Power and Pleasure Ch. 02

"She's family now," Nathaniel said. "She's ours to protect."

"Ours to love," Shayal added. Nathaniel smiled and nodded.

Carol blinked several times as she came out of trance. She was still immersed in the hot, scented water of the bath, and could still breathe in the garden-like smell of the potted plants that hung about the room. She had been put into trance again, she realized. It was easy to go into trance here. She felt safe and wanted and the royal family was so very loving.

Shayal was kneeling on the bench next to her; her hand still stroking Carol's hair. "How do you feel?"

"Wonderful," Carol said; "Just a little lazy."

"For the next few weeks lazy is probably best for you," Shayal suggested. "You been through so much, and once you begin your work as Chief of Staff you will have more than enough work to do."

"Can I ask a question?" Carol asked.

"Surely," Shayal said, her hand stroking carols neck.

"Is hypnotizing me going to be a family pastime?" Carol asked, smiling.

Shayal laughed. "We use hypnosis on each other frequently, but only to please and heal. We'll teach you how to put people into trance so you can take care of others as we have taken care of you."

Carol turned so she could more easily see Shayal's face. "I have to know something else."

"Yes?" Shayal prompted.

"When Nathaniel and I were making love, he seemed to have some kind if power he could send through my body. I would have slept with him anyway, but this power made the sex so wonderful I can't even put into words."

Shayal touched Carol's shoulder. "You do not have to explain; I have experienced that power myself, all of the wives have."

"What is it?" Carol asked eagerly.

"That will take some time to explain and I, for one, am hungry. We will talk over breakfast."

"I made you missed breakfast with you family; my apologies," Carol said, abruptly aware of her own hunger.

"Nonsense," Shayal countered. "I wanted to care for you." She stood up and extended her hands to help Carol to her feet, "Come."

As they stepped out of the bath, two female attendants rushed to them with soft towels and padded them dry. The towels were very soft and carol found herself caught up in the luxury of being pampered yet again. The attendants helped Carol and Shayal dress and anointed them with perfume. "Kisha, please tell the kitchen that I would like breakfast for two in the living room on the east table."

Shayal thanked both attendants with a kiss on the cheek. Shayal was Empress, and she ruled this household, but she treated the staff with a familiarity that humans would find somewhat undignified. Carol, however found such familiarity reassuring.

Shayal took her arm led her arm and led her out of the room. "After we've eaten we will have our hair and makeup attended to while we get acquainted."

"I wouldn't want to keep you from your duties," Carol said.

Shayal patted her arm "Getting you settled in at the palace is my duty for today. You doubtless have more questions, and there are things you need to be told."

Two male attendants seated the women at the breakfast table. Shayal thanked them both with kisses and asked them leave. "Now, let me answer your question," Shayal said, sipping from a glass of juice."The power you felt with Nathaniel last night I called 'andra' by the Andrian people, on you world the Indian people called it 'tantra.' It is a manifestation of the creative force that brings order to the universe. Nathaniel can tap into that power and channel it through his body."

Carol thought for a moment. "How did he come about that ability?"

"It was part of his genetic structure, but only became active after he and I became involved." Shayal answered.

"Why would coming into contact with you trigger a latent genetic ability?" Carol asked.

Shayal smiled. Carol had a keen mind that always went to the heart of a matter. "Because I have that ability as well; to a lesser degree," Shayal responded.

"Very well, but how did you gain such abilities?" Carol inquired.

"It was genetic in my case as well," Shayal replied, drawing out her explanation to gain insight into how Carol's mind worked.

"That doesn't answer my question. The ability may be genetic in nature, but that doesn't tell me what caused that ability to manifest in both of you?" Carol pressed.

Shayal smiled,"First I would like to ask you a question." Carol tilted her head slightly. "Alright," She said.

Shayal touched Carol's hand from across the table. "We performed and extensive background profile on you before we asked you to join the family, so we know you have had female lovers in the past, but those relationships were several years ago. Since that time what few lovers you have taken have been men. I would like to know if you still find yourself attracted to women."

Carol tilted her head again. "Well, dating hasn't been high on my priority list in while. I'm a fleet officer and, while we may not be officially at war, there has been almost constant fighting along the frontiers. I had been on continuous deployment for the last three years until I was hurt. But to answer your question; yes I find some women attractive. I lean more toward men, but I'm open to being with women as well."

Shayal leaned closer. "Do you find any of Nathaniel's wives attractive?"

"You're all lovely," Carol said. "I was very aroused when you bathed me this morning; but you have to have known that." Carol sipped her juice. "Now, are you going to answer my question?"

Shayal smiled. "I have another one for you. How would you feel about going to bed with Nathaniel and some of the other wives?"

Carol smile and brushed some hair out of her face. "I'd love to try that. But, again, you knew that already."

Shayal almost grinned. "How would I know that?"

Carol propped her chin on her hands; her elbows on the table. "I assume you asked me those questions when I was in trance."

Shayal sipped more juice. "Why would you assume that?"

"Because you wouldn't want to put me into an awkward position by springing a situation I wouldn't be comfortable with. Asking me while I was in trance meant I would answer without filtering my answers trough all my learned inhibitions and insecurities. But, you needed to ask me while I was fully conscious so you could be sure that I wasn't being led by the way you asked the questions, or being influenced by what I thought you wanted to hear while I was in trance and in a highly suggestible sate."

"You already seem to know a bit about hypnosis," Shayal observed.

"I took a few psychology courses at the academy, and was hypnotized a few times there, but it was my father who I owe most of what I know about hypnosis and psychology in general. He was a psychologist and my mother was a micro-biologist."

"I saw that in the profile we did on you," Shayal said.

Carol nodded. "They were also both minimalists, so there was no novels, holo-vids or any other entertainment media in the in our quarters on ship we lived on. The only things there were to read were books about psychology and micro-biology. I probably have the equivalent of bachelor's degrees in both disciplines."

Carol leaned toward Shayal, took a strawberry from a bowl on the table and popped in her mouth. "Now do I get my answers; or do I have to tell you about my first kiss?"

Shayal laughed and stood. "I would love to hear about you first kiss, but I will answer your question. However it would be easier to show you that answer." She smiled wickedly at finding another way to play on Carol's curiosity. "After we get our hair seen to," Shayal added, brushing an undisciplined strand of Carol's hair away from her eyes.

Carol just chuckled and shook her head.

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After visiting the palace's hair dresser, Shayal had maneuvered them in having a massage, a pedicure and a manicure. Following that, the two women had lunch with the Nathaniel and his wives and then Shayal led Carol on an extensive tour of the palace. Carol came to realize that Shayal would answer her questions n her own time. The two women talked and became friends, but Shayal kept the conversation on her terms.

It was early evening when Shayal finally led Carol back to the royal family's living quarters. Together with Nathaniel and the other wives they passed a few pleasant hours before enjoying an equally pleasant dinner. Carol had stopped pushing for an answer to her question. Shayal seemed to enjoy stringing her along and it had only been a day since she had been asked into the family's inner circle. She decided to enjoy the company of her new friends.

The soft, talented hands of Coreen Straland-Trent, Nathaniel's Grand Admiral, were caressing her neck and shoulders. Coreen was a buxom and curvaceous with blond hair that hung at just below shoulder length. Her breasts were larger than any of the other wives. Her eyes were a shining green. She wore a black silk robe with gold embroidery that closed with a red sash. The rest of the family was seated about the room finding diversion in each other.

"I hear you get to know the big secret tonight," Coreen whispered, moving to sit beside Carol on the large sofa.

"I've been waiting since this morning," Carol said with a good natured smile.

Coreen moved a hand along Carol's shoulder in a light, petting motion. "It's worth the wait, believe me."

Carol began stroking Coreen's thigh lightly. "I'm sure it will be. "

Coreen looked at Carol's hand briefly and smiled softly. She leaned forward and kissed Carol lightly on the mouth. Carol touched Coreen's face and held the kiss. Coreen's took Carol's hands and guided them to her breasts. The two women quickly became lost in each other's touch.

Carol felt another hand on her shoulder and felt Nathaniel's power flow through her. She turned to find him standing over her. He wore pale blue pajamas with the top left open to bare his chest. He knelt and kissed Carol even as Coreen trailed kisses down her neck from behind. Carol returned Nathaniel's kiss and reached back to stroke Coreen's face. She was engulfed in warm flesh, satin, and silk.

Nathaniel helped both women to their feet and pulled Coreen into a long, deep kiss with one hand as he held Carol by the waist with the other. Carol ran a hand over his chest and kissed his shoulder; her other hand stoking Coreen's back. Gentle hands took her by the waist and she felt soft skin and satin press against her back. She turned and Shayal was there; her robe pooled at her feet. She untied the belt to Carol's robe, slid her hands inside it, and drew Carol into a kiss. Shayal's hands roamed over Carol's body and the kiss became deep and long.

At length, Shayal broke the kiss and turned Carol toward Nathaniel and Coreen. "Watch," she said. Coreen was nude now and Nathaniel was holding her from behind; his right hand has working in steady, gently rhythm between her legs while Miranda and Kalin each kissed and sucked a nipple. Coreen seemed completely surrendered to the warmth of loving hands and lips.

As Carol watched Coreen being pleasured, Shayal's hands continued to move over her body; the hands were experienced and knowing. Carol was fascinated by the way Coreen responded to the ministrations of Nathaniel and the two women. She fixated on one of Coreen's breasts as Miranda's tongue circled the already hyper-stimulated nipple. Miranda's smooth Asian skin seemed to glow with sensual energy as she serviced Coreen. Coreen had filled one hand with Miranda's long black hair holding her mouth to her breast.

"She's in trance isn't she?" Carol asked, her voice breathy with lust.

"Yes," Shayal whispered in her ear. "We all have trigger words that send us in various levels of trance. Coreen is in a very light trance now. She is fully aware, but very open to suggestion. In this state she can feel everything that Nathaniel, Miranda and Kalin are doing to her without the worries and distractions of her conscious mind to interfere. She knows that all she has to do is relax and let them please her. She trusts them completely and gives herself over to them."

"You gave me trigger words too, didn't you?" Carol asked as she watched Nathaniel turn Coreen to face him, kissed her, and then lowered her softly onto a sofa.

"Oh yes," Shayal said, brushing Carol's hair to the side and kissing the nape of her neck. "You are a very good hypnotic subject and we treasure that. You will learn the trigger words for the whole family.

"Even Nathaniel?" Carol inquired.

Shayal hands brushed Carol's nipples. "Yes, we have a great deal of enjoyment putting him under as well."

Coreen was now on her back with Kalin and Miranda laying on either side of her; their hands were roving over her body while she writhed and uttered eager, unintelligible sounds of pleasure. Nathaniel was atop her, kissing his way down her belly moving his mouth toward slowly to her womanhood.

Shayal's hands continued to play over Carol's skin. "Coreen is usually a very active lover. She always worries more about pleasing her partner that receiving pleasure herself. We all love her for that but, when she is entranced, we want her to think only about her own needs and desires."

Nathaniel's head was now between Coreen's thighs; his tongue had found her center and was stimulating her with experienced skill. Her hips moved up to meet his mouth. Her hands tangled in his hair, her breath was coming in lust-induced gasps. Carol knew that Coreen was on the verge of climax.

Carol felt Shayal's lips against her ear. "Twilight," Shayal whispered.

Carol's thinking mind seemed to have been switched off. Her eyes fluttered closed and her body seemed light enough to float away. She could still hear Coreen's moans. She could feel Shayal's hands caressing her. She could smell the scent of arousal mixed with the aroma of perfume. Those sensations were all her mind could process; all that it wished to process.

"Open your eyes Carol," Shayal said, her lips brushing Carol's ear as she spoke. "She will have an orgasm soon."

Carol eyes opened slowly. Nathaniel's mouth was still on Coreen's sex; her thighs constricted around his head. Kalin and Miranda were both sucking on one of Coreen's nipples while their hands stroked her thighs. Carol's hand moved involuntarily between her own legs.

"Can you feel the power Carol; the energy coming from all of them?" Shayal asked, gently moving carol's hands away from between her legs and replacing them with her own.

"Yesss," Carol moaned, as Shayal's working fingers circled her over her sensitized nub.

"We all have the andra Carol; so do you," Shayal informed her. "We will bring it to life tonight. Watch Coreen and the others; feel then energy they are emanating. Let it soak into your body and mind. Let it fill you."

"Yes," Carol said in a sigh.

Coreen was gasping even harder now as Nathaniel drove her closer and closer to climax. Miranda and Kalin moved away from her and toward Carol. Each took a nipple in their mouth and sucked gently while Shayal's fingers continued their expert stimulation. Her eyes drifted closed as the pleasure saturated her.

"Keep watching. " Shayal ordered gently.

Carol found that she had no choice but to open her eyes. Coreen's back was arched. Her large, magnificent breasts bounced invitingly as her body moved to a rhythm only it could hear. Her flat, softly muscled abdomen stretched as her back arched; the muscles there forming beautiful contours as they flexed in time with her moving hips.

"Do you feel the energy?" Shayal pressed. "It flows from Nathaniel and then to us."

Carol did feel it. Caressing her nerves from the inside out as the hands and mouths were caressing her skin. Nathaniel was both the source and the conduit for the power. Carol perceived it on an instinctive, primal level. The energy itself was primal and pure. Through that power she was connected to Nathaniel and, through him, she was connected to Shayal, Miranda, Coreen and Kalin. She could feel them as the passion and pleasure they were creating built.

Carol was disappointed when Shayal's finger moved away from her cleft. She would have protested had Miranda's fingers not replaced them. Behind Carol now, Miranda's fingers continued what Shayal had begun while Kalin kissed Carol deeply before trailing wet kisses between Carol's breasts and down her stomach.

Shayal had knelt beside Coreen and laid gentle kisses on each of her eye lids while reaching a hand to touch Nathaniel's head. The sexual energy that Carol had been opened to surged when Coreen, Nathaniel, and Shayal were all touching each other. It was as though a circuit had been closed. Everyone in the room felt it. Miranda let out a long sigh against Carol's neck and Kalin shuddered against her body.

Shayal looked back at Carol and smiled a knowing smile. She whispered in Coreen's ear and Coreen screamed as an orgasm claimed her. The power that had engulfed Carol flared again; more powerfully than before, and Carol's orgasm shook her. She was sandwiched between Kalin and Miranda. It was only their support that kept her from falling as her knees buckled and the rest of her body convulsed with release. She relied on that support for several minutes until other arms came to support her.

Nathaniel's arms held her against him as her breathing s slowed and her legs were again responding to her wishes. She melted contentedly against his body. She was only dimly aware when he lifted her into his arms and began to carry her. Where she was being carried to was unimportant; Nathaniel would never hurt her.

Nathaniel laid her carefully in his bed. Still in a light trance, Carol settled in to the mattress and squirmed slightly finding a comfortable position. Nathaniel pulled blankets over her and touched her cheek. He bent his mouth to her ear. "Awaken," he said.

Carol's eyes opened and her mind slowly resumed functioning. She was pleasantly exhausted and was in no hurry to move or even speak. "Shayal told you about the andra, and you felt a little of it in yourself just now, but there is more. We'll let you rest up a bit, and then show you."

Carol propped herself up on her elbows; her curiosity overcoming her lethargy. "There is more than that?" she asked in disbelief.

Another question was forming on her lips when Nathaniel held his right index finger inches in front of her face. Her eyes locked onto the finger and her lips refused to form words. Nathaniel moved the finger slowly toward her and touched the center of her forehead and said, "Sleep."

Carol was suddenly irresistibly sleepy. She settled back onto the bed, pulled a pillow to her breasts, curled herself around it and slept.