The Devil That She Knows

Severin was indeed there when she arrived and he was still drunk from the night before. She saw he had been crying, his eyes were swollen, wallowing in self pity again and she learned long ago not to say anything about that. She knew he was lonely but he was also a bastard. He sniffed the air and she knew she was in trouble now.

“Where were hyou!” he said accusingly. “I smell ya...you fucked sumun, didntcha?” he said as he wavered. “Wearin yur fancy clothes an yur fancy pefumes,” he said making grand gestures as she tried to walk away from him. “Aye...aye, I’m talthin to you girl!” He said. “I needed ya last night an whur were ya, huh? Fuckin sum jackobite bastage I bet,” he said as he waivered. He smelled of strong brandy and not the good stuff. He must have drank that already and found that in the maid's quarters or under a servant’s bed. He grabbed her arm though to stop her.

“Oh, thas how it is? I keep ya outoff prison, give ya a home an nice thins and ya wish I was dead...well, I’ll be dead someday soon an then no more Severin...nope!” he said with a pop of his mouth.

Lorelei was exhausted. Between her amorous activities with Armand, murdering two people, and the long ride back to the manor she needed a bath and a long sleep. She was therefore in mood for Severin's mood. She could smell the brandy on him from a mile away. He stunk of it and could barely stand up. She hated Severin, but he practically owned her. He gave her practically everything she wanted in exchange for the duties she performed. She hadn't liked to Armand about everything. She had been shot by a crossbow at the age of 15 in the back and had almost died. It had been after her failed robbery attempt at this very manor. Severin had 'taken pity on her' and 'rescued her' from prison and death and for that she was practically bound to him.

"I was in Paris handling a job you drunken sod!" she bit back. "Go sleep whatever it is you drank off. I expect to be left alone. Anne!" she yelled for her servant who quickly appeared. "I want a hot bath drawn...a very hot bath and a pot of tea."

He did not take kindly to her shrugging him off and he grabbed hold of her dress. It ripped a little at the shoulder.

“I want ta fuck girl...now!” he said demandingly as he pulled at her. When he was like this she’d spend almost half an hour jerking him until one of three things happened; he came in her hands or on her face, she got him hard enough to fuck her or he fell asleep thinking he had fucked her. None were appealing or pleasant to be sure. Afterward he’d play Mr. Nice guy all sweet and apologetic which made him seem even more pathetic. When she pulled back again he tried to slap her. All she had to do was shift and he fell forward and hit the marble floor hard. His head began to bleed as Anne hurried down the stairs to attend her summons.

Upon seeing Severin she covered her surprised mouth with her hand and gasped. She to had been forced to ‘entertain’ Severin and he even had them both more than once. Made them do things to one another while he fucked one or the other from behind or in the mouth. He was a very demented man and it was nearly impossible to dig down to find any of the compassion she once felt for him anymore. How easy it would be just to leave him like that. To let him bleed and hope to god he’d never stand back up. She also noticed though that Anne hadn’t moved any closer to him to help and a look of understanding passed between them. So he had been at her recently and she was still quite bent about it Lorelei knew. However she also knew she hadn’t found his log book with all his contacts. She needed that ledger but Severin was even more devious than she was.

The last time she had left men had been waiting for her in the stables. If one hadn’t hit her in the head before she could clear her sword out from her cloak she’d have killed them all. Instead they ‘punished’ her and that was something very difficult to forget. Severin played as if he admonished what they did to her but she knew better. He’d would have had them skinned alive which she had personally witnessed once. Severin always had another plan like he was always two steps ahead of her. Right now however...

Lorelei was in no mood to bed Severin right now. It would be such a disappointment after Armand. She pulled back from him as he grabbed at her and her dress ripped at the shoulder. She moved again as he tried to grab at her again, but he was so drunk that he missed her and fell forward, hitting his head on the marble floor. He began to bleed and was unconscious. Lorelei looked over at Anne and then glanced back at Severin. She had half a mind to just leave him there, grab her things and leave. But she knew she couldn't. She didn't know where his contract book was and she knew that he would find her. She didn't even want to imagine what he would do to her then.

She sighed and called for a few more servants. She ordered him be taken up to his room and tended to. He would wake up in a few hours, she would tell him how incredible it had been and that would be that. But right now she needed her bath...

Anne prepared her bath in the large copper tub. She had all the soaps she liked, all scents of different flowers and herbs that she preferred and the two back brushes she liked the feel of on her back and cloths also to put on her face if she so desired. The bathroom was all white marble so the copper of the tub stood out. Anne had already put fresh tulips of different colors in the vases and the room already had a sweet, flowery scent to it. The water was very hot like she liked it and it took time to get into it. However when she did, it was sheer bliss. Anne stood silently back near the wall while she bathed and there was even cookies and spiced tea sitting on the side table, hot steam rolled form the small, bone china teacup Severin bought for her long ago. He bought her an entire set of the china because she wanted the cup and could not just buy a cup by itself. He was so different then. Younger and much more easy to get along with. Now he had thinning, graying hair, a gut and could barely manage to get it up when he wanted to tumble her. The water soothed away tight muscles from the past day and the bumpy coach ride. Armand was gentle but her bum still hurt. His mouth and tongue hadn’t though and as she tilted her head back and put a hot cloth on her face she dreamed that he was there still between her legs. Caressing her, loving her and though she suspected he was a good lover, some of the looks he gave her made her think he could easily fall for her. Anne had stepped forward and began to massage her temples soft and slow like she liked. This wasn’t heaven but if Armand was kissing her neck right now, it would be darn close!

Armand and the others were all pacing about the wide hallway. Upstairs others were guarding the windows but he, Porthos and Aramis would hold the hall if they were attacked. It had happened once before but those were barely more than rabble. The hall was of a highly polished gray stone with dark wood accents. Armand kept his hand upon his hilt, always watching for anyone trying to shoot them at a distance. They had tried that as well.

“So Armand...you go to gamble and two women drop dead at your feet...literally?” Porthos mocked. Armand just shook his head in exasperation. “No, I told you what happened...they were murdered,” he said trying to take it all in stride as they stood guard for the Bishop. “I did meet a girl though,” he said fondly. “And that’s how you lost your gold?” Aramis quipped. “She must have been one, special lady,” he added and they all laughed uproariously. Armand just shook his head and muttered to himself. However even is she were a thief and possibly a murderer she had affected him in a way he didn’t quite understand.

Athos glanced over at the young Musketeer. He shared a close relationship with Armand and looked after him almost like an older brother.

"I can see in your eyes that she has greatly effected you my friend, but if she did murder those two women she is a criminal and must be brought to justice. I would put her out of my mind if I were you."

Armond nodded to Athos, he was his mentor and friend but he also knew Armand well. He knew something had him distracted but there was little he could do here and now. They had a job to do and they needed to make sure the bishop survived until the vote later that year. Putting Elise, he now guessed that it was likely not her real name, out of his mind was impossible though. Everything about her felt right right then when he made love to her. He didn’t know what else to call it, it was more than just sex. TO him at least and he had been with many women. No, Elise was someone special, unfortunately, when and if he saw her again he’d have to apprehend her so she could face justice. He could not pin the murders upon her but the theft, it would be difficult for her to deny that though he never actually ‘saw’ her take his money pouch and all had seen him with it. He shook his head, now he was making excuses for her and he didn’t even really know her heart.

After her long bath, Lorelei slept for a few hours. She had been given her own apartments in the manor with her own bathroom and large bedroom and sitting room. Her bed was a large, four poster bed with a down mattress and pillows. She had fine pieces of furniture and her own small library. However, her most precious possessions were the exquisite pieces of jewelry Severin had given her over the years she had been with him. They were made of diamonds, rubies, sapphires and, her favorite, emeralds. Every time she slept with him a new piece would magically appear on her pillow a few days later. Over the years she had acquired quite the fine collection.

After resting for a few hours, Lorelei rose and walked downstairs. Severin was in the main sitting room when she walked in. She figured he had probably been so drunk he didn't remember what had taken place so she walked over to him and put on a concerned look and lightly touched his head.

"Are you feeling better? I have been so worried about you. We were in bed and it got so wild that you fell out and hit your head."

Severin sulked as he laid there in the bed. He had a bandage upon his head and clearly was in a surly mood. His head still hurt, he refused to take the valium he was offered for the pain. He could not remember last night for the life of him but he had bought her something nice a while back, he had a few things for her for when he forgot to buy something and he leaned over, opened his side table drawer then presented a thin, black box to her though he retained the small, blue box he also removed from the drawer.

“I know I can be...harsh at times my dearest, I hope you can forgive me yet again?” he asked as he watched her open it. Inside was a fat string of flawless pearls. The necklace was a choker designed for her neck alone and the pearls were flawless. “Please give Anne, my apologies as well,” he said as he also gave her a small, blue box, undoubtedly a ring of sorts for Anne, her personal maid. Severin liked her and when Lorelei wasn’t around and Anne couldn’t make herself scarce fast enough he found her and abused her, usually sexually, but no differently than Lorelei if she had been there.

Lorelei was glad that the staff had kept their mouths shut about what had actually happened. They had learned very quickly from her when things like that happened to not say anything and to let her tell Severin what 'actually' happened. She figured a gift was coming her way so she wasn't at all surprised when he leaned over to his side table and opened the drawer and pulled out a black box. It was long and thin, undoubtedly a necklace. She accepted the box and opened it. She couldn't help but smile when she saw the string of pearls. She picked it up and fingered the flawless pearls for a moment before putting the necklace on.

"I suppose I can," Lorelei replied with a little grin.

She took the other box, which was for Anne. It would be a ring, and nothing that Lorelei would actually want so she intended to give it to her. She had been sitting on the edge of the bed and stood up.

"Well, I should let you get your rest."

Severin held up his hand for her to pause a moment. He had a stack of papers on his lap desk and he shifted the lapdesk over closer to him. Atop it now that she was paying attention to it was a black, leather document pouch. He unfolded the lid and slid out 3 documents and a single, rolled parchment sealed with his own personal seal in black wax. On the side of it was a small exterior pouch for a small Ink vial and quills. He closed it back up and handed it to her.

“I have a task for you my dearest…” he said as he handed her the pouch. “A delicate matter, one that requires your discretion and skill,” he said. “The Voltaire farm, next to my plantation...they’ve agreed to a price but Ansel is being stubborn and greedy. My final offer is in that scroll along with the contracts he’ll need to sign. Do whatever you need to do to get him to sign yes?” he said as he let go of the pouch. “A coach and driver have been prepared. Take whomever you wish with you or no one. Pack for an overnight stay if that is what he wants,” he said suggestively, which made it clear her body was part of the deal if the man wanted her.

For Loreilei this was not the first mission she had been sent on. Part of the price of being allowed to live here and her freedom meant she had to do tasks like these from time to time. But if he was asking her, there was something more to it he did not tell her about. An angle that required her...specific abilities.

Lorelei paused and looked back over at Severin as he handed her the black, leather document pouch that had been sitting upon his lap desk. She knew then that he had a task for her. She had been hoping for a few days rest, but then again the thought of danger and what might be involved always made her excited. Over the years she had spent with Severin he had turned her into quite the skilled woman. He had spared no expense in making sure she knew everything she might need to in order to perform these...tasks. Many involved murder, which were always her favorite. However, this one seemed slightly less exciting. She would have that man signing anything she put in front of him after a few minutes on her knees.

"May I ask what exactly it is that he is signing?"

Severin held his head a moment and quirked a brow toward her. “It is a contract for the sale of his farm ofcourse but give him the scroll first mind! Once the papers are returned to me I will send him the money and the motivation to vacate the premises as soon as he is able….if not before,” he added with a dark grin.

“You are so very beautiful Lorelei, do not underestimate Ansel. He is older but quite devious. He will not roll-over easily. That is why I’m sending you. I need only one signature, i suspect he might try to destroy the first and maybe second document, he MUST sign the third...now leave me. My head hurts and I won’t have you doting upon me like I’m some old fool and his daughter,” he said as he rubbed his head again. Before she left though he added. “Do not dautle girl...bring me back that contract, you have four days. A day later and...well...I might get disappointed...You don’t want to disappoint me...do you my dear?” he asked. The last time she did that was when she tried to run. If she tried again this time she might be near certain he had taken measures to have her retrieved and he always expected her to run. One day he knew she would succeed so he made the process of her getting caught very unpleasant. And the men that had her in the stables the last time...they had ‘done’ things to her that still might make a seasoned whore shiver. They had three garden snakes and would remember quite vividly what they had done with them. Severin wouldn’t allow them to rape her. She belonged to him as far as that was concerned. He didn’t like it when she fucked anyone but him except when it was business.

Lorelei wasn't entirely certain that this was just about the farm, but she knew better than to question him. She nodded and turned to leave, but then she heard Severin's warning. He knew her too well and she knew that if she tried to run he would find her. The memories of her punishment for the last time she tried still gave her nightmares. She blinked away those memories and looked at him with a very slight smile.

"Of course not."

She then turned and left the room with the document pouch in hand. She went back to her rooms and instructed Anne to help her pack. She changed and put on one of her more revealing dresses, but put a cloak on overtop to cover herself until she wanted to reveal what was underneath. She sprayed on some more of her Gardenia scented perfume and double checked her dagger that she kept on her at all times. She then looked over at Anne.

"Is everything ready?"

Anne nodded and carried her bags to the coach where the footman hoisted them up top and helped her up the step inside. The trip out into the country was a pleasant one though it took hours and after only a few her bum began to go numb from all of the bumps. Whomever said coaches were more comfortable than horses were crazy people who never ridden in a coach...on a poorly graded dirt road. Still that time was her own and she spent it how she wished.

After several hours however the coach stopped suddenly. When she looked out the window to complain to her surprise she saw Musketeers on horses, several of them. What they were doing or why they were there wasn’t apparent immediately but one did knock on her door. When she opened it he bowed to her and flourished his hat.

“My lady, my apologies for halting your fine coach but the Bishop is heading this way and we are tasked to provide for his security. We will only hold you up for a few minutes,” he said as politely as he could. He was an older sort though attractive, kind eyes with the lean, muscled physique that most musketeers had young or old.

Lorelei hated riding in coaches. She much preferred to ride, but she had bags packed for several days and with everything she required it meant a lot of bags. She sat in the coach lightly fanning herself since it was rather warm. She found it nearly impossible to read while in a bumpy coach so she just relaxed and tried to force away her urge to open up the documents she had been entrusted with and read them.

Suddenly, the coach halted, rather abruptly. Lorelei knew they weren't there yet and she had not given the driver permission to stop for bodily reasons. When they didn't start back up right away she started to become irritated and was about to complain when she spotted several Musketeers. She immediately pulled her head back in just in case Armand was there. She prayed he wouldn't walk up and was thus relieved to see the face of a Musketeer she didn't recognize. He was older than Armand, but still in excellent physical shape. She lightly fanned herself as she listened to him explain to her that they had stopped the coach to allow the Bishop to pass through.

"Well, I am in a hurry, but a few minutes wait shouldn't be a problem," she replied with a little smile. "And I get the brief company of a handsome Musketeer."

The man smiled brightly to her and fingered his mustache in thought a moment before he quickly regained his composure and bowed as he backed out and closed the door.

“Armand, take the drivers reigns, they’re coming!” She heard from inside the coach. She could see him on his chestnut colored horse and he waved at the man that spoke as he shifted his horse up close to the coach then reached up as her driver handed down his reigns. He smiled at the driver politely and looked rather dashing in his leathers. He did not look her way though and the wind came from her left across the coach away from him so he would not smell her perfume.

After a few moments a deep rumble began to get louder and louder and the Bishop’s armored coach passed and sped along the road past her coach. The heavy coach kicked up alot of dust but the coach window was closed and thus it didn’t blow inside all that much. After it was gone Armand handed her driver back the reigns and tipped his hat to him as he kicked his horse into motion. His eyes scanned over the coach but there was a glare upon the window which forbade him from getting a look who was inside. She saw him though. His eyes were brown but they glowed with the inner light of youth and confidence as he moved past with the others. Her driver whipped the horses and her coach started off again to resume the trip to the plantation.

Lorelei heard Armand's name and she held her breath. She remained outwardly relaxed, but inside she was anxious. However, there was nothing she could do, but wait. She kept her hand upon her dagger that was hiding in her dress. She allowed herself a glance at him and could see him in his leathers and hat. She thought back to their encounter in the inn and even though she was sitting it made her go weak at the knees.

Finally, she heard the rumble of the incoming coach. A few seconds later it had passed and she saw Armand hand the reigns back to her driver. As the coach started back up she glanced again at Armand, but he soon disappeared from view. She sighed softly to herself (which surprised her), but then forced him from her mind as she knew she needed to focus on the task at hand. She wondered if she would ever see him again though.

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