The Costume Party

She wanted the night to be special. She had planned it out carefully. Her best friend had chosen the costume she would wear. She had meticulously applied her makeup. She had gotten her nails done and just finished putting her hair up. She was nervous, never having been on a blind date before, and a costume party at that! She was also excited about her evening; her friend assured her that her mystery date was an honourable fellow. Glancing at the clock, she hurried to finish putting her costume on and the doorbell rang.

She was so excited she nearly tripped on the stairs. She couldn't wait to see what he had chosen to dress as.

He looked so handsome, dressed like a Scottish Lord, His kilt was vibrant and wrapped his body like he was accustomed to wearing one. It left nothing to the imagination. His hair was in a short ponytail tied with a piece of leather. His skin gleamed with oil in the moonlight as he held his hand out and asked her if she was ready to go.

"Yes." She whispered. Delighted with the vision of him before her. Placing her gloved hand in his she walked down the steps to the car. She couldn't believe she was going to be spending the night with such a handsome man. She was dressed as a slave girl, with lots of flowing silk but no real coverage. Seeing the gleam in his eye she felt shy like she was out of her depth.

Sitting in the car she turned to her date and asked "what shall I call you, sir?" And he replied, "yes, I think Sir would do nicely." A little flustered she nods "and what will you call me, Sir?" He looked over at her and his eyes scanned over her features and costume. "I will call you, Farrah - that means Beauty in Gaelic". His words cause a slow flush to creep over her skin, climbing up her neck but also spreading across her shoulders and down to touch the top of her breasts hidden by the silk. "I wonder Farrah if that blush travels all the way down." And incredibly the red deepened on her skin.

Quickly looking away she gazed out the window of the car. She had very little experience dealing with handsome men and she didn't know how to graciously accept his compliments. But she decided right then that she would play her role the best that she could. She was dressed as a slave called Beauty and she would call this stranger Sir. She could do this. Taking a deep breath she turned to him and said "yes sir, I'm ready."

The party was so much more than she expected. The beautiful costumes, heroic-looking men, and all sorts of damsels, queens, heroes of all shapes and sizes. She was very glad she had her friend choose the costume for her. She felt glamourous amongst a room full of glamourous people.

As the slave of her Scottish rogue, she happily kept to herself and followed his cues. Allowing him to direct her through the room as if they were dancers. He led her from one group of people to the next. Introducing her as Farrah to everyone. She curtsied and blushed at the attention and secretly loved every second.

Being HIS slave, she BELONGED. It made her feel so warm inside, comforted, and protected when she would normally have felt awkward and alone. And when he looked her way and she saw the desire in his eyes... Well that was just the cream on top, wasn't it?

When it was time to eat he sat at the table and pulled her into his lap. Snugging her into the crook of his arm he told her to feed him. This seemed to be such an intimate act! Each time she shifted on his lap to cut the meat and then turned to feed it to him her thigh brushed against his growing erection under his kilt. Her skin began to heat again and the blush crossed her shoulders as her bare back moved against the bare skin of his chest.

She peeked up at him through her lashes and saw that he was watching her intently.

"Now a grape" he instructed and as she placed the fruit between his lips he moved his tongue against her, closing his lips around her fingers and sucking gently. She let out a soft gasp and glanced at him quickly, only to see the wicked gleam in his eyes. Pulling her hand away from his mouth she couldn't tear her eyes from his. Unconsciously she licked her lips as she gazed at him.

Glancing around she recalled where they were and began to blush again as the sounds of the party crept back into her awareness. She saw that no one was paying any attention to them at their table, and also noticed that a great many of the men present had women perched upon their knee. She noticed that some women had men sitting at their feet, and she saw that most of the guests were eating in various states of undress.

Slowly, she began to realize this costume party was not what she expected it to be. Lifting her hand to her mouth she began to rise off the stranger's lap. He clapped his hands around her waist and kept her still. Gripping her chin in one hand he moved it so he could see into her eyes. Noting the fear there he gently said "Ah sweet Farrah, you have nothing to fear from me. I may have claimed you as my slave, but I will not hurt you. Do you understand?" And she nodded eyes wide. A tremulous smile on her lips she whispered "yes Sir, I understand "

"Come, Farrah, bring a bottle of wine and a plate of nibbles. We shall go somewhere a little more private." He said rising from his chair. Scrambling she hurried to do his bidding as he waited for her with his hand out and one brow raised.

"Yes sir" she whispered as she gathered the things and followed him across the hall. He tempered his gait to match her shorter strides and steered her through the tables and people by the elbow. Holding aside a curtain at the edge of the room she could see a tiny alcove hidden behind it. "Oh. I had no idea." She said looking at him wide-eyed. She ducked beneath his arm and entered the alcove. Placing the tray and open bottle on a small table she exclaimed "on no! I forgot glasses." Looking at him with dismay.

"Well then," he said with a grin as he sat on the cushions "you'll just have to be careful when you share it with me. Bring the bottle to your lips and fill your mouth. Do not drink and then bring me my sip of wine." Watching her as realization dawned and colour began to wash across her skin again. Carefully she did as instructed and came towards him, nervously she placed her palms against his chest and bent to bring her mouth to his. Opening her lips she allowed the wine to spill out of her mouth. "Mmm, good girl. Give me more."

As she turned to do as he bade he pulled her back into his lap. "From here." He said. She was glowing a delightful shade of pink as she reached across for the bottle of wine. Filling her mouth she turned back to him and repeated the process. This time he allowed some to leak from his mouth. "Clean it up" he demanded.

"But I don't have a cloth" she exclaimed. "Then use your tongue, Farrah." He replied.

"Oh." The tip of her little pink tongue darting over her own lips as she considered his demand. Watching her in amusement he could see when she made the decision to obey him. Leaning backward he shifted his weight causing her to tumble against his chest. Placing his hands on her hips he steadied her with a wink. Looking up at him she touched his mouth with her fingertips before moving so that she could lick up the wine from his mouth.

As her tongue tentatively stroked his mouth he opened his lips to her. Drawing her closer he allowed her to take the lead in the kiss. Her touch was shy but eager enough and she took her time exploring the corners of his mouth and his lips. "Harder, Farrah. Kiss me like you're not afraid of me. I promised I won't hurt you." He heard her inhale and then she pressed her mouth to his firmly. Opening her mouth and stroking her tongue against his.

"Let me touch you." He groaned into her mouth pulling her more firmly against his erection. She nodded as she looked into his eyes. Moving the hair from her cheek he brought his mouth to her shoulder. Inhaling her sweet scent he trailed kisses up the side of her shoulder. Picking up her hand he moved it between them so that it rested on his kilt covering his erection. "Stroke me, Farrah." He demanded and she obeyed.

The rough wool of his kilt tickled her palm so she moved it aside so that she could grasp him more firmly. As she stroked him he continued to nibble and kiss along her neck and shoulders. Raining kisses everywhere as he whispered encouragement. Covering her hand with his own he increased the pressure and directed her movements. Closing his eyes he began moving his hips as his breathing changed. Taking her mouth again he groaned as he began to cum. Hot fluid running over their hands. "Clean it up, Farrah. Use your mouth." He commanded her.

Pulling back he saw that she was again considering his request. Giving a little nod she slowly moved between his knees. First, she brought her hand to her mouth and licked it clean of his seed before bringing his up as well and she carefully licked up every drop. Looking up at him she licked her lips before looking down at his penis. Holding it with one hand she began lapping up his cum. Enjoying the way that his erection began to harden again with her efforts.

Once she was sure he was clean again she looked up at him. "Stand up" he ordered and she complied. Standing in front of him breathless with anticipation. With his eyes on hers, he gently removed the silk covering her breasts. She held her breath as he exposed her breasts to his view. Her nipples were a dark blush colour, a contrast to her pale skin. Bringing one hand up he held it out to her. "Show me where to touch you." He said. Trembling with desire she leaned forward so that the weight of her breast rested in his hand. Bringing her own hand up she covered his and began kneading her breasts, pulling and tugging on her nipple all the while watching his face.

He moved to bring her other breast to his mouth and circled the nipple with his tongue. Hearing her rush of breath he realized she had been holding her breath the entire time. Suckling at her breast he moved his hand to stroke down her belly to hover at the apex of her thighs. She moaned when his hand brushed against her pussy over the silk of her skirt and moved to still his hand.

He could see the nerves in her eyes again and he whispered to her "let me pleasure you, Farrah. Please let me pleasure you." Biting her lip she nodded consent and he pulled her down onto his lap again. Shifting her so that her back rested against his chest and he could stroke her pussy and fondle her breast at the same time. "You must remain quiet, Farrah, if you don't want everyone in the other room to know what we are doing." As he gently teased her thighs apart she sighed as his hands found the damp curls between them. Moving slowly he reached up to resume fondling her breast while he gently began to stroke her pussy.

Allowing her head to fall back against his shoulder she just absorbed the sensations. Trying to keep quiet as he stroked and pulled and tickled her. But when he plunged his fingers into her she cried out. Covering her mouth with her hand she pushed her hips against his palm gaining speed and increasing the rhythm of his thrusting. Breathing heavily she looked at him with wide eyes. Lowering her hand she said "please, oh please, Sir. Please let me..."

Growling, he said to her "Come, Farrah, let me take you home. Where I can make you scream properly."

Straightening her clothes he held her at arm's length. Looking her over and approving her composure, her eyes were bright and her colour was high, but nothing specific was amiss. Rearranging his kilt he set his own clothing to rights, before taking a deep breath and looking at her again. With a smile, he held the curtain open for her "Let's go home, Farrah"

He admired her as they walked across the room. Watching her progress as she threaded through tables and milling guests. The way she walked, how she held her shoulders back and her chin high. This was no slave girl now. This woman was strong and powerful. Smiling with an inner delight. Finally, they arrived near the entrance and bid adieu to their hosts.

"If this were a fairy tale, I'd whisk you away in my horse-drawn carriage to my castle up on the hill." He looked at her and smiled "Alas, I don't have a carriage or a castle. So we will just ask the driver to take us home." She smiled back at him as he held the car door open and handed her inside the limousine. He climbed in after her and drew her to the seat beside him.

She came willingly but raised a hand to his mouth when he tried to kiss her. "Sir, I need to check in with my friend. Let her know I am alright and that I won't be home tonight." Kissing the fingers against his lips he told her that she could use the phone upon arriving at his estate. Smiling she relaxed within his embrace.

He trailed his fingers over her exposed collarbone, noticing how delicate they appeared against his skin. He watched as his touch raised chills across her skin. And enjoyed the sight as the colour bloomed again. "You're so damned responsive" he murmured as he continued to watch his fingers tracing along her skin. Lightly trailing across the top of her breasts he watched as she held her breath. Moving slightly he slid his hand between the silk and her skin, cupping her breast again.

He moved the fabric baring her breast again and just held the weight of her breast in his hand, admiring the play of light and shadow across the surface as they moved through the darkness between street lamps. Taking the nipple between thumb and forefinger he teased it until it was a hard nub. To please himself he leaned in for a kiss, as their mouths met he pinched her nipple hard. Swallowing her gasp he gently soothed the pain away again.

He could feel himself getting hard again and he moved her so that his erection was pressing against her bottom as she once again sat on his lap. Pulling away from her mouth he moved to trail kisses along her jaw. Her head fell back exposing her throat as he kissed and fondled her on his lap.

Her breathing was unsteady as she reached up to stroke a hand through his hair. Pulling his mouth back to hers she reveled in the feeling of his tongue against hers. His hand on her breast slowly trailed lower and began hiking up her skirts. Parting the layers of silk to run his hand up her leg and toy with the hair at the apex of her thighs.

Moving her he urged her to recline against the door and pulled her hips towards him. Kneeling on the floor of the car he positioned himself between her legs. He bared her thighs and quickly bit the inside of one leg. Yelping she put her hand on his head to stop him and he began to lave his tongue over the stinging flesh. Pulling her closer he brought her hips up to his face. With long precise movements he parted the hair and using his thumbs he spread her lips so he could see what he was doing to her pussy. He inhaled the scent of her and dipped his head allowing his tongue to lick up all the juices that were dripping out of her. First using soft flicking touches of his tongue he teased the area that was still swollen from their time in the alcove. She moaned as he deftly moved his tongue between her folds, lifting her hips to his face as he slid a finger into her opening. As he licked, sucked, and moved his fingers the movements of her hips began to increase.

As the pleasure in her increased, she grabbed his head and held it to her mound as she rocked against his mouth. He could feel the walls of her vagina gripping his fingers and knew her climax was approaching. He pulled his mouth away and looked at her "I haven't told you that you may cum." He said sternly and she just looked at him for a moment. Then a look of concentration crossed her features and she bit her lip. He knew she was trying to control her climax and so he eased off on his movements.

Returning to her breasts he took one hard nipple into his mouth and began moving his fingers slowly inside of her. Building the tension again only to back it off again as he felt her muscles begin to tighten. Again and again, he brought her near climax without allowing her to go over. Her juices were seeping over his hand and she kept moving her hips to her own rhythm.

Crushing his mouth to hers he kissed her roughly thrusting his tongue into her mouth and mimicking the movements of his fingers. One echoing the other urging her closer and closer to orgasm.

She gasped and pulled her mouth away from his as the car slowed to a stop in a pool of light. Trying quickly to cover herself. He stilled her hands with his and said "Leave it. There is no one here who will care."

The door opened and she nodded. Bared to the waist she stepped from the vehicle and gazed at his home while she waited for him to rejoin her beside the car. Holding her by her elbow he directed her towards the house. "I thought you said you didn't have a castle on a hill." She remarked, gazing at the building in front of her.

Turning to look back at him she whispered "who ARE you?" Trying to bring the silk up to cover her breasts. She turned away from him again and looked at his house.

"My name is Iain Malcolm MacGregor, I am called The MacGregor. This is my land. We've been driving in circles since we left the party.

"But" she whispered, "it was YOUR party all along?" Standing on wobbly legs she looked at him in confusion. He nodded. "Yes. My sister, Caroline, and her husband, Andrew, were the hosts. The party was meant as a way to welcome me back from my work abroad."

"But.. the blind date." She said. "I don't understand" Rubbing his hand across his face he said "alright, I will explain. Come inside and get warm."

As she hesitated he said "Farrah, you have given me your word, and your body tonight. Now give me your trust." Biting her lip she searched his face, then straightening her shoulders she jerked a nod, and pulling the fabric of her dress closed she turned again to face the house.

He was right, she mused, it wasn't a castle. QUITE. but it sure was an imposing structure. She noticed that while they were not at the Grand entrance they had used the last time, they also weren't at a servant's entrance. This appeared to be a private entrance as he had claimed in the car.

When she turned back to look at him he couldn't help but admire the courage she was displaying. The trust. The bravery. To stand there half-naked and maintain eye contact while demanding to know what was going on was a sight to behold.

He drew her elbow to him and began to guide her into the house. Getting a shawl off the coat rack and wrapping it around her shoulders. He showed her into the study where she could have a glass of whiskey and listen to his explanation.

"Would you call your girlfriend then?" He asked. And she shook her head "I'll wait until after you have told me what's going on."

"Alright. He said, "let us sit by the fire and I will explain" Her colour had all but drained out of her face when she first realized where she was. It was starting to come back now, but with anger rather than desire. He started talking quickly, "I came home 2 weeks ago after securing a business partnership across the way. I noticed you in town the first day I was back. You were standing outside with your eyes closed and your face lifted to the sun. And a sunbeam played over your features. I was struck by what a beautiful picture you made.

When I asked my sister about you she said that you were very shy. That I would need to take a different approach to attempt to woo you. It was her idea to make the masquerade ball a way to connect us together as we were already planning a welcome home party. I thought it was a terrific idea." She snorted at that thought. "You could have anyone you wanted, why go to the trouble of this elaborate charade, just to know me?"

" Because, my dear Farrah, you didn't know who I was, and therefore I could judge that you were responding to me as myself, rather than as Laird of this land."

"You are crazy!" She exclaimed. "Seriously bonkers! Who goes through this much trouble just to meet a girl?"

"You have a point." He said, " it's elaborate but my position invites a lot of unsavoury sorts. And a slew of gold diggers. I wanted you to know me as more than just Laird."

"Oh." She whispered looking down. He gently gripped her chin and raised her eyes to his again. "My dear sweet Farrah, this has been an incredible evening. I don't wish for it to end. I long to take you into my arms and continue where we left off in the car."

Snorting she laughed. "You don't even know my name." "It IS true" he insisted, "and your name is Bettany" her mouth dropped open in surprise for a moment before catching herself.

She looked at him intently and then rose and crossed the room to his desk. Picking up the phone she quickly dialed a number and murmured a greeting when the other line picked up. Keeping her eyes locked on his she told her friend where she was and that she wouldn't be home that night. Hanging up the phone she licked her lips nervously before coming back and standing in front of the man.

"I made you a promise, and I will keep my end of the bargain. Sir, I have given you my body tonight and now I offer my submission. What will you have me do?"

Something flicked across his face as he rose to stand with her before the fire.

"I would have you kneel before me and pledge to be mine for a year and a day. A formal handfasting can be arranged if you wish."

Taking a deep breath she knelt before him and vowed to be his slave in all ways for a year and a day commencing that day and that by agreeing to do so, she was agreeing to allow him to use her body as he saw fit every day and all day. He held her palm in his as he tied their hands together. Looking at her he declared that he would be her Master and that by doing so he was agreeing to provide for her every need every day and all day for a year and a day commencing that day.

And so, kneeling with her in front of the fireplace he swore his oath and sealed it with a kiss. Opening her mouth to his she accepted his kiss and his oath.

Laying her on the carpet in front of the fireplace he once again bared her skin to his gaze. He moved slowly as he knew she was still nervous. Caressing her skin he brought her back to arousal. Kissing down her body, paying careful attention to every inch of skin he saw. Looking up at her he said "tonight is for you. I wanted to give you a fairytale so that I could make you my own." he moved between her thighs again, drawing the sweet scent into his lungs. She was wet and ready for him as he put his face back into her curls. Looking up at her from between her thighs he said "Farrah, look at me." And when she did he said a single word.

"Cum"

She felt the waves of her climax wash over her at the word. And she reveled at the sensations coursing through her system. She stroked her fingers through his hair as the quaking inside her eased realizing that her other hand was still bound to his.

Feeling a little silly she tried to shake off the bindings. His fingers tightened on hers and he said "not yet. I would have you bound to me for some time yet" slowly he began trailing kisses across her hip. Up over her belly until he could suckle at her breast. Sliding up beside her he brought their bound hands up to his lips, kissing the tip of each finger before moving their arms above her head.

Adjusting himself so he was resting his weight on his elbows and looking down at her he kissed her quickly on the nose. Followed by each eyelid. Raining kisses gently all over her face he finally came to her mouth again. Lightly he traced the seam of her lips with his tongue and she opened for him with a sigh.

"Look at me Farrah, I want to watch your eyes as I enter you for the first time." He said gruffly as he moved between her thighs positioning himself at her entrance. He continued to lightly kiss her face and cheeks until finally, she opened her eyes. The head of his shaft pressed firmly against her and she bit her lip, never breaking eye contact as he eased slowly into her. He felt her muscles tighten and the slight resistance and she cried out softly as he sank fully into her.

Freezing, he looked at her quickly. "Farrah, I mean Bettany, darling, tell me that you've done this before. Tell me you're not a virgin." He groaned as he read the answer in her eyes. "Alright, alright darling, I'll take care of you." Allowing her to get used to his invasion he kissed her deeply letting her body relax before slowly pulling out again.

She looked at him with wide eyes and whispered "Please, Iain. I've given you my body to do with as you wish, Sir. Please show me how to please you. I want to know." And she wrapped her legs around his hips to prevent him from disengaging completely. Searching her face he was relieved to see no signs of fear in her eyes.

Holding both of her hands above her head he kissed her greedily. Moving slowly he entered her again and stilled. Resting his forehead against hers he closed his eyes for a moment. Opening them again he whispered, "I don't know if I can be gentle enough, the longing I have for you is fierce."

Smiling she nodded and wrapped her legs tighter around his hips bringing them tightly together. She answered "Take what you need from me then, I'm not fragile. I won't break." And with that, the control he had reined in, snapped. Thrusting into her he claimed her as his own as they both tumbled over the edge together.

Afterward, he called the kitchen and asked for a basin of warm water and some leftover finger foods from the party. Wrapping his kilt around his waist again he answered the light knock on the door and retrieved the rolling table from the hall. Along with the basin, there was a covered tray filled with fruits, cheeses, tiny cucumber sandwiches, and a bottle of wine with two glasses.

Gently he washed her skin looking for any signs of regret in her eyes. Grateful he saw none he asked anyway "did I hurt you very much? I didn't realize." quickly she got up on her knees and looked him in the eye. "Don't you start feeling guilty, I made the choice on my own when I offered you my submission. I knew what that meant. And I wanted to offer you everything. I would do it again too."

Getting up she walked to the tray and poured them each a glass of wine. Taking one of the tiny sandwiches she nibbled on it as she came back to him. Shyly she offered him the glass of wine and glanced at him with curiosity shining from her eyes. "What is it, Farrah?" He asked and took his glass from her hand.

"Well," she said and blushed "it's just that I thought it was supposed to hurt. It didn't hurt that much at all and I really quite enjoyed it. Is it always like that?" Chuckling he drew her down into his lap again and cuddled with her in front of the fire. "Don't you worry Farrah, I plan to give you lots of opportunities to learn for yourself. I am not always gentle, but I will never intentionally injure you. Now rest. We can discuss things more in the morning." Holding her close he felt her breathing slow and knew she had fallen asleep. Looking down at her sleeping face he wondered what in hell he was going to do now.

While she slept he pondered his dilemma. He had had no intentions of deflowering a virgin when he embarked on this hair-brained scheme to attract the attention of his lovely Farrah. But now that he had... Honour demanded he do right by her. Well, they had each committed to a year and a day. He would draw up a contract that would protect her reputation. He would send for a witness and they would have a formal handfasting ceremony that very night.

Getting on the phone he began making calls. Waking people up to get everything sorted out for the morning. Watching her sleep on the settee unnerved him. She looked so young and innocence shone from her sleeping face like a beacon. Crossing the room to her he scooped her up and carried her from the study. He brought her to his chamber and laid her gently on the bed. Her skin was pale in the light of the fire and her long chestnut hair framed her face against the pillow.

Quietly he tucked her into his bed and sank down beside her. Pulling the covers up over his arms he drew her body in to rest against his. Wrapping himself around her he dropped into a deep sleep.

They were wakened by a knock on the door and the sound of his sister's voice rang out. Informing them that there was coffee downstairs and that the seamstress would be arriving shortly. Bettany looked at him in confusion as he got out of bed and began getting dressed. "Seamstress? Why is there a seamstress coming here this morning?"

"Because my dear Farrah, you are in need of clothing. We will be having a small formal handfasting ceremony this evening, in front of witnesses, and all you have with you is the slave dress from last evening. Would you like to call your parents and have them come out?"

"B-b-but" she stammered. "Surely we don't need a formal ceremony..." She trailed off at the stormy look on his face.

"Farrah, you gave yourself to me, vowed to be my slave, to allow me to use your body as I see fit. To cater to my whims and be at my disposal every day for a year and a day. That is a hearty promise. And I in turn vowed to protect you and provide for your every need. That includes protecting your reputation. People saw us leave the party together. There will be gossip-"

"That's nonsense!" She cut in "we don't live in the dark ages!! Nobody cares about whether I am a virgin or not!"

"I care!" He yelled, and she flinched away from his voice. Taking a deep breath he said a little calmer "I am not in the habit of deflowering maidens. What you gave me last night was a precious gift. I will treat it as such. And so will you. I intend to hold you to your vow. I want to make it known that you are MINE this will protect you."

"But Iain, - Sir" she corrected herself "what about my home? My job? Do you expect me to just drop everything and come to you?"

"Yes." He said simply. "We can hash out the details with my lawyer this afternoon. I will pay the rent for your apartment and I will have a room prepared for you here. Although I expect you to be in my bed each night. You can have the days to yourself to do whatever you wish but I expect you to be rested and available once I get home from work. Clearly, we have maids and cooks here so you won't have to worry about that aspect of things. I will give you an allowance so that you can buy the things you want. You won't need to work as I will provide everything for you. Your only job will be to obey me."

She gazed at him with wide round eyes. Opening and closing her mouth again before finally saying "You.. you're BUYING me?! I have my own money and career. I don't need yours. I have worked for every penny in my account and earned everything I own. No one has ever given me anything." She got up and began pacing the room "What about my friends and my family? How will I explain this to them? This is insane!"

"Bettany. Stop." He said. "Look at me. I am not BUYING you. I am simply removing obstacles that are in the way of our arrangement. I expect complete obedience from you. I am a demanding man and a selfish one. It is how I have succeeded so far in life. I have the means to make this easier for us to deal with and I have promised to take care of you. That means physically, emotionally, AND financially." He reached up and pulled her into his lap. "You've given me your word and your body. Let me give you the protection of my name and my resources."

Looking at him again she nodded. Bringing her mouth to his she kissed him lightly. "That's enough of that," he laughed and standing up allowed her to slide out of his lap. With a light slap on her butt, he said "get going girl, we have a party to plan and you need a dress. Write me a list of things you will need from your apartment and I will send someone to fetch them shortly."

Thinking of all the things she needed to do today she began to make mental lists as she walked down the hallway to meet with the seamstress. it might only be for a year and a day, but later tonight she will pledge herself to this man and she wanted him to be proud of her.

The day passed in a blur of preparation. With no time to make a dress from scratch, Bettany searched the town for one and the seamstress hurried to complete the alterations. Iain gathered the witnesses and delegated dinner to his sister.

As the preparations progressed Iain summoned Bettany to his study. Upon her arrival, she was startled to see a strange man standing near the desk. Iain reached a hand out to her in welcome, saying "Farrah, this is Geoffrey. My lawyer. He is here to make sure that our arrangement covers everything we need to have it cover. He has written something up, take a moment and read it. Then let us know if there anything that you would like to add."

"Iain, Sir. Is this all really necessary? It seems like so MUCH." She fluttered her hands in agitation and looked at him with wide eyes.

"Farrah, this is all necessary."

"Yes Sir." She responded miserably.

"Geoffrey, would you give us a moment?" Iain nodded at the door. Geoffrey turned and left the room without a second's hesitation. Turning to look back at Bettany he considered her for a moment. "Come here." He commanded and she hesitated for a moment before obeying. He searched her gaze. "You have given yourself to me. Your body as well as your submission. Aye?" She nodded. "The words, Farrah. I want to hear the words." "Yes sir. I submit myself to you freely of my own will." Nodding he stroked her cheek "Good girl. This - gesturing to the paperwork - is just the formalities. It will protect us both when the year is over. Is there anything you wish to have added?" She shook her head. "I am yours." She said simply.

With those words he grabbed her to him and crushed his mouth to hers, kissing her with an abandon he rarely showed. She was so damned pure. At that moment he vowed to himself he would do right by her and that she would not want for anything even after the year was over.

______________________________________

The ceremony was about to start and Bettany looked like a princess. In the altered dress with ribbons hanging from her sleeves. Caroline fussed over her and kept up a stream of chatter that Bettany appreciated.

From the other room, a bell sounded announcing that it was time to gather for the ceremony. She took a deep breath and gave herself a last glance in the mirror before straightening her shoulders and turning towards the door.

As she approached the hall she was surprised to see so many people in attendance. She had assumed this would be a very small, private affair. There must be thirty or forty people in the room. Nerves caused her to stumble as she reached the front of the hall. But Iain reached out and steadied her by holding her hand tightly in his.

Geoffrey wore blue robes and stood before them solemnly. As a hush fell over the hall he clasped their two hands together and lightly wrapped a strip of cloth around them. Fastening it loosely between their wrists. He looked at the gathered people and said in a clear voice. "These two stand before you tonight to pledge themselves to each other for the term of one year and one day. To live together, to sleep together, to serve, and to protect each other. They do this willingly and without coercion."

Iain held up their joined hands and pressing his lips against their fingers said "Bettany, I pledge to protect and provide for you from this moment on." Bettany smiled, nerves erased and pressed her own lips to their hands. "And I pledge my loyalty to you and willingly serve as you command, from this moment on." With that music began to play and Iain grinned as he and Bettany ran from the room and out into the gardens.

They didn't run for long before collapsing together onto a blanket that had been set with a picnic meal just for them. With their wrists still bound they sat together and looked up at the stars. Watching the celestial beauty of the milky way spread out across the night sky. Resting her head on Iain's shoulder she sighed with contentment.

They sat that way talking until the wee hours of the morning, Finally deciding they should go inside, Iain reached for her hand and placing a kiss in her palm, drew her to her feet, and said, "let's go to bed Farrah."