The Alcove (1999) by Virago Blue It was necessary for me, Virago Blue, to seek respite from the passion-fest. I needed a quiet moment to refuel. I was fascinated with this glorious castle. Once inside I was determined to take a private tour. I loved exploring secretive nooks and crannies, especially one as massive as Lord Malinov's. First things first, I must not be rude to my host. After appropriate introductions, I grabbed a bottle of wine, carefully refilling my goblet (my hands were still trembling from my encounter with Master Pendragon), and continued on my way. My feet were bare, enabling me to pad unnoticed by a few involved guests. I made my way deeper into the recesses of the castle. How glorious, I thought. Such a beautiful setting for a party. I chose to wear a powder blue negligee this day, the diaphanous fabric setting off my pale nipples and unruly patch of dark gold between my legs. The neckline dipped dangerously low, exposing a tiny sliver of flushed areola to the naked eye on occasion. Dainty silver chains adorned my neck and ankles, tinkling daintily as I sashayed down the corridors. My hair fell in riotous ringlets to the middle of my back and I was constantly pushing the unruly mass behind my shoulders. I felt like a fairy among the magic of this castle. I continued with my exploration, stopping here and there to admire a sculpture or a peculiar painting. Doors did not form a barrier to me, as nothing seemed to be locked. My eyes fell upon many entangled limbs and more, and was often met with "join us?" With a polite shake of the head and my goblet lifted in a toast, I moved farther down the hallways and grandiose rooms. Eventually the elegance of the architecture began to wear on me. An alcove nearby promised solitude and rest while I finished my wine. While small, the alcove must have served some sort of purpose. A candle shimmered in a gilded sconce on the wall, illuminating a magnificent painting of an incredibly handsome nobleman. I lowered myself to the bench opposite the painting and leaned against the cool stone wall, my gaze never leaving the face of the man. I studied this painting more than any other I have ever come across. It had a quality about it that I could not explain. I was intrigued, to say the least, but that's not all. I was aroused. Perhaps it was the atmosphere of the party. No, it was this man. There was no nameplate indicating the subject of the painting. I formed a fantasy of my own. So far away from the others in the castle, and truth be told, very uninhibited after all the wine, I began to converse with the painting as if he were there in front of me, teasing me into conversation. "Why, milord, I do hope I'm not intruding. I find the company of a handsome nobleman to be very inviting right now. No, what am I saying? What I mean is, I'm a little lonely. Yes. That's it. Lonely. You see, most of the guests are tied up or otherwise engaged in various activities and I find myself wanting to be--private. I know that may seem odd, coming from a tart like me, but it is the truth. What's that you say? My dress? Ah, it is rather lovely, isn't it? Thank you, milord. Slide it off one shoulder so that you may admire my lovely breast? Why of course, milord." I slipped one side of the dress from my shoulder, fully exposing one beautiful globe of soft flesh topped with a pouting pink nipple. The temptation to slip the other sleeve off my arm was great. I soon found myself sitting on the bench, powder blue gown pooled at my bare feet, the only thing touching my feverish flesh were two thin silver chains. I gazed at the lifelike painting of the nobleman, admiring his piercing grey eyes, full lips and neat goatee. His black hair shone from an unseen light. I imagined he was still standing before me, devouring my wanton nakedness with his eyes. I sipped at my wine, eyes locked with his silver stare, and purposely dripped the cool liquid on my breast. I leaned back and allowed the splash of wine to slide between my breasts, over my bare belly and pool in my navel. A few drops overflowed my navel and became lost in the tangle of dark blonde between my legs. "Oh!" I exclaimed, covering my mouth with a dainty hand, a brow arched flirtatiously. The tip of my index finger followed the path the wine took, however, a little slower. My legs soon parted only slightly. An errant wave of blonde hair fell across my eyes from a passing breeze. I felt the breeze between my legs and felt it ruffle my hair again. The candle flickered, sputtered and then went out, leaving me to stare at the painting in near darkness. The only light was from the cavernous hallways. The breath caught in my throat as I witnessed the painting change--I swear it! My anxiety turned to arousal when I felt the gentle caress of a hand on my thigh, traveling up to capture a tremulous breast. My eyes snapped open wider as I felt a mouth attach to my sensitive nipple, sucking greedily. I could not help but moan, the sensation was so delicious. My legs were gently pushed open. Well, in truth, they did not need to be pushed since I willingly opened my thighs to what unseen pleasure would be next. It was then I saw it, the flash of shiny black hair, waved and luxurious as it bent between my legs. In the darkness the sensations of touch and smell seem to increase two-fold. I felt his tongue dip hungrily into my wet sex, lapping and sucking with abandon. His attentions stirred the fragrance of sex in the air. Yes, I knew it was a man. I felt the course scrub of a beard brushing the delicate skin inside my thighs. I arched my back, offering myself to him fully. I felt two hands grip my buttocks, locking me into his mouth. I didn't fight. Soon, my hips began to rock and buck as his tongue flicked over my begging clitoris, nipping carefully at my tender labia before burying his face once more into me. I couldn't stand it any longer. I cried out with the overwhelming orgasm, my hips pulsing involuntarily, my groans echoing through the halls. Too quickly it was over. I wanted to meet my secret lover and dutifully thank him for his attentions. Alas, his head was no longer between my legs, his hands had left my rear. The air was still and I knew in that instance he was gone. I gathered my gown from the floor. I brought it to my face, hoping to catch the scent of this mystery man. Nothing. My breasts showed signs of abrasion only the whiskers of a man's face could make. The flesh inside my legs were marked as well. I walked on wobbly legs from the alcove, sated from my meanderings and ready to join in the festivities.