I Guess I Do Need the Money Pt. 04

Hello to people starting this, the first three chapters are under erotic couplings but I am trying to transition this to more of a romance style. For any of you curious for as to what 'Morton' sounds like, think 'Sean Bean'.

FantasyNotReality

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Cassya woke up cozy and comfortable. Alaric's warm chest pressed into her back with his arms wrapped around her. She briefly nuzzled into him before accepting that she should probably get up. It must have been early and a grey day outside as there was no sunlight poking through the curtains, also no tray of coffee from Tessa yet. As she sat up Alaric stirred behind her, his eyes half open as he looked at her.

"Which drawer had the promised undergarments in?" Cassya asked sleepily with a half-smile.

He smirked, pointing at a particular dresser. "Second drawer down."

Cassya stood, making her way to the designated location. Opening it up to find brand new garments, made from cotton so soft it felt smooth against her skin. Alaric watched her as she slipped them on.

"Are you that keen to get out of here after last night?" He asked, trying to sound innocuous whilst raising an eyebrow.

Cassya found herself a little flustered by the question. It was more probing than he presented it to be. "I... that's not it. While I'd rather you didn't tear my undergarments off in future... I very much enjoyed last night... even if you blatantly cheated, and I have yet to work out how." She pouted slightly and he chuckled in response. "I am just awake and want to get on with my day."

He wolfishly grinned at her. "Noted, I shall try to resist the urge to rip your clothes off you. But I am not going to forget how much you enjoyed being chased..."

Cassya playfully huffed, giving him a half-hearted side eye as she went to his study to put on her clothes. Afterwards she went downstairs to the kitchen to find Tessa in the process of brewing coffee. She poured herself a cup, exchanging small talk with her before seeking out Bradford to take her home. Once back, the twins joyously bombarded her, demanding breakfast. She set about preparing it and putting on a pot of coffee for her mother to have. She soon came down to join them, her own blonde curls secured into a professional looking bun. Looking upbeat, almost chipper this morning.

"Morning." She let out a little half yawn. "Best get that oxtail stewing soon, if you want it ready by dinnertime."

Cassya was about to ask why, but then remembered the reason, letting out an aggressive sigh. Doctor Anselm had effectively invited himself over for that evening. His motives were quite transparent, but Cassya needed to find a way to cull his interest in her that would not be seen as rude or hurtful spurning. A true conundrum for the ages, man or woman, no one liked rejection. But some handled it better than others, who knew what camp Anselm fell into in that regard.

As soon as breakfast was over, she set about preparing the stew. Her younger siblings helped by clumsily peeling vegetables, since neither of them cut themselves, she considered it a success. It put a smile on her face. Their technique may not have been elegant but any cooking without maiming yourself was a sign of competence in her eyes. Especially for nine-year-olds.

By the time her mother got home that day from work, the stew was ready. The twins set the table not long before Anselm arrived, knocking on the front door. Her mother answered the door to him.

"Hello, Doctor. How lovely you could join us." She greeted him with a polite smile.

"I have been looking forward to this. It certainly smells delicious even from here." He smiled warmly at her mother, but his eyes flicked to Cassya.

He stepped inside, taking a seat at the table.

"Can I get you something to drink, Doctor? We don't have much but I'm sure there's something that would suit." Offered Cassya.

"Oh, whatever you are having will be fine. Please, also call me Anselm." He answered with a smile, giving her a look that lingered longer than was appropriate.

"Water it is then." She answered with her own polite smile.

They all sat around the dinner table, in the case of Cassya, her mother, and the twins enjoying eating meat for the first time in who knew how long.

"Mrs. Wainwright, I understand you left your positions at the bookmakers and the nearby tavern. May I ask why?" Anselm asked curiously.

Her mother paused a moment before answering. "I found a better paid job in the city centre. Working in an office for a business that runs frigates. I like it, my employer is also a far more amicable man than at my previous places of work."

He nodded. "What about you Cassya? I understand you work nights?" He probingly enquired in her direction.

Cassya's mother visibly stiffened, while Cassya did her best to lie as nonchalantly as she could. "I work in a tavern, also in the city centre. The kind of place that is open to the small hours of the morning. So, I am gone for most of the night. It works for us though, it means I can look after Ash and Willow while Mother is at work."

"You must struggle to get enough sleep like that? That isn't good for your health long term." He replied with concern.

Her mother cut in. "Since I got my new job she gets a lot more sleep, no need for you to be concerned, Doctor. Besides, no offence intended but we do try to avoid doing things that will put us in your office." She said with a smile.

Anselm tittered. "Well, that is good to hear."

They continued engaging in small talk for a while. As the time approached for either Bradford or Dickinson to come and pick up Cassya, she and her mother were trying to subtly hint Anselm should leave. But he was consistently missing their attempts. Until her mother was forced to be a bit blunter.

"Well Doctor it's nice that you could join us, but it will be the twin's bedtime soon so..."

"Oh, is it that time already? My apologies, if I could just trouble you for a bit of the stew to take away then I will get out of your hair. You have indulged me for long enough and been delightful company." Anselm answered with a smile.

Her mother stood up to fill a container for him when there was a knock at the door. Before anyone had the chance to say anything Ash bounded up and opened it. Faced with Dickenson, who raised a curious eyebrow at the man sat at the dinner table.

Anselm looked at Dickenson with equal curiosity. "Who is this to be knocking on the door so late."

As Cassya and her mother tried to formulate a response, Willow answered enthusiastically for them.

"That's Dickenson, he works as a bouncer at the same tavern Cassya does. He sometimes walks her to and from 'cause he lives nearby. Because bad men do bad things to girls walking at night, cause Dickenson is big and scary but not really, it means no bad things happen to Cassya." She answered with a smile.

Cassya had never been so happy about lying to her siblings. Willow's innocent smile really sold it. Whilst Dickenson had a bemused expression on his face as he heard his presence explained with deceit.

"How nice of him." Anselm pondered. "I'm sure he does it for the most noble of reasons." Giving Dickenson a suspicious look.

Dickenson lightly huffed. "If my reasons were less than noble..." He held up his hand with his wedding ring. "... my wife would have something to say about it." Anselm seemed mildly cowed by this response. Cassya's mother looked relieved that the whole interaction was being easily explained away as she finished filling the container for Anselm. "Shall we head off Cassya? It's time for work." Dickenson declared, clearly entertained by the whole thing.

"Yes, it's been nice to see you Anselm, but I must go. See you around." She responded with a forced smile.

She got up from the table and walked out the door with Dickenson. As they started heading to Alaric's, Dickenson let out a chuckle. "So, I'm a bouncer?" Shooting her a smirk.

She jokingly sighed and rolled her eyes. "It seemed easier to tell the twins that than expect them to understand the truth and why they needed to hold their tongues about it."

He snickered. "I get it, I wouldn't trust my little ones to be discreet either." He took on a gently warning tone. "I just hope that man understands that you are not available to him. I doubt Alaric would be particularly permissive of him sniffing around."

"It's not like that, he's a local Doctor. The only one who doesn't try to extort people with his prices. He invited himself round, but I am not interested. I just don't know how I can turn him down without it turning into a whole palaver." She explained with frustration. "You're a man, any thoughts on how I do that?"

He mulled it over for a minute, huffed then shrugged. "There's no magic formula. Just politely reject him, if he isn't a piece of shit, then he'll accept the no with good grace. If he is a piece of shit... smash your forehead into the bridge of his nose, then knee him in the balls. Most men will then instinctively lower their hands to cradle them at that point, then punch him in the throat and run. He can't chase you if his nuts are throbbing, his eyes are streaming and he's struggling to breathe."

Cassya took a moment to ponder his incredibly violent advice. "That usually works, does it?" Giving Dickenson a speculative look, revaluating her assessment of him as a big teddy bear.

"It's a rare man who is still good to fight after that. That Doctor didn't strike me as a tough, but he did seem to have a high opinion of himself. Those types usually don't like 'no'." Dickenson elaborated.

"Thank you, I'll take that on board." Cassya replied.

Dickenson nodded in response. They spent the rest of the walk in relative silence. Cassya found herself wondering exactly what Dickenson's previous employment history looked like and exactly what his role as a member of Alaric's staff was. By the time they reached Alaric's she was more than a little curious but knew better than to ask. She did the usual and trotted up the stairs to his office, opening the door to find him buried under a mountain of papers. Giving her the usual smile as he saw her.

"Hi." She greeted him with a grin. "Should I pick out a book?"

"Took the words out of my mouth, it's going to be a while yet, if at all." He gestured to all the paper surrounding him.

She nodded, then browsed the bookshelves for appropriate reading material. Eventually selecting a book on royal and noble genealogies, quite a recent edition at only three years old. She took it retreating to his bedroom, dressing in the nightie and slipping under his covers. She began flicking through it, refreshing her knowledge of the nobility. She looked up the royal family first. Seeing Felix, his sister Beatrix, their older brother Maximilian the crown prince. Then Queen Astrid, a foreign princess. Finally King Hendrik, who had been reigning for the last seven years.

Next she looked up the Marlberg's, finding Claudette. Who had been from a merchant family before being married age twenty to a man thirty years older than her. Then widowed eight years later, with two children, she had inherited everything though. There was a more salacious entry speculating just how many people had been rumoured to have been her lovers. It was a very long list. It was also surprising that Claudette was thirty-eight, Cassya had assumed she was younger.

She found a small entry for the merchant family she came from, the Alchester's. Parents were deceased, there was a mention of a younger sister who had been eight years younger than Claudette. But there was no further information other than she had briefly married into the Carnaby family then died not long after. It wasn't particularly illuminating. When she looked up the Carnaby's hoping that it would be more informative, there was no mention of her there at all. Which was odd. This was an official almanac, there should be information on connecting families and intermarriages. Instead, it was almost as though it was deliberately omitted.

She had heard of that happening before. When there were certain people families wished to distance themselves from, a bribe or pressure would be applied to the publishers. Along with other record keepers to prevent that information being committed to paper. It must have been an oversight that the Alchester's entry hadn't been doctored to remove all mention. Which did provoke a question in her mind of why the Carnabys had done that and who she had married. She couldn't recall Aberforth ever mentioning being widowed. That would have stuck in her mind. But based on the age gap Claudette had it might have been a much older member of the family.

She finally looked up Alaric, finding the Caeranote's. There was a rather scathing note that they were originally from the country south over the sea. 'Unsurprising' Cassya thought, there was a lot of resentment felt towards that nation since the war. The mention of his grandparents at the top of the tree, numerous aunts. Some married, some not. Then she saw his mother, married to a noble family from the north. Then the line coming from her directly to him, subtly labelling him as a bastard with no mention of his father. Yet the decoration next to his name labelled him as a noble with his title 'viscount' written beneath, along with his date of birth. She learned he was thirty-one.

She tried to imagine what that must have been like. Everyone knowing who his father was; but pretending they didn't, all the while treating him with disdain for being born outside of marriage. As she considered it, it made him even more of a walking contradiction.

As if summoned by her train of thought he walked in. She snapped the book shut, giving him a smile. He gazed at the book before giving her a speculative look.

"What on earth possessed you to want to read that?" He asked with a bemused huff.

"Since it's Claudette's party next week I thought I should brush up on the well-to-do before I attend." She answered.

He raised his eyebrows. "How long did it take you to look me up?"

She uttered. "I didn't..." His eyebrows went higher in disbelief. "... right away. I looked up Claudette before you. This book's list of her lovers was ridiculous."

He chuckled. "My entry doesn't say much does it? But let me see what's on Claudette's." He took the book from her, flicking to the relevant page. His eyes scanned the paper until he burst out laughing. "Eh, it's missing a few names. Since this is three years old, that list is even larger." He snapped the book shut with one hand.

Cassya giggled. "How are you and Claudette friends? I mean when did that come about?"

He mused for a moment clearly recalling the memory. "Lord Marlberg was one of those who housed me. I arrived after he married Claudette, shortly before I turned fifteen. Over several years she became like family to me, along with her little sister, Amandine." He seemed almost happy as he brought it up.

Her eyebrows popped up. "Oh! I assumed you were one of her lovers. Based on how you two spoke to each other."

He tittered. "Many have assumed that. I've heard so many foul rumours about how she lured me into her bedchamber when I was a teenager. The worst are the ones where people try to paint me as the father of her children. We have a close relationship. I won't pretend otherwise, and she has offered me a lot of advice with regards to how to treat a woman, in the bedroom and outside. But she and I have never actually slept together." He clarified.

Cassya's eyes narrowed, smiling as a realisation came upon her. "Your filthy book, that's Claudette's isn't it?"

He laughed. "Yup, her collection is astonishing."

"You and her were comparing notes on it?" She looked at him in a playfully accusatory manner.

"Comparing notes?" He wore a bewildered expression.

"Yes, there's notes on a few of the pages. Some in your hand, the rest in someone else's." She clarified.

Alaric pondered for a moment before chortling. "That was Amandine, not Claudette."

"You were discussing dirty smut with her little sister?" Cassya raised an eyebrow.

He became jokingly indignant. "She was only a year younger than me, it wasn't that weird. Besides, it's nowhere near as filthy as some of the things we've done together." He wolfishly grinned.

Cassya mockingly pouted. Part of her wanted to ask more about Amandine, but she remembered that she had passed away. Bringing that up would probably kill the mood that was forming now, which she wanted to go to its satisfying conclusion.

Her tone turned sultry yet aloof. "That's true we have done some very filthy things together." She playfully cocked her head. "In your opinion, what was the filthiest?"

He put the book on the side, stood up and began to undress. "There's so many times, why limit myself to one?" His jacket was off. "That first night I pounded and spanked you..." Next was the shirt. "... That time you teased me into fucking you hard..." The boots were ripped off his feet. "... When we quietly rocked the carriage..." Then the trousers were gone. "... or pretty much all of last night?"

Alaric pulled back the covers climbing on top of her, whipping off her nightie. She giggled, running her hands over his chest.

"It's nice to hear what you consider to be your highlights."

"Oh, I definitely plan to add to that list." He grinned. He leaned down to give her a kiss, massaging their tongues together. Then breaking off to whip the nightie over her head. "Let's do something new. I am going to lie down. Then I want you to straddle my face, with you facing my feet."

She raised an eyebrow. "You just want me to sit on your face? That's it?"

He replied, still wearing his grin. "Well... remember what I did to you last night when I first caught you?" He watched for the comprehension to spread across Cassya's face. "If you could do that, only as much as you can manage. I don't want you to make yourself retch. That would make me very happy."

Cassya smirked, giving him a nod. Alaric lay back on the bed and waited for her to mount his face. Cassya tried to move slowly, carefully yet seductively. Partly for his viewing pleasure, mostly because if she accidentally kicked him in the face, he probably would not find it arousing. She positioned her knees either side of his head. Feeling him sliding his hands up the back of her thighs to squeeze her buttocks. She gently lowered herself down, resting her sex on his lips. Leaning forward to rest her hands on his hips. His lips started to kiss her folds, tenderly, his tongue slowly feathering up and down.

He savoured her taste, anticipating when she would lean down further. When she sucked on his cock he planned to suck on her nub in kind. Keeping his fingers wrapped around her glutes, eager to feel them tremble with her hips and legs. Cassya tentatively brought her face closer and closer to his member. Moving to rest on her elbow as she stroked a hand along his length. Contacting his tip with her lips, brushing it against them before administering a kiss. He let out a sigh as she opened her mouth and took him within. Bobbing her head up and down.

Alaric manoeuvred his lips around her nub. Starting to suck, wondering how distracted she would become especially when he would add his tongue. The answer was considerable. The pleasant tingles he sent through her were most diverting. Making it difficult for her to focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm. She was trying to take him as far back in her mouth as she could; her moans adding a subtle vibration to her efforts. She heard and felt him moan beneath her, but his sucking didn't seem to be affected by what she was doing to him.

Cassya redoubled her ministrations, sucking harder, moving faster and pressing her tongue into him. He appreciated it very much, how wondrous her warm wet mouth felt as she worked. He added his own tongue to his endeavour, flicking it over and immediately seeing a difference. How she began to squirm above him, slightly grinding her hips on his face. Whilst Alaric had succumbed to his own urge to jerk his hips. He tried to keep his movement subdued so he didn't accidentally make her gag. But it was becoming very tempting to thrust deeper into her mouth.

Her attention on his lower half was waning as she became more absorbed in what he was doing to her nub. It overwhelmed her senses. Her legs, buttocks and hips quivering as Alaric desired. Mostly reducing her to moaning around his cock. He didn't mind much, there was something else he planned on doing once she finished. Her coming with his cock in her mouth was far from a bad result.

He felt her nub start twitching between his lips, she was tantalisingly close. He let out a little growl, his fingers digging into her backside. With her breath growing shaky, she squealed around his dick. Bliss surging up her spine as she fell off the edge. Needing to pull her mouth from him as her lungs demanded more air than she could take in at that moment. Resting her cheek on his hip as she came down. He lifted her hips off his face letting her flop down on the bed next to him. Wolfishly grinning at her disheveled state with her nectar still on his lips.

He let her have a breather for a minute. He then rearranged her on the bed, laying her head on the pillows. He kneeled between her legs, wrapping them around his waist. He rubbed his tip along her folds before slowly sinking inside, both of them letting out a sigh as their hips met.

"I assume you're still feeling sensitive?" He asked with an enquiring purr. She nodded, biting her lower lip as she looked up at him. "Let me know when I can go harder. I'll stay slow for now."

She commenced to leisurely thrust in and out, his hands tightly grasping her hips as he moved. Both of them letting out gentle sighs as they merged. Cassya running her hands over Alaric's stomach, feeling the skin and the muscles beneath with her fingers. She rolled into him, hips undulating. Her heightened senses delighting in the delicate pace they shared. He looked down at her, gently clenching his teeth, lips slightly parted as he let out heavy breaths. She recognised the wolfish hungry look in his eyes. He was aching to go harder and faster, but he was holding back. Waiting for permission to do so.

As her sensitivity faded, she trailed her fingers further up his chest. Finding his nipples and playfully tweaking them. Sending a mischievous smile his way as she continued to fiddle and rub them. Amused by the twitch in his jaw and his jovial frustrated expression. He narrowed his eyes on her.

He puckishly huffed. "I am not playing that game with you. You want me to go harder, you have to ask for it."

She giggled. "Then I am asking you to go harder."

He grinned then sped up his hips, progressively getting harder and faster. The sound of their skin slapping, echoing around the room. Alaric's face went slack, relishing the feeling of burying himself in her warmth and wetness over and over. Letting out grunts and groans as he exerted himself. Cassya took one hand from his chest, sliding it between her legs to caress her nub. Delighting in the sensation of him reaching deep within and pushing pleasure into her body along with the delectable tingles from her nub. Rocking her hips as he thrust in and out, her back starting to arch.

Alaric leaned down, taking her nipple into his mouth and enthusiastically sucking. Rolling the bud over his tongue, pinching the hardened tip between his teeth. She let out loud moans, squeezing him, her muscles shivering and breathing shaky. Her eyes going half lidded, cheeks flushed and expression one of bliss. He groaned with his mouth filled, his movements becoming more erratic. She released a squeal, a rapturous shot tearing through her. Crushing around Alaric, he let himself go, his own euphoria rushing its way through his nerves. Feeling relief as he thrust as deep as he could, unleashing himself inside. Remaining within, both of them suffering panting heaving breaths. He stayed until he felt himself soften, withdrawing and relaxing on the bed next to her.

He pulled the covers over them, drawing her close to spoon and giving her a peck on the cheek before settling down to sleep.

Cassya returned home that next morning, engaging in the usual routine. Pot of coffee on the stove as her mother came down.

"Morning, how did things go with the doctor after I left?" Cassya casually inquired.

Her mother yawned. "He left not long after, looking decidedly rigid and off put. I suspect he won't be inviting himself round again anytime soon. With any luck."

Cassya chuckled. "If he thinks there's something going on between me and Dickenson and it dissuades him... it's not the worst misunderstanding to be the subject of."

Her mother smirked. "Here's hoping he doesn't spread a rumour you're stepping out with a married man."

Cassya grinned. "Easy enough to explain away. A spurned admirer makes up a lie, it's an old tale. Idiots would believe it, the more observant, they would dismiss it."

Her mother chuckled then nodded and helped with breakfast.

A week rolled by, it was the night of Claudette's party. Cassya had made her way to Alaric's and was in the process of getting ready. Tessa helping to cinch her into the new dress Alaric had bought her for the occasion. Much like the red dress this one was almost as provocative. Snug and very low cut, with the sleeves hanging off the shoulder. This one was a vibrant blue that matched her eyes. As much as she liked the colour, she had to suppress a sigh when she saw the style he had chosen for her again. Her waist was tightly pulled in and her breasts pushed up by the corset. Tessa made her up, manipulating her hair into a sophisticated arrangement, adding finishing touches. Whilst Alaric had the simple task of dressing himself. Wearing a refined suit, combing his wavy hair into a neat style. When they were ready to leave, they made a most attractive pair.

Alaric led her to the carriage, helping her to step up before joining her. Giving the roof his customary double tap to signal Bradford to set off.

"How far away is Lady Marlberg's manor?" She asked.

"Her country estate is two hours away, give or take, her manor in the city... about thirty minutes." He answered.

Cassya raised an eyebrow. "Is there a particular reason she's holding this gathering?"

Alaric gave her a curious look. "Same reasons as anyone does. Make connections and show off."

"It is still puzzling why she chose to invite me personally. We only had a brief conversation." Cassya mused.

There was a slight twitch in his face, she almost thought she imagined it. As he quickly affected his casual charm. "My guess would be either she finds it amusing that most have no idea of who you are or is showing tacit approval in my choice of mistress." Giving her an encouraging smile.

Cassya smiled back. She still felt a sense of apprehension and disquiet as they sat in the carriage heading to the party. Doing her best to hide it. The carriage eventually headed up a gated drive to a large manor. Numerous others parked on the edge as the carriage approached the front porch, the pair of them vacating to walk inside. She studied the decor as they entered, trying to assess the house as an indicator of its owner. It was luxurious yet understated. Nothing too bold or attention grabbing, but every aspect a high-quality material.

Alaric walked them through the room with Cassya on his arm. Exchanging pleasantries with various people before spotting the hostess. Claudette with her long silken black hair half tied up, wearing a dark green dress that brought out her eyes. It was almost as provocative as Cassya's. Her near feline facial features morphing into a Cheshire cat-like smile as she saw them.

"Alaric, 'Winnifred' how wonderful you could both attend." She eyed Cassya up and down, an approving look in her eyes. "Alaric, I've got a lovely surprise for you."

She made a few steps to another small group of people. Tapped on the back of a broad shouldered man, with short brown hair. He turned revealing a strong masculine face wearing a highly decorated military uniform, appearing to be in his forties. He allowed himself to be led by Claudette over to them. As he and Alaric's eyes met, they both narrowed them at each other, glaring.

He spoke in a gravelly yet terse, northern accent. A far cry from what would normally be heard in the capital. "Viscount Caeranote, you sneaky posh twat!"

Alaric retorted. "General Morton, still a mannerless, uncultured brute I see!"

After an awkward moment of tense silence, they both burst out laughing. Moving to embrace each other in a tight bear-like hug. Affectionately slapping each other's backs as they parted.

"Why are you here? The southern campaign hasn't finished, last I heard. The palace was still wanting to push into the kingdom south across the sea." Alaric asked with baited interest.

Morton sighed. "Sorry, I only just got back, I was going to send a letter asking you to meet for drinks. Campaign's not finished but on pause, we're waiting on intelligence about the separatists." He gave Alaric a pointed look. "Whether it might be better to see if the royalists and them fight it out for a while, then reassess. No point wasting my men's lives when I don't have to."

Alaric raised an eyebrow. "Guess that's from my refusal to walk down the aisle?"

Morton scoffed, then let out a throaty chuckle. "If those southies were serious they would have offered up the first or second princesses. Not her. As much as I love my country, if someone asked me to marry and bed 'that' I would tell them to sod right off."

Alaric let out a bemused huff. "I feel the same way old chum. We'll have to see how things pan out won't we," Giving Morton a knowing smile.

Morton returned the same knowing smile. Then turned his attention to Cassya. "Who's this lovely young lady you brought with you tonight?"

Alaric wore a grin, trying to hold in a giggle. "Morton, may I introduce Miss 'Winnifred Carstark'."

Morton's eyes glanced over to her then he let out a hearty chuckle, wearing a veiled smirk. "Oh? Is she now? Well, it's a delight to meet you 'Winifred'." He held out a hand for her.

She noted his reaction to her 'name'. Cassya put her hand in his. He instead of giving it a kiss gave it a firm yet respectful shake, surprising her. There was no desire in his eyes when he looked at her, just curiosity.

"Pleasure to meet you too, General." She gave him a nod. "You don't talk quite how I've come to expect from military officers? No offense intended." She asked, trying to sound casual.

He chortled. "I get that a lot. I started as a grunt. A colonel was quite appreciative when I prevented him from getting skewered. He promoted me and I kept working my way up." He smiled.

"That's most impressive. You must have many stories." Cassya replied with genuine interest.

As Morton was about to form a response another pair joined their gathering. The man of the couple looked surprised as he saw Alaric and Cassya. He had hoped to talk to Morton and Claudette, stumbling over his words as he tried to formulate a greeting. The woman accompanying him appeared to be younger than Cassya. She was petite, with freckles, brown eyes and hair, secured into a restrictive bun. She was on the cute side of pretty, attractive but gave off a mousey air. She joined the group hanging on the arm of Aberforth.

He finally found his tongue. "Lady Marlberg, I thank you for your invitation. This is quite the event. May I introduce you to my fiancée Alice Rotherhyde." His voice seemed uncertain. Suspiciously eyeing Alaric whilst trying to subtly ogle Cassya.

Claudette greeted him with a charming smile. "I am so glad you could attend. Plus it's a delight to meet your charming new fiancée. Here's hoping you can get the outcome you have earned this time." To Cassya's ear, despite Claudette's effort to conceal it, she could hear a bit of bite to her tone. "Have you met General Morton?" Gesturing towards him.

Aberforth smiled. "Oh, no. I haven't. But I have been hoping to make your acquaintance, General. I'm Baron Aberforth Carnaby." He held out his hand for him.

Morton took it and gave it a cursory shake. His tone was firm yet polite. "How old are you lad?" Looking at Aberforth speculatively.

Aberforth seemed slightly jarred by the question. "I'm thirty-one years young."

Morton mused on this. "You're old enough to have served in the last war with the south. Which division were you stationed with?"

Aberforth practically blanched. "I had an exemption from service." He answered sheepishly.

Cassya's ears pricked up. This was new information, she had thought he had served. She had not asked him directly though. In the war that started twelve years ago even her father had gone. His smile had been far weaker when he had returned two years later as it finished.

Morton gave him a wry look. "Oh? On what grounds?"

Aberforth struggled to think of an excuse he could give. When Alaric began to loudly whisper near Morton's ear. Deliberately being audible enough, it could be heard by all in the vicinity.

"His father was friends with the head of the conscription office, Aberforth's exemption was a sizable donation to his personal funds." Alaric returned to his original position flashing Aberforth a cold look.

Cassya had to suppress a newfound increase in her disgust towards Aberforth. She saw a similar thought process crossing his fiancée Alice's face.

Morton let out a scoff. "Virtually every family in the nation had to send sons to defend us from invasion. Many of whom did not come back." His tone became scathingly sarcastic. "But you stayed home. Nice, safe and comfortable. Lucky you." He gestured towards Alaric. "Even this ponce with his punchable looking face did his part." He sighed. "Perhaps it's for the best, bloke who looks like you would have been very popular with the other lads... they would have stuck you in a dress and buggered you silly."

Cassya barely managed to suppress her snorting giggle.

Aberforth tried to regain his composure. "I'll try to take that as a compliment." Wearing a weak smile.

Morton gave him a steely look and spoke in a deadpan tone. "... Don't!"

Aberforth, now verbally bludgeoned, excused himself and his fiancée. "Well, it was lovely to see you all, we're going to go and circulate." Decidedly abashed as he walked away.

Cassya saw a hint of a smirk in the corners of both Claudette's and Alaric's mouths as they watched. Claudette seemed to spot someone off in the distance.

"Well, 'Winnifred' I hoped you enjoyed that as much as we did. I unfortunately need to borrow Alaric, there's someone we need to talk to." She said with an almost bouncy tone.

Alaric raised an eyebrow. "Oh, who is it?"

Claudette grinned. "That gentleman with regards to that 'investment opportunity'.

Recognition flashed through Alaric's eyes. "Right, Morton, could I trouble you to keep 'Winnifred' company for a while? I can trust that your terrifying face will scare off most opportunistic suitors." Flashing a grin

Morton jovially huffed, giving Alaric a mock salute. "Will do, but if she decides she wants to be with a real man..." He jokingly pointed to himself. "... rather than a dandy who probably spent more time getting ready than she did. You only have yourself to blame."

Alaric chuckled. "I'll take my chances. See you later 'Winnifred'."

He and Claudette began to wend their way through the crowd. Whilst Morton offered his arm for Cassya to take.

"Shall we perambulate our way upstairs? Lest any more people try to engage me in conversation." He dryly mused.

She nodded, giving him a smile. "I hope you aren't planning to do anything ungentlemanly away from viewing eyes." She asked playfully as the pair of them sauntered towards the stairs.

He chortled. "First off, I'm no gentleman. Secondly, I have no plans to do anything but escort you. I am spoken for."

She giggled. "That's good. The way you so brutally insulted Aberforth did make me wonder."

He sniggered. "Ah, the man deserved it."

She raised an eyebrow. "No concerns about upsetting the nobility?"

He snickered. "I rank higher than most of them, they should be concerned about upsetting me. Especially since I could issue an order that could have them killed." He wore a wry grin.

Cassya wore an expression of faux shock. "Ooh, then I should be very careful with my words. In case I cause you offense."

They rested against the railing on the mezzanine.

He smirked. "I might get offended if you decide to lie about who you actually are 'Winnifred Carstark'. That's an old alias from back when Alaric was in service. A female agent used to use it. She was razor sharp with a wicked sense of humour. She also had an absolutely cracking pair of tits and an arse so nice it'd put a smile on your face. I'm guessing he chose the name, for obvious reasons." Raising an eyebrow at her.

Cassya flashed him an intrigued smile. "Wait, Alaric worked in intelligence?"

"You answer my question first, missy." His tone became insistent.

She shrugged. "Cassya Wainwright. I was in a merchant family, formerly engaged to Aberforth, before my father lost all our money and put us in immense debt. I ended up working in the Faustus gambling hall, Alaric met me there and liked what he saw. I've become his mistress, when he takes me to these events, I am 'Winnifred', to spare me the embarrassment. So, no one realises who I actually am."

"Well, we all do what we have to. But I am wondering why on earth you were engaged to that coward?" He scoffed.

She shrugged again. "Fatherly pressure. I was quite happy to be dumped, frankly." She said dryly.

He sniggered. "Sounds about right. In answer to your question, yes. He worked in intelligence."

Cassya's interest was renewed. "What did he do exactly?"

He raised his eyebrows, wearing a bemused smirk. "Oh, that's privileged information, lass. I can say he was very good at being a sneaky bastard. Because he is one." It got a laugh from Cassya. "Most specific I can be... information acquisition, convincing people to give up knowledge of enemy tactics. He was quite talented, he prevented many people from trying to stab me in the back." He reminisced.

"How did he do that?" She asked, burning with curiosity.

He chortled. "By stabbing them in the back first."

Her smile dropped a bit. "Figuratively, right?"

He changed the subject. "What's your plan? What do you want to do with your life? Being a mistress doesn't work out long term." He enquired, with concerned interest.

Cassya thought about it for a moment, then let out a ponderous huff. "At one point I wished to write, or work for the family business in some capacity. But I now see those as the desires of a clueless little girl. From before I was engaged, and learned the taste of betrayal. There's been no time to truly dwell on it since. All thoughts and efforts devoted to paying off the debt and keeping our heads above water... I should probably take some time to think about what I will do once that's over. It's a novel concept." Her gaze became faraway.

He gave her a comforting smile. "Unlike the rest of those people down there..." He gestured to the well dressed and wealthy ambling around the floor below. "... we know what it's like, to wonder if there's going to be enough coin to put food on the table until payday. To be so absorbed with survival there's no time for anything else." He looked wistful. "I joined the army because it was the only job I could find with a regular paycheck. If someone told an eighteen-year-old me this was where I was going to end up... I'd have called them a lying prick..." He paused looking directly at her. "You need to get a plan, lass, work out what you're going to do. Cause as much as I like Caeranote, and he's a cut above these well-to-do dickheads. If I were you, I wouldn't rely on him. Take what's offered then move on."

She raised a curious eyebrow at him. "Any particular reason you're cautioning me off him. You can't just give me an ambiguous warning and expect me to take it as verse."

He tittered and gave her a wry smile. "I like you, lass, you remind me of my younger sister. So, I'll speak plainly." Then he let out a sigh. "Caeranote lives in a world of schemes and plots. He was already a well versed player before he ended up under my command." He rolled his eyes. "I bet you think he's charming, probably enjoy what he does between the sheets as well, perhaps even a little smitten. But I'm here to remind you of a simple fact: he, like all them down there, see people in two categories. Precious or pawns. But he is exceptional at convincing pawns they're precious. You're never going to be certain which one you are, until one of his schemes blows up in your face." He gave her a warning look. "You don't seem stupid, lass. Be smart about this, don't give him an inch more than you have to."

He sympathetically patted her on the shoulder then parted from her, moving to walk downstairs. Cassya leaned on the railing, chewing over his words in her mind. In a way he had not told her anything she had not already worked out for herself. The knowledge he worked for military intelligence was new, but it made sense. The way he seemed to collect and assemble intel about people. It forced her to steel her feelings. Reminding herself of a fact, repeating it like a mantra.

'Only six months, that's it.'

He had bought access to her body, he was owed nothing else.

She didn't want to go back downstairs and engage people in conversation. She started to peek behind the doors on this floor. Coming across a couple of bedrooms at first before finding a library. Sneaking her way inside, finding comfort in the presence of books. She started perusing the shelves, a smirk crossing her lips when she wondered on what shelf Claudette kept her erotica. Curious over how large the collection was that Alaric claimed she had. She carefully studied each section trying to find titles along the vein of 'The Courtesan's Hidden Secret'. After several minutes scanning the shelves she thought she found what she was looking for in the corner. Several large shelves filled with 'romantic' sounding titles. When she picked one up and flicked through, she became certain. It was completely filthy, she let out giggles as she scanned the pages.

She kept doing so until she heard the click of the door handle. Aberforth entered by himself wearing a disingenuous smile. Beginning to slowly walk over to her.

"I was hoping to have a chat alone, how fortuitous." He spoke with a tone attempting to sound friendly.

Cassya's hairs on the back of her neck stood up. She returned the book to the shelf, turning to him. Eyes darting around the room, trying to work out if she could make it to the door before he intercepted her.

"Why? What else is there to be said." She said coldly.

"Cassya, I know things ended poorly between us. But I realise you were not to blame, after all your father is the one that lied." He replied, maintaining the attempt to sound friendly.

"How nice of you to say, if you'll excuse me." She responded curtly. Then tried to walk around him to the door.

He sidestepped to physically block her progress. Barring her from getting closer to the door.

"I understand you don't wish to talk to me. Who wants to spend time with someone who rejected them, but were it not for the money issue I would have happily married you. I hope that brings you comfort." He attempted a warm smile. Not hiding the lascivious look in his eye.

She huffed. "I on the other hand wasn't remotely bothered by you cancelling our engagement. I was more focused on my life falling apart around me. My father wanted our marriage, not I. Now I wish to leave." She gave him a glare.

"You're being irrational, it was an upsetting time for us both. After all, we had that night together. I still remember it very fondly. You wouldn't have done that with me if you didn't have feelings for me." He grinned.

She scoffed, growing increasingly irritated. "I doubt your fiancée would approve of you cherishing that memory or trying to talk to me alone. Move!"

He moved closer trying to reduce the distance between them. "You're with Alaric now, so you're concerned about being caught. But he doesn't need to know, I can be discreet. After all, a woman never forgets her first, and you look absolutely delicious." He salaciously eyed her up and down. "I vividly remember what's underneath that dress, I only regret I didn't get to enjoy more of it."

Her face twisted into revulsion. "You seem to be misunderstanding. I did not enjoy our night together. I do not remember it fondly. Even if I was not with Alaric, I would have no desire to bed you. Let me leave!" She barked.

Aberforth's face contorted with anger. He slapped Cassya, pushing her against the shelves, pinning her there. Trying to find the hem of her skirt and pull it up. "You'll change your tune once we get into it. Don't pretend you didn't enjoy it last time." He sneered.

As Cassya struggled against him, trying to suppress her panic, Dickenson's advice flashed in her mind. Feeling a surge of adrenaline rush through her veins. There was a click in the background as she smashed her forehead into the bridge of his nose, seeing him recoil slightly. Then swung her knee between his legs feeling it connect and he lurched over. As he lowered his hands to instinctively cradle his privates she punched him in the throat, he began wheezing. Leaving him thoroughly incapacitated as Dickenson promised. She turned to run through the door to escape only to be confronted with Claudette and Alice, Aberforth's fiancée. Both wearing stunned expressions.

Cassya realised her skirt was still partly pulled up and disheveled looking. She tried to gauge what these two assumed was happening.

"Aberforth!" Alice squeaked. "What on earth is going on here?!"

Aberforth choked out an explanation. "She came onto me... then got violent when I rejected her... She still has feelings for me... But I only have eyes for you my darling!"

Claudette rolled her eyes then snorted with derision. "Alice, is that what this really looks like?" She directed her words to Cassya. "What happened?"

Cassya huffed, incensed but shaking. "I was already in here, then he followed me in trying to seduce me. But I was not interested, he decided that he was going to take what he wanted anyway. He hit me, pushed me against the shelves trying to lift my skirts. I defended myself, then you two appeared."

Claudette raised her eyebrows. "I know which version sounds more plausible to me. Alice, see her face, he clearly hit her and look at her skirt." She wrapped her arm around Cassya. "Come, my dear, let's get you out of here." Then turned back, venom in her tone. "Aberforth, get out of my house!" She snapped.

Claudette led her to one of the bedrooms on the next floor up, she made a few gestures at a servant on the landing before ushering Cassya inside. Guiding her to sit on the bed.

Claudette spoke in a soothing, comforting timbre. "I'm ever so sorry this happened to you, under my roof of all places." Sounding contrite.

Cassya sighed. "You couldn't have known... Why were you and Alice coming to the library?"

"Alice wanted to find her fiancée, and as a good hostess I was guiding her to where my servants had seen him going. Didn't expect what we found though." She mused.

"Sorry. I shouldn't have wandered into an isolated area, in a party full of strangers." Cassya lamented.

"Awww, my dear. You have nothing to apologise for." She said in her soothing tone, then lifted to a more jovial one. "If anything, I'm impressed you can throw a punch and leave a man in that condition. I came in just as you kicked him in the balls... it was very memorable." She gently squeezed her shoulder as Cassya laughed in relief.

There was a knock at the door.

"Enter." Claudette instructed.

Alaric poked his head around the door, a slightly confused expression on his face, then moved to enter. Claudette sat up and went to whisper in his ear, his face shifted from cold anger to slight amusement, finishing with concern as he gazed with Cassya.

She then spoke audibly. "Excuse me, I need to ensure Baron Carnaby has left my premises, or organise his forcible ejection. I'll leave you in Alaric's hands, Cassya. My parties don't normally go like this. Hopefully you'll have more fun at the next one."

Claudette then sauntered out of the room, closing the door behind her. Alaric moved to sit on the bed next to Cassya, bringing her into his arms to hold her. Which she found heartening.

"I hear Aberforth was far from gentlemanly?" He rumbled, she could almost hear his jaw clench.

"Yes." She said flatly. "But he had a very kickable set of balls."

Alaric sniggered. "And a face I am very tempted to punch right now." He ran his hand over the side of her face Aberforth had slapped. The skin, red and swollen. "Shall we get out of here? Head home?"

She nodded. "While Claudette has been a lovely host I don't want to be in this house anymore."

Alaric stood up, taking her hand in his. Leading her to the back of the bedroom, he pressed something she didn't quite see and a panel in the wall opened. He coaxed her to follow him into a passage, it led straight then down a set of narrow stairs, then another. After winding their way down they ended up at what seemed to be a dead end. Alaric knocked something and a panel opened up. Exiting by the front door. Allowing them to walk straight outside without interacting with any of the other guests or servants. Which Cassya appreciated, avoiding her swollen face being seen by onlookers. Quickly signalling Bradford to come pick them up in the carriage. Once inside, Cassya's mind had a burning question.

"Claudette's house has secret passages?" She asked with childlike wonder.

He grinned. "Oh yeah. She got them installed years ago. She claimed it was for safety, somewhere to hide during a home invasion. In reality, she uses the peep holes to spy on the servants."

Cassya chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Trying to catch whoever is stealing the silverware?"

"Of course. Along with listening to any gossip they may not be willing to share with her." He tittered.

She giggled. "I found Claudette's 'collection' in her library. By the way." He sniggered. "You weren't joking, it's enormous."

He jiggled his eyebrows. "You should see the country estate, the collection there dwarfs this one."

She belly laughed. "Maybe she'll invite me one day."

They shared the remainder of the carriage ride in relatively good spirits. Although Cassya still felt lingering tension from what happened with Aberforth. She didn't have much time to organise her thoughts before they arrived at Alaric's home. Entering through the front door, he paused to scribble a note, leaving it on the side before walking upstairs. They started disrobing as they reached his bedroom. Whilst Alaric helped her undress, a knot began to form in her stomach. Feeling apprehensive at the prospect of 'serving' him that night. She didn't understand why, he was not the threat, but she felt it anyway.

When her corset was pulled off, she washed off her makeup and let down her hair. When she turned around Alaric was undressed and already in bed. She stripped off her remaining garments and put on the nightie, sliding into bed next to him. Suddenly feeling nervous at the prospect of what he would do next. He had previously expressed a desire to take her after getting her out of the dress. She lay there waiting for him to start, then nothing. He pecked her cheek with a kiss and wished her goodnight. Rolling to his side of the bed and settling down to sleep.

Cassya lay there. Somehow more concerned that he had not tried to touch her whatsoever. Plagued by a niggling thought that her being touched by Aberforth made her repugnant to him. Even if nothing happened. Even as her logical mind tried to bring her to sense. Reasoning that he might be tired, or just was not in the mood. It did not stop the barrage of thoughts keeping her awake. Like why Aberforth tried to do that to her at all. He had always made her feel uncomfortable, but he had never forced her before. Was that something he had always wanted to do? Or was it the wrong time, the wrong place? Regardless, she didn't want to wear that dress ever again.

Despite her whirlwind of thoughts, sleep eventually found her.

When she woke the next morning Alaric was dozing next to her, his face looking peaceful. Whilst she had slept restlessly, waking only by chance it felt. She lay there staring at the ceiling, pondering whether she should try to fall asleep again or get up and potentially wake Alaric. As she jostled to try and arrange herself comfortably, he began to come round. He opened his eyes and saw her, giving her a smile, then yawned as he stretched.

"Morning, how did you sleep?" He asked blearily.

"Okay, I guess." She lied.

He nodded, then got up. Dressing himself in a nearby robe, then walked out of the bedroom door. Cassya lay there wondering if this was the beginning of the end. He had lost interest, probably planning to end their relationship. If that was the case, she logically should be happy. She wouldn't have to spend the whole six months with him. The debt would be cleared, and she could get on with her life.

So why wasn't she feeling joy? Was General Morton right? Had she allowed herself to become smitten? Like a fool.

She sat up, resting on the edge of the bed, rubbing her face. One side of it still felt tender from the slap. As she got up to start getting dressed Alaric walked back in.

"Tessa saw my note, she's gotten the bath ready. Come join me." He said invitingly. Gesturing for her to follow.

Cassya obliged, accompanying him to another room on the floor. His lavish bathroom, she had only used it when she felt the need to relieve herself. Now the enormous bath was filled with steamy warm water, cloudy from the salts. Alaric shut the door and divested himself of his robe and stepped in. Cassya pulled off her nightie and submerged herself. Sitting adjacent to him in the bath. She was delightfully soaked in the warm water. Savouring the feeling of a true bath, a luxury she had not enjoyed in so long.

Alaric saw her relaxed face, smiling at her reaction. "Thought you'd like it, but it's quite a task for Tessa so I don't request it often."

She gave him a smile. "I understand that, it's a lot of water to boil. May I ask why? You haven't offered this treat before now?"

He wore a reflective expression. "I suppose... after last night... you deserve it. Just something enjoyable with no expectations."

She raised an eyebrow. "No plans to be filthy while getting clean?"

He looked sheepish. "Ah... while the thought crossed my mind. I figured I should give you a bit of space for a while. I mean... I assumed you probably wouldn't want to. Trying to engage you in 'that' so soon after... feels like scumbag behaviour." He explained. "I'm leaving the ball in your court, let me know when you are ready to play."

Cassya cogitated his words, re-evaluating a lot of her assumptions from the previous evening. "I appreciate that... I really wasn't in the mood last night. It's also comforting that you aren't put off." She sighed with relief.

His face became ponderously perplexed. "Why would I be 'put off'? If anything, I now appreciate how privileged I was, to never be on the receiving end of your thrashing." He flashed a grin, causing her to giggle. "The more burning question though..." His face became serious. "... what do you want me to do with Aberforth?"

"What do you mean?" She asked cautiously.

"What would you like to happen to Aberforth, with regards to retribution? He attempted to take something he had no right to. That deserves more than a light beating and being thrown out of a party." A cold look formed in his eye.

Cassya went stiff, as she heard his words and mulled over the offer. Trying to work out what would feel satisfying or if she wanted revenge at all. She thought it over for a minute. "I would be happy if Alice called off her engagement, he doesn't deserve a woman in his life. Mostly for her sake, in case she hasn't worked out what an arsehole he is yet." She answered calmly.

He wore a bemused expression. "That's all? I think that can be arranged. Another event where she is in attendance and he is not. You'll have your chance to tell her exactly what a mistake she's about to make." Giving her a puckish smile.

She moved closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. She gazed up at him giving him a wry look. "Are you happy with that?"

He chuckled. "I won't pretend I'm not making my own arrangements, but if sabotaging his engagement is all you wish to participate in... you don't need to involve yourself any further."

"How badly are you planning to damage him?" She asked with almost humoured concern.

He chuckled almost sadistically. "You'll see."

End