So, so, overwhelmed by the response to the last chapter. I really thought you'd all moved on to newer pastures. It was truly humbling to be welcomed back with such enthusiasm and positive responses and has kept my motivation and commitment to finish the story at the forefront. I've not yet had time to reply to all your messages but here is another chapter for you. Big things happening very soon, but not quite yet...
Previously in The Collar
"Slave, you will answer to Emma in all things."
"You may address her as 'Your Majesty or 'My Queen'," Emma interceding quickly.
"Yes, My Queen," 116 answering, eyes down, hands still holding onto her bag, knuckles white with the force of her grip.
"This is your last chance to return," Regina gesturing to the still open portal behind them.
"I wish to stay, My Queen," was the resolute response as she looked up at her new mistress.
"Then we shall not be needing this any more," Regina waving her hand and the portal closing in on itself until it was gone, leaving no evidence of ever having been there.
xx
"She's back!" Red feeling the negative space in her chest fill with the return of the queen's magic to the palace. "Come!" Red leaping to her feet and searching for the magic's location, Eva, Greta and Belle following post haste. Red quickly tracking the queen to her private quarters and leading the charge through the palace, quickly but not fast enough to draw anyone's attention.
"My Queen?" Red pausing to knock at the outer door, waiting until it swung open of its own accord. Red rapidly assessing the interior and seeing the queen and Emma, both looking well, then her eyes falling on the third member of the party. A stranger and that caused Red's hackles to rise, who was this interloper and what did she want with their queen?
"My Queen?" Red repeating, her now yellowed eyes fixed on the strange woman, a slave, Red noting the worn leather collar around her neck and the return of Emma's own collar as she assessed the scene.
"Red!" Regina's exclamation one of genuine pleasure as she greeted the wolf, stepping forward and a hand resting briefly on the wolf's cheek, Red leaning into the touch and relishing the contact.
"You're safe?" Red questioning and receiving a nod from Regina.
"Yes, a truly amazing world but I am glad to be home," Regina summarising as she observed her heir. "You look tired," the queen remarking concernedly, hand falling to her wolf's breastbone, connecting with her magic and both feeling a relief at the touch, the queen sighing and Red letting out a low rumble of satisfaction at the familiar sensation, Emma feeling an echo of Red through her bond with the queen and gasping.
"You feel that?" Regina's curious eyes turning to her pet.
"I do, My Queen," Emma acknowledging with a nod and Regina filing that away for later analysis.
"It has been strange with you gone, empty. We have never been apart for so long," Red holding her hand over the queen's to prolong the contact and Regina obliging, oh how she had missed her wolf!
"I have missed you too," Red blushing at the admission but warmed by it. Despite her initial anger at the queen's decision to leave the kingdom and their previous trust issues Red realised how much she still cared for the queen and wanted nothing more than to spend time with her now she had returned.
"It was strange to be gone but Emma took excellent care of me," all the kingdom's residents noting the use of Emma's name and not 'pet'.
"Good, I was concerned she would forget herself," Red growling and baring her elongated canines at the slave but Emma ignored her. 116 catching sight of the fangs and letting out a startled cry and drawing attention to herself, Red's in particular, yellow eyes focusing on her and the wolf scenting the air, she smelt different.
"No, Emma's behaviour was impeccable as always," Regina confirming. "Her world is complex but she was not deceitful when relating her standing there. She is indeed very powerful and wealthy in her own right. So much so that she is able to help those less fortunate than herself. She wields her power well and is highly respected amongst the elite," the queen praising Emma. "However, she agreed to return willingly with me."
"I see, and who is the slave?" Red growling, having kept her gaze on the stranger throughout the explanation.
"That we shall discuss later," Regina parting from Red, the wolf grumbling as she withdrew her hand. "Shh, wolf we shall spend some time together soon," Regina promising and seating herself in her favoured chair. "Pet," a beckoning gesture and Emma was by her side and on her knees in seconds, the queen's hand falling to the back of her neck as she was wont to do and the magical energy dissipated.
"That I have not missed," Red flexing her shoulders to relieve the tension she had been holding unknowingly since the queen's return, the thrum of their combined magic now at peace as mistress and pet made physical contact.
"Yes, it has been the cause of some concern," Regina musing. "But before we discuss any further business is there anything so pressing that it cannot wait a few hours?"
"No, My Queen. Braxas has information but nothing so urgent that it requires your immediate attention. Only the inner council were made aware of your absence," Red confirming.
"Good, so we may see to more enjoyable things first then. Here, slave!" A click of the queen's fingers and 116 moving to step in front of the queen, dropping to her knees and mirroring Emma's perfect pose, one that did not go unnoticed by the room's other occupants.
"Now, as you were told my kingdom offers you 'more'," Regina using the slave's words against her. "As you know my pet here is extremely skilled and I am willing to allow her the time to spend truly breaking you. This is the one chance you get to renege on your contract," the queen pausing for dramatic effect. "Do you wish to default in your agreement? " A choice being given. "If you do I will send you back when another trip is made, until that time you will earn your keep in the palace wherever my housekeeper deigns you but you will have no contact with Emma or my slaves. Do you accept your place beneath and forfeit your freedom?" All young women present (bar Emma) surprised at the choice the slave was being offered and wondered what terms she had arrived on.
"I accept, Your Majesty," 116 pausing but having more to say.
"Speak, you are not yet bound to me," Regina allowing, fingers absently massaging the back of Emma's neck. "Your Majesty, I would like to thank you for this opportunity. I am already in awe of your power and wish to do my best to please you and request that you use me in any way that you see fit," 116 keeping her eyes down but speaking only the truth, another thrill running through her at the thought, Red sensing the slave's arousal and growling.
"My Queen! I wish to voice my distrust of this stranger. She smells wrong, she is not of this world," Red only now realising the difference in scent between Emma, a being of their world, and a true outsider.
"No, she is not of our world but she is already an impeccably trained slave. Her actions have already demonstrated loyalty and she wished to apprentice under Emma in her world. It was fortuitous that we met and that the girl wishes to offer us so much. She is strong and willing to serve and I sense no deceit or subterfuge, she will be a perfect foil for my pet's darker urges," Regina defending her decision and Emma's chest tightening at the thought, a deep exhale to curb her arousal. "She shall be bound to the kingdom and therefore unable to harm me, as is any slave I let near me. Let that be enough to assuage your fears, my wolf."
"As you wish," Red nodding her acceptance at the reassurances, knowing the queen's magic was self-preserving to the extreme.
"Slave," Regina's magic pulling the slave's right arm from where it had been resting against her body, the palm being turned upright and slashed diagonally with an invisible blade before a replica gash appearing on the queen's own palm. "With this blood I bind you to me body and spirit," the simple incantation spoken as Regina clasped her hand to the slave's and mixing their blood. "Red." The wolf stepping forward and enclosing their joined hands in her own and her magic witnessing the bond, the slave shivering as the magic ran through her leaving her feeling empty but strangely connected, a tug on her being pulling her towards the queen and she noted a more muted connection to Mistress Swan. Once the bonding was complete a wave of the queen's hand had the slave was naked and raised on the wall, cuffed (wrists and ankles) and gagged, weight hanging from her wrists and the length of the chain allowing her upper body to hang forward, increasing the pressure on her shoulders. 116 grateful that her eyes remained uncovered so she could observe but allowing her muscles to relax and take the strain as she had been trained. Emma nodding her approval as she saw the slave settling in for the duration, body bare but the slave finding no shame in it.
"She's beautiful," Eva commenting, having stayed quiet until now.
"Yes, a fine specimen and we have already fucked her so she has proven to have stamina," Regina sighing, all present now observing the slave as she hung there, hair framing her face, eyes down and nipples erect whether from arousal or the slight chill in the air.
"I would be very interested in her training, My Queen," Eva addressing Regina direct, taking a seat now she judged it acceptable to do so and reclining in her own chair with Greta standing to her left and Belle to her right, the amazon standing between the faye and Red now in her chair.
"Yes, I'm looking forward to seeing what my pet can come up with. There are some extremely inventive mechanical objects in her world for the purpose of fucking which I'm sure we could replicate to some degree. Pet?" Regina turning her attention to Emma for her opinion.
"Yes, Mistress. It would be my pleasure to investigate such possibilities with you," Emma rousing herself enough to reply, the queen's touch surprisingly missed, in this form at least, – freely given and without conscious thought, Regina no longer on her guard now that she was back in a familiar environment.
"And what of your behaviour in our absence,hmm?" Regina now turning her attention to Greta. "Come, kneel." Greta approaching, letting out a whimper as she dropped to her knees. "I've missed you too young one," Greta nuzzling into the queen's palm as it was held out to her. "I have seen many, many things you would enjoy in Emma's world. Clubs where women dance together in the dark with music so loud you can feel it in your bones," Regina pulling Greta's head down into her lap, fingers of her free hand (the one not clasping and occasionally massaging the back of Emma's neck) running contentedly through silky curls.
"It sounds like one of the amazon's parties," Red snorting at the description but curiosity aroused.
"Oh no, this is so much more, dear. So much more. And the music! Songs filled with cursing and filth but so rhythmical," Regina extolling and Emma smiling to herself at the queen's description of rap music. "Emma has an instrument she calls a gee-tar. Much more refined than a lute and she excels at playing it, as she excels in many things," the praise unexpected but welcomed. "It was an overwhelming experience but Emma ensured it was both educational and enjoyable." Greta whimpering as she scented both Emma's and the queen's arousal.
"Show your Queen how you have missed her," Regina shifting her thighs apart and tugging on Greta's hair, the slave eager to please and between the queen's thighs in a moment, nose nudging aside the silk panties she had donned that morning and agile tongue taking its first lick. "Good girl," Regina reclining back in her chair, lips seeking first Emma's then Red's own lips for biting kisses as Greta's tongue stroked her closer to climax. Eva, Belle and 116 watching on in fascination at the effortless control the queen had over their bodies. It was intoxicating and erotic for all participants, both visually and physically.
"Good girl," Regina praising Greta's efforts after her silent climax, tugging the wolf's head up and swiping her thumb across swollen lips to catch her own essence which she then fed to Red, the heir moaning as she tasted her queen, suckling the liquid off her thumb. "Such a good pet," Regina continuing her praise before plundering Greta's mouth with a kiss, the young wolf once again whimpering as she let herself be devoured, kneeling in front of her queen, hands clenching into fists as the queen's magic ran through her. Regina's own climax had been pleasant but lacking the connection her magic found with Emma. "Show me," Regina demanding, fingers hooking in Greta's collar and tugging it roughly.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Greta sliding back on her knees and shifting to her wolf, 116 struggling in her bonds, the transformation of the pretty slave into an enormous, pony sized, silver white wolf shocking her so much her body reacted involuntarily and the movement once again bringing her under the attention of the room's other occupants. Eva incredibly intrigued by the new slave and keeping half an eye on her even as she watched the queen with Greta.
"Oh, you've grown again," Regina murmuring. "Red, would you mind?" The queen posing a question, not commanding, as befit Red's current role.
"Not at all," Red replying then shifting rapidly into her wolf, her black form contrasting beautifully with Greta's.
"Hmm, interesting, she's grown so much so quickly," Regina standing to compare the wolves side by side. "Almost as tall now but I doubt you'll ever be as broad or long. It seems you are growing to fill your true potential. Both the last of your alpha lines." Both wolves growling to express their displeasure at that, the sound like thunder in the enclosed space. "I know, settle yourselves. You have both been avenged." The reminder silencing them, Regina stroking both large heads as they now sat either side of her, bending forward so she could pet them without effort.
"Alpha, My Queen?" Eva querying. "I was under the impression Greta was to be Red's beta?" The faye girl confused as to the intended hierarchy but recalling a brief mention of it by Greta, the memory mostly superseded by their illicit kiss.
"Oh, she is but she is of an alpha line, as is Red, so has the potential to be just as strong. Alpha wolves are the only wolves to grow this large and Red was far larger than the closest comparable wolf even as a girl, which speaks highly of the strength of her lineage. She is the largest wolf I have ever seen, by far," Regina offering Red a smile, always so proud of her protege. "Whilst Red is already alpha to all packs that reside in my kingdom Greta is also of an alpha line. Both their packs were hunted to extinction under the old regime leaving only my wolves here and I have ensured their protection since they have been in my care. They will lead together but Red has been raised in the palace, is older and more versed in the politicking required for the role," Regina pausing. "Last of their lines, Unless either of them were to bear pups that is." The queen's words startling each wolf enough to pull away from her touch and huff in shock, their reactions causing Regina to laugh.
"Don't seem so shocked. Just because I am barren does not mean that that none of you will bear children at some point. Red is free to select a mate if she wishes, she is not tied to the amazon," Regina raising a brow at Red's growl. Belle's heart-rate spiking in panic, Red wouldn't make her leave would she? Even if Red took a partner she could still serve her mistress, couldn't she?
"Oh?" Regina looking between the pair, interest sparked. "Speak wolf. Last time we spoke of this you were still somewhat reluctant for the girl's company?"
"I believe that may have changed, Your Majesty," Eva smirking, playfully. "Indeed, Greta has sought sleep in my rooms this past night as the sounds of their coupling made her unable to sleep."
"Is this so?" Regina now intrigued, both Red and Greta shifting back, fully clothed as per the queen's magic tied to Red's pendant and Greta's collar.
"I did not know of this!" Red rounding on Greta who slunk back towards the faye, human in her form but the action extremely lupine.
"She was well behaved and slept on the rug by the fire," Eva shrugging. "I believe the noise was somewhat unsettling for her so I allowed her to stay."
"My wolf?" Regina's mouth quirking at the corner, barely hiding her amusement at Red's obvious discomfort with the revelation and the amazon's blush.
"I was not aware that Greta has abandoned her rooms, My Queen. But, I will admit that I have been enjoying the gift you have given me and taken the girl's maidenhead. Both of them," Red grinning slyly, fangs flashing. Belle blushing as all eyes turned to her but she kept her own down even as she felt her cunt moisten at the memory, only looking up as Red's chest rumbled with a growl and locked eyes with her as she scented her arousal.
"I'm impressed," Regina nodding, glancing again at Belle who was now flushed from her forehead to her chest and seemed transfixed on Red. "I see you have pleased my wolf," the Queen rounding on the amazon, breaking Belle's focus and snapping It to the queen "Do not think your debt repaid," the queen's words harsh and bitter at the memory of Red close to death from Belle's poisoned arrow.
"No, Your Majesty," Belle hanging her head at the reminder of her place in the palace. She was only there to pay a debt and by the sounds of things Mistress Red may move on to another lover whenever she had the urge. Who wouldn't want to be courted by Mistress Red, she was the queen's heir and incredibly beautiful, Belle feeling morose at the thought.
"I shall be sure to take recompense from her body, My Queen," Red pledging and Belle felt her clit swell at the promise, she would take anything she could from the wolf while she was still able.
"They are highly compatible it seems," Eva chuckling. "Although may I request a move in the slave's chambers?" Her delicate (but deceptively strong hand) gesturing towards Greta. "She missed guidance in your absence and I did not wish to overstep on her instruction. Although, I do wish to discuss this with Emma when she is available for such things."
"Oh, a simple soundproofing spell will suffice," Regina pausing to enact the spell, a swirl of purple around her left hand then carrying on her conversation. "Of course, once we have settled back into a routine Emma shall resume her duties. I saw such excellent examples of her training regime on our visit to her world, continued despite her absence and making her slaves sought after throughout the kingdom."
"Impressive," Red stretching her shoulders back before relaxing into her chair on the queen's left, "although not surprising. She does seem to have proven herself in all areas, My Queen," the wolf's tone verging on teasing and Regina's sharp glance picking her up on it but no retaliation was forthcoming.
"Shall we take this opportunity to relax?" Red suggesting and receiving a nod from Regina.
"Indeed, inform Braxas of my return but express that we are not to be disturbed unless for a true emergency," Regina instructing Greta. "Return with food and wine."
"Yes, My Queen," the young wolf ducking her head and glad to have an excuse to leave the room, the combined scents of arousal clouding her senses.
"Girl, accompany her," Red waving her hand to Belle. "Do not dawdle or gossip," the heir growling.
"No, Mistress Red," Belle promising and following on Greta's heel.
"You have my permission to discipline the wolf in the absence of Emma or I," Regina confirming to Eva. "She is to be yours once her training is complete but she has a lot to to learn." 116 wondering who this young woman was to be shown such favouritism. "Pet?" Regina turning to Emma for her opinion.
"As we spoke of in my world she has a lot to learn, her training has not been harsh. She is strong but has not been truly tested. The amazon either," Emma looking to Red for comment.
"She is surprisingly strong but I agree. They must be truly tested before they can fully appreciate what they have," the wolf agreeing.
"Then, with your permission Mistress, I shall implement a training plan for them and include the slave as well. She requires breaking and it will be sensible to put them through this together."
"Agreed," Regina settling back into her chair, fingers weaving into Emma's hair, tugging at the roots and making her groan. "You are overdressed, go change," the queen urging her pet.
"Yes, Mistress," Emma rising to her feet and retreating to her own chamber to select an outfit more appropriate for the evening. On her return she found the fire burning with the incense the queen favoured when fucking and liking the turn this day was taking. Red and Regina idly discussing the armies' training schedules as Emma changed, the queen eyeing her slave in approval as she re-appeared dressed only in her armbands and black silk underwear.
"Good choice," Regina chuckling and enjoying the visual. "Kneel," a click of her finger and Emma was once again by her side. "Now sit, you shall tell me what has been going on in my absence," Regina reclining back in her chair and waiting for Red to fill her in on the palace's business.
"Nothing to note that I can share here, I'll schedule Braxas to update you first thing tomorrow," Red making a mental note to send one of the guards to him with the message.
"Then call an inner council meeting so we can discuss matters," Regina ordering, intent on making up for lost time. "Your pet? You seem much more taken now than when we left?"
"She has proven to be adequate stress relief, My Queen," Red noting the teasing tone used by the queen and smirking as she replied. "I now fully understand why you indulge the way you do." Regina letting out a peal of laughter at the wry admission.
"Indeed, it helps ease the darkness of the mind and the desires of the body," Regina agreeing, finger's tightening in Emma's hair at the thought and pulling her head back so she could be kissed with a plundering tongue. "You can stay with me tonight, if you wish?"
"My Queen?" Red raising her brows and straightening in her chair as it had been sometime since such an occurrence, before the shift in her role.
"You may of course refuse, you have your pet and full autonomy," Regina awaiting a response, wondering if Red wished to sever such ties with her now she was able, and afraid if she did of how that may feel, the thought itself unwelcome and pushed away for later consideration.
"I would like that, I have missed you," Red reiterating her earlier sentiment but sending pulse of thought to the queen. 'Alone, please?'
"Agreed, my wolf," Regina verbally answering the silent question, suspecting that Red may need some form of physical 'reassurance' she did not want Emma to witness, construing it as weakness. "Pet, it appears you are redundant tonight."
"It seems so, Mistress," Emma having reached her own conclusion, particularly the way Red was avoiding her eye. "I'm sure it will be enjoyable for you both to reconnect." Her inflection garnering Regina's attention and a snarl from Red.
"You forget yourself!" She growled at her friend, the wolf in her rising. Leaping to her feet and standing over Emma whose face was set in that infuriating, impenetrable mask and Red just wanted to smack it right off her. Fists clenching but not making a move as her queen was the ultimate authority.
"You know that cannot be ignored?" Regina raising her brow as she turned to her pet, Emma's hair now fisted in her hand, pulling her head back at a painful angle but the slave did not flinch.
"I do," Emma nodding her acceptance as best she could against the hold, locking eyes with the queen who new exactly what her pet wanted to achieve.
Xxxx
Next in The Collar
"You are a fool," Regina muttering in Emma's ear before releasing her hold, the change causing Emma to waver in her balance, both disappointed and conflicted.