Chapter 4 #2
I stood perfectly still as they discussed my future—and the futures of women like me—as commodities to be traded between worlds.
The Women’s Academy sounded like a nightmare dressed as an opportunity for the patriarchal worlds we had fought against. The Federation had built a place where any remaining independence could be systematically stripped away from women it considered promising, but insufficiently docile.
First Minister Havelorn approached the dais, bowing slightly to Prince Hendren. “Your Royal Highness, the time has come for the formal welcome announcement. The guests are assembled and eager to hear from you.”
“Of course,” Prince Hendren replied, placing a proprietary hand on the small of my back. The touch sent an involuntary shiver through me that I couldn’t suppress.
The First Minister guided us toward a larger elevated platform at the other end of the hall where a podium stood, emblazoned with the arms of the Magisterian royal family: three purple stars on a silver shield, and the motto I had once ridiculed to my planetary council: Vir Magister. Man is master.
With a deep crease in my brow and my lower lip between my teeth, I followed three steps behind Prince Hendren as I had been trained, acutely aware of the hundreds of eyes tracking my naked form across the room.
The Euporian wives watched me with expressions ranging from horror to pity to something that looked disturbingly like curiosity.
When we reached the platform, Prince Hendren took his place at the podium while I was positioned slightly behind him and to his right, fully visible to the assembled crowd.
My hands remained clasped behind my back, my shoulders pulled back to display my breasts, my eyes lowered in the submissive posture my master had drilled into me.
“Distinguished guests of Euporia,” Prince Hendren began, his aristocratic voice carrying effortlessly across the hushed hall, “I stand before you today deeply grateful for the warm welcome you have extended to our Magisterian delegation. Your hospitality reflects the natural harmony between our societies, built upon shared values and mutual respect for the proper order of things.”
The crowd murmured their approval as Prince Hendren continued. “The Federation’s presence on your beautiful world represents not merely a diplomatic mission, but a true partnership in preserving and extending the natural way across the galaxy.”
First Minister Havelorn stepped forward to stand beside Prince Hendren.
“Euporia is honored by your presence, Your Royal Highness. We must express our profound appreciation to the Magisterian diplomatic corps for their tireless efforts in establishing the Federation presence here.” He turned to address the crowd.
“In particular, we celebrate the establishment of the Women’s Training Academy, fully funded by the Federation’s generosity.
This institution will stand as a beacon of proper feminine education throughout the quadrant. ”
“Indeed,” Prince Hendren replied with evident satisfaction.
“And I am pleased to announce that the Academy already has its first cohort of students.” He paused, surveying the room.
“Six women have been selected for this inaugural class, each chosen for her potential to benefit from Euporian wisdom and Magisterian discipline.”
My heart began to pound. Surely he couldn’t mean—
“Among them,” he continued, “is my own concubine, Viola Herranofar, former president of Artemisia.”
The shock hit me like a physical blow. I struggled to maintain my posture as the meaning of his words penetrated my consciousness. I was to be sent to this… training facility? Separated from Prince Hendren?
His hand came to rest on my shoulder, his fingers digging in just enough to remind me of his control.
“Tomorrow morning, I will personally escort Viola to the Women’s Academy to begin her two-week intensive training session,” he announced to the crowd, his voice carrying a note of satisfaction that made my stomach clench.
A small gasp escaped my lips before I could stop it. Two weeks? My mind reeled at the implications.
“During her stay,” Prince Hendren continued, “she will be assigned to a Guardian and Mistress couple who will instruct her in the Good Way through both theory and… practical application.” His fingers tightened further on my shoulder.
“The couple has been specially selected for their expertise in handling particularly challenging cases.”
First Minister Havelorn nodded approvingly. “An excellent decision, Your Highness. The Guardian–Mistress methodology represents the foundation of the Good Way.”
Prince Hendren’s smile was cold and calculated as he addressed the assembly.
“As royal patron of the Academy, I intend to monitor Viola’s progress personally.
The charter grants me full inspection privileges—to visit any classroom, observe any training session, and examine any pupil as thoroughly as I deem necessary.
” His thumb traced a small circle against my collarbone.
“I plan to exercise these rights frequently.”
The crowd murmured their approval. I kept my eyes lowered, fighting to control my breathing as panic threatened to overwhelm me. Being separated from Prince Hendren—whom I had at least begun to understand—and placed under the control of strangers terrified me in ways I couldn’t fully articulate.
“I am happy to say that I have accepted the position of headmistress of the Academy. My new staff and I have prepared a comprehensive curriculum,” Mistress Orela interjected, stepping forward.
“Beginning with fundamental posture training and progressing through increasingly intimate submissions. By the conclusion of her stay, she will understand her natural role completely.”
“I look forward to witnessing the transformation,” Prince Hendren replied. “Particularly the evening sessions with her Guardian. I understand those can be… quite illuminating.”
Mistress Orela’s smile was thin, but pleased. “Indeed, Your Highness. The bedroom lessons produce our most dramatic breakthroughs. A naughty young woman’s resistance crumbles most effectively when her body’s responses are laid bare before witnesses.”
My legs trembled beneath me as the implications became clear.
I would be used by a stranger—this ‘Guardian’—while others watched and evaluated my responses.
The humiliation would be total, absolute.
Worse still was the knowledge that some traitorous part of me might respond, might betray me as it had already done so many times under Prince Hendren’s manipulations.
“Viola,” Prince Hendren said suddenly, turning to face me. “You may thank Mistress Orela and the First Minister for this opportunity.”
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to meet their expectant gazes. “Thank you, Mistress Orela. Thank you, First Minister,” I managed, my throat terribly dry.
“We’ve had a long journey from Magisteria,” Prince Hendren announced suddenly, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the crowd.
“I find myself rather fatigued, and I’m certain Viola feels the same.
” His hand slid possessively from my shoulder down my naked back, to hold my bottom in his hand frankly and possessively.
“I believe it’s time we retired to our quarters. ”
Heat rushed to my face with such intensity I thought I might faint.
Everyone in the hall—the Euporian officials, the Academy Mistresses, the silent wives—they all knew exactly what retiring meant.
The prince’s earlier announcement about claiming my anus tonight had been deliberately public.
Now, with his casual declaration, he ensured that every person present would picture what was about to happen to me.
I couldn’t look up, couldn’t bear to see the knowing looks on their faces. My blush spread down my neck to my chest, staining my bare skin crimson. My hands, still clasped behind my back, trembled violently.
“Of course, Your Royal Highness,” First Minister Havelorn replied, his voice carrying a note of masculine understanding that made my humiliation complete. “You must be properly rested for tomorrow’s Academy tour.”
Mistress Orela nodded, her clinical gaze sweeping over my blushing form. “Indeed. And the girl will need time to recover before her first day of training. Initial anal penetration can be quite… overwhelming.”
Several of the Euporian men chuckled, the sound rippling through the hall like a wave. I wanted to disappear, to sink through the floor, to be anywhere but here—exposed and naked, my most intimate fate discussed as casually as the weather.
“Come, Viola,” Prince Hendren commanded, taking my elbow. “Bid our hosts goodnight.”
“G-goodnight,” I stammered.