Courtesan | By : Shelindrea Category: Twilight Series > Het > Jacob/Renesmee Views: 4787 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
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Chapter 13
NPOV
When the dawn broke over the horizon, I stretched my arms above my head and sighed in contentment. That was when I heard a soft chuckle from my side. I opened my eyes and looked into the face I adored, his eyes crinkled and his lips parted in an amazing smile.
“Well, good morning, My Lovely,” Master said kissing me quickly on the end of my nose.
“Good day, Master.”
His face fell at my greeting. “Are we back to that again? I must admit, I preferred the address you used last evening.”
I squinted at him trying to recall how I had addressed him last night. I never wished to be disrespectful, but how was calling him “Master” a sign of disrespect. My confusion must have shown upon my face for he began to shake his head.
“Can you address me by my name alone, little one?”
“If that is what you wish...Mas...” his finger stopped my lips.
“When we are alone, I want us to just be Ness and Jacob. I want you to think of me as a man, not as your master. Can you do that?”
His dark eyes stared intently into mine, and I could tell this meant something to him, although I could not understand why. I reached out to touch his face and nodded at him. He smiled and released my lips only to catch them in a kiss. “Thank you, Ness.”
“You are most welcome...Jacob,” I said testing the way it felt. When I saw the light in his eyes at hearing his name on my lips, I knew I could do this.
“Now, I have things to tell you, my angel. We are going on another trip.”
“We are?”
“Yes, but it is a pleasure trip this time, no business, and the party will be quite small. Only Bella, Edward, you, and me. We will be staying in an inn along the way, and we are hiring a coach for traveling, so we really need no slaves,” he explained. “Bella is likely to need some assistance on this journey, my pet, so I will ask that you tend to her as she requires.”
“Always,” I readily agreed. I did not understand why Mistress was not bringing Angela to tend to her, but it was not my place to ask.
“We are going to visit Edward's parents, Carlisle and Esme. We travel to Volterra City.”
“Volterra City?”
“Aye. In fact, we will be staying in the Palace. Imagine that.”
The fear I felt must have shown upon my face, because it was difficult to imagine entering the capital city and residing in the palace. I knew not how to behave in such a place.
“What is wrong?” he asked holding my hands in his own.
I swallowed deeply. “Master...”
“Ness...” he said sadly. “Did we not just discuss this?”
“I am sorry...Jacob, do you think it wise to take me with you on this journey? Would not a slave with more experience and training be a better choice? I do not wish to be a source of embarrassment for you, ever, and I know not how to behave at court,” I said in a rush.
“Nonsense. You have never been less than perfect in your conduct. In fact, I am always proud to have you with me. Always. But not to worry, I am sure Bella will know any protocol you may need.”
I trusted Mistress Bella, she would not let me put a foot wrong. This comforted me somewhat. I nodded and we went about packing for the journey.
I had never seen a carriage such as the one hired for the trip. It was made of fine polished wood and hand carved in ornate swirls and curlicues. There was actual glass in the windows, and they were shaded by fine lace curtains, which were held back with satin ties. I watched as the traveling trunks were loaded onto the rack and walked about it looking with awe at the beauty of it.
There was a bench seat up top for the driver and a buck-bench on the back, I assumed for any slaves to ride upon. I was a bit fearful to ride upon so open a seat, and hoped that the pace of the trip would not be overly speedy, for there did not look like much to hold on to. I was dressed in a traveling dress which was longer than a normal day dress, sweeping the tops of my sandal shod feet. I also wore a traveling cape which would serve to keep the wind from chaffing my skin too badly on the road. I decided to test the bench to find the safest riding position. Finding that my feet hung high above the earth, I sat, but I could wrap my arm about the thin filigree pillar carved onto the side of the carriage. Yes, I was certain this would keep me on the bench as long as we did not hit too deep a rut or too steep a hill.
That was where I was when Master, I mean Jacob, Master Edward, and Mistress Bella descended the stairs from the house. Mistress looked beautiful in a soft blue traveling cloak which billowed about her. She was flanked by the masters, and Master Edward guided her into the carriage with great care.
“Nessie?” Jacob said to me, holding out a hand.
“Yes, Master?”
“Come along,” he beckoned.
I slid from the bench to the ground confused as to where we were going. He took my hand and led me to the carriage door. He opened it and waved me in the direction of the interior. I stopped and cocked my head at him, surely he did not mean for me to ride within.
“Climb up, Ness,” he said it more like a request than an order, but I obeyed.
Looking around the compartment, I saw plush leather squabs and seats, a brazier in the center of the floor, and Master Edward and Mistress Bella seated on one side wrapped in each other's arms. Master Jacob climbed up and took a seat across from them. I was still standing, bent slightly at the waist, so I sank to my knees by the brazier.
“Come,” Jacob said offering me his hand and then guiding me to the seat next to him. “It is not safe for you to ride that close to the brazier. Besides, I like having you beside me.”
I took a seat beside him, and we rode in companionable conversation. I was quiet at first, but as we continued each of them, in turn, included me in the discussions. They asked me questions and included me in confidences.
“It has been far too long since I have seen my parents, at least that is what my mother tells me,” Master Edward said waving a piece of parchment that I assumed was a missive from her. “But then again, we could make this pilgrimage weekly and it would not be too often for her.”
“Edward, be nice, after all, she misses you,” Mistress Bella chided.
“No, love she misses you and Jacob. I am only her son, it is you who will one day bear her grandchild, and Jacob who she views as the rogue she did not raise,” he laughed. “Nessie did you know that Jacob alienated my mother's affection from me and claimed them as his own?”
I looked to my master quizzically.
“Believe nothing he says, Ness. The truth is she was charmed by my sterling character and sought a surrogate son, because the one she had was such a rascal,” Jacob said on a laugh.
“Lies!” Master Edward bellowed playfully. “Although...perhaps you should worry, My Love. I mean, imagine how she will react to Jacob's jewel. She is so sweet and biddable she is likely to replace us both.”
I blushed deeply at his reference to me, even though I knew he was only joking.
“I will gladly share Esme's affection with Ness, it is you I shall shun. In fact, I think we all should. What say you Ness, shall we remove ourselves from the bad influence that is my husband?”
I had no idea how to respond. I was certain it was a joke, but I was not generally included in such word play.
“What if I order you to disregard his requests? Will that make it easier for you?” Jacob said pulling me into his embrace. “You may speak, we are only teasing him, and you will not be held to account for it,” he whispered in my ear.
“I find it difficult to believe Master Edward is anything less than adored by his mother,” I confessed. “Although...” I paused eying him across the divide.
“Although?” Mistress Bella asked.
“I suppose if offered the opportunity to exchange Master Edward for my master, I would have no hesitation.”
“Ah, there is my girl!” boasted my master.
“I would choose whoever offered me the tidiest sum,” I said with a perfectly straight face.
There was a moment of silence, and then Mistress Bella and Master Edward burst into riotous laughter. “Well played, Renesmee!” Master Edward crowed.
“You little minx!” my Jacob said as he tickled my sides. “How sharp is the wit that you hone with our own hand. Friends, I tell you, she is a vile creature who deserts you in your need.”
We continued to laugh and talk until Mistress Bella asked that we stop for a while to stretch our legs and break bread. When we stopped for our noon meal, Mistress Bella took me aside and asked for my assistance. “Ness, I need you to do something for me.”
“Anything, Mistress.”
“I grow weary, and I do not wish to concern Jacob and Edward. When we return to the carriage, I would like to take a nap, but if I do this alone, they will fuss over me. Do you think you could take a rest as well, or at least pretend to?”
I squinted at her. I could not fathom why she would wish me to pretend to sleep. My confusion must have been evident upon my face, for she smiled knowingly and answered my unspoken question. “They will both be nervous ninnies for the foreseeable future, dear. I am with child, and they think this makes a woman weak and in need of care. In truth I have never felt stronger; I simply require a bit more rest.”
“Oh, Mistress, this is wonderful news. I shall certainly do anything I can to assist you, and if that means feigning sleep, then I shall sleep like the dead.”
“Thank you. I am so glad we decided to bring you along on this trip. You are always a great comfort to me.”
“Thank you. I do hope I do nothing to mar that thought, Mistress,” I said lowering my eyes.
“Whatever do you mean?”
“I am nervous of being at court. I have no idea of how to behave.”
“You behave as you always have. I am more than proud to call you a member of my house. I have no concerns at all, and I know Esme and Carlisle will find you as delightful as all of us do. Now no more worry. Let us enjoy this trip, and remember, feign sleep, so I can get some rest,” she said in a conspiratory whisper.
When we ascended to the carriage after eating, Mistress winked at me, and I made an exaggerated yawn. Master pulled me close and bid me rest, saying that travel could be tiring. Mistress nodded and agreed and Master Edward eased her across the seat laying her head in his lap. My master did the same to me and we mirrored their posture. Master began to draw slow circles upon my arm, and in no time, I felt my eyes begin to flutter closed.
EPOV
I ran my fingers through Bella's long lustrous hair and smiled. She was so beautiful that sometimes looking at her hurt. She was my everything, my entire existence, and I loved her more than life. She was my life now.
I looked across the way at my friend running his own fingers through the coppery curls of his Nessie. The look upon his face was a familiar one. I had seen it in my own gazing glass after having been near my wife. It was the look of love, and my friend had it in spades.
His girl had proven herself useful beyond her station. Bella had informed me of her idea about capitalizing on the reputation of our stock as breeders, and it had already begun to peak interest from clients.
She was also a talented child. Her singing was beyond lovely and often eased us all after long days. I had found myself listening to her for hours without even a thought of wishing to be elsewhere. She also told delightful tales of fancy. Her stories were filled with romance and adventure, and I learned quickly that they were not re-tellings of other's words, for she could come up with new tales with simple prompts given to her by her audience, and never complained at being asked to do so.
She brought a quiet peace to Jacob's life. He was calmer and more content since we had given her to him. She seemed to provide him with a comfort he could never seem to achieve before her. It was good to see.
Yes, I liked Jacob's girl, because she made my friend happier than I had ever seen him, and I believed he deserved that. I approved of her because she was all the things to him that Bella was to me.
JPOV
I knew the exact moment Nessie drifted off to slumber. Her body relaxed into my lap and her breathing became deep and even. I smiled across the carriage at Edward who had his love in his lap as well.
“She is a sweet girl, Jacob. I believe you have chosen well. She suits you,” he said sotto voce.
“I know. Edward...?”
“Yes, Jacob.”
“Tell me this can be,” I pleaded.
“I do not doubt it for a moment. After all, I never believed that a woman as miraculous as Bella existed, and that if she did, she could love me. Yet her she is, and we are going to be parents. I know God hears prayers, and he must hear yours as well.”
“Thank you, friend.”
We sat in quiet contemplation for some time, and I noticed Edward's eyes begin to flag. I watched him and Bella and envied their easy ways. While we had stopped to eat and stretch our legs, they had walked hand in hand about the field.
It was such a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes about their connection. They were free to express their mutual admiration for one another, and the world could see it and acknowledge it. I envied them that, as I could not reach for Ness' hand without opening myself to censure and judgment.
In point of fact, my marked preference for her put us both at risk. I feared making her an object of desire for others. She was too beautiful to go unnoticed, but I was able to shield her from most by keeping her safe within the confines of home. I had berated myself numerous times for exposing her to Sam's attentions, but again I was right there and was able to minimize its effect upon her.
I knew I was a selfish creature. I longed to shout to the world my love for my angel, but I wanted her to be honored, desiring her to have the protection of being a full citizen of Volterra. As a slave, she was not free to gainsay any request from any freeborn man or woman, and that made her vulnerable, as our visit to my sister's had pointed out. That above all was why I sought to elevate her. I wanted her to have the freedom to refuse such abuse. She was safe in my presence, but the moment I stepped away from her she became vulnerable. True, if any man took her I was free to seek recompense by demanding monetary compensation for their “use” of my property, but she was entitled to no compensation for the violation of her person. It terrified and enraged me at the same time.
I could not fathom how some treated their slaves. I had been raised to treat them well and to care for their well being, because they were necessary to daily life. Societies ran on the backs of their slaves and to treat them as expendable and useless was to risk the downfall of all.
Still, my mindset was not the norm, and I knew it. Bella's father had believed as I did and taught Bella well. She and Edward never beat their slaves, nor treated them unfairly. Yet, even Bella saw Ness as somewhat less than herself. If Bella, who loved Ness saw her that way, what must the general populace see when they saw her? Still, Bella would support me no matter what, and Edward seemed convinced that we would find a way through. I prayed that they were right.
My father had told me it was considered a matter of purity and superiority that slaves remain in their place. I remember that he had been appalled at the elders who had demanded the punishment of the man back in La Push, but I also recall him saying that the king rarely interfered in such matters.
I knew that not all communities were as bloodthirsty as that of La Push, but I still did not know if I was putting Nessie in harms way to desire this so fervently. I would never allow her to be put at risk. I would free her if I could, but I would protect her with my very life if needed.
We pulled into the courtyard of the inn late afternoon. Bella and Ness had dozed on and off as we had traveled, so they were well rested and ready to disembark and stretch their legs. Edward and I went to deal with the Inn-keeper, and we were all taken to our rooms.
When I entered the room with the Inn-keeper, he eyed Nessie with a raised brow. “We have an out building to house your girl, sir, should you desire. We also have some of the best pleasure slaves you will find outside the capital city,” he boasted.
“No thank you, sir. I prefer my girl to remain with me,” I answered.
He humphed, knowing that he had lost an added gratuity for the use of his girls, but he left without much fuss. I settled Ness and I into the room and told her to go and check on Bella while Edward and I made arrangements for our evening meal.
“Is everything alright, Jacob?” Edward asked as we descended the stairs to the common room.
“I am concerned that seeking this path will put Ness at risk, and I do not wish to do that,” I confessed.
“We shall not allow any harm to come to our sweet girl, I swear. Carlisle is sure to be able to make inquiries discretely. Have faith, Jacob. Have faith.”
NPOV
After arriving at the Inn, Jacob bid me to look in on Mistress Bella and see to her care. She was fatigued by the journey and needed to relax. I pulled a brush through her mahogany locks and sung to her to ease her stress.
“Ness, do you know any lullabies?” Mistress asked.
“I remember a few from my childhood, Mistress.”
“Songs your mother sang to you?” she smiled.
“No, Mistress, I never knew my mother. I grew up in the confines of a religious sanctuary. The women who ran it were kind and raised many orphans. Most entered the order themselves, but it was not unheard of for them to occasionally disappear. We had all been warned to watch out for the slavers, but when I came upon one, I was easily taken.”
“You poor child,” Mistress said.
“I cannot regret my capture, Mistress,” I told her. “Without it, I would never have come to Cullen Estates, and I would never have known you or my master. All things are as they should be in my estimation.”
“Oh, my dear child, you are the sweetest soul. We were blessed when you were brought to our lives.”
“Thank you, Mistress.”
“Would you fetch me some cool water, Ness? I am feeling a bit parched.”
“Of course,” I said as I exited the room and descended the stairs. The Inn had a warm and welcoming air to it. The wood paneling was a rich earthen color and the halls were decorated with tables filled with flowers. I had noticed the water pump in the courtyard when we departed the carriage and was taking the pitcher out there to fill it.
I slipped out the side door quietly, as I had been trained and began to pump the water. The pump creaked mightily as it pulled the water from below. I let the water flow into the pitcher and turned to re-enter the inn.
There in the doorway stood a tall thin man. He had a look of age about him, but was not elderly by any measure. He filled the doorway barring my way. I stopped a few feet away from him and stood mute, back straight, head bowed as was expected.
“What have we here?” the man said. “What a lovely piece of strawberry tart, it's been quite a while since I have tasted that particular dish.”
I trembled at his words, but stood my ground. He exited the door and began to walk around me. When he passed to my side I attempted to take a step toward the door, but her halted me, grasping my wrist.
“Now, now. No need to run off. I think I will speak with Mr. Berty about having you grace my bed this evening. What say you to that?”
I swallowed thickly then squared my shoulders and answered in as calm a voice as I could. “I am not of this house, Sir. I belong to Master Jacob Black, of Cullen Estates.”
“Really? And he allows so delectable a morsel to wander freely? I would keep a closer eye on you, were you dangling on my chain.”
“Alas for you, she dangles upon mine, and you are keeping her from her duties,” came my Jacob's voice from the doorway. “Is that water for Bella, Ness?”
“Yes, Master.”
“Then on your way, we do not want her kept waiting,” he said allowing me to make my escape. I breathed a sigh of relief and returned with the water to Mistress' room.
JPOV
Edward and I had stopped at the bar to share a flagon of ale before returning to our respective women. He and I were enjoying the atmosphere when I put down my glass and he and I made our way to the stairway leading to the rooms above. The door looking out upon the courtyard was open, and when I glanced out, what I saw made my blood run cold. I had looked up to see Ness frozen a few feet from the entryway the look on her face was blatant fear. There was a distinguished gentleman stalking her, and when I looked more closely I saw his hand upon her wrist. I bolted from my position at the bottom of the stairs and flew to the door to provide rescue should she require it.
I sent her back to Bella, knowing that she would be safe behind closed doors, then I turned to look at the man before me.
“She is exquisite,” he said watching her retreating frame.
“Aye, she is.”
“So you are Jacob Black of the Cullen Estates, I presume.”
“I am.”
“I meant no offense, by admiring your jewel, Sir. I am a connoisseur of fine things, that is all.”
I realized that my anger was disproportionate to the situation, and I tried calm myself. “None taken. May I know whom I address?”
“My name is Allistair Conrad.”
“Allistair?” came Edward's voice.
“Edward, my boy. Do not tell me this young buck is one of your fellows?” the man said jovially reaching out his hand to shake Edward's.
“He is indeed. Jacob is Captain of my guard as well as my partner in Cullen estates. He is also my dearest friend and brother. Jacob, Allistair is an old family friend. We are journeying to visit Carlisle as we speak. He will be pleased to know I have seen you,” Edward said.
“We are all on the same journey, it seems. Your father sent me word that he might be in need of my counsel. He said it was a family matter, I had not realized it was in regard to you.”
I stiffened at Edward's side, but he placed a hand on my shoulder to calm me. “Well, we look forward to seeing you at the palace then, friend. You must excuse us, my wife resides above stairs, and I need to see to her.”
“I look forward to speaking with you again, son.”
Edward led me back into the inn and back to the room. Once we were behind closed doors in my quarters, Edward looked about to ensure we were alone, and that Nessie was with Bella. Once that was done, he locked the door and turned to me.
“Allistair is one of the most knowledgeable men in all the realm. He served as an advisor to Aro for many years. I wrote to my father and told him in very general terms of our aim. He wrote back to tell me he had a few different people he wanted to consult. He will not risk any of us being found out until he knows the safety of the situation. You should be glad though, that he has sent for Allistair. He is more likely to know Aro's mind than any other.”
I nodded and tried to relax. We dined in a private room with Bella, and I saw to it Ness had a plate to take back to our room. She was quiet in this setting, as if she were trying to be invisible. It bothered me, but I realized it was her training. She was taught to be unobtrusive and fade into the background. It seemed so wrong. She was anything but someone that should fade into the background.
After dinner, Bella expressed the desire to stretch out in a bed, and Edward smiled at the thought. We parted at the top of the stairs, and I escorted Ness into our chamber. The fire had been lit and the room was comfortable and glowing.
Ness went to sit upon the pillow in the corner, but I blocked her way. “Please sit with me, my diamond. I do not want you so far away.”
We sat together before the fire, her plate before her. I stroked her shoulder waiting for her to enjoy her meal, but she did not even reach for it. “Ness? Are you alright?”
“Yes, mas...”
I cleared my throat and watched it register. “Yes, Jacob, I am fine.”
“Then why do you not eat?”
A blush stained her cheeks. “It did not seem right to eat before you, Jacob.”
“Oh, little one,” I sighed. I hated that she felt so constrained even when we were alone, “perhaps I should assist you.”
I took up her fork and spiked a spear of asparagus it was served with a rich eggy sauce upon the plate, so I took the spear in my fingers and dipped it into the yellow liquid. Then I raised it to her perfect lips. “Open,” I whispered. She did, and I fed the spear into her mouth. Her lips closed over it, and I felt her teeth bite down. Her eyes closed and a soft moan escaped her. It was a sound that spoke directly to my staff, which tightened in an instant.
“Like it do you?”
“Mmm…” she nodded.
Next, I took a piece of beef, which was seared and juicy and lifted it again to her mouth. It was such a sensual thing watching her eat. I loved feeding her, and I realized that in this way I could serve her, as she so faithfully served me. After several bites, I lifted a wine skin to her lips and dribbled the sweet nectar into her open mouth. She giggled a bit, and I caught the sound with my lips, dying for a taste of her sweetness.
I pulled back and stared into her beautiful eyes. “What else would you like to eat my sweet?”
“I do not hunger for food,” she said seductively. She placed her hands upon my chest and pushed me back until I lay beneath her. “I hunger for you.”
She slithered down my frame, and her hands came to rest at the top of my breeches. She looked to my eyes, the unspoken question there, dare she take this step and take what she wanted from me? I lay motionless, praying that she would and after another moment, she did.
She removed my clothes and somehow shed her own coming to lean over my naked and aroused form. She kissed me. Gently at first and then with more fire and more need. When she pulled back, she reached behind her head and unbound her copper hair. It fell across my chest and sent shivers through me. I was mesmerized by her touch and her gentle butterfly kisses as she slid down my body. She took me into her mouth and down her throat, and I almost came up off the floor it felt so good. She stared into my eyes the entire time, her eyes communicating; I saw her want, her need, and something more. I wanted to believe that it was the kind of love I felt for her. I wanted to share it with her, but I had to bite back my confession. I felt my release building as she continued her ministrations, but I wanted to share it with her.
“Ness, I need to be filling you, please...” I heard myself beg as I strained to not lose myself in the wonder of her mouth. She pulled back and cocked her head at me. “What?”
“You need not ask me, Jacob... I am yours to take...”
I sat up capturing her in my arms. “I pray that is true, but not because of your station. Remember, sweet, here we are just Jacob and Nessie. And I, Jacob, am asking you, Nessie, to allow me to join with you, to bring you pleasure that we can share, and to be one. Please,” I said kissing her neck and laying her beneath me.
“I am yours,” she sighed, but I needed to know that she understood. I held myself just at her entrance, I could feel her moist heat ready for my invasion, but I needed her to understand.
“Here, in this place, when we share this, I am yours, Ness. It is you who holds the power. Do you understand?”
She looked deeply into my eyes. “Then please, Jacob, take me...” she said arching up to meet me. “Now!”
At her command, I buried myself deep within her and felt her warmth surround and welcome me. She met me thrust for thrust. She kissed and caressed with equal vigor. She rolled me onto my back and rode me setting the pace and drawing out my pleasure until she leaned down and whispered “Thank you,” as she shattered above me taking me to the very edge and tipping me over. I poured my release into her and when we were both spent, breathing raggedly, I kissed her forehead as we drifted into peaceful slumber.
A/N: please feel free to share your thoughts with me. Shelindreaire@aol.com
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