Chapter Fourteen: A Nightly Pleasure

Aaron looks down from the window as Lei, Lexi, and Iolene head off into the city again. To the markets and clothes shopping with money, Constant gave them. His heart ached... He has not seen her much after the meadow. Until she burst into his room while he was changing clothes, and then ran away. He can still feel the pain in his knee when he tripped over his pants. He wanted to go after her. But he felt embarrassed, he did not know whether she is still angry with him.

Aaron leans on the windowsill. "Why are you not going with them?" Mali asks. "I have noticed you and Iolene have not been around each other." Mali stands next to him. "Something happened..." Mali says seriously. "What happened!?" He repeats adding a touch of anger. The last thing he wanted was for Iolene to get distracted. Mali must protect her. But he loves Aaron in his own way. In Mali's mind, he saved the boy. The last thing he wanted is to outcast him as everyone else in his life had.

Aaron looked into Mali's eyes. Wondering to tell the priest. Mali asked and he doesn't like to lie to his masters... He decides to discuss the meadow followed by the awkward stint where Iolene bursts into his room as he was changing.

Mali sighs with annoyance. The tiny man feared this could possibly happen, he partly blames himself. Out of all the Iqosha soldiers he bought it had to be Aaron. But he never regrets buying him. When Aaron fulfils his task and finally becomes officially free on the paperwork. He can go wherever he pleases.

Aaron and Iolene were close as children. But relieved that Aaron did not take that final step. If he kissed her... Some high societies will not see her as pure. She cannot afford to tarnish her reputation before she reveals herself to the world. Kissing a low-born bastard adding extra damage. One day she will marry a prince, her virtue must remain intact.

Stein met Mali for lunch. Discussing potential betrothals to the uncrowned Empress. Mali admitted he did not like the discussion without her. But he could not deny that prince Elias is an excellent choice. He hasn't seen him in years and was a young babe. But they have not heard anything bad of character... The Red Empire will find it difficult to say no to such a match. Second child to Empress Vatra. Only thirteen members of the red Empire royalty have been married into Gold Royalty and became consorts. The other options are Lord Amphorn's son, Derek Amphorn from the White Empire and are descendant of Iolenes family. They are one of the wealthiest families in the White Empire who can help fund and support the war effort. Another from the White Empire would be Maurice Ganbold a much older man in his forties, a cripple but he has a kind heart, and he would treat Iolene well.

There was even a short-lived discussion of Erskine's son Radan, a random choice. But rumours and gossip speak he is Erskine's favourite child... The problem is their lords and ladies have multiple spouses. Mali laughed at the idea she would approve of sharing a husband, she is an Empress by blood. It will make her look like a fool. But Purple has a close relationship with the Black Empire. They are rough and savage with little regard for anyone else.

"You know what Prippi... Let us have fun. To the hall of LOVE!" Mali shouts excitedly changing mood. Aaron smiles when he said Prippi, a cute term of endearment in Prisshek. However not so cute to the hall of Love as it is a word for a child...

Mali desperately wants female company. As he told Aaron once that he may be tiny but he has massive needs and unlike Stein, he actually likes to explore and enjoy himself.

Deciding to wear a black leather shirt and pants. Accompanied by a navy one-shoulder cloak that was gifted by Constant. Edges of the cloak inlays with gold trim. He loved it... Slowly beginning to understand why Iolene loves her fashion. He felt good when he looked at himself in the mirror.

Mali prepared for the night and invited an all too familiar person. Aaron looks surprisingly at Fred when he appears. Like Iolene he always dresses as regal as he could, after all, he is a prince. Mali notes that Fred is an asshole, but he is a great drinking friend and is entertaining in brothels. Aaron did not like the man for his superiority and overconfident attitude. Especially when he tries to woo Iolene and she wanted to be left alone. Aaron beats Fred in combat every time he challenges Aaron. Aaron smiles as remains civil by saying hello.

Stein meets up with them as they prepare to leave.

"Come join us, Stein, surely you need a man's release." Mali jests. Stein is such a serious person of honour and duty. Even back in the old days he never took part in such activities. He used to punish Mali when he used to sneak out of the temple. There was a rumour that he did love someone but chose the priesthood over her. Never mentioning her name Mali never knew if it was true. He always was afraid to ask Stein, even more now since the old man has been through so much. Stein struggles with his trauma.

"No... I shall wait here until my little Empress returns." Stein said simply. "Have a fun time tonight." He then leaves alone back to his bedroom.

The city is so bright from the lights, smells, and sense of fun. Aaron, Fred, and Mali are alone in a bustling city. The dragons didn't want to leave the mansion. Beau hated the immense crowds and noise, so Duryss and Iymp decided to stay with him. But with Mali being a small man he is easy to lose amongst the crowds on the streets. Almost losing sight of him multiple times.

Aaron looks up at the Hall of Love when they finally arrive. It is easily the most opulent whorehouse he has ever seen. You can easily mistake it for a palace for how large it is.

Fred could not wipe the smile off his face. The doilies have impressed me, incredible! I want to live here... He strokes the marble statue of a naked woman. Fred noted that her breasts are large and perfect. Her arms opened as she was going to embrace her lover. Turning around seeing the male version on the other side of the room. The place is crowded many people even dragons have come to explore the place.

They meet their Mister Lord Andrew. Who happily oblige the men with their needs. Guiding them into their personal wing. The Mister gives them a detailed tour at Mali's request. All the marble statues depict the intimate positions of couples. Even a few massive dragon mating statues.

Aaron, Fred and Mali sit in the bedroom as mister Andrew gathered his workers. As they waited Aaron asks questions to Fred.

"Have you loved anyone Fred? Apart from yourself, I mean..."

Fred scoffs. "No... But I always have beautiful women servants for all my means. The first time I had sex was at twelve years old. A gift from my father for becoming a man as tradition, she was a beautiful slave. Tall, long black hair, blue eyes and amazing teats. I think her name was Hure." He laughs. "Nothing I ever had beaten her."

"What happened to her?" Aaron asks.

"Father decided to take her as his own lover. Mother is always pregnant and fat, she is not the most beautiful of women... He only touched her to get more noble babies. Father had to have his needs met. It is his right. But Hure did not last long... She was with child, so as usual she is cast out."

Aaron is so shocked that Fred said it so plainly. The poor woman... "How long did she last?" Aaron asks shyly.

"About five months I think..." Fred says. "I saw her in court, they stripped her down and they revealed her swollen belly. She was crying... She looked at me and then my father. She was forced out of Demir."

"Aaron, my little knight..." Holding his hand tightly. "Always be sweet and kind... But life will become difficult for you. Be strong, be strong my son." She leans forward to kiss his forehead. Aaron felt sick to his gut. His mother Amara was treated the same when her family discovered her pregnancy. She was smart, funny, and kind... And they threw her away as if she were nothing. They lived hard lives, but his mother always made sure that Aaron is well-fed and loved. He misses his mother every day, trying his hardest to remember her... He refused to look at Fred from then on.

The mister returns as he brings seven women all different flavours of the world. Fred sits and idolises each and every one. Asking them to walk forward as he plays with their breasts.

The women laugh as they reveal themselves underneath dancing around them playfully. Aaron couldn't help but smile. It has been a long while since he has had the pleasure of women. Aaron's last fraternising was with Lexi. An enjoyable time with her to be sure. But they both realise their relationship would not last. As soon as Aaron met Iolene... He could not play with Lexi again. Much to his relief Lexi is a free-spirited woman. She did not mind when Aaron broke ties with her. He would not be surprised if she frequented here.

Once the dance ended Mali quickly chose three women to go to bed with. A pink-haired, red-haired and black-haired woman. Aaron decided on one woman a sweet-looking brunette small and petite. As Fred quickly claims the last three without hesitation as he shouts Aaron's loss.

Fred walks away with the women to another room for his own fun time.

Mali can be heard laughing excitedly as the three women group carry him into the other room. He shouts, "I AM A KING!" As he laughs.

The young woman sits on Aaron's lap, she had a beautiful smile all perfect white teeth. Her long brown hair covered her breasts in a deliberate tease. Holding her hands Aaron asks for her name. "Rena..." She whispers in his ears making him tingle. She reminded him of Keyra, his old friend. He always wondered how she is... Hoping that she is safe. It has been around a year since he looked upon her face.

Aaron begins stroking her thighs. His body urged on, but his mind thought of Iolene. Rena is already untying his cloak as it falls onto the ground. She nibbles on his ear and kisses his cheek. Aaron hardens as he feels her rocking on his lap.

I can't... I can't... He wanted to feel the woman, she is beautiful. Her face closed in, but Aaron couldn't. Turning his head away, the woman lowers and tries and opens his pants. But Aaron lifts her chin up and gently tells her no. She nods and stands up.

Rena sighs as she instead gives Aaron a drink. A glass of vintage red wine from Mercer Mansion. He doesn't drink as he wasn't in the mood. He didn't want to dull his senses.

Mali can be heard laughing and banging next door. Rena sits back onto Aaron's lap.

"Tell me about yourself, Rena." Aaron sweetly asks.

"There isn't much to say... Born, raised and I am here." She says simply, refusing to elaborate. She rubs her hands on Aaron's chest. She then kisses his neck; Aaron gently pushes her off his lap.

"Do you not find me beautiful? I believe you do because I felt it." Rena says teasingly. She could not help but think he is handsome. As she herself felt excited.

"You are beautiful... Just my mind is distracted."

Rena could not help but feel disappointed. But to her relief, they have already paid for her services. It is his decision not to fall for her... However, she felt pushy as she closes on him again offering the glass of wine.

Aaron decided to accept. Maybe it can ease the mixed position his mind is in. Drinking the whole glass in a few gulps.

As though to be peaceful Mali's laugh turns into sudden silence. Something isn't feeling right, Fred can be still heard yelling with enjoyment. Aaron immediately sensing something is wrong races into the room. He is correct, Mali lies on the ground. A tall man standing over him on the floor. Covered in black leather he reveals his daggers. The blades are unique as they are serrated.

The naked women who accompanied Mali stood in the corner silent and not partaking in the chaos.

Aaron unsheathed his greatsword he felt oddly weak. What? His legs started to tremble as his eyesight became blurry. Aaron stumbles as tries to fight the poison and fight he did. But his senses have been dulled as he and the tall man fight. Aaron uses what is left of his strength as an advantage. The assassin easily beats him at every turn, however, Aaron noticed he is not aiming to kill. He is just dancing around him without even trying.

Aaron's body eventually gives in to the poison. As his grip on his sword slides out his hand falls backwards, everything turning black.