Volle (10 page)

When his knot was swollen, Richy pressed himself down on it, and Volle clutched him tightly as his muscles seemed to want to contract all at once. He moaned into the wolf’s fur and pushed off the bed slightly as his hips thrust up. He felt the tension through his whole body, and when his climax came, he felt the pulses of his release through his whole body as well. Richy’s legs tightened around him as he gasped out his pleasure in stuttering moans.

It ended too soon. He sank back onto the bed, panting, and gave Richy’s chest a lick before looking up at the wolf, who was smiling back down at him. “That felt good.”

“It was,” Volle said. He couldn’t keep the smile off his muzzle even if he wanted to. “Oh, I needed that. You were wonderful.”

Richy kissed his nose. “You were a delightful customer. If you want to lay back, you can.”

“Mm. I think I do.” Volle licked Richy’s muzzle and then lay back, supporting his head with one paw. With the other, he teased Richy’s erection, which had remained dry throughout. “You’ve got a very nice…shape there. I wouldn’t mind having that in me someday.”

Richy chuckled softly. “I’m here four days a week. I’d be delighted and honored if you asked for me again.”

“I think I just might. You’re a beautiful young wolf.”

He felt Richy’s tail wag against his legs. The wolf’s paw stroked his chest. “And you are a very handsome fox.”

He filed away the understanding that Richy was just saying whatever it took to get a better tip and repeat business, and let himself enjoy the compliment. “Thank you,” he murmured. His black paws traced Richy’s curves through the white and grey fur, lazily enjoying the feel of the wolf around him as his knot slowly shrank. Richy’s grey paws caressed his chest and muzzle at the same time, and the warm hazy glow almost sent Volle to sleep. The caresses were beautiful and tender, and they made Volle want to bury his muzzle in the wolf’s thick chest ruff and stay there all night.

Richy sliding off his knot sent a shiver through him and brought him back to full wakefulness. He grinned up at the wolf, who reached for the towel and cleaned Volle off before wiping off his own fur. When he’d done, he dropped the towel back on the chest and lay down on the bed next to Volle. One grey paw stroked Volle’s stomach fur gently.

“How long do I have?” Volle said, smiling at the green eyes that were so close.

“As long as you want.” Richy nuzzled him.

Volle lifted a paw to return the strokes, and sighed. “Probably not too much longer. I’m supposed to meet my friend downstairs.”

“Just tell me when.” Richy smiled and touched his nose to Volle’s again.

Volle pushed his paw through the soft white fur, yawned, and closed his eyes. “A few more minutes…”

It was actually close to twenty minutes later that he padded back out into the main room. Business had picked up with the later hour, but Helfer was nowhere to be seen. The raccoon band was gone, and the only noise in the room was the buzzing of conversation. Volle made his way to one of the three empty tables and sat down, stifling another yawn.

Tally spotted him a few minutes later and walked over. “Volle, darling, how was everything?”

He smiled. “Wonderful. Oh.” He fished in his purse and found two silver pieces. He handed them to the cougar. “Please tell Richy I had a delightful time.”

Tally beamed. “He’s an adorable little thing, isn’t he?” He leaned over and lowered his voice. “You know, for a slightly higher price, we can arrange for him—or anyone else here—to be available to you on a regular schedule.”

Volle laughed softly. “It’s only my first day here. I don’t know if I’m ready to be scheduling my paramours yet. But thank you for the information.”

“Oh, no need to make a decision now, darling. I’m just telling you. Our staff likes repeat customers, too. That way they know what they’re getting.”

“As long as it’s something good.”

Tally giggled and waved a paw. “Oh, you’re a good one. I can tell just looking at you. You keep yourself neat and you have a nice scent. I’m sure Richy had a good time too.”

“Hope so.” Volle smiled.

“Oh, he did. Don’t worry your red little head about that.” Tally patted between his ears. “I have to run off, dear, but do have a drink on the house. We have a barrel of wine and a barrel of water back there. Help yourself.” And then Tally was off to talk to another customer.

The raccoon combo had returned, and Volle had finished a cup of rather watery wine, by the time Helfer returned. He wore a wide smile and there was a little bounce in his step as Volle joined him at the door. They waved to Tally and walked out into the street.

Helfer looked Volle up and down, and grinned. “So you had a good time.”

“Oh, yeah.” Volle smiled. He was tired and wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed, but his tail apparently had plenty of energy. It seemed to be wagging of its own volition. “How often do you go there?”

“About once a week. Want me to bring you along next time? I’m not paying again, I’ll warn you.”

Volle laughed. “That’s okay. I’ll pay my own way. Just as soon as I get my money situation straightened out.”

“What situation?”

He told Helfer the story of his meeting with the Exchequer. For a moment, he considered telling him the whole story, but the thought of reliving the experience made his fur prickle. Besides, what if Helfer thought badly of him for giving in so easily? Already he was feeling ashamed, but he’d been so unsure about his position at the palace that he hadn’t felt he had another choice.

“I can’t believe he would’ve let Vinton slide for twenty years without taxes. Not Ullik. He probably just wanted to scare you.”

“I sure hope so.” Volle sighed and looked around as they turned onto the main street to head back to the palace gate. It was, if anything, a little more crowded, mostly with nocturnal species like foxes, raccoons, and weasels.

“Stay alert,” Helfer warned in a low voice. “This time of night there are cutpurses about.”

Volle let a paw rest on his purse. “Thanks.”

“That’s another pub I visit sometimes.” Helfer had turned around and was pointing further down the street, beyond where they’d turned. Volle could just make out a sign painted with a picture of a rooster. “The Lonely Cock.”

He was grinning, so Volle was sure the innuendo was intentional. “Is it the same kind of place?”

“No, it’s a real pub, but you can be sure when you approach someone that they’re at least interested in your gender.”

“I don’t have much trouble with that.”

“Really? I’m never sure. Is it something you can smell?”

“I guess so. I’d never really thought about it.” Volle touched his muzzle. “It’s just sort of a feeling.”

Helfer shook his head. “Now I have another reason to envy you canids your long muzzles.”

Volle laughed. “Aww. But hey, don’t tell me your flexible back doesn’t come in handy. I’ve seen some weasel contortionists.”

“If you don’t practice, though, you get kind of stiff. Actually, that happens even when you do practice.”

They both laughed as they approached the palace gate. The sentry on duty took Helfer’s papers and accepted his vouching for Volle. They strolled into an even more deserted garden.

“I would’ve thought there’d be just as much activity inside the palace as out,” Volle mused.

“It’s the bears,” Helfer said. “They like using daylight, so everybody else has to be up and about in daylight too. Nocturnals are out of luck.”

“What do you do with the government?”

“As little as possible.” He chuckled. “Really. Getting involved in politics and government just leads to trouble. Get people mad at you and you put all this in jeopardy.” He waved a paw at the palace. “I’m afraid I like my life a bit too much for that. So I lay low and try to remain unimportant.”

“How long have you been here?”

“Lived in the palace for ten years. Only been Lord Ikling for two.”

“Oh.” Volle was going to ask what had happened to make him Lord, but Helfer cut him off.

“Say, I usually go for a nice run through the gardens in the morning. Want to join me?”

“Sure. When?”

“I’ll send Caresh—that’s my valet—down to your chambers when I’m ready. Where are you staying?”

“First floor, south, next to Lady Gervis.”

“Oh, I know the place. Caresh could find you anyway, but I might as well make it easier on him. It’s a date, then.” He eyed Volle’s trousers. “Do you have shorts? Loose ones?”

“You mean like skirts? I don’t, no.”

“I’ll send down a pair. Hm. Maybe we should visit my tailor, too.”

“I was going to see the palace tailor…”

“Wexlin? Good Weasel, no. He’s always two years behind the times and he refuses to catch up. Didn’t you wonder why everyone at the banquet looked so hideous?”

“No, I was more worried that people were staring at me.”

“Well, good point. They probably were.”

Volle snorted and felt his ears flick self-consciously. “Thanks.”

“Glad to help. Oh, don’t worry about it. Wouldn’t you rather be noticed?” They’d reached the palace and Volle turned to go to his room. Helfer was preparing to go another way.

“I’d rather be noticed for something good.” Volle extended a paw. “Thanks so much for the night out. I really needed it.”

“My pleasure,” Helfer said. “Nice to meet someone my age who shares my tastes.” He shook Volle’s paw and smiled brightly. “See you in the afternoon.”

“Morning, you mean?”

The weasel grinned and waved as he turned around. “I wouldn’t bet on it.” He scurried up the stairs and down a corridor.

Volle was still grinning as he found his way to his chambers. Not only was life going to be considerably more pleasant than he’d hoped, but he’d made a friend who had nothing to do with the government, a friend he would not have to get information out of, a friend he could relax with and just be Volle. He determined that he would not miss running with Helfer in the morning. Something would have to replace his exercise regimen from the Academy, and it might as well be running.

He managed to get his shirt and trousers off, and fell into bed dreaming he could feel the young wolf pressed up against him.

Chapter 5

He woke early in the morning out of habit, even though his body told him he needed another couple hours of sleep at least. Apparently late risers were the norm in the palace, because the corridor and baths were empty, save for the bath attendant. Perfect, he thought, and headed for the warm water baths.

When Volle returned to his chambers, drying himself with a fluffy towel, there was a short skunk standing smartly at attention outside his door. He wore a white linen tunic with a blue vest over it, and blue cotton trousers, and at his side he carried a large satchel.

Volle held the towel in front of himself. “May I help you?”

“Lord Vinton?”

“Yes.”

The skunk bowed. “My name is Welcis, sir. I am to be your personal servant.”

“Oh. Well, come in, then.” Volle opened the door to the parlor, and the skunk followed him in.

“I am led to understand, sir, that these chambers do not have separate quarters for a personal servant.”

Volle looked around the parlor, and then thought about the sitting room and the bedroom. “No, I suppose not. Would you be willing to sleep in the sitting room?”

The skunk bowed. “I was going to suggest that I could use the servants’ quarters down the hall, but if Lord Vinton wishes me to remain close by, I would be honored to take those accommodations. I can assure his lordship that his sitting room will remain functional.”

“Thank you, Welcis.” Volle stood awkwardly for a moment.

The skunk reached into the satchel and pulled out a brush with a leather strap across the back of it. He slipped his broad paw through the strap. “Would his lordship like his fur brushed?”

“I…thank you.” Volle led Welcis into the bedroom. “I’m afraid we’re rather short on furniture…”

The skunk smiled. “If his lordship would sit on the edge of the bed?”

Volle did so, and the skunk sat behind him, brushing down his fur in smooth, firm strokes. Volle closed his eyes in pleasure. He and Reese had once treated themselves to a full wash and brush at a salon frequented by nobles, and had never forgotten how good it felt. I can have this every day if I want, he thought with a grin. Wait ’til I tell Reese.

His damp fur did not dominate the skunk’s smell. Volle had known only one skunk, growing up in Caril, and so he took a moment to acquaint himself with Welcis’s natural scent. It was strong, but not objectionable; rather like a fox’s smell, but slightly more sulphuric. Volle found it harder to read Welcis’s mood than he would with a less musky person, but other than that the smell didn’t bother him.

“Stand up please, sir?”

Volle stood, and let the towel fall to the floor. He didn’t feel aroused, just relaxed, and his tail waved slowly back and forth to show this, until Welcis took it gently in his paws and brushed it smooth.

“Oh,” Volle said as the skunk was brushing down his legs, having delicately avoided his sheath. “I’m supposed to go running with Helfer—Lord Ikling—today. I’d hate to think this was all for nothing.”

Welcis smiled. “Sir, you have an appointment with the secretary in an hour. Lord Ikling will be along after that. The rest of the day is free, for the moment, but if his lordship desires another bath after running, I am at his disposal.”

“All right.” Volle smiled. His stomach growled at the same time, making Welcis’s ears perk. “I haven’t had any breakfast. I’m not sure where to go.”

“It is the custom for breakfast to be delivered by the personal servants. I do apologize for not bringing it this morning, but I was not sure whether—his lordship had eaten.” The pause in his sentence was minute, but Volle heard it.

“Please don’t apologize. I’m not used to having a servant, so I think I’ll have to rely on you to teach me about that.”

“I will be happy to help his lordship enjoy the full benefits of his station. Luncheon is served informally in the smaller dining rooms. The Lords often gather there to take lunch, though some take it in their rooms as well.”

“I’ll probably lunch after my run with Helfer. Did you say something about the Secretary?”

“Yes, sir. When the Steward’s assistant sent me down, he told me that he’d made an appointment with the Secretary for you.”

“Was that Arrin?”

“Yes, sir.”

Volle thought about the cute young fox for a moment. Now that he knew that Reese’s warning about the customs had been wrong (intentional or not), he thought he might try to follow up on what he’d thought was Arrin’s interest. If the fox were still interested, that is, after his apparent brush-off. He emerged from those thoughts with the realization that he was still naked and starting to show where his mind was wandering. He went instinctively to the wardrobe, but of course he hadn’t put his clothes away yet and it was empty.

“Allow me, sir.” Welcis walked smoothly out and returned a moment later with Volle’s bags. He opened them and lifted out a pair of informal cotton trousers. “I think these would be suitable for an appointment with the Secretary, sir.”

“Thank you, Welcis.” Volle slipped the trousers on, then put on the tunic Welcis handed to him.

“With your lordship’s permission, I will arrange a visit from the palace tailor.” Welcis was arranging Volle’s clothes in the wardrobe, a job that took him all of five minutes. Volle hadn’t brought many outfits.

“I believe Lord Ikling is going to take me to a tailor outside the palace,” Volle said. “And besides, until I resolve my money situation, I’m not sure I should be buying clothes.”

“As his lordship wishes,” Welcis said, “though if I may offer an opinion, I should say that the money will be taken care of, and his lordship should not wait to present an appearance in accordance with his station. I only offer this because I understand that his lordship may not be acclimated to his current situation.”

“Why do you think the money will be taken care of?”

“Arrin informed me that his lordship visited the Exchequer. Since my own expenses are being paid, and his lordship was allowed to remain in the castle, I can only assume that his lordship’s credit is good.”

“But I can’t pay a tailor in credit.” And to get credit he would have to visit Ullik again. He was hoping to put that off as long as possible. At least until he got an answer from Anton, and that would probably take over a week.

“The palace tailor will be paid directly by the palace from your lordship’s account.”

“Oh. I see. Well, then, by all means, arrange a visit. I suppose Lord Ikling’s tailor can wait.”

“Yes, sir. Would his lordship like a breakfast before his appointment?”

Volle nodded. “Yes, that would be wonderful.” He had only just stopped himself from saying ‘yes, please.’

He ate breakfast in the parlor when Welcis brought it back; it was an egg-and-tomato dish that he found very tasty. Welcis informed him when he had to leave for his appointment with the Secretary and how to get there.

On his way up the Goat stair, he reflected that having a personal servant was probably the only way he would be able to manage life at the palace. He’d only been there a day and already someone had scheduled him for an appointment he hadn’t requested, not to mention the several he had. He felt rather like it was his first day at the Academy again, when he’d shown up not knowing where he would be going or what he’d be doing, and by the end of the first day his week was planned out; by the end of the week his first year had been planned out.

The Secretary’s office was more luxurious than the Steward’s or the Exchequer’s, and he had two assistants, both bears. They waved Volle in as soon as he arrived, so he had very little time to look around at the velvet wall coverings and the many paintings. These, in contrast to most of the others he’d seen, were not of people but of events: great battles and coronations and voyages.

In the Secretary’s office, the theme continued. The only exception was the portrait of the King that hung behind the large desk. The Secretary was also a bear, larger than his two assistants both in height and girth. His fur was more honey-golden than brown, and his eyes, when he looked up at Volle, were also golden. He wore an elegant yellow vest over a linen shirt, and he had a warm smile.

“Welcome, Lord Vinton. Have a seat.” Volle smiled and sat down. “Welcome to Divalia. This is where the country’s future is shaped, her destiny molded, and as a peer of the realm, you have the honor of being a part of that. I understand you arrived here from southern Ferrenis. How was the trip?”

“It was pleasant,” Volle said. “I enjoyed seeing so much of Tephos. It’s a beautiful country.”

“Ah, you’ve only seen part of it.” The Secretary beamed. “You will have seen the plains of Sophasol, but not the mountains of Gerrenland to the north, nor the orchards of Vellenland to the east. The mountains are my favorite, though.”

“The ones we can see from the walls?”

“Yes! I miss them. I try to get away at least twice a year, but you know, it’s so difficult. The minute I leave, there’s a page running after me with a message.” He chuckled. “My name is Prewitt. Please call me that. I hate being called ‘Mister Secretary.’”

“I’m Volle.”

“A pleasure to meet you. So how did you come to learn of your ancestry?” The tone remained affable, but Volle was conscious of the scrutiny of those golden eyes.

“My mother died last year. She said she had hidden it from me, but that it was no longer her secret to hide.”

“So she and the former Lord Vinton met in…”

“Merinland. There was some fighting there.”

“I remember.” He scratched his chin thoughtfully. “I thought Lord Vinton was killed elsewhere, though.”

Volle spread his paws. “The people in Vinton didn’t know. He just never came back. The Steward said he was killed in the fighting, but didn’t say whether it was in Merinland or elsewhere.”

The golden eyes searched him for a moment, then looked back down at the desk. “Indeed. Well, I didn’t know him personally, but I understand he was not a resident at the palace. Preferred to keep to his part of the world.” He looked back up. “I’m glad to see you don’t follow in his paws. This country needs more young lords involved in her governance.”

“I’m pleased and honored to help in any way I can. How involved can I be?”

“You know that the king is the absolute authority, right? Well, he assembles small councils, five to seven nobles, to be his advisors on certain important subjects. The ministers each chair the councils and take the recommendations to the king.” Volle nodded. “Now, obviously you won’t be placed on any of the councils for a while, but I’m sure we can find something for you to do. You can sit on one of the tribunals if you like.”

“Tribunals?”

“The King hears cases once a week. Usually those are cases brought forward by the wealthy or the peerage. Any other cases are heard by tribunals made up of five nobles. We have three of them and they each meet once a week. I could place you on the Feliday one. I believe Lord Creane mentioned that he would like to be replaced. You’ll meet for two weeks as an observer and then take his place.”

He was already scratching on his paper with a quill, but Volle said, “All right” anyway.

“Excellent. See how you like that. In a while, when you’ve gotten more accustomed to life here, you can sit in on some of the councils—the Agricultural or the Taxation council, perhaps—and eventually you’ll be given a seat on them.”

“How will I know when I’m accustomed enough?” Volle grinned slightly.

“You’ll know.” Prewitt smiled. “If you want an audience with the king for any reason, of course, Ursiday is the day he holds court. It isn’t formal, but do have your valet add you to the list.”

Volle nodded. “Is there anything else I should know?”

Prewitt leaned back. The chair creaked under his weight. “Banquets like last nights will be announced at the dinners. If you don’t take dinners here, the Steward has a list. That’s for palace-wide events. Some are smaller and for those, invitations will be issued. If you have any questions about the workings of the palace or your responsibilities here, just come see me. And I think that’s all I have to tell you.”

He rose, and Volle stood with him. The bear’s enormous paw enfolded Volle’s gently, shook briefly, and then released it. “Pleasure to meet you. I look forward to seeing you about the palace.”

“Thanks for your help.” Volle smiled, and left, spending no more time in the anteroom than he had on the way in.

Once in the corridor, though, he paused. He’d walked through the palace several times now, and had begun to think he could find his way around. As a test, he decided he would look for the Steward’s office and Arrin, though he had no idea yet what he would say to him. He was near the Goat stair now, he knew, and he’d passed the Weasel stair on the way over, so if he were correct, then the Lion stair would be to his right. He decided to try navigating the corridors without returning to the main hall, trusting to his sense of direction.

The corridors didn’t run straight, but bent and even divided. He tried to follow his sense of direction, but all the doors looked and smelled the same, and he ended up back at the Goat stair. He had passed some nobles and servants in the corridors, but didn’t want to ask directions just yet. He could always go down to the main hall if he got lost.