Chapter 27

“Of course I still want you.” Robert says, pulling her into him. “None of what happened is your fault.”

Amber breaks, sobbing hard in Robert’s arms.

“What in the hell is going on?” Jane asks.

“I promise I’ll explain.” Robert says quietly. “Just give me a minute.”

As he holds Amber, she begins to try to talk. “I’m sorry.” and “Didn’t want you to know.”

“I know you didn’t.” Robert says. “But I’m glad you aren’t carrying this alone, anymore. And we don’t have to tell the rest of the girls, if you don’t want them to know.”

“Robert.” Jane says. “Out with it.”

“Amber, are you ok with me telling her now? Or do you want to step out while I tell her?” Robert asks.

Amber just stays in his arms, not moving, so Robert looks at Jane, and says. “Amber has a child. Her mother forced her to give the baby up for adoption, and then threw her out of the house when she turned 18. That’s how she ended up with Jackson. She literally had nowhere else to go.”

Amber sobs harder, nearly collapsing when Robert speaks. “Oh, you poor thing.” Jane says, coming over to embrace her.

After a few minutes, Robert continues. “Do you want to talk about it?” Robert asks. “Or would you rather we didn’t?”

Amber shakes her head, not looking up, and between bouts of sobbing, says. “I don’t know, Master.”

“I’m sorry if mentioning it makes it worse.” Robert says. “But we are here for you. If you want to talk about it, you can.”

“It’s so embarrassing.” Amber says. “I was so stupid. I hate younger me.”

“You were young, and in an awful situation.” Robert says. “Coerced into doing things you didn’t want to do, over and over.”

“I’m sorry, Master.” Amber says, beginning to control her emotions. “I should have been honest with you. But I never wanted anyone to know.”

“It’s ok.” Robert says. “I understand, I really do.”

“Did Katie tell you about the boy, Master?” Amber asks tentatively.

“She told me everything.” Robert says. “Or at least, she said she did.”

“I didn’t even want to date him.” Amber says angrily, cuffing away tears. “But he just wouldn’t take no for an answer, and I was too shy to put my foot down.”

“She told me.” Robert says. “It sounds like she blames herself for not stopping it. And then letting you go to Jackson’s.”

“It’s not her fault.” Amber says. “She was even more shy than I was. She was a good friend.”

“Robert.” Jane says. “At some point, I need the full story. I feel like I’m hearing half of a conversation over here.”

“I’m sorry. I should have told you before we did this.” Robert says apologetically.

“I’ll let you two talk.” Jane says. “Amber, I’m here if you ever need to talk about any of this.”

After Jane leaves, Robert says. “You don’t have to talk about any of it, if you don’t want to. But if there is anything I can do to help you get some closure, I’m here. Katie gave me her phone number, she would love to hear from you.”

“I don’t know if I can, Master.” Amber says. “That whole thing broke me. I had Katie drive me as far as she could. I hoped I could outrun the memories.”

“I know.” Robert says. “Can I let her know you are ok?”

Amber nods. “Did my mother tell you what happened to my baby, Master?” Amber asks, looking at the floor again. “She made me sign the papers, but I never got to read them. I don’t know where they are, or even if it was a boy or girl.”

“I’ll do everything I can to find out.” Robert says. “I promise.”

“Thank you, Master.” Amber says, pulling away from him to go to her knees in front of him. “I am yours, forever and always. For anything you need.”

Robert pulls her back up, giving her a hug. “And I am yours. And so is Jane. We think the world of you. Two nights ago you told me we could talk about what you want privately. Are you up to doing that now?”

“If that would please you, Master.” Amber says.

“It would.” Robert says. “If you are ready.”

“I want to be a mother.” Amber says. “I never thought I wanted another child after what happened, until I began doing the work Master Jackson required of me, in order to make his decision. When you find me ready, I would like to have my implant removed, and to have your child.”

“You still have that?!?” Robert asks, alarmed and astounded. “I thought they removed it at testing.”

“They mentioned I needed to get it removed.” Amber says. “But because I was not detained, they didn’t do it.”

“We need to talk to Jane about this.” Robert says. “And get it out ASAP, before you land in hot water.”

“Yes, Master.” Amber says, and then hesitantly asks. “Master, will you consider my request?”

“Request?” Robert asks. “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m just thinking through how we get the implant removed if we are past any sort of deadline. The request to have a child?”

“Yes, Master.” Amber says, not looking at him.

“Of course.” Robert says. “As soon as Samira clears you medically, and Jane gives her stamp of approval. Obviously we don’t want everyone pregnant at once.”

“Thank you, Master.” Amber says. “I was worried that you might no longer find me worthy of carrying your child.”

Robert reaches over, pulling her to him again. “What happened was not your fault. At all. You are just as worthy today as you were yesterday, or the day before that. I want you to stop blaming yourself, or assuming that anyone else will blame you.”

“Yes, Master.” Amber says, so softly he can barely hear it.

“Jane.” Robert says as he enters the kitchen, Amber in tow. “Do you have a second?”

“Your lunch is ready.” Lucia says. “Do you need privacy?”

Robert looks back at Amber, who shakes her head. “You can stay.”

As the three of them sit, and Mei and Lucia bring over the food, Robert says. “Did you realize that Amber still has her implant?”

Jane nearly chokes on her drink, and coughs loudly. “No, I did not.” She says, and looks at Amber. “They didn’t remove it?”

“They said they don’t remove them if you aren’t detained, Mistress.” Amber says. “I thought you both knew.”

“No, I didn’t.” Jane says.

“Is there a deadline for removal?” Robert asks. “Like, are we already too late?”

“I have no idea.” Jane says. “We need to look it up as soon as we are done eating.”

“Samira might be able to take it out.” Lucia says from behind Robert. “Sorry, couldn’t help overhearing.”

“Good idea.” Jane says. “If we are over the deadline, we’ll have to ask her. As long as she can do it just as well as a doctor, I don’t see a problem with it, if Amber is ok with that.”

“Whatever my Mistress decides.” Amber says. “I apologize for causing a problem.”

“None of that.” Robert says. “You didn’t do anything intentionally. This is an honest misunderstanding.”

“Agreed.” Jane says, smiling at her. “We will figure it out, together. All of it.”

“Jane, Is there any way I can go check on my grandmother today?” Lindsey asks Jane after lunch.

“Tomorrow.” Jane says. “I’ll take you in the morning, for an hour. We’ve got a busy week ahead, with the renovation plans, and attending the auction tomorrow. If we can take you again during the week, we will.”

“But ... I’m sorry. Ok.” Lindsey says, clearly disappointed, and wanting to push, but recognizing that it wouldn’t help.

“Once we are settled at the new house, you can visit more.” Jane says. “From what Tom was saying, he may be able to get her into a house only a mile or so away.”

“Thank you.” Lindsey says, turning to walk upstairs.

“Do you want me to run her over there?” Robert offers.

“No.” Jane says. “I want you to relax, and enjoy the last bit of peaceful weekend you have left. Amber and I can deal with her implant. Why don’t you go have some quality time with Lucia? It’s her night.”

“We haven’t had one on one time in a bit.” Robert says. “Are you sure?”

“Have fun.” Jane says. “And if Mei begs to come along, don’t let her unless you think Lucia really wants that. If she argues, tell her that I said ‘A good sub is seen and not heard’.”

“Like that will stop her.” Robert laughs. “I think some one on one time will be good for Lucia and I, though. First I have a phone call to make.”

Getting up from the table, Robert goes over to Lucia, who is already prepping dinner. “Can Mei handle dinner by herself?” Robert whispers, grinding himself against her tiny ass.

“I’m sure she can figure it out.” Lucia says, leaning her head back far enough for him to lean in and get a kiss. “Now?”

“Give me 15 minutes.” Robert says. “I need to make a phone call. Meet you in the master bedroom then though?”

“I wouldn’t miss it.” Lucia says, wiggling her ass back against him before he goes.

“What was that?” Mei asks Lucia as Robert begins to walk away.

Robert doesn’t hear Lucia’s response, but he does hear Mei’s “I get to come too, right?” and then a loud “Fuck!”.

“Did your phone call go ok?” Lucia asks, already nude and posed on the bed as he enters.

Robert pauses, blinking, before asking. “I’m sorry, did you say something?”

“You know I did.” Lucia laughs. “Seriously, did it go ok? It had to be somewhat important, if you are doing it on a Sunday, and making me wait.”

“It was important.” Robert says. “I’m sorry, I can’t tell you the details. It concerns one of the girls, and I think she wants it kept private, at least for now.”

“It’s not something bad, I hope.” Lucia asks, concern on her face as she sits up.

“It’s complicated.” Robert says. “I promise, if and when I can tell you about it, I will. I offered to keep it private though, and I’m not going to break my promise.”

“I’m not asking you to.” Lucia says, reaching up to hold his hand. “Consider me your afternoon delight. How may I distract you, Master?”

Robert flops on the bed next to her, and pulls her into an embrace. “Can we just stay like this for a minute?” He asks.

“Of course.” Lucia says. “For as long as my Master needs.”

“I spoke with Katie, and then to your mother, again.” Robert tells Amber that evening. “You said earlier that you wanted to know. Are you SURE you want to know? Once you know, you can’t stop knowing.”

“I need to know, Master.” Amber says. “Even if it’s bad.”

“Katie didn’t really know anything.” Robert says. “So I called your mother. You have a daughter. Your mother said she directed the lawyer who handled the adoption to place her ... well, I’ll spare you exactly what she said, but basically, of a similar ethnic background to her father.”

“Wait...” Amber says, alarm entering her voice. “She put her with a family who was detained?!?”

“It sounds like it.” Robert says. “Which means she has likely been detained, as well.”

“Master, please.” Amber says, getting on her knees. “I beg you. Please, can we do something?”

Reaching down to pull her up, for what seems like the thousandth time, he embraces her. “I already called Tom. And after I told Jane the situation, she called Rosie. They are both going to see what can be done. If there is a way to get her out, we will. I promise.”

“Thank you, Master.” Amber says. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“If there is, I will tell you.” Robert says. “I can only imagine what you are going through right now, but I’m here for you.”

“Thank you.” Amber says again. “Thank you.”

“Anything for my girls.” Robert says, holding her tightly. “Did you figure out the implant situation?”

“Yes, Master.” Amber says. “Mistress says we have a few months before I could be penalized for having it. I’d like to keep it until you are ready to try for a child, if you do not object.”

“As long as it doesn’t put you at risk, of course you can keep it.” Robert says.

“Lucia” Mei whines as they work on putting up the leftovers from dinner. “Can’t we let someone else do this, and head upstairs?”

“We could.” Lucia says. “Or I could go upstairs, and delegate all of the cleaning up to you.”

Mei’s jaw drops, and she says. “You wouldn’t...”

“I bet Mistress Jane would think it’s hilarious.” Lucia says, grinning at her.

Mei shudders. “She would. Please, don’t do that.”

“Then stop complaining.” Lucia says. “We’ll be done in a few minutes, and then Lindsey and Layne can finish cleaning up.”

A few minutes later, Mei says. “That took forever. Can we go up now?”

“In a second.” Lucia says, walking over to Mei, and jabbing a hand down her shorts before she can react. “Damn girl, you are soaked. How long has this been going on?”

“Since he took you upstairs earlier, and made me stay downstairs.” Mei says sulkily.

“You poor baby.” Lucia teases. “Let’s get you upstairs.”

Mei runs up the stairs to the master bedroom, not stopping until she flings open the door, only to find the room empty.

“Where are they?” Mei nearly howls.

“Who?” Jane asks from behind her. “And what was all that thumping on the stairs? It sounded like a herd of elephants.”

“I’m sorry, Domina.” Mei says, desperately trying to calm down. “Master took Lucia for some private time earlier, and I’ve been so horny. For hours.”

“You poor thing.” Jane says, not looking sympathetic at all. “I think I have a solution for you.”

“Keep licking.” Jane says, as Lucia and Robert enter the room.

“Any idea what is going on here?” Robert asks, taking in a collared Mei, straddling one of their special pillows, arms bound behind her back, going down on Jane.

“Mei’s been whiny today.” Lucia says, just loud enough for Mei to hear. “I suspect Mistress is as tired of it as I am.”

“Don’t you dare stop.” Jane says, pulling on the leash to keep Mei’s head in place when she tries to respond. “Lucia, please remind me that she needs a proper spanking after this.”

“Absolutely, Mistress.” Lucia says.

Lucia reaches up, taking Robert’s face in her hands, and kissing him.

After a moment, Robert pulls back, stripping her efficiently, before carrying her to the bed.

“Ooh, I like this.” Lucia says, grinning widely.

“Good.” Robert says, stripping, before crawling on top of her. She gasps as he slowly slides inside of her.

“I know it’s only been a few days, but I’ve really missed this.” Lucia moans.

After a few minutes, Jane moans. “Enough. Good girl.” And releases the leash. “Go help your Master.”

Crawling over to the bed, Mei asks. “What can I do to help? And any chance I can get some of that next?”

“Get up here.” Lucia says. Mei shuffles up the bed, waiting uncertainly until Lucia says. “What are you waiting for? Get on my face.”

Mei’s face lights up as she realizes she is finally going to get what she wants, and she quickly settles onto Lucia’s face, moaning as she feels Lucia take her first taste of her pussy.

“How does she taste?” Robert asks.

Pushing up on Mei’s ass, Lucia gets enough clearance to say. “Pretty good, actually. Better than I expected.”

“You taste really good too.” Mei says, moaning again as Lucia allows her to settle back onto her face. “I needed this so badly. You were so mean to take Lucia and leave me behind earlier, Master.”

A loud smack resounds, and Mei jumps. “Hey, watch it down there.”

Lucia pushes Mei off of her, and says. “Let’s switch spots. Lay down.”

Mei smiles, and quickly lays down, spreading her thighs in anticipation. Lucia wastes no time hopping onto her face, grinding hard on it, before telling Robert. “Go get the lube. It’s well past time you claimed her ass. Fucking her pussy would be rewarding her bad behavior anyhow.”

“I’ve got it.” Jane says from the bathroom doorway. “Great minds think alike, apparently.”

An unintelligible squeal comes from under Lucia, before she grinds harder on Mei’s face. Leaning forward, Lucia grabs Mei’s legs, pulling them up and apart, while Jane squirts some lube on her asshole, before quickly shoving a finger into her ass. Pulling out, she quickly lubes up Robert, before stepping back.

“She’s done this before.” Jane says. “No need to go easy on her.”

Robert lines up, before beginning to push slowly into her ass. “She can take more than that.” Jane says, pushing his ass hard with one hard.

“Maybe I want to go slowly, and enjoy it.” Robert says, reaching back to fend Jane off. “If you want it done a different way, you can take a turn with your strap-on after me.”

“Maybe I will.” Jane says, pouting a bit.

“Or we could give her the spanking she deserves for being so bratty today.” Lucia suggests.

“Good idea.” Jane says. “I’ll go get the flogger.”

After giving Mei a minute to get used to him, Robert begins fucking Mei’s ass slowly. “Lucia, can you lift up a bit? I want to check in with her.”

“She’s fine, Master.” Lucia huffs, but does lift up slightly.

“Keep going, Master.” Mei says. “I can take it.”

Robert starts moving a bit faster, hips slapping against Mei’s ass. “How is it, Master?” Lucia asks.

“Tight.” Robert says. “Is she doing a good job on you?”

“Very good, Master.” Lucia moans. “I’m going to cum soon.”

A few moments later, Lucia moans as she cums, grinding even harder on Mei’s face. Feeling Mei squeeze down on him, Robert pushes harder, trying to prevent Mei from pushing him out completely.

“Fuck.” Robert groans, cumming in Mei’s tight little ass. A moment later, he feels a hard frantically tapping on his stomach, and he looks up, seeing Lucia slumped to the side, full weight on Mei’s face.

Reaching forward, he pulls Lucia towards him. “Jane, help me get her off Mei. She’s smothering her.”

Coughs, and rapid breathing sounds come from under Lucia as Mei can finally breathe for the first time in a minute or so.

“Thank fuck.” Mei says. “I kept thinking she was doing it on purpose, but then I started to feel like I was going to black out.”

“Sorry.” Lucia whimpers quietly. “Just a really intense orgasm.”

“If that happens again, especially with someone smaller than you, you have to let yourself fall to the side.” Jane tells her.

“Yes, Mistress.” Lucia says quietly, still not completely recovered from her orgasm.

“You ok, Mei?” Robert asks.

“My ass is great.” Mei says. “My nose hurts a bit though.”

“Sorry.” Lucia says again. “That was fun though.”

“Maybe no spanking.” Robert says. “Mei, are we going to cut the brattiness tomorrow?”

“I guess, Master.” Mei says.

“I would like that.” Robert says, staring at her.

“Yes, Daddy.” Mei says.

“Not while we are in bed.” Robert reminds her. “My dick is still in your ass, after all.”

“Sorry, Sir.” Mei says.

“Let’s get you two cleaned up, so we can get to bed.” Jane says.

“Thank you for letting me come with you, Jane.” Taylor says. “I feel better meeting them before we make a final decision.”

“They are for your Dad.” Jane says. “If there is an obvious issue, I’d rather catch it here than after we buy them.”

“I think they will be ok, Mistress.” Amber says. “They are all well trained, and very adaptable. Two of them spent less time in the lifestyle than I did, so a transition to a more normal household should be easier.”

“I think you’ve adapted very well.” Jane says.

“Thank you, Mistress.” Amber says, the slight rise to her shoulders the only indication of the pride she takes in the comment.

“Just remember, try to keep your voice down when you talk.” Jane says. “And try to only talk to the girls we are interviewing.”

“Yes ... Mistress.” Taylor says, nearly forgetting to add the honorific since they are in public.

Stepping inside the lobby, Jane waves at Rosie behind the desk, before approaching.

“Jane!” Rosie says. “Thank you so much for talking to Susie. She and Mark picked up their first concubine yesterday!”

“That’s great!” Jane says. “I didn’t hear from her again after we met, I was hoping that meant everything went well.”

“It did. Are you here to bid for Roger?” Rosie asks.

“Yep.” Jane says. “Are we still good to go?”

“All good.” Rosie says. “Feel free to head back. I gave Ron a heads up, and he already has the list you sent over.”

“Awesome.” Jane says. “Thank you.”

“Did you want to pick up another one for your house?” Rosie asks. “I’ve got a few options, if you are interested.”

“I’d be sleeping on the couch for a month.” Jane says. “Robert nearly had a come apart when I came back with Samira and Valentina.”

“He didn’t kick up a fuss about Layne, from what you said.” Rosie says. “One or two more couldn’t hurt.”

“No way.” Jane says, shaking her head. “Begone, foul temptress.”

Rosie laughs, hitting the buzzer to unlock the double doors, and the girls follow Jane back to the auction room. “It feels really weird to be back here, Mistress.” Taylor says, looking a bit uncomfortable.

“I can only imagine.” Jane says. “There’s Ron. We’ll get into the interview room soon. Hopefully that will help.”

Waving at Ron, Jane approaches. “Rosie told me to expect you.” Ron says. “You are in interview room 3 today. Are you ready for the first one?”

“Sure.” Jane says. “Give us one minute to get settled, and then start bringing them.”

“Mistress.” Amber says before Jane can walk away. “Can we see them all together?”

Jane looks over at Ron, who shrugs. “If you want to.”

“I’m fine with it.” Jane says. “Just to make sure, the list Rosie gave you has 3 girls on it, right?”

“The first list does.” Ron says. “She gave me a second list, in case the first one didn’t work out.”

Jane laughs. “Just bring in the ones from the first list.”

As they get settled in, Amber fidgets uncharacteristically.

“Are you nervous?” Jane asks.

“I haven’t seen any of them in over a year, Mistress.” Amber says quietly. “I am second guessing myself a bit. And there is the other thing.”

“Other thing?” Taylor asks.

“Not something you need to worry about.” Jane says, as the girls begin to file in.

Noticing Amber, the first one straightens a bit, before coughing loudly, and going into a nadu position.

“What?” Ron asks, looking over at Jane.

“It’s fine.” Jane says. “We are good here.”

Giving the now 3 kneeling girls a strange look, he shakes his head, and walks away.

“The floor is yours, Amber.” Jane says.

“Thank you, Mistress.” Amber says. “Girls, this is my Mistress Jane, and one of my new sisters, Taylor. We are here to find girls for Taylor’s father. Mistress Jane, can you let them know it is ok to speak freely?”

“Ladies, Please speak your mind.” Jane says. “We need to make sure we are choosing the right girls for Taylor’s father. We need complete honesty to know if you are right, or not. Anything Taylor says, I would like you to treat as if it was coming from me, for the duration of this interview.”

“Yes, Mistress.” The girls say, eyes on her.

“Abda, do you know these other girls?” Amber asks.

“We were in the same household, Mistress.” Abda answers.

“They ended up with Master Yusef?” Amber asks. “Or were you no longer with him?”

“I was still with him, Mistress.” Abda says.

“Did he change their names as well?” Amber asks.

“Yes, Mistress.” Abda says. “The slave next to me is called Basimah now, and the other is called Huraiva.”

“Why did he change their names?” Jane asks Amber.

“Abda?” Amber prompts her.

“Mistress, our Master was of the Muslim faith. His family did not understand the principles of Gor, and their faith was very important to them. Our master required us to convert, and take new names, for the sake of his family.” Abda says.

“Oh...” Jane says.

“Abda, were you still first girl when you were detained?” Amber asks.

“Yes, Mistress. I had the honor of being first girl for nearly all of my time with Master Yusef.” Abda says.

“And were you satisfied with these two?” Amber asks. “If you were starting again, with a new master, as first girl, would you choose to have them with you?”

“I have no complaints about my sisters.” Abda says. “They both brought Master Yusef great happiness. I would be happy to have them as my slave sisters again.”

“Basimah?” Amber asks. “Would you also like to remain together?”

“Yes, Mistress.” Basimah says. “I would be lost without my sisters.”

“Huraiva?” Amber asks. “What about you?”

“I would like to remain together, Mistress.” Huraiva says. “My training is still ongoing, and I need a strong Mistress like Abda or yourself, so that I finish my training, and truly please my master.”

“Good.” Amber says, nodding at Huraiva’s words. “Taylor, can you tell them a bit about your father? Feel free to ask them any questions you have too.”

“Hi ladies.” Taylor says. “So my Dad is 63. He’s a veterinarian. Right now he lives about ten miles from here, but we are relocating soon, and I’m hoping to convince him to go with us. He is a really nice guy, but my Mom really hurt him when she left. He has lived alone for several years, and may take some time adjusting, especially with three of you.”

“Abda, did you have a question?” Amber asks, noticing the tiniest shift in her expression.

“Yes, Mistress. It sounds like he is not already a master. Is that correct?” Abda asks.

“Yes.” Amber says. “I don’t know of any Gorean masters who are buying Kajirae right now. If you choose to accept Roger as your Master, he will rely upon you to keep order in the house, and train your sisters in his place.”

“Mistress, I apologize if this is impertinent, but would that work?” Abda asks. “Serving a master who is not Gorean.”

“Neither my Master nor my Mistress are Gorean.” Amber says. “It is certainly different, but it works for me. Only you can decide if it works for you.”

“Who will ensure I am doing my best?” Adba asks. “Punish me if I am wrong?”

“You will have to work hard to hold yourself accountable.” Amber says. “You’ve been a Kajira for over a decade. Surely if anyone is up for the challenge, it is you.”

“Yes, Mistress.” Adba says. “I did not think of it that way.”

“Realistically, you aren’t going to find a Gorean master.” Amber says. “If you wish to remain together, this is your best choice. You can retain your position as first girl, and retain your sisters.”

“Umm ... One other thing. I don’t expect him to want any more girls, but if he does get them, they probably won’t be like you.” Taylor says. “If that happens, you have to accept that they aren’t like you, and may never wish to be.”

Abda looks at her, struggling not to react as she processes this.

“Most of my sisters are not kajirae.” Amber says. “Two have chosen to train, and show some promise, but Taylor is right. If your new Master takes any other girls, you have to be prepared to assign chores, and correct their faults, without actually training them, or applying traditional punishments. I have not found it to be as difficult as it may seem at first.”

“I see, Mistress.” Abda says.

After a moment of silence, Taylor asks. “Abda, what are you thinking?”

“It sounds like a great challenge.” Abda says. “If Mistress Amber feels I can do it, I shall accept, and do my best.”

“I know you can do it.” Amber says. “You have much more experience than me, and I’m managing it. I have 11 sisters now, including Taylor. We are talking about 2 at the very most, but possibly none at all.”

“Thank you for your confidence, Mistress.” Abda says. “Mistress Taylor, what would you like to know about us?”

“Why don’t you each tell me a bit about yourselves?” Taylor asks. “How old you are, how long have you lived this lifestyle, do you have any hobbies? Really anything at all.”

Abda straightens a bit, and says. “Mistress, I am 32 years old. I began my training just before I turned 19, after my first semester of college. Master Yusef saw potential in me when he began training as a Master the next year, and I was his first kajira, as well as his only first girl.”

“So you were with him for 12 years?” Taylor asks. “And what about hobbies?”

“A little more than 12, yes, Mistress.” Adba says. “I do not have any hobbies, my focus was on my Master’s happiness, the training of his girls, and the upkeep of his home.”

“What about before that?” Taylor asks. “Any hobbies in high school or college?”

“I was in the marching band, Mistress.” Adba says.

“Is music something that still interests you?” Taylor asks. “I think my Dad would be happy to know you weren’t just keeping house all day, so a hobby would be nice.”

“I will strive to find something, Mistress.” Adba says. “Maybe not music, though.”

“Fair enough.” Taylor says. “What about you, Basimah?”

“I’m 22, Mistress.” Basimah says. “I became a kajira when I was 18, and Mistress Amber and her former Master were my first trainers. I was sold a few times before Master Yusef bought me. I served him for nearly 3 years, and I believe I made him happy.”

“She did.” Adba says. “Her name means ‘smile’, and Master Yusef gave it to her because of the happiness she brought him.”