Lorcan was pissed like hell and I was standing right behind him. I wanted Lorcan to punish that awful man. Two guards caught that man and Lorcan approached him slowly. He punched that boor right in his stomach. The man didn't manage to make any more sounds as Lorcan hit him again and again. The guy crumbled to the ground.
"Lorcan, please stop it. You will kill him." I grabbed Lorcan's arm. The great Lord stopped indeed and squatted down next to the trembling in pain man.
"Don't you ever dare to even think about touching something that is mine. Especially not him."
We let that man in front of the inn and moved in the direction of the city.
Gresbourgh looked like a really vast city. In the middle a huge castle was towering above all the other buildings.The streets were paved and clean. There were many people walking around, a few stalls selling flowers and groceries. I was sitting in the carriage and leaning a bit out of the window, I wanted to see as much of the city as I could. Everything was so new and exciting. We stopped in front of a mansion made of graystone. It looked strong and raw
Lorcan opened the carriage door and even helped me out. Ever since morning he looked angry.
"Whose house is this." I asked while getting out.
"It's Gaels." Lorcan looked at me for a moment waiting for my reaction. Well I remembered everything that happened over two years ago. Gael wanted to buy me, he even offered his sword to Lorcan.
"Are we going to stay in his house the whole month?" I kind of felt uneasy thinking about it.
"I can rent any other house but he has invited me and my sons are here too."
"I see." It was as it was so I had to deal with it. As soon as we came closer to the entrance the door was opened and a familiar face greeted Lorcan.
"Time sure flies, you look old." Gale grabbed Lorcan and hugged him.
"That's rich coming from you. I can see your beer belly." Lorcan replied.
"Sad but true, we are getting rusty." Gaels' eyes looked behind Lorcan and he noticed me.
"Oh my, you finally brought him with you." He let Lorcan from his bearlike embrace and approached me.
"We are getting older but this little beauty of yours is still in full bloom." Gael was looking at me from head to toes.
"I'm happy to see you again sir." I bowed my head slightly and glimpsed at Lorcan. The Lord of the Bridge was gloomy.
"We are tired Gael, we need some rest."
Gael nodded and stepped away from me. We entered his house. One could immediately feel that he was living alone. There were a few weapons displayed on the walls without any unnecessary ornaments. The echo of our steps was the only sound disturbing the silence.
'Where are the boys?" Lorcan suddenly asked.
"Boys? Don't make me laugh, they are full grown men." He laughed for a moment then added. "Your wife is here, they are with her." Lorcan said nothing and soon Gael stopped in front of a wide door.
"This is a room for you, does Ian stay with you or you wish to have separate rooms?" He asked Lorcan not even looking at me.
"One room is fine." Lorcan smiled and Gael patted him on the back, next he looked at me and I wasn' sure what to do with my eyes. I knew Lorcan was already in a shitty mood.
Gael left and we entered the room. It was spacious with a bed big enough for the two of us. There wasn't much to look at, the remaining furniture was scarce but of high quality. I closed the door and noticed Lorcan sitting on the bed.
"I haven't done anything, I was just being polite." I immediately started to explain myself.
" Stop it Ian, I know it's not your fault. A flower will always attract bees. I know that yet I can't help it. "
I came closer and touched his cheek, Lorcan raised his head and our eyes met.
"You sure are beautiful Ian and you are mine." He pulled me closer and nuzzled his head in my chest while his hands slid lower to my butt.
We came out barely managing to get on time for dinner however we weren't the firsts. Jay and Tod were already sitting next to our host. The time has surely made a difference on Lorcan's sons. They looked almost like Lorcan must have at their age. For a moment I didn't know which one was which.
"Father." One of them stood up and the other followed. They grew bigger, way bigger than me. They both gave their father a manly hug, one after another. I was standing a bit aside watching the whole scene.
"You look good." Lorcan smiled and seemed to be pretty pleased. Then they looked at me.
"Ian, nice to see you again." They both looked at me and I knew which one was Tod, there was something in the way he was staring that made me shy for a moment. I bowed slightly and smiled. We sat together and some servants came with the food.
"You did a great job." Lorcan said to Gael.
"Yeah, your boys are really great. Jay seems to be a brilliant strategist and Tod is already a sword master." Gael smiled and drank some wine.
"I'm going to enter the competition, father." Tod looked at his father.
"Will you? As you wish."
Silence, the meeting with his sons was less warm than I thought.
"Have you heard the news?" Gael suddenly broke the uncomfortable quietness.
"What news?" Lorcan put aside the cutlery looking expectantly at his friend.
"Rowan got married."
"What?"
"Yeah, I was shocked too." Gael smiled and continued." Apparently a young widow with a nice estate and they are expecting a child."
"Well, that calls for a toast". They raised their cups and so did the rest of us.
They kept chatting for an hour and I was already sleepy so I excused myself and went to our room.
I was in the upper corridor when I heard steps behind me. I turned around, I knew who it was even without looking.
"Tod?"
"I missed you Ian." Tod grabbed my hand and pulled me closer. I had to look up to see his eyes.
"I'm glad to see you too." I was about to free myself from his embrace when he leaned and kissed me. First gently but a second later his hand was behind my head and the kiss became more passionate. I was trying to free myself but Tod only stopped when he felt like it.
"The whole evening I was thinking about your lips."
"Let me go Tod, someone might see us."
"Don't worry, they still drink and there are no servants here." His grip was firm and I was chanceless.
"I'm of age now Ian." Tod smiled again.