Chapter 113

Sister Lily,

My dear, dear child. I knew from counseling Alexis and Jen and now Laquesha that some concubines had suffered greatly under bad owners, but I cannot imagine how it must have been for you.

I'd like to be able to claim that your first statement surprised me, but sadly, unlike the younger concubines in this household, I've seen what the promise of power can do to many men. Some can be stronger than it, like I'm guessing Will tries to be.

I'm afraid I have never been formally introduced to the man, and his paranoia towards the AI units that do so much to give humanity a fighting chance against the Sa'arm is shockingly naïve, but I can understand. His sister is not a pillar of patience and insight at the best of times, but that comes with experience.

You however, must have an iron will to have mentally and emotionally survived your ordeal before becoming part of Marissa and Will's household. Your latest letter was so horrific that Brianna ran off crying. I expect she's going to be in my great-niece's arms for a while. That young woman and her partner must be two of the bravest, most compassionate and loving girls I've met.

I count myself fortunate, not just to know them, but to get to watch them live a free life. It was the kind I never managed to create for myself.

I wish I could show a deeper understanding of your past and situation, but even though I was an escort in my younger days; I never was in fear for my life or my family like you were. Yes, I worked in a city where men of great power often sought paid company, but this happened in America, where those men of great power feared the media and the damage to their reputations a scandal could cause. Not one would have left a mark on me that I did not agree to and the idea of physical violence would have made most of them sick. (I'm afraid a couple actually liked being hit with leather whips, but I rarely had them as a client. I guess they didn't like that I would leave real marks on their back.

But I shouldn't write too much about that. Erica and Willow suspect, but I won't tell them everything, they don't need to know, and their youth and positive attitude is what makes this household, and indeed their whole company so strong. There is something special about a young girl looking forward to life.

Of course, it helps when those young girls like to give. I never asked Erica and Willow to try to bring me along. I always thought I'd be left behind on Earth when my great-niece was picked up. I would be the last of my bloodline left on Earth, to stand and hold a flickering candle as the hive spheres came crashing to the ground.

Depressing, but one thing I've tried to avoid is holding only unlikely hopes. I guess that's where Erica and Willow did have a lot to teach me. Those two believe. They go out on every mission knowing they will return. They have diverted from an operation to rescue another tank and then returned to their mission knowing they will still complete it. Their optimism and zest for live is infectious and uplifting. And they don't even know they do it.

That's been the best part of being with them. Well, and the sex, but you know about that I'm sure. I can't say if the Confed tech does something to help a concubine enjoy sex more, but Erica and Willow definitely rank as a tie for first for best sexual partners I've ever had.

I should allow you to hunt down Marissa and then your sister concubines for a kiss and cuddle. I'm going to hunt down John. It's time for him to practice his English. I swear that brother of Willow's is an amazing scientist and loves chemistry, but never allow him to write anything. His grammar and spelling are horrible.

The Matron of Amazon Manor

Louisa