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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.

Chapter List
- 17
- 18
- 19
Chapter 18

APOV
Riding in front of Jasper was one of my favorite pastimes. Having his big strong arms about my waist made me feel safeand loved. We were in a bit of a hurry; it was rare that his majesty summoned us. We resided in an outskirt of Volterra City, and though I corresponded with him regularly, we rarely attended court. I had never felt quite at ease there, as there were people there who resented me for my good fortune.
"Did Alistair tell you what the nature of the summons was?"
"He said there was a young woman in similar circumstances to you. Aro is determined not to repeat the errors made in your case and asks that we attend him to assist in making her transition smooth."
I turned my head so I could see Jasper's handsome face. His golden hair, worn somewhat shaggy about his shoulders glistened in the bright sun. His piercing blue eyes danced with love whenever he gazed at me. He was the most loved sight I beheld. "I would be honored to do so. I would save anyone the hardships I encountered in becoming your bride."
"Would that I could erase them from your mind," he opined.
"They strengthened me and made me who I am. I regret nothing, but still I would smooth the path of this girl if I could."
He smiled at me. "And that is just one of the reasons that I adore you."
The ride was pleasant atop Ducati. He was a big black monster of a stallion. I teased Jasper that when he blew through his nose, he sounded as if he was roaring. I felt so free atop his back. I would have never imagined having this life.
I was a poor girl raised in an orphanage and sold into slavery by the time I was thirteen winters old. The slaver decided I was pretty, and that I would do well as a pleasure slave. I knew better, having always known things from the time I could remember. I knew that I would not be purchased by someone who found my knowing ways an asset, and that I was like to be punished for it.
The man who did finally purchase me was a merchant from Seattle. He was wealthy, respected, and ruthless. His name was James Hunter, and he treated me as if I were worse than the dirt upon his feet. He bought me, not because he found me pleasing in any way, but because the older gentleman who showed interest in me apparently offended him in some way. When he snapped the leash to my collar to load me in the back of his wagon, like a dog, he told me that I'd soon learn who was master and who was slave.
That night he took me. He was rough and cruel and he was somehow pleased by my tears. He kept me in the kennels on his estate. I had never been in a place so dank and dark. We (the female slaves) slept on wooden pallets with thin blankets that we had to share. Nights were cold and less than restful as many of the slaves would return to the kennels after a day spent receiving punishment for some perceived offense.
I spent many a night tending to those whose backs were flayed raw, or to those who were aging and infirmed, but James refused to lighten their load. In my mind, he was no longer 'Master' and never would be again.
I spent two years beneath the heal of his boot, praying for death or some other way clear of this nightmarish existence. Then one day, he returned home and stated that I was to become his wife. He said I was his to do with as he saw fit, and he had decided to wed me, so I could bear his offspring.
The thought sickened me, but that evening when I bedded down in the kennel I had a dream. In it, a handsome and gentle man came up riding a big black stallion. He had hair like pure sunlight and a smile that warmed me deep within my soul. I dreamt that he was there to save me and see to it that James could never hurt me again. I do not know how I knew it would be so, but I had no doubt in my mind. I waited. Day, after day, I waited. Then after several weeks, he appeared.
He was accompanied by an older gentleman on a lame horse and they approached the house seeking assistance. I smiled up at the man and said, “You kept me waiting long enough."
He cocked his head and answered, "My apologies, Ma'am." In that instant, I knew I was safe for all time.
He followed me around the entire day asking me questions and offering me assistance. He said that he had never met a woman such as me. He told me he wished to court me, and it was then I explained that James had claimed me and planned to wed me within the month.
He told me that I had a say in whom I wed, but that did not seem right. He refused to accept that I was not free. He told me that Volterran law prohibited a man from marrying a slave, and therefore, James must have sought my freedom from the king. He and his friend, Alistair, decided that the safest way to remedy the situation was to steal me away.
I never saw that place again. Suddenly, I was traveling by the side of my hero and each day was an adventure. Unfortunately, that did not mean that they were always pleasant adventures.
I was often looked down upon or called names by the free women we encountered. I behaved as I had been taught, and I did not comport myself as a free woman. They said they could smell my servitude on me.
Slaves I encountered were no better. They thought that I thought myself above them, and they resented me.
Free men often attempted to press their desires upon me, because they thought it acceptable. By the time we arrived at Volterra City, I was completely confused and rather anxious about what was expected of me.
The king met with me and heard the story from my own lips. He also heard Jasper and Alistair's version of events, and in the end, he was enraged that James had taken a gift, my freedom, as something he was entitled to and in control of. Aro ordered him stripped of his land and his rank and insisted that he be turned out to fend for himself without benefit of friends.
Last I had heard, he had turned bandit and made his way by stealing and extorting goods and money from honest people.
Aro asked Alistair to shelter me, and he became like a father to me, teaching me so many things. He helped me adjust to the life of a free woman, and he helped me see that I had choices. It was a blessing I had never expected, and when the king asked me what I wanted to do with my life I told him I wished to marry Captain Jasper Whitlock and be his wife. Jasper had not pushed me for marriage, but he had also respected me enough to never take me to his bed. When I told Aro my desire, he asked Jasper if this was acceptable. My hero agreed readily, and we have not parted from one another for longer than a few hours since.
Now, we were returning to Volterra City in hopes of assisting a slave like I had been to become free in every sense of the word.
We entered the palace by the guard's entrance. Jasper greeted the watchman, and we dismounted. Well, Jasper dismounted and lifted me down. He was so very tall I often marveled at how we two fit so well together, but he loved my tiny frame and said that I fit perfectly at his side.
We climbed the back stairs and passed the Barracks of Aro's guard. We saw Felix and Demetri as we went; they gave Jasper respectful nods. He returned the gesture, but held me tighter to his side. He had never forgotten some of the slights we received when I first came with him to the palace. I tried to, because I wanted my new life to be settled and content and the harsh past to be past.
We ascended to the main hall and entered the court where King Aro would be waiting for us along with much of the court. I heard the whispers as we passed. I was well aware of the jealousies and petty words that were slung at my back. Jasper had been a high ranking member of Aro's guard, and his pursuing me, a former slave, angered many of Aro's court.
I spied Alistair standing to the side of Aro's dais and ran to his welcoming arms. "Alice, my dear, how beautiful you look. Happiness suits you, my dear."
"I believe it suits most. How are you?"
"I am well. Aro wishes he could have avoided calling you to court, but he requires your assistance. Come, he will join us shortly."
Alistair was practically a father to me. When Jasper had found me at my old master's home, he had wished to pursue me. I was clothed as a free woman, and was free, at least by law. My old Master, however, viewed things differently. He had told me we were to marry, and that I would be wise to do as he said. Having felt the sting of his lash in the past, I was not anxious to do so again. I did not realize that freedom meant he no longer had a claim upon me. Jasper and Alistair stole me away one night and brought me to Aro.
Aro had been kind and listened patiently. He asked me questions about what freedom meant and how one exercised one's rights. When he discovered my old Master's duplicity, he stripped him of his wealth and banished him from the kingdom. Last we had heard he was living as a bandit. Adjusting to freedom had been difficult. As a slave, I never noticed the harsh words spoken about me. Words were not physically painful, and, therefore, easier to bear. As a free woman, however, I had less fear of the lash, so words increased in power. I had not imagined that house slaves held me in contempt because I had been a pleasure slave. I never thought there was a vast difference in our lots, but I learned that was not the case.
I was unaware that free women saw me as an aberration, someone who had gotten something they decided they didn't deserve. When Jasper pursued me it got worse. I will never forget the words of Lady Maria...
"You have no business with someone of Jasper's caliber. You are nothing but a slut, dressed in satin. We all know what you are...were. A leopard does not change its spots," she railed, spitting her vitriol at me.
"I am what the king has made me," I defended myself, "which is a free woman. As free as yourself. Jasper has the same choices as any free man, and if he chooses me, you will have to accept it."
"We all know that you whores are taught disgusting tricks to make men desire you. Things no decent woman would dream of doing. You have hypnotized him with your wanton ways."
That stung, especially as Jasper had refused to bed me until our wedding night. He said he wanted me to know that he loved me, not what I could do for him.
"I have endured much in my former life, but I will not longer accept your taunts and poisonous words. Jasper has chosen me. Feel free to attempt to change his mind, by whatever means you choose, but know this, he has pledged his heart to me, and I believe his oath."
Even now, I felt her eyes upon us when we walked past. It no longer bothered me. I had learned that people will believe what they wish. It is what you believe and know to be the truth that matters.
Jasper sat me on one of the plush settees and went to pull the bell-pull to get some refreshments. A girl came and poured wine while another brought us a tray of bread and cheese. Jasper thanked then, as he always did, and sent them on their way.
A few minutes later, His Majesty entered with a warm smile. "Welcome dear one's. You are most prompt in answering my call."
"It is an honor, Sire. How may we be of service?" Jasper inquired.
"I have a young lady under consideration for freedom. She has lived as a pleasure slave, and her master has formally petitioned for her release."
I shuddered. I did not like the way this story was so similar to my own.
"I instituted a condition to even considering it. I insisted that he must have no contact with the girl for a minimum of nine moons. I want her placed in a home, as you were, Alice. I thought that there could be no better sponsors for her than yourselves. I meant to send her to you, but a request has been made by members of the house from which she comes. It seems that this girl is rather remarkable, much like our Alice, here. She has won the hearts of many, and they have requested that they be allowed to contact her. I have dictated that their missives be screened for word of her Master, but they have also requested that my personal physician sponsor her. I do not wish to insult him, but I believe Alice would be a better choice for that. I was curious as to whether you would consider residing within the palace for a time, to help the girl feel some familiarity. Carlisle and Esme are parents to the members of her household. They suggest that her losing all that is familiar would be detrimental."
"Is her Master like my former master?" I asked full of concern.
"I do not believe so. He seems a decent fellow and agreed to my demands. It seems he truly cares for her more than himself."
"I am glad to hear it," Jasper said.
"You will have an opportunity to meet him, as well as Carlisle's son and daughter-in-law. I have arranged for us to dine together and to hear the girl in question sing. I was hoping it would provide an opportunity for you to speak with her, Alice, and gauge her suitability for freedom," Aro informed me.
"I can also speak with her master and see where his agenda lies," Jasper offered.
"You may be acquainted with him. He served in the guard for a time. It was several years hence, but I believe he distinguished himself."
"What is his name?"
"Jacob Black."
"I do recall that name. We shall see if lives up to the reputation I remember."
We were shown to a suite of rooms which were ours to occupy as long as we remained in the palace. They were richly furnished in marble and wood. The color scheme was soft pastels, and it was rich and warmly appointed. A house slave took our bags and tended to our clothes while another built up the fire. Yet a third brought us a tray of fruits and pastries.
Jasper thanked them each in turn and dismissed them so that we were alone. Jasper did not like to expose me to servants. He knew that I felt for them, and often felt the need to offer them assistance. We kept few at our home, a cook, a handyman, and a laundress. Otherwise, he and I did for each other. It was not considered fashionable, but it was how we liked it.
"You seem pensive, dear heart," Jasper said as he enfolded me in his embrace.
"Aro seems so certain that I can help this girl, but I am not certain I can."
"That is because, as always, you underestimate yourself. I am here to support you, and I have never seen you fail at any venture you have attempted. Who knows, you may be the one person who can help this girl."
I prayed that he was right.

NPOV
I was trembling with trepidation. I was set to perform for the king this evening, and I so wanted to display well for my Jacob. I was to be dressed in fine silk, but not in the usual style. This evening, I was dressed in a fine gown. It was a beautiful rich green that made my skin look almost porcelain. My hair looked like the golden flames from the hearth and was curled and falling down my back.
I looked like a stranger in the gazing glass. I did not know that girl. She looked more grown and sophisticated than I. I did notice, however, that the girl in the glass looked as if she were a match for Jacob. This girl seemed as if she could hold her own in society. No one would find her lacking…too bad that the interior did not match the facade.
Jacob walked up behind me and placed his hands upon my shoulders. He looked so handsome in his high collared shirt and dark pants. His hair was tied back in a leather thong and there was gold braiding around his neck and wrists. He was the epitome of male eloquence, and my breath caught as I took him in.
"I have never seen you look lovelier. This dress suits you; you look like a fine lady."
I may have been wrong, but there seemed to be a tinge of sadness to his voice. I looked at his face in the glass and detected no trace of it there, though. I was glad he found me appealing in this guise. I knew that my time with him in this way was limited, and I wanted him to be pleased at every turn.
Still, I was trembling with anxiety. He seemed to feel my very being vibrating for her gave my shoulders a gentle squeeze. "Relax, Ness. You will be brilliant, and Aro will be charmed by you as is everyone who meets you."
"I hope so. I feel as if I have no breath to swell my song, and my hands grow damp no matter how often I dry them on my skirts. I feel as if I am an actor dressed to play a part, but I do not know my lines."
"Should anyone speak to you, simply answer them with honesty and respect. You will be among friends, even the king is a kind soul. If all else fails, remember that I will never allow any harm to come to you."
I leaned back into his strong, broad chest and nodded my understanding.
"Ness, have you eaten?"
"I could not, my stomach is already filled with a flight of birds I fear will burst from within."
He sighed. "Perhaps a sip of wine will calm your nerves. No more than a sip though. I want you to have a clear head this evening."
I sipped from the goblet he held to my lips and then from his lips as he kissed me. His touch calmed me more than anything else, and I tried to hold onto that feeling.
We walked to the King’s private dining hall, Jacob, Mistresses Bella and Esme, and Masters Edward and Carlisle. I walked behind as always, but on the way Master Carlisle turned and winked at me.
It struck me again how kind he and his lady were. They were a handsome couple - he with his golden hair and stunning good looks, and she with her auburn locks and kind countenance. She had been unfailingly gentle with me and spoke to me much as Mistress Bella did. I felt a level of comfort in her presence, and I liked her very much. I had not had as much exposure to Master Carlisle, but something about him bred trust and assurance. I could see where Master Edward had gotten his ability with people.
The doors to the hall were opened by two guards. They eyed me as we entered. Even in this garb, my position behind the rest of the party signified my rank, or lack thereof. We entered a chamber with a long tale set with gold platters and fine candelabra. There were four people within. The man at the head of the table wore a golden circlet about his head and reeked of nobility. I had no doubt that he was the King. Then to confirm it, everyone bowed before him as they took their seats. I fell to my knees and remained there. Then the strangest thing happened, this man, this monarch, came to me. He reached down a hand and lifted my chin with his fingers. I kept my eyes downcast and trembled violently.
"This must be the girl I hear so very much about. What is your name, child?" came a soft and subtle voice.
My throat was suddenly parched, and I felt as if I had lost the ability to be articulate.
"You may speak, young one. No one here will harm you. Tell me your name," he urged me so gently that I raised my eyes to his visage. His face was benevolent, and his eyes twinkled. Then, I realized I had just gazed into the face of the king. I dropped my eyes back to the floor terrified that I had done wrong.
"I am called Renesmee, Your Majesty," I squeaked.
"A pretty name for a pretty girl. We welcome you, Renesmee. Please come and sit at my feet. I have provided you the softest cushion I could find."
I was completely taken off guard, but he was the king, and his word was law. I followed him to the head of the table and sank to my knees on the most opulent pillow I had ever seen. Everyone else took their seats, and I found myself between the king and a lovely dark haired lady. She was small, and exuded the air of faery folk.
She leaned over to me and whispered, "My name is Alice." I said nothing in return. She had not asked me a question, and I had no response. I could not remember a free woman ever telling me their name. As a slave, I had no right to address them by it, so I only ever called them Mistress. "You look nervous, Renesmee. I assure you that you are safer here than anywhere else. I will see that you are treated well."
I had no idea who this lady was, but she seemed very kind indeed. I relaxed a bit as I sat by her side. I almost forgot I was seated by a king. Almost. I might have been able to convince myself I was elsewhere, but the man kept speaking to me.
"How old are you, my dear?" he asked me quietly.
"Seventeen Summers, your Majesty."
"Such a great age as that?" he chuckled. Had I not known he was a king, I would have thought him teasing me.
"Yes, Sire."
"How long have you been at Cullen Estates?"
"I arrived a year ago April, Your Majesty."
"So a bit over a year. Do you like it there? Do they treat you well?"
"There is no better place on Earth, Sire. I have had nothing but kindness in Master Edward and Mistress Bella's home."
"And your master? How does he treat you? Answer honestly, he cannot hear you from his position at the table," he said conspiratorially.
"He is the best man I have ever known, Your Majesty. No girl has ever had so fine a master."
The king nodded and returned to the general conversation about the table.

JPOV
I had never beheld anything as breathtaking as Nessie in the green gown Esme had provided for her. She looked like a lady. She looked as if she were the finest of courtiers, and seeing us framed in the glass, I thought we made a handsome pair.
She was vibrating she was so frightened of meeting the king, so I tried to calm her with a sip of wine, and then with a kiss. As I tasted the sweet elixir that hung upon her lips, I felt her relax and prayed that this night would provide the king with reason to release my angel and set her free. The thought caused a burning in my chest, but I knew it was what she deserved. I was more than aware that each movement in that direction brought me closer to the parting I dreaded, but I could not allow my pain to sway my aim.
We walked together to the king's private dining hall. When we entered Aro was not alone. I had expected Alistair, what I had not expected was the couple who was also in attendance. I recognized the man. He was Jasper Whitlock. I had served under him in the guard. He was several ranks above me, and several years my senior, but I knew him by reputation and sight. He was known as one of the finest officers around. He was a fierce warrior, but a good and fair man, who treated his underlings with respect and loyalty.
Beside him was a waifish woman, about Bella's age I would guess. She stood a few inches shorter than Ness, and had a head of dark brown hair and the bluest eyes I had ever seen. She looked a bit like I imagined a faery might, all small yet vital. She clung to Captain Whitlock's arm, so I assumed her to be his wife.
We were all introduced and welcomed when Aro walked up to Ness and addressed her directly. "This must be the girl I hear so very much about. What is your name, child?" he said softly and ever-so gently.
Ness blanched. I knew she was frightened, but I prayed she would rise to the challenge.
Aro tried again to engage her, "You may speak, young one. No one here will harm you. Tell me your name."
I watched Ness lift her eyes to Aro's face, and then visibly pale as she realized her error, but he smiled at her and she found the strength to answer him.
"I am called Renesmee, Your Majesty," came her voice in a squeak.
"A pretty name for a pretty girl. We welcome you, Renesmee. Please come and sit at my feet. I have provided you the softest cushion I could find." I did not wish her to be so far removed from me, but I realized almost at once that I had no say in the matter.
Captain Whitlock ushered me to a seat at the opposite end of the table and took a seat beside me. Edward was opposite me, as was Carlisle, and Bella was beside me, between Alice and myself. I could barely see Ness from this position, and it unnerved me.
"Relax, Aro will not harm her," Captain Whitlock advised from my side. "Alice and he will speak with her and assess her. She is not likely to reflect badly upon you."
"I could not care less how I appear, sir; my only concern is her safety."
"Jacob, is it?"
I nodded.
"I am Jasper. I remember you. You were known as a good soldier and a fine man."
"As were you," I acknowledged.
"I understand that you wish to wed the fair Renesmee. Why would you want to bind yourself to a slave?"
I thought about how to answer him. I could attempt to be clever and cunning, or I could be truthful and risk censure. This was, however, a man who himself had wed a slave. "She is the only woman I have ever met whom I can imagine sharing my life with. She is a better person than I shall ever hope to be, but she makes me strive to be worthy of her. In short, I love her, Sir. She is my life, and although I cannot imagine how I will survive without her, I will walk away from her life until his majesty says I may re-enter it, to give her this chance at the life she deserves."
He looked me in the eyes, seemed to assess my veracity, and nodded. "I am gratified to hear it, for any other answer would have found you and me at blade points. His majesty has requested that Alice and I take her part. I swear to you, I will protect her as you would. I will see to it no harm befalls her until you are free to confess your true aim."
"Thank you. This is no easy feat for me. The thought of being without her for so prolonged a period makes my chest ache," I confessed.
"I do understand, I can sense your devotion to her, and I will make you an offer. His majesty will take our advice on whether to allow correspondence with your compatriots; I can see to it that it happens. I can also write to you directly and keep you abreast of her situation. I imagine the separation would be exponentially worse without news. I shall provide that for you."
"That is most kind. Why would you do that?" I asked astounded.
"Because I feel responsible for the situation in which you find yourself. You see, when I met Alice she as under the thumb of a rather unscrupulous man who meant to bully and badger her into wedlock. I saw to it that Aro was made aware of this, but in my anger, I utilized my position in his guard to see that the man was punished for his folly. I found his behavior abhorrent and presented it as such to the king. I pointed out that he had provided a gift to someone, and this man had circumvented his will. The king is a reasonable man, but he does not like his gifts unappreciated. I fueled his wrath, I fear. I fanned the flames of his ire until he took everything he could from the man in recompense for his actions. My aim was to protect my dearest one, but I must confess I enjoyed destroying the man who hurt her."
"I admire that sentiment," I said smiling at the man.
"I promise we will watch over her," he swore. "I can feel your unease. What is your fear?"
"There was a time when we were parted," I confided. "It was because of a bad decision on my part, I thought I was doing what was best for her, but in truth I caused her and myself more pain. I do not want her to think she is to blame for our parting, but I have been forbidden to divulge the true reasons. I know her, friend; she is likely to think she is at fault in some way. I would spare her that."
"Alice is good with people, she is certain to ease any discomfort your Renesmee feels."
"Now if only there was someone who could do the same for me," I sighed. "That has always been Nessie, and I am about to send her out of my life."

Jasper POV
As I listened to Jacob speak of his girl, I realized that his feeling were deep and true. I had always been good at assessing other's emotions and motivations. I understood the king's reticence to allow a marriage between slave and master. Alice had been badly abused when I brought her to him, but somehow this did not seem to be the same situation. I felt strongly that this man needed an ally to keep him sane during this trial.
After dinner, Renesmee was bid sing. Her voice was melodious and angelic. I had not ever heard a purer sound. I leaned into Alice, "What do you think of her, dearest?"
"She is as sweet as the sound of her song. What think you of him, my love?"
"He loves her," I stated unequivocally.
"I think she may feel the same for him," she observed.
"Aro's edict seems wise on the surface, but I am not certain it will serve these two well. We will have to attempt to be advocates for all parties."
Alice beamed at me. "You are a romantic at heart, aren't you my love?"
"It is you who made me so. Let us tell Aro that we will sponsor the girl."
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Courtesan