《Whisper》


 Chapter One

    The Temple of Elwyn housed the coldest, dankest cells I ever had the misfortune of spending time in. A few other chambers at least afforded the luxury of a torch and a bedroll, but the guards had spared me no such kindness. This wasn''t the first time I''d found myself shackled to a wall, but it had never been under the pretense of murder. Generally, the public prison was found suitable enough for felons of the great city of Anastas. But according to the Elwyn clerics, only the best-guarded dungeon would do for a Whisper like me.


    I couldn''t remember how many days had passed since they''d dragged me from my home and locked me in. After three I''d lost the ability to keep track of time; the guards kept unpredictable shifts, and windows were a comfort long forgotten. Even sleep refused to keep me company. The brutal nightmares tortured me to consciousness. My body succumbed to exhaustion only once- I awoke to a guard shaking me while demanding I stop screaming.


    Food was another fond memory; I had nothing to eat from the first day of my imprisonment. Not only did they not bother offering sustenance, I heard it was common for the Temple to poison its occupants before any official judgment was made. The fewer mouths for them to feed the better.


    ¡°Still alive, wisp?¡± The most recent guard on duty raked his pike against the bars.


    I didn''t want to respond. My mouth was parched and my patience had long since evaporated. The King''s Guard had devised the term after Whispers had become a despised race. A ''wisp;'' only a shred, barely human. It was disgusting what they thought of me. All for things beyond my control.


    ¡°Answer me!¡± He didn''t wait long before slamming his weapon once more against the door, startling the few other inmates.


    ¡°Unfortunately.¡± The truth was bitter to taste.


    There was nothing left for me. The damp floor had soaked through my thin clothing, the cold air took every last drop of energy I hoped to preserve, and the metal that surrounded my wrists and ankles chafed my skin until it bled. I wanted to die.


    ¡°My lord, wait!¡± a voice called out. Heavy footsteps echoed from further down the hall, breaking the awkward silence between the guard and I. Visitors weren''t common in the Temple dungeon. I strained to look into the darkness without much luck.


    ¡°You will give her to me and ask me no further questions.¡±


    ¡°But her trial! She must be judged!¡±


    ¡°I will pay any amount that you wish. Give it to the king, use it for this god-forsaken Temple, I don''t care. But you will hand her over to me immediately.¡± The footsteps stopped abruptly and a tall, strong silhouette of a man appeared before my cell. The few available torches didn''t emit enough light for me to see his face. A second pair of feet scuttled quickly to rest beside him. The distant fire glinted off of the gold medallion that signified the cleric''s power within the Temple.


    ¡°Josselyn Thorn?¡± His voice was soft; the most gracious gesture anyone had shown me since I''d arrived.


    ¡°Yes, my lord.¡± I decided that addressing him as the cleric had was the safest course of action.


    ¡°My lady, I need you to tell me if you were Jeremi and Victoria Terryn''s Ring.¡±


    ¡°Lord Markov!¡± The shock in the cleric''s voice didn''t surprise me. Rings were a sensitive subject within Anastas, and the houses of Elwyn believed them taboo.


    I couldn''t hold back the tears that overwhelmed my vision. Hearing their names again tore at my heart as painfully as when I''d found them dead.


    ¡°This woman murdered them. She couldn''t have possibly been their R...Rin..¡±


    ¡°Do you dare not utter the word, Father?¡± I couldn''t hide the rancor in my tone. Followers of Elwyn would never understand my relationship with the Terryns. ¡°Yes, my lord, I was their Ring.¡±


    ¡°Open this door, Father,¡± Lord Markov ordered.


    ¡°But Roch¡ª¡±


    ¡°I said open it!¡± His voice rang against every wall of the dungeon before echoing back a dozen times. The cleric fiddled with his keys, finding the one to my cell after what seemed like an eternity. He rushed to my side and unlocked the irons holding me down. The fresh air against my open wounds stung like the fires of hell.


    Lord Markov slipped one arm beneath my knees and the other behind my back before lifting me from the floor. I wanted to protest- I knew nothing of this man- but his warm body felt like heaven after days of freezing on the wet stone. The soft silks and linens of his clothing brushed against my bare skin.


    ¡°You have my place of residence. Send me the amount of her bail and it will be paid,¡± he said sternly to the cleric.


    ¡°Y-yes m''lord,¡± the cleric stammered.


    ¡°Why take a worthless whore? You could ¡®ave a real lady,¡± another prisoner cackled. Her long fingers circled the bars, black eyes glittering at Lord Markov.


    ¡°Hold your tongue, maggot!¡± The guard charged to watch her slammed his spear against the gates of her cell.


    ¡°Bitch is prolly diseased anyways,¡± she muttered angrily, then cackled again.


    I clutched the front of my savior¡¯s tunic with a shaking fist. The steady stream of abuse in the dungeon was commonplace, but a small, irrational part of me was terrified that Lord Markov would change his mind and put me back.


    ¡°Perhaps she would do better without her tongue,¡± Lord Markov growled.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry m¡¯lord, she doesn¡¯t know who she¡¯s speaking to.¡± The cleric dabbed a cloth against his forehead. I could see his trembling hands in the dim lighting.


    ¡°Then educate her.¡±


    With his final retort, Lord Markov carried me through the dungeon and into the Temple¡¯s main hall. Extravagant rugs of red and gold lined the floors beneath rows of seating. Golden, winged beings watched over their followers from high on the walls. At the head of the Temple was a giant ivory statue of Elwyn herself; a lovely maiden with stargazer lilies weaved into her flowing hair. According to the stories, her death had put an end to a thousand year war. As I didn¡¯t practice religion, I had only picked up bits and pieces from her followers. I''d heard it told more than once that Elwyn was also a Whisper, but it was never depicted in her paintings. It was an idea I enjoyed entertaining while I wasted away in that cell. People such as myself would be treated quite differently if the martyr of their religion were one of us.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    As quickly as we''d entered the Temple hall, we were rid of it, stepping into the morning sun. I hadn''t realized how much I''d adjusted to the darkness of my cell until the glaring sunlight rendered my vision useless.


    ¡°So the rumors were true, then. You are a Whisper,¡± he spoke to me carefully, as if his words would break me apart.


    ¡°Do you now think me a diseased whore?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t give a large portion of my investments to a useless temple for a diseased whore.¡±


    I leaned my head into his chest and closed my eyes. With the warmth of the sun and the smooth rhythm of his steps, it was hard not to drift off to sleep.


    ¡°I thank you for not referring to me as a wisp,¡± I murmured.


    ¡°Your kind are far too beautiful to merit such a disgraceful title.¡± His voice was like velvet, caressing my every nerve. That voice alone brought the heat back into my freezing limbs. I felt color rise to my cheeks.


    The basic features of my race are impossible to hide; shocking white hair, caramel skin, and eyes the color of frozen water. Men, even if their lineage wasn''t immediately evident, could pass on the traits of Whispers to their children. Women born as Whispers would never continue the race; they were infertile. I was the end of my namesake.


    The traits of a Whisper, however, aren''t simply a thing of genetics. Despite the drawbacks, all Whispers, men and women both, harbor a menagerie of incredibly heightened senses. My blood incessantly runs hot with a desire not easily satiated. My skin tingles and responds to even the slightest of touches. Unlike followers of the faith of Elwyn, I am free in my creed to love as I see fit.


    I was the perfect Ring.


    ¡°Hold tight, now.¡± Lord Markov gingerly placed me onto a cushion. I realized with increasing alarm that I knew nothing of this man. The cleric had regarded him as a Lord and the guard had demanded respect from the other prisoner. But what did that mean to me?


    My panic eased as I remembered I''d been ready to die in that cell. What difference did it make if this man would kill me instead?


    His touch disappeared and I was left only with the sensation of the soft fabric beneath me. I chanced opening my eyes and was happy to find my vision clear as the door closed beside me. I recognized that I was in a carriage, despite rarely having traveled in one. It was large enough for four and I felt embarrassingly small sitting alone inside it.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home, Sam.¡± I heard Lord Markov¡¯s voice muffled through the walls before he opened the door on the opposite end.


    Lord Markov climbed into the carriage beside me. Upon studying his face, my heart skipped a beat.


    He could have been Jeremi Terryn''s twin. The silver eyes that glittered in a way that made me catch my breath when he smiled. The same dark, silken hair that begged for fingers to stroke through each strand. High cheekbones that softened his angled face. I struggled to find words as my stomach tied itself into knots.


    ¡°Lord Markov--¡±


    ¡°Please, call me Adrien.¡±


    ¡°Adrien... Who are you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Jeremi Terryn''s brother. When I''d heard the news of his and Victoria¡¯s untimely passing, I came to Anastas as soon as I could. Jeremi had written to me about you many times in our correspondence, but he and his lady wife kept you very well hidden.¡±


    ¡°You don''t share his name?¡±


    ¡°No, my lady, but that is a story for another day.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t the first time I¡¯d heard of someone changing their name to break family ties. I sifted through my exhausted thoughts to recall if Jeremi had ever mentioned a brother. I came up with nothing. If Adrien would speak to me another day on the subject, I at least owed him that courtesy.


    ¡°How did you know about...their deaths?¡±


    ¡°I live in Valford, barely a day''s ride from here. One of Jeremi''s trusted servants had a letter in my hands the next morning. She mentioned you''d been locked away as you were found in their room with the bodies.¡±


    No one believed me when I told them the truth; I''d found them murdered in their bed. I was the only possible suspect according to the guards that found me. I''d not only been Jeremi and Victoria''s Ring for three years but in their servitude for nearly ten. And that meant nothing to the masses of Anastas.


    ¡°Do you think I killed them?¡±


    He paused for a time. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat as I tried to keep my eyes on him. The resemblance to Jeremi was eerie and my emotions weren''t prepared to handle it. After studying me carefully, he took my left hand. He massaged my ring finger, where a small, intricate tattoo encircled the base.


    ¡°No, I don''t think you killed them. I don''t believe you had any motive to. The position of a Ring is one held in high regard, especially if a Whisper obtains it.¡±


    Rings were becoming more of a common occurrence in a married household. They were considered a link between a man and wife; a person that would satisfy a couple''s every need whether on an emotional or physical level. I knew the Terryns better than any person alive, and they treated me like a queen. I lived with them, dined with them, reveled in their joys, and shared their bed when they beckoned. They housed me, clothed me, showered me with a wealth I''d never known or needed, and loved me as I''d loved them. I missed them so much...


    ¡°Josselyn, are you alright?¡±


    I hadn''t realized I was crying until Adrien called my name. I wiped my eyes on the inside of my arm, doing my best to not touch the expensive fabric of the carriage with my blackened hands. I was covered in grime from the cell from head to foot. I felt disgusting. I shook my head to clear thoughts of sleep- I had more questions that needed answering.


    Adrien fished a small cloth from inside his cloak and took one of my hands in his. With methodic strokes, he cleaned the dirt from my fingers. I couldn¡¯t remember the last time I¡¯d been shown such a nicety. I watched him for a moment, collecting my thoughts.


    ¡°If they''d never mentioned that I was a Whisper, how did you find me?¡±


    ¡°I knew your name. A name stained in blood is not a well-kept secret.¡±


    ¡°Pardon me if it is too bold, Adrien, but if you knew I had been locked away, what took so long to find me?¡±


    ¡°The prison guards spoke as if you were already dead. No one wanted to admit the Temple had taken you until they had a respectable amount of gold in their pockets.¡±


    There would have been no trial. They were trying to kill me in that cell. I felt numb.


    ¡°Why did you come for me?¡± The question had burned in the back of my mind since he''d set foot in front of my cage.


    ¡°In one of Jeremi¡¯s last letters I received, he asked me to take care of you and his wife should anything ever happen to him. I couldn¡¯t ignore my brother¡¯s last wish.¡± He took my second hand and cleaned it with equal care as the first.


    ¡°So how do I repay you?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Do you want me as a servant in your home? I feel I should repay you somehow for my life.¡±


    ¡°Josselyn¡­ I don¡¯t want you to work at my estate as a servant. I have enough of those. What I need is...something more.¡± The smile that spread across his lips was all too familiar. I''d seen it on Jeremi''s so many times before. I was suddenly curious as to what Jeremi had written in his letters. ¡°I will feed you and clothe you, and you will want for nothing. I believe you have the correct set of skills to fulfill your part of the bargain.¡±


    In spite of the warm sun and the exhaustion that wracked my body, I felt a chill slide down my spine. I couldn''t even give credence to what Adrien was proposing; I was too hungry and too tired.


    ¡°We can talk about that when we arrive.¡± He folded the dirtied cloth and set aside before procuring a satchel from the carriage floor. He unwrapped it, revealing varied fruits, cheeses, and bread that set my mouth watering. I began to devour the small meal before he could place the cloth completely in my lap. Laughing, he handed me a skin of water. ¡°Don''t eat too quickly, it''s not going anywhere.¡±


    I couldn''t heed his words; my stomach was doing all of the thinking for me. As soon as I''d polished off the last breadcrumb and drained the skin to the last drop, exhaustion finally took me. I couldn¡¯t keep my eyes open and Adrien noticed.


    ¡°We''ll be on the road for some time. You''re welcome to sleep.¡±


    Without thinking, I glanced at Adrien''s lap before my eyes flickered back to his face. The cushions would have been perfectly fine. The carriage was large enough to fit me comfortably if I curled my knees to my chest. Besides, I barely knew this man. But a knowing smile curved his lips and I felt a flush of embarrassment creep up my neck and paint my cheeks. He said nothing, only carefully guided my head onto his thigh and arranged my legs on the length of the seat. He stroked my head and the steady lull of the cart rocked me like a cradle. For the first time in as long as I could remember, I fell into a dreamless sleep.

 Chapter Two

    ¡°We''re here,¡± Adrien''s voice gently brought me back to awareness. I realized the sun had disappeared beneath the horizon and the moon served as our guiding light for some time. I felt refreshed and alert, and the gravity of my situation weighed heavily upon my heart.


    Before I could consider what transpired, Adrien pointed out the window and I followed his hand. ¡°Welcome home, Josselyn.¡±


    I was speechless as I gazed at Adrien''s abode. It was larger than the Terryn''s estate, spanning nearly half an acre. Decorative lanterns hung from the hundreds of trees and plants that littered the front garden. Ivy wrapped around large columns that towered over the front doors. Four different pathways began near the road, leading to similar destinations after winding through the greenery. Alongside them, small water fountains bubbled merrily near stone benches.


    ¡°It''s beautiful.¡± I caught my breath. ¡°Do you have a wife to share this with, Adrien?¡±


    ¡°No, my dear. I reside here alone with my servants.¡±


    I looked over the estate from top to bottom. It was stunning, more than I ever could have imagined. Yet...my heart yearned for the place I called home for so many years.


    Adrien¡¯s words echoed back to me. I need you for something more.


    ¡°Lord Markov...do you understand what it means to be a Ring?¡±


    He didn¡¯t speak as the carriage brought us closer to the stables. I resolved to continue.


    ¡°I was as loyal to the Terryns as they were to each other. One becomes a Ring until death. I was to take no one else as a lover, husband, or wife. As you are aware, I was claimed and it''s not something I can remove--¡±


    ¡°Miss Thorn, excuse me by saying this but, what choice do you have left? Do you currently possess anything that would allow you to continue your life as their Ring?¡±


    ¡°The Temple took everything from me¡ª¡±


    ¡°Except your life.¡±


    It was my turn to hold my tongue.


    ¡°Josselyn, I don''t mean to be rude. But your loyalties can lie elsewhere. According to your own words, you''re free of your commitment. ¡®Until death¡¯, you said. Allow yourself the time to heal.¡±


    ¡°But the vows I took¡­¡± My words to Jeremi and Victoria were as set in stone as the ones they made to each other. I couldn¡¯t betray them.


    ¡°You¡¯re still young. Cutting yourself off from love is a rash decision that you¡¯re making too quickly. You are not a prisoner here. What you must understand is the rest of the world sees you as a murderer. I believe you deserve a second chance. Don''t you?¡±


    I couldn''t respond. The words wouldn''t come. He was right, he''d saved me from what was certain death and offered me almost everything I''d lost. I owed him my life and needed to consider his words before condemning myself.


    The carriage finally pulled into the stables and Adrien exited first, opening the door for me and offering his hand.


    ¡°Can you walk?¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± My joints and muscles ached from so many days in that cell. The chill evening air burned against the raw, chafed skin of my wrists and ankles. But walking on my own was liberating.


    The smooth cobblestone kissed my feet with each step. Mist from the fountains drifted on the breeze, cleansing my skin and sending a shiver down my spine. The stars smiled down from the dark heavens, welcoming me back to the world above the Temple dungeons. I was free.


    Adrien led me through a small section of his gardens to the front door. Three servants greeted us all wearing warm smiles and matching clothing; long, dark skirts and fitted bodices the color of deep red wine. Their hair was tied back into varying styles, but all away from their faces.


    ¡°Ladies, would you be so kind as to show Lady Thorn to her chambers and ready her bath?¡±


    ¡°Of course, m''lord.¡± They bowed in unison- a little disconcerting- before taking my arms and leading me through the many halls.


    We arrived in a luxurious room that took me by surprise. A large bed was positioned against the wall with a canopy draped in silks, adjacent to a cheery, crackling fireplace. Near the door was an intricately carved vanity the color of ivory. A door against the far wall led into what I assumed was a large wardrobe, but the lamp lights didn¡¯t illuminate that far. One servant stayed to help me undress from my prison rags while the other two drew hot water into an ebony tub.


    ¡°Remarkable...I''ve never seen a Whisper in person.¡± The woman undressing me admired my skin and touched my hair. Even though I was covered in prison grime, she viewed me as something extraordinary.


    Accepting compliments was not my forte. I had grown accustomed to the constant admiration of gawkers as much as I had the slander. I remained silent as she led me to the bath.


    The other two servants joined the first and went to work scrubbing every inch of my skin. The water was scalding hot, just as I''d always enjoyed it. One young girl set to brushing the many tangles out of my hair, which was a feat in itself. I bit my lip in an effort to stifle my protests when she caught the comb against a knotted mass. The wet floor of the Temple had not done me any favors. The Terryns had pleaded with me to never have my hair cut, leaving me with a waist length mane that fought back as if it had a mind of its own.


    It felt amazing to be clean again, and the chill finally evaporated from my bones. After assisting me from the bath and toweling me dry, they dabbed my now shimmering hair and throat with oils that smelled of roses and lilacs. One servant brought in a container of salve that was spread around my wrists and ankles. The lotion soothed the fire of my shackle wounds. For the first time in days, I felt like I''d gained back one small piece of myself.


    ¡°Ladies, will you please excuse us?¡± Adrien entered without warning.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    ¡°Of course, m''lord.¡± The servant girls bowed and left me standing naked in the middle of the room. I cursed them silently for taking the towel with them. I swore I could hear one of them giggle as she took her leave.


    ¡°Please pardon my intrusion.¡± The look in his eyes said he was anything but sorry.


    ¡°Adrien...¡± I quickly turned away from his gaze, covering myself as best I could with my hands. I was terrified of disappointing him- it meant the difference between living in his luxury and returning to that horrible dungeon.


    ¡°Let me see you,¡± it was a command, not a question. Slowly, I turned to face him and let my arms fall to my sides.


    ¡°Beautiful.¡± He bridged the gap between us in a few large, deliberate steps. His warm hands caressed my face and hair, slowly moving to my shoulders.


    ¡°My lord-¡± I wasn¡¯t mentally ready for what he wanted. Yet, my body yearned for him desperately.


    ¡°Jeremi and Victoria were very lucky indeed,¡± he purred as his hands wandered further south to stroke my breasts. His delicate touch sent a heat through my blood that had lain dormant for weeks. Standing there vulnerable in front of him felt... right. Almost familiar. Somewhere deep within my rational thoughts was a voice that screamed I stop. But it was buried deep beneath the cravings that overtook me with each stroke of his fingers.


    With fire lighting his silver eyes and a devilish smile on his lips, Adrien bent to his knees and teased my breast with tiny bites. I moaned and found myself grabbing handfuls of his soft hair in an attempt to push his head closer into me. He laughed under his breath before his mouth encompassed my nipple and his tongue teased it furiously.


    Every single nerve in my body stood on end. His fingertips moved to lightly brush my inner thighs while he continued to work his tongue. One hand ventured north and parted my folds easily, two slipping inside me without any resistance. We gasped in unison.


    ¡°You''re already dripping,¡± he murmured against my skin, his tongue moving from breast to navel. I shuddered as his searing hot breath traveled gradually down my stomach.


    Every touch, caress, and bite was amplified ten times and brought me to the edge.


    ¡°Adrien,¡± his name entwined itself into my breathing.


    ¡°I''d heard stories about Whispers, but never expected this,¡± he muttered. My hips moved in rhythm as he worked his fingers in and out of me at a speed that promised I would climax soon. ¡°Don''t hold back on me.¡±


    Words evaded me. Pleading whimpers were all that would form on my lips.


    Adrien traced a small circle around my navel with his tongue before sliding to my hip. Then dangerously close to his occupied hand. I could hardly draw breath. My heart raced. His left hand cupped the small of my back and he guided my quivering body to the floor. The plush rug caressed my bare skin like a thousand soft kisses. He traced my hip bone before sinking his teeth into the tender flesh. Air hissed through my teeth. My hands desperately searched for purchase. I settled on the long fibers of the rug and gripped them until my knuckles turned white. All of these intoxicating sensations combined were enough to drive me mad.


    ¡°Patience, little one.¡± His breath tickled the taut curve of my stomach and I thrust my hips toward his tongue.


    ¡°Please,¡± I gasped. More fingers filled me and continued his maddening pace. I could feel the tension quickly building inside of me.


    ¡°But what of your Ring?¡±


    For the span of a heartbeat, I ceased to feel his mouth or his fingers. I looked at him, past the features that reminded me so much of Jeremi, and I saw only Adrien. I could read the intense hunger in his eyes, and it set my heart aflame. If this was what he wanted in return for my life, I¡¯d give it.


    ¡°Take me, Adrien,¡± I whispered. ¡°Please¡­¡±


    ¡°As you wish.¡± With a wicked smile, he spread my thighs with his free hand. His mouth hovered just long enough to draw a whimper from me before finally reaching its destination. A cry that I¡¯d suppressed for so long tore from my throat as he stroked against the peak of my pleasure.


    ¡°I can''t...hold it,¡± I moaned. He continued pumping his fingers and working his tongue, encouraging me to let go.


    The first clenches of orgasm took hold moments later, and I squealed as waves of release rolled over me. Adrien pressed on. He applied more force with his tongue and plunged his fingers deeper, massaging the exact spot that extended my convulsions. The carnal sounds that escaped my lips only encouraged him, and I felt my eyes roll back. Pleasure had completely erased my thoughts. My body involuntarily arched and eagerly responded to his gentlest touch.


    ¡°Josselyn,¡± I heard my name from somewhere far away. ¡°You''re incredible.¡±


    Adrien pulled his fingers from me, leaving an aching void. He moved to unhook and discard his trousers. My own hands searched out his tunic and forced it over his head. His body showed signs of many hours of physical labor, and my eyes widened when my gaze landed on his erect manhood. I felt my remaining body heat flow between my thighs as I wrapped my own legs around his lower back. I pulled him in toward me.


    ¡°Take me as long as you wish,¡± I begged.


    He thrust into me without mercy while my hips responded in kind. Another climax was building and I knew I wouldn''t be able to hold back. My increasing cries of desperation said as much to Adrien.


    ¡°Come for me again,¡± he whispered into my ear.


    My teeth sunk into his shoulder to muffle my screams, my entire body consumed with release.


    ¡°You feel amazing,¡± I gasped, clawing my nails down his back. He pulled away and placed his hands on my thighs, a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth when I moaned in protest.


    ¡°We¡¯re not done. Get on your knees,¡± he demanded. My thighs throbbed, the muscles unused for so long. I turned onto my hands and knees, gripping the rug. He angled my face closer to the ground, pulling my hips higher and leaving what he wanted completely vulnerable.


    ¡°Good girl,¡± he growled and penetrated me from behind. My hair spilled around my arms in a waterfall of silver. He reached for a fistful of the white pool and pulled, arching my back and exposing my throat. I dug my nails deep into the rug as my breathing turned shallow.


    Adrien grabbed my right hand and placed it between my legs, encouraging me to pleasure myself with my fingertips. Satisfied with the new position, he reached around to tease my hardened nipple.


    ¡°Again,¡± he demanded. ¡°Let me feel you again.¡±


    Between his thrusting and my own fingers, it wasn¡¯t long before I fulfilled his request. In the span of a few breaths my whole body clenched and I was shouting his name. Never had I been allowed such ecstasy in that short amount of time. I''d lost control of my senses. All I wanted was him. Every part of him. Nothing else mattered. I pulled away slowly and my body still ached with yearning.


    ¡°Allow me,¡± I purred, barely recognizing my own voice. Surprise toyed with his determined features as I pressed on his chest, pushing him to the floor. I positioned myself over him. ¡°Just relax.¡±


    I guided him back inside of me, enjoying every inch. When my hips finally kissed his, a low groan escaped my throat. I moved at a pace to torture him as he had done to me. His hands latched onto my hips, his fingers digging into my sides as he tried to take control of the situation. I wouldn''t allow it. It was my turn. I continued at my own pace, drawing rasping moans from deep within his chest.


    ¡°You''re an extraordinary creature--¡±


    I thrust my hips down quickly, interrupting his thought.


    ¡°Come,¡± I urged, leaning over him so our foreheads touched. ¡°Don''t think about anything else.¡±


    I pushed his wrists to the floor, forcing him to relinquish all control. Still, he fought to mediate the speed, but I would return to my original pace until he gave in and matched my tempo. I was approaching climax once more and was determined to wait for him.


    ¡°You''re still so tight,¡± he growled, moving his body in sync with mine.


    I worked him faster and his breathing accelerated. I let go of his wrists when I felt him nearing an orgasm, and he grasped my hips in desperation. He pushed into me faster than I could respond, but I let him. His moans filled the room as he balanced dangerously on the edge.


    ¡°Come for me,¡± I whispered.


    Adrien cried out and thrust harder than he had yet. My thighs clenched around him as I bore into him. I closed my eyes and experienced one last satisfying apex. As I came down from the high, I opened my eyes. I realized that my fingers were entwined with his and gave his hands a gentle squeeze. He was smiling, a mischievous smile that summoned chills and brought a heat that seemed to forever dwell in my soul to the surface of my skin.


    ¡°Oh Josselyn,¡± he murmured. ¡°I''ve searched for you for a long time.¡±


    ¡°And now you have me,¡± I replied, returning his smile.


    And he did.

 Chapter Three

    I dreamt of Victoria that night. Gentle, breathtaking Victoria with sparkling sapphire eyes, fair skin, and almond hair that waterfalled down her shoulders in loose ringlets. Lorelyn, the place she called home, lay far to the northwest of Anastas, within the Isten Mountains. Jeremi met her on a leisure trip and they fell in love within the few days they spent together. Her beauty brought many sidelong glances from the men of Anastas, but she only had eyes for Jeremi and myself. I loved her with all of my heart.


    My dream was of a nigh forgotten memory, safely tucked away in the depths of my mind.


    Since the age of thirteen I had served the Terryns; cooking, cleaning, tending to the gardens, and responding to their every need. By my twenty-third nameday they had given me my own room, supplied me with a full wardrobe, and many times invited me to share in their evening pleasures.


    Mere months before I¡¯d become their Ring, the summer¡¯s illness took its toll on the Terryn household. It put me in bed for six days that seemed never-ending. Victoria had taken it upon herself to care for me, and the tenderness she displayed only deepened my affection for her.


    That particular evening, Victoria had personally bathed me, dressed me, and brewed a large mug of tea that soothed my constantly aching throat. I had positioned myself atop soft pillows while she lounged close behind me, deftly plaiting my hair with practiced fingers.


    ¡°I wish I could braid as quickly as you can,¡± I said longingly.


    ¡°We¡¯ll keep practicing once you are well.¡± Everything she said sounded like a soft melody meant only for my ears. I never heard Victoria raise her voice in anger.


    ¡°Thank you for caring for me, my lady-¡±


    ¡°Victoria,¡± she corrected patiently. ¡°Josselyn, you are very important to Jeremi and I. We want you to feel at home.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve always been comfortable here.¡± I took another sip of tea, struggling for more I could say. Comfortable was an understatement, this was my home. There were a few beats of companionable silence while she separated another section of hair to braid.


    ¡°Do you think about your parents often?¡± The question surprised me. My family wasn¡¯t generally a topic of conversation.


    ¡°For a long time, I did. Not...anymore. I was worth more in gold than shared blood to them. I...I¡¯ve long since let it go.¡± I toyed with a loose thread on one of the cushions. ¡°You and Jeremi are closer to me than my true family ever was.¡±


    Victoria tied off the end of her work and shifted around so we were face to face. She brushed a stray strand of hair from my cheek with cool fingertips and smiled, setting hundreds of butterflies free in my stomach.


    ¡°We will stay by your side always, my sweet. You should remember that.¡± Clasping my free hand in her own, her demeanor was suddenly serious. ¡°There are some very important things that Jeremi and I have been discussing recently. Soon we may ask you to make a very personal decision. I want you to know that whatever your choice, we will still love you... Josselyn?¡±You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    I didn¡¯t understand the sudden droplets that fell on our clasped hands. Why was I crying?


    ¡°Josselyn?¡± The voice was no longer hers, yet still familiar. ¡°Josselyn are you alright?¡±


    One image blurred into the next as I regained consciousness. Adrien lay beside me, one arm beneath the pillow supporting my head. The other hand caressed my cheek, wiping away fresh tears.


    ¡°Adrien,¡± a sharp pain in my chest labored my breathing.


    ¡°Shhh it¡¯s alright, I¡¯m right here.¡± His lips brushed my forehead as I became increasingly cognizant of our naked bodies pressed together. ¡°You were shaking so violently. Did you have a nightmare?¡±


    ¡°No. Victoria...She was...I...what have I done?¡± I¡¯d betrayed them. I¡¯d barely had time to mourn their deaths before I allowed another man to take me to his bed. My vision blurred as the sobs built in the back of my throat.


    ¡°Let it out, love. Let yourself cry.¡± He pulled me closer and I did just that. ¡°You¡¯re safe here, nothing can hurt you.¡±


    ¡°I broke my vows. How could I?¡± I cried.


    ¡°Josselyn you did no such thing.¡± He stroked my hair and muttered words of comfort against my forehead.


    We will stay by your side always. I clung to Adrien and allowed every heartbroken, bitter, angry emotion I held since I¡¯d discovered their bodies to take its time in my heart.


    I wept myself numb and Adrien never left my side. His embrace had a grounding effect that reminded me why I allowed myself to let go the previous evening. Eventually, my breathing evened and the tears stopped.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± I wiped my eyes and buried my face in his chest. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean¡ª¡±


    ¡°You have nothing to apologize for.¡± He tipped my chin up, his gaze meeting mine. ¡°What do you say we share something to eat and I¡¯ll show you Valford?¡±


    I smiled and nodded. Learning the city was the right step in making it feel like home.


    ¡°A smile suits you much better than tears, Josselyn.¡± He kissed my forehead and moved from the bed to get dressed. ¡°If you¡¯re alright with the clothes the girls here wear, for now, we¡¯ll start refilling your wardrobe.¡±


    ¡°Anything is better than that prison garb,¡± I looked around the room to find the paper-thin white gown was gone. ¡°Which I hope you burned.¡±


    ¡°Near enough,¡± he laughed, fastening his tunic closed. He went to the wardrobe and returned in short time with a skirt and bodice identical to the servant¡¯s clothes. ¡°These should fit for the time being.¡±


    I slipped from beneath the sheets and took the clothing from him. The fabrics were well weighted and finely woven. No expense spared even for his servants. As I slipped one leg into the skirt, the door to the bedroom opened.


    ¡°Adrien¡ª¡± A young woman entered, dressed for travel. Long red curls framed her porcelain face. Emerald green eyes measured my naked body before returning to Adrien. ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware you were hiring a¡­new girl.¡±


    ¡°Isabelle, you¡¯re late,¡± Adrien sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve told you when I need you here and it¡¯s not up for discussion.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m...sorry, m¡¯lord.¡± Her perfect red lips pursed, her gaze digging into me. I managed to slip into the skirt and was doing my best to string the bodice on my own.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let it happen again, I mean it.¡±


    ¡°Who is she?¡± Isabelle continued, her tone flat.


    ¡°My name is Josselyn Thorn. I¡¯m¡ª¡±


    ¡°A Whisper,¡± the words were toxic on her tongue. She did nothing to hide her distaste.


    ¡°Isabelle,¡± Adrien cautioned, ¡°you will address Josselyn as if you¡¯re speaking to me.¡±


    Her eyes narrowed. ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Lady Thorn will be living here from now on. You will attend to her every need. Do you understand me?¡±


    I finished lacing the bodice and met Isabelle¡¯s cold eyes.


    ¡°Of course, m¡¯lord.¡±


    ¡°Go get dressed and find Lily before she burns down the kitchen.¡±


    Isabelle took her leave without another word. A shiver ran through me. She was beautiful. She was breathtaking. She hated every fiber of my being.


    ¡°She barks worse than she bites. I¡¯ll make sure she minds her manners,¡± Adrien said calmly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure she¡¯s just surprised,¡± I said, despite the fact that I wasn¡¯t sure at all.


    ¡°You may be right. Nevertheless, perhaps we should find breakfast in the city.¡± Adrien took my hand and led on to introduce me to Valford. To my new home.

 Chapter Four

    Adrien¡¯s estate was perched at the top of one of the many hills that carved the landscape of Valford. At the edge of the gardens, it was easy to see the lively city shops below. Smaller homes were scattered among the adjacent hills, before spilling into the streets surrounding the center of town. The carriage bounced along the winding road leading down into the main streets. Adrien had debunked my idea of walking the path- he claimed we would need the carriage to fit my wardrobe alone- and I was not about to argue with him. Fall colors painted the many trees lining the roads and dotting the hills; oranges, yellows, reds. Time had escaped me; it felt as if I¡¯d entirely discarded summer. A gentle breeze danced through the foliage and played with loose strands of my hair. From the corner of my eye, I caught Adrien watching me with fascination.


    The carriage came to a halt just on the outskirts of the busiest street. Adrien exited and before I could make a move to leave, the driver opened the door and extended a gloved hand toward me.


    ¡°My lady,¡± he smiled.


    ¡°Thank you¡­Sam, was it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, my lady.¡± I took his hand and stepped down from my seat. Sam was a kind, cordial and well-spoken young man- very different from most men I met in my travels. His bright tousled hair and tanned skin told of a childhood lived outdoors and I liked him better for it.


    ¡°We¡¯ll meet you back here in six hours, Sam.¡± Adrien handed him a small purse that clanked with the familiar sound of coin. ¡°Do as you wish until then.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Lord Markov.¡± He bowed and led his horse by hand to a nearby stable.


    ¡°Now, where to begin,¡± Adrien smiled and took my arm.


    Already, passersby were risking glances in our direction, eyes widening at the sight of me. In Anastas, many of the townsfolk recognized me easily and didn¡¯t give the thought of a Whisper with a prominent family a second thought. A majority of the people in Valford had likely never seen one of my race before- let alone accompanied by someone with such prestige.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about them.¡± Noticing my worried glances, Adrien kissed my forehead. ¡°No one will say anything while you¡¯re with me.¡±


    I nodded and we began to peruse the streets. The shop stalls I was accustomed to were replaced by well-kept buildings with beautiful storefronts covered in flowers and bright paints. Not one brick looked out of place in Valford¡¯s shopping district, and the same could be said for its attendees. Men and women both walked the roads in their best clothing- fine satins and velvets intricately embroidered with floral patterns in gold thread. Compared to their wardrobes, I felt plain in Adrien¡¯s servant dress.


    ¡°This way.¡± He guided me through a door and as I took in the store I gasped.


    Expensive clothing filled the room from top to bottom; one side for gentlemen, the other for ladies. Anything from traveling leathers to ball gowns was carefully displayed throughout their business.


    ¡°Lord Markov, welcome.¡± A tall man older than Adrien approached us. Everything about him was heavy and thick- his stature, beard, and his glasses.


    ¡°Edmund, it¡¯s good to see you.¡± Adrien clasped hands with the man. My manners were forgotten in the sea of luscious fabrics. I found myself brushing my fingertips over each item, needing to feel their caress against my skin.


    ¡°What can I help you with today?¡±


    ¡°I need assistance building a wardrobe for my Lady Josselyn.¡± My focus returned when I heard my name. Embarrassed, I curtsied clumsily.


    ¡°Well met, sir.¡±


    ¡°None of that, little one,¡± he laughed and clapped a giant hand on my shoulder. ¡°It¡¯ll be my pleasure to dress you.¡±


    Without another word or question, he guided me into a smaller room at the back of the store. Fetching a small roll of tape from his pocket, he took my measurements in a midst of ¡®hmm¡¯s and ¡®ahh¡¯s. After scribbling a few hurried notes onto a small piece of paper, he disappeared and pulled a curtain over the entrance.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°Please undress while I¡¯m out,¡± he said through the curtain.


    I undid the messy knots of my bodice and easily stepped out of the skirt, standing only in my underthings. It wasn¡¯t the first time I¡¯d been measured and fit for clothing, Jeremi and Victoria had taken me enough that the clothier in Anastas had my sizing memorized. I didn¡¯t wait long before Edmund returned with multiple options for me to try on, many of them for different occasions.


    ¡°This one I¡¯ll pack in secret,¡± he winked and held up a white, lacy negligee that would leave little to the imagination. I blushed furiously at the thought. I had never worn a piece of clothing for someone else¡¯s entertainment- Victoria had never seen the point.


    I nodded, refusing to look into his eyes, and grabbed at the first outfit from the piles of clothing that lay before me.


    For the next hour, I modeled clothing for Edmund and Adrien. With the ones I liked, Edmund would make adjustments with pins to the fit, and then take notes on his small pad of paper. He¡¯d put the garment to the side to be tailored and delivered at a later time. Some of Edmund¡¯s choices I¡¯m sure had Adrien¡¯s style in mind- one black dress was like nothing I had ever worn. It covered my shoulders and chest, but dipped in the back to a dangerous low, leaving my shoulder blades and lower back exposed. Both Adrien and Edmund¡¯s eyes widened as I drew the curtain. I pulled my long hair over one shoulder and turned to the side, revealing the dress¡¯s focal point.


    ¡°Perfect choice, Edmund. I knew I could trust your eye.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a stunning girl, Josselyn,¡± Edmund nodded his approval. ¡°Only a few items left, yes?¡±


    By the time I finished the stack Edmund had imposed on me, I had traveling leathers, two elegant gowns for formal occasions, plenty of clothing to wear around Adrien¡¯s estate, and the negligee that he¡¯d tucked away.


    After everything had been marked and placed aside for adjustments and I donned new, more fitting attire for shopping in Valford, Edmund gave Adrien the total. My heart skipped a beat- I was accustomed to having things purchased for me but this was an extravagance I wasn¡¯t familiar with. Color rose to my cheeks as Adrien paid it without a second thought and shook Edmund¡¯s hand again with another smile.


    ¡°Thank you for your help, as always, Edmund.¡±


    ¡°Of course, my Lord. Come again, Josselyn, I¡¯ll be sure to put a few more things aside for you,¡± he winked at me and I blushed.


    ¡°Thank you, Edmund,¡± I said sheepishly. I took Adrien¡¯s free arm, assisting him in carrying the few items Edmund was able to quickly tailor from the store. ¡°Thank you, Adrien.¡±


    ¡°I told you, love, anything you desire.¡± He shifted the bags from my arms to his. ¡°I¡¯ll return these to the carriage, is there somewhere near here that interests you?¡±


    I skimmed the shops surrounding us before my eyes fell onto a sign proudly displaying books. ¡°Yes, that one.¡±


    ¡°Ah, a reader are you?¡±


    ¡°Jeremi taught me. He was incredibly patient with me and said I was a good student,¡± I smiled.


    ¡°I see,¡± he nodded. ¡°Go on then, I¡¯ll catch up with you.¡±


    With newfound confidence, I crossed the threshold of the bookstore. Immediately, I was met with the scent of worn pages, leather bindings, and new ink. The Terryns kept a respectable library and the aroma reminded me of home. I breathed it in deeply.


    The history of Rhoryn had always fascinated me; perhaps it was because that was what material I had learned to read with. But my true love of stories lay in fairy tales. Stories of dragons, kings, and sorcerers with untold powers. Victoria would tell me a fairy tale every night when they first brought me to their home and I absorbed myself in them when I could read on my own. Sifting through the shelves and shelves of books I finally found a tome filled with them. I pulled it free and carefully thumbed through pages enchanted with intricate drawings and beautifully penned words.


    ¡°Excuse me, can I help you?¡± A man that could have been my grandfather stepped around the corner, peering at me through squinted eyes. ¡°Elwyn¡¯s tits. A Whisper? Are you lost, girl?¡±


    ¡°N-no, I just¡ª¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t touch things you can¡¯t afford.¡± He deftly plucked the book from my hands. Anger warmed my blood.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand¡ª¡±


    ¡°Is there a problem here, Martin?¡±


    ¡°Ah, Lord Markov, just escorting this¡­lady to the door, you see.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯ve met Josselyn, then?¡± Adrien kept his calm and took the book from Martin¡¯s hands. ¡°Did you want to buy this, sweet? There may be another shop where we can find it with a more¡­congenial owner.¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, m¡¯lord, I didn¡¯t realize she was yours¡ª¡± Martin stammered.


    ¡°I am not anyone¡¯s to own,¡± I snapped. Adrien laid a hand on my shoulder.


    ¡°Come, Josselyn, we¡¯ll search somewhere else.¡±


    ¡°Just take the book, my lady,¡± Martin said, exasperated, ¡°as an apology. It¡¯s been years since I¡¯ve run into one of you and times are tough.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s kind of you,¡± sarcasm dripped from Adrien¡¯s words. He handed me the book. ¡°Let¡¯s be off, then.¡±


    I hugged it to my chest, relishing in my small victory and trying to ignore Martin¡¯s harsh words.


    ¡°We still have four hours, what should we do next?¡± Adrien linked his arm through mine and continued leading me down the extravagant streets of Valford. I prayed for more acceptance and respect from its citizens, and with Adrien by my side, I would have it.

 Chapter Five

    We returned full and tipsy from the remaining days¡¯ pleasures, laughing over trivial things. I held my book to my chest- my fiercely guarded treasure from the day. When we reached my bedroom, Adrien instructed one of the servant girls to unload the carriage into my wardrobe.


    ¡°There¡¯s one last thing I would like to give you today.¡± He kissed the top of my head and took his leave while the servant carefully hung my new clothing. He returned after a short time with a rolled piece of parchment and a small box. We both lay down on the bed as I unrolled the delicate scroll. My breath caught. I immediately recognized Jeremi¡¯s careful hand. I couldn¡¯t help but read the words in his voice, which brought an unexpected smile to my face.


    Adrien,


    I hope this finds you well and I apologize for the brevity of our last visit. I miss the days when we could lose hours in a tavern together, but my employer has kept me on a short chain this past year. Nevertheless, it¡¯s always wonderful to see you.


    Victoria and I have finally asked Josselyn to become our Ring. Happily, she agreed. I wish I could have introduced you two, but in the light of recent events regarding the Temple of Elwyn, I find myself wary of exposing her to the public eye.


    To that end, if ill befalls me, I need you to promise me you¡¯ll seek out and take care of Victoria and Josselyn. I love them dearly and I shudder to think of the consequences if Elwyn¡¯s followers find them first. I¡¯m sorry, but for now, this is all I can write. Send word if you visit Anastas again, and I will make arrangements for the four of us to meet.


    Best Regards,


    Jeremi


    We sat in silence for a time while I traced Jeremi¡¯s signature with my fingertips. My darling Jeremi. These were the last new words I would see from him. They resonated with my soul like a song. Take care of Josselyn.


    ¡°They both loved you deeply,¡± Adrien said quietly.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°And I, them.¡± They were gone and I was left without justice. An overwhelming desire to uncover the steps behind their murder rushed through my veins as I scanned his letter again. Something he¡¯d said within sparked another memory that baffled me for some time. ¡°What happened in the Temples that made them need to hide me?¡±


    Around the time the letter was written, they forbade me to leave the grounds without an attendant. Both Victoria and Jeremi made certain that I had all I needed within the estate, only making trips into the city when absolutely necessary. I had missed our evenings out dearly, however, I could never disobey them. Reading his letter brought a new light to the situation.


    ¡°The same year he wrote this letter, the followers of Elwyn began to forcefully oppose Rings. They denied Rings and their families access to the Temples and named them taboo. Also¡­Whispers were quietly disappearing and leaving no trace. The faith never kept their silence on their opinions of your race. I believe it was too much for Jeremi and Victoria to risk.¡±


    ¡°I see. Adrien¡­do you think the Elwyn followers were the ones who¡­the ones to¡­¡± I couldn¡¯t finish the sentence; it was too fresh in my mind.


    ¡°My dear I do not know.¡± Adrien took the parchment from my hands and rolled it neatly. ¡°You may keep this if you like, however,¡± he handed me the small box, ¡°yesterday morning before I came to release you, I brought two members of my personal guard with me to salvage what was left of your belongings. Nearly everything was gone save for a few trinkets. But this I thought you would want to keep close.¡±


    I removed the lid and inside was a ring of white gold that I instantly recognized as Victoria¡¯s. Its origin she had never explained, but she wore it always. It was a delicate thing encircled with tiny, precious stones. Inside the band, a jeweler from Lorelyn had engraved Tere L¡¯etai- Love Freely- in Victoria¡¯s mother tongue. The creed of a Whisper. I slipped it over the tattoo on my left hand and admired it.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­perfect. Thank you, Adrien. Truly.¡±


    Adrien¡¯s fingers brushed my cheek and he turned my face toward his own. ¡°I will do anything for you. You need only say the words. Do you understand, Josselyn?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± I felt a gentle tug at the corners of my lips. One last piece of each of my best friends- my soul mates- was more than I¡¯d ever hoped for.


    Adrien kissed my forehead, then my cheek, and then his lips traced the side of my face to the curve of my throat.


    ¡°It would be a tragedy to waste such a beautiful evening.¡±


    His fingertips trailed lightly along my skin; down my throat, past my chest, until finally alighting on my thigh. My body shivered in anticipation despite the warmth of the wine and his breath against my skin.


    ¡°All you need is ask,¡± I murmured into his hair as I unhooked the clasp on his belt. ¡°I am yours.¡±

 Bonus Chapter

    Adrien¡¯s lips were silk against my skin. His lazy kisses down my spine raised gooseflesh with each careful inch taken. The bruises and bite marks on my shoulders and hips were just blossoming from the previous evening¡¯s pleasures. A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth despite the sting of my new marks. I stretched my bare legs, enjoying the sensation of the satin sheets caressing them. The sun hadn¡¯t yet shown its face through the grand windows of my bedroom, but Adrien¡¯s desire still ran hot.


    ¡°Well good morning to you, too.¡± I tried to laugh but my breath caught in my throat.


    ¡°Josselyn,¡± My name coming from him was like a song. After only three months it brought a familiar heat to my blood. ¡°Must you go?¡±


    I sighed and turned to face him. His eyes were still closed as the tips of his fingers caressed my inner thighs.


    ¡°If not today, my lord, when?¡± I muttered the question against his shoulder.


    ¡°Some...other day perhaps?¡± As his hand moved my hips pushed themselves toward him. ¡°I can think of better things we could do today.¡±


    ¡°Adrien, it¡¯ll only be for one evening.¡± I shifted myself to lie on the intricately embroidered pillows, pulling him with me. He encircled me with strong arms and leaned in to whisper into my ear.


    ¡°That is far too long, my sweet. I don¡¯t want to spend a single night without you.¡± I gasped as his fingers slipped inside of me. His eyes were open now; fire burned beneath silver.


    ¡°You may take me as you wish as soon as I return,¡± my reply was strained as his deft hand worked me like a well-practiced instrument. I didn¡¯t want to leave him for a single moment; I wanted him close to me always.


    ¡°I may do that now.¡± His teeth sank into my shoulder while his fingers ventured deeper, drawing moans I could not suppress. ¡°You are mine, are you not?¡±


    ¡°I am-¡±


    ¡°My lady, your carriage is ready,¡± a flat announcement came from the door.


    One of the women in Adrien¡¯s employ had slipped through without either of us noticing.


    Isabelle. From the moment I stepped foot into Adrien¡¯s home, she had reserved only the harshest of glances for me. She never spoke to me outside of common courtesy, and would only do what was asked of her, never going beyond minimum expectations. Adrien had given her strict instructions to treat me as she treated him, but her ire remained. This wasn¡¯t the first time she¡¯d walked in on Adrien and I at an indecent moment, and I had a feeling it wouldn¡¯t be the last.


    ¡°Damn you, Isabelle, all these years and you don¡¯t remember how to knock?¡± Adrien pulled his hand from me, leaving only an unfulfilled yearning between my legs. He shifted the sheets and left the bed, moving toward Isabelle without bothering to clothe himself.


    Her emerald eyes concentrated on the floor, color rising to her cheeks. I would have bet my life that it wasn¡¯t embarrassment that hued her face.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my lord,¡± she stammered, ¡°I-¡±


    ¡°You seem to enjoy interrupting us more than any other steward in this household,¡± he growled, ¡°why not join us?¡± It didn¡¯t sound like an invitation. Without warning Adrien grabbed a fistful of her auburn hair and forced the fingers that had only moments ago been inside of me into her mouth. Her eyes widened in surprise and a strangled noise tore from her throat. When she tried to pull away, he pushed his hand in further.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°If you want to live in this place and continue spending my coin you will lick them clean,¡± his voice was barely audible but the threatening nature of his tone spoke volumes.


    The look of contempt she gave me then would have struck daggers through any man.


    But the desire that it evoked in me- her bitter gaze while she worked her tongue, Adrien¡¯s dominance over her, the wet sound of her mouth against his fingers, the thought of her sharing my bed...was something only a Whisper could feel.


    ¡°There¡¯s a good girl,¡± his pleasure was obvious and it took every ounce of restraint I had not to go to them and strip her down to match us. It had been so long since I had felt the touch of two people. Adrien¡¯s actions with Isabelle were far more forceful than he dared do to me- and I hungered for him to treat me the same. ¡°If you¡¯ve wanted my company so much, you should have said so. Josselyn is no stranger to the needs of women.¡±


    Releasing her hair, he removed his fingers from her mouth. Isabelle coughed violently before her enraged glare found its way back to me.


    ¡°I would never lie with a wisp,¡± she spat.


    My blood ran cold, but the anger on Adrien¡¯s face made me fear more for Isabelle than I cared to admit. The strident crack of a hand connecting to flesh echoed throughout the room. Isabelle fell to her knees and cradled her face.


    ¡°You will never refer to Josselyn in such a way ever again. Do you understand me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, m¡¯lord,¡± she whispered. A tear raced down her cheek, but the slow-burning fury in her eyes told me it was not from physical pain.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t hear you.¡± He took her hair in both hands and fiercely jerked her head to meet his piercing gaze. ¡°Do you need more than just fingers to cleanse that mouth of yours?¡±


    ¡°Adrien, let her go.¡± I surprised myself; every nerve of my body pleaded to let him do what he wanted with Isabelle, but something in me said she didn¡¯t deserve it. ¡°It¡¯s not the first time it¡¯s been said, nor will it be the last.¡±


    He turned to me in confusion. ¡°She can¡¯t just call you-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I think you¡¯ve taught her as much.¡±


    The glance she spared me said she¡¯d learned nothing from the encounter. Whatever angered her to such lengths...it didn¡¯t warrant this kind of punishment. Many years prior I had been in a similar position to Isabelle¡¯s and would have given anything for someone to champion me. I saw the same emotions cross her face that I¡¯d carried then. Adrien released her hair.


    ¡°Get out of my sight,¡± his words were sharp and cold. She would not be given another chance. Isabelle scrambled from the room before he could say another word.


    When she was gone, he sighed. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have interrupted me. She¡¯ll just-¡±


    I shook my head and finally stood, the aching in my joints both sharp and satisfying. I closed the gap between us before lacing my arms around his neck. ¡°Don¡¯t throw her on the streets just because she¡¯s jealous. Maybe she¡¯ll come around.¡±


    He brushed the hair from my face and studied me carefully. ¡°She must learn that she can¡¯t speak to you in such a way. If I don¡¯t stop that now-¡±


    ¡°She¡¯ll do what? Call me names until I cry? Adrien, you could employ this entire city if you wished it. She needs this job more than you need her. All of your other servants treat me like royalty, and her attitude is¡­refreshing.¡±


    His gaze softened. ¡°You are a mysterious creature.¡±


    ¡°Such is my nature.¡± I smiled and kissed the curve of his neck. ¡°She seems to have a fancy for you. Have you two shared evenings together?¡±


    ¡°Many times.¡± He moved from my arms to redress, not offering any other explanation. The sudden cold disposition that took over him caught me off guard. Adrien wasn¡¯t willing to share much information about his past, no matter how much I pleaded. I may have let the conversation end if not for his adverse reaction to my question. I crossed my arms over my chest and suddenly felt unsure of myself.


    ¡°Do you¡­Do you love her?¡±


    He didn¡¯t turn to look at me, only continued picking up each garment from the floor. ¡°It was not out of love that we shared a bed.¡±


    Not out of love? Out of habit? Necessity? ¡°Then why-¡±


    ¡°Josselyn, it¡¯s not a matter that concerns you,¡± his tone was final, and it pained me. After buckling his trousers he turned to me with an expression that said it he was in no mood to discuss the matter. Besides, I had other plans that had already been set into motion.


    ¡°I really must go if I want to arrive in good time.¡±


    He sighed deeply and took me in his arms. ¡°Have a safe journey and I hope you find what you seek.¡±


    Another sudden shift in his mannerisms. I felt as if I didn¡¯t truly know the man standing before me. ¡°As do I, love.¡±