I did enjoy this story. I feel it could lead to a sequel. It would work very well I feel. Once again Esmee could save Erik after his debacle with Christine.

Oh! In the end, Esmee proves herself to be an angel to Erik -- an Angel with Steel Wings and a Holy Riding Crop, perhaps, but just what he needed under the circumstances. I think that your story fits well with the Kay canon, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It was one of the best I've read. ~ml

I'm sad because the next chapter is the last -- and I'm not ready for the story to end. Angsty Erik is always a pleasure to read. ~ml

This chapter is marvelously well told. I think you are at your best when speaking in Erik's voice. He is utterly conflicted, wanting life yet also wanting to die and get it over with. He's been betrayed and hurt so many times, this seems like the answer and, above all else, he doesn't want to be dependent on anyone else -- especially not Esmee. Like I said before, he's his own worst enemy and you've captured that perfectly. ~ml

Ah, the khanum's evil knows no bounds. She tempts Esmee with the unattainable, freedom, and so much doubt has been planted that we can only guess what Esmee will do. Will she sell her soul one more time? ~ml

Now you have me on the edge of my seat with your "a most exquisite death" cliffhanger. I loved the way the fake gems were discovered -- that was an excellent detail -- and that you've established a motive for the khanum's hatred of Erik. ~ml

I admire the way you use addresses, such as "Great Mother Who Stands Before Earth and the Shah," she pressed her forehead against my sandal, "I am yours to command." This was intriguing, though jarring initially as I was not sure who was narrating the story.

The scene with the scorpion was very revealing, in many ways.

Great chapter, imho.

~ml

As always, Erik is his own worst enemy when it comes to love. But his survival skills are finely honed, and it will take more than lust to make him falter. I wasn't sure how he came to be dancing with Esmee -- I thought he was meant to sing while she danced -- but it was intriguing.

~ml

Vividly described, and an evil cliffie. I loved the way the flowers spoke to her: Erik is such a romantic fellow. And, he really knows how to show a girl a good time.

The eunuch's allegations have more weight. It's hard to believe that a little missionary would be so familiar with the opium pipe as she was, but I suppose anyone can develop a habit given the right set of circumstances...or the wrong ones.

I'm eager to see how Erik responds to this crisis.

~ml

This story was highly recommended to me by several readers at The Write Stuff. I enjoyed Chapter 1 immensely. It's original and well-written. I was immediately pulled into the story, and found myself liking this Erik and Esmee. You are a gifted writer, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the tale. ~ml

Such a seductive, original fiction. thank you for finishing it.

Regards,
Silver/Annemarie

Wow!
This is really well done. I can tell you've read Kay and done your research. Emsee is a kick-arse character!
Please contnue soon!
Hayley

This is amazing. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Please update this story soon; I really enjoy it, but had completely forgotten about it until you updated again.

good chapter. can't wait to see what's next