The Return of the Queen

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Disclaimer: As before. Also, slight trigger warning. Nothing graphic, but implied.

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Chapter 2: Baal's Revenge

He did not immediately see how he could humiliate Astarte as she had humiliated him. He wanted to shame her to the ground, to have her beg at his feet. Because damn her, she was right. It was time to find a new host for Anat. But first, Astarte needed a lesson in submission.

He sat down, much to the relief of his lo'tar, who had resumed his post outside after removing the battered harem girl from Baal's chambers. If his master had stopped pacing, the lo'tar was content, because that was meant there was less chance the anger would be directed at him.

Baal smirked to himself as a truly evil plan began forming in his head. The woman refused to accept the highest position he could offer her? Then she should submit like all others.

With a bark Baal summoned his lo'tar into the room. 'Deliver this message in front of as many as possible,' he said. 'Lord Baal requires a harem girl. It is to be you, Astarte. Do not deviate from this message.'

Hiding his shock, the lo'tar bowed and sprinted from the room. All the way there, the slave prayed that the Lady Astarte was alone.

He was in luck. Lady Astarte was alone. She looked up as the nervous lo'tar entered for the second time in as many hours.

BABABA

'Lo'tar, what do you require?' she asked.

As the slave repeated his message Astarte felt her eyes glow. At first it was anger from the lack of honorific she was entitled to, but then the message penetrated and she felt the blood drain from her face.

Baal dared to summon her as he would a common harem girl! If he were a lesser god, she would kill him where he stood. But he was stronger than she and was the power until Anat returned so she must appease him. 'Lead the way, lo'tar,' she said in her most bored voice. 'Let us see what Baal wants.' If he could forget her honorifics, she could do the same. He was obviously summoning her to berate her for refusing the position of Queen.

The two of them walked to Baal's chambers. The lo'tar knocked and announced their arrival. 'Good luck,' he whispered somewhat disloyally as she walked in.

Baal was wrapped in an elegant robe and wore a gold diadem. On his hand was his ribbon device. Astarte began to feel nervous. She wished she'd thought to bring hers.

'Lady Astarte, ' Baal began to pace, apparently deep in thought. 'What am I to do with you? A Goa'uld who won't accept her master is of no use to me.'

'My Lord,' she said, 'Not only is Queen Anat my superior, but I am not a spawning queen. How would you procure symbiotes without her?'

'We have farms,' Baal growled.

'But you need her,' she said.

'Enough!' Baal snapped. 'We did not call you here to discuss the issue. On your knees.'

Puzzled, she did as she was asked. The kick aimed at her chest took her entirely off-guard and she flew backwards. She barely had time to stand up before Baal grabbed her and threw her on the bed.

Half stunned, even with her reflexes and strengths, Astarte did not have time to resist the neural drug that Baal administered through his ribbon device. It rendered her unable to move, but still able to feel everything.

Of the violation itself, she remembered nothing that wasn't hidden behind an orange haze. Thank Asherah she'd learned how to kel-nor-reem all that time ago. It protected her from the worst.

When she came out of the trance, Astarte was aware she was lying on the floor, her face mercifully hidden from the laughing Baal standing above her. A quick assessment of her injuries confirmed her suspicions. No outward damage, no cuts or bruises anywhere visible. Mostly internal injuries, easily fixed. She forced herself to steel her face and stood up in front of Baal. 'Is there anything else you require, my Lord?' she asked coolly.

The laughter disappeared from Baal's face as he glared at the harem mistress. 'You can go,' he said shortly.

Astarte went to pick up her shoes and put them on. As she was at the door, Baal suddenly spoke.

'Know this Astarte, my revenge isn't in hurting you, it's in the fact that you are humiliated. You will always remember how the price you paid for our Queen's return involved degrading yourself. And no matter how many temples they build to you, I will always think of you as nothing more than a jumped-up harem girl.'

Astarte stared at him. She felt furious and her eyes glowed. Before she had time to think about the consequences, she crossed the room in two strides and slapped the System Lord with all her might.

Baal's head snapped to the side and for a moment she wondered whether she'd broken his neck. However he turned back to her with a smirk and she suddenly remembered the accounts of the harem girls. He thrived on violence.

Baal brought his hand to his cheek, which was already turning red. 'Get out Astarte, ' he said calmly, then he added in the same breath, 'oh, and if you ever mention this little...interlude to Queen Anat, expect a one-way trip to our torture chamber. You'll be begging for death.'

BABABA

As the harem mistress left the room, Baal chuckled at the thought of a task well done, then sat at his desk. It was time to start the search for a host worthy of his Anat.

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FINIS

Please Review! Any suggestions for a new Anat!verse story are welcomed too. If you want a sequel to this, tell me. ~ Isica