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sigridharemThis was originally intended to be a later reveal, and I think I should probably put some more foreshadowing scenes between the previous installment and this one where Sigrid invites other men to her chambers so the reader has a chance to actually guess something's up at the very least.
Karl bowed. "Your majesty, Wolfgang has asked to see you. Apparently it's a serious matter."
"Wolfgang?" Sigrid frowned. Although Mikael was her official eyes and ears into the goings on in the seraglio, Sebastian and Wolfgang reported to her in secret on an as-needed basis. "That is serious. Show him in."
Wolfgang didn't look agitated, at least, but she knew him well enough to recognize his impassive expression as a harbinger of bad news.
"Princess." He gave a curt bow. "I would first like to say that the main reason I did not make a report sooner on the activities I am about to describe is because they seemed neither particularly harmful nor notably unusual. However, of late a certain suspicious pattern has emerged, and on confirmation from Sebastian and Mikael, I decided it was best to take the matter directly to you."
"And what is the matter, Wolfgang?" Sigrid tried not to sound too impatient. "Is it Nikolaj?"
"It is not."
That's a relief, at least. "Then who?"
Wolfgang hesitated. "It is Sasha, my lady."
Sigrid stared at Wolfgang in disbelief. Now she understood why he'd made a point of mentioning he had others to confirm wrongdoing- she'd hardly have believed him otherwise. "But this is shocking! What has he done?"
"May I sit?"
"Of course."
Wolfgang took his seat and met Sigrid's eyes. Apart from the fact that Wolfgang almost never joked, there was a certain additional tension to his look that she recognized from when he had confirmed that Nikolaj had been bullying Leifr. Although… were his ears pinker than usual?
"Sasha began by systematically seducing every man in the seraglio who was amenable to his advances," Wolfgang said. His gaze shifted and he coughed. "That is to say, every one of us but Leifr."
Sigrid's mouth nearly dropped open with surprise. "I'm sorry, you mean to say… every one of you but Leifr?!"
"Gradually, and over a period of time, in a variety of ways… yes." Wolfgang coughed again, his blush spreading. "But obviously, if that were all, I would not be bothering you with this information."
I knew he was talented, but… Sigrid was rather impressed, despite Wolfgang's hint that there was something more nefarious at work.
Impressed, and more than a little aroused.
Pulling herself together, Sigrid folded her hands. "Yes, I understand. What then is the issue?"
Wolfgang met her eyes again. "Tell me, Lady Sigrid, have you found that, shall we say, our overall performance quality has declined? Sasha and Leifr excepted."
She opened her mouth to deny it, then paused. Nikolaj had repeatedly had difficulty sustaining an erection, and tired much more easily than before his disgrace, but she had assumed it was low spirits. Klaus had nearly fallen asleep on her more than once, Sebastian had been impotent for one entire evening, and multiple men had actually declined invitations to her chambers citing illness, exhaustion, or other factors.
"I thought as much," Wolfgang said grimly. "You see, whenever you announced in advance that you would be expecting someone, Sasha slipped into their bedroom the night before and… 'entertained' them. When you did not, he was most likely to focus on Nikolaj or Klaus, ingratiating himself into their good graces and no doubt ferreting out their weaknesses. Did Mikael inform you of the shouting match that started up between Nikolaj and Klaus last week? Well, it started because Nikolaj was jealous of Klaus receiving more of Sasha's attentions at that time."
"This is quite incredible," Sigrid said faintly. If Wolfgang's assertions were true, then they would have to be dealt with.
However, she was finding it increasingly difficult not to be distracted by actually picturing said assertions.
"Sebastian and I suspected he had ulterior motives when he came to us individually, but it was not until I confirmed that he had been with Mikael as well that I realized the extent of his plot." Wolfgang shook his head in a way that suggested he too was rather impressed. "Klaus would have been easy enough to persuade, but Nikolaj… frankly I have no idea how he managed it."
Sigrid coughed, crossing her legs. "Speaking of managing it, there is a rather large question raised by your hypothesis."
"You mean, how he could accomplish all this and not be half-dead from exhaustion himself?" Wolfgang rubbed his temples. "To be completely honest with you, Lady Sigrid, I've some ideas, but no certainty. I can tell you that he never seems to go after more than two men in one night. And I suspect that he chooses his sexual acts very carefully."
"Carefully." She drummed her fingers on the table, deciding to steer the conversation away from particulars. "Is it your recommendation that I ask him point blank?"
Wolfgang looked pensive. "Well, I believe you know him better than I. But I would suggest questioning Nikolaj and Klaus first. Klaus has nothing to hide, and Nikolaj keeps secrets poorly, as you know."
"True enough." Sigrid shook her head, still hardly believing her ears. "Well, you've certainly given me something this time, Wolfgang."
To her surprise, Wolfgang smiled. "Although as I said, I feel I do not know Sasha well, I believe this may be an easier problem to resolve than the last one."
"I certainly hope you're right."
Karl showed Wolfgang out.
God. Sasha seducing his way through my harem…
She shivered.
But little things were beginning to make sense now. It had been no coincidence that Sasha had been in her room after Lotte's birthday party, fastening Klaus's corset. He'd probably deliberately drawn it out to put himself in her path. And Klaus had been awfully willing to play with Sasha considering it was Sasha's first time with another in the room.
Was it really his first time?
Nikolaj too, had been acting strangely. He always seemed to be the last one in when she visited, and seemed almost distracted at times. How vigorously had Sasha been working on him?
It occurred to Sigrid she hadn't asked enough questions of Sasha. What had he learned, as a slave in that madwoman's house? Perhaps he was only doing as he'd done before, trying to survive. Perhaps it was the only way he knew to make friends.
Well. There was only one way to find out.
She rung for Karl.
"Your majesty?"
"Go to the seraglio. Send for Nikolaj and Sasha." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "Bring Nikolaj here, leave Sasha in one of the chambers where I conduct interviews. I'll see to him later."
By the time Nikolaj knocked on her door, Sigrid had decided her approach.
"…You wanted to see me?"
"I've been hearing some interesting stories lately, Nikolaj." She glanced up to catch his expression, which was as sullen as usual. "Normally I'm of the opinion that what happens in the seraglio can stay in the seraglio, but… I must admit, I have not been as pleased with you lately as I have in the past, and now I think I know why."
Nikolaj's jaw tightened. "And why is that, my Lady?"
Sigrid sighed, resting her hand on her chin. "Simply put, Sasha has been playing you for a fool."
His face went white, then pink. "Who… did he tell you?!"
"Not exactly." She smiled. "But it's nice to have the confirmation. I didn't even think you liked men."
Nikolaj shrugged, avoiding her eyes. "He looks like a girl half the time anyway."
"There's no need to get defensive. I'm not angry with you." Sigrid leaned back in her chair. "But I must admit, I'm rather intrigued."
In an instant, Nikolaj's expression changed. He lifted his chin, setting his hand on his hip and smirking at her. "I should have known you'd be into it. Though I should tell you, I'm the one that's in charge."
She laughed. "That doesn't surprise me. Didn't you once say I was the only one you'd ever submit to?"
He sat on her desk, leaning in over her papers. "And I fucking meant it."
His hair was soft as cornsilk under her touch, such a contrast to his lean, hard physique. Nikolaj was small for a man, but he'd always kept himself in good shape, training as though assassins might try to get him in his sleep. Once that might have been a legitimate fear, but her men were nearly as protected as Sigrid was herself.
Still, it pleased her.
Nikolaj licked her palm and Sigrid laughed. "So, tell me, Nikolaj. I've never asked this of you before, but… would you be willing to come to my chambers with Sasha?"
She expected him to freeze, to straighten up and glare at her, to rankle under the idea that he could possibly not be enough for her.
Instead, he looked… thoughtful.
"Yeah, okay."
She almost laughed again. That was easy.
"Just tell me one thing." His breath was hot on her cheek. "What kind of fool am I supposed to be?"
And there's the anger.
"You haven't been your old self with me," Sigrid said bluntly. She knew he hated having things sugar-coated. "I think that's exactly what Sasha wants, and why he submitted to you in the first place. To distract your attentions."
Having Nikolaj in her harem had always been like keeping a wildcat in a cage. Now he was pacing like one, arms crossed furiously.
"That little bastard… that fucking scheming little…."
"You'll show him?" Sigrid said mildly.
Nikolaj glared wordlessly at her.
"I'm giving you the opportunity to do so, Nikolaj." She stood up, not allowing him to take control of the room. "In my chambers, tonight. Prove yourself in my sight, or forever hold your peace."
He still didn't look entirely convinced, so Sigrid crossed to him, not breaking eye contact. "Conquer and outlast him. Isn't that what you told me you'd do?"
Quick as lightning, a smile flitted across his face. "You're a wicked bitch, Sigrid."
She backhanded him. "Don't call me that."
"Make me!" Nikolaj hissed.
Sigrid caught hold of his head by his fine, soft hair and twisted, pushing him down onto his knees and pushing her boot-clad foot between his thighs. "You won't be getting more than this until tonight, Nils. Not unless you want to be truly punished again."
He closed his eyes, but she could still see how blissful the position made him feel. "Understood."
She loosened her grip, stroking his head. Nikolaj could be good when he chose to be.
He liked to be forced, perhaps because in his home country it was such a shameful thing to be mastered by a woman. Perhaps simply because he needed his blood to be racing to find his pleasure.
It would be very interesting to see how what he and Sasha had been doing together.
Karl bowed. "Your majesty, Wolfgang has asked to see you. Apparently it's a serious matter."
"Wolfgang?" Sigrid frowned. Although Mikael was her official eyes and ears into the goings on in the seraglio, Sebastian and Wolfgang reported to her in secret on an as-needed basis. "That is serious. Show him in."
Wolfgang didn't look agitated, at least, but she knew him well enough to recognize his impassive expression as a harbinger of bad news.
"Princess." He gave a curt bow. "I would first like to say that the main reason I did not make a report sooner on the activities I am about to describe is because they seemed neither particularly harmful nor notably unusual. However, of late a certain suspicious pattern has emerged, and on confirmation from Sebastian and Mikael, I decided it was best to take the matter directly to you."
"And what is the matter, Wolfgang?" Sigrid tried not to sound too impatient. "Is it Nikolaj?"
"It is not."
That's a relief, at least. "Then who?"
Wolfgang hesitated. "It is Sasha, my lady."
Sigrid stared at Wolfgang in disbelief. Now she understood why he'd made a point of mentioning he had others to confirm wrongdoing- she'd hardly have believed him otherwise. "But this is shocking! What has he done?"
"May I sit?"
"Of course."
Wolfgang took his seat and met Sigrid's eyes. Apart from the fact that Wolfgang almost never joked, there was a certain additional tension to his look that she recognized from when he had confirmed that Nikolaj had been bullying Leifr. Although… were his ears pinker than usual?
"Sasha began by systematically seducing every man in the seraglio who was amenable to his advances," Wolfgang said. His gaze shifted and he coughed. "That is to say, every one of us but Leifr."
Sigrid's mouth nearly dropped open with surprise. "I'm sorry, you mean to say… every one of you but Leifr?!"
"Gradually, and over a period of time, in a variety of ways… yes." Wolfgang coughed again, his blush spreading. "But obviously, if that were all, I would not be bothering you with this information."
I knew he was talented, but… Sigrid was rather impressed, despite Wolfgang's hint that there was something more nefarious at work.
Impressed, and more than a little aroused.
Pulling herself together, Sigrid folded her hands. "Yes, I understand. What then is the issue?"
Wolfgang met her eyes again. "Tell me, Lady Sigrid, have you found that, shall we say, our overall performance quality has declined? Sasha and Leifr excepted."
She opened her mouth to deny it, then paused. Nikolaj had repeatedly had difficulty sustaining an erection, and tired much more easily than before his disgrace, but she had assumed it was low spirits. Klaus had nearly fallen asleep on her more than once, Sebastian had been impotent for one entire evening, and multiple men had actually declined invitations to her chambers citing illness, exhaustion, or other factors.
"I thought as much," Wolfgang said grimly. "You see, whenever you announced in advance that you would be expecting someone, Sasha slipped into their bedroom the night before and… 'entertained' them. When you did not, he was most likely to focus on Nikolaj or Klaus, ingratiating himself into their good graces and no doubt ferreting out their weaknesses. Did Mikael inform you of the shouting match that started up between Nikolaj and Klaus last week? Well, it started because Nikolaj was jealous of Klaus receiving more of Sasha's attentions at that time."
"This is quite incredible," Sigrid said faintly. If Wolfgang's assertions were true, then they would have to be dealt with.
However, she was finding it increasingly difficult not to be distracted by actually picturing said assertions.
"Sebastian and I suspected he had ulterior motives when he came to us individually, but it was not until I confirmed that he had been with Mikael as well that I realized the extent of his plot." Wolfgang shook his head in a way that suggested he too was rather impressed. "Klaus would have been easy enough to persuade, but Nikolaj… frankly I have no idea how he managed it."
Sigrid coughed, crossing her legs. "Speaking of managing it, there is a rather large question raised by your hypothesis."
"You mean, how he could accomplish all this and not be half-dead from exhaustion himself?" Wolfgang rubbed his temples. "To be completely honest with you, Lady Sigrid, I've some ideas, but no certainty. I can tell you that he never seems to go after more than two men in one night. And I suspect that he chooses his sexual acts very carefully."
"Carefully." She drummed her fingers on the table, deciding to steer the conversation away from particulars. "Is it your recommendation that I ask him point blank?"
Wolfgang looked pensive. "Well, I believe you know him better than I. But I would suggest questioning Nikolaj and Klaus first. Klaus has nothing to hide, and Nikolaj keeps secrets poorly, as you know."
"True enough." Sigrid shook her head, still hardly believing her ears. "Well, you've certainly given me something this time, Wolfgang."
To her surprise, Wolfgang smiled. "Although as I said, I feel I do not know Sasha well, I believe this may be an easier problem to resolve than the last one."
"I certainly hope you're right."
Karl showed Wolfgang out.
God. Sasha seducing his way through my harem…
She shivered.
But little things were beginning to make sense now. It had been no coincidence that Sasha had been in her room after Lotte's birthday party, fastening Klaus's corset. He'd probably deliberately drawn it out to put himself in her path. And Klaus had been awfully willing to play with Sasha considering it was Sasha's first time with another in the room.
Was it really his first time?
Nikolaj too, had been acting strangely. He always seemed to be the last one in when she visited, and seemed almost distracted at times. How vigorously had Sasha been working on him?
It occurred to Sigrid she hadn't asked enough questions of Sasha. What had he learned, as a slave in that madwoman's house? Perhaps he was only doing as he'd done before, trying to survive. Perhaps it was the only way he knew to make friends.
Well. There was only one way to find out.
She rung for Karl.
"Your majesty?"
"Go to the seraglio. Send for Nikolaj and Sasha." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "Bring Nikolaj here, leave Sasha in one of the chambers where I conduct interviews. I'll see to him later."
By the time Nikolaj knocked on her door, Sigrid had decided her approach.
"…You wanted to see me?"
"I've been hearing some interesting stories lately, Nikolaj." She glanced up to catch his expression, which was as sullen as usual. "Normally I'm of the opinion that what happens in the seraglio can stay in the seraglio, but… I must admit, I have not been as pleased with you lately as I have in the past, and now I think I know why."
Nikolaj's jaw tightened. "And why is that, my Lady?"
Sigrid sighed, resting her hand on her chin. "Simply put, Sasha has been playing you for a fool."
His face went white, then pink. "Who… did he tell you?!"
"Not exactly." She smiled. "But it's nice to have the confirmation. I didn't even think you liked men."
Nikolaj shrugged, avoiding her eyes. "He looks like a girl half the time anyway."
"There's no need to get defensive. I'm not angry with you." Sigrid leaned back in her chair. "But I must admit, I'm rather intrigued."
In an instant, Nikolaj's expression changed. He lifted his chin, setting his hand on his hip and smirking at her. "I should have known you'd be into it. Though I should tell you, I'm the one that's in charge."
She laughed. "That doesn't surprise me. Didn't you once say I was the only one you'd ever submit to?"
He sat on her desk, leaning in over her papers. "And I fucking meant it."
His hair was soft as cornsilk under her touch, such a contrast to his lean, hard physique. Nikolaj was small for a man, but he'd always kept himself in good shape, training as though assassins might try to get him in his sleep. Once that might have been a legitimate fear, but her men were nearly as protected as Sigrid was herself.
Still, it pleased her.
Nikolaj licked her palm and Sigrid laughed. "So, tell me, Nikolaj. I've never asked this of you before, but… would you be willing to come to my chambers with Sasha?"
She expected him to freeze, to straighten up and glare at her, to rankle under the idea that he could possibly not be enough for her.
Instead, he looked… thoughtful.
"Yeah, okay."
She almost laughed again. That was easy.
"Just tell me one thing." His breath was hot on her cheek. "What kind of fool am I supposed to be?"
And there's the anger.
"You haven't been your old self with me," Sigrid said bluntly. She knew he hated having things sugar-coated. "I think that's exactly what Sasha wants, and why he submitted to you in the first place. To distract your attentions."
Having Nikolaj in her harem had always been like keeping a wildcat in a cage. Now he was pacing like one, arms crossed furiously.
"That little bastard… that fucking scheming little…."
"You'll show him?" Sigrid said mildly.
Nikolaj glared wordlessly at her.
"I'm giving you the opportunity to do so, Nikolaj." She stood up, not allowing him to take control of the room. "In my chambers, tonight. Prove yourself in my sight, or forever hold your peace."
He still didn't look entirely convinced, so Sigrid crossed to him, not breaking eye contact. "Conquer and outlast him. Isn't that what you told me you'd do?"
Quick as lightning, a smile flitted across his face. "You're a wicked bitch, Sigrid."
She backhanded him. "Don't call me that."
"Make me!" Nikolaj hissed.
Sigrid caught hold of his head by his fine, soft hair and twisted, pushing him down onto his knees and pushing her boot-clad foot between his thighs. "You won't be getting more than this until tonight, Nils. Not unless you want to be truly punished again."
He closed his eyes, but she could still see how blissful the position made him feel. "Understood."
She loosened her grip, stroking his head. Nikolaj could be good when he chose to be.
He liked to be forced, perhaps because in his home country it was such a shameful thing to be mastered by a woman. Perhaps simply because he needed his blood to be racing to find his pleasure.
It would be very interesting to see how what he and Sasha had been doing together.
