Chapter XXII

That gesture took Joel by surprise. He heard men proposing him sex before but he has never taken it seriously into consideration. Just now, has he been confessed by the duke of this castle? He felt the warmth of dukes hands, his fingers around Joel's wrists. There was something captivating in this simple gesture. The duke must have sensed his mood because he turned around. The light made duke's eyes look like pure amber. The duke pulled Joel a bit and he landed on his lap, he took of the head wrap Joel was wearing and his curls spread on his shoulders and back.

"You're so pretty, both as a man or woman." His thumb moved across Joel's lips and than the duke leaned and placed a feather like kiss on Joel's lips. Joel panicked, he sprung up from duke's lap and run to the door. Nobody stopped him, still he couldn't calm down till he reached his room. He was breathing hard as his fingers were touching his lips. What's wrong with him? He was sitting obediently on other man's lap and kissing. He must have gone crazy, this world must come to an end.

In the morning the sun got up on the east, the sky was still blue and the small rooster crowing woke up everybody as usual. Despite Joel's suspicions the world didn't end up over the night. Joel wearing one of the fancy dresses made by Florence's mother, made his appearance in the kitchen. He took the tray with the food and followed by two other maids and envious glares, moved to the private chambers of the master of this castle. There was a dining room for about twenty people and they started preparing it for the arrival of the guests. Silver tableware was placed along with candle holders, bottles of wine and some fruits and baked cookies as well as cold meat, buns and cheese. Joel was busy with his work and kept his mind fully occupied by the tasks he was doing. He somehow knew it will be hard to face the duke and he wanted to postpone it. Soon they heard steps and voices. They were in the duke's study.

"Someone's has to ask if they need anything and inform the duke that the table is ready." Mia said with indifferent look. All eyes turned at Joel.

Fuck no - was his thought.

"You look so fancy." Yep he heard the irony behind those words. "You should go Joy."

"Sure why not." Joel shrug his shoulders playing it cool and went straight to the study, he needed a second do collect his thoughts than he knocked on the door.

"Enter"

"Your grace." Joel bobbed "Breakfast is ready."

Joel noticed five men staring at him, he knew one of them, he was a frequent quest at the King's palace when Joel was younger and still living with his parents. He was Lord of the Eastern Region Palmir. Others were unknown to him.

"Thank you Joy. My Lords I believe a good breakfast will help our meeting to be more effective. Joy lead the way."

"My lords." Joel smiled and showed them to the dining room. Mia, Rose and Bernice were still there standing with the pitchers in their hands. The men sat down and all servants stared pouring wine mixed with water to their goblets. All of the men were over forty, they were Lords that was sure looking at their clothes and self confident behavior. The Lord of Palmir was probably the oldest with gray hair thick beard and a bit advanced belly. Next to him was a tall slander man with tanned complexion and black long hair. He was looking straight at Joel, like all the time. He was clad in dark clothes with some silver jewelry. Sitting opposite them was a rather opulent man sweating like hell and totally bald. The other two looked like warriors, no commanders with muscle bodies short hair and stern look full of confidence.

"My lords let's enjoy the meal. Joy more vine." The duke raised his goblet and Joel poured some vine.

"For a successful cooperation." The duke made a toast and everybody followed.

"Well my grace you have made yourself quite a nice home here, with all this beautiful castle and such a delightful service." Said the bald lord looking at the blushing servants.

"Yes they are sure all fine ...ladies." The lord with the black long hair looked straight at Joel. Joel felt his sweat rolling down his spine. That guy knew, he noticed that Joel wasn't a woman.