This Woman's Work: Continued Writing Prompt

       This blog is for me that others may read. I spend at least an hour on each prompt then go back and edit it then post it. If I come back to it I come back to it but if I don't then oh well. I have so many stories in my head and get depressed if I don't write something so this is more therapy for me. Enjoy!

    Last week I was asked to continue this story. If anyone would like me to continue this story then just make a request in the comments below. 

 "Writing Prompt" used:

          "Who am I that you should love me?"


    Constance's heart was racing. She may have just met her patron. She couldn't be certain but Satordi seemed intrigued by her. But what was he doing here? Just as the gears in her mind were turning she felt someone grab her roughly into a dark enclave behind a tapestry then press their lips against hers. Constance recognized the smell of cinnamon and leather.

"Ion!" she finally broke free from her attacker's lips to cry in indignation. 

"Did I scare you? Sorry," It was dark but Constance could see Ion's devilish grin. Ion leaned in for a second kiss but Constance slapped him.

"No you're not," she fumed. "You should know better than to sneak up on people like that. And what if someone saw you?"

Ion's cheek stung from Constance's slap. He favored the warmth that followed. 

"Are you afraid of a scandal?" Ion mocked.

"Yes of course!" Constance went to leave but Ion stopped her. Despite her scrappiness, Constance was still physically weaker than Ion. He was Hedone's ground keeper who is usually a eunuch for the safety of the students who were saving themselves for their patrons but times were changing after all. 

"I saw that you met the new Viceroy," Ion accused, his eyes hot with anger. All the appearance of an angry lover, which he was not to Constance.

"Careful, Ion," Constance warned haughtily, "you sound jealous."

"I am," Ion kissed Constance again this time Constance gave in. The passion of his kiss overwhelming even her common sense. Ion released Constance's lips but lingered closely to breathe in her scent of lavender. 

"Well don't be," Constance spoke more quietly. "You're not allowed to be jealous because you can't have me."

"Why not?" Ion touched Constance's long swan like neck, taking delight in her shivers. They shared the same air, breathing the same breath. Time seemed to slow down just for them.

"You know exactly why," Constance pushed Ion away escaping from the warm dark enclave into the cool light of the marble corridor. Ion quickly followed her. 

"I've been saving up," Ion called. Constance turned looking at Ion with narrow eyes warning him to keep his voice down. Euphemia had eyes everywhere. 

"Saving up for what," Constance indulged Ion thinking it would make him keep his voice down. 

"Passage to Pyreois so we can have a new life," Ion pleaded. "An honest life."

"What makes you think I'd go with you even if I believed you," Constance asked a bit incredulously.

"Because I love you," Ion affirmed.

Constance gave a dry laugh then retorted with eyes that glistened sadly, "Who am I that you should love me?" She sighed deeply, her breath catching in her throat. "It wouldn't matter anyway. I can't be a real wife to you." Constance's hand hovered over her stomach. "I can't be a real wife to anyone..."

Ion watched Constance go, his heart sinking into his chest and his cheek from where she hit him tingled as she turned a corner disappearing deeper into her glittering prison. His senses returned after a few moments. Lady Euphemia was a jealous woman and would have his manhood removed of she caught him with one of her students. Constance was right to be cautious. Ion was usually so careful but with Constance he couldn't seem to control himself. Consequences be damned. Ion checked his watch. He needed to speed his plans along. 


Lady Euphemia sat in her office looking over some documents. Most of them were bills. The House of Hedone was becoming too much to maintain. She needed to find patrons with deep pockets fast. Like a wish come true, the opportunity came in the form of the new Viceroy Zane Satordi. 

"Lady Euphemia," one of the maid servants announced, "Viceroy Zane Satordi is here to see you."

Without waiting invitation, Satordi waltzed into the room as if it were the Senate floor with a confident air and even more glowing smile. 

"Welcome to our humble moon, Viceroy," Euphemia gave the Viceroy her own glowing smile that matched his own. And so the game began. Euphemia offered Satordi a seat which he gladly accepted. 

"I've always been fond of Mira," Satordi ventured. "Great farmland in abundance of new materials as was recently discovered in the abandoned mines."

The mines of Mira were thought to be barren until someone discovered that the Mira mines were rich in iridium. A very valuable and durable metal that made up half of Pyreois's fleet of space craft. One of the reasons the courtesan trade was failing was for economics. Euphemia still held her sunny demeanor despite the storm clouds gathering within. She offered the Viceroy her finest wine which Satordi accepted happily.

"The wine stores of Hedone are legendary," Satordi marveled smoothly as he sniffed then sipped the dark bittersweet liquid. He savored the taste as it warmed the back of his throat. 

"As are our gardens," Euphemia boasted. "Such rare flowers reside in our gardens that many come from all the quadrants just to catch a glimpse." 

"Yes...," Satordi was reminded of Constance. She was a rare flower indeed. Yet Satordi sensed a subtext in the lady's words. "But I'm not here to discuss flowers or wine."

Euphemia's eyes dimmed though she kept her composure. Satordi placed the wine glass down then sighed, "I came here to tell you about the petition you helped pull together on keeping your training house open for 10 more years."

"The petition was signed by every woman in Quadrant 17," Euphemia enforced. 

"I've seen the petition. Very impressive," Satordi agreed though giving no indication on his personal feelings yet.

"Well don't leave me in suspense," Euphemia spoke through a gritted grin. "What is your position?"

"Politically?" Satordi spoke somberly though he kept his genuine smile. He loved watching people squirm for his approval. "It has too much opposition from too many factions. They believe that the iridium is much more valuable than... women of entertainment."

"I see," Euphemia's sunny demeanor was giving way to the thundering storm inside. "And what are your feelings personally?"

"Personally...," Satordi remembered Constance's smiling face and emerald eyes. "My desires are that everyone comes out happy. Perhaps your girls can find husbands or if that's not possible go back to their families."

"They can't and you know why," Euphemia glared. "And as far as your desires," Euphemia rose to her full height, "I know a thing or two about what stirs men..." Euphemia gracefully came out from behind her desk to stand before the Viceroy who looked her over with some interest. 

"Really?" Satordi raised an eye brow. "And stirs me?" Euphemia scanned him with her all knowing eyes. She was legendary in intuitiveness. Finding that one kink in every man's armor. Could she find Satordi's? 

Euphemia leaned in to have a closer look. Satordi was not entirely immune from Euphemia's intensity as his pulse quickened when she lightly touched his wrist. Yet it wasn't enough to sway his opinion nor his political views. 

"I'm sorry, Lady Euphemia but it's going to take more than a flirtatious or sexual favor to sway my vote," Satordi shrugged as he rose from his seat, politely shaking off the matron's creamy white hand. The matron was a bit taken aback by the rejection yet her astute mind was turning its gears. There had to be more to it. Euphemia knew that the Viceroy was holding something back. 

"You strike me as a resourceful woman, Lady Euphemia," Satordi complemented. "I've heard of your... exploits. Courtesan to Chancellor Bellacourt himself. If you handled that fickle old man then this shouldn't be a problem."

Satordi gave a short bow. He turned to leave until Euphemia called, "You're staying for dinner I hope, Viceroy."

Satordi stopped. He didn't turn back only lent his ear as Euphemia continued, "So that you may enjoy more of our wine and rare flowers." There was that subtext again. 

"I just may take you up on that," Satordi mused, visions of the defiant Constance floating in his mind.


Ion leaned against the beam inside the green house that was on the Hedone grounds checking his watch. He had sent the signal 2 hours ago. Where the hell was he? As Ion was about to get worried he heard the familiar bird call of the white finch. The call of the secret members of the Army of Light. Ion looked around but saw no one. Suddenly Ion felt a cold blade on his throat.

"Hands up and don't make a sound," murmured a scratchy voice. "Show me you're one of us." Finn was a stickler for protocol. 

"I called you, remember, Finn," Ion remarked. Ion lifted the sleeve on his right arm to reveal the mark of the Army of light: a heart engulfed by flame to represent the purity of man that must be maintained and the eye in the center of the heart to symbolize truth. Satisfied his old friend lowered his weapon allowing Ion to breathe easy again.

"You can't be too careful," Finn shrugged. Ion began messaging the place on his throat where the blade had touched. The spot tingled. 

"You need to start trusting people," Ion retorted. 

"You summoned me," Finn sounded irritated. "You called at a real inconvenient time you know. So shortly after the Inanna House Massacre and the death of Viceroy Seneca. Orders were to lay low." 

Inanna was a common whore house on Pyroeis. A few soldiers of the Army of Light stormed in and killed a local official yet in their blood lust had murdered many other patrons as well as a few prostitutes.

"Yes but we need to speed up our plans for the House of Hedone," Ion came right to the point of his request for the meeting.

"I told you it's too soon," Finn countered simply. "The time isn't right."

"The Viceroy is here," persisted Ion. "What greater way to show him the Army's pure intention than to show him the corruption and abuses done by Hedone."

Finn eyed him cautiously. "Is this about the girl again?"

Ion glared at his comrade who only smiled in response. 

"Euphemia is setting her up to be the next lamb of sacrifice," Ion affirmed. "She'll be sold to the Viceroy just to keep her house of sin open a little longer."

The man was quiet for a while then said, "There are more important things than your little whore in training, old friend." Ion glowered at him with such heat that Finn half expected real laser beams to shoot out of Ion's brown eyes. To soothe him, Finn promised, "I'll get a message to the Prior. That's all I can promise you."

"Do it fast," Ion warned. Before Constance is gone forever out of his reach.  

Writing Prompt: The Revenge of the Crown

     This blog is for me that others may read. I spend at least an hour on each prompt then go back and edit it then post it. If I come back to it I come back to it but if I don't then oh well. I have so many stories in my head and get depressed if I don't write something so this is more therapy for me. Enjoy!

    They have given me the crown. They will regret it. The horrible things they had done in my name. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. As Queen Asteria Lyra of the House of Vega I ruled over part of the Pegasus Galaxy. I am an Imperialist. The Republic of Soterias remains our arch rival. My mother Lady Dido along with her network of rats and junkyard dogs was always an ambitious woman. More ambitious than smart. She liked to be on top making her many enemies. She claimed to love me more than anything and yet she has wounded me most of all. 

At the coronation I sat on that cold golden throne looking out at the sea of faces that lay before me. Some were excited. Others were livid. While some were curious. I was 26. Quite young to be a queen but they said I had my father's noble bearing and cautious nature. I was cautious. With my heart most of all. 

The priest placed the heavy crown upon my head, laying a scepter and orb in my hands. Before I was a girl playing dress up. A doll wearing royal finery that meant nothing to me. But today I took hold of these objects with new meaning. I had the power. Me. Not my mother or her politicians. I stood up and led the procession out onto the balcony to address the people of Corona. My mother was behind me. She basked in the people's cheers. She must have been fantasizing how they were her applause for her accomplishments. 

"You should smile, dear," she whispered to me. "This is your day. No one wants a dour queen."

"Yes," I whispered back coldly. "It is my day, mother." My mother felt the cool breeze from my tone. I think there was a flash of fear in her eyes. The banquet seemed to drag on. I sat at the head watching my mother and her cronies eat and drink their fill. They were making plans for the future. I had been a recluse as a child. My father had many wives and concubines, my mother being his 7th wife. I was the youngest child of 14. So far down the succession line my tutors didn't think it important to educate me in politics. Naturally they all assumed I would need their help now. They would rule through me. But I had sat in meetings with my father as he met foreign dignitaries. Read the documents on his desk in his office. I had a better grasp on politics than my mother realized as she would soon discover. 

"Your Majesty," I turned to see a servant boy with an Ambassador wearing the Soterian colors of red, gold and grey. "This is the new ambassador from the Republic of Soteria. Master Galen Ramsey." 

"Your Majesty," Ramsey gave a deep bow. He was handsome. Young perhaps mid 30s. "You're a bit young to be an Ambassador," I pointed out. "Most of the Ambassadors I've met have been white, old, fat men." I was always blunt. Sometimes this worked in my favor. Other times it earned me a slap on the wrist by my tutors and nurse maids. Being a tactful politician, Ramsey laughed then mused, "Your majesty is a woman who speaks her mind. Honesty is rare in a monarch."

"Also in a politician," I countered. I bade him sit beside me shooing away the timid boy. "How's the Chancellor?" I ventured at polite conversation as I took a sip of wine. "I heard she had a bit of gout earlier this year." 

"Usually Chancellor Iona Yates doesn't like to make her illness public," Ramsey spoke cautiously. 

"Leaders don't like to appear weak, I understand," on reflex I rotated my simple silver band on my left third finger. "Everything must be kept hidden behind a suit of armor."

"Your majesty seems well versed in this lesson," Ramsey noticed my attention to my simple ring. "Such a simple piece of jewelry for a fine lady. Your court is dressed like a fleet of ships but you don't seem to care for such things."

I smiled knowingly. He was trying to get a full assessment of me to report back to the Chancellor. Only natural to see the enemy's stronghold but I would not give in so easily. 

"The most valuable gifts are often the most simplest, Ambassador Ramsey," I answered cryptically with dignity. "Some aren't even material." Ramsey nodded, his indigo eyes searching for chinks in my armor. That simple silver ring was a gift of love. I had given my heart to a man when I was 18. He was much older than me. Only 32. A soldier. One that had charge to guard me. We fell in love and thinking that I had the freedom to follow my heart I let myself love this man, Leon and we were going to have a child. We would have been wed happily with a child if my mother had not intervened. 

"You may tell your Chancellor this, Ambassador Ramsey," I spoke plainly, "I intend to reform my government post haste by the end of this month."

"Really?" Ramsey seemed intrigued. Usually reformation took time in normal democratic institutions but in royal houses reformation took on a more bloody approach. 


True to my word, one by one my mother's supporters were being bumped off. Some were murdered while others were whisked away to far away planets or colonies. My mother didn't show fear until one of her supporters, a captain of her guard, a brute named Cezar was placed in her room without his eyes. I remember her screams of terror. I woke up to her cries of horror but didn't stir from chambers. I never even left my bed. I think it hit her then what was happening. Sure enough she went to see me but on several of those occasions she was barred from my door. 

Then when I had decreed a new trade agreement with the Republic my mother really lost her temper. Without ceremony she burst into my office, her face red and puffy, eyes flashing, nostrils flaring. She was like a raging bull. I had little feeling except some satisfaction at her distress.

"Lady Mother?" I didn't even acknowledge her presence with my sight just kept writing on documents. 

"How dare you," she fumed. "You can not go through with this new trade agreement!"

"You seem upset perhaps you should see Dr. Keller he could prescribe you something," I gave her a short once over then returned to my work. 

"Look at me when I'm talking to you!" My mother hated being ignored. When I didn't look at her she grabbed my pen and threw it across the room. I took a deep breath then calmly looked my mother in her angry opal eyes. 

"Yes, mother?" I spoke in a level tone. 

"You're agreeing to trading with those arrogant Soterians?"

"It's good for the people," I explained. "It'll open new relations as well as fill our pockets which my father and you have emptied over the decades. It's a good deal."

"Your father would never have done this," my mother continued to rage. I sat back in my chair, "I'm thinking of sending you back to your old home on Epona."

"What?" my mother gaped. Her age truly showed when she was angry. In her day she was quite the beauty. My father fell in love at first sight with her. 

"You always used to say to me how you missed it and there's nothing much keeping you here is there."

"You're here," she was almost pleading now. I saw some real pain behind her eyes, "I'm your mother. You're my daughter."

"Yes you are my mother. That is the only reason keeping you alive," I spoke with such venom that my mother winced. I touched the silver ring that Leon had given me when I told him I was to have his child. It was his mother's he had said. She died when he was only 6. My mother saw the ring and she finally understood.

"The murders and disappearances...," she remarked slowly. "Truthfully I didn't want to believe it was you..." My mother regained her regal composure. 

"So this is how you repay me for getting you the crown?" she crossed her arms, her spine straightening. 

"Murdering my brothers and sister and then...," my words caught in my throat at the memory. The blood soaked sheets and the lump of flesh cradled between my legs. I was 2 months pregnant at the time of the miscarriage. 

My mother softened. Some sign of a human being in there that soon gave way to the monster that she was, "I did it for your own good. That marriage with that common soldier would have ruined you. And I spared you from that creature germinating inside of you!"

"How dare you justify your actions like a dutiful mother!" I slammed my fist on the table making everything on it's surface jump. "You are a grasping harpy who wanted the crown only you couldn't get it so you had to give it to me!" It all came out. My throat was hoarse from all the emotions I had kept inside all these years. 

"I did it for you," my mother insisted. "Foolish child."

"You did it for yourself only you've made a grave error, mother," my voice cracked. I didn't see my mother but my baby's bloody corpse and my lover's ship blown to bits. She had sent Leon on that battle ship during one of our skirmishes with the Republic. She knew he would die in a scuffle that was bound to arise. Republican and Imperial ships often engaged in light scuffles over disputes. 

My mother stood there in silence. She was dumbfounded that a child of hers that never rose her voice to her was speaking to her in this way. I regained my composure and called in my guards. 

"I have already made arrangements for you to live out the rest of your days in solitude on Epona," I explained as I called in two guards as I knew she would struggle. 

"You can't do this," she insisted. 

"Yes," I affirmed to her despair, "I can. I am the Queen after all."

The guards took her away, my mother making protests on the way out. It was the last time I ever heard her voice to my relief.

Writing Prompt: This Woman's Work

     This blog is for me that others may read. I spend at least an hour on each prompt then go back and edit it then post it. If I come back to it I come back to it but if I don't then oh well. I have so many stories in my head and get depressed if I don't write something so this is more therapy for me. Enjoy!

     When the last courtesan training house is threatened with obsolescence, the downtrodden of the Athena Belt unite to preserve the last vestige of female independence.


     And use this prompt:

       1. This is a woman's war.



   Magdalene made very convincing noises of euphoria as her old lover worked his tongue between her ebony thighs beneath the silk cream white sheets. She gyrated her hips to sell it. Actually she was rolling her eyes. The House of Hedone taught her well. To end this farce Magdalene made a final cry of ecstasy. Her lover resurfaced, breathing heavy, "How long was that?"

"25 minutes or so," Magdalene sighed giving the impression of lustful satisfaction. "You're getting better, Viceroy Seneca." Viceroy Seneca was one of the most influential statesman of Athena's Belt. Quadrant 17 had the most goods in trade and they didn't trade better than in flesh. Though lately it had been struggling in that department. Viceroy Seneca's skin was saggy and a bit leathery feeling coarse against Magdalene's smooth gleaming ebony skin. She could have done worse in a patron. Seneca wrapped his arms around his young courtesan basking in an after glow. Magdalene laid there a good 15 minutes before asking, "The Senate meets tomorrow?"

"Yes," Seneca sighed still in a haze of sex. "Very boring."

"I just wanted to make sure that you were still for the courtesan training houses staying open," Magdalene rolled over to face her lover wearing her most seductive smile. Seneca lifted Magdalene's chin, running his pink thumb over her plush dark lips. Her black hair draped over her soft shoulder. She was good enough to eat. He went in for a kiss but Magdalene leaned back. She was such a tease.

Seneca smiled, "Of course. Why would you think otherwise?"

"I know about the riots on Pyroeis," Magdalene's tenor voice became somber, dropping her teasing act. "And the religious fanatics who burned down old courtesan training houses."

It wasn't surprising to Seneca to hear that his courtesan knew all of this. Everyone knew. The Army of the Light was a militia of zealots bent on destroying everything they deemed lewd and impure. They valued the institution of marriage and discouraged pre-marital relations. 

"Well what are you doing about it?" Magdalene sat up in bed giving Seneca judgmental looks. She wanted some concession for enduring Seneca's lewd often sweaty attentions. 

"They're a bunch of young upstarts that won't last long," Seneca swung his feet over his bed, getting his pants back on. Magdalene wrapped the silk sheet around her body, accentuating her voluptuous figure. It only made her all the more desirable with her angry pout. 

"How can you say that when they've been gaining support from the upper caste?"

"I promise you," Seneca poured some wine in two glasses. "I have assurances from more than half the Senate that at least the House of Hedone will have its protection from the government." Seneca gave Magdalene a glass. She looked at him with suspicion but after a pause smiled broadly and accepted his peace offering. 

"As long as I live," Seneca swore taking a sip of his wine, "you and your fellow courtesans will be well taken care of." Magdalene took a victory sip. Seneca caressed Magdalene's face with his wrinkly yet strong hands. It was moments like this that Magdalene actually found Seneca attractive. The things she did for Lady Euphemia, her Matron and mentor at the House of Hedone. Magdalene dropped her defenses along with her sheet and took her lover in an impassioned embrace. They collapsed onto the bed engaging in athletic love making until Seneca's nose began bleeding. Drops of blood wet Magdalene's chest as her lover began seizing. 

"Seneca...?" Magdalene panicked. Even more so when she saw that her nose was bleeding. Poison. Seneca went first. Magdalene collapsed on top of him, dying the moment she fell. The two lovers lying together in peace before some servants found them.


       Euphemia had her time as one of the greatest courtesans of Athena's Belt. She had long wavy red hair like fire and piercing blue eyes as blue and as sharp as a cold spring. Now she was a Matron teaching other girls in the art of seduction. The downtrodden women thrived on the industry. The highest of society would come to Mira to buy the services of her courtesans. In a society where little option is left for the daughters of the poor (farmers, miners, etc) becoming a courtesan was the best way for a woman to enter the highest ranks of society. To be independent and even support their families. Now that lively hood was being threatened. By religion, by the times. Viceroy Seneca's death, their only champion with the forceful personality and enough respect of the Senate to keep them open was dead along with one of Euphemia's best girls. Magdalene was like a daughter to her. She suspected someone from the Army of Light was behind it. No one gained more from Elroy Seneca's death than them. Euphemia needed a game changer... 

Euphemia stared out the window at her students as they sat in a circle around one girl who read to them. The House of Hedone was once a glorious house that over saw over 200 hundred students. Many famous courtesans graduated from this palace on Pyroeis's moon, Mira. Now the school barely functions with only 30 or so students. Times were changing and not for the better.

"Troubled my lady?" A young man's voice cooed. Being that Euphemia was a retired courtesan now she could choose whom ever she liked to share her bed. Ion Kerr was in his early 30s with hair the color of corn and eyes like two chocolate candies. He tasted just as sweet too. Some would mock that Euphemia was 20 years Ion's senior but she never gave a damn about anyone's opinion other than her own. 

Ion kissed Euphemia's shoulder. The Matron smiled, the wrinkles on her face stretching. 

"Just thinking up strategy," Euphemia answered honestly. She put on her white gossamer night dress, her brownish yet pert nipples clearly visible. "Seneca's death has been a horrible blow."

"I imagine the Army of the Light is happy," Ion figured. 

"And a few other grasping politicians," Euphemia miffed. "Though it wouldn't be the first time our glorious house came under siege."

"Shall I fortify our castle's defense," Ion was half joking. 

"No my darling," Euphemia put on her dark blue velvet robe, dark colors being the only thing to compliment her once vibrant red hair. "This is a woman's war and it will be fought with a woman's weapons."

Euphemia sat at her vanity mirror applying make up to her time worn face. Euphemia mourned her lost youthful looks. Her once naturally rosy cheeks faded, her lustrous gleaming hair now dull with age and her porcelain skin was showing some signs of cracking and a bit of sagging. 

"And what kind of weapons do women have?" Ion asked curiously as he peeked outside the window. As much as he appreciated Euphemia's love and attention there was one flower in the garden that captured his attention more than anything else. The dark haired beauty with an imperious nature, Constance.

"Beauty for one," Euphemia explained as she took out her ivory bone jewel encrusted comb that was a gift from one of her first patrons, "her charm and most importantly that special place between her thighs." 

"That will be difficult to sell if all the senators are taking vows of celibacy," warned Ion his attention returned to his more mature lover. He began messaging her shoulders slowly with a sensual ulterior motive.

"Trust me, my love," Euphemia stood up, shrugging her young stud's hands off, "all men can be bought. Virtue is a lovely mask but underneath all men are perverted egotists, especially politicians. This is a woman's work and the downtrodden women of Athena's Belt will show these fat old aristocrats that we are not easily trampled." Euphemia had a plan to invite the newly elected Viceroy of Quadrant 17, Zane Satordi. He was young about late 30s and quite handsome. He projected an air of dignity, charisma. He had a reputation for being ruthless when needed and for being merciful when it was convenient. A consummate politician. Satordi would be interesting prey.


Constance sat in the circle of her fellow sisters listening to one of their care taker's read to them boring poetry. Constance excused herself to take a walk in the garden. The hedges created an elegant maze that was straight out of fairytales from their ancient home world Earth. Constance often heard stories about Earth from her father. Being the fifth girl of 8 sisters on a farm in Mira didn't hold much prospect. The only way to support her family was to be sold to the House of Hedone. Now she was 19 and ready to find a patron. Constance had delicate features but coarse hands. No matter how many creams she applied she would always have the hands of farmer's daughter. She had long chestnut hair with stunning green eyes like emeralds. Constance looked up at the sky to see the planet Mira orbited. Pyroeis rested on the horizon looking very much like holograms she saw of Earth in the Public Archives.  

"Beautiful isn't it?" Constance turned around to see a tall handsome man that looked very familiar. "What our ancestors must have thought when they left Earth to come here after 300 years in space. You ever been to Pyroeis?"

"No," Constance gave a short answer. She wasn't allowed to be unchaperoned. No telling who could sneak in and take the few girls here. "I always dreamed of going though, Viceroy." Now she remembered.

Viceroy Zane Satordi gave a reverent bow. "I see my reputation proceeds me."

"Viceroy Seneca was a great patron of many organizations," Constance allowed herself to admire this new Viceroy's handsome features. Bright blue eyes, perfectly combed dark hair and a sparkling smile. Very neat and organized in appearance. Of course Constance had only ever known farm boys who were always dirty and scruffy in appearance.

"He will surely be missed," Satordi mourned. "I admired him greatly he was good mentor."

"Yes you have some pretty big shoes to fill," Constance agreed with some bitterness. Satordi sensed this, "I'm sorry where are my manners? I didn't catch your name, dear lady..." 

"Because I didn't give it," Constance flashed a coy smile. She never used to flirt but she had an imperious nature as well as being a pragmatist. No one ever gave her anything so she used whatever she had to get her way even as a child. Satordi raised an eyebrow. Usually everyone paid proper respect to him but this girl was bold. She must have been a farmer's daughter but such an air of maturity. Satordi found her intriguing. 

"Well it seems you have me at a disadvantage then," Satordi suggested. 

"I really shouldn't be here by myself. Students are supposed to be chaperoned at all times," Constance revealed truthfully.

"And yet here you are without an escort," Satordi's eyes searched for any hint of weakness but found that the lady would not be intimidated.

"I can take care of myself," Constance spoke quietly.

"I would be loathe to leave your side since," Satordi looked around, "there's no one close to be your chaperone."

"I hope you won't take that as an advantage," Constance warned. Growing up on a farm she wasn't one to take anything lying down. 

"Heavens no," Satordi laughed quite amused by the girl's spirit. "but I wouldn't be a gentleman if I left you to be attacked by brutes."  

Constance came a bit closer, shrinking the distance between them but not too close to give the impression of someone quick to give it all away. "I suppose we can talk more and maybe you can weasel my name out of me."

Satordi smiled broadly. He loved a challenge. The two weren't that far from the house but they took their sweet time getting there. 

"How long have you been a student here, lady?" Satordi began. 

"Since I was 8," Constance motioned for the Viceroy to follow her so they could walk side by side. 

"Farmer's daughter I assume."

"What else?" Constance shrugged. "My father has too many daughters and no sons. So he figured my best chance was to offer me a better life."

"Through whoredom?" Satordi asked incredulously. Ah so he was one of the voices against keeping the courtesan training houses open. 

"Are you calling me a whore?" Constance was slightly offended.  

"What I mean is for a man to sell his daughter into virtual slavery is abhorrent." Satordi seemed genuine but he also seemed to be trying to get a rise out of her. Constance played it cool. 

"One would say the same about marriage or even the miners of Quadrant 5 who aren't being paid fairly enough for such long hours," Constance countered with some political know how. 

"You seem quite interested in politics," Satordi marveled. 

"Being from a poor family and working since I could walk I can relate," Constance reasoned. "Besides what else can a woman of the lower classes do but sell whatever talent she was blessed with."

"So you're a working class woman? I can appreciate pragmatism in a woman," Satordi took the time admire this girl's physical attractiveness along with her quick wit. She had lustrous brown hair cascading in curls. Most of the women he knew had their hairs rolled tight in high buns but this girl seemed more natural. Her almond shaped eye were like two perfect emeralds. He began to wonder what it would be like to run his fingers through her hair...

"What else do you appreciate in a woman, Viceroy?" Constance stopped looking up at Satordi with deep intensity that made the Viceroy's breath catch in his throat. 

"Tell me your name and I'll tell you," Satordi proposed. 

Constance smiled. Her black lashes sweeping down then up like little butterflies. Before she could answer someone did it for her, "Constance!" 

Constance turned to see one of her care takers fuming, her hands on her hips looking at her with dark eyes of discontent. 

"Constance?" Satordi made sure to commit that name to memory. "Looks like you've been caught."

"It appears so," Constance mourned. "I have to go or Reyes will beat me with a switch again." Constance gave a short bow. Satordi wanted to make her stay but propriety reared its annoying head. He didn't want to seem over eager but he definitely wanted to see more of this Constance. 


    If you would like for me to continue this story just make a request in the comments and I will publish another chapter next week.