Enslaved to Zion

Chapter 7

The slightest hint of satisfaction shows on his once emotionless face, and he asks his next question in a way that gives me shivers. As the sound of his deep voice vibrates in my ear drums, he rests his hand just below my belly button and proceeds to creep his fingers down to rest between my thighs. His firm grip engulfs the entirety of my most sensitive place and I tense up every muscle in my body. All I can do is hold my breath and shut my eyes.

"Tell me, Euroah... Have you ever been touched right here?"

A warm sensation comes over me, tingling through my core, and while it doesn't feel bad, it utterly terrifies me. Nothing but a thin pair of white cotton panties stands between his hand and my most precious flesh. My whole body trembles and shivers. This is shameful. But kicking and screaming won't help.I have to use my brain, use my words. Inhaling deeply, I attempt to regain my composure.

With my fists clenched, I respond with as much confidence as I can muster, "No, Master. I-I've never been t-touched there. Please don't... P-please."

After a few moments of silence, I open my eyes to see him still relaxed with his mouth formed into a smirk. He's looking back out the window now, but not moving his hand an inch from where it rests, continuing to make me uncomfortable. What is he thinking? It's impossible to read the thoughts behind those armor plated eyes, so emotionless and guarded. What exactly does this man want from me? What does he gain from torturing me like this?

"You will work in my kitchen. I fully expect to taste those biscuits you brag about some day. You will also work in my bedroom. You'll work in the living room, in the hallways, and everywhere else around me too. You're going to work in my office, in the library... I paid a lot of money for my new toy, and I do intend to play with you."

I can say nothing, but silently plead with him, tears once again refusing to fall from my dried up eyes. He loosens his grip but doesn't completely let go of me. Then his voice lowers, his eyes narrow, and the tiniest hint of fire burns behind the iron gates to his soul. A meager spark flashes in his eyes, for only a fraction of a second.

"Very well. I will not penetrate you until after you turn 18. That will give you time to prepare yourself. But don't you think, for even a moment, that I'm not going to find other ways to enjoy you. I never wait for a return on an investment."

He doesn't penetrate an investment? Symphonia stars, this man just doesn't speak my language! I don't fully understand what exactly it is that he's saying, but if it means he will not rob me of my virtue for now, I'll take whatever I can get, I suppose. He just made me a promise, and I intend to hold him to it, to the best of my ability. I can come up with a plan in the meantime. I nod my head in agreement, never breaking eye contact. His brow furrows once again, and I immediately understand what he wants me to say.

"Y-y-yes, Master!", I rush to say before he can correct me.

He lowers his face to within inches of mine as my eyes grow wide, and he pats me twice between my legs, uttering a simple, "Good girl."

I don't mean to, but a whimper escapes my lips and he removes his hand, leaning back into his seat and clearing his throat. I could have sworn I saw him stifle a laugh, but there's no way this man is capable of such a thing as laughter. That's just crazy talk. Without another thought, I practically jump back over to my side of the car and pull my knees up to my chest, hugging them tightly. As I look out the window now, a massive golden gate appears, connected to a white stone wall. The tops of tall, dark trees can be seen on the other side, and bushes of deep red roses line the front of the wall.

The gate begins to part, and without looking in the mirror or turning his head, the driver says "We've arrived, sir. Would you like me to alert the kitchen?"

My master glances at me, then back out the window before replying, "That's probably best for now. I don't think this one has the energy to start working quite yet. She'll start her training the day after tomorrow... And have Akida look her over. I don't need a servant that isn't capable of performing her duties."

The driver touches his ear and speaks, "We've arrived. Prepare a table."

What a strange thing to do. He seems a bit old for imaginary friends, but I shouldn't be one to judge. Plenty of people could grow to talk to themselves if they spend enough time alone. Once the gates are completely open, the car begins to move again, but before we get through the opening, I make a point to read the golden plaque on the wall with its proud, shiny lettering.

"Inspiria", I read out loud.

Master doesn't look at me, but as if responding to a question I've asked, he replies, "Inspiria is the finest manor in Windry, in all of Symphonia, in all actuality. Many a woman would sell her soul for a chance to enter my home."

I hear him murmuring something about 'things women do to get into beds', but I'm preoccupied with my own thoughts and I don't feel that it applies to me anyway, so I let him carry on and continue my discoveries. So, this is the city called Windry. I've heard some of the traveling merchants mention the name in passing, but I never imagined I'd visit. And I certainly never thought I'd end up coming to a place like this! The car drives up a long narrow path, through the trees before I notice the house, no, the palace in front of me! I've only read of places like this in storybooks about kings and knights. And this is where my new master lives?

A large stone statue stands in front of the house. Water streams from the top of it and is collected in a pool at the bottom. Shiny gold embellishments catch the rays and shimmer in the headlights. The car curves to go around the majestic sculpture and comes to a stop in front of a beautiful entrance. A stone path, adorned with uniformly trimmed hedges and flowers I've never seen before, leads up to a set of huge white doors. Elegant windows sit above the golden handles and frame the entrance with such grace and majesty that I can just feel a sense of opulence emanating from within.

The doors swing open and what seems like an endless sea of men in black suits flow through the doors, followed by a flood of women in light blue dresses and white aprons. Their clothing and hair is so neat and tidy. I wonder if I will work alongside these women. Will I also wear a pretty blue dress down to my knees and tie my hair in a knot at the nape of my neck? That would be such a relief! Compared to these white strands of cloth, those dresses may as well be steel armor! And I'll be so very grateful if these women can keep my master's attention so that I can just work peacefully, away from him until I figure out a means of escape.

I wonder if these people all live here. Where do they sleep? Will we all sleep together in a room? I'm so overwhelmed with questions and emotions when I hear the door on his side click open. I look over, and all I see is his long slender legs, now standing outside the door. A black suit with a face I haven't yet seen before, leans in to grab a bottle of water from the holder. He looks at me, blinking for a few moments with a confused expression, before backing out and closing the door.

The click of the door on my side catches my attention, and I take a deep breath as my heart sinks.