Daniel sat on a large divan, sipping on a hot brew. He was lost in thought, mostly, about how to escape. His first attempt was thwarted. The guards were not rough with him, but once they brought him to Bekhet, he was told that he will spend the next few days in a cell, rather than the Palace.

Daniel gave him a promise to not attempt escape anymore, in exchange for his own clothes. He was given his uniform back, which he was glad to pull on. The clothes gave him back his self-assurance and some semblance of dignity.

He spent the remainder of the day studying the palace (and looking for a new way to escape). Just because he promised, he still hoped that he could make it out and dash for the Stargate. But the guards, most likely, were alerted to his presence at every stairway and corner, and watched his every move.

Daniel hoped to see Arajael, but she was nowhere to be found. The servants ignored him, for the most part. Daniel wondered whether they were ordered not to speak with him, or if he was the lowest man on this totem pole. But, by the way the servants stepped aside with a bow whenever he approached, he guessed that he was actually held in much higher esteem. All things considered, he was probably quite high on the social ladder of this society. Still, the feeling of being a prisoner did not leave him. He also dreaded the next meeting with Arajael - not that his body was not anticipating her sweet taste again, his mind detest this whole thing.

As Arajael promised - he was left to his own thoughts for most of the day. After having been fed, he took time out to study the engravings on the walls. He wanted to take some rubbings as well, but couldn't procure any writing instruments. Perhaps he could ask Bekhet, as payment for his "services"?

Daniel kept watching the sun - it moved slowly but surely across the sky towards the horizon. The lower it got, the more anxious he got. Will he be able to do what is asked of him? Perhaps he should request a larger pitcher of that brew to get him through. Not that his body was unwilling - the thought of Arajael's skin made his cock twitch in excitement, but the aftertaste in his mouth was bitter. Unsettling. This felt unfair - to him, to her. He was worried for her most of all. What is her future husband is rough with her? She is so tender, so fragile. She would be unprepared for a brutish man after him. Could he be rougher with her? No, Daniel thought. I won't give up a piece of my soul, I won't do what is just not right. Just get through it.

The sun lazily brushed the rooftops of the city. Daniel watched it, feeling the coldness of uncertainty and dread sink into his bowels.

"Daniel, please sit. Let us talk before Her Highness arrives" - Bekhet called for him. He was sitting on the small bench outside of the rakha. Daniel sighed, and turned away from the window. - "You look distraught today. More so than yesterday."

"You bet. I cannot begin to explain how much this, all of this, is against everything that I am." - he looked into the man's eyes intently. There was no compassion there, not that he could find. - "I understand the needs of your people outweigh the feelings of some stranger. But where I come from…"

"I understand very well, Daniel. This must feel like a violation. But you must agree, that when the interests of many are concerned, one man's "feelings" are irrelevant. Is this not so in your world?"

"In some ways, yes. I suppose that your people are not much different from mine. And I sympathize with your dilemma. Trading humans in exchange for peace, now that is something that many cultures on Earth did from the dawn of our time as well. But I still can't help but feel that Arajael is being used." - he said earnestly.

Bekhet raised his brow.

"How dare you to call Her Highness by her given name? That privilege is reserved only for her Father and her husband!"

"She gave it to me willingly. I meant no disrespect. In my culture, this bond, this experience is far too intimate. "

"You will not speak her name again. You will address her as you should. Be warned - you are valuable, but not so much that you will be permitted such liberties." - Bekhet's face softened just a bit. - "I find you agreeable and intelligent man, Daniel. Much more so than most of the Tutors - they are mostly good looking but empty-minded. Just like the Gods intended them to be. This has been the way of our people from the dawn of OUR times. I will make no apologies."

"I see." - Daniel roughed his hair and sighed.

"You declined a bath today. May I ask why?"

"I really don't want to explain my decisions to you. I will do as I am told. Will you deny me a little bit of privacy at least in this?"

"I will not, I suppose. We are not animals, Daniel. I do wish to tell you that Her Highness spoke highly of you. She seems to have enjoyed your tutelage."

"I'm glad. Has anyone come looking for me? " - Daniel asked, hoping to stall the fateful moment for that much longer. The hesitation on Bekhet's part did not elude him.

"Yes. I believe they are the people that you told us about. Two men and a woman. One of the men was tall and dark-skinned, very much like one of us. The others looked like you."

"Yes, that's my team. Do they know where I am?"

"They were told that you are safe and very well taken care of. I have assured them that you will be set free in two moons, but we asked them to leave and not seek further contact."

Daniel clenched his jaw. Well, at least they know I am alive.

"You did not elaborate about my...position here?"

"No, I did not. I fear that like yourself, they will not understand. We cannot afford unrest." - Bekhet rose. - "I must depart. The time grows near. The Princess will arrive shortly. Daniel, remember why you are here. Instruct, teach. Don't offer hopes you cannot sustain."

Daniel pondered his words. Was this a warning? A friendly advice? But Bekhet's face was impenetrable. He watched the man depart, still sitting on the bench.

He was still sitting there, lost in thought, when the heavy door opened. Arajael entered in, wearing a sky-blue dress-robe (a variation on the sari?), that, once again, covered her face. Two guards accompanied her, but she ordered them to stay outside. Daniel looked up and offered her a sad smile. He couldn't tell whether she returned it. She stopped beside him. Daniel looked up.

"Evening, Ara...Your Highness." - he said.

"You will rise before me."

"Oh, sorry, of course. Unless you would like to sit with me before.." - he offered, but she turned sharply, and with a jerk, opened the curtain, slipping inside. Great start, Daniel thought. She seems to be in as good of a mood as I am. Ideal situation for sex. Not. He sighed again, and followed her in. She sat on the edge of her bed and appeared to be trying to unclasp her veil. He stopped her, gently touching her elbow. She didn't look at him. Something was definitely not fine, he could tell this even without seeing her face fully.

"Stop, wait. Please. Just open your face, tell me what's wrong?" - He sat beside her and helped her slip the veil from her head and face. Her eyes looked stormy and defiant, as he gently turned her chin towards him. It quivered slightly, but her jaw was set hard, lips tightly pressed. She looked furious.

"I can have you lynched for this." - she said, as a matter of factly.

"For what? For being kind to you?"

"For..disobeying the Tutoring rule. You are not to engage me in matters that have nothing to do with you."

"Oh, but these matters have everything to do with me. I can clearly see that you are upset, angry? I don't think I did anything to cause this. But I certainly cannot make love to a woman in this state. You can have me lynched, if you are so inclined to do, but I won't do this."

Her eyebrows rose. He held his breath, almost waiting for her to call the guards. She stared at him, as if weighing her options, Suddenly, large brilliant tears spilled out of her eyes unto his hand. Daniel exhaled - it broke his heart. He embraced and held her, rocking lightly. She cried quietly (as a noble lady would, Daniel thought), but profoundly. Her small body shook with silent sobs, each wracking his heart to the core. He could feel tears welling in his eyes as well. He couldn't hold one back, and it spilled onto her cheek. She looked up, eyes puffy, her little delicate nose red.

"Why are you crying Dana-el?"

"Because you are, I suppose. It's something my people do sometimes, when they feel...sad for another. Surely yours must do the same."

"When there is a reason to feel that way." - she pulled away, wiping her eyes. Her expression hardened. - "You are forgetting who you are. You are nothing. You are here to do the task at hand. You have no right to pity me."

"That was not pity. That was empathy." - Daniel rubbed his temples. He was starting to get angry.

"This is a waste of time. Let us begin. And don't you dare to presume that you can lay any claim to my troubles. Take off your clothes." - she stood up. Daniel grinded his teeth. That's it!

With one movement, he scooped the young woman by her waist and threw her on the bed. Towering over her, he hissed:

"Enough of this! Either I am too important for you, people, to let me go, or I am nothing. Which is it? Am I just a beast of burden? Just an animal that you can use to your content and toss away? Is this really all someone like me is worth to you?" - He watched her eyes widen in horror. It was doubtful that she had ever been handled in such a fashion before. He didn't care. The fury within was spilling out. He wanted to shake her loose, catch a glimpse of that young, playful and loving girl that he caught a glimpse of after their lovemaking yesterday.

"Get off of me!" - she spat, trying to pull him off.

"Oh no, you don't. Why don't you call the guards? They can haul me away, lynch me, do whatever you do with someone like me. I'm only trying to get through to you. Do you even know what that means? Does ANYONE in your life ever gave two thoughts about what YOU want?" - he grabbed her wrists, pinning her under him. She continued to struggle, but the anger in her face was slowly replaced by confusion.

"I can have anything I want or need. I am THE Princess!" - she exclaimed, but to Daniel, she did not sound so sure.

"Really? Is that why they have you be touched, owned by a stranger you never even met before yesterday? Your body offered in the name of peace? Is this what you really want?"

Arajael paused, and stopped fighting him. Her eyes studied him. Daniel lessened his grip, fully realizing that he was stepping over the line. It wasn't his place to judge her life, her culture. She turned her face away, tears spilling out on the bed covers. Daniel sighed, rolling off of her, cradling her in his embrace. They laid like this for some time, him just holding her, trying to sort his conflicting feelings. He didn't want to die, but he couldn't just let her be basically sold off like cattle to some stranger.

"I saw my husband to be today." - she said, suddenly. Her voice didn't quiver anymore, her body felt more relaxed in his arms.

"Did you talk to him?"

"I am forbidden to do so. Not until I become his Queen. I snuck behind the curtains as he met with my Father. I wanted to see him before…"

Daniel waited.

"He looked...large. Powerful. He speaks like fire and stone."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know what to expect of him."

Daniel hugged her close. She must have been frightened - he would be in her place. He lifted himself, propping his head on his bent arm:

"Look, Arajael, I can't promise that your life with him will be well. Every man is different. Some men, commanding and imposing to others might be sweet and tender in the bedroom. Some are not. I just want you to know, that you are more than just a body, more than just a vessel for this alliance for your people. You are worth more than that."

"I know that."

"But I get the sense that you don't believe this. You…" - he inhaled sharply - " are the most beautiful woman I have ever met. And believe me when I say this, I have travelled to places farther than you can imagine. None compare to you."

She smiled, her cheeks reddening.

"If anyone can melt a heart of a hardened man, it would be you. You could have him wrapped around your finger, but I hope you grow to realize the power you can have within you."

"Do you mean I can control him with my body?"

"No, you can control him with your heart. " - he touched her chest gently, right below her collarbone. - "whatever beauty is inside is more brilliant than whatever is on the outside. Remember that. The sex - is just sex if there is no love. You will need to find a way to his very heart. Have him want you, the real you, not just your body."

Arajael smiled, and extending her hand, caressed his cheek.

"You speak like a poet. Your words are a song. If there is a woman in your life, she must be fortunate to share your arms every night."

Daniel said nothing. He didn't want to explain that the only woman that he wanted to share his bed with, before yesterday that is, was long gone. Possibly forever. Torn from his arms by the Gao'uld. That he spent his days and nights alone. Surrounded by friends, of course, but alone in his heart. Arajael sat up, and reached her hands to his shirt, pulling it out of his BDUs. Her movements were slow and deliberate, tender and sensual.

"Are you sure you are ready? Do you want this?" - he asked, hoping for a yes. She nodded.

"Very much so. I am glad that it was you." - she added. Her palms landed on his stomach, and his muscles contracted in response. She was warm and inviting. He helped her pull his shirt over his head, letting her admire him fully.

"I like your clothes. They are different. They suit you."

Daniel smiled. Men in uniform - the attraction must be universal.

"Lets do this my way today? No commands, no games. Just us. Let me show you how you deserve to be treated?" - he offered. She nodded, sliding her hands up his chest and across his biceps.

He laid his palms on her waist and laid her down gently on the bed. Finding the elusive clasp on her shoulder, he slowly unwrapped her robe, revealing the gorgeous waiting body. He couldn't get enough of it - the light softly bounced off of every curve. He caressed her hips, watching her sigh in delight. I sure hope that her Prince appreciates this.

Lowering his face to hers, he took control of her mouth, kissing her with as much passion as he could find in him. Her lips softened under his, and she parted her lips, inviting him in. He explored her mouth, delighted at the feel of her daring little tongue, dashing out to meet his. She was indeed, a very quick study.

Breaking the kiss, he proceeded to explore her with his mouth, placing gentle kisses along her neck, collarbone. His hands continued to explore the rest of the curves, stomach, and landing on her breast. She sucked in her breath, when he glided his palm across her breasts, slightly brushing the niple with his nuckles. Despite his arousal, he wanted very much to concentrate on her. Tutoring be damned, he wanted to make this evening special for her. Just her.

She offered herself freely to him, responding to his every move. He got ahold of one of her nipples, gently twisting it between his thumb and index finger. She moaned slightly. When his hand left it, she whispered "more". Daniel smiled and obliged. Sitting up in bed, he sat her up as well, turning her back to her chest. Wrapping his arms around, he now had free access to both of her perfect mounds, which he took control of. He played with her nipples as she writhed in his embrace, throwing her head back. The movement of her back across his bare chest was making him crazy, her behind brushing over a fully stiff cock wanted him to just proceed to the main course. Steady, Daniel. Down, boy.

Letting go of one of her breast, he slid his hand further - towards her hot mound. Finding his way between her parted lips, he noted that she was dripping wet. Right now, more than anything, he wanted to taste that honeyed nectar, plunge and ravage her with his mouth as if it was an exotic fruit. He turned her over, laying her down. She gazed at him - her eyes dark and warm. She looked content. Unravelling the rest of the cloth from around her legs, he knelt before her. Then slid down her body - his hands shaking with anticipation. He started parting her legs - she looked up, curiosity in her eyes. He smiled and placed his hand on her stomach, forcing her to lay back down.

"Trust me, you will like this." - he said. Her parted her legs, revealing the most perfect example of womanhood. Sleek and wet and inviting. He inhaled the heavenly scent, allowing himself to enjoy this. His cock twitched - the pressure was unbearable, but he breathed in a few times, before lowering his mouth to her lips. A gasp escaped her, her body stiffening, when he ran his tongue right down the middle. Finding the hardened button, he circles it with his tongue, sucking it in slightly. She moaned in protest, and tried to close her legs, but he steadied her hips. There was no way he was letting her get away now, no way he would deny himself this delight.

He lapped in short strokes, then changed the pace with longer ones, stopping at the apex of her mound. She bucked her hips, seemingly torn between throwing him off and capturing his head between her knees. To Daniel's triumph, she decided on the latter, and soon he found his head in a strong vise of her tanned legs. Her moans echoed his own groans, as he continued his ministrations. Letting go of her hips, he stretched his arms up, hoping that his dexterity would allow him to spice this up even further. Luckily, her body was small enough that he was able to fully reach her breasts and clasp his fingers over them. Catching both nipples between his fingers, he completed the triangle of pleasure. She cried out, but Daniel would not let up, continuing his tender attack on her body.

It didn't take more than a few more licks and pulls on her nipples, before she cried out and her body started to convulse in his embrace. She bucked towards his face, and he listened with delight, as she reached the peak again and again. Finally, her body stopped shuddering, and her hands fell at her sides. Her eyes were closed, and a smile spread across her lips. He hesitantly lifted his head, and pulled himself to face her. She looked serene. Content. Satisfied. Atta boy, Daniel.

She finally opened her eyes, giving her that adorable mischievous look that he longed to see.

"I take it I did well?" - he asked, tracing circles on her stomach with his fingers. Heat was coming off of her body.

"It was...unusual. Most pleasurable. I didn't know this was possible. Is there something you could teach me like this for you?"

"Perhaps" - Daniel's cock practically tried ripping through the starchy material of his BDUs. - "There is something." - The prospect of her perfect lips around him made his head spin. - "Let me show you."

He got off the bed, and ripped his pants off. The buckle scratched his lower stomach, but he didn't even notice it. His cock sprang out - he couldn't imagine getting any harder. Arajael admired him.

"It looks...different. It's beautiful." - she said, openly studying his engorged member. He remembered that she probably had her fill of various shapes and sized by now, recalling the selection row of men two days ago. Her judging flattered him - very likely the men on this planet did not practice circumcision.

"Thanks. I'll guide you with this, don't be afraid to hurt me."

"I'm not. Will this feel as good for you as it did for me?"

"You have no idea." - Daniel laid back down on the bed beside her. He had no idea how long he would be able to actually enjoy this. He prayed to any deity that might be listening that he would be given at least a minute or two in heaven. - "Take it with one hand." She did. His stomach muscles contracted, when her fingers wrapped around him. He groaned. Oh, dear God. This is going to be impossible. "Now, put it in your mouth. Don't have to go in all the way, just as far as you are…" - he gasped, feeling her hot lips around the tip. She carefully slipped it inside her mouth, awaiting his further instructions. Daniel blinked - the world was growing dark. He guessed that most of his blood was now headed south. Don't pass out, don't pass out.

He had only received oral sex twice, maybe three times in his life. It wasn't usually that he was comfortable asking his partners for, and most women (all three of them) were not forthcoming.

"Avoid the teeth, but try to take in in deeper. Use your tongue on the tip. Just like...that." He struggled to catch his breath. The pleasure that ripped through him was unbelievable. Her tongue bathed his cock, swirling around the tip, making him shudder. She was not only a quick learner, but a creative one at that. "Suck it, tighten the grip." - it felt wonderfully liberating and erotic, to be guiding her. She followed his instructions to the letter. Feeling the suction, he was ready to let go. He groaned, hoping that his thrashing wasn't scaring her, but she laid a reassuring hand on his lower stomach. She continued sucking him in and out, as deep as she could. Oh my God, this is incredible. "I can't..please.." - he gasped. He pulled away from her mouth with a cry, feeling the pressure building up to the point that he could not longer contain. As soon as her lips left his cock, he felt a hot stream erupt and slide down his thighs. It took him a few moments to catch his breath. He blinked - looks like one of his contacts were gone. No matter. This was incredible.

He sat up, still dizzy, his legs shaking. Arajael's smiling face appeared before him, her breasts brushing his chest. A satisfied grin spread on her face:

"I believe I did well, Dana-el."

"Yes, that you did. You were perfect."

"I am ready for more."

"I don't know if I can. Not yet." - she lifted her eyebrow. Her smile was relentless, as she slid her palms up his chest and nuzzled his neck. I've created a monster. His spirit was willing to continue this for as long as she would allow him, but his body felt spent. Tired. Despite the daily excursions on the SG missions, workouts, it was not used to this kind of activity. But it did not appear that Arajael was used to take no for an answer, as she continued to cover his neck with kisses. He felt her hot lips on his jaw, her hands exploring his body, melting every defence, every worry.

To his astonishment, his cock was soon standing at full attention, and much like his partner - waiting for more. He nestled between the pillows, getting comfortable. I guess have another thing or two to show her.

"Come here, sit on top of me, like this…" - he helped her straddle him, enjoying her wetness touching him. - "Now this might be a bit tricky at first, so take your time. Just worry about getting yourself comfortable. Lift your hips, now allow me to enter you." After a couple of failed attempts to slide down on him, she gave him an uncertain look. "Use your hand to guide it, it's all right." Finally, she was able to guide him into her burning hot center, and he effortlessly slid inside. They both gasped - Daniel from the feel of finding his cock in a sweet silky prison, and she - from the feel of his full length penetrating her as deep as it can go.

"Now, I need you to slide up and down...like that, no a bit more forward. Try to use your hips, rather than your legs…" - after a few awkward movements, Arajael seems to have found the right pace and angle. And boy, was it right, it was just perfect. Daniel gripped the sheets, then got a hold of her hips, helping, guiding her movements. He wanted her to set the pace herself, and it seemed that she was ready to take it all the way. He steadied her hips, slowing her down.

"Sweetie, this will be over before we start, if you keep at it. Slow down a bit, build it up. This feels amazing…" - she nodded, her eyes closed, head back. Rocking back and forth on his lap, she was quickly sending him into a frenzy. I guess just hold on and enjoy the ride, Daniel.

He gave into her rhythm, bucking his pelvis,to meet hers, penetrating her as deep as their flesh would allow it. She moaned, grabbed at him wildly. "So close, sweetie, so close.." - he gasped, feeling a wave about to hit him.

He felt the walls of her uterus contract wildly, sending him over the edge as well. After a few moments, Arajael collapsed on his chest, panting. He held her, stroking her hair and back. He smiled, but the bitterness of it all started to hit him. They had one more night left. One more wonderful, unforgettable experience, and he was never going to see her again. He would only have the memory of these past crazy nights and dread, imagining her in the arms of another man. He hugged her closer, possessively. Am I falling for her? this is insanity. I can't be. I must remember Sha're. But the thought of his missing wife did not console him. He never felt this lonely before. He wanted to keep Arajael for himself.

"I must go." - she stirred, trying to untangle his fingers from her hair.

"Why? Stay with me. Stay the whole night."

"No, it's not...it's against the rules." - she looked him square in the eyes. Daniel swore internally - one step forward, two steps back. If she is to give him her royal speech about rules, he was going to howl from misery. But Arajael smiled, even though her smile echoed his own sadness. - "Dana-el, we must...remember. One more night, and I'll be gone. Don't tangle my fate with yours."

"I think it's too late now. Do you seriously think I will forget this? Forget you?"

"You must." - she climbed off of him, searching for her clothes among the messy sheets.

"Are you going to forget me quickly?" - he asked her.

She said nothing, wrapping the material around her body. Daniel felt the tears welling in his eyes. Finally she looked at him:

"No, I don't think I'll ever forget you too. But we won't be together, ever. I will marry the Prince."

"Listen, we can find a way, come with.."

She lifted her hand, commandingly. Her eyes became steely.

"Enough. Tomorrow, Dana-el. I will meet you tomorrow, and no more after that."

With that, she left the tent. Daniel groaned, frustration making him want to go kick things, break them. He pounded the pillow next to him. It didn't make him feel any better. He felt used, alone, but mostly used. And hopelessly longing for her. Of all the idiotic things to get yourself into, Daniel, it had to be this.