Princess Hannah of the Jade Harem CH 50

“This is getting out of hand,” Hannah said as she stood in Gwen's palace, her mother and Blackbast at her side.

“It solves the problems,” Gwen said as she gestured to the room around them.

“So, I can step through a door in the palace to the secure hall of your castle where my magical room is hidden. I can then step through a second door in that same hall directly to Blackbast's bedroom in the temple.”

“Our bedroom,” Blackbast corrected. “I wish you would stop thinking of me and the temple as something separate.”

“Sorry, force of habit,” Hannah said as she looked down the fortified hall. It was buried deep in Gwen's castle, a long hall with no windows and heavily shielded doors. It was layered with magical protections that forbade anyone from using spells, items, or other means to eavesdrop. You couldn't teleport in, pass the walls, or use translocation magic of any kind unless you were on Gwen's access list.

The only way in was by the magical portals that were attuned to once again only allow those on the access list to use them, or by one of two doors. These doors were made of a metal called Eldritch steel and, according to Gwen, would survive a direct hit from a comet. Even if somebody managed to enter the hall, guards were everywhere and were now even more dangerous. Gwen had thirty of her highest-level soldiers stationed here, with special skills in detecting magically hidden players. Frank insisted on placing a garrison of undead knights, Rajeen, a dozen tiger men, and now there were even goblin assassins crawling around where they couldn't be seen. If anyone got into this room uninvited, they had better be prepared for a war because that's what they were getting.

It was all to protect Hannah's secret room, hidden behind a painting that was secretly an illusion placed in the magical door frame that led to her room. In this space, Hannah could conduct her research into necromancy and her missing past undisturbed yet remain close enough to the temple to be called on if needed.

“So I can continue my work despite being part of your temple?” Hannah asked.

“Of course, you can,” Blackbast replied. “Did you think it was all going to be dropped? I promised to help you as best as I can and I mean to do that. I will ensure you have time to study and do your work no matter how busy the temple gets.”

“Do you expect it to be very busy?” Gwen asked with a smirk that said she hoped so.

“Oh, I don’t need to see you smiling about that,” Hannah groaned.

“It will be busier,” Blackbast replied. “There should be guests every day now, but we still want to avoid it becoming a hub of activity.”

“Why?” Hannah asked. “Isn't this exactly what we wanted? A way to level up fast.”

“It is, but I want to go slow at first in case Frank changes his mind again,” Blackbast replied.

“He has been kind of uncertain lately,” Hannah agreed. “But that's because he wants you to be with us and keep the temple. This really is the only viable compromise.”

“I told him I will reset,” Blackbast sighed. “But he insists that if I reset, he does too.”

“That is such an amazing gesture,” Gwen said with a smile. “That he would reset so you two could start over together is a huge sacrifice. He's very romantic and a passionate lover.”

“Please don’t remind me that you made love to my husband,” Hannah said as she blushed.

“Why are you blushing?” Gwen asked. “You were there.”

“I know, and I have no idea what came over me,” Hannah replied.

“Let's move on,” Blackbast said to end the discussion and gestured for the two women to follow. She took them to the end of the hall, where a small open archway led into a white and gold room filled with all the accouterments of wealth. It was the bedroom in the palace but recreated in Blackbast's temple. A second door had been added beside the first so one could easily step into the palace or out into the temple.

“These magic doors are making me dizzy,” Hannah complained as they entered the bedroom. “There has to be a law of magic we are breaking. Are you sure the world isn't about to fold in on itself and collapse into a black hole?”

“I am fairly certain that won’t happen,” Blackbast said.

“How certain?” Hannah glared as the cat woman shrugged.

“Eight percent?” she suggested.

Gwen laughed as Hannah said that wasn’t certain enough. They went out of the bedroom and down the marbled hall of the temple, passing a dozen private rooms set aside for romantic encounters. They entered the vast domed space that was the main temple to find the other girls hard at work getting things ready.

“I see you added more plants,” Hannah said, noting new planters and flower boxes that gave the temple a lush garden feel.

“I did that for my flower singer wife,” Blackbast replied.

“I like how it looks,” Gwen said with a nod. “But will you still use the outer gardens?”

“Of course, I will,” Blackbast replied. With any luck, there will always be a few girls from the guild present to do most of the work. You will, of course, be put to use, but Hannah and her sisters will only work as needed.”

“Which has annoyed Quinny and Umtha,” Hannah said. “They were hoping for a more active role.”

“I will use them first if the regular girls are too preoccupied,” Blackbast replied. But you, Breanne, and I will come last.”

“And our dear husband?” Hannah pressed.

“Zillix will be put to use before Frank, but I suspect Frank will be busy most days,” Blackbast said with a toothy smile.

“What a wonderful thing it is to work with your husband,” Hannah mocked, causing Gwen to laugh again.

“Speaking of Mr. Romantic, where is Frank?” Gwen asked.

“He’s in the garden,” Hannah replied. “He’s showing Zillix around and explaining how the temple works.”

“So the boys are ready to work,” Gwen nodded. “I happen to think this is going to be good for all of us.”

“I hope so,” Hannah sighed. “But I have so much to do. I need to see Legeis. He's working on a dozen things for me now, and I want progress reports.”

“Why not just summon him here?” Gwen asked. “Then you two can retire to a bedroom for a private meeting.”

“Not all of us want to sleep with our friends,” Hannah countered. “Besides, I was thinking we should find that player who Thexis killed.”

“The one who refused to help him kill harem girls?” Blackbast asked.

“Yeah, him,” Hannah said, then explained that she felt he deserved some kind of reward for dying for the harem. The least she could do was offer a little incentive that would make such acts worthwhile.”

“You’re going to sleep with him, so word will get around that defending the harem is very rewarding,” Gwen stated.

“Will you quit making it all sound so sordid,” Hannah demanded. “And it really won't be all that special if I work here. Anybody could have me if they wanted.”

“Not if you are only used when needed,” Blackbast corrected. “So the reward would be special as it guaranteed you would be the one.”

“I suppose,” Hannah replied with a toss of her red hair. “But are you still planning to allow VIPs and those willing to pay for it to go straight to me?”

“Of course,” Blackbast said with a wink.

“So, when do we open?” Gwen asked as if she couldn’t wait.

“Tomorrow,” Blackbast said. “Frank has posted the guild quest looking for girls, so word should be spreading.”

“I find it very disturbing that you are excited about this,” Hannah said as she confronted her mother.

“What? I can't be a woman and have womanly needs because I am your mother?” Gwen countered. “I am just as capable of love and hunger as you are. More so, because I was trapped alone for so long. You at least had the option of feeding that hunger, even if you didn't choose to do so.”

Hannah couldn't deny that Gwen was right, but it still felt odd to be talking about this. Hannah saw her as the all-powerful Queen, not a woman who might have the same feelings she did. Still, some small part of her was happy for her mother. If this worked out everyone would be getting what they wanted.

“I suppose I did have the option,” Hannah agreed. “Maybe I am a prude?”

“You are not,” Blackbast assured her. “You just needed some time to get over your fears.”

“Well, if you two don’t mind, I want to speak with Frank,” Hannah said. “I want to make sure he's happy with my price.” Hannah walked off, hiding her smile as she couldn't believe this was happening. How had her life taken such a turn and ended up here? She supposed it was partly to do with the collar, partly Jaina, and partly what Gwen said. She was a woman, and she had needs. It hardly seemed wrong to indulge a few fantasies when you literally played a sex devil in a fantasy world.

She headed out the vast temple doors and down the white marble steps flanked by golden statues of naked women. She knew the paths outside fairly well but was wary to travel the paths. In the back of her mind, she expected her druid friend to snatch her up and have his way with her again.

“Not today, please,” she called to the gardens around her. “I have a lot on my mind.” When nothing happened, she moved on and located the boys down the path, sitting on the walls of a fountain.

“I am glad you two are getting along,” Hannah said.

“We were just talking about how to divide the girls,” Frank replied. “I think Zillix should always get first preference until his stamina runs out. That way he always gets full experience to keep leveling.”

“I think the girls should just choose who they want,” Zillix said. “They may not be interested in a humanoid dragon.”

“What do you think we should do?” Frank asked.

“Oh, you want to ask your wife how to divvy up all the girls you will be sleeping with?” Hannah asked as she tried to hide her smile.

“You know what I mean,” Frank pressed as Hannah gave up.

“Alright, if you want my opinion, I think Zillix is right,” Hannah said. People are going to come here for a special encounter, and they may not be interested in him or you, for that matter. All we can do is show them what's on offer and let them choose.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Frank said as Hannah came to sit between them.

“You boys are overthinking this,” she said. Just let the girls take the lead. They will let you know what they want, and all you have to do is give it to them.”

“Women from your world are very open,” Zillix said.

“Well, I wouldn't say that,” Hannah replied as she tried to explain. “Listen, all women feel the same kind of hunger for intimacy, and we all have our fantasies. But we know they are just fantasies and could never happen, so we don't dwell on them. But then you come here, and all the restrictions are off. You are in a fantasy world full of fantasy things, and suddenly, you start to wonder, why couldn't I do that thing I dreamed of? Then you meet somebody like Jaina who is living her fantasies and realize you could do that too. You could have the wildest and craziest sexual fantasy you ever dared to dream if only you were brave enough to try.”

“So you had fantasies?” Zillix asked.

“Every girl has fantasies,” Hannah replied. “We girls practically live in our heads when it comes to sexual fantasies. The thing is, in the real world, very few of us dare to pursue them because there are very real consequences. Here, those don't exist and you could spend the day living the wildest thing you ever dreamed and get pizza the next day. Not to mention, the slave collars make everything better. It all becomes so delicious, making even a long kiss or a hug hard to resist. Honestly, these things are like drugs, making sex something so much more powerful than you ever dreamed it could be.”

“I had a lot of harem fantasies,” Frank admitted. “I never believed they could come true.”

“Well, believe it now,” Hannah laughed. “Because you two are masters in a huge harem of loving girls.”

“I guess I never even considered a life like this,” Zillix replied. “I never had a fantasy of more than a single female of my kind to lay a clutch of eggs with.”

“Oh, do you miss that?” Hannah asked as she put a hand on his leg. “Do you miss your world?”

“Sometimes,” he admitted. “But since meeting Idris and all of you, I have grown to like it here. I finally feel at home, if that makes sense.”

“It does,” Hannah replied, leaning in to kiss his cheek. “Welcome home.”

“Besides, I have my tree in the forest now, and I am building a proper home there,” he added. “It has given me a sense of settling down. I feel like I am creating a place where I belong.”

“Well, I will have to come visit when it's ready,” Hannah said with a happy smile and put an arm around both her men. So, this is going to happen? You're not going to change your mind again?”

“I want to find a way to make Blackbast happy,” Frank said. “But, I would never have gone down this path if I thought any of you would object. I kind of got the feeling you four would be happy with it.”

Hannah blushed and cleared her throat before suggesting that she wasn’t opposed to the idea of it. She just wanted to make sure everybody was on the same page and ready to go forward without regret.

“I am not going to regret it,” Frank said as he put his arm around her. Zillix did as well, and the three sat on the fountain wall together as they looked into the garden.

“Hmm, I kind of expected the druid to try to abduct me by now,” Hannah commented.

“I believe Blackbast told him he was not allowed to snatch you out of the temple gardens,” Frank replied.

“Are you serious?” Hannah cried. “So, no, suddenly finding myself in a magical forest to be made love to by a giant man until I pass out?”

“Sorry,” Frank laughed. “You will have to suffer through regular men.”

“Well, this suddenly doesn’t sound as fun,” Hannah grumbled.

“Ha, see, this is what I mean,” Frank laughed. “This is how I know you will be fine with this.”

“I'm not fine with it,” Hannah said as she shook him. “I want more.”

“I would love to stay and enjoy your anger, but I want to see Idris,” Zillix said as he glittered and became the tiny dragon. “She is going to serve in the temple to level up too.”

“Well, good for her,” Hannah said. “If she wants, she can wear one of my collars to be a succubus.”

“I think she would like that,” Zillix said, fluttering off, leaving them alone.

“So, no druid makes this less fun?” Frank asked as he nudged her.

“Oh, please,” Hannah grumbled. “Like you aren't looking forward to some of the girls that will be coming? We all saw how they react to your incubus form. You are going to be drowning in women once they find out they can have you. All I wanted was a special encounter once in a while.”

“You want something special?” Frank asked as he nodded.

“Yeah,” Hannah sighed. “It's a special thing that happens when I least expect it. I was sort of looking forward to the next time.”

“I will talk to Blackbast and see if we can allow it to happen once in a while,” Frank said as they hugged.

“There you are,” Roric called as he came around the bend to see Hannah sulking. “ Zillix flew by and told me where to find you. I wanted to talk to you…” he began as she folded her arms. “Umm, should I come back later?”

“Hannah is just upset that the druid isn’t allowed to steal her away for sex,” Frank laughed.

“I was looking forward to it,” Hannah said, flipping her hand. Here I am, spending all my time in the forest, and he's not allowed to take me.”

“Wasn’t that to ensure she was around when needed?” Roric asked.

“Yes,” Frank replied as he rubbed her back. “We didn’t want her to be missing if somebody came along to pay her price.”

“Your price,” Hannah corrected. “And I am sure they can wait. It’s not like he keeps me all day.”

Frank shrugged and turned to Roric, asking what he wanted. Roric surprised them both by explaining that Jaina, Breanne, and Evalynn had been sold to Alexandria.

Hannah jumped up and asked why as she suddenly felt empty. Those three were dear to her, and she looked forward to seeing them every day. Roric then explained they had gotten a tip that Thexis had been meeting a secret contact at Alexandria's estate. The girls had gone undercover to act as girls working for Alexandria. They were mingling among the guests and learning quite a few things in the privacy of bedrooms.

“Oh, so this is just temporary,” Hannah said in relief.

“Just for a few days,” Roric replied. “But Gisley has already asked if she can stay longer. She is having a great time.”

“I bet,” Hannah laughed. “Finally getting to put her prostitute class to work?”

“Jaina says Gisley is very popular among the guests,” Roric said as he sat down. Hannah sat between them as Roric got to the point. The girls discovered that Alexandria was running more of an elite club, hosting balls, equestrian events, special functions, and providing girls. Her dedication to providing a place that caters to an elite clientele had attracted important players from neighboring kingdoms. These nobles were all too happy to share vital information while a pretty girl was giving them attention.

“So they are telling us about their homelands?” Frank asked.

“They are telling us how the ruling class of their lands feels about your kingdom,” Roric said. “Most of them are very wary of you and have a keen interest in keeping you under a close watch. Some are here to spy in reverse, gleaning the local gossip on your goings-on.”

“Oh, this is interesting,” Hannah said as she put an arm around each man. “So, did you learn anything special?”

“Yes,” Roric said. One, they consider Frank to be the most dangerous of you two, almost to the point where he threatens their lands.”

“What? Why?” Hannah gawked as she hugged Frank tighter. “He’s never been anything but good to people.”

“That's why,” Roric said. “They see you as the face of the kingdom, the one who talks to people and makes emotional appeals. They see Gwen as the muscle behind the throne, but Frank is the dangerous mastermind, silently lurking in the back. They see you and Gwen as pieces on the chessboard, but Frank is the hand that's moving them.”

“Why would anybody think I am running some kind of scheme?” Frank asked, truly looking alarmed.

“Three reasons,” Roric said. “One, they think Hannah's wonderful speeches and beautiful acts of kindness are your doing. They think you are encouraging her to do these things to win over the people's hearts. Two, you were the one who formed our various groups into one power base, creating the Jade Harem. And three, you opened that monster guild and invited monsters to become minor nobles to cheat the reset system.”

“But he was just doing that to help people,” Hannah insisted.

“I know, but Jaina has learned that your neighbors are losing citizens as they flock to your kingdom,” Roric explained. “They also see travelers on the road as people come from farther away, passing through on their way here. Your lands are growing at an alarming rate as people flood in to support you. The rule seems to be that one's power is measured in the number of players that live inside their borders, and you are collecting them quickly. That rapid growth is what has them the most concerned as it could mean you are preparing to threaten them.”

“I just wanted everyone to be happy,” Frank said as he hung his head. “I wasn’t trying to upset anyone.”

“Rajeen and I discussed this,” Roric said. “We think that what’s happening is you have done something none of these other lands dared to do. You defied Kevin. You created a safe haven for monster players and invited them to come and enjoy it. The majority of players don’t care for Kevin’s decrees and hate how his system makes it difficult to level beyond forty. They see your lands as a way to escape those restrictions and finally do some real growing.”

“Now your population is exploding and there are plenty of things for them to do that earn experience. Your people adore Hannah, respect you, and love your kingdom. Couple that with the fact that they are leveling faster than anywhere else, and you have a recipe for disaster. An intensely loyal and ever-growing population whose levels keep going up.”

“I hate this world sometimes,” Hannah sighed. “I don't see why any of this matters. It's not like we are planning to take that population and go to war with our neighbors. We would gladly work with them if they would let us.”

“We know that,” Roric said. “But your neighbors don’t. They think the monster guild idea is suicide and are watching to see what happens. They fear that if Kevin does come, his armies will spread to surrounding lands to demand they explain why they didn't stop you.”

“So we put all our neighbors in danger, too,” Frank said, looking upset.

“Oh, Frank, please don't let this upset you,” Hannah said. “Look, when the temple opens tomorrow, we will all start to gain serious experience. Soon, they won't be able to push us around like they could before.”

“That's exactly what they are afraid of,” Frank said. “And the higher we go, the more it will upset them. Are they going to become hostile when they find out what we are doing here? They might see this as a way to power level and say I came up with it, and thus, I am even more dangerous than they originally thought.”

“Actually, you did come up with it,” Hannah said as she realized all these ideas had been Franks. “Maybe you’re an evil genius.”

“I am not,” Frank sighed and got up to pace. “There has to be a way to make them understand we don’t want to hurt anybody. We just want to live in peace.”

For the first time, Hannah realized that Frank was suffering. She always assumed she had all the problems with her missing memories and dark past. But now she saw that Frank had been silently fighting a crusade to win a near impossible battle. He was trying to build a home where his wives, his friends, and all the people of the kingdom could be happy. He was carrying the weight of the world as he tried to hold it all up and keep it going while dangers circled all around.

“Oh, Frank,” Hannah said as she got up. “I am so sorry. You have been struggling against this all alone. It must be a terrible burden to keep trying to make us all happy when everyone seems intent on tearing it down.”

“I solve one problem only for two more to come up,” Frank sighed. “I thought I had Blackbast's pain resolved, but now, by fixing it, I will make people think my plot is unfolding. Our neighbors will get even more suspicious and start causing us problems.”

“It’s not your fault,” Hannah said as she took his arm. “Sweetheart, all you are guilty of is loving your family and the people of your kingdom.”

“I need time to think,” Frank said and went to pull away, but Hannah held his arm tight.

“No, what you need is to go back to the temple with me,” Hannah insisted. “All your wives are gathered in one place, and you will spend tonight relaxing as we attend to you.”

She pulled his hand while smiling, urging him to come along. He relented and walked off, his shoulders sunk as he faced one more challenge to his plan. Hannah took him back to the temple and let the girls know their husband needed them. She explained what Roric had discovered and how this constant struggle was wearing down their husband. They rushed to his side, soft hands and tender lips working as best they could to take away the pain. That night, Frank forgot all about the burdens of his leadership and closed his eyes, allowing the warm love of his wives to carry him away.