Easing into a new home

      "What pretty eyes. Tell me, do they shine in the dark?"       Jade appraises the man – or rather a boy – standing before her, the filthy rags hanging from his frame doing nothing to discourage her from looking at his features.       Kakavasha stares back at her, his posture full of confidence, though the slight twitch of his fingers betrays his nerves. Jade isn't sure if he is even aware of it.       "Well if they did, I'd sell them in a heartbeat." His voice doesn't waver – intriguing. There's only a few people who could pull it off in Jade's presence. The boy speaks as if they are equals, sitting at the dinner table and conversing about the weather, not about his fate. It's not everyday she meets someone who is as skilled in the art of negotiation as her.       "Tell me, what are you prepared to wager this time?" Jade asks curiously.       The answer is immediate. "My life. I bet you won't send me to the gallows," Kakavasha says in a drawl, a challenge clear in his eyes. Again, intriguing.       "Hm," Jade hums, somewhat amused by the audacity. "What do you want then?"       "I want your Lanor to meet with me."       It nearly makes her laugh. A meeting with Diamond – that's what this is about? A fool's dream created by desperation. Nonetheless, when Kakavasha keeps talking about his grand plan, his every word is spoken with conviction, as if he has already been given the prize. Is it how he wins every gamble – by making his opponents so sure of his upcoming victory that they sabotage themselves? Thirty Tanbas is way too low of a price for such talent.       It would be a waste not to use it to her own benefit.       "A pity Diamond won't see you. No one gets to see him, " Jade says, her words making the boy's fingers twitch slightly. "I am Diamond's representative, and I will decide on his behalf."       Kakavasha swallows, his throat bobbing under the heavy steel collar. The poor thing probably worries that he has just lost, but in reality, the victory has been on his side the moment she laid her eyes on him.       "Thirty Tanbas, I'll give you that, and much more than that." Jade sees as the boy's eyes widen, as if he can't believe his ears. "Wealth, status, power… the IPC will give you whatever you want, even what you don't want." She pauses to take a sip of her wine, the fruity aftertaste staying on her tongue. "Kakavasha… A good name, but unfortunately destined to be buried in the dirt. You though, you deserve to live, to create even more wealth for us."       The chair scrapes against the floor as she stands up. "Come, we need to make you look presentable."       The boy's attire is really offensive to Jade's tastes, and she can't wait to get him out of it, especially the collar. Something less crude would compliment his delicate neck way better, in Jade's opinion – something with more shine to it. There is probably one like this in her collection.       "First gift from the IPC before the unwanted ones start to come?" The boy's tone is light, though still with a bite.       "Most people don't really know what they want," Jade says as she turns towards the hall, feeling the boy's intense gaze on her skin.       The clink of chains tells her that he is following after her. Brilliant mind and obedient? Jade hit a jackpot.       She leads him towards her private quarters, the people passing by looking at the boys curiously. He doesn't cower and takes everything in stride, his shoulders straight and chin held high like he wasn't a mere criminal just a minute ago.       Oh, Jade has high hopes for this one.       When they enter Jade's private bathroom, cut off from all the outside noise, she immediately turns to the boy and rips off his clothes, the threads easily snapping. The boy protests at first, but one look from her shuts him up. The body that has been hiding underneath the rags is thin and covered in grime, clearly not taken care of properly. That just won't do.       She pushes the boy in the shower. "Get in there. We need to wash you." "Aren't you forgetting about these?" The boy raises his hands, the chains rattling.       "I need to inspect my property first," Jades says, "so relax and enjoy yourself while it lasts. You'll be expected to do the maintenance by yourself, eventually."       Cheeks colored pink, the boy steps under the spray fully. Who would have thought that he still holds some sense of modesty? With his soft features, he must have been a quite popular bed companion.       The water going down the drain quickly becomes murky, the dirt finally leaving the boy's body. He lets himself enjoy the hot water, having been deprived if it for a long time probably. With his back turned, his bruises and scars are visible finally, now that the skin is cleaner.       What a complete waste to damage the goods you have bought. Maybe the world is better without such idiots like the boy's last master who couldn't recognize the true value of the boy.       Jade gets closer to the spray, not caring about water splashing at her. "Turn around," she says.       The boy does so without any complaint. Excellent – she likes her pets obedient, even if there's a motive behind it. For now, at least.       Colorful eyes look back at her, steady in their gaze. You would expect that someone in this position – naked and in chains – would be trembling all over, fearful for their life, but the boy is nothing like this.       What kind of schemes are lurking behind those pretty eyes? Jade wonders.       As her gaze slides all over him slowly, the boy asks, "Am I up to your standards, Madam?" The tone could pass as playful, but Jade wouldn't be here if such thing could deceive her. Though, she must admit that the boy's acting is quite good.       She takes her time to give an answer, focusing on the boy's nipples. "We should get them pierced." As her fingers circle the buds, the boy shudders. A responsive body, too? It seems that Jade won a lottery.       For now, she leaves the nipples alone and uncorks her favorite bergamot soap. The scent wafts into the air as she cleans the boy's body thoroughly, making sure to wash off the filth of his previous master. His cock and hole get the most of her attention, the sensitive skin being teased with the gentle touches.       "The IPC's benefits sure are generous," the boy says, a bit breathless. It would be in his best interest to get used to it soon because he will be spending a lot of time being touched.       Jade swats his ass in reprimand, but her tone is gentle. "Quiet, child. Now's not the time."       It doesn't take him long to get excited, his sighs of pleasure echoing in the bathroom as Jade strokes him. The boy is so beautiful like this.       Jade pushes at his hole with her other hand, her finger sinking easily inside. The muscles squeeze her, as if begging for more. Who is she to deny such thing?       The boy moans when a second and third finger enter him, his cock twitching in Jade's hand. It takes two strokes over his sensitive spot for him to come explosively, his come spurting on the shower's wall.       "Good boy," Jade says, jerking him through his orgasm. When the moans turn into whines, she lets him go and gives him a minute to collect himself. When was the last time someone took such care for him? It must have been a while, given his current state.       When the boy's eyes seem clearer, she urges him out of the shower and covers him in a towel that basically swallows him whole. He looks way better now, his skin gaining some glow to it, but it's still a long way to go. Jade caresses the boy's poking ribs gently and makes a note to herself to have someone bring them dinner.       As she is toweling herself dry, the silence is cut by her remark: "You're seeing a hairdresser tomorrow." She brushes through his matted hair in dismay, trying to untangle some of the strands.       "It's generous of you, Madam," the boy says.       "It's not charity but an investment – remember that," she says patiently. "You're mine now, so you must meet my standards, child."       "The line between investing and gambling is blurred." His lips curl in a grin again, the fire back in his eyes. "Or maybe there isn't one at all."       Jade can't help herself but chuckle.       "You'll fit right in," she says earnestly, patting the boy's cheek in delight. With time, he'll become an exquisite asset that will strike fear in their foes – Jade will make sure of it.       As they go back to her bedroom, she sees the boy's temporary clothes laid out on the bed – a simple white shirt with golden thread and pants in similar style. Not the best options but it will have to do for now. Today is about adaptation to the new circumstances, tomorrow – about choosing the right path.       Jade fishes out a key from her pocket. "I'm putting a lot of trust in you. Don't waste it," she says sternly as she unlocks the manacles around the boy's wrists and neck. They fall with a series of clanks, leaving behind angry red marks on his skin.       "Your generosity is appreciated," the boy says, massaging his wrist. After a pointed look from Jade, he adds, "Madam."       Manners are fundamental to a successful partnership, so it's best that the boy remembers that.       "Dress up," Jade says and sits down on the bed. The boy touches the clothes tentatively, his fingers sliding along the fine fabric, appreciating its softness. He dresses himself slowly, careful not to tear anything. It's quite endearing to watch.       "Some more color would suit you better," Jade says her verdict as he stands before her. The outfit doesn't compliment the boy's features at all, making him look rather dull – still beautiful, though.       "Come here," Jade gestures to the floor between her legs, and to her delight, the boy kneels down. Maybe his previous master wasn't such a waste of space, after all.       "Today is your new beginning." She tilts his chin up with her finger. He looks at her unflinching, the pretty eyes full of determination. Oh, how she's curious about this one. Will his luck run out eventually? Or will he persevere, always upping the stakes?       A smile stretches her lips slowly, excitement nearly making her lose her composure. This might be one of her best investments, and she can't wait for the world to see it.       "Your luck seems to keep you alive even in the most dire circumstances." She looks briefly at the brand at the boy's neck.       Like a cat with lives to spare. The thought is worth exploring later.       "Your previous life is better left behind. Now you stride with confidence and strength through your new one, always pushing yourself for more to achieve greatness." Her thumb caresses the boy's cheek, and he leans into the touch.       "I'm looking forward to see your triumphs, Aventurine."