Spearing the Dragon

TWENTY-SEVEN

TALANGUL
Eirys observed her employer as they exited the Jormungandr in his private hangar bay at the spaceport of their home. He had been subdued since his guests had departed in their shuttle to return to their vessel. She wondered if something had happened with Lord Galdemort, since she didn't think anything could dampen Navileth's spirits. She wanted to ask, to comfort him, but they'd never had that relationship. It seemed to her whatever they'd had had ended that night in her room. In truth, she knew that's where it should end.
Now that they'd returned home, the reality of the situation came down on her even harder than when they were on the mission. Navileth was still Navariel, and that wouldn't change because they'd had sex. He had sex regularly, and it never affected his life. She knew she couldn't handle his lifestyle, wouldn't be able to be with him and share him with his clients, and watch while some treated him with disrespect.
He didn't allow violence in his place, but there were slights, turns of phrase from certain patrons who saw him as nothing more than an object of pleasure. He didn't seem to mind, or ignored them, but each one dug into her. If they were in a relationship, it would only make things awkward between them, especially when she put one of his high-paying clients' heads through a wall. She was too much of an enforcer to be his mate, she knew that, she'd always known that.
Now that they were home, she would continue to be his enforcer, continue to watch over him, desiring him, desiring something that could never be.

That night, Master Navariel took two clients to his bed, a rare occurrence, especially considering his policy of only taking regulars to his bed. The elves didn't question it, following him eagerly into his private bedroom. The evening progressed as expected, except their host appeared in a less giving mood than usual: it was just the basics, followed by only two orgasms before he rolled over and promptly fell to sleep.
Navileth woke in the early morning, surprised to find a bundle in the sheets next to him. His clients never stayed the night. He'd never made it a rule, they just had no interest in sleeping next to a courtesan all night. The youngish elf rolled over to face him, Navi blinking at him.
"Good morning," he said on default, the elf giving him a softened look.
"Yes, it is."
"I'm surprised you're still here."
"Is it all right?"
"Where is the other one?"
"He left before the sun rose."
"It's fine...it's just the norm."
"Last night was amazing. Truly."
Navileth's gaze softened. "You're welcome."
"I didn't expect I would get to see you so soon. I've been working down on the docks everyday so I could afford it. I first saw you down there, at a few booths."
Navileth nodded. "I own a few of the fishing posts."
"I saw you down there once and I asked about you. They said it would take a while before you would receive me. So I worked longer hours to be able to afford the house fee. I couldn't believe you chose me to come with you last night."
Navileth's heart easily softened at the earnest elf's leaf green eyes. He sat up, straddling him, the elf's eyes widening in a charming manner.
"Again? I can't afford..."
"This one's free."
The elf looked up at him with a dreamy look that reminded him of Eirys. He lifted a hand and touched his jaw.
"Why favor me?"
The word penetrated Navileth's heart.
"You seem to truly desire me, not as an object, but as a person."
"Would it ruin it if I said how beautiful you are?"
The word wrapped around his heart and squeezed. He bent his head and kissed him softly, the elf's hands finding his hair, but not in a dominant fashion. His touches were gentle, infused with gratitude as though he were one of the Vanir come to bless him.

They lay with their legs intertwined, Navileth looking into the eyes of the young elf whose name he had given as Rheysan, his heart full in a way it hadn't been in quite some time. Rheysan brushed his hair from his face, Navileth's gaze softening at the touch.
"This is a rare color for Dokkalfar," he commented, Navileth meeting his gaze but didn't tell him the truth. "May I come to visit you again?"
Navileth's heart warmed at the request.
"Of course."
"Is it alright if I bring you gifts?"
"Some do."
"I don't want to offend you, I just..."
Navileth took his hand, giving him a sultry look.
"It takes a great deal to offend me, child. You may do whatever you feel is right in your heart."
Rheysan leaned forward to give him a soft kiss, so different from the demanding, dominant kisses he usually received. He returned it before the elf leaned back with an adoring gaze he received from few.
"I must get to work at the docks. I don't want to be late."
"Have a good day."
"It might be awhile before I can afford to come back...but just know I'm thinking about you."
Navileth's gaze warmed at the sweet sentiment.
"There is a back door I'll show you. No need to come through the front."
He sat up, the elf giving him a wide-eyed look.
"Really? How shall I pay?"
Navileth gave him smiling eyes.
"It's not necessary."
"Oh, I wouldn't want to..."
Navileth pulled him upright, scooting from the bed. He took a robe from the back of a chair, sliding into it as he sauntered into his office, opening a door.
"See."
The elf a few inches shorter than him gave him a warm look before he stood on his tippy toes to give him a little kiss. Navileth smiled a little as he touched his hair.
"Thank you, Navariel."
"You're welcome."
He watched the young male turn back toward his bedroom, watching him dress with peace in his heart.