Twist me, p.1
Twist Me, page 1
© Copyright 2019 by Melissa Lane - All rights reserved.
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TWIST ME
A Dark Intense Romance Story
By: Melissa Lane
CHAPTER ONE
Terra
It was still dark when I slipped out of the bed. I didn't have long to get ready, Sire would be expecting me to be prepared the moment his eyes opened and he never slept much longer than I did. My hands shook a little, like always. I was eager to please him, happy to serve. When Sire is happy, I am happy, wanting him to be pleased with me and how I serve him. I prepared his clothes for him, keeping my own body naked. He may have a use for it again before it was time for him to head to work. He trusted my judgment with the suit he was to wear and I knew that I wouldn't let him down, he hadn't had a problem with my selection for months now. I had learned what he liked and what he didn't, and I knew what he needed to wear for his activities already. It was part of my job to know. Laying out his clothes I slipped out of the room to fetch the readied tray for breakfast. A servant had laid on the table in the sitting room, I never had to leave the privacy of our area. I brought the tray inside, pouring his normal morning tea from the steaming pot. The smell of it seemed to rouse him from his slumber.
Sire opened his eyes. "Terra. Are you prepared?" His eyes were a vibrant green, shining with intellect and control. His body was strong, powerful. I would have once described it as a body built for sin. Back when I was allowed to have such thoughts.
I jumped at the sound of his voice, standing straight and making no effort to hide my nakedness. "Yes, Sire." I didn't meet his eyes, it wasn't my place to. He gathered himself together, stepping out of the bed and sitting to eat without a word. I stood by his side. If he wanted me to eat with him he would have told me to sit, but he didn't. I was disappointed and wondered if I had upset him the night before.
Sire seemed distracted as I helped him dress, concerned over a matter of the court likely. I didn't ask. It wasn't my place to. "Clean yourself, eat and dress, Terra. I'll need you down in the main chamber today. I'm entertaining guests." He hadn't even looked at me as he spoke to me about it. I was used to my orders coming in that way. Sire trusts me enough to not have to force orders on me anymore.
"Yes, Sire." He didn't have to tell me to hurry, I knew that I mustn't tarry already. It would anger him if I was too far behind him. I began to move immediately, well accustomed to following the orders he laid out. I knew the secret, even his suggestions were orders, and that I must follow them without question. It was the way that things had to be done so that I could thrive here.
"That's good, Terra. Did you sleep well?" Sire had a handsome smile. Dark hair. Dark eyes. This morning they showed concern and caring. He was a loving Sire, someone who cared for me, held me close to him whenever I needed it. It was his job to care for me as much as it was my job to serve his needs. He had long ago swore that he would give me no order that he knew I could not fulfill.
I smiled at the question. No matter how busy he was he always had it in his heart to show concern for me. "I did, Sire." I felt oddly like I was speaking in some sing-song voice. The voice of a woman in love.
"Hmmm. It was quite a night. I'm sure that you are sore. Make sure that you're able to move tonight. I have a feeling that I'll need to make extra use of you." He looked down at me. I always felt so small at these moments, his large frame so easily able to pick me as he needed to, to heft me around. I felt so safe when his body was wrapped around mine, he could hold me like no other, but there was more. He was powerful. Not just in his frame. Everything about the man spoke of amazing power and control. He was always in control. It never slipped. Never faded, except occasionally in his dreams. If I did not listen, that large frame could easily turn to a source of terror. I knew better than to not listen to his words.
"I'll be ready, Sire." I bowed my head in compliance. I knew that I would be ready. I had no choice.
"You always are." He spoke with complete confidence as he busied himself getting ready.
Seeing as he was done speaking I didn't respond beyond the usual “Yes, Sire.” As I began to move to ready myself for the day ahead.
I was already cleaning myself in the small tub that had been brought up that morning when he left the room. I tried to hide the pain in my face as my sore muscles hit the cold water. I would have no warm bath today. Clearly, there was something that he needed me by his side for today. I knew better than to ask, but he rarely requested specifically for me to be down in the main hall with him. Often I could sleep through the day, rest up from my other duties, but this was not the case today. I would have to show myself as strong and powerful.
It was due to my beauty that he liked to keep me by his side when he entertained guests that might be impressed by beauty. He often called me a great beauty. There was someone that he wants to impress with the woman he keeps in his bed. I have been owned by Sire for several years now, having left my old life behind. I barely remembered it anymore, but from what Sire says I was too great a beauty to be left to live in that squalor I was in before. I try not to think about it anyway. It isn't important. This is my life now. Serving Sire any way that he needs me to. It is not a bad life, in fact, it's one that I rather enjoy most days. Not much is asked of me usually, most days I am not even required when he is doing the duties that noblemen are required to do. My busy times are at night. When I need to be prepared to serve Sire's every need. He takes comfort in me and I enjoy knowing that he's there.
There was a time that he frightened me. I don't like to remember those times. I learned quickly though. He was always so proud of my progress, pushing me to be able to serve him better. Now I can roam freely when he doesn't need me and I know that I need to follow the rules that he set out for me.
Always wear clothes when I am alone with another. He doesn't like me being touched by anyone else. I'm his, and I would never dare to betray his trust. Even when he shows me off, I am wearing clothes. My body is for him alone. I know he loves me for that reason. He has no desire to touch any other woman. He trained me perfectly and tells me how proud he is of my progress.
My clothes are easy to pick out. A simple dress, not too revealing. In fact, I would look like any common servant, but everyone around knows that I am Sire's Terra. They are well made, but simple clothes. They don't ask me for anything unless it is under direct order from him. No one else here dares touch me. I have extraordinary freedom in the keep, able to even go to the courtyard without supervision. He trusts me that much. But I am never allowed to leave the walls of the courtyard. I am not permitted further than that. The gates are the limits of my freedom outside of dire circumstances.
I'm proud of his trust, often musing on it while I pull my hair up in the mirror. The small brand peeks out from under the collar of my dress. I pull down my collar to look at it. It is his mark. He put it on me not long after I arrived under his roof. I used to hate that mark, but now it reminds me that I love him more than life itself and would do anything to please Sire. As much as I am his, I know that he is mine. He wants no one else, even taking me with him when he travels. I share his bed every night.
Sometimes I hear him talk in his sleep. He calls my name. That makes me happy. He's even told me that he loved me in his sleep before. That he could never live without me. I wonder if he really means those words, but then I remember that I am his Terra, his prize, his joy. And perhaps someday, the mother of his child, but that's a prayer I wouldn't dare speak aloud. A part of me feels like this is what he wants too.
Conduct yourself like a lady. That was the rule that took me the longest to understand. I didn't know what a lady acted like. What I knew were proud women with their head held high as they looked down on me in my former life. I soon learned that while pride was important it didn't need to be overbearing. Sire taught me to act with grace, even when confronted with fear. To do my duty even when it was difficult. And to live for service. That was what it meant to be a lady. He explained it to her very early on and I could accept that was what being a lady really meant. I can't help but take it as a quiet point of pride to know that the women that had looked down on her before weren't really ladies, just pretenders with titles and money. Perhaps it was a bit uncalled for, but I never told a soul. Those thoughts were my own, private. It was best not to speak such thoughts. I must not appear vain if I am to be lady-like.
I quickly pinned up my auburn hair and pulled my plain brown dress back up to cover her brand. Accept no ruler other than Sire. I regarded my reflection while I thought about this rule. My own blue eyes glittered back at me, vibrant oceans in a sea of freckles. I had always liked my eyes. They were bright and sharp-witted, quick to pick up on whatever I needed to learn. This rule was no exception to that. It was the simplest of the rules, it meant that I was destined to serve him through her life. I had heard him mention once that he would never marry, never take a wife. I couldn't help but wonder why sometimes, but other times I heard him say that he had everything that he wished already. Hearing that made me more eager to serve him. I know that he loves me, and I would do anything to prove that I am worthy of that love.
Finally finished and ready to face the rest of the world I step out of the room. It is t
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CHAPTER TWO
Sire
Sire was sitting on the big chair in the audience chamber. He was only a lord by title so he hesitated to call it a throne. He had once admitted that he had the chance at the throne, an offer to marry the king's daughter, but he wasn't interested. Instead, he had put his eyes on me, and it was me that he would have. I would let him do what he wished with me until the end of time. I was devoted. I took my place, standing by his side, next to his seat. This was where I belonged. I stayed quiet, but it quickly became apparent that I was there to impress some of the other lords with my obedience. "A woman unlike no other," Sire called me. "Always ready to please and willing to take anything I give." I didn't smile. I wasn't given permission to, but I beamed with pride. My shoulders straightened almost imperceptibly. I was happy when Sire complimented me like that.
The other men would discuss me. "Quite a specimen." One would say. Others would ask questions. "Is the red hair natural?" The men were discussing me. It felt a little strange and awkward to be discussed in this manner. I was used to
"Yes." Sire would smile, toying with some of my hair that framed my face. He loved to brush my hair back. "Natural. She was born with it. Perfect in every way."
"Where did you find her?"
Sire shook his head. "It's not important." I knew why he didn't discuss it. He knew I didn't like hearing about my life before I was with him. It was a small act of kindness, even if his guests believed he was protecting a source of such excellent flesh.
"Was she trained?"
"No. I trained her myself. To serve me perfectly."
"Hmmm. I like feisty." The man looked up at him. He was desiring me, seeking to find a fault in me that would make him less jealous of the fact that I belonged to Sire.
Sire laughed at this. "She's got quite the mind on her. When we speak her wit cannot be denied. I feel that it makes her even more exceptional as my Terra."
He called me his Terra. I love it when he said stuff like that. It made me nearly swoon on him, but I kept my perfect posture, standing perfectly still. I knew my duty, be a statue on display for them to see and admire. And for their part, the guests didn't touch me once. They knew better. I belonged to Sire. I was his. My musings were interrupted by more questions about me. "Is she for sale?"
This upset Sire. He gripped the arm of his chair, his already dark eyes darkening even more as he looked at the man who had dared ask that question. "No." Most of the men couldn't see the veiled rage in his being at the thought of losing me, but I could. I knew my Sire completely, everything he was thinking and feeling. It was the reason I was able to please him so well.
The men eventually left. Sire drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair as he looked up at me. "Terra." He said my name as a statement.
"Yes, Sire?" I was ready to serve in all ways. It was my duty to serve Sire. I would do anything he asked of me whenever he asked it. It was my duty to serve. I knew my duty. My job, who I belonged to. I belonged to Sire.
"Does it please you when I show you to the others?" He seemed curious if a bit flippant on the idea.
"Sire?"
"I asked a question, Terra." His voice hardened a bit. It was a warning. I had a better answer.
"I don't know, Sire."
"You don't know, or you don't want to say, Terra?" Sire regarded me carefully. I knew better than to lie. He was watching for me to lie, and I knew that he would catch on to the fact that I was lying.
I hung my head. "I don't want to say, Sire."
"Why not?"
"Because humility is vital to a lady in my position." That told him all he needed to know and he smiled, pulling me onto his lap.
"Very good, Terra." He held me close to him, basking in my warmth. I loved the strength of his arms, the way he held me. It made me feel safe and loved, protected from anything that may try to hurt me in any way. "Do you fear that I may sell you, Terra? To one of those men?" He appeared to be amused by this line of questioning. I could see the laughter toying at his eyes.
"Sire?" I didn't know the answer that he wanted to hear. I began to search for the right thing to say right there.
"Answer me." He was warning me now to behave.
"If you decide to sell me, that is your right." It was another thing that I didn't like to think about. I was property, owned. If Sire ever tired of me I could easily be passed to another man.
"That's not what I asked."
"I do not think you would sell me, Sire." I finally admitted. I knew somewhere deep down that Sire would not cast me aside so easily, that he knew I belonged with him.
"Why is that?" He looked amused. I knew that my answers were pleasing him.
I frowned. We didn't talk about feelings. It wasn't appropriate. "I'd rather not say, Sire."
He traced a finger across my jaw. "Is that so, Terra?"
"Yes, Sire."
He smiled. It seemed that I had said the right thing. I started to relax on his lap. He soon stood me up next to him. "Do you wish to stay for my next meeting?" He asked my opinion. He asked for my opinion only when he was pleased with me.
I couldn't help but smile. "I would like to stay, Sire."
He nodded and motioned to the man at the door to show the next person in. I stood perfectly still, waiting to see if I would be ordered to do anything for Sire. The man that was shown in the hall looked familiar. A painful memory flashed across my vision. My life before. His name was Thomas. I didn't want to be there anymore. I looked at Sire. He hadn't noticed my distress yet.
I knew better than to just leave. It was my duty to stay there by his side. I would not make Sire look bad, not for anything in this world. I could only stand there and watch the meeting. "What of the new suit?"
"Sir, I wasn't expecting to see you here. I've come to deliver them."
Sire nodded, glancing at the man only vaguely. "Let's see them then." He waved his hand for the man to lay out the suits.
Thomas did so, pulling out a few magnificent creations of high quality for Sire to peruse. Sire seemed rather uninterested, studying them vaguely as he motioned the man to walk up to him. "Sir, I'm sure you'll enjoy the fact that I was able to find an excellent deal." Thomas glanced at me. I remembered him. It hurt. There was concern on his face. He was from my old life. The one before Sire. The one I was not permitted to speak of. I wanted to leave as his eyes seemed to stare right through me, to a woman that no longer existed, searching for her. He was close to me, he was, back then. It hurt to remember, I forced it out of my mind. It would do no good to think about it. It was forbidden anyway. I continued to watch as Thomas brought the suits up to Sire. "Do you like my Terra?" Sire smiled as he noticed the man look at me.
"She's lovely."
"She is, isn't she?" Sire smiled. He enjoyed taunting people with me. I was desirable, and he knew it. I do not think Sire recognized Thomas from my old life. He never had much use for it. He did not want to hear about who I was before. He cared for the woman I was not the woman I was before I came into his care. I stood still, but I wanted to sigh and shift my weight. I knew my rules, it would be wrong for me to attract more attention to myself.
"Who is she?"
"She is Terra." Sire smiled again. It put me more at ease to get lost in his smile. Comforting. Strong. Secure.
"That's a beautiful name." The man couldn't tear his eyes off of me for too long. I knew that Sire enjoyed showing me off, so I did not resist his gaze. No matter how strange it all felt, I could not resist the eyes upon me. I simply tried not to meet his gaze back. My eyes turned to Sire, staying with my vision on him.
I could have beamed with pride at that moment. He was appraising me, finding me beautiful. Even if the sight of him hurt me physically, but I tried not to look at him.
The business quickly concluded, and Sire and I were left alone again. "You can go Terra. Be ready for me tonight."
"Yes, Sire." I strode out of the room, keeping my head low as I knew I should. Once out of the room I found my breath again, pausing by the main stairs of the keep before deciding to head to the small garden at the courtyard. I had often gone there to find peace when I first arrived and found some freedom to move about. It seemed like the perfect place to be.
