Chapter 5 Intrigue

Chapter 5 Intrigue

This is a work in progress.... I am writing to get the components down. If you want to look go ahead if you want to see the process. If you have an idea for the plot I'd like to hear it. Otherwise don't bother to review because there is much to clean up.
Percy

That night Esmeralda slept soundly. The thirst she had experienced was gone and a warm tranquillity settled over her. Towards morning however, she had a dream. She saw herself beckoning to someone and calling out.

“Come to me my lord Saeed.”

With a start she woke up. The dawn was beginning to break and she felt refreshed and full of energy. Getting up she started to get dressed and discovered that her garments were dirty and torn. She threw them into a pile by the corner. The very sight of them brought a flood of memories she wanted to forget. They were not pleasant recollections and she was ashamed.

“Never again! will I go back into that garden,” she resolved.

In the middle of the Pavilion there was a great table being set for the morning meal. Esmeralda, was hungry and taking a cushion, reached immediately for the hot bread and jars of spreaded fruit.. In a pitcher was her favorite drink, elixir of pomegranate, and she poured a full cup and savored it

White slaves brought platters of meat and vegetables and began serving, as the wives and concubines began filtering in. Another brought a basket filled with apples and bananas. The reminder of one and the shape of the other, elicited images she preferred not to think about. One servant reached over her to place a tray on the table. As he did she looked down and noticed the bulge in his girding cloth. It took a strong exercise of will to pull her eyes away and as she did, her arm extended, reaching out ot touch it. Once more she commanded her will and reluctantly her fingers obeyed.

“What is this all about? "She wondered, for never before had she taken much interest in the servants, much less their body parts. As she refocused Eshmire came up and took a seat beside her.

"Good morning," she said, glad for the distraction.

"Good morning," Eshmire replied, studying her friend with interest.

"What are you staring at?” demanded Esmeralda.

"You'ver been acting strangly.... throwing your head about and motioning with your arms and hands."

"Its nothing, only trying to shake the strain of a hard night’s sleep,"

"Where were you last night?" asked Eshmire.

"I was fretful and found myself walking here and about."

"Did you enjoy the garden?

"Why do you say that?" asked Esmeralda with feigned innocence.

"Because I followed you, and saw the guard let you in."

"You followed me?"

"Sorry, but you've been acting out of sorts lately; hardly your usual self. I was worried and wanted to make sure you came to no harm."

"Were you really concerned for my welfare or just being nosey?

"Some of both I guess, still I waited.. After midnight I saw you come out. Your burka was torn and stained."

"I slipped and fell in the dark, by the stream and fell into some bushes."

"That explains it," said Eshmire without conviction. " Still..."

"Still what?"

"Still you're not being yourself and I think the king should know."

Esmeralda was troubled by where this was leading, but remained composed.

"Tell him whatever you want," she dared, changing the subject.

"I’ve been thinking about our conversation yesterday. There's a rope inside the wall by the south corner that was used in the construction. What if I throw it over to you tonight and then you can see for yourself, the wonder of what's inside?"

I don’t know about that," she wavered.... what if we're caught?"

"If you're too timid I understand."

"Well maybe just a quick look," Eshmire answered.

"Meet me there, two hours past midnight. The foliage and the shadows offer good concealment. As soon as you see the rope tossed, scramble quickly to the top and I will help you down the other side."

"I'm torn," do you really think we should?

"Make up your mind,"

With a sigh she answered, "If you're willing, so am I."

"I'm glad that's settled," Esmeralda replied. "Now let's go to the pool, I could use the exercise."

As they approaced the water, servants were already positioning the screens. One was a big and handsome slave and as they passed she felt compelled to glance back at his girtle.

"I wonder what his phalus looks like, she wondered, looking back over her shoulder.

"What are you thinking?" her conscience cried out."In heaven's name, what's come over you?"

Raising her head, she noticed the eyes of the slave fixed on Eshmire. They showed a look of pain and reverence. Eshmire was looking back at him, shaking her head "No!'

“What is that all about," she mumbled, "I turn to look at one thing and instead see pleading eyes and fearful looks. What's gotten into me.... and her too for that matter?"

Eshmire turned to her suddenly, "Were you saying something?"

"I was thinking about the king," she lied. letting her gown drop from her shoulders to the marble floor.

"What about the King?" asked Eshmire, dropping hers likewise.

Esmerelda paused, and looked fully at Eshmire standing naked. Never before had she taken the time to appreciate how beautiful her young friend was. In contrast to her own lithe and thin skulpted body, Eshmire had full breasts that had not yet fallen. She had the curves of an hour glass and a rear that was full, but not overly large. Her thighs were muscled, her legs were long and nestled between was a tuft of frizzy red hair, the same color as that on her head.

"I was thinking how delighted the Sulten must be, when he sees you like this."

Eshmire blushed, "Rest assurred" she answered, "He notices and takes the time to appreciate it."

With that they entered the water and began swiming with leisure strokes down the length of the pool and back. For over an hour they swam until Eshmire, growing tired, climbed out. Esmeralda continued swimming to the other end. Resting on the edge she was surprised to see the big slave pretending to be hard at work, positioning the screen. His eyes were on Eshmire, as she walked away from them. They were filled with yearning and another part, strained against his corset, pulling up on it.

“Interesting," she thought, "very Interesting indeed." A thought drifted into her mind as she tried to visualize the look of it underneath, comparing mentally with that of the King and the Balckamoor. A picture came, etched into imagination, that made her heart jump. In it the white slave threw down his loin cloth, revealing the heft of it, swinging back and forth. Her breath came fast, her nipples grew hard, and in her vigina, embers of wantonness began to smolder.

After the swim, Esmeralda dressed and walked down to the garden. The threat that Eshmire might arouse the king’s suspicions worried her.

"What can I do to keep her quiet?" she wondered.

Once through the gate she went straight to the bridge, down the other side and up to the apple tree. The moor was nowhere in sight.

"What am I to do?" she wondered as she turned and started to leave. Then there came a rustle from the brances. Looking up she saw the Moor squatting on a branch eating an apple.

"So nice to see you again," he said dropping to the ground below. Like a cat he pounced, slipping behind, his hands holding her hips.

"I hate it when you surprise me like that!" she chided, as his thick lips kissed the nape of her neck.

He pulled her buttocks into his lap and she felt the contour of his eagerness pressed in the clevage.

"Stop it," she groaned softly, "please."

"Please stop it or please continue," he whispered seductively.

Esmeralda was in bad need of it and desire threatened to ignite."

Summoning all her will power she pulled away, scolding him in frustration.

"You think me some adulterous slut.? I know what you want but thats one pleasure you'll never know. I'm the King's first wife and I will never make rutt with any man but him... and if I were adulterous, do you think I'd chooes you for his cuckold? Bad enough that you're a slave, still worse an unredeemed infidel but most disgracing of all, is that your skin ia black as coal tar."

He stepped backward, surpirsed by the sting of her insults.

"Forget about hoisting my innocence on that gristly manspear of yours. She continued, "Go cool off in the stream, get a grip...then we have important matters to discuss."

He laughted, "I think we both need a dunk." Sweeping her up into his arms the Balckamoor walked over to the bank and jumped into the stream. the splash of the water was refreshing and at first they struggled to just stay afloat because they were entwined with each other. Then she broke free and in two strokes was into the shallow water and struggled up onto a beach. The Moor was right behind and fell atop pressing her body into the warm sand. She squirmed beneath him and felt his hand slip up between her thighs and his fingers touch the soft hair about her clitoris. She gasped as he held her about the waist and inserted his finger inside.

"Tell me, said the Moor, as he held her thus, what is it about my blackness that you find offensive.?"

She struggled as he probed with it slipping it in and out of her.

"Let me go," she insisted, and he surrendered his grip. His finger came out as she crawled forward and she stood up, her wet clothers dripping.

"I have nothing to change into,". she lamented, " What am I supposed to do now? Return to the palace naked?"

"The wind is hot off the desert, blowing from the West, In an hour they'll be dry. Take them off and hang them on the bushes... then we can discuss these important matters of yours.

She did as he asked and he did likewise. Then they both sat down facing each other in dissregard of their nakedness.

"You have something to tell me? He inquired?"

"We have a problem," Esmeralda answered. "I was seen returning to the harem last night, my cloths soiled and in dissaray. The king's second wife caught me and threatens to report the incident to the king. If he get angry and puts me to the question, the truth will come out."

"Hmmmmm," said the Blackamoor, "that does not bode well. We must act and soon. You stand in her way and she'll use her knowledge against you.

"I agree, answered Esmer, but what can we do about it?

"Hmmmmm, what can we do? I'm stuck inside these walls and the world around the king is one big vista."

Would it help if I told you that I'm bringing her here tonight?

How did you arrange that?

"She didn't need much encouragement."

"Why?"

To keep an eye on her. Was it a good idea?"

It has possibilities... I heard, before I got locked in here, that one of the slaves was once her lover. Before she was brought to the plaace.

Esmeralda clapped her hands loud! "Yes! I knew it! I knew it as soon as I saw it!"

What did you see??

"Today I saw her exchange a silent glance with one of the big white slaves. His look was painful, full of sorrow and yearning. She shook her headat him, fearful someone might notifce."

"I think we have the answer to our problem," he replied.

"What are you thinking?" she answered looking puzzled.

"What was your plan to get her inside," he inquired without answering.

"I told her I would throw a rope over the South wall."

"When?"

"At 2 o'clock."

"Excellent!" said the Moor, "What a stroke of good fortune."

"How so?"

"Listen carefully. You must find Eshmir's boyfriend and tell him she wishes to meet him here . That he must be at South corner tonight at an hour past midnight. Once he’s over the wall I will take charge of him. You go back and get Eshmire."

"What do you have in mind?".

"Don’t worry I'll manage my part, see that you do yours... Once inside, try and get her to dance beneath the tree as you di before."

The moor stood up. Even without erection he hung with authority.

"I will do as you say," Esmeralda answered.