Chapter One

When the sun shone through the round porthole window he was already awake and kneeling on one knee on the floor at the foot of his Master's bed after folding the blanket that had made his own for half the span of his short life. If he had known how to count he would have known just how short that life truly was, but as it stood he only had a vague comprehension that anything over a hundred was 'a lot'. Too bad he didn't know exactly what a hundred of something would look like.

Yet another bitter thought carefully tucked away with the multitude of others that broke to the surface only in the morning hours when no eyes lay on him, ready to punish for the slightest twitch, or gleam in his startlingly blue eyes. Thoughts that ached inside him whenever something touched on his vague memories of a home, and freedom.and a future as an individual, not an object.

The foot near his head twitched and the snarl that had twisted his features while he had foolishly let his guard down was wiped off, expertly returning to blank features and downcast eyes. His Master didn't wake after he waited a short time that seemed an eternity.

More careful to keep his features rigidly blank he went back to his festering thoughts and instead stumbled onto a memory, not the cherished ones of his free life but one from the beginning of his enslavement. The first morning in fact.

Light blazed through the window, burning on his face, and with a mumble he rolled over, hair thankfully covering his eyes as he slowly came awake. He lay on something hard.not his bed.definitely not. If it were he'd be comfortable, if weighed down with the weight of his two younger brothers who had discovered a talent at mimicking sap and clinging tenaciously to one all night.

Brothers.Tevrey.Krigh.the image of his brother's young faces twisted in fear, blood reddening their features.their mother's blood reddening their features jerked him from sleep better than a physical slap.

Trembling he jerked upright into a sitting position, scrambling back until something solid was against his back as yesterday, horrible yesterday reasserted itself to memory.

The blood soaking the thick grass outside the caravan, the decapitated head of his father.his mother's throat being slit, her blood spraying out onto his brothers.the cramped wagon, filled with the scent of unwashed bodies, blood and illness. Passing out..

Now he was here.somewhere. Shakily he glanced around, at the wide porthole that let the light in to illuminate a threadbare bed and table that furnished the tiny room that was unoccupied at the moment. He glanced down at himself, still in the blood soaked clothing, with a thin chain circling his ankle attached to the wall.

He gave it a frantic tug but it held tight, so he tried to force it off his foot to no avail, he was still working at it, abrading the skin from his ankle, when the door opened. A huge man stepped in, heavy work boots thudding solidly on the floor.

With a gasp his eyes trailed from the boots up the tree like legs, wide brawny shoulders, thick neck to a heavily featured face that would never be called handsome. It made him acutely aware of just how frail and delicate.and young.he really was.he didn't stand a chance.

A whimper broke from him as the huge fleshy hand reached for his chain, unhooking it and sprawling him before the heavy brown work boots with one effortless tug. Cold gray eyes roamed his body, and a rough turbulent voice broke from the man with all the grace of a boulder rolling downhill, "Take the clothes off."

Kinzon could only stare, brain failing to form any sort of coherent thought after that and only the words 'oh no dear goddess no' kept repeating. He might have said it out loud but he couldn't be sure.

Then all thought was swept away as a tidal wave of pain flashed over him, leaving him sweat soaked and weak in its wake. "Take them off. Now." The chain was given a sharp jerk, nearly pulling his ankle out of place, digging sharply into newly abraded skin.

In the face of that, and the look that was slowly blossoming in the other's eyes, a look that told of the great pleasure he took in the pain of others.he slowly reached around his back and untied the knot that held his shirt laces in place hands shaking the entire time.

Naked, still lying before.the man, he felt a vulnerability that he had never experienced before. One that only could grow worse as this nightmare continued. So many options swept through his mind, and just as quickly were thrown away.

Escape just didn't seem possible.but then this entire scenario didn't seem possible. "Get up."

Shaking hard enough to rattle his teeth he slowly did as he was told, fear of the recent taste of pain, and fear of what else he could only guess his captor was capable of, breaking him down. He stood still as the man slowly circled him, he could feel his eyes burning into his skin the entire time and a dark blush spread like wildfire across his skin.

His captor laughed as he rounded him again, this time his hands running the same paths his eyes had, prodding here and there, forcing him to flex occasionally before he pulled back to face him. One blunt finger lifted his chin up, pulling his lips back to look at his teeth.

"Well I suppose I have a better one." His tone was musing and Kinz' felt his stomach sink, something about the dismissive tone.the same one, one used when speaking of a horse. He had been.examined like an animal..

A shiver almost rippled through him but his Master was awake finally, and he wasn't about to face punishment for it. He bowed his head down until it just hovered above his knee. Years of this routine prepared him for the kick that threw him out of his position to sprawl in the floor without flinching.

He quickly resumed the kneel, pain a dull throb in his shoulder as he waited, seeing the covers slither to the floor out of the corner of his eye. Bare feet followed, toes wriggling slightly on the cool crude wood floor.

There was a signal, unspoken, that he must wait for. Not so much a hand signal, from this position he couldn't see much of anything, it was more of a change in the air.something almost empathic in nature. Yet another thing he suspected their vets of changing about him after his chocolate brown eyes were traded for the startlingly blue ones he had now.

Before he had been dragged into this life he had naught the slightest sensitivity to things like that.it was something only shaman's and a few gifted held.

It came. Fluidly he stood, fetching the morning paper for his Master. Kneeling just touching his knees as he handed it to him. The knees parted, and he found himself staring, fighting down the urge to wrinkle his nose in disgust, at his Master's semi-erect sex.

Out of all the things expected of him.every last humiliating thing. this.this was the worst. To have to come that close to the foul unwashed scent of him.actually taste him.. An imperceptible shiver ran through him and trying to not think about it he obediently leaned forward.

It couldn't be over quick enough. When it was he pulled back to the foot of the bed to kneel and wait, discreetly trying to rid himself of the taste without any luck.

His Master stood after recovering, stumbling past him to shower in the tiny bathroom. Once he would have said something to him, something about his past, something insulting. Lately though they had ended, in fact he hadn't heard his Master actually speak to him in a very long time.which meant he was losing interest in him.

That scared him. It meant soon he would be sold, and while his present Master was a repugnant roach.the next would probably be worse. Worse was not something he ever wanted to see.

"C'mon." The one word had him on his feet and following, head down, before he could even think about it. A ripple of semi-excited wonder raced through him, outside.he hadn't been outside in so long he could barely remember it.

He waited quietly as the heavy chain was hooked onto his equally bulky leather collar, and given a sharp unneeded tug as they walked out the door.

The hot sun hit him almost like a tangible force and he blinked in the blinding light, eyes watering. Stumbling behind his Master, eyes on the brick walk he could feel the eyes on him. Mostly the hungriest glances were from the poorest class.

From listening to his Master's conversation he had understood that they had no rights other than freedom.they worked as they were told.and lived without too much slavery. They were one level above him.they couldn't own slaves, couldn't live in anything better than a hovel.. And apparently they wanted more..

They always stared at him longingly something disconcerting...especially when you never had the permission to look and see their faces. Only feel the weight of their gazes. Only when he had first walked the town had he looked up, before he had learned that it wasn't worth it.

It had taken him such a long time, so many seasons before he could bear to walk like this with all the eyes without shaking and turning red. It truly didn't help that his Master refused to clothe him.

The resentment that would have brought up was forgotten as the heavy work boots stopped a moment, before starting forward again, dragging him into the quiet dark of a building with more force than necessary.

The brick gave way to amber wood waxed to a high sheen that he was careful with...knowing one misplaced foot would send him to the ground with it's slipperiness. That would only earn him his Master's anger...again.

He managed to cross the floor of what felt like a rather large open room to skin sensitive to air currents after goddess knew how long of being relatively blind for all intents and purposes. That sense in the air of a command came again and obediently he knelt, just realizing that his Master was seated.

Waiting there with nothing in his line of vision except the floor and occasionally the feet of passers-by, shoed Masters, and barefooted slaves, had him nearly shaking with energy, needing to do something. Yet he couldn't, he wasn't allowed.

When the woman's soft lilt uttered his Master's name he was to the point of considering risking the pain for just a glance. Just for something to think about that wouldn't force him to have to fight back expressions from the bitterness of it. Hopefully something would happen now.

The room, a courtroom from what he could gather, had the same wood floor as the hall. That was about all he could tell from where he knelt once again by his Master's seat.

Voices had droned on for a long time now, he had never quite been able to gather enough interest to listen after the first few moments of quoted numbers, something altogether foreign to him.

His Master's voice spoken in that harsh tone that he associated with a woman somewhere ahead of them yet above them, perhaps on a platform of some sort finally drew his attention. It took a lengthy amount of time before he could piece it together but he finally did.

His Master was being...sued. For damages...to something. Must have been on one of the days he hadn't been taken along. The man was in deep trouble, he could almost sense the fear lurking beneath his Master's usual temporarily calmed anger and just that hint was enough to break down his control enough to allow a brief smile of glee to flicker.

Fortunately it went unnoticed, at least from the punishment. His Master slid his hand down his shoulder one finger sliding through the hoop that pierced his nipple tugging on it painfully hard, an action he didn't think the man even realized he was doing. It was enough to distract him from listening though, as he was forced to fall back on anything to keep from doing something about the regularly spaced jolts of pain.

It ended just soon enough, just before he broke down enough to try to smack his Master's hand away. He had to resist the urge to check and see if he hadn't half tugged the ring through the flesh again as he was dragged to his feet and yanked almost into a headlong fall down the hall. His Master's stride was always far longer, faster than his and somehow he was expected to keep up with him and still attempt to look halfway graceful. Nearly impossible.

He ignored where they were just concentrating on his feet even when they turned down a new road. Hoping they would stop soon he gave a silent sigh until the stench of unwashed bodies hit him. Immediately followed by the dull noise of a crowd...and the hawkers screaming out for buyers...the slave market.

He recognized it instantly, and he threw himself back against the collar struggling furiously against his collar, feet scrabbling in the dirt to no avail. The pain came, flaring through him again for the first time in months, so bad it dropped him to his knees still being dragged towards the wrought iron gate that marked the entrance until he sprawled on his back. Rough dirt and stones digging into his skin, scraping patches off.

His Master gave a low groan, "Get up you worthless shit and walk in, you'll never make a good price acting like that." He could only pant still held motionless as the pain lessened inside him, when it was enough to stand he did and dug his heels in shaky hands searching for a clasp, for anything on the collar, though he knew it wouldn't be there.

It was too much for his Master, and he turned around finally drawing the small box out of his pocket, pressing the button down with a delighted smile twisting his lips. It was the last thing he saw as this time the pain didn't fade, just kept going on and on until his vision darkened to nothing. No matter how much he wanted it though he couldn't take that last step into unconsciousness, he had to know what was happening. His Master's voice was the last he heard, dimly feeling somewhere through the pain his body still moving, "Still has some spirit, damn smart that one, knows how to hide it. I have to make three pren off him, so just give me that and sell him for what you want."

The pain began to fade but it was too much already, and he fell into the pit of nothingness finally.

Mid-Master Vradi slowly strolled through the slave market for what was now the third time today. Of course the other two times had been with Annabelle Hyden, the daughter of the very influential High Master Hyden.

He hadn't had much choice when the older man had asked him to take his daughter out to look for 'healthy pets' to keep the house going. Vradi shook his head to himself slightly, wondering for the millionth time just why he had let himself get in the position to have to listen and obey prigs like that one. But that was his lot at the moment, and it would change soon, he was going to make sure of that.

Until that time though...he had found something else to capture his interest for today. While allowing Annabelle to drag him through the marketplace in her empty-headed way, chattering on about anything under the sun, he had noticed one very interesting slave and had carefully kept Annabelle from him all day. Even when she had made him take them back after leaving the first time because she was so sure she had missed something.

Now he found himself here alone at last, desperately hoping no one else had discovered the same prize he had and gotten there first. None of what he was feeling though showed in his features. They stayed pleasantly bland as always, an automatic expression that had served him well.

Finally he found him, and just stopped at a distance, watching with an unaccountable flare of jealousy as another man approached the slave, obviously to look him over. Even his iron control couldn't stop the pleased smile that flitted over his features as when the man reached out to check the slave's teeth and was forced to jerk back as the dark beauty attempted to take his fingers off with those very same teeth. The would-be owner hurried away.

Vradi stepped forward, after wrestling his expression down to bland curiosity, even though he was delighted. If he dared show it the seller would take him for every cent he had to his name. If not more.

The seller had a weary almost-resigned look on his face but gave him a slight smile, "Try him out if you want but he bites." Vradi nodded, "I noticed from a distance." If he played his cards right he could have the slave for next to nothing, these days the master that wanted a challenge with his slaves was rare.

Vradi ignored the seller and studied his prize up close finally, the seller had stripped him to bare skin baring all that he could have wanted to see. The boy was shorter than he by a few inches, his face strong, not perfect but handsome, completely unlike the more popular pale, delicate, androgynous look that seemed to be everywhere these days.

His nose was crooked; it had been broken before and probably left to heal as it was. His eyes were just a little too big; a little to spaced, but they were such a vivid blue color that even the sky couldn't compare. And his lips...his lips were the type that you wanted to bite and suck at before actually kissing him, and even now he could barely resist leaning forward to try them. Silky silver hair brushed his shoulders, with the sort of shine to it that made his hand itch to feel it.

He pulled himself away from his face, to travel the length of his body. His skin was a paler tone than the dusky tanned brown of the plain clans. The skin tone came from a life lived outdoors under a harsh sun where either you adapted or died from it. At the moment it was marred though by dark bruises and raw spots, he'd fought coming here. It still looked smooth and silky for all the scrapes though.

Shaking himself away from that he finished his once over, he was short...but his body was muscular, in that perfect lean way, which made up for the absence of height. The strength in his frame was understated, hidden beneath his skin almost, but naked and sweating in the heat he could see it in the tension in his frame.

His throat was long almost delicate, yet strong, running into wide shoulders and deep chest, flat stomach with just the hint of muscle tone to a small waist. Well-endowed, he almost licked his lips, the slave was almost sinfully well-endowed. He pulled himself away from that area and continued, down to long runner's legs, powerful.

And then he noticed something odd, the muscle in his calf, was jumping, twitching constantly. It sparked a dim memory and he looked back up at the slave's face into those bright sapphire eyes, and finally connected the deep pain and anger lying there. Pain.

Turning to the seller he spoke, more harshly than he had intended as anger rose that something was hurting what he already considered his property, "Is there anything this slave came with? A box or a remote of some sort?" The merchant's dark eyes turned devious a moment, no doubt trying to figure out how to turn his knowledge into money some how, after a moment of searching his pockets he drew out a small black box and tossed it to him.

He almost winced when he caught it, knowing that the jostling could force the button down farther. It took him a moment after noting the button was indeed locked part-way down to find how to release it from it's position and click it off. As soon as he finished with it the slave slumped tiredly, the pain giving way to relief in his eyes.

Vradi nodded to himself and looked up at the seller, "5 thrid." The crafty look of outrage immediately blossomed on the man's face and Vradi settled in for some spirited dickering.

The slave cost him more than he had thought he was willing to give. But something about him...he shook his head looking at the sleek lines of his property's body. He would have given the seller all of his savings for this one. He hoped he was worth it.

Vibrant blue eyes barely flickered as the chain snapped home on the collar around the slave's throat, but he could see a banked fire deep in them. There would be a fight for dominance with him later.

A thrill went through him at the thought. Already his mind ran through the various methods to stop such an uprise as he dragged his slave through the streets towards home. Cruelty was not the way to go, somehow he couldn't bring himself to even think about hurting the boy without a good reason.

He didn't feel the piercing gaze burning into his back until he was finally inside the house. Then he let himself turn and meet those vivid blue eyes that so boldly gazed into his own. Questions and fears mixed within that gaze, he didn't bother answering them.

Instead he took the chance to truly get his fill of gazing at that wonderful body, amused when a red blush crept over the other's smooth skin. He allowed himself a small smile, "What is your name slave?"

"Kinzon." The response was immediate, and Vradi was glad that the boy hadn't lost his sense of self yet, even as he toyed with the idea of changing his name. But no, the name he had fit him somehow. He nodded slightly, "Kinzon it is then."

He reached out, drawing one finger along a broad shoulder, ignoring the automatic flinch that jerked through his slave's body. His finger came away dark with dirt, and he wrinkled his nose slightly wiping it clean on his pants, even as a thrill ran through his body. The slave's skin was as silken as he had thought it would be.

"The bathroom is down the hall, third door on the right. Take a bath and get yourself clean, and clean up any mess you make in there. When you're done I'll be out here." A faint thread of surprise ran through the other's eyes, no doubt shocked he was being allowed to act like he had his own mind. He turned for the hall obediently enough. Vradi let him get to the door before calling out, "Don't take too long in there."

The reply was soft and sent another electric shiver running through him. "Yes...Master." Then the door shut softly behind him, and was followed a few moments later by the sound of running water. And Vradi was left to himself to wonder if he had done the right thing in buying a slave that affected him so acutely.

Kinz' leaned back against the closed bathroom door for a brief moment, staring at the sterile white-tile bathroom in stunned disbelief. The tub was huge, with all the pipes for running water. Completely unlike his last master who he had to pump water for from the outside pump and heat in the fireplace every morning in the winter. At least he'd only had to do that when it was too cold to use the water from the huge basin on the roof that caught the rain for showers.

It took a moment but it finally sank in that he was going to be drawing a bath for no one but himself. He wasn't going to be washing off with a rough cloth and any leftover water from the kitchen that was always dirty and cold. A rare grin lit his face, feeling strange to him but there nonetheless as he wasted no time in stopping up the drain and running hot water into the huge porcelain tub. He hadn't had a real bath in far too long, and already he was relishing the thought of clean hair and a short soak. A beating even would be worth it just for that.

He couldn't stop the soft groan of pleasure as he sank into steaming hot water, eyes falling shut for a long moment as he just enjoyed the sensations. When he started scrubbing himself clean with one of the soft cloths stacked next to the tub he knew he hadn't been this happy since before his capture. Even if it all went downhill from this point on with his Master, well...he was thankful for this much.

With that in mind he washed thoroughly, refilling the tub with clean water when it turned brown with dirt and grime. It was only when his hair was washed out that he slowed and took more enjoyment out of the feel of water against his aching skin.

The rawness of the scrapes and bruises he'd acquired getting dragged in the slave market was eased. And he felt more relaxed than he had his entire captivity, especially since the slave dealer had taken out all the uncomfortable piercings. The only thing that could make it any better would be if he weren't wearing the heavy leather collar still around his neck, but in light of everything else it wasn't to bad.

Thinking only to relax for a few moments before getting out he slid down to settle back against the tub's sloping side and let his eyes half-close. In moments the stress of the day had caught up with him, and he was fast asleep.

Vradi waited a good ten minutes longer than he usually would have for his slave to return, but finally sighed and went to check on him when it became apparent it wasn't going to happen. He had only begun to get angry when he slipped into the quiet bathroom, but what greeted his eyes was more than enough to quell it.

The sight of his slave asleep, wet and asleep, sent a thrill through him that was all about ownership and a fierce protectiveness that shocked him. He was hard and aching by the time the thought sank in that he owned all of the silky wet flesh before him. Without realizing it he found himself beside the tub, kneeling down, his face mere inches from the other's as his eyes ravenously swept over him, desire heavy in his red-hazel gaze.

Need surged through him in a flood, his entire body throbbing in tune to it. He wanted nothing more than to strip, slide into the water with Kinzon, and take what he needed so badly. Already he could imagine the feel of him against his body, the sounds he might make....

Before he could move though reality broke through the fantasy in the form of his slave's brilliant blue eyes opening, sleepy curiosity being swiftly replaced with fearful wariness. The look had the same effect on him as a bucket of ice water, forcing his arousal back to manageable levels.

Still, he couldn't stop his eyes from briefly flicking down to the full lips that he so wanted to claim with his own. Swallowing hard, he met frightened blue eyes again, and not wanting to be unnecessarily harsh, regardless of what he wanted to do, he forced a smile and spoke lightly "Clean is definitely a better look for you. Try not to fall asleep next time though, you have a bed for that." Bed...he shouldn't have mentioned that word, it ruined all the work he had done to get his control back.

The slave's eyes dropped away from his, his voice soft, uncertain, and more than a little shaky, "S-sorry Master, it won't happen again."

Vradi snorted derisively, "Actually it probably will if you have a day as rough as this one has no doubt been." He stood before he could throw himself at the boy, wondering when he had become so needy. Probably somewhere in the many years he had been living alone.

"Get out of there before you drown and dry off," He gave the room a cursory once-over, the side of him that wanted everything perfectly clean and in place wasn't to offended by the state of the room. "You can clean up after yourself in here, in the morning just this once."

Kinzon looked up at him a moment, looking more and more stunned, and Vradi momentarily forgot how much he wanted him in the pure amusement balanced by a bit of regret at Kinzon's reaction to such a small kindness. It took a moment for the boy to stand, a red blush darkening the tanned skin even more as he tried to discreetly cover himself.

The boy's self-consciousness after standing naked all day at the slave market with every eye taking it's fill of him, was almost endearing. Vradi took pity on him enough to hand him a towel, but couldn't stop himself from watching as the boy dried himself efficiently and tucked the towel around his waist.

Those blue eyes met his again, and he momentarily considered the brazenness the boy was showing. Meeting your Master's eyes maybe once or twice after having your world completely turned upside-down was understandable, but this much.... He liked him doing it though, liked having someone around that didn't refuse to look at him for fear of punishment because he was below him. Because of that he let it go, reminding himself that later he would have to train the boy not to do it unless they were alone.

Vradi shook himself slightly and looked him over, trying to be more restrained this time, and finally he noticed the various cuts and scrapes that were deep enough to need treated. "Sit on the edge of the tub." He didn't bother waiting to see if he would be obeyed, instead moving to the small cabinet he kept the disinfectant and bandages in.

He turned back to the boy sitting where he had told him to, watching him nervously. Reaching out Vradi hooked one finger under the heavy collar, "This is a little much for you I think, I have something lighter."

The dealer's collar was easy to remove since slaves were kept in place with chains, the collar was more of a formality than anything. He dropped the offending strip of leather to the side and busied himself disinfecting and bandaging the worst of the scrapes, to a chorus of soft whimpers and hisses at the sharp sting of the alcohol he was using. The protective anger that was growing with every scrape and cut he attended to, was the only thing that stopped him from having to worry about control.

By the time he was satisfied, Kinzon was flinching. Vradi grinned and put the bandages and things back in their place, "Now we find you something to wear. You should be able to fit into some of my old things." Kinzon nodded following him out of the room.

It wasn't until he was lying in his new bed, a real bed, that Kinzon was able to think through the day and catch his balance. He had woken up in the tub, not knowing what had woken him exactly, not knowing what to expect. The last thing he had thought to see upon opening his eyes though, was his new master resting his chin on his arms on the side of the tub staring at him like a starving wolf would a helpless lamb.

That look had scared him, turned his blood to ice. Even through the attempt his Master had made at levity, his voice was still edged with lust, his dark red-hazel eyes gleamed with hunger, and his smile was decidedly predatory. It had been enough to shred the carefully fostered callousness that had helped him survive the hungry looks he had gotten when in public.

In fact his Master's obvious desire for him had almost been enough to turn him into a stuttering idiot. Thankfully he hadn't had to say more than a few words the entire time.

His Master surprised him though, with more than the looks. He had never heard of a slave having his cuts and scrapes cared for by his Master, though he had enjoyed the experience... mostly because the desire in the piercing gaze was traded for care. It was a balm to him, even if it was the sort of caring that was shown to an injured animal it was a welcome change from being completely ignored.

After being cared for he had been led to his Master's bedroom, told he was to share it with the man. When he had panicked he had been shown the small rollaway bed that would be his, lying hidden away beneath the huge plush canopied affair that his Master slept in. His Master's bed was no doubt more comfortable than the modestly stuffed mattress on the rickety frame, but to a man that had spent his nights with naught but a blanket between him and a hardwood floor for most of his life it looked and felt like heaven.

While his mind was still reeling over the bed, he was given clothes. Real clothes and not the rough, ill-made stuff normally reserved for slaves. No, hese clothes were silks, and velvets, a bit worn in places since they had been his Master's. It was all far better than he'd ever expected, even if the pants and shirt sleeves had to be rolled up a bit, and everything fit just a tad snug, since his Master was a bit more long-limbed and thinner than he was.

His Master had mentioned that he would get him fitted later for his own clothing, likely of the same material. Though even if the clothes were to be made of sack cloth, he would be more than happy for it.

It was shocking, but now that he had time to think about it, it made sense. After all, for a man of status, it would only hurt to be seen having slaves that looked like guttertrash. It would imply that the man was only superficially rich, with just enough real money to uphold an illusion that only went so far. So all his good fortune was probably just standard for his elevated status, a normal thing for slaves of rich masters, and maybe some of it was due to the fact his Master wanted him.

He still had a collar, but this one suited him much better. No more suffering through the heavy jangling weight around his neck, always seeming to weigh him down in spirit and in body. Now he wore an airy thing of thin black wire and shiny copper beads. It was strong enough that he would only ruin his skin trying to break it, and the key lock that fastened it prevented it ever coming off without his Master's help, but at least he barely felt the thing around his neck. And those few times when he did it felt no worse than any of the choker necklaces his people had begun to favor wearing at home before...for all that this thing he wore meant so much more than the innocent jewelry had.

From the bedroom he had been led to the dining room, he had been allowed to sit at the table with his Master, to eat hot food, from a plate, given fresh water. And, more importantly, he had been allowed to eat with his hands after showing how truly foreign and uncomfortable the silverware was to him by dropping it a half dozen times with a nerve shattering clatter. Although his Master had understood, and been obviously amused at his incompetence, he had told him he would have to learn to eat with forks and spoons soon. As long as it wasn't expected of him immediately he was happy.

While they ate his Master had talked, outlining all the things he was going to be expected to do. Cleaning, cooking, and the prize of it all, he was going to learn to read and write to help his Master with his research. It sounded like heaven. It sounded like somehow he had managed to be brought into the one place where he had a hope of being mostly happy.

But now, in the dark silent bedroom, listening to the soft sounds of his Master sleeping above him in his huge bed while he lay below firmly ensconced in a blanket on his own soft mattress, he thought he could see a problem. One that he was going to be forced to face soon if his Master's body language was anything to go by.

The man wanted him, it was more than obvious, just as obvious as the fact that his Master was a man used to getting what he wanted. Which made it a little shocking that the man hadn't done anything to him while he was in the tub, he had wanted to, that was plain enough. He couldn't depend on whatever had held him back then to keep him back in the future, so the decision to either fight or submit had to be made now.

If he submitted...allowed it...it might be pleasant. He looked up at the edge of his Master's bed, at the lax hand that hung over it, long elegant fingers half-curled in sleep. In his mind he could see him, not a difficult thing to imagine him, considering how much he had been studying the man since he had come here.

When he had first seen him, really seen him rather than vaguely noticing him through a haze of pain, he had been riveted by the power of his gaze. He had what had to be the oddest eyes Kinz' had ever seen. They were big, luminous eyes, with an almond-shape that narrowed at the outer corners, and the strangest color that was saved from being the dark red of blood by the presence of just enough browns and greens in certain light. But it wasn't the color, or the foreign shape so much as the nearly palpable weight of his Master's gaze that made you take notice.

His mother had always told him eyes were a window to the soul, and throughout his life, Kinz' had found that to be true. His Master's windows were in severe need of cleaning.

Instead of being easy to read, Kinz' could barely discern a hint of what his Master was thinking even when he tried his hardest, except for rare moments when the man wanted him to. But no matter how carefully guarded his Master's gaze was, there was always that underlying intensity that made you wary of him. That made you listen to him because somehow you just knew that whatever he wanted you to hear was important, vitally important no matter how trivial it seemed.

Those eyes lent exotic beauty to a face that was already exquisite. Bright red hair fell in soft messy waves to his shoulders unless tied back, loose it framed a face both delicate and fiercely strong. His skin was a pale golden shade and clean-shaven, marred only by a thin white scar running from cheek to chin. It didn't detract from him though, if anything it only gave him a physical mirror for that dangerous edge to his personality.

He moved with the innate grace and hidden strength of either a dancer or a fighter. Kinz' was more inclined to say fighter though, not that he had seen anything tangible to prove it.

He hadn't seen even the barest glimpse of a weapon either on him or in his house. And he had been looking. No, it was something in the way he moved, the way his eyes took in every room he walked into before he relaxed. It was a habit that spoke of a man used to having enemies lurking in wait for him, and one used to being able to do something about them when he found them.

In all...he had to admit he was attractive, his looks ensured that...and his personality so far only made him more interesting. And then there was the kindness he had shown him...maybe bedding him would be pleasant. Surely it had to be better than his old master...or maybe not...

It couldn't be counted on though, the man would no doubt be after nothing more than his own pleasure. To slake that hunger in his body.... Maybe it wouldn't be the callousness his old master had shown him...but it could definitely be worse, after all he would want more than he was used to giving. It would be best just to assume that it would be a painful, joyless encounter that would have to be endured possibly nightly for Goddess only knew how long.

That put it in perspective much better...but then he had to consider what would happen if he fought him. This Master wouldn't beat him a few times for disobeying him then ignore it as too much effort...no he had no doubt that he would pay dearly for not submitting.

And he would lose all the little courtesies he was being given...all the things that he had missed so much, like clothes and a bed. He might even be sold if he didn't go along with what his master wanted...it wasn't an unreasonable choice...you sold pets if they didn't behave right and do what you wanted. And his next master would probably be worst than the first one.

Kinz' shivered at the thought, pulling his blanket tighter around himself protectively. No, it was just best to just do what his Master wanted and hope that it wasn't too painful.

Finally, too tired to stay awake much longer, he drifted into an uneasy sleep.

Chapter Four

Vradi rolled to his side, waking at once, eyes opening to focus on the blanket covered form lying below him. All he could see was a wisp of silver hair and one brown hand lying limp over the edge of the mattress, fingers that were too thick to be elegant splayed out in thin air. The slow roll of lust that surged through him while studying that hand both surprised and to an extent frightened him.

What the hell was wrong with him? He was acting as if he hadn't indulged in sex for years, which couldn't be farther from reality. But even if it were the truth.it still wouldn't explain this. When he had gone through a lonely spell lasting a few years, it had taken a little more than just staring at someone's limp hand to turn him on, not much more granted..

A wry smile flitted over his face before he dismissed the memories of that time. Somehow everything about this naïve little slave from the plains had him so thoroughly distracted that it was dangerous.

Thankfully things had been slow of late, but it wouldn't last. And when the shit hit the wall, he was going to be too damn busy getting himself worked up over this boy's hand to be able to live through it.

Sighing he sat up and stretched before settling back against the headboard. Maybe it was time for Mid-Master Vradi to take a vacation to that little cottage up in the mountains that he had bought on a whimsy four years ago.

He would take some time off to figure out exactly what it was about Kinzon that had him responding to every little thing and what to do about it. Well, he knew what to do about it; he just had to convince his little slave of the same thing since an unwilling bed partner wasn't to his taste. A few weeks, maybe a month should be more than enough. And while he was figuring it out, he would teach the boy all those things he had promised him and see if he was as smart as he seemed.

It didn't sound like the best plan he'd ever made but he couldn't think of anything else that didn't include giving Kinzon up, and that wasn't an option yet. Harvy wasn't going to be happy about him running off in the middle of things here, but his brother would live. After all the man had already monopolized ten years of his life, Harvy could stand to let him have a month to himself.

And if by some chance Ryshn made a bid to knock his brother from the throne while he was away, Harvy could get a message to him quick enough.

Uneasy guilt rolled through him at the thought. But even if he stayed to appease his conscience, if he didn't figure out what to do about this slave then he would be next to useless if Harvy needed him, whether he was near enough to do anything or not. It would have to be enough.

A muffled yawn broke into his thoughts and he smiled to himself, focusing on the blanketed lump below him again as it shifted. The lax hand slowly flexed before grabbing the edge of the blanket to pull it down, revealing sleepy blue eyes half-hidden by sleep-tousled silver hair.

They stared at one another for a long moment consideringly as Kinz' attempted to gauge whether any punishment would follow an attempt to go back to sleep. Vradi grinned, recognizing the look and swung his feet out of bed, looking down at him. "You might as well get up, I was going to wake you in a few minutes anyway."

"Yes Master," his slave's voice was soft with sleep and neutral. Kinzon no doubt thought his statement was as well, but Vradi could read his reluctance to leave the comfort of his bed in his eyes. They would have to work on that.

He stood, thinking nothing of his nakedness, until he glanced down at the red-faced look on Kinzon's face that was half embarrassment and half something.. That something could almost be lust? Kinzon turned away before he had a chance to really study his statement. Maybe lust was too strong of a word, but it was obvious the slave appreciated his body.

On impulse, instead of pulling on his robe as he had intended, he walked to his closet without it and perused the contents with his back to his slave for longer than was really necessary. The cool of the room chilled him slightly, but was overtaken by the prickly tingling that ran up his spine at the feel of those sky-blue eyes on him. The discomfort was definitely worth it.

He turned and met Kinz's eyes again, and watched the red flush creep over smooth skin once again, but this time neither of them looked away for a long long moment. An almost electrical, sensual tension filled the room, and Vradi could see the other's gaze gradually metamorphose through a myriad of different emotions.

Embarrassment changed into a shy sort of fear, fear to dismay, pain, shame, guilt, and so much more. Through it all, that same something, that sensual almost-lust stayed overshadowing the rest.

Vradi could taste his victory as a smug smile curled his lips, mentally changing his expectations of a few weeks of coaxing this one into his bed to one week or less. Kinz's eyes narrowed and the display of emotion abruptly was immersed in a blaze of pure offended rage that was swiftly shuttered off into the perfectly blank gaze all slaves learned in their first year.

The sexual tension flowed smoothly into a challenge, minutes or hours passed, and still their eyes held. Kinzon broke first, movements slow and disdainful as his eyes raked over his body to regard the floor, head down in an obvious mockery of proper submissiveness, leaving Vradi with the feeling that he had won nothing.

He waited where he was a long moment, waiting for the surge of anger that no doubt would come with having had his wants challenged by some young slave boy so beneath him that it was laughable. Not only challenged but to have had his authority, his body, indeed himself so easily disregarded and mocked, oh yes he had felt the killing rage come upon him for much less, much more insignificant offenses.

Strangely enough he only felt the vaguest prickling of anger and hurt and worst of all regret. Feeling even more confused at his reaction, and decidedly off-balance, Vradi retreated to the bathroom.