thegoodfellas/blogset-br huggingface dataset:
asked Josel after the meal. Wouldyou like to walk in the gardens instead? Josel offered.Lassenreadily assented. He felt confined, accustomed as he was to houseswhere reaching the front and back doors did not entail a short hikefrom ones quarters. As they walked, Josel pointed out the manychambers, hallways and galleries and their functions. At all times,Lassen was aware of folk observing him. He reckoned they wereprobably summing up his potential uses to them and debating whetherhe would be a valuable conduit to Rohyr and worth their time andattention.Hehoped he would not become entangled in the intrigues of court lifethough he knew this was unrealistic. Dael had warned him that if hisintimacy with Rohyr appeared sufficient for Lassen to make requestsof the king, there would be attempts to bribe or befriend him. Butthe thought of asking anything in tacit exchange for sexual favorssickened Lassen and he doubted he would ever be able to bring himselfto undertake such dealings.Joseltook him to a less frequented part of the gardens, a semi-enclosedarea reserved for the royal familys use. Lassen walked about,taking in his fill of fresh air and curiously inspecting theprofusion of exotic blooms and greens that shared space with morefamiliar flora and foliage. His pleasure however was tempered by thefeeling thattheplace was deserted. Lassen wondered if he was the first visitor tothe enclosure in a long while. It impressed on him once more thatnone of Rohyrs relations resided with him.Thinkingabout what must be a lonely existence for the Ardan, he said, Doeshe see his cousins often? They seem extraordinarily close to him.Ive seldom seen such devotion before, even amongst the olderfamilies of Tal Ereq.Joselsmiled. Rohyr grew up in their company, or at least those whospent much of their early youth in Rikara. And they are indeeddevoted to him. But its as much due to his loyalty to them as itis a function of their kinship. They know Rohyr would strain thelimits of the constraints placed upon him out of love for them. Andso they return it in full measure. They are the brothers he does nothave.Thenhes not so alone after all, Lassen said with relief. ThankVeres for that. When Josels smile warmed even further, Lassenrealized his concern for Rohyr hadearnedhim the old Deirs approbation and likely the beginnings of hisloyalty as well.** * *Comeevening, Josel informed Lassen that Rohyr would join him for dinnerin his suite. As Lassen donned the loose shirt and trousers and lightslippers the old Deir had prepared, he wondered if he would beexpected to perform his duties this very night. By the time Rohyrappeared, he was as tense as a drawn bowstring.Hefelt the rush of warmth into his cheeks at first sight of the king.He seemed more handsome than ever, his fine form pointed up by thesimple style and soft fabric of his clothing. Lassen struggled tocompose himself. It would not do to act like a provincial bumpkinwhenever he was in Rohyrs presence. But Rohyr only smilinglygreeted him and led him to the dining table.Themeal both entranced and intimidated him. The dishes were moresophisticated than anything hed dined on from the
a gauntlet as hewas forced to greet and make small talk with just about everycourtier he encountered from the moment he set foot in the maincorridor until he finally took his seat at Rohyrs table in thegreat dining hall. Once settled at the royal table, he came underscrutiny that lasted the duration of the meal. He wondered when hewould be able to walk about without feeling like a circus beast ondisplay.Hepreferred to have his meals in his quarters but he knew that wouldonly give rise to talk. And it would not be mere talk about aperceived eccentricity. The foregone conclusion would place Rohyrschoice of concubine in a bad light. Lassen was not sure why but hefelt protective of Rohyr and did not want his reputation besmirchedeven the slightest by misperceptions.Thekindest folk were the palace retainers. Like Josel, most hailed fromfamilies whose service spanned generations. They were fiercely loyalto Rohyr and predisposed to being warm and obliging with whomever hedeemed an intimate.Thesoldiers and guards were also generally amicable but many were givento ribaldry, especially when in the presence of a comely face or anicely shaped rump. Lassen knew they meant no harm when he overheardthem placing wagers as to which of his charms Rohyr had sampled thusfar. Nevertheless, his face burned all the way to his ears and herequested that he and Josel descend from the battlements before heheard another bawdy remark about himself.Thecourtiers on the other hand varied widely and there was no judgingone by the actions of another. For that matter, there was no tellingif a bluebloods demeanor one day would still stand by the next. Somuch rested on their respective ambitions and the extent of theirinfluence on Rohyr or the scant handful of nobles who formed hisinnermost circle.Lassenrenewed his acquaintance with some of them when they came to theCitadel. Keosqe kindly asked after his well-being when they bumpedinto each other in one of the myriad corridors of the keep. So didRohyrs Uncle Yovan after he emerged from a meeting with his fellowadvisors. And Gilmael sought him out to introduce his twin who, aschief royal archivist, visited the Citadel most days and could beeasily reached if Lassen needed help or counsel. It had beendifficult not to stare overmuch when confronted with Zykrielsstartling likeness to Gilmael. Had Zykriels hair not been styledsomewhat differently than his brothers, Lassen doubted anyonewould be able to tell them apart. Thankfully, he had not had themisfortune of recrossing paths with haughty Imcael.Ihope youre enjoying yourself.Lassenshyly smiled as Rohyr came to his side and looked out at the vistafrom the open gallery in the west wing of the keep. It was lateafternoon and this was the first Lassen had seen of him all day.Rohyrslipped a hand around Lassens waist and drew him close. Exploringmy home isnt too terrible an adventure, is it?Tisnot terrible at all, Lassen assured him. And Im lookingforward to exploring Rikara as well.Butwhy are you alone? Where is Josel?Oh,he was seeing me back to my rooms, but he was called away to settlesome quarrel or other. A dispute between two squires, I gathered.Theking snorted. Poor
Josel. It is he they always send for when theyoung ones fight. But then, seeing how he tamed me, I suppose itsinevitable.Lassengrinned. Were you that wild?Muchto my parents despair, Rohyr admitted. Yet I fear much of itwas their doing for they indulged me to a fault.Becauseyou were their only child, Lassen guessed.Rohyrlooked keenly at him. Yes, they didnt always know when todiscipline me. Josel braved their displeasure to tell them the truthand show them by his example how to deal with me. Thank Veres theylistened to him and I am as you see me nowa most estimable andwell-mannered Deir.Lassenburst into chuckles. What? You disagree?Lassenslaughter mellowed to a gentle smile. Not in the least. You aremore than well-mannered. Youre kind and gallant and tis notdifficult at all to like you.Hestarted when Rohyr shifted him about to face him and held him so thattheir bodies molded together. Lassen gulped as their groins pressedclose.Haveyou indeed learned to like me? Rohyr murmured, looking at him frombeneath half-lidded eyes.Lassendrew a shaky breath and nodded. His cheeks turned rosy when Rohyrcupped his face to kiss him. But not so much from being kissed asfrom doing it in a public place. He was no longer a stranger to theact after all.Eachevening, before Rohyr retired to his own chambers, he spent an houror so with Lassen in his. Ardent kisses filled a goodly portion ofthat time as well as the caress of hands and fingers that sent thestrangest and most enjoyable of feelings racing through Lassensbody. The youth knew that he was already being taught his duty forall the leisureliness of Rohyrs pace.Hefelt something stir down yonder. His breath caught when he realizedthat it was not only Rohyr who showed evidence of physical arousal.His own length rapidly firmed as it rubbed through his breechesagainst Rohyrs shaft. It was not that he had not responded thuslyprior to this. But never had he felt so hard, so hot, so ... needful.Hemoaned in protest when Rohyr broke their kiss. He stared at the king,pleading for something he could not quite define.Come,Rohyr said, ushering Lassen to the youths quarters.Hardlyhad they entered the apartment when Rohyr backed Lassen against thedoor and tugged his shirt collar open. Lassen whimpered when Rohyrlowered his head and kissed the length of his throat down to thehollow at its base. Lost in the welter of sensation, Lassen did notregister the hand that slipped beneath his clothing until a nipplefell prey to Rohyrs venturing fingers. He stiffened in shock.Lassenshut his eyes tightly, wondering when the maddening stimulation wouldstop.Amoment later, his shock increased when a gust of cool air caressedhis heated skin. Lassen opened his eyes and regretted it as soon ashe did.TheArdan had undone his tunic and shirt to his waist and now gazed atthe pebbles of flesh he had exposed. Idly rubbing his thumb over one,he studied the two visible physical traits that distinguishedbreeders from all other Deiratheir plumper nipples and slightlywider and paler areolae, a difference noticeable as early as birth.Rohyrlifted his eyes to meet Lassens. A slow smile spread along hismouth. Lassen was unable to tear his eyes
today.Lassencaught his breath. It was disconcerting to realize that he hadrepeatedly coupled with Rohyr through the early hours of the daywhile in a fugue. And hugely enjoyed it if his disjointed memories ofintense pleasure and overriding desire were any indication.Colorflooded his cheeks. He had not thought himself capable of suchlustfulness. Was it really necessary? he weakly asked.Rohyrstroked his flushed cheek. Even were it not, my need to have youis not so quickly satisfied. You are much too delectable, my beauty.Lassenmoaned with the resumption of his bodys piercing. For several wildheartbeats, he could do naught but stare at the Ardan, his growingaffection for him strengthened by Rohyrs many kindnesses andcompassion. Not to mention his exceptional handsomeness and nighperfection of form, which Lassen had come to appreciate even more nowthat he lived in daily proximity to him.Hegazed at Rohyr in artless worshipfulness. I hope I satisfied you,my liege. Rohyr regarded him intently. You are no merebed-treat. In your arms, I can losemyselffor a while. Forget my cares and simply be Rohyr. Your bed is arefuge to me. Your body my haven.Lassenstared at him in wonder. About to speak, he felt a tug, there in theback of his consciousness. He recalled the incursion of anotherconsciousness into his mind and the strange, unsettling sensation ofbeing opened and read and, finally, bound. Full understanding finallycame to him as he remembered being completely under the Ardanscontrol, yielding to his desire without hesitation or resistance.Hewas essentially Rohyrs to do with as he wished, when he wished,where he wished and no one could undo the hold his royal lover hadover him.Itshould have frightened him beyond bearing, this mental thralldom. Butthus far, Rohyr had never treated him as if he were a mere piece ofproperty, to use or discard as he pleased. He had not bedded him assoon as he set foot inside his halls nor had he taken Lassen withoutcare for his apprehensions or lack of experience. Lassen had placedhis trust in him and Rohyr had proved time and again that his trustwas well-founded.Hefelt the pull again. More than a request, less than a demand, itenticed him rather than forced him into compliance. Lassens desireheightened at so subtle a caress. He wove his arms around Rohyr andran his hands down his strong back.Ipray you will always find your ease in me, Rohyr-dyhar,he whispered. Rohyr made no answer but caught him in a scalding kiss,prying his lips apart topillageLassens mouth and swallowing the youths moans.Hewould enjoy teaching his leman the many ways to pleasure him. All themore when complete possession of his body was no longer restricted.But there would be noneedto teach him how to please Rohyr outside of their bed. Lassen simplygave himself over to the role as if born to it.Asif he had been made for Rohyrs delight alone.ChapterNineLoverTheCitadel, in the 3006th year of the Common AgeLassenwiped the sweat from his brow and neck to the resonating clash andclang of swords behind him. He tucked the tendrils of hair that hadescaped his long braid behind his ears and glanced back to see whostill remained on the field.Hewas no high-born
True Blood whose station behooved him to learn thebattle-arts. But he was part of the royal household, a member ofRohyr Essendris inner circle, and that was reason enough for himto train as the Ardan and his kin had since they were old enough tolift a broadsword.Lassennodded his thanks at the squire who had handed him a tall cup ofwater poured from a flagon embedded in cracked ice. He gulped downthe chilled liquid, refilled the cup, and strode to a pair newly donewith their sparring. He offered the water to his lover of ten years.Rohyr accepted the cup with a smile and drank deeply of it.Meanwhile, an attendant passed a towel to Lassen.Yourefinished? Rohyr inquired.Iam, Lassen affirmed as he plied the towel on Rohyrs face, napeand bare arms. He watched Rohyr hand his sword to a squire inexchange for a pair of knives. But I take it you mean tocontinue.Onlyone last bout, Rohyr said. There will be a number ofpetitioners at court today. Best I see to them early else I shallhave no time or energy for aught more than sleep tonight. That is notmy idea of a good way to end the day.Hebrushed his lips against Lassens before turning to face his newopponent. Lassen shook his head fondly at the kingsindefatigability.Ashe made his way along the perimeter of the drill yard, he passed somenewly arrived visitors. Gentry and minor nobility from thecountryside, he surmised, not only from their less cosmopolitanattire but also from the way they comported themselves.Theyogled Lassen appreciatively in turn. But when they espied his lemansearring they burst into speculative talk. Some did not trouble tolower their voices.Isit white-silver? one asked with awe as he eyed the costly piece.Howpresumptuous of him! sniffed another. Doesnt he know thatonly members of the Ardans family may bear white-silver?Howcan he when hes just a simple-minded provincial? a third addedderisively. I wonder what Rohyr saw in him to elevate him to soundeserved a station.Heis comely, the first Deir pointed out grudgingly. He likelycontents our Ardan well enough.Lassengave no indication that he had heard. After all these years, he wasused to being discussed with admiration, curiosity or disparagement.Nevertheless, it still rankled when he was shown disrespect either bythe ignorant who were not aware of the difference between an officialconcubine and a casual bed-partner or the knowledgeable whodisapproved of his liaison with Rohyr and let him know it so long asRohyr was notpresent.Lassen disliked them far more than those who did not know enough tomake sound assumptions. But either way, he had little regard for folkwho were so full of themselves they could belittle others on thebasis of their perceived inequality.Fornow, the third Deir snorted. Rohyr will bore of him and hellfind himself out on the streets before he knows whats happening.If he has any wits at all, hell save every coin and trinket heearns spreading his legs for the Ardan!Stungby the utter crudeness of that last statement, Lassen turned to speakup in his defense. There were some things that could not be borne.Doyou actually believe Rohyr pays for his lemans services? Youbetray your simple-minded provinciality, lackwits.Thetrio
Tenryon isthere? Saying no more, Shino dashed off.Lassenshook his head. Tenryon Hadrana was the Herun of Ziana and Rohyrsmentor in the mind arts. The scions of the ruling House of the formercity-state were known for their prowess in the gifts of the mind;equal to the Essendris it was said. Tenryon was a force to reckonwith. It was fortunate for the realm that he was not only Rohyrsally but a close friend as well.Shinoworshipped the very ground upon which Tenryon set foot. Rohyr alonestood higher in his regard and that was only by a half-step at most.Lassenwent on down the path and entered the Citadel proper. There would betime enough for a bath before he saw to his morning duties. He wasespecially looking forward to visiting the home for orphaned childrenrun by the monks of the Order of Saint Ambrion.Hesettled for a warm shower to save time. Afterward, he looked himselfover critically in the mirror. His hair he wore long as Rohyr had bidhim though he frequently tied or braided it into a queue. He was alsovery fair of complexion. His skin simply refused to color furtherthan the faintest hint of a tan. But his relative paleness belied hisphysical maturation.Tenyears of rigorous exercise in the drill yard, riding across the GreatField and hunting in the sprawling forest at the foot of Mount Sarakhad put their stamp on him. Though willowy of form, his body was hardand sinewy, his slender limbs supple and strong. His face had changedas wellhis cheeks had lost all remnants of roundedness and werenow handsomely sculpted, as were his nose and jaw.Contraryto what those newcomers believed, Lassen had also undergoneconsiderable edification all these years. He had achieved hisparents desire that he finish his education and graduated withscholastic distinction just a year and a half ago. That same year, healso attained his majority and Rohyr had gifted him with thewhite-silver earring that adorned his left ear.Hetouched a finger to it, recalling the general shock over the thoughtthat Rohyr deemed him worthy of the privilege to wear the preciousmetal that was the exclusive province of sovereign rulers and theirimmediate families. But Rohyr had always had a penchant for doing theunlooked for. He had taken Lassen as his leman against expectationsand the protestations of a few. And he had then bestowed on him manyof the privileges and responsibilities that by tradition were enjoyedor carried out by members of the royal family alone.Lassenquickly dressed and pulled on a sturdy cloak. But as he was about toleave, Josel forestalled him.Thereare two envoys from Tal Ereq here to see you, Dyhar.I took the liberty of taking them to the blue chamber. Will you meetthem?Butof course, Lassen promptly replied. Tis not often that I getto speak with folk from home.Theblue chamber was so called because of its midnight blue carpet andthe cobalt-hued drapes that framed the windows. Lassen was surprisedwhen he saw who awaited him within. While it was not unusual for thejewel smiths and craftspeople to come to the capital, the same couldnot be said of the town Elders whose professional pursuits were infields that had
brother and his family best, but I dont. Ormore to the point, I cant.Youveshared so much more with the others, Lassen murmured. And theylove you for yourself, not because you wear the crown.True.Imcael resents it to this day that it is I who wears it and not he.Haveyou ever worried that he would... Lassen hesitated then pressedon. That he would try to wrest it from you?Rohyrshook his head. He resents me but he does not hate me so much thathe would attempt to depose me. Hes still my uncle and did love myabawell. And for all his ambition, he is loyal to me.Lassendid not question Rohyr about the means by which he had ascertainedhis uncles fidelity. He suspected though that Rohyr had made gooduse of his prodigious talents.AllTrue Bloods possessed the latent power to wield the mind gifts thoughthe degree of strength varied. However, not all knew how to tap thatpower to the fullest or learned to use it competently. Even among theEssendris the level of skill differed and not all scions of the RoyalHouse were taught how to harness their power proficiently.Surprisingly, Imcael was not as adroit as one would expect of aprince who had once been thought to succeed his then childlessbrother. Lassen wondered whether it was simply due to a lack ofproper training or if the Herun had been unfortunate enough not toinherit the Essendri potential in full.Whatof his sons?Thereis nothing to fear from Mahael or Ronuin. But Tyrde is an unknownquantity, Rohyr admitted. Hes only a few years older thanyou and the last time he came to court was before your arrival. Ihavent seen or spoken with him since.Returningto the bed, Lassen looked down at his sleeping lover. He gazed uponhis features, so comely even in repose, before his eyes travelleddown the length of his splendid body. He knew every inch of thatbody. Just as Rohyr knew his. There was not apartof him the king had not uncovered, plumbed and owned over the courseof their liaison. And still, each time he bedded Lassen, it was withthe same driving lust as when he had plucked his virginity ordivested him of the last of his innocence when he reached histhirtieth year.Lassenabruptly turned away, the mere recollection of that night enough tounsettle him. His memories of the dinner in his honor were hazy,distracted as he was by the way Rohyr had eyed him throughout themeal. He could not clearly recall the jests that had peppered thedinner conversation or the sympathetic glances Rohyrs cousins casthis way as the evening progressed and Rohyrs forbearance worethin. But Lassen would always remember the moment when, instead ofmore wine, Josel served him a narrow crystal flute filled with aclear, cerulean-hued liquid.Mirash.Ingested after a meal, it inhibited the viability of the womb bycausing itsliningor seedbed to reject infiltration by semen. Lassen had not thought hecould blush as deeply as he had upon laying eyes for the first timeon the potent conception suppressor.Theothers had considerately turned their attention elsewhere while heslowly downed the liquid. Its flavor was akin to sweet wine but witha mild astringent aftertaste that was