An Earl's Desire

[tamgreen]

Innocent surprise was written all over the lad's face. Every tidbit of information brought more questions to his mind.

"I... am his yeoman," Ambrose said haltingly. "I know not what 'ingle' is. We... talk to each other. Play games. He kisses me, now and then. I sleep next to him. He does not... touch me in any unseemly way."

Ambrose's eyes glanced over the lad in the guise of a young lady, the illusion so perfect he could only think of Belle as "she". Yet she did not have a woman's parts, and still preferred that role?

"You mean to say you... allow men to put themselves... up there?" he stammered. "And... you like it? You do not find it crude? Is it not brutish?"

 

[haremfaery]

"An ingle, is a special type of servant. Like a gentleman or yeoman of the chamber, an ingle sees to his lord's ... physical well being.It is a way for a nobleman to keep a lover of lesser bIrth by his side with impunity." Belle sounded like Ambrose's tutor as she spoke. She squeezed his arm. "You truly share a bed with that heaven-hued bawcock and do naught but sleep? By my troth, were I in his bed, we'd do everything but sleep." She grinned at Ambrose and blushed a little. "Ach, now I've scandalized you again." She delicately picked up a small sausage link with her fingers and nibbled at it in a most suggestive way.

"Of course I like it! If the man takes my fancy, and shows himself to be a gentle lover, there is nothing crude nor brutish about it." She drew him away from the table and into a corner. "Have you never put a finger there when, you know ... you play the bed flute?"

 

[tamgreen]

A warm shiver tickled up Ambrose's spine. He had so much to learn, that much was clear - ever so much more than letters and numbers, and far more intriguing things. He felt awfully stupid, not having fully realized that two men could be lovers in essentially the same way as a man and a woman could be. A whoreson like him ought to know more than enough about sex, but when it came to what was done between two men, apparently the only thing he had seen was rape. Of course it would be something different with a man who was gentle, a man one might... fancy. As for the depths of pleasure to be found there, in that forbidden place, Ambrose remained ignorant.

He glanced over Belle's features, quickly checking for some sign she might be making sport of him, and then lowered his eyes shyly. He couldn't resist a brief giggle. Play the bed flute. Belle could just about compete with the much lauded bard when it came to painting with words.

"No... never," he whispered. "I would have thought it a filthy thing to do. Is it... is it truly nice?"

 

[haremfaery]

Ambrose's giggle was infectious. But Belle got serious when he whispered to her. "As I said it can be very nice with the right lover. I think it could be the most wonderful thing in the world if there is true love between both. And if you don't want to, a kind lover with understand. There are other ways to give and receive pleasure." She pulled him close and kissed the corner of his mouth and the kissed him full on the lips. She envied him the soft plushness of his lips considering her own too thin. She parted her lips wondering if he would take control of the kiss.


The Earl of Cambria was at a table talking and drinking with friends but he casually watched the two. He sat back enjoying the sight of the two giggling together and then, what ho! kissing. He might yet enjoy both of them if he were more cunning than when he approached them the first time.

 

[tamgreen]

Ignorant of any eyes upon the two pretty youths, Ambrose smiled and shivered at the kiss. He smiled against Belle's lips, finding it delightful to play at romance with a boy in girl's clothing. He'd never given much thought to girls, and still didn't - Belle was certainly like no other girl. Still, it was only a game, wasn't it? Ambrose liked it, but he hesitated, wondering if perhaps it wasn't right - he wasn't sure he would have any real intent with Belle, or whether she would expect it. More than anything, he thought of his master.

He pulled back from the kiss but stayed close to Belle.

"I won't be in trouble, will I?" he whispered, meeting Belle's eyes with gentle concern. "I must always think of my master first, must I not? Is an ingle to be faithful to his master... in that way? Not that I would be seeking out lovers..."

 

[haremfaery]

"In trouble? No, I should say not. You're Lord Camberwick's yeoman, not his ingle. Not yet, anyway." She grinned at him. "You haven't exchanged words of love nor any vows. There is no call to be faithful in that way--You may not be seeking lovers, but they may be seeking you. Perhaps you should speak to your lord before someone else takes your fancy."

"Would that you would fancy me." Lord Cambria approached them again. "I would not leave you alone among strangers whispering in some alcove with a former lover. I would rather keep you close and suck the honey from thy lips."

 

[tamgreen]

Ambrose could certainly agree that he had plenty to talk about with his master at this point, but he would have to wait until Orson called for him - he had obviously needed to speak privately with Master Shakespeare. When he looked up again to see if his master was nearby, he saw only Cambria.

He was beginning to get accustomed to various noblemen flattering him, and after all the lords Orson introduced him to today who had showered him with florid compliments, Ambrose had decided not to be concerned about this man's forwardness, despite the fact that he had tried to trade their attentions for coins earlier. It was probably just a misunderstanding. Thanks to Belle, he could find the courage to give a confident reply, and thanks to his training in Orson's household, he could also be polite about it.

He offered the man a measured smile and a small bow. "You flatter me, m'lord. But I am not among strangers - this is the lady Belle. A friend. And you are Henry Milton, Earl of Cambria. I'm afraid I am not for hire, sir. Begging your pardon."

 

[haremfaery]

"Yes, I believe Mistress Belle made that quite clear. I meant no offense." he made a little bow to the both of them. "'Tis only that I know players and servants are rarely well compensated. Should your circumstances ever change, do call upon me." He turned to Ambrose, "And you, sweet youth, should you have need for a tutor in the ways of pleasure ... I am at your service." He gave a disarming grin. "I hope to see you often at our gatherings now that Lord Camberwick has deigned to join us once again."

Orson had lost track of time and Ambrose in speaking with his old friend. He expected his yeoman would not be far from the groaning board and ventured that way.

"Talk of the Devil! Camberwick, your new yeoman is delightful. And most loyal. To yourself."

"As a servant should be." Orson smiled at Ambrose. "I hope Belle has not convinced you to leave me and join the Lord Chamberlain's Men?" It was still early as far as Orson was concerned, but if he was honest with himself, he wanted to take Ambrose back to house and put Will's advice into action.

 

[tamgreen]

Ambrose stood up straight and his face lit up at Orson's approach.

"My lord - Belle has not put a single word in my ear about joining her company," he reported with a small, playful smile. "I can hardly bear all the attention of simply meeting your friends - I may burst into flames if I try to perform on a stage. We have been speaking of... other matters."

He squeezed Belle's hand and kissed her cheek before stepping forward to press himself against Orson's side. All the time he had spent alone with Orson, and his heart had never thumped quite as hard as it was thumping now. His eyes had been opened, and he could only hope Belle's impression of how his master felt about him was not simply an overly active imagination.

 

[haremfaery]

Osron's smile broadened. Ambrose was indeed a breath of summer. He raised his eyebrows, "Perhaps you will tell me of these 'other matters' later." He gave Belle a wink and put his arm around Ambrose's waist. The lad felt warm against his hip.

"Have you had your fill of food and company? Shall I call for the carouche?"

"Leaving so soon?" Cambria put in. "I was only just getting to know your yeoman. Such a pretty lad, he teaches the torches to burn bright. You leave us in darkness when you go. I pray you will not be such a stranger in future."

"Now that Ambrose has gotten a taste of the theater, we will be in attendance on the regular. I look forward to see Master William's play for twelfth night."

Henry and Orson were on the fringes of each other's acquaintances. He did not know the man well, or his character. But he seemed affable enough and anyone who spoke highly of Ambrose gave Orson a warm feeling toward them.

 

[tamgreen]

Ambrose beamed steadily up at his master, feeling a rush of pride in himself - a strange, new experience for him.

He finally tore his eyes from Orson and smiled at Henry, appreciating the compliments, before grinning in Belle's direction. He hoped she wouldn't be in any way upset about the attention he was getting. It was nice having a friend.

"I'm having a very nice time," he responded, returning his gaze to Orson, "and would not complain about either staying longer or leaving for home. Let it be your pleasure, my sweet lord."

 

[haremfaery]

"My sweet lord." Orson wanted to gather Ambrose in his arms and pepper him with kisses. Instead he gave the lad a squeeze.

"Do not leave yet, Camberwick." Wessex had joined the group. "I was just getting a table ready to play Maw. With your good luck charm here in the flesh, I'd do better to encourage you to leave." Wessex laughed. He went to a table where a few of Orson's friends were already seated. They began thumping the table to get Orson's attention.

"Very well." Orson took Ambrose's hand and led him to the table. He pulled a chair up for the lad, next to but slightly behind him. He leaned in and whispered, "If you become tired, tell me and we will leave."

The table quickly filled with players. They made their stakes and the play began. Orson lost the first round. Wessex laughed. "Not a good luck charm after all. Perhaps you need to rub it first."

Orson shook his head at the jibe. He twisted round to Ambrose. "I'd rather a kiss for luck." He waited for Ambrose to lean in.

 

[tamgreen]

Ambrose was inescapably curious about his master's long evenings of card games - certainly he'd felt some jealousy over Orson's many hours spent here, with these people, and he felt a sense of pride over being able to actually be a part of it, especially with all the admiration he'd been receiving from the earl's fellows. Perhaps now it was someone else's turn to be jealous. Would they be jealous of him, for having Orson's affection? Or would they be jealous of Orson for having this particular 'good luck charm'? Ambrose would enjoy either.

He watched the game with interest, hoping, of course, that his master would be victorious, but for the most part, he was simply pleased to be here with Orson, content to be a charm, even an accessory. He pouted when Orson lost, but quickly tucked his lip back in and smiled when his master requested a kiss.

"Pray I be not a curse to you, milord," he replied with a coquettish smirk, leaning close, "but you shall have as many kisses as you ask for."

He parted his lips slightly and held his breath, his heart racing. Kissing Orson now, after his eye-opening talk with Belle, and especially in front of a crowd of other noblemen, was something altogether different from the kisses Orson had stolen before. There was magic here.

 

[haremfaery]

Orson felt a stirring in his loins when Ambrose said he could have all the kisses he asked for. He wanted to ask for much more. But more than that, he wanted Ambrose to ask, nay, beg him. He let out a breath ad closed the distance. He had planned to make it a rather chaste kiss here in front of all and sundry, but Ambrose parted his lips. Orson took full advantage without consciously deciding to. He plunged his tongue into Ambrose's mouth holding the land's neck.

Orson's fellows erupted with laughter, cheers, and thumps on the table.

"'Twas a kiss for luck!" Wessex chided with a hearty laugh. "Not to suck out his very soul, man!"

Orson released Ambrose, but kissed the corner of the lad's mouth before sitting back.

He looked at his cards with a satisfied smirk. When it was his turn, he played his card and took the trick. He played his next card confident he would win that as well. He did. Orson patted Ambrose's knee and smiled. He took all five tricks to the groans of his companions and took the pot. He passed a coin to Ambrose and took another kiss from the lad. This time he controlled himself and only let his tongue dart in between those rosy lips for an instance.

_______________
How to play Maw: https://www.parlettgames.uk/histocs/maw.html

 

[tamgreen]

Ambrose felt a bolt of keen arousal when Orson's tongue entered his mouth. His entire body rose as if to encourage that slick, sensuous tongue to enter him wholly. Even the raucous reactions of the men around the table excited him, which made him feel quite deliciously depraved.

Feeling as if he were inside a dream, Ambrose relaxed, leaning on Orson as much as he could as he watched the game proceed. He beamed with delight when his master won the round and wondered if he was indeed a good luck charm.

He squeezed the coin Orson handed him and sighed sweetly in response to the small but still quite arousing kiss.

"Is that all the kiss you need?" he whispered against Orson's ear. "If you lose this one, then we shall know you must take far more luck from me. I shall even climb into your lap if you need it, my sweet lord."

 

[haremfaery]

A frisson of arousal went down Orson's spine to settle in his groin. Again. "Lambkin, If you sit in my lap, I shall never be able to concentrate on my cards. But I will take another kiss from you, lucky or no." He tipped up Ambrose's chin and gave him a gentle kiss before pulling him closer and deepening it.

This time the kiss was met with jibes and jeers as the players became impatient. Orson ended the kiss with a sigh and looked at his cards. That hand ended in a win for no one. Orson tossed two coins into the pot along with the four opther players. Now the pot had doubled.

"It seems that you were right, sweetling." He leaned down to kiss Ambrose again thrusting his tongue in the lad's mouth. It was a fast kiss, but thorough.

Orson won the hand, taking all five tricks. A servant moved among the players refilling drinks. Orson tipped the serving boy and gave another coin to Ambrose.

 

[tamgreen]

Ambrose added the coin to his little collection with an almost smug smile. Coins for kisses? Maybe it made him something of a whore, but it certainly wasn't any of the kind of whoring he'd ever seen, and grown up alongside. It didn't give him any crisis of conscience. Certainly he felt naughty and kind of filthy, but only in ways that made his little prick rise beneath his mercifully concealing canions.

As the game went around the table, Ambrose watched each man, smiling faintly when they looked his way. He was becoming quite addicted to being desired, as he had to the laudanum.

Do you wish that were your tongue in my mouth? he silently wondered as he caught the eyes of various men - none nearly so handsome and desirable as his master.

He waited patiently for the next opportunity to provide his master with more luck, and one of his hands crept up Orson's back, sneaking beneath the ruff and reaching with small, eager fingers until he found bare, warm flesh at the back of his master's neck. He stroked it minutely, almost imagining he could feel a cascade of gooseflesh on Orson's behalf. Oh, how would things be between them tonight, lying in bed next to each other, knowing what Ambrose now knew, and feeling what he now felt?

 

[haremfaery]

Orson gave Ambrose a sidelong look. "What has come over you, lambkin. You're a positive flirt-gill, this evening."

Orson struggled to keep himself under control. He wanted to scoop the lad up and push him into a darkened corner and kiss him 'til he was faint. Or better still, take him to carouche. He had visions of taking the lad in the carriage as it bumped and bounced its way back home. Nay. He wanted their first time together in the comfort and privacy of his bed so Ambrose could sleep upon his chest when they were finished. He took a breath and drank more wine.

As the next hand was dealt, Orson pulled Ambrose to him rather forcefully and kissed him hard on the mouth.

"Camberwick, are you playing or do you intend to suck the very marrow from your ingle?" Wessex commented.

Orson sat back in his chair and looked at his cards. When it came to his play, he discarded a card and took another. He played his card and took the trick. "Hah." He grinned at Ambrose. He lowered his voice. "I'll get you home soon."

 

[tamgreen]

Ambrose grinned back at him, pleased with his master's success. Orson was always in an especially fine mood when he won at cards, and now he'd get to be by the man's side all the way home, and all night long.

His heart pounded, realizing one of Orson's friends had called him an ingle, and neither had corrected them. Would it be official now? Would Orson ask him?

With a soft sigh, Ambrose settled into his chair and tried to be patient until such a time as they could finally be alone.

 

[haremfaery]

Orson continued to play for another hour, mostly winning. He was frankly surprised since Ambrose was a distraction to him. The way the lad leaned against him and touched him in very familiar ways on his neck, his back, his knee. The change in the lad was surprising. He wondered what caused it. Not that he inded in the least, but he never would have thought the shy, awkward urchin would turn into such a coquette.

When the set of five was finished, Orson stood and stretched. He put his winnings into his purse with a wide smile. "Gentleman, thank you for a prosperous evening. My purse is heavy, my heart is light. I and my good luck charm shall take out leave." He put his arm around Ambrose's waist.

"Soon your ingle will be heavy with more weight than that." Wessex jested.

There were other bawdy suggestions, as Orson led Ambrose out to have one of the servants call for his carouche.

Once inside, Orson gave the lad a long kiss. He broke away and looked into his eyes. "Pray tell me the cause of change in you. Ere tonight, your cheeks bloomed in roses at anything and everything. Why so bold now? 'Tis no complaint," he was quick to add. He rested a hand above Ambrose's knee.

 

[tamgreen]

"I would be surprised if you told me the roses ever left my cheeks," Ambrose said breathily, momentarily placing his hands bashfully over his mouth.

"I cannot say where this boldness has come from - perhaps the clothes? The company? I never expected to feel so... welcome. More than welcome. The attention, it was like... too much wine."

He grinned and folded his hands in his lap, like a child trying to behave, and dropped his eyes, directing them to Orson's hand, which still rested upon his thigh.

"I daresay Belle has been the cause of some change. She... told me what an ingle is. And not only that - she helped me to understand why a lad might desire such a position rather than dread it. There is so much I didn't know. So much I still don't know, I ken."

 

[haremfaery]

Orson took Ambrose's hands from his mouth. He put his hand alongside the lad's face and stroked his cheek with his thumb. "If your cheeks be roses, your face is a garden of delights." He stole a quick kiss and let the lad continue.

"Drunk on compliments? Be wary. Many of my companions would flatter you right into their beds. 'Sblood! I had you in my bed and it has taken all of my will power to keep my baser desires at bay, Ambrose. I would have you as my ingle, if you wish it." He moved his hand higher on Ambrose's thigh and kissed him again. "I will teach you all you need to know." He kissed Ambrose hungrily.

 

[tamgreen]

Ambrose leaned into his master and opened his mouth in response to the kiss, inviting the other man's warm tongue inside. He loved the way it made him feel - like he was a feast for his lord to devour.

When the kiss finally slowed, Ambrose took a moment to catch his breath and stared into Orson's eyes, wondering if this was what lust looked like, and if it had always been there.

"If I be your servant, my lord, it should be what you desire, not what I wish. But if you should ask me to be your ingle, I would say yes, with all my heart... so long as I am truly worthy of it."

He smiled at the sensation of Orson's large hand sliding further up his thigh and let his lips linger close to his master's.

"Teach me," he whispered. "And tell me of your 'baser desires'."

 

[haremfaery]

"I am not one to force you to do anything that you do not wish." He squeezed the lad's thigh again. "You are more than worthy, Ambrose. You must think better of yourself."

He kissed Ambrose once more.

"Teach me," [Ambrose] whispered. "And tell me of your 'baser desires'."

Orson's cock hardened. "You've never been with man nor woman? Then I am honored to be your first." He kissed the spot where Ambrose's jaw met his ear. "I want to kiss you until you are drunk with them. I want to see your face flushed with desire. I want," He said huskily, "I want to move inside you and watch your face as you die the little death." He pulled Ambrose to him and kissed him hard. His hand went between Ambrose's legs to rub his cock.

 

[tamgreen]

Ambrose was struck dumb by all of this. Of all the lustful things his master might have described, Ambrose had certainly not expected them to have so much to do with bringing him pleasure. Just as he had been during his conversation with Belle, he was shocked at how completely wrong he had been about sex between men. His heart was pounding ferociously in response to Orson's amorous kisses and embraces, and in anticipation of the wonderful secrets that were no doubt ahead of him.

"Oh!" he gasped against Orson's mouth, his entire body rising as he felt the man's hand find the hardness that hid beneath his layers of fine clothing. He throbbed and shivered all over.

"My sweet... lord," he panted, "I'll die before we're halfway home!"

His eyes quickly flicked around, nervous that they might be caught.