Courtesan 2
Fandom: Supernatural RPS
Title: Courtesan 2 ( A sequel to Courtesan and Gladiator)
Pairing/Characters: Jensen/OMC, implied Jared/Jensen, implied JDM/Jensen
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: 3223
Summary: Total AU. Jensen, as a courtesan, has no room in his life for the love of a gladiator, but when that gladiator is Jared, Jensen knows he's doomed.
A/Ns & Warnings: Um. For starters, I really, really resisted starting this, because I know it's going to get epic...and I need another epic like I need an elephant to sit on me. Still...it wasn't letting go. So things to know: This is a cross between Feudal Japanese society and Roman society. Courtesans are chosen based on time and location of birth and physical characteristics. They are property of the state, but serve the Lords who govern the regions in which they are born. Likewise, gladiators are chosen in much the same way, but with different criteria. They are also property of the state, and serve the Lords who govern the regions where they were born.
Art, from apieceofcake...
“You sent for me, Mistress?” Jensen dipped in formal curtsey, the fine silk of his robe dusting the floor.
She smiled at him and gestured to her aide to leave. When she had, and the door was closed, Ella sat back in her chair and looked him over. “You look well.”
He was thrown by the tone in her voice, as if she expected something else. “I am well, thank you.”
She nodded slowly, watching him over folded hands. “It has been nearly a month since your debut. I was concerned that perhaps you might be…conflicted regarding your duties.”
Jensen’s heart hammered. He’d never had his commitment questioned. His work was impeccable. “Have there been complaints?”
She smiled and stood, coming around the large desk and circling him. “Of course not. Your companions are pleased with you. In fact, I have never received such glowing compliments in all my years at this post.”
She smoothed a hand down this back, over his ass. “I have noticed, however, that you have taken an interest in the games. And more so than that, in a certain gladiator.”
That did nothing to ease the pounding of his heart. Jared. Somehow she’d found out.
Not that he’d done anything against the rules. He accompanied Jeffrey or one of his brothers to the arena. He thrilled at his victories, and once had slipped into his cell to offer comfort for his wounds with Jeffrey chaperoning.
“I find him fascinating, nothing more.”
“I’m not stupid, Jensen. It is more than simple fascination. To make matters worse, he has been seen haunting the Hall looking for you.”
Jensen could feel his face flushing. It was forbidden, of course, for them to be together unsanctioned. No one was permitted to touch a courtesan unless the House approved. No matter their station. But for a gladiator and a courtesan to entertain those thoughts was beyond taboo.
He had seen him of course, at nearly every supper, whenever the Grand Hall was opened to warriors. His eyes would watch as Jensen worked, following him as he led his lord or lady from the hall and into the privacy of a room made for pleasure.
“Now, I trust we won’t need to have this conversation again?”
Jensen’s face was red, redder even than the silk of his robes. “No, of course not.”
She nodded and returned to her seat. “You are serving His Highness, Lord Garson tonight. Prepare your room and yourself.”
Jensen curtseyed and excused himself to begin his preparations. While still a novice, he’d served courtesans who served Garson. The man was large, obnoxious and rotund. He was also the nephew of the king. Everything must be made perfect. He must be perfect.
He put Jared out of his mind and went to the room assigned to him. It was the same that he had brought Jared to that first night. Someone had already stripped the mattress of its fine linens and replaced them with silk of the darkest forest green.
Jensen circled the room, meticulously checking supplies. Garson was a glutton, in every way. He sought out pleasure at the cost of all else. He made a list of foods he knew the prince preferred and left it on the counter in the kitchen alcove. Vanilla was the prince’s preferred scent. Jensen pulled a jar from the cabinet and opened it, extracting two long pods. He split one and dropped it into a pot that he then filled with water and place on the long arm near the fire. He stoked the coals, and pushed the pot over them. By the time evening came, the room would be filled with the smell of vanilla.
The second pod he tucked away inside his robe for adding to his bath.
The room was as ready as it could be until the kitchen boys came up to stock the food and warm the water. Jensen let himself out the back way, into the hall that ran to the kitchen in one direction and the courtesans’ court in the other.
He was greeted by the young, smiling face of Elijah, an acolyte who had taken a liking to Jensen. “Mistress says I can assist you, if you want.” Elijah said, his nasally voice ringing with excitement.
The boy had only had his anklet a few weeks, but was proving an eager study.
“What about your lessons?” Jensen asked, patting his head.
“Done for today.”
Jensen’s eyes scanned the court. The rest of the acolytes were bent over their studies, probably etiquette lessons, judging by the presence of Andrea and Tol. Several novices were relaxing, others serving their courtesan trainers. It was good practice. “Come then, Elijah. You can help me prepare my bath.” He pulled the boy close, an arm around his shoulders, and drew him toward his private quarters.
“Tell me, Elijah, what are the steps for preparing a bath?” Jensen asked, moving them into the bathing chamber. The sunken tub filled one corner of the room, his vanity another corner. The closet beside the vanity was filled with clothes he’d been gifted from patrons and the House.
Elijah scrambled toward the tub. “First, we clean the tub. It must be pristine before we begin to fill it.”
Jensen nodded, watching as Elijah climbed into the tub and began wiping at it with a cloth. “Very good.” He paused at the vanity to run a comb through his hair. “Next?”
Elijah looked up at him, “Water, two parts boiling, two parts lukewarm.”
Jensen smiled at him. “Good. We’ll be using this today.” He held up the vanilla bean. “Lord Garson is partial to vanilla.”
“Shall I call for water?”
Jensen nodded. “Please.” He sat at the vanity and started preparing himself for the bath, removing jewelry and his robe, until all he still wore was the ruby pendant Jeffrey had given him at his debut. He ran a finger over it reverently. It was a sign of affection, as much as a courtesan could ever expect from his Lord.
He could hear the water pouring into the tub and took a deep breath. He needed to put Jeffrey out of his thoughts as much as he did Jared. Tonight he must be perfect.
He handed off the vanilla bean to Elijah and in moments the smell of vanilla filled the air. “Come, your bath is ready.” Elijah took his hand and drew him to the tub. Beside the tub a basin of steaming water waited with a cloth. “May I serve?” Elijah asked, his hand hovering over the cloth.
Jensen usually did this part himself, but nodded. “Tell me the next step, Elijah.” Jensen sat on the edge of the tub, beside the basin. Elijah’s hands took up the cloth, dipped it in the basin and wrung it out.
“First, the courtesan cleans his body with soap and water.” Elijah started with Jensen’s feet, cleaning them diligently then setting them into the water in the tub. “So that the water he soaks in isn’t sullied.”
Jensen closed his eyes as Elijah washed up his legs and over his arms, down his back. He stood and took the washcloth from the boy to clean his own ass and genitals before stepping down into the tub and sinking into the water. It was hot, vanilla scented steam rising from the surface.
It was calming. “The courtesan soaks until the water has cooled.”
Elijah’s voice startled him, he’d nearly forgotten the boy was there. Jensen looked up to find him kneeling beside the tub. “You have learned your lessons well,” he said finally. “You will make a wonderful courtesan, Elijah.”
“Do you really think so?” The boy’s blue eyes sparkled. “I sometimes worry that I’m not pretty enough.”
Jensen lifted his hand to caress the boy’s cheek. “You are quite pretty, don’t worry. One day you’ll make your own debut in the Great Hall.”
“What is it like?” Elijah asked after a long quiet had stretched between them.
“What is what like?” Jensen asked, blinking.
Elijah licked his lips and looked away. “The…the first time. I mean…I know what they teach us. I know in theory. But…mine’s coming. And I’m nervous.”
Jensen took a deep breath. The first time for him had been a combination of wonder and awe and terror. Like Elijah, he had been a newly sworn in acolyte, one month past his twelfth birthday. His trainer had been gentle, but there had been pain. Pain and pride, shame. Jensen had been unable to control his body, and had come on the floor before full penetration had been achieved.
“You will be fine.” Jensen placated. “Remember to relax and prepare yourself properly. It eases the sting.”
They were quiet again for a while. “I wish it would be you.” Elijah said softly, sighing and looking away.
Jensen shook his head lightly. “I am not accomplished enough to be a trainer, Elijah. Though if it would ease your nerves, I would gladly serve.”
“I know.” He was pouting. He had full, beautiful lips that would one day serve him very well. Jensen reached up and ruffled his blond hair.
“Now, tell me the last steps and help me to finish. I have duties to attend tonight.”
“Another washing, body, then hair. Then drying.”
Jensen nodded, letting the boy wash him. When he was done, Elijah helped Jensen from the tub and patted the dripping water from him with a towel. The rest would be allowed to air dry.
Several hours later, Elijah was combing through Jensen’s hair while he finished his makeup. It was no where near as elaborate as it was that first night, though there was considerably more gold.
He dusted glittering powder over his face to set the colors, then reached for his jewelry. Golden rings on his middle fingers, golden hoops for his ears. There were even two gold rings on his toes as he stood to prepare his cock. The overall effect was stunning, and he knew Lord Garson would be pleased. He snapped the cock ring in place, connected it to the chain circling his waist and stood.
“You should be getting back to your own tasks.” Jensen said as Elijah followed him to the door. “Thank you for your help.”
“Any time.” Elijah grinned up at him and took off at a run for the acolyte barracks.
Jensen turned his attention to where the other courtesans were queuing up. Several were slated for entertainment for the hall, while the rest were assigned entertainment of a more personal nature. It wouldn’t be long before they were easing into the hall and taking up their places beside their companions for the night. Jensen exhaled slowly as his turn approached. Through the curtains he could see Lord Garson, seated to Lord Morgan’s left.
He was big, his bald head polished and shining in the lights above them. His thick fingers wrapped around his goblet as he spoke with the woman to his side. Jensen felt the touch on his elbow and slipped through the curtains and into the Hall, gliding to the head table. He paused to curtsey to Lord Morgan before sliding in beside Lord Garson and kneeling.
“My Lord, it is my honor to serve you this evening.”
“Look up at me, boy. I want to see your face.”
Jensen obeyed, lifting his face and Garson smiled appreciatively. “Yes, yes. That will do nicely. You may serve.”
“Thank you my Lord.” Jensen’s duty was to feed him, ensure his plate was never empty and that no servant touched him while he ate. He knelt beside him and took the plates as they came, wiping his face and somewhere through the middle of the dessert, Garson’s plump face leaned into his. “I hope you’re hungry too boy. I’ve got a mouthful for you.” His hand cupped his groin.
Jensen bowed his head. “As you please my Lord. Our room is prepared.”
“Well then, show me.” Jensen stood and stepped back, making room for Lord Garson to rise from the table. As they moved through the crowd, his eyes scanned faces until they found the one he was looking for. Jared’s eyes were on him, watching him lead his companion from the hall.
Jensen tore his eyes away and smiled at Garson. “Come, my Lord.” He held the door open and inhaled deeply. The warm smell of vanilla filled the room and Garson nodded appreciatively.
“I’m told by my host that you are the finest courtesan in his stable.”
“My Lord speaks most highly.” Jensen deferred. His hands slid up the big man’s arm to begin undressing him. “I am honored.”
His fat fingers rose up to the ruby pendant against Jensen’s skin. “I see he does more than speak highly.”
“It was a gift on the night of my debut, my Lord.”
“Please me, and this will be but a trinket.” He pulled Jensen to him, his kiss hard. Jensen tried to relax, closing his eyes and opening his lips. It wasn’t until he imagined it was Jared he was kissing, and not the prince who held him, that he managed. With his eyes closed, Jensen could pretend…at least for the moment.
It was barely dawn. Jensen hadn’t slept at all. Lord Garson’s squire was already waiting in the hall as Jensen dressed the prince and guided him to the door.
“Your Lord was right, quite the talented little whore you are.” Garson said, leaning in to kiss him. His hand pressed into Jensen’s. “I shall be requesting you again when I return.”
“I look forward to it, my Lord.” Jensen murmured. The door eased closed and Jensen leaned against it. His body ached and he needed sleep, but there was clean up that needed to be done and his body to wash.
He opened his hand. On it rested a diamond the size of his small fingernail set in gold. He shook his head. He eased into his robe and tucked the ring into his pocket. He couldn’t bring himself to put it on. He opened the door, checking to be sure the squire had gotten the prince off to his morning ablations before Jensen set out to do his own. There was a movement in the shadows. Jensen stopped, staring. “Is someone there?”
“Only me.” Jared stepped out of the shadows and Jensen looked around, half expecting to be caught.
“You shouldn’t be here.” Jensen said as Jared approached.
“I know. I wanted to see you.”
Jensen shook his head. “You shouldn’t have come.”
Jared frowned, his eyes darkening. “I thought you liked it when I come.”
Jensen closed his eyes and moved them away into the shadows at the end of the hall where they wouldn’t be readily seen. “I do, but if we were caught…”
Jared smiled and leaned in as if he would kiss him. “So we won’t be caught.”
Jensen stiffened and pulled back just enough that Jared’s lips missed his. “Please. I just…I want to see you…”
Jensen exhaled slowly. He needed to control this, make Jared understand.
“I brought you something.” Jared said when Jensen didn’t respond right away. “It isn’t much…but I don’t have much…so…” He held his hand out between them and on it rested a rose carved out of wood. “I made it for you. It’ll last longer than the real thing.”
“Jared…you shouldn’t have.” Jensen looked at it, licking his lips. It was beautiful, a wonderful gesture. Jensen took it, his fingers brushing over Jared’s palm. It was forbidden, even so tiny a contact, yet it made his heart thrum with desire. “We can’t…we can’t be seen.”
“No one’s here but us.” Jared whispered, his face only a breath from Jensen’s.
“We can’t touch.” Jensen insisted, his breathing ragged.
“I dream about you.” Jared murmured. “About touching you.”
“Jared…” It was a moan, a confession of desire, but Jensen bit it back. “I…not here…not like this.” He was dirty with another man’s come and the consequences of even this meeting were more than he could consider. “If we were found, Jared…” He shuddered, opening his eyes and looking up at him. “The Director of Courtesans suspects us. I’ve been warned.” He should end this now. Give him back the rose. Tell him to stop looking for him.
“I fight tomorrow, a champion from the capital. Will you come?”
He should tell him no, Tell him he never wanted to see him again. “I will try. Lord Jeffrey should be back from his journey today.” Jeffrey was more apt than the others to take him to the arena when he asked.
“I will look for you.” Jared’s breath was hot against his cheek. His hands ghosted over Jensen’s arms without touching. “I will win for you. Then perhaps we can be together.”
A door opened down the hall and they shrank further into the shadows. “You have to go.” Jensen said. “Before someone sees you.”
Jared moved closer, his lips hovering over Jensen’s ear. “Think of me.”
Jensen was breathing heavily when he was gone. He closed his hand over the rose and turned to go to his room. He couldn’t stand the feeling of Garson on his skin.
“I understand you wish to go to the arena again.”
Jensen looked up from his book of poetry. Jeffrey was resplendent in his House colors, looking like he’d come in from a hard ride. “My Lord.” Jensen stood, setting the book aside. “It would be my honor to adorn your arm…if you were planning to attend.”
Jeffrey smiled vaguely and moved into the room. “You have taken quite a liking to my young gladiator, haven’t you?”
Jensen couldn’t lie to him. He’d known Jeffrey since he was a boy. “He…is handsome, my Lord.”
“He is. And strong and talented.” Jeffrey came closer, raising a hand to brush over Jensen’s cheek. “Perhaps I was wrong to give you to him that night.”
Jensen felt himself blushing as Jeffrey’s hand brushed over his naked chest. “The two of you make quite a pair. I watched you together.”
He circled around Jensen, his hands stroking over Jensen’s skin. “He had never known such tenderness before you. Easy to see how he became smitten. I expected better from you.”
Jensen bit his lip, turning to face him. “I know, my Lord. I am sorry. I shall never ask again.”
Jeff stopped, looking hard at him. “Such duty, Jensen. I shall consider your request. It will be a big match. Bigger even than the one that won him you. My father has suggested that you are better incentive for him than the promise of monetary reward.” Jeffrey smiled. “Perhaps he is right. If Jared wins tomorrow, he will be offered another night with you. Does that please you?”
Jensen’s heart hammered in his chest as he nodded. “Yes, my Lord. It pleases.”
“Good. Now, I’ve had a long ride. Come to my room in an hour. You will please me now that I have pleased you.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
Jensen watched him leave, and tried not to think about Jared…about those big hands on his skin, about the way he smiled and blushed, about the gentle way he sank into Jensen. He had an hour to prepare to serve, to please his Lord and thank him.
Title: Courtesan 2 ( A sequel to Courtesan and Gladiator)
Pairing/Characters: Jensen/OMC, implied Jared/Jensen, implied JDM/Jensen
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: 3223
Summary: Total AU. Jensen, as a courtesan, has no room in his life for the love of a gladiator, but when that gladiator is Jared, Jensen knows he's doomed.
A/Ns & Warnings: Um. For starters, I really, really resisted starting this, because I know it's going to get epic...and I need another epic like I need an elephant to sit on me. Still...it wasn't letting go. So things to know: This is a cross between Feudal Japanese society and Roman society. Courtesans are chosen based on time and location of birth and physical characteristics. They are property of the state, but serve the Lords who govern the regions in which they are born. Likewise, gladiators are chosen in much the same way, but with different criteria. They are also property of the state, and serve the Lords who govern the regions where they were born.
Art, from apieceofcake...
“You sent for me, Mistress?” Jensen dipped in formal curtsey, the fine silk of his robe dusting the floor.
She smiled at him and gestured to her aide to leave. When she had, and the door was closed, Ella sat back in her chair and looked him over. “You look well.”
He was thrown by the tone in her voice, as if she expected something else. “I am well, thank you.”
She nodded slowly, watching him over folded hands. “It has been nearly a month since your debut. I was concerned that perhaps you might be…conflicted regarding your duties.”
Jensen’s heart hammered. He’d never had his commitment questioned. His work was impeccable. “Have there been complaints?”
She smiled and stood, coming around the large desk and circling him. “Of course not. Your companions are pleased with you. In fact, I have never received such glowing compliments in all my years at this post.”
She smoothed a hand down this back, over his ass. “I have noticed, however, that you have taken an interest in the games. And more so than that, in a certain gladiator.”
That did nothing to ease the pounding of his heart. Jared. Somehow she’d found out.
Not that he’d done anything against the rules. He accompanied Jeffrey or one of his brothers to the arena. He thrilled at his victories, and once had slipped into his cell to offer comfort for his wounds with Jeffrey chaperoning.
“I find him fascinating, nothing more.”
“I’m not stupid, Jensen. It is more than simple fascination. To make matters worse, he has been seen haunting the Hall looking for you.”
Jensen could feel his face flushing. It was forbidden, of course, for them to be together unsanctioned. No one was permitted to touch a courtesan unless the House approved. No matter their station. But for a gladiator and a courtesan to entertain those thoughts was beyond taboo.
He had seen him of course, at nearly every supper, whenever the Grand Hall was opened to warriors. His eyes would watch as Jensen worked, following him as he led his lord or lady from the hall and into the privacy of a room made for pleasure.
“Now, I trust we won’t need to have this conversation again?”
Jensen’s face was red, redder even than the silk of his robes. “No, of course not.”
She nodded and returned to her seat. “You are serving His Highness, Lord Garson tonight. Prepare your room and yourself.”
Jensen curtseyed and excused himself to begin his preparations. While still a novice, he’d served courtesans who served Garson. The man was large, obnoxious and rotund. He was also the nephew of the king. Everything must be made perfect. He must be perfect.
He put Jared out of his mind and went to the room assigned to him. It was the same that he had brought Jared to that first night. Someone had already stripped the mattress of its fine linens and replaced them with silk of the darkest forest green.
Jensen circled the room, meticulously checking supplies. Garson was a glutton, in every way. He sought out pleasure at the cost of all else. He made a list of foods he knew the prince preferred and left it on the counter in the kitchen alcove. Vanilla was the prince’s preferred scent. Jensen pulled a jar from the cabinet and opened it, extracting two long pods. He split one and dropped it into a pot that he then filled with water and place on the long arm near the fire. He stoked the coals, and pushed the pot over them. By the time evening came, the room would be filled with the smell of vanilla.
The second pod he tucked away inside his robe for adding to his bath.
The room was as ready as it could be until the kitchen boys came up to stock the food and warm the water. Jensen let himself out the back way, into the hall that ran to the kitchen in one direction and the courtesans’ court in the other.
He was greeted by the young, smiling face of Elijah, an acolyte who had taken a liking to Jensen. “Mistress says I can assist you, if you want.” Elijah said, his nasally voice ringing with excitement.
The boy had only had his anklet a few weeks, but was proving an eager study.
“What about your lessons?” Jensen asked, patting his head.
“Done for today.”
Jensen’s eyes scanned the court. The rest of the acolytes were bent over their studies, probably etiquette lessons, judging by the presence of Andrea and Tol. Several novices were relaxing, others serving their courtesan trainers. It was good practice. “Come then, Elijah. You can help me prepare my bath.” He pulled the boy close, an arm around his shoulders, and drew him toward his private quarters.
“Tell me, Elijah, what are the steps for preparing a bath?” Jensen asked, moving them into the bathing chamber. The sunken tub filled one corner of the room, his vanity another corner. The closet beside the vanity was filled with clothes he’d been gifted from patrons and the House.
Elijah scrambled toward the tub. “First, we clean the tub. It must be pristine before we begin to fill it.”
Jensen nodded, watching as Elijah climbed into the tub and began wiping at it with a cloth. “Very good.” He paused at the vanity to run a comb through his hair. “Next?”
Elijah looked up at him, “Water, two parts boiling, two parts lukewarm.”
Jensen smiled at him. “Good. We’ll be using this today.” He held up the vanilla bean. “Lord Garson is partial to vanilla.”
“Shall I call for water?”
Jensen nodded. “Please.” He sat at the vanity and started preparing himself for the bath, removing jewelry and his robe, until all he still wore was the ruby pendant Jeffrey had given him at his debut. He ran a finger over it reverently. It was a sign of affection, as much as a courtesan could ever expect from his Lord.
He could hear the water pouring into the tub and took a deep breath. He needed to put Jeffrey out of his thoughts as much as he did Jared. Tonight he must be perfect.
He handed off the vanilla bean to Elijah and in moments the smell of vanilla filled the air. “Come, your bath is ready.” Elijah took his hand and drew him to the tub. Beside the tub a basin of steaming water waited with a cloth. “May I serve?” Elijah asked, his hand hovering over the cloth.
Jensen usually did this part himself, but nodded. “Tell me the next step, Elijah.” Jensen sat on the edge of the tub, beside the basin. Elijah’s hands took up the cloth, dipped it in the basin and wrung it out.
“First, the courtesan cleans his body with soap and water.” Elijah started with Jensen’s feet, cleaning them diligently then setting them into the water in the tub. “So that the water he soaks in isn’t sullied.”
Jensen closed his eyes as Elijah washed up his legs and over his arms, down his back. He stood and took the washcloth from the boy to clean his own ass and genitals before stepping down into the tub and sinking into the water. It was hot, vanilla scented steam rising from the surface.
It was calming. “The courtesan soaks until the water has cooled.”
Elijah’s voice startled him, he’d nearly forgotten the boy was there. Jensen looked up to find him kneeling beside the tub. “You have learned your lessons well,” he said finally. “You will make a wonderful courtesan, Elijah.”
“Do you really think so?” The boy’s blue eyes sparkled. “I sometimes worry that I’m not pretty enough.”
Jensen lifted his hand to caress the boy’s cheek. “You are quite pretty, don’t worry. One day you’ll make your own debut in the Great Hall.”
“What is it like?” Elijah asked after a long quiet had stretched between them.
“What is what like?” Jensen asked, blinking.
Elijah licked his lips and looked away. “The…the first time. I mean…I know what they teach us. I know in theory. But…mine’s coming. And I’m nervous.”
Jensen took a deep breath. The first time for him had been a combination of wonder and awe and terror. Like Elijah, he had been a newly sworn in acolyte, one month past his twelfth birthday. His trainer had been gentle, but there had been pain. Pain and pride, shame. Jensen had been unable to control his body, and had come on the floor before full penetration had been achieved.
“You will be fine.” Jensen placated. “Remember to relax and prepare yourself properly. It eases the sting.”
They were quiet again for a while. “I wish it would be you.” Elijah said softly, sighing and looking away.
Jensen shook his head lightly. “I am not accomplished enough to be a trainer, Elijah. Though if it would ease your nerves, I would gladly serve.”
“I know.” He was pouting. He had full, beautiful lips that would one day serve him very well. Jensen reached up and ruffled his blond hair.
“Now, tell me the last steps and help me to finish. I have duties to attend tonight.”
“Another washing, body, then hair. Then drying.”
Jensen nodded, letting the boy wash him. When he was done, Elijah helped Jensen from the tub and patted the dripping water from him with a towel. The rest would be allowed to air dry.
Several hours later, Elijah was combing through Jensen’s hair while he finished his makeup. It was no where near as elaborate as it was that first night, though there was considerably more gold.
He dusted glittering powder over his face to set the colors, then reached for his jewelry. Golden rings on his middle fingers, golden hoops for his ears. There were even two gold rings on his toes as he stood to prepare his cock. The overall effect was stunning, and he knew Lord Garson would be pleased. He snapped the cock ring in place, connected it to the chain circling his waist and stood.
“You should be getting back to your own tasks.” Jensen said as Elijah followed him to the door. “Thank you for your help.”
“Any time.” Elijah grinned up at him and took off at a run for the acolyte barracks.
Jensen turned his attention to where the other courtesans were queuing up. Several were slated for entertainment for the hall, while the rest were assigned entertainment of a more personal nature. It wouldn’t be long before they were easing into the hall and taking up their places beside their companions for the night. Jensen exhaled slowly as his turn approached. Through the curtains he could see Lord Garson, seated to Lord Morgan’s left.
He was big, his bald head polished and shining in the lights above them. His thick fingers wrapped around his goblet as he spoke with the woman to his side. Jensen felt the touch on his elbow and slipped through the curtains and into the Hall, gliding to the head table. He paused to curtsey to Lord Morgan before sliding in beside Lord Garson and kneeling.
“My Lord, it is my honor to serve you this evening.”
“Look up at me, boy. I want to see your face.”
Jensen obeyed, lifting his face and Garson smiled appreciatively. “Yes, yes. That will do nicely. You may serve.”
“Thank you my Lord.” Jensen’s duty was to feed him, ensure his plate was never empty and that no servant touched him while he ate. He knelt beside him and took the plates as they came, wiping his face and somewhere through the middle of the dessert, Garson’s plump face leaned into his. “I hope you’re hungry too boy. I’ve got a mouthful for you.” His hand cupped his groin.
Jensen bowed his head. “As you please my Lord. Our room is prepared.”
“Well then, show me.” Jensen stood and stepped back, making room for Lord Garson to rise from the table. As they moved through the crowd, his eyes scanned faces until they found the one he was looking for. Jared’s eyes were on him, watching him lead his companion from the hall.
Jensen tore his eyes away and smiled at Garson. “Come, my Lord.” He held the door open and inhaled deeply. The warm smell of vanilla filled the room and Garson nodded appreciatively.
“I’m told by my host that you are the finest courtesan in his stable.”
“My Lord speaks most highly.” Jensen deferred. His hands slid up the big man’s arm to begin undressing him. “I am honored.”
His fat fingers rose up to the ruby pendant against Jensen’s skin. “I see he does more than speak highly.”
“It was a gift on the night of my debut, my Lord.”
“Please me, and this will be but a trinket.” He pulled Jensen to him, his kiss hard. Jensen tried to relax, closing his eyes and opening his lips. It wasn’t until he imagined it was Jared he was kissing, and not the prince who held him, that he managed. With his eyes closed, Jensen could pretend…at least for the moment.
It was barely dawn. Jensen hadn’t slept at all. Lord Garson’s squire was already waiting in the hall as Jensen dressed the prince and guided him to the door.
“Your Lord was right, quite the talented little whore you are.” Garson said, leaning in to kiss him. His hand pressed into Jensen’s. “I shall be requesting you again when I return.”
“I look forward to it, my Lord.” Jensen murmured. The door eased closed and Jensen leaned against it. His body ached and he needed sleep, but there was clean up that needed to be done and his body to wash.
He opened his hand. On it rested a diamond the size of his small fingernail set in gold. He shook his head. He eased into his robe and tucked the ring into his pocket. He couldn’t bring himself to put it on. He opened the door, checking to be sure the squire had gotten the prince off to his morning ablations before Jensen set out to do his own. There was a movement in the shadows. Jensen stopped, staring. “Is someone there?”
“Only me.” Jared stepped out of the shadows and Jensen looked around, half expecting to be caught.
“You shouldn’t be here.” Jensen said as Jared approached.
“I know. I wanted to see you.”
Jensen shook his head. “You shouldn’t have come.”
Jared frowned, his eyes darkening. “I thought you liked it when I come.”
Jensen closed his eyes and moved them away into the shadows at the end of the hall where they wouldn’t be readily seen. “I do, but if we were caught…”
Jared smiled and leaned in as if he would kiss him. “So we won’t be caught.”
Jensen stiffened and pulled back just enough that Jared’s lips missed his. “Please. I just…I want to see you…”
Jensen exhaled slowly. He needed to control this, make Jared understand.
“I brought you something.” Jared said when Jensen didn’t respond right away. “It isn’t much…but I don’t have much…so…” He held his hand out between them and on it rested a rose carved out of wood. “I made it for you. It’ll last longer than the real thing.”
“Jared…you shouldn’t have.” Jensen looked at it, licking his lips. It was beautiful, a wonderful gesture. Jensen took it, his fingers brushing over Jared’s palm. It was forbidden, even so tiny a contact, yet it made his heart thrum with desire. “We can’t…we can’t be seen.”
“No one’s here but us.” Jared whispered, his face only a breath from Jensen’s.
“We can’t touch.” Jensen insisted, his breathing ragged.
“I dream about you.” Jared murmured. “About touching you.”
“Jared…” It was a moan, a confession of desire, but Jensen bit it back. “I…not here…not like this.” He was dirty with another man’s come and the consequences of even this meeting were more than he could consider. “If we were found, Jared…” He shuddered, opening his eyes and looking up at him. “The Director of Courtesans suspects us. I’ve been warned.” He should end this now. Give him back the rose. Tell him to stop looking for him.
“I fight tomorrow, a champion from the capital. Will you come?”
He should tell him no, Tell him he never wanted to see him again. “I will try. Lord Jeffrey should be back from his journey today.” Jeffrey was more apt than the others to take him to the arena when he asked.
“I will look for you.” Jared’s breath was hot against his cheek. His hands ghosted over Jensen’s arms without touching. “I will win for you. Then perhaps we can be together.”
A door opened down the hall and they shrank further into the shadows. “You have to go.” Jensen said. “Before someone sees you.”
Jared moved closer, his lips hovering over Jensen’s ear. “Think of me.”
Jensen was breathing heavily when he was gone. He closed his hand over the rose and turned to go to his room. He couldn’t stand the feeling of Garson on his skin.
“I understand you wish to go to the arena again.”
Jensen looked up from his book of poetry. Jeffrey was resplendent in his House colors, looking like he’d come in from a hard ride. “My Lord.” Jensen stood, setting the book aside. “It would be my honor to adorn your arm…if you were planning to attend.”
Jeffrey smiled vaguely and moved into the room. “You have taken quite a liking to my young gladiator, haven’t you?”
Jensen couldn’t lie to him. He’d known Jeffrey since he was a boy. “He…is handsome, my Lord.”
“He is. And strong and talented.” Jeffrey came closer, raising a hand to brush over Jensen’s cheek. “Perhaps I was wrong to give you to him that night.”
Jensen felt himself blushing as Jeffrey’s hand brushed over his naked chest. “The two of you make quite a pair. I watched you together.”
He circled around Jensen, his hands stroking over Jensen’s skin. “He had never known such tenderness before you. Easy to see how he became smitten. I expected better from you.”
Jensen bit his lip, turning to face him. “I know, my Lord. I am sorry. I shall never ask again.”
Jeff stopped, looking hard at him. “Such duty, Jensen. I shall consider your request. It will be a big match. Bigger even than the one that won him you. My father has suggested that you are better incentive for him than the promise of monetary reward.” Jeffrey smiled. “Perhaps he is right. If Jared wins tomorrow, he will be offered another night with you. Does that please you?”
Jensen’s heart hammered in his chest as he nodded. “Yes, my Lord. It pleases.”
“Good. Now, I’ve had a long ride. Come to my room in an hour. You will please me now that I have pleased you.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
Jensen watched him leave, and tried not to think about Jared…about those big hands on his skin, about the way he smiled and blushed, about the gentle way he sank into Jensen. He had an hour to prepare to serve, to please his Lord and thank him.