by S. C. Daiko
She swallows, her throat moving against his fingers.
‘That’s perfect, my sweet.’ He strokes her hair back from her face. She raises her eyes to his, and they’re so rampant with desire that a fresh jolt of lust rocks him. The muscles in his thighs twitch. He should withdraw, but he can’t make himself move. ‘You like it, don’t you? Show me how you like it.’
She closes her eyes and opens her mouth to take more of him. Pushing deeper, she strokes the underside of his prick with her tongue. Christ! He jerks away and she gives a soft whimper. Where the hell is my self-control? He needs to slow down and so does she. He reaches for the knife on the table in front of him, and cuts her bonds. ‘I’ll re-tie you later, Theo. The cords make everything easier, don’t they?’
‘Why is that?’
‘They hold you, support you. And they remove the burden of complete capitulation. Once you’ve mastered your surrender, you won’t need them. But for now, they keep your hands out of my way and give you something physical to struggle against when you feel the need.’
‘I see.’
He reaches down, pulls up her tunic, and lifts it over her head. She steps out of her undergarment. It takes every bit of his self-control not to touch her. ‘Come, Theo. There’s a bed in the next room.’
It’s not his bedroom – that’s at the other side of the Palace – but a room for resting in when he’s up all night with his documents. ‘Lie down in the middle. As it’s your first time, I’ll allow your legs to remain free.’ He ties one wrist and then the other to the bedposts. She has her eyes on his prick, and moisture has beaded her cunt.
‘You’re so damned beautiful, Theodora. I love to see you like this.’
‘You do?’
‘Of course.’ He grips himself, one hand stroking firmly and the other rubbing his sac. ‘Your mouth is syrupy and warm, and it feels like heaven on my cock.’
She pulls against her bonds. ‘Then let me taste it again.’
His jaw tenses. ‘When I say so.’
He kneels on the bed, and she arches against him. Grasping her chin, he takes her mouth in a deep, probing kiss, his cock resting against her thigh. He pushes his tongue deeper, then breaks the kiss. She lets out a gasp. ‘When next I take your lovely mouth, Theo, I’m going to thrust. You must relax. The more you relax, the easier it will be for you to breathe. If I go too far, tap my leg with yours and I’ll pull back. Is that clear?’
‘Yes, sir.’
Her nipples are fully erect as he sweeps his fingers along the outer curves of her breasts. Covering one nipple with his mouth, he begins sucking firmly. It’s like a pebble against his tongue. He moves to the other breast and bites down. Her hips jerk. Drawing back, he rubs his heavy sac against her thigh. ‘Look at your nipples.’ She glances down. ‘They’re begging for punishment, aren’t they?’
He delivers a light downward slap with his fingers to one nipple and then the other. She expels a soft cry. He slaps each one again. She arches her back and lifts her breasts to him. ‘More, please, sir! Punish me!’
‘Yes.’ His voice is tight. ‘Because you beg so sweetly.’ Holding her breast, he spanks his fingers against the distended nub. She squeals as he does it again and once again. Then he lifts her other breast. The sound of each light spank seems to excite her more than the one before. Her hips lurch and a heavy wetness, slick and hot, puddles between her legs. His own moisture spills from the engorged head of his prick and onto her thigh. ‘That’s enough for now,’ he says, giving both swollen nipples a long, hard pinch.
She groans and strains at her binds. ‘Please, sir. . .’
He rubs the trunk of his cock against her leg. ‘Beg me!’
Her hips twist. ‘Please! Please, sir… I’ll do anything. I promise! Just touch me… touch my quim… I beg you!’
He slides his fingers between her legs. ‘God, your yearning is pouring out of you. You see, Theodora? Subservience suits you. I told you I knew what you desired.’ He massages his hand over her slippery slit. She draws up her legs and opens them wide. He slips his fingers past her outer folds and strokes the opening of her sheath. Her cunt surges at him.
‘Sir, please!’
He smiles at her begging eyes. ‘Please what?’
‘I’m burning up, sir. My… quim, it needs you, sir.’
‘Needs me?’
‘Pleasure me, sir. Please, I beg you! It has been so long…’
He snatches his hand away. ‘Pleasure you? Whose pleasure do you serve, Theodora?’
She pauses momentarily. ‘Yours, sir.’
‘And what do you get by serving my pleasure?’
A pull at her bonds. ‘My pleasure, sir.’
‘Yes,’ he moans. Falling prone between her legs, he opens his mouth over her smooth, wet cunny lips. She flinches in evident surprise. But he presses forward, rubs his nose against her bud and a throaty cry escapes her as his tongue laps ravenously. His mouth fastens onto her clit and, when he sucks on it, her arse lifts from the bed. Licking her relentlessly, he pushes his fingers just inside. Her hips heave up, and she pulls at her bonds. And still he licks her and rubs her while she bucks, panting and squealing. Four fingers now, he shoves them deep, flicking her swollen nub with his tongue until she cries out and he feels the shudder of her orgasm, the clenching of her cunt around his fingers.
Crouching over her, he raises her higher against the headboard and wraps her in his embrace. Arms and legs holding her, he presses kisses to her hair. She can’t return his hold; she can only receive – his comfort, his kisses, his body covering hers.
Moaning, she opens her mouth against his neck and sucks on his taut skin. He groans and holds her tighter. But then he pulls back. ‘It’s time for what I promised, my lovely Theo.’ His hands in her hair, he straddles her torso and lowers his prick to her open mouth. ‘Use your delicious tongue, my sweet.’
She draws a wet swathe against the whole length of him. Again and again she licks, seemingly desperate for the salty fluid that runs down his shaft, and frantic to wrap her lips around him. He frees one of his hands from her hair, and scooping up his sac he lifts it to her mouth. ‘Lick my balls.’
Without pause, she tongues him while he watches her. ‘Now, with great care, I want you to suck them.’ One at a time she gently gives each testicle a little suck. He spasms, holding his shaft to his body and looking down at her. ‘That’s good. So, so good.’ He shifts his hips forward and presses her to the headboard as he pumps his hand over his cock. A droplet of fluid splashes upon her brow. ‘I know what you desire, Theodora,’ he rasps. ‘And I’m going to give it to you.’ His hand fists in her hair. ‘Now, remember what I told you. If I go too far, tap my leg with yours and I’ll pull back.’
He frees his sac and, with a groan, drives the dark red knob of his prick into her mouth, moving in short thrusts as she holds him tightly with her lips. Her beautiful gold-flecked eyes lock with his as he pushes. In. Out. In. Out. Deep into her delightful mouth. ‘That’s good. Open for me. Open more.’
He thrusts slowly, ever more deeply until his knob touches the back of her throat, then withdraws. She gasps for breath. He pushes in again. Over and over. Again and again. Her mouth is wet. So fucking wet. He feels her jaw relax and, with each new push, he slides deeper.
She draws her breath through her nose. Her lips are tight around him. He pulls out and his cock sways as he tips her face up. ‘That’s perfect, Theo.’ He slips his fingers into her mouth, then over her lips. ‘That’s so perfect. Now, just a little more.’ Gripping her chin, he lifts it, extending the column of her throat. With one hand in her hair and the other around his cock, he pushes into her, pressing and pressing until his engorged knob is pushing against the back of her throat. She groans and her eyes water, but he holds her in place. ‘Remember my instructions.’ He grinds hard against her, forcing his cock into the turn of her throat. Her body leaps and her cheeks bulge as he thrusts short and tight.
Moaning, he withdraws completely, long en
ough for her to take a gasping breath before he sinks deep and thrusts again. Her mouth is stretched and full of him. Her hips tilt and her back arches. Faster and deeper he plunges, his loud panting the only sound above her snorted breaths. She doesn’t hold him back. She doesn’t tap his leg. She doesn’t stop him. And with each flurry of thrusts, his cock sinks deeper, filling and stretching the entirety of her throat, and it feels so wonderfully tight.
His fingers tense in her hair, and he shudders over her, thrusting into her as she writhes beneath him. He’s overcoming her reticence with each thrust. She’ll learn to trust him, and he’s loving every fucking moment of it. He cries out, pushes his cock until her face is against his stomach and his seed spews down her throat.
He unties her and holds her against him as she takes shuddering breaths. ‘You were magnificent, Theodora. How do you feel?’
She coughs, and clears her throat. ‘Overwhelmed, sir. Like I just swallowed a hog’s head without stopping to chew.’
He laughs and kisses her damp brow. ‘You are truly divine.’
***
After they’ve eaten, a meal during which Theo said little other than paying compliments to the deliciousness of the dishes, she goes to her room pleading tiredness. Justinian paces up and down his study, mulling over the next step in her submission. He gives a hollow laugh. With all the pacing he’s been doing recently, he’ll wear out the mosaics beneath his feet. Decision made, he sends a slave to fetch Narses.
The eunuch bows and waits for his orders.
‘I wish to establish a household for Theodora. A suite of rooms. A secretary, cooks, guards and slaves. Oh, and a eunuch to supervise everything. Someone we can trust.’
Narses smiles a fabricated smile. ‘I know the right man.’
‘I’m sure you do.’
‘She needs new clothes. Send for seamstresses, shoemakers, and perfumers. Oh, and send me my jeweller.’
‘Anything else, my lord?’
‘Yes. Give her some lessons on the correct way to behave at Court. I wish to present her to the Emperor and Empress.’
Narses looks surprised, but refrains from comment. ‘Is that all, Your Excellency?’
‘For now.’
V
Oh, dear Lord, what have I done? I was like clay in Justinian’s hands. When he slapped my nipples, is that what he meant by “unusual tastes”? What more will he show me? His control over me is worrying, yet, at the same time, addicting. And our conversation before we fellated each other: so, so interesting. The rumours about him are probably true: he’s composed but also completely crazy, intelligent but highly impulsive, hugely knowledgeable but almost childlike in his enthusiasms. Unaccountably, I really like this fascinating creature.
I’d like to stay here. Working in the Palace, working with and somehow influencing Justinian is what Timothy wanted from me. Now I’m getting to know him, it’s definitely what I want as well. The chance to live with the most interesting and sensual man I’ve ever met. The chance, hopefully, to protect members of my church and help my people. The chance, maybe, to redeem myself.
Except… what will happen if he tires of me? If I can’t give him what he wants? If I don’t fulfil his expectations? Will he throw me out? Justinian spoke of a great partnership. What did he mean? After what happened with Hecebolus, the only men I trust are Timothy and Severus. But Justinian isn’t like other men. Can I really trust him? Sweet Jesus, I hope that I can.
Hilda comes into the room. ‘The Head Chamberlain is here to see you, Kyria.’ She gives me the rank of noblewoman, although I’m just a pleb.
Narses arrives with a thin, anxious-looking eunuch. ‘This is Denderis. He will be your major-domo.’
‘Major-domo? I don’t understand.’
‘His Excellency has ordered me to set up a household for you.’
I take a step back, my hand to my throat. This is too much. Too soon. Too wonderful. ‘Where?’
‘Here in the Hormisdas Palace. A suite is being prepared for you as we speak. Oh, and Hilda here will just be one of your slaves. There’ll be others. You’ll need a secretary to help you organise the celebrations. I know just the right person. Denderis will employ a cook and kitchen staff. You should discuss menus with him as soon as everything is in place. I believe you have some experience of what’s required from your time as the governor’s lady?’
‘Of course.’ I look Narses in the eye. ‘I’m up to the task.’
A thin smile curves his lips. ‘The Patriarch will be delighted at your excellent progress.’
‘You are in touch with him?’
‘I am.’ He clears his throat. ‘No need to mention any of this to Justinian. Let it be our secret. What do you know of Court etiquette?’
‘Not much. Why?’
‘You are to be presented to the Emperor and Empress.’
‘Me? A former actress?’ My mouth falls open. Now I know for certain that Justinian is crazy.
‘I think the Emperor will like you, he’s always had an eye for an attractive young woman. But the Empress …’ He shakes his head. ‘She’ll be a tough nut to crack.’
‘I thought she wasn’t an aristocrat, or a patrician even, originally.’ But then again, neither was Justin and look how far he’s come.
‘She was a barbarian slave and concubine who went by the name of Lupicina, and she belonged to another man. Justin bought her, freed her and married her. Now she has a crown and the name of a martyred saint, and no one could be prouder. No, Kyria, with all due respect, I must warn you she will not approve.’
Narses reaches into his pocket and retrieves an ivory box the size of a fig. ‘You’ll want this.’
‘What is it?’
He pushes open the top to reveal an image of the Virgin in flowing blue robes and surrounded by delicate gold filigree.
I take the prayer box, marvelling at the detail of Mary’s face and wishing I could manage the same tranquillity. ‘Thank you, Narses.’ My voice sounds as if it hasn’t been used in some time.
‘You’re welcome, Kyria.’ He twists the tip of his beard and gives a sardonic grin. ‘You’ll need Our Lady’s help with the Empress.’
Blessed Mother of God. Even Narses refers to me as “Kyria” and I’ve risen so far I no longer need to call him “Illustrious”. So I’ll act the part. After all, I know how to play a role. Perhaps this will be my greatest performance yet?
***
I’ve spent the whole afternoon learning how to behave in the company of Their Majesties, practising prostrating myself, then being poked and prodded while seamstresses measured me for a new wardrobe, and shoemakers fitted me for new sandals. I’ve had a bath and Hilda has helped me dress in a turquoise silk tunic, ready-made, that fits me perfectly. After bathing, she gave me a massage, kneading the knots from my shoulders and spraying me with concentrated jasmine perfume, a gift that arrived from Justinian. He’s sent for me to join him for supper. My breasts tingle at the very thought. What will he do to me next? I pinch my cheeks and bite my lips to redden them, and my nipples stiffen in anticipation.
Justinian meets me at the door, and kisses me briefly on the lips. I catch the scent of cinnamon on his breath. ‘Come, I wish to show you the view.’ He takes my hand. Our progress is watched by statues of classical beauty alternating with sentries in white silk holding silver arms, stationed at intervals along the walls, staring into the middle distance; statues and guards equally silent and, it seems, equally disapproving. What is Master doing with Theodora-from-the-brothel? they must all be thinking. Justinian pushes open a large wooden door, then turns to the sentries. ‘Stay on watch here!’
We go up marble stairs to a flagstone roof-terrace occupying the entire top of the building, protected from the drop down to the ocean by a curving stone wall. With my hand still in his, Justinian leads me to the balustrade. ‘Goodness!’ The panorama is awe-inspiring.
He points. ‘Over to that side, there’s the Daphne Palace, it’s the women’s domain. Empress Euphe
mia has her rooms there, her ladies, all that… She’s had everything redecorated in red and gold.’
‘I never realised how much space is behind the Palace walls until I came here.’
‘Needed for the different residences, churches, offices, and barracks.’ Justinian lifts his magnificent shoulders in a shrug. ‘It’s like a separate city.’ He pulls me gently over to the other side.
The wide expanse of the Sea of Marmara lies before us, edged with glistening white foam around the rocks below, the dark indigo water stretching to infinity. The sun is dropping below the horizon. Myriad spots of light flicker against the dark hillside on the other side of the Bosporus: the wealthy in their villas must have lit their oil lamps. It’s as if we’re suspended between earth and sky. ‘Oh! How beautiful! A city of stars. The City of God.’
‘Glorious and celestial.’ Justinian smiles at my delight. ‘You know the works of Saint Augustine?’
‘I studied the texts in Alexandria.’
‘Ah.’ His beautiful lips form a straight line. ‘Come, you see we have some bread and cheese and wine and fruit set out on this table… simple fare, I didn’t want any slaves around. Let’s sit here and talk while we eat.’
A warm breeze lifts the hair at the nape of my neck. ‘Thank you for setting up a household for me, sir.’ I cut a slice of cheese, place it on a piece of bread, and hand it to him.
‘The pleasure is all mine, Theodora. From tomorrow, you’ll have your work cut out for you organising everything for my celebrations. You’ll need the help of the staff I’ve provided for you.’