Lost Souls
By London Shye
SMASHWORDS EDITION
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PUBLISHED BY:
London Shye on Smashwords
Castle Queen
Copyright © 2002 by London Shye
Smashwords Edition License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.
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Lost Souls is a continuation of the life of Monet, Leanndra, Caleb and others from the first book Princess of Power and the second book Castle Queen.
Chapter 1
Leanndra stood on her balcony enjoying the afternoon breeze. Things were coming together for her family. She finally had both her children home with her. The only person missing was Simone. Leanndra's heart still ached for her long ago love. And with Monet and Caleb's birthday coming up, it was the hardest reminder for her. She had kept the promises she made to Simone. She had built the castle and made a home for her family. She had raised Monet the best she could, teaching her how to survive in this brutal world. Now she needed to figure out how to weave Caleb and her soon to be born grandchild into the picture.
When Caleb returned, Leanndra hugged him and left him with Monet. The two embraced. Monet's heart sank, knowing she could never be with Caleb again and knowing she was carrying his child. She looked up at Caleb with tears in her eyes.
"I've missed you so much" she whispered. "Promise me you'll never leave again". Caleb thought he had stayed away long enough for the feelings he had for Monet to subside. But looking down into her eyes, he knew he would always be in love her.
"I promise" he said.
As Leanndra turned to go back inside from the balcony, Rebecca's image caught her eye. "Oh lord, she's heading towards the beach" she said aloud. Leanndra had forgotten about Rebecca being asleep in Monet's room. She raced through her bedroom and ran down the staircase and out the front doors.
As Rebecca reached the beach, she saw Monet and Caleb in each other's arms. A rage came over her. She ran towards them and grabbed Caleb's arm.
"Let her go!" she growled and with a swing, her fist hit him square on the jaw sending him reeling backwards.
"Stop!" Monet screamed. Leanndra reached them at that moment and took hold of Rebecca.
"He's my brother!" Monet yelled at her as she rushed to Caleb's side. Rebecca stopped struggling against Leanndra. Her mouth opened.
"He's what?" Rebecca asked. Monet helped Caleb stand up. Leanndra put her arm around Rebecca's shoulder.
"Let's all go back to the castle and have a nice long talk". As they made their way, Leanndra spoke to Caleb. "You showed great restraint in not retaliating against Rebecca". Caleb didn't understand. "Ma'am, I would never hit a woman. Aunt Teresa told me it was wrong to do so". A sense of pride overcame Leanndra.
"Caleb, do you think it would be possible for you to call me mom?" Caleb's chest swelled.
"Yes... mom. I think I can do that" he said with a smile.
When they reached the castle, Leanndra asked they all sit in the parlor.
"Rebecca, you will hear some things today that may shock you, may hurt you and they may anger you. But what is said here today is to stay within these walls. Caleb, you too will learn some things today that may shock you. However the outcome, we will not let what's said today divide this family. I will protect it at all cost." Leanndra was very commanding in her words.
Rebecca couldn't stop staring at Caleb. Where did he come from, she wondered to herself. Monet spoke up, "Rebecca, you and I will need to talk alone after this." Rebecca wasn't sure she liked how this was going. Too much talking was never a good thing as she saw it.
"I will start at the beginning so Rebecca will not be lost in what's going on." Leanndra said. As she spoke, Rebecca hung on her every word. But it was something Caleb and Monet already knew. Nothing seemed to phase Rebecca until Leanndra started to talk about how Monet and Caleb met and how their relationship grew. Monet interrupted her.
"Mom, that's something I'd like to discuss with Rebecca in private". Leanndra reluctantly agreed. Then it came time to speak of the baby. Monet could tell her mother was having trouble beginning the conversation.
"Mom, I'll do it" she said. Leanndra seemed relieved. Monet took a deep breath. "There is no easy way to say this." She looked at both Caleb and Rebecca. "I'm going to have a baby". The room was quiet and all eyes were on Monet.
"It's your child Caleb" Monet looked over at Rebecca, regretful of hurting her. Rebecca felt her chest burning. She couldn't speak. And she didn't dare move when Caleb stood up and hugged Monet. "Something kept telling me to come back here. This must have been it" Caleb whispered to Monet. She pulled away from him and smiled.
"I need to speak to Rebecca. Would you mind staying here with mom?" Monet asked. Then she reached for Rebecca's hand. "Please, let's talk" as she led her up the stairs to her bedroom.
When they left the room, Leanndra could see Caleb was beaming.
"Caleb, this doesn't change anything. You and Monet are still brother and sister. I don't want you thinking anything else can happen with the two of you. Monet grew up with Rebecca and they are together, always have been. I can't allow anything to come between them." Leanndra could feel herself being very defensive towards Caleb. She didn't know if it was because she loved Monet so much, or because Caleb was a man. She loved him and wanted him to be a part of their family. But a part of her was still on guard due to his gender.
"Mom, I promised Monet I would never leave again. And with her bearing my child, it will bring us even closer together. But I give you my word, I will not force anything on Monet. It is her right to decide what and who she wants." he said.
Leanndra walked over and looked out the bay window. I trust my daughter will do the right thing, she said to herself.
Chapter 2
Rebecca was still stunned. She walked over and took hold of the bed post. Monet shut the door and turned to her.
“I won’t pretend to know how you feel. I’m sorry Rebecca. I do love you. I don’t know what happened between Caleb and I or how it happened. It was many moons ago, after the night in the cave. Before you and I talked of settling down together.” The words ripped through Rebecca like a knife. Monet walked over to her and wrapped her arms around Rebecca’s waist, putting her head on her shoulder.
“I love you Rebecca” she said. Rebecca wanted to believe her.
“Are you in love with him?” she asked. Monet took a moment before she answered. “I love Caleb. He’s my brother. I’ll always love him and I’ll love this child. But you are the one I want to be with. You are the one I want to spend my life with.” Monet wasn’t sure even she believed the words, but hoped Rebecca did. Rebecca loved Monet and realized Monet didn’t deny she was in love with Caleb. Nor did she say she was in love with Rebecca. But Rebecca wasn’t going to lose the one person she had always loved. She would fight for her.
Rebecca turned to Monet and took her face in her hands.
“I love you Monet. And if you say I’m the one you want to be with, that’s how it will be.” As she smiled, she bent down to kiss Monet. Tears fell from both their eyes. Rebecca placed her hand on Monet’s stomach.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked. “I only found out myself this morning” Monet responded. Turning and looking over her shoulder, she gave Rebecca the look she knew all too well. Monet pulled the lace tie from the front of her own dress and let it fall to the floor. Her breasts were plump and aching to be touched. Monet slid across the bed.
“I suggest you come do something with me before I get too fat and unattractive.” she slyly said. Rebecca pulled her shirt and pant off. Hurriedly she crawled onto the bed beside Monet.
“You will never be unattractive or anything else such as that to me” she said as she pressed her lips against Monet’s.
She wanted to ravage her, to punish her for sleeping with Caleb. But Rebecca loved her too much to hurt her like before. Monet took Rebecca's hand and lowered it between her legs, while pushing her head down to her breast. Rebecca took Monet's nipple into her mouth. The warmth of her tongue made Monet moan. Rebecca bit down hard and let go just as quickly. It sent a pulsating feeling through Monet. She wasn't sure if it was from pain or pleasure, but she liked it. As Rebecca continued teasing her plump breast, she did likewise down below. She circled Monet's clit with her finger, pressing down hard every few seconds. She parted her lips and traced the inside with her fingers. Monet raised her hips, inviting Rebecca in. But she didn't want to accept the invitation just yet.
She slides her fingers to the base of her cunt, stopping as if ready to enter. Monet takes a quick breath. Rebecca swirls her fingers around her ass opening. Monet took hold of Rebecca's hair and pulled her up. She kisses her hard with intense pressure. She slides her mouth over to Rebecca's ear.
"Please fuck me" she begged. Rebecca smiled.
"Ask me nicely" she commanded, as she placed the tip of her finger inside Monet's wet cavern. In a whispered voice, Monet said "Please Rebecca. I'll do anything for you to fuck me". Rebecca had been with Monet long enough to know she was ready to explode. But she wasn't stupid either. She also knew how loud Monet would be by this point.
Rebecca pushed one finger in, then two. She pulled them in and out slowly and bit down on Monet's nipple once again.
"Harder" Monet moaned.
"Would you also like it faster?" Rebecca asked in a teasing voice.
"Yes, please Rebecca" she could barely get the words out. Rebecca pushed her fingers inside, slamming the palm of her hand against Monet's clit. She continued this in rapid succession. Monet grabbed Rebecca's head and held it against her breasts as she arched her back. She lets out a howling scream that echoes through the castle.
Down in the parlor, both Leanndra and Caleb look up towards the ceiling. Leanndra turned towards the bay window and a smile spreads across her face. She knew Monet and Rebecca had made up. This made Leanndra relax. Caleb, still sitting by the fireplace, did not lower his eyes. A scowl formed in his expression. He stood up and walked out the castle doors.
CHAPTER 3
When the sun rose, Caleb was still sitting on the porch. He wondered all night if coming back was a smart move. Though now, he had promised Monet he wouldn't leave. And how could he? He was about to be a father. He loved her. He was still in love with his own sister. And what about Rebecca? How would she come into play in their relationship. Caleb decided if he was to win over Monet again, he had to play a game of cat and mouse.
Inside, Leanndra was waking. She knew today, she would need to call a meeting of the valley. She needed to introduce her son to the other women and show he was no harm. This would be difficult. How could she justify allowing her own son to live and roam freely amongst the other's while the other men were slaves. To most of the women living there, they knew nothing before men being slaves because they were too young to remember. This indeed would be a challenge. And with Monet being with child, there would be questions. Yes, Leanndra needed to think about how she was going to handle this.
As she crawled out of bed, she was again reminded of how old she was getting. After the birth, she would hand over the power she held to Monet. She wanted to spend her remaining days being mischievous with the other women, and spending time with her grandchild.
Leanndra groaned when her feet hit the tile floor. She could tell the harvest season was almost over by how cold they were. When she opened her bedroom door, she peered down the hall. Monet's door was still closed. She walked down the hall and knocked. "Would you girls like first meal?" she asked. Rebecca stretched out and rolled over to Monet. Monet yelled back "Yes please", then turned to Rebecca. "I'm starving. You wore me out last night" she said with a smile. Rebecca smiled back.
"Well, if you're starving now, you'll be famished by the time we eat" she whispered, as she slid her hand down Monet's ass and between her legs.
When Leanndra arrived to the cooking area, Caleb had just entered the castle. He watched quietly as Leanndra continued through the room, without seeing him. He walked up the stairs and down the hall. He stops outside Monet's room. He can hear faint sounds. Slowly, he twisted the handle and cracked the door. He saw Monet on the bed, facing the door. Rebecca was behind her. Caleb was curiously aroused by watching them. But it didn't stop him from wanting to be Rebecca.
Rebecca slid her fingers deep inside Monet. She arched her back and moaned loudly. She turned her head towards Rebecca and pulled her down to kiss her. Monet turned back around and propped herself up on her elbows and knees. Rebecca didn't miss a beat. She continued slowly pulling her fingers in and out of Monet. As Monet began to rock against her hand, Rebecca caught the shadow of Caleb at the door. At first, she wanted to stop. Then a sense of pride came over her. She reaches up and takes hold of Monet's hair, pulling her head back. She bends over the back of Monet and bites down on her neck.
"Would you like me to fuck you hard now?" she growled in her ear.
"Oh yes, please" Monet moaned. Rebecca let go of her hair and slides back down behind her. She looks over at Caleb standing in the doorway, makes eye contact and smiles a wicked grin. She fucks Monet harder than she ever has. Monet screamed out "yes!, rocking against Rebecca before collapsing on the bed.
Rebecca pulls her hand from Monet and looks over to Caleb, licked her fingers. Caleb smiles as he walks away from the door. He didn't want Rebecca to see how angry he was or that she had gotten to him. He knew he needed to stay calm.
As he walked to the stairs, Leanndra yells up to him to tell Rebecca and Monet first meal was ready. Damn, he said to himself. Caleb turns and takes a few steps down the hall and stopped. He loudly called out to the women and he steps into his mother's room.
Monet lay there for a few seconds, and tells Rebecca to go ahead. She will be down in a bit after she collects herself. Rebecca smiled.
"Alright love. But don't be long" she said, walking to the door. She turns and looks at Monet.
My God she's beautiful, she said to herself. Rebecca gives Monet a wink and leaves the room. Monet is stretched out on the bed. A sheet covers her, thighs down. Her hips are round and inviting. She lay there looking out the balcony window, listening to the birds sing. She feels an arm slide around her waist and the warmth of a body pressing against hers. She turns to see it is Caleb. Her heart starts pounding faster, as if it would jump from her chest.
"Caleb, no. We can't..." her voice trails as he leans down to kiss her. She welcomes his tongue into her mouth and melts against him. He slides his hand down her hips and lifts up her leg to ease himself in. Monet broke from his kiss and moaned. She wraps her arm around his head while he nibbles on her neck. She knows this is wrong. But even with Rebecca, she had never felt such ecstasy before. Caleb movs in and out of her with such gentle force, she felt she'd explode. He moves his hand from her leg to her clit and makes circular motions around it. She felt her own wetness draining from herself. Monet pulls her knees towards her chest so she can take him all in. He thrust inside her with fast, quick jabs. Monet's eyes rolled up and she lets out a howling moan when Caleb cums inside her. He kisses her shoulders and up her neck. He whispered into her ear,
"I love you Monet" as he slides out of bed and puts his trousers on. Monet lay there, looking up at him, trying to catch her breath.
"Caleb" she said, "I love you too". Caleb smiles, turns and walks down to first meal.
CHAPTER 4
When Monet entered the cooking area, both Rebecca and Caleb smiled, each having the same thing to smile about without the other knowing. Monet felt her face blush.
"You won't be able to run the Valley Monet if you don't learn to rise before the sun" Leanndra said. "I was a little distracted this morning mom" Monet shot back.
"It's my fault my lady" Rebecca volunteered. Leanndra just shook her head.
"I'm heading to the core. We will have a meeting tonight to introduce Caleb. Then celebrate with a feast" Leanndra said as she headed out the castle doors.
Monet suddenly felt uneasy being left alone with Rebecca and Caleb. Rebecca still couldn't believe she was sitting across from a man. He didn't look like Monet.
They do have the same eyes, she thought to herself. He's sort of pretty in an odd way. Caleb broke the silence.
"Tell me about the valley and the core" he said in general. "What can I expect?" Rebecca spoke up, "A lot of resentment for one thing". Monet chimed in,
"I don't think so. Mom will make sure everyone understands you are not a slave. You are her son. Therefore, you will get the same respect that I do." Rebecca didn't like Monet sticking up for Caleb.
"I wouldn't expect it to be that easy Monet. You can't change what's been in a matter of minutes. Then again, Caleb is a good looking man. Better looking than what's in the prison cells. There may be some women who will like him." she smiled. Monet could feel the anger rising in her. She hadn't thought of other women in the valley wanting Caleb in such a way. It made her jealous. She didn't like that.
"How many women are here and how many men are in the prison cells?" Caleb asked.
"Well" Monet answered, "there's several thousand women who live here. They came from all over. This is the safest place to live that I know of. There are a few other living spots I've heard about. But most end up making their way here. Mom makes sure everyone's safe and abides by the rules. As for the prison cells, I think there's several hundred men there. Mom uses them for the logging in exchange for sparing their lives." Caleb looked puzzled.
"What do you mean sparing their lives?" Rebecca answered him,
"Leanndra enjoys tormenting the men before she kills them. I've only watched her in the dungeon twice. I don't think there's a man or woman alive that could take your mom." Again, Caleb was puzzled. "What's the dungeon?" he asked.
Between Monet and Rebecca, they told Caleb all about the valley, the women living there, the prison cells, the dungeon, harvest season, and the rules.
"I'm surprised you were never caught Caleb" Rebecca said.
"Aunt Teresa and Aunt Mary took good care of me. Where we lived, there were never any visitors. Until Monet came." he said with a smile, glancing over to her.
"How is it you were able to find them and no one else was?" Rebecca asked.
Damn, Monet said to herself. She thought it was time for the truth.
"When I was seven, I followed Aunt Mary one day. I couldn't go any further than the clearing without being spotted. That's when I saw a little boy running towards her and calling her Aunt Mary. I knew I couldn't tell anyone what I had seen. So I put it out of my mind. I guess the day I came upon the spot again, it was as if I was supposed to be there. The first time I saw Caleb, I remembered his eyes and knew he was the boy I had seen as a child.
Caleb had a concerned look. When Monet asked him what was wrong. He replied "Just taking in everything that's been said.
Leanndra summoned Mary, Sarah and Crystal to the outpost. She explained to them how Caleb would now be a part of her family. He would not be banished from the valley or sent below to the cells with the other men.
"This won't be easy for you to sell to the other women my lady" Crystal said. Mary shot back
"Caleb is staying! Teresa and I raised that boy. He's a good man." Leanndra smiled.
"Yes Mary, you did an excellent job. He's not like the others. And now that I have my son back, I'm not quick to turn him away. I won't do this twice to Simone." Silence fell upon the women until Sarah asked, "My lady, what will be his work function?" Mary and Crystal looked at Sarah. They knew she wasn't bright upstairs, but didn't think she'd be crazy enough to think he'd have a function. It was known that Monet, being Leanndra's daughter, did not have to participate in any duties. The same would go for Caleb. So they were both shocked when Leanndra responded.
"I'm going to put him in charge of the Runaways. I want him to instill in them what has been taught to him." This didn't sit well with Sarah, who had protected Monet since birth and now felt responsible for Caleb too.
"My lady, if the Runaways learn he is your son, they will kill him at first chance." Mary added "She's right Leanndra. Those men would do anything to hurt you and your family. Teresa and I did our best to teach him how to protect himself. But neither of us have your mastery. He will need to be trained by you if you insist on pursuing this." Leanndra agreed.
"I will begin training him at first light. I want you all sitting with me at the round table tonight. The women need to see Caleb is not a threat."
CHAPTER 5
Monet looked at herself in the full length mirror. She could see her mid section was slightly bigger. She hoped no one else would notice, keeping their focus on Caleb and not her.
I don’t think they will, she said to herself. She could hear Leanndra calling for her. She looked one last look in the mirror before heading down the hall. When she reached the top of the stair case, Leanndra, Sarah, Caleb and Rebecca were at the front doors. At once, they all turned and looked up at her. Leanndra silently mouthed, Simone. Tears filled her eyes. She turned so no one would see her. Both Caleb and Rebecca's mouth fell open. Monet was stunning. A vision one only sees at death when the angel's call. Sarah hit Caleb on the arm and as a reminder said,"That's your sister." Rebecca walked over to the stairs and waited for Monet to make her way down. When she reached the last step, Rebecca took her hand and kissed the back of it.
"You are a vision of beauty." Monet blushed.
"You love me, that's why you think so." she said, as she allowed Rebecca to lead her to the castle doors.
As they made their way down the path to the core, Sarah asked,
"Are you nervous my lady?" Knowing how things could turn out, Leanndra answered,
"No" and didn't offer another word. As they drew nearer, the sounds of the valley were getting louder. Caleb was excited. All his life he only knew two people. Now, he knew a few more people and couldn't wait to meet others.
At the clearing to the core, Leanndra led the way, followed by Monet, Rebecca, Caleb and then Sarah. As they made their way to the round table, a silence fell as the women stared at Caleb. He himself was shocked at how many women there were. Once at the table, everyone sat except Leanndra. She stood there, tall, graceful and self assured. She looked out at the sea of faces. Some had curious looks on them, other's had angry scowls.
"I want to remind everyone that we have had a good life here. And we will continue to do so. I have protected you. I have provided for you. I have trusted in you." A loud applause erupted.
"I have never asked for anything in return. But I'm going to ask now. I know you are wondering who this extra person is sitting at my table." Leanndra motioned for Caleb to stand beside her.
"He is a man not to be feared. He is a man who will train the other's to be just like him. He is a man who is trustworthy and you can count on." Leanndra continued scanning the faces of women, trying to see if she would receive resistance.
"And this man...is my son." Loud gasps and whispering filled the core. From the back of all the women, a voice was heard. "My lady, we welcome the new addition to your family!" A thunder of applause came next. Leanndra smiled and held up her wine goblet.
"Tonight we feast!" she yelled. It did not go unnoticed by Monet all the young women who were staring at her brother. Nor did it go unnoticed by Rebecca. Who quietly smiled to herself.
After most were done eating, Leanndra led Caleb down to meet the others. As expected, most of the younger women flocked to his side.
"I'll show him around my lady" a young woman said as she put her arm around his. Leanndra gave pause. She knew she would need to speak with Caleb about all the attention he would be getting.
As the night wore on, there were never a shortage of young women around Caleb. Leanndra was growing tired.
"I'm heading home" she said to Monet. "You two don't stay out much longer." As she stood, Crystal came up from behind her and put her hand on her shoulder.
"Now my lady, it is early yet. You wouldn't want to disappoint anyone would you?" Leanndra turned and there were three young and beautiful women standing with her. All were half naked and looked as if they couldn't wait to be fucked. Leanndra walked to one of them and flipped the fabric from her chest. Her breasts were perky and nipples light pink. She bent down and took one in between her teeth and tugged. The young girl moaned in delight.
"Well now, I guess it's not that late." Leanndra responded. She turned to Monet and Rebecca.
"You girls will have the castle to yourselves tonight." As they walked away, Rebecca snuggled up to Monet.
"I'm ready to leave when you are." she whispered in her ear. The only thing Monet could think about was Caleb being with another woman.
"Fine. Let's go." Monet said. She didn't want to see women throwing themselves at her brother any longer.
CHAPTER 6
As Monet and Rebecca arrived back at the castle, Monet was distant from her. Rebecca knew why and her heart ached.
"Monet" she quietly said looking at her, "I love you. I know you and Caleb will always have a bond because you're brother and sister and because of the baby. What you did to me was wrong. And I forgave you for it. What I did to you was also wrong. I want to be with you and have a life with you. But it will never work if you are always thinking of him and wanting to be with him." As she turned to head upstairs, Monet heard a faint "goodnight". Monet walked into the parlor. Her head was spinning. You're fucking up Monet, she told herself.
Caleb couldn't believe all the attention he was getting. Women were swooning over him and he liked it. He and five young women had made their way to the waterfall. One woman in particular had caught his eye. Her name is Beth. She is very petite but healthy, with long blond hair and hazel eyes. The five women stood in front of Caleb as he leaned against a rock and one by one, began taking their clothes off.
"Why don't you take yours off too" Beth said very coyly. Caleb smiled and stripped off his clothes. The women's eyes grew big when they saw how enormous he was. The women said amongst themselves, "so who's first?" Caleb isn’t sure what they are talking about. But he soon found out. They approached him and began rubbing on his body and kissing him everywhere. One of the women took his cock and shoved it in her mouth. He’s never felt such a sensation before. He he liked it. Another woman spoke up saying it was her turn. She grabbed Caleb and said "fuck me" as she turned and placed her hands on the rock, sticking her ass out. The other four women played with each other and themselves while Caleb pounded himself against the girl. After she came, the next one placed herself against the rock, then the next.
As the fourth one approached, she too placed herself against the rock. As he was about to begin, she reached behind her and grabbed his cock. She pushed it up to her ass. "There" she said. The three women before her came over and two each took a nipple in their mouths and the other started playing with the woman's clit. Beth sat on top of the rock, watching.
Caleb pushed the head of his cock into her ass. She leaned forward a bit from the pain. But the pleasure from the other women made her forget about it. Her ass is so tight, he said to himself and thought he would finally cum. He inched his way in and began pumping furiously, spreading her ass cheeks with his hands so he could go deeper. The women below her took direction from her moans and bit down on her nipples. Caleb rammed himself inside her several more times until he came. But not before she let out a cry of pleasure.
He was exhausted and wanted Beth. The four women each walked past him and lightly kissed him on the cheek. He looked up at Beth. She smiled down at him and climbed off the rock. She walked over to him, wrapped her arms around his neck and brought him down to her. She softly kissed his lips and said "When will it be my turn?" as she turned and walked away. Caleb watched her leave. He gathered up his clothes and headed back to the castle.
Monet paced back and forth in the parlor. Where could Caleb be, she said to herself. Her mind is like a tornado. She loved Rebecca and grew up with her. But she loves Caleb too. Or at least she thought she did. Could it just be infatuation since I can't have him, because it is forbidden? What if I could have him? Would I want him then?" She looked up at the ceiling and thinks of Rebecca. Memories of them playing together when they were young and making their mom's crazy filled her head. She thinks of all the times Rebecca brought her flowers and did little things for her. You indeed are fucking up, she said to herself again.
Crystal and Leanndra were almost three sheets to the wind by the time they reached the outpost. The young women they brought danced around the fire while Crystal and Leanndra relaxed and watched.
"I think things went well tonight my lady" Crystal said. One of the women came over and kissed Crystal, then took her shirt off and shook her breasts at her.
"Yes, I think it did too" Leanndra replied back, watching the young woman with Crystal. She got up and walked over to the fence railing, looking up at the moon. Crystal followed her. She looks at Leanndra and see’s a tear streaming down her face.
"I miss her Crystal. I think about her every day. Sometimes I don't want to go on living. I look at Monet and I see her. I pray that somehow she will come back to me." Suddenly Leanndra begins to sob. She can’t control her emotions or her tears.
"I still love her so much Crystal." Crystal motioned for the young women to leave. She turns and puts her arm around her friend.
"Leanndra, I've never been in love before. It's been nearly twenty years since Simone passed. I don't know what you're going through or how you're feeling. But I'm here for you." Crystal thinks to herself, if this is what love does to someone, I want no part of it.
Monet walks over to the bottom of the staircase. She turns and looks at the castle doors, then turns and climbs the stairs. When she reach’s the top, she again looks down to the doors. There is no Caleb. Monet proceeds down the hall to her bedroom. Once inside, she closes her door as the doors to the castle open, and in walks Caleb. He looks around and up the stairs. The castle was quiet so he goes to his room.
Monet takes her dress off and softly slides into bed beside Rebecca. She wraps her arm around Rebecca's waist and squeezes her. Rebecca turns over and looks at Monet.
"You're right Rebecca. I did you wrong. I'm sorry." Monet pauses, wanting to choose her words carefully.
"I'm not really sure how I feel about Caleb. But I do know how I feel about you. I love you." Monet's eyes start to moisten.
"I have been foolish. I don't deserve your love. I don't deserve to run the valley. I don't deserve anything. I don't even deserve this child I'm carrying. But I will show you every day for the rest of my life that I do love you and want to be with you, if you can forgive me and allow me another chance to make things right." Rebecca pulls Monet close and holds her. She wipes away Monet's tears and kisses her. She knew she didn't want to let go of her. And she knows that being with Monet will not be easy in the future. Monet takes Rebecca's hand and places it on her breast. A warm feeling comes over Rebecca. She needs no instructions as she leaves Monet's lips and kisses her down the neck and her lips come to rest on Monet's nipple. Monet takes in a quick breath as the warmth of Rebecca's mouth sends shivers down her slightly cold skin.
Rebecca notices Monet's breast ware getting larger and enjoys her new play toys. She continues kissing down Monet's stomach until she comes to the crevice between her legs. She parts her thighs and trails her tongue in between them. Monet begins breathing heavier. Rebecca guides a finger inside her, pulling it in and out at a slow pace. This makes Monet whine. She wants more. Rebecca comes up and kisses Monet ever so softly. As their tongues entwined, Rebecca guides another finger inside. Monet raises her hip, wanting Rebecca to go faster. But she refuses. She continues moving slowly, going slightly deeper with each push. Monet feels as if she'll explode. With each stroke of her fingers, the sensation is building inside Monet. Rebecca leaves Monet's lips and kisses down her neck, nibbling as she goes. Monet whimpers out a beg for Rebecca to go faster. Rebecca smiles and clamped her teeth down on Monet's nipple, furiously moving her fingers in and out of Monet. Monet arches herself and lets out a howling moan.
Both women lie there, exhausted. Monet turns to cuddle beside Rebecca.
"I love you" Monet whispers as she drifts off to sleep. Rebecca stares up at the ceiling, feeling empty inside.
Chapter 7
As the sun began to rise, Caleb was already dressing to start the day. It had been many moons since he was introduced to the valley as Leanndra’s son. The women accepted him only because of the love they had towards their protector. Caleb had shown he wasn’t afraid of hard work during the harvest season and punishing the slaves when needed. He was always polite to the women of the valley and though he still loved Monet, he focused his attention upon Beth to please his mother.
Leanndra lay in bed, almost too stiff to move. The years of fighting had caught up to her and her old battle wounds were taking their toll. This is the worst winter yet, she sighed. How can the pain be this bad, But Leanndra did not know her body was ravaged with disease. There was no way for anyone to tell. In the far off future, there would be a name for this disease: Cancer. But in her time, it would just be called pain.
“Help me up!” Monet yells to Rebecca. Monet’s stomach was very swollen now. Because of this, she never left the castle. The other women in the Valley could not know Monet was pregnant. Let alone, who the father is.
“You look wonderful” Rebecca said to Monet, as she stretched her arm out for her to grab hold to. “I don’t look wonderful. I look like a fat pig!” Monet screamed at her.
“Then you are my little fat pig” Rebecca answered back with a smile. Rebecca had been very happy the past few months. Caleb had left Monet alone and the two of them had grown much closer.
“Should I bring first meal up to you or will you make the trek down the stairs?” Rebecca asked.
“I’ll walk. I can still do that you know.” Monet grumbled.
Caleb was at the table when Leanndra, Monet and Rebecca came down to eat.
“Well, it’s about time you woke up.” Caleb said. “I was beginning to think I was the only person in this house who actually got anything done at first light.” That remark did not sit well with the women. “Caleb”, Leanndra spoke up. “You would do well not to mess with an old woman or one who is carrying a child. Not to mention a woman your size who could give you a run for your position.” As Monet and Rebecca smiled, it was obvious Caleb didn’t respond well to the remark. He slammed his spoon down onto the table and before he left the room said,
“I don’t know how anything in this Valley gets done when you women just sleep all the time!” Caleb turned and stormed out the castle. The three women sat there bewildered by his actions.
As Caleb walked the path down to the Valley, he mumbled allowed: “I am the son of the Leader. Yet I get treated like the men slaves in the caves. I get no respect and have to listen to a bunch of whiny women. I’m stuck with a woman I don’t love because the woman I do love isn’t allowed to love me back. She’s carrying my child and I’m not allowed to claim it. She sleeps with a woman that looks like she could be my brother. This is wrong. And I need to fix it.”
As Caleb continued walking, he did not see Beth sitting in the brush. She quietly followed him because she wanted to surprise him. Yet, hearing Caleb talking to himself, Beth was the one surprised. She stopped following.
This can’t be! It can’t be! she silently screamed to herself. Caleb and Monet are brother and sister. How can she be carrying his child? How can our leader keep this from us? How can Caleb not love me! Tears rolled down Beth’s face as the hurt and anger rose up inside her. She felt used by Caleb. She felt betrayed by Leanndra. And she now hated Monet.
“It shouldn’t be much longer before we see a new set of eyes in the Valley” Leanndra smiled at Monet. Leanndra was so proud of Monet, who was still a mirror image of Simone. Leanndra remembered when Simone was carrying Monet and Caleb. How beautiful she was. And now Monet was carrying her own child.
“We will need to have a plan as to how we intend to introduce the little one” Leanndra spoke. “Mother”, Monet said quietly. “I wish the others to know the truth. The child I bear may very well be a baby boy. I will not have my child banished in the same manner as his father just because he wasn’t born a girl.” Rebecca shot a glance at Leanndra.
“Furthermore, I will never have my child thinking I am just some woman who takes care of it. It will know I am his or her mother and that he or she is very much loved” Monet said.
“We’ll discuss this later Monet” Leanndra said as she stood. Both Rebecca and Monet noticed how slowly Leanndra moved when she left the eating area.
“I’ll leave you to check on your mother” Rebecca said, giving Monet a kiss. “I need to get down to the Valley and see my own mother and get some things done before this little one in here joins us.”
As they both left the eating area and Monet walked Rebecca to the doors, they noticed Leanndra was only half way up the stairs. Rebecca could see the worried look on Monet’s face concerning her mother. Leanndra had always been a very strong woman and it was odd seeing her in this condition.
Beth sat stunned atop a large boulder on the beach, tears still pouring down her cheeks.
It was as far away in the opposite direction as Caleb was heading that she could go. It was freezing and Beth was shaking. Her body numb to the coldness and her mind numb to what she had heard.
Monet climbed the steps to Leanndra
“Mother, are you ok?” Monet asked. “Yes my dear. I’m fine. Just a little slow today is all.” Monet put her arm around Leanndras waist.
“Then let’s be slow together” she smiled at her mother. As they entered Leanndras room, Monet helped her to the bed.
“Monet, I will be making an announcement soon. The announcement that you will be the Valley’s leader. I think it’s time for me to step down. Besides, I think I’d like to spend some time with my grandchild” she beamed.
“But mother, the little one isn’t due to arrive for another 30 moons” Monet said. “You can’t announce anything until then.” Monet looked back at her mother. But Leanndra had already fallen asleep. Monet walked over to the balcony and looked out. The sky was darkening from an approaching storm. Monet looked out at the ocean and thought how beautiful it was with the high rolling waves. She noticed Beth sitting on the beach. What in the world is she doing out in this weather, Monet wondered. I should go bring her in before the rain hits.
Chapter 8
Rebecca reminded her mother that she would be with Monet over the next forty moons. She wanted to be by her side when the baby came and be there to help take care of her afterwards. As she was leaving her mother’s hut, Caleb was walking towards the cave where the slaves were held. She decided it was time for the two of them to get out any differences now before the baby came. And she didn’t want to see Monet struggle with her feelings.
“Caleb” she called out as he reached the cave opening. Caleb stood there for a moment, glaring at Rebecca and continued into the cave. Rebecca ran towards him and paused at the cave opening. She had never been inside. She heard stories about how bad it was. But she drew the courage to enter anyway.
Monet could hear Beth crying as she approached her.
“Beth…are you alright?” Monet asked as she moved in front of her. Beth raised her head and looked at Monet with disgust.
“How could you?” Beth said softly. “How could you sleep with your own brother? How could you carry his baby?” Beth’s voice was getting louder and Monet could hear the anger.
“How could our so called Leader bring Caleb here? He’s supposed to love me! Me! If anyone else had a son, it would be cast out and left to die. But because your bitch of a mother is our Leader, her son lives!” Beth screamed as she jumped off the rock and pushed Monet to the ground.
“It’s all a lie!” she continued to scream. “Your whole family is a lie. Leandra is a lie! I’ll tell the entire valley what scum you are!” Monet was speechless. She couldn’t find the words to speak. At that moment, Beth kicked Monet in the stomach and screamed as she ran off,“I’m telling everyone! Everyone!” Monet lay there in the sand, doubled over in pain. She couldn’t find the strength to move as tears ran down her face.
Rebecca followed the torch lit walls of the caves. She could hear moaning and sounds of pain the further she walked down the walk way. After a few minutes, she came upon an opening. Caleb sat there with his chair leaned up against the wall.
“I didn’t think you would have the nerve to follow me in here” Caleb said.
“Oh, you’d be surprised at what nerve I have” Rebecca coyly replied. Rebecca reached out and grabbed Caleb by the throat. Caleb was shocked at the strength she had and couldn’t remove her hand. “If you weren’t who you are, I’d snap you like a twig” she growled. Caleb struggled to speak,
“You bitch!”. Rebecca felt an uprising of anger. She pulled Caleb forward and then slammed his head into the wall. Caleb’s eyes shot wide open for only a moment. His eyes closed and he went limp under Rebecca’s grasp. Rebecca saw a wetness streaming down the wall behind Caleb. She let him go and he slumped to the cave floor.
“What have I done?” Rebecca whispered. “I’m glad you killed the son of a bitch” Beth seethed. Rebecca swung around and saw Beth standing there with tears in her eyes.
“I…I didn’t mean to hurt him” Rebecca stuttered. Beth walked over to Caleb and checked to see if he was breathing.
“Good job Rebecca. Now all we have to do is tell the valley the whole truth.” Rebecca still shocked at what she just did, asked “What do you mean the truth?” Beth replied,
“That Monet is carrying Caleb’s child. Her own brother’s child. That Leanndra is a liar and only looks after the best interest of her own family.” Rebecca was stunned. How did Beth know the truth? “What are you speaking of Beth?” Beth glared at Rebecca.
“Oh come now, did you really think no one would find out? I know the whole story. And soon everyone else will too!” she yelled. “I just left Monet at the beach. She knows I know the truth and she knows I’m going to tell everyone. That bitch. How dare she act like a friend to me? I’m glad I hit her and I hope she loses that spawn she’s carrying!” Rebecca stood tall. Not being able to get past what Beth just said.
“What do you mean you hit her?” Rebecca snapped as she lunged towards Beth and wrapped her hands around her throat.
“What did you do to her!” Beth couldn’t get any words out. She could feel darkness coming. Her legs were getting weak. She tried to pull Rebecca’s hands away but she was no match for her strength. Rebecca glared at Beth.
“Enjoy your life in the ever after with Caleb” Rebecca whispered. In one swift motion, Rebecca snapped Beth’s neck back. A loud crack echoed through the cave halls.
As Sarah walked up the path towards the castle, she thought she could hear a faint cry. Her stride became quicker as the cry became louder. When she entered the clearing to the beach, she could see Monet lying in the sand. Sarah rushed over to her.
“Monet, what happened? Are you alright?” Sarah could see Monet was bleeding between her legs. Monet couldn’t speak. Sarah gathered her up in her arms and ran toward the castle.
Rebecca leaned up against the coldness of the cave wall. Her head was spinning. How was she going to explain this? She killed two people. One of whom was her leader’s son. She had to think fast. She grabbed the cell keys from Caleb and continued following the cave halls. When passing each cell, she was spat upon by the slaves. Each time drawing her fist to fight back if one was able to get too close to the cell door.
Think, she told herself. Rebecca came upon one slave who didn’t spit at her. He sat there quietly as she passed. He was a good sized man. Yet for some reason, well behaved.
“You there” she commanded. “Get up and let me see you”. The slave raised his head and Rebecca could see his face was disfigured.
“Yes ma’am” he managed as he stood up. Rebecca unlocked his cell door. Still, he just stood there. “If you try anything I’ll slit your throat” Rebecca growled.
“No ma’am. I won’t touch you” the slave said as he instinctively tucked his head in his arms to shield himself. Rebecca walked over to where his chains were latched in the wall. She tugged and the chains gave just a little. She tugged again and the bolts loosened a bit more. She took the keys and starting scraping around the bolts. The walls were wet and soft. She tugged on the chains again and this time they came free from the wall. The slaves eyes were full of fear as Rebecca whirled around.
“Come with me!” she demanded. When the two of them reached the opening, the slave fell to his knees when he saw two bodies lying there.
“No…No! I didn’t do it! I swear!” he cried. “Shut up and help me pick him up” Rebecca ordered.
Sarah kicked the castle doors opened and yelled for Leanndra. As she rushed Monet up the stairs, Leanndra emerged from her room. When she saw Monet limp in Sarah’s arms, the life almost rushed out of her.
“What happened?” she screamed.
“I don’t know. I found her like this on the beach!” Sarah shot back. Both women worked to lay Monet on her bed. She was soaked in blood and sand.
“Run get Crystal and Mary” Leanndra ordered, though she didn’t mean for it to sound that way. “Please Sarah. Hurry!” Before Leanndra knew it, Sarah was out the door. Leanndra rushed to get some linens and water.
“Mom” she heard Monet struggle to say.
“Yes my sweet Monet” she responded. Trying to hold back the tears Monet didn’t need to see. “Beth…” then Monet fell unconscious again.
“Beth” Leanndra said. She undressed Monet and gently began wiping the blood away. Leanndra closed her eyes and said,
“Oh Mighty One, do not take my child from me. Do not take this child from her. Punish me for any sin. But please don’t take the innocent.” Leanndra was weak, almost too weak. But seeing Monet lay there, she summoned the strength she needed to finish washing Monet.
Her bleeding seems to have stopped, but what about the baby? she said to herself. At that moment, Mary, Sarah and Crystal rushed into the room.
“Let us handle this my lady” Mary said as Crystal put her arms around Leanndra’s shoulders to help her up. “Let us have a look at her”. Sarah was busy already mixing herbs into a drink.
“Has she spoken at all?” Mary asked.
“No. Well, she did say Beth. But that was it. Just Beth.” Leanndra responded.
“We’ve got to get this drink down her” Sarah said as she motioned for Mary to lift Monet up. Monet’s eyes opened to a haze.
“Drink this child” Mary told her as she held the cup to her lips. Monet tried her best to drink the mix, but a stabbing pain to her stomach made her scream out.
“Get her out of here!” Mary yelled to Crystal. “Let us do our job”. Leanndra didn’t have the strength to fight Crystal. She allowed herself to be ushered from the room. When Crystal got Leanndra to her bed, Leanndra broke down.
“Why! Why does the Mighty One punish those I love!” she sobbed. Crystal didn’t have an answer. All she could do was hold her leader and comfort her the best she could.
“Put him down here” Rebecca ordered. The slave looked at her. He was puzzled as to why she wanted Caleb placed in front of his cell.
“Yes ma’am” he said. “Grab the straw” she ordered the slave. He turned to reach for the item and felt a stabbing pain to his back. He turned to look at Rebecca as he fell to his knees.
“Why ma’am?” Rebecca stayed silent as she watched him go limp. Rebecca dragged the slave down the same path they had just pulled Caleb. She continued dragging him to the front of the opening.
This has got to work, she told herself.
“Why is it so quiet?” Leanndra asked Crystal. “I’m too weak. Go see what’s going on. I need to know how Monet is”. Crystal could hear the pain in Leanndra’s voice.
“Yes my Lady. I’ll go see.” Leanndra sat on the bed, her mind wandering back to Simone. Remembering the night she gave birth to Caleb and Monet. The pain she felt when Simone slipped away from her.
“No!” she cried. “I won’t lose Monet that way”. Before she knew it, Crystal rushed into her chambers.
“Leanndra, you need to come” she said while helping Leanndra stand. “Tell me” Leanndra begged. Crystal put her arms around Leanndra’s waist and hurried her down the hall. When they entered Monet’s room, Mary and Sarah stood. They were beaming. Monet was weak. But she was sitting up in her bed, cradling her new baby. Leanndra’s eyes filled with tears.
“Is it?” Monet faintly replied “Come hold your granddaughter”.
Chapter 9
Rebecca stumbled from the cave opening.
“Help!” she screamed as the blood flowed freely from her forehead. Women from the Core came running. There was excitement and confusion.
“What happened?”. “What’s going on?” “Is she bleeding?” “Where’s Caleb?” These were all questions being asked as Rebecca fell to the ground. An elderly woman yelled for someone to go get Crystal as she lifted Rebecca’s head to hold her.
“Dead” Rebecca whispered as darkness took her.
“Who’s doing all that yelling?” Sarah said out loud. All the women turned as the door to Monet’s room burst open and a young woman emerged.
“Crystal come quick! Something bad has happened in the caves.” The woman knelt to the floor instantly.
“Forgive me my lady. I did not wish to interrupt. But we need help quick.” All eyes were on the young woman.
“Speak up” Leanndra commanded. The young woman stood.
“Something bad has happened in the caves. I don’t know exactly how bad it is. But Rebecca is hurt.” Sarah and Crystal rushed out the door.
“Don’t worry Leanndra. We’ll take care of it.” Crystal said reassuringly. “Come with us” Sarah told the young woman.
“Mom, please go see about Rebecca and Caleb” Monet pleaded. Leanndra was worried herself. But she was more concerned at the moment about Monet. It wasn’t long after Simone gave birth when Leanndra lost her. That image was burned in Leanndra’s memory.
“Settle down Monet. We’ll know soon enough what’s going on. Right now, you need to rest. This little one is going to need your full attention from now on” Leanndra spoke, trying to smile. Mary walked over to Leanndra to take the baby.
“My Lady, I will stay if you wish to go find out what’s happening in the caves” Mary whispered. “Drink some of my herb mix. It will give you strength.” Leanndra gazed at Monet before sipping the drink.
“Mom…Beth…” was all Monet could manage before drifting off to sleep.
Why does she keep saying Beth’s name, Leanndra wondered. “Ok Mary. Take care of my girls. I’ll be back in a bit”.
When Sarah and Crystal reached the Core, they could see a huge gathering down by the caves. They hurried to find out what was going on.
“Crystal” Rebecca’s mother called out, “Rebecca is hurt. But I think she’ll be ok. We’ve all been too afraid to enter the caves. It’s where she stumbled from.” Neither Crystal nor Sarah said a word. They both knew Caleb was supposed to be at his post. And if Rebecca had been attacked, they wondered to themselves, what happened to Caleb?
As they reached the center of the caves, they were both dumbfounded. “How did this slave get loose?” Crystal said aloud. Sarah ran over to Beth.
“Oh my God.” she said looking over at Crystal. “She’s dead!” Crystal kicked the slave. She knelt down to see if he was alive.
“He’s dead too”. Crystal pulled her sword from her side, not knowing what to expect next. She needed to be ready. Both women slowly walked down the cave corridor. The slaves were quiet and stayed in the back corners of their cells. Every slave knew of Crystal and wanted no part of her. Sarah was the first to see Caleb. She ran to him. When Crystal got there, she already knew. Both women allowed themselves only a few tears. They knew they needed to be strong for Leanndra and Monet. Sarah grabbed Caleb’s arms and tossed him over her shoulder.
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