Chapter 95: Servitude

Time seemed to stand still as Ann focused everything she had on Rowena. She was breathing unsteadily, her eyes were sharp in contrast with her middle-aged features. She moved slowly, carefully, like she was afraid of startling a predator. This wasn’t the Rowena she was before. Orenous above, what had they done to this woman?

“Rowena, I think we need to talk for a bit. All of us,” Ann said.

Rowena’s face turned to a pout, and she stopped her slow and steady approach, then sat back on her desk with a sigh. “I was afraid you’d say that.”

“So, that punishment was made to chastise you, but did we go too far? You’re different. Way different.”

“I just saw the error of my ways is all.”

“That tryin’ tae feck wit’ our relationship was a bad idea? Pretty sure you admitted tha’ in the first meetin’.” Kat looked unimpressed, with her arms crossed and jaw set.

“Nonono, it is much more than that. My, um, well, did you not hear Her voice?” Rowena asked, sounding panicked, looking at each of the girls in turn with confusion.

As Rowena glanced her way, Ann noticed there was a strange innocence in her eyes now. Something had fundamentally altered her, indeed. When the rest shook their heads, Rowena looked confused.

“She spoke to me during the punishment. Her words were so sweet and scornful,” Rowena shivered, arms hugging herself. “She told me what could have been. What I had missed. What I might have had. No, she showed me.”

Ann cast a glance at Kat and Rosalyn. Kat looked distrustful, and Rosalyn was concerned. This was far outside what any of them had expected to be done here.

“Rowena, we just heard us doing what we were doing. We didn’t hear Orenous at all. She just told us that this was a punishment for you trying to interfere. What happened?” Rosalyn asked as she clasped her hands before her.

Rowena shivered again, eyes closing as she remembered the event. “Oh, it was such sweet torture. Let me explain. I was, as you know, stripped and bound to the wall as required by my Lady. Once you entered the room and made such a point of not touching me, it was as if my soul itself was being assaulted. The pure tenderness and love you showed each other was beautiful. Then she spoke to me. The first time, but not the last. She whispered, telling me that I could have had this. I could have had a place with you, and that I had failed. It tore me apart. My soul cried out in anguish and desire. Desire that would not be sated. I… I still feel that sweet ache in my heart when I recall it. The memory is still fresh, but I believe it will be with me for the rest of my days.”

“The feck?” Kat’s eyes had gone wide with concern as she listened to the priestess gush. “Ann, ye get any idea we did tha’?”

“No. I mean, she looked really out of it, and with how she was almost hypnotised by my cock the first time, I thought it’d be something like that. Just getting really horny and denied the release?”

“Apparently, Orenous had weirder plans for her,” Rosalyn muttered. “Gotta say I’m not really surprised that she’d want the leader of her organised religion to be involved with her Chosen, but that she’d use that as both a carrot and stick to punish her is a bit different from what I’ve seen of her.”

“Oh, I think you misunderstand, young ones,” Rowena said. A bit of her former aura –that of the mother superior– returned as she drew herself into proper posture. “Remember, Orenous is the Lady of Love, the mind, and beauty. Now, Love has many forms, and when scorned or manipulated, Love can possess a powerful sense of retribution. She embodies this as well. That is what I endured.”

“Seems more like something Nylir would be responsible for, though, right?” Ann asked.

“Oh, Holiness, you would be correct, but the two are sister Goddesses for a reason. They share some of their traits, and all Gods are capable of wrath.”

“Ok, but what happened? Why are you acting like this now? You were so, I don’t know, proper and in control. Now, I can see you drooling,” Ann had noticed Rowena’s gaze shifting down to Ann’s lower body, and while she wasn’t literally drooling, she was transfixed.

“I… um…” Rowena stammered with uncharacteristic timidness. “The punishment may have been more effective than planned? I saw the beauty, the joy you all share. I… I can’t help but see it as a model. An example. Something to desire and live up to.”

“Wait, wait, wait. We’re not tha’ special. Feckin’ bein’ able tae love each other is not feckin’ special. Shite, me parents can get all lovey like tha’ too.”

“So can mine,” Rosalyn agreed. “I mean, sometimes there’s stress, but they’re still in it together.”

“But it’s her! The Chosen. You three are so perfectly in sync that I could never imagine a more harmonious union. I… I confess I find myself desperately longing for a fraction of that attention and care.”

“Ok, gonna disillusion you real quick,” Ann said with an icy edge to her voice. “We’ve fought. I bit Rosalyn a little while back and Kat threw me through a wall because of it. Kat’s a bit possessive and protective like that. I’m pushing her boundaries and I know that I probably shouldn’t. That’s not great. We have come to an understanding and agreement on that. Rosalyn? I don’t think we’ve had a disagreement yet, but we’re not perfect.”

“But you still LOVE.” Rowena actually moaned the word. Ann could barely believe her ears. “Orenous be praised, the intensity of your passion, the willingness to work and change for each other. How you care and show each other the respect and pure joy each other deserves. The selflessness in Katlyn trying to work and find a compromise in your opposing ideals. It is perfection in its imperfection. Even you, Rosalyn, are a glue to your lovers,” the priestess was starting to pant now, the passion of her speech overflowing. “One who holds the two close and in unison. To be the one both of your lovers can agree with each other about. It is truly glorious.”

“Oh wow,” Rosalyn gasped, taken aback by the sincere words.

“And I was witness to all of this. Unable to move, to voice my desire or satisfy my own needs. It was such exquisite torture that the Lady only further engraved on my soul. Then you, glorious Champion, had the kindness to touch me. To forgive me, even if you do not forget my transgressions. I would do anything to feel even a fraction of that again.”

The room fell into silence. The three women sitting in chairs staring at Rowena in utter bewilderment. Rowena was practically falling off the desk as she leaned forward. Ann broke the silence.

“I… Rowena, give us a minute,” she commanded.

“Oh, of course, Holiness,” Rowena gasped, leaping up and rushing to the door. “I will be just outside, but a call away.” She closed the door.

“I think we broke her,” Rosalyn said in utter bewilderment.

“Aye, the feck was tha’? Ann, she was practically throwin’ ‘erself at ye. Shite, before she was thinkin’ about someone below ‘er, but now it’s like she wants tae be the one in yer bed.” Kat leaned back in her chair, one hand rubbing her face while the other scratched the back of her neck.

Ann made a mental note to check on that later.

“I… shit, I don’t know. I didn’t think that just touching her like that would get such a huge reaction. The reaction to the punishment makes a little bit of sense? She’s already kinda predisposed to worship and being in a place of service? Just, didn’t expect,” she waved her hand at the door, “that!”

“So the feck are we gonna do wit’ ‘er? I doubt we’re gonna be free o’ her actin’ like tha’.”

“And it almost seems cruel to just ignore her,” Rosalyn said. “After she had such a strong reaction to something we did to her.”

“But we didn’t do all that,” Ann pointed out. “Orenous definitely drove her further. Fuck, this is such a mess. Would it be horrible to just ignore her, yeah.” Ann nodded at Rosalyn, “Maybe we can just keep her happy by keeping her around and involved with stuff?”

“I mean, we do need a liaison with the Temple, so who better than the head of the temple? We might not have her all the time, but I feel like she’d practically sprint to wherever we are if we asked her to,” Rosalyn suggested. She’d sat back in her chair, rubbing her chin contemplatively. The focus and concern on her round face was frankly adorable.

“I still ‘aven’t gotten over ‘er shite,” Kat sighed and let her arms fall limply to her sides. “Thing is, I agree wit’ ye both. As much as I hate it, we did this tae ‘er. Even if Orenous pushed it further than we intended, we’ve gotta take some responsibility fer it.”

“So, pet priestess?” Ann laughed, trying to lighten the mood. “Not really. That’s just degrading.”

Kat barked a laugh. “Bitch, ye think she’d say no tae tha’?”

“Should it be concerning that I don’t think she would?” Rosalyn asked.

“This is going to be so complicated. For now, she’s our liaison. We’ll figure out the rest of this mess later.”

“Could always put ‘er on a leash. Shite, she might like tha’ now. Ugh, and she’s probably listenin’ tae us.”

“I wouldn’t doubt it,” Rosalyn said, looking at the door. “So, just giving her a little bit to help, along with the whole announcement thing? Think that’ll be enough for her?”

“Honestly, no,” Ann sighed, “but it’s the best we’ve got for her right now.”

“Then I’m ok with that.”

“Aye, me too.”

“Rowena, come back! I know you can hear me,” Ann called.

Rowena almost fell through the door and straightened herself quickly. “You called, Champion? Holiness?”

“Seriously, first off, what’s up with the Holiness?”

“It is only right to treat such a divine gift as she deserves!” Rowena said, looking taken aback. “We should be waiting on you hand and foot, or more, but your wishes must be respected.”

“Ok, no,” Ann said coldly. She watched Rowena cringe. Her whole body shrank as she felt the force of that no. Dear Orenous, she really was changed, and Ann was the symbol of the power that had done it. “Just, no telling anyone else about any of this, and no waiting on me hand and foot,” Ann paused for a second, “unless I ask for it.”

“Oh, I understand. The image of authority must be maintained, even if I live to serve,” Rowena said, bowing. Something in the way the words tumbled from her lips reeked of desperation.

“Orenous help me. Ok, so we’re gonna be using you as our liaison for the Temple. Not one of the other priests, you,” Ann informed her.

“Joyous day!” Rowena cried. “I will do my best to be of service, Holiness.”

Ann rolled her eyes, but continued. “For now, your job is maintaining your normal duties and preparing for the announcement. That’s all I have, really, but I’m sure once the noble families start getting involved, we’ll have a lot more to talk about. You are aware of the political landscape here, right?”

“I am, yes! There are all kinds who come here to worship and I have a wonderful position that enables me to keep track of the changes within. You would be best served by an agent in the courts as well.”

“No, no, I’ll be doing that myself. Best to set a strong facade,” Ann decided. “Plus, knowing Orenous, I should be able to handle events well in that theatre. Besides that, I have no other tasks I can assign.”

“It is more than enough, Holiness,” Rowena said, bowing deeply again.

This time, Ann noticed that her loose top had been arranged so that the motion caused the fabric to droop and display her ample breasts. She couldn’t help but stare for a moment, before shaking herself and looking at Kat. Both she and Rosalyn next to her were staring as well. Good, she wasn’t the only one who noticed.

“Up,” Ann ordered. Rowena stood at attention immediately. “Ugh, ok. Also, please try to relax? I’m not all about this… whatever the hell you’re doing.”

“I couldn’t possibly act differently around such a holy personage,” Rowena gasped. “I live to worship my Goddess, and serve her will. You are an extension of that.”

“But, aren’t you, too?” Ann asked, trying to find a way to get past this mental block Rowena had erected for herself.

“No, no, I am merely a servant. My place is to follow, as it always should have been.” To her credit, she didn’t bow this time, trying to find the middle ground between her self imposed subservience and Ann’s request for her to relax.

“Fine, if you’re going to be difficult about this, just try to ease off. And none of this in public. Regardless what you, uh, think now, you’re still a leader,” Ann said.

Rowena clapped and bounced like a woman half her age. “Thank you, Holiness! I will maintain my normal image outside of your presence and…”

“No, even in my presence in public,” Ann corrected her.

“Of course! Apologies for the lapse in my wording. I will maintain my image in public and lead our Goddess’ Temple in the ways she has taught us. If only I may serve you further,” Rowena sighed like a lovesick schoolgirl.

“She’s feckin’ loony,” Kat mumbled in bafflement.

“It’s kinda cute, though? Somehow? Like an innocent kinda thing? Did we do this to her or did she reawaken this?” Rosalyn asked, leaning forward and studying Rowena’s giddy expression.

“I confess I’m not certain myself,” Rowena said. “It simply feels right to serve you and your partners, lovers, divine consorts. Yes, that is the proper term.”

“Feck, you’ll be actin’ like this fer us, too?”

“Of course! I wouldn’t dare spurn the Champion’s lovers.”

“That’s… a lot of pressure,” Rosalyn hemmed, still sitting forward, tense.

“No, it shouldn’t be. I am here to relieve pressure. Please, use me as you see fit.”

Ann caught that thinly veiled innuendo but chose to ignore it. “Alright, then, I think we’re done here. Good job and good luck with the setup on the announcement. Let us know if you need anything.”

“I will try to avoid burdening you, Holiness. I will make sure everything goes flawlessly. I hope to see your Radiance and your lovers again soon!” Rowena cried with another bow, then flinched and stood back up. At least she was trying.

The three stood and left the room, Kat still scratching at the back of her neck. It only got worse as they wandered down the hallways.

“Hey, let me take a look at that,” Ann said, pulling aside a couple braids.

“Nae, it’s fine,” Kat brushed her hand away.

“No, you’ve been scratching that for a couple days. Let me look. Sit,” Ann said more insistently.

Kat sighed and sat on a nearby bench in the hall. Priests moved by as Rosalyn and Ann stood behind their girlfriend.

Ann lifted the woman’s complex braids and took a look at her neck. It was red and irritated from the scratching, and there was a patch of rough skin across the bottom of her hairline. The irritated area was roughly three inches wide and two inches down, with rough edges and flaking skin. It looked like what Ann remembered as psoriasis, and she cringed, knowing what that might mean for Kat.

“Kat, how long have you had this? I don’t remember this when we got together,” Rosalyn asked, circled around to Kat’s side and hugged her.

“Yeah, this looks like a skin condition. Something I knew about in my time. It was a sign of other issues too, like bad joints and other stuff,” Ann explained as she prodded the patch of skin. She was worried. Something like this could seriously debilitate someone, and Kat would not take that news well.

“Well, I don’t ‘ave any o’ that,” Kat said, reaching back to run her own hand over the patch. “Not sure. Just started after the last Seed we were in. Feckin’ been botherin’ me, but not too bad. Think we should talk tae a healer?”

“Yeah, that might be a good idea,” Rosalyn said. “Don’t want you having something that’ll get you hurt or slow you down. Kinda need our beefy protector.”

Ann flagged down a passing priest. “Hey, do you know a healer that can work with skin issues?”

“Oh, your Holiness,” the man said, stopping in his tracks, “Yes, hmm, old Gerald has a healer Path that has a few spells to help. Shall I fetch him?”

“If you’d be so kind,” Ann nodded.

The priest ran off to find the healer.

“Really should have told us about this earlier,” Ann admonished Kat, flicking away the princess’ hand as she tried to scratch again.

“Aye, should ‘ave, but it was just itchy. Didn’t know it could be a bigger problem,” Kat shrugged. “Figured it might just be a rash or somethin’ that’d pass.”

“I mean, it is, but not the type that’ll pass. Do your mom or dad have anything like it? It can be passed down.”

“Nae, not that they’ve told me, at least,” Kat said, holding Ann’s hand.

Ann felt that grip and knew her princess was using it as a way to prevent herself from scratching.

A couple minutes later, an old man with dark brown skin and a long white beard hobbled over to them, leaning on a cane. “Ah, there you are. Tin told me you would be somewhere around here, but not exactly. Youngsters. The princess has something I need to look at?”

“Yeah, on the back of her neck,” Ann said, pulling the hair aside.

The old man hummed as he leaned in to look at the rash. “Give me a moment,” he said as he placed his hand on the irritated skin. “Hmmm, interesting. Very interesting,” he muttered beneath his breath.

“What?” Ann asked. It was never good when a doctor thought it was interesting.

“Well, I have seen this type of rash before. It generally is the first sign of a larger disease that causes many problems in the body. It could affect your skin, joints, bones, or general health, or all at once. Now, normally, I have a spell that should be able to identify it, but I just cast the thing, and it came back negative. According to my magic, you’re as healthy as can be. I would stop scratching it, first off, then keep it hydrated. I have a salve… erm… somewhere.” Gerald rustled through his robes, a clinking of bottles coming from within. “Ah, here. Once a day, at least. If it starts to itch again after an hour, re-apply. Perhaps it is as simple as a very dry patch of skin. Let me know if it gets worse and I will pull more resources to investigate.”

With that, he tottered off back into the press of the temple.

Ann felt a deeper concern wash over her.

“So if I’m not sick, the feck is happenin’ tae me?” Kat sounded scared.