Chapter Text
Nervous anticipation curled in Fenris's gut as the carriage rolled toward the large estate. Not that it was the first time he'd ever been to a magister's gala - far from it. However, several opposing members of Danarius's house would be in attendance. Very powerful magisters in their own right, too. Danarius briefed him before embarking on the journey to the Alexius estate.
"Magister Alexius is hosting, along with his son. If the night goes accordingly, you'll be staying with them for a time."
Fenris swallowed hard. Apparently several slaves in Alexius's care fell ill to some sort of sweeping summer illness, and Danarius thought it an opportune time to loan his rival a few of his own slaves to help ease the family's burdens. Of course it was a ruse. Both an overt public "truce" from Danarius and an opportunity to place several of his own spies into Alexius's house. If Danarius obtained even a shred of evidence against Alexius, he could foist him from the Magisterium. And it fell to Fenris to collect this information.
He hated politics. Hated the backstabbing and the doublespeak, the lies and the conniving. He was built for protection, as a bodyguard or even an assassin, not a spy. But he was his master's favored slave, and he worked hard for that position. He wasn't about to step aside now to allow some kitchen slave to seize that honor out from under him. He wouldn't travel in a second rate carriage, be relegated to peeling potatoes instead of serving directly under Danarius in his fullest capacity, his training wasted.
Danarius's hand came to rest in his hair and Fenris leaned into the touch unconsciously as weathered fingers worked their way through the soft strands. He'd been washed and bathed by two of the house slaves, then dressed in black silks, Danarius's family crest embroidered on the back. Templar soldiers were welcome to watch the house, and courtesy dictated that weapons – including staves – were frowned upon for the guests that evening. Danarius thought it ridiculous and Fenris was inclined to agree. Powerful magisters with their families didn't need staves to defend or attack, magic as close as the tips of their fingers. Still, he kept a small dagger strapped to his leg just in case.
Not that he needed a weapon either. His physical prowess alone ensured he could outmuscle just about everyone at the party, including Templars, and his markings gave him the abilities beyond that of a mage. Regardless, he'd never been in a situation yet where he needed to utilize them to their fullest extent. No one was brave or stupid enough to send assassins after Danarius, not yet at least. Still, he felt important, being entrusted with his master's safety and well-being. Which was why he felt sick now, knowing that by the end of the night he would be leaving his master's side for an unknown period of time.
"You're thinking awfully a lot, pet."
Fenris frowned, flexing his fingers atop his thighs. "I… have reservations about leaving you alone."
The hand in his hair slid to the back of his neck and he shivered as fingernails gently scraped along his skin. This intimacy he was only usually afforded in private, away from prying eyes. Not that it was spoken about in polite company, but Fenris knew what others would say if they could confirm Danarius's predilections for sleeping with his favorite slave. It set Fenris apart from the house slaves, emerging early in the morning from his master's bedroom, or attending to him late into the night. He wondered if he would be forced to attend to Magister Alexius or another member of the house, and bristled at the thought.
"Your concern is touching, pet, but do not worry about me. I plan to stay in Minrathous for some time. There would be such a scandal should one of my enemies come to call while I'm in the city. None of them are quite that stupid. And once you're finished with Alexius, we can return to Seheron for the winter."
Fenris let out a quite murmur of pleasure, chin dropping to his chest as Danarius's fingers massaged the base of his neck. The tension ebbed. "Yes, Master."
"Or is there another concern?"
Fenris sighed quietly. "Am I to follow every order Magister Alexius gives?"
"I think it would be rather rude not to. It will only be for a few weeks, two or three months at most. I'm sure he'll move quickly to purchase new slaves once he realizes his house will be filled with my own. Make no mistake, he's not stupid. He'll know the real reason you're there. However, I doubt he'll ask you to do anything you might find unsavory." Danarius removed his hand, reaching to take Fenris gently by the chin. "My little wolf will find his claws removed, sadly. I believe you'll be relegated to the washing and cooking. Such a waste of your talents."
"I'd prefer it in his house," Fenris said at once.
Danarius chuckled. "Of course."
The carriage slowed to a careful stop and Fenris stepped down, pleased when the footman backed away from Danarius's door. He knew his appearance was intimidating, knew that initial impressions were important. Despite his shorter stature and slight frame, his lyrium lines often caused shock and confusion, especially when activated. And what people didn't understand often frightened them.
Perfect, he thought, grinning ferally as he opened Danarius's door for him.
His master stepped out, surveying the small crowd gathering outside the Alexius estate. Fenris recognized Magister Scaevola with his reedy-looking frame and thin, black goatee, and Senator Brexio, his portly build making him look like an overstuffed armchair. Indeed, it was odd to see the man standing. Fenris hadn't even been sure he could walk. The sneer on Danarius's lip disappeared as quickly as it came, but Fenris hadn't missed it. Brexio was just barely important enough to be at a fete like this, and Scaevola likely wrangled an invitation through someone more powerful than himself. Bottom-feeders, Fenris heard them called. But valuable enough to be used by his master.
Head held high, Fenris followed Danarius, standing just behind him a little to his left as his master approached the others, greeting them and making small talk. Fenris watched as still more guests ascended the marble steps. Two enormous dragon statues flanked the staircase that led up to a black iron gate, thrown open now, with a lush courtyard beyond. He'd never been to the Alexius estate before, but he compared it to Danarius's own holdings in Seheron, and found it wanting. Music played from within, muted now by the sounds on the street and the chatter of excited party-goers.
A slave dressed in Alexius's house colors – dark gold and blood red – wound his way around the crowd, balancing a heavy tray full of champagne glasses. Danarius took one and led their ascent up the stairs, nodding to those who greeted him. Large double doors painted with the Alexius household crest opened into a foyer, crystal chandelier hanging above the gilded hall. Two winding staircases flanked a grand balcony. The room beyond held the source of the music and the sounds of even more conversation. Not that Danarius couldn't have organized such a gathering in his own estate, he simply had no cause to, and Fenris grew more agitated, being surrounded by those who'd try to oust his master from the Magisterium. They were in the nest of vipers now, and he would have to protect Danarius the best he could.
"Easy, pet," Danarius said in a subtle undertone as they walked the steps to the main ballroom. "You will have your time to strike. Unfurl your fists and hide your fangs."
Fenris relaxed, taking his master's champagne glass, and followed him inside as Danarius was announced to the hall. With any luck, the night would pass quickly, without incident.