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Courtesan	By : Shelindrea Category: Twilight Series > Het > Jacob/Renesmee Views: 4833 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or make any money from this story.

Chapter List
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JPOV

I fear that I have lost the ability to refuse myself the girl with whom I have been gifted. I grow more and more fond of her. She becomes each day more a part of me. I almost confessed it to her. What is happening to me? Can it be that I have truly found myself captured in her dark eyes?

No… What foolishness.

She is a girl, pleasing and clever, it is true, but a mere slip of a girl all the same. Dwelling on my fondness is a fool’s game. I must simply counsel myself to remember who we both are and not to allow my affection for her guilelessness grow beyond measure. I am a warrior, how hard can it be to remember myself? A question I fear knowing the true answer to. Dare I ask myself the true nature of my fondness?

Better to focus on the journey and business at hand, I think.

NPOV

Traveling is both a joy and a burden. As the initial delivery went so smoothly, Master Jacob decided to take a furlong to visit his sister, Emily. The journey was pleasant, and I saw the true beauty of Volterra as we traveled from the mountainous terrain to the fertile lands about the port cities. Having lived in the countryside, I was enthralled by the hustle and bustle to be found within the cities.

There were so many buildings tightly packed together and teeming squares. Master took me to several bazaars, and I saw such wonders. There were amazing cloths, and jewelry made of fine stones, carved wooden instruments, and many animals that I had never before seen.

Master found my quiet enthusiasm amusing, and spent quite a bit of the evenings in conversation with me about what I had seen.

I particularly remember an evening in the traveling tent when he held me in the circle of his strong arms and asked me, “What did you most enjoy looking at, my girl?”

“So much was new and strange, Master,” I responded. “Yet, if pressed...”

He gently tightened his hold on me, pressing me deeper into his comforting arms. “Consider yourself pressed, little one,” he said, laughing richly and nuzzling my neck with his lips.

“I think the buskers were the most fascinating. The street performers, who demonstrated the instruments and played the music,” I answered.

“Truly?” he queried. “How strange, I would have thought the jewels would have caught those dark eyes of yours.”

“Master, I did see them, but they are things I shall only see from afar. Their beauty is so far above my ken.”

“You are unlike any female I have ever known, Little One. But I have something to show you,” he laughed.

He reached into a pouch and withdrew a fancy jeweled collar, set with a deep red stone. He held it up before me and lifted the heart shaped stone in his fingers.

“See the stone?” he asked making it sparkle in the firelight.

“Yes, Master,” I said.

“It is you,” he said simply.

I must have furrowed my brow for he chuckled and went on. “It is you my girl, a rare red ruby. I bought it to remind me of the joy you are to me. I can look at it and see you,” he said. “It is for you to wear when we travel so the world knows you belong to me.”

I was so honored that he thought of me as something so precious and beautiful. My heart was filled with him in that moment beyond my imagining. He placed the collar about my neck, removing my leather collar. I only wore a collar when not within the confines of Cullen Estates, or when performing in the hall for guests. It was an outward sign of our servitude, but also a warning to other free that we were not to be importuned because we fell under the care of our owners.

And still we traveled. Finally, after many days we came to the home of Master's elder sister. Her name was Emily and she lives in a fine home with her husband, Samuel. They are exporters of grain and fabrics and live quite well in the city of Port Angeles. They have two beautiful children, Seth, the boy is five and Claire, the girl, is thee. The boy favors his Father and my Master, with dark hair and deep onyx eyes and the girl is dark and lovely like her mother. They are delightful youths and they fair glisten with vitality and joyfulness.

Upon our arrival, I saw them playing in the garden and watched as Master Jacob scooped them up in his fierce arms and swung them high into the air as they giggled and whooped at the sight of him.

“Jacob!” said a tall and lank man with dark hair and eyes. “Brother! You are a sight for sore eyes!”

“Sam! What have you been feeding these young ones?” my master asked.

“Come Brother into the house and settle yourself,” said the man.

Master followed him to the door and then hesitated. “Renesmee!” He called, and I went to his feet and knelt, my eyes downcast, “Come, my girl.”

“Oh, Brother, we have slaves within. We can send your girl to the kennel while you partake of our hospitality.” Master's brother-in-law said, not even sparing a glance at me.

Master Jacob looked down at me and nodded once. “Nessie, go to the kennels, as Sam suggests, I shall send for you as I require you.” Yet even as he said it, I was certain he was not entirely pleased to have me leave his side.

His brother-in-law bade a house slave to show me to the kennel, or slave quarters, and I went as directed. I was told to wait there and sat quietly for some time. At length, I was sent for and was taken to a hall within the house, where I found my Master, his brother-in-law, and his sister. I entered and went as always to the feet of my Master.

“Nessie,” Master Jacob bade, “sing for Emily. I have been telling her of the beauty of your song.”

I sang for the Master's sister and brother-in-law and was told to sing several songs. The Mistress smiled a serene smile and she patted Master Jacob's arm.

“She is lovely, Jacob, a true find. You will have to have her taught lullabies to sing to your wee ones when you finally choose a wife. Which we hope to hear will be soon.” Mistress Emily smiled knowingly, and then smiled at Master Sam.

“Yes, it is more than time you were settled, brother. Especially as you have been elevated in you employment. Emily has several lovely friends whom we are sure would suit you,” said our host laughing heartily.

“Sam, we have had this discussion before. I want none of Emily’s match-making. I am a contented bachelor.”

“No man is completely contented alone, Jacob. You need heirs and no greater joy can be had than seeing your own children thrive before you,” said the lady. Then she stroked her expanding belly wherein she held the next gift she was to bear her husband.

Master Jacob smiled down at me and then raised his eyes again to his sister. “Perhaps, Emily, but I have found my contentment at present, and seek naught else.”

I returned to his feet and sat contentedly, but as my Master has bid me, I listened to the conversation of the table. What I heard made my heart sad, for Master's sister had a point. How sad would it be if Master were to end his days alone and childless. Yet the thought that he would give such a gift to anyone was torturous. Then as the lady of the house put her feet up, the conversation turned.

“Jacob, she is quite fine,” he said indicating me.

“Aye she is,” replied my Master, and he stroked my hair.

“I have a few treasures upon my chain as well. Any of whom you may borrow while you stay.”

“Thank you, Sam. Your offer is most generous...”

“I would you lent me this one. Variety is a fine thing, and as Emily is with child I find myself seeking comfort elsewhere,” he said and he lifted my chin with his finger.

I watched Mistress Emily's face become pinched and pained. She glared at me, as if I had offended her mightily.

Master Jacob glowered at his brother-in-law. “Sam, covet not what is your brother's. You have many a jewel on your chain. Find your pleasure there.”

“Selfish as ever, Jacob, would you truly deny me? Or is Emily correct? Have you been weakened by the likes of a girl?” he laughed.

“Sam,” said my master, “do not push me for you know my wrath is swift and complete. I took you as a youth; I can take you now.”

“Over a slave, you would fight your own family over a slip of a wench?” Then he grabbed my chin and raised my face to look at him. “How sad it is that this girl, no matter how lovely would hold such sway...” He bruised the skin of my chin, holding me fast. “Come to me girl, sit here at my feet. Surely, you have no objection, Jacob.”

I froze, for the order was direct, and I had no choice but to obey. I rose and knelt at his feet, my eyes downcast and my heart palpitating within my chest. I could feel my master's anger from feet away, yet I sensed that the anger was not only with Master Sam. I could also sense an anger from Mistress Emily as she shot daggers from her eyes in my direction.

“Stand girl and slowly turn,” ordered Master Sam.

I did as I was told and felt his eyes upon me. “Yes, Jacob, she is a fine specimen, but is she truly so fine that you would weaken yourself for a taste of her?”

Then he laughed a knowing laugh that spoke of kinship and affection. “Keep your jewel brother, and welcome, but allow Emily to plot and plan, or I shall never hear the end of it until your next visit.”

“You ever were a tease, Sam! And lucky you are that we are kin. For you have a sassy tongue,” my master said.

I stole a look at his handsome face through my lashes, he smiled, yet the warmth that normally lies within his eyes was not there. I was confused, and I contemplated the conversation I had just heard.

JPOV

I was fuming by the end of the meal. I wanted to strangle Sam. Not only had he treated my sister with blatant disrespect, but he had put me in a position where I had to allow it. Not to mention his coveting my angel. I knew she was made uncomfortable by his perusal, and I also knew Sam well enough to know that if he could find an opportunity he would press his advantage and try to take Ness thinking he was immune to consequences as a member of my own family. I would not allow her to be put in a position where he was alone with her.

It was not only Sam I was angry with, however, it was myself. It was my duty to protect those placed within my care, and yet, because of her position, I was somewhat powerless to do so. She had no choice but to obey an order given by any free-born soul. It killed me to see her at his feet. She was, in my mind, so far above him.

My sister called me for a private audience after the noon meal. I sent Nessie to the kennels with instructions to remain there and to go nowhere without me being present. I did not trust Sam not to impose upon my hospitality, and I did not wish to widow my sister.

“Jacob, sit and speak with me,” Emily ordered.

“What can I do for you dearest?”

“I want you to agree to meet a friend of mine. She is beautiful and appropriate for a man of your station. I wish for you to spend some time with her.”

“Em, we have discussed this...”

“Aye, we have, but you always avoid the heart of the discussion. Do you not want a family, Jacob? I see you with our children. You love them. You are good with them. I want that happiness for you.”

“There are times the desire is strong and the idea fully formed, but I have yet to meet a woman I could see myself willing to spend a lifetime with,” I explained.

“You do realize that you, as a man, are not limited to one female only. You can always have your baser needs met by the girls of your household. Most women accept this as a fact they must abide by.”

“And as such a woman, can you tell me it does not wound you? I saw your face when Sam inquired about Nessie. I also saw how you looked at her after his inquiry, she had made you smile with her song, but after your husband expressed interest in her you looked at her as if she were something stuck to the bottom of your shoe.” I had not liked that look. I had wanted to shield my girl from my sister's disdain.

Emily bristled at my words. I knew she resented Sam's dalliances with the girls of his household. “It was not necessary for her to flaunt her charms before him in my presence. Were she under my rule, she would pay for her insolence.”

“You blame Ness, but Sam has impunity to seek the favors of my slave right in front of you?”

“He has every right to seek his pleasure where he may. But I do not wish to see that girl in my house again, Jacob. As I said, were it up to me she would feel the harsh sting of a lash for her wanton ways. I am surprised that you did not punish her yourself.”

I sighed. “I will see to it that Ness remains in the kennels when not by my side, but you will recall that she is mine, and if you so much as think of punishing what is mine, my wrath will be swift and sure, even with you, my sister.”

“I wish you luck in shielding her from the wrath of your wife when you choose one. I can tell you I have taken the flesh off many a back in the kennels. The girls of my house learn quickly to comport themselves with modesty and deference. They never forget that Sam is my husband, and that it is I who rule within this house,” Emily stated as if it were the fault of the slaves that their master chose to slake his lust upon them.

“No wife of mine would ever have need. When I wed, I will hold myself to her forever.”

“Really? You would turn away from that fine jewel that dangles from your chain? I think not. Men have no self restraint in my experience.”

“Really? What about Father? He never took a slave to his bed when our mother lived, and even after her death he remained faithful to her memory. Do not assume that because your own marriage lacks the depth of emotion we both know is possible that all marriages are so. Bella and Edward remain faithful only to each other and so shall I.”

“Good. Then I shall know that your little wench will one day suffer your loss. I can rest in the knowledge that no punishment I could inflict would be more severe.”

NPOV

That evening when we lay close in each other's arms, I raised myself up and looked into my master's face. “Master?”

“Yes, my jewel?” he answered as he stoked my cheek with his fingertips.

“Do you truly not miss having a family of your own?”

“What do you mean?”

“Master Sam seems so very happy, and blessed. Do you not seek that contentment?” I inquired, although I was fearful of the answer.

“What makes you think I am not content little one?” he asked.

“Do not all beings want a family and children, of their own?”

“I do not know... Nessie, tell me, do you long for children?”

“Me, Master? I am a slave. I am not allowed to have children. Unless you have me bred, and even then, I would bear them, but not have them to raise. You know that,” I replied, trying to shield my eyes from his.

“That is not what I asked. I asked if you longed for children? Remember, Nessie, where we are, and what we have sworn is between us here,” he said reminding me of his need for truth.

As I do whenever Master asks probing questions, I tried to think upon the inquiry, in truth, I cannot say I ever gave much thought to the lack of offspring my lot afforded me. The time spent in the company of Master's niece and nephew was heavenly. Their pealing laughter was musical and their shining smiles a wonder. I contemplated a child with my Master's onyx eyes, his winning smile, and dark hair, nestled at my own breast and a sudden sweet ache filed my heart. To bear him such a gift, to raise a small piece of him that he had planted deep within me, filled me like a warm meal.

“It is a dream that I have never before had, Master. Yet, the thought of bearing a child of yours, that is a sweet dream that could warm my heart on the coldest night. Even though I know no such dream is possible, my heart now houses it. Though, Master need not fear that I will feel unfulfilled in any way for the dream which cannot be.”

Then he looked deeply into my eyes, and smiled. “I am sorry, my sweet, that was unfair of me. I should not have planted such a dream into that head. Yet to see it in your face and to see the sweetness of it in your smile was a gift I could not deny myself. Forgive me.”

“Forgive you, Master, for what?” I asked.

“For my selfishness... For my foolishness... For being a man...”

“You confuse me, Master. You have done nothing that needs forgiving.”

“Nessie, if I took a wife, and she bore me children how would you feel?”

Again, I tried desperately to think before speaking. The thoughts filled my head; my master smiling and laughing with a free woman of his choosing; holding hands with such a woman, and sharing intimacies with her; my master and his children, born by another, one whom he held in esteem and affection. Then the thoughts of me on the outskirts of his life came as well. I thought of how I would become less to him over time as they, his family, became more, as well they should. It was a cold reality, and when I allowed it to pierce my heart, a tear rolled down my cheek, unbidden.

“If you were happy Master, so should I be happy. For my heart lives and dies in your contentment. Yet, I would hold an ounce of sorrow for myself, I fear. Though I swear it would not color your world,” I spoke it and smiled at him, even as the tears threatened to spill from my eyes.

“You are far too easy on me, my girl. You would begrudge me nothing, and would willingly smile though it all wouldn't you?”

“Yes Master.”

“Because you are a slave?” he demanded.

I looked away. I knew that to answer this in honesty could hurt us both.

“Nessie? Answer me, is it your lot in life that makes you feel this way?”

Tears stung my eyes. My throat burned with the force of my emotions. I feared speaking for I knew that I could not lie to this man. I swallowed hard and breathed deeply, praying that he would not again ask.

“Renesmee....” Master asked again and turned my face to his. “Look at me. Why would you do this?”

“Because you are my master, and to be near you is all that my heart desires. If you are well, and safe and happy I cannot desire more. I know I am but a slave, and that I cannot hold your heart as you hold my chain, but that you spare me the occasional thought, and moments of your time, are enough for me.” I confessed, quietly tears stinging my eyes. I almost told him that I loved him, but I managed to keep that secret safe. I could not bear it if he laughed at that, or thought me forward or foolish.

Master pulled me into his embrace and kissed me fiercely. He held me and shared himself with me into the wee hours of the dawn, every touch and taste a prayer and promise between he and me, the girl and her beloved. Not another word was spoken in this night, yet each touch spoke my love for him.

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