Author's Notes: You all are amazing. I feel pretty darn transparent with how on point you are! XD It's a good thing! I really enjoy your speculation! I read reviews with a big, dumb smile XD Now, this chapter was astoundingly difficult! *Smacks head off of table* Writing sexual stuff, 'classy' sexual stuff, is impossible! I was kinda able to work with Janus, as he is/was much tamer in the boudoir (the man went a very long time without lovin'. I couldn't really drag it out XD) But this is Lucien... In advance, I am so sorry, kind readers! XD This may forever taint your mind! There is also some language in this, which I find equally awkward to write, as I am a pansy XDXD
WARNING: This chapter is rated M. for Sexual Situations and Language. You have been warned.
Love or Blood
Chapter Fifty-eight: South of the Niben
xxxx
By the time we entered the gates of Leyawiin rain poured down upon us in sheets. If not for Lucien Lachance's knowledge of the city we would have never located the inn. Thankfully, we reached it fast and entered the building quickly. I did not think I had ever been happier to be surrounded by people and curious eyes. All was a welcome break from the rain. The storm broke most of the humidity and I was left cold and soaked, as was the assassin, whose mood was still disturbingly bright and cheerful.
We were greeted by three Khajiit sisters, which made the name the Three Sisters' Inn tried and true. Lucien was quick to suavely apologize for the sheer amount of water we trailed in and paid handsomely for a room, food and two hot baths. Despite the rain, there was still space available for us, we were lucky to rent the last free room. Both still sopping wet, we trudged up the stairs to the second floor. Our room was in the east wing. It was is grand, surprisingly spacious and smelt sweet, as many vases full of fresh flowers lined the shelves and tables. We dropped our wet bags in the entrance and I noted how the sleeping area was adjacent to the antechamber we presently stood in. The bedroom was elegant, housing a fine double bed with large posters, made well with pretty sheets and fluffy pillows - that shamefully would be inevitably tossed to the floor, as the assassin despised them. A welcoming little fireplace remained unlit by the bed. Needless to say, I was quite impressed with our sleeping accommodations.
"Not bad for nearly eighty septims," Lucien observed as he promptly removed his boots, tipping the shoe and watching curiously as water poured out from within and onto the neatly polished floors. "I had better get my money's worth..." I followed his lead and began to strip some of my soaking layers, watching as Lachance walked over to the little hearth and started a fire. "There is no in-between once you reach the south of the Niben. Horribly hot or bone-chilling cold, lice-ridden beds or this needless and expensive luxury." I watched him nervously as he gave a log an excessively hard strike with the poker, wondering if such an upscale inn was difficult for the assassin to afford. I worried that it was and instantly felt burdensome. I knew not how well his 'work' paid. I thought of the fort we had resided in outside of Cheydinhal and worried further.
"We...we could camp. It is only a little rain, I promise not to melt." I offered, unsure of how to broach a topic as delicate as unaffordability. "We need not stay here. It is awfully extravagant...perhaps too much so?"
Lucien turned to smile at me, the look remarkably tender. I faltered slightly at his expression. He had yet to show anger but I knew he was quite capable of doing so. Having only shared such intimately close space with one other man, the Count, I was still expectant of sudden and violent shifts in temperament. However, the assassin again showed nothing of the sort. "I am more than capable of affording our lodgings, Little Countess, though I do thank you for your kind offer to save me a few septims. I simply do not appreciate such excessive finery. It can distract one from life's true pleasures."
The fire steadily grew before him and I made my way closer to share its warmth, digesting his words carefully. I supposed it made sense. Lucien Lachance did not seem materialistic in any manner of the word. He dressed well, used fine equipment and enjoyed a good meal but his intimate possessions were few. He did not seem interested in items that had no definitive purpose. The only exception to this was the gleaming black band he wore on his ring finger.
"I highly doubt anything can distract you from pleasures," I remarked lightly, offering the assassin a kind smile. He chuckled and nodded at me as he warmed his hands by the now roaring fire. I found myself watching his profile intensely, eyeing his messy gathering of dark hair, taking in how several still-damp strands clung to his cheeks and jaw. Lachance caught me staring, his smile growing considerably. I swallowed hard and turned away, unsure why I presently found Lucien's prominent jaw so very fascinating. Thankfully, before any more words were spoken, several knocks resounded from outside of our door.
"Bathtime." The assassin said to me cheekily, looking so very proud as he stood and granted the servants entry. I noted then, rather irritably, that Lucien Lachance's back was as stimulating to watch as his front. The help came in with two large tubs and filled them to the brim with hot water. As I watched the basins overflow, I felt my mouth go dry. I did not think I could bathe while Lucien was doing the same in arms reach. Only when they left us did I give the assassin a nervous glance. Seeing my expression caused him to smile. "I believe something was lost in translation. We are in the honeymoon suite." He stated far too nonchalantly.
"Why did you not stop them?" I asked despite knowing full well why he did not. Lucien Lachance was determined to have me in any and all precarious and embarrassing situations.
"That would have been rude." He said as he feigned a look of disappointment. I only crossed my arms and stared at the water, already resolute in going without if needed be. "And you are fully capable of stopping them yourself."
Although he was right, I ignored his words. Both he and I knew that I refused to speak to others unless spoken to. It was something I had yet to remedy with myself. Speech was still quite hard for me to partake in. I could not talk to anyone I did not know or was not introduced to. Effectively disregarding his comment, I pursed my lips and shook my head, focusing on the more pressing matter to myself. "I am sorry but I will not be bathing with you so near."
Lucien only sighed, still poorly hiding his obvious amusement as he did so. "I never assumed such a thing, Little Countess but it would have been a pleasant surprise." The assassin turned and walked back to the adjacent bedchamber, his hand on the door latch. "I'll advise you to be quick. I can only behave myself for so long and I too would like to bathe while the water holds some warmth." Lachance then withdrew to the other room completely, the door closing softly behind him. I soon heard his routine whistling. I hesitated only for a moment before quickly stripping and climbing into the tub.
XXXX
The Count of Skingrad had been in a very deep and dreamless sleep. It was a reprieve from his usual nightmares and he quite enjoyed the calm. However, all ended quickly as a surge of emotions assaulted him with such great intensity that he was violently pulled from his slumber.
Janus sat up, swearing that he heard his Abigale Lynn's laughter. He soon realized that he could not actually hear her but he could feel her. It was as though she stood before him again, smiling and laughing lightly as she had so often done once he teased her. The Count felt immeasurably lifted. His Abigale Lynn was happy, contented. Better still, the feeling did not go away. Her emotions had yet to be abruptly cut off, as had become their custom. The connection they shared was once again strong and true. There was no interference, no magical blockage. It was wonderful...and then it wasn't.
Janus glared at his tapestries as many new and strange feelings mixed with his Abigale Lynn's happiness. That damnable curiosity was frighteningly strong. She wanted something - no someone - with great intensity. There was repression, of course, but it was failing fast and flickering like a candle on a sill. She was humored and pleased, savoring another's company considerably. This person that she was with would touch her, Janus could feel his Abigale Lynn's surge in excitement whenever contact was made. The Count tapped into his magical influence further, concentrating hard on this familiar male and his little love's reaction to him.
Whoever held his Abigale Lynn had a strongly dark and masculine energy. His touch almost tainted the girl, seeping into her very pores and natural magical reserves. The most peculiar and insulting part of all was the welcoming reaction his love gave in response to the man's possessive touch. The Count had no doubts now that it was but a lustful male pinning for his Abigale Lynn. She tried to fight his advances, she tried to distance herself from her own feelings. Janus could grasp this well but it was not enough. The Count could literally feel the terrible heat that burned in his love's belly for another man...and Janus' grief quickly vanished and absolute anger grew in its place.
With the progression of time, Janus found himself mentally wishing away his magical connection to his Abigale Lynn, for soon her curiosity would be sated, this he knew. The Count sat, feeling nothing but abject hatred for the man who so pulled and worked his Abigale Lynn. Janus could not bring himself to hate his love, of course, as he understood the blame that fell to him. However, that did not stop him from wanting to physically crush the man's skull beneath his boot while she was forced to watch...
The Count stood and dressed, unsure of what to do or how to proceed while so very full of fire and wrath. He did not know exactly where his Abigale Lynn was but he did know it was warm, almost uncomfortably so, and wet...very wet. Janus soon seated himself before his fireplace and intensified his magical hold until he could not strengthen it any longer. In a matter of moments, he recognized County Leyawiin and the very strong storm that veiled the city. Janus glanced at the clock with a scowl, noting that he could not yet leave his manor as the sun was far too high. Only weeks ago he had mentally sworn to not interfere with his love's affairs whilst she was away. He believed he owed her the chance to make such mistakes. He loved her dearly, as long as she returned to him and swore to be his from then on he could forgive all. However, that was before having to actually feel every emotion, every little flicker of desire and the modicum of repression that she tried to hold over herself.
Janus decided to prepare. When night fell, he promised nothing. Should he get the inkling to drag his Abigale Lynn back by her hair, he certainly would. Should he be struck with the notion to tear a man's still-beating heart from his chest, by the Nine, he certainly would. Should he desire to do both, he most definitely would. With an air of false disinterest, the Count spelled down his sword from its high perch. He chose to ready himself, whether or not he would truly leave depended on his loves actions. So far, she had done nothing. In spite of her absurdly strong desires and the males mutual interest, she kept herself guarded and true. Unfortunately, Janus doubted this very virtuous path would last. His Abigale Lynn was still far too hurt, more so it seemed. With that in mind, nothing held her back. She could act on her hurt and lust. He would forgive her, Gods knew he deserved her wrath...but he would be angry...and the man was as good as dead. Deader than the Count himself.
xxxx
As Lucien bathed it was my turn to lock myself away in our little sleeping area. I laid out upon the bed, dressed in a new and blessedly dry chemise, and eyed the bowl of juicy red strawberries upon the nightstand. I considered partaking but decided against it as I knew Lachance had ordered a hot meal that was still being prepared in the kitchen beneath us. Instead, I humored myself by pulling the throw blanket from the foot of the bed and draping it over my body. It was a very soft cover, and the weight of it over me felt good.
The fire crackled softly and I found myself drifting off to sleep, only to be rudely awoken by another loud clap of thunder. Outside of our cozy lodgings, the storm still raged, rain pelting the window furiously once the winds picked up. I sighed and sat up fully, stretching slightly before reaching out and grabbing the lone book on the table that accompanied the strawberries. It was not a very compelling title, being only a guide through the city of Leyawiin, but I decide to give it a read. There was nothing else to busy myself with, at any rate, and I was not comfortable being alone with my thoughts any longer.
As I tried to focus on the book in my hands, my mind senselessly wandered into the antechamber where the assassin presently washed. I listened to the sloshing of water over the pounding rain and popping fire. It was difficult and I was unsure why I strained my hearing to listen to him so. My mind flitted to several hours before, thinking far too intently on his wet and naked torso. He was well-built and I had seen the strenuous acts he did to maintain his physique. When we had taken Sanctuary in Cheydinhal, he trained his body away from me while I worked my magic. Having now traveled so closely together over the last several days, we were not given such space. Each dawn I would watch him push his body as he did rigorous exercises. It was strangely difficult to overlook and I often endeavored to go back to sleep. I truly tried my hardest to ignore and focused on anything but the assassin's steadily swelling muscles and lightly tanned skin...
With a huff, I tossed the Guide to Leyawiin aside and abandoned any further attempts at reading. It seemed impossible to disregard my wrongful interest in Lucien Lachance. The man exuded cool confidence and shamelessly flaunted his attraction to me. I could not fathom such self-assurance, especially when coupled with my constant rejection to his advances. Lachance was terribly interesting and he knew it. He could talk for hours and all he said had my ear and attention. His stories were exciting and impressive, albeit absolutely dark at times. The way he simply was able to work me into stimulating conversation as we traveled was truly a marvel. He was also able to successfully feign interest in my poor responses and ideas. He amused me in every way possible.
I tried desperately to focus on the sinister aspects of the assassin...as he was an assassin. However, it seemed to hardly pose a hindrance to my curiosity. I steadily began to realize that my compassion towards the greater masses of Tamriel was severely lacking. Lucien Lachance eagerly pointed out that I had been wronged much in my life and thusly lost significant sympathy for the peoples of Nirn. Guiltily, I wondered if he was right, then I had felt terribly wrong for considering such a thing at all.
After a few more moments of tossing and turning angrily as my mind wandered, I soon heard Lachance's whistling draw closer to the door. I childishly considered feigning sleep, anything to keep Lucien from my obvious interest. Quickly, I abandoned the foolish attempt and grabbed the Leyawiin Guide, stuffing my nose back into it. The assassin entered, freshly dressed in lighter clothing, his face and hair still damp as he strode over to the fire. "Our food has yet to arrive. I am reading myself to go down and demand it." He seated himself on the foot of the bed, looking still rather pleased despite his tone. "Is there anything you require when I do so? You are sharing a drink with me still. Any special requests?"
I rubbed the back of my neck nervously, having almost completely forgotten my bargain with Lucien. I offered a small shrug, truly not knowing what drink I would ever possibly want. Against my will, I thought of drinking wine with the Count and repressed a tremor. "Whatever you think is best. I have not given it much thought...I have been reading." I eventually managed, unsure of what else I could say. Lachance only quirked his brow, his interest set confusedly on the book I held. "Surprise me?" I offered, flinching as the assassin drew closer and plucked the book from my hands.
"I think you are full of enough surprises for the both of us, my dear." He smirked, standing while fully examining the Guide. "Perhaps the next time you pretend to be so engrossed, you should try turning the book the correct side up. At any rate, it may help you to better understand this very intriguing read." I blinked then flushed as the assassin turned the pages to flash me the embarrassingly upsidedown tome. He tossed the book back onto the bed with a laugh and retrieved his boots. "I'll return shortly. I promise that I shall endeavor to do my very best to please you."
With that, Lucien Lachance exited our rooms, leaving me to feel utterly foolish. I found myself glaring at the little Leyawiin book and irritably placed it on the nightstand. Yet again, the assassin easily saw through my poor guise. I continued to try my hardest to ignore him but the man knew me well, and after only three weeks of travel together. At times, I felt that I was easier to read than the book I presently gave another irked glance to. Lachance simply recognized my behaviors and patterns, he had from our first days together. I knew not how he grew to be so perceptive. I supposed I was just very terrible at hiding my poor and painfully obvious attraction to him.
Repressing my absolutely foolhardy temptation was growing increasingly difficult to do. On some occasions, I felt I could not bear to so much as look at Lachance. His black eyes and devious little smile caused me to feel immeasurably uncomfortable in the worst of ways. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that there was something so very twisted and wrong with me to even consider him attractive while knowing of the atrocities that he routinely committed. The man killed in cold blood because he liked to. I tried to envision him bloodied and brutal but could not. I had seen him terrifying in the dark once...compared to what I now saw nightly - a grown man who held me like a toy and tossed pillows from the bed with a curse - it was difficult to hold onto that fear I once knew so well.
I knew it was foolish. Pure and absolute stupidity on my part. There were times - exceedingly fleeting instances at night - when he let his charming facade slip. A purely deadly gleam to his eyes would shine and his smoothly seductive smile went rotten. He would be dangerous for a moment, a flicker in time, so brief that had I not been looking I would never have noticed it at all. I knew not what triggered this seemingly random and ghoulish look but it was the only frightening thing I had come to know while in the care of Lucien Lachance. Again, I did not understand whatever caused this flickering darkness, and I had no desire to. So long as it was not directed at me, I overlooked it, regardless of how foolish it was to do so.
Days ago when we had made camp south of Drakelowe, after I had refused the assassin's kiss, he let me know of his want for bloodshed and stalked off into the night to search for a kill. Although he never said the words, I knew him to be successful. His scrupulous cleanliness and the clothes he left draped and drying on a tree branch made all quite clear. Despite knowing this, I did my best to forget all that had transpired. From the witch to the assassin's plausible murders, I repressed all in its entirety. Having been pushing the Count from my thoughts for weeks now, I was becoming rather good with suppression. I could no longer handle reality's harshness. Lucien Lachance wove a pretty picture and I intended to focus on his smooth, rich words and oddly becoming roguishness.
The assassin returned shortly, accompanied by more servants who removed our tubs and set the table with food. As I watched them work, I could not help but wonder if I looked so very similar. They bustled and scurried about us as I had done with the Count...
As though sensing my very ominous and uncomfortable mindset, Lucien dropped a hand to my hip and drew me in close. "I found something of interest." He said in a hushed and oddly musical tone, a green bottle soon dangling in his fingers before me. "I think you will enjoy it." I only nodded at the glass, finding the spread of strongly smelling food much more appealing than any liquor, no matter how pretty the bottle.
The workers were quick to leave and Lachance and I were even quicker to sit and serve ourselves. Having been traveling for several days and eating nothing but bruised fruit and whatever fish we could catch, the overly seasoned stew was wholly welcomed. We ate hungrily in silence, listening to the still relentless storm and popping fire. Only after clearing our bowls did the assassin again bring the green drink back to my attention as he poured the contents into two goblets and reached for the silver carafe. He balanced our forks neatly over the glass rims and placed a cube of sugar atop of each. I watched half curiously, have amusedly as he did so. Feeling ever more confused as he slowly poured the carafe of water over the sugar and emerald colored liquor.
"This seems an awful lot of work for a drink." I teased, finding the assassin's diligence to the alcohol rather entertaining.
"I do not partake often but when I do, I appreciate it if it is done correctly. I think you will as well." Came his quick reply, and I found it stranger still that the assassin had yet to look up to me as he worked. "There is an art to this. A bit fancy for me but I do enjoy the fairy when in decent company." He finally fixed me with his usual little smile. "It is unwise to share this with my Family. I much prefer those who are not purely lethal. Much less dangerous for me. My mouth tends to run. Ah, simplicity wishes...I long to fit."
I wrinkled my nose and stood away from the table, deciding to busy myself as I eyed the rather intriguing and peculiar drink. "Is it very potent? Will it make me foolish?" The assassin snorted, which I immediately knew did not bode well for me.
"I suppose you could say that. Those Khajiit women downstairs certainly know their spirits. I was rather impressed with their vast collection." Lachance watched me from the corner of his vision as he continued to slowly trickle water onto the sugar cubes. "You made a promise to me Little Countess and yet I feel your hesitance. An oath is an oath. You will not be going back on your word, now, will you? I would not recommend it..."
With a shake of my head, I attempted to appear brave and ended my cleaning up of our meal to glare at Lachance. "I most certainly had no intentions of doing so. Continue with your idle threats and I may consider our agreement invalid." He was right, of course, but I did not want him knowing just how very close to the truth he was, as I was undeniably hesitant. Truthfully, 'hesitant' was an understatement but how could I not be? Unfortunately, I needed to do as Lucien wished while keeping myself cognitive, and all the while watching the assassin. It was an unsettling task.
"Fair enough. Though, I will warn you as you may hallucinate." This gave me great pause. I swallowed hard, my eyes darting from the drinks to the assassin. "Personally, I never have, but I thought it best to warn you. I have known some who claim to 'see' things when they partake. With myself, I am only ever enlightened. More than usual, if you can imagine...and more brazen than my norm."
"Now that is difficult to imagine. It is a dangerous drink indeed. You are giving me second thoughts." I admitted, twiddling my thumbs and grudgingly moving forward once the assassin beckoned me to do so.
"Far too late for that, my dear. Let's make this easy." Lucien handed me the glass after giving it a final twirl with the fork. I swirled the goblet and squinted at the contents, half aware that Lachance was near dragging me to the sleeping area. He grinned and sat me down on the bed, where I watched him apprehensively. "In case you lose your footing." He clarified as I eyed the covers skeptically. "This is just a precaution. It is more comfortable in here, and now all our needs are met. We drink, we sleep. Whatever happens in between that shall take place in this cozy little nook of our room."
I gave a small disapproving pout. "I know what you hope to happen, Lucien. For one so skilled in stealth, there is no subtlety in your actions."
Lucien only raised his glass to me, his eyes reflecting the light from the fire. "I believe I told you once that a man in my position has no time for subtleties and that you deserve boldness." Lachance then sat down beside me, relaxed and composed. I chewed my lip in thought. In spite of my own terrible interest in the assassin, I did not want him to be under the impression that I would do anything from our norm. I was curious but I was owned, and my Master still had my tenderness, even though I now debated on him being deserving of it. In a small and random attempt to gain Lucien's absolute attention, I very tentatively placed my hand upon his shoulder, effectively capturing his interest in an instant.
"I...I want to be very clear," I began nervously, feeling myself unwillingly flush at his heated stare over something so chaste as my touch. "I do not want you to think that because I agreed to this that I will agree to do...to do other things. I cannot - will not - be sleeping with you." I removed my hand from him and toyed with the glass. "If that was to happen I could never forgive myself. Especially if done while inebriated. It is just so very -"
"Tactless?" Lucien interrupted, looking astonishingly unperturbed. "I agree with you. You have my word that I will not be... Hmm, that I will not be forcing you to do anything we have not consented to prior. Agreeable?" I nodded encouragingly, smiling slightly at how very thoughtful he was. It was surprising. His words comforted me greatly. "Excellent. Cheers to consent, my Little Countess."
I drank to that.
xxxx
My body was surprisingly loose. All was so very warm and inviting. I wriggled my toes and buried myself further into Lachance. The assassin sat, still ever dignified and calm despite my head resting on his lap. I was comfortable. Lying my head on Lucien seemed to be a wonderful idea at the time so I had acted upon it. I stared intently at the window and the rain that pelted the glass, my nose scrunched in thought as I tried to grasp Lucien's words. "Tell me...tell me again?"
"Nearly twenty-three feet, give or take." He repeated, soon taking another sip from his goblet. I had lost count of how many we had drunk. Lachance's words confused me greatly. I ran my hand along my abdomen, face still fixed in thought.
"That is inside of me?" I questioned, still unbelieving but morbidly curious. Lucien smiled down at me and nodded. He then swirled a finger along my lower belly where my frightfully long intestines resided. I only stared, partly appalled, partly fascinated.
"They are neatly coiled and nestled among your other insides. Intriguing, is it not?" I gave a nod, regretting it quickly once my world again spun. I pressed my face further into the assassin's knee and let out an uneasy breath. The drink made me strangely relaxed and not. I was too comfortable. It was offputting.
"I feel as though I am floating...insides and all." I groaned, gripping Lachance's trousers, soon laughing as I realized how very vital the assassin's clothing had become. If not for him, I would surely fly away. "Your pants keep me grounded!" I did not know why but my small laugh turned into a fit of hysteria. The assassin only continued to grin before gently prying me from his lap and settling me down by the pillows. "Go on, regale me with your dark stories! Tell me more tales that are as horrifying as they are difficult to believe."
Lucien plopped his glass on the end table, seemingly far more lucid than I as he climbed atop of my body. "Must I? If you wish to be so amused, there is much more I can do besides run my mouth." The assassin hovered over me, and despite the sway in my focus from the alcohol, I felt my heart leap into my throat at the sight. "I'd much rather put my mouth on yours." I shook my head at him and reached up to place my hands on his chest, attempting to drunkenly maintain my distance. "No? I seem to remember you promising me that I could."
"No, I did not." I said with unneeded determination, trying to go through my memories and dissect fantasy from reality. "I never said such a thing. I think I would...I would certainly remember that." Lucien chuckled and leaned further down to me, I bit back a nervous laugh and quickly pulled one hand from him to cover my mouth with. Lachance delicately pulled my hand away.
"You did, my dear. You do not remember?" I shook my head and eyed the assassin curiously, wondering if he was trying to deceive me. "You swore to me that I could. So long as there was a barrier between us..." The memory came back to me fast. On the very first night I slept with Lucien, he had asked for a kiss. I did not want to completely deny the assassin, as I had been very afraid. In an effort to please him, I permitted him to 'kiss' me as long as something kept our skin from contact. I nodded at the memory and again chewed my lip, this time with anticipatory laughter as I reached under Lachance and retrieved the throw blanket.
"Let me prepare for that kiss then," I said smugly as I then covered my mouth with the blanket. I stared up at the assassin, giggling uncontrollably at what I found highly amusing and ridiculous. "Is this not stimulating? I feel very desirous. How can you bear to contain yourself?" Lucien laughed, the sound genuinely humored as he gave the cover a little tug, but I refused to relent. "An oath is an oath!" I squealed, rolling onto my belly and hiding my face in the pillow. I was rather startled once the assassin laid on me fully, the air escaping my lungs in a little gasp.
"Indeed, it is." Lucien planted a kiss on my shoulder, his fingers wrapping around my arm to hold me in place as he did so. I blinked and propped myself up on my elbows, trying to ignore the increasing warmth over the shoulder of my chemise as Lachance showered me with heated kisses. His free hand came up and worked itself into my hair, where he then forced my head to the side with a tug. I jumped as his mouth fell upon my neck.
"This is not w-what we agreed," I squeaked, trying to move out from beneath him and quickly finding it impossible to do so.
"Your hair is my barrier," Lachance answered easily as he let his lips travel my skin. "Should it move on its own accord, I am not held responsible. I'd advise you to be still, as it offends you so." His voice was unbearably warm, his words a purr. I hardly registered as my head tilted away further for him but it did. The sensation was good. His mouth was hot, his facial hair coarse, all tickled pleasantly and I held back a sound of pleasure. I had become so used to pain there that such tenderness was astonishing. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the feeling, allowing Nirn to melt around me.
This gentle play continued until Lucien pulled himself off of me. He flipped me over and I groaned with frustration at the absence of his heat. I tugged his shirt greedily, trying to coax him into resting on me once more. "Lie with me," I whined, my arms slipping around his neck.
"Only if you let me kiss you." He countered, looking positively mischievous above me.
I sighed, angry at the cold and the stubborn assassin who denied me his warmth. "You have been," I said firmly, my fingers going to scratch the stubble of his cheek curiously. "Unless...I imagined it..." Nervously, I considered the possibility. Lucien's slow shaking of his head thankfully made my suspicions vanish.
"It was not imagined. And now I intend to kiss you more, and not only your shirt." He clarified, eyeing my mouth. I considered him, anxious, wanting and drunk...Still, I pouted and looked away, regretting the action and the words as I spoke them.
"No. Not unless there is a barrier. We agreed."
Lucien only smiled. "I would never go against our bargain, Little Countess. I simply thought it fair to warn you." I was then further surprised as the assassin straightening himself. He kept his lower half straddling my thighs as he reached down to his belt. I watched with my lips buttoned, fear mixed with anticipation as he did so. Lachance unfastened his belt and gave the strip a few harsh tugs, his waist jerking slightly as he did so, which held my still very drunk and sloppy attention surprisingly well.
"Y-your confidence is a very seductive feature." I babbled as I tried - and failed - to sit up. "But your persistence is frightening. I-I told you I would not be sleeping together with you...I mean - with you. I-I think I am too far gone for this."
The assassin tutted at me as the belt came free from his trousers. "Abigale, you think me so crass? An oath is an oath. I am only doing what we agreed to." Lucien abruptly moved forward and I could not help but startle slightly as he did so. He then thoroughly bewildered me by grabbing one of my wrists and pinning it to the bedpost. Being so very intoxicated, it took me a moment to realize that the assassin had effectively tied one of my hands to the bed with his belt. I stared, blinked, gaped and stared some more. I reached up to the belt, finding the knot and clasp difficult to puzzle out.
"Why...?" I began, feeling confounded as Lucien then removed himself from me entirely. He sat down at the foot of the bed, smiling widely and looking positively pleased with himself.
"Restraints become you." He remarked happily before grabbing hold of my knees and spreading my thighs out before him. I squealed in protest and tried vainly to close my legs. My very foggy mind did not know whether to be excited or terrified. Knowing better than to be idle, I sat up and pulled at the knot the assassin had fastened.
"You are mad! W-we never agreed to that!" I stammered, finding my makeshift shackle as impenetrable as one made of iron.
"We certainly did." Lachance laughed before grabbing my ankle and pulling me back down to lie before him. Again, the assassin pried my legs apart, using a shoulder to keep one spread and a hand on the other, looking much more determined and sadistic as he did so. I then yelped rather loudly as he hooked a finger in the gusset of my smalls, his knuckles brushing against my sex, his black gaze locked onto me. "This is my barrier. You gave me no boundaries as to where I could kiss you. If you have a valid argument against our agreement, please, do produce it."
"I assumed some things need not be spoken! I would never give you permission to 'kiss' me there."
The assassin let go of the fabric but made no move away from the gap he forced between my thighs. On the contrary, he inched closer, his grip on me bruising as he kept my legs from closing. "That is your first mistake, my dear lady. Next time, never assume anything." His grin turned wolfish as he lowered himself to me. "Tell me you are not the least bit curious. I may be convinced to stop if you truly mean your refusal."
I did not understand how Lachance could decide whether or not I meant my denial, nor did I think it mattered. A refusal was a no. No meant no...but I did not want to say no and I did not understand why I could not work the word out from my throat. "I...I cannot. I told you I could not. Please, do not make me."
"That is hardly convincing," Lucien said snidely. "I think you are quite ready to accept me and something is holding you back. Well, I have never been fond of evasion. I would much rather face your problems with intimacy head on. Let us see where this takes us. If you hate me in the morning, call it force to ease your conscience, I will then end my pursuits. If you find that you like it, we will continue at your pace...I am simply giving us start." I continued to stare dumbfoundedly down at the horribly handsome man between my legs. I swallowed hard, all too fast for my much too slow mind. My belly fluttered anxiously and the feeling made me ashamed. I realized then with horrible certainty that I did not only want a kiss from the assassin. I wanted him. I did so terribly and had for quite some time. Again, I knew not entirely why. It was simply a feeling that I could not stifle. A burning that near consumed me.
"You...I..." I groaned and let my head fall back to the pillows in defeat. I could not refuse him, my want was too great, my blood too hot. There was so much wrong and so many repercussions would follow. The terrible and absolute clarity of all in the morning would surely ruin me. But I was in the heat of the moment and very much wanted to be lost in the heat of him. "You are always so warm," I admitted foolishly, drunk and wanting and guilty. I squeezed my eyes closed and allowed my free hand to fall over my brow, as though I was hiding my face from the impending reality.
The assassin only chuckled once more before leaving a trail of kisses down my thigh. "That is all the encouragement I need."
XXXX
Lucien Lachance placed his mouth upon the girl's covered sex and the sound that left her was pure music. He quickly became curious as to who was receiving more pleasure as he worked her, as his already tight pants became unbearably confining and jarringly uncomfortable. Although by Lachance's standards, the action was rather tame, still he considered it the worst of teases. He would keep to his word, for the most part, and do his best to please Abigale Lynn without being too invasive, despite nothing truly impeding his actions any longer...
The girl again jolted and moaned into her own hand, effectively muffling the sound. This greatly irritated Lucien. The assassin growled and stopped his work to pin her wrist to the mattress, mentally berating himself for having only brought one belt. "None of that. I will hear you." Abigale Lynn flushed further, her lip pinched between her teeth as she glanced down at him. Her gaze did not linger but she gave a hesitant nod and trembled terribly as he again descended. Kissing her smalls should not have been so erotic, he thought, but it was astonishingly so. He juggled sensations, slow and harsh, soothing or savage. He felt nearly lost himself, caught in a haze of absinthe and taunting sex. Was he drunk? Hardly. Was she? Mildly so. Her tolerance was terrible but he did not give her too much. He wanted her inhibitions gone, not her wits.
He turned for a moment to gift her a breath and pressed his cheek against the smoothness of her thigh. She made a little noise as his facial hair scratched her. The assassin beamed as he glanced up to watch Abigale Lynn bite back a moan. With a wicked grin, he let his teeth graze her inner thigh before latching his mouth upon her, suckling her leg enough to welt the skin. The shout that followed she could not stifle. Nor the next when he teasingly sank his teeth into the soft flesh of her sex. She shrieked in surprise, her hand shooting downward to grab at the assassin's hair. Her grip made Lachance unknowingly eye her dangerously as he questioned his control. He liked her touch far too much and felt a tad disappointed when she nervously retracted.
Once she again settled, he dipped his head back down to lavish her with his mouth. He looked up to eye the beautiful bareness of her throat and chest as they rose and fell in time with her labored breathing. Lachance was still inwardly rejoicing over the burdensome amulet's absence, something Abigale Lynn had yet to notice. Divine intervention, indeed. The trinket had slipped from her nape in the Niben. In all fairness, he could have never found it...not that he would have looked, regardless. The amount of restraint that was now exuded was as he pleased. She no longer had a physical hold over him. Now that all was on Lucien's terms, he was itching to push the limits...within reason - his reason.
Deciding to test the strength of Abigale Lynn's boundaries, the assassin carefully peeled her smalls back the slightest bit before allowing his tongue to dart to her sex. More desire and more beautiful sounds soon followed but absolutely no repercussion was made. Pleased by the outcome, Lachance again altered sensations, enjoying the new territory and every response he evoked. From cloth to flesh, his mouth wandered. He let his fingertips bruise her thighs and back as he worked her. Lucien wanted his presence to be known. This would not be an act she could swear away with the dawn. The outline of his hands would bleed beneath her skin.
The assassin edged her fast, bringing her perilously close to completion before stopping all ministrations completely. He debated this, of course, as watching her climax would have been greatly satisfying. However, it would have also inevitably worked against him. He wanted Abigale Lynn. He wanted to watch her as the world fell in around the girl's pretty head. To watch the blissful break of reality as all fades and only sensation existed, sensations he would control from within her...
She whined in protest as all stopped. Lachance climbed onto her, absorbing her heavily blushing cheeks and parted swollen lips. He kissed her temple before bringing his mouth to her ear, thoroughly enjoying the quick gyration of her hips to the air as his breath ruffled her hair. "You are on the verge of shattering, my dear." He taunted, his grin broadening as she gave a quick nod, looking purely desperate. Being a man of torture and teasing in both work and play, the assassin found her frantically twisting fingers and pleading expression blissfully satisfying. "It is a terribly wonderful thing. I could appease you, should you ask me nicely to do so."
"Lucien," She whined, her free hand pulling on the collar of his shirt as she wordlessly begged for him to continue. "I-I cannot ask. Just, please." The assassin shook his head, watching her grow more flustered by the simple action. She whimpered and the assassin watched with pure curiosity, and significant shock, as her hand wandered down their bodies to pleasure herself. Apparently, the girl was greedy for her personal satisfaction...and perhaps a tad drunker than he had originally thought. Lachance greatly approved of the pleasuring trait but not the act, presently. Her climax was to be done by him, not her.
"No, no." The assassin chuckled, pinning her hand by her head and successfully stopping her once more. If looks could kill, he would have been long dead by her glare that followed. "That is mine. If you long for completion, accept me."
"Our oath." She complained, looking thoroughly exasperated as she tried to work her heated thoughts into proper words. "We cannot do more. Our oath. We swore so j-just stop and let me do it!" Lucien laughed in surprise at her demand before bringing his teeth to her throat. He carefully nipped her skin, mindful not to remind her of a certain vampire bite as he did so. She moaned loudly and raised her hips to him once more. His mirth left in an instant and he sucked in a breath, unsure of how much longer he could be tame. He decided to proceed and aptly warn her before she continued to destroy his resolve with the roll of her hips.
"Our oath is gone, my dear. It sank in the Niben." He said in a whisper, and her reaction was immediate. Abigale Lynn faltered and eyed the assassin questionably. He released her wrist and allowed her to search her neck for the long forgotten amulet. Once she realized that it was truly gone, she sobered some and shrank away from him. "Do not be so fearful, Little Countess. It was but a trinket. Nothing holds us back now, so we may do as you and I please."
"T-then I would like to stop." The girl said before visibly gulping. Lucien Lachance knew her denial was a possibility but did not want to humor the thought. Now faced again with a no, he felt his blood boil but only dragged a hand down his face in exasperation. "I...cannot do more. Not tonight. I-I am...I am sorry but I can't." She chewed her lip, looking confused and pale, Lachance watched the change, finding it as fascinating as it was disappointing. "I know I led you and I am sorry for it but this is too much. Don't...please do not be too angry with me."
"Angry is not the appropriate word." The assassin lamented, grudgingly reaching up to unfasten the belt from the bed. They were done and it was a very depressing state of affairs. "I have perhaps the worst case of blue bal- delicate ears..." Lachance grunted, carefully massaging the girl's now free wrist. Examining the pleasing bruise as he tenderly tested her digits. "I am painfully aroused, not angry. A touch bitter too, as I had much planned. Alas, it was not meant to be tonight." Abigale Lynn watched as Lucien then righted his clothing and stood. She pouted and watched him walk over to his pack, reaching inside and removing his cloak.
"Where...where are you going?" She questioned, carefully standing from the bed, only to have the assassin walk back to her fast. He pulled the covers down and pushed her gently onto the mattress once more.
"Sleep it off." He commanded gently, observing as her gaze flickered to the window nervously as she watched the still raging storm. "And I am going for air. I should not be long." The girl looked further exasperated as she gestured to their little window.
"It is pouring!" Abigale Lynn protested, appearing very troubled over Lachance's lack of wrath and odd decision to leave the inn. The assassin highly doubted that she simply wanted his companionship at the moment. She had stopped their passion, after all...
"Pouring rain, not acid." He clarified with a mirthless smirk. The girl only shook her head defiantly at him in response. Lucien sighed and fastened his cloak around his shoulders. He found himself avoiding her beautiful stare, unsure if he could behave as she wished if he chose to linger. For once, Lucien did not want to take the chance of losing himself. Despite his very calm demeanor, he did have a temper. Nothing in comparison to the Count of Skingrad's, of course, but it was still there and needed to be checked and satisfied. He had again been rejected. It was frustrating. "I need to exert energy, my dear. I must leave you for now."
"Do not go." She said softly, looking small as she hugged herself. "I-I know what you wish to do. Please stay."
Lucien reached into the inner pocket of his coat and procured his gauntlets, applying them with deliberate slowness as he considered the girl before him. "What is it that I wish to do?" He inquired casually, finding her drunken perception rather remarkable. Lachance was surprised by how very sober she became upon the realization that he was no longer bound to keep her from harm by the Brotherhood.
"Kill." She chewed her lip and gave a forceful shake of her head. "Lucien, please stay here. Do not go."
The assassin sighed once more before capturing Abigale Lynn's hand and planting a little kiss upon her bruised wrist. "My dear child, someone is due a visit from my Father. I must answer the call."
"No." She said firmly before grabbing his hand with both of hers and pulling him nearer. "Stay! Do not go...w-what will make you stay? I will do anything. Please, do not harm anyone." He let her pull him close and he knelt down further, feeling her cool fingertips as she held his face in her hands. Her eyes pulled him and he felt his will fade. "Please, Lucien. Do not -"
Compelled by her touch and pleading gaze, Lachance could hold back no longer. He pressed his lips to hers, keeping the touch as chaste as possible in an attempt to control his loud and wicked desires. He pulled away carefully, grudgingly, eyeing her mouth as he spoke. "I will not behave if I remain." Before the addled girl could work a response, the assassin turned and left the room. He would go out into the rain and eventually find a very unlucky Argonian who chose the wrong waterway on his way home.
XXXX
Vicente Valtieri took a very deep and unneeded breath as he eyed Castle Skingrad. Having been moping outside in the courtyard for some time now, he finally garnered the courage to enter, although reluctantly. The elder vampire had received a letter from his Speaker several days prior, neatly addressed to himself. Upon opening the envelope, Vicente felt his stomach grow uneasy. 'Extend it' - was all that was written on the entirety of the parchment, accompanied only by the neat signature of Lucien Lachance. The Speaker was demanding an extension of his time alone with the Lady Abigale Lynn and now it was up to Vicente to break the news to the Count.
Needless to say, the Executioner was less than thrilled.
Not wanting to stall any longer, Vicente invited himself into Castle Skingrad and snuck directly into the Count's private rooms. He had debated sending Janus a warning but quickly decided against it. A prior notice could have given the Count more time to prepare a countenance. Janus was not a stupid man, if he saw word of Vicente, he would know immediately that the news was unwelcome. Having been exchanging many letters with the Count, he knew Janus had yet to return to his right mind. He also knew that the Count was well aware of the Brotherhood's magical block over his and the girl's connection.
He could already feel Janus' anger as he wandered the halls in search of him. Without the presence of Abigale Lynn, the Count's manor had again fallen to its usual slump. Nothing shined and there was no lightness. All was dark and foreboding, the only light coming from beneath Janus' bedchamber door. Vicente sighed resolutely and with great hesitance knocked on the door. He received no vocal response but was rather surprised as the wood spelled open for him.
"Janus, good to see you. How are you faring?" The elder vampire feigned cheeriness as he entered the room. The Count stood by his fireplace, not bothering to turn to acknowledge the vampire. Instead, the Count gave a little mirthless chuckle and a slight shake of his head.
"In all honesty? Well, physically my health has deteriorated some as I am without a living blood source again." Janus then ran a hand through his hair, seemingly calm, seemingly composed. "Mentally, you could say the same. I am, however, very surprised to see you here. Very surprised, indeed." The Count finally turned to face his friend, fangs displayed boldly in a bitter smile. "Your magical trinket no longer keeps her from me, Vicente. I feel everything. I know everything."
Dammit. The elder vampire swallowed hard, unsure of how to proceed with his well-thought-out speeches and words of encouragement. Lucien Lachance had just singlehandedly destroyed many, if not all of Vicente's ploys for peace. As such, Vicente remained quiet and hoped to allow the Count to exude his anger without bloodshed.
"Did you really think some poor excuse of magic could hold her from me forever? Did you think I was so foolish as to not sense something amiss?" The Count demanded, steadily advancing. Again, the elder vampire stood his ground, mentally reminding himself that Janus was young, hurt, and his friend... "Was this some demented plan all along? Who has her?!"
"I am sorry, Janus," Vicente said with a small nod of his head. "But I cannot give you a name. Know that she is safe. Try to take comfort in that."
"Safe?! Someone is bedding my woman! Now!" The Count was quick to strike a nearby table, casting several trinkets and books into the fire. Janus' words, not actions, caused the elder vampire to recoil and curse his poor timing and Lucien's 'famed' bed skill. The night would surely worsen. "You are lucky that I do not tear you limb from limb! You set this up! Until now I believed it to be you...so how many want a piece of what I own? Who dares to encroach on my territory so?"
Vicente rubbed his temples and shook his head. "I can give you no names...but she is not being forced."
"I'm well aware!" Janus again shouted, looking positively livid. "Who is it?" Again, the elder vampire offered nothing but a shake of his head, which only further infuriated the Count. "Then I shall find him. I'll cut off his putrid phallus, slice him a gash between his legs and shove his severed member in the new slit I gifted him. He may go and further fuck himself until he bleeds out!"
"You cannot do anything." Vicente sharply interjected. "You have no concept of who she is with or his status within my Brotherhood. Neither you nor I can interfere!" The elder vampire forced, watching as the Count's jaw set in place as he clenched his teeth. "He is no mere underling, Janus. Such things are beyond my grasp to control. If she gave her consent then she is certainly beyond help now. Hate me if you must, but I only removed her to protect her from you."
To Vicente's surprise, the Count barked out a laugh. "You are mad if you think that I will sit by and do nothing!"
"I do not think, I know." The elder vampire corrected, fixing the Count with a dangerous look. Truth be told, Vicente too was furious by recent events. Nevertheless, the Executioner knew his place. He would not challenge Lucien directly nor would he try to intervene in any manner. This ordeal, no matter how much it made his cold blood curdle, was out of his hands, so long as Abigale Lynn was willing. With that in mind, he continued, forcing his tone to return to its gentle timbre. "Should you try to ever harm the man she is with, no one would dare help you. Not even I."
"Is he the Emperor? Shall I march on the Whitegold Tower?" Janus mocked, looking quite like a madman as he began to pace about the room feverishly, childishly knocking things about as he did so.
"By Sithis, collect yourself!" Vicente reprimanded, feeling much like he was speaking to a headstrong teenager as he watched The Old Ways burn. "He is no Emperor but he is significantly powerful and respected. If...if the Dark Brotherhood was a kingdom, he would be under the Nine, second to...to only our Tiber Septim. Does that help you grasp his significance?"
The Count's pacing halted, his hands again raking through his hair as he threw a dark look to the elder vampire. "It may should you give me his location and description." Vicente groaned loudly, very unsure how to get a handle on the tedious situation he was lost in.
"He is purely deadly and strong with no conscience to speak of." The Executioner offered carefully, watching as Janus suddenly stilled and became very interested. "But he is honor bound. He will not harm her. I do not think he would ever wish to, even if given the chance." The Count continued to eye Vicente, making the very strong assassin feel akin to a bug beneath a looking glass. "He watches her. Protects her. She is safe with him."
"Safe from me." The Count grunted as he slowly straightened, trying his hardest to form an air of composure. "I long to end him."
Vicente gazed off into the fire for a moment, worrying deeply about the girl in question. She was afraid, hurt, confused...it was no wonder Lucien had sank his hooks into her so deeply. She clung to the Speaker for protection and he fawned over her as though she was a princess. It was obvious why Abigale Lynn had granted Lachance the right to her body. Since boyhood, the Cheydinhal Speaker was silver-tongued and easily worked many into his sway. He painted the prettiest of pictures and the servant girl desperately needed to set her sites on something beautiful.
"What of Abigale Lynn?" Vicente finally forced, compelled to know how far the Count's wrath would stretch. "What will you do to her?"
Janus stood quietly before shifting his gaze to the side and away from the elder vampire's. "I am angry. I want her punished but I know the blame for all falls to me. Had I not been so damned wretched, none of this would have occurred...I will pardon any and all mistakes she makes once she returns to me and confesses them. Once she is my wife, we will start anew." Although still very misguided and strange, Vicente felt immeasurably relieved by the Count's confession. Lucien Lachance could handle himself. Abigale Lynn could not. "They are south of the Niben now. Leyawiin, I believe. The magical block vanished late this afternoon." Janus growled and pinched the bridge of his nose. "They are still fornicating...or doing something of the like. This is pure torment. Was I truly so awful to her that I deserve this? She fears this 'man' that she is with but her apprehension is nowhere near the intensity that she harbors for me. If he is so deadly, how is this so?"
Vicente was happy to see the fire in the Count's eyes slowly dying as his insecurities rose. If not such a painful blow, the Executioner thought the self-reflection to be a good thing. Healthy, even. To answer Janus, Vicente offered a small shrug. Truthfully, he knew not the mechanics of how Lucien did what he did. The man just happened to be good with women. "He is charming, I suppose."
"Attractive?" Janus demanded fast, taking a seat in his favored chair, sitting stiff and on the edge of the cushion.
Faltering slightly, Vicente raised a curious brow. "...I suppose?"
"Younger than me? Mortal wise." The Count again asked fast, this time causing Vicente to near sputter in confusion. He was not the one having the affair, for Sithis' sake...
"Sweet Matron, save me...Yes. And if you dare ask me the size of his 'manhood' I regret to inform you I haven't the foggiest. So please, don't." His response was only met with the anxious dropping of the Count's fingers against his armrest. Knowing better than to sit, Vicente folded his arms and leaned against the pillar he stood by. "I am afraid that it is understandable why she is doing what she is doing. She has been through much and is so young."
"People have suffered worse." Janus countered stiffly, glaring off into the fire.
Vicente gave an acquiescing little nod. "Indeed they have, but we are not talking about general people, are we? We are talking about her. Your Abigale Lynn." The Count's gaze flicked to Vicente's and the Executioner met his stare evenly. "There is more to her than you know and it has only recently been brought to my attention...tell me, Janus, do you know of the Sybils of Dibella?"
"I hardly want to talk about the Goddess of sex and her sanctioned whores right now, Vicente. My mind is presently being held prisoner by my woman's lust for another male. I do not wish to be so enlightened."
"How good it is that you know of them," Vicente replied bitterly, surprising himself with the acrid tone that escaped him. "We believe Abigale Lynn to be one of these women - or whores - as you so eloquently put it. There are many signs indicating its truth, as well." Thankfully, this gave Janus pause. He eyed Vicente curiously, motioning with his hand for the elder to continue. "I could tell you some signs but with you current woes, I think it best that you simply take my word for it. If, and I say 'if' loosely, she is a Dibellan her desires are to be crippling in their strength. And, of course, her beauty will be beyond compare. Now, I have been around for quite some time and I can tell you that I have never seen a woman as lovely as she..."
One of the Count's black brows steadily rose, the mere action causing Vicente to continue hastily as many guilty fantasies of the girl came to mind. "I am telling you this out of compassion for both you and Abigale Lynn. She is troubled and acting on feelings that are terribly strong to her. Akin to our hungers. While she is away, it is plausible that she will do much that will make you impossibly angry. I want you to remember, whenever you are at your most hurt or mad, that although I orchestrated her leaving, it was you who spurred the act. It had to be done for preservation."
"You desire her too then?" The Count asked suddenly, causing Vicente to freeze. Janus leaned back in his chair, again far too composed after being so very awful moments ago. "I assume that is why you are telling me this. Hoping to gear me for forgiveness? You will be granted none should you touch her."
Feeling strangely on the spot, Vicente cleared his throat. "I think her beautiful. She is a lovely woman." The Executioner straightened and feigned indifference. Now was not the time to confess his strong attraction to his friend's lover. "But she is too young for my tastes." It was mostly true. Although Vicente had coupled with Nerah, who was still an adolescent, he felt Abigale Lynn to be more youthful and innocent. Pure, regardless of his Brother's current hold.
A strange look suddenly consumed the Count's features as he stared off at nothing. "All has stopped. She is afraid again. I suppose I should count myself lucky...or not. I no longer know." Janus' anger vanished completely, a look of hopelessness soon consuming him as his gaze fell to the floor. "I want to hurt her, Vicente but I know the blame is mine. I want her here to forgive her too. I just want all of this done. Am I not dealing with enough now as it is? Why this...why?" He pressed his lips to his knuckles and sighed deeply. "It is payback for my treatment of Rona. I know it is. I kept her against her wishes and prolonged her torment to sate my loneliness. Now I have two women in my life and neither want anything to do with me any longer."
Unsure of what to say to soothe his friend, Vicente remained quiet and allowed Janus to continue. "I had planned on going to Leyawiin to kill your Family. Should I meet him, I surely will...but it is as you say - he is keeping her safe from me. Until this all ends, he lives. It is fitting, as I have no right to be with Abigale Lynn. I never did. I fear I may have ruined her. Her mind is so very different now. Everything is blocked and unsure. Forced and confused. Curious...What on Nirn did I do..."
"People have suffered worse." Vicente purposely echoed, watching the Count's expression turn to near mortification at hearing his own words thrown back at him. It was a grave thing to face. Janus could be truly awful, but unless presented with his cruelty, he easily overlooked it. He had for years, as he had been alone.
"I go nowhere. I will do nothing." He said resolutely, head turned towards the fire as he watched the flames lick at his possessions. "I deserve this."
Author's Notes: So that was a chapter...XD Lots of stuff, eh? I would greatly appreciate the feedback this time around as this chapter makes me uncomfortable...in the best way! XD *hides face in shirt* It's Lucien, he's hard to write! Especially while he's doin' stuff... I wanted him to do 'different' stuff than what I've read in the past. So, I went South of the Niben! EH, Eh?! See what I did there? XD
I'm dedicating this chapter to my husband, as that poor man had to deal with me blushing for like a week straight whenever I opened my laptop XD I can only imagine the grammatical errors, as I kept bailing on the chapter XDXD They shall be fixed!
And poor Vicente, wrong place, wrong time! XD