“So, what exactly would this entail?”
He had the gall to casually shrug as if these kinds of arrangements were par for the course, “You would accompany me to the negotiations for a total of three days. Once the event is over, I will have a scribe draw up the introduction for you with the emblem of my Progenitor.”
Miri chewed her bottom lip and continued fiddling with her spoon. Could she be considering this? It seemed simple enough, but something still weighed on her mind, “No sex.”
She wasn’t expecting him to laugh, and she looked around the room in hopes that he didn’t draw any more attention from their fellow diners. Her face was heated, and she knew she was blushing, but she had every intention of ensuring she left his company completely unscathed.
“Why? That’s the best part.” His lips quirked up into a smirk before he cocked his head to the side, studying her as if she were a specimen under glass, “Do you think any male would be able to resist having someone as lovely as you in their bed without wanting to sample your charms?”
Miri’s mouth fell open, “We will be sleeping in the same room?”
“Having you in a separate accommodations defeats the purpose of your attendance.” He frowned, “What did you think you were going be doing for three whole days and nights? Acting as some form of decoration?” He chuffed and took another sip of wine. “No. You will behave as if you are madly in love with me, and I with you.”
“We don’t need to have sex for that.”
“It is not a matter of need,” Aisalan replied, his gaze heated as his eyes bore into hers.
She was in over her head but if she backed out now, she would return to Kyra with bad news and no viable alternatives. The stack of documents stowed in her little satchel would be worth nothing more than kindling.
“How can I be sure you’ll fulfill your end of the bargain?”
He scowled, and Miri couldn’t help feeling she may have insulted him by implying he was dishonorable enough to do such a thing. But, if she was going to lose her virginity to an Aelv she barely knew and didn’t trust, she needed to be damned sure he came through.
They remained in tense silence for a few moments, the din of the rapidly filling pub acting as a loud soundtrack to the selling of her soul. She wasn’t an idiot. It would be his word against hers were he to renege, and her word was worth less than water.
He finally responded, “If it makes you feel better, I can have the letter drawn up before we depart. It will just be a matter of my signature.”
“At the end of the third day?”
“Correct.”
Her hands were damp and clenched into tight fists in her lap. She was on the verge of throwing up, but she wiped her right one on her dress and extended it toward him the way humans commonly did to seal verbal arrangements. He studied it for a moment before firmly taking it in his own. “Deal,” Miri said.
Her heart sank into her stomach at the smile she received in return. His eyes, those enigmatic pools she fought not to get dragged into, held a glint of something foreign and dangerous.
“I will be sending a maidservant to handle your wardrobe.” He finally said after a moment of silence that stretched for far too long. “We will be leaving the day after tomorrow.”
“Wait. What?” Miri gasped, “I have to work both days.”
Aisalan stood and deposited a small purse on the table, “You will be working.”
“What am I going to tell my actual employer?” She gritted out. Even though within a week, she and Kyra would have to answer to no one but themselves, she balked at the notion of leaving Duriah high and dry with such short notice. If word got around...
“That is for you to figure out.” He raised his fingers, causing the guards to snap to attention. “Lyrei Aradan will be collecting you tomorrow afternoon. It would be wise for you to have your excuses made by then.”
Miri flinched as he grasped her hand again, “I’ll be ready.”
“I will see you again soon, Miri Third-Born.” He replied before pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles.
She swallowed and nodded, but said nothing as he signaled for the guards to follow him. Her hands trembled as she reached for the purse on the table, finding it contained more than enough for their meal. She deposited a single gold coin on the table and weighed the bag in her hand. She was unsure if this was just a way for him to flaunt his wealth or if he was putting a down payment on her company.
She quickly stuffed it into the larger pouch at her waist and took a look around before heading back out into the streets. Deep night had fallen, and she wished she had remembered to bring a cloak with her to ward off the chill.
Cala’s wasn’t very far from her tenement, but carrying a substantial amount of coin made her anxious. Casting one last look in the direction of the gate to the Convent, she caught sight of Aisalan speaking to one of the guards who then turned to look in her direction. That was enough. She turned on her heels and rushed back home, her mind singularly focused on making through the next few days.
Chapter Four
Aisalan
Their arrangement would go smoothly, provided she had help with navigating the quirks and arcane rules of the Progenitors’ courts. At least that’s what Aisalan told himself as he deposited his cloak with one of his servants and made his way to his study.
He would contact a scribe in the morning to draw up Miri’s letter. Until then, he had a lot to think about when it came to his new human companion though she would probably loathe thinking of herself that way. Her shock at his intent to bed her belied an innocence he hadn’t expected, and he was hard-pressed to deny the twinge of guilt that nagged at him for assuming she had ample knowledge of paying a flesh price.
He would probably have many of his assumptions shattered during their time together, and that was part of her allure. Most alchemists were known for being contrarian, far more interested in their potions and procedures than daily life. Her profession required her to be clever and observant. Those attributes would be necessities when handling the subtle barbs and probes of his social circle.
A social circle that would be looking for any chinks in their armor. Presenting a casteless human woman as his intended would cause a stir but it would also be a subtle reminder of the, generally faceless, human lives at stake. If the Otravians were providing support to rebels, it would be grounds for war, and that was the last thing Aisalan wanted disrupting the relative peace of their coexistence.
Myrenden would no doubt be called to arms by the dominion as the closest Aelven stronghold, and thousands would be killed. The outcome of these negotiations was a heavyweight to carry.
He quickly scribbled a list, and adhered his seal to ensure the shop owner knew where to send the bill.
“I take it your mission was successful?” A calm voice wafted over from the doorway, causing Aisalan to smile down at his task.
“How long will you be staying, mother?”
“Until you leave for the Otravian stronghold.” She sighed, “Though I do wish you would have found another way to procure companionship.” Her eyebrow rose to punctuate her point, “One that does not involve roping a young human female into the role of courtesan.”
Aisalan grimaced and placed his pen in its holder. As if connected to him by some form of a psychic link, his mother raised a hand, motioning for one of her attendants to retrieve his orders. He should have known she would ferret out his plans and should have been a bit more discrete with his inquiries.
“It’s an arrangement that will work well for both of us.” He replied.
His mother scowled.
“Besides,” He began, leaning back in his chair, “This event is far too important to have to worry about some simpering waif waiting for me to escort her around the town after a long day of negotiations.”
“So, you intend to shut her up in your rooms?” Her lips pursed in disapproval, and Aisalan couldn’t help but sigh in frustration.
“Miri Third-Born is qui
te capable of taking care of herself. She’ll be provided with ample funds to alleviate any potential boredom during our time apart.”
Though his mother would have preferred he take a human or Aelven woman of some standing with him, Aisalan was thankful she didn’t press the issue. With the negotiations swiftly approaching came the unbearable weight of his position, pressing down on him as it never had before. As Grand Treasurer, he was in the position to make significant monetary offers to their allies, both loyal and fence-sitting alike.
After all, human greed that had been instrumental in eventually conquering humans and bringing them into the Aelven Dominion. The thirst for gold, power, and aether propelled their species right into the dominion’s path. He would need a clear head to determine just how costly the continued peace would be.
“Who will you be sending to dress her?” His mother finally asked, and Aisalan’s eyes moved back to her from their prior position of gazing into the fireplace.
“Lyrei.” He said with a dismissive wave. The young Aelven female was good-natured and had an astounding amount of patience. Something he imagined she would need while handling her new charge.
“I would like to attend as well.”
Aisalan groaned and scrubbed a hand down his face, “You cannot be serious, mother. This isn’t a social call.”
“You’re bringing in a casteless human woman who has likely rarely had contact with people of the social standing you’ll be exposing her to.”
“And you plan on doing what exactly?” he scoffed, “Training her in proper manners and decorum in one afternoon? Please.”
“A far better plan than your own.” She replied primly, “Ignoring her and skulking about until the night hour.”
Aisalan blushed and rubbed the back of his neck. Leave it to Pyrin Vinhar to speak the unvarnished truth. He wondered how she even managed to navigate their political circle with such a short, incisive tongue. On the other hand, she had a perfect point. He wasn’t sure if he had the composure or delicate hand needed to provide Miri with an impromptu lesson in these matters.
Perhaps a female’s touch would provide a much smoother transition.
He sighed, “As you wish. I told her to expect a servant in the afternoon.”
“Kindly write down her address for me, and I’ll see to it that she has everything she needs.”
“How would I know-”
Pyrin gave him a cutting glance before elegantly turning on her heel and leaving the room. He knew he should have given strict instructions to his house servants not to allow her to set up in his home whenever she wished, but Lady Vinhar was a force to be reckoned with on a good day.
He scribbled Miri’s location on a sheet of parchment and, with a sarcastic flourish, added “Enjoy yourself” to the end. As his eyes studied the note, he had to stop himself from laughing. Perhaps this was a terrible plan but, it was already set in motion.
Miri
“I knew it!” Kyra shouted after Miri filled her in on the details of her dinner with Aisalan, “You can’t agree to this!”
Miri groaned, “Do you know of any other way to get what we need Kyra? I’m doing it, and that’s final.” She crossed her arms and let out an exasperated exhale.
“But you’ve never...” Kyra waved her hand, “You know.”
“I know that, but he doesn’t. Anyway, I’ve already agreed.” She chewed her bottom lip, “I just have to figure out what I’m going to tell Duriah.”
Kyra nodded, “That’s going to be a tough one.”
“I guess I could say I have an emergency.”
“What kind? We don’t have families. That’s not going to be a convincing excuse.”
Miri sighed. Whatever her reason was going to be, she’d need to think of something before the morning. Dinner with Aisalan had gone about as well as she could have expected, except for his direct assurance that she would be expected to share his bed. She wasn’t going to put herself at a disadvantage by admitting her virginity. He seemed like the kind of Aelv who would use it against her for leverage though she was unsure how much more he could wring out of her with the information.
“Either way, he left this.” She fished the small coin purse out of her leather pouch and let it fall to the dining table with a resounding thunk.
Kyra’s eyes widened, “What? Why?”
Miri casually shrugged though her emotions roiled in her gut, “I don’t know. Like some form of a down payment.”
Kyra grimaced and dumped the coins out on the table. Her eyes widened just as Miri’s own had done when she took in the substantial amount of gold. “We can eat off of this for months!” Kyra gasped.
“Yes...” Miri rubbed her arms and set about tidying their small space, “But I wouldn’t take it as some overly kind gesture.”
She didn’t know much about Aisalan Vinhar, but anyone who had the kind of wealth to throw around bags of gold was potentially dangerous. The temple bells sounded ninth toll, and she stifled a yawn as she released the plug from their small bathing tub. She watched the water swirl down the old pipes and considered washing again, anything to get the feeling of Aisalan’s eyes off of her skin.
The thought of his hands touching her filled her with trepidation, though a hint of curiosity continuously peaked through. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she had hoped her first experience with the male form would involve shared affection, quiet and soft, in a bed occupied by two people who loved each other.
She knew he expected sex from her, but she had no idea what else could come along with it, “What’s it like?”
Kyra blushed, “You mean laying with a man?”
Miri nodded, “I know the mechanics well enough, but...”
Kyra motioned for her to follow. Duriah would expect them first thing in the morning, and, according to her friend’s internal clock, it was time to wind down for bed. Miri feared she would be far too wired to sleep. Kyra’s answering was halting at first, “It’s...well the first time can be a bit painful.”
Miri stilled.
“If he’s gentle, it shouldn’t be too bad.” Kyra continued, “After the pain goes away, it can be...wonderful.” The vivid blush across her cheeks gave Miri an idea of just how “wonderful” it could be.
Kyra wasn’t one for frequent sexual encounters but had had a few lovers during their friendship. Nothing permanent or even that long-lasting, but when in love, Kyra was a sappy saccharine sight to behold, floating about their rooms, sighing as she washed the dishes. Miri hoped to never lose her senses that way.
“I think you should tell him you haven’t lain with anyone,” Kyra said as she blew out the last lamplight.
Miri shook her head, “I can’t give him that kind of power. Who knows what he could do with that information.”
Kyra snorted, “I don’t think virginity ranks that high on the list of dark secrets.” Miri turned to face her, finding her roommate already studying her with sad eyes, “I know I should be grateful for you doing this. It’s not an enviable position.”
Miri’s smile was weak, “I guess I’ll learn all about positions over the next few days.”
“That’s not funny.” Kyra said, but her hesitant laugh was like music to Miri’s ears. One of them had to keep a lightness about the entire scenario, and the other woman was far too sensitive to do so. The last thing Miri wanted was a pity. Aisalan didn’t force her into this arrangement. She had chosen it on her own. She would see it through to the very end if it meant taking them one step closer to their goal.
She swallowed the thick lump of fear that gathered in her throat, “I’ll be careful. I promise.”
She saw Kyra nod though, in the gloom of the room, she wished she could see whether she believed her. She needed some form of assurance since she hardly believed it herself.
Within a day, she would be traveling with a strange, Aelven, noble to some far off destination. The next day, she would need to face the judgmental faces of Aelven who would undoubtedly know why she was being e
ntirely remade into a new woman on someone else’s coin.
The night seemed to drag on. She would be a wreck in the morning.
Chapter Five
Miri
“Have you thought of what you’re going to tell him?” Kyra said, her voice as tense as Miri felt.
“The truth.”
“What?!” Kyra stopped and pulled on Miri’s arm, forcing her to face her. “Are you insane? There’s no way Duriah will allow it.”
Kyra sighed and looked in the direction of the gate back to The Hidden. Their walk had been slow due to her sluggishness. She had barely managed to get a wink of sleep, her eyes shooting awake when the first birds began their far too chipper morning song. Everything seemed surreal when fatigue stole your sanity, and she could hardly recall the walk from their home to where they now stood.
“I can’t think of anything else, and I’m too tired to lie.” Miri nodded her head up the road, motioning for Kyra to keep walking, “Besides, I may have something I can offer in return.”
Kyra scowled but remained silent. Miri knew she didn’t approve of the agreement struck between herself and Duriah, but if she could convince the old Aelv to take a larger, more potent, supply of Orpheum's Sleep in exchange for a few days off she would.
She gave Kyra’s hand a short squeeze as they entered and shuffled into the backroom to find their employer rifling through the cabinets.
“What are you looking for?”
Duriah turned, his face contorted into a grimace, “The nightmares have returned.”
Miri sighed and attempted to push down the bubble of pity that stirred in her chest. Many years of Duriah’s life were spent with the Iron Hand, some of the most brutal, and vicious, warriors of the Aelven Dominion. Hunting human rebels, destroying settlements in the wilds, and extracting information from dissenters were the tamest whispers surrounding their activities.
An Ignoble Invitation- the Aelven Dominion Page 4