"Why not, Da? What is so very wrong with that? After all, you have visited the palace many times yourself. Is there nothing wrong with that?" Aile McKie sat upon the edge of the dais, the large wooden table that had recently been piled with her birthday feast at her back. "You said I could have whatever I want for my birthday. I want a key."
"A key. Why couldn't you be like a sensible girl and want a horse, or a dog. Why must you want a key? Women are not masters, men are. And yes, I have gone to the Palace. But I am a man, not a woman. That is what prevents you from being allowed to have a key. Go find a husband if you want sex, or one of the servants. You and that kitchen boy used to romp in the woods quite often. What happened to him?"
Aile jumped from her perch, face reddened in anger. "FATHER!"
The duke turned to his daughter. "What?" He sounded bemused. "I'm only looking out for your best interests. Did he turn you down? I'll have the little fucker hanged for turning my beautiful Aile down... Or maybe skewered in the sun for a few days. That would teach him a lesson..." He trailed off, lost in his tortures.
"Father!" Aile yelled again. "No, he didn't turn me down. He wouldn't... Never mind. I've already told Connor to ready a caravan and some horses. Remember that suite next to mine? It had been converted to an exact replica of the rooms that my key currently occupies in the Palace. I wasn't asking for a key, I've already sent for one. I was telling you that I am leaving tonight to bring my present here. You have no choice."
The Duke was exasperated. "Aile, you WILL NOT be allowed to have a key. I refuse. Now go to your room before I hear any more of this nonsense." "Yes father," Aile intoned with her head down, feigning obedience. She left the room and instead of heading for her room, she went to the courtyard. "Ready to go Connor?"
The captain of her guard turned toward her. "I suppose," he said with a sigh. "I still don't see why you want a key."
Aile almost screamed. "Oh no.. Not you too. Please tell me you don't agree with my father. I'll lock Xander away from you if you say so."
Connor had to think for a moment. He didn't think Aile would be so mean. If Xander wasn't so damned hot it wouldn't have been a real threat. However, Connor had already been to the palace to pick out a key. He had posed as a page to see the available keys. Xander had been the cutest, not to mention the loneliest and the best at.. Never mind. Connor blushed at that thought. He grumbled something unintelligible in reply. That seemed to satisfy Aile.
Xander's key jangled happily in his pocket. He still hadn't given it to Aile. He didn't really want to. He would wait until she ordered him to, but not before then. As Aile mounted up, he did a final check on the wagon that they were bringing along for Xander. It was made of solid oak and was quite heavy; it took six of the stable's best draft horses to pull it. The only windows in it were in the roof as per the instructions the palace gave him. He was curious as to why Xander was not allowed to have windows. Some of the other keys had large windows and even outdoor gardens. Why was Xander so different? "All right everyone, let's head out. I'd like to get there before nightfall tomorrow evening if possible," Aile barked the order to move.
She was almost breathless in anticipation. Connor's review of Xander had been very high. She knew he wouldn't have given such high marks if they weren't warranted. It was such a shame that he only liked men. He might have made a great husband, or maybe just an occasional fling. That would be okay too. Then again, she wouldn't have to worry about that soon. Her key was waiting.
* * * Tyra walked as fast as she could with the heavy tray that she was carrying. She had been assigned to bring Xander his morning meals. She unlocked his door and was careful to lock it behind her when she was inside. Master Jaesen would not like it if she forgot. He would find out if she did, because he knew everything. As she set the tray on the table, she saw that Xander was still in bed. She tiptoed into his bedchamber. "Xander, pssst," she poked his exposed arm with her index finger. "Xander? Are you awake?" When he didn't stir, she put her face right next to his ear. "Are you awake?" She wisper-yelled into his ear.
"Whaa! Who? Huh?" Xander sat straight up, eyes wide. He shook his head to clear it. "Oh, good morning Tyra. I'm awake now. Thank you. I guess I should get up, huh?"
The little girl beside his bed nodded adamantly. "Uh huh. Master Jaesen says that we need to make sure you look your best tomorrow so you haveta eat good and then I'm supposed to take you to the tailor so he can make you a new suit. Do you think he'll let me watch because I've never seen anyone make a suit before. I bet it's neat. Well, are you going to get outta bed or not you lazy bones? My daddy always said that people who sleep all day will get fat and ugly. You don't wanna be fat and ugly do you?"
"No, I probably don't," Xander managed to drag himself out of bed and over to the table to eat. "Why do I need to look my best?" He already suspected, but he wanted to be sure.
"You don't know yet?" Tyra's eyes were wide with shock. "You're getting a master silly. He's supposed to be here tomorrow evening and then take you back to his castle. I wish you didn't have to leave, Xander. You're one of the only people who are nice to me here. What am I gunna do when you're not here?" Tyra's bottom lip poked out and began to quiver while her eyes filled up with tears. "Don't leave me!" She wailed.
"Oh, Tyra. Don't cry sweetie. Come on, don't cry. Don't.... Okay, okay, come here," he let the little girl crawl into his lap. She curled into a ball and cuddled up against him. He didn't know what to do. Out of instinct, Xander put his arms around her. She looked up at him, her little eyes bright with tears. "I don't want you to leave." "I don't either."
Tyra looked thoughtful. It was strange how she could change emotions so quickly; the tears were gone and forgotten. "We could run away. We could go far, far away and they'd never catch us. We could find my daddy. I bet he'd take care of us."
"We couldn't do that. If they did catch us, we'd be in big trouble. I wouldn't want you to get in trouble," Xander sighed. It did sound like a good idea. "Speaking of trouble, I'd better let you take me to the tailor, huh?"
"Yeah, I guess so. Why do I have to put a collar on you like a doggie?"
"It's just the things work around here," Xander answered, he couldn't tell her the real answer. She was just too young.
"Oh. Let's go. I wanna learn how to make a suit!"
Xander chuckled as Tyra led him out the door and through the castle to the tailor. He didn't pay any attention to his surroundings this time. Tyra's idea kept playing though his head. Could he really run away? The last time he had tried that, it had been awful. Then again, which would be better? Running away or being locked up in some far away castle with a strange man coming to him every night? He shuddered at the thought. At least here he was left alone most of the time. His last encounter, discounting the one with Master Jaesen, had been with one of the pages. He suspected the page had been new, but he hadn't seen that particular page since, either. He hadn't thought about it until now. He wanted to ask Tyra about the mystery page, but didn't dare talk to her in the corridors. He would surely be punished if he did. The tailor's "shop" was in the basement of the palace. It was cool and dark down there. The only lights came from torches high on the walls. As he stepped into the shop, his eyes had to adjust to the sudden light. The room was filled with many candles and torches.
Xander was ordered to stand on a stool with his leash tied to the wall. Tyra was allowed to stay and watch, provided she was quiet. She sat as still as she could on another stool in the corner and watched every move the tailor made with wide eyes. Xander was measured two or three times in more places than he cared to be measured. Bolts of fabrics were held against him to decide what colors would look best with his coloring. Somehow he figured that strange gauzy material that kept showing up would be a big part of the new "suit". I can hardly contain my excitement, he thought sarcastically.
After many "hm's", "ah's", and other mumblings, Xander was freed from the stool. Tyra led him back to his room with a promise to return him later that evening. Much to his surprise Master Jaesen was seated at his dining table with a midday meal spread before him. "Tyra, why don't you go see if Alain needs any help in the bath house? If he doesn't you can go play for an hour before you take Xander to the tailor again," Jaesen suggested.
With a half bow, Tyra left and locked the door behind herself. "Good afternoon Xander. Have a seat," Jaesen waited for him to sit before continuing. "I trust you know what is going to happen tomorrow evening. Your mew master will be arriving in the couryard, but you will be presented in the main hall. You understand, don't you? There will be a feast in your master's honor. All of the masters in residence will attend along with their keys. The pages will take their places to serve the meal. Speaking of meals, shall we begin ours?" Jaesen dipped his spoon into the bowl of rich stew before him after he spoke.
When Xander did the same it felt like his tastebuds had exploded. The food he was normally seved was excellent, but this was fantastic. He finished the meal all too quickly for his hopes. During the meal, Jaesen continued to explain the proceedings that had been planned. It was difficult for Xander to hide the fear that was now running through his veins. He wasn't sure what scared him most, getting a master or being taken from the only "home" he had known. Granted, most people wouldn't want to call the palace home, but they hadn't been raised by his kidnappers. He suppressed a shudder at the memories. "I believe that is all, Xander. It seems that Tyra has returned and is now waiting patiently to take you back for your final fitting. I shall see you tomorrow morning. Good afternoon," With that, Jaesen left the apartment. Tyra jumped to re-leash Xander.
When Xander saw the "suit" that had been created especially for his master's pleasure, he almost died. It consisted of a sheer green tunic with orange trim, and matching orange slippers. He was relieved to see that the accompanying leggings and belt were black, until he was ordered to put them on. The leggings weren't quite opaque; anyone who looked closely would be able to see all of him. It was a definite relief to escape back into his loose-fitting pants and tunic. How he would be able to endure that outfit for an entire day was beyond him.
He was handed the costume on a hanger to take back to his appartment. Thankfully, it was after dark by that time. He didn't even bother to take a bath before he passed out. His dreams were haunted by the events that the next day would bring.