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Part VII

Perfect denial

Warning: smut.

Song: "A beautiful lie" by 30 seconds to Mars

Sounds of the nearest forest and the calls of seagulls crash on his senses like a tidal wave, and it is as if he had never left. Twelve years disappear before his mind's eye, and he has to peek at her, standing beside him, to reaffirm himself that all of this is reality. Taking a hold of his hand, she smiles, but he catches the traces of fear in her eyes.

They go to headquarters to report of their arrival to the highest ranking officer. Walking arm in arm with her, Fenris spots sideway glances and frowns thrown in their direction. She doesn't twitch a muscle, holding his hand in a tight grip. He can discern their reactions - it isn't often, when a Senator treats an elven servant the way she does. He wonders what is this reasoning of her, challenging these social foundations. And he is not sure, if he's contented to play this game. Thankfully, they are out of Minrathous and it's not nearly as dangerous to defy the principles, but still...

The door before them opens and they face their new host.

"Welcome to Seheron, Senator! I am Octavius, General of the Imperial forces on Seheron." He greets her, at the same time eyeing Fenris with poorly veiled interest. "I have been notified of your arrival beforehand, but we had to discuss some urgent matters. I hope you can forgive my lack of etiquette."

Assessing the potential danger, Fenris studies him in return. The man looks much younger and inexperienced, than he thought he would be. He muses if Octavius was the original military leader of the Seheron troops, or if he is simply another replacement to patch the holes in their depleted numbers.

She interrupts his silent observations. "I believe the matters were urgent enough, General. As you should have been informed, I am Senator Cassia and I am to take the place of Senior Enchanter on Seheron." She glances over Octavius with a thin smile, seemingly not impressed by his appearance at all. Fenris inwardly sighs - the woman is up to something, and the evident weakness of their vis-a-vis would only increase her desire. She almost instantly confirms his guesses. "And this is Fenris, my right hand and closest companion. I would insist that you regard him just the same, as me."

"Eh... Senator?" Hesitantly asks Octavius, while both him and Fenris stare at her in astonishment. She gives them the best imperious look, which would put any royalty to shame. Stifling a nervous cough, the human is first to slowly extend his hand. Fenris casts her a glare, but she appears to be set on continuing this charade.

"Ah, forgive my obliviousness. Fenris takes offense in physical contact, other than mine. You would be wise to remember that." A sweet poison almost visibly trickles from her tongue.

Completely lost, Octavius opens his mouth to speak, then thinks better of it.

After that 'formal' introduction she abruptly pulls Fenris into a deep kiss, to everybody's and his, shock. Announcing that she is tired from an exhausting trip, she respectfully asks him to accompany her to their living quarters. Bewildered, and if he is fair to himself - a bit frightened by that brazen demeanor, he decides to confront her on that, as soon as they reach the privacy of their designated rooms.

—

Blocking the door with his body, Fenris turns to her. "Are you mad, woman? What was that about?"

"What's that?"

Her deceptively innocent face only angers him further. Folding his arms, he leans back, trying to suppress his temper. "Oh, so you think that was a good idea? What are you up to?"

She casually shrugs, as if her previous act isn't even worthy of mentioning. "I have decided to drop the pretense." Seeing his eyebrows coming together, she points her finger at him. "You are my lover, and I won't let them treat you as servant! You are better than any of them on the battlefield, and they will honor that!"

Making an effort to distract himself from an inner turmoil, he strides towards the window, gripping its frame with both hands. He speaks through gritted teeth after taking a several deep breaths. "You know it will not be tolerated in Tevinter. I am an elf and a former slave, you are a magister."

"You deserve their respect, and more. I'm just sorry it took me so long."

Is it a misery in her voice? Shit, not again! He can't believe, that all this farce was a result of her, blaming herself for his decision.

"You act suicidal all of a sudden, and you think I would just stand and watch? Think again!"

"Yes you would, and they would accept you as my equal!" Again, she holds to her stubborn mood, and Fenris starts to see red. Growling, he slams his fist into the wall, creating a dent on its surface and a cloud of broken plaster. If they continue, he cannot guarantee not saying something he would regret.

In a few minutes, when he calms down, she comes to him, wrapping her hands around his chest. Obviously considering the case closed and trying to make up for provoking his outburst, she nibbles at his throat, suggestively rubbing herself against him. Even though his fury almost instantly recedes, being replaced by smoldering hunger, he recognizes her intent. The woman wants to distract him from this unpleasant subject, but she forgets that two can play her game. Exploring her mouth with his tongue, he urges her towards the bed. On their way he starts to free her from clothes, and while she does the same with his armor, slightly pushes her to lay down. He is not surprised to find her quite ready, their argument has been heated enough to cause this reaction. Just as he enters her, he stays himself, not moving an inch. At first she waits for him to continue, then attempts to take him in whole, arching her back to meet him. He takes hold of her hips, stilling her movements, forcing her to groan in frustration.

Watching her flushed face, he gives her a single hard thrust and stops again. "Tell me you won't do anything stupid."

She cries out in vexation, and he covers her mouth with his own, muffling her screams. Now she understands his plan, but her state and pose don't leave much room for maneuvering. She gives it a shot anyway, trying to throw him off herself, digging her nails into his forearms. Straining his muscles, he only grunts in response. In the end she whines against his lips from what looks to be desperation and unfulfilled desire.

Tearing his mouth away, he releases a ravenous chuckle. "You need more practice in close combat, mage."

"Fuck you!" Seeing her in this impotent rage, he briefly wonders if she would use magic against him for the first time. He is willing to risk it.

"So far it's the other way around." Another chuckle and another thrust. "Tell me!"

Clinging to him, she pleads, hanging on the edge of her sanity. "By the Maker, please! Anything, just finish it!"

As much as he wants to tease her a bit longer, his control is slipping too fast. He was already on the brink with all her twitches. She clenches onto his length and he dives in. The warmth of her core is pure bliss, and in a short while he finds himself unable to hold on, too soon to his liking. But it seems that their unusual foreplay stimulated her even more than him, and delighted, he follows her erratic tremors into his own peak.

Trying to calm his breath, Fenris murmurs, gently kissing her swollen lips. "Do not forget your promise."

Yet another moment to remember.