The Hidden Mistress - An Erotica and Romance Paranormal/Historical Novelette by Dorian Mayfair Page B

one of the walls. It was an unusually good mirror. Perhaps a little dark, but the reflection was almost unblemished. In a way, it resembled a fogged-over window, but no stars or other lights were visible in the dark surface. Besides, no one in his or her right mind would install a window in a bathroom unless it offered a good view. Marie shook off the idea. Clearly, the journey to the castle had left her nervous.
    With that thought kept firmly at the front of her mind, she turned to the mirror and smiled at the image of herself. Well done, Marie thought. All those years of socializing finally paid off. Laughing quietly, she spun and stretched out her arms. This was where decent connections and clever manners led you.
    As soon as the maid had left, Marie undressed and slowly lowered herself into the water. It was so hot she had sit down gradually into the tub, but once the waterline reached her chin, she leaned back and sighed. Heating the water this much must have taken time and effort. The baroness certainly spared no expenses on her guests. Four small candles provided enough light for Marie to see most of the bathroom, but not much more. Together with the heat, the gloom was sedating.
    After a few minutes, Marie reached for one of the many different pieces of soap on a tray. It smelled strongly of honey and flowers, scents strangely harmonious with the soft light. As she washed herself, her thoughts turned to Anna, her maid back in Toulouse. Anna frequently shared Marie’s bath when they were sure Marie’s mother or father would not notice.
    Those times, surrounded by heat and silence, were some of Marie’s favourite moments. Giggling under their breaths, they usually spent hours taking turns to wash each other with excessive amounts of balms, and often they found themselves laying embraced in the bath and kissing while steam rose around them. Like Marie, Anna was rather tall; and while years of riding and fencing had left Marie strong and lean, Anna’s body was hard and nimble from her everyday work of carrying loads and climbing stairs. Better yet, she was very deft with her hands, and had a talent for making Marie gasp in pleasure sooner than should be possible. And best of all, Anna was a maid, which meant that she would do exactly what Marie told her to do.
    Her thoughts and the hot water were making Marie light-headed. Twirling the soap in her hands, she watched lather drip down on her chest and slowly run into the water. This was how her games with Anna often started. Marie would never admit openly that she enjoyed directing Anna even in mundane everyday tasks. She would never be so crude, but in secret, she enjoyed the thrill of knowing that she had authority. The candid idea was undignified and beneath her, but nevertheless exciting. Besides, fanciful ideas never hurt anyone.
    Laughing softly to herself, Marie closed her eyes, leaned her head back against the porcelain, and enjoyed the sensation of the cold soap travelling down her skin. This was heaven.
    Her thoughts turned to the two maids who had met Marie at the castle’s entrance. Both women had been graceful as well as pretty, and Marie had felt more than envy of their looks. Sharing this bath with them would no doubt be a fantastic experience. A dangerous fantasy, perhaps, but also harmless; no one but Marie knew about the scenes that played out in her imagination. It was easy to picture the women here, taking turns to wash Marie, gently rubbing scented oils into her skin while their touches grew slower, more intimate, and more eager.
    Marie let one of her fingers follow the soap as it travelled down her body. A beautiful maid – or perhaps two – naked, warm and keen to please her. The vision made her smile. Their caresses would be tender and careful but passionate. Of course, when Marie was satisfied, she would return the favour. That was the kind of good-hearted woman she was. With a firm voice, she would command the two women to keep still while