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After the fall of Maldor, Trensicourt became the center of the rebuilding efforts for the continent. Galloran’s return and subsequent coronation had brought stability and renewed vitality that had been missing from the capital for close to a decade. Within days, Galloran had ousted every person of political power who had supported Maldor, making sure they wouldn’t be able to hold positions of power again. He had been ruthless when he gave Nedwin and Ferrin a single order their first night back: Find the supporters and bring them to me. So Nedwin and Ferrin had done what they did best, and if key political figures disappeared in the middle of the night, it was assumed they’d left for their country estates.
While they worked quietly in the background, Galloran named his new council. Jason took up the mantle of Chancellor again, despite his reservations that he’d be a good one. He had no experience in politics whatsoever and feared the day someone challenged him for the position and won because he couldn’t answer basic history questions. But, after a late night sitting by a fire with Ferrin and Rachel, confessing his fears, he’d gained some confidence. Not much, but enough to not look terrified every time he stood in front of the court.
People balked at first when Galloran named Amar Kabal and Drinlings to his council, not to mention an Edomic adept as powerful as Rachel. The people’s trepidation wore off quickly as Rachel and Corinne got to work rebuilding parts of the city that had fallen into disrepair. In a matter of days, the Fleabed had been cleaned up. Buildings were reinforced, roads were repaved, and life was brought back to that section.
Drake and Jasher had been given control over Trensicourt’s military and police. The two had eagerly taken over evaluating Trensicourt’s armaments, its soldiers, their training, and emergency plans. It was apparent that since Galloran had set out on his quest and others had taken over, the military and its defenses had grown more than lax.
Nia and Io had also taken to their roles with vigor. As diplomats, the two began drafting letters to other kingdoms, looking at what Trensicourt had to trade, and how they could woo incoming diplomats and dignitaries into bolstering the kingdom’s economy. They worked tirelessly to grow the city’s economy into what it had been before Maldor’s rule.
xXx
It had been just over a year since the war had ended. The castle was still a center of activity, never truly sleeping, just quieting in the darkest hours of the night. Though this night was buzzing with activity and energy.
Jason stood in front of a full-length mirror attempting to tie an intricate knot into the fabric wrapped around his throat. He was dressed in uncomfortable, overly fancy clothing, which was surprising considering what his position in court demanded. Ferrin lounged on their bed, wearing well-loved, soft leggings and one of Jason’s blouses while he pretended to read a report. Jason made a frustrated grunt as the knot came out looking lopsided and crumpled. He looked up as he heard a rustle of papers behind him. Catching Ferrin’s eye in the mirror, he gestured helplessly at the fabric tangled at the base of his throat.
Ferrin rolled his eyes goodnaturedly as he slid off the bed and padded over to Jason.
“What on earth were you trying to go for?” Ferrin asked. His fingers plucked deftly at the dark ribbon.
Jason sighed, his shoulders slumping even as he lifted his chin higher to give Ferrin more room. “I don’t really know. Something fancy?”
Ferrin huffed out a laugh. He pulled the last knot free and began to retie the fabric. “You would have definitely turned heads with that one.” In a matter of seconds, Ferrin was pulling the knot snug and laying the collar of Jason’s shirt flat. He smoothed his hands down Jason’s chest, giving the dark red jacket a little tug to right it.
“Thank you,” Jason said, placing an affectionate kiss on Ferrin’s forehead. “Are you joining me tonight?”
Ferrin looked up, meeting Jason’s eyes. “To a dinner party filled with politicians?”
“For a night out of good food, wine, and dancing.” Jason countered.
“I’m not sure I’d call a work function a date.” Ferrin turned slightly from Jason to grab the Chancellor’s mantle hanging off a rack near the mirror. He whipped the heavy fabric around Jason’s shoulders and clasped the front together. Then he said, “It might be nice to join the party. I’m sure if Nia and Aram are there, she’ll challenge him to a drinking contest again. That was a highlight of the last party I went to.”
Jason couldn’t help the smile the memory gave him. Watching the half-giant stagger around drunk insisting that he could keep going, while a woman less than half his size drank him under the table had been entertaining, to say the least. It had also given Ferrin and Drake enough material to work with to tease Aram for months. “Last I heard Nia was going. She’s got her sights set on another trade deal. Across the Western Ocean, I believe. I’m not sure if Aram will be making an appearance.”
The look Ferrin gave him screamed how boring he thought that was. “And what will you be doing? Wining and dining some prince from a far-off land? I saw a high ranking official from Meridon wandering the halls earlier. I suppose he’ll be in your care tonight.”
Jason placed his hands on Ferrin’s waist. “He’ll be a shared responsibility. Galloran is going to be speaking with him mostly.” He paused for a moment, hands tightening slightly on Ferrin, “-God I hope he does.”
Ferrin barked out a laugh as he stepped away from Jason. He was heading back towards their bed, towards the scattered sheets of parchment. “You’ll be fine. Io’s great at preparing you for these types of things.”
Jason made to follow, but a knock came from their apartment doors. “Enter,” he called. Then to Ferrin, “I’m sure with the mix of guests we’re hosting tonight the atmosphere will be ripe with rumors.”
“Bribing me with rumors now?”
“Only if it’s working.”
Ferrin turned to face Jason, leaning against the edge of the plush mattress, papers in hand. “What makes you think I haven’t already heard every rumor there is? It’s my job to listen and I’d be remiss if I wasn’t ahead of the gossip.”
Jason moved back into Ferrin’s space, large hands on his shoulders now instead of his waist. “Yes, you’re quite diligent in that regard, but I’ve never known you to be willing to let the possibility of unchecked information circulate.”
Ferrin’s eyes narrowed.
Jason stepped back as footsteps came towards their room. Both turned to look at the person standing in the doorway.
Tark had lost a lot of his melancholy once the reality that the war was over had set in. The bear of a man stood straighter, towering almost as tall as Jason now. He’d regained muscle too. His shoulders and chest had broadened into what Ferrin imagined Tark had looked like as a miner. He wore a trimmed beard now and had cut his hair shorter as well. That change, in particular, had highlighted how handsome the man truly was. Ferrin had heard more than one conversation from the court ladies on just what they’d like to do with him.
He currently stood in the entrance to their bedroom dressed in finery befitting his position as Jason’s personal guard. “Are you ready to head down?”
Jason nodded. He was halfway out the bedroom door when he stopped for a moment. “Will you be joining us?”
Ferrin stood with his arms crossed over his chest, papers crinkling in one hand. “You ass.” There was no heat behind the words as Jason’s smile widened. “I’ll be down in half an hour. I swear to Prongs, Jason, if I get cornered by politicians making inane conversation you will be sleeping on the floor tonight.”
“Love you too. I’ll save you a seat!” Jason called as he and Tark left the apartments.
Ferrin groaned as the door closed heavily behind the two. Now he needed to find something to wear.
Jason took a sip from his flute. The four diplomats standing in a circle with him continued their conversation. They’d lost him early on and he hadn’t cared quite enough to figure out what topic they’d jumped to. Tark stood a little ways away in his own gaggle of nobility. The only outward sign that he was getting uncomfortable was the dusting of pink across his tan skin. At least Jason wasn’t the only one out of their depth.
In the background, he could hear someone playing a soft piece on a piano. It complimented the buzz of conversation nicely. Making it feel more like a gathering of friends and not a place where backdoor deals were being schemed into existence.
Jason’s eyes tracked a waiter moving through the groups. He held a silver platter filled with a variety of hors d'oeuvres high, only bringing it down when someone seemed interested. When he passed by the king, he made a small bow before offering the platter to Galloran. Jason had a passing thought of leaving his group to go pilfer the finger food from the waiter. Dinner seemed to be taking a lot longer than usual to be served.
Movement by the open double doors of the hall caught his eye and Jason suddenly found himself without breath. Ferrin had just entered. He was dressed in a dark blue waistcoat with bronze brocade and soft black leggings tucked into knee-high boots. He wore a simple jacket of the same dark blue with few accents along the collar and cuffs.
Ferrin’s eyes searched the crowd for a moment before settling on Jason. They slid away just as easily as they’d stopped and Jason knew Ferrin was taking further stock of where people were in the room. It was a habit Jason didn’t think Ferrin knew he had. Just like counting the windows and doors as he entered a room.
Ferrin slipped into the crowd, making stops to say hello to Rachel, Corinne, and Drake. He smiled at a waiter who offered him a glass of wine, then proceeded to Gallorna’s group, which currently held Nia, Io, and Nedwin in it as well as the new visitor from Meridon. As he left, he stopped the waiter who had circled back around with the hors d'oeuvres. Jason watched as Ferrin spoke to the waiter, he flashed him a grin and said something else which caused the waiter to laugh. The waiter held the plater down and Ferrin placed a few mini quiches and canapes in a napkin. They parted in opposite directions.
For a moment Jason thought Ferrin was coming to join him. To save him from whatever topic these four had decided to debate, but Ferrin just took a sip of his wine as he walked by, heading for Tark instead.
Jason supposed he deserved it. Ferrin wasn’t known for loving large crowds like this. And Spymasters weren’t usually needed, or wanted, at political dinner parties. But, he had meant what he said about taking him out for good food and dancing. They hadn’t had a date in weeks and this was the perfect chance for them to spend an evening together outside of their apartments. Barring the time he had to give to the visitor from Meridon.
He watched as Ferrin elegantly inserted himself into the circle next to Tark, displacing a woman in a bright green and cream silk dress. He gave the offended woman a charming smile before turning to Tark. He held up his hand and offered a mini quiche. It was clear in the way Tark’s shoulders relaxed that having Ferrin there had broken whatever atmosphere the noble ladies had created. The larger man relaxed, taking a deep drink from his glass and eating the quiche Ferrin had offered. Before the other women could become too upset over the slight to one of their own, Ferrin flashed them a disarming smile. He started up a conversation, about what Jason could only guess, but it seemed to soothe the women’s ruffled feathers and get them to focus on something other than Tark.
As the conversations around him progressed, Jason couldn’t find it within himself to tear his eyes away from Ferrin. The noblemen around him continued to drone on from one topic to the next, none of them ever quite reaching Jason. He watched Ferrin take a drink from his glass before joining in the laughter with the group. The sight made his heart squeeze delightfully as it sped up. He couldn’t see it from this distance, but he knew the corners of Ferrin’s eyes would be crinkled in his mirth. And if he strained he imagined he could just hear Ferrin’s laugh over the din of conversations.
“Got your eye set on one of them?”
The voice broke Jason away from watching the love of his life. He forced an awkward smile as he focused back on the men in front of him. “Something like that I suppose.” He could feel his face heating with the embarrassment of being caught out by the men he was supposed to be entertaining.
The man who stood to his right, Baron Vierus, guffawed at that. He ribbed Jason good-naturedly as he took a look at the group. The conversation has completely stopped in their circle. The others turned to look too and Jason could feel more heat pooling in his cheeks at being caught preoccupied.
“My sincerest apologies for becoming distracted.” He attempted to pull their attention away from the other group. “What was it that was being discussed?”
It was too late, it seemed, to turn the conversation back towards matters of government. The men with him were gazing appreciatively at the women, their attention completely derailed. A few of the men were turning away from their group to give the women a better once over. It didn’t take much longer before they began walking off toward the others.
In a last-ditch effort to reengage the men and save himself from a night on the floor, Jason said, “Minister Aberwan, weren’t you going to tell me about—“
The minister waved a dismissive hand. “Later. There are drinks and beautiful women to be wooed over there!” He gave a hearty chuckle as he trailed after the others making their way to where Ferrin and Tark stood.
Jason looked helplessly at Ferrin and all the displacer did was raise an eyebrow along with his glass in a minute toast. His lips were curved up in a coy smile.
He was definitely going to be sleeping on the floor tonight.
Ferrin moved over as Jason approached, allowing the taller man to slot himself into the large circle that had formed. He raised the hand that wasn’t occupied with his wine glass. “Mini quiche?” It was the last of the hors d'oeuvres Ferrin had taken.
Jason took it gratefully. The quiche was room temperature and the crust was soggy from the filling, but it helped lessen his hunger by a fraction. He took a deep drink from his glass, draining the last of the amber liquid inside. A server with a drink tray appeared at his elbow. Jason placed his empty glass on the tray and grabbed a fresh one, giving the server a nod of thanks as he did so.
He watched as the dignitary Hamshel told a joke, getting the women across the circle to blush and giggle. He glanced over at Ferrin. “You look nice in that color.”
“Thank you,” Ferrin said. He leaned a little into Jason’s side before standing straight again. No more than a brush of shoulders to anyone who didn’t know them.
One of the women, Lady Farash of the prominent noble house of Falls End, placed a hand on Aberwan’s forearm and fanned herself with the other. If Ferrin had to guess, she’d be slipping Aberwan into her rooms tonight. It was a brazen move on her part, but the man’s cheeks were already taking on a ruddy tone from his drinks and he doubted much persuasion would be needed.
“And who might you be?”
Ferrin and Jason both looked over. It had been Senator Braxop who’d spoken. He had a warm smile on his face and a casual air about him. Though his sharp eyes were trained on Ferrin.
Jason opened his mouth to respond but snapped it shut when he realized he couldn’t tell the man who Ferrin really was. To him or the kingdom.
“I’m the Chancellor’s secretary,” Ferrin said.
Jason turned to look at him, surprised to find Ferrin’s demeanor had changed slightly, but that slight change gave Ferrin a whole different air. He now had a wide-eyed look and a slightly nervous smile, like he wasn’t used to being around people with so much power. “Tark is the only person I really know from the office,” Ferrin explained. “Except for Chancellor Jason, that is!” He tacked on quickly, shooting Jason a nervous look before looking back at the senator. “I was a close-ish friend during the war. While I worked with the Chancellor, I didn’t really help out until the end. I’ve been living in Trensincourt since we won, doing odd jobs and helping out where I can.”
Oh, he’s good, Jason thought as he watched the exchange. The oversharing is a nice touch. He couldn’t very well tell anyone who Ferrin truly was. Being the true Spymaster and having everyone know it would quickly end with Ferrin at the short end of a long rope. While Nedwin officially held the title, Ferrin ruled from the relative obscurity of his position as secretary.
“Ah, yes,” Jason jumped in. “I remembered his work as a secretary for one of the generals during the war. I’d heard nothing but good things so I reached out a few weeks after I took my position to ask if he’d want to work for me.”
Senator Braxop gave Ferrin a grandfatherly smile. “I’m glad to hear the Chancellor’s finally gotten some help. I’m sure he’s as busy as the rest of us.”
Ferrin’s smile seemed to ease. “Oh, yes,” he said. “He’s much too busy.”
That seemed to be the end of that conversation. Braxop turned and jumped into a conversation Hamshel was having with two of the women. He seemed to miss the disgruntled look Hamshel threw his way as the ladies’ focus was drawn to him instead.
Their group broke apart as other politicians joined and left, taking people with them. Tark and Jason continued to make rounds, though Jason’s eyes always seemed to drift back to Ferrin. They trailed him as he wandered from group to group. Watched as his body language changed subtly between them based on who was contained within. It was something he wouldn’t have been able to notice a few years ago. But, one grew familiar with the grace of an assassin and spy when they were trusted enough.
Eventually, a group containing Nia, Rachel, Galloran, Nedwin, and Ferrin formed. A few politicians mingled between them, clearly trying to puzzle out who Ferrin was and why he was allowed to hang around and act as familiar with the others as he did. He watched fondly as Rachel and Ferrin leaned their heads towards each other conspiratorially, whispering something that had a wide smile pulling Ferrin’s lips back and Rachel’s head throwing back in a throaty laugh. Never one to be left out of the fun, Nia turned to join their little conversation.
“Ready to join everyone else?” Tark asked quietly.
Jason knew Tark could tell where his eyes had once again landed. The man had just rolled his eyes the first time he’d caught Jason staring at Ferrin across the room and muttered to himself about how sickeningly in love the two of them were. “Yes, I believe this conversation has grown rather stale.”
Jason said his goodbyes to the low-ranking politicians who’d been trying to engender themselves to him. He left without another word. The crowd seemed to part for him as he strode across the marble tiles. Tark creating a menacing presence just over his right shoulder.
“You’re just jealous that I have one and you’re still waiting,” Ferrin said, giving Rachel a pointed look, one hand resting surreptitiously on his chest.
Rachel huffed. She crossed her arms and her foot began to tap, a sure sign Ferrin had touched a nerve. “I don’t even have anyone to ask something like that of me.” Her tone had gone sour at the reminder of what Ferrin had tucked safely under his shirt.
Ferrin’s eyebrows lifted. “Oh really? Because I seem to remember a certain Amar Kabal sneaking out of your room in the early hours of the morning not a week ago.”
Rachel’s face turned an embarrassingly bright shade of red. She opened her mouth to reply, but when nothing came out Ferrin continued.
“I may be mistaken but, haven’t the two of you been flirting relentlessly since the war started?”
“Oh!” Rachel said indignantly. “Like you’re one to talk! I remember the way you mooned over Jason for years before anything happened. And not to mention the flirting between you two. Who flirts while sword fighting?!” She’d managed to keep her voice a whisper though her tone was as cutting as ever. Rachel’s blush seemed to have morphed into a wildfire of anger and self-satisfaction at seeming to have gotten Ferrin back.
Ferrin took a sip of his drink, letting her have a moment to bask in her supposed victory. He smiled at Jason, finally acknowledging his and Tark’s presence, before turning back to Rachel. “That may be, but at least my flirting has gone somewhere. At this rate, you two will be elderly by the time he asks for your hand.” He ignored Rachel’s disbelieving scoff here. “Do you want one of us to talk with him? Or better yet, why don’t you take the next step in this relationship? You defeated Maldor in a one-on-one battle, Rachel! You can do this.”
Rachel wilted with the same quickness as she’d puffed up.
“You’re right I suppose,” she grumbled. “The worst he can do now is say no.”
Ferrin gave her an encouraging smile. “That’s the spirit!”
About an hour later the butler appeared at Galloran’s side and whispered something in his ear. Galloran nodded and sent the butler away. Shortly thereafter he quieted their guests and announced dinner was ready.
The large crowd followed Galloran through a set of double doors into the elaborate dining hall. The room seemed bright enough for midday, even if out the windows nothing but the night was visible. Candles with mirrors behind them lined the walls and large chandeliers holding hundreds of candles hung from the ceiling. Beautiful tapestries and works of art hung against the walls between pillars. The dining table was made of walnut polished to a dark shine and had a snow-white lace runner down the center. Amar Kabal porcelain dishes filled every available space, each exquisite piece brimming with delicacies from every nation. Servants stood next to each chair, ready to serve the person who chose it.
Galloran strode to the head of the table with their guest from Meridon. He took his rightful place at the head. Corinne, who usually took the seat directly to her father’s left, moved down one to make room. Rachel sat beside her and Nia sat across from Rachel. Jason went to take his place on the king’s right. As he did, Ferrin began to break away, but Jason’s subtle touch at the small of his back was enough to redirect him.
“Do you think it wise to have me sit beside you?” Ferrin asked, his voice just barely loud enough for Jason to hear. “To these people, I’m just your secretary after all.”
“Nonsense,” Jason said. He’d bent down so his mouth was closer to Ferrin’s ear. “You’re higher ranking than most of the nobles here, even if you were just my secretary.”
As they approached their seats the servants pulled them out. In a flurry of motion, water and wine glasses were filled, and plates were taken up by servants. Selections were made from a wide range of meats and vegetables. Hot, crusty bread-filled baskets intermittently down the table, each one surrounded by a variety of ramekins with a different spread.
Corrine smiled at Ferrin across the table.
“I’m surprised to see you here. The way Jason was carrying on, I’d thought you’d sworn off parties.”
Ferrin gave a half-hearted shrug. “I thought about it,” he said. He grabbed one of the rolls in front of him and broke it open. Steam rose in the cool air before he slathered the two halves in sweet butter. “After the last party I was ready to swear them off forever, but Jason has a way of persuading me to do things I’d rather not.” He took a large bite and chewed forcefully.
Corrine chuckled at that. Jason had always had a way with Ferrin. The Displacer could be slippery when he didn’t want to do something, but all that charm and his silver tongue had little effect on Jason. It was part of the reason, in Corrine’s opinion, that they made such a great team.
“Oh come now, surely the last one wasn’t that bad.”
“It was terrible!” Ferrin sighed. “I was literally cornered and trapped for hours by social etiquette. Do you know the intimate details of leaf-tailed springbok husbandry? Because I do and I hate it,” he hissed the last part. “ Hours Corrine. Hours.”
She couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her. “Oh, no Ferrin. I’m so sorry,” she’d tempered her laughter into giggles. “Was it Representative Ambersonge? He’s very dedicated to animal husbandry and expects everyone to feel the same.”
“Yes, very dedicated indeed,” Ferrin said.
Jason gently pressed his knee into Ferrin’s, the action hidden by the table cloth. He was engaged in a conversation with Galloran and their guest, but when Ferrin glanced his way he saw the grin Jason wore and knew he’d been listening to them as well.
He pushed his knee back into Jason’s before focusing on his meal.
While they dined, Jason splits his attention between the Meridon official and Ferrin. He was inviting the man out for a ride around the grounds one minute and then sharing in the jokes Ferrin was telling the next. As the main meal turned into dessert Ferrin found himself actually enjoying the party. The murmur of other conversations along the table was easy to tune out and banter between friends over an almost too sweet fruit cobbler was something Ferrin found he’d been missing. They’d all worked so hard after the war that getting together to just chat and relax had fallen to the wayside. With each new round of giggles, he felt his smile grow
It wasn’t long afterward before everyone was leaving through a second set of double doors into the ballroom. The room was spacious with large pane glass doors making up one wall. Some of them were open, letting in bright, cold air and leading out onto balconies or down into the garden. A large company of strings sat in a corner and the music they played drifted easily through the space. Ferrin was pulled along by Rachel, Corrine, and Nia over to a small seating area. As they sat, Ferrin could see other similar areas set up around the perimeter of the room. It wasn’t long before the music picked up in pace and couples were filling the dance floor.
A few songs had passed before their group was approached. A young nobleman, who Ferrin recognized as Viscount Telasta, stopped in front of them all. Telasta was broad in the shoulders with a slim waist. His dark skin and hair contrasted beautifully with the pale, almost pastel, peach of his coat and vest. He gave them all an easy smile, showing off straight, white teeth.
“Hello, Your Highness, Lady Rachel, Lady Nia, Sir.” He nodded to each of them in turn.
Corrine turned to face him more from her place next to Ferrin on the chaise. “Good evening Telasta. I trust you’re enjoying the ball.”
“Oh quite, Your Highness, it’s been a wonderful time so far.”
Rachel glanced at Ferrin and found him looking back. They shared a look. They knew where this was going.
The viscount cleared his throat before finally getting to why he’d come over. “I was wondering if you might like to share the next dance?”
“I would be delighted,” Corrine said. She took the hand Telasta offered and let him guide her out to the edge of the floor where other couples were waiting for the next song to begin.
Nia rose a few moments later saying something about finding her own dance partner as she left them for the crowd of milling noblemen.
Rachel got up from her chair and took a seat on the chaise where Corrine had previously sat. Neither said a word as they watched the end of the last song or as new couples replaced those who’d left the dance floor. Ferrin felt an unexpected pang of sadness sweep through him when he saw Jason leading Lady Alse Imblen out onto the dance floor. She was a beautiful woman with skin the color of night and long hair expertly braided and decorated with beads. She was also an unwed Marchioness. A prominent one, who was known for her sharp wit and tactical moves in court. She’d been one of the many suitors Jason had acquired since retaking his place as Chancellor.
Taking Ferrin’s hand in her own, Rachel gave it a gentle squeeze. “I’m sorry.” Her voice was soft, somber in its sharp contrast to all of the fast-paced, upbeat music surrounding them.
They’d had this conversation before. About why Jason and Ferrin hid their relationship. It had been a grief-stricken night where the two of them had laid in Rachel’s large bed. Hiding under the covers and pretending that they were tipsier than they actually were so Ferrin would have the courage to explain that he would always be that secretary the Chancellor was fucking . He would never be anything other than a dirtly little secret because while the aristocracy accepted same-sex relationships among the lower class, they became nothing but a fetish for the upper class. Jason would be laughed at for marrying a kink , undermined at every instance, shunned from every social circle. There was a very real chance Ferrin would be murdered; more than likely by the family of a woman looking to move up in the world. He would no longer just be the plaything Chancellor Jason was messing with until he found a wife to settle him down, he’d become a roadblock. But between shuddering breaths, in a broken, quiet voice, Ferrin had told Rachel he sometimes dreamt of being known by his proper title. Rachel hadn’t said anything to that, she hadn’t had the words to express what she was feeling for Ferrin at that moment. So she had just tightened her arms around his shoulders and wept with him. She’d wished fervently that night that Jason was back from his work trip so he could hear Ferrin’s confession. When they’d woken up the next morning, Ferrin showed no sign of the misery he’d given Rachel a glimpse of. Nothing but a slight redness along his lower eyelids hinted that he’d shed a single tear in the dark of her bedroom.
The song ended. Ferrin watched as another noblewoman inserted herself into Jason’s arms the moment Lady Imblen exited them. He let out a quiet resigned sigh. Giving Rachel’s hand a squeeze back, Ferrin hauled both of them to their feet. He gave her a smile, albeit slightly forced, then said. “Neither of us can dance in our lover’s arms tonight, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dance at all. Would you like to share this dance with me?”
Rachel returned the smile. “I would love to.”
Rachel and Ferrin danced until their feet hurt. They spun around the floor, twirling in between other couples with enviable ease. They took turns leading, Rachel tending to drag Ferrin along when she was in charge. They danced with others too. Nedwin glided along the floor for a song with Rachel. His gangly limbs made it slightly awkward, but there was a certain grace in the way he moved. Nia stole Ferrin for a few dances. She surprisingly favored the slow ones. It was a nice change of pace to more or less stay still and just sway with the music.
By the time they returned to their seats Rachel and Ferrin were exhausted and pleasantly flushed. They were enjoying the chilly breeze from the open doorway when Ferrin caught sight of Hamshel and Braxop coming their way. The two were weaving through the crowd leisurely, stopping to chat for a moment or two before moving on, continually getting closer. Ferrin only really caught what they were doing because both men would look over periodically to where he and Rachel sat as if making sure they hadn’t moved.
Finally, the two approached them. They strolled into the seating area and stopped in its center. They smiled down at the pair seated on the chaise, lips pulled back too far exposing too many teeth. They’d situated themselves in such a way that if either Rachel or Ferrin wanted up, they’d have to shove the two men out of the way. Braxop’s expression was smug as his gaze focused on Ferrin, like he’d won a secret game the two of them had been playing.
Ferrin felt himself bristle slightly at the look. He was tempted to snipe a scathing comment at the man before he could start speaking but thought better of it at the last second. He still represented Jason and the Chancellor position, it wouldn’t do to start something with a senator. Instead, he said, “How has your night been so far senators?”
“Quite well, I should think,” Hamshel said.
“Oh yes, well indeed,” Braxop confirmed. His grandfatherly air was gone, instead replaced with that of someone certain they were going to bully Ferrin into giving them everything they wanted.
Ferrin gave the older men a pleasant, if faked, smile. “That’s wonderful to hear. I’m sure King Galloran and Princess Corinne will be pleased to know you’ve enjoyed the party.”
Braxop took a sip of the dark brown liquid in his tumbler. He rolled his wrist and watched his drink swirl around for a moment before he looked back down at Ferrin. “You handle Jason’s schedule do you not?”
“Chancellor Jason,” Ferrin corrected, his voice sharp with clear disapproval. “And yes, I do handle his schedule.”
Braxop held up a hand in apology. “Chancellor Jason, excuse me. The drink seems to have loosened my tongue more than I thought.” When Ferrin said nothing more and just continued to look up at him he continued. “I require you to set up a meeting between me and the Chancellor.”
Ferrin wanted to roll his eyes. Of course, the senator would try to set up a meeting now. Beside him, Rachel shifted. Her knees pressed into his so the two of them were turned towards each other more than the two senators. It’s a silent declaration of support. “And what would you need to speak to the Chancellor about so badly that you can’t wait until tomorrow to set up a proper meeting?” Ferrin asked. “Or, for that matter, why not just go speak with Chancellor Jason right now?”
Braxop’s mouth twisted, but before he could speak Hamshel responded.
“Watch your tone, boy.” He snapped. He’d drawn himself up to his full height and now towered over Rachel and Ferrin, where they were both still trapped on the chaise. “You should know better than to speak to us that way. You will set up the meeting, or consequences will be put in place.”
Rachel stilled next to Ferrin. Ferrin looked between Hamshel and Braxop’s faces. Both stoney. Both filled with threats. “And what might those consequences be?” His voice had gone flat and Rachel could hear the dangerous edge to it. The one that spoke of what Ferrin was before he’d taken on the roles of spy master and secretary. If she wasn’t so enraged at the way Ferrin was being spoken to, she’d be running for Jason and Tark. There was a very, very good reason Ferrin had been feared before he joined their cause. Even if people didn’t know him by name.
“We’ve learned a damning thing or two about you and-”
“I do hope everything is okay over here.”
The new voice broke the bubble of tension that had built up around the seating area. The senators’ faces smoothed out into ones of good humor as they turned to look at the newcomers. Jason stood just inside the circle of chairs and lounges. Tark was a looming threat of a man just outside them. Jason had a boyish grin plastered on his face as he looked at the four of them. His eyes lingered on Ferrin and Rachel, taking in the pair’s irritated expressions.
Before anyone could answer, Jason spoke again. “Rachel, I think Corrine was looking for you. She seemed eager to speak with you. And Ferrin, I’d like to discuss something that’s just come up.” He turned to the two senators, “I do hope it won’t be too much of an imposition to steal my aid away.”
“Not at all,” Braxop says.
Jason barely waited for the man to stop speaking before he turned back towards Ferrin and Rachel. He stepped forward and crowded the senators to the side, forcing them away from the chaise. Rachel stood first, smoothing out her dress before gliding out of the seating area. Ferrin followed. He refused to look at Braxop or Hamshel as he followed her out. The look Jason leveled at the two older men when he turned to leave was a clear warning for them to leave Ferrin alone for the rest of the night.
Ferrin and Rachel were standing halfway between the refreshments and the seating area they’d been occupying. Both wear expressions of displeasure, though Jason was thankful to see they’re turned in to face each other and weren’t aiming their icy stares at the other guests. Jason came to a stop on Ferrin’s left, Tark on Rachel’s right.
“Are you two okay?” He asks softly. He could see Rachel struggling to calm her expression and the angry flush creeping up Ferrin’s neck was a sure sign he was furious.
“No.” Ferrin’s voice was clipped. “They threatened me and were getting ready to do the same to you when you showed up.”
Jason balked a bit at that. He wouldn’t have expected threats from those two in such a populated place.
“What did they say?” Tark asked. He had crossed his thick arms over his chest and was gazing around the room.
“Nothing really. For all we know they’re bluffing about the information they have,” Rachel said. She was managing to smooth her features out into a neutral set, though the corners of her mouth still pulled down.
“And what were they trying to blackmail you for?” Jason felt his own ember of ire settling in his chest. A How dare they line of thought was beginning in the back of his mind. He shoved it away. His eyes go back to Ferrin’s face. The flush had reached his jawline, but gone no further.
“They wanted me to set up a meeting with you. For what I can only guess. But I’m going to assume it’s to twist your arm into agreeing to whatever fucked up proposal they were going to present to the chamber,” Ferrin says.
Jason frowns for a moment as he hears this. He places a hand on Ferrin’s shoulder, drawing the smaller man’s gaze to him. “I’ll take care of it. I’m not about to let them think that kind of behavior gets them anywhere anymore.”
Ferrin took a deep breath. “We should still find out what they think they know.”
Jason gives Ferrin’s shoulder a little squeeze. “We will. But not tonight. Let’s enjoy the rest of the evening. Rachel, Corrine really did want to see you. It was something about making fun of Nia’s newest crush? Or something like that. She said she’d be over by the balcony.”
Rachel broke out in a smile. “Of course Nia’s found a new man to swoon over,” she said. All traces of visible anger had left her at the news of a new opportunity to tease her friend. “If I don’t see you three again, good night. I hope you enjoy the rest of the party.” With that, Rachel disappeared into the crowd.
“You and Rachel were dancing for a long time, do you want a drink?” Jason asked.
Ferrin looked up at him and raised an eyebrow. A small smile pulled at his lips. “You were watching us.”
“Hard not to. You’re unbelievably handsome when you’re happy,” Jason said.
Looking down, Ferrin said, “Thank you.” A new wash of color was tinging his cheekbones. “I would very much like a drink now.”
Ferrin turned to leave, but Jason lingered for a moment. “I think I’m going to take Ferrin out into the garden to cool off, then probably head back to our rooms. You don’t need to stay,” he said to Tark.
Tark gave him a nod. “Thank you, but you know I can’t just leave you unguarded. I’ll keep my distance. Go have fun and make sure Ferrin doesn’t kill anyone. He was getting that look about him.”
“No promises, but I’ll do my best,” Jason smiled.
He trailed a few steps after Ferrin to the refreshments table. There he gave Ferrin two glasses of honey wine to hold while he filled a plate with a variety of the finger foods laid out. They drifted out one of the large double doors that led into the garden. The outside air was a sharp contrast to that found in the ballroom. It was deliciously cool and the roar of the crowd inside was tempered to a pleasant din. The two walked between flower beds and around the larger of the contemplation pools. The pathways were lit with hanging lanterns that gave off inviting pools of warm orange light. Every so often they would hear the unmistakable sound of a couple just on the other side of a hedge and go the opposite direction. Finally, they reached their destination.
Jason grabbed one of the lanterns off its pole and held it out in front of them as they stepped through a circular doorway. It led to a small contemplation pool out of the way towards the back of the garden. A lattice roof covered in firecracker vines and pillars covered in moss surrounding the edges of the pool gave the space an intimate feeling. Urns with ornamental grasses were placed at the corners of the pool and four benches, two on each of the longer sides, filled the space between. He places the lantern on one of the benches, then sets down the food before turning and taking the drinks from Ferrin and placing them on the bench as well.
Stepping into Ferrin’s space, Jason placed his hands on Ferrin’s waist. He leaned down so that they’re almost touching, so that if either of them were to move a hair their lips would brush.
“May I kiss you?” Jason asked into the space between them.
The answer came on Ferrin’s next breath. “You may.”
The kiss was soft and sweet. It had the needed intimacy this night had been missing. When they pulled apart, Jason looked down at Ferrin with a goofy smile.
“What?” Ferrin asked. He brought his arms up and draped them over Jason’s shoulders. They were rocking slightly. The faintest bars of music could be heard in the absolute quiet of the pool.
Jason cupped Ferrin’s cheek for a moment as he kissed the corner of his mouth. He gave a pleased sigh before saying, “I was just thinking about how lucky I am to be married to you.”
“You’re beginning to sound like those romance books Corrine keeps trying to get me to read,” Ferrin said playfully. He wore a pleased look, so Jason continued.
“Would you like me to sweep you off your feet and carry you into the sunset? Perhaps vanquish some enemy of yours in the process?” Jason teased.
“I’m fairly certain you’ve already done those things. I will require grander displays of affection in the future though,” Ferrin said, nodding his head solemnly. “For now though, that dance you promised me will be enough.”
Taking one of Ferrin’s hands off his shoulder and holding it in his own, Jason said, “I think I can do that.”
The two waltz around the small area, humming their own music as they went. Jason delighted in spinning and dipping Ferrin just to see his smile grow wider and hear him laugh at a particularly showy move. When they finally stop, both of them are rosy cheeked and a little out of breath.
Jason let go of Ferrin’s hand so he could wrap it around his waist. With his hand now free, Ferrin placed it against Jason’s chest as they held each other. He laid his head against Jason’s shoulder when a large hand left his waist and began stroking his back. He gave a contented hum and moved his hand slightly so it was centered over the lump beneath Jason’s shirt.
It was Jason’s wedding ring.
They’d married each other in the fifth year of the war. He still remembered the way they’d burst into Galloran’s tent one morning and asked him to marry them. Both of them breathless from excitement and the run across camp to get there. Galloran had turned to them from where he’d been dictating a letter and had just told them to have two witnesses ready by the next morning. He had united them under a towering, ancient Bloodwood Yew so early in the morning during the dead of winter that the stars were still visible and the sunrise was just a gray haze barely seen over the treetops. Rachel and Tark had been the only witnesses to their marriage. That night, Jason, Ferrin, Rachel and Tark had shared a small, quiet celebration in Jason’s tent. They’d sipped wine and eaten some sweets Ferrin had managed to squirrel away late into the night while sharing stories.
Jason turned his head and laid a kiss on Ferrin’s temple. “Would you like another dance or do you want to sit for a bit?”
Ferrin tightened his arm around Jason for a moment before he pulled back. “Let’s sit.”
In the warm glow of the lantern light Jason and Ferrin sat together. They nibbled on the plate of finger food between them while they talked. Jason surreptitiously made sure all the sweets were closer to Ferrin. The displacer had an incredibly big sweet tooth and rarely let himself indulge, but after tonight Jason figured Ferrin deserved to eat as many sweets as he could. When the snacks were gone the plate was moved to the other bench and the two sat so they were pressed together from hip to knee.
Jason downed the last of his wine and set the glass off to the side. He turned to look at Ferrin in profile. They’d lapsed into a comfortable silence and he enjoyed watching Ferrin. He delighted just sitting and taking Ferrin in. His high cheekbones. His straight nose. His thick long lashes; a favorite of Rachel’s when she teased him. He leaned in to kiss Ferrin’s cheek just as Ferrin turned to look at him.
“What was that for?” Ferrin asked.
“Just ‘cause I love you,” Jason said and he smiled at the embarrassed eye roll he knew would come with the response. He leaned in again, this time going for a spot behind Ferrin’s ear. “And because I know you like being kissed.”
Jason continued kissing along Ferrin’s neck. As he did one of his hands slid onto Ferrin’s knee, heavy and warm where it rested. He was tempted to pull Ferrin into his lap, but knew the other man wouldn’t appreciate it considering the setting. He reveled in hearing the occasional soft sigh of pleasure Ferrin let out, but he found himself wanting more. So, he trailed his fingers up Ferrin’s thigh just to feel him shiver before slipping it inside his coat. His free hand traveled up the soft lines of Ferrin’s stomach and chest until it reached the collar of Ferrin’s shirt, where he began working on opening the buttons there. The moment he’d managed to pull away enough fabric to expose the junction of where shoulder met neck, he set his teeth hard into the skin.
Two things happened at that moment. Ferrin let out a startlingly wanton moan and Jason got struck in the chest. Grunting at the impact, Jason kept nipping and kissing along the exposed skin to him. He knew if Ferrin had truly wanted him off, that punch would’ve been much harder.
“You can’t do that!” Ferrin said. His voice was a little breathless.
Jason bit at Ferrin’s neck again, just where the collar of his coat would hide the majority of the mark. Ferrin jerked in his grasp at the sting. “Why not?” he asked. He slid his hand up to cup the other side of Ferrin’s neck and hooked his thumb under the man’s jaw. The move forced Ferrin to tip his head back and at an angle. In turn he gripped Jason’s biceps.
“We’re in public and who knows who’ll hear or see us.”
Jason was unbothered by this. “Tark is prowling around nearby. He’ll stop anyone who gets too close.” He slid his free hand along Ferrin’s thigh stopping just before his hip.
“I know, but I really don’t want to do this out here,” Ferrin said.
Jason pulled back immediately. “Do you want to ditch the party and go to our rooms?”
Ferrin’s pupils were blown wide in want as he looked at Jason. “Gods yes,” he said. “But I need a minute. You got me excited.”
Jason couldn’t help his smirk. “Take the time you need. I’ll gather the plate and glasses.”
A moment later, Jason stood watching Ferrin straighten himself out, hands full but itching to grab and pull the other man close again. Ferrin ran a hand threw his hair before blowing out a breath and picking up the lantern. “Ready?” Jason asked.
Ferrin walked up next to him and the two left the contemplation pool. Ferrin put the lantern back on its hook as they passed it and neither commented on the presence that joined them a few paces later. Back in the ballroom Jason left the plate and glasses with a server before rejoining Ferrin.
The two strided down the halls like they were on their way to discuss official business. Their steps were measured as they climbed the staircases towards their apartments. Tark still stalking after them helped keep anyone in the hallways from approaching the pair. Through their forced calm demeanor, Jason fought the urge to pull Ferrin into a dark corner and add more marks to his neck. He could just see the edge of a bright red one peeking above the collar of Ferrin’s coat. He wanted to set his teeth into the skin just below Ferrin’s jawline, to bruise it in dark purples and blacks for everyone to see.
Ferrin looked up at him as if he could hear Jason’s thoughts. He found his own hunger reflected in Ferrin’s blue eyes. Their apartment doors came into view. Two guards stood at the mouth of the hallway, two more flanked the doors. They slowed down, it wouldn’t do to embarrass themselves by broadcasting what they had left the party to do.
Jason nodded at the guards as they passed. They gave him half bows in return as he walked by. He opened one of the doors to their rooms, allowing Ferrin to enter first before following. The moment he clicked the lock into place Ferrin’s hands were bunched in his coat pulling him away from the door farther into the living room. Jason slid a hand into Ferrin’s hair, tilting his head up to kiss him again. Ferrin’s lips were kiss swollen and parted easily under Jason’s. He felt Ferrin’s hands gliding over his clothes as they kissed. In seconds his Chancellor’s mantel was falling to the floor and the knot of ribbon at his throat was coming undone.
Jason didn’t break the kiss as he stripped Ferrin of his own coat, tossing the heavy fabric in the direction of a loveseat. The wine made his movements loose as he worked on the buttons of Ferrin’s vest next. He found that they were large enough that his fumbling fingers had little trouble undoing them. He pulled back from the kiss as he slid the vest down Ferrin’s arms.
Ferrin’s mouth chased after Jason’s own. Letting out an impatient noise at not being kissed anymore he opened his eyes. They darted between Jason’s lips and his eyes. “Don’t stop,” he breathed.
Jason felt a bolt of desire sweep through him at the sight of Ferrin’s flushed cheeks and half-lidded stare. Both of his hands came up to cradle Ferrin’s face as he brought his mouth down to meet Ferrin’s again. As they kissed, teeth clacking and tongues sliding past one another, Jason began walking the two of them in the direction of their bedroom. Ferrin let out a grunt as his back hit the wall next to their door. Jason murmured an apology against his lips. One of his hands left Ferrin’s hair. It slid down the man’s neck and chest before settling on his waist. The other tightened its hold in Ferrin’s dark brown locks, forcing his head up and back to expose the line of his neck.
Ferrin let out a long, low moan as Jason’s mouth worked its way down his jaw. Jason’s teeth left a trail of stinging nips followed closely by the cool tip of his tongue. A gasp came unbidden from Ferrin as Jason set his teeth in his neck, just below the hinge of his jaw. He worked his teeth into the flesh there, pressing hard enough that Ferrin thought he might break the skin, before easing off and soothing the area. A shiver wracked through him as Jason left open mouth kisses over the purpling skin. When Jason blew cool air over the wet, aching skin, he couldn’t help the quiet noise that escaped him.
Jason groaned as he slotted a thigh in between Ferrin’s own, immediately feeling the hard line of Ferrin against him. His fingers dug into Ferrin’s hip, the others tightening in his hair, craning his neck back even more.
Ferrin let out a breathy moan as he rolled his hips experimentally into Jason’s thigh. Warmth bloomed in the pit of his stomach, tendrils of desire spreading from it. His hands tugged at Jason’s shirt as he rolled his hips again, firmer this time. On the next roll, his hips jerked as Jason set his teeth into his collarbone. The hand on his waist slipped into his pants, not stopping until it palmed his ass. The other hand left Ferrin’s hair. Jason used it to hike Ferrin’s leg up around his waist, using the same motion to firmly press against the smaller man. The two both let out low groans at the pleasure of the action.
Ferrin turned his head to catch Jason’s mouth again. The two kissed sloppily as they rutted against each other. Teeth bared as they panted through their kisses. Ferrin nipped at Jason’s lower lip. His hands were still firmly clenched in the shirt just above Jason’s waistband. Ferrin let out a low, pleased noise as Jason squeezed his ass.
“Let my leg down,” he mumbled into Jason’s mouth. He released his hold on the crumpled fabric as Jason let go of his leg slowly as if he were tempted to ignore the request and use his hold on Ferrin’s knee to keep the lines of their bodies pressed firmly together. Ferrin pushed their mouths together again, deepening this kiss where their previous had been shallow. His hands came up to take hold of Jason’s shirt again and in one smooth motion, he swung the two of them through the open doorway into their bedroom.
Jason let out a startled noise as their positions were flipped. He looked down at Ferrin, not commenting on the sly smile the other wore. “Tit for tat?” He asked.
“No,” Ferrin said, fingers now at the buttons of Jason’s shirt. “I just needed more room.”
As he unbuttoned the shirt, Ferrin began leaving his own marks along the line of his jaw and neck. His mouth left a trail of rosebud bruises. Teeth dented the skin in between like leaves. He’d gotten Jason’s shirt unbuttoned and pulled it free from his pants, sliding it down his shoulders and arms. His hands ran up Jason’s sides appreciatively to his chest where they stopped. Hanging from a chain between Jason’s pecs, framed by his hands, was a ring. Ferrin’s heart swelled at the sight of it like it did every time before and would every time after.
Ferrin pressed a kiss to the skin just above the ring before sinking to his knees. He worked open the ties at the front of Jason’s pants. Small clothes covered the sizable bulge in front of him. Ferrin mouthed at it, drawing soft noises from Jason. His hands came up to grip the waistband of both pieces of clothing before he pulled back just enough to pull both down.
Ferrin licked his lips when Jason’s cock sprung free. Taking hold of the length, he gave a single pump of his hand, relishing in the stuttered intake of breath from above him, before running the flat of his tongue from root to tip. Jason groaned as Ferrin licked the head of his cock again, then wrapped his lips around it. His hips gave a little thrust, hoping to get more of his length into the wet heat of Ferrin’s mouth, but Ferrin moved with the motion, not giving an inch. He ran the tip of his tongue over the slit once before popping off. Jason gave a frustrated grunt at the loss, but Ferrin paid him no mind. He began pumping his hand, hold teasingly loose as he set his mouth to work at the base of the length. While he licked and sucked and gave a whisper of teeth over the sensitive flesh, his other hand came up to fondle Jason. He pulled a moan from him as he tugged gently. His nimble fingers rolled and massaged as his mouth went back to the tip of Jason’s cock. He continued teasing Jason, never taking anything more than the head into his mouth and refusing to tighten his grip.
Finally, after another failed attempt at pushing into Ferrin’s mouth saw the tip of cock drag across the man’s cheek, leaving a trail of precum behind, Jason said, “ Ferrin! ”
Ferrin grinned. He knew it was meant to be a command, but with the desperation laced through Jason’s voice, it sounded much more like a whine. He pulled back completely. He met Jason’s eyes. “What do you want?” His voice was low, filled with his own desire. His eyes tracked the way Jason’s throat bobbed as he swallowed hard.
“You,” he said. Another hard swallow. “You’re mouth around me. All of me.”
Ferrin placed two fingers in his mouth, wetting them thoroughly. He felt Jason’s eyes on him, watching his as hawk watches a rabbit, as he coated his fingers with the saliva that had pooled in his mouth. Only when he was sure they were drenched did he remove them. He shuffled forward a little and place his fingers against Jason’s hole. Without breaking eye contact, Ferrin guided Jason’s cock to his mouth. His lips parted around the head as he slowly took the length. He was sure to give himself ample time to relax his jaw and throat as more of it slid past his lips. At the same time he gently pressed his fingers up into Jason. Ferrin didn’t stop until his nose was buried in the curls at the base, eyes still firmly locked on Jason’s. He could feel the head, just pushing up against the back of his throat. He couldn’t help it as he swallowed around it.
Jason threw his head back against the wall with a cry. His hips gave an involuntary thrust and his breath caught in his throat as he felt Ferrin gag around his length. His hands came to Ferrin’s head. One twined in his dark hair while the other cradled his cheek. Saliva was beginning to pool in Ferrin’s mouth. He attempted to swallowed again, but gaged a second time before he started pulling off. He ran the flat of his tongue along the underside as he moved back. His began to thrust his fingers shallowly into Jason. Stopping when he got to the head, he flicked his tongue along the slit before giving it a hard suck.
“Gods, you’re so good for me,” Jason said, voice a low moan. He gazed down at Ferrin, pleasure filling him as he watched the way the other man’s head bobbed along his length. Ferrin hummed at the praise, speed picking up a little. Praise dripped heavily from Jason’s mouth as he neared the end. He made the mistake of looking down at Ferrin again. He’d just pulled off Jason’s cock, a string of spit connecting the head to his full bottom lip. His cheeks were flushed as he panted, looking up at Jason with pupils blown wide in wanting. Jason’s cock jumped when he realized Ferrin had a hand between his own legs, palming himself. The string of spit broke.
“On the bed. Now.”
Ferrin rose on unsteady legs. He was practically burning with want as he made his way over to the bed. He climbed up, sitting towards the middle. He stared at Jason, completely naked now, and realized he was still fully dressed. Before he could do much more than unbutton a few buttons of his shirt Jason had stalked into his space. He left a searing kiss on Ferrin’s mouth. “Let me,” he said, and Ferrin was edging on too far gone to do much more than nod.
Jason took his time undressing Ferrin. He lavished every inch of skin he uncovered in kisses. He had banked the fire of lust in Ferrin to something hot and smoldering by the time he finally divested the smaller man of his shirt. He laid Ferrin back among the soft sheets as he turned his attention to his lower half. The boots came off easily, each thudding heavily to the floor. He ran his hands appreciatively up Ferrin’s calves and thighs until his large hands settled on his hips. He mouthed at the skin just above the waistband, pulling a content sigh from Ferrin. He continued his administrations as his hands left Ferrin’s hips to begin undoing to clasps and ties holding the pants closed. The moment the last tie was loosened, Jason took hold of both pants and small clothes and pulled them off.
He took a half step back to gaze at Ferrin. The man was still as lean and toned as he’d been during the war. He regularly practiced his swordsmanship and was asked to help train the new soldiers every few months. Jason was sure being spymaster also kept Ferrin pretty active. His eyes locked on Ferrin’s. “Fuck, you’re beautiful,” he said, watching a shiver wrack through Ferrin at his words.
He tore his eyes away reluctantly. Reaching over to one of their nightstands he rummaged through the draw for a jar. He pulled the glass jar from the depths before taking his place between Ferrin’s thighs again. The substance in the jar glowed a faint blue in the low lighting of their room. Jason thumbed the clamp lid open and scooped a generous amount of the thick gel out with two fingers. He remembered being surprised the first time Ferrin had shown him what they used as lube. He’d explained it was made from boiled bioluminescent seaweed, and, with a devious grin, said it came in a rainbow of colors.
Jason leaned back over him, his mouth claiming Ferrin’s again. The kiss was deep, drawing groans from both of them. Jason placed his gel-coated fingers against Ferrin’s entrance as he licked into Ferrin’s mouth. Ferrin’s legs fell further open, the anticipation of what was to come burning low in his gut. Jason’s fingers circled the ring of muscle, teasing now and then as they dipped close to but not quite into Ferrin. Jason continued kissing Ferrin slow and deep. He ignored the nudges Ferrin gave trying to get him to speed things up. He was going to take his time opening Ferrin up.
Ferrin had relaxed against his fingers a while ago. He’d given up on spurring Jason on what felt like hours ago. Instead, he was enjoying the lazy kisses Jason placed on his lips, neck, throat, chest. He’d brought one hand up to cradle the back of Jason’s head, while his other trailed aimlessly along Jason’s broad back. It was in the middle of one of those lazy kisses that Jason finally slipped a finger in. Ferrin broke the kiss with a startled gasp that quickly turned into a moan as Jason pumped his finger. When Ferrin stayed relaxed around one finger, Jason added another.
He searched as he worked Ferrin open. He wrung quiet noises of pleasure from the man beneath him as his fingers probed. He had just finished setting another bruise of teeth marks onto Ferrin’s collarbone when he felt Ferrin jump beneath him. Ferrin threw his head back, arching as much as he could under Jason, as a long moan escaped him. Jason smiled to himself as he placed a kiss just under Ferrin’s chin. He’d found what he’d been looking for.
Jason teased Ferrin relentlessly as he continued. He brushed his prostate at random intervals, sometimes stopping to massage it, other times purposefully just glancing it. It didn’t take long for Ferrin to become a mess, being brought to the edge of climax repeatedly, but never quite getting what he needed. Each time Jason added a finger, Ferrin’s pleas for him to just fuck me already got a little more demanding. But Jason was determined not to give in to the begging. When Ferrin had decided to just fuck himself down onto Jason’s fingers if he wasn’t going to get what he wanted, Jason had put a stop to it quickly. His hand not currently thrusting into Ferrin now held his hips to the bed in a punishingly hard grip.
Both of them were hard, Ferrin painfully so. His erection strained upwards against his stomach. Precum leaking from the tip to pool beneath. His fingers were fisted in the sheets at either side of him, knuckles white. His chest was heaving and his eyes were squeezed shut. Jason ignored the way his erection twitched at the sight.
He slowed the pump of his fingers to an agonizing pace. On his next thrust in, he rested them against Ferrin’s prostate and held them there. He moved them in hard tight circles against the nerves, watching the way Ferrin’s body became taunt with his oncoming release. He listened to Ferrin’s breaths speeding up until he was holding his breath more often than taking one and Jason knew. He knew Ferrin was just on the edge of orgasming. He pulled his fingers out and stepped back from between Ferrin’s thighs.
The noise Ferrin made was close to an anguished sob. He kicked at Jason, his leg making solid contact, but his muscles quivered too hard for any real force to be behind it. Jason just held his calf where it rested against his side, thumb stroking in an absent arc. Ferrin didn’t bother reaching for his erection, he knew Jason would be there to stop him before he’d gotten more than his hand wrapped around it. His body shook as the once cresting wave of pleasure fell back to a tight thrum between his hips, then a buzz. He laid there as his head cleared and wondered idly if he’d made a mistake marrying someone capable of being so cruel.
Jason let his leg go. He climbed up onto the bed and kneeled near Ferrin’s head. “Turn this way,” he said.
Ferrin didn’t look at him. “I don’t think I can move.”
Jason rolled his eyes. He reached out and grabbed ahold of Ferrin, turning his body easily to where he wanted it. “You can be so dramatic.”
A thrill shot through Ferrin at being manhandled with such ease, but he’d be damned if he let Jason know. “I’m always dramatic,” he retorted, crossing his arms over his chest as he looked up into Jason’s eyes. His legs settled on either side of Jason’s hips.
Jason’s large palms rested on his thighs, burning spots of heat into the muscles. He leaned forward and placed an apologetic kiss over Ferrin’s heart. When he pulled back Ferrin had uncrossed his arms. He reached a hand out searching through the sheets for the jar he’d discarded earlier. It closed around the cool glass and he brought it over to them. Dipping his fingers into the gel again, Jason spread the lube over himself. He snapped the clasp of the lid shut and placed it on a nightstand.
Taking one of Ferrin’s legs he lifted it to rest on his shoulder. As he lined himself up, he was hit with the memory of how similar this position was to the first time he’d taken Ferrin. It had been the first time they’d felt comfortable enough, safe enough, to do anything more than thrust between oiled thighs or use hands and mouths. The first time they didn’t have to worry about someone walking into their tent or assassins hiding around every corner. The first time they weren’t running from something able to kill them as easily as it breathed. Ferrin had lain in a position almost identical to this one, right down to his wedding ring on a necklace pooling at the base of his throat. He had taken his time with Ferrin that night, just as he’d done tonight. A deep love filled his chest as he gazed down at Ferrin.
Jason pushed in in one long slow thrust. Ferrin arched, mouth open in pleasure as Jason finally gave him what he wanted, inch by agonizing inch. When he was seated fully, Jason took a moment to breathe. Ferrin’s body fluttered around him, sending little sparks of pleasure through his core. Both of them were breathing heavily, neither realizing just how sensitive they’d become after the teasing. Jason leaned his temple against Ferrin’s shin, placing tender kisses on the soft skin of his inner knee. His hips burned with the urge to move, but he was unwilling to so much as shift his weight until Ferrin gave his permission.
That permission came in the form of Ferrin planting his foot not currently thrown over Jason’s shoulder firmly onto the bed and using the leverage to raise his hips. Jason’s cock slipped almost completely free before he was moving to meet Ferrin. As Ferrin’s hips dropped down Jason thrust back into him. Broken, quiet moans filled the room as their hips met again and again.
A tight coil of arousal was building back up in the pit of Ferrin’s stomach. His eyes slip closed as he focuses on the feel of Jason in him, around him. The way each of Jason’s thrusts rocked his body away before the firm grip Jason had on his thighs brought him back, right into the next spine-tingling thrust. Each one was slow but deliberate and Ferrin found himself curling his toes in pleasure. His leg was beginning to burn with the exertion of holding himself up, but he couldn’t find it in himself to change their positions when he’d finally got what he wanted. He was all gasping sighs and breathy moans. Fingers tangled in their sheets and head thrown back to display the patchwork of bruising and teeth marks decorating his throat and shoulders. He continued to meet every one of Jason’s thrusts as best he could. His leg trembled with the effort to keep up, to sync his dropping hips with Jason’s upward movements.
A large hand gripping his thigh as Jason slowed his movements gets Ferrin’s attention. He opened his eyes, finding Jason’s immediately.
Jason’s eyes are dark as they drink him in. He maintains that stare as he slips free of Ferrin. Ferrin’s thundering heart feels like it can’t possibly get any faster, but it does as Jason crawls over him. His legs bracket the large man, one of them coming up to hook over his hip. He shuddered, breathing heavily as the tip of Jason’s cock drags over his lower belly. His arms come up to encircle Jason, his fingers digging into the hard muscle of his back. The kiss Jason places on Ferrin’s mouth is filled with such tenderness that it has Ferrin’s whole body shuddering with love. The kiss evolves into something deeper as Jason’s hips settle atop Ferrin’s own. He can feel the muscles of Jason’s back shifting beneath his hands, but what brings him out of the kiss is the blunt head of Jason’s cock pressing against him again. He sighs at the stretch as he’s filled again. The friction of both their stomachs on his erection winds the coiling pleasure in his gut a hair tighter.
Jason sets a steady rhythm again. It’s taking everything in him not to let go of that iron control he’s holding himself to as he listens to the noises Ferrin is making. Praises tumble out of his mouth in between their kisses. He says Jason’s name like he’s praying as he begins to lose himself again in the rising wave of pleasure.
It’s like a riptide. Watching and listening and feeling the body beneath his as it nears climax. Jason’s control begins to fray and his hips snap up just as Ferrin’s back arches in the search for more friction. Ferrin rips his mouth away from Jason’s in a cry as his body shakes and his muscles clench around Jason in ecstasy. His nails are biting into the skin on Jason’s back and Jason knows he’s found that sensitive spot inside Ferrin.
Ferrin’s chest is heaving against his own as he looks at Jason. His eyes are all black with the barest hint of a blue ring around them. “Please!” He’s almost crying. His voice is a shaky, breathy sound. “Please, Jason.”
Jason was already shifting his weight to one arm while the other snaked under the small of Ferrin’s back. “I’ve got you,” he panted. He gave a few experimental thrusts as he searched for the correct angle. He knew he’d found it when Ferrin seemed to ripple beneath him as he took a gasping inhale. Making sure he kept Ferrin’s hips canted just right, he began setting a punishing pace, hitting the bundle of nerves relentlessly.
Ferrin’s body tightened further around Jason. He was racing towards a drop-off and each thrust into that overly sensitive spot spurred him on. He pulled Jason closer, burying his face in the crook of his neck as he held on.
Jason’s lips brushed the shell of his ear as he said, “You’re so perfect. So good for me.”
Ferrin groaned at the praise. He was so close . That coiled knot of pleasure and arousal low in his gut was getting impossibly tighter. Jason’s thrusts were beginning to lose their rhythm. Each one was a hard staccato of movement. It knocked what little breath Ferrin could drag into his lungs out, leaving him gasping. Jason snapped his hips up and ground against him. His muscles felt like they were vibrating. If they got any tenser he was sure he’d break like too fine glass.
Jason pulled back a little, just enough that he could look back into Ferrin’s eyes, but they were still pressed chest to hips. Ferrin’s hands slipped down Jason’s back. He brought one to grip a bicep while the other remained on Jason’s back.
“Want to see you,” he said.
Ferrin couldn’t respond, he was beyond words at this point. But, the notion that Jason wanted to watch as he came undone jumped him to the final notch. He needed one more thrust, one more grind, one more something before he could tumble over that ledge into bliss.
Jason placed his lips against Ferrin’s ear and breathed, “Cum for me, Ferrin.”
The world was consumed in white as that knot low in his stomach finally broke. He free falls for an unfathomable moment in that white space before the rush of what’s happened truly hits him. He comes undone in the rapture that swallows him. Every nerve lights up as his orgasm sweeps through him.
When the world returns, Ferrin finds himself staring at the ceiling. Tremors wrack his body, aftershocks from the intensity of his orgasm. He’s dully aware of how hard his knees are squeezing Jason’s sides, but he’s unsure if he has enough control over his muscles to lower them. Jason is breathing heavily. His face is pressed into Ferrin’s shoulder, a reverse of their positions moments earlier. He can feel the wet heat of Jason’s release. It sends another bone-wracking tremor through him. It’s an intense echo of the pleasure he’d just felt.
Jason takes a deep breath, then raises his head. Ferrin offers him a lazy smile as their eyes meet. Their lips meet softly as they share a languid kiss. Neither is in the mood to move much as they cooled down. Ferrin’s grip on Jason eases in increments until he’s no longer clutching the body above his but holding it.
Ferrin makes a soft, thoroughly satisfied noise as he breaks off the kiss. “I love you.”
Jason’s smile is bright and wide as he looks down at Ferrin. “I love you, too.” He planted a kiss on Ferrin’s cheek and then said, “I’ll be right back. I’m going to grab a washcloth.”
It was as Jason was pulling out of him that Ferrin realized how sticky and bone-tired he was. He listened to the muffled noises drifting from the bathroom as he waited. When Jason returned he was holding a steaming washcloth. He cleaned in gentle swipes, being far more meticulous than Ferrin would have at that moment. When he was clean and Jason had gone to dispose of the dirty washcloth he sat up. Getting out of bed so he could flip the blankets down then climbing back in seemed like a monumentous task at that particular moment. But as he sat there, the chill in the air made itself known as his skin broke out in goosebumps.
He had just gotten beneath the blankets when Jason came back. He watched sleepily as the other man stopped at the edge of their bed.
“Am I allowed in?” He asked.
Ferrin raised his head slightly to get a better look at Jason. His brows knitted together in confusion, “What?”
Jason nodded towards his spot in bed as if that answered everything. “May I join you or will you make good on your threat of kicking me out?”
Ferrin’s head flopped back onto his pillows. “You more than made up for the thirty-second conversation I had.” His hand snaked out of the blankets and he made a grabbing motion, “Com’ ‘er.” His jaw cracked as he yawed.
Jason climbed into bed, scooting across the mattress until they were plastered against one another. Ferrin threw a leg over his hip as they turned to lay facing one another. Jason’s arm was a comfortably heavy weight across his side.
“How was date night?” Jason asked.
Ferrin couldn’t help the chuckle that burst out of him. “It took an unexpected turn at the end but, all in all, I wouldn’t mind doing it again,” he said. The smile was clear in his voice.
Jason hummed in agreement. “We haven’t had a night like tonight in a long time.”
“You gonna keep it up tomorrow morning?” Ferrin asked. Sleep was pulling at him. It had already drug his eyelids closed.
Jason didn’t have to give it much thought. “A bath, breakfast in bed, and another round. Or two. Or three. How’s that sound?”
Ferrin yawned again as Jason pulled him even closer. “Sounds like a plan,” he mumbled as sleep pulled them both under.