#and 2) in many cases sir/sirs pronouns can sound exactly like she/her pronouns. which i personally dont enjoy

[nerdpiggy]

[ID: Peppermint Patty from Charlie Brown edited to wear sunglasses, a nonbinary flag pin, and a heart-shaped lesbian flag pin. She holds up a sign that reads "she/sir". /End ID]

in honor of my mom inexplicably calling peppermint patty “the first nonbinary character”

[physicalturian]

[18+] Words of pleasure - Law x F!Reader - Part 1

Summary : Being overwhelmed with work is exhausting. To release some of that stress, you make your way on a website to talk to strangers. One of them strike your interest and while the conversation flows you find yourself being dommed online. An unusual occurrence you might get a liking to. The thrill of letting someone take the control when too much weight is on your shoulders, no strings attached. Unless...

[No spoilers] [Modern AU - College AU] [She/her pronouns used for the reader, no physical description; Everyone +18] Words : 5034 Archive of our own

Warning : Consensual BDSM / Masturbation / Power play / Dom/sub Dynamics / Cybersex / Stranger / Vaginal fingering... If you feel like I should add more warnings, send me a dm or and ask

. . . . .

Boredom makes you do crazy things. Lack of free time too, mix them together and you end up stumbling on a website, talking to strangers from all across the world.

 With my work done, it was already pretty late, but I deserved some distraction for working so hard. I did not really care how late it was, I wanted to relax and have some fun, no matter the kind of fun.

Arriving on the home page, I stared at it “Clean chat or NSFW chat? Well…” I mumbled to myself, clicking on the NSFW tab, I had to find a name now. It had to be explicit enough so that the person would know what I want right? Yeah, but what do I want? Huffing, I typed down “Entertain me” Before entering and getting matched with a random person.

 They did not stay long, and their names were surprising to say the least. It took me a lot of time to match with someone that did not have a weird name, and did not leave the minute they got matched with me. I almost gave up too. Now, I was not one to kink shame, but neither was I into anthro dogs and role playing as people’s daughter.

 But funny enough, when they had a slightly normal name. They’d be the most boring person ever, I had to laugh every time people who had “dom” in their name, were the least charismatic people I’d ever met. I had to give it a thought and wonder, were they dom or did they just top their whole life?

 Huffing, I pressed the escape key on my keyboard once more to refresh the conversation and leaned back on my pillows. “At this point, I should just go to sleep.” I pondered out loud, my eyes riveted on the loading screen. I had probably skipped everybody on this website, and now they couldn’t give me anything. When I was about to leave, I was matched with someone named “A real doctor”.

 I couldn’t help the chuckled that escaped my lips as I leaned forward and wrote down.

 Entertain me: Now, are you really a doctor? Or do you want to get people to be horny over you?

Entertain me: ah, wait, also, how old are you? I’m 23, she/her.

A real doctor: There is no reason for me to lie, I don’t even need to tell them I’m a doctor to have them horny. People are always horny on this website.

A real doctor: 29, he/him. How long have you been looking to be entertained?

 Laughing I shook my head, I was surprised to meet someone who was 29 when most people I’d met until now were 18 or 19. I skipped them too. But I was definitely relieved, and it showed in my reply.

 Entertain me: thank god you’re 29, I was afraid I was going to catch a case! So many young people here, it’s frightening.

A real doctor: Are you telling me I’m old?

Entertain me: no no no, definitely not, no you’re the perfect age don’t worry. But since you’re asking so kindly, I’ve been here for about two hours and I have not had a single one good conversation.

A real doctor: Good, then I’m here to change that. What kind of entertainment are you looking for?

 I stared at my screen for a second, for some reason I was starting to feel excited. His question was a good one, and valid one too, and now I had to give him an adequate answer. Running my hands over my face, I was going to type back when he sent something.

 A real doctor: I guess, since we’re both on the NSFW chat the question is: what are your kinks? Your limits, perhaps?

 I don’t know why I answered so quickly, but my fingers did the talking.

 Entertain me: Hey maybe I should ask you that, maybe I want to dom you. How about that? You’d be surprised with how versatile I am.

A real doctor: You’re cute, but I don’t recall mentioning domming. Quite the lapsus you did there, I want to play a game with you but to do so you’ll have to tell me your kinks and your limits, dear.

 Why did I blush? A stranger called me dear, and I was feeling funny inside. For the first time tonight, someone was taking the reins and I kind of enjoyed it a lot. With my hands shaking slightly in excitment, I typed,

 Entertain me: I suppose you make a fair point…

A real doctor: Of course, I do, now do tell me.

Entertain me: right away, sir.

 I said half-jokingly, but that did not go through with the text. If anything, it fueled a certain fire, and perhaps I’ll admit I was testing the waters.

 A real doctor: Already catching on I see, good girl.

 Why was that so hot? My breath hitched and I simply looked at those words a few seconds, taking them in. Sighing, I leaned towards the left and open the drawer of my bed table, grabbing my toy. What am I doing… I thought. Putting the vibrator next to me, I took my time to reply.

 Entertain me: first of all, that’s kind of hot and you are definitely entertaining me.

A real doctor: I barely started, good to know you’re already hooked.

Entertain me: oh fuck off, it’s just the charisma. You got the pzazz, that’s all.

A real doctor: Check the attitude, and give me an answer.

 Gulping, I typed back, weighing my words this time.

 Entertain me: Well, avoid degradation because that’s not my cup of tea but… I suppose, while some of those might be hard through a screen… Body worship is cool, very cool… The entire idea of BDSM is lovely, I like praising, spanking, public stuff has some appeal and…

 I didn’t write the last one, feeling like it was too much. Should I say that? It sounds to fucking submissive. Which is my role right now, clearly, so I should just go for it. Sighing, I read his message and groaned, writing back.

 A real doctor: Go ahead. And? I want clear answers and you’re not done yet.

Entertain me: I like to please my partner, is that a kink?

A real doctor: A service sub? How cute. I’ll definitely make good use of that. Any limits?

Entertain me: I’m never showing my face, but pics are okay. I mean, if you’d like some of course. Consent and all that. I’m willing to try other stuff if we take things slow, too!

 Oh god, that sounded desperate. I don’t even know what he looks like and I’m telling him all of my deepest tastes. “Well, that’s the idea, right? I’ll never meet him, but I can have some fun, right? It’s all about having some fun, both of us. We both get off, and then never talk again.” I whispered to myself, looking up at the time. Noticing it was already 2 am, I was going to leave but I couldn’t find the strength to do so and waited for the man’s reply.

 A real doctor: Very well, I love the eagerness. I’ll be taking notes of those, now you’re curious about the game, aren’t you?

Entertain me: Don’t flatter yourself, if it’s some weird shit I’ll just leave. It really all depends on what’s your game. And please, don’t tell me it’s truth or dare.

A real doctor: Give me some credits, I’m not a teenage boy.

A real doctor: You’ll like it.

A real doctor: The game is this, I tell you what to do, and you do it.

Entertain me: okay…

A real doctor: Interested?

Entertain me: I’ll need more details, but I haven’t left, have I?

A real doctor: You haven’t indeed. Good girl, see you want to be ordered around. It’ll be my pleasure.

A real doctor: Your hands off your keyboard, I’ll be guiding you. All you’ll have to do, is read me. Is that alright?

 I took in his words for a moment. Was I really going to let him tell me what to do? My own voice resonated in my head, telling him that was the fun of it, it was hot. It was exciting, and different, nothing bad could happen.

 Entertain me: Would it be interesting to tell you I have a vibrator next to me right now, sir?

 I facepalmed behind my screen, maybe that wasn’t his shit. Maybe he just wanted me to finger myself or something, maybe I fucked it all up and now I was going to go to bed horny and sad. My self-depreciation dissipated when I saw his reply.

 A real doctor: It’s interesting, speeds?

Entertain me: Five, sir.

A real doctor: Hands off the keyboard, lay on your back, let’s start.

 And I did. With the laptop right next to me, I laid on back and waited for his words, following each of his instruction. Each in a separate message, fired like bullets.

 If you’re dressed, I want you to get completely naked. Undress slowly. Feel yourself. Your hands caressing each of your curves. Brushing over your breasts. Stop there. Pinch your nipples, hard and tug. Feel the sting. The warmth that follows. Spread your legs wide. Let one hand travel between them. Slowly start playing with yourself. Your fingers slowly spreading your folds. Rubbing yourself for me. You’re enjoying this, you like being ordered around. You want to be played with, you’re doing exactly as I’m telling you, like a good girl.

 I arched my back, a hand still on my breast while brushing my finger against my clit. I was burning up, my head digging inside the pillow, it felt strange. He was not wrong, and I could feel my arousing growing and growing.

 A real doctor: Want to continue? Are we still good, dear?

 Groaning I turned on the side and wrote with one hand.

 Entertain me: yes, sir.

A real doctor: Good. Back on your back, take your toy.

 Grabbing it, I waited for the next instruction, my hand having left my clit. It was pulsing, I never thought this would have so much effect but I was starting to get angsty.

 Brush it between your folds. Slowly. Get it wet for me. Good, like that. Keep at it a while. Your free hand, I want it caressing your body. Feel every sensation. Feel every touch, every brush.

 I let out a huff and wrote him, while still brushing the tip of my toy between my folds. I was starting to breathe heavily, feeling needy.

 Entertain me: it’s cold here, goosebumps.

A real doctor: Imagine my warm hands traveling your body.

Entertain me: fuck, can I fuck myself? Please sir

A real doctor: Already? No, no. Not just yet, let’s take our time.

 Groaning, I let my head hit the pillow and considered turning on the vibrator but thought against it. He had not told me to yet, I should wait, make it more fun. But fuck, I needed it.

 Let’s start slowly. You asked nicely, like a good girl. And since you’ve been listening until now… Put it in, speed one. But don’t fuck yourself. Leave it there. Legs spread wide. Now that your hands are free, bring them back to your chest. Give yourself firm, hard, gropes. Feel the vibrations inside you. Slide your hands down your torso, to your belly and gently brush your hands on your inner thighs. Feel the texture, your cold fingers on your burning skin. I want you to rub your clit, take a deep breath and start playing with it. Feel the electricity coursing.

 See yourself, enjoying the idea of being commanded. Look at yourself, look down at your hands. See yourself masturbating for me. Feel your toy stretching you, filling you up. Now start pumping in and out. But not too hard. That’s it, good girl. Slowly, very slowly. It’s painfully slow, isn’t it? Keep doing good, and we’ll speed things up.

 I whined and brought a hand to my mouth, muffling the noises escaping it. My roommates were probably sleeping, I had to keep it quiet. I hate how slow paced it was, but I loved how thrilling it was to do this. I bucked my hips to try to meet the toy as I pulled it out to pull it back in, slowly.

 Look at you. Shoving a dildo inside you. Just because I told you so. I blushed and let out a whimper. You’re actually enjoying yourself. You are being entertained, just as you asked. I can almost see the smile on your face. Tell me, is my good girl desperate yet?

 Bringing my hands to my hair, I got the wild strands of hair out of my face and wrote back. My face was on fire, but no one would know. What happened here was between this stranger and I, no one would know how I was being guided to fuck myself by a total stranger.

 Entertain me: sir… can I up the speed?

A real doctor: Very cute, you haven’t answered, dear.

Entertain me: please…

Entertain me: sir.

A real doctor: Alright, dear. You can put it at 2.

A real doctor: But you stop the thrusting, I want you to keep it deep inside you. Close your legs and feel the vibrations, when you think you’re close, you stop. Understood?

Entertain me: yes sir!!

A real doctor: How eager, lovely. Hands off now.

 Huffing, I did as he asked and upped the speed. A giggle escaped my lips before my breath caught in my throat and I could feel everything strongly, with how deep it was. I closed my eyes for a moment, missing some of the messages but opened them again, and read everything while feeling the sensations inside me.

 Angle it right. That’s right. Turn the speed one notch now. It should be at three, if you’ve been following right. See your face, you’re enjoying this. How cute, I can only imagine the sinful sounds leaving that pretty mouth of yours. It can probably do a lot more than moan. It can whimper. As it’s being fucked. As you’re being fucked. Bring your fingers inside your mouth and suck on it. That’s it, suck it. Push the toy deeper inside you. You can speed up the pace. Not too wild.

 “Fuck” I breathed out, my fingers hooked in my mouth as I met each of thrusts. I wanted to go faster, I wanted to do as I pleased and find a quick relief. I knew myself; I knew what to do but there was this thrill in giving the control to this stranger. My walls were clenched around the toy, I could feel it against my walls even more at each thrust. I desperately grabbed my blanket, almost making my laptop tumble off my bed and muffled my voice while biting down the fabric.

 I was surprised when a whine came out of my mouth, I put my hand over my muffled mouth to, hopefully, muffle it better.

 A real doctor: You’ve been good. Such a good girl, haven’t you?

 I sighed and leaned on my side, typing very slowly. My thrusts, slowing down as my focus was on the conversation.

 Entertain me: Yes sir, I’m so good

A real doctor: Good. Then I want you to grab the base of your toy and…

A real doctor: Fuck your brains out, go wild. While you’re at it, speed at 4.

 My arms were screaming for me to stop, it had been so long. But I felt the knot in my stomach grow in excitement and did exactly as he had asked. The pleasure was so good, it was so good. I had been waiting for this since we had started. One hand was gripping the base of the vibrator tight, while the other was rubbing my clit. My eyes rolled back a few times when it touched the right spot, but then I had to thrust more and lost it. I hated it but at the same time, I loved the mix of pain and pleasure of the fast and deep thrusts.

 Here we go. Hard, and fast. I want you to go wild. Let yourself go. Fuck your hole good. Groan, squirm, moan, plead for more. I’m sure you’re sore, but you’re doing so great. Such a good girl, doing exactly as you’re told. Keep going, don’t stop. Feel your toy stretching you out. You’re so wet, you can probably hear it, right? God, such a good girl. Spread your legs wide and keep going, good. Good. Now, read well, dear.

 I want you to go to the last speed, and keep your toy deep like last time. Don’t move it. Cross your legs and keep it there. I’ll count to 20, you’ll keep it there until I’m done. Are we good? Don’t answer, just follow my instruction. Come on, last speed. And here we go. That’s it dear. Good. Let’s start.

 Then he started sending a message for each number starting from 1. I watched the screen with half-lidded eyes, feeling the toy vibrating inside me, my hand starting to go numb from the said vibrations. My thighs were a bit sore, but I ignored it and moved the toy slightly to angle it only to find the right spot, I closed my eyes and focused on the sensation, only peeking to see the count was at 13. Fuck, fuck, fuck. My thighs were closed around my hand so hard, it hurt a bit but I was getting close.

 That’s it, what a view. Fucked out, exhausted. But you’re not done yet. Pick up the pace now, thrust and shove, hold it there. And again. And again. Hit that sweet spot. That’s it. Good girl, so obedient. Feel the soreness between your legs. Feel your clit throbbing. Feel yourself getting closer. Just from being told what to do? Pay attention to the throbbing. Fuck yourself hard a minute again. Then keep it there. That’s it, yes. I’m sure you must be quite the sight. I want you to be noisy. To be loud. Get wild. Buck your hips against the toy. That’s it. So obedient.

 My legs tensed the moment the knot inside my stomach reached its peak. I let out a high-pitched breath inside the blanket and let my head fall back on the pillow. I hadn’t realized I had contracted my whole body, and let out a chuckle at the realization. Slowly, I turned back to the screen, moving my tired arms to type back.

 Entertain me: I am good, exhausted, and I came, sir.

 I laid back on the pillow with another sigh. What time is it? How long did this take? I should probably get up and get cleaned but I’m too lazy right now.

 A real doctor: Good.

 I saw him type but typed my question faster.

 Entertain me: But it’s weird, you didn’t get to get off. Do you need anything? I could send you pictures if you want, I feel kind of bad that you just… helped me out and I did not do anything.

A real doctor: Oh, you did plenty. I get off on knowing you did as I instructed. And you did, didn’t you?

Entertain me: Yes, of course. Yeah, it was hot… And I enjoyed it, yes.

A real doctor: Is that so? Anything else you’d like to share? I’ve never had such obedient girl. You are very interesting.

Entertain me: Come on, it’s just in this setting that I’m like that. I’m very feisty in real life, I was just wondering what it’d feel like to let go of the control for once, I guess.

Entertain me: But if you need more feedbacks… I hated/loved how long you took to up the speed, and I am genuinely physically drained haha. But in a good way! A very good way.

A real doctor: Let’s talk more once you’ve hydrated. Get some water, and if you can, get cleaned up. I’ll be right here, alright?

Entertain me: right, right. Brb.

 Moving the laptop on my pillow while I sat up, I wrapped my toy with the towel that I had set under myself. When my feet met the ground and I balanced myself, I felt my legs wobbling a bit then made my way to the bathroom silently. I turned on the sink and let the water flow until it was warm and cleaned my toy before cleaning myself and getting changed.

 I made a detour by the kitchen to grab a bottle of water and a sandwich before going back to my bed and sitting down, tailor-style, with my laptop in front of me. There were a few new messages from the doctor, so I put down my food and was ready to reply.

 A real doctor: If you’re willing, I would like to see a picture of your body to check if you’re good.

A real doctor: Now this website does not allow it, but if you have any media in mind, I’m all ears.

Entertain me: Yeah, sure, yep. I don’t have any bruises or anything, but if you’re that worried yeah! Maybe Discord? You’re a doctor, I feel like you don’t have discord.

A real doctor: I don’t know if you’re bratty, or if you are being an idiot on purpose.

Entertain me: omg none? I was voicing my train of thought!

A real doctor: Right. HandSurgeon#4766

Entertain me: Funny name, don’t judge mine. It’s my personal discord, so no sexy pic just, well you’ll see.

 Going to the friend list, I pasted the username in the search bar and added him. I was added back very fast and bided him good night on the website once I was sure it was him on discord. I made sure to save the conversation, just in case… Maybe for later use, if I felt bored.

 HandSurgeon: I don’t even know what’s your profile picture, but I’m not going to mention it again.

Edelweiss: It’s a tardigrade, come on. It’s fun, a bit, right?

Edelweiss: Anyway, let me take that nude for you sir 😉

HandSurgeon: Don’t call it that, it’s to check if you didn’t go too crazy.

Edelweiss: That’s what they say, then they ask for more

 I had to strip down naked once more to take the picture before getting dressed back up, it was getting late but I was still buzzing with energy. I probably won’t talk about this with my roommates, but if they asked why I was up so late I’d have to find an excuse. Telling them I was working would probably work, but then I’d get yelled at for not taking care of myself and having the worse sleep schedule.

 Edelweiss: [sent an attachment]

Edelweiss: Here we go. Sorry if I’m not your type, maybe we should have talked about that first. Now I’m self-conscious, but it’s too late haha…

HandSurgeon: You look gorgeous, don’t go thinking you’re not my type. You are very, very hot. I can see you have food next to you, that’s good. You are taking care, good girl.

HandSurgeon: I can also see from your clock that we’re on the same time zone.

HandSurgeon: Which is good and bad, it’s already 3 am and you are not asleep. Why is that?

Edelweiss: living the student life, only the best life. I was working on some project for my master degree, and I thought: hey I’m horny, let’s go on that funny website.

Edelweiss: And here we are.

Edelweiss: Why are you awake? Shouldn’t you be… getting some sleep to be saving lives in the morning or something?

HandSurgeon: I had just finished a 10 hours surgery, I needed something to distract my mind while working on some paperwork. You did very well in being distracting.

 It felt a lot more real when I read his message. It was now sinking in that he was really a doctor, not any kind, a surgeon. I was not going to ask more details, the less I knew the better. But it was slightly intimidating and at the same time interesting to know he was the real deal. My pride was swelling when I read I was able to distract him from his work, he had done his fair share of helping me out too.

 Edelweiss: I am sorry? Is it… important paperwork? I could let you be, if you want. We could talk another time, when you’re free? My sleeping schedule is fucked up, I don’t know about yours but I am going to be online many late nights haha.

Edelweiss: if you want to, of course. Maybe you don’t want to hear from me again. Actually, I thought I’d be the one to leave the website and not come back, but I kind of enjoyed our session… I wouldn’t mind doing this a bit more if we’re both in the mood of course.

HandSurgeon: You’re so nervous. Don’t be, I’m not going to let you go. What kind of dom would I be if I let such an obedient girl go? Go to sleep, we’ll talk later Edelweiss. Any reason for that name?

Edelweiss: god I didn’t want you to ask, it’s just. It’s a cool flower, it means strength and toughness you know? I’m a tough woman, I deal with shit. I can handle shit, you know?

 I read my message many times, thinking maybe I should have found something funny but thought not. It was just bonding, we were discussing, getting to know one another. It wasn’t half bad. I turned off my computer, and moved to Discord on my phone, to keep talking. When I looked at his picture, it was just a white bear, it looked cute. Funny how he had such a cute picture and he was domming someone on the side, two sides of the same coin I suppose. Come to think of it, maybe he could be an old man, maybe he wasn’t who he said he was…

 HandSurgeon: Interesting, I like it. It’s better than calling you ‘Entertain me’. Not very creative, if you ask me.

Edelweiss: Oh right, because ‘A real doctor’ is better? Maybe you’re not even a doctor. Maybe you’re catfishing me. And I sent you a nude. Oh my god…

HandSurgeon: I am not catfishing you, I can send you a picture. What do you need on it?

Edelweiss: Uh, I don’t know? Write down my name on a paper, and hold it against your chest, then take the picture? With the date! Yeah.

 There wasn’t any reply for a moment, I was starting to panic. Then I received the picture and gasped loudly. Surrounded by the darkness of the room, it was all that could drown my shock. I had to take a double take as I wrote back.

 HandSurgeon: [sent an attachment]

Edelweiss: I mean, … Thank you for... it’s uh. Very. You’re not catfishing me. Nope. I understand why HandSurgeon now, you uh. Yep. Nice gloved hands, very slender. Most people would have held a huge piece of paper between their index finger and their thumb.

Edelweiss: but you opted for middle finger and index. And a smaller paper. Almost as if you were posing really. I do not mind. It’s uh. Enjoyable. Not an old man, no. And the scrubs and all, love it.

HandSurgeon: The scrubs, yes. You believe me, good. You can rest easy now, go to sleep Edelweiss. You probably have work to do tomorrow, and so do I.

HandSurgeon: Sleep well.

Edelweiss: Sweet dreams doc!

 I stared at the screen a bit longer before leaving the app and turning my phone face down on my night stand. What a night. I was so tired, and yet buzzing with excitement. It was strange, it was a strange dynamic but I wanted to discover more. I wanted to know more about this world. What else could this man offer me?

 Closing my eyes, I thought, maybe I could buy a connected sex toy? Sure, they were for couples, but they could definitely be used for other people. It could be fitting if I wanted to give him the control…

 My hands met my face full force and I groaned, I had met this man at best 4 hours ago and I was already desperate to have another session. I was already desperate to let him have the control.

 But it felt nice, so nice to not be in control for once. Yes, I had to hold the toy and read, but he was the one guiding me, it was elating! God, what am I doing? No, it’s alright. I’m an adult, he’s an adult. We’re both consenting adults, having fun. Nothing bad there.

 I’m a sore adult though. Maybe I’d need a few days before letting him have his fun. My eyes closed; I was thinking back on how his undershirt was hugging his form. Was it legal to look like that? I mean, I did not know what he looked like, but the little I saw was enough to make someone dream. His long-sleeved grey shirt was showing off his muscles and it definitely made me weak.

 I scoffed into my pillow, a surgeon. I wonder what else his hands could do. Fortunately, I’ll never meet him in real life, if I met the man I did not know if I’d want to jump him or run away from how intimidating his entire being was.

 It only took me a lot of stupid questions and day dreaming, for my brain to finally shut down and let me sleep. I went to sleep a lot easier than I usually did, perhaps it was because of the nice fucking I gave myself. Or perhaps it was thanks to the energy I spent overthinking the situation. Whichever it was, I was passed out in no time.

 Tomorrow I’ll talk more to the hot doctor and have a bit more fun with him.

[Part 2]

[sailorgreywolf-legacy]

Reciprocity - part 2

Iturbide rode into the courtyard of the large house. He had two soldiers behind him, though they were likely unnecessary in this case. He had come for a discussion, not a fight. But, they were meant to show authority.

This place was new to him. The house was built in the grand style of the era before the conquest with its open courtyard. It was beautifully built and immaculately maintained. There were three children playing in the open space and roughhousing. He had not expected this many children in a place where he was looking for a former country.

He dismounted far from the door, and started walking. He had an important reason to be here, and nothing was going to get in his way. He heard both of his guards dismount behind him.

There was a woman at the other end of the courtyard who had been watching him since he had arrived. She was an older woman; the long braid that hung over her shoulder was completely grey. She had the look of a woman who had once been a great beauty before the years had carved lines into her face.

She kept her eyes on Iturbide as he walked closer, and he was sure that he saw some suspicion in them. There had been a child in her arms, but she put him down as Iturbide approached.

He assumed that she would be the one to ask for access to the person he really sought. He guessed that she ran this household, and would know everything about who lived there.

her suspicions would matter much less once he explained himself. As he approached her, she said, “Are you lost, sir? The war is not here.”

Iturbide smiled. He knew how he looked in his Spanish uniform while there was a war waging in the country, even when he had come with no intention but peace. He responded, “I am not here to fight, señora. I am looking for the free state of Tlaxcala. Do you know him?”

He hoped that she knew about the secret world of countries and tribes, or his question would not make sense. But, if she lived here in his house, then she must have been aware. He had a nagging feeling that there was something familiar about her face, something that reminded him of someone he had met before. 

She straightened her back and met his eyes as she said, “What do you want with my husband?” Iturbide knew he could not show his shock at this fact. No one he had gotten information from had mentioned that Tlaxcala was married. She must have been another tribe, but he had no idea which.

He asked, trying to be tactful, “Who are you, señora? I am sorry that I do not know your name.” He was not certain whether it was rude or not, but he needed to know who he was dealing with. Her reply was tense and terse, “I am Zapotec.”

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the eldest child gather up the other three and move them into the house through a door far from him. They did not trust him, he thought. It was unfounded, and it would look strange for him to ask why the children were fleeing from him.

Instead, he said, “And who are these children? Are they yours?” Her eyes were cold as she replied, “They are orphans, sir. Your war has killed their fathers.”

He could hear the scorn in her words, and he was not sure what he had done to deserve them. He tried to be as polite as possible as he replied, “It is not my war. I am just doing my part.” He paused for a moment, before saying again, “I need to speak with Tlaxcala. Is he here?”

Her cold glare told him that she might not answer, and then he may need to appeal to his position as an officer in the Spanish army, and that this territory was still under the Spanish crown.

But, the door behind her opened and an old man stepped out of it. He moved spryly, but there was an obvious weight of age on his shoulders. His long hair was grey, and there was a bend in his back.

The man stepped between Zapotec and Iturbide. The gesture was enough to assure Iturbide that this was Tlaxcala. To confirm this assumption, Iturbide said, “Tlaxcala, I presume?” The man said, in response, “Yes, I am. We have fulfilled our obligations to the crown.”

Iturbide caught the tone of the statement, and realized what his presence must look like. The sudden appearance of a commander in Spanish colors must seem punitive, but that was not the case.

He put on a charming smile and said, “I am not here to accuse you of failing your obligations. But, I must speak to you.” This should make it clear enough to not worry them. The intention of this visit was to get the information that he needed, and a comfortable atmosphere would benefit him to that end.

Tlaxcala did seem to soften slightly and step out of his defensive step. He said, “We can speak. Please come inside.”

Iturbide inclined his head out of respect, so they knew that he was thankful for this much trust so far. He followed them through the doors and through a modestly decorated house to a room where Tlaxcala offered him a place at the table. Iturbide gladly took it and Tlaxcala sat across from him.

Zapotec left through the door to another room, and Iturbide felt better without the implicit judgement of her presence. This is what he had wanted, a completely private conversation.

Tlaxcala spoke first, “I am always happy to help the crown, but I do know how I can help you. I have had very little contact with the war.”

Iturbide decided that he had made the right decision to wear this uniform, even if he was stripped of his position. It gave him the authority to ask the questions that he was about to ask. He started by saying, “I want you to tell me about the Aztec Empire.”

He saw a look of undisguised shock pass over the other man’s face. In the long minutes of silence, Zapotec returned and placed two cups of some kind of alcohol on the table. As soon as she put down the drinks, she turned and left. It seemed that she had opted to not look at him.

Tlaxcala finally gather himself and say, “Why do you want to know about her?”

For a moment, Iturbide had thought that the other man had misheard the question. When he had seen the medallion that Mexico wore, he had assumed that it was a tribute to his father. It would be a dutiful gesture for a son to make. He had imagined the Aztec empire as the patriarch who Mexico drew his inspiration from. Surely an empire built on war must have been male warrior.

But, as the pronoun left Tlaxcala’s mouth, Iturbide had to reconsider the image he had built in his mind. The man had seemed deliberate in his choice of words. Trying to affirm his initial impression, Iturbide said, “The Aztec empire was Mexico’s -“ Tlaxcala finished the sentence for him, “His mother. Yes, she was.”

The second answer made the situation completely clear to him. The Aztec empire had not been as he imagined. He repeated out loud, “Mother.” He rolled the word around in his mouth and tried to get used to the feeling of it. It still felt odd after spending so much time building up another image in his mind.

But, he needed to know more than this, and getting stuck on this detail would not due. He pulled in a breath through his nose and then asked, “And you knew her well?”

Tlaxcala’s posture indicated that he was getting more comfortable with this conversation. His shoulders slackened and he leaned back slightly. He answered, “I knew her as well as an enemy could have. But, I did know her.”

Iturbide nodded. There was no one else alive from what he understood who had know the Aztec Empire personally. That was what had prompted him to seek out her enemy whose deal with Spain had kept him alive. He knew it was not the same as asking someone who knew her personally, but it was the best he could hope for.

Iturbide leaned forward, now ready to ask what he had come here for. He said, “How did she feel about her son?”

Iturbide wanted to know exactly what the relationship had been between Mexico and the Aztec empire. It was clear to him that she was important to Mexico, and he longed to know more about who his country was.

The singular conversation with Mexico had wet his appetite for more, especially when Spain abused his name so unfairly. Mexico had said that it came from jealousy, and Iturbide didn’t find that hard to believe.

But, if he was going to consider Mexico’s side, he could not be thrown off guard the way that Mexico had been able to the first time that they spoke. Knowing more about the Aztec empire would give him some advantage.

Tlaxcala did not answer the question. Instead, he said, “Before we go further, I want to know your intentions for Mexico.”

There was an edge in his voice that sounded almost protective. It made little sense if the boy had been raised by Spain, and these tribes were virtually strangers to him. But, Iturbide was not going to argue about whether this concern was warranted. Perhaps Tlaxcala’s old age had made him more sentimental towards his enemy’s child.

For his own purposes, he was willing to soothe this worry, and it did not even require a lie. He said, in the smoothest tone he could muster, “I intend to do what is best for him.”

Tlaxcala scoffed, and the sound surprised Iturbide. He said “You expect me to believe that from a Spaniard?” They were bold words, and Iturbide quickly countered, “I’m not a Spaniard.” Tlaxcala’s eyes narrowed in doubt. His words were sharp, “You are dressed like one.”

Perhaps the uniform was not as good of an idea as he had thought.

Iturbide leaned forward onto his elbows, like he was about to tell some great secret to another conspirator. He said, “And if I told you that I am about to trade this uniform for another? What would you say then?”

He might have been more cautious about saying those words if he were not absolutely certain about his soldier’s loyalties. These two could be trusted absolutely, and they could hear his thoughts about changing sides. They knew he had already met with Mexico.

Tlaxcala mirrored his gesture, though only as quickly as his old joints would allow. He said, more firmly than Iturbide would expect from an old man, “Who are you fighting for?” Iturbide decided that he would continue to be honest for now. He said, “I am fighting for the good of Mexico. I am choosing his cause.”

Tlaxcala smiled and said, “If you are going to take his side, then I want something in exchange for my answers.”

Iturbide sighed. This was becoming more complicated than he had hoped for, and he had nothing to offer. He replied, “I have nothing to give you.” He did not know what he could possibly suggest in exchange. What good would wealth be to a city state?

But, Tlaxcala seemed to have something in mind. He said, “You do. Once Mexico is independent, I want to be able to speak to him. If you aid him the way you say you will, then you will be able to make good on that promise.”

Iturbide weighed the request. He did not know how possible it would be to arrange that. He had only spoken to Mexico once, and he didn’t know if he would ever have the influence to control access to him. If he could manage to get close to the boy and cut off the influence of men like Guerrero, then there would be a chance. However, he first had to gain the trust of the insurgency, then he could improve his own position. Only then could he give Tlaxcala the kind of access that he was asking for. There were many steps in that process before he could be certain.

But, for the sake of getting answers, he could make that promise. He responded, “I promise that I will if you answer my questions.” Tlaxcala leaned back again, and finally said, “I agree. Ask what you like.”

Iturbide nodded. This was good enough for now. There was the sound of little scuffling footsteps at one of the doors and he glanced over to see one of the children poking his head into the room curiously. He was only there for a moment, until Zapotec swept him into her arms and out of the room.

Then Iturbide turned back to Tlaxcala, who was looking at him expectantly. He asked again, “How did Aztec feel about her son?” Tlaxcala responded with a smile, “He was the most important thing in her life. It was easy to be charmed by him when he was a little boy. I have never seen a sweeter prince.”

Iturbide thought he saw a glimmer of affection in his eyes. For a man who had no ties to Mexico, he was certainly speaking of him like a concerned relative might.

But, that was not useful to him, so he pressed further, “What did Aztec plan for her son? If Spain had not come, who would he have become?”

This was the core of what he wanted to know. He believed that Mexico still held ambitions to become what his mother had wanted for him. If he knew what that was, he could offer it to gain Mexico’s trust.

Tlaxcala took a moment before he said, “He was his mother’s heir. From what I understand, she was training him to take her place as an empire.”

Iturbide couldn’t help himself from smiling. It was exactly what he expected. Mexico was meant to be an empire, not a republic like the radicals in the insurgency wanted. If he still held the ambition to do as his mother wanted, he would be easy to sway in favor of a monarchy.

Tlaxcala saw his smile and his own face looked slightly disquieted. Iturbide said, trying to explain himself, “I knew from the way that he carries himself that he must be a prince. You have confirmed that for me.”

Tlaxcala didn’t look completely comforted, but he had answered the question already. Iturbide only had one question left that really mattered. He asked, “And how does Mexico feel about his mother?” Tlaxcala shook his head, “I can’t answer that. I have not seen him since he was a child, and I don’t know how he feels.”

Iturbide replied, “I have seen him, and I think he does love his mother. He wears a medallion that I believe is hers.”

Tlaxcala’s eyes widened like he had not known that. He said, in response to Iturbide’s observation, “I cannot speak to that. But, I do know that boys love their mothers.”

Iturbide nodded. He knew all that he needed to now. He said, “Thank you for your cooperation. I know all I need to know.”

Tlaxcala rose to his feet. Iturbide watched him stand and was struck again by how old the man was. He put up one hand in a polite gesture to stop, and said, “Do not strain yourself. I will see myself out.” With that, he stood and left.

Tlaxcala waited for a moment as he watched Iturbide walk away, and let out a breath. The man made him nervous, but if he would keep his word then it would be worth it.

He said, knowing that Zapotec was standing just on the other side of the door, “You heard all of that, didn’t you?”

She stepped in through the door and fixed him with a look that he knew well as one of disapproval. They had been married long enough for him to know what he was seeing. She replied, her gaze still withering, “Yes, every word of it.”

He sighed and said, looking at the empty chair where Iturbide had sat, “And you don’t approve.” She stepped past him and took the two cups from the table, speaking as she did so, “I thought you would have learned not to sell your nephew to Spaniards.”

Tlaxcala sighed deeply again. He understood what she was saying, but the chance to speak to Mexico was worth it. He had been denied it ever since he had realized that Mexico was still alive. If a few answers could buy him that, then he would provide them.

He said, “It is worth the risk, dear. I didn’t tell him everything. I could have told him that you were her sister, but I know you don’t want that.” Zapotec walked to the kitchen with the cups in hand, and Tlaxcala followed her. Once she had set down the cups, she said, “I want to speak to my nephew as much as you do, but do not think that man will keep his promises.”

Tlaxcala thought back on a piece of information from the conversation, one he had not expected. He fixed his gaze on his wife, and said, “Have you spoken to him?” She looked at him and raised her eyebrow and said, “What do you mean?”

Tlaxcala took a deep breath, hoping she would not take what he was about to say badly. He said, “Mexico has one of his mother’s medallions. I remember that we had one that went missing.”

He didn’t want to accuse her directly, but he knew her well enough to believe that there was the possibility. She had been livid when he told her that the boy was alive, but Spain had barred them from speaking to him.

She paused in the process of dealing with the dishes, and fixed him with a determined stare. She said with cool composure, “It belonged to his mother, and I made sure it passed to him. It was just a small thing to give him.”

Tlaxcala could have guessed it already, but she gave him certainty. He said, “You could have gotten me killed if he had told Spain.” She shook her head, “I was careful, dear. All he would have been able to tell Spain is that an old woman gave him something. But, he didn’t say anything.”

Tlaxcala picked up one of the bowls from earlier in the day and moved it to the growing pile of dishes. He said, “I don’t understand how you can chide me for taking risks when you did that. I promise you that this will pay off.”

She started to work on cleaning the bowls and only said, “I hope you are right.”