Two

“Are you going to go in?” I jumped looking to see where the voice had come. A beautiful tall man stood before me. He wore a blue jacket with big brass buttons the shape of tiny flowers. His smile was almost illuminating. He was so gorgeous that I almost fainted. His dark brown hair swayed as he looked from me to the building. 

“It’s fun I promise.” He stretched his hand out to me. His fingernails were so clean. He looked like he had never touched dirt a day in his life. His skin was a ruddy brown. When I took his hand he was so warm I wanted to slam into him and never let go. I let him lead me into the building. The room was massively bigger than any place I had ever been. People lounged and talked. Some whispered in each other's ear. Soft music was coming from somewhere in the room. It added to the delicate atmosphere that all the lights beautiful in color were creating. The lights were also soft almost as if they were being light with some kind of magic. It took effort not to reach out and touch one of them. He led me into a smaller room. It was more cozy with a fireplace in the center. There were tables and couches scattered throughout the room. People in this room were sitting closer. Some were drinking. The beautiful man let go of my hand and offered me a seat. Which I took. The table we sat at was made of mother of pearl. It was cool to the touch. He sat opposite of me then just stared. His eyes ran over my body. Finally landing on my brother. He lifted his hand and pointed at him. 

“This really isn’t the right place for such a young boy. Could you not have gotten someone to watch him?” His voice melted into me like honey. Every word was pure joy to hear. My body tingled. He was smiling waiting for a response.

“I couldn’t” was all I got out. My voice sounded pathetic even to me. 

“Well don’t you think it will be a bit difficult with the boy?” He raised a beautifully sculpted eyebrow. I wondered what he was. I didn’t know very much about leer, but I do remember women talking about how good looking some could be. I never realized they meant this beautiful. He was truly devastatingly handsome. I didn’t know if it was rude to ask. 

“Look, I'm only here because my friends asked me to come out and drink. I’m not sure of the right things to say or how this works.” His hand emphasized his words. Just as I was going to admit that I didn’t know either, another more sultry voice cut in. 

“That is where you went off too. You realize when you go out you have to in fact stay with the people you have gone with at least until the first drink. It is rather rude otherwise. Huh Kael?” The man that stepped into view was dangerously handsome. His Jaw was set stern. His dark blue eyes were tinged with red. Like the red was trying to hide. His clothes were cut to fit only him. He had a blood red rose pinned to his jacket. Kael had turned to look at the dark mystery man. His brows furrowed. 

“I don’t believe I learned that custom Cadogen, my apologies.” A smile was dancing on Cadogen’s lips. He walked around the table and sat gracefully. “ Well, introduce me to your friend.” Kael was starting to look very annoyed. He rolled his eyes. 

“I don’t know her name.” Was all Kael said looking away. He was clearly ashamed to be caught picking up a girl. Cadogen finally looked at me. His blue eyes drank me in. I felt like I was going to combust under the weight of his stare. He shook his head like he was shaking a memory off. His eyes went softer. 

“So little dear what is your name?” He purred. My skin prickled up. 

“I’m Lucrezia," I said, trying not to sound as pathetic as I did the first time. He leaned back in his chair, really taking me in. 

“That is not a name that peasants use often. Especially human peasants.” His voice sounded flat. That startled me had I done something to offend him. 

“I think Lucrezia is a beautiful name.” Kael said, reaching his hand over the table to grab mine. 

“Of course you would, it's an elf name.” Cadogen said, throwing his feet up onto the mother of pearl table. 

“I’m Fae not Elf.” Kael shot back; brows furrowed. Cadogen rolled his eyes.

“The same thing.” Kael stood with his hands fisted at his side. For a moment those fists were my mothers fists. My mothers fists were coming at my face. I shook my head 

“We are not the same. We are different species.” Kael’s chest was heaving. 

Cadogen stood gracefully. “Both have magical powers, both live in magical lands, both have pointy ears.” Cadogen gestured toward Kael's ears. Which I hadn’t noticed before. His ears were short pointed like a dagger. They accentuated his sharp features. That must be why I hadn’t noticed them before. Power started to bubble around Kael’s hands. I scooted my chair back trying to get away from him. The chair made an awful scraping sound that had everyone looking in my direction. Kael’s dark chocolate eyes landed on me then back to Cadogen. He breathed heavily and then strode away without a look back. For a moment I had the thought to go after him. Chase him down. Throw myself upon him and declare that I wanted to be his, but I didn't. I stayed in my seat. I looked over at Cadogen who was now staring at me full stop. 

“So Lucretzia, Why are you in a place like this? With a small child nonetheless.” a long elegant finger pointed to my brother in my lap. 

“I…” I faltered for a breath. “I need to make money. My brother is hungry. So I came here to sell my first time to a rich leer.” I said trying to stay proud. This was not shameful. I wouldn’t be ashamed of it. He was quiet for a moment. “How much?” My heart started to hammer in my chest. I didn’t think this far ahead. I didn’t know how much to ask for. What was enough? I had no clue.

“One thousand gold pieces.” I said hoping that was going to be enough money. Cadogen let out a whistle. “You’re steep. Have you really never been touched?” his eyebrow arched quizzically. 

“I’m not a prude if that is what you are asking but I have never been intimate that way with a man.” I sat back wishing I would have said a different price. Maybe that was too high. He sat a moment longer, rapping his fingers on the table. 

“ How about this? I need someone to come to a ball with me in a couple of days. You come with me and you won’t have to sell your virginity. Hmm?” I blinked. Was this real? Or was I dying at home from hunger. I tried to decide 

“I don’t have all night Lucretzia.” He looked out a window like he was checking for something. “Yes, I’ll do it.” I said jumping up with Cedar still firmly in my arms. 

“Good, Follow me. Oh and one more thing.” He whirled around so close to my face that I could smell lilacs and vetiver on him. “Don’t you ever call me a leer again. Understood.” The red tinged his blue eyes again. I nodded my head, not able to find words. I followed Cadogen out of the pleasure house. The cold chill hit me full force. The pink stone was icy under my feet. He led me over to a carriage that I could only describe as intense. I was grand. The horse attached to it was massive. He opened the door and helped me step into the velvet and gold encrusted interior. 

“To veinland. Crane.” He said to the driver. He climbed into the compartment with an astonishing grace. “My brother is hungry. Can we get food before our journey?” He cocked an eyebrow. “It won’t take that long.” His voice was flat again. I sat back deflated. I could hear Cedar’s stomach rumble. His poor little body was so thin. I could feel the clothes hanging off of his body like the dress hung from mine. Emotion started to burn my throat. I tried to get work here and there but leaving him at the house alone or even worse with mother always was at the forefront of my mind.  I hoped I was doing the right thing. At least we wouldn’t have to go back to our mother. I pushed the thought of her away.