In Shadows

Chapter six is finished:

The next four days were the same for Ursula - up before dawn, pack Azrael’s belongings, travel for hours in the wounded wagon and set up camp at night. While Midia prepared Azrael’s bed, Ursula was required to attend their mistress, taking care of armor and food, and lounging in her lap while being kissed senseless. Every night the kisses grew longer, the caresses strayed further, causing her difficulty breathing from the rampant arousal that coursed through her.

And every night, Midia would share Azrael’s bed.

Listening in the dark, Ursula’s imagination ran unchecked to the music of their activities. What did Midia do to cause that low growl, the one that rumbled in her ears and shot straight to her loins? Where was Midia being touched when her moan was interrupted by a gasp of pleasure? What was it like to feel that dark skin? Was it soft to the touch or hard like the calluses of Azrael’s hands? Was Midia even allowed to touch, to respond naturally? Or were there constraints due to her position as a slave?

Finished the fight scene. Divided another scene into two parts - one from Azrael’s POV and the other from Ursula’s.

Azrael’s pretty vicious in the fight scene. It’s only a sparring session, but it’s no holds barred. I hope to illustrate her aloof and vicious behavior as necessary to her personality without alienating the reader. (I think that’s going to be the mantra here. Not alienating the reader from Azrael’s character.)

I’ve got to beef up Ursula’s POV to further investigate why the hel she’s falling for this bitch of a general, too. In a week’s time, Ursula has witnessed Azrael castrate three of her own men for attempted rape, whip one of her captains for laxity, and impale the surviving men of the rebel village for their part in treason against the crown. It’s got to be difficult to intellectually deal with that, ya know?

Heh.

Time stood still. Ursula was certain the gods had sucked out the air in the tent. She could not breathe, or move. Her knees were rooted to the ground and she had an overwhelming urge to lean forward and nuzzle her mistress’ sex. She inhaled, smelling a musky odor. It was one she had begun to associate with Azrael. A strong desire rolled over her, her entire body yearning toward something though she knew not what.

The shock of that want broke her reverie. She did not know how long she had knelt there, and she trembled, fear overtaking her desire. Hastily, she rose, holding the breeches. “I’m sorry, Milady,” she said, wringing the clothing more than folding it. “I don’t know what came over me.”

“I do.”

Ursula felt fingers on her chin. She looked to see Azrael’s smile. Swallowing hard against tears, she wondered how this evil woman could seem so sweet and caring.