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The mansion towered among the trees. It cast its shadow threateningly on the rows of flowers in the garden. Hills surrounded it and limited its regime over the valley. The paths were arranged like waves. They led past groups of trees, small seas of shrubs and tufts. They made their rounds next to noble fountains whose water sprang out crystal clear and snuggled up to stone sculptures, whose exposed representations would make noble ladies blush.
I walked along one of these paths. The leather straps of my knapsack ate into my shoulders and the soles of my feet had been burning for a few hours. The summer sun, thanks to the trees, finally stopped shining down on me mercilessly. On the stairs to the entrance of the villa was already a maid. Her hands clawed into the folds of her apron.
"We don't give alms.", she called out to me.
I took the cap off my head and held it in front of my chest.
"I don't ask for any. I entreat to your master. I was told that he was asking for a stableman."
Her gaze looked me up and down. I had specially chosen this clothing before I left. They were clean and free of holes. Presentable.
"Then you can come in. I will convey your words to the Master."
I climbed the steps and followed her through the wide double door. The embedded gold ornaments glittered in the sunlight. The space in front of me opens up over two floors. Pillars of white stone stretched skywards and even the railings were made of it. In front of us a mighty staircase reached up. A purple carpet clung to its steps.
"Please wait here.", the girl murmured and seemed to flee as she ran up the stairs.
I stood patiently in the foyer and did not move. Two things were circling around in my head like a swarm of vultures. Hopefully he would accept me and hopefully he wouldn't be like Master Drakh. The last point for me was only a one, as I could not change the opposite. I needed this job. No one in the city could offer me work, and Luna's medicine was getting more and more expensive.
My fingers dug into my cap. The rhythmic clacking of shoes came closer. The girl reappeared at the stairs.
"Master would receive you now, sir.", she called down to me.
I climbed up. She stood very stiffly next to me.
"You can just call me Alex.", I tried to appease her.
"Selene. My name is Selene."
Her gaze was fixed on the ground in front of her as she started to move.
"I'm glad to make your acquaintance, Selene."
"Likewise."
We walked silently along the hallway. Landscape paintings in extravagant frames lined up on the walls. Wide skies stretching across castles and fields. Oak leaf ornaments that merged into caskets. Every now and then there was a portrait in between, with staring people in front of crowded backgrounds. The corridor ended in a larger room, which was adjoined by two more. In front of us was a massive door. Selene was heading for it. The knock of her hand echoed through the corridors. A subdued baritone voice allowed her to enter. Noiselessly she opened the door and entered. I stayed close to her.
Bookshelves rose up the wall on my left side and light flooded the room through the windows on my right. In front of us stood an imposing desk and dominated the room. Master Morden sat in a leather chair behind it, looking up from the papers in front of him. I let his piercing gaze wash over me before I bowed.
"Master Morden, it is an honor for me to be received by you and that you hear my request."
"What's your name?"
"Alexander Verus, sir."
The man in front of me laid down his quill on the table.
"And the reason for your arrival?"
"Stories went around that you were looking for a stableman, and so I came to offer myself for this work."
"Do you have any experience with horses, Verus?", he asked.
"Yes, sir. I grew up on a farm with a herd of a dozen animals. And was employed by lord Helikaon for many years. I can even give you a letter from him to prove my work for him."
Morden stretched out his hand to me and I slipped down a strap of the knapsack to get the letter out of its belly. Gently I handed it over.
This letter was one of my most valuable possessions. I was still immeasurably grateful to him for giving it to me. After he took me in, I did everything I could to work as hard as possible. Everything so as not to be sent away again. It had paid off, as I had been the only one who had received such a letter, from the employees who had been dismissed by Helikaon. He was not able to complete his move to Greece with so many, afterall. He sold his horses and I would have been useless in his new place by the sun.
Master Morden's eyes flew over the hymn of praise that Helikaon had written for me to make it easier to find a new job. It was also the first time that I could really use it, as the employers in the city were not looking for stableman, but rather for craftsmen. So the letter would not have been of much use to me there, but it was now more valuable to me than anything else.
His face remained unchanged even as he turned to the second page. I suppressed the trembling of my hands by pressing my fingers tighter into the fabric of my cap. He had arrived at the end, where Helikaon had signed and put his seal. The letter lingered in his grip for a while before he put it down.
"Why do you need this work?"
"I need it to take care of my sick sister."
"Would she come to live here with you?"
"Only with your permission, sir."
He looked at me intensively again and gave a single nod. My heart did not dare to hope.
"You'll start tomorrow. You will receive payment from next Sunday on. Selene will take you to one of the free chambers. As long as your sister doesn't cause trouble and keeps you from working, she may be allowed to live here. You will report to Selene in the morning and she will show you the stables behind the house. Can I assume that you will find your way there without instructions?"
A smile appeared on my face and my shoulders relaxed.
"Of course, sir. I won't cause you any problems."
"Good."
He gestured with his hand. An invitation to leave. We both hurriedly left the room. My knees almost lost their strength. I breathed a sigh of relief.
"There is a slightly larger room available under the roof. That should offer enough space for you and your sister."
I could only nod in agreement. It had worked.
Dazed, I ran after Selene and up more stairs. I said goodbye to her after she had shown me the room. A small chamber with a tiny round window. It was more than enough. The bed creaked as I fell on it. My heart pounded against my chest. It had worked!
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Shortly after the first rays of sunlight brushed over the hills, I stood dressed in the chamber. Using my fingers, I adjusted my hair to look presentable. I found Selene waiting at the end of the narrow servants' corridor. She welcomed me with a small smile and led the journey to the stables.
The air had cooled down overnight, and a slight shiver passed through me as we stepped out. The stable was a short walk from the manor house. A few black button eyes looked at me curiously from their stable boxes.
"Since the last stable boy... we tried to take care of the animals. I hope we haven't done too much wrong. There should also be enough food and straw. The water pump is outside on the right and the pebble path leads to the pastures."
I nodded while she was still telling me where some things could be found. Her fingers fiddled with her dress and her gaze kept twitching to the open gate.
"Thank you, Selene. I don't want to keep you from your tasks any longer."
Like the wind she rushed out after my words and called a farewell behind her. She must have already been delayed.
One of the horses neighed and called me back into motion. I explored the barn into its farthest corners to familiarize myself with it, then I examined the animals. There were seven. Three stallions and four mares. One more magnificent than the next. I went into one of the adjoining rooms and took out several halters. The boxes need to be cleaned and judging by the neighing, they hadn't been outside for a while.
One by one, I took them to the pasture. From time to time I literally had to push myself into the ground so that they didn't lose their way, even if I couldn't blame them with the lush green grass. The sun had already left its zenith for a while when the boxes were finally cleared out. The distribution of the new straw was much faster afterwards. I brought the water with a bucket to the troughs and filled the bowls with hay and some oats.
The sun was already touching the first hills when I was finally done and had gotten the horses back into the boxes. My stomach clenched vehemently and my mouth was ashen, but I still found little things that could be fixed. The last rays of sunshine fell into the valley as a knock echoed through the barn. Selene and another girl were standing at the gate. She had a small basket in her hands and stepped closer.
"You weren't at lunch or dinner. I'm sorry I forgot to tell you the times for this," she held the basket in front of her as she apologized, "Here. I've packed something for you."
Her eyes were fixed on the floor and the girl next to her was also looking to the side. I took the basket out of her hand. Her behavior confused me a bit. With Helikaon, there was always a shrill bell ringing for the mealtimes, and with Drakh... not infrequently I had starved there for a few days. I guess I had to get used to the change quickly, otherwise Master Morden might get disgruntled.
"Thank you very much. I won't miss it again."
Selene nodded a bit and explained to me when and where I would have to show up regularly.
"And every third day a postman comes by. You have to let your sister know, don't you?"
"Yes. Do you know where I can find a quill and paper? Then I can write a message for her."
The two frowned.
"You want to do it yourself? Can you write?" the other girl asked.
"Yes. One of my former masters taught me. Thanks to him, I can also read a little."
Selene's eyes seemed to sparkle at this news.
"A friend from the city sent me a letter a while ago, but I don't know what he wrote. Could you tell me?"
"Of course."
She was now literally beaming. The three of us now went in and up the spiral staircase to the chambers. Meanwhile, I looked into the basket and brought out a slice of bread. Others were also waiting to be eaten inside of it.
A little later we sat in her room with a flickering candle and she took out a worn piece of paper from under her pillow. The words were scribbled on the thin paper and it took me a long time to decipher them all. Selene was under the spell of the words and I was glad that the reddish light hid the heat of my cheeks as I read the declaration of love. Kyle really tried to be a charmer. Giggling, Selen took the note back. She and the other girl began to whisper to each other. I took it as my cue to leave and wished both of them a good night. I would address the topic of writing utensils again in the morning.
Alone in my room, I ate the remaining slices of bread and drank from the leather bottle. For a long time I lay awake in bed. For years, I had been plagued by the problem of falling asleep. It was easier when Luna was there. Her regular breathing was almost hypnotic. I couldn't wait to take care of her again.
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The next day I went to the stables alone. The grooming of the horses had been neglected in the absence of a stable boy and had to be corrected as soon as possible. When I noticed the sun approaching its zenith, I put down the brushes and combs and went inside. I found my way, only thanks to Selene's precise description. Several pairs of eyes stared at me after I entered the room, which turned out to be a kitchen.
"Alex.", Selene's pleased voice called out, "Here. I've already prepared something for you. You must have had a lot to do."
I thanked her and accepted the plate. I sat down at one of the tables and let the busy murmur of the voices whirr over me. From time to time eyes glanced at me, but no one spoke to me. I thought it was better that way.
I was just about to say goodbye when Selene came to me. She took something out of the pocket on her apron.
"Here you go. For the help yesterday."
My fingers enclosed the paper, the quill and the small bottle of ink.
"Thanks, Selene."
I eagerly returned to the stable and could hardly wait to finish. I was able to fix the manes of three of the animals before it was time for dinner. I literally devoured it and excused myself for the evening, before I scurried up to my room. In the light of the candle, I wrote the letter for Luna. Carefully and slowly found the letters their way onto the page. I told her where and when she would find me and what she would have to take with her. Variam, who was currently looking after her, would be able to take her to the nearest village. I just had to somehow explain to Master Morden that I had to go there that specific evening. The way was not too far, so I would be back here before dawn.
I left the finished letter to dry and blew out the candle. It took a long time for sleep to finally grab me.
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The next day I found my way to Morden's office. Gently I knocked on the door, the folded letter resting between my fingers. He allowed me to enter.
The wide table stood like a chasm between us when I stood in front of it. I bowed.
"Sir.", I greeted the other.
"What can I do for you, Verus. Are there problems with the horses?"
"No, sir. The animals are in good health and the horseshoes don't have to be replaced for another few months."
"What brings you here then?", asked Morden.
"I wanted to ask for permission to send this letter."
I had already written the receiver on the top. The only thing missing would be a seal for the closure, something that only Master Morden possessed. His gaze was still unchanged as he looked at me.
"Who wrote it?"
"I, sir."
"For whom?"
"My sister, my lord. I wanted to tell her that she could make the trip here. At the same time, I wanted to ask you for permission to pick up my sister from the village next week. I would go there after work and be back the next morning. You wouldn't even notice my absence."
The man looked at me and then stretched out his hand. I put the paper inside. I expected him to open it and read through it, but he just held the wax stick on his table over the small candle and then let a few red blobs drip onto the folded paper. The next moment it was already closed by Master Morden's seal and ready for delivery. He placed the letter on the pile of the other impatiently waiting papers.
"I'll give it to the messenger. Go out in the morning to get her. There is no reason to lose my new stableman in the night through a robbery."
My body was tingling and it was hard to fight down the smile on my face. I have to stay appropriate!
"Thank you very much, sir. I am immeasurably grateful to you for that."
He just nodded and motioned for me to leave. The door closed with a click and if I had the talent to dance, I would have bursted into one. But instead I hurried back to the horses to make up for the interruption.
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For the entire week, every day, from sunrise to sunset, was filled with tasks. The last stable boy had done a really miserable job. Leaks in the roof had to be closed, boards on the walls had to be replaced and repainted, saddle straps had to be waxed and spurs had to be derusted.
Every night I fell into bed and stayed awake until the moon had already climbed far into the sky. I was eagerly awaiting a certain day, which finally came. Already before sunrise I packed my knapsack, with a filled bottle and an apple, for Luna, which I had left over from dinner the night before. Master Morden was an early riser, which was in my favor because I could sign out by him shortly after dawn.
I walked diligently along the path that had led me here the days before. The hilly path was lined with fields and meadows where sheep grazed. Their bleaks echoed through the heated air. After a while, the village came into view. The wooden huts, for the most part, nestled close together around the small market square. People ran around busily, driven by the shouts of the traders.
"Alex!", someone shouted over the babble of voices.
My gaze twitched to the side and I recognized Variam, who was standing next to a carriage.
I waved to him as I approached.
"Vari! It's nice to see you.", I said and opened my arms for a hug.
"I thought you'd only come tonight, oh it's not that important. If you're already here, I'll at least get something done today. But then I have to go back right away."
"Of course, but thank you for your help."
“No problem.”
He handed me Luna's suitcase and opened the carriage door. She immideatly jumped towards me. I clasped her tightly into my arms.
"Alex!" she squealed happily before a coughing fit pierced her body. I held her tight until it subsided.
"It was nice to see you again, Alex. Stay in touch! Landis is always happy to receive a letter."
Smiling, I said goodbye and Luna waved after him until the carriage had disappeared behind the houses. He had been really lucky to be apprenticed to a blacksmith like Landis.
I made my way back with Luna and tried to satisfy her curiosity.
"Yes, you have your own bed," I assured her.
"And no bed bugs?"
"Yes. No bed bugs."
She nodded contentedly before the next questions poured out of her like a stream.
The way to the village, in contrast to the way back, had been very fast. Every few hundred meters we took a break and I sat down in the grass next to Luna while she gasped for air. After a while, I helped her up again to walk the next few meters. Slowly but surely we made progress. I hated to face Master Mordens anger, but Luna's health was more important to me, so I didn't rush her.
In the afternoon, the manor house came into view. We walked down the path into the valley. I now supported Luna as she walked and had to carry her up the stairs to the entrance. Three maids looked at the whole thing and cautiously approached.
"Do you need help, Alex?", one of them asked.
"Yes, that would be very kind of you, but only if you have the time to spare."
The girls took a quick look at Luna before they visibly decided to make her their priority. They swarmed around Luna like chickens swarm around their freshly tossed grains. The exertion had made her quite pale, in spite of the sun outside, and she stood trembling on her feet. The girls seized her and hurried her up to the chambers. I stayed close on their heels. On the way we met Selene, who was asked by one of the helpers to fetch water. My little supplie had already been used up halfway through.
Luna was carefully placed in her bed and Selene came in shortly afterwards with a jug of water. I offered them a rag, which they put moistened on Luna's forehead. They helped her to drink a few sips and shortly afterwards the effort had put her to a quiet sleep. The girls left the chamber one by one to continue with their tasks. I stayed a little longer and finally went down as well, so that the horses could be cared for.
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If anyone else had noticed Luna's existence, they didn't mention it, but the little things I found in front of our chamber door were proof enough. A bowl with a few walnuts, which Luna enjoyed being able to nibble on. A handful of cherries whose deep red glow made ones mouth water. Scraps of cloth with needle and thread, on which she practiced to decorat them with embroidery.
It happened more and more often that I could hear giggles through the chamber door as soon as I came back from the stable. The maids always had gossip that they wanted to share with Luna and she also had some stories that she could bring into the conversations. Sometimes I just slept with the animals. There was enough straw there and the summer air was pleasantly warm under the starry sky. Interrupting this time for Luna didn't sit quite right with me, so I found myself wandering through the corridors of the mansion more and more often at night.
My fingers glided barely over the spine of the books. I didn't dare to touch them with the dirt on my fingers. Golden letters glittered in the faint candlelight. I could only guess about the wonders between the pages. With the expenses for Luna's medicine, the dream of having my own copy was unattainable. But I did not insist on this thought. The high shelves and endless rows of books made the diversion of my thoughts all the easier.
The volumes had captivated me so much that I didn't notice the footsteps until they stopped next to me. I swallowed and stole a glance to the right.
"You have an impressive collection, sir."
A narrow smile appeared on Morden's face.
"And unfortunately, there are too few who appreciate this."
I felt beads of sweat slowly forming on my temple. Would he chase me out? Was I even allowed to be so close to these treasures? He looked at me again. The slight arch in his lips was still there. Morden reached into the shelf next to him and took out a book. On the red cover, intricate tendrils danced around the title. With a fiery glow, the gold shone in the faint light, as if it wanted to oppose the gloomy shadows.
"Read it to me.", Morden suddenly declared and held out the book for me.
"I-I can't, sir.", I said.
He raised his eyebrow.
"Miss Selene said otherwise,", he shoved the book between my hands, "Or should I question her truthfulness after she has served me loyally for several years? So I'm not going to say it again, Verus."
My mouth felt like sand as I followed him to one of the tables and sat down on one of the chairs. My body was literally descended into the cushion and I was afraid of leaving stains on the expensive fabric. Morden merely crossed his legs and leaned back. His gaze hung expectantly on me.
Trembling, I opened the book. Should I read the title? The author? Or just start on the first page? My breathing quickened and the first words left my throat with a stutter. My brain turned off and I didn't understand what I was reading, only that I did. My concentration soley focused to pronounce the words.
After a while, I only faltered at terribly complex words, which Morden could somehow recognise from my attempts, just so he could explain the correct pronunciation to me.
My mouth was now a beach and the sound of my voice was more like a croak than anything else. One yawn after another made me falter and Morden finally raised his hand. I stopped in the middle of a sentence.
"That's enough, Verus. Remember the spot and you'll continue there tomorrow.", he said and stood up. He left the library in the next moment.
Confused, I sat in the armchair for a few a while. Tomorrow again? I knew I could read, but I was anything but a good reader. Especially when reading aloud. Why did he want to hear this again?
I shook my head and memorized the page. I hurriedly climbed the steps to the chambers and fell into my bed. Luna's quiet breathing and the late hour made it immensely easier to fall asleep.
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Reading aloud at night became a regular part of my evening routine. After dinner, I would bring Luna her plate up and then find myself in the library. I had already finished four books and got better with every day, even if I still didn't understand the meaning behind them. Morden could certainly read through them in half the time.
However, the routine was broken when one of the mares had foaled. I stayed in the stable until dawn. To be there and supervise the arrival of the little one. A hoof had peeked out first and I knew that my intervention was necessary. While the first rays of sunshine swept over the hills, I sat in the soiled straw and looked at the foal as it tried to sit up for the first time. It stood wobbly on its stubby legs and looked at the world around it. The mare was lying beside him. Snorting, her nostrils puffed out as her cub fell.
A small smile brushed over lips and I finally stood up. The door to the box opened with a squeak and I stopped before stepping out. At the opposite pit stood Master Morden. His fingers stroked the fur of the stallion, who leaned eagerly into his grip, but his gaze was fixed on me.
Only now did I feel the tightness of my clothes, which stuck to my skin due to the sweat. The wet feeling on my arms, which I couldn't clean after I had taken the foal out. The way my hair hung on my forehead and possibly stood out in other places. Stalks of straw were scattered on my pants. With a blushing face, I stared at the floor.
"Forgive me, sir, that I could not come. I had to-"
"You don't need to apologize for such an emergency, Verus. It's your job to take care of the animals, and that's all you did. Is a forester angry when his lumberjack cuts down trees? Is everything done here now?"
My gaze passed over the two. The foal had now joined its mother.
"Yes, sir. I just have to check on them again in a few hours."
"Good. Then come. I'm going to order one of the maids to let in a bath so you can clean yourself."
"That is not necessary, sir. Really not.", I tried to dissuade him from the idea. I didn't even know when the last time I had taken a real bath was. Most of the time I just washed myself with a cloth. Just the thought of it would never occur to me.
"I insist, Verus.", Morden determined.
It took some time before I found myself in the extravagant bathroom that Morden called his own. The white bathtub stood on tiles with decorations I had never seen in England before. They were called Zellij, Morden explained to me, while he laid out towels. The maids had already filled the tub with water. I could see the mist rising like snakes as it left the surface. And yet Master Morden laid out the towels. I tried not to frown at the thought. I certainly looked unsightly enough already.
Morden left the room shortly afterwards and I stood there, lost. The steam was already subsiding when I could finally pull myself together to take off my clothes. Small crumbs of earth spread between the joints and drove the heat into my cheeks. With stiff muscles I approached the water. One of my fingers dipped into it and the next moment I literally threw myself into the tub.
A moan left my lips as the warm water wrapped around my body. My muscles loosened as I sank deeper below the surface. Small bubbles, in the form of fine foam, formed a film over me. My eyelids fluttered shut and it was hard to stay awake, but I couldn`t allow myself to sleep. Slowly, I began to wash the dirt off my skin. Watched it as it dissolved in the water, and dyed it.
Small shivers were already running through me when I finally parted with the tub. The once clear water had now taken on a brownish hue. My feet echoed over the tiles while I got one of the towels. The fluffy, soft fabric was to melt away when I wrapped myself in it. But I had to hurry to complete the remaining tasks and quickly rubbed myself dry. A small pile of fresh clothes layed on a chair by the door and I slipped them on before I tucked the old clothes under my arm. I would have to take them to the washroom before I could return to the stable. The door to the bathroom closed behind me with a click.
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The winds became stormier and the first leaves were already wrapped in their autumnal garments. I waxed one of the saddles as the rhythmic click of shoes approached. Master Morden looked around the stable. A basket in his arms. I put the cloth aside and walked up to him.
"How can I help you, sir?", I asked.
Morden's head twitched in my direction and a small smile appeared on his lips, which was blown away by the wind in the next moment. He held out the basket to me.
Carefully I grabbed the handle and looked inside. Carrots. With lush green foliage at their ends. I took one from the waistband and held it out to a mouth that was already eagerly stretched out. Crunching, the vegetables burst between the mare's teeth. In turn, I distributed to each his share. Morden continued to wait at the gate. I felt his gaze resting on me.
I brought the others back to him.
"Keep them here, Verus. The animals seem to like them. Why don't you make them content again?"
I was just about to close the basket again when something shone at me from inside. My fingers seized something panel-shaped and pulled it out of the depths of the mesh. Chocolate. I stared at the printed banderole around the foil, which depicted dark-skinned people, like I have often seen in the city, and plants that I did not know. The blaze of color of the ink left my eyes no choice but to take a closer look at it.
"But surely you want that back, sir.", I said and held out my hand to him. Morden didn't even waste a glance at it.
"No, I don't think so. I'll see you in the library tonight, Verus. Have a good day, until then.", he said and moved to leave.
"O-Of course, sir.", I could only stammer out.
My gaze was fixed on the treasure between my fingers. I would have to pay a whole week's wage for something like that and Morden just gave it to me. My heart beat against my chest. I couldn't wait to share it with Luna.
I busily completed the rest of my duties before it was time for dinner. I brought the bar, well hidden under my clothes, up to my room. Luna's eyes widened into the size of soup plates when she saw it. Almost ceremonially, I pulled off the banderole and took the foil apart. With a crack, I broke off the first piece and held it out to Luna. She gripped it like the holy grail. A big smile appeared on her face after the first small bite and her eyes fluttered shut.
"Mhhh.", she only murmered before the next bite already disappeared between her teeth.
"It`s so good, Alex! Take a bite."
Carefully I brought a piece to my lips and shoved it in my mouth.
"So delicious, isn't it?", Luna inquired.
I could only nod in agreement. It was wonderful.
Together we ate half of the bar. Luna giggled next to me with brown stripes on her cheek. I pulled a handkerchief out of my pants and tried in vain to wipe it away.
"I can do it on my own, Alex.", she laughed.
"I won't believe you even in a hundred years. Come here!"
I pounced on her, with the cloth between my fingers. Luna pulled her arms in front of her face and wriggled around. Laughing, she threw her head to the side and avoided another attempt on my part. A glimmer came into her eyes and the next moment a foot hit me and sent me tumbling down from the bed. With a rumble I layed on the floor, only to have brown hair in my face a few moments later. Grinning, Luna looked at me from the edge of the bed. The chocolate streaks are still around her mouth.
"I win.", she sang in my face. I fished a few strands of hair out of my eyes.
Her hand reached for the handkerchief and she smeared it over her cheeks, but instead of wiping it away, she just spread it out even more. A sigh left me. I soon had to go to the library.
"Luna, I beg you.", I pleaded.
She parted her lips and stuck her tongue out at me before a cough fell from her lips.
"Forget it, Alex. I'm not a child. I'll manage it myself.", she defended herself like a stubborn donkey.
"Okay. But when I'm back, you've wiped it away, or I'll drag you out to the pond and dunk you into it, before I scrub you off with a brush."
She just laughed at me. My handkerchief firmly in her grip.
"Promised, and now forth with you."
She shooed me out with a few gestures as if it were a single room. I will definitely pull her out of bed tonight, including her blanket. For the time being, however, I set off and descended the countless steps.
When I arrived at the library a little later, Morden was already waiting in one of the armchairs. A new book was already on the table full of expectation. I let myself fall into the soft cushion and grabbed it. After the first few weeks, reading aloud had become much easier and the previous incomprehensible sentences finally made sense. Morden now explained to me not only the pronunciation of complicated words, but also their meaning. Every day I was able to immerse myself in a world unknown to me.
Collection of poems whose intentions were hidden between the lines like a puzzle. Philosophical writings that questioned my ways of thinking. Stories where I was stupidly happy when I understood a reference to another work.
I literally devoured their contents. And Morden didn't seem to mind. He seemed to want to actively promote my urge for knowledge, with increasingly complicated topics. Comedies by Shakespeare became Thomas More's Utopia and Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, as well as satires by Jonathan Swift. Like wood for a stove, Morden fed the flames of knowledge in my head with the pages of his collection.
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"Saddle up two horses for this afternoon, Verus."
"Of course, sir. What guest are you expecting, if you allow me to ask?"
Morden sat in his leather chair. Isolated drops throbbed against the window panes of his study. His quill scratched over the paper in front of him. He did not raise his eyes.
"None. You're going to go for a ride with me."
"If you will excuse me, sir, I would not dare to-"
"That wasn't a request, Verus. You're training the animals, so you're going to ride out with them."
"Of course, sir."
The rain subsided a bit after noon, but the sky was still covered by gray seas of clouds. The two horses were saddled and groomed. Her new horseshoes were cleaned and the manes were braided. The boots and whip were ready for Morden.
My fingers played with a loose thread on my shirt as I watched him approach. He greeted me.
"Is everything ready, Verus?", Morden inquired
"Yes, sir," I answered.
A little later, I and my horse trotted behind Morden and his one. We left the valley and let ourselves be surrounded by fields instead. Sheep raised their heads and their black button eyes followed us. A few farmers were also standing in their fields, despite the weather. Their eyes were even more penetrating than those of the animals.
At some point, the grasses were replaced by shrubs and finally by trees. The drops echoed around us, splashing. Every now and then a branch creaked under the horses' hooves.
"Come here, Verus.", Morden called back to me.
I pressed my heels lightly into the mare's sides and caught up with Morden. The width of the path allowed us to stay next to each other, even if our legs brushed against each other from time to time.
"Tell me something, Verus."
"What, sir?"
"Whatever goes through your head."
"I had been wondering for a while why Mr. Lock's ideas were received so critically. I don't see any flaw in the idea that people should be equal or come into the world without native ideas.", came to my mind. I had read one of his works only yesterday.
"I can only agree with that, but the gentlemens will probably fear the loss of their titles if these thoughts spread. Nobels are chosen by God's hand, so they would have to possess the knowledge of thousands from birth to be equal to their task."
Morden smiled as he spoke.
"Do you believe in God, sir?"
"Only to the extent that I can count your church attendances."
I avoided his gaze. It was no secret that I did not accompany the other servants to the villages church on Sunday. Some wrinkled their noses at me, but I told them it was because of Luna. A lie that easily passed my lips. I knew the prayers and songs, but never sang one for the suppers.
We rode on in silence. Past tall spruces, deeper into the forest. Not a soul crossed our path. Only a small herd of deer jumped through the undergrowth next to us a while ago. Stray birds chirped above our heads. Morden began with a lighter topic to revive the conversation.
My expertise in the field of teas was very limited, but Morden seemed to find it all the more important to teach me about it. Color, flavor and intensity of them. Which tea cup went best with which tea. Despite my lack of knowledge, or perhaps because of it, I clung to his words and tried to remember as much as possible.
We noticed the boars too late.
With deep grunts they dashed across the path. The horses mounted, and their screeching neighing echoed through the trees. After all, they were flight animals. I could see Morden trying to grab the reins, but the horse took a few steps to the side. The twist threw him down. Without thinking twice, I let myself fall after him and threw myself over Morden. A hoof whipped to the ground next to my ear.
With a jerk, I rolled to the side, to get out from under the horses, and brought us too close to the slope next to the path. Herbs and branches brushed my face as we rolled down the small hill. A gasp left me when we finally stopped.
Holey foliage allowed me to gaze upon the clouds above me. Something heavy made it difficult for me to breathe. I looked down. Morden was on me. His body pressed against mine. The thoughts that flitted through my head truly made me a godless man.
Morden blinked and picked himself up. His legs encircled mine. He leaned on his hands, which were in the moss next to my head. His gaze met mine. Strands hung wildly in his face. My tongue moistened my dry lips. His eyes looked deeper for a brief moment. I swallowed. My wet hair and the cold, which had been wafting through my clothes for a while, had suddenly disappeared. A sinful warmth had taken its place.
"Are you afraid of losing your title, sir?", I whispered into the narrow space between us. Had he come closer?
"Was gold the most important thing for Midas?", Morden purred against my lips. He didn't touch them yet, but our breaths were already mingling with each other. His hands were like hot iron as they encircled my face. I could hear my blood rushing in my ears along with the rustling leaves above us. Morden tilted his head to the side.
A cry cut through the air.
"Down here!", Morden called back and pulled away from me.
The cold swabbed back into my limbs. We knocked off the leaves that clung to us and looked at the newcomer. A young lad, not older than twelve, looked down on us from the path.
"Master Morden! I thought I had seen the horses before.", his voice sounded.
Supporting each other, we climbed our way up to the path. I stepped aside as soon as we had solid ground under our feet again. The boy held Morden's horse by the halter. Morden seized it.
"I'm sorry, Master Morden. When I heard the neighing, I came as fast as I could, but was only able to catch one."
"What brings you to the forest, boy?"
"I was supposed to collect wood for my mother, Master Morden. I put the basket back there to be able to check more quickly."
"Thank you, boy. For your help.", Morden threw him a pound, "and don't worry about the other horse."
The child eagerly thanked him before he set off again. I whistled all the while. It had taken many weeks and bribes for the animals to understand what I wanted from them, but for a few weeks now they understood the concept. Whistling meant treats. So they came whenever I did. The animal that held Morden pricked up its ears expectantly, but more significant was the distant splashing of hooves hitting mud. Limping slightly, the mare came closer.
Morden watched me wordlessly as I looked at her. Squatting in front of her leg, I felt the injury. It was not a fracture, but the skin was torn open by thorns. I wouldn't be able to ride back on her without causing major damage. I reported this to Morden.
"I will walk back, sir. It won't take too long."
"Not in this weather, Verus."
The rain had increased and the light trickling turned into constant splashing. Morden climbed into the saddle.
"Get up. I ride and you lead her alongside."
My stomach contracted at the thought, but the alternative only promised a cold for me. I couldn't risk something like that. It would only make Luna's condition worse. I sat down behind Morden, on the horse. It was uncomfortable and my body was pressed against his back. My cheeks flushed.
As fast as he could, Morden rode back to the mansion. The rain pattered down on us and the wind blew through my clothes as if they were not there. The muddy ground made it difficult for the horse to get home and I was tossed about. After a slightly stronger jerk, I tried to grab a hold and my arm closed around Morden. He still hadn't spoken a word since I settled down behind him, and he didn't do it now. Tormented by shame, I tried to hide my face, only to press it against Morden's back without noticing.
The clouds got darker, not because of more rain, but because of the falling night. The candles, whose light shone through the windows of the mansion, pointed the way like a lighthouse. Dripping with wetness, we reached the stable. Maids rushed out and brought Morden inside, while I tended to the mare, hoping that the wound would not become infected.
Accompanied by the dripping of my clothes, I climbed up to the chambers. Luna looked at me bewildered.
"Alex! Where were you? You should have heard what was going on here! The entire household was worried."
A pearl of water ran from my hair, over the bridge of my nose and fell to the ground. I told her about the accident.
"Are you hurt? Let me have a look.", she determined and was already about to climb out of bed, but I stopped her.
"All is well, Luna. Don't worry. I'm just a little soaked, that's all."
Her eyes looked at me doubtfully, but she sank back onto the bed.
Splashing, my clothes fell to the floor as I took them off and put on new ones. I hung the clothes on a rope under the ceiling. It would take a while for them to dry. The bed creaked as I sat down on it.
Luna watched me.
"Is everything really okay, Alex?"
I smiled in her direction.
"Everything okay.", I said and blew out the candle.
Rustling, I pulled the cover over myself, but could not find peace. Moments of the last few months circled through my head and right at the front was the image of Morden towering above me. I shook my head and tried to dispel the thoughts, but they haunted my skull until the morning hours.
-------------
That I avoided Morden in the next few weeks would have been an understatement. I skipped the daily hours in the library. Selene now brought me my weekly wages every Sunday and whenever a horse was to be provided, I tied it up in the stable and hid in the farthest corner. The only communication between me and Morden was through third parties. Mostly Selene, who did not comment on the change. I no longer walked through the corridors in the evening, but took the direct paths up to the chambers.
Nevertheless, I lay awake in bed at night and felt a pull in my chest. I blamed it on the books, the contents of which were now denied to me.
Each breath emitted a small cloud into the air as I put the straw on the pitchfork. One end of the scarf was hanging in the way again and I tried to throw it around my neck again. Luna had tried knitting after she had already been able to enchant the girls with her embroidery. A few bumps and holes ran through her first attempt, but it still found its place on my shoulders every day. Squeaking, I pushed the wheelbarrow in front of me, out to the dung heap. The morning sun was not strong enough to thaw the grass and it crunched under my shoes.
The day passed by, just like the last ones did. Shivering slightly, I climbed the stairs to the chambers, only to find an empty room. Where was Luna?
I threw her sheets aside, but she wasn't there. Not even under the bed and in the closet. Sometimes she tried to scare me, but she always stayed in the room. My head twitched from one wall to the other before I stormed out. With stamping steps I hurried through the upper corridors. Threw open doors, only to find no sign of life from her.
I was about to descend another flight of stairs when a hiss reached my ears. Luna. I followed the sound and pushed the door open.
"Luna!", I said with a sigh of relief and threw myself into her arms.
"Alex! You're out of breath. Did something happen?"
"No. No.", I reassured her and took her face in my hands. She frowned.
"Are you sure?", she probed.
"Everything is fine, but what are you doing here? You should be upstairs in bed. It is late and cold. You're only going to get sicker."
Luna pushed herself out of my embrace and held the needle and thread under my nose.
"I'm working, Alex. I can't just stop if it's supposed to be finished at some point."
"Working?", I asked, confused. She gestured to the table in front of her.
Dozens of fabrics were scattered on top of it.
"I'm supposed to embroider the tablecloths. Order from Master Morden himself, because one of the girls probably showed him one my experiments. But I just keep stabbing myself in the fingers. I had already asked Selene for a thimble, but she couldn't find one yet."
My thoughts were buzzing around, but there was one point in particular.
"Show me Luna.", I said and took her hand.
Small dark dots decorated her fingertips where the blood had dried. Gently I stroked it. Luna jerked her hand back. I looked at her.
"I think that's enough for today, Luna. You seem to have achieved a lot already. Let's go upstairs. It's time to sleep."
She seemed to want to protest, but I lifted her into my arms and blew out the candle before I left the room. She was terribly light for her age. I should try to get her to eat, but with the upcoming winter it will be difficult for me to grab more for her. Carefully, I placed her on her bed and saw her eyelids already drooping. A few moments laterand she was already asleep.
I also climbed into my bed, but stayed awake for quite a while. My heart clenched. What did Morden want with Luna?
---------------
Confused, I looked at the book in front of me. It hadn't been there this morning. I had just returned from lunch. It was lying on a wooden box near the gate. The bluish binding was a stark contrast to the weathered brown of the wooden strips.
I wiped my gloves on my pants and carefully picked it up. It was the last book I had begun to read to Morden. The small scrap of paper was still sticking out between the pages. Had he been here in my absence?
With the book under my arm, I went into the mansion. I would have found my way to Morden's office even in my sleep. This time, however, I did not knock on his door, as usual, but merely put the book on the chest of drawers next to it. He wouldn't have to look for his forgotten book now. I hurried back to the stable. Just because the temperatures were getting lower didn't mean there was less for me to do.
When I went to the boxes the next morning, a blue cover looked back at me again and again on the wooden box. The paper is still in the same place. Did Morden become forgetful? As on the previous day, I took the work and brought it to Morden's study. I was almost about to put it in front of the door, but decided against it at the last moment. He could stumble and injure himself. I placed it back on the dresser.
The rest of the week was the same. I would come to the stable early in the morning and first bring back the book, which Morden had forgotten again on the wooden box.
Only at the end of the week, while I was distributing straw in one of the boxes, did I hear the clacking of shoes. Only one person in the mansion sounded like that. With no other place to hide, I crawled behind the open box door and pressed myself against its wall. The footsteps came closer and stopped just behind the other side. I put my hands in front of my mouth.
Something slid across the floor. I looked at the open door. A book with a blue cover lay on the threshold. One hand detached itself from the cover. The signet ring glittered in the faint torchlight. Morden's baritone voice penetrated through the wood that stood between us, as if he were whispering directly in my ear.
"It's a gift, Verus. For you. Don't let me find it at my door again."
The footsteps sounded again and died away in the distance. I exhaled the air that had already scratched my throat. Trembling, I took the book. My face felt like glowing coals and I wanted to banish the feeling between my legs. I got up with wobbly legs and stumbled my way inside. Luna was still busy in the sewing room when I sat down on my bed with the book and opened the pages. I inhaled the scent of the pages and began to read them silently. My mouth formed the words I would have said without me noticing.
----------------
"Selene, where is Luna's medicine?", I asked after searching the basket again.
She looked down and bit her lower lip.
"The doctor didn't have one again.", she whispered.
My hands stopped. I looked at her.
"What do you mean?"
"The doctor could not receive any new deliveries. The snow had blocked the paths and he had no bottle left in stock. I asked him to look, but he couldn't find anything."
My gaze lingered on her, while my thoughts vegetated silently. No medicine? I took a step towards her and grabbed her by the shoulders. Her eyes widened.
"I need them! Did he really look? Maybe he just overlooked it!"
Selene squirmed in my grip.
"No. I stood next to him and also couldn't find the bottle. He probably won't get one next week either. The larger villages have priority."
My hands loosened and Selene stepped back. I sank down on one of the chairs. My face hidden in my hands. It was the second week without me being able to give Luna her medication. Her coughs had gotten worse and she was now in bed more and more often and for longer. What was that supposed to look like in a week? There was only one option left for me. I had to get the medication myself, but I couldn't just be absent for several days.
With shuffling steps I made my way to Morden's office. Small ice crystals decorated the window panes on my way there. The door loomed menacingly in front of me. Would he even want to listen to me after I was so dismissive?
The knock of my hand on the wooden door rang in my ears. I was allowed to enter.
I stood silently in front of Morden's desk. He looked at me just as taciturnly. My fingers clawed into my pants.
"Sir.", I finally managed hoarsely.
"Verus."
I swallowed and tried to find my voice again.
"The doctor hasn't received any new deliveries for a while."
"I was told about it, yes."
"The medicine for my sister is among the products he no longer has in stock."
He was silent.
"I came here to ask for your permission to go on a journey so that I can get her new ones. The horses are in the best of health and I would come back as soon as possible. My absence would hardly be noticed, sir. I swear that. I would get provisions in the village so as not to burden the supplies, and could also take care of other errands for you on the way. Of course, as soon as I come back, I would work longer to make up for the lost time, sir, and-"
"Verus."
My mouth closed with a click. I stared at the floor.
"A single messanger has a much easier time than a carriage to get through this weather, doesn't it?", he asked me.
"Yes, sir."
Morden got up and I stood there stiffly.
"He's still warming up in the kitchen. He was frozen cold down to the bone."
He moved to one of the cabinets behind him and pushed open a drawer. He took out a small bottle. Morden leaned against the edge of the table in front of me. He held out his hand. Medicine.
"I was going to have it brought up to the chambers tonight, but that seems to have become unnecessary. Here."
Morden pressed the bottle into my hand. I eyed it in disbelief. Luna's Medicine.
"Y-You have... it...", I gasped out as I twisted it between my fingers.
"Your sister is doing an excellent job. It would be a shame to miss her.", Morden leaned forward and whispered his next words, "And my heart can't imagine seeing you so shaken."
My heart pounded against my chest and my skin tingled.
"The cost."
"A gift.", Morden assured.
My vision blurred. How could I pay him back? Convey my infinite gratitude to him?
I stepped closer and the next moment our lips brushed against each other. The touch was fleeting, but it was enough to turn the blazing in my stomach into an inferno. With my last spark of modesty, I tried to retreat, but Morden rushed forward and pressed our mouths together.
My knees trembled as I felt his soft lips on mine. Morden's arms clasped around my neck and pulled me down. I only noticed now that he had to stand on his tiptoes. I willingly let myself be pulled down and circled him with my hands. We tilted our heads against each other and closed up the space between us.
My teeth gnawed at his lower lip for a moment and a noise left his throat, which caused me to lift him onto the tabletop. My fingers stroked his back and made their way to rest on his hip. A tongue pressed against my lips and I opened my mouth. Flaming fire raced through my body as Morden explored my mouth. His tongue brushed over my teeth, leaving no spot untouched.
Panting, I gasped for air and was pulled back just as quickly. My pants felt tighter with each passing moment. Morden's hands ran through my hair and pulling on a few strands. I moaned against his lips. He widened his legs and crossed them behind me to pull me closer. We moaned together as our groins touched.
Morden leaned back on the table and I locked him in with my arms over his shoulders. My mouth broke away from his and wandered deeper. My teeth ghosted over his neck. He threw his head back.
A knock echoed through the room. I stopped in the middle of my movement and stood perfectly still. Morden's jerky breathing faltered as he listened.
"Master Morder? The messenger will now be on his way again.", a voice sounded behind the door.
"Give him some more provisions.", Morden called back.
"Of course, Master Morden."
Barely audible, the footsteps moved away. I broke away from Morden, with a deep red face.
"Forgive me, sir. I should continue with my work.", I managed to say hastily before fleeing the room. The glass bottle jingled in my pocket.
I stuck my face into a pile of snow after I reached the stable.
--------------
Stomping down the snow from my boots, I made my way to the dining room. Selene had visited me and said Morden demanded my presence. Not a word had been said between us about the incident a few days ago, even though I was back in the library in the evenings.
The mighty doors were open when I entered. I had already dared to look inside in one of my nightly walks, but it was now much more overwhelming in the light of the sun's rays. Reverently, I approached the table. Morden sat at the end of it and followed my movements. He motioned for me to sit down. We sat in silence for a while before Morden broke the peace.
"Spring is approaching. Thus, every self-respecting house will want to host a ball. Accordingly, I probably do too, if the desire grabs me. It shouldn't hurt that you learn the etiquette in case one of the maids should drop out."
"Of course, sir."
And Morden was already behind me. His head leaned forward and next to my ear. He pointed to the countless forks that lay next to the empty plates.
"Do you know the orders, Verus?", he asked. I ran my tongue over my lips.
"Unfortunately not, sir.", I confessed.
"Then listen carefully," Morden began and led me into the world of aristocratic etiquette. From forks to the grip of the glasses, to how to stand up properly. Over the next few weeks, as the snow began to thaw, he taught me all sorts of things.
"You have to grab it at the foot end, Verus.", Morden instructed me.
"But that's reserved for the nobleman.", I tried to object, but Morden waved it off.
"The foot end."
I sighed and changed my grip. My fingers wandered from the shaft of the wine glass to its underside, holding it between three fingers.
"Just like that.", he whispered in my ear.
His lips brushed my cheek. The glass wobbled in my grip.
To my confusion, it didn't stop at table manners, but also switched to dance steps. I asked for forgiveness terribly often after I had stepped on Morden's foot again. He just smiled and started the movements all over again.
I didn't understand what good this was supposed to do. Even the maids only needed to know the basics. After all, they did not take part in the festivities to such an extent. But Morden insisted that it was important and so my brain absorbed the knowledge like a rag of water.
The enlightenment came when I was supposed to report to Morden's office. Crocuses began to bloom around the mansion and the first birds built their nests in the trees.
"I don't quite understand, sir."
Morden raised his eyebrows.
"Shall I repeat myself, Verus?"
"Yes, please, sir."
"I said that you would accompany me to the ball at Lord Levistus' at the weekend."
I frowned.
"But this is reserved for the nobility, sir, and I don't know what to do with myself there. One of the maids would be a better companion for you."
"Would this maid know how to behave at such an event? Could they relate to the topics of the guests? You and your sister are the only ones in this house who can read properly, Verus."
"I-I taught Selene."
"And her interest lays only in her letters, not in books."
I closed my mouth. Morden had planned to take me to such a festivity from the beginning, hadn't he? But if so, why did he want a stableman for it?
"I don't have any clothes that would be appropriate for a ball, sir.", I tried to counter.
"Don't worry, Verus. Miss Luna's skills in the art of sewing were not only benevolent to my own wardrobe. A suit for you is already finished and just waiting to be used."
"Okay.", I managed.
My thoughts spin through my skull like a whirlwind. I? At a ball?
"Wouldn't you risk a scandal, sir?"
Morden laughed.
"No one there will know you, Verus. As long as you don't give them reason to doubt, they'll never know."
I could only nod slowly.
Later that evening, as I entered the chamber, I caught Luna's brief glimpse of me. There was a cheerful expression in her eyes.
"You knew.", I announced as I put down my work clothes.
She giggled.
"I can't help it, if you want to walk around with a board in front of your head."
I threw a sweaty sock at her.
-----------
The murmurs of the people around us were deafening. Inconspicuously, I tried to look fanatically into the faces of the guests present. Do I recognize one?
Morden walked next to me. A wine glass in one hand and the other hung loosely by his side. His fingers brushed against mine. We made our way to the ballroom. Dozens of different perfume scents rose to my nose. I couldn't tell them apart anymore.
My blood rushed in my ears, but it had been doing so for hours. I didn't even know when it started. On the way here by carriage? When Morden pressed me against him and kissed me after I had presented myself in front of him with the suit?
At last I got a glimpse of the hall and felt my steps falter. The chandeliers bathed the air in an orange glow. Dresses whose blaze of color had only existed in my imagination danced to the sound of the music. Laughter from people reached my ears. As if under a spell, I let myself be led into it by Morden.
One of the servants pressed a glass into my hand. My head swam with all the impressions, but Morden remained next to me like a rock in the surf. I didn't know if it was the wine, the music or the irony of it all, but I found that my heart had calmed down at some point. My muscles were no longer stiff and Morden and I were already in the third conversation about a philosopher. A slight jump in my step accompanied me as we walked from group to group. People were introduced to me whose names I had only heard from stories.
When asked who I was, Morden introduced me in the same way every time.
"Just my good friend, Alexander Verus."
The murmurs of the crowd became quieter the later it got. Some guests had already left when Morden asked me to dance. Clacking, our shoes hit the polished tiles as we moved in circles across the dance floor. We went smoothly from one song to the next and time ran past us.
A feeling of longing spread through me as we were on our way home. The car rumbled across the street. Soon we would be back in the manor house.
"Did you have a good time, Verus?", Morden asked.
"Yes, very much, sir."
"Good. I hope the next ones won't bring you boredom either."
I looked over at him. Our shoulders pressed against each other on the bench.
"Next?", I dared to ask in a low voice.
Morden merely smiled.
"You'd be surprised how many balls are celebrated in the summer, Verus. Sometimes they get a bit monotonous, but I'm sure they'll be to your liking.", he assured and put his hand on my thigh.
My heart threatened to spring out of my ribs.
"You want me to continue to accompany you, sir?"
Morden looked at me and moved closer.
"Who else would I want to have with me, Alexander?", he whispered in my ear.
My hands shot up and encircled his face. Our lips met with an vigor that I had never known before. Our tongues brushed against each other as Morden pressed me against the carriage wall. His fingers found their way under my clothes, brushing over skin and scars. A shiver ran through me and the heat in my loins increased.
He slid down from the bench, between my legs. One of his hands pushed my clothes upwards. Warm lips left a path of kisses across my stomach. His nose dug into the path of hair that led down into my pants. Morden looked up.
A shameful sound left my lips. I slapped a hand over my mouth while Morden opened the first button.
The coachman's voice rang out.
"We'll be there soon, Master Morden."
He stopped in his rush and a devilish grin spread across his face. He straightened up.
"Am I right in assuming that I can invite you to my room, Alexander?"
I could only nod. I didn't believe that a actual word could leave my mouth.
Morden said goodbye to the coachman faster than proper, and the next moment seized my arm. The maids had already gone to bed, and Morden was able to take me up without disturbance. He threw open the doors to his bedroom and I could hardly catch a glimpse around before I was already laying in his bed.
Morden sat on me. His arms wrapped around my body. I could feel the effect of our actions, pressing against my thigh. And pushed my hips up. A groan fell from his lips. With a practiced grip, he unfastened the buttons on his clothes and threw his tops aside. Mine followed a moment later.
I hadn't called him Master in my mind for a long time and so I couldn't stop myself when his name fell from my lips.
"Morden.", I gasped.
My eyes widened, but before I could apologize, his lips pressed to mine.
"My Alexander.", he said.
One of his hands reached searchingly in the direction of the bedside table. It brought out a small bottle of oil. He dropped it into the pillows next to us. Morden noticed my gaze.
"Don't worry, dear."
"Is it very differen, then with women?"
He smiled amused.
"Do I have a Cavalier in front of me, Alexander?"
I hid my blushing face in the folds of the duvet, while Morden took off our trousers. The bottle opened with a click. I dared to look at Morden, whose face rested on my shoulder. His warm breath tingled against my skin. One of his hands disappeared between his legs. The sounds that came from his throat made my toes curl in the blanket.
A little later he straightened up. He sat over me with his legs apart. My heart pounded against my chest as he brought a wet hand to my groin.
"Ready, my darling?"
Breathing heavily, I could only nod before Morden sat down.
----------------
The quill scratched over the paper. The message for the ambassador was almost ready. Morden's gaze had been resting on me for a while.
"Yes?", I asked.
"An invitation to the Walkers' spring ball."
I sighed.
"This is already the third this year. And last year they had that many as well. Evil tongues would accuse them of having a mania."
Morden's smile widened.
"Is that a no, dear?"
I got up and strolled from my table to his. I plucked the letter from his fingers.
"One more ball shouldn't hurt.", I admitted.
Morden's arm wrapped itself around my waist and pulled me down to him. He pressed a fleeting kiss on my cheek.
"I will have a carriage provided."
"What's the point of owning your own horses if you don't use them?"
"Would you want to prepare them then?"
I laughed.
"Who else, honey."
Morden's face nestled against me.
"Of course, darling. How dare I deny you work?"
Playfully, I slapped him on the shoulder. The signet ring, identical to his, glittered in the sunlight on my finger.