by Xenia Melzer
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Canubis had to smile. When Sic talked like that, he dispelled all fears the Wolf of War felt regarding him.
“Thank you, Sic. Now that this topic is closed, let’s discuss whether we should go on a short raid during the next few weeks, or if we better stay here in the Valley.”
AFTER THE counseling session ended, Sic waited until he and Noran were alone. He was so nervous about what he was planning to do, cold sweat was pouring down his back. Determined, he stuck out his chin and put a trembling smile on his lips.
“Master, I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me today? Gweris has promised to cook something special, and I want to share it with you.”
Noran’s features brightened. They were getting closer with each passing day, and having dinner together was one of the things he enjoyed most. It was then he felt a real connection with his former slave, one that allowed them to meet not only as equals but also as friends. And so his answer was enthusiastic.
“It would be my pleasure, Sic. I’m looking forward to it.”
Noran received a shy smile in return, which caused his heart to skip an excited beat.
“Then I’ll be waiting for you tonight.”
“GOOD EVENING, Sic. I hope I’m not too early?”
Noran looked into the open, yet slightly worried face of the young man. He seemed nervous, which was strange since this wasn’t their first meal together.
“Are you feeling unwell? Should I leave?”
Frantically, Sic shook his head. “No, no! Please, don’t leave! Come in.”
He stepped aside to let his former master pass. Noran looked around. The table was already laid, and a mouthwatering scent permeated the air. Gweris had outdone herself. Sic poured some dark red wine, trying to suppress the trembling in his hands. When he offered the cup to Noran, the bulky man shot him a questioning look.
“Are you sure everything’s fine, Sic? You don’t look well. Are you still pondering what Canubis said today? Don’t take it to heart. He’s just worried.”
Sic shook his head vehemently and seemed to have trouble lining up the right words.
“That’s not it. I’m just….” He took a deep breath. “I’m just nervous. I want this night to be special.”
Noran reared back. There was no misinterpreting those words.
“No, Sic. I can’t.”
The Luksari’s shoulders slumped. “Why not? We love each other. Isn’t this also part of love, of a relationship?”
Sic sounded so hurt, it made Noran’s insides constrict with guilt.
“I love you more than anything else in this world, Sic. My feelings for you are so unfathomable, they’re bordering on obsession. There’s nothing I wish for more deeply than owning you most intimately. But I’m scared. Scared that I won’t be able to control myself once we start. Scared that I’m going to hurt you again. You are my everything. I just can’t risk losing you once more.”
Sic sighed deeply. “I know. And I understand. But it can’t go on like this. Don’t you feel trapped as well?”
There was nothing Noran could say, for Sic was right. He did feel confined in their current relationship, but what could he do? Sic took his hands, looking at him with an expression Noran had never seen before. The smith’s voice was firm, although his frame was trembling.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a long time, and when we got back from Kwarl, I decided to get some help. I assume we both agree that we can’t leave things like they are. We have to take the next step.”
He paused for a moment, his eyes glued to Noran’s face.
“To make it easier for us, we’ll just change roles.”
When he glimpsed the slightly panicked look on the master smith’s face, Sic chuckled with just a tiny hint of glee.
“Don’t worry, Master. I do not wish to top you. I meant something different. Until now, you always used me to find relief. Tonight I’m going to use you. Daran has shown me how to seek my own pleasure, so I’m not clueless anymore.”
The last sentence jolted Noran from the shock-induced, trancelike state he had fallen into. To find Sic so aggressive was new, exciting, and alarming. Hearing that he had sought counsel from Daran, of all people, made darkest jealousy rear its ugly head.
“You slept with Daran again?”
Sic seemed taken aback by this fierce reaction. “Are you jealous?”
“And if I was?”
Noran couldn’t help it. The thought of his treasure being with somebody else…. He stared at Sic, who didn’t seem to be shaken at all, but rather pleased.
“It makes me happy to think I can get such a reaction from you. Rest assured, there’s no way Daran and I will ever become intimate again. Apart from the fact that he’s both physically and mentally unable to cheat on his masters, Aegid and Kalad would probably kill me on the spot. Besides, for me there’s only you. No, Daran just showed me how to feel good.”
Noran breathed a sigh of relief. He knew he had no right to interfere with Sic’s affairs, but he still felt an overwhelming surge of possessiveness whenever he laid eyes on the young man he had known since he was a boy.
“So you really want to do this tonight?”
“Yes. I want us to move on, to leave all the bad memories behind.”
“What if I lose control? If I hurt you again?”
“You won’t. I trust you. I trust the love you feel for me.”
The absolute conviction in Sic’s voice broke Noran’s last resistance. The young man had risked so much; how could he turn him down now?
“Fine. Let’s leave the past behind.” Carefully he extended his arms, a silent invitation Sic accepted without hesitation. “And you’ll show me what you like?”
“Yes. Yes.”
Sic snuggled closer, reveling in the warmth of this embrace he had craved so much.
“Let’s move to the bedroom.”
IN THE chambers of the desert brothers, Daran was fidgeting. He knew how special this night was for Sic, and he only hoped everything went according to plan. He felt two strong hands heavily on his shoulders.
“Hey, little thief. Where are you right now? Certainly not with us.”
Kalad’s voice was mocking and his lips were a little too close to Daran’s ear for comfort. The warrior had an agenda, something the new Echend’dim usually welcomed eagerly, but not tonight. Tonight he was preoccupied. His two lovers sensed something was off and decided to dig a little deeper.
Aegid took Daran’s face in his hands. “You’ve been awfully secretive this week. Why don’t you tell us what this is all about?”
“I’d rather not, since it’s kind of private business.”
Kalad’s hands slid down Daran’s naked torso, caressing the soft skin lovingly. “You can tell us. We’re your lovers. Come on.”
Daran sighed. Well, it was his own fault. If he had been better at hiding his feelings, they wouldn’t have realized something was off. And Sic had given him permission to tell them when they asked directly. Plus, with any luck, the whole problem would be solved by tomorrow, so he didn’t think there was too much harm in revealing the truth.
“It’s Lord Sic. He’s trying to seduce Lord Noran tonight.”
Both warriors whistled. Then Aegid’s eyes narrowed.
“How do you know about it?”
Daran winced. “I may have helped him to prepare for the occasion.”
Kalad’s hands froze on the thief’s hips. His tone was a little more aggressive than Daran deemed comfortable. “What did you do?”
“I didn’t sleep with him, if that’s what you’re thinking with that overly active imagination of yours. I merely showed him how to make it feel good. Gave him some tips to be prepared for something as big as Noran’s cock going inside him. That’s all.”
Daran’s choice of words made clear how annoyed he was. Kalad rested his chin on the thief’s shoulder, and Aegid kissed him on the lips.
“We’re sorry, little thief. We didn’t
mean to accuse you of anything. We’re simply still shocked. Kwarl has gotten to us.”
“When will you stop using this incident as an excuse to monopolize me? You’ve done it before without bothering to justify yourself. It’s heartbreaking to see you so meek.”
“You’re calling us meek? Well, we’ve got news for you, Echend’dim. You won’t have to bother about Sic and his trysts any longer, because you’ll have your hands—and mouth and ass—full tonight.”
Daran moaned, already slain by the words alone. When the desert warriors started touching him, he gratefully slid into the bliss of athletic, rough sex only they could give him.
SIC WAS moaning as well. He lay sprawled out on his bed, next to the bulky figure of Noran, who was caressing his entire body ever so gently. The young smith could feel his own lust slowly building up, changing from nervous anticipation to pure longing. When Daran had shown him how to pleasure himself, he had been reluctant and insecure. How could he ever tell Noran where and how he liked to be touched? In the end, it had been surprisingly easy. Noran was eager to make him feel good and had implemented his wishes so perfectly, Sic almost believed he was having a very realistic masturbation experience. To convince himself otherwise, he reached out for Noran’s neck, pulled him closer, and started kissing him. For a sweet eternity, their tongues snaked around each other while both savored the spicy-sweet taste of the other.
On his thigh, Sic could feel Noran’s arousal, hard and demanding, making him feel wary. The master smith was indeed well-endowed, even better than Aegid, and his cock had made Sic cringe in fear before. Tentatively he reached for this powerful weapon that could induce such terrible pain. It was hard and soft at the same time, the tip rubbing against his palm eagerly, the shaft already covered in sweat and drops of precum. Unsure what to do, he looked up at Noran, who smiled wistfully at him.
“If you don’t want to get a nasty surprise, you’d better take your hands away. I’m so close, I don’t think I can hold back any longer.”
“You mean you are aroused?”
“Beyond words.”
“Can I…?”
“You don’t have to, but if you want….”
Sic’s palm slid slowly over Noran’s erection. The idea that he would be able to make this proud, strong man lose his composure went straight to his head. Recalling everything Daran had taught him in the course of those embarrassing days, he concentrated on this part of the warrior. As Noran had predicted, it only took a few measured strokes and he spilled like an exploding barrel of beer. Stunned, Sic stared at what he had just done, unable to decide whether this was good or bad. When the master smith finally managed to get his breath back, he took Sic’s hands in his own, kissing and licking the essence away.
“Thank you, my precious. Now please, let me return the favor.”
Suddenly insecure again, Sic slung his arms around the strong neck in front of him. Noran kissed him deeply before his mouth started its journey south. When Sic finally realized what his master was about to do, he stiffened.
“You can’t do that, Master.”
“Why not?”
“It’s embarrassing.”
Noran gave Sic’s cock a tentative lick. “Is this embarrassing?”
Sic shuddered, assaulted by waves of pleasure. “Yes!”
“Does it feel good?”
Sic moaned, his cheeks a deep crimson.
Noran chuckled happily. “I thought so. Don’t fight it.”
He started licking again, completely focused on giving his lover the ultimate pleasure. Like him, Sic was close, and way too soon he spilled his essence as well. Now the air was heavy with both their scents, arousing them even more. Sic felt the last restraints falling from him. His body was pulsing, eager for the next step on this journey to fulfilment. He took Noran’s hand and gently led it to the place between his butt cheeks. They were so close their foreheads were touching.
“Do you really want this?”
Sic could only nod.
“If you feel insecure, if you don’t like what I’m doing, just say the word and I’ll stop immediately.”
“Yes. I promise.”
“Good boy.”
Noran put some oil on his index finger and then started massaging the tight crown he had violated so cruelly more than once and that was now twitching invitingly under his ministrations. Sooner than he had anticipated, he was able to slide into the velvety-soft channel, penetrating it first with two and then three fingers. It only took him a short time to find Sic’s sweet spot, and just moments later, the young man was arching his back and thrusting his hips.
“More! Please, give me more!”
Emboldened by these words, Noran moved his fingers a little harder, causing his precious lover to have another orgasm. Panting heavily, Sic reached for his master’s cock, stroking it deliberately.
“I’m ready now. I really want to feel you inside. Please, come.”
Trembling, Noran helped Sic to put a cushion under his lower back. Then he lifted the young man’s legs, put some oil on his penis, and positioned himself at the narrow entrance. Agonizingly slowly, he pushed into his lover, every little movement forward pure delight and deepest pain at the same time. This was what he had been craving all his life, what he had sullied and thrown away, what had been given back to him. Regret and joy filled his heart, and he found it difficult to look into Sic’s eyes. When he did, he glimpsed a similar jumble of emotions. His exceptional lover was as confused as he was. Noran stopped, reaching out for Sic’s face.
“I love you. I love you so much, it’s tearing me up inside.”
A smile as bright as the rising sun appeared on the young man’s face. All doubts were gone, washed away by the power of these three simple words.
“And I love you.”
Together they found their release, drowning in sweet ecstasy that made them forget the hurts of the past.
THE NEXT morning, Sic was awakened by the smell of tea and warm bread. He blinked into the rays of the sun and then jolted up. Usually he got up at dawn, a habit from his days as a slave, but judging from the position of the sun, it was already close to noon. For the first time in his life, he had slept in. Warm laughter erupted next to him. Noran was sitting upright, a mug of tea in his big hands.
“Good morning, my precious. Did you sleep well?”
Sic grimaced. “Obviously. Why didn’t you wake me? It looks as if you’ve been up for quite some time.”
Noran put the tea aside and kissed Sic lovingly on the forehead.
“How could I wake you when you were sleeping so soundly? I felt you were due, after what we did last night.”
Sic felt himself blush. The memories started flooding back, and though they weren’t unpleasant, he still felt awkward in front of his lover. Noran sensed that and embraced the young man.
“You made me very happy, Sic. Thank you for everything we did. Are you sore?”
Sic winced. He did feel a little uncomfortable in certain areas, but it was the kind he could enjoy.
“I’m fine. I feel sated.”
Noran chuckled with a hint of male pride in his voice. Then he reached for the mug again and offered his lover some tea. After Sic gulped down almost half the contents, the master smith passed him a plate with warm bread smeared with butter and honey. At the sight of the food, Sic suddenly realized how hungry he was. He started wolfing down the slabs of bread, while Noran watched him in silent amazement.
“I’m sorry, I don’t even know your favorite food. I just brought what was available.”
Sic interrupted his feast to smile at his lover in a reassuring way.
“This is fine. Bread and tea are always welcome.” He hesitated for a moment. “And I like scrambled eggs.”
“So scrambled eggs it will be tomorrow.”
Noran grinned happily. He couldn’t remember when he had last felt so content and joyous. Not even with Renaldo had he felt such bliss, and they had done things in bed that would make even Aeg
id and Kalad blush—probably. No, being with Sic was more than just physical fulfilment. It also put his mind at ease, something he had never known before. Now his precious treasure offered him some of the bread.
“Aren’t you going to eat, Master? There’s plenty, you know.”
Noran took a bite from the bread, chewed carefully, and thought about something that had been weighing on his mind for some time.
“Why are you still calling me master, Sic? I’ve told you before, you’re no longer my slave, and I definitely don’t deserve the honorific.”
Sic took another sip from the mug, then touched Noran’s face.
“Does it bother you?”
A crooked smile appeared on the master smith’s lips.
“Yes. It makes me feel guilty. After everything I did to you, you still refer to me as a figure of respect. If anything, it should be the other way round.”
Sic put an index finger on his lips and shook his head.
“You’ve got it all wrong. The ‘master’ is not referring to you as my former owner, but as my smith master. No matter how questionable your methods of teaching were, they made me one of the best in my trade, and I’ve got the money to prove it. So even if we are equals now, you’ll always be the man who was my first and only teacher. Calling you master comes naturally to me.”
Noran was so overwhelmed, he could only stare at the exceptional man in his arms. He had been brooding over this ever since they had started getting closer again, and here all his worries were proved baseless.
“Are you all right, Master?”
He smiled at Sic’s worried face.
“I’m fine. Just stunned by my own stupidity. Now come here. I have the sudden urge to kiss you.”
“Just kiss?” Sic turned toward him, a challenging look in his eyes.
“If you must know, I have other urges as well.”
Both of them giggled like little boys at this innuendo. Then they started kissing again, and very soon the room was filled with their moans.
5. FOREIGN AFFAIRS
