Chapter Text
Some cold water has been rapidly poured onto Astarion, pulling him out of sleep. He shouldn’t sleep at all. He should trance as elves do… but narcotics were much stronger than his will.
“Wake up, princess!” Shouted someone, forcing him to stand up, which he did, staggering a bit. He blinked several times. He slept definitely too little to feel well. He looked around, trying to jog his own memory. Where was he?
“We’re almost there, captain!” He heard the sentence from behind.
Where? Now it was clear that he’s been sailing somewhere for some time now, and against his will. Blank spaces in his mind have started to be filled with faint memories. He was kidnapped. Some strangers dragged him on a monumental ship – the biggest one that he has ever seen. There, they kept him weak. He got a little tasteless food, his wrists hurt – they tied his hands behind his back countless times. They were offending him almost all the time. There was no occasion to humiliate him that they would miss. At least they didn’t rape nor beat him, murmuring something about the privilege to do such things, which they didn’t have; he had to remain perfect – unharmed and beautiful.
“Baldur’s Gate. The capitol of Kozakuran Empire.” The answer came almost immediately, as if he asked the question loudly. The tone suggested that it’s something really valuable. Sigh of relief that came from sailor’s mouth. The place was probably their home.
The silver-haired man’s heart started beating definitely too fast. He felt dizzy, and his legs became heavy within a moment. Baldur’s Gate? Kozakuran Empire? He knew the names; everyone heard about it. The place was located hundreds miles away (if not thousands) from his home. Many dreamt about it, but only a few could afford such long trip.
He knew no one here. Out there, at homeland, he had a good job and beautiful house. He didn’t want to leave his beloved place. He wanted to return there – to regain his perfect life. Maybe there’s still remaining a chance to get it all back. Now, for the first time since he was at home (the day when he was kidnapped) he felt that his mind is finally his own again. He could think clearly and logically. He wouldn’t even like to know, how much narcotics they forced him to take. Now, the only matter was to return home unless it’s completely too late. They could turn around yet… couldn’t they?
“Take me back home. I demand it.” He said, standing up with all pride that he managed to gather in the moment. All eyes stopped on him. They didn’t except it. He saw different looks – disbelief, amusement, contempt. None of sailors (not even mentioning the captain) was taking him seriously.
“And what if we’ll decide to refuse to do so?” Asked the one that announced the fact of their arrival.
“I’ll meet you all at the courtroom. You really don’t want me to do this.” Replied Astarion, crossing arms on his chest. Working as a magistrate learned that sometimes kindness wasn’t a solution. There were also threats and negotiations.
“We’re very afraid. In fact, what will you do? Shout on us? Cry? There’s no rescue for you, naïve boy. If anyone wanted to help you, they would do it already.” Captain laughed at him. The whole crew followed.
“Listen. I have loads of gold in my home. Take me there. I’ll pay you as much as you can carry.” Hissed Astarion, now irritated, through his teeth. He tried to mask his fear but his fragile mask was felling off.
“We’ve already gotten some money for taking you here. And by some I mean more than you could offer. Concubines are expensive.”
“Concubines?!” Repeated the silver-haired. “It can’t be…” His loud voice turned into a whisper. “Who would…?” Forming a sentence was hard. Concubine? Him? He was a magistrate! “No, I can’t! I can’t just sleep with anyone who will desire sex. I can’t work in a brothel!” They had to hold him in order not to get hurt or let the man hurt himself.
“Worry not. Maybe he won’t decide to share you with anyone. There’s a chance that he will want to keep you all of you for himself.” Said the damned captain, grinning.
“Who the fuck is he? Let me just know, who bought me!” If he had an information sooner, he would prepare – think about an escape plan; consider his own situation very closely.
“It doesn’t matter who payed for you – I am pretty sure that you shouldn’t look for a simple person but a whole group who would answer to law.” He was mocking. They all knew that Astarion was a magistrate. Operative word – was. “You’re a gift. Gift for your master. You will be HIS concubine.”
“Tell me already. Why are you make such an act from it all? Do I know him?” The silver-haired felt helpless and frightened, but he hardly was managing to keep a calm face.
“No. Not yet. But it will change soon.” Captain waved a hand in a gesture which was known among them. In the moment his people began to drag Astarion on the deck.
“Who is he?!” Shouted the abductee. “Give me his name!”
But none of them listened. A laughter – that was only response that he got.
“Being obedient will be better for you.” Informed the captain when Astarion wasn’t able to see him anymore. What a useless clue. He won’t be obedient. Having a reason to fight meant that the case was worth being defended. He won’t give up. Not now and not in the future. He’ll escape from his ‘master’ and maybe take some gold of his to return home. Everything will be as it should be.
“Hands off me!” Shouted the silver-haired.
“You’re lucky that we can’t hit you, brat.” His ‘watch’ seemed not to enjoy escorting him. Very well. They’ll regret taking him on the ship. But – on the other hand – the thing about lack allowance to hit him (not that he didn’t appreciate it) was interesting.
“I bet that that’s an order. Order from the ones who are in charge?” He asked, felling more confident after hearing that he was practically untouchable.
“Your coming master prefers to hurt his concubines by himself. They are beautiful unless he will decide that it’s time for a change.”
Astarion felt his throat dry.
“He hurts his concubines…” That sounded more like a question, despite that he was trying to make it an affirmative. “How often?”
“As often as he likes. But there’s no mystery that he punishes for disobedience more often than for anything else.” They were having fun. Shared looks told for themselves. Was it a bluff?
“And some servants of his – for example such people as you – know all of that?” Astarion couldn’t help himself. That was too much. Men didn’t like it at all. One of them took some part of material – probably it was a rag, meant to clean the deck – and he used it as gag.
Astarion was helpless. Two sailors held his arms stay. He was too weak.
“That’ll shut you up. We were tolerating that useless chattering of yours for too long.”
That was it. A bunch of dirty material was enough to keep him silent. A sense of helplessness was overwhelming. He could only go to the place where they were leading; the place that he didn’t even know. For now.
After several turns, there were no doubts left in subject of their destination. Palace. They were leading to the Emperor’s Palace.
The building was incredible. The very heart of the entire Kozakuran Empire. All of these columns, raised with precision… These breathtaking patterns… Wealth… Beauty.
But why were they heading there? Was there a law that every concubine had to be ‘confirmed’ somehow? Was there a strange list where he needed to be signed by them?
Their footsteps were echoing when they were walking up the marbled stairs. Luxury of the Palace couldn’t be unseen or ignored. Inside of the building was even more engaging that the outside view.
“Will you be quiet, boy?” Asked one of his ‘guards’ quietly.
Astarion nodded. His gag has been removed, but he didn’t bother to thank them. They hadn’t got a right to keep him silence by the gag. It’s them who should say sorry to him.
They didn’t have to wait long when a skeleton came to them. He wore an armor. His eyes was two greenish orbs, flickering a bit. His smile was wide, but scary, not kind. Was it his master?
“You’ve being expected for at least two hours now.” He said. He looked at Astarion. There was no question as is it him? He just knew who stands in front of him. The gift. “He need to be bathed and get changed. Go till the end of the corridor and then walk through the first door on the left.”
“I can bath by myself.” Said the silver-haired. He didn’t like the idea about a stranger, washing his body. “Better let me do it, master.” He wanted it to sound as fleeringly as possible.
“Poor of you to assume that Godey is your master, doggy. Godey only keeps pets in line, serving the master. He won’t be pleased that you’ve called anybody, using his title.” The skeleton laughed. “You will be punished many times, little one. Your behavior is incorrect, and your words make an urge to cut off the tongue of yours. Better watch your actions.”
Astarion was scared, but he didn’t mean to show that. He only crossed his arms on chest and said: “Then who is my ‘master’? I wouldn’t be able to behave with proper respect when I won’t know who own me.” The sentence was disgusting. He wasn’t a slave. Soon, he will be far away from this – no matter how beautiful – place. But the information was rather important.
“You don’t know? Oh, then it’s a surprise. You will know as soon as you’ll meet him. Until then, little dog.” Skeleton just turned back and went to the room in the center of the whole building; probably the audience chamber or the ballroom.
“You were supposed to be quiet, brat” Hissed on of the sailors.
“I will. Sorry” Mumbled Astarion. He didn’t want them to put the gag back on – especially because it was just some dirty rag, meant to clean the deck. He was a magistrate. He had his standards.
They went as directed by the skeleton, only to find of that behind the door was a big baths which was meant for servants in plain view. There were three persons. A tiefling woman with burned face, a halfling blond-haired man, and an elven women with straight white hairs in a bun.
“Is he the new concubine?” Asked the halfing. He left the water and stared to getting dressed.
“Yes. We were told by Godey to lead him here.” Replied one of the sailors.
“Fine. Aurelia and Dalyria will help him to get ready. Follow me. You’re tired, no doubts.”
All of the sailors agreed with the halfing and left the room.
“Are you concubines?” Asked Astarion, frowning a bit when he saw expectant looks on himself.
“Yes. And-” The tiefling wanted to add something but Astarion interrupted her.
“Who is the master? I haven’t met him yet.”
Women exchanged looks. They were uncertain if he should know about it yet or figure it out later.
“I thought that it’s rather clear.” Said the white-haired one.
“No, it’s not!” Shouted Astarion. Why were there so many question and almost no answer? They all owed him something – at very least some information. “Every single person acts as if everything was written on floor and walls. It’s not! I’ve just arrived here! I know nothing about this damned place! I don’t live here and I’m not going to start it neither. If you don’t tell me anything, I’ll be forced to leave the Palace and the whole empire by myself.”
Silence. None dared to speak. Threaten didn’t work.
“Fine. I guess that I’m not leaving until I’ll wash myself.”He groaned with resignation, coming closer to water.
The elf woman just left when she saw that everything is as it should be. Maybe she wanted to give him more space, maybe she was just bored. It wasn’t important. He won’t be in the palace for a long time anyway. All these faces will turn into a faint memory when he’ll return to the courtroom in his country.
“Why are you so uncooperative?” Asked the tiefling, now closer to the stairs that lead to the pool.
“What’s so surprising? The thing that I don’t want to be a sex slave?”
The tiefling women pursed her lips.
“You will serve as a concubine here, in palace. You should be grateful. Some dream about it.”
“So let’s go say them that there’s a position to take. I can alternate.”
“You should be serious. I’m trying to help you. All you need to do is let me guide you. I know that it’ll be hard at first, but you’ll get used to it, sooner or later.” She left the pool, standing naked in front of him.
“Why me?” Asked Astarion.
“Master will like you. We hope.” She replied. Then he could see a warm smile on her face. “And where are my manners? I am Aurelia. One of master’s concubines.” A concubine that introduced herself being naked. Such an irony.
He looked into her red, glowing eyes and then turn his gaze on her whole body and on head again. She was beautiful. Why would some monster burn her face so badly? She was a tiefling. It must have been terrible, considering the fact that it wasn’t that easy to harm her kind using fire.
“Pleasure.” He managed to smile back a little. “My name is Astarion. Astarion Ancunín.”
“If you have any question, Astarion, feel free to ask it.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you.” Said the silver-haired. He wanted to keep the ball rolling but Aurelia realized it. She pointed onto the pool.
“You need a bath. You… smell rather strongly.”
She didn’t have to say that out loud. A long journey by ship, being dazed from some narcotic didn’t have a positive impact on him. It wasn’t his fault. He didn’t want it.
“Can you turn back for a moment?” Asked Astarion.
“Why?”
“I want to get undressed.” He replied. It was obvious – at least for him.
“Then go ahead.” She told him, making a gesture to fasten him.
“I don’t want you to stare at me when I’m naked.” He said directly.
“I am no enemy of yours but a concubine as you. Faster you’ll get used to it, better you will fare. It will be easier for you to strip in front of master when you do it now, in front of me. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.” She ensured, smiling warmly to encourage him a bit.
“I am not ashamed. It’s just that I won’t be confrontable.” That was not true. He knew that his face would turn red almost immediately. So uncovered and… and defenseless… He slept with many people but it was different. It wasn’t bedroom. He wasn’t going to let anyone watch him naked. “Turn back, please.” It didn’t sound as he was pleading. He was firm.
“But…” She started, about to give him arguments.
“May the master will be the first one in the palace that see me naked.” He smiled a bit. He had many excuses. The master will hear them all if needed.
“Good point.” Aurelia finally turned back.
When undressed, Astarion slowly walked into the pool. Water was hot. His skin blushed. Muscles untighten. It was… pleasant in fact. He made a short sigh of happiness and relief, don’t even noticing it.
“It can be like that every single day.” Aurelia sat at the edge of the pool, resting her hands on either side, on the patterned tiles. “You just need to do as our master say.”
“I’ll try to. But it’s your words, not his, my dear. He didn’t make me any promise”
She handed him a small bottle of some bath oil. There were countless oils, soaps and gels here, but he was sure that some of them (if not most of them) were meant to massage or have sexual destination.
He opened the bottle that he received. The scent was intriguing. Beautiful. He inhaled. It smelled like… like some expensive sweets.
“What’s it?” Astarion asked, pouring some of it on his hand.
“Cocoa oil. Made from the same plant that is used to make chocolate.” She replied. “Do you like it?”
“Yes. A little.” He replied, spreading it on his skin. In fact, he thought the scent was beautiful. So delicate, but intriguing in the same moment. Soft but with a dose of passion.
“A little?” She laughed a bit. “You are lost in it!”
“Not true.” He disagreed, but it was a lie. He smiled, sitting on one of the stairs in pool and leading back on its wall.
Aurelia laid her hand on his shoulder, only to see how he is closing his eyes, relaxed and… interested in it.
“Perfect. Master will be delighted.” He had a strange feeling when her hand left his skin. There was… cold in the place that was touched a moment before. Nonetheless, he didn’t shout nor even frowned. He was strangely calm, even though he knew how he should reacted; how he would normally do.
“Was there anything else in the oil that I should know about?” He asked carefully. It was hard to ask a question. Hard to think. All that did matter now was the beautiful scent and a memory of touch.
“The same substance that is in every chocolate. But a bit stronger. An aphrodisiac. And also something to calm you down a little. I don’t know the names.” Explained Aurelia.
“You should have told me earlier.” He murmured, but continued to spread the oil anyway. He knew that it could be bad, but he wanted more. He needed more. It was pleasant and he really didn’t have a bath for a while.
He dived. After a moment, he surfaced.
“Can you pass me a towel, Aurelia?” Asked Astarion, returning to the stairs in order to leave the water.
“Sure.” The tiefling, who had dressed up some time ago (which he missed), took one of the dry materials from weaved basket and pass it to him. Remembering what has been told before, he turned back, letting him leave the pool.
He stood on the floor, now completely wet. His skin was almost red from the hot water. He smelled nice and he was in the excellent mood.
“How much time do I have before I’ll met the master?” Asked Astarion. From his hair dripped some water. He needed to get dry and then dress up.
“I think that it will be about a quarter, counting from now.”
The reply wasn’t satisfying for him, but all he had to do was to act. He needed some clothes. He won’t run in towel. He just nodded.
“You need to get dressed.” She said as if she just read his mind. “Follow me.
“Where are we going?” The silver-haired frowned. He was sure that some clothes will be brought here, and there won’t be a need for him to parade around the palace with just a simple towel tied around his naked body.
“Don’t worry. It’s just the next chamber. It would be a shame if your clothes were wet just from laying in the baths. Everything is prepared.” Not waiting for his response, Aurelia left the room. He followed. At least he was right, telling him that it won’t be far away. When they were exactly behind one of the baths’ walls, she gave him some folded clothing. “This one will be perfect.” She added.
He spread it in air.
“No. I won’t wear it.” He said almost immediately. It was a long white material. Non practical. Too soft to fighting in it or just running. One of his shoulder was supposed to stay bare and half of his chest and back as well. Waistline was strongly accented. There was also a small gap between two parts that made the lower part – his knee and thigh will be seen if he walk. There was also some jewelry. Two golden bracelets, meant to sinuate up to his elbow from the very wrist. And a necklace.
“It’s one of the most expensive clothing in the whole city. Our best tailor made it. Master will be delighted. And your hairs have matching color!”
“You can’t be serious! I’d better go naked. I doesn’t fit me at all.”
She looked deeply in his eyes. She wasn’t kidding.
“Then give me your towel and I’ll lead you to our master.”
“It’s not like…” His smile faded. “You are serious, aren’t you?” He really was supposed to wear it.
“So you decided to wear it?” Aurelia asked, ready to really do as the said.
“Yes, I will. Just the once.” He said. “But after that, I’ll get changed.”
“It’s up to master, actually.” Aurelia replied hesitantly.
“I don’t mind.” The silver-haired spat, but took the clothing anyway. A single gesture was enough for his companion to turn back. He dressed up. There was not a mirror in the chamber. He didn’t know how he looked, but he hadn’t a positive feeling. “I’ll wear this only this one time. The master won’t force me to anything.”
“We’ll see.” The tiefling replied. She wasn’t so sure about that but Astarion’s behavior wasn’t her worry. He’ll behave. It’s just a matter of time.
The master won’t force me to anything. Astarion repeated it in his mind. Once. And another one. He liked how it sounded.
If he only could knew… He haven’t even met him yet. Indeed – master won’t force him to just anything. In fact, he’ll force him to everything.