The White Glove Society

This is a short chapter which chronicals the final month of the Autumn Estate season.  If you are just reading for WE stuff, please skip to chapter five.  I would like to thank “The Griffin” for proofing this chapter.  I hope you enjoy it.  The next chapter will be the conclusion of the story.

The White Glove Society.

By ninja5

Part 9.  A Month of Games

Introduction.

It was Lilianna and her new loyalty that alerted Cassandra to the “quality” of clientele at the Estates in the last month of Autumn.  The House Keeper carried a blade and her caution was justified later when Gia asked Tomas to shadow Cassandra for protection.  Gia had picked up on the loyalty Cassandra had earned from Tomas through her championing of Lilianna.  A year ago Cassandra had been naive to the nature of this period of time at the Estate.  The seasonal games drew the most vicious of the Societies members; those who liked to do their own killings in a very hands-on way.  They were hunters; if they saw something they liked, they stalked and cornered their prey.  It was for this reason alone Cassandra had Anetta and Giselle join Kaley in her quarters out of sight, and they were given consent to anything they desired so long as they didn’t leave the room.  Cassandra had Bryce, the slaughter house guard, stationed at the door and Lilianna held the only other key.  Their temporary imprisonment was to secure their safety.  It was while being oblivious to this environment that Cassandra had lost her liberty and started her new life.  In three weeks it would be the anniversary of her indenture.

“You sure you don’t want to stay in your room with your pets?”  Kimberly asked.

Cassandra had briefly seen Kimberly in action when they’d abducted a stripper and knew she could handle herself.  Despite this Komatsu stayed close to her.  This was the first time Cassandra had seen him on guard.  Anyone who looked too long at Kimberly discovered the ferocious warrior staring back at them with the intent to kill.  “Gia’s still stressed without Dalton.  The list of suspects is shrinking and she still doesn’t know the identity of the threat.”  Cassandra said. 

During the past three months with Gia, Cassandra experienced both affection and torment.  Cassandra knew that uncertainty caused a need to stay close to a source of protection even if the uncertainty came from the source of protection.  The NSA had promised the usurper would strike before Autumn was out and Geppetto had confirmed this, adding only that the traitor would not be seen coming.  Despite her confidant air, Cassandra knew her Mistress was rattled; the only people she trusted were Kimberly, Komatsu, and Cassandra.

Chapter 1 Poker Faced Dominatrix’s.

The pot bellied Russian Cabinet Minister who had won Cassandra in a game of chess last year eyed her.  It was obvious that he regretted his deal with Gia.  Cassandra gave him a glance, her mild apprehension hidden as she confidently stood behind Gia.  She was dressed as a prize.  Bait.  Cassandra was playing the part of a prop to see if the Cabinet Minister, close to retirement, was the man who would attempt the coo.  It was unlikely but the test was simple.  If he made a play for Cassandra he was not the threat.  If he was the usurper then he would wait, comfortable Cassandra would be his in a short period of time.  To Cassandra the plan was too simple and had plot holes, but Gia knew the Russian psyche better and had offered assurance that Nicholi Belov was basic in subterfuge, simplicity leading him to success.  The white singlet and lace panties offered a tempting prize.

Those who remained at the poker table aside from Gia included Nicholi, Kimberly, a sweaty English man low on chips with buck teeth and a deviant’s smile, and a Texan-Alaskan; a fat-cat who followed the oil across America to maintain his excessive wealth.  Everyone at the table knew Kimberly was Gia’s cheat.  Kimberly played when she had the strongest hand and folded when Gia gave an unknown signal.  As it stood, only Gia, Kimberly and Nicholi had any chips of value left.  Sitting on sofas around the table, bordered by Estate guards, were the girls who had been used as the Pharaoh’s chips.  The chips on the table went to 250 in value, but the girls were worth a thousand a piece.  Gia had four very scared girls sitting on a sofa behind her in bondage and very rightfully scared.  Cassandra was a chip to be played, but only at the right time to test Nicholi who, despite the team work of Gia and Kimberly, had three girls and many more minor chips.  Cassandra was the only chip not under duress.

The dealer dealt the hand.  Gia glanced at her cards as did Nicholi.  The other three spent more time examining them.  Kimberly had started out playing dumb, but she carried on the act even now after she had proven her skill.  Kimberly stared at Gia.  The two had poker faces, but something so subtle as to be undetectable transpired and an agreement on play was decided. The intimacy of their long relationship proving a powerful, psychic connection.  The action was on Gia.  She slid her chips forward.  Gia raised to the stakes of the Englishman.

Nicholi glanced at Gia, then at Kimberly.  “Raise,” he said in a heavy accent and pushed the limit to what the oil tycoon had left.  Both pseudo gentlemen and Kimberly pushed in.  The pair were both defeated by lack of chips and suffered from a desire to get it over with and too many brandies.  Gia declined to raise and three cards were dealt from the deck.  Gia acted perturbed and folded.  The bets had not been rising to the level where a girl would change hands and Gia was out of the competition.  Cassandra was safe.  Nicholi raised again and Kimberly saw him.  In order for Gia’s plan to work, even if she won, she could not clean him out.  Kimberly had to leave the Russian with enough chips to chase Cassandra.  The next two cards were played and as planned, the Russian bet chips, not girls, obviously eager to keep the three he had.  Kimberly won with three queens— two in the hole.  Nicholi swore and threw his cards down.  He looked angrily at Kimberly and then turned to Cassandra hungrily.  He had taken the bait; he wanted her as a prize.

Cassandra would have been unsettled had things not been going according to plan.  She took a slow deep breath to fight her nerves and placed her hand on Gia’s shoulder.  Gia turned from the dealer, who was passing chips and resetting the table, and kissed her hand.  “Not much longer Cassy.”  She said offering appreciation for Cassandra’s loyalty in peril.

The cards were dealt as the Englishman and the Tycoon took their leave.  This round had the air of finality.  Nicholi looked at both women, determined to beat them at their own game.  As his cards came his adrenaline betrayed him and he seemed satisfied, or acted satisfied.  Cassandra had followed the game and guessed it wasn’t an act; she suspected Gia and Kimberly to fold but as Nicholi raised, Kimberly followed, raising even higher.  Gia paused and called.  Nicholi sensing weakness raised the stakes again.  Kimberly called as did Gia.  The first three cards on the table were dealt.  Cassandra saw a chance at a straight and the potential for a full house in them.  Nicholi bet strongly again.  Kimberly raised and Gia called again.  She lifted her hand and touched Cassandra side.  Cassandra went pale.  Gia was taking a risk with her safety.  Gia called.  Nicholi smiled having witnessed the scene.  He had decided what he was going to do before the fourth card was played.  In an exaggerated gesture he pushed all his chips in.  “All in.”  He was making a play for Cassandra.  Kimberly followed the action by pushing all her chips in on Gia’s side; two against one had better odds.  When Gia’s turn came she looked stressed.  If she had a losing hand, she could just fold so Cassandra knew that Nicholi falling for the bait.  Risking the girls he had won, was an indication of innocence in the grander crime.

“Oh Nicholi,” she said, “I really thought it was you.”  She furrowed her brow and for the first time Cassandra saw the stress of the threat show on her Mistress.

Nicholi was in the dark and seemed confused, further proving his innocence.

Gia tossed her cards in.  She folded her intention all along to protect Cassandra.  The only shift in Gia’s plan was that now she would not have Nicholi killed.  Cassandra moved behind Gia and comforted her Mistress by hugging her from the rear.

The final card was dealt and Nicholi revealed his hand.  Kimberly turned hers over.  She’d made the straight on the first three cards.  Nicholi slapped his wrist on the table and stormed off.  Kimberly allowed herself a small smile.  After a brief look at the girls she’d just won, she turned to her Mistress.  “You have no idea who else it could be?”

Gia seemed defeated, “None.”  Just before she composed herself she said, “I wish Dalton were here.”

Cassandra hugged her tighter and she seemed to regain her poise.

“Come Gia,” Kimberly said.  “One last hand, winner takes all.”

Gia was back in motion.  “Are you making a play for your sister?”

Kimberly eyed Cassandra and smiled.  “She’s very tempting.”

Gia’s mood was lifted.  “New stakes,” Gia said.  “One hand, you win, you get Cassy for the night.  I win, you spend the evening on my cross.”  Gia went from a low to a high with the rapidity of a manic depressive.

“Deal” Kimberly said and the dealer shuffled the cards.

Two cards were dealt to the women.  Cassandra was not concerned with her fate, she was in the hands of family now and even if she suffered a little in some game, she knew she would come out of it whole.  Gia peeked at her cards and bet hard.  Kimberly didn’t even glance at her cards. “All in.” She was betting blind.

“Really?!”  Gia said in condescending disapproval.  But that in itself was a play.  If Kimberly didn’t know what kind of hand she had, Gia couldn’t read it on her former pain slave’s face.

“Really.”  Kimberly said.  Cassandra should have made note of Kimberly outplaying her Mistress.

Gia obviously had nothing other than odds and pushed all her chips in, girls and Cassandra included.

The dealer dealt the cards and Gia smiled.  Kimberly was the aggressor so she had to reveal first—by chance, three of a kind.  “You little bitch.” Gia said uncharacteristically and pushed her cards in, not revealing them.  Cassandra glanced at Kimberly.  She was staring at her prize with a hungry expression.  There was lust present.  Cassandra felt herself slightly on guard. 

Gia rose and turned to Cassandra, “Don’t worry Cassy; you two are sisters this is long overdue.”  She kissed Cassandra on the cheek.  To Kimberly she said “Shall I have your prizes housed?” referring to the seven other girls all gambled.

“Take one for yourself Gia and send one to the three “gentlemen” who played with us tonight.  I don’t much care for any of these ladies save Cassy.”  Kimberly rose and approached Cassandra.  As she drew close, she comfortably tested Cassandra flesh.  “Don’t worry Cassy, you are too young to eat, but there are other things we can do.”

Cassandra new the role of prize was slightly put off by the sexual implication from Kimberly.

Gia clicked her fingers and the guards started to shuffle the girls like sheep being herded.  She divided them up.  “This one for the Texan, this one for Nicholi, this one for the Englishman, and this one; this one is for me.”  Gia’s frustration and uncertainty would be buried as she dug her needle into the girl she had selected.

“Come on Cassy.”  Kimberly said pulling on her singlet.

As Cassandra walked past the table she lifted Gia’s card, unsporting, but she wanted to see what her Mistress had held­—a full house.  Cassandra suspected as much; she was being used as a reward to Kimberly for her efforts that evening.  She kept her Mistress’s secret and followed her sister back to her quarters.

Chapter 2.  Kimberly’s Private Life.

Cassandra had been silent as Kimberly wrapped the hemp rope around her.  Kinbaku-bi meant “the beauty of tight binding” and Cassandra understood the intricate netting of the rope was for presentation.  Her arms were loosely suspended from the ceiling and she could bend her knees slightly the rope was unevenly taut so that her back arched forward, pushing her chest and belly out.  Her ankles were tied but slightly apart so she would not lose balance.  The tape across her mouth was most likely also for show; Cassandra had not offered any verbal resistance as Kimberly tied her.

“You are a very satisfying subject Cassy.”  Kimberly said, admiring her sister and her work.  The only duress Cassandra felt was Kimberly’s intense gaze.  Her sister examined Cassandra’s expression, getting a feel for her sister as a submissive.  Cassandra stared back with the same intent.  If her sister was going to play with her, she ideally would like to know to what extent.  Kimberly had never shown a sexual interest in Cassandra, reserving her appreciation of Cassandra as an object of indulgence until now as she stood restrained.  Kimberly tied the final knot, her hands now free she placed them on Cassandra’s hips, her thumbs gliding over her soft skin.  “Our Mistress has had four interns.  “I was the first, and you are the most recent.”  Kimberly was telling a tale and as she did so her hands explored Cassandra over her buttocks and up her back.  “The two in-between didn’t make the cut.”  Kimberly found what she was looking for, a soft spot, slightly ticklish and very vulnerable.  She glided her finger over the skin just below her arm pits; Cassandra quickly realized she was being deliberately aroused.  “They both died very, very slowly and very, very badly.”  The point of this conversation escaped Cassandra as she immediately became concerned with the consequences of Kimberly’s quick discovery of her body.

If she became aroused with no means to get release it would be very testing for her, but perhaps this was Kimberly’s game.  “Damn wasp sting,” Cassandra thought.

The door opened narrowly and Komatsu entered with a side step, never letting the door open fully as if to keep the goings on private.  He approached Kimberly and her captive Cassandra with an expression of growing frustration, but was met with a friendly stare of surprise.  “Look who I won in poker honey.”  Kimberly said, stepping back to let Komatsu see her.

Cassandra’s itch had come into full swing; she grinded her thighs together tried to scratch it, growing self-conscious as sticky droplets of her juices slowly dripped down to the floor like honey.  Embarrassed she looked at the couple who embraced while still watching her.

“Let’s give her a show.”  Kimberly said to her husband and kissed him on the neck.  As Kimberly became very affectionate towards her husband, he took his attention from Cassandra and explored with familiarity Kimberly’s dressed figure.

The clothes didn’t stay on long.  The two obviously exchanged intimacy frequently, and performed the dance of unwrapping each other with skill.  Kimberly was beautiful and fit; Komatsu had a weapons body— battered and scared like an old painting with his tattoos.  The two paid no mind to Cassandra and enjoyed relaxing into each other.  Cassandra guessed, and would have been very surprised if it were not the case, that she would not be party to the intimacy.  Her role was witness.  Kimberly was revealing her most treasured experience to a captive audience.

Chapter 3.  Circling Vultures.

Cassandra felt relief as the rope came loose enough for her light suspension to be slackened.  She had been standing for almost four hours and was tired.  Komatsu slept, so Kimberly was quiet.  Though released from her bondage, Cassandra was still in Kimberly’s power through her demeanor.  Cassandra was in the midst of a clouded mind; a result from her libido condition.  As the ropes slackened and dropped to the floor Kimberly smiled.

“That’s all I wanted to show you.”  She said in reference to the epic sex she had just witness.  Kimberly and Komatsu were passionate with each other—lovers in every sense and experienced at it.  “We are monogamous, even to those we are about to,” she paused, “eat.” She did not attempt to disguise the lifestyle by saying “indulge in”, or “enjoy”.  The whole exercise was to let Cassandra know Kimberly was devoted to Komatsu; a man who would kill and die for her.

“I need to…” Cassandra started, legs shaking.

“You need to get off.” Kimberly finished for her and handed her a robe.  “Go on.  Go wake Kaley.”  Kimberly smiled.

Cassandra went to leave, but with relief in sight had the clarity to stop, kiss Kimberly on the cheek, and take her leave quietly so as not to disturb Komatsu.  She exited out onto the hall of Kimberly’s wing and headed to her own, passing Gia’s room as she did.  Gia had left her door open and the girl she had been gifted after the poker game was screaming loudly; the sound carried clearly through the open door.  Cassandra would have stopped and sought relief from her Mistress, but did not want to interrupt her hobby.  Most likely she would see the girl roasted and dying on the breakfast table.  That very table, and the room it was in, was on the path to her room.  She silently scurried past it, but as she passed, a familiar woman was sitting at one of the tables—part of a curious scene.

“Mrs. Kennedy.” Cassandra said; adrenaline and surprise shifting and controlling the immanent need to obtain sexual gratification.

Evelyn Kennedy, an opponent of Gia Eros, sat at a table with the full trimmings of a cup of tea set out before her.  On the table a young and beautiful brunette knelt on all fours.  She had the stupefied look of the blue pills Gia offered as a gift, at least for the first time.  Having enticed the guest with their powers, the pills were then sold for a very high price.  The brunette was sucking on Evelyn’s finger, her expression and obedience obviously of great interest to the prominent member of the Society.

Evelyn turned and seeing Cassandra smile, was genuinely happy to see her.  “Cassandra dear.”  She disengaged from the girl on the table and walked over to Cassandra arms open.  Cassandra realized the familiarity with Evelyn was largely due to the fact that she was now Randy’s first girlfriend.  At least she was the first he had not tried to eat.  Evelyn did not hug Cassandra but kissed her on the check and then stepped back to assess Cassandra’s current state.  The indentations from Kimberly’s robe ties were still present of her wrists.  “It looks like you’ve been having an interesting night.”  Evelyn said without judgment.  It was expected for Gia’s interns to be subject to whims of those above them.

“What brings you to the Estate?”  Cassandra said.  “It is good to see you.  I wish to get to know you better if I may.”  Cassandra was every bit polite, but did not betray the offer by performing the Social language.

“We will talk and I will praise you for your effect on Randy.”  Evelyn took Cassandra’s hand and guided her to the table were the drugged girl waited expectantly for instruction.  “Before heading off to his residency, he visited me.  It took me almost three days to get him to explain the idiotic smile he had on his face.”  They sat.  “You handle him well.  You have some control over him and you temper his psychopathic tendencies with the need to fit in.  With your encouragement I feel he will be able to function undiagnosed, even when surrounded by doctors.”

Cassandra smiled.  “I’m glad you approve.”  Cassandra had to ask out of loyalty to her Mistress.  “You said you would not engage yourself against Gia and she is threatened.  May I ask the reason for your visit here?”

“You may Cassandra.”  Evelyn said bluntly, and then elaborated, “I’m here to guarantee you do not share Gia’s fate.”

A chill ran down Cassandra’s spine.  “Then you know who is going to attempt the coup?”  Cassandra said, desperate for the name.

“I suspect…I suspect with intuition and experience.  Those who usurp, leave themselves vulnerable to the same fate.” Evelyn was serious.  She took a moment from engaging with Cassandra and looked at the girl on the table.  “This drug…” she said with reference to the obedient on the table.  “This drug is going too far.  If the usurper fails another will try, prompted by anyone who wishes to keep secrets, or get their hands on them.  Soon her enemies will outnumber her friends.”  Evelyn Kennedy sipped her tea.  She turned back to Cassandra, “But you should not pay for your Mistress’s mistakes.  If and when it happens, I guarantee your safety.”

Cassandra employed her wit, “I would prefer it not happen.  I am attached to my Mistress.”  Cassandra’s tone was void of aggression; she was merely passively communicating her desires.

Evelyn smiled as if Cassandra had said something juvenile or immature.  “Those in bondage find their feelings of dependence sometimes twisted into affection.  If you were Gia’s partner I would not suspect this, but you are very much her pet.”  Evelyn diagnosed Cassandra’s expression as insecure, borderline threatened.  “You are very intuitive for your age; if set free, you will become quite influential inside and outside the Society.”

“You put me in a difficult position Evelyn.  I have to report this to my Mistress.”  Cassandra dipped her eyes and folded her hands insecurely—deliberate body language to illustrate reluctance at opposing Evelyn Kennedy.

“She knows Cassy.”  It was the first time Evelyn had called Cassandra by her familiar name.  “She cannot strike out against me, and I will not strike against her.  I am just here to witness and…..” Evelyn paused, “enjoy her flesh when it is offered.”

Cassandra felt anxiety knot her stomach.

Evelyn reached forward and took both of Cassandra’s hands.  She squeezed them gently.  “When the reckoning comes remember this sentence, ‘ I never did mind the little things’.”

Interlude.

Nicholi Belov, proven innocent even in his ignorance of the charge, was unaware that plans had been put in place to take his life before they were abandoned.  It was for this reason he remained to luxuriate at the Estate.  His mind was lubricated with the vodka and Cuban cigars so he spoke to Evelyn Kennedy freely.  She was perhaps the only American he liked.  Nicholi had an ambition to establish a legacy of his own name and make it an institution as a way of living forever.  Evelyn Kennedy was the matriarch of an American institution.  Her name alone cleared a path to notoriety for her children.

“This Cassandra is not one of us.  Better to eat her now before she causes trouble.”  Nicholi was frustrated.  Cassandra was unobtainable and he wanted to humble her, no, break her and devour her.  The protection she had been extended by so many annoyed Nicholi greatly and he sought arguments to reduce the number of obstacles.

“Nicholi,” Evelyn started.  “The girl is highly capable and intelligent for her age.  She has a knack for making friends and the smarts to keep them happy.  If we give her resources she will make something out of them.”

“You like her.”  Nicholi’s eyes were narrow and filled with venom and accusation.

“She balances out my son and makes him happy.” Evelyn replied not allowing Cassandra to be emotionally linked to her.  Any types of affection could be exploited by others seeking an upper hand.

“She is playing us all for fools.  We should hunt her today.”  A spray of spittle erupted from Nicholi’s lips as he attempted to sentence Cassandra.  His frustration with not being able to buy her served as evidence for his ineffectiveness at demonstrating his power. 

Real world power held sway within the Society, but it did not run it.

“Nicholi, it is very important that you hear what I am about to say.” Evelyn Kennedy straightened her back and adopted a monarch’s tone.  “Gia Eros’ time is coming to an end, but when it does, Cassandra Blake’s protection will come from me for as long as my son is in love with her and possibly after.”  Nicholi was breathing heavily, his frustration growing.  “If the time comes when she is no longer required, the Kennedy family will have the right to her; not some frustrated Russian who didn’t fight to get her when he had his chance.”  Her part spoken, Evelyn relaxed.

Taken to the brink of anger Nicholi face started to turn red.  Evelyn Kennedy turned away to look at the Fox in the cage.  The blond American woman was a tri-athlete who had just started to make a name for herself.  Her break, a photo shoot in Sports Illustrated, had unfortunately caught Gia’s attention.  She was known, but not so well known as to be missed when she was taken for the hunt.  Her beauty and fitness made her a tempting prize and capable Fox for the hunt that was to come.  Evelyn eyed the tri-athlete without mercy and the crying young woman pleaded softly; afraid if she cried out to loud she would attract attention from her jailor.  Evelyn looked the girl over and allowed a hungry smile to answer the Fox’s pleas.

Witnessing the embodiment of aristocracy that he wished to obtain so much, something in his mind switched on.  Nicholi laughed a base giggle, and then raucously laughed out loud.  “Oh, Evelyn,”  He said admiring the woman.  “As you wish.”  Nicholi, so predisposed on Cassandra, did not grasp Evelyn’s forecast of Gia’s demise, nor pay any attention to the fact that he had been placed in the corner like a dunce.

Evelyn eyed the Fox hungrily.  As a youth she had been idealized as an American princess, but always secretly aware that those like the Fox had the physical perfection she could not grasp.  Despite always being sought because of her family, the boys who courted her had always lusted after girls like the Fox.  Evelyn let her stare terrify the captive in the cage.  With luck, Evelyn’s champion would catch her and she would have the pleasure of bringing about her painful and delicious end.

The silent, roar of brashness never introduced to Evelyn completely broke her fantasy of flaying the flawless, tanned skin from the Fox.  The cat-like eyes of Katuscha, Nicholi’s champion, viewed Evelyn as easy prey.  She was barbarian-like in beauty, toned, lethal and she lived to kill.  To her Evelyn Kennedy is a woman who could not survive in her world and commanded no respect.  Nicholi grew concerned as Evelyn’s eyes narrowed at the approaching hunter.  He turned and met his wild pet’s approach by signaling with his hands she was to kneel.  Nicholi owned no other Society servants other than Katuscha.  She was his prize hound and he happily spent money sending her to train to be even more lethal than her upbringing had enabled.

Evelyn recovered as Nicholi humbled the ferocious woman.  “She seems eager this year.”  She said.

“Katuscha likes to kill Americans.  She finds them arrogant prey.”  As he offered an explanation for her attitude, Katushca eyed the silent Fox in her metal cage, eyes happy with anticipation of blood.

Chapter 4.  The Fox Hunt.

Now that the participants and their champions had gathered the clearing outside the Society walls, the edge of the woods resembled a medieval war meet.  Each entrant had a four pillar tent, some black or camouflaged; others bright colours with tassels.  The Fox hunt was the most popular event in the Autumn Calendar, but only those who had the resources to buy a champion from Geppetto could compete.  Entry carried a small fee.  The principal reason the members did not partake in the hunt themselves was the number of casualties that occurred each year.  The Fox was always outnumbered, handicapped by her nudity on the rough terrain and the lack of a weapon.  The champions on the other hand were fully kitted and trained killers whose only goal was to corner the Fox and maim her for her return to a feast in which she was the main course.  Gia was not entitled to enter.  As the host it would be unsporting and raise the question of fair play were she to win, but Kimberly had sought to enter Komatsu as her champion.

“What do you think?”  Gia asked sitting in an antique recliner at the rear of her tent.  The entrance opened out to a scene of beautiful ruffians dressing in full combat attire.  The Estate Maids were busy scurrying back and forth with various drinks from an erected bar.  Lilianna stood by an LCD screen and entered bets communicated by the Maids, or from those who were here merely to spectate.  Participation cost a million with the winner claiming everyone’s stakes bar the ten percent Gia claimed.  It seemed to Cassandra that the guests paid this money merely to participate as many entrants bet on other Champions to claim the prize.  This factor added a level of dirty pool with participants throwing matches or sending their Champions out to maim favorites.  It was a wonder Kimberly had allowed Komatsu to enter.

“It’s like a day at the track.”  Cassandra said.  “Only the jockeys are carrying machetes.”  Her observation of the scene was cut short and a rattail-haired beauty with vicious cat like eyes stepped from her periphery right in front of her.  The unidentified woman snarled at Cassandra, clearly enraged by something.  Cassandra took a step back into the safety of Gia’s tent, but the woman remained at the entrance.

“Nicholi, control your bitch.” Gia exhaled and glared at the woman.

From the draped sides of the tent Nicholi Belov revealed himself chuckling.  “Katuscha knows who she wants to hunt Gia.”  With approval from her Master, Katuscha braved a step into Gia’s tent.

From behind Nicholi and Katuscha, a painted muscular arm erupted and with considerable force, struck Katushca’s shoulder.  Outweighed, the nimble minx momentarily lost balance, but in mid fall regained her footing and with metal shining, drew two machetes ready to fight.  Komatsu stepped forward, weaponless, one arm raised, his fist drawn back in classic karate stance.  Katuscha bobbed on the spot like a boxer looking for weakness, poised to attack.

Kimberly calmly stepped into Cassandra’s view as if she had been just behind Komatsu.  With a calmness usually present in Gia, she manage to make “I’m sorry Nicholi, but could you please fuck off.” sound polite.

Nicholi was eager to strike at Gia despite that an open attack on the Estate’s Mistress would be suicide.  It seemed the seeds of denial had twisted into rage.  His boldness was attributed to the news of Gia’s immanent removal from power which had finally processed in his brain.  “In the chaos I will claim you two American sluts.” He said hedging on their vulnerability after Gia was gone.  His stupidity was illustrated by his blindness to Komatsu standing directly between Nicholi’s best weapon and its targets.

The tension lasted a moment longer.  Then perhaps reason at his plan not working came to mind and Nicholi said, “Come.” in Russian.  Without taking her eyes of Komatsu, the Eastern European Valkyrie broke from the standoff with a sneer of contempt on her face.

Gia had been on the sidelines throughout the brief confrontation - uncharacteristically.  Now she seemed to fill with energy and resumed her natural place as center of attention, the company of her pseudo family giving her strength as the Society closed in on her.  “I’ve changed my mind.  Usurper or not, I’m going to kill that man.”

Kimberly offered council.  “Perhaps you are under pressure Gia.  Perhaps Komatsu can offer a solution that will put Nicholi back in line.”

“Final Bets.” Lilianna interjected and the remaining visitors, no longer content to communicate their wagers through the Maids between drinks, scurried around, and Lilianna efficiently collected their final wagers.  With bets placed, and Kimberly’s scheme revealed during the distraction, Gia rose from her tent.  Cassandra marveled at her grace under pressure, possibly the same way Gia had admired Cassy early on.  She walked to the center of the tents.  The guests, responding to the signal, gathered around and grew silent.  In a voice clear and distinct Gia announced.  “Release the Fox.”

The crowd turned to the beautiful tri-athlete in the cage.  As the door was opened and a path cleared she hesitated to exit—more afraid of the crowd than the captivity of the steel bars.  A zap came from behind and an Estate guard zapped her with a cattle prod.  She cried out, the crowd parting to let her through.  Still she did not move.  Another guard came and zapped her again.  The Fox dropped to her knees.  The first guard came and repeated his assault.  The Fox cried out again.  This was a hiccup in the game.  The guest had come for the hunt, not to see a pretty girl suffer light, by Society standards, torture.  But Gia would not have to suffer embarrassment.  Lilianna stepped forward and removed her blade.  She wrapped her arm around the girl and pulled her up.  She whispered, something, in her ear.  The Fox went from desperation to terror and, as if to run her point home, Lilianna shallowly sliced her thigh.  The Fox screamed and as Lilianna, captain of persuasion and discipline, released her, she ran through the crowd into the woods.  The audience calmed and clapped as if they were at some ancient tournament.

Back on track and in the same voice Gia said, “Champions to the line.  You start in two minutes.”

Final preparation was taking place.  As Cassandra turned from the spectacle to Kimberly and Komatsu she saw an absence of the aggression seen from the other Champions.  Komatsu was calm and focused.  Kimberly kissed him briefly on the lips and then handed him a Kaiken - a short Japanese dagger.  It had a silk sash tied to it—not a Japanese custom.  Kimberly was giving Komatsu a keepsake to honor him.  Without an obvious tantric tension at the understatement of affection, Komatsu turned and went to the starting line.  The Champions flexed their muscles and focused ahead.  Initially they would all run forward until in the woods and out of sight.  Cassandra distinctly felt their competition to claim the Fox would mean many of them would be fighting each other.  Cassandra walked to Kimberly’s side in the last seconds, “Will he be safe?”  She asked out of concern for her brother-in-law of sorts.

Kimberly turned as if surprised.  “Cassy, no one can kill Komatsu.”  She intently believed it.  Komatsu’s implied immortality was beyond question to her.  Cassandra’s mind drifted for a moment as she took in the fact that Kimberly had escaped Gia’s bondage through her marriage to Komatsu.  She worshipped him completely and didn’t believe he could fall.  It was testimony to Cassandra’s kind mind that she did not immediately see this as her sister’s weakness.

“Go!”  Gia announced and the Champions sprinted forth.  As they did so there was a snarl from Katuscha and she slashed at the Champion to her right with one of her machetes.  The blade struck the man’s throat and he fell to the ground even as the blood burst from the fatal wound. 

A man in the crowd shouted “Bad sport!” but it was dulled by the gasp of excitement from the audience.  Cassandra glanced at Nicholi who was chuckling at his pet’s exploits in murder.

Chapter 5.  Revenge is a Dish Best Served Live.

Cassandra had asked a stupid question.

Gia returned to her recliner and explained to her attentive Intern.  “The Fox has run away from us and will meet a cliff.  She has two options then, left or right.  If she turns left, she will come to another cliff the edge of which leads all the way back here.  If she turns right, the forest stretches on for nearly fifty miles.”

“But if she eludes the Champions?”  Cassandra queried.

“We injected her with a tracker.  If she is not found by nightfall we will reclaim her in the darkness.  The Fox will roast, succeed or not.”  Gia spoke as if this were matter of fact.

Kimberly entered her Mistress tent; the hunt had been going on for over half an hour.  She sat on the recliners edge by Gia.  “Komatsu is taking his time.  He must be toying with her.”

“He’ll be back shortly.” Gia reassured and glided the back of her fingers gently over Kimberly’s arm.

A scream came from the woods.  Most of the Champions were men and sporadic cries of pain had been heard as they did combat, but this cry came from a woman.  Gia picked up her ears as if listening to the tone.  “That was the Fox.”  She said.  She held out her hands flat signaling for silence.  Another scream, more raw and angry, came from a different place in the woods and meant Kimberly’s plan had come into play.  “My, Komatsu is marvelous Kimberly.” Gia complemented.

Kimberly turned and smiled down at Gia.  “He’s a natural.” Kimberly said.  Cassandra, privy to the plan the pair had hatched, was glad her expression was not under scrutiny.  It was Ok for Gia and Kimberly to play these games because Nicholi was not campaigning with so much energy to catch them in a trap and eat them.  The energy of the gathering Socialites was soon captivated by a statuesque man coming out of the woods.  He carried the unconscious Fox over his shoulder and a crossbow in his other free hand. 

Evelyn Kennedy’s champion had snagged the Fox.  Evelyn luxuriated in the praise, but more so in the fruits of her Champion’s toil which were soon to be hers.  The gamblers reactions were varied, but none had lost more than they could afford.  The few winners sought out Lilianna to claim their prizes, and many of them would spend their winnings on girls from the slaughter house.

“Go congratulate Evelyn, Cassy.  She will want you by her side.” Gia said.  She was at odds with Evelyn Kennedy, but knew Cassandra’s role as ambassador was an important one.

Cassandra left dutifully and glided over to Evelyn as the Fox was laid at her feet.  The blond woman they had hunted had been shot through the thigh; the bolt snapped, but the head left in to prevent her from bleeding out.  She had obviously gone into shock, and a Servant Cassandra briefly knew as the midwife, tended to her to allow Evelyn her victory play.  Cassandra couldn’t get through the crowd, but as Evelyn saw her, she signaled the crowd to let her through.

“Congratulations Evelyn.”  Cassandra said and curtseyed formally.

Evelyn gestured to Cassandra with a flick of her wrist that the formality was unnecessary and pulled her into her inner circle.  “Come Cassandra.  My real world profile keeps me in the spot light, and I so seldom get to destroy something as beautiful as our Fox here.  You’ll keep me company whilst I see her off.”  Evelyn’s plan must have been known to the servants.  As the midwife/nurse brought the Fox around two male servants placed shackles on her wrists and strung her up between two poles.  At first she hung from her arms knees bent, but her legs were shackled the same and fastened to the poles likewise.  The Fox hung between the two pillars, her body forming an “X”.  It reminded Cassandra of Gia’s cross, only with Evelyn’s modifications, the Fox’s entire body was laid bare to whatever she had planned.  The crowd dispersed and Evelyn received a satchel similar to the one Randy had.  The blades within were different however, long and curved.  Cassandra had a feeling about Evelyn’s plans; she had visited the Preparation labs of the Smithsonian with her father.  She had seen taxidermists in action.

“I thought we all ate the Fox on her capture?”  Cassandra asked over the returning background frivolity.  It was a huge statement on their mentality that none of the guests were shocked by Evelyn’s preparations.  They had all seen or done things like this themselves.

The Fox was alert and asking for freedom; offering silence to be let go.

Evelyn must have heard the Fox’s soft exhausted pleas, but gave them no heed; as if she were a dog barking, or a cat purring.  Her consciousness and mind meant nothing to Evelyn; she didn’t considerer her a person.  “They will.  As winner, I am permitted to acquire satisfaction first.”  The first cut, the one that granted leverage to flay the skin, was a straight line down the Fox’s spine.  Cassandra was used to screams of pain and did not insult Evelyn by having sympathy for the Fox.  Evelyn’s cuts were practiced and professional.  As she cut a long inch wide section of the Fox’s back, she pulled removing the dermas.  Had the Fox not been hung tightly her body would have crumbled.  Cassandra identified the Fox as the kind who screamed intensely into exhaustion and then suffered in whimpering silence.  Soon her moans would offer a soundtrack of satisfaction.

There was a second commotion over near Gia’s tent.  Cassandra turned to look to see that Komatsu had emerged whole from the woods.  Katuscha had been crippled and caught.  Nicholi was over at Gia’s tent shouting in rage against the servants who pushed him back.  Gia’s plan to humble him had been successful.  Komatsu had not entered the forest to capture the Fox.  Gia’s prize was a crippled, useless, and edible Champion.

“I’d hang back here with me till Nicholi blows all his anger out.” Evelyn said, not looking at Cassandra, or taking her mind off her task.

“Thank you.”  Cassandra said and did what she thought Evelyn would appreciate— take an interest in her work.

“Did Gia plan this?”  Evelyn asked.

“From the start,”  Cassandra confessed.

The Fox’s screams stopped and turned to heavy, hyperventilating breaths to control the growing pain.  She twitched and arched her body as little as she could as the skin came off in more strips and was dropped to Evelyn’s feet.

“She’s a demon when insulted.” Evelyn said.  Though always formally polite to Gia, this was perhaps the first compliment Evelyn had offered about Gia.  It required an education in the Kennedys to see the complement however.

Across the gathering Nicholi stormed off.

“He’ll leave.”  Evelyn said.  “And he’ll be back next year.  Nicholi is simple, he gets angry and makes a scene, but he knows he has to be in the game to score points.”  Evelyn hit a sweet spot on the Fox and the screams started again, short and severe and growing in frequency.  Evelyn obviously wanted to mediate on destroying the beauty.  “Go back to your Mistress, Cassandra.  I’m afraid I won’t be very good company till dinner time.”

“Ok.  Enjoy yourself.”  Cassandra said and politely took her leave.

“We should talk again soon.”  Evelyn called after her.

As Cassandra walked back to Gia, Kimberly and Komatsu, she passed Servants lighting coals beneath a clean metal grate.  They were going to grill the Fox over the coals once she had been skinned.  All the gathering would enjoy the barbeque.

Cassandra walked back to Kimberly who was teasing the crippled Katuscha.  Both her Achilles tendons had been slashed and she was bound at the wrists and at the knees.  She cursed, at least it sounded like cursing, in Russian as she was humbled by Kimberly cutting loose her hunting clothes.  Beneath the stripped military garment was firm and tanned skin.  Katuscha looked as if she had already been on the spit ten minutes.  As nudity became inevitable Katuscha took to convulsing her body so she could not be molested; she should have been more fearful of the hunger in Kimberly’s eyes.

“Lilianna.” Gia said summoning her rushed and busy housekeeper.  “Send for the gyro spit; my party will be dining separately from the other guests.  Lilianna hastily took her leave after her brief summons, and as she attended to other matters, she clicked her fingers to summon someone.  Instructions were passed and Gia’s will would be carried out as if the Servants were an extension of her mind.

As they waited for the spit and the accessories that came with it; Kimberly fondled Katuscha and tested her flesh.  The Champion was dishonored and the mark of humility and violation spread across her fighting glare.  Time was diluting Katushca’s outrage and replacing it with apprehension.  The spit arrived and Komatsu placed the spit with its shackles by Katuscha.  She cried out as if in remorse—defeated.

Her bindings were cut and she fought as Kimberly and Komatsu fastened her to the spit.  The shackles around her slit tendons caused her to scream for the first time; pain winning out over pride.  Without ceremony, but with anticipation, Katuscha was lifted onto the gyro.

“Wash the mud and blood of her Kimberly” Gia instructed and gestured for Cassandra to come close.

Cassandra obeyed and sat beside Gia on her recliner as Kimberly slowly cleaned the meat.  Katuscha started repeating some prayer or proverb in Russian.  Gia’s hands came up and pulled Cassandra hanging hair from her neck.  Gia kissed Cassandra’s nap.

“No Mistress, don’t.”  Cassandra politely protested.

Gia didn’t stop.  She was excited by her victory over Nicholi and pulled the strap from Cassandra’s shoulder before kissing it.

“Please Mistress, Evelyn might see.”  Cassandra knew Gia’s taking of Cassandra would dilute the relationship she had with Randy in Evelyn’s eyes.  Gia backed off without the Kennedy’s matriarch becoming aware of Gia’s lust.  Cassandra took her Mistresses hand as a gesture of acceptable affection.

Kimberly had finished washing Katuscha and was now painting her with oil to further brown Katushca’s skin.  Komatsu was by hers idea, marveling in his wife’s work.

“Kimberly.”  Gia said

“Yes, Gia.”  Kimberly replied as she worked.

“Evelyn is still going to be a while.  Cook her extra slow.  I want to eat when the other guests do.”

Kimberly adjusted a dial and flicked the switch that ignited the gyro.  Panicked cries came from Katuscha and broke her reputation of poise.  The Valkyrie was on her way to becoming dinner.

As Gia’s party sat in silence watching their meal suffer and enjoying the temporary peace of their gathering, Evelyn’s Fox screamed from across the clearing.  Evelyn had finished her skinning; the Fox was flayed from the neck down - ruby red flesh exposed to the open air.  Now the Fox was being basted, most likely with a red pepper sauce, for the grill.  The peppers must have been searing while sealing the exposed flesh of the Fox.  Gia may have mastered pain with her needle, but Cassandra had never heard pain as thorough as that that which came from Evelyn’s work.

Chapter 5. Part Two: Several hours later.

Katuscha gasped for air as she lay out on the table her body paralyzed, flesh cooked tender and unable to resist the immanent carving.  Her cat eyes were still wild, but now fear had replaced the huntress’s expression.  She knew only too well what was going to happen to her.  Kimberly giggled, drunk on the rum that contrasted their dish.  She leant forward and sampled the scent from the exquisite meal.

“God she smells good.”  She said as she turned and drunkenly kissed Komatsu on his nose.

Komatsu, who had drunk just as much, relaxed in the celebration and laughed.  The first time Cassandra had heard a noise come out of his mouth.  He had a deep handsome voice and he raised his hand to part Kimberly disheveled hair.  The heat from cooking Katuscha had melted the gel and she looked like a beautiful mess.  He eyed her with affection, no smile on his face, just a look of contentment.

Cassandra’s glass had been perpetually filled by Gia and drunkenly she said.  “Komatsu, do you want to eat Kimberly?”  It was the haze of alcohol that confused her interpretation.

The silence in response shocked Cassandra, and she fought her hazed mind to ascertain the extent of her faux pas.

The silence and intense stares from Komatsu and Gia were broken by Kimberly’s hearty laughter.  “He doesn’t want to eat me Cassy.  Komatsu wants me to be his…...”  Kimberly leant into Komatsu so that her shoulder rested on his.  “I’m his love dorei.”  Kimberly smiled at Cassandra, not annoyed by her mistake; apparently happy at Cassandra’s current frame of mind.  She sat up straight, filled with energy “Gia” she said on a whim.  “If you could eat any woman in the world, who would it be?”

Gia seemed to like the game.  “My favorite changes with time, but…. Christina Hendrix I think is my current choice.” Gia licked her lips.  “I would explore every inch of her with my needle before roasting her very, very slowly.”  Gia closed her eyes and meditated on the thought.  It was obvious she was turned on.

Gia arousal at her dream meal enticed the inebriated Cassandra.  “Kimberly.  What about you?”

“Hmmm.”  Kimberly mused enjoying the thought while Katushca’s meat cooled in front of them.  “Two answers - someone I’d share with Komatsu and someone just for me.”  She looked at Komatsu.  “With my husband I would eat Eva Mendes because she’s mature, and sexy, and so out of every man's league.  I’d humble her and bring her to my husband’s knees before boiling her up to her neck in our cauldron while we made love in front of her desperate eyes.”  Komatsu showed the smile he had just for Kimberly.

“And for yourself?”  Cassandra prompted.

Kimberly didn’t pause.  “I’d eat Gia.”  See looked her Mistress with narrow eyes.

Gia smiled back.  She knew Kimberly wanted to eat her.  “You’re welcome to try.” Gia said softly.

Laughter erupted to break the tension.  The moment of confession meant nothing to Gia.  Cassandra understood from her own cannibalistic attraction to her Mistress that eating Gia would offer freedom from a dominatrix, but at the same time she would be a part of you forever - Gia Eros’ power contained within you.

“You know who I’d eat?”  Cassandra said wanting to get in on the psychology at the table.

Both Kimberly and Gia sighed loudly as if bored, their drunken expression exaggerating Cassandra’s obvious answer.

“What?!” Cassandra said an equal at this meal and being talked down too.

“You’d eat Kaley, Cassandra.”  Kimberly said, sparing Gia from sinking to the level of the obvious.

“But….”

“Just do it already.  Do it tomorrow.”  Kimberly mock pleaded with Cassandra.

As Cassandra reeled from the sentence of being predictable in appetite, Gia and Kimberly laughed.  Gia settled first.  “Ok let’s eat.” 

Komatsu rose and picked up the carving knife.  While Katuscha looked on in silent terror, the blade glided into her belly below the naval as he carved her prime fillet for Gia.

Chapter 6.  Darts.

Cassandra stood by the bar.  The game they played was cruel, but Cassandra had been made responsible for the evening’s success.  She had, throughout the day, visited each of the twelve participants with samples of cigars and questions regarding preferences in scotch, whiskey, or any type of malt liquor.  She wanted to make sure the drawing room’s bar was well stocked to keep the gentlemen happy.  It was a man’s occasion.  The darts tournament had a devious twist; the dart board was alive.  Cassandra had used her taste for delicate bellies to examine the girls in the slaughter house before selecting a short, curvy Danish girl with large breasts and a very, very appetizing tenderloin to serve as the dart board.  ‘Liza, the Danish girl, had been washed and made over by Anetta and Giselle before Cassandra used all her art skills in painting a dart board on her belly.  The promise of release from acquiescence had been falsely offered and it wasn’t until ‘Liza was fastened to the Saint Andrews cross in the drawing room that she lost hope of liberty and struggled too late.  Cassandra felt badly, but the immanent deadline for her Mistress’s removal from power only served to force home how important it was for Cassandra to be accepted by these people.  She offered ‘Liza no mercy, to the delight of the competitors, and pushed the uncertainty of her own future to the back of her mind, as she had when she was first taken.

“Tricia, the Dutch gentleman is struggling to relight his cigar.”  Cassandra said to the Maid as she deposited empty glasses on the bar.  Cassandra had chosen Tricia and Florence, her two favorites of the new Maids, to assist along with Bryce who served as bar hand.  Tricia produced a silver lighter from her skimpy uniform and started over.  “Smile,” Cassandra offered as final instruction, and the obedient Maid got the message and flaunted her body to the relaxed Dutchman.  The Dutchman confidently fondled Tricia’s delightful rear as she lit his cigar.  The public demeaning of the Maid was met with a flirtatious smile of delight.  Cassandra, being the only liberated woman in the room (well sort of liberated), knew Tricia didn’t like the Dutchman; she preferred real Gentlemen like Don Mateus.  But Tricia was thorough in her duty and the man drew back on his lit cigar, ignorant of the Maid’s dislike.  As Tricia returned to her station to collect a tray of filled drinks Cassandra smiled at her and whispered, “Thank you.”  Cassandra’s eyes drew back to the game.  A Saudi Arab, one of the finalists, was collecting his darts from the board.  ‘Liza screamed through the ball gag as the man slowly pulled the darts out of her damaged belly, the carefully painted dart board now speckled with blood.  “Final player,”  Cassandra called.  She did not know the game well, but trusted the men would be happy so long as the rules were followed and ‘Liza was roasted at the end. 

It was the Irish novelist who came forward to play.  The man was in his late forties, and had written some of the most beautiful words that Cassandra had ever read on the nature of freedom.  She felt that his inclusion in the Society, having come from academic aristocracy, was a letdown, but she hid her feeling of betrayal and smiled as he dipped his head to her before play.

“He’s probably been playing in bars since he was ten.”  Bryce, the slaughterhouse guard and stand-in bar man said to Cassandra.  Bryce had an almost normal boldness and had responded well to the manner Cassandra treated the staff.  His role was twofold; to stand in for Tomas, who had switched with Bryce and now guarded Cassandra’s room and its precious cargo of her personal servants; and to play the part of a happy bartender.  Bryce was friendly and smiled at the men he served.  He was not afraid to engage them in conversation.  Bryce genuinely liked Cassandra, and so she trusted him.

“That man inspired me to join amnesty international when I was fourteen.”  Cassandra whispered back.  It was pointless; Bryce didn’t know what Amnesty International was.  “Who would have though he tortured and ate people on his holidays?”  Now Bryce gave Cassandra a puzzled look.  He didn’t understand how behavior normal to him could be viewed as disappointing.  It didn’t matter; Cassandra just had to get it off her chest.  She smiled at Bryce and he slid a twenty-five year old scotch to her.  She sipped it and turned back to the cheers as three darts jutted from ‘Liza, just above her navel bull’s eye.  The muffled wail from the captive signaled the end of play.  The famous hypocrite had won the match.

“Well done Gentlemen!” Cassandra called above the handshakes and general delight at the outcome.  Some side wagers had been made and a short, spectacled Chinese man named Chor came to Cassandra and requested a girl to spend the night torturing.  It was all business and Cassandra was surprised at how quickly she had risen to her role as entertainer at the Estate.

Chapter 7.  Falconry and Vampirism.

Cassandra had some rare free time.  She spent it with her friends; well, of sorts they were.  She lay naked, belly down, on her made bed.  Giselle, gifted with touch, ran her fingers over Cassandra’s smooth skin slowly in a massage designed to relax.  As Giselle found a knot of tension in the small of Cassandra’s back, she pushed hard with her fingertips.  Cassandra’s lips parted in luxury and she whispered to Giselle, “You are a very good girl.” Giselle giggled.  She was getting her own satisfaction out of massaging her Mistress.  Cassandra was warm to her, but Giselle’s innocent crush on her Mistress was never satisfied by the complements and affection she was given.  This was a rare chance for her to show her admiration in the field she was most gifted.  Cassandra folded her arms and laid her head on them, watching Anetta at play.  Her game involved dressing Kaley, who served as ragdoll and model, as Anetta experimented with the dresses that had been gifted to the Estate.  Once the dress was right, Anetta would experiment with hair styles and makeup.  Kaley had assumed a dozen guises as Anetta played.

The click of the door lock followed a familiar knock.  Cassandra was not panicked.  Lilianna was the only other person with a key and the scene would not be judged by the Housekeeper.  As the door opened a crack, Lilianna poked her head in, “Mistress Kimberly to see you.”

Cassandra lay her head back down as Giselle continued work.  She was not the slightest bit worried about Kimberly catching her at a moment of indulgence.  “Let her in please.”  Cassandra said; the door opened and Kimberly entered.  She wore tight blue jeans and a top that fully revealed her midriff and right shoulder.  The top was colorful and floral, and Kimberly raised an eyebrow at the scene.

“Playing with your pets, or are your pets playing with you?” She said and looked at Giselle.  Anetta stopped adjustments to Kaley and the growingly submissive ballet teacher looked self-conscious at her half-dressed state.

“Only Kaley is my pet.  Anetta and Giselle are my friends.” Cassandra corrected.

“Just friends?” Kimberly teased and Giselle became self-conscious.  Her generation was imprinted to be shy.  As she shifted away from Cassandra’s back, Cassandra’s long legs, possibly her finest physical attribute, lay exposed.  Kimberly gave them a hungry look.  Legs were of course her favorite meal and she did not hide her thoughts as they drifted to the idea of the exposed Cassandra being meat.  Cassandra had played this game a million times with her Mistress and responded by staring at Kimberly’s vulnerable belly.  It was slender, flat and firm.  She smiled and deliberately moistened her lips making her interest obvious.  The exchange continued until Anetta, protective of Cassandra, positioned herself between Kimberly and Cassandra, arms folded and a frown on her face.

Kimberly broke into a smile, “Such a bodyguard Cassy.”

Anetta did not relax.

“I can see with a protector like her that I’d best treat you with respect.”  Kimberly stepped to Anetta and glided her finger over a strand of hair that hung over her face.  “You are loyal aren’t you?”

Anetta looked angry.  Her confidence had grown to the point that she understood Cassandra had elevated her above servant status.  She served Cassandra because she wanted to.  She had been talked into her exchange in the Paris Salon and spent her time in Cassandra’s room working on Giselle and Kaley to prepare.

Cassandra sat up and refrained from slander, but knowing Kimberly’s capabilities made it clear by saying, “Leave her be Kimberly; she’s only defending me.”

“Am I a threat?” Kimberly queried.

“Of course not, but she doesn’t know you.”  Cassandra slipped into a cotton summer dress that had lain by her bed.  “What can I do for you?”  Cassandra said placing her hand on the relaxing Anetta’s shoulder.

“I have some free time too.  I want to show you something; get some shoes on.”  Kimberly turned and walked towards the door.

As Cassandra put on a pair of sandals, Giselle flopped on the bed disappointed and Anetta returned to dressing Kaley.  “I’ll be back later.  Be good.”

“Yes Cassy.”  Anetta and Giselle chorused.  They had dropped her title under instruction, the next tiny step in their emancipation.

As Cassandra shut and locked the door, Kimberly stood beside her in the hall.  “You’re too good to them.”  She declared and started along the hall.

Cassandra followed, but wasn’t going to let the topic rest with disapproval.  “They are loyal and kind and innocent Kimberly.”  Cassandra asserted.

Cassandra guessed Kimberly changed the topic to avoid further argument.  “I want to show you an old friend of mine—someone who helped me get through my time at the Estate.”  They walked out of the main entrance and down the steps.  As they approached the gate Kimberly veered off the path and headed to a structure of wire mesh and the chirping of birds.  “You ever been down here?”  Kimberly asked, walking faster as they drew nearer.

“I haven’t…” Cassandra realized it was stupid not to have explored every inch of the Estate considering this place could become her prison at the whim of her Mistress.  Her trust in Gia often went against things later revealed to be her natural intuition.  “I’ve not walked the wall yet.”  Cassandra confessed.

Kimberly looked at her surprised.  “When I was stationed here as Gia’s plaything, I walked the walls every day.  I daydreamed of climbing them and just running until I was free of her and her needle.”

Cassandra knew the confession meant nothing now that Kimberly was Gia’s trusted associate, but Cassandra had to ask to know why she hadn’t felt the same.  “Why didn’t you?”

As they approached and opened the aviary with its exotic birds, Kimberly turned amused.  “You know the things we get away with Cassy.  You can’t beat the Society; you have to rise up through it to be free.”

Cassandra didn’t let her ego dwell on the idea that because she was gifted at diplomacy, she had not had the concern Kimberly had whilst she was an intern.  Cassandra had taken the challenges one at a time till now, and now she knew she had enough momentum and the judgment to let things slide, or wait, if they were not vital, or it was not convenient.  “Pretty birds,” She said as cover for her meditation.

“I don’t know why they still keep them, but I’m glad they do.  It means Juliet is still here.”  Kimberly seemed excited and with intent navigated the variety of birds till she came to a Raptor sitting in a cage.  The bird sounded once at Kimberly’s approach and walked along its perch to get closer to her.  “She remembers me.”  Kimberly said in delight and opened the cage.  Juliet poked her head out of the opening and Kimberly gently ran the back of her index finger over the bird’s breast.  Juliet raise one talon and gentle clasped Kimberly’s finger before bringing its beak down and giving her a love bite.  Kimberly softly chuckled, captivated by her old friend.

“Did you hunt with her?”  Cassandra asked reservedly.  She did not want to break the intimacy of the moment.

“The Estate owner before Gia bought her as a chick for breeding.  She hunted with them, but when Gia took over, her mate died and with no interest in the sport, Juliet was left to grow old in her cage.  So I came along and took her outside the walls.  It was a chance for both of us to be free.”  With skill Kimberly took the Kangaroo skin hawk hood and gently placed it on Juliet.  She clad her hand in a thick leather glove and Juliet stepped onto it.  “Come on.  We’re going to give her some exercise.”  Kimberly slowly walked out of the aviary with Juliet perched on her wrist.  Cassandra followed attentively as they head for the front gate.

In the clearing on the road to Lourinha the trees parted to create an irregularly shaped grassland.  The grass was tended to by someone unknown to Cassandra, and she stood by Kimberly’s side.  Kimberly removed Juliet’s hood and the bird stretched out its wings, holding the stretch as if she had been cooped up for a long time.  Juliet sounded again and paused as if listening for a reply.  When none came Kimberly lifted her wrist.  Juliet flapped her wings and took off upwards and outwards before gliding low, just above the ground.  After a moment she brilliantly turned in the air and started to climb.  Kimberly watched and had a look of satisfaction on her face.

From the Estate behind them Tricia, the ebony Maid Don Mateus had taken a liking to, came up the rise into the grassland carrying a picnic basket.  She had obviously been given instructions.  Kimberly stayed focused on Juliet in the sky, but Cassandra turned and smiled at Tricia.  The Maid smiled back.  Cassandra was popular amongst the Maids.  As Tricia came to a stop at the gathering, Kimberly turned away from the sky and Juliet’s performance of acrobatics.  “Lay out the picnic blanket and then lie on it.”  Tricia obeyed, shuffling basket and blanket.  As she finished setting things in place, she lay on the picnic blanket as instructed— not at all concerned with being laid on a carnivore’s table.  Cassandra was slightly nervous for the trusting Maid.  Kimberly sat and reached into the basket.  “Suck on this.  Don’t swallow or spit; let the juices cover your tongue.”  Kimberly handed Cassandra a tablet.

“What is it?”  Cassandra asked.

“It a novelty item called a miracle berry.”  Kimberly placed one in her mouth and seemed to be rubbing her tongue over it as it dissolved.  Kimberly mumbled as she spoke, “It's an extract that dulls the taste buds that detect sour.”

Cassandra had heard of these.  The plant Synsepalum dulcificum had been processed and sold as a novelty item.  Sour and bitter things tasted sweet.  Cassandra copied Kimberly.  The two watched each other fighting smiles as they swirled the tablet around their mouths.  Kimberly almost cracked up as Cassandra took instructions very serious and was trying to complete the task as well as she could.

After the tablets had dissolved, Cassandra expected a lemon, or vinegar, to be produced so that she would delight at an alien taste attached to familiar scents.  She was reminded of the Society lifestyle as Kimberly produced a syringe and two sherry glasses.

“What are you doing?” Cassandra said.  She’d been relaxed by Kimberly’s talk of freedom and the novelty.

Kimberly seemed surprised at Cassandra’s tone.  “We’re going to taste Tricia” she said as if it was obvious and before Cassandra could object Kimberly stuck the syringe in the passive Tricia’s arm.  The vacuum seal vial attached drew out the blood.

“I don’t want to……” Cassandra protested, but was cut off by her sister.

“We’re not hurting her, and you’ve done worse.” Kimberly pointed out.  Kimberly finished taking a sample of blood and removed the vial before placing the syringe down and pouring the thick crimson red liquid into the two sherry glasses.  “Come on.  Tell me what you think.”  Kimberly handed Cassandra the glass and watched expectantly.

Cassandra self-consciously looked at Tricia who had a puzzled look on her face.

“Hurry, before the tablet wears off.”  Kimberly prompted.

Cassandra lifted the glass to her lips and let the warm liquid flow into her mouth.  It was unsettling that the sensation was so pleasing.  The blood was warm, body temperature, thick and rich, salty and sweet where it should have been sour.  She swallowed.

“And?” Kimberly said eagerly.

“It was good, like sweetened, thick pork broth.”

Kimberly smiled and drank hers.  Where Cassandra had been subtle, Kimberly did not hide her enjoyment at drinking Tricia.  “So good!” Kimberly exhaled as she swallowed.  “You want more?”

Cassandra’s eyes darted to Tricia who let out a cry of distress.  “No.  No more.”

“It’s not like we’re eating her.” Kimberly argued.

Cassandra’s mind leaped to work.  “Don Mateus likes her.  He’s probably going to request her next autumn; we can’t shake her sanity at all.”

Kimberly raised an eye brow.  “Ok.  But let’s just lie here for a moment.  Juliet must have been in her cage for months.  She’s entitled to be free for a while.”

Kimberly had backed down and Cassandra relaxed.  She mirrored Kimberly’s act of lying on the picnic blanket and looked up at Juliet above them, circling in the sky.

Chapter 8. Boxed into a Corner.

“Be honest Cassy.  I can see the intense thought on your face.”  Evelyn Kennedy took Cassandra’s hand publicly.  The action had consequence; she was publicly supporting Cassandra.

In reality Cassandra was concerned for Gia.  Evelyn’s support as the final day of Autumn drew to a close isolated Gia and left her standing alone with the consequences of the unknown threat.  Naturally Cassandra did not vocalize this but naturally Evelyn knew it.  “I just didn’t expect to see you at this event,” Cassandra said in decoy.

“This is the first time a boxing match has been held here.  Personally I enjoy the surprise the men always get.”  Evelyn paused as the captive woman in the corner had boxing gloves on but hands bound behind her back.  “She is fighting for her life.”  The Society’s boxer, male and huge, entered the ring.  He raised his gloved hands in the air to cheers.  “She is outweighed and under distress, yet she will surprise everyone by fighting to the very end.  All these gentlemen will learn that they could not take her in a fair fight.  This is the only sport the Society runs where they are confronted by just how dangerous we women can be when cornered.”

Cassandra caught a glance at Gia across the ring sitting beside Kimberly and Komatsu.  Gia did not return the glance, but she did look stressed publicly for the first time.  She was drinking red wine from a glass, pretending to be interested in the event.  “And what about my Mistress then,” Cassandra said sharply?  “Is she not dangerous right now?”

Evelyn didn’t lose composure at Cassandra’s loyalty to her Mistress.  “She will never see it coming Cassy, but you are safe.”

Cassandra felt anxiety buzz across her head electrically.  Evelyn was no part of the action, but was absolutely convinced it would happen soon.  It was impossible not to have her voice laced with desperation.  “Who Evelyn?  Who is going to usurp Gia?”

Evelyn closed her eyes tightly as if not to let her patience be tested.  “You should know by now Cassy.  It’s painfully obvious.” 

The bell sounded and the Society boxer clapped his gloves together and moved to the center of the ring.  The captive female boxer who would fight for her life was cut free.  Estate guards bordered the ring and she briefly looked for an avenue of escape.  Not finding one she faced the most immediate threat of the male boxer as he bobbed towards her.  Her fists came up in defense and the noise from the crowd made Cassandra’s need to interrogate Evelyn impossible.  She had to sit silently in her desperation.

Inside the ring the woman, knowing she could not stand up to his punches, fought dirty.  Risking a heavy blow she lunged in and caught the man in the groin.  His legs buckled and she rained down on him with her fists, risking exhaustion.  She paused and bit at her gloves, trying to remove them to cause real damage.  As the man below her stirred, she abandoned the exercise and started hitting him again.  He was obviously tough and even whilst being struck, hit out at her body, tenderizing the evening meal.  The crowd cheered.  The eagerness of the men to see the woman in pain would have annoyed Cassandra had she not been desperate to solve Evelyn’s riddle.

“Damn girl.” Evelyn said annoyed, and Cassandra briefly wondered if she spoke of her.  But no, Evelyn was annoyed that the woman was not using her teeth or elbows, and that she did not try to escaping the restrictions of being a boxer and fight in a style that allowed her to break bones.  “I expected better from her.” She said almost disappointedly.  “Oh well, she will pay for her mistake in the oven.”

Cassandra had been distracted but the crowd brought her back to the present as the male boxer had worked his way back to his feet and pounded slow, heavy blows into the woman who had now obviously lost.  All that remained was her suffering.  When she could not stand to defend herself, she would be taken to the kitchen and prepared for dinner.

As time went on and the thrill of the female boxer’s beating became repetitive the crowd suffered erosion.  The event was cheap to organize and only cost one woman.  As things died down and the woman crawled along the ground trying to get back to her corner, somehow under the belief it would offer safety, Cassandra rose.  “Evelyn.  I appreciate your friendship, but I really feel I should support my Mistress.”

Evelyn did not look surprised.  “People have seen us together Cassy.  They will not cross me; you may go and be loyal.”  It was perhaps a quality the Evelyn liked in Cassandra; certainly one that guaranteed her Cassandra’s trust in the future.

Cassandra forced a smile and walked around the ring toward Gia’s chair.  Gia still sat there quietly.  She did not have her usual spark, and Cassandra would try and cheer her up so that she was not showing weakness.  Two servants dragged the now unconscious and beaten woman out of the ring to take her to the kitchen.  Many of the guests could not afford this meal and the Servants were busy in the background escort them and their belongings to the waiting cars.  Those who remained slowly made their way inside to talk of the season before their meal.  They would all leave by tonight.  Cassandra looked back out of courtesy, but saw Evelyn Kennedy had not moved from her seat.  She was watching Cassandra intently.  Cassandra wondered why, but hurried to her Mistress.

“Gia, you seem tired.”  Cassandra said sitting in the vacant seat beside her.  Kimberly was on her other side and Komatsu next to her.  The three hadn’t moved.  “Gia?”  Cassandra asked and turned to look at her Mistress.

Gia Eros had a peacefully blank expression on her face.  Her eyes were dazed and half closed; her lips were parted and painted red.

“Gia?”  Cassandra asked again, not comprehending.  “Gia!” she said as she realized the calm look of submission, alien on Gia, meant only one thing.  In Gia’s hand was a loosely grasped wine glass; it hung about to drop.  Cassandra grabbed it and examined it.  In the sediment at the bottom of the glass were speckles of blue powder from a crushed blue pill.

The last person Gia would ever suspect was Kimberly.

As Cassandra became aware of Kimberly and Komatsu watching her along with Evelyn, Cassandra’s mind took to its brilliance under pressure.  Kimberly was leaning forward as they all sat in a line watching her for her reaction.  The auditorium where the boxing match had taken place was empty save the five of them.  Cassandra was most aware of Komatsu who looked calm like he did before the hunt.  Gia had been usurped silently in public by her own blue pills.  Cassandra had been her only loyal servant to the end, and would be very alone if she handled this wrong.  “I never did mind the little things,” she offered to Kimberly.  She needed to give proof she would not cause trouble.

“Good.” was all Kimberly replied with.  “Komatsu, take Gia to the torture room and hang her there.  When the guests leave after dinner, we will see to her.” 

Komatsu arose, silent as always, and extended his hand for Gia to take.  Like the other lemmings on the blue pill, Gia took his hand and obediently followed him as he guided her away.

Evelyn Kennedy rose and walked over to Kimberly and Cassandra s they remained in their seats, Cassandra not sure what would happen next.

“Hail to the new queen.”  Evelyn said with all the cynicism that came with influence.

“You knew?” Kimberly queried.

“I suspected.  The NSA approached Cassandra; she said no.  Why didn’t they approach you?  The answer; they did.  Simple.”  Evelyn smiled and stood in front of Kimberly clearly making it clear she had some business to discuss.

Kimberly knew what she wanted.  “I’ve no interest in Cassy.  She is yours, but her servants remain with me.  If she causes any trouble, they will pay.”

“Acceptable,”  Evelyn replied.

Cassandra’s eyes budged.  It was not acceptable.  “No… Wait!”

“Please be quiet Cassy.” Evelyn said politely.

Cassandra sat stunned.

“Anything else Mrs. Kennedy?” Kimberly asked in negotiation.

“I’ve always wanted to know what Gia Eros tasted like.”  She said and stood expectantly.

Kimberly smiled.  “But of course you may dine with us.  Our dinner with Gia is planned in a couple of nights.  Please join us.”  Kimberly opened her arms in a gesture of welcome.

“Wonderful.  I’ll see Cassandra to her room.” Evelyn said.

“Of course, but she will not find her servants in there.  They have already been housed in the slaughter house pending her behavior.”  Kimberly rose.  “Now if you will excuse me, I have my first dinner to host.  “Rest well ladies.”  Kimberly took her leave without a worry.

Cassandra stayed frozen in her seat.  Gia, Anetta, Giselle, and Kaley were all under arrest at the Estate.  Evelyn seemed to read Cassandra’s concern for those she had accepted responsibility for.  “You are doing fine Cassandra.  These things happen.”