Astarion stared at Luastra, surprised by the words that fell out of her mouth. The gears turned in his head, realizing just how deep he was in and that he might be over his head. Luastra was a Bhaalspawn. The first in over a century that had been reported. That was significantly worse news than learning that she was a Bhaal cultist.
He watched as tears started to well up in her eyes again. He had even promised that he wouldn't kick her out, and he knew that was true. Under normal circumstances, he might have. A Bhaalspawn was worse than a vampire. At least the vampire would try to make the death quick. Bhaalspawn were cruel creatures, usually torturing their victims or mutilating the bodies afterwards. He should be frightened.
But he found that he wasn't.
Luastra wasn't cruel, not like Cazador. She was a sweet woman who seemed a little too calm to butcher a lamb on their kitchen counter. She made him dinner, and she treated him like a person. Sure, this was a future marriage of circumstance, but she didn't treat him like he was a pawn for her to use. At least, she never asked anything more than a place to stay.
Astarion smiled gently as he gathered her hands in his. Truthfully, he had no choice but to let her stay, and he found that he wouldn't want to anyway. While the smart thing to do would be to send her back where she came from, he had grown fond of her. Besides, having a Bhaalspawn on his side could open a few doors for him.
Luastra kept her face even, but her eyes widened as he looked at her hands. He then reached up and touched her jaw, guiding it so she could look at him.
"I'm not going to kick you out," he reassured. "And I'm glad you told me."
"You're not scared of me?" she hiccuped, her eyes still wide as she tried to even her breathing. He shook his head.
"The way I see it, if you were going to kill me, you would have already done it," Astarion pointed out before he chuckled. "And since I'm still here and not dismembered, I'm assuming that you want me around. At least, enough to get your mother off your back. You're not planning to kill me, are you, darling?"
"No, no," she said quickly, grabbing his hands. She acted like he was going to float away if she didn't hold onto his hands. "I would never."
"I thought so," he whispered. "Plus, it does explain a few of your quirks. And your lack of cooking skill."
"I'm getting better at it."
"Indeed, you are, and I'm lucky enough to witness it."
"Are you sure that this is all right?" Luastra asked. Astarion heard a hint of vulnerability in her voice.
"Of course, my dear. Although, I would be interested to find our what prompted this little confession. I don't think I've ever seen you in a state like this," he mentioned. Luastra clenched her jaw before she took a deep breath.
She started to explain her journey through to the temple. She took care to take out the part that explained that she was a Chosen of Bhaal. Even though she wanted to be honest, it seemed like she should save that exciting truth for later. She explained that she had gone for the item that she was going to give him as a wedding present when she had met Gortash.
Astarion had heard that name before. He was a lord working his way to the top through the council, and he had exchanged a bribe or two with Astarion in the past as well. To think that he was working with Bane was worrying, but it wasn't surprising either. He fit the bill of a tyrant.
Luastra continued, saying that Gortash wanted to work on a job together, and Bhaal had demanded that she collaborate with him. As she explained that part, she pulled out the withered tome with an amethyst in the cover.
"I know this is a lot to take in, but I really want to stay living here. Would this be enough of a peace offering to let me stay?" she finished. Astarion froze when she produced the book. He knew that she mentioned it in her explanation, but he hadn't expected it to be produced in front of him. He swallowed, fear growing in the back of his mind. They hadn't solidified their relationship nor announced their engagement. There was nothing keeping him from bringing the tome and the woman before Cazador immediately. And that filled him with dread.
"I thought that this was meant to be a wedding present," he replied as he took the book into his hands. It was heavier than he expected, and he could feel the dark pull on his soul, willing him to open the tome.
"It was, but I'm hoping it'll be payment enough to let me stay here," Luastra explained, a lump forming in her throat. She didn't want to call off the wedding, but she understood if this was too much for him.
To her surprise, he handed her back the book with a smile. She stared at him, dumbfounded and heartbroken. It wasn't enough, she wasn't enough, her heritage was too much, she was-
"Keep it until the wedding, darling. I already told you that you don't need to earn your keep around here. I would hate to ruin the gift now," he informed. If he didn't have possession of the book, then he didn't need to bring her before Cazador. She could still live a while yet.
Luastra's mind stopped in its tracks as she processed his words. He still wanted it for a wedding present, and he still wanted the wedding to proceed.
With lightning speed, she tucked the tome behind her and threw herself onto Astarion, planting a kiss on his lips as she wrapped her arms around him. Surprised, Astarion froze against her before leaning into the kiss, bring his arms up to embrace her as well.
After a moment, Luastra leaned back as she caught up to herself. She hadn't planned on kissing him, but she did. She kissed him, and she liked it. She searched his eyes, wanting to see if he had liked it as well.
Astarion couldn't help but smile again as he stared down at her with half lidded eyes. Before she could ask him what he thought about, he pulled her closer again and kissed her with more fervor. She settled on his lap on the edge of the bed, bring her arms around his neck. He ran his hands up and down her waist, licking her lips, asking for her to open.
She opened her mouth slightly, letting him explore her mouth with his tongue. He could tell that she was inexperienced in this field, but he continued gently, watching for signs for hesitancy or confusion. He would teach her if she wanted him to, and he would always take the lead when she needed him to.
They continued their ministrations on the edge of her bed for what seemed like an eternity for Luastra. When Astarion had pulled her into his lap, she felt elated and excited. She had never been in someone's arms before, fully trusting her not to kill them. She found that she quite enjoyed the interaction. She felt at home in his arms with his tongue exploring her mouth. It was a strange sensation, but she found that it was sensual in its own way.
Soon, they parted as Astarion brought a hand up to her cheek as she leaned into it. He smiled, realizing that she was putty in his hands. He quite liked that she trusted him like this, and the way she leaned into him so readily. He kissed her forehead while rubbing her back.
"So, the wedding's back on?" she whispered, her eyes only slightly open. Astarion chuckled and nodded.
"It was never off, my sweet. Now, it sounds like you had quite the busy night, so why don't you get some rest. I'll still be here when you wake up," he reassured, maneuvering her back on the bed. She sighed as she let him lay her down on the mattress. "And make sure you keep that out of sight until after the wedding."
Luastra grabbed the tome and tucked it under the bed frame before settling down again. She felt invigorated, but the panic she experienced when she first returned had taken its toll on her. Sleep, while wasn't what she wanted, was what her body needed. She wrapped herself in the blanket as Astarion leaned down to kiss her cheek.
"Are you still planning on a date?" she asked, looking up at him.
"I have a few ideas, but I'll have something put together when you wake up, don't you worry," he reassured before he walked out of the room.
Astarion went downstairs to his study before he collapsed in his desk chair. He leaned his elbows on the desk before resting his head in his hands.
A fucking Bhaalspawn. In his house.
Astarion didn't lie to the woman, nor did he lie to himself, but he was still shocked by the reveal. He had guessed that her family was Bhaalist, but her father was Bhaal himself. He would have to be careful about what he did next. The last thing he needed was the God of Murder coming for him because something happened to his daughter.
Did Bhaal even care about his daughter? Luastra mentioned that he had approved of their union, which meant that he knew of it. That also meant that something might be brewing in that god's mind. Luastra would be the perfect infiltrator and deceiver, just as he was. He would have said that she was actively trying to deceive or control him, but it was hard to fake a panic attack of that level. She had nearly chewed off her fingertips, and that was a bit far, even for a Bhaalspawn.
And while it would be smart to keep her at arm's length, he found that he didn't want to. He had grown attached to her, even if its just to have someone else in the house. And that kiss they shared was something to which he wasn't accustomed. During his early days with Cazador, that type of kiss would usually end with them in bed together. Luastra was pliant in his hands, but she never took it farther than that. And he found himself glad for it. She certainly wasn't using him for his body the way Cazador had.
Of course, this line of thought was dangerous. He hadn't forgotten that this woman's death was almost certain. Astarion frowned as his mind continued that thought. Worst case scenario would be that Cazador didn't kill her but made her a spawn instead. A Bhaalspawn completely under your control would do wonders for your power. You could put the fear of the gods into anyone with a simple command, and you still wouldn't be the culprit. If they were caught, they would lead them back to the Bhaalist temple, not to Cazador.
Astarion wanted to throw up at that thought. The idea that his darling Luastra used as a puppet for the vampire lord made him sick. She deserved to be free, even if that meant her death. He would rather see her die than to submit herself in front of him.
His Luastra? Now he was losing it.
Although, a Bhaalspawn would be more than capable to take on a vampire lord if they brought along enough cultists. Plus, that lord Gortash, and they could probably put Cazador in the ground for good.
Astarion smiled at the thought of his dead master. He grabbed a piece of paper and started to draft another letter. He confirmed that Luastra was part of the Bhaal cult and that she had mentioned the tome by name. He told his master that he would see if he himself could get into the temple and find it.
He carefully omitted information, including Luastra being a Bhaalspawn. He needed time to put his plan into action. If he could continue this courtship and have Luastra fall for him, then she would do anything for him. She was well on her way anyway, so it would be easy. Once they were engaged, they could start planning for ridding the Gate of the vampire lord next. Of course, he would need to tell her that he was a vampire spawn. It wouldn't be too hard of a conversation, he expected.
He tapped his fingers on the desktop after he had finished the letter, which he would send out in a few days. He had just sent Cazador an update the day before. He also had to figure out how much he wanted to tell Luastra. He needed to explain that he was a vampire spawn and that his master was Cazador. He didn't think he could go over the exact details regarding the tome, though. That might drive a wedge between them if she found out that he had sought her out for the tome in the first place.
With a stroke of genius, he decided he would tell her that the tome was rumored to have the secret of separating a spawn from its master. Even if that weren't true, she would see his apparent desperation to rid himself of Cazador. When they found nothing in the book, she would most likely help him in the journey to freedom. Who would help their husband find freedom?
Astarion smiled and chuckled darkly as a new plan formed in his head. He would need to be extra careful to not tip off Cazador or Luastra to his true intentions. Once Cazador was dead, he could talk to Luastra and decide what they wanted to do. She wouldn't be dead, and he would be free. They could do whatever they wanted afterwards. Although, if she still loved him after all of this, he would have his own willing Bhaalspawn at his side.
Now, with his new sense of purpose, he drew up a plan for a date. He needed to reassure her that she was safe and had made the right choice.
~U~
Luastra wasn't entirely sure how long she slept, but it was still light outside. She slowly sat up as she remembered what had happened just before she slept. She remembered the terrible meeting with Gortash and her father, but she also remembered the sweet moment she shared with Astarion. She was surprised that he had returned the kiss so readily, but she was happy that her feelings weren't completely one sided. He even reassured her that calling off the wedding never entered his mind.
She was lucky that she had found him instead of some stuck-up lord. Most would have called the Fist to come arrest her if they ever found out, but she had trusted Astarion enough with the truth. And she was rewarded with his affection. She was tempted to tell him that she was Bhaal's Chosen, but that was a step too far right now. Maybe when they were good and married, then she could mention that little tidbit.
Luastra stretched before she left the bed to change her clothes. It was late afternoon, she guessed by the light coming through her window. Knowing that Astarion had probably planned an outing for his activity, she chose something more ladylike and fancier than her usual clothes. This was their first time being seen together in public as a couple, and she needed to make a good impression.
She chose a purple gown with cream embellishments that complimented her complexion and matched her eyes. Luastra also did her best to put her hair up in a pleasing way as she stared at herself in the mirror, trying to get every strand of hair in the right place. She understood now why a lot of noblewomen had maids to help with their hair and clothing. It was exhausting putting it all together by herself.
Smoothing out her skirt, she opened the door to her bedroom and walked down the stairs, hoping to find Astarion in his study. She peeked in around the doorway, but she found it empty. Frowning, she went to the living room to also find it empty. Not sure where else he would be other than his room, she sat down on the couch and grabbed the book on the side table. She had started to read the books he had, and most of the novels he had were an interesting read.
Luastra hadn't gotten much farther before the book was yanked out of her hands. She went to grab the book, but Astarion stood above her and kept the book out of her reach. She remained in her seat as he smiled, glancing over the novel she was reading.
"I didn't realize we had this book," he commented before returning to her, making sure to not lose her place. She tucked a bookmark into it before she set it aside.
"I found it in your library," she informed with a smile.
"Sounds like I need to spend more time at home, then," he concluded before helping her stand from the couch.
"I think it would be nice to see your around more," Luastra agreed as she rested her hand on his inner elbow. "So, do you have a magical evening planned for us?"
"I would like to think so. I'm thinking of taking you to the finest dining in the Upper City, and then a nice stroll around the park before we come home," he suggested. Luastra started up at him, a little unsure.
"The finest?"
"You deserve only the finest, darling. If you are going to be my wife, then you need to know that only the best will do," he informed. Luastra found herself blushing at that term.
"And you aren't afraid I'll embarrass you? I'm not sure I'm ready for the finest dining," she mentioned as he led her out of the house. She also faltered when she saw a carriage waiting for them. She didn't remember him having a carriage.
"I'm not worried about it, but if you are, just follow my lead. Ask a question or two if you need the help. Soon, you'll get the hang of it, and it'll be second nature," he answered before helping her into the vehicle. Once she was situated, Astarion went to the driver to tell him of the destination. He had reached out to one of Cazador's aides, who then sent the carriage. It wasn't something that could be repeated often, but occasions like this were permitted.
Luastra glanced between the passing scenery and Astarion, who was making sure that the driver knew where he was going. She steadied herself, trying to stay ladylike, but she found that she didn't like the constant posture that she had to be in. Watching for his reaction, she slouched a little, getting comfortable against the seat. Astarion didn't even notice, letting her relax further. She watched again as the city went by, and she found her nervousness turn to excitement the farther they rode into the city.