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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
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JPOV

Dearest Jacob
You asked me to describe life at the scholar, and I realized that in all my letters I have failed to do so. Allow me to remedy that now.
I begin my day as close to dawn as I can manage. I bathe and dress and then make my way to the chicken coop. Felicity, Alice's kitchen maid, is afraid of the wretched birds, so I offered to fetch the eggs to ease her burden. You see, everyone at the scholar works to keep it running as efficiently as possible.
The school serves thirty young men ages eleven to twenty. It has five professors who teach varying classes and oversee the dormitories and grounds. Jasper is in charge of teaching diplomacy and combat strategy. It seems a dichotomy, does it not? But he explains it by saying that a diplomat must know the moves his opponent might make before he can make it, only then can a compromise solution be determined and set into motion.
He and Alice live in the only building outside the walled building of the Scholar, along with Alistair and their staff. The king provided this dwelling because he felt that Alice should have her own home safe from the bustling environment of the school. She, Felicity, Bree (her personal maid), and I are the only females here. We are all free. Felicity and Bree each earn a wage for their work.
Felicity is forty. She tells me that she lived quite the life in Seattle running a small bed and breakfast there with her late husband. When he died, she decided to move away from everything that reminded her of him. She was searching for work when she met Alistair. He hired her to keep his house and when he took Alice in, she and Alice grew quite close.
She found Bree working in a shop outside Volterra City. She is just a few years younger than I, and quite a good girl. She serves as personal maid to Alice and now to me. Apparently her employment in the shop was hard work and she was not happy there. She finds life here much more pleasant, and who could blame her. She is treated well, and has an entire school of boys to admire her.
That worried me. That entire school of young men was also free to admire Nessie, and I had no doubt that they did, to varying degrees. Still, how could I blame them when I had admired her from the moment I had first seen her.
After breaking our fast, Alice and I do any sewing that needs doing, and I await the morning post. Your letters arrive most often in the morning, and I try not to miss them when they arrive. The time spent reading them is my favorite time of day. I have to confess I do not read them when they arrive. I am afraid that if I did, I would accomplish nothing for the rest of the day, and I have so very much to do. No, I take your letters and keep them in my bodice while I attend to my lessons.
I am taught by Alistair, primarily. He instructs me in literature, mathematics, and etiquette. He informs me that I am an excellent student. Although, I think he is a bit too kind in his assessment. You see I have learned something about the old gent. He is a determined flirt and complete scamp.
He is knowledgeable about so many things. He was an ambassador for the king for much of his prime and traveled to many foreign lands. It was during one of these trips that he was injured. He will not speak of the precise nature of the injury, but he does say it occurred in battle. In fact he beams and says that he was quite heroic. All I know for certain is that the injury meant that he cannot father children. He says he released the woman whom he was to marry and dedicated his life to service to the king.
He seems at times a lonely man, but then I see him with Alice and Jasper and realize that he has made his own family through adoption. He is the loving grandfather of the house, and he dotes upon them, and I must confess, me. He has become so dear to me. I wish to please him by learning everything he wishes me to
After lessons with Alistair, I have time with Alice. She claims that she is not my teacher, but merely my friend. It is not true; she is my friend and my teacher. She has helped me sort through so many emotions and confusions. I find that having choices can be an overwhelming thing. And to think you always made it look so easy.
I smiled at that. If she only knew how I agonized over every decision where she was concerned.
I have had some delicate decisions to make of late. You see, although I live and study primarily at the house, which as I said is outside of the grounds, I have discovered that no one can live completely apart from the world, and in truth, no one should.
Alistair brought me to the most amazing place within the Scholar. I do not know if you are aware of it, but it houses one of the finest libraries in the entire kingdom. I had never before seen so many books in one place. Even the aroma of the rooms is comforting. I spend hours there, just perusing the many tomes and visiting the many places they lay bare to my mind, however, in doing so I have exposed myself to the students of the Scholar.
I have found that the males of the species are all quite similar. The youngest of the boys find me a curiosity, and seek my company as they would an elder sister, or a mother. They are sweet, and I enjoy their company for the most part.
Those within the age of awakening are more impetuous and flirtatious. Several among the teenaged boys have given me tokens of their affection, from flowers stolen from the gardens to love poems they have composed.
Love poems! How dare they? Nessie should not have to put up with such impudence!
They are actually quite sweet, and I treasure them. That cannot be said of the offerings of the older students, however. Those young men seem to think that any woman should be available to them and that they are owed deference and attention.
Their gifts are not as sweet. They send colognes purchased from town and trinkets from the jeweler.
Marvelous, now I had strapping youths to contend with. Was there no where she could go that would not provide rivals for her affections?
I refuse each offering, but that does not discourage them. The most persistent is a young man named Raul. He attempted to steal a kiss from me the other day. Not to worry though, when he cornered me against the shelves I reached up and brought the largest tome I could reach down upon his head.
That's my girl!
Reading there is nice, but the books are not the things I read with the most relish, no that I save for evening. After dining with Alice, Jasper and Alistair, I excuse myself to my room and take out your letter. I have them all in the wolf casket you gave me. Each new missive is poured over and enjoyed before it takes its rightful place among my treasures.
I only wish that I could speak with you directly. My new life is pleasant, and I have no complaints, yet my heart longs to meet again with those I care for most…Edward, Bella, and you. I cannot help but wonder if you three will approve the "improvements" that have been made in me. Will you find the woman as charming as you once found the girl? I do hope it is so, but I guess I cannot know for certain.
As always, your friend
Nessie
Her letters always thrilled me. Knowing how she was doing was my greatest solace during our separation. Since Aro had allowed me to write her, I had tried to convey my feelings to her, yet I was still constrained by his edict not to see her. I was determined not to confess my feelings in prose. I wanted her to look in my eyes when I told her I loved her. I wanted her immediate response. If only the king would allow us to meet.
I folded the letter carefully and then slid it into the bundle that I kept tied with the ribbon I had taken from her the day I last saw her. I fingered the bow, and felt the ever present ache in my soul for the love of my life. Then I took out parchment and cut a new nib onto my quill. Then I dipped it into the ink pot and began.
My dearest Ness,
Daily life seems dull without your winning smile and astute observations to break the monotony. Things here are much the way they were during your tenure. We are expecting quite a good foaling this year, and Rabbit is sire to many. If he begets a filly, I shall groom and train her as a gift for you. As a free woman, you should have your own personal conveyance. Perhaps I will even deliver her to you personally, and teach you to ride alone, although, to be honest, I prefer the thought of you riding before me. I rather enjoyed having my hand at your waist and pulling you close.
I groaned slightly at the thought. Then I heard a knock at the door. "Come," I called.
Bella entered with a glowing smile. She was fair blooming in her pregnancy. She was well rounded and looked the picture of health. She was waving a piece of parchment in her grasp. "Jacob, I have the most wonderful news for you."
"I could use some good news. Please share it."
"In my hand, I hold an invitation to the palace for Aro's annual masque."
I stared at her, unsure of why this was considered good news.
"Do not be obtuse, Jake. It is an invitation for three, Edward, me, and you. We are invited to the biggest social event of the year."
"I do hope you enjoy yourselves," I said morosely.
"I am certain we shall, after all it will be the first chance we have to spend any time with Renesmee. I hear she and the Whitlocks will be in attendance as well as many of the elite of the kingdom. It should be quite a crush, as I understand it, but I am certain Ness will be able to steal a little time…"
"Wait, I am invited to this soiree by the king himself? And he knows Nessie is to attend?" I asked afraid to hope that he would actually lift his ban on face to face contact.
"His majesty included a personal note for Edward and I informing us of Nessie's attendance. He also included a note for you," she said handing me the small folded parchment.
I took it in my shaking hand and looked into Bella's lovely face. She looked at me with anticipation and glee. She seemed certain she knew what the message I held would reveal.
"Well open it!" she demanded.
I broke the official looking seal and began to unfold the note. There in Aro's spindly script was a personal letter to me, from the king.
My Dear Mr. Black,
Having followed my strictures regarding your communications with Miss Renesmee to the letter, I have decided it is time that I allow the two of you to see exactly where this relationship you share should finally land. The invitation I have sent to you is for an event that you will both be present for. I release you, Mr. Black, from the constraints I have placed upon you. If you want the girl, then woo her. Just remember, any woman worth having is worth winning. Do not assume that the girl you remember is the woman you will meet. I wish you good fortune, friend, and if she accepts your suit, I will preside over the wedding myself.
HRH Aro Voltui

I could hardly believe my eyes. I re-read it three times before the words fully sank in and when they did I swooped Bella into my arms and swung her in a circle.
"Jacob! Put me down you great oaf!"
"My apologies, are you alright?"
"I am fine. You have three days to think of a costume, my friend. I can set Angela to sewing, but only if I know what you want to portray."
"I shall think on that."
"Do give Ness our love," she said seeing the started letter on my desk as she turned to go.
"I shall," I promised. I returned to the desk, excitement thrumming through me. I looked up at the portrait of my angel and smiled. Two weeks and I would see that face before me. It seemed like a lifetime, and at the same time, it seemed like not time at all.
It seems that I shall have the opportunity of holding you close sooner than expected, that is if you will allow it. I have received an invitation to the king's ball. I hear that you will be in attendance. Will you save a dance for you former master and current friend? I have much I wish to discuss with you.
With utmost devotion,
Jacob

NPOV
Preparations for attending the masque were in full swing. Alice and I were sewing costumes for ourselves, Jasper, and Alistair. Alice said that we must look exquisite. Jasper would be a warrior, dressed in the fashion of the histories from which he taught. Alistair would be a figure from literature, Meyer, who wrote tales of the supernatural. His garments bore embroidered creatures from his stories, vampires, werewolves, angels, and such.
Alice was dressing as the goddess of war, to compliment her husband's garb. She would wear a beautifully draped white robe and a crown of golden laurels for her head. She would be breath taking, which of course was what she wanted.
She had agonized over what to have me wear. She said that the costume worn to the masque should reflect the wearer. Alice refused to have me displayed in anything less than perfection, especially after learning that Jacob would be attending.
She offered many options from the water sprite from the faery stories told to children, to the embodiment of a phoenix rising from one life to another, but she scrapped each idea as it came. For a week, I feared I would have no costume for the event, and I thought I would be unable to attend, but then I received a message from Bella in which she let slip the costumes she was having made for her party.
As Bella was growing great with child she would be Mother Earth, and Edward would complement her as the god of the sky. I could picture them looking the perfect couple. Then she told me that she was dressing Jacob as the god of night. He was most often portrayed as a fierce man dressed in furs and howling to the moon for his lost love, the goddess of the dawn.
That was all Alice had needed to make her decision. I would take the part of the dawn. She said it was perfect for me, especially since she was reputed to have hair much like my own. The gown she had created was a beautiful column of pale peach cinched at the waist with a braided golden chord which circled and crossed itself to form a support for my breasts. The bodice was draped to accentuate my form and I would be crowned with a cascade of ringlets falling down my back.
"Do you think it presumptuous to present myself as the counter to Jacob? What if he has someone else in mind for that role?" I asked Alice.
"Nessie, my dear, do you love him?"
"Yes," I sighed dejectedly.
"Then you must use every means at your disposal to secure him. A woman is hardly without means in this battle. She has inherent to her the lure of femininity, she must simply employ it."
"How does one do that?" I asked desperate for the knowledge.
"Renesmee, you were a pleasure slave, surely you were taught how to attract a man's interest. All you need do is remember your training. For example, what were you taught about using those beautiful eyes of yours?"
I thought back to my instruction after I had been taken by the slaver. "I was taught to look at a man as if he were the only man alive, to use my lashes to entice him to look deeper," I recited.
"Exactly, you have everything you need to make him as much in love with you as you are with him. I am certain of it."

CAIUS POV
Three days, that was all I had to wait to see her. I had discovered she would be at the masque from my cousin. Felix was a font of information about many things that Aro would not divulge. He let slip that he was anxious to see the lovely Renesmee again, and that she was set to attend the ball. He also made clear his father and mother had forbidden him to monopolize her, as he had the night of the dinner party. I rather liked that edict. It meant that I would have a better shot at her. I wanted to attempt to lure her to my bed.
I was a duke, wealthy and good looking. I had much to recommend myself to her. I would begin with flirtation and complements. They generally opened a woman up to seduction. If necessary I also had gifts at my disposal. I was certain she would be tempted by expensive clothing and jewels weren't all women?
I would have her soon that was a certainty.

NPOV
Riding in the box carriage to Volterra City was so different this time than the last. This time I was dressed in the finest clothes and sat among peers. There was no separation between me and the others. We laughed and chatted, and this time I felt completely at ease.
"I must say," Alistair said from beside me, "I am beginning to have sympathy for Mr. Black."
I turned to face him somewhat amazed by his statement. "Why would you feel sorry for Jacob? Has something happened?"
"Quite a lot has happened. The little bird he once had in his gilded cage has been freed and grown into an exquisite phoenix and then became uneasy. "You do not think he will find the changes in me unattractive, do you?"

Alice was quick to allay my fears. "He is not a fool, Ness; else you would not care for him so. I have every confidence he will find you even more alluring now that you are his equal."
It had not occurred to me that the changes in me might not meet Jacob's satisfaction. Suddenly, I was nervous about seeing him. What if he thought I was now like all the free women he used to complain about? What if I did not compare favorably to the women of his acquaintance? What if he could not see any difference, and saw me exactly as he always had.
"Little Bird," Jasper said softly breaking into my reverie, "have faith in your Jacob. I do."
I smiled at him. He had a way of making my frantic nerves calm. In his presence, I always found myself at ease. He seemed to have that effect on everyone. It was rather amazing, and I was incredibly grateful for it.
I saw the gates of the city rise over the hill. The parapets of the palace stood white against the early evening sky. Their windows glinting like jewels against the night. I gasped at the beauty of the scene.
"Aro does know how to show his home at its best, does he not?" Alistair asked.
"The first time I saw the city I remember telling Jacob that it was the most beautiful place on earth. It seems even more so now."
"I would bet he is sharing that thought as he approaches, because tonight this city houses the most beautiful creature on earth," he said.
I must have looked confused for he began to laugh at me. "I am speaking of you, my dear. No star in the heavens will shine as brightly as a woman in love, and tonight you will see the man you adore. Now relax and enjoy, Aro knows how to throw a wonderful party."
We stopped outside the palace steps and jasper and Alistair exited the carriage. Jasper took Alice's hand and led her to the receiving line. Alistair did the same for me. Just before we entered, he adjusted the mask upon his own face and then mine.
"Now remember, the masks remain in place until the king announces that it is time to remove them."
"How will I know any of the people I am anxious to see?"
"Nessie, girl, do you think for a moment that mask could hide your beauty? There is no other woman alive with hair quite that color. Besides, you will be announced as we enter, I am certain the gentlemen will mark your name so they can apply to you for a dance."
"Thank you Alistair," I said kissing his weathered cheek.
"For what, my dear?"
"For being the kind and considerate man you are."
"Here we go."
We were ushered into a waiting line filled with men and women in opulent garments and glittering adornment. Each couple went to the top of the stair and was announced before they descended into the ballroom. We were following Alice and Jasper, and I listened for how they were announced.
"Captain Jasper Whitlock of the Royal Academy Scholar and his honored wife Alice," the major domo said in a ringing clear voice.
As they descended we stepped up. For the first time I saw the room. It was lit by dozens of chandeliers filled with burning candles. Lilting music filled the air from a small orchestra in the corner and everywhere there were people garbed in the richest fabrics of dazzling color.
Alistair leaned into me and whispered "Breathe."

JPOV
I had been watching the top of the stairs since we arrived. I had inquired of the king whether my love had yet arrived and he told me that we had beaten her party in. I knew I was bad company; I could not hold a thought let alone a conversation. Bella and Edward had staked out a settee where Bella could sit and socialize without tiring herself too much.
I knew the instant she was near. There was a certain crackle of electricity in the air, and my eyes flew to the entrance again. I saw Jasper and Alice there and I felt my heart begin to beat a tattoo against my chest.
"Breathe," Bella whispered in my ear.
I nodded and then she appeared. I would have known her anywhere. She was dressed in a pale peach gown with a flowing cape from the shoulders. It was softly draped to accentuate her perfect figure and I felt all male eyes turn toward her.
"Sir Alistair Nomad of the Royal Academy Scholar and Miss Renesmee Cullen, honored guest of His Majesty."
The moment the Major Domo said the last Nessie blushed deeply, and I could tell she was uncomfortable with the attention the room was giving her. They descended the stairs and bent their knees to the royal family. I noticed the crown prince whisper something into her ear and saw her almost imperceptible nod. The king beamed at her as if she were a long lost friend. He was dressed as a member of his own guard in red and gold, Queen Sulpicia mirrored his dress as a female guard member and Felix was dressed as a bishop of the realm. Aro said something to Ness, and she laughed. I was too far away to hear the lilting notes of her giggle, but my mind supplied them.
Suddenly, I was on my feet and headed in her general direction. It was as if she was a magnet and I was powerless to resist her pull. I had meant to allow her to acclimate herself to the environment before I approached her, but it seemed that was not about to occur. As I stepped up to her, I heard her sharp intake of breath.
"Excuse me," I said bowing over her hand and brushing my lips gently across her knuckles, "long in darkness have I pined for the merest glimpse of your beautiful face, my lady. Please say you will grace me with your hand and dance with he who worships you."
Her cheeks became stained with a pretty blush and she smiled shyly. "Traveler of the night, it is rare that we meet," she said furthering the character play. "It was most kind of you to allow me to appear in your realm this evening, of course I will dance with you, who can refuse the request of a god?"
I rose and led her to the floor. The orchestra was playing a lively tune, but the moment we took our positions they switched to a lush romantic melody. I swept her into my arms and we began to spin.
Suddenly, it seemed to me that we were the only two people in existence. I felt as if I could breathe for the first time in months. A wide grin broke out on my face and I was certain I looked a simpleton. Yet when I took in her perfect features they too held a joy that became her.
"I would know you anywhere, Nessie," I whispered into the perfect shell of her ear.
"I would know you, as well. Even if you were not displaying your chiseled chest for every lady of the court," she teased.
"My intention was to display it only to you, but these other people insisted upon attending."
She tittered melodically, and I was in heaven. We danced in silence for a time each of us reacquainting ourselves with the other through sight, sound, and scent. She was even more beautiful than I remembered and having her small hand on my bare shoulder made my manhood stir despite my best effort. Her hair was scented with roses and vanilla, and I breathed it in as if it were the only means of oxygen I had. I leaned back to look into her dark orbs and found my sense of gravity once more.
"You had said you wished to speak with me, but you appear quiet this far," she again teased.
"Were you always this cheeky? I do not remember you being so," I said with a broad smile.
"Perhaps you paid less attention to me when I was not at eye level," she said with a lilting titter.
"My, my, what have they been teaching you at that school of yours?"
"So many things; I scarce know where to begin."
"I see they have failed to teach you manners," I joked swinging her widely and then pulling her close to me again. I was leading us to the French doors in hopes of stealing away with her into the garden where we could speak more freely.
"Alas no," she smiled, "those I learned at your feet, so those I possess are no better than your own."
"There was a time when I could turn you over my knee for such insolence," I said with a hearty laugh.
"Too late now," she cheeked back as I swept her on to the veranda and felt the cool night air kiss my skin.
I stepped back from her and began to lead her away from the party. "Walk with me?"
She looked back at the crowd as if unsure of the propriety of my actions. I saw the debate she was having with herself and was afraid I might lose my opportunity so I leaned in and whispered "Do you trust me?"
Her eyes snapped to mind and her answer was automatic, "With my life."
"Then please walk with me, I have things to say to you that are for your ears alone."
One last look to the ballroom and she took my offered hand and followed me down the stairs into the torch lit gardens. There were paths cut into the shrubbery providing private alcoves for couples to talk. I led her to one and found a marble bench on which to sit. We sank to it together and I took her hands in my own.
Looking into her eyes I found that my mouth was completely dry and no words would come. All I wanted to do was kiss her, and somehow my body overruled my mind. I leaned forward and our lips met.
Her taste was even better than I remembered. I wound my arms about her and drew her closer. Her hands slid into my hair and she deepened the kiss. Our tongued danced a duet that left us both breathless, and I found my hand sliding up her thigh when suddenly her hand grasped my wrist and she broke the kiss.
I saw a question in her eyes that I was unsure how to answer. "What is it Ness?"
"I thought you wished to talk to me," she panted, scooting back a bit.
"I did… I do… I just…"
"You just?"
"I… have not the words…" I stammered.
"There was a time when we could tell each other anything. Have I truly changed so much?" she searched my face, her eyes telling me she needed me to be clear, but my fear was strangling me. "I should return to my party."
She stood and turned to go. I was going to lose my chance if I did not grow a spine. She paused for another moment and then took a few steps. I grabbed her wrist turning her to me and in a desperate cry I blurted it out in the most inelegant way possible.
"Wait, Ness, please do not go."
"Why not?" she said through tears.
"Because I love you."
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Courtesan