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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 15
JPOV
“Remember, this is just an information gathering exercise, Jacob. Let me do most of the talking. Aro is a very reasonable man; I have no doubt that he will be receptive,” Carlisle advised.
Edward, Bella, Carlisle and I were escorted down a long marble hallway to the throne room. Two knights stood guard in full regalia looking every inch the embodiment of honor. We entered the room to see King Aro seated on his throne on a raised dais.
We entered and bowed before the king of all Volterra. He raised himself from his seat and descended to the floor where he lifted Carlisle into a firm embrace. Next he turned to Edward and raised him as he had Carlisle. “My dear Edward,” his majesty endeared, “It has been far too long since you have graced us with your presence. You have been missed, not only by your loving parents, but by your king.”
“You are incredibly kind, Your Majesty. May I present my beautiful wife?” Edward asked turning to a still curtseyed Bella. He offered her his hand and assisted her to rise and face the king.
“Beautiful indeed. Welcome, my dear to my home,” the king offered as he bent over her hand and kissed the back of it. “You broke many a heart within my domain you know, dear Bella.”
“I, Your Majesty?”
“Aye, your husband here was considered one of the most eligible gentlemen among my court. When Carlisle announced your betrothal and subsequent marriage many a tear was shed for his loss,” Aro teased.
“I would offer your court an apology, Sire, were I actually sorry,” Bella cheeked back.
“I like her, Edward. I believe you could not have chosen better,” the king said approvingly. Then he turned toward me, and I heard Edward speak again.
“Your Majesty, allow me to present Jacob Black, Captain of my guard, and equal of my house,” Edward said by way of introduction.
“Rise, Sir, and let me know you,” Aro ordered.
As I stood, I saw before me a rather refined man in his mid forties. He had deep rich brown hair that was only slightly graying at the temples. His eyes were a clear and piercing blue that held both intelligence and kindness. He was tall, well built, and looking at him, I thought he looked exactly as a monarch should.
“Your Majesty,” I said bowing at the waist.
“Welcome, young Mr. Black. May we call you Jacob?” he asked politely, although as king he was free to address me in any form he saw fit.
“I am honored, Your Majesty.”
“I would like to offer you some refreshments and some less formal repartee. Come, my guests, follow me to my private drawing room,” he said leading the way.
The room was huge, twice the size of the largest gathering room in all of Cullen Estates. It was filled with plush and richly upholstered chairs and settees. His majesty took a seat in a high-backed leather armchair and waved us all to sit in the chairs that made up the conversational group.
“I hear miraculous things about the beasts that you have bred on your land, Bella. In fact, I have all but decided to make a substantial purchase in the upcoming year. I hear you have bred the finest war horses in the entire kingdom.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. We do have an incredible stable from which we breed. If your order is to be very substantial, allow me to suggest that you place it soon. Although your needs will, of course, take priority over any others,” Bella said with a smile.
“Well said. Now tell me, my dear ones, what is the true purpose of this visit?” Aro asked genially.
“Ever efficient and to the point, my friend,” Carlisle chuckled.
“As flattered as I would be to think that these young people have ventured all this way to visit me, I am not so foolish as to presume such a thing. I am ready to hear whatever petition they wish to present.”
“We have no formal petition, just yet, Sire. We are curious about your disposition toward the freeing of slaves,” Carlisle said.
“Well now...” Aro said eying each of us in turn. “That depends on the reason behind the request.”
“What reasons are acceptable?” Bella asked.
“Now, now, dear Bella, you cannot expect me to tip my hand so soon. I can tell you I free about a dozen slaves a year for various reasons, and that I have had some experiences that lead me to believe that it is not always wise to do so. Neither for our society as a whole, nor for the slaves set free.”
“What if you can be assured that there exists no danger to society in the freeing of a particular candidate?” Carlisle asked.
“Well, as you well know, I require testimony and assurances of character for all slaves considered for such an honor,” Aro explained. Carlisle nodded; this we expected. “I also require an interview with them, sans the petitioner. It allows me to know if this is truly something they desire or if the petitioner misunderstands the situation.”
“Do not all human beings desire freedom?” Bella asked.
“No, my dear Bella. Most human beings prefer more restrictive environs. Freedom is all about choice and the consequences of said choices. It has been my experience that humans in general do not want the responsibility that entails. Even those born free, as full citizens often wish to abdicate their will if they think they can be guided without having to take responsibility. Freedom is never free. It requires strength and determination. In short, it comes at a very high price.”
Bella's brow furrowed and she turned to Edward. He reached for her hand and smiled.
“So you need to know that the slave in question has the capacity for this kind of responsibility?” Edward asked.
“Yes, but there is more. I want to assure that their freedom is truly what the petitioner seeks,” Aro responded.
“How could it not be? They are petitioning on behalf of their slave. What else could they be seeking?”
“Selfish ends,” was all he said, but the words made my blood run cold.
A palace slave brought in a decanter of wine and proceeded to pour us each a crystal goblet. The slave was dressed in a fine linen shift which bore the Volturi crest. She was lovely, but was obviously household staff and not one of the pleasure slaves. She was dressed almost demurely. When her task had been completed, she bowed to the king and slipped out of the room silently.
“I have enjoyed this visit greatly, children, but as you know, my time is in great demand. Come now, make your initial petition, and I will at least tell you if I will consider it, and under what circumstances.”
I looked at Carlisle, silently asking if I should speak. He nodded, and I swallowed hard. “I possess an amazing girl, your majesty. She is bright, and talented, kind and gentle. She is all that is good in this world, and I wish to free her.”
Aro's eyes scrutinized me. “Why?” he asked simply.
“As a slave she has no ability to protect herself from the harsh realities of the world. If she is out of my presence, any free born soul may importune her, and she must comply.” The mere thought sickened me.
“Why does this matter? You would be compensated for any loss you suffered,” Aro said flatly.
“And who compensates her?” I growled.
Aro raised a brow. “I see. So you feel the need to protect her. This is admirable, on its face. My question is where you see her ending up once she is freed.”
This was not a question I had prepared for. To me it implied somehow that she would not remain exactly where she was, at my side. “I do not understand, Sire.”
“Who will take her in? Who will assist her in adjusting to freedom?”
“I will, of course.”
“Ah ha! So you see her in exactly the same environment she is now?”
“Yes.”
“Then again I ask why is it you wish her freed? If you mean to keep her in the same position she resides in now there is no reason to release her.”
“I do not mean to keep her in the same position,” I say firmly.
“What position would you have her hold?”
I am about to answer when Carlisle puts a hand on my arm to stop me. “You have something to say, my liege. I know the signs. I beg that you say it before we become deeper involved. I ask as your friend, please.”
Aro thought for a moment and then nodded slowly. “Very well. You have been honest with me; I shall offer you the same courtesy.” He turned to look me squarely in the eye. “Mr. Black... Jacob, before you make a formal petition I beg you to consider this question. Do you want to free this girl for her benefit or for your own? Because if your desire is to wed her, I must tell you I have conditions that must be met in full and to the letter. If you truly want her freedom for her, and in the bargain wish to take her to wife, you will have to walk away from her. She would be placed in a sponsor family for at least nine moons. There would be no contact with you, at all. Only at the end of that period will you be allowed to pursue her, and then only if she chooses you, can you marry her. Those are my conditions to even consider your petition.”
I felt as if I had been kicked in the gut. I heard Bella gasp, and saw Edward clutch her hand in his own. I took a shaky breath and stared at the king in horror.
“Your Majesty...” Carlisle began, but it was clear he had no idea how to respond to this edict.
“I realize that it seems harsh, Carlisle, but it is the only way I can ensure that the child will truly be free. If all he wants is to keep her as his own then he can do so. Only if his aim is her freedom can I grant his request,” the king spoke in a calm and authoritative voice. “I do not expect you to have an answer for me immediately. Take some time. Consider your true desires and then decide.”
He rose and Carlisle rose as well, bowing to him and thanking him softly. Bella and Edward followed Carlisle's lead and made their bows. Finally, I rose and bowed before my king. When I rose, he leaned into my ear and whispered “You are well respected and well loved by people I trust my very life to. I trust you will make the right choice. I also trust that you will take responsibility for the consequences of that choice. Farewell young Jacob. Until we meet again.”
Esme POV
When Carlisle and the children went for their audience with Aro, I sought out young Renesmee. I sent Patrice to bring her to me in my sitting room. I watched her as she entered the room. I had already noticed how beautiful she was, who would not, but I had also noticed how gentle she was with Patrice.
Patrice was very young. I had purchased her when I saw the poor child on an auction block in the bazaar. She had not been very well trained and often spoke her thoughts aloud. She was learning from Anna to reign in her loose tongue, but she had not yet done so.
As they approached my company I heard Patrice nattering on at Ness. “It must be so lovely to be a pleasure slave, especially with so handsome a master as yours. I mean, I would willingly submit to my master,” Patrice giggled, “or his son. Or your master, for that matter.”
“Do not be in such a hurry, Patrice, to experience things out of your ken. I am blessed in that I have a gracious and gentle master, but not all masters are so. I have not been misused, but I know that there are many who have. I was once a white silk, as yourself. I would not go back, but I would treasure the innocence I had. Do not try to grow up too soon, innocence is a gift that cannot be taken back,” I heard Nessie's sweet voice say. It was a very wise statement. She entered the room then as trained, eyes upon the floor, back straight, and hands clasped before her. She walked to my feet and knelt before me in one smooth movement.
Patrice had not entered with her, so I knew we were alone. “Come and speak with me, child,” I said.
She raised her dark penetrating gaze to my own. There was such depth in her gaze; her intellect was clear in those fathomless eyes.
“I heard what you said to Patrice in the hallway.”
“I meant no offense, Mistress. I merely thought that someone should explain the gift of youth to her while it was still within her grasp,” she said as a warm blush stained her cheeks.
“No offense was taken, in fact, I think what you said was quite kind. May I ask you something?”
“Anything, Mistress.”
“You must speak to me honestly, do not say what you think I wish to hear, can you do that?”
She nodded, avoiding my eyes.
“Are you sorry that you were taken as a pleasure slave? Would you have kept your innocence were you free to do so?”
She raised her eyes and cocked her head. I could see her considering the question. Her smooth brow furrowed deeply, and I watched as she bit down on her lower lip. “Master Edward found me at auction and purchased me. Since that day, I have received nothing but the kindest and most tender care. I was brought to Cullen Estates and trained by the most helpful people I could imagine. I have only ever been with my master, and he has been ever kind and infinitely gentle. I cannot imagine a better life.”
I beamed at her. What a sweet child. “That is good to know. I am glad my son has learned the lessons I tried to teach him.
“Master Edward is a much admired man, Mistress. He is highly thought of among not only the slaves, but all visitors to Cullen Estates. He is a fine healer and treats all those who come to him, highborn or low, with the utmost care and kindness.”
“He is a good man, and a good son. Jacob is also quite a fine man.”
Renesmee smiled in a way that I recognized immediately. It was the smile of a woman who held a secret in her heart. This was a woman in love, I was certain of it.
“He is the finest man I have ever encountered. He is kind and wise. I cannot imagine a finer man or master on the planet.”
“I would wager he would speak as highly of you as you do of him,” I said lightly.
“He is too kind and overlooks my many failings,” she sighed.
“What failings?”
“I forget myself and speak too freely sometimes. I never wish to bring disgrace upon his name, and I fear I risk it often.”
I smiled. She really was a sweet child. “I do not think you could ever bring shame upon him no matter how you behaved.”
JPOV
The walk back to Carlisle's wing was quiet. They seemed to know that my mind was racing with what I had just heard. I wanted out. I needed air.
Before we entered Carlisle's home, he stopped me. “Jacob, I realize that this must all be overwhelming to you, but you must compose yourself. The most important thing before you make your decision is that you do not divulge this situation to Renesmee. You do not wish to either entice or frighten her with possibilities. Perhaps you should take a ride and calm yourself before you are faced with her again. Ensure that you are not going to confuse and frighten her.”
I nodded. I felt so out of control, his suggestion seemed wise. Bella held me to her for a moment and whispered, “There is no hurry, take your time. We can speak of this at your leisure.”
“Thank you,” I said as I hugged her back.
“Come, Jacob,” Edward offered. “I'll go with you.”
We saddled Rabbit and Volvo and headed out over the fields we had ridden when we lived here. The countryside was familiar and comforting. Edward suggested a hard run, and we sprinted over field and glen. He stayed with me as I felt the wind rush through my lungs. It cleared my head a bit, and after some time I slowed my steed and began a leisurely pace.
“Do you wish to speak of it?” Edward asked.
“What would you do?”
“That is not for me to say. Tell me your thoughts. Perhaps if you speak it aloud things will become clearer.”
“I wonder if he is right, that my desire was selfish. Is it truly Ness I am considering or myself?”
“You are one of the finest men of my acquaintance, I refuse to believe that there is a selfish bone in your body,” he said. “That said, the heart is a selfish organ, especially when it is in love. One cannot help but desire the company of the object of one's affection. It is natural. There is never a moment when I do not wish Bella by my side. Would you call me selfish?”
“Not at all, but she makes it clear that she desires the very same thing. Aro suggested that were Nessie to have her freedom, I cannot presume that I would be her choice. What if she does not share my desire? What if when met with the choices of the world she finds me lacking?”
“What woman has ever found you lacking?” he asked laughing. “That should not be your concern. Your only thoughts should be whether having her to wife is more desirable than having her at your side without benefit of marriage.”
“You're right,” I agreed and we turned back and returned to the confines of the Cullen's home.
When we entered the hall, Bella smiled softly at me and patted the seat beside her. I sat and then noticed Esme leading Ness into the room. “This dear girl has been telling me that you have gotten her music lessons,” she said as they came up to us.
“Yes, she is quite talented,” Edward said proudly.
“I wish to hear her perform,” Esme said. “I think it could cheer us all and lighten the loads of the day. Come Renesmee dear, sing for us.”
Nessie took to the keyboard and began to play a sweet tune I did not remember. It was beautiful and wove its way in and around my very soul. She began to sing and the words were of love and longing. It was beautiful and spoke of desires and emotions. In the end, I looked over to Bella and saw a tear upon her cheek.
“Nessie, that was lovely. Where did you learn that particular tune? I do not recall it,” Edward asked.
She bit her lip, and I noticed her cheeks flush. “Thank you Master. You would not have heard it before.”
“I have some knowledge of music, Ness. Might I have heard of the composer?”
Her blush deepened. “Yes, Master. I wrote it. The music master encouraged me to try my hand at composing. It was what came to my mind, should I play something more familiar?”
“You composed it?” Bella said astonished.
“Aye, Mistress. Should I not have played it? I am...”
“Do not apologize for singing that, Ness,” I barked. She flinched at my tone, and I felt guilty immediately. “What I mean is, it was wonderful and amazing, and I would bet that all who heard it will wish to hear it again and again.”
She raised her eyes to mine and smiled broadly. There was a softness to her look that called to me. I found myself rising and walking to her. I took her tiny hands in my own large ones and raised them to my lips. “You never cease to amaze me.”
Esme walked up to us and smiled. “Nessie has been keeping me company all day, Jacob. I think it might be good if she helped you clean up and rest before the evening meal. You look to be a bit covered in the dust from your ride.”
I nodded to Esme. I knew she understood my need to be alone with my angel. I all but ran to my chambers dragging Ness along with me. Once there, I pulled her into a deep kiss. Suddenly, I needed her more than air. She was mine, and I would keep her near me forever.
“I need you Ness. I need to feel your skin against my skin,” I said relieving her of her shift. “I need your lips upon my lips,” was said as I kissed her and swept my tongue into her mouth.
I was manic with my need for her. I backed her into the wall and removed my shirt in one sweep. In an instant, I was back to kissing her as I shucked my breeches. A moment later, I had hitched her legs over my hips and slid home, pounding her against the wall with a vigor I did not know I possessed. “God, Ness, you feel incredible.”
She was grunting and moaning with each thrust clinging to my shoulders for support. After a frenzied series of kisses, she threw her head back and gasped for air. My lips and teeth nipped at the column of her neck. I marked her with a love bite at juncture of her throat and her collar bone. She yipped and shattered above me taking me to a crescendo of my own.
Hearing her squeak seemed to bring me back to my senses. I lowered her to her feet and slid myself from her sweet, moist warmth. I looked at her and saw the bruise I had left upon her creamy flesh and felt revulsion. “Oh God,” I sighed, sinking to my knees before her. “I am so sorry. I hurt you. What was I thinking?”
She sank to my level and cradled me within her arms. “Not at all. It was thrilling. You would never hurt me.”
“Never intentionally,” I swore.
“I know that,” she said as she stroked my hair. “Are you alright? I have never seen you so...passionate,” she marveled.
“I just...missed you I guess.”
“I am never father than a call away, Jacob. I will rush to your side at a moment’s notice. Always,” she promised.
I looked at her. Her copper hair framed her face and cascaded down her shoulders and back. Her perfect heart shaped face glowed with the flush of our recent coupling, and her eyes sparkled with devotion and desire. I slid my arms beneath her legs and about her shoulders and lifted her into my arms. I carried her to bed and slipped beneath the furs with her, pulling her close to my body. I buried my nose in her sweet fragrant hair and closed my eyes. I would keep her! She would not be taken from me. We could survive as we were, there was no change needed. I could be selfish, because Nessie would never wish anything that contradicted my wants. I could have almost everything I wanted. I could live with this... Or could I?
A/N: please feel free to share your thoughts with me. Shelindreaire@aol.com
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Courtesan