Courtesan 5, Supernatural RPS, R-ish
Aug. 12th, 2008 07:53 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
phantismaFandom: Supernatural RPS
Title: Courtesan 5 ( all of Courtesan can be found here)
Pairing/Characters: Jensen/OMC, mentions of Jared and Jeff
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: 3303
Summary: Total AU. Jensen is taken to the king's court and discovers what his new life will be like.
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![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
apieceofcake...
The journey from the only home he could remember to the place he would spend the rest of his life took nearly three days by coach. Jensen sat silently beside Lord David Morgan, Jeffrey’s oldest brother, and tried not to think of what he was leaving behind.
It was an honor. He had to remind himself. To serve in the Great Hall of the Royal Court was a dream he had never dared to. It was the highest honor a courtesan could achieve. He would need to work diligently to ensure he didn’t disgrace his lord.
It was rumored that the prince had words from Lord Garson regarding Jensen’s beauty, and that despite Lord Jeffrey’s attempts to hide Jensen from him, Prince Fallon had asked for him by name prior to his departure, and Lord Jeffrey was afforded no choice, but to present Jensen to him.
Of course, that was merely rumor, and Jensen knew better than to put much stock in it. As their journey neared its end, Jensen’s thoughts drifted from Jeffrey to Jared.
He had been so angry, so hurt. Jensen closed his eyes and remembered the fresh bruises on his face, the betrayal in his eyes. His hand moved to the inside pocket of his robe where he’d secreted the small wooden rose. He pressed against it and held on to the memory of Jared’s presence.
He hadn’t really said goodbye. He’d run from him, run away and hidden in his closet to cry.
The coach came to a stop and Lord David stirred. “Well, here we are.”
Jensen looked up and nodded tightly.
“We’ll be shown to rooms where you will be given time to freshen up. After that, I will present you to His Majesty when court convenes this afternoon.”
“Thank you my Lord.”
Lord David preceded him out of the coach. Jensen stood, gathering his robe around him and accepting the knob of the coachman’s staff for balance as he stepped out. Here at court the rules governing who was permitted to touch him were stricter and even those working in a serving capacity were restricted.
He followed Lord David, up a marble staircase and into a palace that made the House of Morgan seem dwarfed. The liveried servant guiding them opened doors in to a lush suite, then a second set of doors into a more modest room complete with a tub and vanity.
“I will have a bath drawn immediately, my lord,” the servant bowed deeply.
“Very good. Have our things delivered immediately.” Lord David turned to one of his own men following them with a box. “Ah, Lucian, thank you.”
When the doors were closed and they were alone for a few minutes, David turned to Jensen, presenting the box to him. “A gift, from the entire family. For your debut here at court.”
“You are most generous, my Lord.” Jensen took the box, blushing.
“We hope it will help you in your transition, and make your appearance before the king memorable. Please, open it.”
Jensen set the box down on the low table near the couch and knelt beside it to open it. Inside lay a court robe of extravagant design, made of gold cloth and silk. The collar was encrusted with gems. It was a robe fit for a king’s courtesan.
“I do not know what to say, my Lord.” Jensen said, his voice breathy. “It is most beautiful.”
“It needed to be, to do your face justice.” David replied, his hand slipping to cup Jensen’s face. “My brother has the best eye for beauty.” There was a knock and Lord David turned to the door. “That will be your bath.”
A parade of men in uniform entered, carrying steaming buckets of water and the luggage that contained Jensen’s personal belongings. Jensen withdrew to the smaller room and when the bath was full and the servants were gone, he closed the door to begin his preparation.
His hands shook slightly as he disrobed and washed himself of the dust from travel prior to sinking into the water. The tub was smaller than he was accustomed to, but adequate. He closed his eyes and let the heat soak into his skin.
He was nervous, so much more so than he had been on the night of his first time, or when he took his novice vows, or before his debut. His stomach pinched and he had to remember to breathe. If he didn’t he might throw up. It was a new court, a new Lord. He wouldn’t know any of the other courtesans, not that he had many friends before. Jensen had always been focused on his studies, on learning to be perfect.
All too soon the water was beginning to chill and Jensen pulled himself up and out of the tub.
On the vanity sat his cosmetics case, his jewelry box and the bag with his hair tools. The rest would be taken directly to the room he would be assigned after this evening was over. He sat at the vanity and stared at his naked reflection for a long moment.
With a deep breath, Jensen centered himself. He had trained for this his whole life. He needed to put everything but this moment from his head. He had an hour or so to prepare. He began with his hair, brushing it out to let it dry. He would braid and bead several sections once it was dry.
Jensen opened his cosmetics, sorting through them. His robe was gold. He pulled out the gold powder and liquid, the red pot of rouge. There was the pot of glue and the small red gems that he would apply over his eyebrows. He had spent much of the journey contemplating his makeup for this event.
He started with the rouge, covering his eyes, then off over his temples, working it into his skin more as he neared his hairline so that the color faded slowly as it moved away from his eyes. He dusted it with powder so that it would set, then rummaged in his case for his brushes. The tiniest one he dipped into the liquid gold, carefully lining his upper eyelid, keeping the line delicate, even as he extended it out, then up and onto his forehead with a gentle swirl. He repeated the process on the other side, then drew tendrils, delicate swirls of gold over his skin.
Jensen opened the small jar of the tiny gems and chose one that was teardrop shaped. He brushed a small amount of the glue to the back and set it on his forehead, between his eyes. He chose six more, all the same size and teardrop shape, three for over each eyebrow.
Next, Jensen used the red to color in his lips, staining them a deep red. He finished them off with an ointment that would make them shiny. He made quick work of his hair and turned to his jewelry box.
He would need his best for this. Fortunately, Jensen had been gifted generously over the years. He opened the box, immediately choosing the large ruby pendant that had been Lord Jeffrey’s gift to him. He settled that around his next and decided on the gold hoop earrings, with the gold waist chain. He set Lord Garson’s diamond ring on his right index finger and a ruby one on his left.
Jensen went into the jewelry box one more time, emerging with the gold cock ring and the last piece of jewelry Lord Jeffrey had given him. He didn’t particularly care for it, but it did look spectacular when worn, and spectacular was something he needed for this.
He eased the cock ring on, attaching the end of the waist chain to it and fondling himself to semi-hard. A little ointment on the rod of the other jewelry, and he held his breath as he slid it inside his penis, then settled the ring where it would hold the hole thing in place.
That done, Jensen stood, reaching for the new robe. He slid his arms into it, settling the fine cloth over him, adjusting the collar. It was stunning. He drew it closed in front, buttoning the two small buttons that would keep it closed enough for an appearance at court.
If he’d been performing, the robe would remain open, but he wasn’t and these were new Lords who may have differing rules for how and when they’re courtesan’s were displayed.
When he emerged at last, Lord David was also dressed in his house finery and ready for their appearance in court. “Are you ready?”
Jensen nodded. His nerves hadn’t settled much, but he was no longer afraid he might throw up. “I am ready, my Lord.”
David smiled at him. “You will do our House a great honor, Jensen. I am only sorry that to do that you must leave us.”
The door opened and David led him out of the residential quarters, through corridors that looked all the same, until they were standing in front of two enormous doors carved of ebony and dressed in gold leaf and jewels.
Jensen took a deep breathe. He had been coached on this moment. The doors would open and David would be announced. They would walk the length of the court, Jensen three full steps behind him. Jensen’s hands were to remain at his side. His eyes on David’s back. He was not to look up or around.
“Your Majesty, Lord David Morgan, eldest son of the House of Morgan begs leave to enter your presence.” The man’s voice was booming and Jensen had to resist the urge to look up at him.
“Let him come.”
David drew himself up to his full height, then set out. Jensen fell into place behind him, following carefully. He felt like the entire world was watching him, but he kept his eyes locked on the back of Lord David’s coat. Then David was going to one knee and Jensen followed suit.
It took a long moment before anyone moved. Jensen forced himself to breathe slowly through his nose and keep his head bowed.
“My Lord David, please rise and give us news of your fair House.”
David rose while Jensen remained on his knee. “Your Majesty, thank you for your most gracious welcome. My father sends his regrets that he could not come in person. It is a difficult time with my mother so ill and the restlessness of the lower provinces.”
“My eldest believes we would do well to quell the restlessness by force. I am not convinced the time has yet come for that.”
David inclined his head. “You are a wise king, Your Majesty. There may yet be a peaceful solution, or so my father believes.”
“You did not come all this way though to placate me with niceties, my Lord.”
David bowed deeply. “No, Your Majesty. I have come to deliver to your court the most beautiful and talented courtesan to grace the House of Morgan in over fifty years. Prince Fallon requested him. May I present him to you?”
“Please.”
Jensen stood slowly and stepped forward to Lord David’s side. “Your Majesty, I present to you the House of Morgan’s finest courtesan, Jensen.”
Jensen dipped in deep, formal curtsey, holding the pose and waiting.
“Rise and step forward. I would see this beauty my son brings to court.”
Jensen stood and took two steps before inclining his head again. “Look up at me so I can see your face.”
He lifted his face, but didn’t look directly at the king.
“He is exquisite.”
“Thank you, Sire.”
“Open your robe.”
Jensen undid the buttons and let the robe fall open. The king nodded. “Yes, I can see what my son found so alluring. We accept your gift, my Lord. Please relay my appreciation to your father when you see him again.”
“As you wish, Your Majesty.”
And just like that, it was over. Jensen was led away by a servant, through a side door and down more corridors until he was led into an opulent room. A man stood behind a desk, examining some papers. “You are Jensen?”
“I am.”
The man nodded, his hair falling in his eyes. “I am Master Melicas, Director of Royal Courtesans.”
Jensen wasn’t invited to sit, so he settled on his bare feet to stand. “According to your paperwork, you play the harp, dance, cook, sing, recite poetry, paint and are skilled in the arts of sexual pleasures of an impressive variety.”
“I have studied hard, my lord.” Jensen responded.
“Your previous Mistress speaks highly of you, though there is a mark on your record. Something to do with a gladiator?”
Jensen’s breath hitched as the man looked up at him, his eyes a piercing blue. “It was nothing, my lord. An infatuation.”
He nodded. “Well, it shouldn’t be of concern here anyway. His Highness has requested you to be sequestered.”
“Sequestered, my lord?” Jensen had heard that there were those Houses that did that, kept their best for their family and royalty alone.
“Apparently he believes you are too good to share with the rest of court.” Melicas shuffled some things on his desk and held up a key. “Come, I will take you to your rooms and go over some of the basic rules. You should have another two hours to get settled in before His Majesty is ready to visit you.”
Once more Jensen was led out into the confusing maze of corridors and up to a set of doors. Melicas put the key in the lock and pushed the door open. “This will be your home. Everything you will need will be delivered to you here.”
The doors opened on a huge sitting room with plush couches and chairs and carpeting that was nearly ankle thick in a deep burgundy color. A glass door was open on a beautiful garden and a soft breeze brought him the smell of lavender and jasmine. Near the window was a bookshelf filled with bound books and scrolls.
Melicas opened a door to his right and led Jensen into a bedroom largely dominated by a four poster bed. On the wall opposite the bed was a beautiful marble and oak vanity with drawers and a mirror that was nearly as large as he was. His jewelry and cosmetics waited him there.
There was a large walk in closet and he could see that most of his clothes had already been hung there. Through the closet was a bathing chamber.
“Water is delivered through this pipe.” Melicas pointed to a pipe and valve over a large pot in the fireplace. “When it is warmed, you need only tip the pot into the tub.” He demonstrated the ease with which the pot turned and dropped it’s water directly into the vast tub. “When you are finished, the water is drained away here.” He pointed to the drain in the tub, which ran into the floor, and Jensen assumed into the palace’s sewer.
There was a shelf near the tub for his bathing items, which had likewise been placed already beside stacks of fluffy towels and other necessities.
“Your toilet is through that door.” Melicas pointed. Back through the bedroom, Melicas led him into the sitting room and over to yet another door. “Your kitchen. You will be warned in advance if you will be feeding someone other than yourself. Leave a list of items you require here.” He pointed to a shelf with a sliding door over it. “The kitchen will provide it. For your daily food requirements, you will get a delivery every other day. It will be left here in the morning. Wood for the fires is delivered every three days.”
Melicas lead him back into the sitting room. “No one not of royal blood is to touch you, ever. For any reason. You are a Royal Courtesan now, bound to the royal family. If you allow anyone else to lay even a finger on you for any reason, the both of you will be punished.” Melicas looked him in the eye. “For you the punishment will be severe, for the other, it will be death.”
“I understand.” Jensen murmured.
“This key will lock this door behind me. Only myself and the royal family have access to this key. On the table there is a more detailed listing of your duties and responsibilities. I suggest you read it thoroughly within the next twenty four hours. The king will be in to see you once he is done in court.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
“One more thing, unlike your previous home, you are on duty at all times. There is no requisite rest period between engagements. Any member of the royal family may enter this apartment at any time and you are to service him or her.”
“I shall do my best.”
“You are a pretty thing. Prince Fallon certainly does know how to pick them.”
The door closed and locked and Jensen was alone. He swallowed a sudden lump in his throat and made his way to his vanity. The servants had unpacked nearly everything but his most personal items. He sat and lost himself in the minutia of unpacking and arranging and making himself comfortable, removing some of the jewelry and placing it back in his box. He laid out his brushes and the myriad vials and pots and bottles of perfumes and cosmetics, set his jewelry box on the right side. After a slight hesitation, he opened the box and withdrew a small velvet pouch.
Jensen closed his hand over it, then slowly untied the strings and dumped the contents into his palm. Even now he treasured it far beyond any of the jewelry or expensive robes he’d ever been given. He ran a finger over the edges of Jared’s rose, then set it on the vanity, nestling it in between two bottles of perfume where it wouldn’t be obvious.
That done, he touched up his makeup so that he was fresh for the king and returned to the sitting room to begin reading his instructions, settling onto one of the couches to read.
The rules were not all that different than those of the House of Morgan. Perhaps more strict with regards to performance, but nothing he found unreasonable.
It wasn’t quite two hours when he heard the key in the lock. Jensen stood, moving away from the couch to stand mostly in the center of the room. The door opened and the king entered. Jensen dropped instantly into a curtsey. He felt a soft hand on his face that drew him up. The door had closed and the king offered him a smile.
“I often find my son’s taste in men differs significantly from my own. This time, I am pleased to discover that we agree.”
Jensen could feel himself blushing, the warmth spreading over his cheeks and into his chest. His heart was racing and he could only hope it couldn’t be heard thumping.
“My nephew bragged on your skills with your mouth. I hope to find that he and I are likewise in agreement.” The king stepped back, his eyes sweeping over Jensen. “Remove the robe.”
Jensen let it fall to the floor. “Very nice. Come, I will have you show me those skills Garson was so enamored of.”
Jensen nodded, offering a small smile. Unlike Garson, the king was a most handsome man and so far had proven himself gentle. Perhaps this would not be as difficult as Jensen had feared. Perhaps he would come to find this place to be as much his home as the House of Morgan had been.
Perhaps he would even come to forget a dashing and strong gladiator named Jared.
Title: Courtesan 5 ( all of Courtesan can be found here)
Pairing/Characters: Jensen/OMC, mentions of Jared and Jeff
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: 3303
Summary: Total AU. Jensen is taken to the king's court and discovers what his new life will be like.
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...The journey from the only home he could remember to the place he would spend the rest of his life took nearly three days by coach. Jensen sat silently beside Lord David Morgan, Jeffrey’s oldest brother, and tried not to think of what he was leaving behind.
It was an honor. He had to remind himself. To serve in the Great Hall of the Royal Court was a dream he had never dared to. It was the highest honor a courtesan could achieve. He would need to work diligently to ensure he didn’t disgrace his lord.
It was rumored that the prince had words from Lord Garson regarding Jensen’s beauty, and that despite Lord Jeffrey’s attempts to hide Jensen from him, Prince Fallon had asked for him by name prior to his departure, and Lord Jeffrey was afforded no choice, but to present Jensen to him.
Of course, that was merely rumor, and Jensen knew better than to put much stock in it. As their journey neared its end, Jensen’s thoughts drifted from Jeffrey to Jared.
He had been so angry, so hurt. Jensen closed his eyes and remembered the fresh bruises on his face, the betrayal in his eyes. His hand moved to the inside pocket of his robe where he’d secreted the small wooden rose. He pressed against it and held on to the memory of Jared’s presence.
He hadn’t really said goodbye. He’d run from him, run away and hidden in his closet to cry.
The coach came to a stop and Lord David stirred. “Well, here we are.”
Jensen looked up and nodded tightly.
“We’ll be shown to rooms where you will be given time to freshen up. After that, I will present you to His Majesty when court convenes this afternoon.”
“Thank you my Lord.”
Lord David preceded him out of the coach. Jensen stood, gathering his robe around him and accepting the knob of the coachman’s staff for balance as he stepped out. Here at court the rules governing who was permitted to touch him were stricter and even those working in a serving capacity were restricted.
He followed Lord David, up a marble staircase and into a palace that made the House of Morgan seem dwarfed. The liveried servant guiding them opened doors in to a lush suite, then a second set of doors into a more modest room complete with a tub and vanity.
“I will have a bath drawn immediately, my lord,” the servant bowed deeply.
“Very good. Have our things delivered immediately.” Lord David turned to one of his own men following them with a box. “Ah, Lucian, thank you.”
When the doors were closed and they were alone for a few minutes, David turned to Jensen, presenting the box to him. “A gift, from the entire family. For your debut here at court.”
“You are most generous, my Lord.” Jensen took the box, blushing.
“We hope it will help you in your transition, and make your appearance before the king memorable. Please, open it.”
Jensen set the box down on the low table near the couch and knelt beside it to open it. Inside lay a court robe of extravagant design, made of gold cloth and silk. The collar was encrusted with gems. It was a robe fit for a king’s courtesan.
“I do not know what to say, my Lord.” Jensen said, his voice breathy. “It is most beautiful.”
“It needed to be, to do your face justice.” David replied, his hand slipping to cup Jensen’s face. “My brother has the best eye for beauty.” There was a knock and Lord David turned to the door. “That will be your bath.”
A parade of men in uniform entered, carrying steaming buckets of water and the luggage that contained Jensen’s personal belongings. Jensen withdrew to the smaller room and when the bath was full and the servants were gone, he closed the door to begin his preparation.
His hands shook slightly as he disrobed and washed himself of the dust from travel prior to sinking into the water. The tub was smaller than he was accustomed to, but adequate. He closed his eyes and let the heat soak into his skin.
He was nervous, so much more so than he had been on the night of his first time, or when he took his novice vows, or before his debut. His stomach pinched and he had to remember to breathe. If he didn’t he might throw up. It was a new court, a new Lord. He wouldn’t know any of the other courtesans, not that he had many friends before. Jensen had always been focused on his studies, on learning to be perfect.
All too soon the water was beginning to chill and Jensen pulled himself up and out of the tub.
On the vanity sat his cosmetics case, his jewelry box and the bag with his hair tools. The rest would be taken directly to the room he would be assigned after this evening was over. He sat at the vanity and stared at his naked reflection for a long moment.
With a deep breath, Jensen centered himself. He had trained for this his whole life. He needed to put everything but this moment from his head. He had an hour or so to prepare. He began with his hair, brushing it out to let it dry. He would braid and bead several sections once it was dry.
Jensen opened his cosmetics, sorting through them. His robe was gold. He pulled out the gold powder and liquid, the red pot of rouge. There was the pot of glue and the small red gems that he would apply over his eyebrows. He had spent much of the journey contemplating his makeup for this event.
He started with the rouge, covering his eyes, then off over his temples, working it into his skin more as he neared his hairline so that the color faded slowly as it moved away from his eyes. He dusted it with powder so that it would set, then rummaged in his case for his brushes. The tiniest one he dipped into the liquid gold, carefully lining his upper eyelid, keeping the line delicate, even as he extended it out, then up and onto his forehead with a gentle swirl. He repeated the process on the other side, then drew tendrils, delicate swirls of gold over his skin.
Jensen opened the small jar of the tiny gems and chose one that was teardrop shaped. He brushed a small amount of the glue to the back and set it on his forehead, between his eyes. He chose six more, all the same size and teardrop shape, three for over each eyebrow.
Next, Jensen used the red to color in his lips, staining them a deep red. He finished them off with an ointment that would make them shiny. He made quick work of his hair and turned to his jewelry box.
He would need his best for this. Fortunately, Jensen had been gifted generously over the years. He opened the box, immediately choosing the large ruby pendant that had been Lord Jeffrey’s gift to him. He settled that around his next and decided on the gold hoop earrings, with the gold waist chain. He set Lord Garson’s diamond ring on his right index finger and a ruby one on his left.
Jensen went into the jewelry box one more time, emerging with the gold cock ring and the last piece of jewelry Lord Jeffrey had given him. He didn’t particularly care for it, but it did look spectacular when worn, and spectacular was something he needed for this.
He eased the cock ring on, attaching the end of the waist chain to it and fondling himself to semi-hard. A little ointment on the rod of the other jewelry, and he held his breath as he slid it inside his penis, then settled the ring where it would hold the hole thing in place.
That done, Jensen stood, reaching for the new robe. He slid his arms into it, settling the fine cloth over him, adjusting the collar. It was stunning. He drew it closed in front, buttoning the two small buttons that would keep it closed enough for an appearance at court.
If he’d been performing, the robe would remain open, but he wasn’t and these were new Lords who may have differing rules for how and when they’re courtesan’s were displayed.
When he emerged at last, Lord David was also dressed in his house finery and ready for their appearance in court. “Are you ready?”
Jensen nodded. His nerves hadn’t settled much, but he was no longer afraid he might throw up. “I am ready, my Lord.”
David smiled at him. “You will do our House a great honor, Jensen. I am only sorry that to do that you must leave us.”
The door opened and David led him out of the residential quarters, through corridors that looked all the same, until they were standing in front of two enormous doors carved of ebony and dressed in gold leaf and jewels.
Jensen took a deep breathe. He had been coached on this moment. The doors would open and David would be announced. They would walk the length of the court, Jensen three full steps behind him. Jensen’s hands were to remain at his side. His eyes on David’s back. He was not to look up or around.
“Your Majesty, Lord David Morgan, eldest son of the House of Morgan begs leave to enter your presence.” The man’s voice was booming and Jensen had to resist the urge to look up at him.
“Let him come.”
David drew himself up to his full height, then set out. Jensen fell into place behind him, following carefully. He felt like the entire world was watching him, but he kept his eyes locked on the back of Lord David’s coat. Then David was going to one knee and Jensen followed suit.
It took a long moment before anyone moved. Jensen forced himself to breathe slowly through his nose and keep his head bowed.
“My Lord David, please rise and give us news of your fair House.”
David rose while Jensen remained on his knee. “Your Majesty, thank you for your most gracious welcome. My father sends his regrets that he could not come in person. It is a difficult time with my mother so ill and the restlessness of the lower provinces.”
“My eldest believes we would do well to quell the restlessness by force. I am not convinced the time has yet come for that.”
David inclined his head. “You are a wise king, Your Majesty. There may yet be a peaceful solution, or so my father believes.”
“You did not come all this way though to placate me with niceties, my Lord.”
David bowed deeply. “No, Your Majesty. I have come to deliver to your court the most beautiful and talented courtesan to grace the House of Morgan in over fifty years. Prince Fallon requested him. May I present him to you?”
“Please.”
Jensen stood slowly and stepped forward to Lord David’s side. “Your Majesty, I present to you the House of Morgan’s finest courtesan, Jensen.”
Jensen dipped in deep, formal curtsey, holding the pose and waiting.
“Rise and step forward. I would see this beauty my son brings to court.”
Jensen stood and took two steps before inclining his head again. “Look up at me so I can see your face.”
He lifted his face, but didn’t look directly at the king.
“He is exquisite.”
“Thank you, Sire.”
“Open your robe.”
Jensen undid the buttons and let the robe fall open. The king nodded. “Yes, I can see what my son found so alluring. We accept your gift, my Lord. Please relay my appreciation to your father when you see him again.”
“As you wish, Your Majesty.”
And just like that, it was over. Jensen was led away by a servant, through a side door and down more corridors until he was led into an opulent room. A man stood behind a desk, examining some papers. “You are Jensen?”
“I am.”
The man nodded, his hair falling in his eyes. “I am Master Melicas, Director of Royal Courtesans.”
Jensen wasn’t invited to sit, so he settled on his bare feet to stand. “According to your paperwork, you play the harp, dance, cook, sing, recite poetry, paint and are skilled in the arts of sexual pleasures of an impressive variety.”
“I have studied hard, my lord.” Jensen responded.
“Your previous Mistress speaks highly of you, though there is a mark on your record. Something to do with a gladiator?”
Jensen’s breath hitched as the man looked up at him, his eyes a piercing blue. “It was nothing, my lord. An infatuation.”
He nodded. “Well, it shouldn’t be of concern here anyway. His Highness has requested you to be sequestered.”
“Sequestered, my lord?” Jensen had heard that there were those Houses that did that, kept their best for their family and royalty alone.
“Apparently he believes you are too good to share with the rest of court.” Melicas shuffled some things on his desk and held up a key. “Come, I will take you to your rooms and go over some of the basic rules. You should have another two hours to get settled in before His Majesty is ready to visit you.”
Once more Jensen was led out into the confusing maze of corridors and up to a set of doors. Melicas put the key in the lock and pushed the door open. “This will be your home. Everything you will need will be delivered to you here.”
The doors opened on a huge sitting room with plush couches and chairs and carpeting that was nearly ankle thick in a deep burgundy color. A glass door was open on a beautiful garden and a soft breeze brought him the smell of lavender and jasmine. Near the window was a bookshelf filled with bound books and scrolls.
Melicas opened a door to his right and led Jensen into a bedroom largely dominated by a four poster bed. On the wall opposite the bed was a beautiful marble and oak vanity with drawers and a mirror that was nearly as large as he was. His jewelry and cosmetics waited him there.
There was a large walk in closet and he could see that most of his clothes had already been hung there. Through the closet was a bathing chamber.
“Water is delivered through this pipe.” Melicas pointed to a pipe and valve over a large pot in the fireplace. “When it is warmed, you need only tip the pot into the tub.” He demonstrated the ease with which the pot turned and dropped it’s water directly into the vast tub. “When you are finished, the water is drained away here.” He pointed to the drain in the tub, which ran into the floor, and Jensen assumed into the palace’s sewer.
There was a shelf near the tub for his bathing items, which had likewise been placed already beside stacks of fluffy towels and other necessities.
“Your toilet is through that door.” Melicas pointed. Back through the bedroom, Melicas led him into the sitting room and over to yet another door. “Your kitchen. You will be warned in advance if you will be feeding someone other than yourself. Leave a list of items you require here.” He pointed to a shelf with a sliding door over it. “The kitchen will provide it. For your daily food requirements, you will get a delivery every other day. It will be left here in the morning. Wood for the fires is delivered every three days.”
Melicas lead him back into the sitting room. “No one not of royal blood is to touch you, ever. For any reason. You are a Royal Courtesan now, bound to the royal family. If you allow anyone else to lay even a finger on you for any reason, the both of you will be punished.” Melicas looked him in the eye. “For you the punishment will be severe, for the other, it will be death.”
“I understand.” Jensen murmured.
“This key will lock this door behind me. Only myself and the royal family have access to this key. On the table there is a more detailed listing of your duties and responsibilities. I suggest you read it thoroughly within the next twenty four hours. The king will be in to see you once he is done in court.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
“One more thing, unlike your previous home, you are on duty at all times. There is no requisite rest period between engagements. Any member of the royal family may enter this apartment at any time and you are to service him or her.”
“I shall do my best.”
“You are a pretty thing. Prince Fallon certainly does know how to pick them.”
The door closed and locked and Jensen was alone. He swallowed a sudden lump in his throat and made his way to his vanity. The servants had unpacked nearly everything but his most personal items. He sat and lost himself in the minutia of unpacking and arranging and making himself comfortable, removing some of the jewelry and placing it back in his box. He laid out his brushes and the myriad vials and pots and bottles of perfumes and cosmetics, set his jewelry box on the right side. After a slight hesitation, he opened the box and withdrew a small velvet pouch.
Jensen closed his hand over it, then slowly untied the strings and dumped the contents into his palm. Even now he treasured it far beyond any of the jewelry or expensive robes he’d ever been given. He ran a finger over the edges of Jared’s rose, then set it on the vanity, nestling it in between two bottles of perfume where it wouldn’t be obvious.
That done, he touched up his makeup so that he was fresh for the king and returned to the sitting room to begin reading his instructions, settling onto one of the couches to read.
The rules were not all that different than those of the House of Morgan. Perhaps more strict with regards to performance, but nothing he found unreasonable.
It wasn’t quite two hours when he heard the key in the lock. Jensen stood, moving away from the couch to stand mostly in the center of the room. The door opened and the king entered. Jensen dropped instantly into a curtsey. He felt a soft hand on his face that drew him up. The door had closed and the king offered him a smile.
“I often find my son’s taste in men differs significantly from my own. This time, I am pleased to discover that we agree.”
Jensen could feel himself blushing, the warmth spreading over his cheeks and into his chest. His heart was racing and he could only hope it couldn’t be heard thumping.
“My nephew bragged on your skills with your mouth. I hope to find that he and I are likewise in agreement.” The king stepped back, his eyes sweeping over Jensen. “Remove the robe.”
Jensen let it fall to the floor. “Very nice. Come, I will have you show me those skills Garson was so enamored of.”
Jensen nodded, offering a small smile. Unlike Garson, the king was a most handsome man and so far had proven himself gentle. Perhaps this would not be as difficult as Jensen had feared. Perhaps he would come to find this place to be as much his home as the House of Morgan had been.
Perhaps he would even come to forget a dashing and strong gladiator named Jared.
