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Laun was at the front of the small group traveling with her. She had stopped to make sure she had on a longer tunic, not a dress, with her riding leathers, and her crown on her head as she approached the gate to the Capitol City. The soldiers on guard turned to her on her palfrey and snapped to attention when they saw the three pointed crown.
“Your Highness! Welcome back.” The Sergeant did not relax even after Laun saluted back.
“How is the day, Sergeant?”
He glanced to one of his squad behind him and back to Laun, saying, “Remarkably quiet, Highness.”
“The roads, also. What do I owe for my-”
He held up a hand and moved to the side. “Nothing, Ma’am. Please.” He motioned and the larger gate was opened for the carriage behind her. Laun waited as the rest of her group went past, Liam’s messenger following the one officer with them, before Laun turned Grace towards the gate.
“Thank you, Sergeant.” Laun nodded to him and then to the others at the post.
They all came to attention until she was past and in the city. It was not any more or less noisy and smelly than the last time she was there. There were a few looks her way, and a few smiles. It was not a cheer that went up, but there was a wave of voices, her name on the peoples tongues. Laun smiled and nodded to those who looked at her for more than a moment, some turning with some confusion, some with a knowing look to their eyes.
The small group made their way to the wall around the Sand Castle, the residential street mostly clear of people and much more quiet than the main merchant streets. The awed face of Wanda poked out from the carriage and looked around at the private buildings behind the walls as the carriage stopped. Laun dismounted and stretched her legs before going to the call chain in the wall.
It did not take long for a voice from inside to ask the new question and Laun to answer it with, “The fruit is sweet but the stone will break you.”
The gate opened and the Private on the other side saluted as Laun led her bay horse into the yard. There were more soldiers in the graveled area, all going to attention until Laun motioned to them to continue with their duties. The carriage was still and everyone else started to dismount as Laun took the small bows from the slaves that came to her. She touched the shoulders of most of the naked men and women, only a few shying away from the touch.
Disa came out of the brick building and had her arms open to Laun as she walked to her. “I knew you were coming, but I was not ready.”
The women embraced, a small peck on the cheek led to a deep kiss as the carriage was unloaded around them. “I missed you. How have you and the healers been?”
Disa took Laun’s arm as one of the soldiers took Grace’s lead. The women walked into the darkened building and they talked a little as they walked to the walled gardens in back. It took a moment to be able to see again as they came out to the sun warmed garden. Pillar and Lucaris were down to almost nothing as they knelt in the garden, dirt covering their hands as they gently worked around new seedlings in their medicine garden.
The change in the garden was not just from Autumn to Spring, Erin’s hand was evident in the new growth and the judicious hand that had cut back what was not healthy or needed. There was one area that seemed to have more work than others and Laun smiled when she saw the transparently dressed Mimi sitting on a bench, reading something.
“Laun!” Lucaris brushed her hands together, getting some of the dirt off as she stood, a small slowness as she stood fully.
“Fuck...” Laun looked at the bare stomach of the shaman as she walked through the young plants. “About five months?”
The healer nodded. “We have a tradition of not telling until it shows, just in case the Winds wish to carry it away with them again.”
Disa’s hand went to Laun’s again and pulled it to the chatelaine’s own apron covered midsection. “We don’t have that tradition, do we.”
There were hugs and more kisses and then Pillar’s arms around them as he joined them. Happy tears were shared and it took a while to come from the group embrace. Gem was there and also was greeted and embraced, sharing the news. Laun looked and Mimi had not moved from the bench, still looking at the book in her hands.
One last touch to the pregnant bellies and Laun started through the paths to go to Mimi. She stood and did not wait to have Mimi look up before she said, “Do I need to pay to get a greeting?”
The face that was so much like hers looked up and the hazel eyes blinked. Laun was not sure if they had really been reading for the unfocused, slightly sad look in them. “Sister. You are here.” The redscarf looked around the garden, a hopeful look on her face for a moment before looking back to Laun.
Laun held out a hand and Mimi stood, taking the hand before being drawn into a strong hug. “You are looking good. Keeping busy?”
She nodded and pressed her lips to Laun’s, a dry kiss between them. “Did Erin come back with you?”
Laun shook her head. “He was at Nestwood last I knew. I traveled before he came to Salam-Dir. He’ll be back to tend the garden here, soon.” Laun saw a hint of a smile.
“Laun!” There was a call from the door of the building and Laun turned. Deni was there, a shopping punnet was under her arm filled with things for the household, but they were almost dumped on the ground as Deni started to hurry to Laun’s side. Laun saw the almost hateful glance Disa threw towards Laun and was confused and distracted as the redhead tackled Laun. They went down in a heap and Laun found she could not breathe because of the kiss Deni was giving her.
The passion from Deni consumed Laun for a moment, the feeling of need and being needed pushing everything out. Hands were helping them up after the kitchen maid pulled back and Laun saw her huge smile.
“No matter what else, I’m glad I came for that!” Laun had her arm around Deni’s shoulder as they stood, Pillar and Nesil the supporting hands until Deni saw her lover and almost bowled him over into the young mint plants.
Laun let them have each other and stepped away to give them room, laughing as Nesil momentarily tried to keep his reserved mask on. A glance over and Laun saw that Disa was still staring in their direction, but she saw that it was at Mimi, not Laun. Mimi had sat back down, her eyes looking at the book, but not reading.
Her voice was low as Laun came to her maid’s side, asking, “What is wrong?”
Disa turned her back on Mimi and started walking inside. “She doesn’t do a damned thing. Just sits and reads. It wasn’t so bad when Erin was here, but since he left two weeks ago, I can’t get her to do anything.”
“Has General Alsen been by?” Laun leaned on the wall inside the hall as the exasperated Disa tried to keep her face calm, even if her voice was sharp.
“He is on maneuvers or something and has been in the South for a month. It would be helpful if she had her contracts coming in, but she hasn’t had any sign of doing anything-” Disa moved closer to Laun as one of the slaves carried a stack of shallow baskets out to the garden area.
Laun drew her maid to her, trying to embrace without putting too much pressure on Disa’s filling belly. “I told her that she did not have to work if she did not want to. She has had a different life from us and when I bought her contract, I was hoping she would take time to do other things, become more than a red scarf. But yes,” Laun saw the look in Disa’s eye that was so similar to the older chatelaine’s back in Salam-Dir, “She needs to be able to pull her own weight around here. Not that she weighs all that much...”
There was a small snort and a giggle and Laun joined in with a laugh herself. “Could you ask her? I mean to do something? I have tried, but she does things once and then sits in her room or out here.”
Laun relaxed her embrace and sighed. “I’ll see what I can do.” She went to kiss Disa’s cheek and the maid turned her head, pushing into Laun and keeping her on the wall for a kiss and a little bit of a grope.
It was good. She had missed this part of her family and Laun was happy that she had been missed, too. She was let go, smiles on both of their faces. Laun and Disa walked arm in arm through the dark washed wood corridors to Sand Master’s old room.
Laun stopped before they went in. She had not seen the horror of Sand having died and been left on the bed by the slaves. She had a good imagination after having seen so many of her own people dead. Closed eyes and a breath in and Laun stepped through the opened door.
It had not changed much, but it had changed enough. There were windows that were open, letting in the Spring air. Ash and Sable were in the room, each with a smallbread in hand as they sat on a blanket by the low fire. Gem looked up and smiled, her welcome presence counteracting the flash of the chained tasting slave from the back of Laun’s mind.
The bed was still big and she could see the glimpse of mirrors along the headboard, but the heavy, dark velvets and such were gone, replaced with lighter in color and weight linen and silk. The walls looked as though they had been scrubbed, a reading lamp set next to the bed with a small pile of books on the floor.
“Looks like Erin is in here when he is in residence.”
Disa nodded. “There are about five rooms with beds in... Then the few that are for guests that you do not want to have leave. This is the best room. Though, I know that Orgia was upset when she came and there were still... Things that needed to be cleaned. The mattress is fresh and anything that seemed tainted was disposed of.”
Laun relaxed slightly and sat next to the fire. Ash held up the smallbread in her small hand and Laun took it from the child, giving it back almost immediately when Ash made her ‘want’ noise. There was a scratch on the door and Wanda was led in by one of the household slaves, a look on the girls face like she wanted to explode with what she had been seeing.
The tumbler sat on the floor and Sable dropped her small bread to start awkwardly crawling to her. Wanda picked up the dark haired child and held her on crossed legs, moving the small arms and tickling Sables’ belly to the delight of the child.
“What did you think of the trip, Wanda?” Laun took the smallbread from Ash and made motions like she was going to eat it, making Ash get an almost unhappy face, until Laun handed the smallbread back to the small, grasping hands of her child.
“I like the carriage better than the back of a wagon. Or walking.”
“You could have ridden on the pony Hunter-”
Wanda’s eyes went big and she shook her head, making Sable giggle at the motion. “I know it is small like me, but there is something about it that I don’t like. I would rather walk than be on that pony.” There was a note of finality to the girl’s voice.
“Would you feel better on a larger horse?” Laun had been able to take the smallbread from Ash and put it to her mouth before Ash demanded it back, the small, dark eyes blinking as the child’s head tilted slightly.
Gem stood and started to look through the books next to the bed as Wanda took a moment to think. “It just may be the pony, Laun. It tries to bite me whenever I go near it.” Wanda made a few noises that would have been rude if she had not been entertaining Sable on her lap, and Laun laughed along with the baby.
“I’ll see if I can have one of the horsemen here recommend a place to look at ponies and smaller horses after I get back.” Wanda looked up from the baby in her lap and Laun nodded. “You are staying here. You need to see the city from the inside, not the outside. Let Disa and Deni take you shopping and meet people. Keep your questions for them for when the people you meet cannot hear, and you should be fine.”
“Yes, Laun.” Wanda stood, picking Sable up with her. “Can I take her to the garden?”
Laun nodded, saying, “Can you handle both of them?”
The girl nodded and was able to pick up Ash and went out with a baby in either arm.
“Mistress, you brought her because she is good with the babies, didn’t you.” Gem’s voice made it a statement, though some amusement came through.
Laun shrugged and leaned back in the chair. “Maybe a little. She does need to learn what I didn’t about the city at her age. I only knew the country, dancing for my Master and Mistress. Wanda needs to know more than the troupe, more than Salam-Dir. Everything we can show her will help her grow. I’m not sure I have been teaching her anything useful, anyway.”
Gem’s hand was on her Mistress’ shoulder. “You teach what needs to be learned, and if not you, you find someone who can. I am still learning, Mistress, and I know that she is, too.”
Laun put her hand over her trusted girl’s hand. She felt like she was supposed to, needed to, say something, but a wave of tiredness went over her and she just held Gem’s hand for a moment. She sighed and then turned slightly, a few thoughts forming as she spoke. “I should get washed and fed. We aren’t heading out again until tomorrow, but I feel like I need to rest.”
“Yes, Mistress.” Gem handed Laun one of the books that had been by the bed and left. Laun could hear a light scrape of the door as it closed and she was alone. Eyes closed, she leaned into the lightly upholstered back of the chair and listened to the house. There were a few creaks, the sounds of people outside the window, the light sounds of the small fire...
Another big breath in and Laun opened her eyes. She did not want to fall asleep, yet. Even at the Sand Castle, there were things to do, though Disa had everything running smoothly and Laun felt... No. Her City home was there for her convenience. It was a place meant for seclusion and safety. She had purchased it from Verat...
Laun looked idly at the leather bound book in her hand and thought of Verat. He was supposed to be there, somewhere. He had not come out for the greetings, but he was in the Capitol City, somewhere. When her bell apprentice was to come to her, he would. She sighed again, feeling the pressure of the darkness trying to come up and taint her mellow mood. What was he gaining from being her apprentice? She knew nothing that would be truly of worth to the man, but he had insisted, several times after she had taken his oath, that she was the Mistress for him.
Laun’s eye caught on the book and focused on it. It was a history, but one about plants from the other continent. She smiled a little thinking of Erin having this in bed for some light reading. Laun knew that many of the trees and plants, and even some of the animals, were from the other continent. Importing such things over must be quite an expensive undertaking, Laun thought to herself. The first page of the book with writing on it, and not one of the print block illustrations of slightly different plants, started in on a history of an island monastery.
It was a dry read. Not as dry as the law books Laun had forced herself to read. It was also different from the books she had read several times over the Winter, with some history and some noted references around the plants to the Great Dragon that Laun had read about before. The plants were drawn in several ways, uses and methods to make them grow and reproduce very complete with each beautiful illustrative plate. Laun learned a few things about some of the plants they had at Salam-Dir, and things about plants in general she had not known about until then. Always something new to learn.
There was a scratch on the door and Laun was surrounded by several of the slaves at her call. They had eyes cast down, but seemed relaxed around her. They stood still until she stood. Laun’s riding leathers, tunic, boots and even the crown was taken gently off of her with barely a touch to her skin in very little time. It was gentle, and very practiced. A lightweight split tunic went over her and they stepped back, only one of the slaves keeping her eyes on Laun for just a moment longer than needed.
Laun was escorted to the bathing chamber by the silent slaves. They passed others in the corridors who stepped to the side as she passed, small bows to Laun to show respect. Gem was in the bathing chamber, naked and in the tub set into the floor already. The door was closed and several of the slaves gently touched Laun, taking the split tunic from her. One of the women approached Laun with a brush and Laun smiled at her, nodding.
Laun sat on the top step into the tub, the water warm around her legs. Her braid was taken down and her hair was gently being brushed, some of the road dust floating in the air as Laun was being cleaned and pampered. One of the slaves with Gem turned and came to Laun to help clean her. A cloth was dragged along her skin, the water from the tub cooling as it dripped down her chest.
It was comforting having the gentle hands on her. This was different from the first time she had been in the Sand Castle’s bathing chamber. She had been tested, being watched by Sand, and by Silar. The slaves had been frightened to touch or be touched, even from Laun, a pregnant prisoner. The slaves still had been under the hand of Sand back then, treated as slaves and objects, not as people. Laun could feel the change in the women around her, the stress and worry and outright fear was gone.
Laun looked around and saw there were men in the room, too, their nakedness showing they were slaves of the household as were the women with Gem and Laun. They were keeping the fire under the hot water going, tending to things as the women tended to her. Laun smiled.
A small amount of a bath gel was put on the cloth and Laun was covered in an orange blossom scented lather. Her shoulders and breasts were under the bubbles sliding down her skin and the hands of the woman in front of her started to become firmer, more forward, with her touch. The slippery nature of the suds made the firm grasps of her breasts exciting, a small flare in Laun’s groin awakening her desires.
The pull of the brush on Laun’s hair also changed slightly. She felt each little tug in her scalp connected to the embers that were being fanned inside her. It had been a while since she had been so gently touched. It had also been a while since she had really wanted to be with someone, not just let them be with her. The heat of the moment washed over Laun, bringing a small plan to the surface of her mind.
The slave in front of Laun took Laun’s hands after tracing some of the scars down her arms. She pulled slightly and Laun followed into the trench of a tub. The steps brought her down until the water was waist deep. There was a moment of remembering Laun floating in the water, Silar between her legs...
Gem was floating like Laun had been the year or so before. The bubbles on the water were added to as Laun went down to one knee in the water, rinsing her skin and wetting her hair before coming back up. There were a few waves in the water, but Gem was just enjoying being supported by the water, and a hand from one of the slaves under her shoulder.
It would have been more convenient if Gem had been feet first towards Laun. Laun tapped the shoulder of the slave behind Gem and Laun took the woman’s place, a purposeful trailing of fingertips along the slaves body as they passed each other in the water. Laun had a hand under Gem and felt the assassin’s warmth in the water. Laun took a cloth from the edge of the tub and started to wash Gem’s chest, fingernails flicking the blondes’ pale pink nipples on a few of the strokes.
There was a gasp and Gem opened her eyes. “Mistress...”
Laun dropped the cloth and the pretense. She pulled Gem up and to her out of the cloudy water, a splash going over the side of the tub. The women embraced, tongues and hands exploring each other. The slaves stepped back, giving the women room and subtle privacy.
Gem’s eyes looked into Laun’s and she smiled. “Mistress... Laun. You want me...?” There was strength in the arms around the assassin, need in the lips on hers as a response.
The training over the Winter had strengthened Laun. The teachings and direction from Silar had brought physical balance to her, a mental focus she had needed to keep herself from succumbing to the Darkness. She rarely used the strength outside of training and sparring, even in making love. Slick from the bath, the scars on Laun’s body flexed with her muscles as she pulled her assassin to her and then up out of the water.
Gem gasped as Laun’s arms held tight and she was on the edge of the tub. Laun pushed firmly and Gem laid back onto the white tile of the floor. Laun kept one hand on Gem’s stomach as her lips met the blonde’s lower ones. A loud moan went through the room as Gem was suddenly being pushed into a position with feelings forced onto her by her Mistress. Gem’s legs were over Laun’s shoulders and Gem wasn’t sure if she needed to grab ahold of the brown haired head between her thighs to just hold on for the ride.
Laun had not been with just Gem for longer than Laun could remember. Hazalam had become possessive of her, and even if Gem was with others, Hazalam was always there. Laun’s tongue and fingers competed with each other along and in her assassin’s womanhood, the slickness being drawn out tasting sweet to Laun. It made Laun want even more.
Gem’s back arched as Laun stroked most of her hand in and out of the blondes womanhood. Her throat let a loud moan out that changed to a low wail. She couldn’t move anything else as the intensity of what Laun was doing to her tightened every muscle, Laun’s arm keeping Gem pinned to the tile.
There was a glance up from Laun to watch Gem as she was enjoying what she was doing. Her eye slid to the side and Laun saw the slaves around them, eyes downcast, waiting. Everyone in the room was naked, though the slaves were obvious in their servitude. Laun tried not to pause what she was doing to Gem as she saw one of the male slaves hesitantly reach out and lightly stroke down the upper arm of one of the women slaves. He was not reacting with his manhood, but there was a look to his eye, even downcast, that Laun recognized as longing. The slave glanced at him and smiled fleetingly before looking at the floor again.
Gem was getting louder. Laun was enjoying herself, or more precisely, her assassin, but it had to come to a peak and end. Laun felt inside her girl for the ridge and stroked it with her fingers. Laun was glad she had an arm over Gem to keep her steady as the orgasm that went through the girl was strong and Laun would have been in danger of drowning if Gem’s knees had been anywhere near the water.
Gem relaxed and panted on the tile. A slave came to her and draped a large loopcloth over the blonde as Laun released her. Laun knelt in the water and rinsed her face of the viscus fluids from Gem. She came back up and found Gem was trying to turn so she could get to Laun.
A hand went to Gem’s shoulder as Laun said, “Love, relax and recover first. Taking you was wonderful and what I wanted. Thank you.”
Gem nodded slightly and rolled onto her side, watching Laun as the slaves began lathering her hair and cleaning her further. Laun had a warm look to her eye that Gem had not seen for a while, but was still with the controlled core of stone Laun had developed, not even well veiled under the passion she had shown Gem. Laun took the hands of the women around her as the cleansing it was to be, seemingly ignoring the slight wandering of fingers and a few brushes of their breasts to her scarred and muscled body.
Laun was rinsed and stepped up the tiled steps to the floor, warmed cloths drying and then the split tunic covering Laun. A small stool was brought from the side of the room and Laun sat, her hair being dried with another warmed cloth and then combed in preparation for braiding. She closed her eyes, feeling the tugging on her scalp, the firmness of the hand doing the plait. Gem was recovered enough to be able to go to Laun’s feet and sit, her head on her Mistress’ knee. A light hand stroked Gem’s damp hair and the women were comfortable with each other.
The golden light of sunset was flowing along the corridors of the Sand Castle from the open rooms facing the West. Laun saw more of the Castle than she had seen before as she went back to the big bedroom. A small tray with a few slices of meat, some fruit in cream and smallbreads was waiting for Laun and Gem as they came in, a slave kneeling by the fire putting sticks in to liven it for the evening.
Laun took a slice of the meat and a smallbread and chewed on them for a while as Gem ate most of the rest of the food on the tray. A nervousness that she had not wanted to admit to was just below the surface and Laun was trying to both ignore it and examine it as she ate the rare meat.
There had been little negotiation when Liam had accepted the job of dealing with Sand Master’s body. It had been rushed, and Laun had a wash of dread whenever she thought of the unknown meeting and trip that was... Tomorrow. Liam had always seemed to be a gentleman, a noble in his actions, except for the bite he had given her on her wrist as she had accepted his price. The look that had been in his eye right then had shown what was behind his mask.
Laun was frightened.
There was a smile from Gem as the last of the fruit and cream was eaten by the assassin, a wave from Laun letting her scrape the last from the bottom of the bowl. The blonde and the children were to be with her. It was some consolation that one of the people Laun depended on the most would be there, in case anything happened. Laun did not like being away from her children for more than a day or so, even now that they were past nursing.
Laun watched the light from the disappearing sun start to pale along the draperies and shelving in the room. The strong gold light from the cloudless sky was starting to turn to a straw color, a tinge of pink in some of the streaks, telling Laun there were clouds coming up from the West. But not enough to delay the needed meeting with Liam.
Gem heard the footsteps in the corridor before Laun did. A small scratch on the door announced the slave, a call from the room let the slave in. There was a slight hesitation before the slave spoke, his eyes never leaving the woolen rug on the floor. “Mistress, there is a visitor who has asked for you.”
Laun sighed, trying not to sound too tired and disheartened. “Any idea who it is?”
There was a small shake of his head, but a crease in his forehead told her otherwise. “He is still in the front yard, awaiting word if you will receive him.”
Laun started to get up, cursing under her breath. The slave’s eyes went big and he almost stumbled back as Laun started towards the door, the split tunic flowing behind her at each stride.
Laun stopped a pace from the outer door to compose herself, though the sight of her in just a brief covering as the split tunic would have distracted most people from seeing any nervousness she might have shown. She waived to the person at the door and she stepped into the growing darkness.
Soldiers were several paces from the man who was wrapped in a long, hooded wool cape even with the lingering Spring warmth. He was tall and wide, the worn boots on his feet clean, but with the look of being recently through a puddle. The hood was low on his face, the features obscured, but Laun could see a glint from the man’s eyes from the shadows. Thick gloves were on his hands, the quality better than the boots or the cape. Those hands were holding the edge of the cape closed and close to his body.
He stepped forward and Laun heard steel as it was drawn from sheathes in the yard. The man stopped, hearing the warning sound himself. He held up his gloved hands in front of him, palm up and towards Laun.
“How did he get in here?” Laun’s voice was quiet, but those who knew her understood that she would not need a sword to finish the man off, if needed.
“Highness, he had the call back for your question.” The soldier did not move his eyes from the caped man as he answered.
“Then,” Laun stepped one pace closer to the man, down a step to the gravel of the yard, “Who do you seek to speak with?”
His head dipped down slightly and the voice that came out was low, but carried well enough to Laun for her to recognize him as he said, “She who came from a woman I wronged.”
Laun sighed. “Escort him to my room. Have everyone clear the corridors before he passes, and have my room emptied, too.” The slaves behind Laun understood and disappeared into the building, passing the word the Mistress of the house was having a sensitive meeting.
One of the soldiers motioned to the man to go before him into the Sand Castle. Laun stepped to the side and saw the shaved side of the man’s head in a fall of lamplight before the hood was pulled fully down over his face. Laun turned to the others left in the front yard and motioned. They came together in a loose assembly and came to parade rest.
“I am not to be disturbed until this man is escorted from my room. We need patrols of the surrounding roads and a watch to see if he was followed.” Laun smiled and looked into the eyes of each of the men standing before her. “Thank you for your attendance, men. I know babysitting me is not easy.”
There was a snort and several chuckles from them and all of them smiled back at Laun. She saluted them and they went back to their duties, three of them gathering and going to the gate to do an outside patrol.
Laun turned back to the Sand Castle’s front door and saw that there was no one. No one holding the door for her. No one paused to let her past. No one but the soldier going back through to the outside, doing a moving salute as they passed each other.
As she said, so they did. It struck Laun as ominous with the power that was behind her request, and how it had been acted on so quickly.
She entered the room and he was standing in front of the fire, his hood still up. “You can take that off now, Father.”
Falmir turned and pulled on the clasp at his throat, releasing the cape onto the chair beside him. “I never could hide anything from you, Thorn.” He held his hand out to her and she stepped to him, lightly putting her fingertips on his palm. The King of the Midlands bowed over her hand, kissing it lightly before drawing the knuckles to his forehead.
There was pink on Laun’s cheek when Falmir looked back up. “Thank you, Father.” They held hands for just a moment longer than needed before Laun pulled back and went to one of the chairs next to the fire.
Falmir sat, not too gracefully, on the other chair and leaned his large frame back. “I heard you were in the City and had to see you.”
“In disguise, sire?” Laun’s eyebrow was tilted even if her head was not.
There was a shrug as he said, “I did not want to bring too much attention to your little cottage here.”
Laun laughed. “As if the squad from the Fourth didn’t already do that.” Laun leaned a little more towards the fire and let Falmir see her fire-lit face. “What’s wrong?”
She saw his hazel eyes blink. He tried to keep his gaze steady, not wanting to break off before she did. “Damnit, girl,” Falmir cursed as he turned his head, “I hate it when you can do that. It is as though you see right through me.”
“You know I can’t, but I can ask you, again, what is wrong?”
Falmir scowled slightly, looking like Dreng just a little more. The two men were different, but Father and Son were more alike than they would ever admit. The King of the Midlands leaned on the arm of the chair and looked into the fire for a moment, the profile of his rugged face relaxing as he thought. “It has been a hard Winter, Thorn. Problems kept cropping up like waves of insects, each trying to eat away at me and the Kingdom.”
Laun nodded and said, “With the early snow, I know we had some problems at Salam-Dir. Several fevers went through and took lives because of the close quarters.”
He looked over, concern on his face. “I hadn’t heard. The children?”
Laun nodded. “One of the boys became ill in the last bout. But my girls are good.”
“I would like to meet them. I only know them from inside of you.”
Laun shrugged. “We would have to break your veil of secrecy to do so, sire.”
He looked back into the fire and said, “You are family, Thorn. They are family. I screwed up so much with you that I don’t want to do the same with them.”
Laun stood and went to the door. The slave standing on the other side was not surprised when Laun opened the door and asked for the children to be brought to her. It took just a moment and Laun was handed both girls by the slave, Laun seeing Gem’s shadow in a doorway down the corridor before the door was closed again.
Sable was mostly asleep as she lay in Laun’s arm. Ash looked around and held onto the front of the split tunic as Laun went back to the fire. Ash seemed shy as she put her face to Laun’s chest, hiding from the man in the other chair.
“They are so big.” Falmir leaned forward and held out a hand, stroking Ash’s back. The baby turned and looked at the man, keeping her head resting on Laun. Sable stirred slightly, her hazel eyes blinking as she looked at her Grandfather.
For the first time, Laun heard and understood the babies as people, not just her children. Sable did her chirping mewing sound that most people thought was just cute. Ash grunted and pushed away from Laun slightly to look at Falmir better. The larger baby reached towards Falmir, a flash of a sign from those little fingers that Laun read as, “different-want.” Sable started to wiggle and fuss slightly.
Falmir leaned over and took Ash in his large hands. He was careful, experience showing in how he held her. “She has our damned nose, doesn’t she.”
Laun nodded and sat Sable up so that she could watch her sister and Grandfather. “That is Ash. This is Sable.” Laun put her finger on Sables’ nose and said, “I think this one missed the Hawkwell nose.” Sable blinked and grabbed Laun’s finger, pulling it into her mouth. The one sharp little tooth Sable had made it’s self known as the baby started to chew, but Laun ignored the little pain and let the child teethe on her.
Ash had all of Falmir’s attention. She was reaching for his face trying to put her little hands on his nose. He leaned down so that she could reach, finding that she was stronger than he thought when she had ahold of his nose. “Ayaa! Monster tried to rip my face off!” He was smiling and leaned back in so that Ash could do it again.
Laun laughed. Sable pushed Laun’s hand away from her mouth and made a sound that was almost a cry, but was short and was followed by Sable leaning towards her sister on the other adult’s lap. Ash turned slightly, her hand leaving Falmir’s face. Ash made a slight grunt and Laun was sure she saw a sign that meant ‘mine’ on the fingers of the baby. Sable took in a breath, Laun knowing that it was going to be loud very shortly. She was distracted from voicing her baby wants by being swept into the air on the way to her Grandfather’s lap.
Both babies were in Falmir’s arms, Laun leaning against his leg to help support them. She stood over the three and watched as Falmir was not sure what to do with the two children. His arms went around them and he completed the circle with his hands on Laun’s thighs. It was a happy moment as the babies pulled and held onto him, his face with a gentle smile as he watched them.
Sable yawned and rubbed her face with her little fist. Laun picked the baby up and stroked between the child’s eyes, the eyelids closing and taking a moment to open again. “I think, little one, that you and your sister need to go back with Wanda and Gem for the night.” Sable blinked and made a little happy sound as she put her hand on Laun’s cheek.
“So soon?” Falmir held Ash to his chest, a possessive hand on the little girl’s back.
“It was a hard trip on them. They did not get much sleep on the road, and we did the trip in three days. I’m feeling the journey, too.”
Falmir started to stand, Laun stepping back to give him some space. He held onto Ash and put his other arm around Laun. The four of them were in the embrace for a moment, Falmir breathing in Laun’s scent from the top of her head. His neck bent and his breath went across her ear, a small brush of his lips following.
It was subtle, but Laun felt his need in that small action. She was tired. She did not want to encourage him in his pursuit of her, but she knew how pig-headed he was once he had a thought in his head. Either head. Laun pulled back slightly, her hand going to Sable as if the child was being fussy at the close contact. It was a small surprise to Laun that they had taken to him as quickly as they had, even with the small infant power struggle she had seen.
“I’ll get them out of here, sire. I think you have other things you want to...talk about?”
Falmir relinquished Ash and sat back on the chair. He watched Laun as she went to the door and had a few low words with the slave on the other side as the children were taken from her. He enjoyed how, even in just a thin robe, she had the presence that made no one doubt that she was royalty.
He heard a small sigh from his daughter. It concerned him. “Should I ask what is wrong with you, Thorn?”
There was a smile as she strode back to the fire. She stood and looked down at him, holding her hand to him. “Sire, you have seen the children. What else would you like?”
He flushed slightly and took her hand, kissing it firmly before he put it on his cheek. “I was wishing for something you have only given me once.” He looked around and said, “Without the Palace eyes and ears, I was hoping...”
There was desire in his eyes. She had read him correctly. “Are you sure, sire? It is not something that is so easily decided on. There are many implications...”
“You are sounding like one of my councilors. Yes.” He pulled on her hips slightly and she sat in his lap. “I want you, Laun.”
A scratch on the door paused him from pulling her in for a kiss. Laun stood again and he saw the glint in her eye, a telling look that showed him she was several moves ahead of him in this game. Another figure slid into the room as Laun opened the door, a transparent garment covering most of her.
Laun held the hand of the redscarf as if she was escorting the woman to a formal dinner. Mimi curtseyed to Falmir as they came into the firelight, her eyes on the carpet.
“Mimi, I believe you have met this noble. In his house.” Laun offered the hand touching hers to Falmir.
He took her hand and put the fingertips to his lips, as if she were a noble woman, not a redscarf for hire. “I am honored, Mimi.”
Laun put a light hand on the woman’s shoulder and said, “I wish to entertain this noble and ask that you help me. If you are willing.”
Mimi’s head turned slightly and had a practiced tone as she said, “As my Mistress wishes, I am willing.”
Laun felt the slight wince that went through her, and she was not sure why. “I have an indelicate question of you, Sister... You have some Mother’s Bane available?”
The hazel eyes blinked slightly. Mimi nodded and said, “Yes, Sister.”
There was one nod from Laun and she lightly pulled on Mimi, turning her towards Laun. Laun pushed the transparent black hood back from Mimi’s brown hair and ran a finger along the girl’s chin, bringing it up. Laun leaned slightly down to Mimi and brushed her lips across Mimi’s. They shared a moment, a breath or two with slightly open mouths before Laun put her arm around the smaller woman and held her firmly.
Falmir was wide-eyed as he watched his Daughter and a woman who looked remarkably like her kissing in front of him. Mimi took to the caresses from Laun and found the split tunic’s belt, untying it and letting it drop to the floor. Laun’s hands found the clasp that held the black transparent garment together on Mimi and that was soon on the floor. It did not take long for all the thin garments to be around their feet.
The two women were naked and moving together in the firelight. Falmir had to pull his gaze from them as he took a moment to build up the fire for more light. He was feeling the heat even before the flames caught and started to pull on his own tunic.
The difference of the two women was quite obvious as they stood in front of Falmir. The thin, pale redscarf looked like she could have been from the Hawkwell family with her brown hair and hazel eyes, but Laun had the nose on her slightly darker face calling her lineage out for all to see. The muscles that Laun had redeveloped, had sculpted over the winter, were very different from the rounded, soft body Falmir had seen and enjoyed before. The breasts were not as large, but the dark nipples stood out sharply against her companions skin, those smaller breasts with pale nipples making Laun seem more than the handful she was. Falmir had to remind himself that the scars that were fading over time were there as the perfect skin of Mimi slid against Laun in front of him.
Mimi gasped as Laun’s hands ran along places the redscarf was not expecting. Laun’s hand was in Mimi’s hair, pulling her head back for Laun’s lips and teeth on her neck. Laun’s other hand was holding one of Mimi’s legs up, fingers finding and sliding into the womanhood there. There was a controlled excitement there until a small moan came from the paler woman and Laun lifted her up off the floor, hands going to Laun’s shoulders for support.
Falmir was enjoying watching, but he wanted to be part of it, too. He stood and took his breeches off around his erection, the boots giving him some problems as he continued to watch the women. He moved to behind Mimi, a hand running down her back until he helped to support the girl in the air. Mimi’s legs wrapped around Laun’s waist as two hands started to work in and out of her slickness, her head leaning against Laun’s shoulder, moaning into the Princess’ skin.
Laun and Falmir looked at each other. They locked eyes and were deep within each others’ gaze as they worked together on the redscarf. Falmir’s eyebrow went up and Laun smiled, nodding slightly. Laun put her hands under Mimi’s thighs and steadied herself, lifting the girl just a little. Falmir’s hand went to himself and then around the girl’s waist.
The sound that came from Mimi was part pleasure and part fright. She was being taken from behind by the King of the Midlands, his daughter and Princess supporting her in mid air. She was being surrounded by them, fondled by them, fucked by them. It felt intense and good, and more than she had been able to feel since Erin had left.
Falmir’s arm went around and held onto Laun’s back, pressing the women into him as he thrusted slowly into the redscarf. She felt warm around his manhood, wet and willing. His eyes did not leave Laun’s as his mouth sought out the bare neck of the redscarf, his wanting it to be Laun strong as he kissed and tasted the woman between them.
Laun’s legs were strong, her arms were strong and she felt as though she could hold the woman up for most of the night. Until Mimi started to move, encouraging Falmir to go faster. Laun’s back gave her a small twinge and she knew they would have to change positions. Soon.
There was a small motion of Laun’s chin to the bed. Falmir nodded and pulled out of the woman between them, his arms staying around Laun and Mimi for just a moment until Mimi’s legs were off of Laun and trembling to keep her upright. Falmir led the way to the bed, looking at the mirrors as he lay down.
Mimi went for his manhood, taking it into her mouth and cleaning her own juices from the monarch’s staff. Laun came up behind the woman and started using her own mouth to effect, Mimi moaning around Falmir. His hand went to Mimi’s head, encouraging what she was doing even as he watched his daughter expertly work on the other end.
There was a gasp. The redscarf was just holding onto Falmir’s manhood as Laun licked and fingered and stroked. There was no pretending with the sounds that started to come from Mimi, her eyes closed and her body started to writhe as she was brought to and over her peak. Her head rested for a moment on Falmir’s thigh as she tried to regain her breath.
Falmir was grinning. Laun sat up and saw that her Father had enjoyed watching her with Mimi. This was a dangerous time, Mimi recovering from her orgasm and Falmir with an open need for Laun on his face. He reached for Laun across Mimi and Laun paused before she took his hand. He did not pull her to him as she was expecting. He just continued to grin at her and hold her hand.
There was a stir in Mimi as her breathing became more regular. Falmir’s grip on Laun’s hand tightened, his head going back as Mimi’s warm, wet mouth went partially down his shaft. Laun moved closer to Falmir, but not directly next to him, the need to keep Mimi between them strong in her. He could raise her interest, her need, but she had that in check right then and intended to not let her heat rule her as it had in the past.
Laun stroked lightly down Mimi’s back with her free hand. The redscarf turned slightly and looked at the Princess, a look on her face that showed that she wanted to do to Laun what Laun had done to her. She took in the hands being held, but saw it as companionship, a connection between the two nobles, not a lustful need barely hobbled.
There was a faint voice as Mimi said, “Mistress, if I may...?” Her hand went out to Laun and she started to move, going to Laun. Laun’s legs parted and she lay back as the trained expert started to work her craft.
A hand stroked slowly on Falmir’s shaft as he watched the controlled features of Laun relax and then show the pleasure the woman between her thighs was giving her. Laun tightened her part of their grip for a moment right before her back arched, a growl coming from her.
He could not just watch. Falmir rolled to his knees, breaking contact with Laun. Mimi’s butt was almost in the right position, an arm going under her waist and raising her up slightly to Falmir’s comfort before he pressed into her. Mimi gasped into the brown fur before her, Falmir holding himself in her for a moment before starting to stroke.
The waves of lust and pleasure that went through the people in the bed built up until the redscarf could not hold herself back any longer. Laun watched the pain and pleasure go through Mimi’s face as her moans called to Falmir to speed up. His hands were on Mimi’s hips, his eyes partially closed as he stroked into the womanhood before him. Laun had been enjoying the ministrations of Mimi, but was nowhere near letting herself get to her peak. She almost envied the redscarf how easy it seemed for her to reach and go over her peak that night. It had been a while...
Laun mentally shook herself and concentrated on the people in the bed with her. Falmir was holding onto Mimi as the woman was orgasming. There was a change in Mimi’s voice and she relaxed into the bedding as her waves of pleasure stilled.
Falmir withdrew and caught his breath. Laun let her eyes go to his manhood and felt a flash of heat as she saw how the large member glistened with Mimi’s juices in the firelight. Their eyes met and Laun knew he understood Mimi’s role that night. What they were doing was past any propriety, but Mimi was keeping them from crossing that last line.
He was not exactly frustrated, but the surrogate for the woman he wanted to be in, to take, was the woman he had just brought to orgasm. He wanted to give Laun pleasure, to show his strength to her, to have her feel his love for her... He closed his eyes and thought of the night he and Dougal had shared her. The young buck had not known what to do with her, but Falmir had shared her, and then had used her to fulfill a fantasy she had put into his head. The need to have her again had never diminished, but what was behind it seemed to slide in his mind.
Mimi was recovered and was on her knees before the King of the Midlands. Her light touch on his chest brought his eyes open and to the redscarf. He smiled and gathered her into an embrace, lips on hers, tasting his Daughter as well as himself. She was delicate and Falmir had to remember to let her breathe as he still had need to use her.
Laun had pushed a pillow under her side and she was watching the others, enjoying the scene and the pleasure before her. There was a ghost of a yawn that she suppressed, but Laun knew that the tiredness from the road would not be denied for much longer. Laun saw that Falmir was looking at her, even with his mouth on the other woman’s lips. She made a sign for ‘back’ and he nodded.
His arms were already around Mimi and he held her to his chest as he laid down. She squealed slightly, but she took up a position straddling him and was soon bouncing on his cock. His hands were around her waist, making the woman go just a little faster with her trembling legs.
Laun went to her knees and had a hand on Falmir’s shoulder and a hand on Mimi’s breast. She saw how tired Mimi was and moved in to support the woman, her arms going around Mimi, Laun’s mouth going to the pale neck. Mimi grabbed onto Laun, her hands grasping onto Laun’s shoulders and putting much of her weight on the larger woman as Falmir thrusted up into her.
The women’s lips pressed together, Mimi using Laun to quiet some of the moans coming out of her. Laun felt a slight change in the rhythm between the two with her, Falmir’s hand on her thigh, grasping and sliding close to her furred center. Laun could not do anything about it as Mimi’s own grasp on her tightened just a little as yet another orgasm was starting through her.
Falmir could not hold back any longer. He closed his eyes and felt the woman on him come to her peak, writhe on his cock as he was thrusting up into her. He gritted his teeth and felt his body tighten as he imagined the woman on him as his Daughter, receiving from him what he was getting right then. He growled and then a full bellow came out of him as he came. It was good, it felt good, but he wanted more. His hand on Laun’s thigh moved and he barely brushed her fur before she moved out of his reach.
Mimi collapsed onto Falmir’s chest, both of them breathing hard. Laun watched them in the fading firelight, closed eyes and trembling bodies. Falmir brought a hand up and started to stroke the hair of the redscarf as the lay on him, a smile flashing across his face and a sigh coming from her. Laun felt the tension from Falmir fade, perhaps a need was still there, but he was satiated for right then.
The redscarf slid off of Falmir and lay between the two royals. She was exhausted from the session and all she wanted to do was fall asleep in the strong embrace of the people with her. There was a gentle hand on her back, stroking and massaging in a few places she did not realize had been stressed. Laun moved behind her and she felt her contract holder, her Mistress pressing against her, warm and welcome in the touch. A tickle of a breath was on her neck and over her ear, a shiver going through Mimi even as her body was still sweating from the heat in the bed.
“I hope this distracted you from your troubles, Sister,” Laun rumbled past Mimi’s ear.
There was something in that voice, how her calm, low voice went through her that made the ember of lust still in her belly flare. Mimi swallowed and turned slightly, seeing the kind eyes of her Mistress. “Yes, Mistress. Thank you.” There was a smile and a light kiss between them.
It took a few minutes for Mimi to be able to move on her own. Laun helped her out of bed and into her clothing, a hug and a kiss between them before the door opened enough for Mimi to go through and close again. Laun saw that there were more slaves in the corridor, and Gem was not hiding her presence in a doorway any more. Laun just flashed a smile and Gem nodded, seemingly relaxing against the dark wood on the wall.
Falmir was sitting up in the bed, rubbing his face in his hands when Laun came back. She had taken her split tunic from the floor, but left the belt. It was more for a sense of modesty than for warmth, and with what had just happened, the veil of modesty was necessarily thin. Laun stood at the side of the bed and held her hand to Falmir, her Father taking it and pulling lightly at her so he could kiss her knuckles without moving much.
“I hope the entertainment this evening was suitable, sire.”
Falmir smiled and swung his legs to the side of the bed. He sat at the edge, a slight tremor going through his arms as he held himself up. “I did say once that you are to find my bedmates. She is good.”
Laun bowed her head slightly and smiled, saying, “She is a good person who has been trained in things that I have not. I hope to learn from her as I hold her contract, and I hope to teach her a few things for her future.”
The smile on Falmir’s face went a little sideways before he said, “I’m not sure there is much you can learn from her. You already-”
Laun’s hand went to Falmir’s cheek and she caught his eye before he could say anything else. “Sire, I can always learn more. She is here not only for me, but for meetings such as this. I love you, Father, but...”
His arm went around her and she was pulled into a close embrace. Falmir did not try to kiss her or grope her. He just held her. “I love you, too, my little Thorn.”
They held each other for a moment. Falmir forced himself to let her go, to turn from her slightly so that he could regain some sort of control. It was maddening the desire he had for her, this forbidden fruit sweet on his lips even then.
Laun stepped away for a moment as Falmir tested his legs, only a momentary weakness going through them as he stood. He felt that he could easily be aroused again, but Laun had rightly made a front that he was not to cross, though he hoped that, someday, he would be able to batter down that front again. He made his way to the glow of the fireplace, pushing a log in before finding his clothing to put on.
She was at the door, whispers going back and forth. He sat and watched, not being able to hear what was being said. There had been rumbles about her lineage again, brought up directly with him in council. He saw the young Lennie in her, and his own Mother and Sister. How anyone could challenge that... The council was there to do just that, to inform him of the Kingdom, to keep him on his toes.
Falmir stretched and smiled to himself. That Mimi was a redscarf worth her coin. Sharing her was worth it. He blinked at a flare from the fire as the log caught, thinking that this night had been like others he had when he was younger, a ward learning what was outside the Palace. There had been wards that he would share maids with, watching and learning as he was being pleasured. This night was like that. A ward-mate, a friend and companion sharing a pleasure. He nodded to himself and smiled.
A tray with a water pitcher and two clear goblets were in Laun’s hands. Falmir had not realized he was thirsty until he saw the water. They each had a full goblet in a few seconds before refilling and sipping normally.
Falmir reached for Laun and she paused. She moved towards him and he gently guided her to his lap. The firelight played over her skin showing from the split in the tunic the lines that showed silver against her pink. He turned and looked at the fire, keeping the hand not holding the cut glass goblet on the arm of the chair behind Laun.
“The trade delegation from Myrned has asked for free travel rights through the lower passes. They claim that with the snow this last Winter, they could not bring goods and people to us and wish some sort of recompense.”
Laun tilted her head so that she could see his face, but did not turn towards him. “They wish to have free passage because of what the Green Mother did to all of us? I can see where they may wish to use that push, but I would not give on that. I would offer military escort for a month, full moon to full moon, but that is it. Are they offering free passage to our merchants on the other side?”
He shook his head. “No, in fact, word is that things deemed luxury items are to be levied higher than ever this coming season. I just don’t know what they consider luxury items as everything they bring to us seems to be that.”
“I do like their tea. That black stuff that has the smoky flavor to it. I am content with our mint, if that is what is available.” Laun looked back to the fire and sipped on her water.
“I will talk to our Ambassador and ask if he can ask that our people be given the same as they are asking from us. At that point, if we raise our levies on what I consider luxuries, they cannot complain. As much.”
Laun smiled and nodded. “It is all a game, isn’t it? A big game of Sticks and every move is placed on everybody’s stack.”
“And it never ends, Sweeting. Myrned isn’t the only trouble that has cropped up...”
Sitting in the firelight, Laun relaxing into his lap and chest, the two discussed a few things that had been bothering Falmir that he was not able to work out by himself, or with any of his council. The biggest worry Falmir had was word from all parts of the Midlands that the populace was having problems feeding themselves. Laun listened and nodded and offered a few words here and there, supporting him for his decisions, encouraging his ideas.
She could not hold back the yawn any longer. Her eyes were heavy and she needed rest. “Sire, I need to ask you to go. This has been a good evening, but it has to come to an end.”
There was a rumbled sigh from him. She stood from his lap and he stood, putting the hooded cape over his shoulders. His arms went out, offering one last embrace. She stepped into his arms and relaxed into his chest, her head on his shoulder.
“Thank you, Laun. I hope your business goes well with that Rosemond noble with the boat.”
She looked up and snickered. “And I thought I was the information gatherer of the family.”
His hand went to her face and his thumb stroked along her lips. “I found that my Exchequer had skills I had not been using, and your young man from this house let it slip while we were having a meal the other day.”
Laun blinked. “You have been entertaining Verat? I will have to see what he gleaned from you, Sire.”
He laughed. “It was in passing, and I think he wanted me to know you were going to be in the Capitol City. He has been spending quite a bit of time with Lucas and he seems to be quite a competent young man.”
Laun nodded. “You should go, Sire, before the Palace starts sending out search parties. They have probably been on alert since you disappeared.”
He blinked and said, “I hadn’t thought of that.”
Laun laughed. “You should go.”
Falmir paused, almost releasing her from his loose embrace. He brushed his thumb across her lips again. He tightened his grip on her and kissed her, fully and forcefully. He felt a little resistance but then her arms were around him, holding him as they kissed. One of his hands went to the back of her head, her braid slipping through his fingers as he held her. The other went down her back until he could feel her ass through the thin material of the tunic. It was still rounded, not just muscle, and fit into his hand...
Laun pushed at him gently and he pulled his face from hers. She swallowed and said, “Yes, you need to go. We already wore out Mimi and I don’t have anyone else for you here-”
Falmir pulled on her braid a little and saw a flash of heat in her eyes, followed by a glimpse of her stone core. “Except for you, Thorn. I understand. I will go, but I will be back when you get back.”
Laun didn’t say anything, just bowed her head slightly. He pulled away from her, bringing the hood down on his face and then the gloves over his hands. She escorted him to the door, opening the door fully, letting anyone in the hall see that the man with her could have been doing anything with her in her state of undress, but the attitude she projected let Gem at least know that she did not do anything she did not want to.
There was a grunt and a nod from the man in the cloak before he was escorted from Laun. She nodded back and watched as a slave silently led him away. She looked at Gem and a slight motion with her head brought the assassin to her, the door closing on the corridor and the eyes of the Sand Castle.
Onto Chapter 4 where Laun and Gem start out on the journey with Liam to balance the debt
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