Jewel Ascending

A few months ago…

Count Jean Claude Delacroix the Fourth relaxed into the seat of his limousine as he was being driven to the race track for the annual royal charity auto race. He looked down briefly upon the head of his wife, Countess Jewel Veronica Delacroix as she slowly bobbed up and down on his meaty ten inch cock. She was kneeling between his legs and had placed her hands and arms between his thighs to steady herself against the motion of the car.

Jean Claude’s cock was hard as a rock but it would still be awhile before he gave his seed to his wife. Sex was great and having the indulgence of a feminized arranged marriage male bride service his lust was his due as a great man of Allegoria.

If you invest in beauty, it will remain with you all the days of your life, he recalled. An indeed, by his will alone his bride had truly been transformed. She was as beautiful if not more beautiful than any other woman of Allegoria.

Jean Claude’s thoughts were troubled however. His sponsorship of the Hypnotherapist and the Pharmacist to medicinally and hypnotically condition his feminized male bride had not met his goals.

His wife was subservient and submissive. She obeyed him…as she should…but her conditioning had not made her into the perfect adoring wife he desired.

She didn’t love him.

Jean Claude considered the additional test subject. An Allegorian feminized male whore in the service of the state. The National Social Services Acquisition and Maintenance Department had done a wonderful job of conditioning the whore with the improved techniques and drugs learned and developed from Jewel’s testing but the message he just received from the Director was troubling.

Apparently, after about 3 years of service, it seemed that the drug cocktail had worn off. The single massive dose at the beginning of the whore’s term of service that should have lasted a lifetime…didn’t. They couldn’t just administer another dose yet as the test protocol needed to evaluate the subject for the remainder of her…his…term of service to the state to see if the hypnotic conditioning would hold as well.

Jean Claude looked down again at his wife…her head bobbing up and down the entire length of his ten inch cock. Her tongue pressure was perfect and her salivary output kept his cock slick. Her lips were stretched ever so slightly into a perfect “O” around the circumference of his head and shaft. He could feel the constriction on his cock when the head slipped past the back of her mouth into her throat as she expertly deep throated him on every downward bob.

Jewel had received very low doses of the drug over the entirety of her arranged marriage to Jean Claude. Her obedience and devotion reflected that in her behavior. Perhaps her occasional failed escape attempts were a result of the lower dosage not giving adequate behavioral control. Jean Claude found this frustrating; that there were still so many unknowns with the chemical and hypnotic conditioning protocol.

Jean Claude sighed as Jewel bobbed down on his cock. He was getting close to cumming. He shifted his thoughts to the two other things that truly got him off…money and power!

His sponsorship of the conditioning programs was part of a larger goal; to seize control of the government and assume the crown and throne! He had hoped that the medical and hypnotic conditioning the pharmacist and hypnotherapist had developed would do the trick.

But they were not perfect and therefore they were unreliable. They did not provide the absolute control that he wanted…nay…deserved.

Jean Claude however was a smart man. He never put all his eggs in one basket. His discovery of a young college programming genius years ago had borne unexpected fruit. The programmer had originally designed and developed software programs that had given him unfettered access to the banking and financial information of anyone he cared to investigate. His position as Chancellor of the Exchequer had facilitated and provided the needed justification to fund the programmer and the startup company.

But when the programmer had taken over a medical nanobot company and reprogrammed the nanobots to enslave women and create his own harem, Jean Claude took notice.

The medical nanobots were designed to cure Alzheimer’s and Epilepsy and a host of other cerebral and mental conditions. When the graduate student used them to subjugate his opposition Jean Claude was impressed.

What the young man had done to his subjects only took two to four weeks and apparently had a permanent effect upon those implanted. The methods of the Hypnotherapist and Pharmacist took about the same time, but were no where near as potent or efficient. The drug “Docility” had an effective lifespan and that would apparently let the conditioning fade and his test subjects would likely reassume their previous mind-states.

Unfortunately the young programmer had not been subtle. His efforts were about to be uncovered forcing Jean Claude to intervene. Jean Claude had dispatched Dr. Horace Jarrod Inon, the Director of the NSSA&M to purchase control of the company and bring it back to Allegoria.

Jean Claude would have to assume direct control and having Dr. Horace Inon and the NSSA&M run it for him would be perfect cover.

Jean Claude exulted in the feeling of power and his cock grew even harder. That power would give him power to eliminate his rivals and opposition and obtain control of Allegoria and that would bring him even more wealth that before.

Money and Power!

Jean Claude gasped his pleasure as his Jewel sucked his cock and felt the rush as his balls spasmed, his cock swelled, and his seed spewed forth from the head of his dick down his wife’s throat!

In paroxysms of ecstasy he was still able to watch his arranged marriage feminized male bride swallow furiously to keep his cum in her mouth. Three times his cock pulsed and sent three voluminous loads of cum into her warm, wet, waiting throat. She then showed him his load of cum pasting the insides of her mouth and coating her pink tongue with white jizz, before swallowing his seed.

Jean Claude felt more relaxed now that his impending dominance was soon to be realized. He watched as Jewel licked his cock clean and placed it back in his drawers and then pulled his pants back up and zipped them before moving back into her seat beside him.

Jean Claude noted that they were now arriving at the racecourse. His wife had once again performed admirably and as trained and expected. She had worshipped his cock for the entire trip from home and had finished him off just in time. He was eager to try the new nanobot protocol on her once he had it in his possession. But first, he had a race to win.

**

Today…

Dr. Horace Jarrod Inon was a man of ambition.

He had been a willing, loyal, and enthusiastic follower and supporter of Count Delacroix’s leadership in his plan to overthrow the Allegorian Nobility. It was due to Count Delacroix’s support that he had been confirmed as Head of the Allegorian National Social Services Acquisition and Maintenance Department.

And over the years their goal to undermine the Nobility and seize power slowly but steadily progressed.

But as their preparations were being finalized and the time for action was drawing near Count Delacroix had to go and get killed in a stupid auto race; and a meaningless charity race at that.

But Horace was a man of ambition. The counts death would not be the end; instead it would only be a setback and a minor one at that. Now instead of helping and supporting the Count, Horace would help himself to the spoils of their efforts.

But first, he needed one more thing…Money.

Without Count Delacroix’s financial support Horace’s attempt was stopped before it could start. He needed access to the Count’s wealth.

And to do that, he reasoned, he needed access to the countess.

Countess Jewel Veronica Delacroix had inherited the entire estate and financial empire of the late count and in Horace’s estimation she had no idea what to do with it.

Nor any right to it to by his estimation. The twenty-something male bride certainly didn’t earn hundreds of billions of dollars by just laying back and spreading his legs. Horace needed that money to see Count Delacroix’s vision to completion. Horace had to bring Countess Jewel Delacroix under his control and the medicinal and hypnotic conditioning just wasn’t good enough.

Horace pondered his course of action. He only had a few more doses of nanobots left. Without money to operate they couldn’t make more. Without funding the company would fold and his plot would fail.

Getting to the countess was his one overriding concern. If he could enslave her and obtain access to her wealth, then his problems were solved and his pathway to greatness was assured.

Horace was a man of ambition. He had no desire to remain as an anonymous cog in a government machine. He could do better than the current leaders and he knew it!

Count Delacroix would have been shocked and dismayed by what Horace was considering. Count Delacroix was many things, and an Allegorian Nationalist was one of them. For Horace to consider using funding from outside the country would have been seen as scandalous bordering on treason to the count.

But the count was dead and Horace needed…wanted, the money to advance his plans. Making a deal with the devil would be a small price to pay to achieve his dreams and obtain power.

It was time to meet with the Russian.

**

Dr. Johnson met with Jewel at her manor and discussed the information he discovered. The two of them sat in comfortable chairs in a sitting room near the front of the house. Jewel had tea and refreshments served and waited for her staff to leave before letting the doctor begin.

“We were finally able to access the password protected file in your medical records.” He began. “The file was a link to access another file on the National Social Services Administration and Maintenance Department’s Medical bureau servers.”

“Please brace yourself, what I have to say may be concerning.”

Jewel tried her best to remain relaxed and calm.

“You’re husband had you slated to partake in the human trials for an experimental retrovirus.” The Dr. Johnson paused to let the news sink in.

“Go on.” Jewel steeled herself for the bad news.

“The retrovirus was engineered to genetically re-sequence your DNA in order to cause permanent and irreversible feminization.”

“A retrovirus…to change my DNA?” Jewel asked “How?”

“Let me explain; every organ in your body renews itself over a specific time period. The whole body is largely a completely different body every 7 years. For example, the skeleton takes the longest. Typically taking 12 years before all the bone cells in the body have been replaced with new cells. On average you have a new skeleton every 12 years.”

“OK.”

“This retrovirus would slowly rewrite your DNA…from male…to female.”

Jewel gasped and the doctor paused as he watched the countess struggle with the news.

“Males have XY chromosomes, Females have XX chromosomes. The medical science is quite technical and complex but in layman’s terms the retrovirus disentangles the ‘bottom leg’ of the Y chromosome, reconfiguring it to an X, thus making you genetically female. As the natural process of aging causes new cells to replace old cells, your male cells would be replaced by female.”

“It would seem that you were slated to be the first patient to undergo this process and would have become the test case.”

“My husband was going to do this to me?”

“Yes. He was.”

“What happens now?”

“When your husband passed away he obviously was not able to given final consent for the process. It would seem that you are free and clear and have no expectation of participation in this experimental program. You will want to verify with your attorney that you have no legal obligations as well.”

Jewel sat silently for several long seconds as she absorbed the new information. Ultimately she had only one question to ask.

“Do you know why my husband considered this…experiment…for me?” Jewel asked.

“Naturally I don’t know what specific conversations your husband had with my predecessor so I could only speculate based on the notes in your medical record that he wanted you to be completely female.”

“So that he could impregnate me?” Jewel’s voice quavered as the unease grew to fear. The evidence appeared overwhelming.

The doctor could sense Lady Delacroix’s distress and worked to calm her.

“No, that’s not possible yet. Testicles that have been transformed into ovaries are not able to produce eggs. That part of the process hasn’t quite been solved by medical science. However your new uterus would have been perfectly able to host a baby by in-vitro fertilization with a donor egg of your choice.”

“For example, prior to your marriage you provided a sperm sample. That sample still exists in secure storage. If you were to ever choose to undergo this process voluntarily, there would be no reason not to use that sample to fertilize a donor egg.”

Overcome by shock, for the first time in her life, Jewel feinted.

**

Jewel consulted her lawyers.

“Yes, one of the duties of a noble wife is to produce an heir. As the arranged male bride you were also forbidden from having a surrogate bear the child.”

“How could my husband do this?” Jewel asked.

“Your former husband made many legal declarations founded upon the historic and traditional rights and privileges of the nobility.”

“His Last Will and Testament contained several secret codicils and one of those also declares that if you have a child not of his line that child is illegitimate and cannot inherit the wealth and title of the House of Delacroix.”

“Why wasn’t I informed of this before?” Jewel asked angrily.

“Because it was a secret codicil” her lawyer answered simply, “you didn’t have a need to know at that time. Allegorian law allows for these for the nobility, to ensure stability and continuity of the noble houses.”

Jewel seethed internally. She had recently discovered papers back at the mansion that indicated her husband, Jean Claude the IV had wanted her to have a baby as a means to pressure his son, Jean Claude V, into marrying and producing an heir of his line.

“However, Lady Delacroix, if you were to conceive and carry a baby with a donor egg, and your deceased husband’s preserved sperm sample, that child would become heir to the title and amassed fortune.”

“The birth must be witnessed and genetic tests must be performed due to the unique nature of his conception, but once those conditions are satisfied then the son will be the legal heir.”

“And if I don’t have an heir?”

“Then upon your death the title, estate, and accumulated wealth revert to the crown.”

**

Lady Wanda Oldsworth

Kyle Oldsworth casually related his encounter with Lady Jewel Delacroix at Lady Montcalm’s pool party to his mother over breakfast. He remembered to relate the funny joke Roderick made that he should marry her as she must obviously be gay as a cross dressing male bride.

“Can you imagine that?” Kyle asked with a small shudder. Feminized men were so gross.

Wanda Oldsworth had only been listening politely but that last bit of gossip got her full attention. After a momentary pause, she spoke.

“Well, Why not?” She asked her son.

“Eww…mom…gross…”

“You would not be the first person to enter into a marriage of convenience.” Wanda advised sipping her coffee.

“Mom! If I ever marry, it will be to a manly man. Not a tranny. Seriously!” He snapped, hoping to end the conversation.

Wanda wasn’t ready to let this idea go.

“Kyle,” She spoke firmly, with a motherly tone he knew all too well, immediately getting his full attention “our fortune is shrinking. The family fortune will soon fall below one billion. We will only be mere millionaires Kyle…MILLIONAIRES.” She spat the word as if it were poison.

“Now mother, my investments should…” Kyle began.

“NO!” Wanda interrupted. Kyle’s investments were already underperforming and showed no sign of the recovery he had expected.

“If we don’t reverse our fortunes and soon our house will no longer be counted amongst the nobility!”

Kyle made to reply but Wanda shushed him.

“Let me think.”

Perhaps there really is a way to kill two birds with one stone.

Lady Delacroix is a successfully conditioned male-bride. Her behavior, beauty and elegance have gained her grudging acceptance among the most exclusive elements of Allegorian Society.

It would be an easy matter to have her son seduce Lady Delacroix and take her as his wife.

He would be able to satisfy his orientation by being married to a genetic male while society, and more important, her family, would have the Husband and Wife relationship they rightfully expect from their noble peers.

The Oldsworth family honor and social standing was on the line after all.

Wanda took several moments to consider what she knew of Lady Delacroix.

If news reports and gossip columns are even partly accurate then Lady Delacroix is still a young and naïve male-bride, and should be easily distracted with the prospect of a return to a happy and subservient position in a society marriage.

She has flawlessly mastered her presentation as female. She is a countess of the house of Delacroix and has a noble heritage based on merit from her Great Grand-Uncle Ulrich.

And most importantly, she is rich.

No…not just rich, wealthy almost beyond measure. Of all the various nobles in Allegorian court lady Oldsworth could only imagine the family of Baron Vargos and the royal family as having comparable wealth.

And if her son does his part and seduces the male-countess as he should, then her family fortunes and family status would increase tremendously.

Countess Jewel Delacroix was currently in her year long mourning period for her deceased husband which made it imperative that she position her son as Fiancé to the young attractive and wealthy countess as soon as courtly manners made permissible.

Kyle picked at his breakfast silently as Wanda contemplated.

“Yes. It’s a brilliant idea. You will approach Lady Delacroix and become her protector. She needs an escort to go out in public without her PCP collar, and if you become that she would be grateful. This also gives you an opportunity to romance her. If she is amenable you shall be seen as her protector and suitor by members of the nobility.”

Kyle hung his head in despondency upon hearing his mother’s demands. He didn’t want to accept it but he knew better than to argue against her.

“Meanwhile I will also research a way to compel a marriage if Jewel does not accept your proposal.”

“Wait? Proposal? She is still in mourning. It would be social suicide to propose during her mourning period.”

“Not marriage you idiot! Not yet anyway. Propose friendship. Let me worry about the details. You just get close to her and become indispensible.” Wanda ordered coldly.

**

Jewel had been working continuously in her study on her finances for three hours now. When a servant entered with news that there was a caller at the door, Jewel gratefully took the opportunity for a break. Normal protocol and etiquette demanded that when someone was calling upon he that they would be escorted to meet Jewel wherever she chose to greet them. But Jewel needed to stretch her legs and move a bit. She’d find that missing 2 billion after greeting her caller.

As she reached the foyer she was confused by who she saw.

Lady Wanda Oldsworth, one of her primary opponents, stood regally at the entry way.

Jewel’s etiquette training kicked in automatically.

“Lady Oldsworth, how good of you to call upon me. And so unexpected, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Lady Delacroix, it has been too long and I must apologize for neglecting to visit you more often. I fear it is never clear how to find the right balance of companionship with friends against the need for solitude as you are still mourning your husband.”

Jewel clasped Wanda’s hand in polite greeting as she invited her in for refreshments.

Friends? Wanda and Jewel could hardly be considered friends.

“I’m so sorry, but I really can’t stay. But I have come to personally invite you to a private formal dinner at our manor this Friday. I hope the invitation isn’t on too short of a notice.”

Jewel was confused by the invitation. Wanda was her most vocal critic concerning her new political action committee for the abolition of arranged marriages.

“It would be my honor, Lady Oldsworth.” Jewel politely accepted. Dianne was always trying to get her to go out more anyway. She didn’t really think much about it; a boring dinner among peers, but she needed to be seen and this was just one more way to maintain her standing and status among her peers.

“Indeed, I look forward to hearing more from you about your PAC. I’d like to discuss this with you in detail in a more leisurely setting.”

Sudden enthusiasm for the invitation blossomed inside her. To have someone as respected as Lady Oldsworth endorse her cause would be a huge boost for her charity.

That Lady Oldsworth even wanted to discuss Jewel’s new campaign to abolish arranged marriages assured her attendance.

Jewel had been repeatedly disappointed that of the many women’s charities funded, sponsored or organized by noble women, none of them wanted to coordinate with her to achieve similar goals.

Even the many women’s rights groups subtly shunned her political action committee. The very same groups that tried to abolish arranged marriages for women didn’t want to suffer from “mission creep” and take on more than they were already handling.

Trying to frame arranged marriage as not just a women’s rights issue but as a human rights issue was seen by her peers as diluting their focus and the possibility of their own success.

Lady Oldsworth made it clear that she was ready to leave so Jewel escorted her happily back through the front door of her mansion. A few more polite yet meaningless words were shared before Wanda departed in her car.

Jewel smiled happily. Now that’s how things get done, with the personal connections that the nobles keep and maintain with each other. Convincing Wanda, however, would be difficult. Jewel hoped she would be equal to the task as an advocate of abolition.

**

Countess Oldsworth paid close attention to the preparations for dinner. Countess Delacroix had accepted her invitation for a private dinner under the guise of furthering discussion of her abolitionist ideas.

However, the most important aspect of Wanda’s preparations was to make absolutely certain that her son behaved and fulfilled his duty to the family as her heir. He must be made resplendent in his formal attire.

Wanda smiled at her ploy. If all went well, in less than a year she could petition the crown to force a marriage in the best interest of Jewel. It was brilliant!

When Jewel arrived she was momentarily surprised when she learned that her dinner with Wanda was exactly that; just Jewel, and Wanda, with no other persons in attendance.

Jewel decided to be grateful. A private dinner would give her the opportunity to focus her arguments and tailor them for Wanda. She only hoped she would be persuasive enough to receive Lady Oldsworth’s endorsement.

After only a brief period of small talk and socializing they sat down to a full formal 7 course meal. The dinner was amazing and Lady Oldsworth let Lady Delacroix hold sway over the conversation as she advocated for her platform and sought to convince Wanda to endorse her position.

Favors, Jewel thought. She knew enough from her years of marriage that trading favors was how the real business of Allegorian government and business got done. Jewel was concise yet passionate as she spoke. She needed this win.

Wanda for her part mostly tuned out Jewel’s advocacy. She easily feigned all the polite responses to keep Jewel talking but she had made up her mind awhile ago and saw no reason to change it. The sanctity of tradition should not be changed upon the whims of a few disgruntled people. There were so many directions and factions that struggle for control over which way their country is heading, all of it meaningless noise by Wanda’s estimation.

With so many competing factions no clear dominant player has yet emerged. The Elite Queens Guard is busy protecting Allegoria’s current ruler. The Elite Kings Guard has remained conspicuously above ground and loyal to the current ruler despite the suspicious circumstances and timing of the King’s death.

Various special interest groups continued to vie for public attention and support and now Countess Delacroix was embarking on her own crusade.

The abolition of arranged marriages?

Absurd!

Poppycock!

Meanwhile Countess Wanda Oldsworth’s preferred choice, the Society for the Restoration of the Matriarchy (SRM) was at least steadily gaining ground in recruiting and infiltrating more of societies leading organizations and government departments and bureaus.

She had just discovered that their most promising member in the NSSA&M, Mindi Tartovski, was up for promotion. Lady Oldsworth had influence with the board of the NSSA&M and intended to make sure she got it.

The patriarchy must be defeated and their defeat must be total! And patient persistent penetration of the halls of power by the matriarchy’s members and allies was the only way to succeed.

Her former arch rival Jean Claude Delacroix was cunning, deceitful, and ingenious in his methods to thwart her actions. Not from any sense of nobility or genuine interest in progress but because somehow they simply interfered with his own.

Wanda saw his resurrection of ancient 18th century laws as obviously being a part of his larger struggle against the Society for the Restoration of the Matriarchy.

In Lady Oldsworth’s opinion, and hers was the only opinion that mattered; women like Jewel weakened the SRM’s claims. They were obviously a way for Count Delacroix to insult the matriarchy and force them to accept feminized male brides as women or be viewed as bigots or hypocrites.

Wanda suspected that the male brides were secretly a means for Jean Claude to infiltrate her organization with obedient submissive male sluts who would betray her and all women just to indulge their sick fetish.

Now all of society, both common and noble was forced to maintain appearances and make public declarations about respect for individual choice as well as respect for cultural appreciation. He masterfully prevented everyone from defying him.

“May I join your women’s group or do my cock and balls disqualify me?” Wanda imagined these trannies asking.

But with Count Delacroix dead there was no one left to thwart the SRM’s progress and prevent the society from reaching their goals. She need only have the patience and drive to see her dreams realized.

But in the mean time, patience is not a virtue in regards to Kyle Oldsworth. Wanda envisioned that there just might be a way of finding a wife for her gay son. After all, family honor and heritage is a much more important and time critical concern right now than such mundane matters as her son’s sexual orientation or preference in a partner.

Wanda sipped the very rare and expensive Bordeaux and listened as Lady Delacroix babbled on about rights and demeaning human dignity and other such silly things.

She was beautiful, I’ll give her that. She meets all the expectations of a noble countess of the realm. She is also possibly the wealthiest she-male in the country and in only 8 more months she would be the most eligible single noble on the market.

When Jewel finally reached the end of her argument Wanda was glad. It was becoming tedious, and she was ready to move on to more important matters.

“Well, this is all fascinating and so much to take in. I will have to think critically about all that you have said before I can endorse such a novel position as abolishing arranged marriages.”

“Novel position?” Jewel asked. Hadn’t she been listening?

“Yes. You have made many valid and compelling arguments, but there is also cultural norms and respect for traditions that must be considered. But rest assured I shall give this my full consideration.”

Jewel allowed her self to be mollified by the statement as the server removed her plate. The final course, dessert, was up next.

Jewel seemed pensive after Wanda didn’t agree to endorse her charity and political action committee.

“But in the mean time let us move on to less controversial endeavors. I believe you know my son Kyle.”

Jewel looked up as an attractive young man of perhaps 20 entered the room. He was dressed in a classically cut immaculate business suit and tie, white shirt and highly polished leather shoes. A crisp neatly folded pocket square was in his breast pocket and Jewel noted his jeweled cufflinks as he adjusted them when he approached her.

“Kyle Oldsworth, Count heir apparent.” Wanda’s introduced her son, “Kyle, Lady Jewel Delacroix; Countess.”

Jewel was suddenly aware that she already knew him.

“Yes, Lady Delacroix, I believe we have met already.” Kyle shook Jewel’s hand politely.

It took her only a moment to remember that she met Kyle at Lady Montcalm’s pool party.

“Yes, so nice to meet you again.”

“You’ve missed dinner my son.” Wanda chided gently.

“Yes mother. Work again I’m afraid.” Kyle played his part well.

“Well, you arrived in time for dessert. Why don’t you and Lady Delacroix take desert and coffee out on the veranda?” Wanda proposed.

“You won’t be joining us?” Jewel asked in bewilderment.

“Oh no, no sweets for me I fear. But there is no reason you two can’t indulge.”

**

Lillian Delacroix smiled pleasantly as her mentor approached. Wanda Oldsworth was equally convivial in her greetings. As co-conspirators for the Society for the Restoration of the Matriarchy this weekly tête-à-tête was important for maintaining the forward momentum of the society’s progressive goals.

And that Lillian was the daughter of Jean Claude Delacroix IV and was poised to become the new Chancellor of the Exchequer was certainly an event worthy of their time.

“Congratulations are in order; upon your confirmation as Chancellor of the Exchequer; I know you shall fulfill this role and your duties as well as you father did” Wanda praised.

“I am my father’s daughter. Of course I shall.” Lillian spoke with resolve.

“I suppose then that there is only the matter of Lady Jewel Delacroix to resolve.” Lady Oldsworth stated.

“I had the opportunity to see her at the reception following my father’s funeral” Lillian said. “She said she was sorry for the difficulties that her escape attempts may have caused. She said that she never wanted to cause anyone any harm.”

Lillian had watched as Jewel received the folded flag from Jean Claude’s coffin during his funeral. As a ranking state official he was entitled to burial with honors. That flag should have been mine, Lillian thought, resenting Jewel.

“I think that Jewel was searching for a way to make a connection with me. Technically, I am her step-daughter.” Lillian’s expression conveyed the annoyance most feel when facing the reality of a step-parent younger than them.

“And what did you say to her” Wanda asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

“Her attempts to run away were an insult to our culture and our history.” Lillian charged.

“How so?” Wanda agreed, but needed to hear Lillian say why.

“It was her duty in an arranged marriage to serve her husband. It was her destiny, her fate.”

“And did she agree?”

“No. She argued. She asked ‘how can I say that? Am I not allowed to choose my own destiny, my own path in life?'”

“I tried to set her straight. I told her No, your destiny was chosen for you and delivered to you. Your duty was to fulfill your role and bring honor to your husband and our noble institutions. Instead you dishonor our history and my family. Father, may he rest in peace, gave you every advantage and every luxury. Your duty to serve him would allow him to then focus on his service to the people, to bring honor to our institutions. Instead you brought disrespect and shame.”

“I take it she didn’t like that.”

“No. She seemed stunned and still she tried to make peace.”

“How so?”

“She said that she was born here but not raised here. She lacks the knowledge and information about our unique culture that we possess, naturally. She said it seemed to her ‘you expect me to sacrifice my dreams, goals and aspirations, and even my dignity to serve as a slave someone I never knew and something I didn’t understand. Why should I sacrifice everything for that?'” Lillian’s voice was raised slightly in anger.

“And what did you say.” Wanda prompted, enjoying the gossipy moment immensely.

“Sometimes, sacrifices must be made for the greater good.” Lillian answered evenly.

Wanda nodded approvingly.

“I only wish there was something that I can do. She now has all of father’s wealth and none of his ambition.”

“I’m sure it will please you to know that I am working on that problem as we speak.” Wanda revealed.

Lillian raised an eyebrow in inquiry.

“Do you know a Dr. Patricia Agonia?”

“No, I don’t think so…wait…isn’t she my step-moth…Jewel’s therapist?”

“Indeed she is. She is one of my agents inside the NSSA&M. Listen closely and let me tell you what I have planned and what I need you to do.”

**

Lillian carefully considered what Lady Oldsworth had told her. And while she agreed with her reasoning she didn’t agree that Lady Jewel would fall into her plans so easily.

Lillian truly believed in the goals that the Society for the Restoration of the Matriarchy worked toward. She knew from personal experience and observation that men are dangerous and must be controlled.

Lillian thought about her mother. Lillian grew up mostly alone due to the parental indifference and arrogance of her father. He had routinely gas lighted her mother to cover up his numerous indiscretions, eventually it drove her mad and to an early grave.

Lillian wasn’t disappointed or saddened by his death. She was angered that Lady Jewel Veronica Delacroix was the sole beneficiary of his estate as his wife. Why her father had held onto her and kept her close for so long was a mystery.

As an arranged marriage male bride she would have thought her father would have cast her off as soon as he was finished destroying and humiliating John McLeod.

But if wishes were fishes…

Lillian hoped Wanda’s plan for Jewel would work. The society could really use the wealth that Jean Claude had acquired over his lifetime. Lillian guestimated that he should have been almost a trillionaire by now given his legal and extra-legal investments.

But if Wanda’s plan doesn’t work Lillian had a plan of her own. She would seek to find the means to dis-enoble her step mother and take Jewel’s inheritance for her own.

**

Lillian greeted her visitor privately in her home, away from prying eyes.

“I suppose you are wondering why I have invited you here.”

“I can only assume that it is of a personal nature since I do believe all my tax receipts are in order.” The hypnotherapist smiled pleasantly facing the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Lillian didn’t laugh or even smile. That joke was as old as dirt.

“Dr. Patricia Alexis Agonia, Medical Doctor and Hypnotherapist. Specializing in cutting edge hypnotherapy techniques used in the rehabilitation and conditioning of criminals and…others…” Lillian trailed off leveling a penetrating gaze and Dr. Agonia.

Dr. Agonia didn’t rise to the provocation, instead choosing to sit silently and quietly, all the while holding Lillian’s gaze with her own. Patricia now knew who she was dealing with. It wasn’t Lillian as Chancellor; it was Lillian as Daughter of Count Delacroix.

“As executor of my father’s estate I have come across some troubling information.” Lillian announced.

Patricia still remained silent.

“Perhaps you want to tell me exactly what it is you have been doing with my step-mother?”

**

Patricia Agonia smiled as she left her meeting with Lillian Delacroix. By remaining calm and professional she had managed to control the direction of the conversation with the Chancellor and was very pleased with the result of their meeting.

Dr. Patricia Agonia had the skills and experience to do what was wanted and the wisdom to know that they (the nobles) needed her, she didn’t need them.

Being asked to do something improper wasn’t a new experience for Patricia. Nobles approached her weekly with one scheme or another. Most thought that they could simply intimidate her into agreeing to whatever it was they wanted.

Patricia decided she like Lillian. Her goals appealed to Patricia’s sense of justice and her plan was simple and direct. Patricia always made sure to cover her own ass though. Her legal agreement with Count Delacroix had been more that enough to absolve her of any wrong doing. Insisting that Lillian observe the same set of Noble rules, principles, and privileges as her father did was enough to convince her to accept Lillian’s proposal.

Well, that and the money of course.

Patricia drove back to her office and began planning her next few hypnosis sessions for Lady Jewel Veronica Delacroix. Patricia even felt good about what she was asked to do. Convincing Jewel to marry shouldn’t take much time or effort at all!

**

Jewel entered the home and made her cordial greetings with the arranged marriage male bride. Jewel was slowly working her way around to meet, greet, and interview each of the known male brides currently in Allegoria.

Jewel had Dianne make all the arrangements but she was usually frustrated. Most of the husband’s seemed reluctant to allow their male-wives to have a private interview with Lady Delacroix.

It seems her speech on the abolition of arranged marriages did not endear her to those currently benefitting from them.

Jewel had met her first arranged marriage male bride, Tawny White only a few weeks ago. Dianne had informed her that both John “Dorothy” Hastings and Baroness Marcia Vargos had refused her invitation.

Dorothy made polite excuses stating she was much too busy assisting Baroness Marcia Vargos as she adjusted to her arranged marriage; a bold and borderline rude gesture refusing a noble’s invitation. The baroness meanwhile had her refusal given on her behalf by her husband. As a fellow noble, Jewel could not force the issue. At least her status as a noble gave her the clout she needed to gain access to the remaining non-noble male brides.

All the other arrange marriage male brides were married to extremely wealthy commoners. She and Marcia Vargos were currently the only noble arranged marriage male brides at the moment.

A seventh prospective male bride was said to be in training under the tutelage of Leanne. Jewel actually dreaded the prospect of having to see Leanne again and let this one slip by for now.

**

Chrissi Balzac was not quite what she expected.

Standing in the corner of the room facing the corner Chrissi was wearing a tight powder blue over bust corset and short two tiered tulle petticoat that reached just to her upper thighs. She wore long white thigh high stockings and the hems were visible below the hem of the petticoat. Her powder blue high heels were easily 5 inches high.

Her corset left her shoulders exposed and displayed her smooth creamy white flesh above her bosom. Chrissi was clearly flat chested and what passed for her tiny non-existent breasts were clearly due to the corset pushing up on her chest. She had a long slender neck that was framed by the large hoop earrings dangling from each ear.

Controversially, she had her hair cut short, in a crew cut style.

When Jewel arrived she was brusquely informed that Mrs. Balzac would not be allowed to answer any questions. Her mother, Barbara, would answer for her. When Jewel asked for an explanation she was simply told that Chrissi had a momentary lapse of control and in that lapse had cut her hair. She was being given a time-out.

That explained the handcuffs cuffing her hands behind her back, the posture collar holding her head up high and a leash from her collar to an eye bolt in the wall in the corner of the room. Her mouth was gagged with a ball gag. She must have been there awhile as a slow and steady continuous string of drool was dripping from her mouth and coating her upper chest and ‘bosom’.

Chrissi’s eyes were watering and it affected her mascara, now running down to her cheeks. Her red lips were stretched over the gag. Her eye shadow also appeared to have smudged from constant blinking, likely due to the strain she was under. At least the pale rouge on the apples of her cheeks was intact.

Jewel listened attentively as Barbara, Chrissi’s mother, told Chrissi’s story and was horrified by the story she was hearing.

“I was forced to petticoat my son often during his upbringing as a disciplinary measure.” Barbara informed.

“He was so cruel to his sisters and I after his father left us. He was only 10, but his attitude toward me and toward women was disgusting. I can’t say how many times he tormented his sisters and left them in tears from his behavior.”

Jewel recalled her notes. Chris was the youngest child. All his sisters were older than him by more than a few years. How could he have tormented them?

“He needed a firm hand and if I didn’t do something then he would have ended up just like his abusive no good dead beat father!”

Jewel recalled from her notes that Chris’s dad abandoned his family leaving them nearly destitute and unprovided for.

“And yet despite my best efforts, nothing seemed to work or get through to him…”

Jewel listened as Chris’ mother told her tale of woe.

When Chris turned 18 he was accused by his girlfriend of impropriety.

“And when I walked in, Chris’ girlfriend screamed and accused him of attempted rape.”

“Chrissi said they were boyfriend and girlfriend when I caught in bed together about to have intercourse. He claimed that they were about to lose their virginity to each other, but I knew it was just another lie in a long history of lies.”

Jewel knew from her notes that the girlfriend had later recanted her testimony but that Chris was still convicted. His youth was considered a mitigating factor and he was slated to be remanded to the custody of the National Social Services Acquisition and Maintenance Department when Barbara stepped in.

“I then petitioned the courts to receive stewardship over his probation promising to turn his life around.”

“And now I have done so!” She smiled proudly.

As Barbara continued her story Jewel listened with only 1/2 her attention. She used the remaining strength to control her demeanor and appearance so as not to reveal her displeasure at what she was hearing.

Barbara had Chris feminized and sissified and then arranged his marriage to a wealthy business man after she recalled the inspiring tale of Jules Verne McLeod who became Jewel Veronica Delacroix.

The husband she found for him was Barbara’s’ former employer who agreed to the marriage for physical and intimacy reasons as well as the tax incentives that are awarded.

Jewel sat horrified at the story. Her training allowed her to listen impassively and without expression of her inner turmoil.

Jewel was overcome by the urge to reach out and slap the stupid off of Barbara’s stupid, pretty face.

With herculean inner strength Jewel rose from her seat and thanked Barbara and Chrissi for their time. She checked that her tablet had finished recording the interview and already generated a transcript. One thing was certain; the varied methods of obtaining a male bride were certainly enlightening.

**

Samatha McCaulkiner, formerly Sam Hunt was a ward of the state and despite his youth and beauty and promising future had never been adopted. As his 18th birthday drew near the state, suffering under a budget shortfall for youth homes and support recognized the potential inherent in Samuel.

The state convinced Sam to volunteer for a charity auction, in cooperation with the NSSA&M to raise money for orphans. As he was over 18 he was told that he was now too old to remain up for a family adoption, but depending on the outcome of the auction he would either be allowed to stay in the home an additional year to develop his prospects, or his auction buyer would give him a loving home and place to live.

As one of the older orphans still in the orphanage Sam had an unusually strong protective feeling toward the younger children. He felt pride and satisfaction that his participation would earn the funds to help all the other children in the orphanage.

For Sam, it sounded like a dream opportunity. With no money for college, no prospects, and no marketable skills it was either enlist in the army, enlist in social services, or be turned out into the street…and the army recruiter had already rejected him for being too small.

And joining social services; the idea was terrifying. After all, not all enlistees became service providers. There was a huge support staff necessary for running the day to day operations. But with his youth, slim build, and pretty features Sam was smart enough to realize the likely outcome.

So Sam reluctantly agreed to participate and have another year to develop his potential. Sam signed a bunch of waivers and a Non-Disclosure Agreement and was told he was a perfect candidate for the auction.

And then his life became so much worse.

He wound up agreeing to an arranged marriage to Bartholomew McCaulkiner. While Sam had been told that he would be sold to a loving family they hadn’t been particularly clear on what that meant.

The language of the contract with the charity auction had a stipulation that gave his purchaser broad discretion as to the direction his life was to follow once purchased.

Sam had been suckered into selling himself into an arranged marriage contract.

Barry, as he was called, was a driven developer who had made his fortune in real estate. He had made his first billion by the time he was thirty. He was renowned in Allegoria for his high rise projects that had turned Capitol City into a bustling metropolis. Barry had worked with the state and arranged his marriage for a hefty bride price that was used to fund the orphanages for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Jewel wanted to interview Samantha privately as she had the other arranged marriage male brides, but Barry refused. Invoking his rights as her arranged marriage husband he insisted on attending the interview.

Jewel looked at the couple as they sat side by side on the divan across from her. A true may December romance as Samantha, the third male bride after her, was now just 22 years old and married for four years. Barry, according to her notes, was now 82.

He wasn’t just old, he was elderly, and he looked it.

From his fine snowy grey hair thinning on top to his sallow facial features, pale complexion and grizzled chin whiskers, he wore slippers on his feet, loose pants and a large warm sweater.

Samantha for her part looked classically elegant in a 1950’s style sheath dress or was in the 2050’s reproduction version? that accentuated her slim shapely figure. She wore nude hose on her legs, black heels, and white pearl necklace, pearl bracelet and pearl stud earrings.

Her brown hair was coiffed in a bouffant and her makeup was straight from a fashion magazine. Her presentation was nearly flawless as only her nearly imperceptible Adams apple gave away the hint she was not quite as she presented to be.

And then there were the mannerisms.

“Are you happy in your marriage?” Jewel asked Samantha.

Barry held Samantha’s hand as they sat and as she spoke.

“Of course I am. I have been well trained and educated in my role and my new life as his wife. I appreciate everything my husband has given me and this opportunity to make him happy.” Samantha’s voice was unusual. Not quite alto, not a tenor either. Her voice was like a woman trying to sound like a man rather than the other way around.

Jewel wasn’t fooled. Her mannerisms were the same Jewel had when she was married. Her replies were crisp and rehearsed. She sat with perfect posture and poise; her head held high. Her hand in her husband’s hand was stiff and not relaxed.

Jewel knew when she was only saying what they had trained her to say…probably under threat of punishment. Jewel turned her attention to Barry.

“And why did you want to marry a man. Why go to all the trouble to feminize and train a young man to become a cross-dressed woman?”

Barry seemed amused by the question.

“I don’t need any more heirs. I can assure you that I am more than capable of siring many more children, as my doctor…and Samantha…” Barry patted her hand “can attest…”

Jewel felt slight nausea. She noticed Samantha shifted ever so slightly away from Barry.

“And I did not want any more heirs to further divide my children’s inheritance when I finally pass away. I wanted someone who would love me for me and provide me with the companionship and joy to see me through my declining years.”

Jewel felt a sense of disorientation and déjà vu. The parallels between her marriage and this one struck too close to home.

“But why an arranged marriage? Why feminize him?”

Barry looked at Jewel and then his gaze lost focus as he seemed to be seeing something outside the room.

“A feminized male bride is a unique enticement. An arranged marriage brings certain…privileges and responsibilities…” Barry regained his focus and looked again at Jewel.

“Sam’s reluctance to become Samantha…to accept her new role and duties…it is a delicate yet potent ingredient that gives this relationship its powerful flavor.”

Jewel was distraught but hid it from view as her feminization and comportment training allowed.

“So hiring servants to teach my male bride to be a wife, to train her, to break his spirit and then rebuild him into her…into something new…something…beautiful…under my direct supervision of course.”

Barry McCaulkiner reached up to Samantha’s chin and turned her head to face him and look right into her eyes. Samantha shivered imperceptibly.

“And let’s not forget the financial benefits…training expenses for arranged spouses (male and female) are now tax deductable.”

With only the slightest touch Barry used his finger on Samantha’s chin to bring her face closer…and give her a passionate kiss.

Jewel was revolted to see an 82 year old man French kiss a 22 year old arranged marriage male bride, and to see that Samantha responded accordingly. Was it her training or was it a natural response?

“And besides…there is the prenuptial agreement as well.” Barry said as he broke the kiss and caressed Samantha’s cheek with his hand.

Samantha seemed surprised by this statement.

“That’s right little one, when I die; I have made arrangements for you. Financial freedom to live your own life…”

Samantha’s surprised expression grew wider.

“As long as you remain feminized and present as female and remain my widow, you shall have a fortune sufficient that you will want for nothing.”

Samantha actually gasped.

“Just like Lady Delacroix, the woman who inspired all of this and made it possible and acceptable.”

Jewel felt sick. She verified that her tablet voice recording had already made a transcript of their conversation; another truly illuminating interview.

**

Kyle Oldsworth

Kyle held out his hand to assist Lady Delacroix, Jewel, as she rose from her seat. He stood easily over her even in her high heels.

Knowing she was genetically male and an arranged marriage male bride now widow didn’t help his feelings any.

Kyle was gay and he was not attracted to feminized men. Jewel looked so much like a woman that he fought to control his facial expressions and hide his distaste for her.

But henpecked by his mother he felt forced to go along with her plans in order to keep her happy. Wanda and Kyle had argued vociferously about her scheme. But as always, he gave in to her demands and agreed to try.

“I don’t want to. I’m tired of your scheming and intrigue.” He had shouted.

“Noble court is nothing but intrigue, it’s a lesson you must learn to survive.” Wanda had proclaimed indifferently.

“Let’s take a stroll.”

Since their first meeting at Oldsworth Manor Kyle had made a point of extending to Jewel a dinner invitation at a later date. Jewel had accepted and after a couple more weeks she was again having dinner at Oldsworth Manor in the pleasant company of Kyle Oldsworth, Count Heir Apparent.

Jewel had hoped to again meet with Lady Wanda Oldsworth to press her for her support for Jewel’s cause abolishing arranged marriages but Lady Wanda was out and unavailable.

Jewel wore a diaphanous black dress that would have allowed the shadow of her figure to be seen through the thin fabric was it not for the black full slip she wore underneath. Her typical black lace bra and panty set her intimate attire.

She stood up in her black 4 inch wedge sandals that allowed her to display her coral colored pedicure. She had refused to paint them black again. There was only so much mourning she could do after all.

A servant had already retrieved and brought her hat, adorned with a black lace mourning veil wrapped around the brim.

Kyle led Jewel through the French doors out onto the patio and down a flight of stone steps into the outside gardens of the Oldsworth estate.

Jewel strolled easily next to Kyle as he led her to a small garden table already set with coffee and sweets. After helping her into her seat he sat down opposite and just stared for a moment as if gathering his thoughts.

Jewel was struck by a feeling of Déjà vu at the awkwardness. It almost felt like a blind date.

“I suppose that I should just be direct. I have no desire to be manipulative or play games. I’m not my mother. I try to be honest with people instead.” Kyle began. “I know how inspirational you have become to so many people.”

Jewel was not amused. Everyone benefiting from an arranged marriage seemed to say that and credit her with their right to enslave someone in an arranged marriage. How in the hell was that considered inspirational?

“Within Allegoria’s LGBT+ community, among women’s rights groups, and many other factions, all of them look at you as an ideally conditioned arranged marriage bride.” Kyle stated answering Jewel’s unspoken question.

“Reluctantly accepting your place as custom and tradition dictates.”

Jewel could not understand what he was saying. She wasn’t raised here. What customs? What traditions? The ones she knew of, like her arranged marriage, were oppressive.

“One of the most onerous burdens upon you must be the requirement to wear a public cross-dressing permit collar when you are out in public.”

Very true, thought Jewel, while still wondering what Kyle was leading up to.

“I find you interesting” Kyle swallowed hard “and would like to spend more time with you.”

Jewel was again surprised.

“With your permission I would like to be your escort for public and private events. This would allow you to not wear that demeaning collar, and…it would allow me the chance to get to know you better.”

Kyle looked into Jewel’s eyes as he finished his proposal.

Jewel was still surprised at the unexpected offer. An escort that would be her friend and chaperone so that she wouldn’t have to wear her PCP collar would be welcome. Jewel was aware many women had gay men as friends and appreciated that they wanted nothing from them other than friendship.

Jewel also realized by acceding to Kyle’s request it would likely help sway Lady Wanda Oldsworth’s opinion and help obtain her endorsement for Jewel’s abolition charity and political action committee.

Jewel smiled sweetly at Kyle.

“Yes. I think I’d like that very much.”

After coffee and dessert Kyle led Jewel to a small patio over a cliff that overlooked the ocean. The tide was out. Jewel automatically considered if this was her patio could she have made an escape from here? She glanced down over the railing. If the tide was in would she have survived the fall?

She leaned out further over the railing to gain a better view of the beach and rocks down below.

Off to one side there was a locked wrought iron gate that separated the patio from a long flight of stairs that hugged the cliff and led down to the sandy beach below. As her vision followed the descent of the stairs she eventually found the high water mark where time and tide had eroded the originally sharp and defined steps into those that were more smooth, rounded, and slippery.

Jewel estimated that at high tide there would be at least 10 feet of water above the sand, although it would obviously be less where the boulders protruded.

Jewel could just make out the image of fishing boats perhaps a mile off shore. That would have been easy swimming distance…back when she was Jules…and even as Jewel she knew she could swim that far out, despite how slow her stroke had become since her feminization. Her swimming workouts focused on minimal cardio, and a swim stroke that both enhanced and emphasized her curves, at the expense of speed. The lessons were typically short to prevent her from building up endurance as well.

A workout routine designed to enhance her form and beauty…nothing more.

Jewel pondered how the happiness that she sought since her husband’s death was more elusive than she had thought it would be. Kyle was pleasant, and handsome. The offer of friendship and to become her chaperone was a pleasant surprise.

Jewel smiled at Kyle. This just might work out.

**

Mourning Countess or Morning Countess?

“Noble watcher’s seemed scandalized when Lady Jewel Delacroix, Dowager Countess was seen exiting Oldsworth Manor in the late hours of the evening in the company of Kyle Oldsworth, Count Heir apparent.”

“The attractive couple was spotted as the young future count escorted the countess to her car just before midnight.”

“Was Cinderella’s midnight departure from the ball a portent of things to come?”

“This is the second time the young dowager countess has been caught flouting mourning customs and traditions by partying in the company of Allegoria’s future young nobles.”

“Fans of protocol and decorum have expressed disapproval as perhaps the American raised Male countess feels she has an excuse to disregard the year long tradition of mourning customs.”

“As always we shall closely monitor these events.”

“This is Phoebe Mills for City Nightly News Entertainment.”

Dianne smiled to herself. Another trending social media post. Jewel’s follower numbers were up and she was now finally up into the middle of the pack of young celebrities in Allegoria. Dianne was very pleased.

**

Jewel rather enjoyed the next month when Kyle accompanied her on her social visits and public speeches to ladies groups, politicians, and notable citizens and subjects of Allegorian society.

She felt she was right in her earlier assessment. This must be what girls feel when they have a gay male friend. No pressure. She rather enjoyed Kyle’s company and friendship. He was polite, witty, charming, and respected her boundaries.

His company as her chaperone most certainly made movement easier and public appearances without her collar went without the embarrassment that came from wearing the collar. It also was nice when she met with the younger generation of nobles, women and men her own age, to be received with friendship, rather than merely tolerated as she was by her noble peers who were older and of her deceased husband’s generation.