Droit d’Seigneur (The Right of the Lord)

See Part 1 for Disclaimer and Notes.

The sun was peeking through the curtains of the room as William roused to find himself not in his own room. He looked through sleepy eyes and saw evidence that servants had been and gone in the room. Clothes that had been dropped or flung in haphazard fashion were now neatly folded. There was a bowl piled with fresh fruit next to an earthenware pitcher of water… and two glasses.

Glancing at the sleeping man beside him, he wasn’t sure what to think of it. So he pondered on the night before and how he had come to be there instead.

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The night before…

Edward stood next to Adhemar watching William surrounded and dazzled by curious nobles eager to know his new protégé. Jocelyn stood nearby smiling, basking in the reflected interest.

Edward chuckled at William’s attempts to be charming. He spoke, “You agree it is best for all, that you are his patron, not me?” The prince wondered how many would still seek the young man out when it became known that Adhemar be sponsoring him at court. He suspected it might take a royal command to get William to agree to it.

The Black Prince knew that the dark man beside him fascinated William. He had seen the furtive glances and studied looks William had sent Adhemar's way. Known the avid way the young man searched for the Count's shield on the lists. He also witnessed the increasingly bored looks he turned in Jocelyn’s direction.

He also knew William was not aware that the interest in Adhemar was returned. His spies had told him different - the interest was marked on both sides. He grinned at the thought of Chaucer and Germaine as matchmakers. Now there was a tale worth telling.

“Yes, Milord.” Adhemar’s response was dry and jaded as he watched William. “I will see to it that Sir Thatcher survives the court.” He vowed that he would not react as he had at the last banquet he attended with the youth. He would stay and watch the young knight enchant others while giving him a wide berth. “William...” He sighed and started again, “My Lord Edward, William may see things differently. He may not want my aid.”

Edward’s turned from the scenes before him to look at the Count’s tense face. “He will go with you because I will give him a royal command.” He paused and said in a sly tone, “What you do with him after that is your own affair.” He chuckled at the sudden look of surprise that was quickly masked. He laughed aloud as a dourly dark look was sent in his direction.

His laughter drew looks from the surrounding courtiers who were astonished that Adhemar had induced such a reaction. William was also distracted from the flighty ladies surrounding him and his eyes widened as he saw his prince standing with to the man he loved to hate.

“My Lord?” Adhemar growled.

“I have asked you to watch over him as my friend. My command is that you do more than see that he survives the court.” Edward gave Adhemar a piercing look. “I will gather the lad and bring him to you.” Before the Count could give any reply Edward walked over to the small group surrounding William. Edward felt glowering eyes on his back and smiled to himself.

He bowed politely to the courtiers and said in a pleasant voice, “William, I want you to meet someone. Come.” Nodding to the others in the group, "Lady Jocelyn, my ladies, my lords." He ignored the whispers and walked over to where Adhemar stood waiting.

William looked at the prince as he trailed after him. Looking past the flurry of noble curtseys and bows he saw the silent man they were approaching. He almost stopped in his tracks. He felt his throat and chest tighten in anticipation. He fought against the dark attraction he always felt when near Adhemar, so different to the light playfulness of Jocelyn that had begun to pall. Chaucer’s pithy comments and observations about Adhemar and Jocelyn flashed in his mind.

“You aim too high, Will, she’ll break your heart.”

“Will, why do you think Adhemar’s leaving disturbed you so much?”

He was brave and reckless to the extreme but not too bright. It had taken Will a while to figure out what he felt for the two most confusing people he knew. Chaucer’s comments helped and William knowingly left the bland lightness of one to stand before the mesmerizing darkness of the other.

“William. I don’t believe you have met Count Adhemar off the field as yet?” Edward enquired drawing William closer to the Count. Adhemar’s inscrutable gaze lingered on William’s face only to drop as he sketched a bow to the prince.

William coughed and replied, “No, Milord. We were sparring partners only.” The Black Prince raised an eyebrow at his words. William felt awkward and continued, “On the field. I mean we jousted together… that is…”

Edward chuckled, “Yes of course. Flat of his back, I think you said?” Seeing William’s slight shift of discomfort he redirected his comments, “Is that not right, Count?”

Adhemar tilted his head in agreement with the prince, his lips twitching in humor at the young man’s dismay at the conversation. “Yes, Milord. We have but jousted on the field. Well met, Sir Knight.” He inclined his head to William who responded with a terse nod of his own. Their eyes met and locked, William felt the room fade as he focused on the eyes that seemed to pierce his soul.

Edward called William’s attention back to him. “William. My position demands a life where you can have no active part. I cannot be seen to favor you over others - to do so would court disaster. I have asked Adhemar here to oversee you. Do you understand?”

“Err, no. Milord?” William looked at the tall man before him, his thoughts still occupied by the dark man that it seemed his prince had entrusted him to.

Edward laughed and clapped him on the shoulder, then said seriously, “I ask that you attend him. If necessary, I will command it. I have a small holding that needs a master. If things go well with your training I would gift it to you - make you a landed knight.” He looked at Will and repeated his words softly, “Will, attend him and all will be well.”

William frowned. “Yes, My Prince.” Edward squeezed the young man’s shoulder then dropped his hand as he turned away to mingle with other nobles leaving William with his newly appointed patron. Hearing a cough behind him, William he turned to face Adhemar He caught a deep questioning look from the older man before the dark features returned to their usual aloofness.

Adhemar stood back and gestured to a door leading out of the hall, “Come, Sir Knight. I would explain the Prince’s intentions.” He paused and then continued in a mocking tone, “for both of us.”

William looked back to the cluster of people surrounding Edward. “But Jocelyn … “ His voice trailed off as Adhemar drew him closer to the door. The brief touch sent shivers through him and he cursed himself for allowing himself to be distracted by it. He threw a quick look at Adhemar to see only amusement lightening his features.

Quirking an eyebrow at William, Adhemar replied. “Our Prince will entertain the lady, while I entertain you. She will come to no harm from him - nor you from me.”

William shot another look in Adhemar’s direction, wondering what he meant.

Adhemar sighed impatiently, “Enough lad. Come; do as Prince Edward has bid you. Attend me.” Stepping back he gestured Will to the wide door at the end of the hall. William was puzzled because he knew the guest rooms lay to that side of the castle. As he was about to pass from the hall William again looked back to his liege only to find Edward watching him over the rim of a goblet of wine, Jocelyn by his side.

Edward gave a decisive nod and then turned away. Jocelyn watched with a puzzled expression but was then distracted by the prince’s attentions.

Will stepped through the door uncertain about what would await him.

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William followed Adhemar down lofty halls there were few people around, mostly servants. The quick smooth walk of the man leading him down the hall distracted him as it drew his eyes. They passed through another door and William soon found himself in a large bedroom with a wide bed and the black boar standard of Adhemar draped above it.

Adhemar stood near the end of the bed. “Welcome William.” He gave the nervous young man a hard look calculated to unnerve him. “The last time we were alone together I laid fists on your body.” He allowed his gaze to wander over the young man’s body, the tight tunic framing muscle and sinew. The close fit did not hide the padding where his lance had pierced.

William felt nervous yet found he was not afraid to answer the challenge. Boldly he asked, “Is that what you intend this time? To beat me? You will not find it so easy when I am not tied.” He vainly tried to ignore the flare of emotions that knowing gaze awoke in him.

Adhemar took off his tunic to reveal a soft shirt beneath it. William’s gaze was drawn to where the nimble fingers plucked and pulled. Adhemar smiled as he flicked at the laces, opening the neck of the shirt to show a strongly muscled chest.

“Lay fists on you? Not exactly. I wish to tend your wound. I intend to lay hands, lips and tongue on you … if you are willing?”

William was so fixed in watching what Adhemar was doing that he almost missed the softly spoken words. “What did you say?” The meaning drifted into his mind and is heart leapt. He looked into the amused eyes of the taunting nobleman.

Adhemar approached William and reached out to hold him at his shoulders. “Will, the Prince knows what you desire. He has seen the looks you send my way. It is no secret that I sport with men on and off the field of battle.”

William glanced away and felt a flush over his skin. The prince had noted the interest he had in Adhemar? Did Edward know of the fleeting feelings akin to hero worship that Will had had for the prince himself? William looked at the man so close to him and nodded thoughtfully. “I have heard talk of Germaine and your pretty pages from Chaucer.” A sudden thought came to him. “You would add me to that list?” William’s voice rose in anger.

Adhemar stepped back from William, flinching from the young man’s ire as he muttered to himself. “With you, my golden lad, the list would end.” He caught Will’s wary look and spoke up mockingly. “You are a Knight, Sirrah, are you not? No longer a peasant by our Prince’s decree.” William nodded quickly. “I think we should stop jousting, hmm?”

He paused giving the young man a wry grin that settled William’s unease somewhat. “Off the field and in my bed, I will command you where our prince may not.” Adhemar closed the gap again and brushed his lips across William’s surprised mouth.

Will felt the practiced ease of Adhemar’s lips as a thought teased at his mind. He had done this before. Will felt his anger return in full force at the thought of being one of many with the Count. He pushed his hands against the hard planes of Adhemar’s chest, stepping back to break the soft contact between them.

“Is this by our prince’s command? That you bed me?” William paced the floor in front of the man who stood quietly in the face of his rage. Will flung words at him, giving them no real thought. “Am I your prize?” He saw Adhemar wince at those words. He gave the older man a measured look and now cautiously asked, “… or are you mine?”

Adhemar spoke quietly, “I was asked to ally myself with you. Teach you courtly ways. I wish to bed you but that was not asked of me, nor expected of you.” He made no mention of the Prince’s implied consent of such a union though as he reached out and touched Will’s cheek in a tender move. “You are free to leave if you wish. I will explain to the Prince and he will find you another to teach you.”

William shook his head dislodging the hand that lay there. “You don’t understand. I make no bargains with my body. Jocelyn was the last person who offered such a trophy, naming herself as my prize but she left me as she came. Untouched.”

The dark man looked intently into William’s face, “Jocelyn? You refused her?”

William gave him a cheeky grin, “Not entirely. I will admit to a kiss or three, but when she touched my battered body seeking pleasure I grew angry.” He frowned at the memory, “While I “proved” my adoration of her by battering my body, she waited until night to present herself to me. After my friends had taken me to my tent. After the surgeon told me I would live. And after the banquet where she was lavished attention by those who fawn over the beautiful and powerful.”

Adhemar nodded and gripped William’s shoulder in a sympathetic move. His tone was pensive when he replied, “I heard some of what you did where I was stationed.” He did not mention it was in private notes hidden in battle missives from Edward that had kept him informed of William’s actions.

Will threw a startled look at man in front of him. He was surprised that Adhemar had kept up to date with the jousts at all while on the battlefield, let alone gossip of the participants.

Adhemar dropped his hand from Will’s shoulder and keenly missed even that small contact. He continued, “Did she not realize the danger she put you in? I recall saying when I first met her that men can die in the joust.” He gave William a knowing look, “Like Sir Ector.”

William sighed and nodded, “Yes. She was a prize not worth the pain. I know that now.” He looked at man in front of him and challenged him. “What now?”

Adhemar sighed. “I would not lie to you William. I would have you by my side … and in my bed as the one I chose but I am also a powerful man, a leader. I need to have a wife. I have given my suit to Jocelyn’s father as I told you before. If they accept my offer she would be but a trophy bedded for heirs.”

William walked over to the bed and sat on the end. He avoided the eyes of the man who watched him as he asked doubtfully, “You would still pursue Jocelyn, even if I were with you?”

Adhemar felt a flare of hope at those words so he said carefully, “It could be any chit from court. It need not be Jocelyn, save I have already offered for her. It would not affect you.” He felt the tension coiling within his chest. This was the trickiest part of all - would William accept his intentions?

William pondered his feelings then chuckled, “I am more feared of Jocelyn’s tongue once she finds out what has happened between us.”

Adhemar felt the tension seep from him and stepped up to bed bracing himself between strong thighs and soft blankets. He gave a small smile, “Nothing has, Will. Yet.”

William slid his arms around Adhemar’s waist. “No not yet. But the prince has gifted me a powerful ally. It would be foolish of a newly knighted man to ignore all that was offered?”

Adhemar laughed breaking into a genuine smile. “Later I will teach you courtly ways, but for now - come to bed.”

William grinned at the smiling man who stood between his legs and holding fast he leaned back onto the bed toppling Adhemar to sprawl over him. “You will find I am an able pupil.”

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William’s musing of last night’s events was distracted by a slight movement from beside him, he propped himself up on one arm to look down on his new lover. Brushing his fingertips through the dark curls, he smiled as his gentle teasing roused his partner.

“Hmm…nice. What is it you want, Will?” Adhemar said in a drowsy voice as he gently stilled the fingers that caught in his hair.

“Nothing… I am at peace…” he recalled a line from Chaucer and whispered with a grin on his face, “I marvel at your dark beauty.” William had not tried it on Jocelyn thinking it too flowery. Overwhelmed at the events of the night before, he attempted to lighten the mood.

Adhemar laughed at the absurd comment, “Dark beauty eh? I’m more weathered by time and wearied of battle.” His hands drifted across the bruised bare chest and touched upon the still angry scar there, “I’m sorry to see that my moment of madness has scarred you.”

Will leaned forward and dropped a kiss on the wayward dark curls. “The bruises I returned in full measure on the field. For the scar, I forgive you. Mayhap it will be my weather wound and warn me of approaching rain.” His features stilled as he continued in a quietly low voice, “I hope your madness to harm me will not return.”

Adhemar sighed, forgiven yet obviously not forgotten. Would William ever trust him? Shrugging those thoughts off for the moment he said in a happier tone, “Did I tell you the prince has ordered me to stay? I will not return to battle anytime soon.”

Will laughed, “You should have seen the fit I threw when I found out he had ordered you to battle. I think he might have realized then that it wasn’t just a joust for me.” He felt a flush travel over his fair cheeks.

To hide his blush Will playfully flung himself onto Adhemar’s chest. He hid his face in the crook of his neck and said in a teasing voice, “You know, you have had the chance this night to measure me. Tell me, have I been found wanting?” He let out a startled yelp as Adhemar held them tightly together and rolled them catching the sheet up in the tumble. Laughing out loud William found himself beneath his lover looking into his dark eyes and waited for the answer that was held in those warm lips.

Suddenly the door was thrown open and Jocelyn stood there in a simple day gown with her hair loose. She entered the room and looking around spied William lying in the bed with another. She stared at the lithe body poised above him. She absently noted the sheets tangled around them as she realized who was William’s partner - a dark curly haired man.

“Jocelyn!” William looked up from his position beneath Adhemar as all playfulness fled. He tried to wriggle free muttering to his lover, “Here’s your chance to protect me from her tongue.”

Gathering her courage, Jocelyn spoke. “William! The servants told me these were Adhemar’s rooms. Germaine told me I would find you here.” She paused then boldly asked dreading the answer. “Who… who is that abed with you?”

Adhemar gave William’s frowning brow a swift kiss and slipped off to the side so William could sit up. He, in turn, made himself comfortable in the blankets beside William leaning against the bed head. In doing so he revealed himself to their intruder. He said in a calm bland voice, “Good morrow, Jocelyn. You were informed correctly, these are indeed my rooms.” He turned a smiling face to his lover. ”William is welcome here.”

Jocelyn stood gaping most unladylike at the vista before her. Taking in the softened features of a man she believed to be taciturn and forbidding, she found her voice, ”Meaning I am not?” She looked at the rumpled men before her and flung in a scornful voice, “You are violent. You are indeed called William. Christiana told me these things, but she never told me you laid with men.”

Adhemar laughed at the words and said, “That would be difficult because she is a maiden.”

Jocelyn flinched at the quick defense. Her face crumpled and tears welled in her eyes. She backed up, shaking her head at the loose embrace of the men before her. She turned her back to them and opened the door.

William tried to untangle himself from the sheets while attempting to maintain his modesty. “Jocelyn! Wait, please. Wait outside.” She nodded and without turning slipped through the door and closed it behind her.

Will turned to Adhemar. “I must speak with her. I know I can’t make it right for her but I have to try.” He gave a small grin, “Especially if you see her in our future.”

Adhemar nodded then a wonderful smile blossomed over his face. “You see us together then?”

William kissed him fiercely then said, “I have changed my stars to become a knight. Now I find my allegiances shift. Perhaps love as well?”

Adhemar released William from his grip. “Very well, you can try to reason with the wench.” He shrugged offhandedly. “It is no matter, she will do as her father commands.”

William wriggled away from Adhemar who watched from the bed. He shuffled into his breeches leaving his chest bare and walked over to the door. Looking back at Adhemar he smiled, then chuckled at the tousled lusty look he was given.

William spotted Jocelyn leaning against the wall opposite to the bedchamber door. Her face was angled up to hold back tears that threatened to spill over her cheeks. He sighed and walked over to her, his hand ghosting gently over her arm. “Jocelyn, I would not seek to cause you pain and I know that I have. You and I were not right for our world.” He sighed again. “Maybe where fairytales come true.”

Jocelyn angled her tearful face to look at William, saying brokenly, “And Adhemar is real - he is your truth? Is that what you believe? You wanted to change your stars.”

“But, Jocelyn don’t you see? I have changed them. I am a knight. That is my truth, what has love to do with that? I never understood the game of love you insisted on, I even hated you for a while because of it. Adhemar rings true like steel to me. He plays no games.”

He gave Jocelyn a challenging look as he went on, “Like calls to like. In that I have never changed and I find that I will not give this up.”

“Ah William, so you were just playing at love with me?” Jocelyn sobbed, “What do you want of me?”

William felt his anger rise, “Nothing. I want nothing from you.” He paused and curbed his ire, “I do want something, but would you give it? Your hand to Adhemar.”

“Will, I see you standing here, warm from his bed, in clothes pulled on in haste. Your lover lies sprawled in the room behind you.” Jocelyn’s tears fell like rain as she cried out bitterly, “I see you truly have changed. No, I will not marry him.”

William winced at her words wishing he had his lover’s wit to deflect them. “I have not changed all that much. Only my station, I am much as I ever was.” He paused. “Jocelyn, he is a good man and will be a good husband. At least you will not have to sleep with the pigs.” He gave her an almost comic grin.

Jocelyn gave him a watery smile and knew his entreaty was his way to make amends. She wanted to fling hot angry words of betrayed hopes at him but found she could not. His gentle and earnest nature had ensnared her yet again. She said quietly, “No, not pigs that is true. I would be cold and alone whilst my husband warms your bed. I do not see that as a comfort.”

William flinched at her bald words and sought to reassure her. “But you would be secure, have babies and live a quiet life of your own.”

Jocelyn replied in a weary voice, “You offer me the trappings of nobility I sought to be free of.”

“You are no peasant who can marry for love, Jocelyn. You have always known that. If you refuse him your father will only marry you to another that you have no affection for. Adhemar would deal gently with you.”

Jocelyn nodded knowing her fate and in that instant made her decision. “Very well, I will speak with my father.” She continued hesitantly, ”Will you hate me for my part in his life?”

William dropped his eyes from her face and breathed deep. He had not expected her to ask such a thing. He held tight to his warring emotions and spoke with a quite determination, “No, I won’t hate you, I know I must share a part of Adhemar with you.” He raised his face to hers and she was shocked to see the jealousy raging just below the surface. He stated almost matter of factly, “I will not be sociable with you, my lady. And I promise you Adhemar will rarely be found in your bed.”

Her heart tore at knowing she caused him pain, while her pride crowed with delight to know she could cause him pain equal to her own. She would never be alone with William again. Adhemar would see to it that wherever she was, William would be far away. She nodded and turned on her heel to leave. Tempted, she looked back hoping to see William watching her but he was already gone and all she saw was the chamber door closing.

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William sagged against the door he had just shut firm. Taking a deep breath he pushed away from the door and approached the bed where Adhemar still lay.

Adhemar watched his face closely trying to tread the emotions that flitted over his young love’s features. Not entirely sure of Will’s success he finally asked, “Well, did she agree?”

William sat on the bed and took Adhemar’s hand between his own. “I think so, yes. I told her I would not hate her. I don’t think I can be her friend.”

Adhemar nodded, “Do you hate her? Were they empty words you spoke to her?”

“The times she will share your bed… for the position at your side. I will hate that.”

“Once she gets a child she will never warm my sheets. She will never take your place in my heart.” He pulled his hand free to caress and reassure his lover.

The dark knight was pleased as Will leaned into his touch, seeking him out. His young lover chuckled and then twisted but Adhemar was faster and suddenly Will found himself trapped beneath Adhemar’s naked form.

“Now where were we? Oh yes…”

End