A Dark Future Ch. 27

"Of course I still want you." Robert says, pulling her into him. "None of what happened is your fault."

Amber breaks, sobbing hard in Robert's arms.

"What in the hell is going on?" Jane asks.

"I promise I'll explain." Robert says quietly. "Just give me a minute."

As he holds Amber, she begins to try to talk. "I'm sorry." and "Didn't want you to know."

"I know you didn't." Robert says. "But I'm glad you aren't carrying this alone, anymore. And we don't have to tell the rest of the girls, if you don't want them to know."

"Robert." Jane says. "Out with it."

"Amber, are you ok with me telling her now? Or do you want to step out while I tell her?" Robert asks.

Amber just stays in his arms, not moving, so Robert looks at Jane, and says. "Amber has a child. Her mother forced her to give the baby up for adoption, and then threw her out of the house when she turned 18. That's how she ended up with Jackson. She literally had nowhere else to go."

Amber sobs harder, nearly collapsing when Robert speaks. "Oh, you poor thing." Jane says, coming over to embrace her.

After a few minutes, Robert continues. "Do you want to talk about it?" Robert asks. "Or would you rather we didn't?"

Amber shakes her head, not looking up, and between bouts of sobbing, says. "I don't know, Master."

"I'm sorry if mentioning it makes it worse." Robert says. "But we are here for you. If you want to talk about it, you can."

"It's so embarrassing." Amber says. "I was so stupid. I hate younger me."

"You were young, and in an awful situation." Robert says. "Coerced into doing things you didn't want to do, over and over."

"I'm sorry, Master." Amber says, beginning to control her emotions. "I should have been honest with you. But I never wanted anyone to know."

"It's ok." Robert says. "I understand, I really do."

"Did Katie tell you about the boy, Master?" Amber asks tentatively.

"She told me everything." Robert says. "Or at least, she said she did."

"I didn't even want to date him." Amber says angrily, cuffing away tears. "But he just wouldn't take no for an answer, and I was too shy to put my foot down."

"She told me." Robert says. "It sounds like she blames herself for not stopping it. And then letting you go to Jackson's."

"It's not her fault." Amber says. "She was even more shy than I was. She was a good friend."

"Robert." Jane says. "At some point, I need the full story. I feel like I'm hearing half of a conversation over here."

"I'm sorry. I should have told you before we did this." Robert says apologetically.

"I'll let you two talk." Jane says. "Amber, I'm here if you ever need to talk about any of this."

After Jane leaves, Robert says. "You don't have to talk about any of it, if you don't want to. But if there is anything I can do to help you get some closure, I'm here. Katie gave me her phone number, she would love to hear from you."

"I don't know if I can, Master." Amber says. "That whole thing broke me. I had Katie drive me as far as she could. I hoped I could outrun the memories."

"I know." Robert says. "Can I let her know you are ok?"

Amber nods. "Did my mother tell you what happened to my baby, Master?" Amber asks, looking at the floor again. "She made me sign the papers, but I never got to read them. I don't know where they are, or even if it was a boy or girl."

"I'll do everything I can to find out." Robert says. "I promise."

"Thank you, Master." Amber says, pulling away from him to go to her knees in front of him. "I am yours, forever and always. For anything you need."

Robert pulls her back up, giving her a hug. "And I am yours. And so is Jane. We think the world of you. Two nights ago you told me we could talk about what you want privately. Are you up to doing that now?"

"If that would please you, Master." Amber says.

"It would." Robert says. "If you are ready."

"I want to be a mother." Amber says. "I never thought I wanted another child after what happened, until I began doing the work Master Jackson required of me, in order to make his decision. When you find me ready, I would like to have my implant removed, and to have your child."

"You still have that?!?" Robert asks, alarmed and astounded. "I thought they removed it at testing."

"They mentioned I needed to get it removed." Amber says. "But because I was not detained, they didn't do it."

"We need to talk to Jane about this." Robert says. "And get it out ASAP, before you land in hot water."

"Yes, Master." Amber says, and then hesitantly asks. "Master, will you consider my request?"

"Request?" Robert asks. "Oh, I'm sorry. I'm just thinking through how we get the implant removed if we are past any sort of deadline. The request to have a child?"

"Yes, Master." Amber says, not looking at him.

"Of course." Robert says. "As soon as Samira clears you medically, and Jane gives her stamp of approval. Obviously we don't want everyone pregnant at once."

"Thank you, Master." Amber says. "I was worried that you might no longer find me worthy of carrying your child."

Robert reaches over, pulling her to him again. "What happened was not your fault. At all. You are just as worthy today as you were yesterday, or the day before that. I want you to stop blaming yourself, or assuming that anyone else will blame you."

"Yes, Master." Amber says, so softly he can barely hear it.

***

"Jane." Robert says as he enters the kitchen, Amber in tow. "Do you have a second?"

"Your lunch is ready." Lucia says. "Do you need privacy?"

Robert looks back at Amber, who shakes her head. "You can stay."

As the three of them sit, and Mei and Lucia bring over the food, Robert says. "Did you realize that Amber still has her implant?"

Jane nearly chokes on her drink, and coughs loudly. "No, I did not." She says, and looks at Amber. "They didn't remove it?"

"They said they don't remove them if you aren't detained, Mistress." Amber says. "I thought you both knew."

"No, I didn't." Jane says.

"Is there a deadline for removal?" Robert asks. "Like, are we already too late?"

"I have no idea." Jane says. "We need to look it up as soon as we are done eating."

"Samira might be able to take it out." Lucia says from behind Robert. "Sorry, couldn't help overhearing."

"Good idea." Jane says. "If we are over the deadline, we'll have to ask her. As long as she can do it just as well as a doctor, I don't see a problem with it, if Amber is ok with that."

"Whatever my Mistress decides." Amber says. "I apologize for causing a problem."

"None of that." Robert says. "You didn't do anything intentionally. This is an honest misunderstanding."

"Agreed." Jane says, smiling at her. "We will figure it out, together. All of it."

***

"Jane, Is there any way I can go check on my grandmother today?" Lindsey asks Jane after lunch.

"Tomorrow." Jane says. "I'll take you in the morning, for an hour. We've got a busy week ahead, with the renovation plans, and attending the auction tomorrow. If we can take you again during the week, we will."

"But... I'm sorry. Ok." Lindsey says, clearly disappointed, and wanting to push, but recognizing that it wouldn't help.

"Once we are settled at the new house, you can visit more." Jane says. "From what Tom was saying, he may be able to get her into a house only a mile or so away."

"Thank you." Lindsey says, turning to walk upstairs.

"Do you want me to run her over there?" Robert offers.

"No." Jane says. "I want you to relax, and enjoy the last bit of peaceful weekend you have left. Amber and I can deal with her implant. Why don't you go have some quality time with Lucia? It's her night."

"We haven't had one on one time in a bit." Robert says. "Are you sure?"

"Have fun." Jane says. "And if Mei begs to come along, don't let her unless you think Lucia really wants that. If she argues, tell her that I said 'A good sub is seen and not heard'."

"Like that will stop her." Robert laughs. "I think some one on one time will be good for Lucia and I, though. First I have a phone call to make."

Getting up from the table, Robert goes over to Lucia, who is already prepping dinner. "Can Mei handle dinner by herself?" Robert whispers, grinding himself against her tiny ass.

"I'm sure she can figure it out." Lucia says, leaning her head back far enough for him to lean in and get a kiss. "Now?"

"Give me 15 minutes." Robert says. "I need to make a phone call. Meet you in the master bedroom then though?"

"I wouldn't miss it." Lucia says, wiggling her ass back against him before he goes.

"What was that?" Mei asks Lucia as Robert begins to walk away.

Robert doesn't hear Lucia's response, but he does hear Mei's "I get to come too, right?" and then a loud "Fuck!".

***

"Did your phone call go ok?" Lucia asks, already nude and posed on the bed as he enters.

Robert pauses, blinking, before asking. "I'm sorry, did you say something?"

"You know I did." Lucia laughs. "Seriously, did it go ok? It had to be somewhat important, if you are doing it on a Sunday, and making me wait."

"It was important." Robert says. "I'm sorry, I can't tell you the details. It concerns one of the girls, and I think she wants it kept private, at least for now."

"It's not something bad, I hope." Lucia asks, concern on her face as she sits up.

"It's complicated." Robert says. "I promise, if and when I can tell you about it, I will. I offered to keep it private though, and I'm not going to break my promise."

"I'm not asking you to." Lucia says, reaching up to hold his hand. "Consider me your afternoon delight. How may I distract you, Master?"

Robert flops on the bed next to her, and pulls her into an embrace. "Can we just stay like this for a minute?" He asks.

"Of course." Lucia says. "For as long as my Master needs."

***

"I spoke with Katie, and then to your mother, again." Robert tells Amber that evening. "You said earlier that you wanted to know. Are you SURE you want to know? Once you know, you can't stop knowing."

"I need to know, Master." Amber says. "Even if it's bad."

"Katie didn't really know anything." Robert says. "So I called your mother. You have a daughter. Your mother said she directed the lawyer who handled the adoption to place her... well, I'll spare you exactly what she said, but basically, of a similar ethnic background to her father."

"Wait..." Amber says, alarm entering her voice. "She put her with a family who was detained?!?"

"It sounds like it." Robert says. "Which means she has likely been detained, as well."

"Master, please." Amber says, getting on her knees. "I beg you. Please, can we do something?"

Reaching down to pull her up, for what seems like the thousandth time, he embraces her. "I already called Tom. And after I told Jane the situation, she called Rosie. They are both going to see what can be done. If there is a way to get her out, we will. I promise."

"Thank you, Master." Amber says. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"If there is, I will tell you." Robert says. "I can only imagine what you are going through right now, but I'm here for you."

"Thank you." Amber says again. "Thank you."

"Anything for my girls." Robert says, holding her tightly. "Did you figure out the implant situation?"

"Yes, Master." Amber says. "Mistress says we have a few months before I could be penalized for having it. I'd like to keep it until you are ready to try for a child, if you do not object."

"As long as it doesn't put you at risk, of course you can keep it." Robert says.

***

"Lucia" Mei whines as they work on putting up the leftovers from dinner. "Can't we let someone else do this, and head upstairs?"

"We could." Lucia says. "Or I could go upstairs, and delegate all of the cleaning up to you."

Mei's jaw drops, and she says. "You wouldn't..."

"I bet Mistress Jane would think it's hilarious." Lucia says, grinning at her.

Mei shudders. "She would. Please, don't do that."

"Then stop complaining." Lucia says. "We'll be done in a few minutes, and then Lindsey and Layne can finish cleaning up."

A few minutes later, Mei says. "That took forever. Can we go up now?"

"In a second." Lucia says, walking over to Mei, and jabbing a hand down her shorts before she can react. "Damn girl, you are soaked. How long has this been going on?"

"Since he took you upstairs earlier, and made me stay downstairs." Mei says sulkily.

"You poor baby." Lucia teases. "Let's get you upstairs."

Mei runs up the stairs to the master bedroom, not stopping until she flings open the door, only to find the room empty.

"Where are they?" Mei nearly howls.

"Who?" Jane asks from behind her. "And what was all that thumping on the stairs? It sounded like a herd of elephants."

"I'm sorry, Domina." Mei says, desperately trying to calm down. "Master took Lucia for some private time earlier, and I've been so horny. For hours."

"You poor thing." Jane says, not looking sympathetic at all. "I think I have a solution for you."

***

"Keep licking." Jane says, as Lucia and Robert enter the room.

"Any idea what is going on here?" Robert asks, taking in a collared Mei, straddling one of their special pillows, arms bound behind her back, going down on Jane.

"Mei's been whiny today." Lucia says, just loud enough for Mei to hear. "I suspect Mistress is as tired of it as I am."

"Don't you dare stop." Jane says, pulling on the leash to keep Mei's head in place when she tries to respond. "Lucia, please remind me that she needs a proper spanking after this."

"Absolutely, Mistress." Lucia says.

Lucia reaches up, taking Robert's face in her hands, and kissing him.

After a moment, Robert pulls back, stripping her efficiently, before carrying her to the bed.

"Ooh, I like this." Lucia says, grinning widely.

"Good." Robert says, stripping, before crawling on top of her. She gasps as he slowly slides inside of her.

"I know it's only been a few days, but I've really missed this." Lucia moans.

After a few minutes, Jane moans. "Enough. Good girl." And releases the leash. "Go help your Master."

Crawling over to the bed, Mei asks. "What can I do to help? And any chance I can get some of that next?"

"Get up here." Lucia says. Mei shuffles up the bed, waiting uncertainly until Lucia says. "What are you waiting for? Get on my face."

Mei's face lights up as she realizes she is finally going to get what she wants, and she quickly settles onto Lucia's face, moaning as she feels Lucia take her first taste of her pussy.

"How does she taste?" Robert asks.

Pushing up on Mei's ass, Lucia gets enough clearance to say. "Pretty good, actually. Better than I expected."

"You taste really good too." Mei says, moaning again as Lucia allows her to settle back onto her face. "I needed this so badly. You were so mean to take Lucia and leave me behind earlier, Master."

A loud smack resounds, and Mei jumps. "Hey, watch it down there."

Lucia pushes Mei off of her, and says. "Let's switch spots. Lay down."

Mei smiles, and quickly lays down, spreading her thighs in anticipation. Lucia wastes no time hopping onto her face, grinding hard on it, before telling Robert. "Go get the lube. It's well past time you claimed her ass. Fucking her pussy would be rewarding her bad behavior anyhow."

"I've got it." Jane says from the bathroom doorway. "Great minds think alike, apparently."

An unintelligible squeal comes from under Lucia, before she grinds harder on Mei's face. Leaning forward, Lucia grabs Mei's legs, pulling them up and apart, while Jane squirts some lube on her asshole, before quickly shoving a finger into her ass. Pulling out, she quickly lubes up Robert, before stepping back.

"She's done this before." Jane says. "No need to go easy on her."

Robert lines up, before beginning to push slowly into her ass. "She can take more than that." Jane says, pushing his ass hard with one hard.

"Maybe I want to go slowly, and enjoy it." Robert says, reaching back to fend Jane off. "If you want it done a different way, you can take a turn with your strap-on after me."

"Maybe I will." Jane says, pouting a bit.

"Or we could give her the spanking she deserves for being so bratty today." Lucia suggests.

"Good idea." Jane says. "I'll go get the flogger."

After giving Mei a minute to get used to him, Robert begins fucking Mei's ass slowly. "Lucia, can you lift up a bit? I want to check in with her."

"She's fine, Master." Lucia huffs, but does lift up slightly.

"Keep going, Master." Mei says. "I can take it."

Robert starts moving a bit faster, hips slapping against Mei's ass. "How is it, Master?" Lucia asks.

"Tight." Robert says. "Is she doing a good job on you?"

"Very good, Master." Lucia moans. "I'm going to cum soon."

A few moments later, Lucia moans as she cums, grinding even harder on Mei's face. Feeling Mei squeeze down on him, Robert pushes harder, trying to prevent Mei from pushing him out completely.

"Fuck." Robert groans, cumming in Mei's tight little ass. A moment later, he feels a hard frantically tapping on his stomach, and he looks up, seeing Lucia slumped to the side, full weight on Mei's face.

Reaching forward, he pulls Lucia towards him. "Jane, help me get her off Mei. She's smothering her."

Coughs, and rapid breathing sounds come from under Lucia as Mei can finally breathe for the first time in a minute or so.

"Thank fuck." Mei says. "I kept thinking she was doing it on purpose, but then I started to feel like I was going to black out."

"Sorry." Lucia whimpers quietly. "Just a really intense orgasm."

"If that happens again, especially with someone smaller than you, you have to let yourself fall to the side." Jane tells her.

"Yes, Mistress." Lucia says quietly, still not completely recovered from her orgasm.

"You ok, Mei?" Robert asks.

"My ass is great." Mei says. "My nose hurts a bit though."

"Sorry." Lucia says again. "That was fun though."

"Maybe no spanking." Robert says. "Mei, are we going to cut the brattiness tomorrow?"

"I guess, Master." Mei says.

"I would like that." Robert says, staring at her.

"Yes, Daddy." Mei says.

"Not while we are in bed." Robert reminds her. "My dick is still in your ass, after all."

"Sorry, Sir." Mei says.

"Let's get you two cleaned up, so we can get to bed." Jane says.

***

"Thank you for letting me come with you, Jane." Taylor says. "I feel better meeting them before we make a final decision."

"They are for your Dad." Jane says. "If there is an obvious issue, I'd rather catch it here than after we buy them."

"I think they will be ok, Mistress." Amber says. "They are all well trained, and very adaptable. Two of them spent less time in the lifestyle than I did, so a transition to a more normal household should be easier."

"I think you've adapted very well." Jane says.

"Thank you, Mistress." Amber says, the slight rise to her shoulders the only indication of the pride she takes in the comment.

"Just remember, try to keep your voice down when you talk." Jane says. "And try to only talk to the girls we are interviewing."

"Yes... Mistress." Taylor says, nearly forgetting to add the honorific since they are in public.

Stepping inside the lobby, Jane waves at Rosie behind the desk, before approaching.

"Jane!" Rosie says. "Thank you so much for talking to Susie. She and Mark picked up their first concubine yesterday!"

"That's great!" Jane says. "I didn't hear from her again after we met, I was hoping that meant everything went well."

"It did. Are you here to bid for Roger?" Rosie asks.

"Yep." Jane says. "Are we still good to go?"

"All good." Rosie says. "Feel free to head back. I gave Ron a heads up, and he already has the list you sent over."

"Awesome." Jane says. "Thank you."

"Did you want to pick up another one for your house?" Rosie asks. "I've got a few options, if you are interested."

"I'd be sleeping on the couch for a month." Jane says. "Robert nearly had a come apart when I came back with Samira and Valentina."

"He didn't kick up a fuss about Layne, from what you said." Rosie says. "One or two more couldn't hurt."

"No way." Jane says, shaking her head. "Begone, foul temptress."

Rosie laughs, hitting the buzzer to unlock the double doors, and the girls follow Jane back to the auction room. "It feels really weird to be back here, Mistress." Taylor says, looking a bit uncomfortable.

"I can only imagine." Jane says. "There's Ron. We'll get into the interview room soon. Hopefully that will help."

Waving at Ron, Jane approaches. "Rosie told me to expect you." Ron says. "You are in interview room 3 today. Are you ready for the first one?"

"Sure." Jane says. "Give us one minute to get settled, and then start bringing them."

"Mistress." Amber says before Jane can walk away. "Can we see them all together?"

Jane looks over at Ron, who shrugs. "If you want to."

"I'm fine with it." Jane says. "Just to make sure, the list Rosie gave you has 3 girls on it, right?"

"The first list does." Ron says. "She gave me a second list, in case the first one didn't work out."

Jane laughs. "Just bring in the ones from the first list."

As they get settled in, Amber fidgets uncharacteristically.

"Are you nervous?" Jane asks.

"I haven't seen any of them in over a year, Mistress." Amber says quietly. "I am second guessing myself a bit. And there is the other thing."

"Other thing?" Taylor asks.

"Not something you need to worry about." Jane says, as the girls begin to file in.

Noticing Amber, the first one straightens a bit, before coughing loudly, and going into a nadu position.

"What?" Ron asks, looking over at Jane.

"It's fine." Jane says. "We are good here."

Giving the now 3 kneeling girls a strange look, he shakes his head, and walks away.

"The floor is yours, Amber." Jane says.

"Thank you, Mistress." Amber says. "Girls, this is my Mistress Jane, and one of my new sisters, Taylor. We are here to find girls for Taylor's father. Mistress Jane, can you let them know it is ok to speak freely?"

"Ladies, Please speak your mind." Jane says. "We need to make sure we are choosing the right girls for Taylor's father. We need complete honesty to know if you are right, or not. Anything Taylor says, I would like you to treat as if it was coming from me, for the duration of this interview."

"Yes, Mistress." The girls say, eyes on her.

"Abda, do you know these other girls?" Amber asks.

"We were in the same household, Mistress." Abda answers.

"They ended up with Master Yusef?" Amber asks. "Or were you no longer with him?"

"I was still with him, Mistress." Abda says.

"Did he change their names as well?" Amber asks.

"Yes, Mistress." Abda says. "The slave next to me is called Basimah now, and the other is called Huraiva."

"Why did he change their names?" Jane asks Amber.

"Abda?" Amber prompts her.

"Mistress, our Master was of the Muslim faith. His family did not understand the principles of Gor, and their faith was very important to them. Our master required us to convert, and take new names, for the sake of his family." Abda says.

"Oh..." Jane says.

"Abda, were you still first girl when you were detained?" Amber asks.

"Yes, Mistress. I had the honor of being first girl for nearly all of my time with Master Yusef." Abda says.

"And were you satisfied with these two?" Amber asks. "If you were starting again, with a new master, as first girl, would you choose to have them with you?"

"I have no complaints about my sisters." Abda says. "They both brought Master Yusef great happiness. I would be happy to have them as my slave sisters again."

"Basimah?" Amber asks. "Would you also like to remain together?"

"Yes, Mistress." Basimah says. "I would be lost without my sisters."

"Huraiva?" Amber asks. "What about you?"

"I would like to remain together, Mistress." Huraiva says. "My training is still ongoing, and I need a strong Mistress like Abda or yourself, so that I finish my training, and truly please my master."

"Good." Amber says, nodding at Huraiva's words. "Taylor, can you tell them a bit about your father? Feel free to ask them any questions you have too."

"Hi ladies." Taylor says. "So my Dad is 63. He's a veterinarian. Right now he lives about ten miles from here, but we are relocating soon, and I'm hoping to convince him to go with us. He is a really nice guy, but my Mom really hurt him when she left. He has lived alone for several years, and may take some time adjusting, especially with three of you."

"Abda, did you have a question?" Amber asks, noticing the tiniest shift in her expression.

"Yes, Mistress. It sounds like he is not already a master. Is that correct?" Abda asks.

"Yes." Amber says. "I don't know of any Gorean masters who are buying Kajirae right now. If you choose to accept Roger as your Master, he will rely upon you to keep order in the house, and train your sisters in his place."

"Mistress, I apologize if this is impertinent, but would that work?" Abda asks. "Serving a master who is not Gorean."

"Neither my Master nor my Mistress are Gorean." Amber says. "It is certainly different, but it works for me. Only you can decide if it works for you."

"Who will ensure I am doing my best?" Adba asks. "Punish me if I am wrong?"

"You will have to work hard to hold yourself accountable." Amber says. "You've been a Kajira for over a decade. Surely if anyone is up for the challenge, it is you."

"Yes, Mistress." Adba says. "I did not think of it that way."

"Realistically, you aren't going to find a Gorean master." Amber says. "If you wish to remain together, this is your best choice. You can retain your position as first girl, and retain your sisters."

"Umm... One other thing. I don't expect him to want any more girls, but if he does get them, they probably won't be like you." Taylor says. "If that happens, you have to accept that they aren't like you, and may never wish to be."

Abda looks at her, struggling not to react as she processes this.

"Most of my sisters are not kajirae." Amber says. "Two have chosen to train, and show some promise, but Taylor is right. If your new Master takes any other girls, you have to be prepared to assign chores, and correct their faults, without actually training them, or applying traditional punishments. I have not found it to be as difficult as it may seem at first."

"I see, Mistress." Abda says.

After a moment of silence, Taylor asks. "Abda, what are you thinking?"

"It sounds like a great challenge." Abda says. "If Mistress Amber feels I can do it, I shall accept, and do my best."

"I know you can do it." Amber says. "You have much more experience than me, and I'm managing it. I have 11 sisters now, including Taylor. We are talking about 2 at the very most, but possibly none at all."

"Thank you for your confidence, Mistress." Abda says. "Mistress Taylor, what would you like to know about us?"

"Why don't you each tell me a bit about yourselves?" Taylor asks. "How old you are, how long have you lived this lifestyle, do you have any hobbies? Really anything at all."

Abda straightens a bit, and says. "Mistress, I am 32 years old. I began my training just before I turned 19, after my first semester of college. Master Yusef saw potential in me when he began training as a Master the next year, and I was his first kajira, as well as his only first girl."

"So you were with him for 12 years?" Taylor asks. "And what about hobbies?"

"A little more than 12, yes, Mistress." Adba says. "I do not have any hobbies, my focus was on my Master's happiness, the training of his girls, and the upkeep of his home."

"What about before that?" Taylor asks. "Any hobbies in high school or college?"

"I was in the marching band, Mistress." Adba says.

"Is music something that still interests you?" Taylor asks. "I think my Dad would be happy to know you weren't just keeping house all day, so a hobby would be nice."

"I will strive to find something, Mistress." Adba says. "Maybe not music, though."

"Fair enough." Taylor says. "What about you, Basimah?"

"I'm 22, Mistress." Basimah says. "I became a kajira when I was 18, and Mistress Amber and her former Master were my first trainers. I was sold a few times before Master Yusef bought me. I served him for nearly 3 years, and I believe I made him happy."

"She did." Adba says. "Her name means 'smile', and Master Yusef gave it to her because of the happiness she brought him."

"That's sweet." Taylor says. "What about hobbies?"

"I used to like watching movies." Basimah says. "And cooking. And watching cooking shows."

"That's good." Taylor says. "Are you a good cook?"

"I do ok, Mistress." Basimah says.

"She is an excellent cook." Adba adds.

"I like how you stand up for your sisters." Jane says. "Building them up."

"Thank you, Mistress." Adba says. "I merely speak the truth, so that Mistress Taylor has all of the information."

"You know I'm a concubine, right?" Taylor says, slipping a finger under her collar. "There is no reason to call me Mistress."

"You are our potential Master's daughter." Adba says. "In his house, in his absence, we would defer to you. It is only right to call you Mistress."

"Ok." Taylor says. Looking over at Basimah, she asks. "You are a bit thin. Was that your former Master's doing?"

"I've always been thin, Mistress." Basimah says. "Even before joining his house."

"She may have been thinner when she started training." Amber adds.

"So you haven't been starved, or food withheld?" Taylor asks.

"Master Yusef did not allow such punishments in his house." Adba says. "He believed that a girl learns best when she is treated well."

"Good." Taylor says. "Huraiva, what about you?"

"I'm 20, Mistress." Huraiva says. "I only began my training around a year ago. After a few months with Amber's former Master, I considered leaving the lifestyle. When Master Jackson found out, he sold me to Master Yusef, and since then I believe I've done much better. Master Yusef and I bonded well, and I like to think I would have been kept in his home, even after my training. I don't know if it counts as a hobby, but I really like to curl up with a book in bed, with my Master if possible, and read."

"Abda, anything to add about Huraiva?" Jane asks.

"She has made great strides since she arrived." Adba says. "Her name means 'kitten', and it was chosen by Master Yusef because of how cuddly she is. She will do best if the new Master is willing to indulge her desire for physical affection. Punishment, as was given to her by Master Jackson, is not really necessary with Huraiva. A mere withholding of affection is enough to drive the lesson home."

"And what does your name mean?" Jane asks.

"Master Yusef did not choose my name." Adba says. "His mother did. It means 'servant'."

"Ah." Jane says. "I take it she wasn't a fan?"

"She grew fonder of me as time went on, Mistress." Adba says. "But none of us were what she wanted for him."

"Taylor, do you have any more questions for our ladies?" Jane asks.

"I don't think so." Taylor says. "I think this can work. My Dad likes his quiet, and his privacy at times, so getting a hobby could really help all of you, and him, but it sounds like you are willing to do that."

"Yes, Mistress." Adba says. "We can."

"Amber, what about you?" Jane asks.

"I have no questions, Mistress." Amber says. "If I may though, I would like to say how relieved I was to see you doing well, Huraiva. I was worried about you when you left."

"Thank you, Mistress." Huraiva says. "I think Master Jackson and I just were not a good fit."

"I think so." Amber says.

"Ladies, do you have any more questions for us?" Jane asks. "Either about the process, what will be expected of you, Roger, or something else?"

"Mistress, I apologize for asking, but are we sure Master Yusef will not be freed?" Adba asks. "It feels... wrong... to take a new Master without being released by our old Master."

"Master Yusef is gone." Amber says. "Just like Master Jackson. When you were detained, you ceased to be his property. You have to treat this as a new beginning, just as if you had all been sold, or he had died."

"I understand, Mistress." Adba croaks, eyes misting slightly. "I shall do my best."

"Good." Jane says. "Now, would any of you prefer us not to bid on you, knowing that someone will be buying you today?"

After a moment of silence, Jane says. "Excellent."

***

"Oh, good." Taylor says, as Jane pulls the van into the driveway. "He isn't answering the phone, I was getting worried he was out on a call."

Opening the door the moment the van rolls to a stop, Taylor calls over her shoulder. "I'll let him know we are here. Give me a minute, I'll come get you all."

"Mistress." Abda whispers to Amber. "What if our new Master does not like us?"

"He's a very nice man." Amber reassures her. "And unless you want me calling you Mistress too, why don't we just stick with Amber and Abda? After all, you are going to be first girl here."

"Very well, Amber." Abda says quietly.

A few minutes later, Taylor emerges, urging her father ahead of her.

"Ladies, this is my Dad, Roger." Taylor says. "Dad, these are your new ladies, Abda, Basimah, and Huraiva."

"I'm sorry, ladies." Roger says, just a bit gruffly. "Taylor didn't tell me you'd be coming today, and the house may be a bit of a mess. Please, come in."

Roger steps back into his house, before trying to straighten up as the women file in. "Please, take a seat." He says, managing to clear a loveseat, before moving onto a larger couch to try to clear it as well.

"Master, may we help?" Abda asks.

Roger starts at the sound of her voice, turning to find all three girls in the nadu position.

His eyes go wide, and he looks up at Taylor. "What...?"

"Dad, why don't you take a seat." Taylor says, pointing at his recliner.

"What did you do?" Roger asks, before shuffling to his recliner, looking suddenly a few years older.

"You remember I told you that these ladies were friends of Amber?" Taylor asks.

"Yes." Roger says. "That's why I agreed to all 3. I hope you didn't lie to me?"

"No, of course not." Taylor says.

"I first met Adba nearly 8 years ago." Amber says. "And I've known Basimah for several years, and Huraiva for about a year."

Roger looks at the kneeling girls, and Abda nods. "I've known Amber for a long time."

"Why are you kneeling like that?" Roger asks.

"Master, we are all trained as Gorean Kajirae." Abda says. "We kneel in deference to you, our new Master."

"Please, sit on the couch." Roger says. "All that kneeling can't be good for the knees."

"Yes, Master." Abda says, rising, and sitting on the loveseat, followed by the other two girls.

"Amber, what is a Kaji... whatever it was." Roger asks, looking at her.

"A Kajira is a girl trained for her Master's pleasure." Amber says. "She surrenders her free will, and her entire life, to her master, in order to ensure his complete happiness."

"Is this a prank?" Roger asks, looking at Jane.

"I promise, it isn't." Jane says. "Robert suggested that Taylor should run it by you first, but she felt that was unnecessary."

Roger looks at Taylor, who winces slightly. "Surprise." She says weakly, and then continues. "Everything else I said was true. They need a good home, and you could clearly use a housekeeper. This place was spotless a month ago."

"I'd like to speak to them alone." Roger says. "Taylor, please show Jane and Amber to the kitchen. And no eavesdropping. I mean it."

"Yes, Daddy." Taylor says, smiling at him, before leading the way to the kitchen.

"You probably should have told him." Jane says.

"Nah." Taylor says. "It's better this way. He would have said no. He just wants to make sure they are here willingly, and that we didn't lie to them."

"You think he will keep them?" Amber asks.

"I'm pretty sure." Taylor says.

"His eyes did linger on them a bit." Jane admits.

"Eww." Taylor says. "I don't want to think about that part. As far as I'm concerned, they are here to cook, clean, and do laundry."

"Sure." Jane laughs. "I'm sure he won't touch any of the completely subservient attractive women we just put in his living room."

"La la la" Taylor says, putting her hands over her ears. "I can't hear you."

"Mistress, what do we do if he says no?" Amber asks.

"We'll take them home, and try to find someone else who needs 3 concubines." Jane says. "Robert won't be thrilled, but if I assure him it's temporary, he'll deal."

"Thank you, Mistress." Amber says. "Can she actually not hear us?"

"Taylor?" Jane asks, and Amber nods. "I'm sure she can. Did you want to talk about something?"

"I just wanted to say thank you." Amber says. "Master told me that you called Rosie for me."

"You are very welcome." Jane says, glancing over at Taylor. "We will do everything we can to help you with that situation."

"What situation?" Taylor asks, no longer pretending not to hear.

"None of your business." Jane says. "Do you think your Dad would mind if we got a drink? I'm parched."

"He won't care." Taylor says, opening the fridge, and pulling out a few cans. "Which one do you want?"

After a few more minutes of waiting, Abda opens the kitchen door. "Master Roger is ready for you." She says, holding the door open until they re-enter the living room.

"It doesn't sound like you lied to them." Roger says. "What is this about moving?"

"Oh." Taylor says. "Umm..."

"We've accepted an offer to move a bit further north." Jane says. "We are crammed in like sardines in the current house, and the new house will be significantly larger, with acreage. I was hoping you would consider coming along. Taylor will miss you, and I would love to see Amber have access to her friends. And they lost the only vet in the county, so I'm sure I could get you a good relocation deal."

"I think I should be doing my own deals from here on out." Roger says. "I don't need any more surprises. I would like to come though, as long as Taylor doesn't mind her old man hovering."

"Of course not, Daddy." Taylor says. "So, there is another house that is right behind the house we are getting that is available. If you got that, we could walk back and forth."

"That sounds nice." Roger says, smiling. "I'll reach out, and see if we can work out a deal."

"Master." Abda says. "May we begin cleaning and tidying the house?"

Roger shrugs. "If that makes you happy. It doesn't have to be done today, though."

Abda rises, motioning the girls to go with her, leaving Roger alone with Jane, Taylor, and Amber.

"They are really serious, aren't they?" Roger asks.

"Completely." Amber says. "Abda served her last master for 12 years. She is nearly everything I wanted to become."

"Twelve years?" Roger asks. "I'd expect to see more emotion at that ending."

"She's holding it in." Amber says. "Being strong for herself and the other girls. But they are all hurting a bit. Losing a Master is hard, and losing one who you genuinely admired, and maybe loved, must be much harder."

Roger nods. "Thank you for letting me know. Do you girls mind if I talk to Jane for a minute before you leave?"

Amber bows slightly, before saying. "Thank you again for taking them."

"Here are the keys." Jane says, giving them to Amber. "Feel free to wait in the van."

Taylor gives her Dad a hug, before following Amber outside.

After the door closes, Roger motions to the loveseat, and across from Jane on the couch.

"Anything else I should know about having 3 women in my house?" Roger asks. "Or about this move?"

"As far as the girls go, not really." Jane says. "Build trust with all of them, but especially Abda. If you aren't sure about something, ask her. We warned her that you would have questions. You can always text Amber or I as well, if you are uncomfortable asking her something, or want a second opinion. As for the move, don't be afraid to push back. Their fallback plan is to use Taylor as their vet, but they would strongly prefer a free man to a concubine. You have leverage, I would suggest leaning into that. Tom, the guy you are going to be talking to, is a decent enough person. He won't cheat you, but you can probably push him, at least a bit, for some better terms than he initially offers. And if he asks for something you aren't comfortable with, push back."

"What would he ask for?" Roger asks. "Other than me moving there, and not retiring."

"He may want you to take a local girl as a concubine." Jane says. "If you are willing to do it, I suspect you can get an even better deal, but even if he says it's mandatory, I'd bet nearly anything they would at least let you postpone that requirement, if not waive it completely."

"Another one?" Roger asks. "First it was two, then three, and now maybe four?"

"Like I said, I think you can talk them out of it." Jane says. "And if not, push to delay, and explain you just got your three today. Tom is a reasonable guy."

"I'll send him an email this evening." Roger says. "What did you think of the house Taylor mentioned?"

"It was Megan's childhood home." Jane says. "I think she'd be thrilled to know that it's in the family, in a roundabout way. It's only on about 20 acres, but it's got 4 bedrooms. I'd say it's around the same size as this. And, like she said, it backs up to our property, so we could put in a gate, and the girls could visit."

"That would be nice." Roger says. "Before you go... seriously, what do I do with three young women? Abda might be half my age, but the others are closer to a third of it."

"I think you know what to do with them." Jane says, smirking. "After all, you are a vet. Surely I don't have to explain the birds and the bees to a man of your experience."

"I know that." Roger says, slightly irritated. "I meant, should I give them some time to settle in first?"

"I'd leave it to them to decide." Jane says. "Unless I miss my guess, Abda will probably bring it up before too long. Amber certainly did."

Roger flushes. "Thanks. I guess."

"And let them do the housework." Jane says. "They live here now, don't think of them as house guests, it'll only make them feel uncomfortable. Let them cook, and clean, and do laundry, and whatever else needs to get done."

"This will take some getting used to." Roger says.

"You've got the rest of your life to adjust." Jane says, getting up. "Or you will, after you email Tom. Let me know how it goes."

"I'm sure I will." Roger says, getting up, and opening the door for her. "Drive safe with my girl."

***

"How did things go with Roger?" Robert asks when the girls arrive back at home.

"I'll tell you all about it, but first I want some dinner." Jane says.

"It'll be on the table in 3 minutes, Domina." Mei calls from the kitchen. "We are warming it up now."

"I already ate." Robert says. "But I'll sit with the three of you."

After Jane takes a few bites, she says. "He took all three. And he seemed interested in relocation."

"And how did he react to getting kajirae instead of regular women?" Robert asks.

"He was... surprised..." Jane says.

"He wasn't happy at first." Taylor says. "But he got over it, just like I said he would."

"You understand that while I've tolerated a bit of that from Jane, if you ever do that, I will take you out of the rotation, for a while, right?" Robert says. "What you do with your dad isn't my business, as long as it doesn't cause a problem, but with us, there will be no secrets or hidden plans anymore."

"Speaking of which..." Jane says. "Alexia gave me her notes from Valentina this morning. She is suggesting we let the local contractor do most of the renovations they mentioned, and then Valentina can focus on the cosmetic stuff, as well as the actual remodeling. She mentioned potentially needing a bit of help with a few projects, like the bathroom renovations, to make things go a bit faster, too."

"Can we afford to let them do those renovations?" Robert asks. "After all, you aren't working right now."

"We are going to need another income stream. Or two." Jane says. "Taylor helping with vet work will definitely be possible when we move, from what Tom was saying. And I was thinking of asking the other girls to come up with other ideas, too."

"Maybe Layne's crafts?" Amber suggests.

"That might help a little, but not tremendously." Jane says. "Step one is to get the house to the point we can get moved in. If you are good with it, Robert, I'd like to give them the go ahead to start immediately."

"If you are sure we can afford it." Robert says.

"We can." Jane says. "It'll drain most of our savings, but again, if we get a second, third, and maybe fourth income stream, we can rebuild that."

"Hopefully between Megan and Emily, we can get some agriculture going for next year." Robert says. "Even if that doesn't make us much cash, it'll at least cut down on the grocery bills."

"And Tom sent us info on the store discounts he mentioned." Jane says. "We will save some money, compared to living here. Plus the mortgage payment is actually lower there, because of the interest rate deal the local bank gave us."

"Ok." Robert says. "I'm going to leave that in your hands. Please don't bankrupt us."

"I won't." Jane says. "We need to go over the actual renovation plans, if you have time later. Tom sent over the floor plans from the county, and a few of us have some ideas for how to change the layouts."

"Whose night is it?" Robert asks. "I don't want to shortchange anyone."

"It's mine, Master." Amber says. "This is important, I can wait as long as you need."

"Ok." Robert says. "Oh, and Jane, did Tom call you earlier?"

"He did, but I was in the auction." Jane says. "I haven't had time to call back yet."

"I missed the call too." Robert says. "It's probably a bit late to call tonight, but we need to remember to call first thing."

As they finish eating, Jane says. "Would you rather go over the house plans on the laptop, or in my office?"

"Can you put them on the TV?" Robert asks. "From the laptop."

"I can try." Jane says.

Getting situated in the living room, she manages to get the plans on the living room TV. Walking over to it, she says. "So this is the basement blueprint. We aren't doing much down here. What we thought was that we would add storage to the stair area, and then cut off a small area of both the laundry and workshop to create two new rooms. The one off the laundry would become Samira's clinic, as well as a quarantine type room, and the other could become the gun storage, as well as having a small space for you or Reyna to work on guns, clean them, or whatever else you do with them."

"You should know what else there is to do." Robert says. "I remember teaching you."

"That stuff isn't fun." Jane says. "I just like shooting them."

Robert sighs. "Ok, any other changes?"

"The rest is just minor detail stuff." Jane says. "The clinic would have it's own mini HVAC unit, to keep the separation in case someone needs to quarantine in it."

"Can one of you move to the next picture?" Jane asks.

The screen changes, moving to the ground floor.

"So this is going to have some more major changes." Jane says. "The original office is going to turn into your office, but otherwise, that whole side isn't changing much. The other side is where the changes come in. The library is staying a library and quiet room, and the classroom next to it is going to be the living room. I really wanted to put Samira's clinic there, but we don't have another good spot for a living room."

"So the living room and the quiet room are going to be right next to each other?" Robert asks. "Won't it get loud in the library?"

"We are going to have to do some soundproofing." Jane says. "The two classrooms across the hall are going to become the master suite, and that's going to need soundproofing too."

Jane walks over to the laptop, clicking around a bit, until she pulls up a floorplan design website, on which a mockup of the master suite is showing.

"Ok, we did this a few times, but this is the best idea we've come up with." Jane says. "The bedroom and closet are smaller than I'd like, but the bathroom is spectacular. The shower is nearly 7'x4', and the jacuzzi tub is 5'x5', with the corner cut. We should easily be able to fit 3 into either of those. Three sinks, so that you and I can have a dedicated area, and a third for whoever is staying with us that night, as well as another one in the toilet compartment."

"Shouldn't our bedroom be upstairs, with the girls?" Robert asks.

"We aren't getting younger." Jane says. "And unless you want to put in an elevator, I'd like to have a ground floor bedroom."

"I don't want to think about what an elevator would cost." Robert says.

"You definitely don't." Jane says. "And we'd lose a room on each floor, if we did that."

"Ok, you win." Robert says. "The bedroom is a bit small, though."

"It's just for bedroom activities." Jane says. "We have a living room and the library room right across the hallway, for anything else."

Coming back to the couch, Jane moves back to the floor plan photos Tom sent.

"This is what the next two floors basically looked like." Jane says. "Lots of small rooms, one staff room with an adjoining bathroom, and two regular bathrooms for the students to share. That obviously isn't what we want, besides it being a very old fashioned design."

Clicking back to the design website, Jane pulls up a new saved design.

"So this is what I think we should do for the first floor. After brainstorming with a few of the girls, we basically created a Jack and Jill setup that we just copied and pasted three times on one side of the hall. Each room has a bunk bed, and two rooms share a bathroom, so each of these suites can house 4 girls. On the other side, we kept the staff room, just updating it a bit, to make it sort of a hotel room design, that we envision housing two girls who prefer that to a bunk bed. The student rooms and bathroom on the other side are now going to be a nursery, along with a large bathroom. As you can see, I think we can fit either 7 cribs, and a full bed, or 6 cribs, a full bed, and a bunk bed. Hopefully we don't have 6 babies at the same time, so I'd suggest the second layout." Jane says, pointing out the areas as she talks.

"How do we decide who gets what rooms?" Robert asks. "I thought we would have all of the rooms the same, to make it equal."

"We will work that out." Jane says. "Amber, Lucia, and Alexia get first dibs on the staff rooms, if they want them, and if not, we will see how many girls prefer sharing a bed permanently. If there is too much argument, we can always change it to a bunk bed."

"What about the nursery?" Robert asks. "Is that someone's permanent room?"

"I thought we could cycle people in and out, so that everyone gets a good night's rest at least every other night." Jane says. "Until we have babies for the nursery, anyone who wants to stay in there can, as far as I'm concerned."

"Is the next floor the same?" Robert asks.

"No." Jane says, coming back to the laptop, and loading a new design. "So because the entry ceiling is so high, we lose space on the second floor, but we get that back on the third. With no need for a second nursery, I decided to do something a little different. One side is the same 3 sets of Jack and Jill rooms, and on the other side, we have two new Jack and Jill suites that are larger, with a single large bed in each, rather than bunk beds. It's basically the staff room from the other floor, but Jack and Jill style."

"So we have 5 of these types of rooms, and 6 with bunk beds?" Robert asks.

"Yes, and one of these style has a private bathroom." Jane says. "And then the nursery, as well. All told, we have 17 bedrooms, plus the master suite, and the nursery. Each of the bedroom levels has 5 total bathrooms. All told, upstairs we can sleep 38, including the nursery, but excluding the cribs. If we ever don't need the nursery, it can become another staff bedroom as well."

"Jesus." Robert says. "37? That's basically a small village."

"There are 14 of us now." Jane says. "With the 1 kid per adult rule, we are looking at 28 minimum, even if we don't add anyone else to the house. With our other potential addition, that would make 29. If anyone wants more than one kid, we could be in the 30's quickly. If we grow too much, we may need to look into bunk beds for the nursery. If we did that, we could probably go up to almost 50. The upstairs staff rooms probably could be converted to two sets of bunk beds per room as well, which would take us a little over 50. We can just change it to that now, if you think we should."

"No." Robert says. "37 is daunting enough, thank you."

"Do you see anything you'd want to change?" Jane asks.

Robert shakes his head. "Nothing that would fit inside of the confines of the building. I wish it was a little wider, so we could have a bigger bedroom, but nothing we can do about that."

"We can still make changes as we go." Jane says. "Valentina can only work so fast. I was thinking of having her do the master suite first, with some hired help, and then work on the second floor bedrooms. After that, maybe the basement and first floor renovations, before doing the third floor last. Realistically, the third floor is more for the future than anything, once we get the rest complete."

"We can figure it out as we go." Robert says. "Do you really think we should do the master first, instead of the basement and other first floor renovations?"

"Yes." Jane says. "I don't want to go up and down the stairs constantly, and sharing bathrooms with that many people is going to suck. Getting the master suite done is my top priority."

"Ok." Robert says. "Any idea how long the necessary renovations are going to take? I'd like to get Valentina started on the remodel, but obviously at least one of us is going to need to be there."

"I'll find out when I call tomorrow, to let them know they can start." Jane says. "I had thought about sending Amber, and a few other girls to help, but..."

Jane looks at Amber, and then Taylor, both sitting quietly on the couch.

"But what?" Taylor asks, intensely curious.

"But we need Amber here, for a while." Robert says. "If we are going to have local contractors do the absolutely necessary renovations, it's a moot point anyhow."

"Agreed." Jane says. "It was just a thought I had."

"If we weren't in a rush, it could work." Robert says. "If you don't have anything else urgent, I'm going to go shower. Some of us still have to work in the morning."

"That's fine, honey." Jane says. "Amber, did you plan to invite Emily to join you tonight?"

"Master, Mistress." Amber says. "I'm sorry, but there is something else we need to discuss. Taylor, can you give us some privacy?"

Waiting until Taylor goes up the stairs, Amber continues. "Megan's punishment was supposed to be over yesterday, and I completely forgot. I wanted to see if you were satisfied with her behavior during the last week, and if you wish me to release her from her extra duties."

"Shit." Robert says. "I knew I was forgetting something."

"I didn't forget." Jane says. "I think Megan does better when she is in training. I suggest we keep her as she is, indefinitely."

"Jane!" Robert says. "We are not punishing someone indefinitely. We set a punishment, and she has served her time. We need to release her from her punishment, and see if she has actually learned anything from it."

"Oh, fine." Jane says. "Do you want me to talk to her?"

"No." Robert says. "Amber assigned the punishment, Amber should release her from it. The real question is whether she gets all of her privileges back, including a spot on the sleeping schedule."

"Nope." Jane says. "She can earn that eventually, but one week isn't long enough."

"We made the decision to keep her." Robert says. "I'm fine with waiting another week or two, but past that, it feels like we are punishing her still. I'd like to suggest that if she behaves herself until Sunday evening, six nights from now, we return her phone, and put her on the schedule."

"Can't we wait a bit longer?" Jane asks. "Maybe ease her into it?"

"Mistress, I could invite her up tonight, to help and observe." Amber suggests. "I could give her the good news then, as well."

"Tonight?" Jane asks, face going pale.

"Jane, what are you so worried about?" Robert asks. "This isn't like you."

"Once she is in our bed, she is permanent." Jane says. "You'll never get rid of her. What if she reverts back to her previous behavior?"

"I get it." Robert says. "But we made the decision to keep her, as long as she behaved, and she has, so far. Amber, let her know that her punishment is over. But don't invite her into the bedroom yet, or mention getting her phone back. We can meet up in a week, and discuss it again. Does that work for you, Jane?"

"I guess." Jane says, shrugging unhappily.

***

"Megan, I need to speak to you for a moment." Amber says.

"I'm coming, Mistress." Megan says, rising from her bed, and quickly following Amber into Robert's office.

Closing the door behind them, Amber says. "Your punishment was supposed to end yesterday, but with everything going on, I completely forgot. I apologize for that. You may consider it complete, as of now."

"Mistress, what does that mean exactly?" Megan asks.

"You no longer have to call me Mistress." Amber says. "When we are at home, you may call me Amber, and our Master and Mistress may be called by their names as well, just like the other girls. You will also no longer be required to help Alexia with extra duties, or to train with me in the mornings."

"Thank you, Amber." Megan says, and then kneels. "Mistress, this girl begs to be allowed to continue her training, and truly become a kajira. She believes that if she is not allowed to continue, she will go back to her old ways, and ruin everything. She is willing to do anything to ensure she can remain with her Master and Mistresses."

"Megan, are you sure about this?" Amber asks. "Before you answer, keep in mind that real training is hard. A kajira values her Master above herself, and her Master's wishes and happiness become her entire life. Training will take years, and you will be asked to do things that are uncomfortable at best, and painful at worst. The training we have done so far is just the barest introduction into what it truly is to be a kajira."

"This girl is sure, Mistress." Megan says.

"You will continue to think about it until morning." Amber says. "If you arrive for training tomorrow, I will accept you for training. If you do not, we pretend this conversation did not happen."

"This girl thanks you, Mistress." Megan calls as Amber steps out of Robert's office.

Walking to the hangout room, Amber finds Emily reading a book. "Emily, are you joining me tonight?" Amber asks.

"Absolutely." Emily says quickly, shoving her bookmark into the book, and setting it to the side to rise and join Amber. "I was getting worried that perhaps you had asked someone else, and not told me."

"I may not always ask you." Amber tells her. "But if I don't, I will always try to let you know."

"Thank you." Emily says, flushing a bit while she fidgets. "Are we going in now?"

"Give me two minutes." Amber says. "I need to speak with Master and Mistress about something, I will come right back to get you."

"Ok." Emily says, reaching out to squeeze Amber's hand. "I'll be waiting for you."

Amber slips into the master bedroom a moment later, finding Robert and Jane waiting on the bed.

"How did it go with Megan?" Robert asks.

"Megan thanked me for letting her know." Amber says. "And then she took the nadu position, and begged me to complete her training."

"She what?" Jane says, flabbergasted.

"That is interesting." Robert says. "That means she is trying, at least. Did she say why?"

"She said she was certain she would fall back into her old ways, and ruin things." Amber tells them. "She was very humble, even referring to herself in the third person, as is proper of a girl begging for a favor."

"What did you say?" Jane asks.

"I told her to take the night, and consider it carefully." Amber says. "Real training is much more intense than what she has had so far, which is basically posture practice, as well as some basic education."

"Do you think this is actually good for her?" Robert asks.

"I do, Master." Amber says. "She is very worried about retaining a place in the household. If this helps her feel more secure in that, and addresses Mistress Jane's concerns at the same time, I can see no reason not to train her. Unless you do not wish her trained, of course."

"If she changes her mind, let me know." Robert says. "And I don't want her broken the way that you were. Perhaps you could take her to meet Abda at some point, and get her input on some training methods that are less extreme than those that were used with you."

"Of course, Master." Amber says. "I would not do anything that would distress you, or that I believed would cause you to doubt the trust you have shown in me."

"Good." Robert says. "Is anyone else joining us tonight?"

Just as Amber is about to answer, Jane's phone rings. "It's Tom, I should probably answer it." Jane says.

"Hi, Tom. I'm sorry we haven't gotten back to you, it's been a very busy day." Jane says into the phone.

"I know." Jane says a moment later. "Can I put you on speaker?"

A moment later she does, and says. "Ok, Tom, you are on speaker, with Robert and Amber."

"Ya'll need to learn to answer your phones." Tom says.

"Sorry." Robert says. "Busy day and all. In the future, a text probably works better."

"There are some things that should be done face to face, and if not that way, then at least on a live call." Tom says. "I found Isabel."