Kallista's Five (+1) Kisses

Kallista paced outside the dark wooden doors, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and jade detailing. It was time for another test, this one requiring her to wait for hours until the Lord and Lady were ready to see her. They were right to teach her a lesson. She had been too eager to move in her last test, almost getting caught because she didn’t wait for the perfect moment. Sometimes she forgot her place. She should know better, given the oaths she took and the promises she was bound by. She was to be a protector and servant, a tool in the hands of the young Lord Tristan Fabian Alexander VanGaunt, heir to the fortune of one of the great families of Sentall. Her own pride and the kindness of Tristan and the Eldridge boys got the better of her, and she needed to remember she would never be allowed an audience with nobles unless she was required to serve.

It had been at least five hours by her count, and she had not been permitted to eat while she was waiting. She would have to be more attentive than usual, given the distraction.

“Bring her in!” The cold voice of Lady Alessandria Taliana was sharp even through the double doors. Kallista straightened, sweeping her hands over her tunic, making sure she was fully presentable. 

The doors opened and two guards beckoned her forward. Kallista walked to the center of the room with precision, kneeling on the floor in front of the thrones where the Lord and Lady of the house held audiences. She kept her head bowed and her eyes on the floor. Her back still ached from the whipping three days prior, when she forgot herself and let her tongue move faster than her own hells-damned mind. 

“You were right, my dear. She is much better behaved today.” Lord VanGaunt’s warm voice made Kallista want to smile at the praise. 

“Kallista, stand,” Lady VanGaunt ordered. 

Kallista kept her eyes down, even as she stood. She was perfect, she was well-behaved, she was going to be the best spy they had ever trained and they would not be sorry they chose her.

“We have a new task for you,” Lord VanGaunt took over. “The Clearbeam family has a daughter in court, who is rumored to know who has been selected as the Master of Ceremonies for the next year. Do you know who I speak of? Answer me, in full.”

“Yes, my lord,” Kallista said, “her name is Ayda Viessa Clearbeam, firstborn daughter, secondborn child of the main branch of the family line. Nineteen years of age, graceful for a human, trained as a dancer from a young age, had an exceptional debut season last year. Pretty, although not as clever as one would expect of a woman of her standing. Skilled at making good connections but slow to recognize the power in said connections.”

“Very good,” he said, the corners of his mouth turning up. 

Kallista felt like she was flying. Twice she had been praised, in one day. 

“We’ve recently found out that the Clearbeam girl has taken a lady’s maid,” Lady VanGaunt added.

Kallista kept her face neutral, but suddenly her mind was racing at what they likely wanted her to do. Many Ladies had maids, or even ladies-in-waiting. But in Sentall, the lady’s maid meant a woman who shared the bed of the Lady in question in order to deceive potential assassins, and offer companionship of the kind that would not risk any betrothal contracts, while aiding in the development of skills that the Lady’s future husband would much appreciate. 

Kallista placed her right hand over her left, a signal to ask for permission to speak. When the nod was given, she looked up for the first time. The Lord and Lady had sparkles in their eyes. This would be the first chance to influence Tristan’s debut and give him the best showing possible. They were cloaked in the power from their old money line. The Clearbeams were only given titles one Season ago, a mere two hundred and fifty years. The VanGaunts could trace their past through Chapters of the New Age. She would not let them down. 

“Forgive me if I am being forward, but I believe I understand your intentions. This lady’s maid would be an excellent way to discover the information without the Clearbeam woman discovering your interests in the matter, as there would be multiple levels of discretion.”

“Precisely,” Lady VanGaunt said, rising from her seat. “Do not disappoint us. Accomplish your task as quickly as possible. We will call on you to check your progress in two weeks.” She kissed her husband on the cheek before gliding out of the room. 

Kallista bowed deeply to her remaining master, before leaving the room. 

They had never asked this of her before. She knew they were aware of her flirtations of nobles and that they frankly approved of the information she kept…acquiring after parties. Otherwise they would not have continued to let her attend as a guest. But they had never specifically asked her to seduce someone in order to get information, due to her age. But even by her count, she was of age in Sentall. 

She nodded to herself. She had some information to acquire. She needed a name, locations, and interests to even begin. 

A week later, Kallista found herself at the downtown market. Liana had been a frequent visitor to one of the produce stands. A little more investigating showed that Liana used to date the woman at the stand, but now they were simply good friends. That was good for Kallista. Casual flings were fine, but she didn’t want to interfere with any existing loyalties. 

Kallista refrained from tugging at her outfit. She was dressed in a light pink underskirt with floral embroidery on the hem, coupled with a light summer wool over-gown covered in more delicate embroidery. She felt nearly naked with only two knives concealed on her person. She carried a basket on her hip, filling it with bread, honey, a bottle of wine,  and a few other items to prove that she was shopping. She found herself hovering around the area before spotting Liana. The half-elven girl was pretty, blonde hair tucked back in a simple braid and a light blue dress. The woman walked towards the produce stand when Kallista made her move. 

Kallista walked quickly, making a show of looking into her basket before running directly into Liana. In the collision, the bottle of wine fell from the basket and smashed on the ground. 

“Oh no!” Kallista exclaimed, putting a hand to her throat. 

“I’m so sorry,” the other woman said, biting her lip. 

“It’s all my fault, to be honest,” Kallista admitted, keeping her voice pitched higher than normal. “I should have been paying attention, but I’m new around here and didn’t realize how crowded it would be.” 

“You’re new in town?” the other woman asked curiously, her eyes flicking over her outfit. Kallista smirked internally. Her clothes were too expensive for anyone not funded by a noble. 

“I’ve recently travelled here for the upcoming season,” Kallista explained. “My lady was hoping I could get a lay of the city for her.” Kallista tugged on the back of her dress with her tail, letting the fabric hug her body.

“Your lady?” Liana asked, eyes sharp.

Kallista leaned a bit closer, happy the other woman didn’t turn away. 

“I’m employed as a lady’s maid.”

That got Liana’s attention. The custom was tried and true, but there were only so many employed at a given time.

“Do you only like wine, or do you also sip from the goddess herself?” Liana used one of the phrases that had become common among women who loved other women. 

Kallista winked and gave her a warm smile. “The goddess blesses many of us with her secrets. I had hoped to share that wine with another.” 

Liana smiled brightly, before turning to look at the produce stand. The woman behind the counter appeared to be gesturing at her, and Liana’s eyes glazed for a second. 

“I just realized I haven’t even asked you your name!” the woman said, her eyes focusing back on Kallista. She must have been receiving a message spell from her friend. Hopefully positive, or else Kallista would have to try something else.

“My name is Ceri. What is yours?” Kallista asked, pushing a loose piece of hair behind her ear slowly. She bit her lip for a moment, drawing attention to her lips.

“Liana. And as it turns out, I also like wine and have been given the evening off. Would you like to meet me tonight?” Liana was bold. Kallista liked her, thank the gods. It would have been a pain to get information from someone boring. 

“I would love that,” Kallista looked away shyly. “Did you have somewhere in mind? There’s a cozy bar nearby that I’ve heard good things about. It’s called the Honeybee?”

“I love the Honeybee,” Liana said. Her smile was gorgeous, Kallista thought absently. Liana turned to look at the nearby clock tower. “You’ve been getting good recommendations. I’ll meet you there around the seventh bell?”

“That would be perfect. I’ll see you then.” Kallista reached out and squeezed the other woman’s hand once, before turning away. 

Kallista was going to win this game. If she kept passing tests, Lord and Lady VanGaunt would let her belong to Tristan only. He could overrule them. And even, perhaps, they would be proud of her. 

That night, Kallista made her way back downtown. She had a touch of color on her cheeks and lips, as well as dark liner on her eyes. This dress featured a corset in a deep shade of red, offset by white sleeves and black details on the skirt. The Honeybee itself was busy, although it was hard to tell. Each table was enclosed in a chamber to give privacy, shaped like a hive. It wasn’t necessarily a place for hookups, but it wasn’t not a place for that. They made their own honey meads and sweetened wines, and it was often frequented by local women. 

Kallista’s heart thudded when she saw Liana. She looked like one of the angels people told stories about, hair tucked up in a crown of braids, a silver and white gown beneath. Kallista frowned at herself. She needed to be focused. 

“You look beautiful,” Kallista said, trying to keep her plan in place. 

“Ceri! I’m glad you’re here,” Liana said, focusing her attention onto Kallista. Kallista reached out to take her hand.

“Is this okay?” she asked. Liana squeezed Kallista’s hand.

“It’s most certainly okay. Now, let’s go get to know each other a little more.” 

The pair followed a waitress to a small booth. There was already a bottle of wine waiting on the table for them. Kallista shut the door, smiling at her date.

“You shouldn’t have.”

“I felt guilty about breaking your first bottle,” the other woman said, squeezing the hand she was still holding. “Shall we?” 

Kallista sat down, letting herself relax into her role. She was a lady’s maid, looking for a friend. She certainly wasn’t Kallista the spy, trying to seduce her way into information. It was a lot easier to relax once they opened the wine bottle and had a few sips. Kallista moved closer to Liana, letting her body language focus entirely on the other woman. 

Liana asked questions about where she had been before, who she was working for, and a few other casual questions. Kallista didn’t bother to press for information. The first step was to get another date, then another. Pillow talk would be the best way to hear anything. 

After a few hours, by Kallista’s guess, the second wine bottle was empty and her head was spinning. Liana looked only a little better off than her. 

“I hope you don’t mind if I’m a bit bold,” Kallista said, moving closer until her entire body was pressed against Liana. 

“You aren’t being bold enough, my dear,” Liana said. Without hesitation, Liana pulled Kallista into a kiss. Kallista kissed back, her mind turned off for once.

“Wow,” she murmured, pulling back to take a breath. 

Liana fidgeted. Kallista frowned before realizing that she was worried. Kallista couldn’t have that. After all, she had to sell the fact that she was only looking for a relationship. No information of any kind. 

Kallista swung her leg over, straddling Liana, looking down into her eyes. “You’re beautiful, and I would like to continue doing what we’re doing. Yes?”

“Yes,” Liana breathed, pulling Kallista close, hard.