Everything turned into a blur of activity as soon as Jewel and Red got back in the room. Dozens of slaves carried various pieces of furniture into the room, as the girls directed them with military-like precision on where and how to place everything.

Much more elaborate than the old furniture provided by the school, the new pieces were beyond opulent. Gold and silver lined the arms and legs of the chairs and couches. Cushions were several inches thicker and more plush, and the couches were nearly a foot wider, giving a lot more space when laying upon them.

Ordering Veronica and me to get our asses up, Jewel unceremoniously confiscated my chair and had it tossed outside like common rubbish. The chair that was brought in to replace it seemed odd as heck, to me. Much wider than before, this chair had two wide gaps off-center along the thick ivory cushions which formed its back and seat. I honestly couldn’t see any practical purpose for such an odd design.

The coffee tables and end tables were solid white marble. Designs of various flowers and vines were etched deeply into the stone, with a sheet of thick smooth glass overlaid the marble, protecting it. I couldn’t imagine how much it might weigh; and I sure as hell didn’t want to even fathom a haphazard guess at the cost.

Baskets of various steaming hot food was brought in and sat upon the coffee tables — Jewel offered, “The kitchen still smells like smoke,” to my dubious inquiry on placement — and a full fledged feast was layer out before us.

Finally waking and untying Flames, there appeared to be some tension between her and the other girls, though I had no clue as to why. I thought everyone was getting along nicely, with the exception of Jewel seeming a little possessive or jealous sometimes. Was she upset because of all the time I’ve been spending with Flames this week? I don’t know.

As the slaves finally left, Jewel and Red both stripped naked, finally relaxing. Red went to the kitchens for plates and silverware, while Jewel pushed me back, all but forcing me to sit in my chair. Straddling my lap, she slid her legs through the gap between the seat, snuggling her chest down comfortably against my own.

At least that’s one mystery of the evening solved!

Saying nothing, I caressed and rubbed Jewel endlessly, as she slowly rocked herself up and down while feeding me. It seems I really have been neglecting her a little for the last few days, and her jealous side was acting up. Honestly, it’s a bit annoying, but also extremely endearing.

After finishing our late meal, Jewel kissed me gently, telling me, “Head on to bed, my lord. Us ladies are going to have a little girl time and soak in the tub for a bit tonight. We need some special time for bonding too.”

“Uhhh… Sure.” What the hell else could I say to something like that. Watching the girls all wander off together, I understood Jewel’s purpose intimately. It was her way of showing me that it hurt being left out of things.

Dejected and alone, I went off to bed by myself. Not wanting to hear the echo of their laughter which was sure to come soon, I shut the bedroom door and stretched out on the bed, contemplating the darkness.

“Red, shut the door,” Jewel ordered. “We don’t want to disturb my lord with our conversation. And Flames,” she snorted, “you’d best watch your ass and be on your best behavior. I’m not in the mood for any more shit out of you tonight.”

“Fine. I’ll control my temper,” Flames promised. “You didn’t have to break my glasses earlier,” she snorted disdainfully at Victoria.

“Wasn’t your glasses I tried to break,” Victoria shrugged. “It was your face.”

“Aaannnddd that’s all behind us,” Red sighed, trying to keep the peace. “What we all want to know,” she said, while easing down into the tub, “is if Victoria found out anything while we were out.”

“I don’t know,” Flames sighed, regretfully. “Hussy had the lord put me to sleep until after you got back. I didn’t hear a thing.”

Easing down into the tub, Victoria rubbed the back of her hips lightly, and asked Jewel, “Does your ass hurt like this all the time?”

Smirking from ear to ear, Jewel nodded vigorously. “All the time. In fact, it hurts worse, the more you do it.” Wincing pitifully, she was a perfect example of stoic suffering.

“It does not!” Snorting, Red splashed water over on Jewel. “The more you do it, the more you get used to it. Besides,” Red laughed, “you had Granny Jean mix some paste together to help keep those muscles ‘tight and elasticity’ for both of us. It doesn’t hurt you one bit!”

“Red!” Jewel pouted exaggeratedly.

“Jewel!” Victoria sounded shocked that Jewel would lie to her over such a thing.

“Ladies!” Flames just sounded completely exasperated over the whole thing. “Can we stay focused on what we’re in here for? And I still don’t see why you had me put to sleep,” she mumbled, moodily.

“It’s just easier to talk one-on-one,” Victoria stated. Shrugging, she added, “Besides… I was still annoyed at you.”

“Well I said I was sorry,” Flames offered, petulantly.

“Only after I’d tied your ass up and explained we were all in different classes this afternoon.” Victoria glared, obviously still miffed.

“So what was bothering my lord? Did you actually learn anything?” Flames asked.

“Bullshit,” Victoria snorted. “Lots of bullshit. The little healer hussies kept pestering him for a baby. The boys got jealous. The trainers got overzealous seeing his gift for healing. It all almost became more than he could bear, and then he felt guilty because he thought he’d hurt Flames releasing his frustration.”

“Hurt me?” Flames shook her head left and right in negatory confusion. “I’ll admit, it was an intense experience and I couldn’t control my passions at all, but I never once felt pain. Just one mind numbing ecstatic orgasm after another.”

“Honestly,” Victoria shrugged, “I don’t give a shit,” she stated plainly, not holding anything back. “You’re his. If he wants to set you on fire and eat the meat from your breasts as they cook, that’s his prerogative. If Death can’t have you, then nobody should ever damn complain if he does — least of all you.”

“I wouldn’t complain,” Flames assured her. “I knew the price I might have to pay, to get the bond I wanted. If I wasn’t true about keeping my oaths, I never would’ve made them to the Keeper himself.”

“There’s that,” Victoria agreed, grudgingly.

“And the question remains,” Red interrupted. “What are we going to do to ensure nothing happens like this again?”

Huddling close, the atmosphere got serious as the four conspired together late into the night.

When I awoke early the next morning, Red and Flames were both still sleeping soundly. Feeling the warmth of Red and Jewel snuggled close to my sides, I couldn’t help but smile to myself. As long as they were here, I’d be able to endure another day in this damnable school. Only two days into the semester, And I’d already came to despise the place.

Sighing deeply, I didn’t want to think about the school this morning. Instead, a smile crossed my face, as I softly wiggled my way down in the bed. Squirming down between Red’s legs, I gently pushed them apart and began to help myself to ‘breakfast’ for a change.

Tired as she was, it took several moments before Red started squirming and moaning softly. “Ooooohhh.. My lord?” The look of confusion was priceless across her face as she struggled to awaken.

“I’m eating breakfast this morning,” I told her, reaching up to wipe the moisture from my face. “Of course,” I teased, “I guess it’ll be more like two light snacks, since I’ve got two different dishes to sample.” Laughing lightly, I continued my ‘snack’ until it seemed Red was ready to explode her passion everywhere — and then I turned my attention to Jewel.

“My… my…. Mi’Lord!” Gasping in frustration and writhing with pleasure, Red squirmed her objection loudly. “You didn’t finish!” She half pleaded, half complained.

Muffled laughter escaped from where my head was buried deep within Jewel’s crotch. Now to enjoy the same, a second time.

“Friggin’ sniggin’ teasin’ asses should all burn in Hell,” Jewel muttered moodily, following me to Intro To Heraldic Symbols later than morning.

“Didn’t you have Introduction To Runic Languages today?” I sat down, claiming the seat furthest back in the classroom, and closest to the window as my own.

“Father changed it,” Jewel sighed, looking pitifully. “We got the notice yesterday evening before shopping — it’s one reason I spent so much of his money last night.” Looking at the young boy already sitting in the seat in front of mine, Jewel unceremoniously demanded, “Move it. That’s my seat.”

First looking as if he was going to object, the youngster — he couldn’t have been much more than twelve or thirteen by the looks of him — quickly melted under Jewel’s unwavering gaze and impatiently tapping foot. “Sa.. sa.. sorry,” he stammered, stumbling up and moving completely across the room, head hung low in embarrassment.

“That seemed a little mean,” I frowned slightly disprovingly towards Jewel.

“What did?” Smoothing her loose flowing miniskirt out, Jewel slid into the now vacant seat. The incident, and the poor boy, no longer existed, as far as she seemed concerned.

A beautiful young lady, looking to be of about the same age as the boy, bounced over and sat down in the seat beside me. “Hi! I’m Catherine,” she energetically introduced herself. “But my friends call my Cathy.”

“So?” Giving her an unwavering gaze that would melt fire, Jewel completely dismissed her. “Can’t you see we’re busy talking here? Go cat around somebody else, little miss puss.” Her voice was cold and almost hostile.

“Jewel! Be nice,” I admonished. “Sorry Cat. Jewel’s just having a bad morning.”

“Hmmmpfft!” Snorting loudly, the young girl coolly informed me, “You can call me Catherine.” Looking over at Jewel, she informed her, “You don’t need to call me anything at all. I doubt we’ll even be speaking.”

“So, as I was saying,” Jewel completely ignored Catherine as if she couldn’t even see her, “Red will be in your class tomorrow too. Apparently Father wanted to adjust our schedules to include some classes he found a little more important for us.”

Speaking in a whiny nasal voice, Jewel mocking stated, “Jewel, you can’t always rely on Red to know who you may be dealing with. And Red needs to start learning some means to protect you from a distance. I’ve written your counselors and you’ll be learning Heraldry and she’ll be in Archery starting from tomorrow.”

“Well, that sucks,” I laughed teasingly. Inwardly, I was actually very happy to hear about the changes. At least I’d now have somebody I knew with me in half my classes. If you count me dropping out of Reading and Writing, and spending Hisday with Flames, that meant I only had to deal with fighting practice alone on Jewelsday.

As I was thinking that wouldn’t be so hard to bear, the teacher walked in and attempted to call the class to order. Completely naked and shackled at the neck, wrists, and ankles, it was my first time having a slave as an instructor. “Now now, everyone.” Tapping the desk repeatedly with her fingers, the slave girl sighed deeply and waited to get everyone’s attention.

BLAAAAMMMM!! Waiting a few moments, and watching her be completely ignored, I stood up and slammed my open fist across the top of my desk, causing several people to yelp and jump in their seats in surprise. “SHUT THE FUCK UP AND PAY ATTENTION!” Yelling, I glared around the room to make certain I had everyone’s attention.

Jewel’s eyes were twinkling, and she looked as if she was going to laugh and say something, so I firmly rapped her across the top of her head once with my knuckles. “The door’s over there,” I pointed, drawing everyone’s attention to it. “If you’re not in here to learn, get your ass out it now and don’t disturb those of us that are. The Lady Instructor’s here, and she’s trying to start class.”

“Respect her, listen, and learn, or get the fuck out.” Glaring intently, I did my utmost not to blink for the next several long seconds as everyone stared at me.

Seeing nobody was going to speak up, I took a deep breath to steady my nerves before bowing towards the slave girl. “Sorry, my lady,” I apologized. “The room is all yours now.”

Sitting back down in my chair, I tried not to blush, as every eye in the room was still on me.