But in the days that followed, as they rode, she was quiet and demonstrated (further, for he already knew this) that she was an immensely competent horsewoman, and openly enamored and caring of her steed. She did not complain that they rode under the hot sun. She did not protest that they bedded on blankets in the sand with no cover but the stars. She did not worry about insects and snakes attacking her in the night. She did not bemoan the chill that invaded the air when the sun left the sky. She did not take issue with infrequent meals, less frequent baths, and she wasted no time on her appearance.

They were on a mission and she, seemingly, was absorbed in getting on with it.

This was a problem for Chu.

For he admired all of this.

And, his mission, with Serena, was to make her slave to his cock, and onward from that, his command, and she might have been an inadequate lover in routine bedplay, but she was an exceptional submissive.

This, as well as being very easy to gaze upon. So much so, she needn’t take time on her appearance. This came naturally.

Now, he knew more of her, and like most men, Chu enjoyed sex in a variety of incarnations, particularly Master and slave, but he had always selected partners who were explicitly feminine and acquiescent in aspects of life, as well as play.

Serena was not that and he found the duality more intriguing than he should.

She rose from the water, wearing nothing, her lithe body slick and glistening in the moonlight.

She cast a glance his way as she did so, sharing she would be open to his command, something he had not given her since they embarked on their journey, except for him to share he did not wish for her to wear her bodystocking in sleep, just her tunic.

He knew, at first, she found this indication he would call upon her in the night, but as yet, he hadn’t.

To regain his equilibrium, he decided that night, he would.

He did not make note of that then.

He rose, disrobed, and moved to the water to bathe himself.

He knew she had her eyes on him as he did so, but he didn’t even glance her way.

He fully dressed again after.

Chu then went to his blanket which was spread three feet from hers, his saddle rug rolled up at the top to act as a pillow.

She was sitting on her blanket, knees up, arms loose around her calves, staring at the gentle flowing Tebes.

He sat, then fell to his side, head toward the river so he could see her face, torso up on a forearm. He stretched out his legs.

“Tell me about your sister,” he ordered.

“Elena is not my favorite subject,” she replied.

“This was not a request, my mouse,” he said softly.