The White Glove Society

The White Glove Society.

By ninja5                

The Final Chapters

Introduction

Dalton Monroe had been locked in the West Wing.  It was by no means a prison.  The West Wing housed a full complement of staff, a kitchen, a studio with canvases and tattoo needle, and a bevy of rooms; each of which graced women of various nationalities all naked and subservient to Dalton.  Dalton gave no thought to the hedonistic delights he could engage in but instead screamed at the metal door.  He had no idea if his father was on the other side but he screamed at him anyway.

“Father.”  He stepped back and kicked the door.  Though in his forties he was fit and any other door would have bent or broken at the angry lunge.  “Father, open this door now!”

No response.  Geppetto wasn’t there.  He was with Ivy the House Keeper discussing the business of the compound.  The imprisonment of his son was largely due to the unfavorable attachment he had to a Gia Eros, who at this very moment was hanging in a torture dungeon in Spain and would very shortly be served as dinner to the new Autumn Estate’s manager.  Geppetto glanced at the computer monitor which displayed the camera just above the West Wing door.  His son and heir had been there for hours tirelessly protesting his detention.

Geppetto sighed.  Soon it would be done and Dalton would have no choice but to move on and find another wench to enjoy companionship with.  Hopefully this one would be less interested in her own activities and grant his son a child.  One heir was not enough to guarantee security for the compound’s future.  Geppetto wanted a grandchild and proof that his family would be in control of the breeding of Society servants for many generations to come.  He switched off the monitor.  “Oh that stupid boy.”  He said to himself.

Ivy his House Keeper offered unrequested counsel.  “He will soon have no choice but to seek another.”

Geppetto knew this.  He was more concerned with his son’s attitude toward the Society when it had taken the thing he treasured most from him.  “He is weak when it comes to her.  This will make him strong.”  Geppetto had tried this tactic before when he’d ordered Gia roasted in the infancy of their relationship.  The order had only bought the two closer however.

“There is another matter regarding the Autumn Estate.”  Ivy broached.

“Yes?”  Geppetto queried.

“Lilianna is pregnant and expects to keep her child.”  Ivy happily informed her Master.  She had a rivalry with Lilianna and saw her chance to finally defeat her.

Geppetto frowned.  “No, the child is ours.  Send word to Kimberly that Lilianna is to be relieved and sent here when it is suitable.”  Geppetto knew Lilianna well.  She was a prize Servant and her offspring would be graced with excellent genes.

“Of course.” Ivy said happily.  “But Lilianna will be spent after she gives the child…”

Geppetto knew what his faithful servant wanted.  “Of course you may have Lilianna for your play when the child has been safely born.”  He said.  If she desired to keep the child, Lilianna would be of little loyalty once it was taken.  Ivy smiled and took her leave to send the appropriate telegram.  Her mind shuffled through the delightful tortures she could exercise on Lilianna.

Chapter 1

Slavery and submission were lonely without someone to control.  Cassandra’s bed had been warm with Kaley in it.  Now it was empty and cold.  Cassandra couldn’t sleep.  Even her first night of bondage under Gia had been in her company; exhausted from her games.  Cassandra kept an eye on her clock as she cried.  She did not want the signs of her tears to be visible tomorrow morning.  The Estate was silent now that the guests had departed and Cassandra, despite being treated well, knew that her future was not in her control.  At least Gia had created the illusion of freedom for her.

Breakfast was bought by Tricia; perhaps a sign that Kimberly had been paying attention to Cassandra’s likes regarding the servants.  “What’s…. what’s going on in the Household?”  Cassandra asked her as she placed down the tray.  Tricia didn’t answer her.  She avoided eye contact as if she would be punished for interacting.  Cassandra prompted her again.  “Do you know if Anetta and Giselle are Ok?”  Again Tricia, troubled, kept silent and carefully laid out the breakfast for Cassandra.  She curtseyed without looking at Cassandra and took her leave.  As she left, a guard Cassandra had no sway over, shut the door for the maid.  Cassandra was under guard.

Cassandra dressed and did her hair.  She missed Anetta and Giselle perhaps because she was spoiled, having two servants who delighted in tending to her, or perhaps and more likely because some persons she cared about had been demoted and once again enslaved.  Cassandra was smart, but she did not know the state of the household and without information she was crippled.  She paused at her door.  Her fear was the guard stopping her from leaving her room and being unable to scout to assess the situation.  She turned the knob and pulled on the door.  The guard outside turned his head and with his left hand depressed the button on his radio headset.  “She’s out,” was all he said.  Cassandra went to step past him but he extended his arm to stop her.

Cassandra knew how to play this game.  “Beckett,” Cassandra had learned the entire staffs name early on in the season as a means of treating them well.  “You do realize I’m on my way to see Mistress Kimberly, and I will be mentioning this?”

Beckett was confident and immediately Cassandra knew that his direction had come from Kimberly.  There was no confusion with this guard about who was in charge of the Estate.  “Sorry Miss Blake.” The title of Mistress had been dropped.  Protocol was important amongst the servants.  “You are to be escorted at all times.”

“If I am to be treated like a prisoner then I shall choose my guards.”  Cassandra, a slender and petite rich kid whose only weapons were her long legs and brain, glared at Beckett.  “I want Tomas or Lilianna will hear of this.”

Bingo!  Beckett’s eyes betrayed him and widened at Lilianna’s name.  Cassandra had both confirmed Lilianna was still house keeper and that she still had the power of discipline.  Beckett reached for his radio again.  “Regarding last advice, send Tomas.”  No reply came but Beckett relaxed.  Cassandra crossed her arms and glared at Beckett as if she was annoyed at him.  No sign of her apprehension showed.

Tomas came quickly.  He must have been senior to Becket in psychology as Beckett seemed to stand straighter as he approached.  Tomas came to Cassandra and dipped his head; he did not say anything.  Escort at hand, Cassandra started walking.  It wasn’t until they were away from Beckett that Tomas spoke, “Mistress Kimberly is the other way,” he said.

“We’re going to see Lilianna, Tomas.”  Cassandra said and kept moving.

Tomas frowned.  “Miss Blake…… The situation has changed.  Lilianna has been reclaimed by Kimberly; I do not think it wise to challenge her at this…….”

“I’m not taking Lilianna back Tomas; I just want to talk to her and you’re not going to tell anyone that I am.”  Cassandra walked straight, closing the distance to Lilianna’s chamber.  Tomas looked uncomfortable, but did not attempt to prevent Cassandra from her course.  As she reached Lilianna’s door she did not knock; she just entered.

The comfortable room was sleek in style, neat and clean.  Lilianna had collected gifts from admirers and happy clients over her service, and the bedroom was like a treasure chest of jewelry and fashion one-offs.  Cassandra heard a noise from the ensuite and walked towards it.  As she opened the door she heard Tomas’ voice from a dormant ear piece on Lilianna’s vanity.  “Cassandra’s coming in.”  Lilianna was expecting her so did not reach for her blade as Cassandra shut the door behind her and looked seriously at her former possession.

Lilianna was applying eye-liner to her lashes and did not stir.  She wore satin underclothes with lace edges and the bra pushed her breasts up to spectacular status.  Her growing belly was hidden from view, but the room was filled with the remnant scent of vomit.  Morning sickness.  “Miss Blake?”  Lilianna said comfortably.

“Lilianna, I…………”  Cassandra didn’t know where to start.  She was not in control and Lilianna, though differently focused, was just as intelligent as she.

Lilianna answered the unasked questions in the priority she saw them, “Gia has been tortured and will roast tomorrow when the drug is out of her system.  The Servants are directionless sheep and most follow anyone with the title Mistress.  Kimberly is known to them and a logical successor to the throne.  I am once more bound to the Estate. Anetta and Giselle are safe but under arrest pending your behavior.  You are notable and liked amongst the staff and therefore a potential problem, but Evelyn Kennedy has offered her support for Kimberly in the Society in exchange for your safety.”  Lilianna stopped applying her makeup and looked at Cassandra with her usual confidence.  “Anything else?”

Cassandra stared stunned at Lilianna.

Lilianna sighed and put down her makeup.  Her demeanor changed from House Keeper to something new.  Lilianna’s loyalty to Cassandra showed, but it was not governed by the laws of servitude.  “Come with me.”  Lilianna walked out of the ensuite and sat on her bed.  Cassandra followed but paused.  “Here” Lilianna patted the bed for Cassandra to sit in front of her.  Cassandra complied not sure where this was going.

Lilianna placed both hands on Cassandra’s thighs and glided them up to her pantyless sex.  At first Cassandra was stunned; she could now see what was going to happen.  She opened her mouth to protest but Lilianna shushed her.  Some fingers crept inside whilst others found the swollen clit.  “You’re stressed so you haven’t given thought to your condition.  After this you will be able to think.” Lilianna started the rhythmic massage and Cassandra sighed in relief, the undetected craving achieving satisfaction.  “You cannot save Gia.  You can save your pets.”  The pair was silent as Lilianna worked.  She was efficient and gentle and Cassandra had an orgasm quickly, one that did not call for her to wash or change.  Job done Lilianna signaled for Cassandra to stand, her dress falling back down as she did.  “Kimberly is your sister and she likes you.” Lilianna offered.  “Forget Gia; move forward.”  Lilianna did not ask Cassandra to leave, but walked past her back to the ensuite to get ready for her day.

 

“She likes me.”  Cassandra thought of Lilianna and left the room with the information she had sought, joined up with Tomas outside, and headed to Gia’s old office; where she guessed Kimberly would be.

Chapter 2

“Dalton Monroe had to be physically restrained when he heard the news.”  Kimberly’s voice.  Cassandra did not know with whom she was speaking.  Tomas parked himself outside the office and this time Cassandra knocked before entering.  She had always been welcome in the office as consort and friend.  Perhaps things were not running as smoothly and the real paranoia that Gia had friends who would want to avenge her had dawned upon Kimberly.  “Away!”  Kimberly shouted at the door and Cassandra, mind cleared by Lilianna, sat back down in the drawing room outside the office and waited, listening.

A voice she knew, professional and nationalistic, sounded in reply.  “Geppetto promised to keep Dalton Monroe at bay.”  It was a voice that should be dead; but of course it wasn’t dead.  Komatsu had not killed Agent Renoldus that day in Lourinha.  The agent was very much alive and the figurehead of the sponsors of the Kimberly coup. 

The maid Florence walked by the drawing room.  Cassandra, on game, clicked her fingers and Florence turned.  Cassandra smiled as if nothing was wrong.  Florence approached her and smiled back.

When faced with exams at high school and Harvard, Cassandra had worn nicotine patches of the type smokers wore to quit smoking.  She knew the nicotine helped her think.  “Could I have an espresso and a pack of cigarettes please Florence.”  The Maid dipped her head and scampered off to provide Cassandra’s mental aids.  She was back in less than two minutes.  Cassandra pulled out a cigarette and lit it with the lighter provided.  As she drew in the thick smoke, she felt her metabolism pump and she glared into space at no fixed object.  She loved Gia, but she had to save Anetta and Giselle and that meant dealing with Kimberly.

Cassandra had never overthrown an empire, but she knew from her father winning an election, that victory created a lot of paperwork.  More importantly, Kimberly would have to make people believe she was in charge of the Autumn Estate.  Gia would have known if Kimberly campaigned for the position, so the news will come as a surprise to a lot of Gia’s friends and enemies alike.  If Kimberly was smart, and she was, she would be eager to gain any friend she could.

“Who the fuck is smoking?” Kimberly shouted.  Something clicked in Cassandra’s brain.  Kimberly had been up all night playing with her former Mistress.  Cassandra was sure of it.  She was tired and irritable.  Claiming the Estate was secondary to beating Gia. Kimberly was capable of running the Estate but did not have the passion for it that Gia had.  It was most likely Lilianna who was keeping things in motion.

“Just me Kimberly,” Cassandra said.  The door to the office was pulled open by Agent Renoldus.  Technically Cassandra had betrayed this woman.  Then she provided information that would have had her killed had anyone other than Komatsu been charged with dealing with her.  The look on her face made it clear that she did not like Cassandra.  Cassandra did not provoke her by smiling but put out the half smoked cigarette and walked into the office.

Kimberly looked tired.  “Cassy” she said and reserved her reaction to Cassandra’s seeking an audience.

“Good morning Mistress.”  Cassandra said and curtseyed in subservience.

Cassandra’s play was obvious.  The times she had outsmarted Kimberly, she had done it by letting Kimberly win; so Cassandra was obvious.  Kimberly would be hungry for control in the chaos that came after a change in leadership.  “You have to watch Cassy when she submits,” Kimberly said to Agent Renoldus.  “She’s clever even in bondage.”

Agent Renoldus said nothing.

“I want my servants back please Kimberly.  They are no threat to you.”  Cassandra was direct.

“No.”  Kimberly replied.

“Kimberly, please!”  Cassandra implored.

“Cassy, if you are good you can have them back when you leave.”

Cassandra swallowed.  She knew she couldn’t ask about Gia.  “When am I leaving?”

“Tomorrow evening after we dine on Gia.”  Kimberly’s eyes were cold.  “Is that all?”  She had worked to do. Paperwork.

“It is more than anyone else would have given me.”  Cassandra dipped her head and backed out of the room. 

As she walked out of the office, Agent Renoldus was shutting the door and fearlessly exclaimed too loud.  “I don’t trust her.  She’s trouble.”  The door clicked closed.  Cassandra did not hear the rest of Agent Renoldus’ advice.

Chapter 3.  An American Icon

Cassandra focused on saving Anetta and Giselle.  Kaley she wanted, but Kaley was an indulgence, not a friend.  Who was she to take on Kimberly and the NSA?  She had submitted to Kimberly and more important reinforced Kimberly’s route to control over her through Anetta and Giselle.  Cassandra would play by the rules and she would save them in due course.  All that remained is where she would be when she left the Estate and now, with Tomas in tow, she headed to find Evelyn Kennedy.

Evelyn was having breakfast.  It seemed she required twice as many maids as anyone else to set her table.  Cassandra guessed she liked to see them scurry about her—an army of expendable and delicious ants.  “Cassy,”  Evelyn smiled.  Cassandra joining her was the instinctive time for the maids to scurry away and leave Evelyn to her new ward.  Cassandra had already been offered breakfast but joined Evelyn.  “Have you eaten?”  She asked.

“Food was bought to my room, but I did not sample it.”  Cassandra admitted.

“Not hungry for food?”  Evelyn said.  She turned her head to the exposed legs of the last maid to hasten out of the room.  She’d seen something she’d liked in the maid.  “What was her name?”

Cassandra did not hiccup.  “Anna,”  Cassandra told her and Evelyn produced a pad and made note of the name; no doubt her choice for next year’s Harvest.  Evelyn shifted her attention casually back to Cassandra.  “You must have questions.”

“Of course.”  Cassandra admitted.  Evelyn liked occasions and was making an occasion out of breakfast.  Cassandra played along not immediately asking, but waiting for Evelyn to concede time.

“We own a mansion in Massachusetts where you can return to Harvard if you like; a ranch in Ohio; and Town Houses in New York State, Washington, and Boston.”  Evelyn bit into her crumpet, chewed, and then continued, “I hope you choose Boston.  Randy has, as you know, his residency there.”

Cassandra smile and hid her reservation regarding the suitability for her friends.  “Boston sounds lovely, but……”  Cassandra had to use tact.  She couldn’t let Evelyn see she was giving two maids and Kaley priority over Randy.  Ideally she would have all four.  “My servants are very dear to me.  I owe my success to them.  Does Boston permit me to share their company?”  Cassandra took a gamble and let her desire for her servants show.

Evelyn was a sadist, but not cruel.  She was like Gia in that respect.  “The maids will have space in the House, but I fear your concubine will find her freedom too easy to win by fleeing.  You may take all three, but indulge in the ballet teacher as soon as you arrive.”

Cassandra smiled.  “That is acceptable and generous Evelyn.  Of course I will share Kaley with Randy; he will have fun operating on her.”  Cassandra was in business mode.  If it was a game of chess, Kaley was a piece she could sacrifice.

“Ah yes, Randy’s operations…”  Evelyn said and her tone suggested she felt they were becoming a problem.  Now that Cassandra was hers, she advised her.  “Try to limit his indulgences in that area.  A crowd of ambitious university students and football teammates is nothing compared to working in close quarters with surgeons and psychologists.  They will notice something is amiss with him sooner or later.”

Cassandra saw the point behind the statement.  “We want him to be a success.  Even unspoken suspicions may affect opinion when positions for advancements come.”

Evelyn smiled.  Cassandra had seen the look on Gia face many times.  She was pleased with her property.  “Have you heard the legend of his Great Uncle?”  Evelyn asked as she sampled another crumpet.

“Perhaps not the one you speak of.”  Cassandra said.

“He was obsessed with Marylyn Monroe and caused a bit of a stir when he replaced her Membutal with a drug that slowed her heart rate.  When she seemingly had an overdose, the ambulance techs declared her dead, but her body was recovered, the antidote given and she was revived for America’s favorite President to play with and then dine on.”

Cassandra blinked, a little shocked.

“It is the highest profile meal in the Society’s modern history.”  Evelyn paused and then continued, “Randy could go far Cassy, but I would hate for him to get too ambitious in his victims and have events unfold as they did for his Great Uncle.”

“Naturally.”  Cassandra conceded, and it was obvious.  But she saw through Evelyn’s argument to the source of her concerns.  “What ambitions do you have for Randy?”

Evelyn forgot her breakfast.  “Acceleration to surgeon by his skill; head of the Medical Board of his Hospital by thirty; and State Politics by thirty-five.”

“Forty too young for President?”  Cassandra joked despite her circumstances.

Evelyn was serious.  “I have big plans for you Cassy and you are smart enough to help me achieve them.”

Cassandra nearly forgot Gia’s plight in the moment.  “President?!” she let slip, caught off guard.

Evelyn smiled at her like a queen and sipped at her coffee.  “First Lady Cassandra Kennedy,” she said, softly teasing at Cassandra’s planned future.  “Come on, why don’t you give me a tour of the Estate.  It’s been years since I was here last and I haven’t seen what has become of it.”

Chapter 3.  Part 2

Cassandra was caught out.  She’d been house centric during her stays at the Estate.  Now she gave Evelyn a tour with Tomas as chaperone.  At first Evelyn had mocked Tomas, but Cassandra had stood up for him, explaining that she liked Tomas.  She told the story of the night with her father and how Tomas had saved Anetta and nearly killed her father on her command.  Despite her defense she sensed Tomas was a hindrance to Evelyn so she asked him to check with Lilianna if she may be entrusted to Evelyn for the remainder of the tour.  Before taking his leave Cassandra gave him a hand written a note to be given to Anetta and Giselle.  In the note she was honest; they were under arrest, but would be liberated and travel to America.

“This sentiment for the Servants…. It’s not a problem is it Cassy?” Evelyn asked as they opened the door to the breeding stables.

“It’s a strength Evelyn.  It doesn’t hurt to help them and turn their servitude into loyalty.”  Cassandra did not doubt her familiarity with the staff.  As they entered the stables Evelyn became distracted.

“I haven’t been in here since before Gia took the Estate.”  Evelyn hastened in.  She saw the medical equipment Cassandra had requested for Lilianna.  “My, they have updated this place.”

“The stables are full.  I’m told they used to wait to see if the breeders bled to find out if they were pregnant, but since we have new technology….”

“All successful breeds?” Evelyn asked

“Yes.”  Cassandra nearly said Gia’s name.  “Kimberly will have a full complement of babies to offer Saudi Arabia.”

“I don’t see Kimberly as the type to take too greater interest in this endeavor Cassy.  This year’s offspring will probably be the last from this Estate.”  Evelyn paused.  “How many girls did Randy impregnate last year?”

Cassandra had never thought of this.  Technically Evelyn had grandchildren within the Society, being raised as servants or worse.  “I’m not sure.  Gia would have kept records.”

“It doesn’t matter.” Evelyn said coldly.  “A bastard is no better than food.”

Cassandra did not voice her concern at the antiquated and regal statement.  Evelyn clearly knew her type.  A bastard could never be the heir to the Kennedy throne.  “Would you like to torture Rosalita?”  Cassandra asked as a means of changing to subject.  From the back of the stable Rosalita started to whimper in anticipation.  It occurred to Cassandra with the invitation to torture, that Evelyn would rather work on Gia.  Cassandra dipped her head and felt remorse at tempting a sadist.

“Could I perhaps torture Gia instead?”  Evelyn said predictably.

“I prefer if you didn’t at my leave Evelyn.”

Evelyn thought for a moment and then relaxed.  “As you wish.  Your loyalty is one of your strong suits Cassandra.  It makes you someone to trust and confide in.”  Evelyn changed her tack.  “Very well.  I’m curious to meet this Rosalita then.”

Interlude

Hendrix the Estate butcher had no duties now that the season was over.  At the best of times he had no interest in the running of the Estate.  All he ever wanted was a squirming body on his meat hook; a sharp knife in his hand; and all the time in the world to hear the screams.  He eyed Agent Renoldus with some contempt, but also with an appreciation for what he considered a fine carcass.

“You have to do as I say.  At least that is what I have been told.  You understand this don’t you?”  Agent Renoldus could see that his eyes didn’t sit right on Hendrix.  One hung half closed even when he was alert and paying attention.  Most of the servants carried an air of fear at their potential fate.  Hendrix had been the dealer of death so many times it had given him a perception of people not inhabiting their own bodies.  All he saw was meat when he looked at a person.

Hendrix nodded indicating he understood.

“You’re going to break the rules for me.”  Agent Renoldus spoke plainly.  “Go to the back and bring me one of Cassandra Blake’s servants—any one of them.  See that she is gagged and tied tightly.  Then transport her to the kitchen without bumping into any other members of…… staff.”  The Agent misspoke the slaves’ title, but Hendrix understood all the same.  No guests meant no carving.  The chance to deal fear would see him happy.

As Agent Renoldus took her leave he headed through the door into the columns of cells.  At peak they held three girls a piece and there were enough cells to keep the guests well fed all Autumn.  They were all but empty, the last survivors of Autumn having been processed as delicacies for guests to take with them.  It was the “in” thing for Society members to feed the forbidden meat to friends in the real world.  The Socialites got a real kick out of turning innocents into cannibals.  Hendrix walked down to the three cells in a row that housed Anetta, Giselle and Kaley.  He surveyed the three women and rubbed his cock through his heavy cargo pants.  He eyed them in turn, making up his mind which one he would choose.  The naked blonde with the dancer’s body (Kaley) was too good to pass on to the kitchen.  Hendrix decided he would spare her in the hopes he could hang her from his hook in the near future.  That left the two delicate young Maids. 

Anetta and Giselle still wore the summer dresses they had been taken in.  They were dirty and smeared from the dusty concrete floor of the cell and their hair was mangled from its once pristine appearance.  Anetta stared at the floor, not making eye contact from her cell.  She knew of Hendrix and did not want to provoke him.  Giselle on the other hand made the mistake of whimpering and letting a tear escape.  Hendrix had made up his mind.  He pulled a link filled with keys on it from his pocket and sorted through them for the one to Giselle’s cell.  He rattled the keys along the steel bars of the cell and Giselle let out a shriek.  Satisfied she was terrified of him, he unlocked the door and swung it open.  Giselle cried out and scampered into the corner against the bars that bordered Anetta’s cell.  “Come here pretty, pretty.” Hendrix said in a manic and unmusical drawl.   He stepped through the threshold and approached his victim. 

As he reached forward to grab her, Giselle turned and gripped the bars.  Hendrix bear hugged her and pulled on the little maid.  Petite and fragile, she clung to the bars with every ounce of strength.  After a couple of failed pulls Hendrix took one fat, meaty hand, reached forward, and tried to break the grip of her fingers.  From the cell next door, Anetta, desperate to save her best friend came quickly and bit down hard on Hendrix’s fingers.  The Butcher swore and leaped back.

Change of plans.

He eyed Anetta angrily and walked out of Giselle’s cell shutting the door behind him.  Victory was short lived.  Now he head for Anetta’s cell.  He repeated the same action of sorting through the keys.  Anetta stood bold in the centre of her cell.  As Hendrix pushed the door open Anetta wavered, but did not back down.  She glared at Hendrix and clasped the necklace Cassandra had given her.  It was the sign she was protected and any assault would result in dealing with her Mistress.  As Hendrix approached she held it out for him to see.  There was no mistaking his reaction.  Hendrix understood he would be crossing Anetta’s owner if he took her.  Hendrix’s pause gave Anetta confidence; she raised her chin and glared at Hendrix.

Hendrix thought about backing down for a second, but only a second.  In a fast lunge he grabbed the necklace and tore it from Anetta’s neck, throwing it to the cell floor.  He grabbed her hair and yanked her off her feet, dragging her down the cell block to the killing floor beyond.  Giselle screamed out Anetta’s name as the maid’s strategy of defense failed.

Interlude Continued

Agent Renoldus spoke French.  She spoke French, Arabic, Mandarin, Russian and German.  She didn’t let on though.  The Kitchen staff, all the staff for that matter, obeyed her instructions as if she were a guest of their new Mistress.  She was not there as a guest.  The head chef was calling her a primitive because she would not sample his ham.  The ham came from a preserved stock of a female leg. 

Her role was to stay on until Gia Eros had met her demise and the NSA’s objectives had been obtained.  The little blue pills had already been taken from the Estate and the formula was now in the hands of the American Government.  Agent Renoldus was a patriot and saw only advantage in the little blue pills; the power they would have over people being interrogated on matters of National Security.  The new lord of the manner seemed sincere in having no interest in keeping a copy of the formula and bringing the American Government out of the secret pact.  They would not meddle in each other affairs.

Hendrix burst into the kitchen carrying his delicate and now terrified cargo.  Anetta had been stripped bare and was hogtied—a ceramic ball gag in her mouth.  The chef recognized Anetta and shook his head.  “Nous ne pouvons pas faire cuire celui-ci” he said. (We cannot cook this one).

The Agent smiled and picked up a kitchen knife the chef had been using to chop potatoes for the roast.  “Placez votre main sur la table” Renoldus said. (Place your hand on the table).

The Chef obeyed out of habit and Agent Renoldus very deliberately, slowly, raised the knife above his hand.  She bought it down quickly.  The Chef, not immune to defense in obedience, pulled his hand away and the knife bit into the wooded kitchen table were his appendage had been.  All the kitchen servants watched silently as a hierarchy was being established.  Hendrix chuckled still holding the Anetta who squirmed against her restraints.

The Chef looked at her with an expression that clearly stated he was aware he had underestimated the authority the Agent claimed.

“Placez votre main sur la table” Renoldus said again. (Place your hand on the table).

“All right!”  The chef snarled displeased.  He had a French accent when he spoke English and clearly the sound of the language annoyed him.  He was highly respected amongst the servants at the Estate and not used to being treated with threats to his well being.

“Cook and serve her,” Agent Renoldus said of Anetta, “as if she were any normal meal.”  Agent Renoldus stepped back but did not leave the kitchen.  She had a morbid curiosity as to the workings of the appalling act so many powerful people engaged in.  Before her briefing on this assignment, labeled top secret, she had no idea so many influential people had the sadistic indulgences of the Society.  If she understood it, she could exploit it in the future.

As the Chef cut Anetta’s bindings the kitchen hands all came forward and pinned her limbs to the table.  The chef was silent now gesturing only with his hands like a conductor of a symphony.  A flick of his wrist and warm water was bought to wash Anetta’s skin.  Every crevasse of the virgin maid was violated in an effort to polish her skin for glazing.  Next came the twiddling of his fingers which meant butter, evenly spread so her entire body was oiled.  Pinches of spice were flicked at Anetta’s body now.  Her bravery had failed and she wailed through her gag.  The prep was teasing and she was fearful of what was to come next—the oven.  The chef came forward and removed the ball gag.

“Cassy” Anetta cried to her Mistress, but was silenced as a ruby red apple was placed in her mouth.  Her cry for help was not answered.  Cassandra was elsewhere, watching Evelyn Kennedy ravish Rosalita.

Her body was lifted and a silver tray placed beneath her.  It had shackles that were closed over her wrists and ankles and she breathed deeply in panicked breaths.  As if she wasn’t dear to anyone, Anetta was lifted up and slid into the oven where the temperature would slowly rise until all there would be is heat.

The Chef sighed as he closed the oven.  He knew the Agent was causing trouble but was not privy to the scheme she had hatched.  The Agent was confident Cassandra Blake would be a problem in the future (or perhaps that’s just what she told herself as an excuse to get back at Cassandra betraying her twice).  When the guests saw Cassandra’s reaction to dinner, the agents insistence she should be removed would be viewed in a better light.  Or so she felt.  Whimpers rising in pitch to muffled screams could be heard from the oven.  Agent Renoldus convinced herself it was necessary.  She was a patriot after all.

Chapter 4

Rosalita’s eyes had rolled back in her head and her body had shuddered in convulsions.  Cassandra had never seen the Pain Slave bought so close to breaking before.  Evelyn liked to push boundaries­­—a trail blazer.  Now they sat at the dinner table with Kimberly and Komatsu awaiting the main course’s arrival.  Kimberly sat at the head of the table - Komatsu by her side.  At the other end of the table sat Evelyn with Cassandra by hers.  Lilianna was at her station by the kitchen door and Tomas stood beside her, silently at duty.

“Do you think you’ll holiday here again Evelyn now that Gia has been removed?”  Kimberly asked and picked at the cheese on the small plate before her.  The cheese had been made, like every dairy product at the Estate, from breast milk from the human dairy.  It had a sweet taste, but the kitchen staff experimented constantly with method and devised new delicacies while perfecting old favorites.  Kimberly had no interest in the breeding stables, but the humiliation of the dairy appealed to her personality.  Cassandra speculated that the breeders would expand the current milking operation after their babies had been born and then taken.

“Definitely.  Though I suspect Randy will hesitate to come if I am here.  Part of reason he came here is because he knew I wouldn’t.”  Evelyn placed an aged cheese on a water cracker with some sausage meat; sauced from a slaughtered girl.  It was the norm, but Cassandra couldn’t help but feel Kimberly would strive for new ways to utilize her victims.

“And you Cassy?”  Kimberly asked Cassandra and she realized her reserved contribution to the conversation was not what Kimberly wanted.  Kimberly would not show feelings if Cassandra stepped back from her, but the two had started to build a friendship.  Cassandra felt that it wasn’t all an act; Kimberly had been interested in her.

“Rosalita would miss me if I didn’t come back.”  Cassandra was being smart and her attitude put Kimberly at ease.  She was grieving for her Mistress, but she was smart and very adept in social situations.

“Good.”  Kimberly said.  “I would like to go hunting with you again like we did on the coast.”  Kimberly was trying to maintain Cassandra as her sister—or perhaps just keeping Cassandra close.  Cassandra had been tricked like Gia into not suspecting Kimberly.  She took an inquisitive look at Kimberly, not hiding it.  It would be suspicious to Kimberly if she hadn’t done it openly, so she did not hide her observation.  Cassandra looked at Kimberly’s clothes; they were those gifted to the Estate by designers; her makeup, done by a Maid with skill; her face and its expression.  Kimberly was smiling at Cassandra confident that nothing Cassandra noticed would be a threat.  As Cassandra observed in silence she realized something was missing.

“Kimberly” she said politely.  “Your tic is gone.”  Cassandra knew the antidote before Kimberly stated the obvious.

“I’ve beaten my demon Cassy.” Kimberly said.  Her torturous upbringing had given Kimberly unease that had manifested as the tic.  Cassandra was a submissive; Kimberly was not.  Gia existence was a reminder to Kimberly that she had been taken from her life and owned by a torturer.  Kimberly had turned the tables and was free.  Cassandra realized the full extent of tomorrow’s meal to Kimberly.  She would react to tasting Gia as if she was eating her very soul.  Perhaps Kimberly’s inclusion of Cassandra at the meal was her way of setting her free as well.

Agent Renoldus walked through the kitchen doors into the dining room.  She hadn’t intended to make an entrance, but her walk was out of sync with the Estate.  Everyone at the table knew she didn’t belong; she wasn’t one of them.

“Sorry for the intrusion.  I just wanted you to know dinner is coming.”  She looked at Cassandra darkly.  Her dislike for her was obvious, but it was mingled with excitement. 

Cassandra had the unsettling feeling that she was being given the finger.

“Shouldn’t you be eating your…. safe food?”  Evelyn was defending Cassandra.

“Actually, as the current liaison to the American intelligence agencies, I thought I would show my good intentions by selecting tonight’s meal.”  Agent Renoldus looked like a player from the winning team.  Her body language suggested she was about to be a bad sport over her victory.

“That’s not really your business agent.”  Kimberly said the mood of dinner ruined.

“No I wanted to.”  Behind Agent Renoldus two of the kitchen staff carried in a large silver tray covered with a large cover hiding the meat.  Despite the cover a rich smell filled the air with the familiar flavor.

“It does not matter,” Evelyn said.  “It smells delicious.”

“What about you Miss Blake?”  Agent Renoldus slyly turned to Cassandra.  “Do you think it smells delicious?”

Cassandra did not answer.  Kimberly had broached peace and she had played her part.  The agent was on the offside and she did not have to be polite to her—couldn’t.  Cassandra had betrayed her against the tide several times.  She would not provoke or be talked down to the agent.

Agent Renoldus seemed to enjoy her silence anyway.  “No need to answer Miss Blake.” She said and everyone at the table grew angrier with the outsiders boldness.  “This meal is a peace offering, hopefully we can move forward.”  Renoldus changed her tack, seemingly friendly and lifted the cover revealing dinner.

Cassandra screamed.

Komatsu and Evelyn Kennedy had never met Anetta so they were not surprised by the girl lying cooked and on the tray with a roasted apple in her mouth.  Kimberly understood immediately any hope of befriending Cassandra had been destroyed.  After the initial shock Cassandra looked at Anetta’s terrified eyes. They were still; she had not survived the roasting, but had most definitely died in the oven at great distress.  Her heart wrenched and she broke down crying at the table with no concern for appearances.

Agent Renoldus was victorious.  “You’re welcome Cassandra Blake,” she said.

Cassandra snapped.  She clasped her serrated and silver, posh steak knife and charged Agent Renoldus with her teeth bared.  Cassandra was a dancer, not a fighter.  Tomas caught her before she could be knocked down by Agent Renoldus and scooped her in his arms.  He did not twist her arm or put her in a choke hold, but bear hugged her, pinning her arms to her sides.  Restrained, Cassandra screamed again and the entire table was horrified by her grieving anger.

“Cassy calm.”  Evelyn called, but was pinned to her seat out of surprise.

Komatsu was by Kimberly’s side and they had both leapt out of their chairs when Cassandra had charged.

The scene caused something else to happen, something out of sorts for the Estate.  The Servants peered through all four doors leading into the dining room.  Maids, kitchen staff and guards all witnessed one of the Society, their Masters, screaming in rage at one of them being served as dinner. 

Cassandra slumped defeated in Tomas’ arms, but not before one last remorseful scream.  All of Cassandra’s sins had been brought to bear.

Kimberly ordered, “Back to your duties” to the Servants who witnessed the scene. 

No response.

Lilianna felt a giant shudder to the deviant normality that kept the Estate in check.  A servant’s life had just been given value.  She clapped her hands and walked to the centre of the room.  She eyed every last one of the Servants.  As their eyes met hers they cringed and backed away not willing to challenge her.

The knife dropped from Cassandra’s hand.  Her intent to use it replaced with remorse.  Tomas scooped up her limp, shocked body and carried her out of the room; the way a father would carry a child.

“What just happened?”  Evelyn said as the room returned to silence.  She glared at Agent Renoldus and then turned to Kimberly for an explanation.

Kimberly sat slumped into her chair.  “The agent has just served Cassandra’s best friend.”  Kimberly knew it was a play to both punish Cassandra and expose her as a problem.  “Leave!” Kimberly said to Agent Renoldus.

Grudgingly the agent left, not fazed by killing Anetta.

Evelyn was thinking about the future.  “I will talk to her.” she said taking control of the matter.  “I too lost a close friend when Gia took this Estate; it may only be the shock.”

“Let’s hope.” Kimberly said.  She had intended to build a new relationship with Cassandra, but that seemed very difficult in the moment.

The pair continued to discuss the matter as Anetta’s roasted body grew cold.  To the side, on duty, Lilianna stood.  She too was concerned about the outburst, but for a reason the Socialites didn’t have the mindset to observe.  A servant had been given value above cattle.  The servants would gossip and muse on this fact.  It was a dangerous idea.

Chapter 5.  Sisterly Advice

Cassandra was crying in her bed again.  Her emotions had been pulled back and forth in the last twenty-four hours to the extent that she now felt helpless.  Anetta had offered the first kindness she had been given at the Estate.  Now she was gone.  Cassandra closed her eyes and tried not to think about all the women she had eaten.  Each and every one of them had loved ones who would have reacted the same way as she reacted to seeing Anetta on that platter—served as dinner.

A courtesy knock came on the door, and then it opened.  Cassandra briefly thought of addressing the visitor, but without her wits, just lay there.

“Cassy,” Kimberly said.  The matter had been discussed with Evelyn and it was decided that Kimberly should address the issue first.  Evelyn would come next and offer her understanding at the events.  Cassandra had value.

Cassandra did not move from her position on the bed.  A whimper came from a crying girl.  Cassandra shifted, recognizing the voice it came from.  She rolled over and rose to find Kimberly standing in the doorway presenting Giselle as peace offering.  Cassandra rushed forward and Giselle broke ranks.  The two met each other midway and the little Giselle leapt up into Cassandra’s arms.  They squeezed each other tightly.  Tears came out of relief and grief, and Kimberly employed the tact to let the grief run its course.  Like Cassandra she was intelligent and knew her submissive sister would reward the reprieve from torment with loyalty.  Hopefully.

Several minutes passed before the embrace between Mistress and servant broke and when it did Cassandra rose, Giselle by her side, to receive the new Head of the Estate.

“I am sorry for the agent’s rogue action.  Please believe me I had no idea she would take such a course.”

Cassandra opened her mouth to speak, but had nothing to say.  Kimberly seemed slightly conflicted.  Cassandra may have been muted, but she calculated Kimberly had now been awake for at least thirty six hours.  Cassandra opened her mouth again.  “I do not think you would wound me if you are to let me leave.”  Cassandra said plainly.  Cassandra had tasted defeat despite playing the smart game.  She wanted out of the politics of the Society.  He had no game in mind.

Kimberly’s release of Giselle seemed to be a gesture of understanding on this matter.  But Kimberly changed tack.  “If you cause a problem tomorrow when we roast Gia, I do not think I can wisely let you leave with Evelyn.”

Cassandra knew this was an issue.  Evelyn had plans for Cassandra and interrupting them would cause her problems.  Kimberly was playing the long game however, insuring Cassandra did not become an agent against her.  Cassandra had surprised everyone and now was viewed as unpredictable; a trait not desired in a submissive.

“I understand.”  Cassandra said accepting the terms.

Kimberly took the opportunity to plead her case.  “I was not born into this Society like you Cassandra.  I was abducted and tortured until every part of me broke and changed into Gia’s mold.  Had she not enjoyed my suffering so, I would have long ago been served like Anetta was.”  Kimberly paused and then emphasized.  “I have a Mother, and a Father, and a Brother who has two boys I have never met because I have been transformed into a monster they would not recognize.  I cannot reunite with them because I am not the person they know anymore.  Gia took everything from me.”  The personal information was the payment, now came Cassandra’s required service, “All that I ask is that you do not associate me with your loss of your friend.  I cannot afford enemies Cassandra.”

Kimberly said she could not afford enemies, but Cassandra understood it was a veiled warning that she would not tolerate one.  Cassandra immediately saw the flaw in her logic.  If she dealt with Cassandra, Evelyn would become her enemy.  Gia had navigated this situation with skill and ease; Kimberly was in the infancy of her rule.  Cassandra stepped back from the argument with the new memory of her pain.  “I just want to leave Kimberly.  You won’t have any problems from me.”

Kimberly dipped her head and took her leave.  As she left Cassandra saw that the guard Beckett had been replaced with Tomas.  Kimberly was sorry.  In a few moments Evelyn appeared.  Again peace was broached by a personnel story of loss at the Society hands.  This one was the tale of how Gia had usurped her friend and taken the Autumn Estate for her own.  Cassandra had been granted understanding, but her reprieve from bad manners was really a warning that it should not happen again.

“You have to injure yourself against such things Cassy.”  Evelyn finished, before leaving Cassandra and Giselle alone.

Once they were alone, Giselle began to cry again.  Cassandra was tested, but the maternal instinct she had for her surviving Maid kicked in.  She knelt down and hugged Giselle.  As they pulled apart Cassandra looked into Giselle’s red eyes and thought of something to give her.  She leant in a kissed her maid on the lips.  It was not to answer the crush Giselle had one her; it was just a gesture that she cared about her.  It was the simplest reassurance Cassandra could offer.  The two slept in Cassandra’s bed taking comfort in each other’s company.

Chapter 6.  By chance

Lilianna heard the chatter and then saw the trio of maids scatter as she entered the hall.  No doubt they were hearing the tale of Cassandra’s reaction to a maid being served as dinner.  “Halt!”  Lilianna spoke sternly.  All three Maids stopped dead in their tracks and turned to face Lilianna.  “Line up!”

The three maids made ranks, standing in a line.  Lilianna grabbed the storyteller’s hand.  She pulled out her blade and the maid quivered.  Holding the index finger of the maid she bought the tip of her blade to the tip of the maid’s finger.  She slowly bought the point forward under the manicured nail of the scared maid.  She squealed as the blade entered under the nail.

“If I catch any of you three gossiping again about tonight…” She twisted the blade pulling the nail up and cutting the virgin skin beneath it.  “You will all three find yourselves served as dinner, and no one will cry for you.”

Blood dripped from the maid’s finger and she screamed.  The other two looked at Lilianna wide-eyed and fearful.

“Do you understand?”  Lilianna said making eye contact with all three.

“Yes House Keeper,” The two not being tortured answered.

Lilianna looked at the maid she was making an example of, “Yes, Yes,”  The Maid said begging for the blade to stop twisting.

Lilianna relaxed.  “It’s late.  Go to your dorm and sleep soundly.”

The two maids took their leave and scurried off.  As the wounded maid turned to leave, Lilianna spoke clearly to her.  “Stay silent and be good.”

The maid, clasping her wounded finger, curtseyed and then ran off after the other two.

Lilianna knew someone would have to roast to send a message to the servants, but a gathering of only three wasn’t enough to send a strong enough message.  She cleaned her blade and put it away, reaching for the mail—her reason for being in the hall.

Several sealed envelopes had come via priority post.  No doubt they were letters from sycophants offering support in exchange for Kimberly’s favor.  One message stood out.  It was not wrapped in an envelope, but was a folded telegram.  Only those who ran the Society communicated through telegram.  Lilianna would not have opened it but as she collected the letters to take to Kimberly’s office it fell to the floor and unfolded.  As she retrieved it, she read it.

Mistress Kimberly Takeshi,

Please advice of any assistance we may offer through the Estates transition and please indicate by phone as soon as Gia Eros is no more.  Kindly also be advised that Lilianna and her child, born or unborn, are to be delivered to Saudi Arabia as soon as the smooth running of the Estate permits.  A replacement House Keeper of the highest caliber will be offered as needed.

The Office of Geppetto.

Lilianna read it twice.  She could smell Ivy’s taint on the letter.  Her loyalty to the Society slapped her in the face and for a moment she woke up to her servitude.  She only needed a moment to realize what she had to do.

Chapter 7.  Remembering the Old Times

“Evelyn,” Gia said in polite greeting despite her position.  Her wrists were shackled to a long chain that hung from the high ceiling.  It was the station of a pain slave, but Gia took to the position with pride despite her nudity.  The benefit of her timeless looks meant Gia had never been uncomfortable naked.

“Gia Eros, how are you?”  Evelyn said in mockingly.  She had retired from her visit to Cassandra to come and steal a moment with her old advisory.  The story of the loss of her friend had bought old wounds to the surface.

“Well, considering.”  Gia replied as if they were meeting at an occasion.  Gia twisted her wrists to show her binds.  “A little uncomfortable, but I suppose it’s well the drugs have worked out of my system.”

“Yes I was curious about that.  Did you scream louder or suffer more when commanded.”  Evelyn walked to the wall lined with various devices to inflict pain.

“It’s a bit of a blur really.”  Gia was determined not to act anything other than casual about her plight.  “Narcotics dull the memory.”

“Needle torture?”  Evelyn asked knowing the answer.

“She was trying to be symbolic.  I’m afraid she held a grudge of our time together.”

“Pity.”  Evelyn mused and pick up a choke pear.  It was a cylinder with a corkscrew attached.  When inserted into an orifice the screw was turned and the cylinder would expand choking or tearing at the sphincter muscles.  She walked towards Gia with it.  She walked past a shelf and saw something better, something more modern.  Evelyn tossed the choke pear over her shoulder and reached for the electro-torture apparatus.  It was a battery with two wires leading into a dildo.  “Hate to leave any scars.  We want you looking stunning as always for tomorrow.”

Gia smiled.  “Evelyn, are you going to try to make me regret eating your friend all those years ago?”

Evelyn hid her contempt.  “Oh, be a good sport and scream for me Gia.  I want to see if that shriek of yours stands up to real pressure.”  Evelyn placed the battery at Gia’s toe tips and with a sadistic smile slid the dildo into Gia’s exposed sex.

Gia didn’t resist; doing so would be a sign of weakness in her mind, as if Evelyn was putting her out.

Evelyn held the switch in her hand.  “Come on Gia.  Scream and I won’t even start.”

Gia looked down at Evelyn as though she were all style and no substance.  “Oh Evelyn, you are such a magnificent cunt.”

Gia body contorted involuntarily her expression shifted to one of intense discomfort.  It was impossible to remain posed with sixteen-thousand volts traveling through your body.  Evelyn had started the machine on full tilt; there was no tease of introduction, just punishment.  She held the button for thirty seconds.  It was thirty seconds Gia couldn’t breathe or swallow; a trickle of urine escaped past the silver dildo and ran down her leg.

Evelyn removed her finger.  Gia gasped for air.

“Sweetie come on; now’s your chance to scream for me.  Then we can all go to bed.  We have a big day tomorrow.”  Evelyn ran her hand over Gia’s breasts, appreciating them.  “You know your former Mistress and I often mused about eating you.  She’d always call the idea off.  She insisted Dalton Monroe’s obsession with you was worth something if you were taken care of.  It really is unfair that you turned on her…. So come on scream, it’s the least you can do.”

Gia didn’t scream she caught her breath and struggled to take the weight of her wrists by getting back on the tips of her toes.  No sooner had she regained composure than Evelyn pressed the button again.  Gia gurgled and spittle burst from her mouth.  She lost her footing and hung contorted from the current.  She looked divinely beautiful in her peril.  Evelyn giggled like a school girl amused and let the button go.

More gasping.  This time Evelyn didn’t wait for Gia to regain composure she pressed the button again.  She was counting in her mind, extending the torment by a couple of seconds each time.  After the tenth jolt Gia watched as Evelyn brought her finger to the button and Gia flinched in anticipation.  Evelyn did not press the button but laughed.  “You’re breaking down already Gia.”

Gia breathed deeply and closed her eyes.  It may have appeared she was afraid of the pain, but both women knew she was ashamed to fall under a torturer’s control.

“Scream Gia!”  Evelyn said again.  Her voice was insistent.

Gia opened her eyes.  “We both know you don’t have enough time to make that happen Evelyn.”  She inhaled deeply to catch her breath.  Evelyn was not under duress and conceded the point with another jolt; this one was much longer and she risked cardiac arrest to illustrate her frustration.  When it subsided Gia slumped from her wrists her legs exhausted had failed her.

“One last chance Gia and before you find your resolve, remember I have Cassy now.  If you don’t scream, she will.”  It was a hollow threat.  Evelyn needed Cassandra’s loyalty for the years ahead.  But even Gia couldn’t afford to doubt a torturer.  She stumbled to her toe tips again, with a deep breath Gia screamed.

Evelyn closed her eyes and sighed as if she were listening to the finest opera.

Gia slumped again, this time defeated.

“Thank you Gia.”  Evelyn said.  She played with the dials on the battery box and flicked a switch.  A buzzer sounded and a relative light jolt burst into Gia.  There was a pause for thirty seconds and then another jolt came.  Evelyn had put the device on a thirty second cycle.  Gia would suffer a little longer.

Evelyn walked towards the exit of the room and addressed the guard on station.  “Let her suffer for three hours, then place her in the cell.  We want her refreshed for tomorrows meal.”

Chapter 8.  The Big Event.

Cassandra had only been in the pain room once; whilst she offered Esmeralda the stripper to Don Mateus.  Gia was not situated in the center of the room as Cassandra had expected.  Instead Tomas led them to a cell door off to the side.  Komatsu placed his hand on Cassandra’s shoulder, cautioning her not to make any revolutionary moves.  His hand relaxed as Cassandra shoulders slumped.  The door open inwards and its hinges screeched as it did.

Gia sat on a concrete slab that also served as a bed.  She was dressed in a see-through ash colored dress.  She was mussing her hair, giving herself the tangled look as best she could without any tools.  Despite her attendance on the death march, Cassandra half smiled with the reminder of Gia’s quality.  Her former Mistress was going to go out with some style.  Unable to maneuver out of the sentence, she had made herself as appetizing as possible.  She was composed mentally to deal with the embarrassment of being dinner for her enemies.  She looked at Cassandra but did not address her.  She then surveyed Tomas who looked uncomfortable, his years of loyalty to her causing him some conflict. Finally she looked at Komatsu.  “Dinner time already?” She said rhetorically.  Komatsu stared at her expressionless.

“They must be planning to cook me very slowly.”  Cold eyes were attached to the statement.  Any man other than the warrior Komatsu would have been intimidated.  Komatsu was there because Gia could not best him if she ran.  Tomas was there as an intermediary; to open doors and serve as punching bag if Gia attacked.  Cassandra remembered her tour of Saudi Arabia; the house keepers were trained in martial arts to deal with any trouble makers, and Gia used to be a House Keeper.  Gia rose and stood proudly, always beautiful; now she looked delectable.  “Let’s not keep them waiting shall we.  I would hate to cause an inconvenience.”

As Gia walked to her cell door, Tomas seemed to flinch by reflex; the psychological equivalent of his something flashing before his eyes, and he stepped back to create a path for Gia.  She stood out of the cell directly in front of Komatsu.  Cassandra realized that Gia’s recent mastery of Kimberly had been a great insult, or perhaps even a wound to Komatsu.  The other side of the story, Gia’s past torture and enslavement of Kimberly, was presented for Cassandra to witness.  Gia seemed to pick up on this and relaxed her stance.  Any attempt to defend herself would have been punished by total loss of dignity with what was to happen.  After a few more seconds of the silent communication and tense standoff, Komatsu gestured with his hand for Gia to walk and she began obediently.  By chance… no Cassandra risked the situation; she positioned herself by Gia’s side as they walked back to the courtyard were Gia would be cooked publically.

“Geppetto placed Dalton under house arrest in Saudi Arabia when the news came.”  Cassandra said softly to her former Mistress as they walked.  Cassandra found she was the one setting the pace and walked slowly.

Gia didn’t respond, but walked head held high, determined to combat Kimberly’s victory over her with pride.

Cassandra pushed the point.  Not to break her Mistress’ focus, but she felt she owed her some piece of sentiment.  “He’s enraged.”  Cassandra followed.

“Geppetto has always controlled him; will until he dies.” Gia replied.  Gia risked becoming emotional; her voice gave a hint of remorse as she said “You’ll tell him I loved him when you see him next?”

“Of course.”  Cassandra said, and reached to take Gia’s hand.

Komatsu, walking directly behind them, placed his hand on Cassandra’s shoulder and pushed her away so that the contact never happened.  Cassandra did not create a scene; Giselle’s life depended upon her acquiescence to the execution.  The route was too short for any other conversation to be initiated.  They climbed the steps to the courtyard and were met with a gathering of women.  Kimberly stood in council with Evelyn; both ladies attention shifted to Gia as she came into view.  Agent Renoldus stood back against the Estate House, not leaning against it, but keeping her back covered via the instinct of training.  Lilianna was on hand, but unlike the other women, did not look to Gia but at Cassandra.  Cassandra thought nothing of it, and as Evelyn directed her with a hand gesture, Cassandra took her perch on a bench near a row of rose bushes.

Gia looked superiorly at Kimberly despite the gleaming, polished spit being adjacent and waiting.  She did not give her the satisfaction of remorse or fear.  Her gaze shifted to Evelyn.  Evelyn had a satisfied smile on her face.  The indiscretions that caused this final confrontation had all happened in the distant past, but the wounds were being opened with Gia’s late sentencing.

“You look delicious Gia.” Kimberly said confidently.  Her lover and devoted bodyguard on hand, Kimberly was not at all worried of any last minute attack from her former Mistress.  Gia would not have lowered herself to that type of attack.  Since claiming the Estate she’d always used others to do her dirty work, saving her own lust for violence for the bedroom.  “I trust the effects of that little blue pill are out of your system.”  Kimberly followed.

“Yes, my mind is quite sharp.” Gia replied civilly.

“Wonderful!  Torturing you under the drug’s effects wasn’t as much fun as I hoped.  You were too obedient to the needle.”  Kimberly looked momentarily bitter.  “No sport in it really.”

“I was never any good at being tortured.  Truth is I enjoy the pain.”  Gia said.  Cassandra knew that was not the case.  She was giving Kimberly a ‘Fuck you’ to reduce her satisfaction at seeing her roast on the spit.

Kimberly fell for it and summoned Lilianna with a click of her finger.  As Lilianna came to her side, Kimberly said “Blade.”  Lilianna looked nervous, but handed Kimberly the blade.  Kimberly took it and pulled at the neckline of the see-through dress and slashed at it with the blade.  The fabric parted and hem broken, the dress tore away as Kimberly sentenced Gia to nudity.  What integrity remained in the dress after the slash did not stand up against gravity and fell to Gia’s feet.  Kimberly returned the blade to Lilianna, and no one noticed her relief.  Their focus was on Gia who stood naked in the early winter air.  Goosebumps emerged over her belly and her nipples grew firm.

“Well Evelyn.”  Kimberly mused and stepped forwards to touch her dinner.  “Have you ever seen a more tempting piece of meat?”  Her hands landed on Gia’s thighs.  Gia’s expression had not changed and Cassandra knew there was no poise or body language to answer this situation.  Gia’s failure to evolve was an acknowledgement of the humiliation she tried to reduce.  Kimberly had designed this moment well.  Komatsu placed both hands on Gia’s shoulders and in an erotic display Kimberly lowered her hands along Gia’s thighs.  She caressed the perfectly sculpted meat in Gia’s legs and smiled like a deviant; the twisted demon created on Gia’s cross all those years ago was finally released.

Evelyn, always sophisticated, looked as if the moment was becoming uncomfortable, too erotic for the magnitude of the event.

Agent Renoldus cleared her throat.

Kimberly’s head darted to the interruption; annoyed.  “Very well,” She said reluctantly.  “On the poll.”

Komatsu pulled at Gia, breaking her resistance to Kimberly’s touch by putting her off balance.  He guided her to the floor and Tomas stepped in and fastened her ankles.  Komatsu did Gia’s wrists and then wound the cog to apply the tension.  It grew more difficult for Gia to remain poised as she was stretched out along the spit.  Done; Komatsu and Tomas raised Gia up and placed her on the brackets of the gyro.  Kimberly stepped forward having produced the spiced oil used for glazing and said to Evelyn, “Please make yourself comfortable whilst I cook my former Mistress.  I’m sure in a short moment her scent will be quiet pleasing.”

Gia was silent.  Not saying a word.

Evelyn turned to Cassandra and joined her by the rose bushes.  “It won’t be long now Cassandra.  After we have eaten, we will leave this place and you will come back to America with me.”  She grabbed Cassandra’s cold, sweaty hand and patted it with support.  “You are very skilled at keeping your mind when you are threatened.  Practice keeping it when those close to you are lost.”

Cassandra gave Evelyn the practiced politicians smile, but noticed something out of place.  Kimberly was basting Gia in preparation to turn on the spit and Komatsu stood watching.  It was Bryce’s appearance in the courtyard caught her eye.  He came out silently into the courtyard and stood on guard near agent Renoldus.  The NSA agent looked at him with the contempt she treated all the servants, but obviously didn’t see him as a threat.  Now Cassandra noticed that Tomas was out of place, not of to the side as was customary.  The servants always placed themselves within the feng-shui of the environment, but his position carried the weight of attention towards Komatsu.  Cassandra had paid more attention to the servants so she noticed this where others didn’t.  The lack of symmetry in the servant’s stations was an indication of something; Cassandra dared not hope what.  Lilianna stood silently in the centre of the courtyard, invisible by her status amongst her new masters.  She tapped her index finger on her thigh where her blade was kept.  She was waiting for something.

If something was going to happen Cassandra wanted it to happen soon.  Kimberly had finished basting Gia and with a gesture of satisfaction, flicked the on switch and turned the dial down, a signal that Gia would cook slowly.  Cassandra could not see Gia’s face as Komatsu was in the way, but the audience was silent so she could hear Gia’s steady breathing as the element heated and she turned.  Gia had studied the spit as chef so long that she had a strategy to deal with it and she had been in an oven before; the time Dalton had spared her in the infancy of her servitude.

Komatsu let his guard down and came up behind Kimberly wrapping his arms around her.  Kimberly leant back into him.  The couple bonding over Gia’s fate in motion.  “I hope she screams at the apex.” Kimberly said.  Cassandra knew what the apex was; it was the moment in cooking when Gia could not be saved by removing her from the heat, the moment her body was overcome and she would start cooking.  Gia was still silent and Kimberly teased for a reaction.  “No more jet setting and exclusive dinners Gia.”  As Gia’s sex came around Kimberly moistened it with the basting brush.  “No more romantic rendezvous with Dalton.” Gia had shut the environment out, she was dealing with the heat by meditating on it, treating it like a liquid she was submerged in.

Kimberly paid the most attention to Gia’s legs taking long brush strokes and coating them, but to Cassandra’s horror she paid attention to Gia’s belly as well.  Cassandra was being considered in the meal.  She had often teased her Mistress in the privacy of her bedroom by play biting her stomach; living out the fantasy of eating Gia’s sacred flesh, but the reality made Cassandra very nervous.  Cassandra realized she was watching the servants and not Evelyn.  Evelyn was occupied with the spectacle and the rich smell that now filled the air.  Cassandra could taste Gia’s sweat mingled with spices and butter.

“People will ask you of this occasion.”  Evelyn said to Cassandra, forgetting her display of grief yesterday.

“What should I say?”  Cassandra asked.

“Tell them how she tasted.  The expression on her face as she was carved.”  Evelyn smiled.  “Tell them what was behind her eyes as she saw you place her flesh in your mouth.  They will want to know.  This could have been a memorable Society event, instead of a private gathering.”

Gia let out her first cry of distress.  It was responded to with a euphoric giggle from Kimberly.

Kimberly was now totally absorbed in her task.  A maid approached and brought a tray of red wine.  Kimberly held the brush in one hand and took the wine in the other.  Komatsu passed on the wine and the tray came to Cassandra and Evelyn.  The maid was Anna, the one Evelyn fancied as a meal for next year.  As she leant down to offer wine to the sitting ladies, Evelyn ran her hand over her exposed legs.

“Hello Anna.” Evelyn said to her.

Anna smiled politely in response.

The expression Evelyn gave in return wiped the smile from Anna face.  She understood the toothed grin had hunger behind it.  Wine delivered she quickly took her leave.

Cassandra said nothing, but sipped her wine.   The glimmer of hope she had been given from the body language of the three servants at hand faded.  Gia had been cooking for twenty minutes.  She did not understand the science of cooking well, always being on the receiving end, but she knew in a few minutes longer Gia would be beyond saving and all that would be left for her was a slow dance on the gyro perfecting her flesh.

More cries came from Gia.  Dehydration and constant pain was breaking even Gia down.  Each cry was met with greater resolve and more focused breathing, audible to the captive audience, but now her resistance to the process was the thing that bought delight to Kimberly and Evelyn.  Gia’s pride was now her weakness.  She could not win, but would not allow herself to lose.  Cassandra drank all her wine in one gulp.  Its bouquet had been selected by the cellar master to match Gia’s predicted flavor.  It was a hint at what she might taste like.

Several more minutes past.  Gia’s whole body twitched.  Kimberly stepped back for everyone to see.  Gia Eros’ glazed and browning body convulsed against the restraints and a drawn-out cry of insult and indignity escaped in a long whimper.  She whispered “Dalton” and it was done.  The insurmountable heat had reach threshold.  She was now seemingly beyond saving.  Despite the warning of last night, a single tear rolled down Cassandra’s cheek and landed into her empty wine glass.

Kimberly sighed as if she had reached orgasm and then……..

Tomas drew back his fist and hooked Komatsu from behind.  The sound of bone crunching bone broke the moment.  Kimberly turned surprised but Lilianna closed the the distance to her with dance like steps.  Despite Kimberly’s stake as a hunter, she did not react in time to Lilianna’s hasty jabs to her abdomen and then her throat.  Both Kimberly’s diaphragm and larynx spasmed and she dropped her knees winded, gasping for air.  A gun shot rang out from behind.  Agent Renoldus had drawn her weapon but Bryce wailed into her in the flurry of fists, the advantage of his athleticism overcoming the agent.  He had dealt with many willing women in the Slaughter House.  Komatsu was temporarily stunned (no, he was never stunned).  He was just knocked aside by Tomas best punch.  He rounded on Tomas and raised his arms.  As Tomas went to strike again Komatsu jabbed, knocking his assailant off balance and then came the kick.  Tomas crumpled to the ground bested by the Japanese killer. 

Komatsu rounded to aid Kimberly but found Lilianna standing waiting, blade in hand.  Komatsu sneered and stepped forward in fighting stance.  It looked like a comical Elizabethan dance step as he closed the distance to Lilianna.  She performed a dance of her own.  Despite being with child, she side stepped and slashed with her blade, striking his arm.  The wound didn’t hinder Komatsu in the slightest.  He rounded and attacked again from the new angle Lilianna had created.  Lilianna, much lighter, did not take the attack head on, but deflected the blows, slashing as she went.  Arcs of crimson erupted out at right angles to Komatsu’s attacks, and the House Keeper stepped over and around Tomas and Kimberly’s bodies on the ground as if she knew exactly where they lay.  Komatsu, bleeding from his arms, snarled.

Lilianna spun the blade in her hand illustrating a never before seen proficiency.  Her expression did not shift.

The two eyed each other as if extending some form of energy bubble, trying to push the other back.

Komatsu over committed and jumped up in the air.  Greater than six feet, he bought his kick to head height.  Lilianna leapt back in sync and as Komatsu lunged and landed she had the footing to leap forward.  She slid through his upraised arms with great dexterity and buried the blade to its hilt in the centre of his chest...

A stunned expression came over Komatsu face.  He seemed to realize he had finally been killed and a baffled expression that it had been done by a woman, meant that confusion was his final thought.  He slumped to his knees and then feel forward at Lilianna’s feet.

Kimberly had regained her breath just in time to see him fall, and as Cassandra had done last night, screamed.

Lilianna did not need to tackle Kimberly.  She ran to Komatsu’s body and shook it already inconsolable.  She had lost every bit of her fight.  Her lover and savior had been taken.

Bryce pocketed the agent’s gun and bound her wrists with a zip tie.

Tomas, dazed, clambered to his feet and stood watch over Kimberly as she knelt weeping, crippled by grief.

Lilianna walked towards Evelyn Kennedy and Cassandra proudly.  Evelyn flinched indignantly as if a peasant had just been crowned king and all her infamy meant naught.  Lilianna’s hands were stained with blood.  As she stood in front of them she stared down Evelyn’s shock and fear.  Once the matriarch broke her stunned expression, she turned to Cassandra.  Lilianna’s face became composed and she said, as if nothing had just happened,  “The Estate is yours Mistress Blake.”

Chapter 7.   Apex of Prodigy

The switch flicked in Cassandra’s brain.  “Evelyn,” Cassandra said still sitting on the bench next to the Socialite,  “I believe it is safest if you retire to your quarters.

Evelyn, still shocked by the contained slave rebellion she had just witnessed, turned to and opened her mouth to speak.  All she managed was a flurry of blinks.

“Please Evelyn, I assure you, everything will be fine.”

Lilianna glared at Evelyn Kennedy, given her recent demonstration of prowess, Evelyn rose and took her leave.

The second she was gone Cassandra rose.  Kimberly still knelt by Komatsu’s body weeping.  “Tomas.  Bryce.  Take Kimberly and Agent Renoldus to the Slaughter house. Bryce, you stay on guard.”  Bryce lugged the battered and stunned agent to her feet and Tomas wrestled with Kimberly.  Kimberly was not fighting for freedom but to remain by Komatsu.  She screamed and kicked at the air.  She cried his name over and over; her immortal savior slain by a pregnant woman.

Immediate threats dealt with, Cassandra ran to the gyro.  She shut it down with the turn of a dial and a flick of a switch.

“Let her cook.”  Lilianna said politely, the only other person in the courtyard.

“It might not be too late.”  Cassandra insisted and despite the hot metal burning her hands released the clamps that held the pit in place.

“Cassandra” Lilianna spoke to her by name.  Cassandra immediately understood Lilianna was demonstrating Cassandra’s appointed station was a partnership, not an accession to the throne.  “She will take back the Estate and this will all happen again.

Cassandra snapped,  “Then we will banish her and we will enslave her if she returns, but I am not starting this by killing my Mistress.”

Lilianna was silent.

“Betrayal leads to betrayal Lilianna.  We set thinks right and we step back from the politics.”  Cassandra didn’t realize that every little trait of all the people she had dealt with within the Society had formulated a philosophy of minimal interference.

Lilianna sighed.  She tapped her ear piece.  “Send the midwife to the master suite and tell her she has to revive a meal.  Send two men to carry Gia Eros from the courtyard to the master suite.”  Orders give, Lilianna stepped forward and despite the heat on their hands, they lifted the spit off of the gyro and set it down on the brickwork of the courtyard.  The male servants who came were startled by the sight, but a glare from Lilianna silenced any confusion.  In passing thought Cassandra realized that this had always been Lilianna’s Estate.  She ran it internally and it was people like her and Gia who dealt with external agents who entered her grounds.

Gia’s shackled limbs were released and she was carried away.  Her battle with the heat relieved she seemed to fade out and grow still, no longer afraid how she might be if she relaxed her wits to the process.  Cassandra knew she could not follow and be by her side.  Cassandra and Lilianna left the courtyard, and the growing pool of blood around Komatsu’s body, for the office and the phone call they would have to make.

Surrounded by the antiques, trophies and the computer that housed files that could bring down world leaders, Cassandra picked up Gia’s office phone.  The familiar voice of the only servant Cassandra had never met answered in her cheery voice.  This time it was tainted with uncertainty.  The type of uncertainty a change in power bought.  “Yes Miss…. Mistress Blake.”

Cassandra had the phone on speaker and Lilianna hung at the other side of the desk whilst Cassandra sat in Gia’s (then Kimberly’s) chair.  “Patch me through to Geppetto.”

There was a pause.  “One moment.”  The dial tone sounded in the office.

“Is it done?”  Geppetto’s voice came over the speaker.

“There has been a development Geppetto.”  Cassandra said.

Silence.  Then, “Cassandra.”

Cassandra did not know if Lilianna’s choice of her would result in a small army of Geppetto’s servants coming down on the Estate and wiping them all out.  She had not been given his blessing to rule the Estate and so Cassandra stayed true to her experience dealing with dominants.  She submitted.

“I’m afraid Kimberly is unable to run this Estate into the future.  It has fallen upon me to take charge of the situation.  I am calling for your blessing.”  Cassandra knew Geppetto had a god complex.  He did not subscribe to the monotheistic interpretation of a God.  He was more like the Greek Gods in mythology, subject to human emotions and the whims of his desires.  His reaction to the developments in Spain was unpredictable.

“Is Gia dead?”  Was all he said.

“She may die.  But if she lives, I’m afraid the desire to have her removed from power at the Estate means that she cannot continue here.  We all want this matter of title put behind us.”  Cassandra knew this was not everything that Geppetto wanted.  More importantly it sounded as if she was concerned with her own safety, but instinct told her this was the right sentiment to convey.  His son’s obsession with Gia denied him an heir beyond a single generation.  She had to both secure his blessing and save Gia.

“What do you require for the smooth running of the Estate under your title?”  It was not acceptance of Cassandra that led him to ask the question; he was merely feeling Cassandra out.

Lilianna handed Cassandra the telegram she had intercepted yesterday.  She had not passed it on.  Cassandra scanned it and immediately understood the motive behind the House Keepers rebellion.  “I require Lilianna indefinitely, and her child, when born, is to remain at the Estate.”  This was not the primary concern, but she did not like to think what would happen if Lilianna’s future came into question again.  “I require your son, Dalton Monroe, to come and collect Gia Eros should she survive.  Surely his desire for her survival will give him the incentive to order her to exit.  She is his after all.”

Geppetto gave nothing away in tone or syntax.  “Anything else?”

Lilianna scribbled a word on the telegram, ‘Ivy’.  Cassandra remembered the compound’s House Keeper and the delight she had taken when Geppetto stung Cassandra with the wasp.  She understood Lilianna was tying up loose ends to secure her future and that of her child.  “I want your House Keeper Ivy as a gesture of good will.”

More silence.  “You ask for very little.”  Geppetto said, Ivy’s life obviously not worth anything to him despite her fanatical loyalty.

“I have everything I need.”  Cassandra said.  The confident quip was meant to illustrate she was capable of taking on the station.

“Very well.  You have my blessing.”  Geppetto hung up the phone.

Cassandra placed her elbows on the desk and buried her eyes on in her hands.  What had she gotten into?

“Well done Mistress Blake.”  Lilianna said.  Without a moment to lose efficiency, she stated “We should summon the staff immediately and have them present themselves to you.”  Lilianna turned from the office and started back to her duties.  “You are liked.  They will be happy.”

“Lilianna,” Cassandra called as she left,  “We are partners in this.”

Lilianna smiled.  “Yes Mistress Blake.”  The House Keeper placed her hand on her belly content with the situation.

Interlude

Evelyn was chauffeured to the nearest airport, but did not part with animosity.  Cassandra had found herself in an influential position and Cassandra’s apologies (taking responsibility for the rebellion) hinted she was more capable the Evelyn had imagined.  “Call Randy when you can.” she had said indicating their relationship still had her blessing, though it was now on different terms.

Cassandra performed beautifully at her inspection of the staff.  Instead of a military style parade she addressed every staff member by name, pausing and complimenting her favorites.  Lilianna would see that the running of the Estate proceeded without a hiccup, but Cassandra had taken two action; the release of Kaley from the Slaughter House; and an inquiry into Anetta’s sentence as dinner.  As she dismissed the staff she announced a feast of the meat preserves that had been accumulated over the Autumn from the remains of the meals.  The cattle were already dead, and Cassandra did not have the stomach for a live meal after seeing Anetta’s terror-filled eyes.

Giselle had been in the lineup of staff and with no real duties, started to wonder off.  Cassandra called after her and she slowly approached.  Cassandra was concerned.  She had relaxed into liberties when Cassandra had been under Gia over the Autumn, but her best friend’s death served as a lesson that she could have her freedoms taken.

“Giselle sweetie.”  Cassandra said and got down on her knees and hugged Giselle.  “I’m sorry you lost Anetta.  She was my friend too.”

Giselle chanced eye contact, and seeing Cassandra’s expression, seemed to remember the protection she had given.  She forced a smile.

“You don’t have to pretend to be happy.  It will take time for things to seem normal again.”  Cassandra rose and extended her hand for Giselle to take.  Cassandra guided her to the master suite where the midwife was attending to Gia.

Gia had been washed and lay unconscious with her hands by her side.  The scent of the oil she had been basted with had not been fully removed and Gia looked both beautiful in her vulnerability and delicious.  Cassandra moved a seat by the bed and sat.  Giselle, like a cat, curled up at her feet.  Giselle hadn’t slept through the terror and Cassandra saw it as a good sign that she relaxed in her company.  The midwife placed a blanket over Giselle and took her place on a seat at the other side of the room to monitor Gia.  The entire Estate started Cassandra’s reign by relaxing.

Chapter 8.  The Lovers Reunited

Dalton Monroe leaped from the black Rolls Royce and ran up the stairs to where Cassandra Blake stood to receive him.  He was dressed in a business suit that would have cost as much as a car, but he was never dressed in less except when playing Professor.  “Cassandra, how are you?”  He said without ceremony desperate for news on his mate.  Some ingrained manners permitted him from pushing her aside and running to find Gia.

“I just hung the Estate’s butcher from his own meat hook and severed his genitals before thrusting them into his screaming mouth as he bled out.”  She spoke of course of Hendrix and the punishment for the part he had played in Anetta’s death.  Lilianna had investigated Anetta demise and knew the kitchen staff were under duress at the instructions.  Hendrix on the other hand had participated with glee.  It was by no means tactful and did not sate Dalton’s urgent business, but Cassandra was not prone to such things and had to get it off her chest.  She alone had such liberty at the Estate.

Dalton’s inquisitive look momentarily hid his desire to see Gia.  He changed the subject.  “How is she?”

Cassandra now addressed Dalton’s urgency; she turned and walked into the House towards the master suite without need for verbalizing directions.  Dalton followed as if on a leash.  “She survived, though she is weak.  I would take her to a hospital as soon as you can.  She needs a professional.  The midwife knows only so much.”  Cassandra had already decided the Estate needed its own doctor.  Her excuse was that someone who could treat the injuries inflicted on the servants, could be justified along the lines of prolonging suffering of victims.

As they departed, Lilianna and Tomas made an appearance and headed for the rear of the Rolls Royce.  Charles the driver popped the boot.  Tomas retrieved a large red suitcase, the Society’s means of transporting victims, and placed it on the ground.  Lilianna unzipped the case and examined the contents.  Ivy was curled naked in the fetal position inside, an oxygen mask over her face.  Lilianna smiled and zipped the suitcase closed.  “Take this to the pain room and string her up” she said.  Tomas smiled and was grateful Lilianna was his closest friend and lover.  As he picked the case she returned to her endless duties, but turned her head and said,  “You can rape her as much as you like Tomas.”

Cassandra and Dalton rounded from the foyer into the hall of the wing that led to Gia’s room.  Dalton broke into a run and Cassandra let him go ahead.  He pushed through the unlocked door and she could hear him calling her name over and over, attempting to wake her.  By the time Cassandra got into the room, Gia was had opened her eyes and Dalton was kissing her on the lips.  As he pulled away Gia smiled at him weakly and closed her eyes as if at rest with the moment.

His immediate desire to see his lover alive sated, Dalton rose from the bedside and turned to Cassandra.  “I will arrange transport to a hospital immediately.”

“Whatever you need,”  Cassandra said. 

As Dalton reached for the phone he navigated the Estate’s operator with efficiency.  The closest private hospital was some distance away.  He looked at Gia as he waited to be put through to a Hospital’s reception.  Gia lay on her back on the clean bed resting.  A saline drip was attached to her wrist and the bag of fluid had been changed several times.  Prolonged cooking’s most obvious symptom was dehydration.  Steroids and nutrients had been added to the fluid to rebuild her damaged body.  Cassandra’s greatest fear was that the heat had caused brain damage.  Gia started to hum the music she always hummed when she was about to see Dalton.

“Doctor Patel please.”  Dalton said to the phone having finally been put through.  There was another pause and then Dalton said, “I need a private room and I mean private.  I have a woman recovering from….”  Dalton didn’t know what to say.

Cassandra could here mumbles on the other end of the phone.

“Yes exactly,” Dalton said.  Whoever Dr. Patel was, he was obviously aware of what the woman’s injuries might be.  Cassandra would inquire later about this Doctor, but Dalton had more pressing matters. 

He turned to Cassandra but it was obvious he wished to conclude the business quickly to aid in Gia received the proper treatment.  “Kimberly?”  He said.

“In the slaughter house.  She has not been harmed or maimed, but is refusing to eat or drink.  With Komatsu dead, she has given up.”  Cassandra had liked Kimberly before all this had started, but she realized protecting her was not an option.

“I will send for her when Gia has recovered and is settled at my manor.  The two have some business to partake in.”  Dalton was politely vague.  “And the agent?”

Cassandra straightened her back.  “She is mine.  I will deal with her personally.”  The agent had killed Anetta.  Cassandra had thought of so many punishments.  All she knew is that Agent Renoldus would not die soon.  Not until she was very, very sorry, and maybe not even then.

Dalton paused and raised the matter that had not been discussed.  “I will see that my father is kept happy.  Gia will not be permitted to enter the Estate grounds again nor interfere in its running.”

Cassandra smiled politely.  “That is his will, not mine.  Please encourage her to remember I am hers.”  Cassandra allowed the sentiment to slip out despite her better judgment.

“You’re not hers anymore Cassandra.”  Dalton corrected with a seriousness Cassandra had not seen in him before.  It hinted that perhaps he might start giving orders for Gia to follow now that the situation had changed.  Dalton turned to Gia and wrapped her in her sheets.  He picked her up as if he was carrying her across the threshold.  The midwife leapt to her feet and hastily carried the drip attached to Gia and ran after Dalton holding it above Gia’s body.  Dalton was so used to being served he expected it to happen without instruction.  Cassandra was left alone in the room.  As Gia was carried down the hall, she hummed the Spanish opera that had been Dalton’s first gift to her.  Cassandra didn’t know for sure, but perhaps her Mistress’s priorities had shifted.  Perhaps all she wanted now was Dalton.

Cassandra slumped into the chair where she sat vigil last night.  Seeing Dalton was pointless.  She reached for the phone he had just used and picked it up.

“Yes Mistress Blake.”  The familiar voice came.

“Randy Kennedy’s mobile.”  She said, and as a sign of the new order of things, entertained the notion of finding out where the operator was and meeting her.

Randy’s phone rang.

“Cassy.”  His voice had a hint of urgency.

“Is your Mother happy?”  She asked.  If Evelyn’s politeness had been an act she wanted to find out straight away.

“Not happy—scared and impressed maybe,”  Randy paused.  “She’s not used to having her plans derailed.”

“Please tell her she’s welcome here and that I like her.”

Randy chuckled.  “You’re better off waiting until she invites you to an event so she’s back in control.”  Cassandra didn’t know what to say, but after the silence extended a little, Randy spoke up again.  “I was kind of looking forward to having you in Boston with me.”

“I’ll come visit when things have settled down.”  Cassandra promised.

“Do things settle down at the Estate?”  Randy asked.  “I mean do you actually know how big a deal it is running the Autumn Estate?”

Cassandra was silent.  She had been exposed to some of the workings by helping Gia, but on reflection Gia did spend a lot of time on the phone and in her office.  “I have nine months to get ready and I have the advantage of people suddenly wanting me to know them.”   Cassandra mused for a second.  She thought of telling him Lilianna would handle the servants and all she needed to do was operate as a statesman advocating a place that already had a solid reputation; then she figured it was best to let him think she had to work hard.  “Yep, it’s going to be tough for a while, but I’ll make it to Boston soon.”

Randy’s casual approach to high end politics was a gift of being a Kennedy.  Soon the conversation turned to his residency at his hospital and the tease over which nurse he would take first.  He was naturally given a great deal of attention from the nurses and delighted in the possibilities that offered.

Chapter 9.  The Start of Spring:  Three Months Later.

Cassandra woke and realized she was alone.  Kaley must be on the veranda watching the sunrise again.  She’d not been disturbed, but her internal clock told that any second now…. the knock came on the door.

“Enter Giselle,” Cassandra said sitting up in her Egyptian cotton sheets. 

The little Maid entered with a smile carrying the tray of musceli, Brazilian coffee and fresh orange juice; enough for Kaley and herself.  “Good morning Cassy,” Giselle chirped and bought the tray to Cassandra’s side.  She wore a pink and white night gown; the two colours displayed a floral pattern around her neck line.  Her hair was made and it was clear she had risen early; usually she stayed in bed with her partner.  She gently placed the tray down and turned to take her leave.  She did this slowly and Cassandra knew she wanted to stay.  Cassandra tapped Kaley’s side of the bed and Giselle broke out in smile and scampered over Cassandra to take her perch.

“How are things?”  Cassandra asked pouring the milk into her musceli.

“Good,”  Giselle said briefly and without enthusiasm.

“Just good?”  Cassandra queried.  Giselle was the equivalent of Cassandra’s personal attendant; she had privileges on par with Lilianna.  Giselle was silent and Cassandra suspected the problem might have been tediousness.  “Are you still enjoying Florence?”  She followed.

Giselle was lying on her side, curling her hair watching her Mistress.  “I’m bored with her.”

“Already?”  Cassandra said, but not strictly.  She let the moment pass for a second.  Since Anetta’s death and the re-establishment of a norm at the Estate, Cassandra had allowed Giselle to select a maid as a companion.

Florence was the third one Giselle had chosen.  She enjoyed the promiscuous nature of the maids, a trait she shared with them, but couldn’t relate to them on an emotional level.  “You pick another one when you’re ready.  What about Tricia?”  Cassandra like Tricia.  Whomever Giselle stuck with would receive a pardon from the maid’s approaching fate.  She took the first bite of her musceli and her little helper watched her enchanted.  Cassandra knew that she was an object of Giselle’s affection, but her maternal instinct towards the former Maid prevent her from granting Giselle her lust.

Kaley stepped in from the veranda, trim and perfect; vulnerable and open.  She wore nothing, and divulged her modesty, but had the luxury of feeling self conscious.  “Good morning Mistress.”  She said dutifully.  Her role was still one of servitude, but the grains of institutionalization had been thoroughly seeded.  She had stopped seeking freedom and started seeking ways to make a life within the compound of the Estate.

“Come have breakfast Kaley.”  Cassandra offered.  The invitation was without sexual innuendo, but Cassandra felt herself aroused at the sight of her pet.  The perfect slave, designed to her desires.  Cassandra watched the perfect poise with which she came and collected a bowl of musceli.  She took delight in the thought that one day she would have Kaley tied to a spit, twitching and struggling in vain as she cooked—the perfect meal.

Cassandra had finished her musceli and placed the bowl back, taking the coffee.  “You want my juice?” she said to Giselle, still watching Kaley.

“Uh huh,” Giselle confirmed, watching the scene and enjoying the sexual tension. Cassandra passed her the juice.

From the first sip of coffee Cassandra immediately switched into work mode.  “So ladies, what’s on for today?”

Chapter 10.  The End

Cassandra had a new hobby, one that seemed a matter of tradition.  She carried the mahogany box to the breeding stables.  Lilianna was there supervising the washing of the breeding stock.  The past Autumn had been a successful one, all the breeders had been impregnated, and it appeared the hobby farm would have a full contingent of babies to offer Saudi Arabia come next Autumn. 

The African American woman they worked on cried as the two Maids, not shy, enjoyed the act of washing her.  She’d had once been a trouble maker, but being forced to deliver a baby and then have it taken from her, had broken her.  None of the stable’s permanent occupants gave them any troubles.  The redhead model/actress and the arrogant Italian homophobe Cassandra had acquired herself were the stables’ newest residents. Yet both had relaxed into slavery, driven slightly mad by captivity and constant exposure to explicit material that was the only entertainment of the breeders.

“Good morning Lilianna,” Cassandra said.  Lilianna, her very pregnant partner in the running of the Estate, did not smile.  She was busy rubbing her belly.  The child of hers, and the now head of security Tomas, must have been kicking.  Cassandra marveled at the diversity of Lilianna’s mind, and all the loops and conflicts it must have broken to do what she did; all out of love for her unborn child.  She had taken many women’s babies; the fact that her own was so special to her had taken the edge off of her punishments.  She had become less strict, but more severe if her new found generosity was ignored.  Lilianna was still the most ominous disciplinarian at the Estate, but her change of mindset meant everyone had an easier time, except for the three.  They hung where Rosalita had once hung alone, the centre piece of the stables, and the symbol of how bad things could get if you crossed the Society.

“Agent Renoldus,” Cassandra said in greeting to her personal pain slave.  She did not greet Ivy and Rosalita who hung on either side—a fact they took with relief; it was not their turn.  The broken NSA agent gasped for air as she hung from her wrists from the high stable roof.  Her restraints restricted the ease with which she could breath.  It was something she would adjust to in time.  “Please…..” she pleaded, wanting to say more but fearful denial would remove all hope.

Cassandra produced the mahogany box and presented it to Agent Renoldus.  The agent scrunched her face up in fear of what was to follow.  “You must know by now that your agency has burned you.  There will be no deal for your release, no reprieve from your punishment.”

“No, No, No,” came a frantic drawn out cry.  Then the favorite choice of every torture victim—bartering.  “I can give you information.  We had files on everyone in the Society.”

Cassandra opened the box and pulled out the silver needle that had once been her Mistress’s favorite toy.  Cassandra let the captive agent see it.  “You had my best friend murdered,” she said coldly.  “I’m never going to let you die.”  Cassandra guided the tip to Renoldus’ clitoris and then injected it into her body.  The scream that entered the stable unsettled everyone save Lilianna, but focused Cassandra’s anger again.  The memory of the night Anetta had died was still fresh in her mind, and allowed her imagination the freedom to rage against Renoldus who was only in the infancy of her punishment.

A single piercing was not enough, but as Lilianna ran the Estate, Cassandra found she had free time to properly undertake Agent Renoldus’ punishment on most days.  It was a more brutal punishment than that Ivy and Rosalita faced, but Cassandra had plans.  As Randy’s residency in Boston slackened from its hectic first stage and he had leisure time, she planned to have him come and remove parts of Renoldus to consume in front of her.  The Agent’s body would be eroded and what was left would be a cum receptacle for the male servants.  Cassandra would leave her with no dignity as she went mad from dehumanization.  A second needle prick came and the Agent screamed as before.  This time the needle pierced Renoldus’ belly and found its way deep into her, puncturing her kidney.  Cassandra had found that severity in the first few jabs loosen her victim up for the lesser wounds to follow making the final, again severe, jabs extremely effective.

Cassandra drew back.  Already Renoldus’ body quivered and the wounds to her kidney and clit looked like it would cause her displeasure for some time.  “I’ve been a bit of a tease Agent.  I’m afraid I can’t stay today as I do most days.  I have a meeting in Lourinha.”

The Agent changed tack as if granted mercy.  “Thank you…thank you…thank you!”

Cassandra tilted her head and smiled.  “Don’t thank me.  Lilianna will see to your punishment.”

Lilianna had a new game.  Rosalita had become so desperate to escape her daily torments that Lilianna would offer her a reprieve for the day if she tortured the other two pain slaves.  Once the breeders were cleaned and seen to, Lilianna would unchain Rosalita and whisper instructions in her ear.  The need to escape torment by pleasing Lilianna at this task had quickly turned Rosalita into an effective tool of punishment.  Rosalita was at risk of becoming used to her punishments after years of torment.  This psychological attack offered a fresh avenue of abuse for all three.  In time the pain slaves would take turns punishing each other.

The agent started to cry.

Cassandra cleaned the needle and returned it to the mahogany box for safe keeping.  She headed out of the stables and back to the Estate House to change for a meeting in Lourinha.

Giselle, and unsurprisingly Tricia (Giselle was prone to suggestion), worked at Cassandra’s hair and makeup for her meeting.  Tricia giggled as Giselle barking orders at the task the way Anetta once had.  Giselle seemed frustrated but Cassandra’s experiment to save Tricia from the Harvest was only in its infancy.  Tricia was skilled at attending to matters of appearance. 

Cassandra’s appearance polished, the duo of maids stepped back and Cassandra smiled openly at their work.  “Almost ready,” Cassandra said.  She was not referring to her appearance or choice of dress.  Cassandra had already picked out her attire.  She hinted at her cravings; the itch she felt every day was kicking in.  Kaley, reading a book on Cassandra’s bed, picked up on the message and curled up provocatively.  Giselle allowed herself a grin and guided Tricia out of the room.  Door closed Cassandra climbed onto her bed where Kaley waited to serve.  “Gently Kaley” Cassandra instructed and her pet understood the type of attention she desired.  The beautiful ballet teacher bent into Cassandra’s sex and politely gave cunninglingus.

Not more than twenty minutes later Cassandra walked through the gates of the Estate compound onto the road that led to Lourinha.  Kaley had done well and her mind was clear.  Her pet had been granted unchaperoned freedom to roam the Estate, and more importantly had been instructed to run a ballet class for the maids.  The class was interesting.  Kaley had taught the elite, but the collection of novices found the class enjoyable despite their teacher’s frustration.  The task however had improved Kaley’s psyche.  It had also given Kaley some authority and status amongst the servants, and the return to the exercises sculpted her mouth-watering figure to the perfection Cassandra had first been drawn to.

Cassandra headed to Maria’s house.  The young girl from Lourinha had become Cassandra ward of sorts.  She received money weekly, more than she needed, and had hired another townsperson to deal with her constantly demanding Grandmother.  She’d spent the money on fixing up the run down cottage and it was now the single bright light in an otherwise dilapidated village.  No one vandalized or trespassed on the cottage, as they knew where the gifts that created it came from.  An outdoor table and chairs had been set up out front for Cassandra to entertain her visitor

Cassandra knocked on Maria’s door.  Maria opened it and smiled.  “How are you Maria?”  Cassandra asked.

“Well thank you,”  Maria responded.  She had been practicing her English and had improved.

“My friend is never late” Cassandra said looking at her watch.  “She will be here shortly.  “Please bring out tea when you hear us talking.”

Maria nodded.  A delivery of a china tea set and Japanese tea had been sent to Maria’s cottage yesterday.

“Thank you for entertaining us Maria.”  Cassandra said politely.

Maria smiled.  Given the break Cassandra had offered to her life, it really was the least she could do.

Cassandra sat at the table and looked at her gold watch.  As the second, minute, and hour hand aligned at noon the Black Rolls Royce driven by her trusted driver Charles rounded the corner of the unpaved road and parked.  Charles got out of the driver’s seat and opened the door for his passenger.  Gia Eros stepped out of the vehicle and her statuesque form gracefully approached Cassandra.  She wore a thin black dress with a split up one leg.  Her loss of station had not dampened the power of her beauty.

Cassandra rose and Gia sat in silence.  As Cassandra resumed her seat the tension over the exchange in ownership of the Autumn Estate was not played down.  Both women were comfortable with the tension but neither spoke.

“Mistress.”  Cassandra said softly.

Gia smiled, “You cannot call me that anymore.  You are free from bondage.”

“A term of affection perhaps?”  Cassandra said hopefully.

The smile on Gia’s face grew and the tension dissipated.  “I’ve missed you Cassy.”

“I’ve missed you too.”  Cassandra replied and Maria made her entrance carrying a tray with the tea.  She set it down and took her leave.

“Your charity seems to have done well.” Gia said in reference to Maria.  Dressed in new clothes and cleaned up Maria’s hidden beauty showed.  “What else have you been up too?”  Gia queried and sipped at her tea.  Gia was banished from the Estate.  Geppetto would have reacted violently if Cassandra had received Gia at the Estate, but Lourinha was both close and neutral.

“I received many letters of introduction and inquiry into indulgences.  Several people offered recommendations for improvements.”  Cassandra now sipped her tea.  “I went on a tour of banquets around Europe, America and one in China.  Visited Randy in Boston.”  Cassandra paused momentarily and then shared, “Don Mateus made a gift of Kate to me.  He said I could do with her as I pleased.”

Kate was a girl, indentured to the Society like Cassandra had been, whom she had befriended on a visit to Spain.

“And what did you do with her?”  Gia asked.  The answer she suspected, but it would confirm her beliefs about Cassandra’s take on managing people.

“I set her free and gave her a job doing charity work in Africa.”  Cassandra answered.  “We talk; she’s happy not having to hurt people.”

“You’ve taken to charity?” Gia asked.

“The Estate (as Gia knew) has a very large sum of money behind it.  The way I see it, we can save more lives than we take.”  Cassandra ideology was different from Gia’s.  Gia had always consumed the beautiful to exude prowess; Cassandra took from the spoilt and the stupid and gave to the innocent.

“You and the innocents.” Gia said shaking her head as if it were  a trait she had wanted to cleanse Cassandra of, but on the contrary, she admired it as something she observed.

“And you Mistress?” Cassandra said, forcing the title on Gia.  “News?”

Gia straighten her back.  “Dalton is loving, but his manner is so boring.  It’s going to take me some time to get it the way I like.”  Gia was skipping over an important detail.

“What has happened to Kimberly?”  Cassandra said cutting to the chase.

“I’m pregnant,” Gia said.  Only Gia would deliver such monumental news to avoid answering a question.

Cassandra took a deep breath.  She did not feel like playing sophisticated with Gia if she played the game.  Cassandra started, “Congratulation… of course, but what has happened with Kimberly?”  Cassandra didn’t play down the news out of disrespect, nor neglect the importance of an heir to the Society.  Cassandra had known Kimberly as well as any in the Society.  She expected to know her fate.

“I want you to be the child’s Godmother and the ebony girl Dalton bred for you to raise, is healthy and when she no longer requires a wet-nurse, we will gift her to you.”  These were all important matters, but not the answer to Cassandra’s question, one she was prepared to drop her guise to obtain.

“Mistress!”  A title of submission and endearance was delivered in a harsh voice.

Gia concluded, “Kimberly’s fate is a chapter for another story.”  She finished her tea and rose.

Cassandra rose with her and the two stood apart.  “Congratulations again,”  Cassandra said.  The news of her pregnancy meant Dalton was finally taking charge of Gia.  Something she would delight in and a dynamic she would soon master to her advantage.

“I love you Cassy,” Gia said in parting as turned to the Rolls Royce.

The End.

Originally I had no intention of turning my short story into a novella, but the brief description of Gia (Originally misspelled from Gaia: Mother of Earth in Greek Mythology) aroused me and I started to fantasize about the successful Cannibal Socialite.  Her story was obvious to me; the dominatrix must be tamed and so her end was set in my mind.  The invention of Cassy came as I was contributing to a thread on Harley Quinn (the Joker’s girlfriend).  She, from my posts of her, came more to my attention and I read comics involving her.  She was devoted, intelligent and a petite woman capable adapting to the situation no matter how intense.  So with her adaptability and brains in mind I started to think about a Harley Quinn that could survive in Gia’s world and mixed in the American Princess tale into the story (rich; successful father; beautiful but self conscious; and a dream boyfriend).  Make no mistake; Cassandra is mad and was long before she met Gia, but she is an empathic kind of crazy.  She sought an American heartthrob (Randy) in the heart of a cannibal’s compound and adapted to a murderous and hedonistic world as if she was born for it; because she was.  So Cassy was my only immortal character.  For those interested, my favorite character was Lilianna, so I wanted her to have a happy ending.  Please enjoy the final chapter of the White Glove Society………. I may write short stories in the universe in the future, but that idea is not set in stone.