Yaru still sat on the same pile of cushions. Our tea was gone, long ago drunk, neither Jake nor Edward willing to do anything about getting us any more.
“So, that brings us back to your skill,” Yaru said, finishing off an explanation of what the next few weeks would hold for me.
I sighed. Talking at length about my future, how I would live each day, and the sorts of things Yaru would teach me had gone a long way to calming me. Some of it even sounded pleasant.
“You have a think for a moment, my dear,” Yaru said, pushing his bulk up onto his own feet with a small grunt. “That tea all needs to go somewhere.”
Before I could object at being left alone, he headed towards the door, a slight waddle to his gait. Edward and Jake parted for him, both their expressions blank as they stared ahead until he was out of sight. Immediately Jake screwed his nose up, evidently disgusted. Edward shook his head, and shuddered.
Their attention then turned to me, both of them grinning as they glanced at each other and then fixed their eyes on me.
Jake stayed by the door as Edward sauntered closer.
“Come on, then, Courtesan. Up on your feet. Let us get a better look at you.”
I frowned and didn’t move. Was this the sort of thing I’d been warned about? Would the bodyguards try to push me around when no one was looking?
He reached out for me, trying to grab at my arm, but I flinched back, twisting out of his grasp and up onto my feet.
“Got a lively one here, Edward,” Jake said as he chuckled at the antics before him. I didn’t dare glance his way, my eyes on the closer of the pair.
“I’m sure you’ll get to see plenty soon enough,” I replied, trying to sound firm.
Make them treat you like an equal, my mind’s version of Yaru said. I folded my arms across my chest, making it clear I wasn’t going to cooperate.
Edward studied me, his mind whirring behind two deep blue eyes. If he hadn’t been trying to intimidate me he’d have been the sort of man I’d have found attractive. Blond hair, muscular and fairly tall.
“Oh, that’s not all we’ll get to do soon.” Edward laughed, lifting a hand to reach out and touch my face. I tried not to move or react, knowing flinching back would only show the fear I needed to hide.
Before he could make contact with my skin, Jake coughed. Right away, Edward left me alone and hurried back to his position by the door. He’d been back there only a fraction of a second when Yaru appeared again.
The obese eunuch glanced at the bodyguards and then at me, still stood in the centre of the room.
“Couldn’t wait then, gentlemen? Surely you’re not that desperate for some action? The other women here not meeting your needs well enough?” The taunt in Yaru’s voice was obvious, and I couldn’t help but grin. Edward and Jake evidently found it far less amusing, but they didn’t take the bait, instead returning to their stony, stare-straight-ahead, silence.
Yaru returned to his seat, and motioned for me to do the same.
“Right. Now it is time to think of a skill. Something you can do to catch the attention of men and keep it. Anything that comes to mind?”
I shook my head. There was nothing, nothing at all that might work. I wasn’t a geisha. No one had spent years training me in how to look appealing or dance, or pour tea in a certain way.
Yaru sighed, showing some exasperation with me for the first time ever.
“You’re going to need something. If you can’t create some interest in you beside the enormous debt over your head, then it is going to stay exactly that, enormous.”
I frowned. The last thing I wanted was to struggle to pay back the money I owed.
“You’ve got a personality the men will like. I’m sure you will entice the men once you can get them talking to you, but my personal introductions will only get you so far.”
“So I need to look striking and make people want to come talk to me?”
Yaru nodded.
“What can I do with how I look? What if my skill was fashion-based?”
“All courtesans are expected to dress well and with distinction. Else, how would people know what you were?”
“Not what I mean.” I shook my head, trying not to get too frustrated to find the words to explain. “Could I do something even more distinctive? Could I be known for my style, or my ability to honour those I am with somehow? I was a clothing shop assistant before I got too sick to work. I was surrounded by clothes.”
“I don’t think you understand quite how many different courtesans and courtesan styles there already are. You wouldn’t stand out.”
“Right.” I bit down on my lip and tried to think. Was there any other possibility?
“Unless…” Yaru trailed off, but he had my attention. “Hmmmm.”
“What? Is there some kind of style no one has tried yet?”
“Well, there’s this new fashion at the moment. It’s expensive, and time-consuming, but…” Yaru trailed off, looking thoughtful for a moment. “Can you paint at all?”
“A little, but I wouldn’t say that I’m amazing.”
“A little might be enough. There’s a new type of body paint that was recently developed. It hardens and sticks to the skin like a tattoo, but it can be lifted off with water and a little tug. Some courtesans are decorating themselves and wearing less actual clothing.”
“But the paint isn’t cheap and you need a lot of it?” I asked, already suspecting the answer.
“Of course. Therefore the real art to using it is making pieces you can reuse without looking like you’re reusing the same full design all the time.”
“Because people want a unique look,” I said, finishing his thought.
“Precisely, my dear.”
“Let that be my skill.” I took a deep breath as my mind began to race. Could I become a work of art?
“You mentioned that there were several distinct cultures in the city reminiscent of the countries the world used to have.”
“Yes, the Japanese, African and Maori cultures especially, with many smaller communities on the fringes.”
“What if I created different designs for each culture? I could come up with ways to be respectful to each person’s heritage.”
Yaru raised his eyebrows before nodding.
“You would need to put in a lot of work. And it’s going to cost a lot. Daniel…” Yaru trailed off as he tilted his head to the side.
“What if I sold my designs when I was done with them?”
“Sold them?”
“Yes. Like a fashion designer as well as a courtesan. If I can get it right and make people want the designs. I could sell them to other courtesans.”
“That just might work… Do you have any ideas already?”
“Can I borrow your computer thing?” I said, holding my hand out. Yaru looked blank and didn’t move, evidently not knowing what I meant.
“Oh,” he said as his eyes lit up. He reached into his pocket again and pulled out the crystal slab. “You mean my data stone.”
“Yes. Can you look up the Maori tribal tattoos on it?” I asked, my mind already picturing ones I’d seen in movies and on natives. I could easily make some into a painted design.
“Yes, yes,” he replied, catching some of my excitement. I watched him tap away as he pulled up a program that presented a mannequin-like female on one half of the screen and an array of clothes on the other. He dismissed the clothes, putting another window with an array of images on beside it, and then pulled a small toothpick-like crystal out of another pocket.
“Can you draw a possible design, quickly?”
“I’ll try,” I replied as I took the device and strange pen from him. It was more intuitive than I’d expected, and within only a few minutes I had the beginning of a design.
“Fantastic,” he said, watching over my shoulder as I drew.
“Jake, Edward, fetch Daniel immediately,” Yaru said, looking pointedly at the two bodyguards. “We need his counsel.”
“Fetch him yourself. We’re not skivvies,” Edward replied, growling a little.
“I’ll go. I need to get used to finding my way around.” I went to get to my feet, eager to hide how scared I felt suddenly. I didn’t need to antagonise men who already didn’t think favourably of me. Yaru grabbed my arm and stopped me walking away.
“No. Edward will go, I’m sure. I don’t think he wants me informing Daniel of the unhealthy interest he’s already shown in you. It could cost him his job if Daniel thought anything untoward might happen to you before your unveiling.”
I fought to stifle a grin, grateful for how Yaru seemed to be defending me, even if it was in his own best interest.
Edward narrowed his eyes and set his jaw, but he didn’t object as he left. I tried not to worry about how the guard might punish me later. There was a chance he wouldn't hold Yaru's command against me, but if he did, I would have to tackle that problem when it arose.
“Good. Now, my dear, quickly design a couple more based on other cultures. Daniel needs to see this idea in more detail.”
Yaru handed me the device again. I exhaled.
No pressure, I thought as I looked for pictures of the ornate kimonos worn by the geisha in Japan and China.
I hastily sketched a design on a fresh mannequin until Yaru stopped me once more to move me onto a third. For a moment I froze, unable to think of a good idea for another design so quickly. The sound of approaching footsteps only made the panic worse.
Suddenly a third idea for a design based on an Irish theme came to mind and I tapped in the search. I had just started drawing when Jake and Edward returned, my sponsor between them.
A frown was fixed on Daniel's face.
“I was in the middle of something important.”
“My apologies for disturbing you from your task, Daniel, but I felt this needed your attention and your approval.” Yaru gently took the device from my hands and brought up all three designs side by side.
“Auralia has designed these quickly. I told her of the new development with body painting and how it is proving highly successful in the courtesan world. She wishes this to be her signature, so to speak.”
Daniel raised his eyebrows.
“This isn't cheap. It bankrupted Brian letting his courtesans try it.”
“I'm willing to back this part of the venture if money is an issue,” Yaru said. I believe the designs would be saleable after Auralia has worn them. It would significantly reduce the costs.
Daniel looked at me, studying my face before looking back at the sketches I'd been in the process of making.
“All right.” Daniel nodded, his deep voice no longer quite so full of gravel. “You can try a few between now and the unveiling. But you had better be as good as you think you are at selling this as a fashion, Yaru.”
“Of course, Daniel...” Yaru trailed off, my sponsor already walking out of the room.
“Thank you,” I said as soon as I was sure I wouldn't be overheard by anyone but the two bodyguards now back at their posts. “You didn't have to vouch for me like that. It was my idea.”
“Yes, but it's a good one, and I wasn't about to let Daniel squander it. Besides, he already owes me several hundred thousand credits and my training fee on top. I'm as invested in your career as he is.”
Yaru smiled as I frowned, trying to wrap my head around what he was saying. He was part of the reason I was a courtesan and not a free woman.
“Now, don't become maudlin on me. I believe I informed you already that I was willing to remain a eunuch for the money it provided me. Do you think I'd have a problem encouraging others to whore themselves out? Because, make no mistake, no matter how this, and you, are dressed up, people are going to be paying to fuck you.”
I swallowed the retort I wanted to make and tried to push my surprise away. Yaru was a bizarre character. One moment consoling and almost friendly, and the next, frank and uncaring.
Eventually I nodded, composed again. “Then I will finish my design.”
It didn't take me long. And then Yaru was saving it and putting the device away again.
“Good. Now I must leave. I will be back tomorrow morning with the paint and an instructor on its use.”
Panic instantly filled me. Yaru leaving meant my line of defence was gone.
Seemingly oblivious to my fear and desire for him to stay, Yaru hauled himself to his feet again.
“Daniel will want to see you,” Yaru said by way of a goodbye, almost waddling as he left.
Suddenly feeling small, alone and scared, I stood in the middle of the room.
While I had been talking to my mentor I had been able to push my new role to the back of my mind, but now he was gone I couldn't.
I was a courtesan. And my new life began now.
“Which way will Daniel be?” I asked when Edward and Jake both looked to me. There was no way I was going to stick around and let them ogle me or make any more moves. “I’ll show you,” Jake said, motioning for me to follow him. I tried not to show my relief as I let him lead me down several corridors, deeper into the building. He remained silent, letting me look around. Not a single soul lingered anywhere I could see, all the other women gone from the room they’d lounged in before. Near the back and up a small flight of stairs was a large room. One end was decked out like an office, a desk with several chairs at it. Bookshelves lined the wall behind the desk, and a large screen showing stats and schedules was fixed to the desk’s left. The other end of the room featured several low sofas and a cushioned mattress. It was the epitome of comfort. Daniel sat at the desk, another crystal device in his hands. The second he saw me, he looked up and grinned. “Thank you, Jake. You can go bac
Opening my bleary eyes, I noticed Daniel and I were no longer alone in his office. He stood near his desk, looking towards the screen with his arms folded. Beside him was another courtesan, looking significantly more dishevelled than the last time I’d seen her. Earlier she’d informed Daniel of Yaru’s presence before hurrying away. “He’s just lowering your average,” Daniel said, evidently talking to her. He reached out towards the screen, swiping the images, moving through what looked like a calendar, each day broken down by the hour. “Drop him.” “He’s one of my best clients. He—” “Don’t. I have warned you and everyone else. You cannot become emotionally attached to any client. You can’t afford to love or let your heart be softened. If they don’t pay well enough, you let them go.” “But—” “Not another word. Drop him or I’ll block his access and do it for you.” The courtesan let out an angry sigh and stormed from the room. Daniel shook his head and dismissed the calendar with a flic
A knocking sound dragged me from my dreamless sleep. I blinked, confused by the orange canopy above me for a few seconds.When my memories came flooding back to me I groaned.“Auralia, you alright?” a female voice called from the other side of my bedroom door.“Yes. Coming,” I replied, hoping I was loud enough to be heard. Even if I wasn’t, my visitor couldn’t get in. After crying for almost an hour the night before, I’d decided to wedge a chair under the door handle and prevent any late-night intruders. There was no knowing what sort of ideas the other courtesans, or worse, the bodyguards, might have.When I reached the door, I noticed the chair wasn’t perfectly where I’d left it. It had slipped, no longer preventing the handle from turning, but still preventing the door from opening.I took a deep breath, as much to calm myself at the confirmation someone had tried to enter my room as to prepare myself for the day and whatever it brought with it.My guide from the night before stood
The paint dried quickly, not smudging or distorting if Mhairi accidentally caught a patch she didn’t mean to. Several times I ran my finger over it, expecting it to feel strange, but it was only slightly rougher than my normal skin. Whoever had designed this paint had done a good job.It was only as Mhairi knelt to continue the design downwards from my stomach that either of us hesitated. Her cheeks flushed briefly as she brought the paintbrush down, creating a branch that travelled down my sex.Looking away, I hoped I wasn’t doing the same, but it was a vain hope. My face grew hotter as she continued to paint.She was just reaching my thighs as my bedroom door flew open again and Yaru strode in, moving his bulk at an impressive speed. Struggling to keep up was a mouse-like man, a pencil goatee barely covering what would have been a weak chin.Yaru’s eyes went straight to Mhairi. Immediately, he frowned.“I had hoped you’d be further along than this by now,” he said, coming right up. “
Yaru’s bubble car came to a slow stop outside a large sky-scraper, every surface glinting in the sunlight. He got out, holding a hand out to me to help me down onto the pavement. I hesitated, suddenly far more aware of my semi-nakedness than I had been before.“Come on, my dear. We don’t want to keep them waiting,” Yaru said, his words calm, as if he hadn’t noticed my reluctance, but his eyes said otherwise. At least he was an understanding mentor, even if he was likely to put himself first.After taking a deep breath, I gave him my hand and stepped out of the car. A red carpet stretched out before us, sheltered by the building’s awning until it led inside the doors. Men in uniforms stood either side of the door, glasses over their eyes hiding what they were looking at.I tried not to show my nerves as I walked beside Yaru, matching his slow pace. At first I wasn’t sure I managed it, but I caught sight of my reflection in the highly polished glass. My jaw dropped. I was a walking work
My mouth fell open. Tomichii chuckled as he supported me. We were stood on a balcony overlooking the edge of a large garden. The sound of a waterfall filled the air, providing a perfect background to the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind and birdsong from various trees. Some of the trees were so large they shaded areas of the balcony with their canopy.It would have been beautiful anywhere, but over forty stories high on top of a building, it was breathtaking.“Thank you,” I said, meaning every word. “I used to love walking among trees before I was frozen. It was one of the things I missed most when I had MND.”“You’re very welcome.” He smiled at me, our eyes meeting. His shone, genuinely pleased with my reaction.“How do you ever leave here?” I asked as a small bird fluttered onto the balcony railing not far from us.“Sometimes reluctantly, but there are times when the alternative has a beauty all of its own.” Tomichii looked at me, his eyes leaving my face to admire me, but not
After an entirely silent car journey I stood in another foyer. I couldn’t tell if Yaru was happy with how things had progressed that afternoon. And I wasn’t sure how I felt anymore. I didn’t even think I wanted to feel. I wanted to be back in the safe cocoon of a body that couldn’t move. Where no one expected anything of me.“Yaru. You didn’t tell me you had another new courtesan under your guidance,” a man said, sauntering over. “When you asked where I’d be I thought you were just coming to say hello. Maybe ask for a favour.”“No, no favour. This is Auralia. She’s a sweetheart, and I couldn’t refuse Daniel once I’d met her.”The man came over and stopped right in front of me. Taking my hands in his, he looked me over. Unlike some of the others, he appeared more fatherly, his eyes coming back to my face and lingering there the longest, searching my eyes.“The first day being introduced is a shocker, isn’t it?” he asked eventually. I found myself nodding, my shoulders sagging a little,
“I assume Yaru told you who I was,” Keaton said when I arrived at his table, saving me the trouble of trying to open the conversation myself. For a bachelor so young, he appeared to have plenty of confidence. Before I left my table, I didn’t take long to drink most of the drink, and now I could feel a warm fuzziness spreading through me. Perhaps relaxing a smidgen was exactly what I needed.“He might have,” I replied, stopping far enough away I could keep an eye on the other two women with him in my peripheral vision.“Either he did or he didn’t.” His eyes flicked with fire.I let a small smile flash across my face again, but didn’t answer.“Aren’t you going to introduce yourself?”I tilted my head to the side slightly, studying him as if I was considering his words and if I wanted to obey them.“Auralia,” I said, dragging the syllables out.“Well, Auralia, you’re bold.”“More… curious.”“Curiosity killed the cat.”“Haven’t you heard? I’m a resurrected.”He let out a barking laugh, his