Rakshasa Girlfriend: Manette Part One (complete)

    My nerves are high as I sit in Queen Mythri’s parlor. The room is decorated with gold and red, hints of purples and royal blue here and there in the furniture. The tea set is one from further south, quite possibly a gift from the Lizardfolk. The beautiful china is etched with gold depicting a harbor with ships and high waves.

I’ve been asked to the royal palace by Mythri herself. It was such a shock to receive the royal letter I could barely contain myself. Mythri was a legend already in her time and a hero to women everywhere. We had traded several letters as she told me how she would like to hire me for a special mission. Now, we are meeting to discuss the final details of said mission. In a few days I’ll set out to sea.

I nearly drop my glass as Mythri walks in. She’s not as tall as I had imagined and she has wide child-bearing hips. 

“I am so sorry to make you wait, my dear.” She sighs as she comes in. I stand to greet her but when I go to bow she hugs me.

“No,” I gasp. “It’s quite alright. You don’t have to worry.”

Mythri smiles at me. “My youngest is teething and she just put two puncture wounds on her father’s arm. I had to patch him up.”

I stare wide-eyed. “I hope Amit is ok!”  

Mythri giggles. “It is not his first time. Each child has given him a battle wound once or twice. But this new one is quite vicious, she already thinks of herself as some mighty warrior.” She pours the tea and then pushes a jar of golden honey towards me. I had been eyeing it the entire time but had been too anxious to take a sample.

“We’ve been talking for so long, it’s finally nice to meet you in person.” Mythri stirs her tea with a cinnamon stick. “I know you arrived late last night, I hope you rested well.”

I nod. “I did! The view from my room was stunning. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to be here. I’ve so admired you for such a long time.”

“I am just a woman like you, I happen to have bagged a partner who lets me stand beside him.” She sips her tea and sighs. “Now,” she sets the cup aside and takes a ledger off the table. “Ever since Demir took over, the pirate lords have been trying to recuperate what they lost when Bethsabe invaded their lands. They aren’t so much pirates anymore as they are National Reserves.”

I nod along, having pirates go from worrisome foes of the sea to allies of the Unified Nations was quite a shock. Some of the Pirates Lords took deals with Demir and the other royals in order to get their lands back. They now worked for the Unified Nations, attacking danger when it is seen and taking jobs from the Royals when need be.

“This shipment is going Culuweth. They’re supplies to help them rebuild as well as rations and farming equipment. While Nadeem focusing on rebuilding, they need all the help they can get.” Mythri hands me over the ledger. “This is the entire inventory. Everything being shipped as well as the crew of the ship.”

“Thank you.” I take the ledger from her and look it over. “I have to say,” I murmur, “I’m surprised you are helping the Gnolls out after what they did.”

Mythri’s posture is regal and stiff as she takes her cup back up. “The civilians and the innocents of Culuweth didn’t ask for the war that Bethsabe sought. Even if they tried to destroy our kingdom, it is still our responsibility to see to those who need our help. The Gnolls aren’t to blame for the reputation that’s been placed on them. For the most part, they are pawns to the vision Bethsabe had. We want to save the Gnolls not put them down further. Sometimes, kindness is the greatest weapon one can weild.”

I can’t help but smile at her. “You say you’re just like any woman.” I shake my head slowly. “Trust me, not every woman is like you.”

Mythri places her hand over mine. “But all of them are capable.”

That evening I go over the ledger in my room. The list of supplies that the Rakshasa are sending is quite extensive. They’re not just sending rations and supplies but livestock and farming equipment as well. Three ships are needed to cart all the cargo and the crew list is just as vast at the inventory.

The crew is that of a Captain Manette du Esmee Jacquemoud a former Pirate now turned loyalist to the Rakshasa royal family. Back during her pirating days she had been known to amass quite a loyal following, one that could have rivaled lords Autry and Brieffstien. She had trained under the lord Bray who had given her her very own ship before his own ship had been sunk. Manette had taken on the survivors of his crew and become quite formidable on the open seas.

I was to be meeting with Manette the following day. It was my job to work with her and keep a record of daily events that I would report to Mythri once we returned from Culuweth. I was to keep track of Manette’s orders to her crew as well as monitor the cargo on board. Mythri assured me she completely trusted Manette but this was a precaution that Demir had asked for.

Growing up on the coast I had met my fair share of pirates. My family lived next door to one who had been retired for a few decades. He used to give me and my sister old, weird coins as payment when we did chores for him. Unsure what to do with the coins we had saved them. It wasn’t until years later we learned how valuable they actually were.

I go to have my meeting with Mythri and Manette the next day. I’m a bit nervous, after all Manette has a reputation and I’m going to be working close with her for a long time. As I step into the room there is a tall figuring standing over the table. She’s wearing loose-fitting trousers with high boots. She’s wearing a red velvet top with a long hanging collar and wide, flared out cuffs. She turns slightly and stares down at me with golden eyes. Manette is a leopard Rakshasa and I had not prepared myself for what a stunning form she cast.

“Oh,” she tilts her head. “You must be the bureaucrat.”

I gulp and take a long step back. “I uhm-” I swallow again. “Not exactly that.”

Her golden eyes cut up and down me and she gives me a close inspection. She sighs softly then turns back towards Mythri at the table. “I didn’t think you’d be sending me with some fancy little doll.” She jabs her thumb over her shoulder at me. “I have enough to be keeping my eye on. I can’t be distracted by some pretty damsel in distress.”

“I assure you I am not sending you with a doll or damsel,” Mythri replies quickly. “I chose Evie because she has seafaring experience and shouldn’t be underfoot.”

Manette glances back at me and then to Mythri. “Pretty girls are fun to have around, but they aren’t the kind you want on my ships.”

“Hey!” I scoff. “I’m right here.”

Manette sighs and rolls her eyes. “Yes , yes, and I’ll put roses in your hair later and paint you nude as the sunsets. But right now I have concerns for me and my crew.”

My cheeks are burning like hot coals. “I am completely qualified for this journey!” I put my foot down. “My looks should not be a factor into my competency. You above anyone should know that!” I match up beside Manette. “I thought you would at least be understanding.”

Manette sighs, taking a cup from the table and sipping. “Sometimes concern is necessary. I know looks shouldn’t matter, but in some cases they do. Beautiful women don’t just appear on the high seas everyday.”

I know my face must look like a fresh beet a this point. “Stop that!”

“I agree, Manette.” Mythri shakes her head. “I chose Evie because I thought the two of you would work well together.”

Manette looks Mythri dead in the eye. “I told you many times I wasn’t interested in having to work with a woman.”

Those words sent a cold, familiar pain through my chest. I had heard those words quite a few times before in my life from childhood to adulthood. I never expected to hear them in the company of Queen Mythri.

Mythri smirks. “But Evie is the best candidate. I would not have chosen her otherwise. Trust my judgement, Manette. I know you two will work well together. If I am wrong I will double your pay.”

Manette grins and laughs. “That is an awfully high stake to wager, your majesty. You sure you want to put such a thing on the line.”

“I know it will work out, so I am far from worried. If anything I fear you two will become inseparable during your time together. Already I can tell you’re softening to her.” Mythri looks at me and winks and I nearly choke on nothing.

Manette grumbles something under her breath and crosses her arms against her chest. “Rumors of you do not do justice, your majesty.” She glances down at me. “Well little one, the queen has spoken.”

She’s so tall and lovely, her figure is an imposing one. But I refuse to let her get the upper hand in this. If she doesn’t want to work with another woman, well then, she’s up against one who won’t back down.

“So have I.” I hold my hand out to her. “Do not forget that.”

Manette smirks and takes my hand, giving it a tight squeeze. “I have a feeling you won’t let me.” Her voice is a silky purr, almost seductive. 

Manette’s ships are loaded and we set out to sail. I love being on the sea, it reminds me so much of home. I grew up on the coats with my mom and sister, I never knew who my father was. My sister and I spent our days playing on the beach and collecting seashells. We made extra money for the house by selling jewelry made from the seashells to rich tourists. 

I was on the ship which was carrying the most expensive cargo. The spices, farming equipment, and the like. It was also Manette’s main ship and it was very beautiful. There was a mermaid carved on the helm whose hands reached out towards the sky. The crew all seemed nice, but this was just the first day of the journey and I knew things could change.

I had been given a room near Manette’s, it was tiny and cramped and I was almost certain it was a closet adjacent to her room considering we shared a door. It wasn’t much, but at least I had my privacy and a place to go.

One evening I can’t sleep so I make my way to the galley. There are two cooks, one who works during the day and one who works at night. Manette set this up so that way her crew was always taken care of. The night chef only served small things like maybe some bread or leftovers from the day, but coffee was kept on tap at all times. Apparently, it was Manette’s most favorite thing in the world and she kept in stock out of her own pocket.

As I walk into the galley I see I am not alone, Captain Manette is there as well. She’s sitting alone at a table, a cup in her hand as she looks over a book. She barely glances up as I walk in, and I hope it stays that way. I get coffee from the night chef and when I turn around Captain Manette is waving me over.

I grimace and clutch my mug tight but I walk over to her. “Is something wrong?” I ask her.

Manette pats the seat beside. “Nothing at all,” she replies with a purr. “Just a warning. I have them make the coffee strong. If you aren’t used to it it could be a shock to the system.”

“I was the only woman at my college,” I tell her. “I am very used to strong coffee.” I take a deep gulp, regretting it because now my tongue has been melted and singed.

Manette smirks and arches a brow at me. She places a paw under her chin as I struggle to keep composure after burning my tongue to death. “Is that true?”

I frown at her. “Excuse me?”

“Being the only woman at your college.” She tilts her head towards me. “What sort of college was it?”

I scoff and stir my coffee a little more, hoping the escaping steam meant it was cooling. “It’s true. I passed my entrance exams with flying colors too. I had top grades throughout my entire college run.”

“Impressive.” Manette smiles. “Gave those boys a run for their money I hope.”

“What would you care?” I ask. “You’d rather work with men anyways.” I blow on my coffee and take a cautious sip.

Manette turns towards me straddling the bench seat. Her shirt hangs wide open and is tucked into her pants. “I like working with men because I am not attracted to them.”

I sputtered and choke on my coffee.

Manette smirks in triumph. “I get much more work done when I’m not flirting or being nervous. I’m certain you can understand what that’s like.”

I glance at her anxiously and wipe my mouth with my sleeve. “It doesn’t bother me.” I am trying to remain vague. 

“I have nothing against women. In fact I hold all women in extremely high regard. I’d be an asshole if I didn’t.” She takes up her mug and downs it in one gulp. “But I like to run a tight ship and remain professional. Try as hard as I might I always end up pudding when there is an attractive lady around.”

I gulp down the massive lump forming in my throat.

“So excuse me if I seemed callous back with Mythri. But as soon as I saw you I knew I was going to be in extreme trouble.” She sighs and turns back around to her book. “Mythri knew exactly what she was doing.”

I furrow my brow. “What was she doing?”

Manette chuckles. “You do know what they call her right?” She lifts her golden eyes to me as she grins. “She’s known as the Goddess of Love.”

I’m turning into a fresh cut beet again.

“She plays matchmaker, and I can’t help but think that the two of us are next unsuspecting victims.” Manette lifts her mug up in the air and a moment later the night chef replaces her empty mug with a full one.

“You’re just my type.” Manette drinks and then acts like she hasn’t just said the final nail in my coffin.

“Excuse me.” I jump up quickly, rushing away from the galley where I go out and stand on the deck. The cold ocean air hits my overheated face and I am certain steam rises from my skin. I smack my cheeks a few times, trying to calm down from my conversation with Manette.

I had been so sure that Manette and I wouldn’t get along, but she had to come in and knock me down with the truth. It’s hard to deny that Manette is a gorgeous woman and also someone who is very much my type. But I had ignored that in favor of my aggravation at her behavior earlier.

The next day, after breakfast, I’m making notes in the ledger about the progress of the journey. I’m sitting on deck, listening to two crewmembers argue over lyrics to an old song. They suddenly start roughhousing and fighting. Punches are thrown and things are getting heated very rapidly. 

I watch for a moment then decide to make my way off the deck. A crowd has formed as the fight rages on and behind me there is applause and cheering. As I walk away, Manette is striding forward. She’s wearing those boot that go high on her leg again, as well as tight fitting pants and a billowy, loose shirt. 

“Stay back.” She pats my shoulder as she walks by.

Her gate is strong and proud, her body moves sensually too and I can’t help but linger my gaze on her firm rear. I bite my lip then and watch as she moves into the center of the crowd. The crowd disperses and I watch as she takes on both fighting men. She pins one to the ground while taking the other in headlock. She wrestles them both down and afterwards stands up, smooths out her shirt and rises victoriously as the crowd erupts in cheers.

I’ve never a woman fight like that. I’ve seen many a woman use a bow and arrow, sometimes a sword. But I had never seen one bare knuckles brawl down. I’ll admit, it was a mix of frightening and exciting. Dare I say even a little sexy from Manette?

Manette strides back towards me. She looks down at her shirt and scoffs. “Oh fuck. Hey got me all bloody. I really liked this shirt.” She frowns and shakes her head.

“Uhm-” I hesitate, wondering if I should offer my advice. I step forward and point at the spot. “I know a way to clean that off.”

Manette looks down at me. “That so?”

I nod. “I can show you if you’d like.”

“I would.” Manette nods to me and I follow her to her room. Once inside her quarters she strips away her shirt and hands it to me.

I stare at her dumbfounded as she stands half naked before me. I shakily take the shirt and walk over to her wash bin. I spit on her shirt and I hear her laugh behind me.

“Don’t laugh! This is how you do it!” I gasp back at her, embarrassed enough as it was.

“No, no,” Manette sits down and stretches her legs out. “Go ahead now, I’m curious.”

I take her soap and rub it to the spit. It foams up and I spit a little bit more. The stain starts to lift away and after scrubbing it a bit more I rinse and show her the clean shirt.

Manette takes the shirt, touching my hand as she does. “You’re very handy.” She hangs the shirt up to dry. She’s still half naked and I can’t stop myself from staring at her.

“Nothing at all,” I gasp. “My mother taught me that when I started well-” I hesitate, wondering if it’s proper to say in front of her. “When my monthly started.”

“I had no one to teach me such things,” Manette scoffs. “I was left to learn all that nonsense on my own. I didn’t even know what a period was when it first happened. I simply thought I was dying.”

    “That’s awful!” I balk.

    Manette smirks at me. “So was most of my childhood, but that’s the past.” She goes over to a chest and opens it up. She leans inside and sighs. “That aspect is a highlight compared to the rest.” She takes out a shirt and drapes it over herself. This one she ties around her waist so her belly is exposed. 

    “That’s still horrible,” I grump. 

    Manette smirks at me. “Not everything in this world is good. The bad things are there to make us appreciate the good.” She closes her chest. “That’s the most important lesson I have learned in this world. You have to appreciate the good because you never know when you will see it again.”

    I look up at her and nod. “That makes a lot of sense.”

    “Thank you for helping me clean my shirt.” Manette pats the top of my head. She runs her fingers along my braided bun and then swoops her fingers down my cheek. “It was very much appreciated.” 

    “Anytime,” I gasp breathlessly.

    Manette smiles down at me. “You can move you know? You don’t have to stand there frozen.”

    “Oh I uh-” I move a bit and turn to look at the door. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to waste your time.”

    “Time with you is never wasted.” Manette puts her hand on the small of my back as she leads me to the door. 

    I’m quite flustered by what just transpired between Manette and I. It carries throughout the day until I’m laying in bed. I’m unable to sleep, for one it’s cold and I can’t get warm enough, and two because of Manette and her expert flirting. I only acted like an idiot, there’s no way she’s attracted to any of that.

    I toss and turn, trying to get my bed warm and fall asleep. The trouble is, without something warm I have such a horrible time sleeping. As I’m tossing there is a knock on my door that leads into Manette’s room.

    “You’re thrashing around a lot in there. You ok?” She asks.

    I grump and sit up. “Sorry. I’ll try and stay quiet.”

    “Can’t sleep?”

    I get up and open the door. “No. It’s so cold I can’t-” I’m smacked speechless as I stare at Manette’s naked body in front of me.

    “You can’t what?” Manette asks.

    “Naked,” my voice cracks.

    Manette looks down at herself then laughs. “Oh, I’m sorry. I prefer to sleep in the nude.” She walks over to a chair and takes her robe. “I’ll put this on if it helps.”

    My heart is going to lurch out my throat any second if it doesn’t smash my rib cage first. I avert my gaze, knowing all I’ll see now when she’s around is she naked frame.

    “Now, what seems to be the trouble?” Manette asks.

“Cold,” I cough. “It’s cold and I can’t sleep.” I blurt out, my voice cracking and going into weird pitches.

“If you’re cold, why not come sleep with me?” Manette asks. “It’ll be warmer for the both of us then.”

I stare blankly at her as my entire brain shuts down.

“I’ll wear clothes,” Manette smirks. “And I promise, I’ll behave myself.” She winks at me. “It’s only fun when both of us are screaming yes.”

If I am not careful, Captain Manette is going to be the death of me. 

“It is cold on these ships,” Manette replies. “Lonesome too.” She motions over to her bed. “I keep a hot water bottle with me, but having a friend is always welcome.”

“Yeah well-” I grumble.

“I promise, I won’t lay a hand on you.” Manette places her hand over her chest. “If I do you’re allowed to take my payment from Mythri.”

I sigh. “I trust you.”

I gather my blankets and pillow and crawl into Manette’s bed. It’s entirely down and so comfortable and warm I am out in an instant. I fall asleep so deep I am disoriented and bleary when I wake up. All I know is that I am warm and at peace. I snuggle close to something soft and hug tighter to it.

“Sleep well?” Manette giggles.

“Just a few more,” I grumble sleepily.

“By all means, go ahead. No rush from me.” Manette pets the top of my head. 

I sit up like a bullet. I had been snuggling and hugging onto Manette. I should have known my propensity to seek out heat in my sleep would get me into trouble.

“I’m so sorry!” I gasp in horror.

“For what?” Manette sits up and grins at me. “I haven’t slept so well in ages.”