“It didn't!” she bellowed in disbelief before she could stop herself. Sasha glanced up at Tiana, blushing, a gentle smile crossing her lips.
“Yes,” Tiana gasped, “Vin interpreted our declaration of love as courtship final vows and officially named Trent my consort,” Gil'Da gurgled, then fainted to the floor with a grunt. Tiana rushed to her side, but Gil’Da had already come too and was climbing back to her feet.
“Oh no, oh no, oh no,” she muttered, “your mothers are going to skin me alive. I let you out of my sight for less than a day and you...and you...you elope,” her voice cracked. Tiana stared at Gil'Da, then to Sasha, and couldn't contain herself any longer, breaking out into hysterical laughter at the ridiculousness of it all. Sasha soon followed suit as Gil'Da looked between the two laughing women as if they'd both gone crazy.
“Where did I go wrong,” she buried her face in her hands.
“I am so sorry, Gil'Da,” Sasha hugged their old servant and tutor, “it all just...happened. We promised to publicly keep it as courting until we hold an official elevation ceremony. But in the eyes of the emperor, and the official database on Origin, we are married,” Sasha explained.
“I understand,” Gil'Da sighed in resignation, glaring at Trent, “but I refuse to allow you to wash him below the waist in my company! I shall, as is my duty as your servant, Your Grace, handle that task,” Gil'Da's words made both her and Sasha look at the portion of Trent still covered by the sheet.
“Yes, Gil'Da,” They responded playfully together with a blush, though Sasha still stared possessively at Trent,”but you better not try to steal him,” Sasha scolded, a hint of humor in her voice. Gil'Da rolled her eyes as Tiana burst out laughing.
“Let us began...shall we?” Tiana and Sasha followed Gil'Da into the washroom, giggling together at the absurdity of it all and of friends finally reunited.
Chapter 21
Steamy hot water cascaded through her hair, trickling over her face, shoulders, and bosom, its soothing warmth cleansing the dense layer of filth that had clung to her body and soul ever since she'd escaped the hidden research complex deep within the Earth.
The feeling was indescribable.
It had taken them only a few minutes to finish bathing Trent's upper body, and at Gil'Da's insistence, she had removed herself to the washroom while the older servant’s trained hands dealt with cleaning the rest. The idea of bathing all of Trent she found to be, surprisingly, rather appealing. But she knew her mind and heart were not quite ready for that step...soon though, Sasha, soon.
Tiana, who had returned to the mocking lady-in-waiting Sasha so fondly remembered, insisted on joining her in the shower to aid in the removal of the gunk that had stubbornly clung to her long black hair. A mischievous grin spread across her lips when she noticed Sasha's skin turning crimson.
“Are you thinking of Gil'Da cleaning Trent's naughty parts, my princess?” Tiana teased playfully, making Sasha’s blush intensify, and her elbow to move on its own to lightly crash into the younger girl’s stomach. A grunt escaped Tiana's lips as she pulled on Sasha's hair in response, almost causing them both to slide to the showers floor. Playful laughter echoed within the shower a moment later.
“I think you'll need to learn to tie-up this hair of yours next time you go gallivanting on one of these little adventures,” Tiana instructed, “...Yuk...” before pulling free a rather disgusting clump of something nasty, which vanished down the water reclaimer set in the shower floor. Sasha tried to respond, but her hair was being repeatable tugged as Tiana continued to work out the stubborn knots, kept her silent.
The thought of having to go through something like that again was not in the least bit appealing, but she knew the choice of such matters would not always be hers. She, like all ruling NHA nobility, were caught in a massive wave, one that would force her to endure constant travels across not only her own holdings, but the universe itself. But I doubt any other “adventures” will be like this, she knew, her further travels more likely being boring trade or diplomatic missions.
“Thank you, Tiana, that is much better,” she thanked Tiana when she noticed the tugging had finally ceased, her hair smooth and clean, and prepared to exit the shower. A shadow appeared just beyond the semitransparent shower door, causing both her and Tiana to squeal in surprise.
“Your Grace,” Gil’Da’s voice echoed through the washroom, “I have finished bathing Sir Trent. Lady Vickie is currently seeing to his needs. I will be returning to the care of the children if you no longer require my services,” she listened intently, ignoring Tiana who playfully nudged her in the back.
“Did you prepare my clothing?” she asked hurriedly, learning that Vickie was alone, tending to Trent, gave her pause. Still not trusting the woman who gave off airs of a traditionalist paramour or realist romantic...she wasn’t quite sure which would be worse.
“I refuse to clean that jumpsuit you arrived in, Your Grace, but Lady Vickie was kind enough to lend you one of her dresses. If you'll excuse me,” Gil'Da exited hastily. Tiana giggled as she continued running her fingers through Sasha's hair, searching for any remaining knots.
“I think you better hurry, Your Highness. Lady Vickie may be in the process of stealing poor Trent's honor,” Tiana’s teased, Sasha knew, but that didn't mean her rising concern was unjustified. She exited the shower, drying herself quickly, then wrapped the auto-drying towel lightly around her bosom as she exited into Vickie's bedchamber.
Vickie kneeled over Trent, staring down into his sleeping face. Sasha swiftly crossed the room and cleared her throat from the other side of the bed. Vickie looked up, a smile of mocking delight crossing her lips.
“I must say, Your Grace, it has been so very long since I've been in the presence of a real man,” she started lifting up the sheet, lowering her head to look beneath, “and a naked one at that,” she purred. Sasha jumped across the bed, forcing the sheet back down with her body. A joyous laugh escaped from Vickie as she retreated with a hop.
“Your Grace,” Vickie leaned forward, her voice sultry, “I do not mind staying for the festivities, but only if I may join in as well,” Sasha stared in confusion, what does she mean by “festivities”? She was about to ask when she felt a cool breeze caress her back and, to her rising horror, her exposed bosoms.
“Your Highness!” A gasp escaped from the washroom door, “to assault a sleeping man in such a manner is very unbecoming!” Tiana scolded, her tone of obvious mocking. Sasha recovered her feet, fixing the fallen towel and finding the rising fear subside at her friend’s light hearted teasing. But a longing for the good old days followed. For times when all she had to worry about was being shot at by Sir Simwa's followers and getting to know Trent. Both Tiana and Vickie snickered whenever they caught her eyes. Sasha could only sigh.
The dress Vicki provided was of a wispy dark red, and of a style she would have never chosen for herself. A half hanging belt, only one side resting on her hip while the other sat on her thigh, cinched the dress close to her skin. The hem was cut at an angle, the side where the belt hung low fluttered just below the knee, while the other ended just below her hip, leaving almost her entire right leg exposed. The top was little better, being cut well lower then she would have usually preferred, while hanging low off both shoulders to cover just below the elbow. For some reason the whole ensemble made her feel very sensual, the design highlighting her womanly curves, while the fabric felt as if she was wearing nothing at all. Terra seemed to enjoy the fact that he had twice the customary space to lounge in, squeaking happily as he rolled over between her bosoms. Vickie, who Sasha had reluctantly agreed to allow adjust the dress, cleared her throat.
“Your Grace,” Vickie looked up, expression stern, “I have a favor to ask. Since in all honesty, you are the only ruling noble who would seriously consider my request,” Sasha glanced down at the woman whose voice was suddenly filled with humility. “I would like to remove myself from Sir Simwa. I have been trying for quite some time, mind
you, but no one would respond to my pleas for aid, in fear of Duke Zehman, that traditionalist bastard, possible retribution,” a flame smoldered within her eyes, “and since you seem to already be quite clearly outside his graces, and do not appear to mind this fact, I was hoping you may be willing to assist me with this matter.” Sasha glanced to Tiana, who was in the process of smoothing her ankle length, white dress that's transparency would have been very revealing had she not been wearing a skintight green bodysuit underneath. Tiana grinned, noticing her stare.
“She has been more then helpful, Sasha,” she nodded. “Plus, I believe her presence may come in handy...in more ways than one...” an understanding glance passed between Vickie and Tiana. Sasha frowned, not liking the idea of being left in the dark, but deciding to let them have their fun...for now.
As she considered the ramifications of having to deal with not one, but two Tiana's for the foreseeable future, along with the further issues such an action may cause if other ruling nobles learned she had interfered with a political marriage, one benefit overrode them all...the chance to affront both Duke Zehman and Sir Simwa.
“If I take you into my house, Lady Vickie, you would be required to formally agree to certain ground rules and officially forsake any relation to the Hulk'Zif Duchy and its nobility. If you can agree to this, then I would be happy to take your oath to become another of my loyal ladies-in-waiting,” she told graciously, trying not to allow a devious smile to cross her lips.
“Your Grace,” Vickie stood tall, “I would be more then honored to accept a place as your lady-in-waiting, no matter what conditions I may have to follow,” she curtsied deep and Sasha stepped forward.
“Vin, enable logging, please,” she placed her hand atop Vickie’s head. “Do you, Lady Vickie, renounce all relation, both personal and professional, to the Hulk’Zif Duchy and its nobility, and swear personal allegiance to me as my lady-in-waiting till the day I release you,” Sasha recited, recalling the words for naming a lady-in-waiting without a family sponsor.
“I herby vow my eternal allegiance to you, Grand Duchess Sasha Alutia,” Vickie declared, “and formally discard all past relations to the Hulk'Zif Duchy, renounce my courtship to the one Sir Simwa, and forfeit all rights and inheritance entitled to a niece of the Duke of Hulk’Zif,” her voice hardened, and Sasha knew that even though Vickie had little affection for Hulk’Zif, it would still be difficult to discard completely ones past life.
“I accept, Lady Vickie, and formally welcome you to the Alutia Duchy as my lady-in-waiting and...most of all...to my family,” she released her hand, allowing Vickie to stand, a single tear appearing in her eye, that vanished as the amethyst flame within turned it to steam.
“Ceremony logged and approved. Lady Vickie has officially been logged as lady-in-waiting to Grand Duchess Sasha Alutia. Please be advised: Lady Vickie’s declaration of intent to renounce courtship to Sir Simwa and relation to the blood of Hulk’Zif cannot be formalized without the consent of Duke Zehman Hulk’Zif, King Johan Vn’Oco, or Emperor Yuloo Origin,” Vin informed.
“Thank you, Vin, I shall contact father when I have a free moment,” Sasha grinned, time for some revenge, “...I’m sure he will grant my request when I explain how very kind and helpful Lady Vickie has been and will be, listening to all my requests without the constant teasing of one of my other ladies,” Sasha glanced to Tiana, who looked away, whistling to herself.
“Oh, very well done, Your Grace,” Vickie smiled with delight, “any regret I may have once felt has already vanished and I am so looking forward to “serving” you in any way you deem fit,” Vickie curtsied again, then returned her attention to Sasha’s hem, which she was reluctantly lowering.
“Good. Though we still need to go over the rules I spoke of,” she cleared her throat. “First rule: You will keep your advances at Sir Trent to a minimum. He is a very kind and sensitive man and I do not wish him placed in an uncomfortable situation where he must resist your temptations,” Sasha couldn't see Vickie's face, but she could picture a mischievous smile, like the one Tiana was too slow in hiding. “Second rule: Lady Regalia is still at a very formative age. Please refrain from any ...unscrupulous activities...while in her presence that would cause her undo harm.” Vickie looked up in shock, then, like Tiana was so frequent to do, forced a pout.
“Your Grace, such words wound me gravely,” she grasped her chest dramatically. “I would never do anything unscrupulous in a young ladies presence,” Tiana snickered, Vickie glaring at the girl in response, who stuck out her tongue playfully.
“What about in her presence, Your Grace?” Vickie pointed to Tiana, eyes aflame. Sasha smiled...time for some more much needed revenge.
“Oh,” she tapped her lip, feigning thought, “Tiana is at an age where I believe anything is appropriate. Do with her as you wish,” Sasha instructed, waving an airy hand in Tiana’s direction. Tiana's expression went dark as Vickie laughed boisterously.
“Sasha, you do not know what you've just done!” Tiana cried as Sasha couldn’t help but join in the laughter. Tiana's face went scarlet, scrunching in frustration.
“One other matter, Your Grace,” Vickie started towards the door, “as is customary, I will now officially relinquish command of my personal servant to you,” Vickie curtsied, an ominous smile spreading across her puffy red lips. Tiana, who had already recovered, started bouncing in place, as she had a habit of doing when she was excited.
A common beautiful woman, with brunette shoulder length hair, that could be no more than 20, glided into the room wearing the same transparent fabric dress as Tiana, but without anything underneath. Sasha gasped in surprise, her two ladies breaking out into immediate laughter, then, as if they shared a mind, skipped out of the bedchamber as Sasha's icy stare fell upon them.
“I am Til'Ma, Your Grace. Will you be requiring my services now or shall I return later this evening?” Her use of the word “services” made Sasha fidget, knowing it likely, given Vickie’s romantic standing, that Til’Ma was more than a standard personal servant.
“Report to Gil'Da and have her find you more appropriate attire. In addition, have her instruct you on the proper etiquette for one of my servants,” Til'Ma curtsied politely, before leaving in search of Gil'Da. Sasha sighed, following close behind, prepared to scold her two ladies-in-waiting, feeling like she had become the mother of two deviant children, but decided against it when she found them playing...hiding more likely...with a few of the trainees in the corner. She turned to a young blond girl who was sitting by herself staring at an exotic piece of programmable matter art.
“Miss, could you do me a favor? Do you remember the three boys and girl who carried the man into the bedchamber earlier?” The young girl's eyes went wide, nodding crisply. “Could you go inform them that they are needed in Lady Vickie's bedchamber?” The young girl hurried to her feet, bowing clumsily before scurrying into the hall without a word. A few minutes passed and the requested trainees entered, heads hug low.
“You called for us, Your Grace,” the lead boy asked, voice unsteady.
“Yes, could you please move this dining table, along with the four chairs into the bedchamber...to the right side of the bed, if you please,” she pointed to the unused table against the wall. The trainees nodded, completing their assigned task without a question, and were about to leave when one of them caught Tiana’s eye.
“Lady Tiana, Tomi wanted me to ask what we should do now.” Tiana looked up from her play, first at the boy, then to Sasha.
“Stay in orbit and try to keep as silent as possible,” Sasha decided to err on the side of caution, “but I’d still like to keep an eye out for any additional survivors. Other’s may have escaped into orbit,” the trainees bowed low, then hurried into the corridor. Sasha turned to her ladies still playing in the corner.
“Tiana, go find Regalia and bring her here. Vickie, please join me in your bedchamber.” The two ladies looked at each other, like children who were about to be scolded, befor
e reluctantly agreeing to her demands. Sasha sighed, returning to the bedchamber and taking the seat closest to Trent. She ran a finger over his cheek, finding it warm and soft, then grasped his empty hand. Color had finally started to return to his flesh and Sasha felt the weight of concern slowly lifting, the constant worry for his wellbeing beginning to ease. Vickie entered the room slowly, taking the seat directly across from her, a devious grin creeping to her lips. Sasha thought to voice a question, but decided against it, turning back to Trent as she waited for her other ladies to return.
Regalia rushed in first, diving into her arms. Tiana followed close behind, taking a seat beside Vickie, nodding with a smile. Sasha held Regalia close, stroking her golden locks, glad to see her young lady-in-waiting safe. Regalia wiped a tear from her eye, taking the seat adjacent hers.
“Well ladies, I will be reviewing my messages, and may require your input, which is why I requested your presence. Feel free to request beverages and chat, I will let you know if I need your assistance.” They all nodded. Sasha, satisfied the games were done, located a BAP with her BC node, queuing her level one messages while ignoring the thousands of level two messages she knew were for continued support of Duke Zehman and Sir Simwa.
Alutia Rising, Anniversary Edition (Alutia Rising Series, Book 1) Page 40