Chapter 13: Where parties are filled with handsy affairs

--LILLIE--

As expected, a dinner event hosted by high-society was nothing but a shrewd crowd of embellished, snobby Tamarines dressed to impress, and feigning laughter that could curdle milk. Jamie and I had traveled together, who was only excited to get his name out there to the high-class, and I only to appease my boyfriend who was working ever so hard to find his place within the city.

Although I hated the progression on the mere fact he was working for a Master, after Historia had explained how she also worked for the elites, offering private lessons that paid her handsomely to educate their children—something no one in the working-class were willing to do for their own offspring—I began to wonder if utilizing the people’s wealth for one’s own benefit was acceptable.

“Even though they may be snobby and greedy at times, you can’t always blame all your problems on those more privileged than yourself,” Historia had said. My friendship with Jamie and Lara had already proven this for me, so why was I so tense while entering the estate in which a Lord had provided a comfortable place for Sable?

“This is my chance, Lillie,” Jamie said as he nervously adjusted his pompous hair, then pinched his cheeks as we walked through the grand hall lined with pink carpet and floral arrangements. “I’m gonna get so famous after tonight. Every Lord, duke, king, and emperor will be calling for my presence, showering with every cold coin they receive—hey, maybe someone else will allow me to live in their home, like Sable! Lucky bastard.”

“I don’t understand how you could run away from your family’s name, but run towards those who only like you for your talent,” I scoffed as Jamie linked his arm through mine.

“Ah, on the contrary fair maiden, there is a difference between being forced into a family role rather than singing to my heart’s content and skipping away without an ounce of responsibility other than making those around me happily entertained.”

“Fair enough.”

As we passed through the doors leading into the dining hall, a flood of aromas wafted past my face, and the curdling sounds of haughty laughter rang through the air. Jamie tapped his fingertips on his forehead, spun his lute around, and then made his grand entrance, immediately capturing the attention of those around him as he pranced through the hall like a bird in the early morning singing its song.

I wore the blue, silk dress Jamie had originally bought me, and moved past the tall Tamarines, realizing most were wearing extensive platforms to give them extra height, creating the sense I was a mouse scampering past cats haunting in the alleyways of the darkest parts of the city, in hopes to evade any claws or hissing.

“And who might you be?” an older Tamarine man asked as I grabbed a crystal glass from a platter held by a servant.

“Oh, excuse me, I’m looking for Lord Orvin,” I said, sensing my voice change to fit the aura. He raised a thin brow, then his haughty eyes looked down at my figure as he placed a jeweled finger upon his cheek.

“Aren’t we all, say, have you seen the winged-man he has been keeping here?” he quietly asked, then licked his lips. “I hear he is quite handsome—it is not surprising that Lord Orvin would collect something so fine and gorgeous. That is why we are all here, isn’t it? Don’t lie.”

“I’m here for much more promising prospects,” I lied, then turned away, noticing a rather large crowd huddled under the grand chandelier, and made my escape before hearing anything else perverted from that man.

Of course they’re all here to gawk at Sable—maybe this will be the best chance for him to realize that these people are not to be trusted.

As I pushed through the crowd of unnaturally tall Tamarines, whispers and laughter echoed around, all centered on the subject of a Teragane serving under Lord Orvin’s house.

“His skin is so deep, like the warmth of a sunrise,” a voice said.

“The wings of a mythical creature—like a supernatural bird,” someone toggled.

“Orvin has always had exquisite taste,” a shrilling statement caused my neck to tense. I had grown accustomed to the slurs and scowls of those in the lower levels—this was no different, for it meant only the same, just hidden behind jewels, silk, and fake laughter. The only difference was Sable had grown to prefer this over the other.

I stopped just before a line had formed as people waited to greet Lord Orvin and Sable standing at his side. Crystal glass clinked while whispers continued, and Jamie’s singing had created quite the atmosphere. Yet, as I gazed at Sable through the figures of brightly dressed Tamarines anticipating to see the newest sensation of the elites, my heart dropped as he proudly stood next to Lord Orvin.

His black hair was unbraided, but smoothly brushed and delicately styled just past his shoulders. He wore a tight high-neck tunic that had a drastic diamond cutout, showcasing his warm, brown skin along his bare chest. Silver chains draped across his shoulders, securing loose, transparent sleeves, and others were pointing out the tattoos along his left arm. Another guest placed a hand upon his chest, causing anger to rise as Sable simply allowed the people to pet him, as if he were some show animal on display. As Lord Orvin spoke to each guest, he then would raise a hand, slightly removing others as Sable stepped closer to the master who obviously was becoming more protective as elites grew more handsy.

Finally, as a woman grabbed his wing and stroked the feathers, I turned away and scampered to the edge of the hall, feeling sick to my stomach, no longer able to withstand waiting to see my boyfriend along with others who only wanted to admire him as if he were a pet.

Was this really what Sable wanted? To be admired, gazed upon, and—heroically accepted?

Since the incident at the mine, he felt powerless to do anything, and undeservingly under-appreciated from those he sought to help. Maybe this was his chance at a better life he deserved. Perhaps Lord Orvin was the right person for him to be under after all.

While I had waited all week for Grandfather Maggie to be somewhat understandable for further guidance, Sable was already capable of influencing a master to make changes within the mines. What else would he be able to accomplish while serving Lord Orvin?

Was I really holding him back by keeping him at the library?

“Hey! Did you get to see Sable yet?” Jamie asked as he spun around and leaned against the wall next to me. “Why are you hiding in the curtains? You should be mingling—or at least dancing—no one here seems to dance. You should teach them how to—“

“Shouldn’t you be entertaining?” I asked as I shoved the curtain away that I had been apparently twisting in my hand as I leaned against the tall window overlooking a courtyard.

“Just taking a break. Wow. There are so many beautiful women here. Maybe I’ll get lucky tonight.” Jamie straightened out the collar of his jacket and raised his brows as he looked over at me. “Maybe you too?”

“What are you even talking about?”

“Ah—you cute little mouse. When are you gonna let yourself feel—“

“Lillie!” Sable suddenly called, and I looked up and saw him move through the crowds of Tamarines who were pleading for his attention. He shifted his wings as people groped the feathers, then hurried past the table covered in food that Jamie and I were hiding behind and he reached out for me. His hands slipped around my waist, and I grabbed his back as he nuzzled his face against my neck, letting out a sigh of relief. I felt his warm, but sweaty skin, and realized that his tunic was completely exposing his backside.

“Wow, you look rather—spiffy,” I said as he kissed my neck, then my cheek as he then met my eyes with his. “Having fun?”

“Not at all,” he whispered while his lips pouted. “They won’t stop touching me.” Guilt overcame my mind as I had assumed too much, and I drifted my hand into his while he turned to also lean against the wall.

“Ah, poor Sable ol’ boy can’t stand the heat,” Jamie chimed as he skipped in front of us and began adjusting his lute as he prepared to return to his performance. “Don’t worry, I’ll give them something to gawk at while you two make your grand escape. Off to pleasure paradise, don’t you think? You deserve a moment of peace while both are looking tastier than crumpets and jam.”

“Sable?” Lord Orvin’s voice rang as he moved around the table and Jamie’s heroic grin began to fade as he also turned to face Lord Orvin who drifted in front of us. “Is everything alright, my dearest? Oh, I see Lillie has found her way here.”

“I too, my lord,” Jamie said with a bow, and Lord Orvin simply smirked, then looked at me.

“I think Sable has had enough for tonight,” I said as Sable’s fingers tightened within my hand. “Would you excuse him for the rest of the night?”

“Oh—my, of course, my dears. It has been a long day for you, Sable. Please, feel free to retire, especially now that Lillie is here.”

“Are you sure?” Sable surprisingly asked, conflicting with his body language that was beginning to tremble. Lord Orvin placed a hand upon his shoulder, and his voice only continued to soften.

“Of course. You have already met everyone I had anticipated, and the night grows dark. You, on the other hand—“ Lord Orvin glanced over at Jamie, who quickly strummed his lute.

“I’m here for as long as you desire, my lord,” Jamie sang, and then skipped away, into the crowd, belting his music that echoed through the dining hall.

“Now—please, enjoy the evening together,” Lord Orvin said, then drifted his hand to the side. Sable immediately dragged me away as he followed the wall to the other end of the hall, and moved through a door as he led me through the estate with obvious familiarity.

We entered a dark room where he instantly lit a few candles, but, then, surprisingly, began ripping off his clothes, causing the chains connecting the hems to break as he grunted with each effort.

“I’m never wearing this again!” Sable shouted as he tugged at the leather pants that were plastered to his thighs.

“You—you okay?” I asked as he growled while rolling off the material, and his wings fluttered behind, stirring up stifling air and causing the candles to flicker. Suddenly, he was butt-naked, and he threw the trousers to the side and pushed his face against the palm of his hands.

I felt my cheeks flush and turned my head away, and moved over to the column posts of the bed that was draped with a beautiful canopy. Sable still grunted like an agitated beast, and I moved over to the window and opened it up. A gust of cedar-scented wind blew through, instantly cooling the room that overlooked the courtyard covered in various plants and vibrant rose bushes and a single cedar tree that the house was obviously built around, and I saw the low glow of the windows below, the party still going, and Jamie’s music lively as ever. The house was built around five cedars, four at each corner, and the fifth directly in the middle where the courtyard exemplified a lush green garden that glowed under the lantern light. Fresh vegetables were flourishing, and I wondered what it would be like to have access to such a luxury.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Then, I heard the creak of the bed, and looked over at Sable’s sprawled out body against the bed with his dark wings dramatically spread at either side. I drifted over, feeling thankful that he had slipped into sleeping shorts, but beads of sweat glistened upon his exposed skin, and he made a muffled noise as he pressed his face against the pillow.

I looked over at the dresser that lay partially opened, and all the clothes that he had thrown across the floor—unusual for him as he normally tidied up after himself. On the surface of the marble dresser lay a nightgown—presumingly for me, as I knew that Sable had asked for me to stay with him that night. Although I had been sleeping with him since spring, this particular moment felt odd, but I undressed from the silk dress, and slid on the rather thin silk nightgown. Surprisingly, it was soft upon my skin, breathable for the end of summer evening, and I moved over to the bed while the cool evening breeze caused the drapery to sway.

Sable’s head twisted as his wings jolted to the side, and he smiled as he saw me, then turned onto his side as he anticipated my arrival. I climbed onto the mattress that was soft and squishy, and I moved under the blanket, in which he quickly covered himself under as well.

“I’m so glad that you are finally here with me,” he said as he instantly inched to my side as I lay on my back, and I gazed up at the canopy above, feeling a rather warm sensation within my body, especially as Sable moved his hand over my shoulder that was only covered with a short sleeve. He nuzzled his face against mine, breathing deeply as he kissed my neck.

“I’m sorry that tonight was overwhelming,” I said, and he paused his kissing as he pulled me even closer to his bare chest where I could feel his heart racing—unlike his usual steady heartbeat.

“I miss my old clothes.”

“Really? I thought you looked rather nice. But—let’s get some made for you.”

“No one wants to. It doesn’t fit in with the Tamarines.”

“Yeah? Why do you give a shit? I’ll make you what you want.” Sable raised his head as his crimson eyes softened as he gazed into my eyes, and he placed his hand upon my cheek while leaning over me. “You deserve to have clothes that you feel comfortable in, not always what others want, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Sable—I think you are giving in too much again. Just like back in my neighborhood, you said yes to everyone—tonight it seemed that—well.”

“I know.” Sable suddenly dropped against my side, burying his face against my neck as he groaned, and I patted his shoulder, then began to slowly drift my finger against his skin.

“Let’s get some sleep, yeah? Sounds like it’s been an exhausting day.”

“I felt like a flower being prepped for an arrangement. So many people were touching me today—yet, all I wanted was you by my side.” My throat felt suddenly quite lumpy as Sable’s low whimpering caused guilt to overwhelm my mind. Perhaps this wasn’t a suitable place for him after all.

“Let’s go back to the library tomorrow, yeah? Grandfather Maggie stays up in the attic most of the time now. I told him about you, Historia as well. But, anyway, I don’t care if he will scream anymore. I don’t like us being apart like this.” Sable released a shiver as he cast a heavy sigh against my neck, then rolled to his side as he pulled me into a cuddled position.

“I don’t care anymore either. I just want to be with you.”

“Then, get some sleep.”

“Okay.”

His hand drifted around my waist, and he caressed my stomach over the nightgown for a moment, but then I felt his weight grow suddenly relaxed as sleep overcame my poor, exhausted boyfriend. The sounds of the party still echoed through the open window, but the cedar-scented wind filled the room with its pleasant aroma, and eventually the candle flicked out on its own.

Still, I hated the sound of the laughter outside, and only Sable’s steady breathing allowed me to drift into some state of lucid sleep.

I woke up to Sable’s wing over my body like a blanket, and his hands tightly gripping me. He had held me all night, and my arms felt stiff from laying on my side, but he slowly began to stir and suddenly I felt his lower body push against my rear.

Oh—that’s…

I heard plenty of provocative tales of men’s genitalia and libidos while working mainly with men in the mines, and was thoroughly warned by my mother of what happens to scandalous women who partake in promiscuous behavior while young and naive. With Sable, I desired to have a smooth progression of our relationship, and the very idea of exploring anything while under the roof of a Master caused my skin to crawl, and I quickly rolled away.

“Good morning,” Sable said with a low, growling voice as he pushed his hair out of his face while drooping his sleep-laden eyes. “Are—did you sleep alright?”

“Yeah it was fine,” I said as I drifted over to the dresser in hopes that Sable had also provided other clothing for me.

“Are you leaving?” he asked as I dug through the drawers filled with new clothes I had never seen him wear. “Can you stay at least for breakfast?”

“I—I, uh, really need to go, Historia has a lot for me to do, and I’m thinking about going to visit Jadis to speak to her about magic.” I gave up on finding anything that would fit me, and instead grabbed my blue, fancy dress on the floor and shoved my legs into it while Sable lounged on the side of the bed while peering through the canopy he shifted away. With my back turned, I adjusted the bodice, feeling sweat pile on my skin knowing that Sable was intently watching me. In the morning light, I felt exposed, but I quickly adjusted the evening dress over my undergarments, and threw the night gown aside, then fastened the halter neck with the silver buttons.

I turned around and Sable’s crimson eyes glistened in the low, morning light, and I drifted over to the side of the bed where he shifted up. I leaned over, tilting my nose up and he bent his neck backwards as he slightly gaped his mouth.

“I’ll see you tonight, yeah? Just like we talked about?” I asked, while hovering my face near his. “Remember to say no to things you are uncomfortable with.”

“Then, no—I don’t want you to leave,” he said, suddenly smiling as he grabbed my waist while spreading his legs apart as he pulled me between. I placed both hands upon his shoulder, and could hear our hearts race as our lips joined and his hands drifted further down my back. But, I moved my head away, despite his yearning.

“Come to the library, and you can kiss me again,” I whispered.

“But, there are always people around at the library,” he replied. “We are alone here. Come back to bed with me? Stay a little longer. Your absence is uncomfortable.”

“You have work today—just come home, okay?”

“Fine.” He kissed me again, then released his hands from my waist, and I scampered out of the room, conflicted of leaving him alone, but desperate to leave the estate of an elite who had ensnared my boyfriend into a position he couldn’t refuse.

I hurried down the hall, hoping to avoid the master himself, but, to my utmost surprise, I ran into Jamie who was being escorted by a servant.

“What the hell?” I exclaimed and his cheeks grew suddenly red as he and I were both wearing our clothes from the night before—both wrinkled—both of us flustered.

“Look at us—doing the same walk of shame—ha!” Jamie jeered, and the servant rolled his brown eyes as he pointed to the front door, stating that we could leave on our own, and he no longer needed to assist.

I hurried down the hall while Jamie followed closely, too afraid of what nonsense he had been up to, or why he was still at the estate—even though it was obvious without him needing to open his mouth.

“Sooo, how was it?” Jamie intrusively asked after we had moved down to the third level and began drifting across the bridges towards the library.

“Don’t know what you’re talking about,” I huffed, and Jamie just giggled like the man child he was.

“Ah, don’t tell me you guys didn’t knock boots. Come on!”

“Mind your own business!”

“I do—and it was pleasant.”

“Yeah? Did you get the reputation that you wanted, the piles of den? Win over a beautiful woman?” I threw a smug grin at Jamie, who only lowered his face and his uncombed hair covered the conflict in his eyes as he nervously adjusted the strap of his lute across his chest.

“I guess dreams don’t always happen all at once.”

“What do you mean?” I paused as we crossed the middle of an overhanging bridge. The morning workers were moving along the streets below, and lanterns were being extinguished as the early morning light beamed through the city, wafting a familiar scent that caused my stomach to knot.

“Yeah, doesn’t seem that elites are as generous as I was hoping, nor alluring as they appear.”

“Maybe your music just wanted up to their little snobby standards.” Jamie smiled, then looked up at me with sorrowful eyes as he attempted to hide the truth behind his evening, then again, I was also unwilling to tell him about my private affairs. “That—that’s not true. Your music is fabulous. It’s them that are the problem.”

“Oh, yeah I know that. I just have to step up my charm, that’s all. I was invited back tomorrow. And another lord is interested. It’s just—well, I guess it isn’t as fun as I thought.”

“Fun? Or easy?”

“Both.”

“Yeah, I thought so.” I continued down the bridge again, and Jamie skipped along, causing it to slightly bounce as his energy quickly returned.

“What about Sable? He seemed pretty upset last night. He looked so pretty though. Even I was enamored and wanted to touch his pectorals.”

“He’s discovering the same about high-society—despite my heavy warnings. Hopefully he can last long enough till I can find better work. I don’t know. Maybe it’ll work out—if he stops letting people do as they please. I’m going to try to work with Historia in lessons, and return to the Apothecary with Jadis.”

“Oh, I’m sure Sable will be fine—he’s just a messenger, anyway. Moritz is also one and he’s thicker than any brick. Hardened to a prod. Balls of steel.” Jamie gave a childish giggle again, but then cleared his throat as we moved down another flight of stairs, and my stomach gave a loud growl as the scent of fresh bread permeated the thick, city air.

“Lillie—why did you get kicked out of your home?” Jamie asked after we stopped at a bakery for breakfast. “What are you hiding from me? I promise I won’t judge you. Did something happen?”

“This is no time to talk about that,” I said as we waited in line, and Jamie tilted his head to the side, causing his neck to stretch, and I noticed small bruising against his skin under his collar.

“Tell me later?” he asked, and my eyes shifted. He straightened his head, then maneuvered the collar of his jacket closer to his neck, and nervously looked away.

“Yeah, if you promise to keep it a secret,” I replied, and he grinned widely. “Now, tell me your secret. What the hell were you doing at Lord Orvin’s overnight?”

“Nuh-uh, you gotta tell me your secret first.”

“I thought you didn’t have secrets and are an open book?” Jamie’s eyes darted to the side as he scratched at the side of his cheek.

“Well, if you remember that about me, then you’d also know that I don’t know how to read, so how could I ever even read the pages I obviously display too much for all to see? I’m just as confused with recent events.”

“What are you even talking about?”

“You tell me your secret, and I’ll tell you mine. Fair is fair. No take backs.”

“Fine—but not here.”

“Anything you desire, dear maiden who has yet to give her flower to her devoted boyfriend.”

“Get lost.” I shoved Jamie’s shoulder, causing him to whine as he pouted his lips, and made a rather public display in the midst of those waiting in line at the bakery I was thankful was not owned by any of his family. We picked up the fresh bread, and ate while walking back to the library in which I heavily anticipated telling Jamie the truth about the day Sable was attacked at the market.

We entered the library where Historia greeted us, informing me about the work she had waiting for me, and I moved upstairs to dress myself into normal clothes while Jamie waited. Surprisingly, he took the information well, stating that he knew from the first day that he met me that I had to be some sort of mythical creature, for that was the only thing that made sense in his mind.

“Yet! Here you are, a magical powerful nymph still living on the ground, when will you rise to your position?” Jamie declared after I had told him everything.

“It’s not that easy—and what would I even do? I don’t even know how it works or where it comes from,” I said as I scoured through my notebooks, readying myself to help Historia with the library and future lessons.

“Oh, maybe you need to go on like a quest or something, or just let Sable get beat up again and heal him like before. That could do it.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Just saying—might work and he loves getting beat up. Hey, I’ll even do it. Then again, you might be healing me instead.” Jamie laughed at his own joke, and I simply rolled my eyes. Then, as I gathered everything I needed, I paused and stared at Jamie, and tilted my chin up.

“So—your turn. No take backs.”

“Oh.” Jamie scratched at his neck while his eyes darted as he tapped the front of his boot against the wooden floor. Then, he sighed heavily, and hung his head, causing his uncombed hair to cover his eyes.

“Honestly, I don’t think women are attracted to me,” he mumbled. A shrill laugh escaped my mouth as I raised my brows, thinking how absurd Jamie truly was with his notion of what he considered a secret.

He raised his head, glaring through his unkept hair, then spun around as he dramatically stomped down the stairs, and he slammed the door leading into the library.

I shrugged, unsure why he would get all upset, nor desired to have that conversation with him—feeling as if he was attempting to victimize himself in whatever scandal he had gotten himself into. He was three years older than me, and I was already struggling how to navigate through a whole new adult-world my parents had done a sorry job to prepare me for.

I quietly clambered down the stairs, and entered the library where Historia sat with another reader. Her eyes lifted and she moved over to my side while pointing to the door.

“Jamie nearly bit my head off, what happened?” she whispered while stepping close to my side.

“Oh, he just said something really odd, then stomped off,” I said, and Historia shrugged.

“What about Sable? Did you have a nice time with him?”

“What do you think?”

“Ah—aren’t you all just little bundles of joy this week.” She pinched my cheek, then asked for me to organize a few books, then claimed that I could spend the rest of the afternoon preparing lessons for her group of children and we would clean the kitchen together in the evening. She then drifted off to help another reader. I did as she asked, feeling relieved to return to my routine with my mentor, and anticipated the moment when Sable would also return to my side, and hoped that he would soon discover how disappointing a life with Lord Orvin truly would be in the long run.

As for Jamie, I didn’t see him for quite some time, and wondered if I had been too harsh during his moment of seriousness.

Then again, I had my own conflicting love affairs to deal with.