Sevastyan
Sevastyan shook Alexi’s hand and glanced towards their two slaves.
Rei and Lisa were side by side, sitting on deep pillows, at attention but with their legs bent to the side to keep weight off their injuries.
The bandage on Lisa’s thigh was smaller.
And the pallor of Rei’s face from before had given way to a healthier shade.
“I hope you were not put out much,” Sevastyan said.
“No, no, not at all. The time away gave me space to think, actually. There’s something to be said for setting it all aside and staring at the inside of your own head.”
Sevastyan laughed because Alexi expected him to laugh. “I’m afraid I haven’t enjoyed such time often.”
Alexi clapped him on his back. “I suspect not. You should try it.”
Sevastyan shook his head and smiled ruefully. “Tell that to the Yadro, and my mother. And my clients.”
“Perhaps I will.” Alexi met Sevastyan with his eyes and there was something more in his gaze. Sevastyan let his smile fade, meeting Alexi’s look with the same seriousness that the older man was holding.
“Or perhaps you’ll tell them yourself, like you just did,” Alexi said.
Sevastyan blinked once, slowly. “News travels quickly.”
“Even in our circles, it’s not every day murder is performed in front of an audience.”
“It was an execution,” Sevastyan said.
Alexi’s lips twitched with appreciation. He wandered towards the kitchen, his intentions dragging Sevastyan with him. On the dining table was coffee—good coffee—and Bienenstich, a German sweet yeast cake filled with custard.
“How did you find this?” Sevastyan leaned down to smell both delights.
“Jonathan. He’s a resourceful devil. Shall we let our boys lie down? Even in modified poses, I worry.”
“Rei has been there long?” Sevastyan asked.
“About fifteen minutes.”
Too long. Sevastyan snapped his fingers and made the lie down gesture without looking over his shoulder. There was a small shift of movement. Alexi did the same a moment later and the sound of a second shifting body drifted across the room.
Sevastyan poured coffee for both himself and Alexi and sank into one of the seats. Alexi plated the Bienenstich and set one of the two small dishes in front of Sevastyan with a minuscule dessert fork. Sevastyan took his time with the coffee, holding it in his palms, breathing in the aroma.
“How do you feel, having made them listen for once?” Alexi said.
Sevastyan snorted. “One would think I would have enjoyed it. But now, in the afterwards . . .”
He paused and shrugged, not meeting Alexi’s eyes but staring at his coffee, the eddies in the surface of the dark liquid creating patterns in the foam.
“Once you’re there, they don’t matter. Not their applause, not their scorn.”
Alexi let out a long, slow sigh. “Sevastyan. My young friend.” His tone was immensely sad and also heavy with certainty. “I would welcome you to loneliness, but you already know that woman well.”
“You’ve known her longer than me,” Sevastyan countered.
“Why do you think I remind you that you could have more than one slave?”
“Slaves aren’t companions or friends.” Sevastyan’s eyes flashed towards Alexi but didn’t linger on the older man’s face.
Alexi looked both amused and thoughtful. “No, they are not. But they do keep a man’s lap warm and his bed full.”
Sevastyan allowed himself to smile. “Don’t tell me you’re giving me Lisa out of pity.”
Alexi laughed. “And if I did?”
“I’d still want him for the party next month. And I’d be vexed about it.”
Alexi chuckled, his tone softer. “It’s not pity. You have a way with him. You see something in him. Perhaps it’s your Rei that brings it to light. I’m like a gemstone cutter. You know me, Sevastyan. I want to see what a slave can become.”
“Yes.” Sevastyan picked up the fork and took a bite of the Bienenstich. The side of the metal utensil slid through the sponge and custard as easily as if he were dragging it through melted butter. “You’re an artist. I didn’t understand that the first time we met. But I came to, soon thereafter.”
Alexi and Sevastyan finished their Bienenstich and coffee. Alexi pushed back from the table first. “Well, the plane will not catch itself.”
Sevastyan stood with Alexi. “Minus the circumstances, this has been a pleasure.”
“Mutually.” Alexi shook Sevastyan’s hand. “Jonathan is waiting for me downstairs with the luggage. Give me a moment with my wild fox.”
Sevastyan nodded and stepped away, clearing the dishes from the table.
Behind him Alexi crossed the room to where their two slaves were resting.
Sevastyan turned around and watched. Lisa knelt up as Alexi approached.
He held himself taut, barely breathing. Alexi cupped Lisa’s chin and spoke quietly.
Lisa blinked fast as if he heard but didn’t understand.
Alexi kissed Lisa’s forehead and stroked his cheek once.