"Arabian Nights"
Part 29
by Mel
"How long do you think Ian’s going to be?"
"Why would I know?"
"It was just a question," a rather childish pout followed the statement.
"Ooo something shiny!"
"Where?"
"There, in the corner, near the other towels."
"It’s a box! Do you think they’ll notice if we opened it?"
"There’s only one way to find out..."
******
Sean entered with Ian. He was a little surprised with the older warrior’s
request, as he had actually taken a couple of moments of his time to ask.
Sean had the feeling that Ian would have left him alone had he said no.
But Sean had spent too much time alone in Karl’s rooms already. He was
a warrior and had not had an idle day since he was old enough to lift a sword.
All this time alone and doing very little was sending him quite mad. Too much
time to think. So when Ian offered him the chance to be a short test for Viggo’s
two kittens, he couldn’t say no. He didn’t want to miss the chance
to spend some time with the young prince and the doe eyed thief. It would
also be a good chance to truly find out how they were doing for Viggo.
Sean followed the old man, silent in his movements, wondering what he could
possibly have in store for him? Viggo had warned him the two kittens could
be a handful, and he had much more patience than Sean, he certainly didn’t
want to have to look after them by himself for too long.
They entered the inner courtyard of the slave training grounds. The two boys
were already waiting there for them.
Ian was grateful that the two of them were prompt, it was a useful skill Ian
did not wish to have to try and teach them. Their heads were bowed, catching
the older man by surprise. He paused in front of the boys, lifting Elijah’s
head back gently.
Sean gasped but Ian was much better at hiding his surprise and delight. Elijah’s
lashes were thick with dark kohl, offsetting his bright blue eyes. His lids
were coated in shimmering blue and silver powder and his lips with dark burgundy
paste. Orlando’s eyes, which were now also raised, were outlined with
kohl. But where Elijah had been blue and silver, Orlando was gold as the sun.
The colour dusted over his olive skin, coiling beneath his curls. The alluring
contrast between the two was nothing short of amazing.
"Good," Ian murmured appreciatively, "you both have some ability
in applying makeup. It is going to be rather useful that at least some of
Lord Viggo’s personal slaves have your talent." Both boys could
not help the smiles that danced across their faces at Ian’s praise.
"It will also do well now. Captain Karl has lent Sean, of whom you’re
both familiar with, so you might practice a few of the skills I have taught
you."
Both Elijah and Orlando glanced at the tall blonde. Elijah’s was a look
of friendship, which Sean could not help but return. Orlando’s was not
one of hostility but neither was it of any form of closeness. Orlando looked
almost suspicious.
"Come," Ian clapped his hands, drawing their attention. They stood,
following Ian as he moved from the room. "We will practice in the garden
till our time is cut short."
******
Elijah’s table skills required only minor alterations, having lived
within his father’s court he knew enough to get by if there were no
slaves around.
Orlando’s ability was laughable.
Sean watched as the poor boy drop the jug for the third time, sending the
contents flying. He flushed in irritation beneath the powder he wore, eyes
flicking nervously to Ian who sat a little way from them. Elijah knelt beside
Ian, obviously only slightly succeeding to keep his mirth in check. Sean bit
the inside of his cheek lightly, this was the bit he hated.
"Clean that up," his tone was brisk, leaving no room for argument.
Orlando didn’t meet his eyes but Sean could tell most of the boy’s
irritation was directed at him. Sean himself was having a hard time being
harsh as a master should be. It didn’t help knowing that Viggo would
never ask such a task from Orlando, even if it were part of his training.
Orlando mopped up his mess quickly. He was furious with himself, if only for
the reason that he didn’t know where this nervousness came from. In
front of Ian and Elijah he had been able to preform this task easily, though
with none of Elijah’s grace. The moment that he had come in front of
Sean, however, he was all limbs, loosing all coordination.
Setting the table up again he took a quick breath, refusing to focus on Sean,
and imagined he was serving Viggo. That helped, and he managed to pour this
time without hassle. He handed the drink to Sean without incident and breathed
a sigh of relief. Grateful he sat back on his heels as Sean took a sip.
"Better," Ian’s voice was quiet cold, making Orlando’s
stomach churn. "Again."
It was going to be a long afternoon.
******
"I am so tired." Elijah flopped back on the divan, his head landing
on Orlando’s thigh, pillowed against the fabric. Almost automatically
Orlando’s fingers delved into his soft hair, making Elijah purr gently.
"Do you think we’ll ever get back to Lord Viggo?"
Elijah couldn’t quite stop the snort. "He was the one who put us
here." He felt Orlando stiffen beneath his skin, fingers flexing slightly
in his hair before being removed. Elijah bit the inside of his cheek, instantly
regretting what he’d said.
"If it weren’t for the Prince we would have been given to that
pig of a Lord to punish." Orlando slipped out from beneath Elijah. He
slipped the vest on that he had taken off when he entered their small sleeping
quarters.
"Where are you going?"
"If Sean is here, I will talk to him. At least he will not insult my
Lord with every word he says." And Orlando was gone.
If you enjoyed this story, please send feedback to: Mel
go to PART 30