Disclaimer: I do not own KKM or any of its characters
Casper's ex Errol makes his first appearance in this chapter. I didn't have a fixed idea of his character before I started writing this and he's turned out a far bigger jerk than I first imaged him. He's a fun character to write for though.
I hope you enjoy!
Chapter thirteen: Ghosts of the past
*Caloria – one week later*
Casper Falken yawned and stretched as he woke. He was lying in a huge soft bed well wrapped up in blankets to keep out the cold. It was winter in Caloria and the snow lay thick upon the ground. Casper rolled over and grunted. He didn't want to get up. His bed was warm and it was still early. He could see a pale grey light slipping around the edges of the curtains at his window. Unfortunately a lifetime of getting up early to see to the horses had created an inability for Casper to sleep in.
Casper sighed softly as he recounted the past few days. He could not recall a time when he'd felt such joy. He had travelled to Caloria with Wolfram, Flynn and Elisabeth on board one of the finest ships he had ever seen. Wolfram had, as his mother had predicted, been very seasick for the entire voyage despite the calm weather. Elisabeth had taken great delight in teasing him without mercy.
The day they arrived in Caloria Wolfram had dragged him out to purchase new clothes since he hadn't brought any winter clothing with him to the capital for the Royal wedding. Casper had automatically headed for the markets but Wolfram had steered him towards the up market tailors. Casper had stood awkwardly in the shop as he was measured, poked and prodded while Wolfram picked out colours and cloth. Casper had walked away with more clothing for a two week journey than he had in his entire wardrobe back home. The furs and cotton were the softest he'd ever touched and he felt slightly foolish wearing such finery. Wolfram would not entertain his protests and insisted that he looked very handsome. He'd even paid for the clothing and flat out refused to accept Casper's promises to repay him.
Flynn and Elisabeth were joyous company. They made both of them feel welcome at Flynn's castle and Flynn was eager to show off the beauty of her city. Casper couldn't help but smile as he lay in bed. Over the past seven days he and Wolfram had grown close. They spent all day together and then would sit together in the evening and talk for hours. They spoke of their fears and desires for the future. They spoke of little things, of childhood memories and experiences. Sometimes they just sat together in silence, their shoulders touching, enjoying the simple pleasure of being close to each other. Casper felt he understood Wolfram better than he did before. He understood the subtleties of his character and what drove him. He had a better grasp of the echoing loneliness inside Wolfram's heart.
It was frightening sometimes to be honest with Wolfram, to let the other man see his flaws, but he did so. He laid himself bare to Wolfram and Wolfram accepted him fully. Aside from his mother, Casper didn't think he'd ever been this close to another person in his life. His relationship with Errol didn't even come close. He'd never connected to him on a deep emotional level the way he did with Wolfram. Errol had kept himself closed off to him, kept his true self hidden in layers of deceit and lies, and he'd never really known him. That relationship had been physical, nothing more. As he courted Wolfram, Casper was only beginning to understand how toxic and ugly his relationship with Errol had been. He'd thought he was in love but he'd felt nothing more than physical desire.
Errol was the only topic of discussion that Casper and Wolfram avoided. For Casper it was still raw and he suspected Wolfram didn't want to hear about him with another man. Given Wolfram's insecurities and, admittedly, neurotic tendencies Casper could understand why. Casper rolled onto his back and stared up at the ceiling. He had so little experience with courting, would it be better for him and Wolfram to discuss his past relationship or would it be better to leave the past in the past? Casper didn't want to hide what was a part of him but he also didn't want the spectre of his past failed relationship to colour what he shared with Wolfram.
If Casper was brutally honest, he didn't really want to hear Wolfram talk about his past relationship with His Majesty. Wolfram would often speak of it and Casper would listen offering no judgement. Yet hearing about it still ignited the pain of jealousy inside his breast. If he could feel jealous and threatened by Wolfram's previous engagement then he could only imagine what Wolfram must feel about his previous relationship. While Wolfram and His Majesty had never been physical, he most certainly had been with Errol. The memories of his intimacy with Errol made Casper feel physically ill and his skin crawl. He sat up abruptly to shake away the memories.
Casper stepped out of bed and padded barefoot to the dresser where a pitcher and large bowl sat. He poured the water into the bowl and washed his face, not minding the cold. He dried his face with a soft towel before heading to the wardrobe to pick out an outfit for the day.
Two days ago Wolfram had surprised Casper with a proposal for a trip to a remote lodge. Flynn had recommended it to Wolfram shortly after their arrival in Caloria and Wolfram had quietly booked for the two of them to stay there for a week. The three guards Wolfram had brought with them had been forced to stay in the local town so it was just the two of them. The lodge was beautiful. It was built of stone and stood three stories high. It was tucked away behind a large hill giving its guests complete privacy. The grounds were huge with carefully laid paths and what Casper knew to be immaculate gardens even though they were currently covered in snow. The rooms were large and comfortable. Each afternoon a fire would be lit in the fireplace in each room, filling it with warmth. A large basket would be filled with logs each day to keep the fire going late into the evening. A fire guard stood in front of the fireplace to prevent stray sparks from touching the thick pile rug that covered most of the floor.
Casper finished dressing, a pair of brown trousers with a thick lining to keep out the cold, a white shirt, brown boots and a beige coat completed his outfit. Casper unlocked his door and left his room, closing and locking the door behind him. The maids had a key if they needed access to his room and Casper kept the door locked from force of habit. He doubted any of the guests, who were clearly noble born or of great wealth, would bother rifling through his possessions but it never hurt to be careful.
Casper walked down the carpeted hallway and paused outside of Wolfram's room. He hadn't really known how to react when Wolfram told him he'd booked separate rooms for them. In conversation with Elisabeth and Flynn he understood that Wolfram had shared His Majesty's bed during their engagement. Casper decided to leave Wolfram to sleep and continued down the hallway. He wanted to touch Wolfram. He craved that physical connection with the man he was so hopelessly in love with. He didn't want to push Wolfram into something he was uncomfortable with but he couldn't deny he wanted more. Emotional connection was all very well and good but physical connection mattered too. When they were kissing if things started to get spicy Wolfram would pull away from him. Each time Casper would smoother his frustration and back off. At times it felt like this was the last remaining obstacle between them.
Casper walked through the hallways and down the wide sweeping staircase to the dining room in search of breakfast. Despite the early hour the lodge was already busy with maids and servants and Casper wasn't the only guest who was up and about.
"Good morning, My Lord." A servant bowed as Casper approached. Casper had long since given up asking the staff to call him Mr. Falken instead of a Lord. Wearing such finery he wasn't surprised they assumed he was of noble birth. "Is it a table for one this morning?" The servant asked.
"Please," Casper nodded. The servant bowed again and led Casper to a small table by the window. The curtains were drawn allowing the pale grey light of the winter's dawn to filter in. The snow was a clean white blanket lying still and quiet. The servant pulled out a chair and Casper sat down. He gave his order and the servant left to place his order with the kitchen. The lodge prided itself on producing fresh food to order. Every meal Casper had had since he arrived had been delicious.
Casper allowed his mind to wander as he sat on his own. He didn't mind his own company and felt quite content to eat alone. His thoughts were circling back to his home and wondering how his father was doing when someone stopped beside him.
"Casper Falken…?" A male voice spoke in tones of complete amazement. Casper looked up and his heart did a backflip. A mazoku stood beside his table staring at him as if he'd seen a ghost. Casper knew his face at once. He'd never forget those blue eyes for as long as he lived. "It really is you, I hardly recognised you!" The man sat down opposite him without waiting for invite. It was so like him to impose himself on others without a care to their wants.
"Errol," the name of his ex-lover fell from his lips like poison. Errol looked slightly different than he remembered. He was broader across the chest and had grown out a scruff across his face. His pale brown hair was artistically messy as always. He wore a tunic of expensive cloth that spoke of a greater wealth than he'd possessed back when Casper had known him. "What are you doing in Caloria?"
"Business trip," Errol smiled. Errol's eyes roamed over his face almost like a physical touch. Casper repressed a shiver. "What are you doing here? You never leave your father's stud."
"I'm on holiday," Casper answered in clipped tones. He didn't like the fact that Errol was right. "Are you here alone? The last I heard you got married."
"Oh yeah, been married awhile now," Errol waved the comment away as if it was unimportant. Casper scowled. They were talking about the man who Errol had dumped him for. This was the person Errol had been thinking of during their time together, the person he'd run back to. Now Errol was talking as if he was nothing. "But enough about me, look at you, you look great." Errol's grin turned cocky. Casper remembered that smile. It was the smile he'd used to seduce him. "I love the outfit, who brought it for you?"
"What are you doing here?" Casper asked ignoring Errol's question. The intensity of Errol's gaze made him feel uncomfortable.
"As I said I'm on a business trip." Errol leaned back causally in his chair. "My father-in-law brought me into his merchant business after my marriage. I came to Caloria with him to assist with a new trade deal but I have a couple of days free so I decided to treat myself. I've been to this lodge before and I've always found it most pleasurable." Errol gave Casper a suggestive look. Casper pretended not to notice.
"You misunderstand me," Casper spoke in clipped tones, "I meant why you are sitting here with me at my table?"
"I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw you sitting here. I had to come say hello," Errol spread his arms wide with an innocent look that Casper did not buy for a second. "I haven't seen you in years."
"Not since the day you ditched me without a backwards glanced to run back to your now husband." Casper said bitterly. Errol paused in thoughtful silence and leaned forward. Casper looked away. Errol's gaze made him squirm in his seat.
"Perhaps I was a bit hasty," Errol said in a tone layered with sweetness. That voice once coned Casper into believing anything Errol said to him, but not this time. "It was wrong of me to dismiss you like that."
"You used me," Casper hissed. He'd waited for years to say all of this to Errol's face and now the man was before him. "You used me and threw me aside."
"Don't be so dramatic," Errol actually laughed. Even though he knew he shouldn't care the sound still made Casper flinch. "I never forced you into anything. I made you feel good didn't I? Didn't I take care of your needs? Think about all that you learned about pleasure thanks to me."
"Spare me your drivel," Casper said shortly. Casper didn't want reminding of the nights spent in Errol's arms. Those were not pleasant memories. The servant returned at that moment with Casper's breakfast cutting off conversation. He shot Errol a puzzled look.
"Can I get anything for you, Sir?" The servant asked as he placed the plate in front of Casper. The servant was far too well trained to question why the guests were sitting together even though he knew Casper was with someone else. Casper looked at the cooked meats and eggs on his plate and felt his insides shrivel up. His hunger from before had vanished.
"No, now leave us you are interrupting a private conversation." Errol answered curtly and waved away the servant. His dismissive attitude made Casper scowl further. Errol hadn't been so snobbish when he knew him before. The servant did not bat an eye and simply bowed and left without a backward glance.
Casper picked up his cutlery and forced himself to take a bite. He didn't want Errol to know how much his presence affected him. The food tasted sour in his mouth as if the meat had gone bad. "Clearly we have some things to discuss and I don't want to do that in public. Why don't we go somewhere private and reconnect?" Errol grinned suggestively. Casper stopped chewing and stared at Errol in shock. He swallowed his mouthful with some difficulty.
"Are you suggesting what I think you are suggesting?" Casper's voice shook with disgust. Errol's smirk widened and Casper wondered if he'd misunderstood his meaning.
"Do you remember the nights we spent together?" Errol whispered softly, teasingly. "I remember you very well. I remember you on your knees begging me to –"
"Enough," Casper hissed cutting him off. He could feel his face flush. "You are married."
"It will be our little secret." Errol winked. He leaned in and reached out to take Casper's hand.
"Don't touch me," Casper snarled his body ridged. He dropped his cutlery on the table his food forgotten.
"You remember how I made you feel, don't you?" Errol ignored Casper's warning and grasped his hand. Casper's skin itched where Errol touched him. He tried to pull his hand away but Errol's fingers griped him like steel. "Don't be shy."
"You would betray your husband?" Casper shook his head and couldn't stop his lips from curling in disgust. "You aren't worthy of him."
"You know nothing about him," Errol's tone turned sharp. "Sometimes I just need a little…taste of something else." Errol licked his lips. His gaze was hot with naked lust as he raked his gaze over Casper's body as if undressing him with his eyes. Casper tried to retrieve his hand again but Errol refused to let him go. Casper didn't want to make a scene in public. He couldn't rip his hand away without drawing attention.
Casper broke his gaze from Errol's face to glance around the room. There were several more guests up and about and the room was filling with the murmur of conversation. There were guests sitting at the tables across from them. For the moment they were being ignored. They hadn't raised their voices or drawn attention to themselves. Yet Casper knew if he made a scene in front of these people it would create the kind of attention that they'd been trying to avoid by coming to Caloria in the first place. He didn't want to be a cause of embarrassment for Wolfram.
"I don't want to do this here," Casper stood up sharply. He didn't want to spend a second longer in Errol's company than he had to but this was not the place for personal relationship drama. Errol also stood and the smirk on his face clearly showed he thought Casper was giving in to his advances. Casper marched out of the dining room his back stiff. He could see servants glancing at him, at the possessive grip Errol still had on his wrist. His skin itched were Errol touched him.
"That's more like the Casper Falken I remember." Errol chuckled cheerfully.
"Don't get the wrong idea, Errol." Casper snarled under his breath as he walked as fast as he could out of the dining room without attracting more attention. "I just don't want to punch you in the face surrounded by witnesses."
"Ouch," Errol commented lightly, "that isn't the sort of connecting I had in mind you know." Errol leaned in close and whispered in Casper's ear. Casper shuddered and glanced over his shoulder to glare at Errol.
"Back off," he growled. Errol laughed but he did move away. He still held Casper's wrist however. Casper walked until he reached a small area tucked behind the staircase. They were mostly hidden from view here but it was still public. Casper didn't want to be alone with Errol. "Will you let me go already?" Casper snarled as he yanked his hand out of Errol's grip.
"You want to do it here?" Errol commented lightly glancing around them. "You used to be so shy about public places." Casper rubbed his aching wrist and glowered at Errol.
"I didn't bring you here to accept your advances." Casper crossed his arms over his chest in a defensive posture. "I brought you here so I could reject you without everyone staring at us."
"Oh," Errol grinned and swaggered towards him. Casper couldn't help himself. He backed up until his back hit the wall behind him. Errol leaned in close but didn't touch him. "Is that really the reason you left the dining room? Are you sure you don't just want to be alone with me?"
"You are married," Casper glared at him. "You should show your husband more respect."
"I already told you that you know nothing about him," Errol placed his right hand against the wall beside Casper's head, blocking him in. "Come on Casper, don't be such a prude. It's just a bit of fun. It doesn't mean anything you know," Errol added with a wicked grin. Casper felt his face grow hot.
"No it doesn't," Casper agreed icily, "our sex never meant anything to you did it."
"The sex was good. What else do you need?" Errol chuckled. Casper shook his head. He wondered if he should write to Errol's husband and warn him of the snake he was married to. Odds were he wouldn't believe him and Errol would deny everything.
"You may not care for your husband's feelings or give your vow of monogamy a second's thought, but I am here with someone." Casper stated.
"You have a lover?" Errol looked shocked. Something like jealousy flashed through his eyes, surprising Casper, but it was gone before he could be sure he saw it. Errol recovered his composure, chuckled and leaned in close. Casper instinctively pressed back against the wall. "I see, that makes so much sense. That hot outfit you're wearing, there's no way you would have brought something that fancy for yourself so someone brought it for you, someone with money to spend." Errol ran the fingers of his left hand over the coat's lapel. Casper felt his face flush. He hated that Errol was right. "Who is he?"
"None of your damn business," Casper snapped out.
"Playing coy?" Errol leaned in closer. Casper could feel his breath against his face. His body stiffened as Errol invaded his personal space. "That isn't like you at all. You gave yourself to me without hesitation."
"Shut up," Casper was finding it difficult to argue with Errol this close to him. He could smell his skin and a faint perfume Errol must have started wearing after they parted ways. The scent invaded his head and made him feel dizzy.
"It was so easy to get you in my bed I was almost disappointed." Errol chuckled. "You practically threw yourself at me. Not that I minded you know, I like a guy with vigour."
"Shut up," Casper repeated. He shoved Errol backwards with both hands but Errol was bigger than him now and he barely took a step back. Casper pressed his hands against Errol's chest but Errol didn't budge. The air felt thin and Casper was sweating in his heavy coat.
"Tell me about him," Errol whispered softly. "What is he like in bed? Does he satisfy you?" Casper clenched his jaw so tight his teeth ground together. He avoided Errol's gaze and stared at the floor. "Wait a minute," Errol started to laugh, "he hasn't had you yet?"
"That is none of your business. I am not discussing this with you of all people." Casper snapped out. Errol's words had hit a nerve. Errol had always been perceptive and intelligent and he used this to his advantage.
"What is he waiting for? Or…maybe he's just not that into you?" Casper flinched and he knew Errol saw. "Oh poor Casper," Errol stroked Casper face in feigned sympathy. "Please don't tell me you are being strung along in some sexless relationship. That is so pathetic."
"You don't know anything about him!" Casper's voice cracked and he hated himself for it. Errol sensed a weakness and he zeroed in on it like a predator sensing weakened prey.
"Judging by these garments he's pretty rich. Does he think you beneath him?" Errol whispered pushing forward, forcing Casper's hands back against his chest. Errol placed his left hand on the wall on Casper's other side. All Casper could see was Errol's chest and face as Errol smirked at him. "Are you not good enough for him?"
"Shut up," Casper panted.
"If he doesn't want you, all you have to do is come back to me. I'll touch you. I will wipe his face from your mind. I'll make it so you forget he even exists." Errol lowered his voice to a purr and brushed his lips against Casper's ear. "Would you like that, Casper?"
"What exactly is going on here?" A new voice cut into the conversation before Casper could answer. Casper gave a guilty start and looked over Errol's right shoulder. To his horror he saw Wolfram standing behind them wearing a thunderous black look. Casper's stomach dropped down through the floor.
"Wolfram," he gasped and shoved Errol back. Errol stepped away, not because Casper's shove had any force, but because he was staring at Wolfram. His blue eyes cut to Casper and back to Wolfram. Casper's face burned and he knew Errol had put the pieces together. A sly grin spread across Errol's face and Casper wished he could fall through the floor and disappear from sight.
"Well blow me down with a feather. Good morning, Lord Wolfram Von Bielefeld."
:-:
Wolfram covered his mouth as he yawned. He rolled his shoulders as he ambled over to Casper's room and knocked loudly on the door. He wasn't entirely surprised when there was no answer. Casper was an early riser and was often up and about before him. Guessing that Casper would have made his way to the dining room for breakfast Wolfram turned on his heel and walked leisurely down the hallway.
The past week had been an entirely new experience for Wolfram. He'd never spent time with others just for the pleasure of their company before. In fact he'd never been on holiday before. He'd never travelled somewhere just to relax and spend all day doing nothing. He'd been worried he would get bored but Flynn had been eager to show off her city. She'd dragged them, and Wolfram's three guards, around her city showing them every street and speaking to every citizen. Wolfram was pleased to see the progress her city was making after the repairs to the damage caused when the forbidden boxes opened all those years ago.
The city was beautiful but the company had made all the difference. Flynn and Elisabeth made no secret of their relationship, even in public, and their boldness embolden Wolfram. He'd walked down the street hand in hand with Casper as if he were some love struck fool. He'd even kissed Casper on the lips in front of the ladies. True, it had been a very chaste kiss but Wolfram never would have even considered kissing his lover in front of others before he met Casper.
Wolfram's guards, chosen for their age and ability to look the other way, made no comment on their commander's choice of partner. They followed at a discreet distance, close enough to leap into action but far enough away not to impose. Wolfram would never admit it but their presence made him feel more secure. He continued to train while in Caloria but without the intensity of his prior training while he was staying with his Uncle. He was gaining weight and muscle but he doubted he could take on a gang of bandits should the situation arise.
The lodge had been Flynn's idea. She'd told him about it the day after they arrived at Caloria and Wolfram had immediately requested a booking. The lodge could accommodate them but the prices were high enough to raise Wolfram's eyebrows. He didn't mind paying for his and Casper's room but shelling out that kind of money for his guards was inconceivable. The guards had grumbled but agreed to stay in the local village. That way they were as close as they could get to Wolfram without actually being with him. Wolfram suspected they were enjoying their downtime in the local village pub but he did not begrudge them. As long as they behaved he didn't concern himself with their activities.
The past seven days in Caloria, particularly the last two, had made something crystal clear to Wolfram. He was now certain he was in love with Casper. This wasn't some passing fancy or trauma resulting from the rather abrupt ending to his engagement with Yuri. He loved Casper for who he was. The nights they spent sitting together was evidence enough of his feelings for the other man. He'd never been so calm and confident in the company of another person before. He liked to believe that Casper felt the same way to. The easy way Casper talked to him, the comfortable silences between them, could only happen between two people who shared mutual feelings and respect for each other.
Yet there was one thing standing between them and their future together. Wolfram frowned as he reached the top of the staircase. He knew what the problem was and he knew it was his fault. He and Casper weren't yet intimate. He wasn't that he didn't want to have sex, of course he did, and Wolfram wasn't entirely sure what was holding him back. When Casper kissed him Wolfram would melt in the intensity of his passion. He wanted to take things further but when Casper tried to move events along he would always pull away.
Casper didn't push or make demands but Wolfram knew he was frustrated. He was going to book them one room at the lodge but he backed out at the last moment. If he shared a bed with Casper it would lead to touching. It would be impossible for him to just sleep beside Casper like he used to do with Yuri.
Wolfram wondered if it was Casper's past history that made him hesitate. Casper had experience with a man but Wolfram didn't. He knew the theory of what happened between two men but theory and practice were two different things. What if Casper was disappointed with him? What if their intimacy was terrible and Casper lost interest? The thought of Casper leaving him filled Wolfram with a sense of dread. He didn't want to lose Casper. Yet he knew if he didn't allow their relationship to move to the next level he could lose him regardless.
Wolfram reached the bottom of the steps and decided he was going to have to fix this. The next time the mood was right he wouldn't pull away. If these intrusive thoughts came at him again he would just have to be honest with Casper about them. He hated to show weakness but Casper gave him courage. He was sure he'd understand. After all, Casper must have been nervous for his first time, right?
Wolfram was about to head to the dining room when he heard voices. He paused and looked over his shoulder. He couldn't see anyone but he could have sworn that was Casper's voice. He heard snatches of conversation again. Curious, Wolfram rounded the staircase and stopped dead. His heart thudded painfully in his chest and cold fury filled his being. Casper was pressed back against the wall under the stairs. A man with his back to Wolfram was leaning against Casper and Casper's hands were on his chest. As Wolfram watched the man leaned in and whispered something in Casper's ear. Wolfram couldn't see Casper's face very well from his angle but he saw his face flush.
"What exactly is going on here?" Wolfram demanded loudly. He saw Casper start and his violet eyes met Wolfram's over the stranger's shoulder. Wolfram felt the cold rage inside him heat into a burning flame.
"Wolfram," Casper gasped. The stranger turned and stepped backwards as Casper shoved him back. It was a bit late for Casper to act like he was refusing the man's attention. The first thing Wolfram noticed about the stranger was that he was a handsome man, younger than him but older than Casper. Wolfram could tell at once that he was from the Mazoku tribe.
"Well blow me down with a feather. Good morning, Lord Wolfram Von Bielefeld." The stranger was smirking in a fashion that made Wolfram's skin crawl.
"Who are you and what are you doing with him?" Wolfram demanded cutting his gaze sideways to Casper. Casper looked guilty. He was blushing and he had trouble meeting Wolfram's gaze.
"My name is Errol," the man said. Wolfram stared. It couldn't be that Errol. There had to be more than one person in the world with that name. Wolfram whipped his head to Casper but the other man didn't meet his gaze. "Casper and I used to know each other intimately. We were just catching up on old times." Errol's smirk widened as Wolfram felt his face flush.
"You are Casper's ex-lover," Wolfram growled. "You are the one who used him as a replacement for a former lover."
"Is that what he told you?" Errol chuckled. "My darling always had a flair for the dramatic."
"I am not your anything." Casper spat. The hatred in his voice took Wolfram slightly aback. Errol simply laughed and stepped back raising his hands in surrender.
"I must say I am surprised," Errol looked between the two of them. "When Casper said he was here with someone I never imagined for a moment that someone would be of noble birth, and the Moah's former fiancé at that!" Errol turned to Casper. "Well played Casper."
"What are you doing here?" Wolfram interrupted. He marched up to Errol and glared at him. They were the same height but Errol was broader across the chest than he was.
"I'm on a business trip," Errol shrugged. "I often come to this lodge when I'm in Caloria. You always meet such interesting people."
"What are you doing with Casper? I thought you ran back to your lover?" Wolfram narrowed his eyes in suspicion as Errol hummed.
"I went back to him," Errol admitted with a shrug. "But when I saw Casper sitting in the dining room, all alone, and looking so good in that lovely suit I assume you brought for him, I found myself unable to pass by without speaking with him."
"The dining room," Wolfram looked around. "This doesn't look like the dining room to me."
"Casper wanted us to have a little privacy as we reminisced on old times. He's always been so shy." Errol winked.
"That's a lie!" Casper cried out. He pushed himself away from the wall and stepped closer to Wolfram. He froze when Wolfram turned his glare on him. All the blood drained from his face. Wolfram saw Errol smirk victoriously out of the corner of his eye. "He ambushed me in the dining room but I didn't want to cause a scene in public." Casper shifted in place and swallowed nervously.
"Ambush is such a dark word," Errol pouted. "I just sat with you to say hello. Moving here away from prying eyes was your idea."
"Yes it was…but t-that was because I wanted to be rid of you." Casper stammered.
"I think we both know what was on your mind," Errol laughed as Casper protested.
"I don't care what happened." Wolfram cut in. He fixed Errol with a dark glare. "You will stay away from him."
"Will I?" Errol raised his eyebrows. "I have to admit I am very curious about you two. Tell me, My Lord, what does someone of your breeding want with a person like Casper?"
"Excuse me?" Wolfram snarled.
"No offence intended," Errol moved close to Wolfram as if they were sharing a secret, "only I think you must know that you don't breed the prize thoroughbred with a carthorse. A Lord from a noble house such as yours wouldn't risk his bloodline with a commoner like Casper." Errol circled Wolfram forcing him to turn to keep him in view. "Is that why you haven't taken him to your bed?"
"How dare you?" Wolfram felt his face burn hot.
"You're really not getting the full experience if you deny him a place in your bed, you know. I can testify to his ability to please." Errol drew out the last word like a physical caress. Wolfram's sword was in his hand before he was even aware he'd moved. Errol's eyes flashed as Wolfram levelled the blade at his neck.
"You will keep a civil tongue in your head or I will remove it." Wolfram growled. "My relationship with Casper is not for discussion with the likes of you."
"My apologies," Errol drawled sarcastically. Clearly he was amused by Wolfram's outburst. "Casper," Errol glanced at Casper who was rooted to the spot in apparent shock, "if you ever want a reminder of how it feels to experience sweet intimacy, come to my room, number 36, my door is always open." Errol winked.
"Leave," Wolfram snarled. Errol raised his hands mockingly and backed away. Once he was out of range of Wolfram's blade, he turned and walked away whistling tunelessly. Wolfram realised he was shaking with fury. It took several attempts to sheath his sword back in its scabbard.
The silence was deafening. Wolfram could hear his blood rushing in his ears and his heart thumped so hard in his chest he feared it would jump right out. He couldn't look at Casper. He clenched his hands into fists.
"Wolfram…" Casper said hesitatingly.
"What the hell just happened? What were you doing with him?" Wolfram rounded on Casper. Casper flinched.
"He just appeared," Casper spread his hands. "I swear I had no idea he was here. He just sat with me in the dining room calm as you like and propositioned me for sex. He wouldn't leave me be. I had to get him somewhere private."
"You could have just said no."
"I did!" Casper snapped, frustrated.
"Don't speak to me like that after I walked in on you cuddling with your ex." Wolfram pointed an accusing finger at Casper. Casper's eyes went wide and he gaped at Wolfram in stunned amazement.
"Cuddling?" Casper spluttered. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"You two looked very comfortable tucked away over here before I walked in on you."
"Are you blind or something?" Casper yelled making Wolfram jump. He stormed up to Wolfram his face flushed and his eyes sparking fire. "How can you think I'd go back to him after what he did to me? He used me! Do you have any idea what that did to me?"
"Then why where you with him?" Wolfram snapped out. To his horror he felt tears threaten. He blinked them away quickly.
"I was trying to get rid of him." Casper said, clearly exasperated. "If I had started a brawl in the dining room in front of the guests we could have been kicked out of the lodge. I didn't want to embarrass you."
"He was pressed up against you," Wolfram ground out, "how am I supposed to interpret that?"
"He was trying to get in my head," Casper shivered. "He was asking me about you. He wanted to make me uncomfortable. I tried to push him away but," Casper's voice hitched. "I don't know, I just couldn't get him to stop."
"Maybe you didn't want him to stop?" Wolfram turned his face away. "Since you can't get in my bed you'll settle for his instead?" There was a dead silence following Wolfram's words.
"Damn you," Casper whispered. Wolfram turned his head to snap and was shocked into silence when he saw the tears running down Casper's face. "Damn you for thinking me capable of slinking back to his bed after what he did to me. I hate him. I don't want anything to do with him!" Casper shouted his voice cracking.
"Casper –"
"I don't want to hear it." Casper snapped as he wiped his face. He stormed past Wolfram and half ran up the stairs. Wolfram wanted to follow but he couldn't move. He just stood there panting in the half-light of the winter's morning. As he stood there a horrible thought occurred to him. Maybe his Uncle had been right all along?
*End Chapter*
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