thegoodfellas/blogset-br huggingface dataset:
below the banks.Rohyrsat in his great chair before the hearth. The table beside it heldtwo mugs of mulled wine, an empty glass and a stack ofcorrespondence. The Ardan was engaged in reading a letter. Or tryingto, judging from the frown that marred his brow. Sure enough, hesuddenly huffed and crumpled the missive in his hand.Isit too much to ask that one learns to write legibly if he refuses tolet a scribe do it for him? he acidly commented, glaring at theoffending document.Coolfingers alighted on the sides of his forehead from behind and rubbedthem. He sighed after a while and, reaching for Lassens wrist,pulled him to come around and sit on his lap. Lassen obliginglystraddled him.Isit important? he asked.Theletter was from the steward of one of the numerous royal holdsscattered throughout Ylandre. Rohyr made it his business to know howhis estates were faring and oft made sudden visits when he had timeto spare or demanded regular reports when he did not.Whoknows? Rohyr irritably replied. If there is aught in it thatneeds tending to, its lost in a swamp of atrocious scribbling.He tossed the letter onto the table. Remind me to have Gilmael orone of his people decipher the confounded thing. They may be able tomake some sense of it. They are used to the gibberish of encryptedmessages after all,Lassenchuckled. He ran his hands through Rohyrs hair, letting the darkstrands slide between his fingers. A moment later, he caught ashuddery breath when Rohyr nuzzled his throat before trailing kissesalong its length. Rohyrs hand crept under the hem of his shirt tofondle the wakening bulge in his crotch.Youhave a number of letters to read, Lassen moaned.Theycan wait, Rohyr roughly murmured. Lassens legs securely wrappedaround his waist, he rose to his feet and bore his leman to the bed.Therain continued to clamor for entry into the cozy confines of thechamber. It clamored unheeded as the couple made good use of a rareafternoon of leisure. LassenwatchedRohyr move above him, mesmerized by the strength and beauty of thisDeir who owned him so wholly. Ten years onward and the experience oftaking Rohyr inside him never palled; never lost the thrill he hadknown when they first joined their bodies.Heclung to Rohyr as the Ardan repeatedly speared him; inwardly strokingthe sensitive walls of his seed channel that wrought so much pleasurethe frictional contact was enough to bring him to completion. Lassenenjoyed coupling with Rohyr not only for the physical enjoyment of itbut also because of the exquisite closeness he felt to the kingwhenever he took him into his body. In these moments, he couldbelieve that he was more than Rohyrs lover. He could pretend thathe was his love as well.Lassengasped helplessly as his climax overtook him. He clutched at Rohyrwhile his body quivered in the throes of his release, his sheathspasmodically gripping Rohyrs embedded shaft. Already swept up inthe storm of his own completion, Rohyr groaningly swore as hispleasure heightened further. Lassen softly laughed in between shakyintakes of breath.Itwas always a pleasure to see Rohyr so caught in raptures thrallthat he was reduced to uttering imprecations over his loss ofcontrol. In
the fulfillment of his avowed role in Rohyrs life,Lassen found contentment and deepest joy. If he had a regret, it wasembodied in the emptied glass beside their mugs of mulled wine.Lassensavored the rush of warmth within him that made its way to his belly.He bit his lip as it dissipated soon after reaching the vicinity ofhis womb. Had he not earlier consumed mirash,the warm sensation might not have faded but flared instead into aspreading heat that would have signified the infiltration of hisseedbed by Rohyrs ejaculate. He knew the familiar pang of sadnesswhen the warmth petered out.Notthat it was advisable for him to get with child while he was stillbelow breeding age. Though his seedbed had probably reached itsfertile stage, it did not mean his womb was developed enough to housea child. It was highly unlikely he could carry one to term andmiscarrying was no thing to take lightly. It could cost a youngbearer his life for Deira below reproductive maturity tended to bleedovermuch in the wake of losing a babe.Buteven were he of breeding age, Lassen doubted he would ever have a sonby Rohyr. The king had said that he would not balk at siring childrenon his leman once he had done his duty of begetting heirs on hisofficial spouse. However, he had never promised Lassen that he wouldindeed get him with child. After all, there were the sensibilities ofhis future Ardis to consider.Rohyrsconsort would likely endure Lassens continued presence. It was notuncommon for Deira to keep their lemans even after wedlock,particularly in arranged unions, which were more the rule than theexception among the aristocracy. Nobles who openly resided with theirconcubines rather than their lawful spouses were not unusual. Butbastard children were another matter entirely. Not all bluebloodscountenanced the siring of potential rivals to their own progeny.Among the highest born nobles, it was more expedient to simplydisallow the begetting of children outside of the legally recognizedunion.Lassenstifled a sigh as Rohyr pulled out of him, careful to conceal thepang of loneliness he experienced each time they parted their bodiesafter making love. He could not bring himself to confess his feelingsto Rohyr. His pity would only add to Lassens sorrow over lovingone who could never truly be his.** * *Theheavy rains did not hinder Imcael Essendri. He rode straight to theCitadel as soon as he arrived in the city. When he dismounted in thebailey, the grooms led his sopping wet steed away to be rubbed downin the stables while the retainers took his dripping oilskin cloakand replaced it with a warm mantle then plied him with hot spicedwine. To his escort of four, they offered strong ale and a warmingspell before the great hearth in the servants hall. Throughout,though all were curious as to why Rohyrs uncle would brave suchfoul weather, none dared mention it lest they received a tonguelashing from the fief-lord. Imcael was always afforded the respectdue his station but the people did not love him.IfRohyr was surprised by Imcaels unexpected arrival, he did not showit when he received him in his study. Nor did he display annoyancewhen the Herun demanded
an audience with him as soon as possible.Rohyr simply could not dispense with his sense of obligation to hisuncle.Dylenwas not as constrained, however, and inquired about Imcaels hasteand presumption, as Rohyr might were he not a monarch faced with arelative he loved but whose company he preferred to do without. Dylenwas impeccably tactful as expected of one whose former tradenecessitated judicious language. But Imcael had never been known totolerate so much as a smidgen of an affront. Consequently, he was ina huff when he retired to his rooms to change into dry clothes,leaving his nephews to discuss his advent. Neither missed his failureto answer the question Dylen put to him.Whatis so important that it couldnt wait for fairer weather? Dylenremarked. Rohyr sighed and rubbed his forehead. Uncle Imcaelthinks the world revolves around him. Anything that troubles him hedeems necessary to bring to my attention forthwith. He rose to hisfeet reluctantly. Just this morn, I felt sorry for you. Now Ienvyyou and wish I were the one leaving for Vireshe.Dylensnorted. You think travelling in a storm preferable to meetingwith him? Anything is preferable to meeting with him! Rohyrexclaimed. And its not as ifyoullbe in the rain the whole length of your journey.Dylengrinned. While his mental powers did not match Rohyrs in breadthor strength, he possessed the Essendri potential and could generatetranslocation portals, the best-known hallmark of gifted True Bloods.He risked a real drenching only in the time before he entered thecorridor and after he exited it. That is, if it was pouring asheavily in Vireshe as it was in the capital.Hedrew on his cloak and made to leave. But before he opened the door,he turned and looked at his brother, his brow creasing into a frown.Takecare, Roh, he said. Dont let him badger you into a course ofaction you might regret.Rohyrstared at him. Do you suspect something in the offing?Dylenshook his head. Its only a feeling I have. That blockade ofVelarus last month? There has to have been more to it than mereconceit. He exhaled. I suppose my unease stems in part from mydislike of him. I can never forget how he opposed your taking me intothe family fold or the way he looks down on my addato this day.Rohyrslips tightened. But he could not blame Dylen.Begottenon a Rikaran hetharby the late royal consort Dyrael on the eve of his binding to hisking-cousin Keldon, Dylens standing in court rested entirely onhisimmediatekinship to Rohyr. Imcael had been horrified to learn of an Essendriby-blow who was sprung of a member of that elite fraternity whosecompany and sexual favors could be had for the highest of prices.Even worse, Dylen had practiced the profession himself for yearsbefore Rohyr discovered his existence and formally recognized him ashis brother. Imcael had been vocal with his dismay, retreating onlywhen Dylen fought back and eventually giving grudging respect to hislaw-brothers proud bastard.Ifear his ambitions not for himself, but for his children, Dylensaid. There are things he may do for them that hed never thinkof doing for his own sake. Whatever the cause, I dont trust him inthis and neither should you.Rohyrgrimaced.
close ties with Rohyr. Small wonder they were not part of hiscoterie now.Imcaelwatched as Rohyr took his place beside Tyrde to lead the traditionalwedding jig. Watched and noted Rohyrs less than high spirits. Oh,he smiled, made nary a mistake and imbued each step with the properliveliness. But there was something lacking.Afterwardthe couple joined a quartet of cousinsYovans sandy-haired sonRysander, Ranael Mesare of the Royal Army and the brethren Aeldan andAshrian Mithani. That Tyrde scarcely knew any of the four and hadlittle in common with them became evident all too soon. He did notlong remain by Rohyrs side but took his leave to sit with Ronuinand his spouse instead.Imcaelsighed. Tyrde had his work cut out for him. He wondered if hisyoungest was up to the challenge.Itwas some time before Rohyr rejoined his consort. Not an offensivelylong time but it was clear to astute observers that here was no lovematch. Even Rohyrs attire bore testament to his lack of enthusiasmfor the occasion. He was clad in the customary nuptial colors ofcream and gold but there was little of the resplendence expected ofthe ruler of a great realm. Only the heavy collar of white-silverlinks and square-cut adamants marked him as royalty. And in lieu ofhis crown or even a ceremonial coronet, he wore a plain gold circlet.Butthe most telling sign of all was the way he periodically twisted thewedding band of entwined gold and white-silver on the middle fingerof his right hand. Not in the manner of one unused to wearing a ringon that finger but rather as if it were too tight and he wished hecould remove it.Aftera few minutes conversation with Tyrde, Rohyr scanned the hall untilhe spotted Lassen. His leman was seated at one of the far tables.Engaged in conversation with Eiren Sarvan and Reijir Arthannasbrother Keiran, he showed no sign of unease though hemusthave felt it at a feast celebrating his lovers binding to another.Conspicuousby his absence or presence, Lassen had chosen to endure the latter.Snubbing Rohyrs nuptials would have sparked criticism howeverunjust. Though it cost him, Lassen made a quiet appearance, dressingappropriately but not so well lest he be accused of vying with Tyrdefor attention.Hemaintained a discreet distance from the royal couple. Rohyr could nothelp a surge of pride at his impeccable behavior along with a pang ofregret that he should have to conduct himself thusly in the firstplace. After ascertaining that all was well for the moment withLassen, he returned his attention to the Deir who was now his legalspouse.Lasthe had seen his cousin was close to fourteen years ago, just beforeTyrde attained the age of consent. He was comely even then andpromised to gain in beauty as he further matured. Well, that promisehad been fulfilled.Tyrdewas every inch a scion of the Royal Housetall, well-built and veryhandsome. He shared some similarities with Rohyr but not enough to bemistaken for his brother. For one, unlike north-bred Imcael, Tyrdesspeech was of southeastern Ylandre. For another, his hair was abright golden auburn, a Kardova trait. Lastly, he did not have thedistinctive rimmed irises that were usually the mark of Essendris ofthe direct
rather, could not. Eyes lowered, cheekspale and shoulders drooping, he was a picture of misery.Feelingas if he were committing a sin beyond redeeming, Rohyr walked out thedoor, Tyrdes hand fast upon his arm.** * *Heawakened at daybreak the following morn. It took him a moment torecognize his surroundings. The last he had spent any length of timein the Ardis suite was many years ago when his AddaDyrael still lived. Since Dyraels death from illness, Rohyr hadnot reentered the apartment save once before Tyrdes arrival andthat had only been to approve his staffs refurbishments.Heglanced to his side. Tyrde still slept soundly, his titian lockstousled about his face. Rohyr sighed and sat up.Lastnight had been pleasant enough where his body was concerned. Tyrdewas no innocent. He had known what to do and how to do it and mutualcompletion had been easy to attain. Now if only the pleasures of theflesh were enough to fill the void inside.Rohyrtook a deep calming breath then scowled. The scent that rose from hisskin was Tyrdes mingled with his own.Heslipped out of bed and pulled on a dressing robe. Leaving a briefnote on the writing desk explaining that he was accustomed tostarting his day early, he exited the bedchamber. He made his way outof the apartment, sweeping past the handful of nobles gathered in thesitting room to whom had fallen the duty of ascertaining that theroyal marriage had been consummated. Their greetings died away whenthey espied his expression.Halfwaydown the corridor, Rohyr passed Lassens door. He slowed down andlooked at it. But before he could make a move, he saw Josel hurryingtoward him.Dyhar,shall I have a bath drawn? the elderly retainer inquired. WhenRohyr did not answer but continued to stare at the door, Josel softlyadded, He has already left for the day.Rohyrjerked his eyes back to Josel. Left? he repeated incredulously.The first bell hasnt even rung!Joselaverted his gaze. Idana-tyarmentioned something about attending to duties he had neglected duringthe preparations for yesterdays celebrations, he murmured.Rohyrwinced. Did he say when he would return?Joselshook his head. But I gathered he would be back quite late, Dyhar.He, ah, mentioned that he wouldnt have his supper here.Silencemet his announcement. At length, Rohyr muttered, I see. Helooked at the door once more. Inform me when he returns, hetonelessly instructed. And, yes, please draw me a bath.Joselsolicitously ushered him to his apartment, wishing he could takeRohyr into his arms and comfort him as he had when he was a child.** * *Thenight was old when Lassen returned to the Citadel. He trudged his wayto the royal wing, his body as tired as his heart was sore.Hehad planned this many weeks back. Planned that he would spend the dayafter Rohyrs binding in incessant activity so that he would notconstantly think of his loss. He had visited as many charities inthis one day as would ordinarily require a sennight.Walkingdown the hallway to his quarters, he studiously avoided glancing backat the door at the other end of it. The Ardis apartment was whereRohyr would likely spend the night now and many more to follow untilTyrde got with child.TyrdeEssendri tirKardova. Lassen
swallowed hard. It did not lessen the hurt one whitto know that Rohyr had wed Tyrde against his will. He dearly wishedthere was some drug Eiren could prescribe that would ease the pain ofheartache.Heentered his suite and headed straight for the bathing chamber. Hebadly needed a warm bath to soothe his tired body and fraught nerves.Filling the tub however would take too long and he opted for a briskshower instead, hoping there was enough hot water stored in theCitadel reservoirs.Ashe bathed, he wondered if Tyrde would demand that he be moved toanother apartment in the keep. Lassen hoped not. This was his home,his refuge. One he had oft shared with Rohyr over the years. Manytimes had Rohyr foregone returning to his own suite for days on end,save to dress for court, ignoring tradition in the process much tothe consternation of some.Afterall, the point of placing the royal couples apartments at oppositeends of the wing was to ensure the security of the succession. Whenthe king wished to lie with his consort, he went to the lattersapartment for the night. But he did not linger there as a rule. Forin the event of calamity or war, the chances of both Ardan and Ardisdying were far less if they maintained separate living quarters forthe most part. This was particularly important if the Ardis was withchild. The stricture had once applied to royal concubines as wellfor, in the ancient days, it was not unheard of for a sovereign tosire heirs on his leman either because he had no intention ofmarrying or his legal consort was barren. A pity such a recourse wasno longer accepted in Ylandre, Lassen wistfully thought.Hevexedly turned off the hot water tap and welcomed the sting of coldthat followed. It was foolish to nurse such fantasies. Best to resignhimself to the many lonely nights to come.Shiveringafterward, he desolately dried himself. Strange how previously he hadnever been lonely even when Rohyr was not with him. The mereknowledge of his lovers presence in the keep had been enough tocontent him. Lassen pulled on a robe and stepped out of the chamber.He stopped short.Rohyrstood by the bedside window, staring at the dark outside. But hesensed Lassen as soon as the latter entered the room. For a longmoment, they gazed at each other. Lassen caught his breath at thelook in Rohyrs eyes. And then Rohyr held out his hand.Lassenwordlessly went into his arms and was enfolded in a tight embrace. Heturned his face into Rohyrs neck and breathed in his distinctivescent. Rohyr buried his face in Lassens fair hair.Isought you first thing this morn but you had already gone, hequietly said. Forgive me, Lassen murmured. I didnt thinkyou would have need of me so soonandRohyrcut him off with a swift kiss. Hush, I know, I know. He closedhis eyes and tilted his head so that their temples touched. But Idid need you. By Veres, I didnt think it possible to feel so alonewhilst sharing a bed with another.Andyour body. Lassenfirmly pushed the thought away and took comfort in hisloverswords instead. That Rohyr should still want him after
gossiping about which noble got caughtwith his breeches down. And that is all we talk about. Veres help me,I know what acts and positions he favors in bed but have not a singleidea what he finds entertaining outside. Music, books, theater,gaming... I dont know his likes or dislikes any more than he knowsmine. The only thing he obviously finds worth his while sharing otherthan our bodies is power.Rohyrsighed. I cant love him but Id hoped we could be friends atleast. Well, its clear that is a vain and foolish hope. And I fearour children will fare no better in his esteem. Small wonder thatits Lassens company I seek. Would that he could bear my heirs.They would never languish for want of love and care.Thoughtsof his leman softened the sternness in his features to such a degreethat one who did not know him well would have been shocked by thesudden change. Lassen was proving a refuge to his lover more thanever before, much to the bewilderment of certain quarters.** * *Whatcan he possibly do between the sheets that I cant? Tyrdeangrily demanded of his sire on his last evening in Rikara. He haswarmed Rohyrs bed all these years, yet hes as prudish as avirginal temple acolyte! You should see him blush when lewd tales andbawdy jests are bandied about. Surely he cant please Rohyr as wellas I do.Imcaelstared at his son. Even he comprehended that the king cared for hisparamour in more ways than one though, Veres forbid, it had betternot be love. Still, it was Tyrde who was Rohyrs official partnerand, in Imcaels opinion, he was wasting a grand opportunity tooust his rival.Hepleases him not only in body, Imcael pointed out. Surely youknow that. Tyrde looked at him with raised brows. That Rohyrcares for him goes withoutsaying.But thats only to be expected given the years hes had him inhis service. Tis the same with that lackey of hiswhats hisname? Ah, no matter. But, really, I must find a way to retire the oldfart. Hes of no use to me and only takes up space better suited toa younger, hardier soul.Imcaelfrowned. Josel had been in service to the Essendris almost all hislife. It grated to hear the elderly retainer belittled.Dontspeak that way about Josel, he rebuked Tyrde. Hes beenfaithful to our family and served us well.Tyrdeshrugged. Forgive me my rash words but I scarcely feel his vauntedloyalty. He doesnt serve me but rather that trollop. Rohyr refusesto assign him to my staff.Thatsnot surprising, Imcael gruffly replied. Rohyr wont allow hisleman to feel forsaken by taking away those dear to him.Tyrdehooted. Dear to him? A mere retainer? He shows his base blood,doesnt he? About to protest that in no way could Lassen beaccused of being base-born, Imcaelcaughthimself. He had oft made the same insinuation during the worst of histirades against his nephews concubine, but it had always beenunderstood that it was meant as an insult to one he did not like andnot a true reflection of his opinion of the Idanas place insociety. Tyrde, however, spoke as if he believed that a member of