“Yes, and you weren’t ready then,” Gisor told Napius, trying to wave his son away. I noticed then that we weren’t outside of my room, but rather, we were in the middle of the centaurs’ camp, where I’d been given to Cazis and Napius. It looked like the whole herd had gathered, just like last time.
“I’m ready now,” Napius persisted, stepping in front of his father. “You’ve always made it a point to give the slaves to someone else, within the herd!” At this, the centaur in front of me looked away and glared at Napius.
“Gisor,” he began to protest, taking a step away from me. He released my chin, but Cazis moved forward to keep me where I was. I watched Gisor hold up a hand, to silence the stranger, and he looked at his son, a hard expression on his face.
“What makes you think you can handle her, Napius?” Gisor sighed, motioning to me as I struggled against Cazis’ grip. Napius sighed heavily and he grumbled, “She trusts me, okay?” I made it a point to pretend that I didn’t hear him, as I struggled harder against Cazis.
Gisor eyed his son carefully, and then he asked, “Why do you try to protect this girl, Napius?” I saw Napius look my way, and I scowled at him, trying my hardest to play along. He sighed, and told his father slowly, “She hasn’t acted out, father. At all! Cazis just doesn’t know how to handle her. Anyways, why should we mistreat a slave if she’s obedient? She’s done nothing to warrant being sold.”
The chief sighed heavily and then looked me over. I stopped fighting against Cazis, and Gisor jerked his head before quietly ordering Cazis, “Let the girl go.” Cazis grunted grudgingly and released me. I jerked my arm away from him after he cut my bindings, and I rubbed at my wrists and jaw, which hurt from the other centaur holding it so tightly.
The stranger, meanwhile, snorted and rounded on Gisor. “I came all this way because you said you wanted to sell a slave to me,” he said angrily. “And now you’re going to let your boy take her?” he continued, glaring down at Napius. Napius stood his ground, staring stonily into the stranger’s face.
Gisor scowled at the stranger and moved towards him, drawing his sword slowly. “I will do as I please. You are a guest here among my herd – I would advise that you act like it.” At the chiefs’ threat, the stranger backed down, though he looked rather displeased to do so.
“Fine,” he spat bitterly, giving me one last look over. “I’ll tell my chief that she died before I arrived.” And then he left swiftly, while Gisor sheathed his sword. He moved over to me and frowned deeply.
“You are to be given to my son, Napius, with your title of slave still upheld. The next time I hear you’ve given him, or anyone else trouble… I’ll kill you myself.” I swallowed and nodded, looking down swiftly. It was better than I would have hoped. I exhaled slowly while the centaurs around me moved away, and then Napius came up to me.
“Come on,” he muttered into my ear, grabbing me by the arm. I resisted slightly, just for show, and he tugged on me until I moved. No one really paid us any attention then, and so we were able to relax slightly. Even so, he didn’t let go of me once we were away from the crowd.
“Thanks,” I muttered, heaving a sigh. He laughed a little and shook his head, saying, “Don’t worry about it. I… I’m sorry about… well, what Cazis made me do.” I could almost hear the blush in his voice.
“No!” I assured him, still speaking softly, “It’s fine. I honestly didn’t mind, he forced you to do it anyways…” We both fell quiet then, as he guided me back towards my quarters. Once inside, he released me and we both breathed a huge sigh of relief. After a few moments, I reached out and hugged his torso. He laughed and squeezed me back.
“Thank you,” I sighed, feeling tired. I wasn’t sure how long I’d been unconscious. “What happens now?” I pulled away from him and sat down in my chair, rubbing at my eyes. I missed having my dress; it was getting old, being nude day after day. Either way, Napius didn’t seem to mind, so I put it out from my mind.
“What do you want to happen now?” he inquired, moving to look out of the window. “Do you want to sleep? Are you hungry?” I sighed once more, knowing asking for freedom was out of the question. I knew how their system worked, and even if all Napius meant was good, I knew he couldn’t release me.
“I suppose I am tired. More so mentally than physically…” I admitted, putting my arms up on the table and resting my head on them. “How’re we going to do this, Napius?” I didn’t know exactly what he wanted from me… I thought it safe to assume sex, but then again, he really did feel bad that he’d been forced on me. Truthfully… I really didn’t care. It was sweet of him to feel bad, but I was beginning to believe that sex was just sex.
I heard Napius sigh, and then he turned back to me. “I’m not sure, Nephele,” he replied, grimacing a little bit. “I suppose just… one step at a time. I just want to make sure you’re safe – and with me, you are. I won’t let Cazis or Placias bother you anymore.”
His words were comforting, and I believed him completely. He’d never done any wrong by me. “Thank you, Napius,” I repeated, getting up and moving to stand by his side. “I… don’t want it to be awkward or anything, but if you ever want… me, you can have me. Or anything, I mean, I owe you so much.” I blushed, and he did too, but he waved my words away.
“You don’t owe me anything,” Napius told me, offering me a smile, which I returned. “But… I do wonder…” He hesitated, and I quirked a brow at him. He chuckled nervously and then asked, “I just wonder, what’s it like for you? To… be here and to have… well, you know.”
I frowned a little, thinking, and then replied, “It’s… not bad,” My words were honest, and I surprised even myself. “I mean, I get treated decently. I’m fed and… honestly, it feels good. No one’s hurt me.”
Napius nodded, and then looked back outside. “You’re my first,” he told me. I smiled and said, “I know. I’m sorry if it didn’t go the way you planned it.” He just laughed a little bit and shook his head. “I guess I’m just glad I finally got the chance. It… it did feel good.”
We both chuckled, likely both feeling awkward and embarrassed. I moved away, back to my bed. “I like you, Napius,” I told him quietly, “I like you a lot. You aren’t like the others. You treat me like I’m human.”
At that, he turned and raised a brow at me. “You are human,” he said bluntly. I laughed and said, “No, I know… you know what I mean.” He nodded, smiling. “You’re a good person. You don’t treat me like all of the others. They think I’m just… a kid. Useless.” Napius told me quietly.
Giving him a sympathetic look, I sighed, “You’re not useless. You saved my life.” To that, he didn’t really have an answer, because we both knew that if his plan hadn’t succeeded, I would have died.
“So,” I said, trying to lighten the mood, “What kinds of rules do you have for me, master?” This got a laugh out of Napius, and he moved over to me, a wry look on his face. “Hmm… well, I suppose I can’t have you fucking anyone else, now can I?”
I smirked at him, and he touched my cheek. “Although… I do think that’s the only rule. I like to be a lenient master, you know… just stay faithful to me, and we shouldn’t have a problem.” Napius snickered a little, and I chuckled, my heart feeling lighter than air.
“But of course…” I replied, trying to inject lust into my tone. He lowered his face towards mine, a smirk playing across his lips. “If you can follow this… simple rule, you’ll be rewarded,” he continued, pitching his voice low, and husky. I shivered a little, playing along.
“Oh?” I breathed, tilting my face towards his. I shook my hair out, fighting a smirk, and I asked, “What’s my reward, master?” Napius snickered softly, and he let his lips graze ever so lightly across mine, and I shivered, feeling my lips tingle.
“Me,” he breathed in response, caressing my face. I felt his other hand caress my thigh, and I moaned softly, unable to stop myself. Napius’ hand froze, and he stared down at me intently for a few moments. I blu
shed deeply, unable to speak, but he got the message.
Even so, he asked quietly, slowly, “Nephele… do you…?” I swallowed roughly and nodded in response. I shifted slightly, to bring my face closer to his, and I kissed him slowly, my eyes closing. I heard him groan softly, and he kissed me back, slightly hesitant. He was cautious, careful, but I didn’t mind it. I wanted him… and I was patient.
His lips were soft, and I enjoyed them; I’d never kissed anyone like this before, not even Vralius. Napius didn’t seem to want to rush into taking me, which I didn’t mind. I was happy to take it slow. Eventually, the kissing grew deeper, and I parted my lips slightly, as he did the same. I tasted his mouth, and we both moaned with our passion.
He broke away, breathing heavily. “Nephele,” he murmured, letting his hand caress my thigh again. “Take me, Napius,” I breathed, spreading my legs for him. I’d never felt so alive. He groaned softly and nodded, pulling away so that he could mount me. He braced himself against the wall, and my folds accepted him gratefully.
“Oh, Napius,” I moaned, also using the wall to brace myself. He wasn’t particularly large, as Cazis had been, but he wasn’t small either. He also wasn’t violent like Cazis was – rather, he was gentle, sweet, and a tender lover. It had its own benefits, its own pleasures… and it truly was pleasurable. He might have been inexperienced, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t good.
Napius learned quickly what my body did and didn’t like; he learned the perfect depth, speed and force, and soon enough I was shaking in pleasure. I cried out his name, and when he climaxed, so did I. Unlike the others, he didn’t pull out right away; he stayed, girth buried in my body, until my shaking subsided.
“Napius…” I repeated, breathless, as he pulled out. He chuckled softly, breathing hard as well. “Thank you, Nephele…” he told me, moving away towards my side. I smiled at him, closing my eyes and catching my breath. “Anytime,” I told him after a few moments, chuckling softly.
He grinned at me, kissed my forehead, and then told me softly, “I’ll be back soon – I’m going to get you some food.” I nodded, feeling myself slipping away, towards sleep, and then he was gone.
Napius must have let me sleep, because when I woke up I found him waiting in my room with food on the table. I grinned at him and got up, stretching. My body ached slightly, but in a good way, and I moved to sit down at the table. My food was cold, but I didn’t mind.
“Sorry about that,” Napius told me, as if he were reading my mind. I just laughed and shook my head. “I was the one who fell asleep,” I replied with a small yawn. I heard him chuckle and he moved forward to stroke my hair.
“Guess I must’ve done a good job, then?” he inquired softly, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief. Like most of the centaurs, Napius was pale-skinned. He differed from the majority because, not only were his eyes light, but he had sandy hair and a dun-colored body. He was also less muscular, but he was also younger than the majority. His muscles were more of the long and lean type, rather than bulky.
I blushed at his words and shivered softly at his touch, and I nodded, feeling butterflies rise up in my stomach. He chuckled and leaned down, murmuring into my ear, “Sorry, I just like to tease you.” I just smiled and grasped his forearm, squeezing it briefly before I finished my food. I stood up, not quite sure what to say. I looked down at the empty platter and asked abruptly, “Hey, who’s going to be bringing me food?”
Napius gave me a quizzical look and I blushed a little before stammering, “It’s just… when I was with Vralius, Cazis brought it, and when I was with Cazis and Placias, you brought it. And I… really don’t want it to be Cazis or Placias bringing it.”
He nodded slightly, understanding now, and he frowned a little, looking thoughtful. “I figured I’d do it… but I guess I do get busy sometimes. Uh… who do you want to bring it to you?” he asked, taking the platter from the table.
“I’m not sure…” I responded slowly, surprised that he was giving me a choice. I had to keep reminding myself that Napius wasn’t at all like the others. “Are the rest of the centaurs a lot like Cazis?” I asked, my gut clenching at the thought. Napius frowned again and nodded.
“I’m afraid they are,” he admitted, stroking my cheek, “But I won’t let anyone hurt you.” His words were sincere, and I believed him… but part of me knew I’d only be completely comfortable with either Napius or Vralius, and given our history, I feared bringing it up.
“Nephele, what is it?” Napius asked, touching my arm gently. I shook my head and refocused on him, saying, “What?” He laughed a little and said slowly, “Nothing, it’s just… you had this look on your face. What’s going on in your head?”
I blinked a few times and then sighed slowly. “I… I’d rather have Vralius over anyone else. I mean, he always treated me decently, he never hurt me… I’m not afraid of him. But... I’m afraid of Cazis,” I admitted, lowering my gaze. I felt heat rise up into my face, my eyes, and I had to take a deep breath to calm myself before I started to cry. I didn’t understand why I was suddenly feeling like this.
Napius nodded slowly, stoically, and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close for a few moments. “I’m sorry, Nephele,” he sighed softly into my hair, “I’m sorry for what you’ve been through, and I’m sorry you’re still here. I wish I could change it, but if I let you free… they’d go after you. They’d kill you, and they’d kill me.”
His words weren’t altogether comforting, but I understood, and I wasn’t bothered all that much. “Just don’t exchange me,” I told him, giving him a sad sort of smile. He stroked my face and shook his head, saying, “Don’t worry – I won’t.”
I nodded, smiling, and he said, “I’ll see what Vralius thinks of it.” I nodded again and told him softly, “Okay. Thank you, Napius. It means a lot to me.” He just smiled and waved my thanks away, but after a moment his expression grew more serious.
“Nephele, can I ask you something?” he asked quietly, studying my face. My smile faded and I gave him a confused look, but I nodded slowly. I had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.
“What… what exactly went on between you and Vralius? I mean – I heard the rumors before, and my father told me what had happened when Vralius gave you up, but… I don’t know, I guess I don’t really trust all that they say sometimes.” He spoke quickly, as it he worried about upsetting me. As it was, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the question, although it felt as it my stomach had sunk a little. Even so, I wanted to tell him the truth. He deserved it, for being so kind to me.
“Vralius was… my first, ever,” I started slowly, looking at my feet. From the corner of my eye, I saw him nod solemnly. “He was kind, and gentle. Not like you, but I did think he meant it. He didn’t force me into anything; he left it up to me. But… I guess I was only with him because I had no other choice. I mean, I was… but what I mean is, I only enjoyed it because I didn’t have a choice, and because I thought he was nice.” I paused and looked up at Napius. He had a look on his face that I couldn’t read.
Heaving a sigh, I continued, “He acted like he cared for me, and I… I started to care for him. But he lied – he didn’t do all that he did because he cared for me, he did it because it made me more willing. He even told me how he thought it made more sense, to treat the slaves right so that they’re more willing to please their masters…” I scoffed and shook my head slowly.
“All you need to know is he lied to me. He gave me up and… well, now I’m here. I don’t… care for him anymore. He obviously doesn’t care for me.” I finished lowly, beginning to feel angry. I thought my anger towards Vralius had dissipated, but I realized now I’d just been withholding it. I sighed deeply and closed my eyes.
“Hey, I’m sorry,” Napius muttered, looking away. “It doesn’t matter, I’m sorry I asked. Do you, uh, still want him to bring your food?” I sighed again, and then looked up at him. “It’s fine… I’m sorry. And sure, you can ask him. At least I know he won’t do anyth
ing.” I chuckled weakly, and he gave me a comforting smile.
“Alright,” Napius said softly, “I’ll go and ask him.” I nodded and smiled slightly as he left, and once he was gone, I moved to stare out the window.
Night came, and with it, came Vralius. I sat up from my bed when he came in, but I didn’t smile or do anything else. Instead, I said, “I’m glad you were willing to do this. I was worried that Cazis or someone else…” I sighed and shook my head.
“Normally, once a slave has been traded, the old master isn’t allowed to be near her,” Vralius told me quietly as he placed my dinner on the table. I eyed him curiously and then asked, “Then why are you allowed to be here?”
He chuckled a little and stood by the table, eyeing me. “Because Napius asked his father to allow it. He is the chief’s son, after all.” He moved towards the door then, his hand on the handle before he turned back to me, still giving me a curious look. “Why did you request me, Nephele?”
I looked at him, raising an eyebrow, before I said bluntly, “I didn’t want anyone else to threaten me like Cazis did. I wanted it to be someone I can trust, and feel comfortable around. I didn’t want it to be someone I feared.” He nodded slowly and I asked, “Didn’t Napius tell you?”
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