Have you ever tried walking on eggshells? They crush with a nasty sound. It's tiresome and requires your everything. This is how I could describe my first days with Lorcan after the confinement. I was moved to his room. Yes, I didn't have my room like before. Now I was staying in Lorcan's bedroom. I was allowed to go out for a stroll every day for an hour or so but more importantly Lorcan let me work with him. I was doing a few translations and all that activity was filling me with hope for a better life. I wanted him to see my whole potential as an educated person, not only a mere fuck toy. What is more, after a few days I realized that the Bridge was a gold vein. The income the all mighty Lord was gathering could make even a king jealous.
As time was passing by I slowly realized it would be impossible for me to escape Lorcan ever again. It's enough he would offer a generous reward and there wouldn't be a single place I could hide. As for our relationship, well it was hard to say but something changed. First of all we slept in the same bed and woke up together every day. We didn't have sex everyday but I often fell asleep in his embrace. He never said he had feelings for me but as hard as it was for me to admit, there was a change in him. I still remember what he told me after our first night in his room.
"Kian, I won't sell you. Ever. You are mine and I wish to have you in my house." That's it. No rosy words or big gestures, a very simple statement. He never called me his lover, he never told me anything about his feelings, all that he managed to spout was "have me" like I was his possession and nobody else could take what was his. I guess that's it. Lorcan was a warrior , utterly deep to his bones and he wasn't sentimental.
The twins were left in the city, as Lorcan explained to me they were taught by his friend swordsmanship and they also had the chance to learn the ropes while being in society, to present the proper behavior as nobles.
To be honest I didn't miss them as they both meant trouble. Tod was charmed by me and Jay was supporting his brother in whatever he wanted. They were strange, sometimes cute but most often they were a source of anxiety. I knew Tod had his crush on me but his brother Jay was someone I couldn't grasp. It was hard to say what he was thinking. So it was fine they weren't in the castle.
Sometimes Lorcan would take me for a ride or to the other part of the bridge that used to belong to his wife. That elegant woman left and from what I overheard Lorcan was sending her a fair amount of money to make sure she lived comfortably but nothing more than this. At present she was staying with the twins and enjoying the big city vibe.
Today we were going on a ride too, I was usually staying with Lorcan's guards when he disappeared for an hour or so. Today was no different. The route we went was the other way that made the crossing through the mountains possible. It was a steep road but wide enough for a cart to pass. Some brave and well let's say it, desperate merchants were trying to cross it, yet they were often attacked by groups of robbers. I was wondering what Lorcan was doing here all alone, as all his guards remained with me.
I was free to walk around a bit as long as I stayed within eye's sight. After a while Lorcan came back, he looked pleased. As soon as we came back to the castle I noticed he was taking his pannier with him. It looked heavy.
"That sly fox." I heard one of the guards remark.
"Yeah, but nowhere else soldiers are so well paid as here. I don't mind him being sly as long as he feeds my pockets." The men were laughing as they took my horse and led it back to the stables.
I was thinking hard about what I've just heard. It all started to make a clear picture. Lorcan was really lucky with his bridge and the dangerous route through the mountains. Maybe he was too lucky. I smiled to myself, he truly was a sly fox. Sitting comfortably on his ass, earning money whichever route the merchants decided to take. I underestimated him. He wasn't the true Lord of the Bridge for no reason. He was a warrior, businessman and a ruler.
Cunny as he was he made sure he stayed on the top of the food chain. I was wondering why nobody so far, I mean any other kings, didn't try to monopolize him. For the next two years I learned about some more sides of the man I was living with. I also managed to learn how the trade functioned. I must admit I was quite content with my life, well I got more or less used to my life now. I even got my own desk in Lorcan's office and all the servants treated me with more respect, as someone more of a Lord's partner.
There was something more I managed to achieve. I repaid Andy's favor, that slave with scarred lips who helped me to run away. To be precise I begged Lorcan to set him free and he agreed, I even managed to give him some money . I'm not sure how he felt about it but at least he will be able to decide what he wants to do with his future. He left on the same day Lorcan told him he was free. I saw him, at first Andy was walking and then almost running down the road.
I was watching him leave till his silhouette disappeared from my eyesight. A part of me saw myself in him.