Tutor and Brother

10. The balance of power

It was a strange sort of stalemate. One could feel it in each room, indeed in each nook and cranny of the castle. William seemed to have gained upper hand after his homecoming, due to the harsh punishment he’d made both brothers submit to. So, he’d finally become the sole master of the manor. Each brother had sought his own way of dealing with him, or rather of avoiding doing it. It suited him. He could now for the first time fulfill his lusts leisurely and – it almost caused him to grin like a mindless loon sometimes – completely.
He could tell that Cedric was still fully under his control, and that David was still struggling to gain more than the soul of his brother, which he already possessed to William’s complete frustration, and sometimes anger – his confidence and utter submission. William could not fault David’s attempts. To a certain degree they were really welcome. But not for right now…In a couple of years the two would come of age, and his role as tutor and estate manager would cease. He was well aware that David was forever looking for a way to bring this role of his to an end quicker. It was interesting to watch the young man searching in the library. In fact, and here William frowned, it was as if all David’s days were dedicated to the library, to the secluded tower in the south part, and to other hidey-holes of the castle. He’d wanted several times to pursue the young man and find out what he actually did, yet, between the hard business of running the affairs of the two twins increasing their fortune, the nights and days of pleasure he created for himself with their ‘assistance’ and the correspondence to his distant friend from India, somehow time was never enough. A cognac in his hand and a cigar in the other, he sat at the window, trying to decide what had to be done in the next weeks. The little season was approaching, and he had to take the two to London, even if only for a very short period of time. It annoyed him endlessly. It meant giving up the comfortable nest of pleasure he’d so lovingly created with Cedric, two years or so ago. And now, it also meant weaker control on David. Not good at all. Yet, they had to make an appearance in town, and stay there, not run the two-hours distance home, as the twins did always these days, if he didn’t want tongues start wagging. Already, mothers of young girls had their eyes set on the two as good catches for their lemony and insipid daughters. William’s lips thinned into an ironically cold smile. If only those harpies and their water-blooded daughters knew what those two were truly about…Take submissive Cedric for instance. Yes, he could subdue Cedric, make him moan, and groan, twist and accept everything he, William, did to him. But all the time he, William, knew that none of this would have come to pass if Cedric hadn’t wanted it, and accepted his nature. Cedric had done a lot of growing, especially in the last months, and now he knew he couldn’t be otherwise. He accepted what he’d become, and knew that he needed to feel pain in order to gain pleasure, just as he was aware that he could never find in the arms of a woman what he sought. The ineffability of proving himself and ascertain his strength by submitting. What disturbed William was the unwilling confession of Cedric during one of their sessions…It had been heated and at a certain moment, in a flash of utter weakness and uncertainty, due to what was done to him, and yet finding power in the unexplainable and strange connection to his brother, he’d yelled at William “you matter not. Nothing matters. I am the one who actually owns you and David. Both of you do my bidding, knowingly or unknowingly. You owe me now. Never again when David will be truly the master of all, me included. I’ll teach him to be the master. Think you I am weak? Wrong! I am stronger than you both.” He’d stopped then cold in what he did to Cedric, and really started listening. Cedric was beyond himself with pain and lust. So far in his own world, that he never knew that he continued screaming what he really thought of both of them. He and David. “I can take you both. I bear whatever the two of you deal for me, and submit willingly while I watch you both fight over me, finding means and ways to pleasure and pain me. I let you both do whatever crosses your minds. Whatever you invent to punish and pleasure me. But one day, I will be only David’s. I bid my time. I have to let him learn everything first. About me, about himself, and what we truly are…” Then, William had only shaken his head, not really believing what he was hearing. Later, after reflecting and watching Cedric closely, he had to agree. Cedric played them both – William and David – as they tried to outdo each other in pleasuring him, satisfying his lusts and desires. And Cedric always smiling, and always paling when threatened with punishment, and all the time following them to the two secret rooms dedicated to lust. Yes, Cedric had turned into a fascinating young and strong man, who apparently was the one under his and David’s power, while all the time he controlled them both, as they danced attendance to enjoy David’s beautiful body, wonderful moans and groans, his pain and pleasure in which they could share…
Now, David was another story entirely. He was the one that would never submit. Whatever William did to him, was received just as a lesson, a learning experience and never true submission. He just accepted this like a rite of passage for the moment when he would become the master. He showed even in pain and pleasure that he had every intention of dominating everything and that he never wanted to give over control to another. Not to William, not to Cedric, not to anyone at all. Unlike Cedric, David continued to remain a closed book to him. It was a pity. He’d hoped that perhaps, now, after so many intense sessions, they’d become closer. It had never happened. Just that sometimes, he could catch David watching him intently, a strange smile on his lips. William closed his eyes, recalling the confusing incident of few nights ago. He’d signaled Cedric to follow him, and ignored David completely. He’d learnt that the best way of annoying David was to take Cedric alone to the pleasure rooms, leaving him alone and only with his imagination to picture what was happening there. Yet, that time David, instead of displaying that short flare of irritation because he was left outside, had simply raised his cognac in a strange salute, and grinned in a most disturbing way at William. He still couldn’t decide what that look of David’s meant. A groan of displeasure and irony escaped his lips. Knowing David, he was sure that it was only a matter of time till he would find out. He hoped it would be soon…He still had that odd impatience and hope…what if David…? Could he hope? Dare he hope? Perhaps he had wrongly appraised the quickness of mind, strength and character of David. Perhaps it was yet to soon…But it also could be that he would not have to wait much longer. What to do, if he was right? Should he take the opportunity? Could it be the opening to a wonderful perspective for the three of them? Or would it mean his end and downfall, and he would have to leave beautiful and enticing Cedric, and even the contrary David, whom he loved just as well, but in much another way than Cedric? Time would tell.

Cedric sat comfortably sprawled in his preferred armchair. Life couldn’t get much better. He shifted his position just a bit. Well, perhaps it could get a bit better, considering his still aching back. William had first tried his hand, and then David, in a bit of a fit, had continued and finished what William started. Cedric grinned. Oh, but what wonderful loving and comforting had followed in the arms of his brother! What all has brought a moment of utter weakness a couple of years ago…and how wrong could have been everything, if William hadn’t been…well, William. Now, all he needed was still more time. Time for David to discover what they both were, and to accept his role…Damn, to discover and accept his right… It amused him endlessly to see David haring either here to the library, or to the south tower, and to all the other secret places…Well, it made him smile, and yet annoyed him that David, bookish David hadn’t understood and grasped what he, Cedric, had seen and understood the moment he had skimmed unknown to David through David’s discoveries…Oh, well. He was here. David was here, just like William, and they all had time…if nothing else. He cheered with his port up to the gallery, where the huge picture of his two ancestors was hanging, and whispered silently “Soon, soon, beloved Emir, I will have both of you back…in one. You promised so, Beloved, before being beheaded and in my dreams ever since, and even in my and yours and my brother’s death and eternal dream till this reincarnation. I did everything then. I will fulfill the whole ritual again now. I submit, and wait for you. Just give me time to teach him. And give him time to understand, and learn, and be what we need…for this and all the eternities to come. Will we truly succeed? I don’t know. But I must believe it. It has been such a long time. I need you both. Come back…”
William. How nice that William thought right now that he had everything under control. A wide grin made Cedric’s face light up even more. William the unknowing, indeed innocent catalyst of fate was in for a surprise. Yet, for the role he played, he Cedric, was ready to make amends and allowances. After all, they had to be grateful to William…It was him who’d made possible this unbelievable chance of being reunited with his lovers, of having them both in one person. In another time and place, yet still just the same in love with him and he in love with them. It had been an amazing and truly exciting experience to learn what he, better said who he was, and also to understand who William and David were. If everything went well, soon they all will be knit together closer than ever, and David will be able to take his rightful place, as master and rule all their lives. The days they were living now were a lot more peaceful than those times long ago. First, he’d believed it was just a dream, influenced by reading secretly the journal David had discovered. But one day, as he walked restlessly through the gallery, he’d watched the portrait of the two ancestors, and deeming that dust hid something, had used his own handkerchief to dust away the portrait. A sunbeam had fallen on the picture and he’d held his breath. First, he couldn’t decide whether both or only one was in the painting, and then, he could see something else altogether…They were both depicted, but behind Bodwin was another man, almost merged with Bodwin. Without being told, without having read in the journal he’d known the face and the man. For a moment he’d been incapable to breathe. Then, he’d run outside, still grasping and fighting the craziest idea, feeling deep in his bones, that as impossible as it seemed, it was the truth. Later he waited for David to go to William, and then, when he’d heard the first sounds of David’s ‘evening exercises’ he’d quickly removed the journal from where David kept it hidden and read quickly, his lips forming silently the words, the name, and then his mind started providing from its hidden, closed and very remote recesses some memories with the shadow man from the picture. His lover. His Emir. His sorcerer. His dream. His life. He’d hidden the journal away, and fallen asleep in David’s bed. It had been the first night when he’d dreamt about his life with his beloved Emir…Since then, there had been many other nights like that, in which the Emir had even started talking to him. “You know now who you are and who I am. But he doesn’t accept me yet, Robert. Make him accept me. Make him take me inside him. Make him understand. I am he, and he is me. He couldn’t have been all that he’s been to you, without my death, my sacrifice to guard you and help you return with riches and sane to your country. We, all of us must be together again. For eternity. Bring me back, love. Bring me back…”

Staying hidden in the shadows of the gallery, with the portraits of his ancestors surrounding him, David frowned and cursed his brother. Why the devil couldn’t Cedric remove himself from the library? Indeed, when had Cedric discovered his taste for lingering in the library? He had lots to do, and Cedric’s presence was right now a damned nuisance. And it didn’t look like he was about to leave anytime soon. Now, he was even toasting to the portraits’ gallery! Was Ced in his cups?
William for sure will start soon looking for them. He’d already mentioned in the morning that things had to be discussed, first and foremost about the trip to London for the little season. To hell and damnation with the little season! He didn’t feel like it. He had a journal to finish reading. He had to test his theory with William. A wicked grin flourished on his lips. Yes, he could feel that the time for his test was approaching. And if he was proven right…well, then he could even prove to be gracious enough to allow William to continue his games with Ced. Provided he would be also always attending, so as to avoid Ced being or feeling humiliated again, beyond limits of tolerance. At the same time, it would mean liberty for him. Never again compelled to submit to William and his games, but instead making William…oh, all this and much more to do, and Ced there, sitting like he would never make himself scarce in the library.

Footsteps were heard, and then William entered the library. Blast! That really topped it. Now, he would have to sit and lurk in the shadows, till both decided to leave the library. He watched Cedric straightening from his sprawled position on the ottoman, as William approached and bent over him. He took Cedric’s head in his hands, and kissed him wantonly, at the same time opening the buttons to Ced’s waistcoat and then shirt, pushing him back to lay again sprawled on the ottoman. Cedric relaxed and stretched invitingly, allowing William to touch and fondle him. William sat next to Ced, and opened his breeches. Ced’s shaft jutted out, half engorged. William cupped him with one hand, and with the other gripped his hands and pushed them over his head, making him understand that there was where he wanted Ced’s hands. David looked and felt himself reacting while he licked his lips. William whispered something softly to Ced, and then Ced opened wider his thighs giving William full access. William lightly caressed Ced’s hair, and then stood to draw a stool nearer to the ottoman and turn the key, so that no one could enter the library. By now, David was seething. The two were about to engage in sex, and he had no way to leave the gallery. Moreover, jealousy and lust were waging war in his chest as he watched William enjoy the half naked body of his twin. William’s hands became more insistent in their soft touches of Ced’s body, and Ced’s breathing turned urgent. He moaned when William finally took him in hand and brought him to the brink of completion, letting him hang there…lost. David almost groaned himself. Then William started the game anew. Ced tried to embrace his lover, what brought forth a dissatisfied denial from William’s lips. Ced meekly crossed again his hands at his nape, and struggled to remain sprawled to his master’s delight. Soon, William squeezed him hard, and made him come as Ced’s lips released a surprised gasp. William pressed hotly his lips to Ced’s forehead as sign of his pleasure, and then whispered something softly in his ears. Ced just whimpered agreement nodding, his palms closing into fists behind his nape. William took a thin belt that had been coiled in one of his pockets and used it on Ced’s chest, belly and thighs, making him arch upwards and shift restlessly, moaning and fighting to stay in place for the lash. David was by now fully aroused and angry. It should have been him doing this to Ced, tonight, in their bed. Not William. Without noticing he’d stepped forward, and any of the two in the library could have seen him. It was William. He just looked a second at David, a mockingly satisfied smile on his lips, and let the belt fall again on Ced’s thighs. Ced jerked furiously upwards, whimpering again loud, only to fall, discomposed, disheveled, well used, on the ottoman. William bowed to David who looked down from the gallery and left the room, like after a theatrical performance.
By now, David had lost all control of his feelings and intentions. He no longer cared if Cedric noticed him. He went after William, hungry, needing, furious and aroused.
“What the devil were you doing in there William?”
“My lord, may I humbly remind you that I do not tolerate this kind of defiance…”
“You do not tolerate! You, a damned paid tutor?!”
“Enough David! Cease sprouting nonsense. I am in charge of you and Cedric. And by the way, go out of this room. It’s my own private room.”
“We had an understanding William. You trespassed today.”
“So?”
Suddenly, David realized it was not the time to vent his anger. He tried to calm down.
“We’ll discuss later this evening William. Say, after Cedric retires?”
“Of course, my lord. I had anyway thought of an enjoyable meeting with you nicely folded over the chair in our common rooms. Shall we say, past ten?”
David just looked him straight and angered in the eyes, then nodded and left, stamping off, each step echoing his displeasure.

Cedric regained awareness of himself and his surroundings and with a sigh started righting his clothing. David would be furious if he discovered that William had used him in another day then the ones they three had agreed on. It would be hell to pay. For him, as David could not take his frustration out on William. After all, it was not such a bad idea. They could both make a wonderful night of it…with or without David’s knowing. Perhaps, he would challenge him and tell him. Perhaps not. It was yet another moment in the wider scheme of things that had been, were, and those still to come. He went then to his own room to change and prepare for dinner.

The discussion during dinner was very animated, as all three tried to come to grips with own feelings, and with the decisions to be made about London and the little season. William was relaxed, and conciliatory. David would not calm down. Cedric, stirred after the brief encounter in the library with William, fully expecting David to make love to him that night was glittering and joyful, despite the tension between the other two. In fact, he tried his utmost to make them be at least civil to each other, and cease speaking in short bellows and grumbles.
“William, I do not need to see this year’s crop of debutantes. That’s the end of it.”
“My lord, even so, we all must make an appearance. You and Cedric as the sons of the earl, and me like the dutiful tutor, which I may point out, I am.”
“We do not need stay for more than a week.”
“I disagree. We shall stay for two weeks. That’s the end of discussion.”
“Oh, come now David, we truly could go for two weeks. Enjoy a bit the air at White’s and Tatt’s. Find new horses. Make some new attire for us. William here is right. If we don’t want them gossiping we must make an appearance and not give the appearance of martinets already at this age.”
“Ced, you don’t know how much trouble you’re in with me right now. So cease chatting. I’ve no need of your opinion.”
Cedric just looked at him astonished and then excused himself fully intending to leave.
“You will go to your own room Ced. I have no need of you tonight. However, I fully expect you to wait for me tomorrow night, with nice implements to appease me. Right?”
Ced suddenly knew. He and William had been watched, and David was angry. He felt like laughing out loud. Yet, he knew how vengeful David could be, and so, struggling to keep a straight face, he bowed his head and murmuring softly “I understand, and good night David”, retired to his room. There he smiled and then laughed out loud. David was boiling. David was jealous and angry. Good. He could wager all his possessions that right now, David and William were having their own ‘reckonings’ to settle.
Indeed, both men headed to the pleasure room, and going swiftly through the first, stopped in the punishment room. David looked at all implements displayed in their encasings on the wall and took in his hands a long whippy cane. From behind him, he heard William approving in a soft voice “my thoughts exactly, my lord”.
“Really, William?” came the answer just as soft, a menacing smile in David’s voice. “I am happy indeed, for you see,” David continued while his fingers felt the length of the cane almost caressingly, playing with it in his hands, “I believe that it’s time to change something. I believe it’s your turn to be at the receiving end. Or am I wrong, and you not man enough?”
William froze, eyes wide open, looking to the young man facing him. David was not defying him. David was not even challenging him. David was stating something. David…was no longer David. The eyes were suddenly old, much older and knowing than they should be for a twenty year old. Dominating, glittering grayish-green eyes, were burning fiercely turned into heated emeralds. He also seemed to grow taller, straighter, harder, an impressive figure. Imposing. A demanding figure expecting his due. Mouth dry and panting inside, William just stood there hypnotized.
“Undress!” snapped David hitting the palm of his right with the cane.
William started undressing, never breaking eye-contact with David. David watched him coolly, studying the hard trained body of William and his already aroused penis. Yes, it was going to be a pleasure to return the favor.
“Now go, and lean against the wall, feet a bit parted.” The voice instructed him calmly, in a flat, dispassionate tone. Amazed about his own reaction, William continued to obey. Mindlessly. He felt David approaching him. David propped the cane on the wall next to him and started massaging his shoulders, and then pushed his hands a little bit more up on either side of his head. He took again the cane in hand and taking a few steps back, he used it to make William position himself with legs a bit more open, so that he now was leaning against the wall a bit bent forward. David continued to keep the cane in contact with William’s skin on his back, and ass-cheeks.
“Feel it William, and know I won’t stop. Not until I consider it was enough. I’m waiting just that you tell me you are ready. Are you William?”
The cane felt its way between William’s thighs, making him spread just a bit more his legs.
“Yes.” He answered composed. Not a trace of fear or anguish. Only acceptance. David could not see, but William licked his lips, and braced himself, a cold shiver running through the muscles in his whole body. It had been so long, since…
The cane swished, and William moaned load. He no longer had to wait.
“We’re just at the beginning”, David spoke in a low promising voice, as the cane fell again on his buttocks and William’s body just went forward instinctively, grating on the cold wall, just to return again in the position for the next blow, as he bit his lips, allowing only a silent hiss to flow from his lips…