Fostering Faust 3 Read online

  “Now, what I was going to say, my stupid and beloved Alex, was that I love you, and Katherine is here. She looks panicked and frightened. I imagine she got the news that her family is now your vassal. Do you want me in here? You don’t have to act strong. I’ll be whatever and wherever you need me to be.”

  “Mm. Not unless you want me to fill you up and have her fish it out,” Alex said with a shrug.

  “No. Never again. The last time was a mistake that I regret.

  “Everything of me is yours. I’ll not tolerate anyone else in any way. I’m your Two,” Carla said. Then she sighed and leaned forward, kissing him again. “Thank you for freeing me. I don’t want to be free, though. I’m going to beg Anna to let me have you tonight. If I can’t talk her into it… will you come to me after anyways?”

  Laughing, Alex nodded. It reminded him of Nannie and the night previous.

  “Yeah, I can do that. Go on. I like watching your rear end. Send in Katherine,” Alex said.

  Carla smirked at that, then got up and very slowly walked out of the room.

  A minute later, the young mistress of the Lin family came through the door. She was one of the only two people of Asian descent Alex had met on this world so far.

  She closed the door behind her and then turned to face him head on.

  Looking rather petite at under five foot six, Katherine was not an imposing woman. She was wearing a traveler’s tunic and breeches. All in all, she looked as if she’d dressed for a rough ride, minus a coat that she’d probably given to someone else.

  She had a sweet and pretty face. Her cold, dark eyes were the only warning of her mind being as formidable as it was. Her black hair, which normally hung like a perfectly straight curtain around her face, was disheveled and messy.

  Katherine rushed over to his chair, then fell to her knees in front of him. Bending low at the waist, she pressed her face to the tops of his slippers.

  “Lord Brit, please, take me as your wife and do with me as you will,” Katherine said. “Or at least as your concubine, and use me accordingly. I ask only that you treat my family with kindness.

  “I swear myself to you on Leah’s name, in all things, in all ways, with no reservations. The penalty of my disobedience in any way, at your own judgment, is my soul. Use me in any way you wish, and favor my family. That is all I ask in return.”

  Alex could practically taste the amount of power he would get from Katherine by accepting her offer.

  The only way to get more out of her would be to specifically make the terms worse.

  Curious, he wanted to know how far she’d accept whatever treatment.

  “If I wanted you to kneel during my court and service me the entire time with your mouth? For all to see you?” Alex asked. “Every single day for the rest of your life?”

  “I’d ask only for a pillow,” Katherine said.

  “If I wanted to put as many children in you as possible, never marry you, and call you Dog?” Alex asked.

  “Please treat our children kindly,” Katherine said.

  “And if I wanted to give you to my army? As a plaything?” Alex said.

  “I’d be given to your army,” Katherine said, unmoving.

  “If I wanted to have you executed?”

  “I’d die.”

  “Service every man in Brit on your knees?” Alex asked, wondering just what the hell he was dealing with.

  “I’d ask for a pillow.”

  Sighing, Alex leaned back in his chair.

  He actually felt sickened. There was nothing here to work with. Nothing to toy, play, or spar with.

  There was no battle.

  And in that moment of realization, Alex perhaps understood Sylvia a bit better as well. There was something to be said for a challenge, having to work for something.

  Katherine was a beautiful, intelligent, and loyal woman. One he had been looking forward to making deals with.

  That bright woman, with her warm smile and quick wit, was gone. All that was left was a woman who would sacrifice all of herself to protect her family.

  In a way, it was admirable to Alex. It was a sacrifice of epic proportions that he doubted many people could handle.

  It only reinforced what a tragic loss it was for her.

  “Alright,” Alex said with a sigh. “I accept you as a concubine for the time being, and I shall treat your family with kindness.”

  “I understand,” Katherine said, not raising her head. “What should I do?”

  “I have only a single command for you.” Alex reached down to gently pat her on the back. “First though, I need you to lift up your head. Lift up your head and then pretend this never happened. Go back to who you were and… just go back to who you were before this. Before you found out I was your liege.”

  Katherine tilted her head to one side, peeking up at him from below.

  “What?” she asked.

  “I told you what I wanted. Are you going to disobey me?” Alex asked.

  “No. No, of course not,” Katherine said with a soft sniffle, sitting up. Her eyes were red, and tears were slowly rolling down her face. “Of course not.”

  “Good. Now. I want you to leave my study, dry your eyes, and pretend like this conversation never happened. That you never gave yourself to me. Then I want you to come back later and act like yourself. How you were before this,” Alex said. “The teasing, flirty, interesting young woman who said she was more imaginative then her aunt. Okay?”

  Katherine nodded quickly, then let out a short, soft laugh followed by a single sob.

  “Really?” she asked, her breath catching.

  “Really. Can you do that? Or should I just rule against you and pluck out your soul now? Cause I mean it,” Alex said. “You have to act like this never happened. If you ever, ever break that, or even hint at it, I’ll pull your soul out and give it to Leah to eat. Do you understand?”

  “Yes. Act like this never happened. Ever. In any way,” Katherine said, rubbing at her eyes.

  “Yep. Go on, get out. Come back later when you’ve got your head on straight,” Alex said.

  “Okay,” Katherine said. “Uhm, my lord… before… before I go… and forget all of this. Thank you.”

  “Uh huh. You’re welcome. Go on, before I change my mind and turn you into a cock-sheath or something,” Alex said, waving a hand at the door.

  “You should have. I’m going to play really hard to get after this. Just like I’d planned before,” Katherine said as she got to her feet. “Not going to change your mind, are you?”

  Alex grinned at that.

  “Play as hard to get as you can. In the end, you’ll be mine, Katherine. Just a question of how and when. Maybe I’ll split you with one of my Numbered. Have Seven ride your face while I ride your hips.

  “Go, get out. Make sure you swing your hips as you go like last time,” Alex said.

  Katherine laughed again, sniffling. Then she turned and sauntered out of the room.

  Carla stuck her head in the door a moment later.

  “She’s a Numberless now,” Alex said as an explanation, with a shrug. “Anyone else?”

  “Dave, Dan, and Drew,” Carla said.

  “Send ’em in,” Alex said immediately.

  Carla’s head vanished around the corner.

  A moment later, three men came in quickly.

  They were his marshals and generals.

  Max had given over the reigns to them and quietly retired to his personal lands. Alex’s changes to the military had apparently been too much for him.

  “Report,” Alex said.

  “Infantry is ready,” Dave said. “We have ten thousand soldiers fit for battle. Full load of green conscripts as well, two thousand of them.”

  “Mounted infantry and all special regiments are ready,” Dan said. “Five thousand mounted, six thousand archers, four thousand crossbow-women, three thousand engineers, and a thousand in the unlisted regiment.”

  “Cavalry is ready, both light and heavy
,” Drew said, lifting his chin. “Twelve thousand strong, eight and four is the split, favoring heavy. I look forward to our replacement mounts from the Xer.”

  The expenses were massive for outfitting so many and having them on active duty. But Alex couldn’t let them stand down.

  Charles Ulles had taken the time to help Alex by taking a massive investment from him, and he was now earning money back to cover most of the military budget. It only missed the mark by ten percent, which Alex just offset with profits from elsewhere.

  “We’re stronger than every ducal army out there,” Dave said, one corner of his mouth pulling up in a smirk.

  Alex winced.

  “We don’t have a bigger army than the king, do we?” Alex asked.

  “No. With all his liege levies, he’ll outnumber us three to one,” Dan said. “Though we have yet to account for your own liege levies. Considering your reputation, it’s unlikely they’ll hold anything back.”

  That’s right.

  Tilly, North Ridge, South Ridge, Rift, and Lin.

  We’ll not be calling on them this time. It’ll take too long for them to assemble and make ready.

  “Grand.” Alex shook his head. “Though I suppose that’s how it goes. Thankfully I’m the husband to the duchess, so she’ll not see the army size as a concern.”

  “I imagine not,” Dave said with a dark chuckle. “If anything, she’s probably been drooling over the idea of you marching our forces up to join hers. Gaelis doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell.”

  “Suppose we’ll find out, alright. Any needs from you in your new role, Dave?” Alex asked.

  “No, sire,” Dave said. With Max retiring, Dave had taken over the role entirely.

  “Alright, you and Drew are dismissed. I need to talk to Dan,” Alex said.

  The two men saluted crisply and exited without a word further.

  “So,” Alex said, turning to Dan with a grin. “How’re all our projects?”

  “Very good. The women have proven to be adaptable and capable. We had some mock war-games, per your suggestion, and I was able to utilize them most effectively.” The shit-eating grin on Dan’s face said it all.

  “Beat your brother down, did you?” Alex asked.

  “Oh yes, and then some. We lost the overall battle, but… it was quite wonderful. In fact, they killed him. Those women were so keen to embrace your teachings, they took my orders and adapted them. Improved. Went with them. Straight to his command tent and shot him dead, and all his command staff.”

  Alex laughed at that.

  “Good. Good. Once we get them stabilized and accepted, we can start hiring them into the cavalry and engineer corps,” Alex said. Then his mirth died and he shook his head. “Though I do fear if they’re ever caught by the enemy. It’s not going to be pleasant for them if it happens.”

  “Everyone hired was distinctly made aware of that possibility. Thin, long daggers were of course issued to each and every one of them. They have the unfortunate moniker of ‘blade of mercy,’” Dan said. “They’re welcome to use them as they see fit, but one and all seem to understand their true purpose.”

  Setting his elbow on the table, Alex sighed and put his chin in his palm. He didn’t like sending women out to fight, but in the same breath, if they were willing to take the risks, who was he to slow them down?

  “Anything you need?” Alex asked, looking back at Dan.

  “No, sire. Everything is ready. Are we marching soon?” he asked.

  Thinking on it, Alex had no reason to delay. He’d received a couple reports that Quinn was marching her newfound mercenaries to the border even now.

  If he got his force marching, he could meet up with her.

  Providing he got everyone out of Brit tomorrow.

  “We march on the morrow,” Alex said, coming to his decision. “Get everything ready. Please let your brother know first, though, so he can officially make the declaration.”

  “Of course. I’d never steal his thunder. You have no idea how honored he is to be your head general,” Dan said.

  Alex shrugged at that. “He earned it through his actions, just as you earned your own rank. Alright, thank you. You’re dismissed.”

  Dan nodded, saluted, and then exited the study quickly.

  Before the door could even close, Katherine entered. Closing the door behind her, she gave him a bright smile.

  The broken and bent woman from earlier was gone. Back again was the interesting niece to his ex-wife that seemed hell-bent on playing with him.

  Sparring with him.

  “Good evening,” Katherine said.

  “Good evening.” Alex smiled at her. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

  “Your pleasure is owed to the fact that I’m here.” Katherine gestured to herself. Following her hands, he found she was wearing a lovely dress that looked suitable for winter and hung on her in a very flattering way. “And that I’m wearing this.”

  Clicking his tongue, Alex couldn’t help but laugh.

  “You’re right. My pleasure is indeed from those two things at this moment. What can I do for you, Heiress to the Lin Barony?” Alex asked.

  “Ah, yes. I’ve been informed that our barony is now under the vassalage of the Count of Brit,” Katherine said. “My father begged me to come here and throw myself at your mercy. I would be executed if I resisted, and Holly as well. He’d pass all our titles to his nephew. For reasons I can’t ever explain, I haven’t done that, and I won’t be doing that.”

  Snorting, Alex leaned back in his chair. He was half tempted to punish her for that statement, but he realized she was indeed acting per his request. This was simply how she was.

  She pushed boundaries and tested things.

  “A pity, you’d make a wonderful cock-sheath,” Alex said.

  “I know. It’s amazing I’ve survived this long without being turned into one,” Katherine said. Then she put her hand on her hip and gave him a wide smile. “Now, Count Brit. I’d like to take that clause in our contract and be at your side for a year. I understand we’re off to war?”

  “Indeed. I accept your contract usage. We move out tomorrow,” Alex said. “If you have any needs, please speak with my head maid, One.”

  “Of course. Thank you,” Katherine said. “Then I’ll leave you be for now, Alex.”

  Nodding his head with a grin, Alex gestured to the door.

  “You’re dismissed, Katherine,” he said.

  Katherine watched him for several seconds, her smile faltering.

  Then she rushed over and hugged him. It was a crushing hug that pushed his face into her neck and practically cut away his ability to breathe.

  “I’m sorry, I’ll never mention it again—but thank you, Alex. Thank you,” Katherine said, her arms closing tighter around him. “When it’s all said and done, you’ll be happy with my abilities and dedication. I know it.”

  Ugh. She can’t even keep it straight for less than a minute.

  Be thankful and forgive her.

  I wouldn’t take her soul from her even if you tried to give it to me.

  And be nice to her, though do give her a penalty.

  Something weighty, but not crushing.

  And why the hell… fine. Whatever.

  Alex wrapped his arms around Katherine and hugged her in return.

  “Fine. You’re welcome, Katherine. But I have to punish you. For that violation, you’re going to spend tomorrow night in my bed,” Alex said. “And when we’re done, you’ll have pretend it never happened either. Act like a virginal heiress playing hard to get.”

  “Count, that’s not fair,” Katherine said. “I needed to—”

  “That’s my ruling,” Alex said, not budging.

  Katherine didn’t respond at first, nor did she release him.

  “Okay,” she said finally. A breath escaping in a half-restrained sigh. “Okay. I’ll… I’ll come to your bed. If anything… that might be cleansing, in a way. It’ll make me feel better about al
l of this. Just be gentle with me, alright?”

  Alex patted her on the back. “Of course I will. I’d never harm what’s mine.”

  Chapter 6

  Alex got up into the carriage and sat down.

  Quinn joined him afterward, followed by Riley and Eleanor.

  “I’m glad you were able to arrive so quickly, Count,” Quinn said.

  “Of course,” Alex said, unbuttoning his coat. Winter was fading, but it still wasn’t quite warm enough. “Couldn’t leave you out on your own, could I?”

  “You could, actually,” Quinn said with a sad smile. “You could do whatever you wanted, Alex. I’m little more than a toy to you.”

  Chuckling, Alex shrugged.

  “Okay, if you’re my toy, then I’m going to protect it. No one else can have it,” Alex said. Reaching over, he put his arm around Riley and pulled her up to his side.

  Since she’d re-sworn herself to him, he felt far more comfortable with her. She was finished.

  He’d rebuilt her from the ground up, taught her how to read and write, filled her with skills, and provided for her family.

  She and Carla were in his “complete” pile. Valeria was almost there. He just had to kill Amy Ridge.

  Because the more he thought about it, the more likely it was that she was behind it all. She was the only one it could be.

  Kill her, or bind her beyond all else. Maybe put a kid in her?

  Or just kill her.

  Snuggling up to his side, Riley sighed contentedly, her bell chiming.

  “I love you,” she murmured in his ear. Grinning, Alex patted her gently on the head.

  Eleanor looked a touch jealous over in her corner of the carriage, but she also clearly knew she was on duty right now. Nannie was rolling along in the carriage behind theirs with Katherine and Sylvia.

  Carla, Valeria, and Rebekah all remained behind to assist Anna in the end.

  Supposedly, Carla had finally gotten a hold of some of her old comrades. They were coming to apply with Anna directly.

  “What are we going to be dealing with, my lovely toy?” Alex said, grinning at Quinn.

  With a snort, Quinn stared at him, then sighed and unbuttoned her blouse. Reaching into the clothing, she scratched at her breast.