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Courtesan	By : Shelindrea Category: Twilight Series > Het > Jacob/Renesmee Views: 4787 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or make any money from this story.

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Chapter 14

NPOV

We traveled the rest of the way to Volterra City quickly, pulling up to the walled city before the Sun had risen to its noon day zenith. I found myself leaning to look through the window to take it all in and heard Jacob chuckle by my side. Then, I felt his breath on my neck as he whispered, “It is just a city, no different from any we have entered.”

I lost myself in the moment and answered him as if we were alone. “You are wrong, it is the most beautiful place on Earth, can you not see?”

Master Edward cleared his throat and covered a laugh. I cowered into the corner of the coach in reaction and began to shake. “Forgive me,” I pleaded. “I forgot myself. I did not mean to contradict you, Master.”

I saw my Jacob's face register my fear and shoot a look across the carriage at Master Edward and Mistress Bella. Apparently, he was also uncertain of their reaction to my insolence.

Mistress Bella reached across and patted my hand. “Not at all, Nessie, I completely agree. It is the most beautiful city in all the realm. Though I think it wise to remember that although you are safe in our company, the palace has eyes and ears and you must comport yourself with that in mind.”

I nodded my ascent, and my eyes fell to the floor of the buggy. I was mortified. I had behaved in a manner that would no doubt embarrass my master…my Jacob, and I felt awful about it. I pulled into myself as we entered the city and tried to be as small as possible. I heard Mistress speaking about the palace and how we would be staying in a wing that belonged to Master Carlisle. She told me that this was good. Because I need not fear when in that part of the castle, as Master Carlisle was the king of that domain, and he was one of the kindest, gentlest men she knew. I prayed she was right, for I was now afraid to breathe for fear of causing shame to my owners.

JPOV

We were enjoying the ride in the brilliant Sun when Ness leaned over and looked out the glass as we approached Volterra City's walls. The light glinted off them making them look almost as if they sparkled. I heard her gasp and smiled at the joy I saw upon her face.

I leaned into her and whispered into the shell of her ear. “It is just a city, no different from any we have entered.”

She turned to me and shook her head. “You are wrong, it is the most beautiful place on Earth, can you not see?”

I was about to kiss her for her naiveté when I heard Edward clear his throat across the carriage. I stiffened immediately and turned to him, my eyes wide. It was unwise for Ness to speak so freely with me when others were present, and I knew my encouragement of it had caused this lapse.

Edward shook his head and grinned. I knew he was trying to tell me it was alright, but before I had settled and begun to breathe again, I caught sight of Nessie. She had stiffened completely and had wedged herself into the farthest corner of the box. I could feel her trembling against my thigh.

“Forgive me,” she pleaded, never raising her eyes from the floor. “I forgot myself. I did not mean to contradict you, Master.”

I looked over to Edward and Bella, my eyes begging for assistance in easing Nessie's discomfort. I felt panic rise within me. I never wished for her to be ill at ease, and my folly had been the cause of it. I knew full well that to speak so freely among any other than this assembled company could mean harsh punishment for my girl, and yet, it was I who was responsible for her slip. I was the one who encouraged her to voice her opinions and thoughts.

I watched as Bella reached across and patted Nessie's hand in a comforting manner. “Not at all, Nessie, I completely agree, it is the most beautiful city in all the realm. Though I think it wise to remember that although you are safe in our company, the palace has eyes and ears and you must comport yourself with that in mind.”

It was said to Ness, but her eyes never left my own. She was warning me to remember where we were. She was right of course. It was my responsibility to protect my angel, and here I was the one to prompt her to put herself in jeopardy. What kind of man was I?

My mind was filled with self chastisement as we continued through the city and into the palace gates. Nessie never raised her eyes. She was missing the grandeur and beauty that surrounded us, and it was my fault.

We left the carriage and were met by Carlisle and Esme. They embraced us each in our turn, well, Edward, Bella, and I. Ness had fallen to her knees upon seeing Edward's parents, just as she should as a slave. In seeing this, I was again reminded of how little ability I had to protect her from the harsh realities of the world in which we lived.

Carlisle bid us follow him into his wing of the palace and I felt, rather than saw, Nessie take her place a few feet behind me and slightly to the left.

“Welcome, welcome, children. It has been far too long since you have graced our home with your sparkling eyes,” Carlisle said as he led us to the small dining hall his abode afforded.

“I have had a meal prepared for you; I hope you will enjoy it,” Esme said showing us to the table.

We made to take the seats offered us, when I remembered that there was no place for Ness. I turned to see her standing behind me, back straight, head bowed, eyes cast downward. For the first time, I realized how her submission separated her from me in so many ways, and my heart broke. Esme saw me pause and turned to Ness with a soft look. “Child, there is a plate for you in my kitchen, Patrice will show you,” she said waving her house slave forward.

Patrice was a plain girl, with kind eyes, of perhaps thirteen. She smiled at Ness and led her away. I felt my own fists ball at my sides, and also Esme's soft hand at my back turning me toward my seat. I turned and joined the meal.

“Esme has instructed the servants to remain in the kitchen. None will enter this room until they are called. You are free to speak here,” Carlisle said.

“Thank you father, but let us eat and relax a bit before we open ourselves to this discussion. Let us bring you good news before we turn our conversations to serious matters,” Edward offered.

I could tell that he sensed my discomfort, and I nodded my thanks to him for postponing this at least for a little while.

We spoke of the anticipated birth of Bella and Edward's child, and I watched the joy flow about the table. I watched as Carlisle and Esme embraced their loved ones, and I felt their pride flow out of every pour. I could not help but think of my father and wonder how he would have taken my desire to wed Nessie. Would he have approved? Would he have been proud when I came to him and told him that she carried my babe within her womb? Then, I realized that it would not have mattered, for it would not change my aim one jot to know that he was unhappy. Only Nessie's feelings mattered to me.

After our meal, Esme suggested that Bella might like to lie down, and the two of them excused themselves. Carlisle rose from the table and nodded to the two ladies as they departed our company. “Come,” he said, “my study is free and safe from prying eyes and ears.”

Edward and I followed him to a finely appointed room. It was a dark rich wood-paneled sanctuary where Carlisle could commune with his vast collection of books. He offered us seats by the fire and poured us each a flagon of fine wine.

“Now, explain to me the full nature of your inquiry, Edward. I gather that there is something more than your letter could say safely.”

“The inquiry is mine, Carlisle.”

“Hush, Jacob,” Edward interrupted. “Allow me to do this. As I said in my missive, there is a man who cares deeply for his slave and wishes to free her. He has hopes of seeing her made into a full citizen of Volterra.”

“That is not all he seeks, though, is it?” Carlisle asked looking pointedly at me.

“No. He has hopes of wedding her,” Edward confessed.

Carlisle sighed and shook his head. I assumed the worst and felt my stomach fall. “So, such a wish is impossible then?” I asked dejectedly.

I felt Carlisle's hand upon my arm. “Not on its face,” he said. “I have managed to gather some precedent for the petition to the king. He has released slaves on the word of their Masters.”

I raised my eyes to his face. “However,” he said looking serious, “his majesty will require sponsors for the girl. These are people who can vouch for her character and suitability for this honor.”

“But it has been done?” I asked grasping for hope I had not truly dared myself to feel.

“It has. I believe that you should allow Esme and myself to get to know the girl a bit. My name would lend weight to your petition, and Aro respects my opinions. I wish to give you the strongest case we can.”

“I do not know how to thank you, Carlisle.”

“Do not thank me yet, but I do believe there is reason to have hope,” he said.

“There is always reason to hope,” Edward nodded.

NPOV

I went to the kitchen and sat at the small table to eat the plate Mistress Esme reserved for me, surprised at the level of food with which I was fed. Mistress Bella provided very nourishing meals for the slaves, but they were not of the level of gourmet that were served to the clients and the family. Jacob often shared a late night snack with me in his quarters, but that was a special treat. Here, Patrice explained to me, Mistress Esme insisted that her servants eat what the family ate. Patrice said it was because Mistress Esme was the sweetest, kindest woman alive, but the cook, Anna, said it was because she keeps so few slaves of her own within her household.

After I ate in relative silence, listening all the while to Anna and Patrice chat about life in the palace, I took my plate to the wash basin and scrubbed it clean. Anna thanked me, and said that it was unnecessary, but also acknowledged my good training. I remained in the kitchen waiting for Jacob or Mistress Bella to require me.

“May I ask you something?” Patrice said taking a seat across the worn wooden table.

“Of course.”

“Are you a pleasure slave?”

I nodded.

“Oh, Lord. I have never spoken to a pleasure slave before. All the palace's fancy girls are housed in a special kennel, and the house servants are not encouraged to be near them,” the young woman confessed.

“There are reasons for that Patrice,” Anna said from her seat near the fire.

“Like what? It's not like we'll get them dirty,” Patrice said smiling at me.

“Could be the other way round, child,” Anna said sourly.

I turned to her and saw her looking down her long nose at me. Anna was probably about fifty years of age and had an air of knowledge and superiority about her. Suddenly, I felt judged and watched. She sneered at me, and I realized that she did not wish me to speak with the younger girl.

Patrice was young, perhaps thirteen, and not the most beautiful child I had ever seen, but she seemed a good sort of girl. I had never encountered this kind of judgment from another slave and was unsure how to respond to it, so I remained silent and waited for Anna to make her desires clear.

“What do you mean, Anna?” Patrice asked.

“Pleasure slaves are not the type you should align yourself with, child. You and I aren't ever going to be the type, and they tend to think very highly of themselves, in my experience. They do not know how to really work, all they do is entertain Masters on their backs,” Anna stated clearly telling me I had no business associating with her or her charge.

“But Ness here washed her own dish, and seems so nice,” Patrice countered.

Anna looked at me, her eyes peering. “So she did. Why is that?”

“I serve my Master, but I am also trained to serve Mistress Bella. On this trip, I am her personal maid as well. I do not wish to cause offense, I can go and sit out in the hall and await a call for my services,” I said sadly standing from the table and turning toward the door.

“Now why on earth would you feel the need for that?” said Mistress Esme as she entered the kitchen.

I lowered myself to the floor and bowed my head at her entrance. I had been trained that most questions that were not related to orders were rhetorical, and should be treated as such. A moment passed with no sound from anyone in the room. I was nervous and did not wish to dishonor my owners, but was quite confused as to the proper protocol.

“Anna? Why would Renesmee not wish to remain in here where she has company?” Mistress Esme asked.

Anna had the sense to remain quiet, but the child did not.

“Anna said that I should not speak with her because she is a pleasure slave, and that they did no real work,” Patrice offered innocently.

“Anna!” Mistress Esme said sternly. “Renesmee is a guest in this house and will be treated as such. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Mistress.”

“She is the girl who cares for my daughter-in-law; she is trusted and respected to hold such a position. I expect that she does more work than most, and even if she did not, I say she is welcome and to be made so.”

“Yes, Mistress,” I heard Anna say.

“Yes, Mistress,” Patrice echoed.

“Good, then that is settled. Come Renesmee, I will show you to your Master's chambers and also show you where your Mistress and Master Edward are to stay,” Mistress Esme said.

I stood and followed her to the hallway. I was biting my lip hoping that the others would not be made uncomfortable by my presence within the house. I felt badly for having caused strife between Mistress Esme and her staff.

“You will have to forgive Anna, my dear. She was raised within the palace proper, and the royal family has always restricted the pleasure slaves from the others. King Aro believes it is for the safety and contentment of all, but I think it breeds jealousy and discontent. Not to worry, she will settle into your presence soon enough, and if she gives you any problems, I want you to tell me at once.”

“As you wish Mistress,” I said, although I knew I would avoid such a discussion at all cost. I had no idea how long we were to reside beneath this roof, and I did not wish to make enemies of the household staff.

As we continued through the labyrinth of hallways, she led me to a large wooden door with a knob in the center. She opened it and showed me in. The room was warm and richly appointed with dark wood and leather furniture. There was a large hearth in which a fire burned happily, a fine round table with two high-backed chairs, and a myriad of soft cushions scattered before the fire.

“This is your Master's drawing room,” Mistress Esme said. “Through this archway are the bathing room and the bedroom.”

The first room she indicated housed a golden tub, along with a wide cistern over a low burning flame. I had never seen such a thing and paused eying it.

“Our house man sees to the fires in all the rooms, should your master wish a bath all you need do is turn the valve and the tub will fill. There is a plug here,” she told me indicating a cork upon a chain. “When he is finished, remove it and the water will drain through the floor.”

“How lovely,” I said unconsciously. I immediately covered my mouth and sank to my knees. This was the second time today I had let my thoughts fly free. I was mortified. What she must think of me?

ESME POV

I smiled at Renesmee's expression of awe at the amenities we had within our wing of the palace and turned to smile at her when I saw her cover her mouth and sink to her knees, her eyes wide with fright.

I sank to her level and raised her chin so she would look at me. “I agree, child, it is a great convenience. Please, Renesmee, be at ease, no one is going to harm you here.” I saw her eyes question that thought and decided to reach out to the child. I knew from Carlisle that she was likely the girl about whom Edward had inquired. “I meant what I said before, if Bella trusts you to care for her at this delicate time, you must be a remarkable girl. Bella, Edward, and Jacob all speak very highly of you, and as they are my dearest family, that means that you are of value to me as well, and I wish to see that you are comfortable within my home.”

She raised her eyes to mine, and I saw a lessening of her tension.

I smiled my best smile at the child and told her I would see her soon.

EPOV

I watched my best friend depart my father's study with a somewhat lighter heart than I had seen him arrive with, but I was not certain how hopeful he should really be.

“Father,” I sighed. “Tell me true, should I be counseling him to prepare for disappointment? I do not wish to instill false expectation in his mind.”

Carlisle peered at me from his chair. “You tell me true, son, just how deep is his affection for the girl?”

“I believe it rivals my own for Bella, or yours for my mother. I have never seen him thus. He dotes upon her. He desires her company above all others and seeks her counsel in almost all things. I believe that she is embedded in his being, knitted to his very soul,” I confessed. “Father, it frightens me. Not because I disapprove of his choice, nor because I fear for his position, I fear more that if anything happened to her it would break him.”

Carlisle sipped his wine and thought deeply. “I am quite certain that his position is safe. I am also convinced that the girl is in no danger from retribution for Jacob's wishes. What concerns me is Aro's reticence to discuss the matter without a formal petition. I attempted to broach the subject with him during one of our regular conferences, and he utterly refused. He said that it is a delicate subject that requires individualized consideration, and that was all he would elaborate. He did however suggest, rather emphatically I might add, that I might wish to consult with Alistair Nomad.”

“We saw him at the Eclipse Inn. He said something about being on his way to see you as well. I had thought to find him here ahead of us.”

“He wrote to tell me he had a stop to make,” Carlisle disclosed. “His missive also hinted that the required landing place of his journey was set by Aro. I do not know what this means, but I am not certain it bodes well.”

“Father, you have never been one to toy with me, so I ask you, what is your opinion of Jacob's plight?”

“I will pledge my support to him completely if you vouch for his purpose. I will encourage Esme to approach the child and see if she can gain her perspective without imposing expectations upon her. If anyone has hope of doing so, I believe it is your mother.”

I agreed. Then I thought of my own love and sighed.

“Is there aught that troubles you?”

“I am concerned that Bella's past experiences are coloring her view of things. I know how much she respects and admires Jacob. I also know she houses an abiding affection for Nessie. She is frightened that either will be put in peril because of this.”

“Then assure her that I personally will ensure no harm comes to either. I will not promise the outcome we hope for, but no disasters shall befall either for an honest petition to the king.”

JPOV

Carlisle told me he had arranged an audience with King Aro on the morrow. I was nervous, but he said he would do most of the talking, gauge his friend's mood, and we would proceed from there. Edward suggested that I retire to my room and see that Nessie was made comfortable and to tell her that Edward would attend Bella himself.

I found the suite that was assigned me and entered. I found Nessie seated by the fire sewing a shirt of mine, which apparently required mending. I did not know she did that, but it was so Ness, anticipating my needs and seeing that they were met before I even had time to think of them.

I stood and watched her for a few moments. It was selfish of me, but I enjoyed the view. It was so domestic. It was the sort of thing Bella would do for Edward. Then I noticed the glint of a tear upon her cheek, and I was hit with the need to know why she wept. I went to her side and swept her into my arms.

“What's wrong? Has someone hurt you?”

She shook her head and leaned into my embrace. “I am well.”

“Then why do you weep?”

She licked her lips and furrowed her brow. “Do you find me of use, Master?”

I held her from me so I could see her face, completely confused. “What do you mean?”

“I want to be of use to you. I want to make you proud and to bring honor to your name. I fear that I fail again and again,” she said sadly.

“You have never once in the entire time I have known you failed me, My Sweet. You astound me with how well you care for me. See here,” I said taking my shirt from her hands and holding it up. “You anticipate my every need. This is not strictly your duty, yet you take it upon yourself to see that it is mended. You astound me. As I tell you so often, I do not deserve you.”

“And as I tell you, you deserve so much more,” she said sniffing. “I am so sorry I embarrassed you earlier.”

“Embarrassed me? Never. Not once. Your lapse in the carriage was my fault, not yours. I forgot we were not alone. I was too enchanted by your beautiful face as you viewed the city gates. I wanted to share in your wonder, and I urged you to speak freely. Neither Bella nor Edward took any offense. They adore you almost as much as I, Ness. Bella's only concern was for you. She knows you are nervous being here, and she wants to ensure you are made to feel comfortable.”

I pulled her back into the circle of my arms and kissed her temple. “I fear my mere presence opens you to censure among the slaves here. I did not realize that household palace slaves are segregated from the pleasure slaves, but it was made clear to me today,” she stated.

“I could not care less about the opinions of the palace slaves, except to say that if any of them speak unkindly to you I will have their hide for it. Is that what has caused your distress?”

“A bit, but I was more distressed, because I fear I have shown Mistress Esme a less than decorous view of you due to my loose tongue.”

“I highly doubt that. What did you say?”

She bit her lower lip and looked guilty. “I marveled at the bathing room. I had never seen anything like it, and I expressed it.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “And let me guess, Esme found you charming?”

“She said something like that.”

“Ness, you have nothing to fear. You charm everyone you meet. I would even wager that the servants will fall at your feet upon closer acquaintance with you.” I lifted her in my arms and carried her to the bathing chamber. I smiled as I stood her upon her dainty feet. “My, my, my... Do you know how to work this contraption?”

She beamed at me and nodded. Then she turned the knob of the cistern, and water flowed into the golden basin of the tub. Then she seemed to remember something and grabbed a cork on a chain from the wall, placing in the bottom of the tub causing the water to begin to fill it. She made to remove my attire, but I stilled her hands.

“Ness and Jacob, remember?”

She nodded with obvious confusion.

“Then Jacob wants to treat Nessie,” I said sliding her traveling dress from her shoulders to the floor. There she stood in all her exquisite glory before me. I shed my clothes and lifted her in my arms once again. I stepped into the tub and sank us below the surface of the heated water. Then I leaned forward and turned the knob once again. Nessie was seated before me with her back to me. I moved her hair from the side of her neck and placed it over one shoulder to expose the creamy expanse of the swan-like column. Then, I began to kiss behind her ear as my hands began to rub her arms with a bathing cloth.

“Let me care for you, as you so often care for me,” I said against her skin. “Let me show you just how much you mean to me.”

My hands dipped below the water and my fingers slid between her slick folds. She arched against me and leaned deeper against my chest. Her breathing picked up as I stroked her bud and slid a finger into her warm sheath.

“You are my Sun and my Moon. You light both my days and my nights. You make my life worth living, and I have never wanted more than you so willingly give me.”

She was panting now as my fingers played her like a beloved instrument. The sounds she made were music to my ears, and I strummed her seeking the most beautiful one yet.

“I could not ever imagine wanting anything or anyone as much as I want you. Shatter for me, Ness. Show me your desire. Please…” I pleaded nibbling her earlobe.

She obliged, gasping and turning her head to kiss my lips fully. God, she was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Her skin was flushed and her hair slightly damp from where it sank below the water. We kissed and caressed until her breathing became more eased.

“Jacob,” she said turning in my arms.

“Yes, my sweet?”

“I need you,” she said again kissing me deeply and sliding her hand down to where my manhood stood hard as steel below the water.

I stood taking her with me. Water poured down our frames and eased my way as my hands skimmed her luscious curves. I pulled a drying cloth from the rack and wrapped her in it as I lifted her from the tub. I rubbed her soft skin over every inch before wrapping myself in the cloth and carrying her to the bed. I laid her down and removed the cloth. Her eyes were glued to my shaft with a sweet smile upon her lips. She reached for me as if she was going to serve me, but that was not what this was about. I wanted to serve and please her for a change.

I slid myself between her sweet creamy thighs and hitched one leg over my hip. “Is this what you want, Sweetling?” I asked as I slid myself deep within her.

She arched up to take me deeper and sighed in contentment. “Oh yes.”

“I want to make you feel good,” I said moving my hips in circles so I hit her most secret place. I started slow, building my pace and the strength of my thrusts. I watched her eyes close to mere slits and her skin flush with a soft glow. “Show me how I make you feel.”

At that, she moaned deeply and shattered around me. She pulled my lips to hers and kissed me deeply. I followed her in almost no time holding her close and pouring my love into her along with my seed. I rolled us over so she was cradled in my arms and kissed her over and over again.

“Thank you, Jacob,” she sighed against my chest.

“It was my pleasure. Just remember how this felt if you ever doubt that you are what I need. You are a beautiful an amazing woman, and I am blessed to have you in my life.”

She lifted her head and looked down at me. “Then heaven has been kind to us both.”

“I hope it continues to be,” I said as she sank back into my arms, and I closed my eyes. Oh how I hope it would be so, because I was learning quickly that she was becoming everything to me. Gravity no longer held me to the Earth. No, it was Nessie that kept me grounded and helped me soar. My heart beat with hers, and she was my guiding star. She was as necessary as oxygen. She was, in point of fact, my entire existence, lying there in my arms. I prayed Heaven heard my pleas for a way to keep her safe and still have her at the center of my life as she should be.

A/N: please feel free to share your thoughts with me. Shelindreaire@aol.com
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Courtesan