thegoodfellas/blogset-br huggingface dataset:
from his breast. Lassen beamed andreturned his attention to the incandescent star.Ido, Rohyr clearly answered.Tenryonasked the same of Lassen and received the same firm declaration.Then speak thy vows before the Creator.Rohyrlifted their joined hands, slipping his under Lassens to partiallycup it. Lassen turned his head to meet his gaze.Myheart to thine, thy soul to mine, Rohyr vowed. I bind to theefor all the days of this world and beyond. Naught and no one willtear us asunder. This I pledge in the name of Veres All-Powerful,Master of all that is seen and unseen.Lassentook a deep breath before uttering a similar oath.Thyheart to mine, my soul to thine, he said in a hushed voice. Ibind to thee for all the days of this world and beyond. Naught and noone will tear us asunder. This I pledge in the name of Veres MostMerciful. May He grant us our plea.Silencefell as soon as he finished speaking. A silence so deep, it seemedtime had ground to a halt and everyone had stopped breathing. Butbefore doubt and worry could take root once more, Lassen heard whatsounded like the whisper of a zephyr.Thesound gradually increased in volume until it recalled to him the windin Pelmorth as it swept across the pebble-strewn beach at night andthe cliff-bound meadows in the day. Yet the air within the temple wasbalmy and still. Not a whiff of the faint breeze outside passedthrough the open windows high above nigh to the vaulted ceiling.Look,Rohyr whispered, squeezing his hand slightly. Lassen glanced down.Asilvery blue flame had flickered into existence in the cup of theirjoined hands. It steadily grew yet it remained cool and gentle to thetouch and emitted not so much as a puff of smoke.Lassenhad almost forgotten to breathe when the flame suddenly flared,metallic tongues shooting up and out and curling in on themselvesuntil he realized they were spiralling around him and Rohyr. Hepressed back into Rohyrs embrace, startled by the silvery blueinferno that engulfed them.Dontbe afraid, Las. Rejoice in His presence.Lassencast his fears aside and opened himself to the benevolent maelstrom.At once, the near ecstasy he had previously felt swept through himonce more and he opened himself to it. He closed his eyes to stem histears but they forced their way past and streamed down his cheeks.Onthe heels of such glorious happiness, he felt another connectionslide into place. An embrace that was not physical. A joining thatwas not of body parts but of the mind and soul. Much like whenRohyrs imprint had still lain on his mind. But this was moreencompassing.It did not lurk in the recesses of his mind but boldly took upresidence in the forefront. Calling to him. Inviting him to saysomething.Rohyr?Iam with you, ariad.Hehad never initiated mind-speech with Rohyr before. It had not been inhis power. He could only respond when Rohyr communicated with himfirst.Asob burst from him and he turned his head and blindly sought Rohyrslips. They crashed down on his and he was captured in an open-mouthedkiss so molten, he thought it would begin another conflagration.Whenthey drew apart, they were quite breathless. For a moment, they didnot move, their
pleawasswiftly answered and he surrendered himself to his ferocious need.Completioncame with storm force. Ecstasy coursed its way through every nook andcranny of his body as he spilt onto the pristine sheets. He heardRohyr gasp out his name as he also spent himself, the tightening ofLassens body around his shaft all but milking him dry. They layentwined for several heartbeats as they waited out the last sweeps oftheir spent desire.Rohyrcarefully withdrew then helped Lassen lie back before gathering himclose in his arms. Lassen snuggled in his embrace.Imissed you terribly, he murmured, idly running a finger alongRohyrs lower lip. He grinned when Rohyr lazily licked it, eyesa-gleam with mischief. And you missed me as much, I take it.Youcant imagine it, Rohyr replied. I can no longer recall how Icoped with the barren years before you came into my life. They seemso long ago.Lassenswallowed the lump in his throat. Surely Tyrde tends to you. I cannever forgive him if he...Neglectsme? Rohyr snorted. I am guiltier of that than he. Not that hecares. All that matters to Tyrde is that I tumble him oft enough tosire an heir on him. Anything else is irrelevant.Evenwhen I was gone? Lassen could not comprehend the notion of anyonenot falling in love with Rohyr, especially one who was in theenviable position of being his official consort.Ithink Tyrde loves only himself and mayhap Uncle Imcael. Everyone elsehe deems luxuries, not necessities. Im a trophy to him and asteppingstone, nothing more. Oh, he desires me but thats justbodily attraction. And if he is affectionate with me, its becausehe believes winning my regard will win him his desire. But theresno love there and I know it for a mere act. And so we both go throughthe motions and people think our charade of a marriage is hale andwhole if not exactly a love match.Lassensadly gazed at him. I truly thought that once I was out of theway, he would be your friend. Rohyr shook his head. Did youwant that at least?Rohyrshrugged. It would have helped had we become friends. Bad enoughthat we wed with no love between us. Friendship would have gone along way in smoothing the rougher edges of our union.Andmight have led to love eventually, Lassen softly suggested.Rohyrlooked at him with some amusement. And thats what you reallywant to know. He pulled Lassen down for a long kiss. Yes, Imight have learned to love him had he shown the slightest interest inmaking something more of our marriage than it is. But it wouldntbe the same way I love you. You complete me, Las. For so long therewas an emptiness within that no one could fill. Until I saw you inTal Ereq. I knew then that my waiting was done. That I would belonely and empty no more.Lassenlooked at him wonderingly. Why do I feel that you havent toldme everything?Restassured I shall tell you when this is all over, Rohyr promised.When its safe for you to know.Lassenstared at him in even more confusion. But he decided to let thematter go in favor of a more pressing personal issue.Itrust he satisfies your needs
at least?Silencemet his question and he worried that he had displeased Rohyr. But ofa sudden, Rohyr rolled him over and pinned him down.Hecame to me as experienced in the pleasures of the flesh as I,Rohyr roughly said. Most assuredly he satisfies my needs ifspending ones seed is all there is to coupling. But its not andits possible to be afterwards gratified in body but wanting inheart and spirit. Tyrde gives pleasure that he may take pleasure inturn. But you have ever pleasured me for my sake alone. And whatpleasure you took, you enjoyed all the more because it was I who gaveit to you. Can you mark the difference? Do you still worry that Icould ever rank anyone higher than you in my heart or soul or mybodys sating?Rohyrdid not give Lassen a chance to answer but sealed their mouthstogether in an almost brutal kiss. After reducing him to nearbreathlessness, Rohyr teasingly stroked his way down the length ofLassens thighs. He hooked his hands behind Lassens knees andparted them wide. Rohyr drove his shaft deep into Lassensseed-slick arse with a long slow thrust.Lassenclung to Rohyr for dear life as he was ridden to another climax.Rohyr drew out their lovemaking, pausing at maddening intervals toslow down the pace and lower the heat enough to prolong that wondrousoneness he shared with Lassen alone. Lassen decided never to broachso silly a question to his beloved ever again. Certainly not whenRohyr had shown him time and again how much more he revered him as aperson, subject and lover than any other who had passed through hislife before.** * *Afew mornings hence found them strolling down the beach, picking theirway among the boulders and occasional tree that strewed the narrowstrip of wheaten sand and biscuit-hued pebbles. The sun shonebrightly with nary a cloud to obscure it. Unlike the spring monsoon,the post summer rains were wont to fall in the afternoons.Findinga sheltered spot beneath a leafy sapling a little higher up on thebeach, they spread a blanket and unpacked a hamper of breakfastfaresteaming hot rolls, soft farmers cheese, freshly churnedbutter, rich blackgrape jelly, slices of honey-glazed ham and severaljuicy freestone peaches. The cook had also packed a jug of sweetcider for them with which to wash down the meal.Theirenjoyment of their repast had as much to do with each otherscompany as it did with the food. Never had they been so open witheach other about their feelings before. Indeed, never had the wordlove passed between them and certainly not as often as it hadin the weeks since their calamitous reunion.Lassenwatched his mate with admiration and budding desire. How could he notwhen Rohyr was such a splendid specimen of Deiran pulchritude? Andone whose favors Lassen now had every right to demand. Not that hewould ever play the hunter to Rohyrs prey. It simply was not hisnature and to act so out of character was to invite acuteembarrassment on his part and amused commiseration on Rohyrs. Butthe knowledge that he could was intoxicating.Theking lounged on his side, supporting himself on one arm while he bitinto a peach. A trickle of
juice made its way down from the corner ofhis mouth. Before he could wipe it away, Lassen leaned forward andlicked it off. He proceeded to kiss away the sweet moisture onRohyrs lips then drew back with an impish smile.Rohyrlicked his lips in appreciation. I fervently hope its notmerely a function ofbreedingthat makes you so brazen these days, he said.Lassenlaughed. I assure you tis not, but rather the knowledge thatyou are mine. I never wanted for more than that and never expectedanything to come of it. Yet it came true, this dearest wish. How canI not let you know how much I love you?Rohyrsgrin softened to a tender smile. As to that, perhaps we can beeven more to each other if Jareths suspicions pan out.Youmean the Anjuin law of succession?Rohyrnodded. Ive studied the basic laws of every fief and provincein this land. But Im no legal practitioner, much less well versedin the minutiae of statutes that have no bearing on Ylandreswelfare as a whole. I understand Anjus law of succession but notthe particulars of it. If Jareth is right, there may besomethingsome legal point that Uncle Imcael and Tyrde kept from methat may render their instigation of this marriage suspect at thevery least. In any case, its worth investigating. Tossing asidethe peach, he reached for Lassen and drew him closer. I dontknow if there is a loophole that will free me to make you my consortbut I meant it when I said I would relinquish the throne if I canthave you to spouse for so long as I remain Ardan.Helay back and pulled Lassen atop him. For the next several minutes,they kissed and caressed, enjoying the slow buildup of lust betweenthem. Before too long, they progressed to undressing each other, theneed to feel skin against skin overtaking their patience. They movedagainst each other with all the passion of newfound lovers and theease of long-time partners. And underlining their loving was themelody of their silent communication, testament to the inviolablebond that joined them for all time.YetLassen did not expect the gift Rohyr bestowed on him as they movedtoward their bodies union. When Rohyr straddled his hips insteadof moving between his legs, he looked up at him questioningly.Abreeding Deir produces infertile seed, did you know that? Rohyrhuskily said. He smiled when Lassen shook his head, eyes wide withsurprise. This is the one time you cant beget a child on me,Las. What say we take advantage of it?Lassenstared at him. Im honored, he whispered. But do you trulywant this? Rohyr bit his lip then admitted, I never imaginedgiving myself thusly to anyone. Iwontdeny that its hard enough yielding at all. This is-this is beyondanything ever expected of me.Hedid not have to explain his need to control their lovemaking. To dothe riding though it was he who would play the mare.Pushinghimself up on one arm, Lassen slid his right hand up Rohyrs hardthigh then moved it inward toward his groin. With a faint smile, hemurmured, May I?Rohyrnodded. His breath hitched nonetheless as Lassens fingers slippedlower and farther, beginning the sensual process by which he would beturned. Lassen
body that transcended all other acts ofphysical intimacy, even the reversal of their usual sexual roles.Thatwas wonderful, Lassen murmured. At least it was for me. I hopeyour expectations were adequately met.Rohyrchuckled, his breath feathering Lassens chest. More thanadequately. It was incredible. I wonder now why I was so afraid.Understandable.Is it?Absolutely.I was just as anxious my first bedding. Yet Id had ample time toprepare myself and knew twas expected of me. Not so for you.Youre so brave to give me all of yourself today. Im trulyhonored and grateful beyond words.Rohyrlifted his head and looked at Lassen searchingly. Do you enjoy itthat much when I yield? Because if you do, Im willing to try thisagain. Nay, that sounds as if ... Imeanwe can reverse roles whenever you desire it. I wouldnt have it beabout my pleasure alone but yours as well.Lassenstifled a giggle at Rohyrs unwonted discomfiture. Oh, love, ithas always been as much about my pleasure. I enjoy playing the sword,I wont deny it. And I certainly wont mind repeating theexperience now and then. But, verily, I still prefer being yoursheath. It simply feels so right, having you inside me.Hecurled a leg invitingly around the back of Rohyrs thighs.Youare insatiable these days, Rohyr remarked approvingly as hereached into the basket and came up not unexpectedly with a small jarof oil.Lassengrinned as Rohyr lavishly anointed his hardened shaft. Are youcomplaining?Notat all. Rohyr pressed kisses up the length of Lassens throatwhile down yonder he pushed slick fingers up his backside. But Iwarn you, Im inclined to take you as long and hard as I can. Youtempt me overmuch.Givein to temptation, my lord, Lassen pleaded, lifting his legs towrap them around Rohyrs waist.Theheadlong push of rigid flesh deep into his body robbed him of furtherspeech, as did the sweet intrusion of thought into his mind.Youand yours forever, Las.ChapterTwenty-TwoDisclosuresRohyrreturned to Rikara before the end of the month only to depart againlittle more than a fortnight later. With the recent frequency of hisabsences from the capital giving rise to talk of estrangement betweenhim and his consort, he strove to allay a portion of the gossip bysojourning briefly in the Crown fief of Vireshe with his brotherDylen. What better way to give the illusion of marital stability thanto check on the birthright of the unions first fruit?Vireshelay in the west just north of Glanthar and was part of Varadan beforethe old kingdom was annexed to Ylandre. Now the hereditary seat ofthe Ylandrin heir apparent, the fief was rich in fertile plains, lushforests and teeming lakes and rivers. So great were Vireshesearnings from taxes and rent that it could support the crown princeand his family and he in turn could dispense with reliance on theroyal coffers.Rohyrhad once derived his income solely from the fief but his time ascrown prince was prematurely cut short by the equally premature deathof his sire. He now held Vireshe in trust for his own heir, therevenue accrued over the decades kept in banks or carefully investedthat by the time his firstborn received the fiefs herunic title,he would have more than a sizeable nest egg at
the title should pass to the eldest son of the mostsenior of the current Heruns brothers. If said brother does notproduce an heir of his body, then the eldest son of the next brotherin line inherits the title and so on and so forth.Zykrielread on with careful emphasis. In the event that there are nobrothers or none produce heirs of their bodies, the title then goesto the eldest son of the Heruns closest blood relation. Hetapped the document with a finger. In other words, it passescompletely out of the incumbent Heruns family.Jarethregarded Rohyr sympathetically. You made the natural assumptionthat because Tyrde has no fraternal nephews of Kardova blood, itwould be his children who would inherit Anju. And neither he norImcael saw fit to disabuse you of that assumption.Whois Tyrdes heir? Rohyr tightly asked.Hiscousin, Nyol Kardova, the Prefect of the Anjuin constabulary. Hesstaunchly loyal to the Crown, Im happy to say.Notto mention the eldest of a slew of brothers and cousins whosechildren are now in line for the title, Zykriel added.Rohyrfell silent, his face expressionless. Those who knew him well howeverunderstood that he was anything but empty of emotion. Dylen had keptsilent throughout. Now he clasped his brothers clenched fist. Theconvulsive grip Rohyr returned was telling.Dylenquietly said, You accepted what Imcael told you because you trusthim implicitly. You couldnt conceive of him betraying you with afalsehood.Rohyrclosed his eyes and lowered his head. And then, with a painedexhalation, he looked at his brother with unhappy self-reproach.Youwarned me, he whispered. You told me it was a weakness he couldexploitbutI wouldnt believe you. I refused to think him capable of suchperfidy.Dylentightened his hold on Rohyrs hand. You love him, Roh, hesoftly pointed out. Hes the only immediate kin left to youother than myself. And he loves you; that I dont doubt. If hedeceived you, he believed it for your own good and the good of theland as much as it was to further his own fortunes.Fortuneshe believes his by right, Jareth said with a snort. Theresno excusing his actions.Rohyrnodded, gritting his teeth. At length, he said, I sensed he washiding something that day. He shielded his thoughts so suddenly thatI felt them slam into place. I wondered about it at the time. Hebrought his fist down on the table so viciously, the wood cracked.Damn it all, I should have forced him to reveal his mind then! Iwould have discovered their duplicity before binding myself inwretched matrimony!Aboutto say something else, he suddenly stiffened. He abruptly rose to hisfeet. Lassen is in pain, he rasped. He must be about tobirth.Theothers quickly stood.Imust go to him, Rohyr said, hurriedly donning his cloak. Dy,stay here a while longer and keep up the appearance that I am stillin residence. Jath, Zyk, Im indebted to both of you and Keiran aswell. For now, return to Rikara and await further instructions.** * *Lassenmoaned at the deeply felt tenderness in his muscles. Hed awakenedthat morning to the onset of labor and the awful pressure from withinon the birthing seam. Thank Veres for his bond with Rohyr alertingthe king to his condition. Dael and Mithre
said.Lassen sadly smiled. More an attempt to bluff their way to power.Rohyrregarded him in some disbelief. You are so forgiving consideringwhat their actions almost cost you.Iwould hope others would be as forgiving were I in their shoes.Agrin tugged at the corners of Rohyrs lips. The tropics ofArvalde will freeze over before you learn to be as deceitful.Youesteem me overmuch.Ionly speak the truth. But in any event, it clears the way for us.Clears the way?Forthe dissolution of my union with Tyrde. He no longer has a hold onme. Rohyr pressed his lips to Lassens forehead. Its timeI made an honest Deir of you.ChapterTwenty-ThreeConfrontationTherewas much talk when Rohyr returned to the capital in the spring of thefollowing year after spending the greater part of the previous autumnand the whole of winter abroad. But it was not that the Ardan hadnever absented himself from Rikara for five months running that settongues wagging. It was the reason for it.TheRikarans watched in shock as he rode into the city shortly afternoontide with his long missing leman at his side. What of the rumorthat he had given up on finding him? Or that his anger was so great,it was bandied about that Lassen Idana had best not show his face tothe king again if he valued his life. But the end of their shock washardly come.Eyesnigh popped out of their sockets and mouths dropped open at the sightof the child who peeked out curiously from the sturdy sling that hungfrom Rohyrs shoulder. Judging from his size, he appeared to be ofsuckling age. About as old as the number of months Rohyr hadsojourned elsewhere in the land. The child had sable hair and rimmedirises.Hardlyhad word of the babe spread when a few observant onlookers spottedthe matching earrings the Ardan and his leman sported. Adamant andsnow sapphire on white silver edged with gold. People whispered. HadRohyr taken a binding-mate against all common convention? By the timethe royal cavalcade ascended the road to the Citadel, the news hadalready reached the keep and everyone from the most staid courtiersto the lowliest scullions was talking about it.Rohyrdismounted in the bailey, keeping a firm hand on his lively son whoseemed eager to explore his new environs even if it meant crawlingout of the sling and climbing over his sires arm or shoulder.Dylen and Vaeren chuckled indulgently at the antics of Ylandresinfant crown prince.Fromthe Citadels great main entrance, a furious Tyrde and his latelyarrived sire watched in incredulity as Rohyr walked down thestone-paved path carrying his son, his brother on one side, his lemanon the other. Nay, not leman any longer, Imcael realized when heespied the earring dangling from Rohyrs left ear lobe.Heopened his mouth to berate his errant nephew but Rohyr preempted himwith a cool, I dont remember recalling you, Uncle.Irecalled him, Tyrde tartly cut in.Onwhat authority? Rohyr curtly inquired. I am Ardis!AndI am your sovereign. None may countermand my word in all this land.Not even you, Tyrde Kardova tharEssendri.Ittook a moment for Tyrde to realize that Rohyr had used the Houseidentifier tharrather than the conjugal adjective tir.He stared at Rohyr in anger and