Chapter 4: Climax
Every day, the two maids, Alya and Termina, enter my bed chambers. They have been given orders to not play with me at the same time. This provides us some privacy, but they are supposed to guard against anything I may try.
Termina likes to start the day off with me. She has long brown hair that she tends to keep tightly bound bun on the back of her head. Her look was always severe to start the morning, but watching that look turn to one of pleasure was the best part of my morning.
This morning, I held one of Termina's legs up as I slid my length in and out of her warm depths. We had just gotten started for the morning, but I could already see her mask starting to crack as I pounded into her. It was happening quicker and quicker each day as I learned more about her body and the way she responded to me.
For weeks I had kept our intercourse straightforward so that the two women would get comfortable. As I looked over at the now napping Alya, I knew that both women seemed to think I wasn't likely to try anything.
"Termina," I leaned forward and whispered to her as she tried to keep her face stoic. "I know you like this, Termina. Every morning, you are always so eager to come join me." I mock as I slide my hand along her upraised leg. "I know you look forward to it as soon as you wake up." I smile, changing my rhythm. "Do you know what Alya told me yesterday?"
Termina's eyes flew open. "S-she better not have told you anything."
My smile widened. Termina didn't like being talked about. She enjoyed being invisible and avoided.
"She told me that after you leave here, you are always so happy. She said I always managed to fuck the grumpy tyrant right out of you."
Termina scowled for a moment, then felt me hit her deepest point and her scowl transformed as her eyes rolled back and she squirmed beneath me.
"Don't stop" she whispered, "Please don't stop."
I kept my rhythm steady, enjoying the way her body responded to mine. "You know, Termina," I said, "I've been thinking. Maybe it's time we tried something new."
She groaned as I hit another sensitive spot. "What do you mean?"
I grabbed her other leg, lifting it beside the first. "I know you agreed to be the queen's brood mare, and I know that you come to me every morning out of a sense of duty. Unlike your little skank friend, Alya, who seems to enjoy every second, you try to be so transactional about it. Yet every morning, you end up enjoying yourself." I continue sliding in and out between her closed legs, then I pull them wide and slam into her, reaching deeper than before.
"Why not let yourself enjoy it, Termina? You deserve it." I lean in closer, my voice dropping to a low, intimate tone. "And I want to give it to you."
Termina's breath hitches, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment before she forces them open again, meeting my gaze. "You're playing with fire, sir Oshra," she warns, but her voice lacks conviction, betraying her growing arousal.
I chuckle, keeping my rhythm steady. "Oh, I intend to, Termina. Playing with fire is the only reason we don't still live in caves. So let me bring you out of yours." I lean forward and grab her, lifting her from the bed as she is still impaled on my member. I lift her into the air and she instinctively wraps her legs around me.
"That'a girl," say as I bounce her in the air, thrusting upwards with my hips, impaling her as gravity drags her back down the length of my cock.
"F-f-f-fuck," she screams. I look at the still snoozing Alya, and she barely responds to the loud noise.
"That's right, Termina, just enjoy yourself." I whispered, my voice low and steady. I could feel her body tensing around me, her breath coming in short gasps. She was close, but I wasn't ready for this to end yet.
I carried her over to the large window that overlooked the palace gardens. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over the dew-kissed flowers. I turned her around, so she was facing the window, her back pressed against my chest. I could see her reflection in the glass, her eyes wide with surprise and desire.
I kept one arm wrapped firmly around her waist, holding her in place, while I used my free hand to reach around and cup her breast. I could feel her heart pounding against my palm as I squeezed gently, my thumb brushing against her nipple.
"Rasha," she gasped, her voice barely above a whisper. "What are you doing?"
"Showing you a new perspective," I murmured, my lips brushing against her ear. I started to move my hips, sliding in and out of her at a slow, steady pace.
The change in position allowed me to hit new angles, and I could feel Termina's body responding eagerly. Her breath fogged up the glass as she moaned, her reflection showing her eyes closed, head tilted back against my shoulder.
"Look at the garden, Termina," I whispered, my voice low and commanding. "Look at all that beauty, and know that you are a part of it. You deserve to be seen, to be appreciated."
Her eyes fluttered open, and she gazed out at the garden, her reflection showing a look of wonder and vulnerability.
I kept my rhythm steady, my hand still cupping her breast, my thumb continuing to circle her nipple. I could feel her body tensing, her breath coming in short gasps. She was close, but I wanted to draw this out, to make this moment last.
"Rasha," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I... I can't..."
"Yes, you can," I murmured, my voice low and reassuring. "Let go, Termina. Let yourself feel."
I increased my pace, my hips moving faster, my cock sliding in and out of her at a steady rhythm.
Termina's grip on my arms tightened, her nails digging into my skin as she moaned louder, her eyes fluttering closed again.
"Look at me, Termina," I commanded, my voice firm yet gentle. "I want to see you when you come."
Her eyes flew open, meeting my gaze in the reflection. I could see the struggle in her eyes, the war between her duty and her desire. But I also saw the hunger, the need. And I knew she was mine.
I shifted my hand from her breast to her clit, applying pressure as I continued to slide in and out of her.
Her breath hitched, and I could feel her body tensing even more. She was close, so close.
"Rasha," she gasped, her voice barely a whisper. I can't hold back."
"Let go, Termina," I whispered, my voice low and encouraging. "I've got you. Just let go."
Her body convulsed as she came, her cries of pleasure filling the room. I felt her climax around me, her body pulsing as she rode out her orgasm. I held her close, my arms wrapped tightly around her, as she trembled in my embrace.
Her head rested on my shoulder, her breath hot and ragged against my neck. I could feel her heart pounding, her body still quivering with the aftershocks of her release.
Slowly, I carried her back to the bed, laying her down gently. She looked up at me, her eyes soft and vulnerable, a small smile playing on her lips. I couldn't help but smile back. I had seen that look before, and I knew what she'd ask for next.
As I began to pull away, her hand shot out, grabbing my wrist. "Don't go," she whispered, her voice hoarse.
"Not yet."
I looked down at her, her cheeks flushed, her hair disheveled, and her eyes filled with a newfound vulnerability. I realized that, for the first time since I'd met her, Termina was not wearing her usual mask of stoicism. She was laid bare before me, both literally and figuratively.
I smiled at her vulnerability. It wasn't a kind smile. I had been working hard for this day. Always was asleep, and Termina was off her guard. I gathered what magic I could muster in my left hand and reached up, rapping it against the emblem in the center of the head board.
It seemed to be enough. I watched the slot slide open and a silvery cord whipped out, wrapping around the vulnerable Termina's neck and wrapping tightly around, biting into the base of her spine and dragging her into unconciousness.
I hadn't been positive that would work, but fortunately, the silver cord now wrapped plainly around Termina's neck, loosening it's tight hold and sliding down to look like a cheap ornamentation. I checked on Alya to be certain she hadn't stirred, but of the two, she had always been the more relaxed one, and I imagine she stayed up late last night knowing that she would catch up on her sleep today.
Next, I focused on Termina. Her naked body still lay on the bed, her chest rising and falling slowly. I waited, and finally her eyes fluttered open. I placed my hand over her mouth and ordered her to be quiet.
Her eyes widened, but she could no longer disobey an order from me, and she lay there silently.
"Termina, I've grown tired of the same thing every day. Today, I want you to finish me with your mouth." I stood with my member still glistening from her fluids, and I waited for her to rise from the bed. Still silent, she stood in front of me, then slowly lowered herself to her knees.
The sight of her there, naked and obedient, sent a surge of power through me. I reached down, grasping my length by the base, and guided it towards her mouth.
She looked up at me, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and desire. I could see the war within her, the struggle between her duty and her newfound feelings. But she made no move to resist, instead opening her mouth and taking me in.
I let out a low groan as her warm, wet mouth enveloped me. She started slowly, her tongue exploring, her lips tight around me.
I could feel her hesitation, her uncertainty, but I also felt her determination. She wanted to please me, and in doing so, she was discovering a new part of herself.
I let her set the pace, enjoying the sensation of her mouth on me. She looked up at me, her eyes filled with a mix of vulnerability and desire. I could see the question in her gaze, seeking my approval, my guidance.
I smiled down at her, my hand cupping her cheek. "That's it, Termina," I murmured. "Just like that."
Encouraged, she continued, her rhythm becoming more confident.
I could feel the tension building in my body, a familiar warmth spreading from my core. I wanted to prolong this moment, to draw out her enjoyment, but my body had other plans.
"Termina," I gasped, my voice hoarse. "I'm close."
She looked up at me, her eyes filled with a newfound confidence. She didn't stop, instead doubling her efforts, her head bobbing faster, her tongue swirling around me in ways that made my vision blur.
I gripped her hair, my fingers tangling in the silken strands. I couldn't hold back any longer.
With a final groan, I came, my seed spilling into Termina's mouth. She swallowed it all, her eyes never leaving mine, a look of satisfaction on her face.
In the excitement, i had messed up her neatly bound bun, and strands of hair now sprayed in every direction. I liked this look of disarray on the normally neat and controlled woman.
I reached down and gently lifted her chin, looking into her eyes. "Hmmm. Don't move. I have one more gift for you." I reach under the bed and pull out the metal plate I'd brought from the hidden room. It had three rounded triangular pieces at the bottom that could each be separated from the rest of the sheet. I snapped one off and turned to Termina, holding it up to her neck. It snapped to the metal cord around her neck, looking like a decoration, hanging point down.
Now that the moment was over, I could see Termina starting to question what had happened. Even now, she kept quiet and kneeling as I had ordered her to, and a look of panic was starting to spread across her face.
With the triangle attached, I looked again at the metal plate. Where there had once been three empty boxes, one now held a miniature stenciled likeness of Termina. I pressed the square and it began to glow gently. I then looked for the circular face that looked scared and tapped repeatedly on the minus button. With each tap, I could see the panic and anxiety melt away from Termina's features until finally, she sat there staring at me blankly.
Something was telling her to be afraid, but I'd removed that emotion from her. Instead, I looked at the other options and found the round face that was smiling. I tapped the plus symbol a couple times, watching her blank expression become one of happiness. She looked at me as if pleased with what was happening to her. I wanted to push her further, see what some of the other faces did, but we had already had a long morning, and I didn't know if the guards were under orders to check on things if they went for too long.
I looked for the face that had hearts for eyes, and I pressed the plus several times.
Termina continued to smile, and her mouth fell open in awe of me as her eyes shone with admiration. I pulled her to her feet, then set the metal plate back under the bed.
"Termina, my dear, I need your help. Can you help me?"
She looked at me, still slightly dazed, yet she managed to nod. "Of course, sir Oshra, I would do anything for you."
Good, I thought to myself. I could fine tune it later, but this would do for now. "Termina, I know you must obey my orders, but I need more from you. I need your support, I need you to want to help me. Do you understand?"
Termina looked confused. "Of course I want to help you. What do you mean?"
"Termina, everyone else will be upset if they find out what happened today, so you need to do your best to pretend that nothing happened. You will have to hide the necklace I gave you, or they will take it away. But you can't take it off, either. Do you understand?"
Termina nodded. "Yes. They told us to let them know if you ever asked for anything or tried to give us anything. But I won't let them find out about this. It's our little secret." She smiled.
"Termina, we need to wake up Alya, and you will have to convince her that nothing has changed. Can you do that? Can you be stern Termina?"
Termina pinched up her face, trying to look normal, but then she giggled and her stern face was replaced with the smile again. Perhaps he should try changing her some more, but he didn't have time. He grabbed his clothes and started putting them on. "Termina, get dressed and try to calm yourself. It is very important that no one knows anything happened today. We had sex like normal, and you are still doing your duty for the empress. Understood?"
Termina was dressing herself as she turned back to him. "Yes, I understand. Although I don't think I'll ever get pregnant the way we did it today," she giggled again.
"That's what I'm talking about, Termina. They have to think we did it like we are supposed to. Now," I said, tucking her necklace below the neckline of her uniform. "Are we ready to wake up Alya?"
"Yes, master." She responded, then blushed. "I mean, yes Sir Oshra." She went to Alya and shook her gently.
"Alya, come. We have our duties to attend to." When Alya moaned asking for five more minutes, Termina squeezed her nose shut and twisted.
Alya leapt up, whining about the abuse.
Termina just smiled sweetly at her, then turned and walked out of the room, her head held high. I watched Alya, waiting for her to speak.
"What happened?" she asked, her eyes darting between me and the door where Termina had just exited.
"Nothing out of the ordinary," I replied, feigning nonchalance. "Termina was just... enthusiastic this morning."
Alya raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "Enthusiastic enough to make her giggle like a schoolgirl? That's not like her."
I shrugged, turning away to hide my smile.
"Perhaps she's just in a good mood. Now, you should get going. I'm sure you have lots of work to do." I sit down on the bed and smile at her as I fold my arms behind my head and lay back, showing her my plans for the day.
Alya, generally the happier of the two, scowled at me as she turned to chase after the smiling Termina. I watch her go, allowing my eyes to slide shut with the door.
Eventually I got up and ate the breakfast the women had brought with them. It was cold, but hot and cold barely mattered with toasted bread and porridge. I then did some stretches and tried to work out as best I could with my limited resources. As I moved about, I thought on this morning and how this change in my situation could effect things going forward. The thought made me excited as I continued my calisthenics.
I should have taken a little more time in adjusting Termina's emotions.
That night, as I was expecting dinner, I heard a noise outside the door to my room. I stepped closer to try and hear what was being said. I heard Termina, Alya, and two men's voices, my guards, I assumed. Alya seemed to be screaming for help, while Termina was explaining to the guards that Alya was being difficult this evening, and the empress had ordered the two of them to tend to Sir Oshra twice a day.
The guards seemed sympathetic to Alya's plight, as they didn't understand why, if he were a prisoner, he wasn't held in a cell. But everyone had to follow orders, so they opened the door and let the women in.
I was surprised to see Termina carrying Alya into the room over her shoulder.
"Termina, what's going on. This isn't quite what I'd call discreet." I said, rubbing my hands over my face.
Termina walked in, expertly maneuvering a cart behind her with my dinner. Once the door was closed behind her, she released the cart and walked to the bed, depositing the still squirming Alya.
Before Termina could respond, Alya cried out. "Sir Oshra, I think you broke her brain with your dick. She's been acting weird all day."
I turned to Termina. "Please explain what's going on."
"Well, master. As she said, she has noticed me acting differently today. I tried to be my normal, dour self, but I just couldn't. I felt so happy. As for you, Alya. You're the one who is always telling me to lighten up. But as soon as I do, you say you're going to report me to Captain Ganz for being weird."
"Well, I was wrong, Termina." Alya said from where she lay on the bed. Apparently she had been hog tied to be brought here. "It's creepy. Stop it. And did you just call him master?" She asked, looking concerned.
Termina continued smiling. "Oops. Yes, I suppose I did. Sorry master. I will try to do better. We could kill her. Or you could become her master. Two obedient slaves are better than one."
I closed my eyes and sighed. Perhaps the only reason I'd had any respect for Termina was because she'd so rarely opened her mouth before. But she had done her best to clean up her own mess, bringing Alya here despite any objections.
"Termina, please tend to the room for me." I moved over to the bed and sat next to the struggling Alya.
"Alya, listen to me." I waited for her to stop squirming and look at me. "Termina is... having a bit of a personal crisis. She needs our help to get through it." I said, my voice soft and reassuring.
Alya looked at me, her eyes filled with confusion and concern. "What... what do you mean? What's wrong with her?"
I glanced at Termina, who was busy straightening the room, humming to herself as she bounced about. "I'm not entirely sure.
You know how she can be, always so serious. I think... I think something happened today that's causing her to act this way. Like you said. It may have been all of the sex that has been thrust upon her. For someone who is such a prude, to have her empress ask such a demanding task of her, to bear children for the kingdom. Well, I think it may have been too much. I need your help to keep her calm and make sure she doesn't do anything... out of character."
Alya nodded, her eyes widening as she seemed to understand the gravity of the situation. "I'll do my best, Sir Oshra. I just want to help Termina... and you. That makes sense, though. Youre right, she is such a prude. I was surprised when the queen asked her to be a part of this."
I smiled at her, grateful for her willingness to assist. "Thank you, Alya. That means a lot. Now, let's get you untied. Maybe we can take a break from, well, all of this. Tonight, maybe we just take a relax and help Termina."
After untying Alya, I turned to call over Termina. In that moment, Alya scrambled for the door. Shit. I turned back around, just in time to see Termina slam into Alya's side, flattening her on the ground. Terminal bent down and grabbed the dazed Alya by the ankle, dragging her back to the bed before beginning to tie her back up again.
"Master, everyone knows you can't trust Alya. She is a bad girl. That's why she always had to work with me. The dour girl and the liar."
"Thank you, Termina. I'm sorry. I don't hear that much, besides what you two have told me. And you rarely ever speak. So the court gossip I always asked about?"
"Mostly true. Alya loves gossip. Some of it was speculation on her part, but not much." Termina finished reminding Alya, then stepped back, admiring her handiwork with a smile.
"Master, I really do think you need to give her a necklace as you did me. Even for the empress, this one has crossed the line too many times."
Alya began struggling against the ropes again.
"Termina, you don't understand. It takes quite a bit of magical energy to activate this artifact without the inheritance medallion."
"Well, then, master. Perhaps we should consider killing her. There is no way to trust her, even if she swears to behave." Even when suggesting murder, Termina's smile never left her face, and she even giggled. One problem at a time.
As I considered the problem, I saw Alya struggling against her binds looking wild eyed. She couldn't speak, because termina had gagged her this time, but she was definately trying to scream something.
If I needed to kill someone, I wouldn't hesitate. But I hated the idea of having to kill this defenseless woman when it felt like there should be some kind of solution.
I considered the artifact before me, and hiw much it had drained me this morning to use it on Termina. I'd planned to wait a few days before using it on Alya. That was impossible now.
My ancestor had gained power from his lust skill. And I did always feel more energized after a good fuck.
"Termina," I called out. "I know you already did your duty this morning, but for the sake of your friend, you'll have to pull double shift today."
Termina looked up with a gleam of excitement. "With pleasure, master." She said, as she began quickly peeling off her maid outfit.
As I pulled off my own clothes, I eyed the still struggling Alya. "Hmmmm, I know she's a bit tied up at the moment, but what do you think about letting Alya participate as well?"
I asked Termina, raising an eyebrow suggestively.
Termina paused, her uniform halfway off, and looked at me with a puzzled expression. "Participate, master? You mean...?"
I nodded, a mischievous grin spreading across my face. "Yes, exactly. I think it might help her understand the situation better if she experiences it firsthand."
Termina's eyes widened in realization, and she bit her lower lip, considering the idea. After a moment, she nodded enthusiastically. "That sounds like a wonderful idea, master.
But how do you propose we make that happen?" Termina asked, pointing at Alya's bound form.
I walked over to the bed, my eyes roaming over Alya's struggling body. "I'm sure you have some way to replace ruined uniforms, yes?" I ask. Without waiting for an answer, I reach out and tear her skirt and panties.
Termina's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I like where this is going, master."
"Then you'll like this next part." I say, pulling apart Alya's legs. "Termina, I want you to get down and lick her."
I ordered, pointing at Alya's exposed pussy. Termina's eyes widened, but she eagerly complied, lowering herself between Alya's legs. Alya squealed against her gag, trying to kick Termina away, but her bound legs made it impossible.
"Master, she tastes... different. But I like it." Termina said, looking up at me with a wicked grin before diving back in.
I watched, my cock already rock hard, as Termina worked Alya's pussy with her tongue. Alya's struggles slowly subsided, replaced by soft moans that escaped around her gag.
Termina looked up at me, her face glistening with Alya's arousal, and smiled. "She's ready, master."
I nodded, my grip tightening on my erect cock. "Good. Now, let's show her what this is all about."
I climbed onto the bed, positioning myself between Alya's legs. Termina moved aside, watching with eager eyes as I rubbed the head of my cock against Alya's wet entrance. Alya's eyes widened, realization dawning as she tried to squirm away, but her bounds held her in place.
"Come now, Alya. We've had so much fun over the last couple of weeks. Why are you so shy all of the sudden?"
I teased, my voice low and husky. "You've been more than happy to share your body with me up until now."
Alya's eyes darted between mine and Termina, who was now sitting back on her heels, watching us with rapt attention. I could see the fear and uncertainty in Alya's gaze, but there was also a spark of curiosity, a hint of the desire that had always simmered beneath the surface.
"Don't worry, Alya," I murmured, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her neck.
"Termina and I will take good care of you. You'll enjoy this, I promise."
Alya whimpered, her body tensing as I slowly pushed my cock into her. She was tight, her pussy clenching around me as I inched deeper. I could feel her resistance, her struggle to accept me, but I also felt the heat building between us, the desire that was slowly overcoming her fear.
I glanced at Termina, who was watching us with wide-eyed fascination. "Help her, Termina," I ordered, my voice strained as I fought to maintain control.
"Make her feel good."
Termina didn't need to be told twice. She leaned in, her tongue finding Alya's clit and circling it with practiced ease. Alya's body jerked, a muffled cry escaping her gag as Termina's touch sent a jolt of pleasure through her.
I began to move, slowly at first, allowing Alya's body to adjust to my size. Her pussy was like a vice around me, her inner walls clenching and unclenching as she struggled to accommodate me.
I could feel her body fighting against the intrusion, but with each thrust, her resistance began to crumble. I looked down at Termina, her eyes locked onto where our bodies joined, her tongue never leaving Alya's clit. The sight of her, so eager and enthusiastic, sent a jolt of lust through me, and I picked up my pace, my hips moving in a steady rhythm.
Alya's moans grew louder, her body arching against the ropes that bound her. I could see the conflict in her eyes, the struggle between her desire and her fear.
Now that I was looking for it, with every pump, every moan, I could feel the magic growing in my body. And with a name like lust, surely a little more would only make me stronger.
"Termina, I'm going to remove her gag now. I want you to cover her mouth for me. After all, one good deed deserves another." I winked at her as I reached forward and untied the wad of rags in her mouth. Termina knew immediately what I wanted, and was eager to comply.
Alya didn't get more than a couple moans of pleasure out before Termina had wrapped her legs around Alya's head and pulled it into her wet crotch. I couldn't see if Alya's tongue was doing any work, but Termina had reached down to begin masterbating in her face regardless, moaning loudly. Alya's head thrashed around, as if seeking air, yet this only seemed to add to Termina's pleasure. I continued slamming into her from behind, watching the entire scene and marveling at the accumulation of magic quickly building inside me. This was something new, and I reveled in it.
"Alright, Alya, put some effort into it for Termina's sake. Here I come."
I whispered, my breath hot on her ear. I could feel her tense up, but I also felt her body respond, her hips pushing back against me, seeking more. I obliged, sliding my hands around to grip her hips, pulling her back as I thrust forward.
The sound of our bodies slapping together filled the room, mingling with the wet noises coming from Termina's crotch and Alya's muffled moans. I could feel Alya's body trembling, her orgasm building as I drove into her, my pace relentless.
Termina's moans grew louder, her body convulsing as she came, her juices flowing freely onto Alya's face. Alya seemed to be trying to scream, but her cries were muffled by Termina's thighs and her own gag reflex.
I reached forward, grabbing Termina's hips and pulling her back, allowing Alya to gasp for air. "Come on, Alya," I growled, my voice hoarse with desire. "Let go.
Let it happen, Alya," I urged, my voice low and commanding. I could feel my own release building, the magic inside me pulsing with each thrust. I wanted her to come with me, to feel the full force of my power.
Alya's body tensed, her pussy clenching around me as she teetered on the edge. I leaned over, my lips brushing against her ear. "I want to feel you come, Alya. I want to feel your pussy milking my cock, draining every last drop of cum from me."
My words seemed to push her over the edge.
With a muffled cry, Alya's body convulsed, her orgasm ripping through her. Her pussy clamped down on my cock, pulsating as she came, her juices coating me. The sensation was incredible, sending me hurtling towards my own release.
I gripped her hips tightly, my fingers digging into her soft flesh as I slammed into her, my movements jerky and uncontrolled. My orgasm hit me like a tidal wave, my cock erupting inside her, filling her with my hot seed. The magic inside me surged, a wave of power crashing over me, leaving me gasping and trembling.
I could feel it, the lust skill activating, my body drawing energy from our shared pleasure. I collapsed onto Alya's back, my breath ragged, my heart pounding in my chest. Termina, still straddling Alya's head, looked down at us, her eyes wide with surprise.
"Master, that was... that was incredible," she stammered, her voice filled with awe. "I've never felt anything like that before."
I rolled off Alya, my body still tingling with the aftereffects of my orgasm. I looked up at Termina, a satisfied grin spreading across my face.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it, Termina. But now comes the important part."
I reached towards the headboard, allowing the gathered magic to course to my fingertips. I placed then against the symbol of the king, and released the energy.
The slot opened up and out snaked the silver chain wrapping around the neck of the spent Alya, biting into the base of her spine and finishing the job of knocking her unconcious.
While she lay there, I pulled out the metal plate, pressing the picture of Termina. I began by reducing her glee. She had upset Alya with her drastic change in behavior, and it was hard to believe no one else had noticed the changes. The castle thought that by taking away the medallion they had taken away my ability to activate the ancient devices. The longer they believed that, the better my chances.
I allowed Termina's usual, dour expression to return to her face, although she still looked at me with a look of adoration.
"Master, that was nice. Being happy. It feels weird now, to remember how I felt. But it was nice."
I smiled at her and cupped her face in my hands. "Happiness is nice, isn't it. Maybe we can increase it a little over time. But you aren't known for being happy. It is necessary that no one knows what is happening, so we can't act out of character, and you don't seem ready to be happy just yet. It made you too talkative."
"I am sorry, master. I almost got you into trouble." Her face had always been hard to read, but I had never seen her cry tears before.
This wasn't the time for tears, and I considered turning down her sorrow, but then I heard the sound of movement on the bed. "Alya, freeze."I shouted quickly.
Termina and I both turned towards the bed to see a half naked, clothes torn Alya half out of the bed, but now completely motionless.
"Termina. It's okay. We'll deal with this if it becomes a problem, but you did manage to fix your mistake. We'll just be more careful from now on. Understand?"
Termina nodded, wiping away her tears.
"Now as for you, Alya. Sit down and shut up. We are going to have a conversation."
Alya immediately sat on the edge of the bed and pressed her lips shut tight, but I could see the fear in her eyes.