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Courtesan	By : Shelindrea Category: Twilight Series > Het > Jacob/Renesmee Views: 4787 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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Chapter List
- 22
- 23
- 24
Jasper POV
I awoke to Carlisle's knock and from that moment the day spiraled away from me. I had been so pleased with how well Nessie had done last evening, that I had overlooked a possible consequence.
When Alice came to the palace and was made truly free she was spirited off to Alistair's. It was also common knowledge that I had my eye on her. As captain of the elite guard, there were precious few who would dream of crossing me, and it was clear that Alice was spoken for. Aro's edict regarding Jacob and Renesmee being apart meant that he could notclaim her as his own.
It became clear just what a danger that posed when the gifts and messages began at the crack of dawn. Five men from last evening's gathering had made attempts to woo her. They were not completely brazen. They had sent requests to Carlisle along with the flowers and jewelry, each requesting permission to pursue the girl with an eye toward marriage.
Carlisle and I decided that we needed to address this with Aro at once, before Ness became aware of it. She was already overwhelmed, to be inundated with gifts and prose meant to turn her head seemed completely unfair to her, and it concerned us that her newness to freedom would make her vulnerable in ways no ordinary girl born to this life would be.
We were shown into Aro's study, and he joined us after only a few moments. "Good Morrow, gentlemen. What brings you here so urgently after so successful an evening?"
"Your Majesty, I received these this morn and thought to discuss the situation with you before I proceeded," Carlisle said handing the missives to the king.
Aro perused them, and I watched his eyes grow round. "Oh my, it would seem we have not thought out every obstacle before us. Jasper, I believe it is time for young Renesmee to relocate to your home at the Scholar. I will handle these requests personally and explain that the girl is not to be pursued at this time."
I nodded and made to go when I realized that Carlisle had not moved. "Sire," he said halting my progress, "although removing her to the country will be a temporary fix to the problem I am afraid the situation will follow wherever the girl goes. She is beautiful, intelligent, and highly desirable. She will attract suitors no matter where we send her."
The moment he said it, I realized he was correct. There was no way to completely protect her from the inevitability that she would be pursued. I was unsure of how to truly protect her in this instance.
"You are right," Aro agreed. "My own son has lost his young heart to her. Were he not so young he would himself be pursuing her as well."
"We have left the girl without means in this situation. She has no experience in this realm. Her only relationship was related to her submission," Carlisle explained.
"You have a suggestion for how we proceed, my friend?"
"I do. I believe that in order for Ness to conquer the barrier of interpersonal relationships she must become the free woman we seek to make her in the only relationship she has ever known."
"What are you saying?"
"She needs to resolve her sense of self to become truly free. I believe that the only way for her to do that is to see herself not as a slave, but as a free woman. I believe that can only be achieved in her relationship to Jacob Black."
"Are you mad?"
"No, Your Majesty, I believe that psychologically she will need to conquer that relationship before she will ever be ready for another."
"He does not wish for her to have another."
"That is true, but we must assist her to make an informed decision on the matter."
"And how do you propose we do that?"
"Let Jasper take her home with him and Alice. Meanwhile, you and I can speak with Mr. Black and set parameters for their interactions. I believe he will be more than willing to accept our guidance, especially since it will be his only hope of winning the woman to wife."
Aro's eyes narrowed. He was considering Carlisle's wisdom in this area and weighing it carefully. "I am listening, old friend."
JPOV
When the summons came from Aro, I was concerned. It read simply, "His Majesty the King requests an audience with you. We expect you no later than three days' time."
I sent an express post to Jasper to warn him, in case we needed to prepare ourselves for Aro's wrath. I knew writing to Ness was a risk, but Jasper and I had determined that I would suffer any consequences and that no one else would suffer if it was at all possible. He had stated that he was willing to also suffer any retribution from the king, but I saw that as a last resort, at best.
I arrived in Volterra City in a day and a half and applied for admission to the king. I was taken to his drawing room and asked to wait. Carlisle arrived within ten minutes and the look on his face eased my fears substantially.
"Jacob, thank you for coming so quickly," Carlisle said clapping me on the shoulder. "We have news for you, and his majesty wished to give it to you himself."
"So I did," Aro said entering with a flourish. "Lovely to see you again, Jacob."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," I said bowing at the waist.
"I had the immeasurable pleasure of dining with the object of your desire the other night. She is quite a remarkable young lady."
I smiled at that. It was not as if I would disagree with his statement, I felt exactly the same way.
"Indeed, she captured a tidy number of hearts that evening. My wife’s and son's among them."
"She does have a way about her, Sire. She is difficult to resist."
"Difficult? I would say nigh on impossible. In fact, four of my male guests have applied to court the young Renesmee," the king informed me.
"What?" I said sinking into a chair as the air rushed from my lungs. My world tilted on its axis.
Not only was I forbidden to declare my feelings for her, but now men who regularly dined with the king were pursuing her for their own. I was a simple man. I worked for my living, and although we had a successful business in the horse trade, I was no noble who could offer her a life of luxury.
"She would have had five suitors, were my son of an age to pursue her," he confided.
Perfect, a prince, no matter how young, was in the mix as well. I had no hope of winning her when they had all at their disposals, while my hands were tied firmly behind my back, and my tongue was effectively silenced.
"I understand, Your Majesty, and I thank you for informing me personally."
"What is it you think you understand, Jacob?" Carlisle asked.
"That Ness is ready to move on in her life without need of a lovesick horse farmer," I moped dejectedly.
"Really, young man, there is no need for such dire predictions, nor such self-deprecation. I have called you here to tell you that I believe you must have your own opportunity to pursue Renesmee, she must have all her options offered openly to her."
"I beg your pardon?"
"I believe you should begin to write to her. You may make your case for her choosing you; I grant you leave to express your heart to the girl. However, although I am giving you a less restrictive access to her, I still insist that you allow the decision to be hers and hers alone. You may tell her of your desire for her, and your feelings, but you may not ask for her hand," Aro stated plainly.
"You are allowing me to write her?" I asked amazed.
"Yes, and in an appropriate time to visit her. I will be monitoring the progress of your endeavor through Alice and Jasper. You have followed my edict without complaint. I believe that deserves respect, and I believe you should have a free and fair chance to win the girl for yourself. That being said…" the king paused "…I also believe that before you are allowed to secure her heart entirely, she must know there are others who will desire her. You shall have no competition for two months, then, should another petition for her, I shall allow it. Do you understand?"
I let that sink in. Could I win her? I did not know, but the king had been more than fair. I would have my chance, now all I had to do was take it, and make the most of it.
NPOV
The air was warm and moist and the smell of jasmine filled the grotto. I was waiting, impatient for his arrival. There was a sense of danger to this meeting, for I knew it was forbidden, but I could not bring myself to care enough to avoid it. He had called, and I had come. It seemed some things never changed.
I was dressed in a gown meant for slumber, it was gossamer and thin, skimming over my form soft as a whisper. The evening breeze blew gently stirring the skirt about my ankles, and I shivered slightly. That was when I felt his strong arms enfold me.
"Are you cold, Love?"
The word 'love' warmed me thoroughly, so I shook my head as he turned me in his embrace. His face was lit by the full moon and his hair, always so black, shone blue in the moonlight. I raised my hand to his cheek and felt the warmth radiating off his skin. He smiled and his straight white teeth gleamed with mirth.
He purred at the contact, and I felt his arms lower and circle my waist, drawing me ever nearer to him. He leaned down, and I felt the flurry of his breath against the skin on my neck as he whispered, "God, how I have missed you."
"And I you."
"Have you? Even with all of the excitement and newness of this life I have given you?"
"I care for nothing without you."
"Truly?"
"Yes."
His lips descended to my neck and his tongue laved the delicate and sensitive skin behind my ear. I let out an audible sigh and felt him smile against my skin. His lips nibbled and kissed until he took the lobe between his teeth and pressed against it gently. I felt my knees begin to buckle, and he swept me into his arms and off my feet.
He carried me through the French doors and into the sleeping chamber. A fire roared in the hearth and lent a warm glow to the room. He laid me down upon the soft furs and began to untie the ribbons at my chest. His deft fingers caressed the skin beneath my breasts as he spread the diaphanous material of the gown open to expose me to his ravenous eyes. A smile again tugged at his pillowy lips just before he dipped his head and took the peak of one breast into his mouth. He bit it gently, and then swept his tongue across the skin he had just bruised. The sensation was of a slight pleasurable sting quickly cooled and soothed by the moist touch of his tongue.
I arched into him, physically begging for more, and he gave it to me. His hand began to massage the other breast, tweaking the nipple and then palming it. I could feel myself flood with desire and my hands wound their way into his hair clasping him tightly to me, urging him on with every breath.
Then he pulled back and again looked at me. "There was a time when you were mine. I knew that your body was mine for the taking. Now it is yours and can only be had at your choice. Tell me what you choose, Love."
"I choose you. I have always chosen you. I will always choose you."
With that, he took the gown in his hands and tore it from my heated flesh exposing me to him completely. Again I arched toward him and his grin spread further. "Perfection thy name is Renesmee."
"I believe you are over dressed, Jacob. How can you give me what I need if you are so covered?"
He rose from the bed and shed his tunic and trousers. He stood naked in the firelight, his caramel skin glistening, his muscles rippling, and his manhood standing proudly against his dark thatch of hair at the apex of his thighs. I rolled over and took him into my hands. He was so warm and smooth, and I stroked from base to head and watched as he threw his head back in pleasure. I took him into my mouth and ran my tongue around the ridge, sucking gently but firmly as I did. I could taste the sweet and salty nectar that beaded there, and I drank it in greedily. His hips bucked against me, urging me to take more, and I readily complied.
I felt him hit the back of my throat and heard him grunt his approval. My lips and hands continued to stroke him until I could feel the muscles in his thighs begin to shake. He pulled himself from my lips and lifted me to stand before him. He dipped slightly and lifted me into his arms impaling me onto his turgid shaft in one swift movement. I felt delightfully full, and as he began to guide me in a fast rhythm, up and down. I clung to his shoulders and kissed him deeply.
The room was filled with the sounds of our passion, grunts, moans, and sighs escaped us with each stroke. It was so powerful I felt my release build quickly and with immense fire. He was increasing his speed and intensity until I threw my head back and screamed my release. He followed almost at once, and I felt his hot seed flood me from within and fell over the edge again. I milked his essence from him with each wave of ecstasy until we both fell to the bed in an exhausted tangle of limbs and lips.
"I love you, Nessie."
"I love you too," I sighed reaching across the bed to find that I was alone.
My hand fisted in the furs, and I felt the hot sting of tears as I curled into myself. I hated this. No matter how much I enjoyed my freedom and the opportunities it afforded me, I missed the warmth I had only ever found in his arms.
After I calmed myself and came fully awake, I went to my writing desk and opened my wolf casket. I contained all the letters I had received over the past few weeks. I took the last letter and opened it. It had been written after the dinner with the king.
I had heard from Jasper that he had petitioned His Majesty to allow greater communication with Jacob, and that the king had agreed, but he had not explained how or why. Truth be told I could not have cared less; I reveled in every word and was thrilled that he had become clearer in his communications.
My Dearest Ness,
I must admit to a fierce jealousy of each and every man who had the pleasure of dancing with you at the soiree you attended and described. Although I have had the incomparable joy of having watched you dance, I have never had the opportunity of dancing with you. How did I manage to rob myself of that bliss? However, I hold memories of our moments together, the comfort, the gratification, and the satisfaction we luxuriated in when in each other's company, that I pray no other will ever experience from you.
My apologies, I know I have no right to ask for that, you are no longer bound to me as you once were. Still, I can now speak to you of my hopes and ambitions where you are concerned. I wish for you to contemplate the opportunities that lie before you.
I wonder if you have thought about that as well. Do our moments together haunt your dreams as they haunt my own? Do you cry out to the night when you awaken alone in your bed? I do. I admit to having conflicting feelings wishing both that you share my desires, and that you never experience the pain my heart suffers in your absence.
Perhaps I should request the honor of a dance when finally we meet again. Will you promise me a set? Do you find this acceptable?
Your humble servant,
Jacob
"My servant" he called himself. I did not want him to be my servant. Nor did I wish to be his. I wanted us to find a way to be together in this new world I had discovered, and I was determined to do just that.
Caius POV
Sliding myself between the pert lips of the girl before me, my eyes closed and my mind wandered to the face that haunted me. I imagined her soft brown eyes gazing up at me from a position of supplication, fear and awe marking her lovely features as I took my pleasure from her. I wound my fingers through the hair of the girl at my feet, but pretended it was the spun copper which flowed from Renesmee's scalp. I was certain that hers would be satiny and as luscious as it looked in the candle light.
I pulled the girl's head forward and back as I hit the back of her throat. I felt her choke, but I didn't care. I wanted more, and I would take it. In my mind, I saw Renesmee's face contort with fear at how I had all the control, and it increased my excitement. I pounded into her mouth until I felt the urgent pull from deep within my loins and poured my lust down her waiting throat. The girl made to pull back, but I held her firmly. "Take every drop, girl, or pay for each you miss at the end of my lash," I warned.
When I had finished, I threw the wench away from me. She slumped onto the floor and began to sob. I could hardly wait to see tears in the eyes I truly desired. She would look delectable. "You may go," I spat at the creature on the floor.
I turned from her and grabbed my robe. Slaves bored me. Their submission was imperfect, because they had no choice. I longed for the free gift of the spirit, the challenge it presented. I wanted to know the incredible rush of knowing that the woman before me had a real spirit, and that only I had the strength to bend it to my will.
I was determined to have what I wanted, and I could be patient and cunning. My first stop would be at Leah Clearwater's. She was a handsome wench whom I had had in the past. She was not a bad distraction, but she was a woman who wanted things I would never provide. She was good friends with Emily Uley, and had set her sights on Emily's brother as a spouse. She would certainly know if he had a woman other than herself on his arm.
"Welcome, Your Grace. What a lovely surprise," Leah said as she kissed my cheek.
"I am pleased you find it so. Tell me does your kitchen slave still make those lovely milk biscuits I remember so fondly?"
"She does, and I am certain she has some always at the ready, I shall ring for tea."
We went to the veranda and took seats over the table. She was dressed in a lovely red dress that accentuated her bosom nicely. She knew her charms well and worked hard to display them at their best.
"What brings you here this fine day, Your Grace?"
"I was curious about your impending nuptials..."
"I am not engaged, sir. Though, I hope to be soon."
"I thought that your gentleman would have made his move by now. Why the delay? Knowing you, he should have been well and truly under your spell by now."
She smiled, but it was a thinly veiled grimace. "When last he visited Emily, he was a bit distracted," she said, confirming my suspicions.
"Whatever could have distracted him from your impeccable beauty?"
"Nothing of consequence, I assure you."
"Who was it?"
"It is a proper description. It was a slip of a wench, dangling on his chain."
"A slave?" That was unexpected.
"Yes, he seemed rather fond of the little wretch. It even caused a rift between him and his sister."
"A slave did this? How?"
"Emily struck her, and Jacob flew from her home in a rage. He has yet to return. Although he did write to her recently, so it appears he has gotten past his ire."
"All that over a girl? What kind of girl holds such sway over any man?"
"She was nothing special as far as I could see, but Sam found her fetching as well."
"Describe her," I ordered.
"I don't know... She was a rather drab thing, pale and plain. Still he seemed to have a fondness for her."
"What was her name?"
"How should I know? You speak as if a slave were worthy of my attention. Really, Caius, what is your interest, in this?"
She had a point. There was certainly no way she spoke of the woman who captured every male eye at the king's table. Drab and plain were hardly the words that came to mind when thinking of her. Still, I needed all the information I could gather.
"Have you met the latest addition to the Uley household, yet?" I asked changing the subject.
"I have not, but I planned to go soon."
"Then let us go together. I always like to welcome new citizens to my small portion of the kingdom. Say you will accompany me," I encouraged.
I watched Leah's dark eyes scrutinize me. She knew I was after something; she was just not sure what it was. Finally after a few moments, she nodded.
"A wise choice," I informed her.
We agreed to send word to the Uley's that we wished to dine with them on the morrow. They would not refuse; after all, I was a member of the royal family, only two steps removed from the crown. Rank had its privileges, and I utilized every one.
Leah and I rode together in my carriage. She looked scrumptious dressed in a low cut dress of royal blue trimmed with gold piping. "To what do I owe the display of your abundant assets?" I queried.
"I thought you would like this dress, Your Grace, was I mistaken?" She said leaning across the carriage. One deep breath and I was certain that she would spill completely out of the dress.
"Leah, we have discussed this, I will never give you what you desire, and your vulgar display of charms I have already sampled will not tempt me."
"I actually wore this for Sam. I am hoping he will remind Jacob just what he is missing. Not to mention the fact that Emily is still recuperating from her delivery. He and I used to enjoy each other's company, why not see if he wishes to taste my sweetness again?"
"Poor Emily, she thinks she welcomes a friend, and instead she opens her door to a viper who would strike her at her very heart," I stated shaking my head.
"You call me a viper? You forget yourself, sir, I know your ways, and have only lamped unto your feet. You taught me every underhanded move I know."
"Watch yourself, Sweeting; another man might take that as an insult."
She leaned across to me again, smiling her best seductive smile and said, "You are like no other man I have ever known, my dear friend, and you know it to be a high compliment. So are you going to tell methe true purpose of this visit? Or am I simply to observe? If I was privy to your plan perhaps I could assist you."

I contemplated that for a moment. It was true, Leah made a formidable ally, and I could use her, if the need arose. "I am seeking information on a friend of your Jacob's. Apparently, she accompanied him here on his last visit. She did not make it sound as if she was greatly acquainted with the Uley's, but they can likely give me a place to begin my inquiry."
Leah smiled. "You seem intrigued by this woman, how interesting. I have never seen that particular glint in your eye. She must be something special."
"That she is, and I need an arsenal of weapons before I plan my attack."
"Well, if you will be removing her from Jacob's plate that can only leave more room for me there. You have my word I will assist in any way you require."
"If you can, I will accept your help, and you will be greatly rewarded."
We were greeted at the door by Sam, looking hale and hearty. I watched as his eyes skimmed Leah's curvaceous form, and I knew her arrow had hit its mark. We were led into the drawing room where Emily was seated in a dark green dress, her black hair gently pulled up and draping softly about her face and shoulders. She was cradling her newest son, and she looked quite lovely.
"Welcome, Your Grace. How kind of you to call," Emily said.
"Seeing you is always a pleasure, and I wished to meet my newest subject."
"His name is Collin, Your Grace."
I smiled, strictly speaking none of these people were subjects of mine. Technically, they belonged to my uncle, but in my province, all knew that I ruled, and it was my favor they required to survive, not the king's.
We shared small talk and some wine before dinner was served. Emily finally sent the whelp away with a slave and we made our way to the dining hall. Again the talk was superficial, but I knew once we retired to a sitting room post dining I could begin my inquisition.
Sam offered me a flagon of his finest wine and I accepted willingly. The ladies were seated and the intimate setting lent itself to conversation.
"So, Emily, I hear your brother visited you recently..." It was an opening I hoped she would take.
"Yes. It was a few weeks back. I fear I was not myself and caused him discomfort in his stay," Emily confessed.
"I am certain he realizes you were far in your confinement and will overlook any offense."
"I believe he already has. He sent a lovely gift for Collin, and asked that we not speak of the incident again. In fact Leah, he said something else that encourages me."
"What is that?"
"He said that the..." she paused as if searching for the correct word "…girl, no longer dangles on his chain. He said he has an eye on marriage and has hopes of winning the heart of the woman he adores." Emily beamed at Leah, seemingly certain that her brother meant her friend.
Leah smiled like a cat that had just caught a particularly juicy mouse.
I left the ladies to themselves and went to speak more privately with Sam. "I was wondering if you could assist me with something, Sam."
"Anything, your grace."
"I met a woman who claims an acquaintance with you..." I let it linger there.
"What can I do for you in this regard?"
"Tell me what you know of her."
"Of course. Who is this woman?"
"Her name is Renesmee Cullen."
Sam choked on his wine. He sputtered for a moment and them caught his breath and spoke again. "Your grace, are you in earnest?"
"Completely."
"Then why do you not simply ask her owners?"
"You mistake me, sir. I said Renesmee Cullen."
"I heard you, sir. She is the spectacular jewel that dangles upon my brother-in-law's chain, although I have never heard a slave given the surname of her residence before."
"You must have the wrong woman, this was no slave. I met her while dining at the king's table."
"Is she fair of face and form?"
I smiled at the memory. "Oh yes."
"Has she hair the color of bright sunlight at dawn?"
I started at his description; no two women could have hair that color. "She does."
"Then it is the same woman. Jacob implied that she no longer resided upon his chain, but I thought he had sold her. By the sounds of it... Is it possible he freed her?"
"That seems unlikely, still..." I let the thought ruminate. I would need more information, but I was not likely to get it from Sam. "Thank you for your assistance, I ask that you keep this conversation between ourselves, Sam."
"As you wish your grace."
I would never have thought that she had at any time been a slave. Yet, if she had been elevated, she was even more perfect than I had originally thought. She was not a shrinking violet and had a spirit that allowed her to traverse the world of a free soul with relative ease, yet she had been trained to give pleasure. My sense of intrigue grew by the moment. I would have her and enjoy her as I had no other.
NPOV
The Scholar was a fascinating place. Living here was so different than Cullen Estates or the palace. The school housed approximately twenty students, all male, who resided in the dormitory. They were, as part of their enrollment, required to work for their keep. Therefore, no slaves were present within the walls. There was a small staff for the kitchens, but otherwise everyone pitched in and helped the place run.
I was housed in Jasper and Alice's home. They welcomed me like an old friend, and I loved this existence. I helped about the house, most often with sewing and laundry. Otherwise, I spent my time studying with Jasper, Alice, and Alistair.
Alice was correct, Alistair was an incredibly kind and knowledgeable man. He taught me mathematics, literature, and social interactions. He told me early that he felt it his duty to prepare me for life in the world with truth and honesty. That meant that he often told me of the worst aspects of those I would meet at the Scholar.
Several of the students had attempted to engage me in conversation when I arrived. I was surprised that Jasper and Alistair almost always intervened, and that they seemed annoyed by the attention I received. When I asked Alistair about it, he answered with his usual candor.
"These boys are not trying to befriend you, child. They seek to find pleasure with you."
"Oh." I was not certain what to think about that. I had hopes of being seen as a free woman, but it seemed I was viewed exactly as I had been. "So the great experiment has failed."
"What do you mean, child?"
"I am still a slave, no matter how I am presented."
"No, my dear. They have no inkling of your former life. What they see when they look at you is a beautiful and desirable woman. Men will always seek pleasure from such a woman. It is up to the woman whether or not she will grant it."
I thought about that. As a slave, I was told any free man could have me, should my master allow it. The choice was removed from me. Now, I could say no or yes at my leisure. It was a powerful feeling.
"Alistair..." I began.
"Yes, Renesmee, dear?"
"If a free man may seek pleasure from any woman, is that also true of free women? I mean can they seek their pleasure where they will?"
Alistair eyed me with a look of distrust about his countenance. "I should think so. I would caution you though to think long and hard about doing so. If you ever have hope of a life with family and children, I would suggest you take your time and make careful choices. There is a rather unfair double standard in that regard, I am afraid."
"Do you really think I could have such a life?"
"You may have any life you choose, my dear. I would bet that you could rise higher than anyone imagines. You are beautiful, bright, and personable. With qualities such as that, I believe you could become whomever you wished."
I liked that thought, although, there was only one man whom I with whom I could imagine sharing a life. Jacob wrote to me about his desire for me, he was honest about his physical need for me, but he never said the words I truly longed to hear. What I wanted was for him to love me as I loved him. I wanted to be his wife, but I was afraid he wanted to renew our physical relationship alone. That was no longer enough for me.
"What if I wished to wed a certain man? How would a free woman secure the love she desires?"
"Love is not a commodity to be bargained or bid for, child. Love must be chosen and nurtured."
"But how does one go about convincing the man of your choosing to choose you?" I asked.
Alistair's eyes glinted with amusement. "Having never been chosen, I must admit to being at a loss on how to advise you on this subject. I would suggest you speak to young people of your acquaintance. Alice and Jasper would most likely have some thoughts on it. They were both quite besotted with each other upon their first meeting, and they both sought the other's affection. I, but observed the dance of love, they are the ones who performed it. Your friend Bella might also know of some stratagems in this arena. After all, she reined young Edward in and secured him rather nicely."
I smiled and thanked him, leaving my non-academic queries until after my general study was completed. Walking back to Alice and Jasper's abode, I thought about the men I had met since my elevation. The prince had been charming, but terribly young. I was certain that he would grow into a fine ruler with his father as such a wonderful example.
King Aro was wise, kind, and he doted upon Queen Sulpicia. His eyes followed her as if drawn by an unseen magnet, and he seemed to always be aware of where she was in any room.
I had danced with several of the gentlemen in attendance that evening. Lord Farthing was a man only slightly younger than the king and Carlisle. He had a dusting of grey hair at the temples of his sandy hair, which leant him an air of sophistication. We had conversed during the dancing, and he had informed me off his rank and wealth. I remember thinking that he seemed to be advertising himself to me, as if I were in the market to buy him. It seemed an odd thing to do. I had never known Jacob to do so upon a new acquaintance. Lord Farthing talked almost exclusively about himself, I doubted he knew anything at all about me, and yet he seemed completely at ease with that. It was as if he believed the only information he required was if he found my face and form pleasing.
Major Clark was a younger man, and in the service of the king's guard. He was handsome by most standards having a firm and well-proportioned form. When he danced with me, he told me much of his duty and honors he had received for victories in battle. He also told me how much he missed the softness of a woman in his life to come home to. I understood him to be a somewhat lonely man, although when not at my side he was ever at the side of any number of women among the party. He struck me as a man who could easily accept one woman or another. Jacob had always told me he preferred my company above all others and never seemed to forget that.
Mr. Crowley was a tall, dark, wickedly handsome man with an air of self-satisfaction about him. He spoke about the party, being a favorite at court, and how beautiful he thought I was. I was flattered at first, but as our conversation progressed it appeared to me that my beauty was what he prized. He seemed to not hear any of the conversation I was making with him. His eyes never seemed to take in my face, but rather followed my bosom. My Jacob, although I knew he admired my form, never dismissed what I said to him. My opinions matter to him so much he often sought them out.
The Duke of Angeles left perhaps the most startling impression that evening. He seemed the polar opposite of my Jacob. Where Jacob was dark, the Duke was light. His hair was so pale it bordered on white. His eyes were a piercing pale blue that seemed to see right through people and find what he saw dissatisfying in every case. He had watched me much of the evening, but spoke very few words to me. Still, when he looked at me it almost felt as if he were searing me with his eyes. He had been neither polite nor terribly civil to me, and if I never laid eyes upon him again in this life it would be far too soon. Something about him reminded me of the descriptions of a cruel master. I instinctively knew that he would enjoy inflicting pain on another creature.

No, of all the men I had met since my freeing, none compared to my Jacob. He never spoke to me like I was anything less than him. He treated me with care and concern, and always seemed focused on my comfort and well-being. He was everything I wanted, and more. No one else would do for me, I was certain. It would be Jacob or no man.
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Courtesan