Empyrian- Chapters 11-13 free porn video

This is the continuation of the novel Empyrian. Please make sure you've read chapters 1-10 before proceeding! CHAPTER 11 Andreas pulled on the door to his room and as he suspected it was open. He checked the hall. No one was visible in either direction. He had no plan, which somewhere in the recesses of his Tor addled brain he knew was a mistake. Was he trying to escape? His military brain kicked in an pushed him forward He hurried down the hall back the direction he had come the first day he was brought here. He came to the end of the hall and turned right. He walked several meters, his heels clicking on the hard floor and echoing down the hall. I should have switch shoes before making my escape he thought. He pulled of the heels and carried them in his right hand. He considered turning around but just then he started to hear multiple footsteps coming toward him down the hall. Thankfully there was a door to his left and he grabbed the handle. He turned the handle and pushed the door inward stepping in quickly. Once inside the room he quickly saw it was a holding cell. Figuring the door would lock from this side he carefully closed the door behind him almost to the point where the lock would catch in the strike plate. If the group walking by looked at the door they would likely notice it was ever so slightly ajar, but he had to take that chance or risk getting trapped. He waited and heard the footsteps of several women walk by, their shoes clicking on the floor. Relieved, he waited for the sound to recede before proceeding. Just in reach was a small table that had some items on it, in particular, a small stack of paper for note taking. He put his shoes down and reached over, extending his left hand out while his right held the door open. Just barely able to get his fingers on the pad of paper, he worked it over into his hand and, keeping the door open with his foot, folded the paper. He hoped this would work. He placed the folded paper by the lock plate on the frame of the door and slowly shut the door so the latch bolt couldn't extend into the strike plate. The paper held in place and he gave a small tug on the door to see that it still slid open. Satisfied, he turned around to see what was in the room. He was not shocked to see that three men were standing against the walls, their hands shackled about their heads. They had prisoner clothes on and were blindfolded. Time to get moving his military mind told him. He ignored it, studying the scene in front of him The thought again came into his mind, now more distant. He needed to go, needed to get out of the building and escape. He looked down at the dress he was wearing, then at the black heels on the floor by the door. The vestiges of Marta's Tor still coursed through him and his mind seemed to push his desire to flee aside bringing instead different desires, more licentious ones. He looked at the prisoners. Empyrian energy seemed to come rushing to him, swirling through his brain and giving him a sort of euphoric feeling. As it did, he closed his eyes allowing the energy to envelop him fully. Something shifted in his mind again with a click. He opened his eyes and smiled. No, Andreas was not going to escape he thought to himself, quite the opposite. He wanted what they had to give him. Looking at the man closest to him, his arms over his head stretched out, it was just too easy to not take his Tor. Andreas's eyes wandered down to the man's groin a familiar and now strong prurient desire welling up in him. He walked over to the man and stood before him. A sort of distasteful feeling overtook him, perhaps an echo of his former self, questioning what he was doing. Could he prey on this man? He stared at the man's face, then at the faces of the other two, and the strength given him by the Empyrian took hold. He wouldn't prey on the one man...he would prey on all of them. He smiled as the notion settled into his brain. They were just standing here, lambs to the slaughter. Andreas locked his gaze on the man's pants and watched as he used his novel powers to make the man erect. The prisoner protested but could do nothing. Andreas pulled the man's khaki prisoner pants down, and knelt down, taking his erection into his mouth. He tickled the prisoner's scrotum sending the orgasm through him and sucked in his Tor. If the act would have horrified him days before, he savored every moment of it now. He stepped to the next man and did the same and then again with the third man. Perhaps a total of forty-five seconds had passed from start to finish, that's how quickly he had gone through them. He was drunk with the Tor from the defenseless men. He wiped his mouth on the shirt of the last man, now a woman, and smiled. He could feel the energy coursing through him and if he wasn't mistaken his body was making small changes as well. He felt a small buzzing in his nipples and buttocks. His face too felt warm and his scalp tingled. Andreas closed his eyes and threw his head back running his hands down his body. He felt amazing and only wished there were more prisoners shackled to the wall. Men's Tor was always stronger than what the women gave him. Wahl allowed the waves of energy to subside and with it a new outlook on his life seemed to take hold. He knew now he would stay in Virago. There was no going back now that the Empyrian had reshaped his way of looking at the world. Alina had said they were going to form him into the perfect Viragonian and he was now clear that he wanted that too. He would join his mother and take up her cause as his own. He would eschew his former life as an Officer of the Elsmerian military. For the first time since he left on his mission from Elsmere, he felt relaxed and at peace. He now had clarity and was ready for his new life. His faith was now in the Empyrian which he hoped would guide him as his mother had told him. Andreas looked back at the three women. This was all so crazy. How had it gotten to this point, where he was ready to throw away everything he had worked for? There was no way to go back her reminded himself, even if he wanted to. Besides, he knew when he first walked in, they were being watched and if Alina had wanted to come get him they would already be on their way. They were probably outside the door, maybe it would even be Marta. He looked at the women squirming in their chains, trying to feel their new bodies. He ignored their pleas to be released and turned to leave. He paused, turning back around. Well, he could give them something to feel in their new bodies, couldn't he? Andreas summoned his thoughts and made a motion like he was pushing a heavy door open with his right hand. The women, in unison, cried out in ecstasy, being brought to orgasm in the matter of moments. He smiled. All three at once he thought. Not bad. He looked up at the camera over the door and gave them a big smile. Alina had been alerted that Andreas had left his room and so began to watch him on the CCTV system. She saw him go down on the first prisoner and ordered the guards heading to the holding cell to stand down. She instead sent them further up the hall in case Wahl decided to keep going and try an escape. When she looked down at the screen again, he was starting on the third and final prisoner. He stood and wiped his mouth on the prisoner's shirt. She watched him walk to the door and she was about to alert the security team to get ready when Andreas motioned at the women with his hand. All three of them cried out at once. She sat back stunned. Again she thought to herself that she had never seen raw power like that from anyone other than Empress Viktoria herself. She watched as Andreas looked up at the camera and gave her a big smile. She couldn't help but smile as well. Andreas straightened his dress, put his black heels back on, opened the door and turned back down the hall the way he came. He did not try to hide his presence or mask his footsteps. He walked normally down the middle of the hall, the click of his heels somewhat satisfying. He got back to his room unscathed, opened the door and went in. He realized he was now home. Wahl changed into workout clothes, a set of tights, and a matching top that was basically a sports bra. The two garments left his midriff exposed and he liked the look, lingering in the mirror to admire his reflection. He repositioned his male parts, tucking his penis back through his legs and again examined himself in the mirror. The realization that he would likely look like this forever, with no bulge in the front, hit him for the first time. It was not an unpleasant thought and he turned and looked at his ass in the mirror. "Pretty good," he thought He found two pairs of socks stuffed in the trainers in the closet. Once dressed, he went into the bedroom and ran through a series of workouts, made easier by a yoga mat he found in the corner. After 45 minutes he had soaked the workout top with his sweat. He returned the mat to the corner, peeled off his clothes and took a hot shower, letting the water wash away his workout. The realization of his decision came back to him with clarity and he grinned. He imagined that his old life was being washed down the drain as well. All in all, he was a little surprised at how well he was handling the situation. The Emperyian must somehow quell the desire to freak out. It made sense as neither the Doctor, Captain Overton, nor the three prisoners seemed to protest post transformation. He looked down at his chest and rubbed his new forming breasts. They were now a full A cup he reckoned. The nipples had grown out even since this morning and his areolas were now double their old diameter, almost the size of a silver dollar. The soap and his smooth skin made it very pleasurable to rub them. He sang to himself and was surprised to hear that his voice had softened a bit. It wasn't his normal voice. He had never had a deep voice, but this was noticeably higher pitched. He chuckled and began singing parts to songs that female vocalists sang. He kept lathering himself as he sang, enjoying the feeling. Before long, he had become aroused and coming back to his senses, turned the shower to cold, his mother's warning echoing in his mind. He finished rinsing off and turned off the water, grabbed his towel and dried off. His hair was now long enough that it would take some time to dry. He wrapped his towel around him for the first time as a woman would, around his torso under his armpits. He liked the feeling of how it held him. Andreas exited the bathroom, drying his hair with a second towel, head down not looking where he was going. He almost walked straight into Alina. "We have been busy haven't we," Alina said. Her tone suggested she was displeased. Andreas was surprised to find her standing there but didn't show it. "Oh General! I'm so glad you are here," he said, noticing that she was alone. "Were you watching my workout?" he asked. "Is that what you would call it?" she said, continuing with the tone. "First Marta then three of your countrymen?" "Oh that," he said, nonchalantly. He came close to her and hugged her. "Marta needed a good fuck, I think we can both agree to that," he said with a wry smile as he pulled back from the hug. "But the men...ahh..." he said, closing his eyes and remembering. "I couldn't help myself. It was wonderful Alina!" he said, almost passionately. "I could feel the Empyrian directing me. I'm sorry I transformed your prisoners, but I feel so good now." "And," he added, "we learned that I'm able to project my power even more broadly. Did you see I was able to bring all three of them to climax with just a flip of my hand?" he asked. "Oh, I saw Andreas. It was very impressive. I would go so far as to say it is one of the most impressive things I have ever seen someone do with the Empyrian who is not named Viktoria," she said, still trying to figure out if she should punish him. He stepped back a bit and took her hands in his. He noticed the phone in her hand but brought his gaze up to look in her eyes. He became more serious. "When I took in their Tor, I had a revelation. Perhaps the Empyrian changed me, I don't know, but I do know that I'm home now General." He paused to let those words sink in. "This is where I belong. I want to be Viragonian and to prove it to you, I am going to tell you everything I know about how to defeat Elsmere. Together you, me, my family, we will bring victory to Virago. I will become the woman my mother dreamed I would, and I will help you crush Elsmere," he said breaking into a wicked smile. "Empress Viktoria will reign over the continent and the world if I can help it," he said, his excitement showing. "Still feeling the effects of the Tor, I see," she said sarcastically, still processing this new news. "I mean it, Ma'am," he said still holding her hands. "I will tell you everything and I will do whatever my General says," he said, adding a pleading look to his face. "Will you help me?" This was not exactly what she expected when she came to see him. She could see from the look in Wahl's eye that he was serious, and the Empyrian was giving her the sense that he was telling the truth. It was one of her abilities. This was a surprising but welcomed turn of events. She stood there considering something for a moment before speaking. "I had come to tell you that your mother sends her regards. She has been working with me planning your introduction to the Empress. I think, given your newfound perspective, perhaps we should plan to see the Empress this evening. The Empyrian is obviously bringing you to us faster than we had anticipated. The Empress will be thrilled to have you join our ranks and will not want us to delay introducing you," she said. Alina sat on one of the chairs, putting her phone on the table and looked at her watch. "We should be fine for time, but we need to prepare you for tonight. I will need to have Hanna come get you ready for the Empress. For one thing we'll have to do something about your hair," she said smiling, again referring to the mop on his head. Andreas, reached up to pull the towel from his hair, still damp from the shower. He ran his hand through it shaking it out, a mop indeed. "And let me see your nails," she said. Andreas stepped in front of her and put both hands out palm down wrists up so she could see. "Yes, let's get those cleaned up as well. The Empress has exacting standards. Please put some clothes on and Hanna will meet you here. Oh, and no more wandering the halls please. You are lucky to not have been shot," she said trying to make a point. He smiled at her, the desire welling up in him. He took the second towel off his shoulders and leaned over, giving her a kiss on the cheek. He lingered by her ear. "General," he whispered, "we both know you left the door unlocked on purpose". Andreas pulled back and gave her a bigger smile and a wink. "I also noticed you came alone for the first time. Where you jealous that I made love to Marta and not you?" He gave her a devilish grin, stood up and tugged at his towel so that it fell to the ground, leaving him naked in front of her. "Certainly not, Andreas," she said confidently. "I take what I want." She looked straight into his eyes and then said, "Get on your knees." Andreas happily dropped to his knees naked putting his damp towels down as a buffer to the hard floor. He reached up slowly sliding her skirt up to her hips and removed her panties. The stockings were held in place by her cream-colored silk garter belt, the straps of which she had worn under her panties so the panties could be removed without taking off the stockings. Had she planned this little interlude he wondered? He pulled the panties slowly down her legs and over her gorgeous shoes and leaned up straight arching his back as he did. He wanted her to see how nicely his breasts were forming. "Do you like them?" he asked, bringing his right hand up to caress his left bosom. "Yes," she said softly, "they are blossoming nicely. Soon you'll have full sized breasts to play with." "I've wanted to make love to you since you first touched me, General," Andreas said, kissing her knee. He followed that by kissing all the way up to her upper thigh. He grabbed her hips and pulled her forward in the chair so she could spread her legs and expose herself to him. For the second time today, he would give cunnilingus. "I know dear, and I'm happy to oblige," she said, resting her head back against the chair and closing her eyes. Andreas's neck and tongue were still a bit fatigued from the time he spent with Marta, but by expertly using his fingers and tongue together he brought her to climax quickly. She tasted like he imagined ambrosia might and her musk aroused him. He was aware that he had an erection and so he tried to focus on thoughts that would not carry him away. He was more attracted to Alina then any of the women he had yet met, including Carla. Rather than risk ejaculating, he instead sent wave after wave of Empyrian energy to give her some of the most intense orgasms she had ever had. He wanted her to feel his energy, to show his new General what he could do. She responded with her whole body and her Tor made him again see flashes of light and stars. "Mmmm..." she said after the third and final orgasm. "Well done Andreas," she said with a lustful sigh. "Your power is truly remarkable. I can still feel the Empyrian energy you sent to me. It is fantastic darling." Andreas sat back on his heels waiting for the General to recover herself. He picked up her panties and stretched them out waiting for her. She sat up luxuriously, straightened her hair and then put out her right foot and then her left so he could replace her panties. He pushed them up to mid-thigh and then let her take it from there. She, stood up, pulled the panties unceremoniously up to her hips and allowed her wool skirt to slide back down to its full length as she smoothed it out. She walked over to the mirror, wordlessly checking her reflection. Her hair was in good shape as was her makeup. Her face unblemished, she then took off her belt, re-tucked her gorgeous blouse and put the belt back on. One more check in the mirror and she turned to face Wahl who was still naked on the floor, watching her. She was a vision he thought. She looked at Andreas, kneeling on the floor in front of her for moment. Clever girl Alina thought. She was building a bond with Alina by seducing her. Just something Alina herself might do if the roles were reversed. She was proud of what she was certain would be her prot?g?. She was shaping up to be a stunning beauty. She just hoped tonight would go as planned with her Imperial Majesty. "Let's get you up and moving. We have much to do!" she finally said, coming back over to him, grabbing her phone from the table. Andreas got up, leaving the towels there. He started to move past Alina and lightly brushed her stomach with his left hand. The fabric of her blouse was soft and cool, and he let it linger there for a moment, at the same time looking up into her eyes. He was almost past her on the way to the closet when Alina lightly grasped his hand with her's and pulled him back to her. Just like Marta, Alina gave him a slow, deep kiss and, after a long few moments, let him go with a loud exhale. "You kiss better in real life then you do in your dream," she said. She smiled and gave him a wink. She looked down at her phone and started to push buttons. He walked dazed into the closet and paused. Had she really been in my dream with me? How would she have known they had kissed in his dream? It had felt so real at the time. Was it the Empyrian? He snapped himself out of thought after only a few moments. He needed to get dressed and on to whatever was planned. At least he wouldn't be sitting in the room. He opened the top drawer and selected a matching panty and bra combination in lavender, adding the smaller breast forms. Andreas made a quick look in the mirror and had a little thrill at the feminine appearance he saw. His own budding breasts with the addition of the breast forms filled out the bra. He then selected a short-sleeved black silk blouse with a crewneck and a long zipper that ran the length of the garment in the back. He then selected a leopard print pencil skirt and matching kitten-heeled slippers that came to a pleasing point in the toe. He went back to the mirror to see the final product. He had wondered why it excited him so much now to see himself in these clothes and he realized it was because he was finally allowed to wear them with no shame. It was a thrilling feeling. When he came out, Alina was giving Hanna instructions. "Excellent choice, Andreas. I think I am going to really like your style. Now, Hanna has strict instructions. She will take you to get your hair styled and your nails done." She paused, thinking of something else. "Andreas, would you do me the favor of showing me how you curtsey?" she asked. "Well that's a new one General, I have to admit," he replied. Understanding why she asked, he became suddenly nervous. He had never met royalty of any form. Generals yes. He could snap a salute as well as anyone but never even tried a curtsey. "Of course. Hanna, show Andreas your curtsey." Hanna stepped forward, bowed her head and as she did so, took either side of her dress with her hands. She deftly put her right foot behind and to the other side of her left foot and gave a deep knee bend holding her skirt out to the sides as she did. She smoothly returned to a standing position lifting her head back up. "There now, you try Andreas." "Oh boy," he said under his breath. He thought about it for a bit, practicing the move in his head. He bowed his head, took both sides of his skirt and brought his right foot back as he bent his knees. He reckoned he should keep his back straight as he lowered himself. He almost lost his balance, as he was a little gung-ho on the knee bend. He salvaged it with a little wobble and rose back up to his full height. He looked back at Alina. "Hmm...close," she said kindly. "You'll pick it up I'm sure. Hanna, let's practice this with her in her dress before she gets to the palace," remarked Alina. Andreas noticed the feminine pronouns she had used. "Right, let's get you two on your way. Lots to do and I don't want to have to rush over there. You're clear on what to do Hanna?" she asked. "Crystal clear, ma'am," came the confident reply. "Andreas, do whatever she tells you. She is the best." Alina took a few steps to him and gave him a light hug and kiss on the cheek. "I will see you later tonight," she said, giving his shoulders a squeeze. "I'm so pleased you've joined us and I know your mother will be so happy to hear about your decision as well." She let go of him and reminded Hanna to alert her to any issues or problems. Satisfied that things were in motion she left to head back to her office. She had several other preparations to make and if her plan took shape, they would be able to jump start the plan to overtake Elsmere tonight. CHAPTER 12 Hanna had to wait for Marta to arrive before they could depart. Once there, the two of them took Andreas the opposite direction from the way he had gone earlier in the day. They wove him through what had to be a massive building. Andreas had been wondering which of the buildings in the base this was. He had studied all of them but obviously he couldn't know what was under them. He now confirmed his sneaking suspicion that they weren't at the Viragonian base he and his men had assaulted. The Empress had no palace there, for one thing. This was further confirmed when they finally emerged outside. The early afternoon sun shone brightly off the mountains in the distance. The only Mountains of that height in Virago where on the northwestern sides of the country, in what was formerly Seremante. He was thus, likely in one of the smaller country cities in which the royals had palaces. They walked out of the building and across a courtyard to a nondescript door. Hanna pulled it open and let Andreas walk through. "Straight ahead," she told him as he passed her. Marta was right behind him. He continued down a longish hallway, which opened into a salon of sorts. There were no windows, which told Wahl they were still in the government complex. "Welcome to my lab!" exclaimed Hanna. "Please take a seat in the chair and let's get your hair in order," she said. Andreas took a seat in the salon chair as he was instructed. Marta took a seat in a chair by the hall where she could watch the whole room and the entrance. "Maybe just a little off the top," he joked. Hanna walked around behind him and looked at him in the mirror. "Or... maybe a better style, what do you think Andreas," Hanna said as she leaned next to his ear. She put her hands in his hair and asked, "Do you have a preference?" "Ha!" he snorted. "The only haircut I've had since I was 16 was a military cut." "Right," she said. "How about I choose?" "Works for me, Hanna," he said. "Do your worst." "Pixie cut it is. You'll like it, nice and short. No fuss." Hanna said with enthusiasm. "How do the earrings feel?" she asked, noting a slight redness in his earlobes. "Well they look better than they feel, that's for sure. But I love them," he said. Hanna put the barber's cloak over Wahl and fastened it in the back. His hair was a bit of a mess from his shower, but Hanna pulled out a spray bottle wetting the hair and combing it before setting about to trim it. It actually didn't take that long. Much longer then he was used to in the military but not too bad overall. Hanna debated coloring it but, in the end, decided the color he had was fine. It had lighted considerably from just a few days ago as it grew out. It was a nice sandy blonde right now. When she was done, she styled it and put a small amount of spray to keep it in place. There was enough hair in the front, which she left in place, to sweep it to the side, not unlike a man's haircut. But Hanna had left enough on the side to pull down into a feminine wispy sideburn. Andreas liked the look now that he had softer features and a thinner neck. It also showed the diamond earrings nicely. Hanna removed the barber's cloak and had Andreas come over to the salon table. Studying his nails, she decided that they wouldn't do on their own for this evening and so decided to apply fake nails. At first Andreas was hesitant to add something he couldn't take off but then remembered that he had chosen to embrace this journey. He had holes in his ears now, after all. Once he reminded himself of that fact, he actually got much more involved in the process. He asked Hanna many questions and she eagerly answered them all. It was clear she loved her work. She had great enthusiasm and Andreas found that her positive attitude was infectious. She mentioned that the General had asked her to work closely with him in the coming days and weeks and Andreas was relieved to hear it. He enjoyed her company and how she made him feel with his new look. When she was done, Andreas was exhilarated with the result. Each of his fingers had been transformed. His own short nails were now elongated by the prostheses Hanna attached to them and each was now colored a rich red. The tips were flattened and perfectly shaped. His cuticles, fingers and hand had been moisturized and all the small imperfections normally there seemed to have melted away with the treatment. At one point, Hanna asked Marta if she'd like a manicure. Marta reminded her that she was on duty, but she had come over several times to inspect the goings on. Hanna whispered to Andreas that she'd help her out later. The two giggled like old girlfriends. Since the hair cut had not taken quite as long as Hanna had planned, she gave Andreas a pedicure as well, making sure to massage his feet and calves as well as moisturize his feet. While Wahl's feet were soaking, Hanna made a phone call. It was now late afternoon and they would need to get back to try on dresses. She applied a matching coat of red nail polish to his toes so that hands and feet would match. The last piece of the new look was makeup. Hanna had Andreas move back over to the salon chair, careful not to disturb the nail polish on her toes, and prepared to apply the evening's make up. Since it was a special night, she opted for foundation to start, set with powder. Andreas could feel the heavy coating on his face but loved how it made his skin look. She shaped his brows carefully then curled eyelashes and gave Andreas a smoldering dark smoky eye look that seemed to make his green eyes stand out. His eyes were green now. When had that happened? She applied heavy mascara so that the lashes would stand out and finished the look with light rouge on his cheeks and a pigmented lip color. First, she lined his lips and then colored in the rest. Both were long last, meaning the color would have to be removed with makeup remover. She gave him a tube of moisturizer that went over top the base coat and had him apply it. This gave the lip a sheen and kept his lips from drying out under the pigment. Andreas looked in the mirror and could not believe who looked back at him. Hanna had transformed him. He could barely make himself out with the new hair, makeup and earrings. He was still getting used to his new nails but overall, this look suited him, and he hoped Alina would be pleased with his progress. Even Marta admitted he looked good. "Ok! Well done. Let's head back to your apartment and get you dressed. I had some of the Empress's stylists put together several looks for tonight. We should be right on time," said Hanna. Everything dry and in place, shoes were put back on and the three of them reversed the path they had taken. Andreas, Hanna and Marta got back to the room to find a tall movable hanging rack with eight full-length dresses. All were understated and sophisticated. Hanna talked with the stylist and looked at all the dresses while Andreas listened. "We think we should go with something simple and comfortable. This is a big evening for you and the dress shouldn't become an issue for you. No corsets, nothing fancy and uncomfortable. Does that work for you?" Hanna asked. Andreas was eyeing several of the dresses and wanted to try them all on. Hanna seemed to sense this and smiled. "They are all lovely and I'll make sure they stay in your closet so you get to wear them all. For now, I think the winner is this one," she said reaching for a dress. She pulled a metallic grey, almost silver, dress from the rack. "Since you are long and thin this will fit your shape well," she said. The dress was floor length and long sleeved but the material on the top was light, perhaps a thin cashmere, but not as delicate. It seemed to be light enough to be airy, perfect for the warm evening. The design looked as though two pieces of the wool fabric had been crossed over each other so that their intersection caused a very small "V" opening at the neck. Otherwise the shoulders and sleeves were fully covered. The sleeves were the same cashmere fabric and ran all the way down to the wrist. The skirt was a thin light silk and the smooth sheen of the material contrasted against the soft texture of the top. The skirt started high in the waist and flowed down to the floor. The fascinating thing about the skirt was that it seemed to magically connect to the top underneath the wool. The effect was that the top almost looked like a separate piece. Andreas agreed it would be the perfect dress for the stress of the evening and its simple lines and easy material would be easy to wear. Before putting on the dress, Andreas would need to pick his shoes and underwear. Because he still had all his male parts down there, they chose a satin pantie in a brief and another brief cut shaper to keep it in place. Since Andreas only had small breasts the opted for no bra and, because it was warm, they all agreed no stockings would be necessary. They would pick a shoe to show off his new toenails. Behind the dresses was a pile of shoeboxes. They looked at several but chose a strappy open toed sandal in silver to expose the toenails. They were high heels, perhaps four inches, but since they didn't close down in the toe to a point, they felt it would be a more comfortable choice. It was also an easy accessory. Plus, he would need the extra height they assured him. Her Majesty the Empress was tall. It was time to put the dress on. Andreas replaced the leopard print slippers for the new heels before doffing his skirt and blouse. Hanna arranged the dress so that Andreas could step into it, careful to not snag the heel of the shoe in the dress. She pulled it up, helping his arms into the sleeves and then zipped up the hidden zipper in the back. She had Andreas turn around. "I love this on you," she said. "It's perfect". She led him to the full-length mirror so he could also see. She and the stylist pulled on the dress here and there to get it just right, but basically that was it. The tight fit through the chest showed just the hint of the breasts below. "One final touch, here is your clutch," Hanna said handing him the small purse. It matched the skirt of the dress and could be tucked under the arm if needed. "We'll put the top coat for your lips in there, mascara and a small compact. Let me show you how to add a little extra powder if you need." Hanna walked Andreas through the technique to soften up any oily or shiny spots. Once done, she clicked the compact closed and gave it to him to put in the purse. They practiced the curtsy for a few minutes until Andreas felt he had it down. The trick was just not to rush it but to make a sort of show out of it. This let him keep his balance and execute the curtsy. "And voila! We're done." The door opened and Alina walked in. "And right on time I would say!" Hanna exclaimed. She seemed like she might be an always-happy sort. Alina seemed to breeze into the room, followed by two bodyguards, and walked over to Andreas. She was wearing something akin to a tuxedo, but it was a deep burgundy red setting off her blonde mane. The trousers were creased and fell to the top of her foot, which was covered by a four-inch burgundy patent leather stiletto heel. The tuxedo jacket had a satin shawl collar and one satin button to close it. It covered one of the most beautiful tops Andreas had ever seen. The material was a soft sheer burgundy fabric with intricate embroidery down the middle and around the breasts. It had a deep V-neck and, thin straps that came over the shoulder. The jacket disguised that the top was sleeveless and given how it hung on her, Andreas guessed it was likely a bodysuit. She wore no bra but her nipples were tastefully hidden. It was a stunning top to accentuate a stunning suit. It was also sexy as hell. Alina had a burgundy velvet clutch and wore a diamond tennis bracelet on her left wrist and drop diamond earrings that sparkled against the fabric of her Jacket. Her nails were long and freshly painted and she smelled wonderful. "You don't look like any General I've ever worked with, General. Wow..." Andreas exclaimed. "Let me see you Andreas," she said coming to a stop next to the long mirror. "Give me a little sashay please," she ordered. Andreas took a few steps away from her, turned, placing his hand on his hip and then walked back to her. This was a little embarrassing. "Excellent!" she said smiling. Alina then walked behind him, lining him up in the mirror. "Now show me the curtsy, please." Andreas did as he was asked and the General watched from behind, checking the mirror to see what it looked like from the front as well. "Perfect! Well done Andreas!" she said and gave him a hug and kiss on the check. He turned back and once again looked at his reflection in the mirror. "One final touch," said Hanna. "Put out your wrists," she commanded. Andreas did and she lightly touched each wrist with the stopper from a perfume bottle. "Rub your wrists together. Good. Now a dash or two on your neck," she said just touching his neck on either side with the glass stopper. The flowery fragranced wafted up to his nose. "Perfect," Hanna said, "Just a hint of a scent." Alina came close behind looking over his shoulder. "You smell wonderful. Now, how do you feel, my dear?" she asked. "Like I belong here, General," he said confidently. He studied himself in the mirror. This dress made him feel good. He felt none of the shame he once had when he would put on dresses in his apartment. This fit. This felt right. It made him feel sexy and powerful. "If all goes well tonight, you will," she said softly in his ear. "I won't let you down, General." CHAPTER 13 The group said their goodbyes. Hanna and the other stylist stayed to gather up the clothes and the General, Andreas, Marta and the two guards retraced the steps out to where the salon was. When they got to the courtyard there was a black sedan waiting for them. The two guards went to each of the back-seat doors and opened them. The General asked Marta if she was clear on the plan for tonight and she responded in the affirmative. "Very good Captain. That will be all," she said to Marta. Marta snapped to attention and saluted the General before returning to the main building. Alina got in the door closest to her and Andreas walked around to the other side holding his new clutch. The guard held the door and he noticed that the seats were set a little farther back into the car than normal. It gave ample legroom in the cabin but did require a bit more maneuvering to get seated. He didn't have much experience getting into cars with a long dress and heels on but managed to first pick up his skirt, then holding on to the door frame with his free hand, step in the car. He brought his other foot in, rotated a bit and sat in the seat next to Alina. He had a small chuckle as he now understood why Alina had chosen her outfit. The guard on his side made sure the hem of his dress was in the car and closed the door. Alina gave him a few key details about the evening. She had arranged for them to have a light meal in the palace dining room before entering her Majesty, the Empress's Royal Apartment. Remember to curtsy she said. Speak when spoken to, she added. In all, it sounded exactly like meeting a general, Wahl thought to himself. The rest of the way she left Andreas to his thoughts. It was a short drive, perhaps three or four minutes. They drove out of the courtyard and through the town up to the palace complex. From the front gate, Andreas knew he had seen photos of this palace in his prior work. It was certainly grander than the pictures. The sun was still in the sky and the early evening light hit the front gates in a brilliant color, all shades of yellow and orange. The car slowed at the entrance to get waved through and then accelerated through the massive palace gates. The first large courtyard, perhaps once a grand parade ground, was surrounded on three sides by the extension of the palace complex. All the building had been completed in the same style and architecture and with the same attention to details and ornamentation. Grand scenes of mythical battles were told in the stonework that adorned the various building's facades, creating an atmosphere fitting of the seat of government. In this case, it was the former Seremante government before its subsumption into Virago. Andreas craned his neck to take it all in, fascinated by the history and detail, as they continued on through two other courtyards, each similarly lined. This last courtyard had in front of it the palace proper. They did not stop at the massive front doors however, rather they continued down a side lane between the palace and the nearest buildings. The Palace's front was ceremonial and not practical for actually receiving a small group. The side entrance had a small turn around and a guard station by a more normal, but still large set of doors. It was also covered by a large vaulted roof to shield comers and goers from the elements. The guards wore ceremonial uniforms, but Andreas noticed they had real weapons. The driver and the other guard got out of the front seats and opened the doors. The car was situated so that Alina was closest to the palace entrance. She got out and the large palace doors quickly opened. Another woman in a smart navy-blue dress, pearls and matching blue pumps, met her. Andreas slowly climbed out of the car, careful not to step on his dress, then, carrying his clutch, walked around to the other side of the car and stood next to the General. Alina introduced him to the Empress's evening secretary whom had made the arrangements for the night. She ushered to two of them through the doors and into the palace. The driver and second bodyguard stayed with the car as the three women made their way into the building. Andreas looked around, thinking he would need to show some form of identification or something but none of the guards seemed to give him a second look. They walked into a foyer and then up a flight of stone stairs into the administrative wing of the palace. There were rich but subtle trappings here, but it was clear this is where the business of the palace was conducted. The secretary turned when they got to the reception area and took them down a beautiful long hallway. Andreas took note of the sound his heels made clicking on the hard floor as it echoed in the hallway. He was doing quite well walking in these heels he thought, but was still careful of his step lest he find himself a crumpled mess of silver satin on the floor. The secretary opened the next door at the end of the hallway and proceeded down the next short hallway, opening a third door they came to. This got them into one end of what appeared to be a receiving room with high ceilings. One of many a palace like this would have Andreas was sure. They went through two more long rooms, and at the end of the third long receiving room opened a door into the Great Hall. This was the room from Andreas's dreams! They had entered into it from one of the back corners. Ahead, to his left, were the double doors that opened onto the balcony. To his right at the far end were the grand doors his mother had retreated through in his visions. Two royal guards stood on either side of it tonight. Ahead of them was wide carpet that went across the width of the room. At the center of the room, another long carpet ran the length of the room, from the balcony to the grand doors. Andreas surmised this was likely to spare the parquet floors from extra wear and tear. The two of them walked along the carpet, turned when they got to the center of the room and walked half the length of the Great Hall before turning left onto another carpet. It led to two large ornate doors. The secretary opened the door on the right and allowed them to pass and bid them adieu, closing the door behind them. The "dining room" was massive and clearly meant for hosting large audiences. The walls were covered in massive tapestries and paintings of royal ladies. The appointments like the crown molding were all ornate and regal. The dark parquet floors supported a massive long wooded table, which stretched the length of the room, centered down the middle. Waiting for them, inside the dining room was a butler and two footwomen. The butler was several inches taller and was wearing a black wool tailcoat with black satin lapels and decorative buttons and a white buttoned-down vest. Her trousers were high waisted, flat-panel wool and dropped straight down to a low-heeled black patent leather pump. The uniform was accessorized with a gold silk tie, perfectly knotted overtop a crisp cotton shirt with spread collar, her dark hair styled to her shoulders. The footwomen stood at a sort of attention behind the butler. They each had on black leather slippers and long white knee length stockings that burrowed up under pink satin breeches that ended just below the knee with a bow on the outside of each. Each wore a matching pink satin vest and pink necktie underneath a midnight blue blazer. The jacket was tailored to take in their waistline, closing with a single button to let the vibrant color of the jacquard vests show through. Each wore white serving gloves and no makeup save perhaps a little mascara. Their brown hair was pulled back and had a matching pink bow holding the hair back. "General Skarpsv?rd, welcome back to the palace," said the butler. She turned her attention to Andreas. "And welcome to you. My name is Maya. If there is anything you need please do not hesitate to ask for it. Anything at all," she said cheerfully. "Now, what can I start you with, a cocktail perhaps?" she asked. "Why don't we have a bottle of the white wine you served last time Maya. That was lovely," the General responded. Maya did not need to even give a direction. The footwomen responded to the request by turning in unison, presumably to go fetch the wine. One left through the door at the far end and one stood near it, waiting. It was also the end that had been set for dinner. "Will you be sitting down immediately, General or do you prefer to take your drinks to the balcony before you sit for dinner?" she asked, ostensibly for the General's comfort, but really to plan when the first dish should hit the table. "I believe Her Majesty prefers to see us at nine o'clock, so perhaps we should sit now. Besides, Andreas has had nothing to eat for several days, she is probably famished," said the General, once again referring to Andreas in the feminine singular. It had been several days, hadn't it thought Andreas. He hadn't felt hungry at all, but he felt gaunt compared to usual. "Very good, ma'am," said Maya. "Please follow me and we can seat you," she said turning toward the table settings. They walked half the length of the room. Maya stopped at the head of the table, letting Andreas pass and directed him further around the table to a seat on the far side. The footwoman was standing already with the chair pulled out. Maya grabbed the chair for the General at the head of the table and the two were seated as if choreographed. Andreas put his clutch on the table to his right out of the way. Soon the two were sipping their wine and were into the first course of soup. He reached for the spoon. His new long nails scraped against the tablecloth. It would take him some time to get used to them he thought. He raised the spoon, dipped it in the bowl and took in the soup. Andreas felt like he had never tasted something so good. And the wine was also more flavorful then he could remember. Sensing he was enjoying it, Alina reminded him not to have more than one or two glasses lest he make a poor first impression. The first course soon turned into the second, third and fourth courses before a very light desert came. Each course was much smaller than he might have expected but as it was his first meal in some time, probably better. Alina made certain he only had a glass and a half of wine. Even still Andreas could feel the warm glow it created. There were no clocks on the wall and neither he nor Alina had on a watch. He was enjoying the time with the General, getting to know her. She didn't give him much about her past, though she knew everything about him. They also steered clear of the geopolitical topic. He wasn't quite sure why Alina had not walked him directly into her interrogation rooms and started peppering him with questions. It was certainly more relaxing this way, but he started to feel that something was coming that would change the paradigm. Little did he know that it would be at that moment.