embrace. No word was spoken - none was needed. Slowly, Jade rotated the trio until she stood squarely in the bathroom doorway, leaving Kat and Rhys in the bedroom. She broke the hug, stepped back, and hastily pulled the door shut, calling out, “Sorry! Desperate!” Rhys and Kat finally separated, giggling softly.

Kat retrieved their freshly laundered clothes from the corridor. Once Jade emerged, Rhys headed in to complete his own morning ablutions. Just as he finished, the downstairs bell rang, signalling that breakfast was being served.

They dressed quickly, then trooped downstairs. Jade steered them into the “morning room” for breakfast. It was a large, airy space dominated by bay windows and a window seat. There were rattan chairs set back from the windows, looking out at the garden. A sideboard held plates, fruit, warm pastries, a loaf of fresh bread, butter, and knives. An insulated jug contained hot water for tea, sitting beside jugs of fruit juice and milk.

Kat went to the sideboard and prepared breakfast for Rhys and Jade. Rhys gave her a questioning glance, but she merely shrugged. As he’d said to her just a few moments ago, she was a free woman and could do what she wanted - if that included serving them, that was her choice. He’d be disappointed if she did that too often, though.

They sat in rattan chairs, staring out the window. The Spencer house stood atop a low hill. The room’s east-facing windows captured the morning sun, providing a panoramic view of Chatamor. The city sat on a coastal plain, bordered by the sea on one side and by mountains on the other three sides.

To the right, at the city’s far edge, stood the docks. Tall masts abounded, and cranes moved crates into and out of great warehouses. To the left lay leafy suburbs where the mansions and mock castles of the wealthy were located. The Royal City occupied the centre, containing the King’s palace and the Reiland government buildings. Nearer the seafront stood grand, tower-topped buildings flying colourful flags: the University of Chatamor, Rhys’s ultimate destination.

Between these districts, winding streets ran like arteries, flanked by dense areas of shops, inns, and houses. The buildings nearer the docks appeared shabbier. Green spaces dotted the landscape; some were private parks shared by families, while others were public.

The three ate and marvelled at the city. Rhys had never seen such a metropolis; even Roligvan in his native Seibjerg was small by comparison. Kat had lived near Chatamor most of her life but had never viewed it from this vantage point. Jade had sat in this room many times, yet the bright weather and her lovers’ company still made her heart swell.

The door opened. Richard entered with the children, who wore school uniforms and rushed immediately to Jade. Richard followed slowly, allowing them time to interact. The children chatted about their school day until a woman entered and ushered them out.

“They attend a private school,” Richard explained. “The state schools here are good, but Sarah and I prefer a broader education. The official Reiland curriculum can be narrow, and we want them to have open minds.” He pulled up a chair.

“Rhys, Jade,” he said, “your new papers from the Seibjerg embassy should arrive by lunchtime. Kat, yours will take a little longer. We hope to secure your basic identity papers later today, but the supporting documents will take a few days. There is, however, a problem.”

Three sets of concerned eyes fell on Richard as he continued. “Reiland society is rigidly hierarchical. Jade and Rhys are foreigners and sit outside the system. But Kat is to be a Reiland citizen and needs a place in that pyramid. I have spoken to my colleagues at the Foundation. We have an offer for you, Kat, that will solve two problems at a stroke if you accept. We’d like to offer you a job as Rhys’s paid assistant.”

Rhys and Jade stared. Kat raised a hand to object, but Richard waved her down. “It places you in the Administrative rank - a respectable position with a modest salary. Combined with Jade and Rhys’s incomes, you will be comfortably off. And before you speak: this is not charity. We expect you to work, and we will pay you for it.”

“There is a problem,” Kat said. “I cannot read or write. That will arouse suspicion if someone challenges me.”

“Ah,” Richard said. “Yes, it might. You will have to learn quickly. I will arrange tutoring - we cannot have just anyone teaching an administrative citizen basic literacy, as that would also raise questions. I will see what I can do. The offer stands, however.”

“Thank you, Mr Spencer,” Kat said formally, lowering her eyes. “If Mr Atherton is willing to ask, I would consider his offer.” She looked at Rhys with a faint smile.

“Ms Wildwood,” Rhys said, returning the smile and bowing to her from the waist, “I would like to offer you the position of my assistant. Will you accept?”

“Why, Mr Atherton, I would be pleased to,” Kat replied and curtseyed to him. They laughed and embraced, and Jade moved across to join them.

Richard cleared his throat, and the embrace broke. “I am authorised to offer Kat a stipend for clothes and accessories befitting her new position.” He unclipped a small purse from his belt and handed it to her. Kat released the drawstring and tipped the contents into her palm: twenty gold coins and perhaps fifty silver ones. She stared. Rhys stared as well; apart from a bank, he had never seen so much money. It was far more than Kat had seen in her entire life.

“Sarah has offered to take Kat shopping,” Richard continued. “Jade and Rhys are welcome to accompany her. Travelling in our carriage with Sarah will help avoid attention until your papers arrive. You are unfamiliar with Chatamor and may stand out; you do not want to be stopped by the guards for an identity check without papers.”

They agreed to the trip, and Richard left to arrange the carriage. Kat returned the money to the purse and tucked it down her tunic into her bra. “I will know if anyone tries to steal it from here!” she joked. They finished breakfast and returned the plates and glasses to the sideboard.

Sarah swept briskly into the room, dressed in a chunky jumper, jodhpurs, and sturdy riding boots - an undeniably formidable figure. “Girls’ planning session!” she declared, moving towards Kat and Jade. She glanced at Rhys, who merely shrugged and retreated to the window seat, picking up a discarded newspaper.

The three women huddled into a tight circle, conversing in hushed voices. Rhys feigned interest in the paper whilst discreetly observing them. Their discussion was highly animated; they gestured emphatically, sketching shapes and lines in the air. Occasionally, one would glance at Rhys before swiftly returning to the fray. He watched eyes widen, and hands fly to mouths, accompanied by frantic headshakes, muffled giggles, and the occasional emphatic “No!” or “Really?”

After ten minutes, Sarah announced, “We’re ready! Rhys, you can stop pretending to read the paper now.” Kat and Jade giggled. “Come on!” she commanded, turning and sweeping out of the door. The others followed her to the front step.

A covered carriage awaited them, harnessed to a pair of sleek black horses. A driver sat perched at the front, whilst a footman held the carriage door ajar. Sarah climbed aboard with the footman’s smooth assistance. Jade and Kat required slightly more help, hindered by their long, heavy skirts. Finally, Rhys clambered up the single step, taking the seat beside Sarah. Jade and Kat sat opposite, facing them.

The carriage lurched forward, rolling smoothly down the Spencer driveway and onto the metalled road. They travelled at a steady pace downhill in the well-sprung and remarkably comfortable carriage.

“We’ll go to Miller Lane,” Sarah decided. “It’s a quiet side street with minimal passing traffic, so it’s quite discreet. Plus, it boasts some of my favourite boutiques. We are going to have fun!” Rhys turned and shot her a deeply quizzical look. Kat and Jade giggled at his blatant scepticism. Sarah simply beamed at him. “Really,” she promised.

The journey took approximately half an hour. The footman assisted the four shoppers onto the pavement before returning to his post. The driver steered the carriage neatly around the corner.

They stood outside a shop named “Modiste”. The pristine windows displayed formal dresses featuring tightly fitted bodices, sweeping skirts, and hats adorned with rakishly angled feathers. Sarah led the way, the bell above the door jingling cheerfully as they entered. A female shop assistant immediately approached, and the four women swiftly formed yet another intense group discussion. Minutes later, they moved en masse across the shop floor and vanished into one of a row of fitting rooms built into the far wall.

The door clicked shut, leaving Rhys isolated on the shop floor - save for a handful of assistants dotted around the room. Every one of them was looking at him. He scanned the premises, taking in the neat racks of dresses, skirts, jumpers, trousers, and heavy coats. A comprehensive lingerie section occupied a substantial area at the rear.

Another man sat on a low wooden bench near the fitting rooms. Rhys exchanged a curt nod of solidarity with him before wandering around the displays. He purposefully avoided the lingerie section, though he noticed the assistants’ watchful eyes tracking his movements. They weren’t staring openly, but they remained acutely aware of his presence.

A fitting room door swung open. Jade, Sarah, and their dedicated assistant emerged and immediately dispersed across the shop. They gathered armfuls of varied garments before retreating into the room and shutting the door. Rhys watched with mild amusement, acutely aware of his own profound ignorance regarding women’s fashion. He resumed his pacing until boredom set in, eventually meandering back towards the fitting rooms.

An older woman stepped out of an adjacent cubicle and began speaking to the man on the bench. Another assistant hurried past carrying an impossibly frilly gown. The man caught Rhys’s eye as he approached, offering a deeply resigned look. Rhys glanced towards Kat’s occupied fitting room and shrugged helplessly. The man nodded in silent agreement, shrugged back, and trudged towards the cash desk at the rear, presumably to settle his bill.

Rhys took the vacated seat just as Kat’s door opened again. Sarah, Jade, and the assistant charged out, repeating their frantic dashes to every corner of the shop before returning laden with fresh options. Rhys simply closed his eyes. The women repeated this manic cycle twice more over the ensuing half-hour, though they appeared noticeably subdued upon their fifth exit.

Jade approached Rhys directly. “I think Kat’s feeling a bit overwhelmed,” she murmured. “Could you go to her, please?” Rhys nodded, stepped into the fitting room, and closed the door firmly behind him.

Kat sat forlornly on a small stool at the back of the cubicle, dressed only in a soft bra and pants, entirely surrounded by chaotic piles of clothing. She looked up at him, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “I don’t think I can cope with being a free woman!” she whispered shakily. “All these decisions they’re asking me to make. It’s just too much. And these are only decisions about which clothes I prefer. How can I possibly make life decisions if I can’t even decide on a dress?”