SAECULUM ( A Novel: Part 14) – CONCUBIUM VII

SOL OCCAXUS (Sunset) Monday, 19 September, 2011

CREPUSCULUM (Evening Twilight)

I. Friday, 23 September, 2011
II. Thursday, 29 September, 2011
III. Thursday, 29 September, 2011
IV. Sunday, 16 October, 2011

VESPER (Evening Dusk)

I. Sunday, 23 October, 2011
II. Sunday, 30 October, 2011
III. Wednesday, 9 November, 2011
IV. Monday, 14 November, 2011
V. Monday, 14 November, 2011

CONCUBIUM (First Sleep – Coitus – Rest)

I. Thursday, 17 November 2011
II. Sunday, 20 November, 2011
III. Friday, 25 November, 2011
IV. Thursday, 1 December, 2011
V. Thursday, 1 December, 2011
VI. Thursday, 8 December, 2011
VII. Sunday, 11 December, 2011

INTEMPESTIUM (Midnight)
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.

GALLICINIUM (Cock Crow)
I.
II.
III.

MATUTINUM (Dawn Goddess)
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
XII.
XIII.
XIV.

DILUCULUM (Dawn Twilight)
I.
II.
III.
IV.

SOLI ORTUS (Sunrise)

CONCUBIUM

FIRST SLEEP – COITUS – REST

VII

Isabella opened the door of the apartment, entered and softly closed it behind her. There was the sound of running water from the far end of the corridor.

“Is that you Isabella?” a muffled and slightly distorted voice called out.

“Yes,” she answered as she entered the living room while quickly checking through the envelopes she had recovered from the lobby mailbox. “Don’t leave the bathroom in a mess. I know what you pampered elite athletes are like. Lackeys running after you.”

“Very funny.” The same voice was suddenly more distinct.

Isabella looked up to see her slim, blonde houseguest walk almost completely naked into the room, her head and face partially covered by a bath-towel as she busied herself drying off the last wetness of a recent shower. Isabella smiled as she admired the movements of the lithe and supple body and the almost innocent and carefree way the naked girl found, and perched on, the soft armrest of a chair. Isabella immediately moved closer and letting her hands linger on the moist shoulders, massaged them gently. The younger girl arched her neck back in response and purred out a pleased sound, like a stroked cat. After a few minutes, Isabella slowly lifted the towel and looked into the cool eyes before gently kissing her cousin’s lips. “I can see why our scientist friend found the sight of you so exciting Zoë. You flaunt that wonderful body of yours with total abandon.”

“Why not? They are so uptight, those Americans.”

“Irish-American, apparently.”

“Even worse! How did you get on, Isabella? Was the scientist equally enraptured by your own displayed, but withheld charms?”

“You have never complained.”

“No! You are right but then, I’m not very fussy and very horny.”

Isabella laughed and pulled at the naked girl’s ear. “As it so happens, everything is going to plan.”

“What do you mean?” Zoë stood up and began to wrap the towel around her.

As a mother would, Isabella finished the movement as she grasped the final corner and tucked it within the fold that lay across the younger woman’s chest. “As we anticipated, his attraction to me is the typical male response. It is rooted in the principals of action and not of reception. With careful handling I can ensure that the attraction will remain seated in his will and not his senses. In that way it can be easily manipulated.”

“And fully erect!” Zoë laughed.

“For as long as is necessary for our purposes.” Isabella joined in the laughter and the two women hugged, tenderly.

After a few moments Zoë withdrew. She walked across the room and pulled back the lace curtains a fraction to look down on the street below. She turned her head slightly in Isabella’s direction. “And what if it becomes more than that? Don’t forget how well I know your failings, Isabella!” she said, concerned.

“You mean the possibility of love?”

“Yes.”

“Any potential for a greater involvement, particularly in this instance, must be avoided at all costs and any inclinations towards it to be instantly undermined.” Isabella paused for a second to join the younger woman at the window. “I do find him attractive however.”

“I could sense that.” Zoë spoke sternly.

“But I also recognise my weakness for love. As an affliction it cannot be commanded or controlled but it would negate our efforts.”

“I’m glad you realise it.” Zoë pulled away as Isabella leant forward to kiss her.

“Don’t be harsh on me, Zoë. Isn’t it for that reason that I have you, my sweet shadow? If you sense me drifting, you can haul me back.”

“It’s a dangerous game, Solis … Isabella.”

“Yes, but exciting . . . and necessary for our cause.”