Beyond Simla - Fourteen

[ismenin]

Hello, there! Poor LSR had a loooong day at work, but she sent this before, I suspect, she'd eaten her dinner. Hugs.

I do hope you think it was worth the wait. Anyway, without further ado....



Thank you, ladysunrope for your excellent beta skills. :D xxx

Part 14


"Basmin Singh has been looking for you, Highness," Billy said as soon as they had entered the room. "I took the liberty of telling him where you had gone."

"Thank you, Boyd, you are very kind." Elijah found it hard to return to his usual mode of behaviour when all he wanted was to be alone with Dom. It was most unsettling to feel such a thing, for normally he was most particular about good manners.

Osman was snoozing on the sofa, so summoning the others to follow him, Elijah moved to the far side of the room so as not to disturb the prince’s rest. "Where is the doctor?" Elijah asked, ringing the bell for tea, as was his habit at that hour.

"Gone to the infirmary to collect a few things, and to check on his staff. He likes to keep his fingers on the pulse, so he said."

Billy cocked his head at the man sleeping on the sofa. "Done to a cow's thumb, isn't he? He looks to have lost a fair bit of weight, but Ian said he's better, now."

"He certainly looks much better than he did when I first saw him at the garrison." Elijah commented, looking affectionately at Dom's cousin. "That was very quick-minded of him, thinking of the vermin. I thought we were on a sticky wicket for a while there."

Dom nodded. "It was clever of him to remember that Udai hates mice and roaches. I was totally lost as to what to suggest. For I must admit, I did not relish..."

There was a tap on the door and Billy went to answer it. Dom whispered suddenly..." I did not relish having my son sleeping next to me. I want you, Lij."

Elijah's heart warmed anew to the man who was taking hold of his senses as no other had ever done.

Billy allowed the servant to carry in the tea-tray, and Dom and Elijah sat at a small table to drink it.

"Did Basmin Singh say why he wished to see me?" Dom asked, picking up a macaroon.

"No, Highness. All he said was that he'd return later. It wasn't urgent, he said."

Elijah poured a second cup of tea. "What shall we do, now? Are there any cards, or a chess board, or something?"

Dom went to a small chest and unearthed several boxes. "Chess, mah jong, backgammon, draughts and cards. Which?"

They settled for cards, so that Billy could play, and Dom ordered him not to call him Highness. "'Sir' will do very well, or 'my lord', if you choose."

Billy sniffed. "I can manage 'my lord', Highness," he conceded, which made the other two laugh.

Dom and Elijah had decided to wait until all were gathered together before talking of how - or why - Udai Singh was sent for, and, therefore, a pleasant hour was spent playing cards before Osman woke, and, soon after that, Basmin called again.

As the man crossed the threshold, Elijah leaned forward and whispered something to Dom, who looked enquiringly at his lover but received no other signal. Basmin, full of the importance of his calling, had not even noticed.

"It is nothing really urgent, Highness, but a few letters to be answered, and a question about the Pathans has arisen. They are your special concern, so we - Arjit Singh and I - both thought you would like to deal with it."

"Yes, and so I would, cousin - but first we must discuss the presence of Udai Singh here, for I - I can assure you - did not send for him. But someone obviously did. If you will be so good as to find my uncle, and bring him here, say, in an hour, that would be as good a time as any."

His cousin looked shocked as he glared at Billy. "Discuss it - before strangers?"

Elijah glanced at Dom before speaking. "Boyd is thought to have a tolerable understanding, Lord Basmin, as am I. I would be grateful, also, if you would send a servant for Captain Wenham, and Dr Ian. We need all the heads we can get if this mystery is to be solved."

Basmin bowed to his king, ignoring Elijah completely. It was as if he had not spoken. "In an hour, Highness. It shall be as you say," and he left, disapproval oozing from every pore.

Dom raised his eyebrows in apology, then replaced the cards in the packet, and restored them to the box. "Why wait an hour, Lij? I was surprised when you suggested that to me as Basmin entered."

Elijah sighed deeply. "Because, believe me, we have things to discuss before then. There are things I would have cleared up before they all arrive."

Dom, puzzled but willing, turned the sofa slightly, and Osman, now awake, pulled himself up so that he could see clearly what was happening.

There was silence for a few moments, before Elijah spoke. His voice was friendly, but there was steel behind it.

"Billy," he said, looking his servant straight in the eye, "tell us why you went into the harem on that day. For I do not believe for one moment that you mistook the doors. I know that your sense of direction is excellent, and that you would have acquainted yourself with all the important parts of the palace as soon as we arrived."

Dom was astounded; he could do nothing but stare, first at Elijah, and then at Billy, who had visibly paled. Billy shook his head as if to dislodge an uncomfortable thought.

"If you'll allow me, my lord, I have something to show you. May I be permitted to fetch it?"

Billy left the room, and Dom whispered "what has been happening, Lij? How long have you known this? "

"It came to me gradually. I can't remember exactly when the penny dropped - but drop it did. Billy would never have made such a mistake - I realised that pretty early on."

Billy returned, and handed Elijah a piece of paper before he sat down. "I received this, my lord."

Elijah read it, then passed it to Dom, who then gave it to Osman.

Your master is in great danger. If you would help him, enter the door opposite the library about eight this evening, and I will tell you how you may aid him. A friend.

"Do either of you recognise the writing?" Elijah asked, his expression hopeful.

"It is Rashman's writing, Lij," Osman said, his voice not quite steady. "I am fairly sure of that. But, if he wrote this, why did he not disguise his hand?"

Dom looked at it again. "Yes, that is a puzzle. Do you think it was someone else counterfeiting it? But why?"

"And," Elijah said, "why did you go there, Bill, without telling me? It seems so unlike you."

"Because, my lord, I have orders concerning you from a higher authority, and I am obedient to them."

Elijah was not happy. "My father, or my uncle, I suppose, having me watched like an errant puppy. Billy, I am surprised at your lack of loyalty."

Billy handed over a second piece of paper. "No, my lord, not the earl, or Lord Hubert - my orders come from someone higher."

"From God?" Elijah's face was a mask of anger.

"No, my lord - higher, in my estimation, even than him."

To Whom It May Concern. Elijah read in growing astonishment, written in a hand that he knew well, and sealed with the same seal that his documents bore....

...We have ordered Mr William Boyd, our faithful servant, to take the greatest care of our beloved cousin, Lord Elijah Denham Wood, whilst he sojourns in India, upon government business.
To that end we command Mr Boyd to do all possible to see that our cousin sustains no harm or injury, if it lies within his power to do so, and grant him immunity to our government's strictures to ascertain that this end may be achieved.

If any doubt the scope of his authority, direct any queries or concerns to the Viceroy, Lord Hubert Worth. We would have our cousin kept safe, as he is very dear to us.

Victoria R. Imperatrix, India.


Elijah passed the letter on, and stared at Billy, totally bemused. "Why did you not tell me, Bill?"

Billy shrugged. "Because she told me not to, my lord. She sent for me; told me in person - in person - to say nothing, and to look after you. What could I do? She swore me to silence - I could do nothing but obey."

"So when you received this note, you dashed off, like Sir Galahad rescuing a maiden." Elijah was still angry, but at least he was smiling.

"I didna pause to think. When I got that, I dashed off, yes, but into a nest of bloody hornets. I swear they were waiting for me, the bastards! And, God, but they're strong! Just because a man has nae balls and wears a skirt dinna make him weak."

"No, indeed," Dom interpolated. "My eunuchs are chosen for their physical strength - along with the guards."

"But Rashman dined with us, that night, Dom, do you not remember? In fact, all were there, so there was to be no meeting with Rashman, at least, which proves the message was false." Elijah's face was grim. "Are you certain, Osman, that that is your brother's writing? We have another forged document, if you think of it, with Dom's supposed signature upon it. The letter to young Udai."

Osman looked at it again. "It seems like his hand, but I cannot be certain. He rarely wrote a letter - for he could get a secretary to do it - but merely signed them. No, I'm sorry, Lij, it looks as if it is, but I cannot be sure."

Elijah fixed Billy with a firm gaze. He meant what he was about to say, Billy would have no doubt about that.

"Billy, I don't care what my cousin ordered. I am old enough to care for myself. This is not a school I am attending. Do not do it again, d'you hear me? - or you will fall under my severest displeasure."

Billy put the two letters in his pocket. "Aye, my lord, I hear you." But Elijah could not fail to notice that Billy had not said that he would obey him - not if it was important to him not to do so. There were more urgent things to attend to at that moment so Elijah let the matter drop.

Elijah turned to Dom. "Now, Highness - exactly what do you intend to say to Arjit and Basmin Singh?"

***

The meeting had not been a success. Both princes objected to speaking before those whom they thought of as lesser men, and they made sure that was clear from the outset.

But Dom was long used to handling his relatives. He took a high hand with them from the beginning, for it was plain that both Arjit and Basmin looked upon Boyd as less than a cockroach, and did not mind showing so both in expression and manner.

A sharp word from Dom was all it took. They both accepted his authority, and buckled down to discussing the matters in hand. No-one knew how the letter purporting to be from Dom had been written and sealed. The writing was very like Dom's, and the seal was undoubtedly his. It was kept in a box in a drawer in Dom's desk.

"Whilst you were...missing...Basmin and I had talked it over, and decided, in the end, not to send for the boy. No-one would dare to use that seal without our permission - it is unthinkable!" Arjit protested, his face red with anger.

"Well, uncle, as I certainly did not write and seal it, someone else must have done so. I am presuming, of course, that it was not done by either of the two other men who have permission to use my seal?"

Dom glared at his uncle and cousin who were adamant in their assertions that they would never do such a thing. "It is beyond treason!" gasped Basmin, shocked.

"Just so, cousin," Dom's voice was flat, but everyone present got the point. Treason was punished by being torn apart between horses.

Neither did they know why the road was blown up, or Elijah later attacked at the garrison.

Nor did they get far in discussing Rashman's death. Elijah, at least, was hoping for an insight into why Rashman would betray his prince, but none was forthcoming. They knew Rashman had been murdered, but why this should have happened neither man could fathom, and those of the present company who did know were not about to reveal it.

"It is clear, Highness, said his uncle, formally, "that someone wishes you dead - but why this should be I cannot guess. You are not a harsh ruler, and are much beloved by your people."

"Indeed, I agree," Basmin added. "There seems no point to it that I can see. It seems futile to wish to replace a ruler known for his beneficence. Only a fool would wish to do so."

"Then it is a fool who has attempted it, my lords," Dom's voice was implacable. "And, I think he has tried more than once. I wish you to arrange for every soul within these walls to be interviewed, to see if anyone has noticed anything unusual. A man out of place, people missing when they should be present, people appearing where they should not be - strangers - anything, however small. You may begin immediately."

Peremptorily dismissed, the two princes left the room, and David breathed a sigh of relief. "Well, sir, that did not seem to get us very far. Will you tell me why you wished me to be present at this meeting?"

"Because I wished the princes to see that there were others, apart from themselves, who have - let us say - my interests at heart." Dom smiled at his old college acquaintance. "Ah, Daisy, Daisy! If only things were as simple as they were when we were nineteen! Everything seemed so clear-cut, then."

They remained talking for another hour, and at the end of it, Elijah, thinking things over carefully, had reluctantly come to a conclusion.

He had discovered an anomaly. Something that didn't quite ring true. Were there more forces at work than he had realised? For the moment he decided to say nothing - not even to Dom. The problem lay too close. He had to hide what he had uncovered, until the time was right.

He persuaded Dom to visit the stables with him, and David accompanied them. "Who knows what Hill might have overheard, that may help us," he said.

Leaving Osman and Billy to talk quietly together, they went to the stable yard.

***

Dom was now seen to be the Maharajah, and there were few sais loitering about the stable-yard, for they knew their ruler well, and allowed him the privacy he so obviously desired, since they saw he had none of his retinue accompanying him.

The British soldiers were equally reticent, not knowing the man at all, but they were quickly put at their ease when they saw him chatting in a friendly way to Sergeant Hill and Corporal Smithson.

However, Dom and Elijah did not stay there long, for Hill had nothing new to tell them.

"Tighter than a duck's arse it is here, sirs, and that's a fact. Not a word out of place have we heard, neither Smithy nor me. But our ears are still open for anything unusual, and Gafur pops down every morning to see if anything has happened. He's a good 'un, that."

They went to check on the harem; if Udai was surprised to see a man accompanying his father into the zenana, he said nothing, but spent another hour talking to his father, and his father's friend. It was plain that the lad was at ease there, and very fond of his aunts, sister and grandmother. It was late in the day before they left.

***

They all retired to bed shortly after dinner. Everyone seemed tired, and lethargy had spread itself about the group, probably caused, Elijah thought, by frustration. So many questions and so few answers!

He did not know whether he should share with Dom some of the things he had learned that day. Would telling him add to the heavy weight already pressing on his new lover's heart? He decided to keep his counsel until he knew more. No good would come of telling Dom things that he could do little about.

Dom checked the door to the apartments was securely bolted, and the key turned in the lock, then did the same to the bedroom door. Elijah had insisted that a heavy chest of drawers was pulled over the other entrance to The Cupboard, so that no one could enter that way either.

They lay on top of the sheets, the night being sultry, and talked for a while.

"It has puzzled me, Dom, that you have not allowed your valet to come here with us, to serve you. Do you not trust him?"

Dom turned to look at Elijah by the light of the moon shining in through the large window. "But I have, Lij. Gafur is my valet; he has been with me since I was a child - that is why I trust him."

Elijah stared at Dom, patently amazed. "You sent me your own valet when Billy was hurt? That was most kind of you. Why did you do that?"

If there had been more light, Elijah would have seen Dom blush. "I...I wanted you to be well tended. I knew I could trust Gafur to look after you."

Elijah could not help but kiss him. "You are the most generous of souls - you have given me so much. Thank you!"

It was Dom's turn to be astonished. "But I have given you nothing, Lij! I have cast jewels worth a king's ransom in the laps of my more...favoured...concubines, but to you I have given nothing. How can you say that I have been generous?"

Elijah lifted himself upon his elbow, and brushed the hair out of Dom's eyes. "If you had offered me gems, I would have thrown them in your face! I am not a whore to be bought, nor a favourite to be pampered. You have given me yourself, and it is for this gift that I thank you." And he stopped Dom's protests with another kiss.

Dom ran his hands down the naked perfection that was Elijah's body, marred only by the wound on his shoulder. Dom kissed the scar, then ran his tongue down the pale chest and fastened his lips on a rosy nipple. Elijah gasped with pleasure.

"You are the most desirable man I have ever seen, Lij. I want you so much. Will you...will you let me take you?" Dom was not certain that Elijah would allow it - he had not indicated that he would care for such congress, but Dom needed it - needed to ask.

"Do you wish it, Lij? I will not... not if you would not like..."

Elijah's arm snaked around Dom's neck as he drew him in to his embrace. "I would like it. I must experience all things where you are concerned, Dom Singh."

Dom's lips touched Elijah's chest. "Have you ever? ...I mean..."

"No, Dom - but you may teach me. It is a lesson I am most anxious to learn."

Dom knew this. Elijah's breath was hitching, the desire already in his voice. Dom wasted no more time. He turned Elijah on to his belly, drew the man's knees up, and touched him gently with the tip of his tongue in all of Elijah's secret places.

Elijah moaned. Never had anyone touched him like this. He moaned again, and parted his legs as far as he could, pressing his cheek into the pillows with a groan of delight as Dom's tongue breached him.

Dom knew what he was doing, and drew from his partner all that both of them could have wanted, before his body would no longer be denied, and he kissed Elijah’s shoulder, and entered him.

Elijah gasped again, but Dom recognised the gasp was one of pleasure, and gave to Elijah the knowledge he had gained from the bodies of hundreds of willing men. But the other men were forgotten, now. There was no-one, no-one in the entire universe that Dom wanted - or could ever want, again - as he wanted this man.

The tightness of Elijah's body clenched about him, and drove him to bliss. But even though he was almost swallowed up by the force of his own feelings, he brought Elijah to a shuddering climax before allowing himself to fall into the flood, and let it take him.

He rested on Elijah's back, breathless and sated, and Elijah, moving carefully as Dom slipped from him, embraced him.

"My lovely man!" he whispered, rubbing his cheek against Dom's. "My lovely, gentle man."

For he had been gentle. Elijah knew such intercourse could be painful - he had heard of it from other men. But Dom had taken his time, been patient, done what needed to be done to prepare Elijah's body for the joining. And it had not hurt at all. Elijah's heart swelled. Such generosity!

"Are you well, Lij?" Dom asked, concerned, and a little shy, for he remembered his first time, and hoped he had not hurt his lover too much.

"Well, and more than well," the reply came, for Elijah's face was buried in Dom's hair, “thank you for this…”

Dom reached for him and placed his arms around this lord who gave himself so lovingly. “You are like no other I have met. I hope you have no regrets…”

"No, none." Elijah said softly, "hold me - hold me close!"

And Dom smiled, his heart full, and held his man in his arms as they slept all through the night.

Comments

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you were able to post this today! It's lovely, the way you weave the mystery and intrigue into the love story, and it makes a most satisfying read.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Mysteries are my favourites. Happy to spread the pleasure. :D xxx

[laeliacatt.livejournal.com]

Oh, how lovely the ending was. *happy sigh*

The rest of the story proves that the web has many strands, not least of which is Billy's royal order to look after Lij come hell or high water! Lij seems to have come to some conclusions, painful ones. I wonder what they could be? I think he now knows who is at the bottom of this, and it's a person very close to Dom's heart.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Lij has begun to understand what is going on - but as yet, he's not quite sure. I like that! ;D xxx

[primula-baggins.livejournal.com]

Thanks to you both for getting this chapter up for us.

Well, I am no closer to knowing who are in the conspiracy, but I have to wonder at Dom letting Basim and Arjit do the interviews. I wonder too about what Elijah is suspicious about.

I enjoyed the letter from Victoria to Boyd, and admire him for his attempt to protect Elijah. I can see why Elijah would resent it, since she takes away Elijah's authority a little by her request.

I see we have a picture of the opulent Osman Singh now, too!

Looking forward to more, as always.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Osman is cute! Bless him! I hope this part pleases. ;D xxx

[choclatina40.livejournal.com]

What a sweet and tender ending to this chapter. I admire Billy for trying to protect Elijah , even though I'm sure he knew such a thing might anger him a bit. I absolutely LOVE that manip of Osman Singh, the green is so lovely with his skin tone *g*. Thanks to you for another lovely chapter. More please ?

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Green + Osman does suit, doesn't it? More is up, now! ;D xxx

[lisabellex.livejournal.com]

Ooh - lovely, steamy loving at the end! Most delightful.

The plot thickens - looking forward to learning Elijah's thoughts.

Encore!

:D

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

More steaminess has been posted. i amSO generous! ;D XXXX

[forestrane.livejournal.com]

Elijah, don't you know keeping secrets could get someone else hurt....

Thanks for posting, and thanks to LSR for all her BETA work.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Yup, thanks LSR. She is a star! And Elijah is doing what he thinks is the right thing. Unfortunately ....Cackles evilly. :D xxx

[verangel.livejournal.com]

It drives me CRAZY when Elijah figures something out and holds it back from us all and Dom. I loved the part with Boyd and his letter from Cousin Victoria. It showed how important Elijah is to so many and how well loved (except by his own stodgy parents). The ending of this was incredibly tender and loving and erotic. I love the care they take to give privacy so thet can experience each other and the way they come together. *sighs* Gorgeous chapter I love this story. hugs you close my Ru xooxxoxoxo v

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Others agree with you, my love. Unfortunately, Lij is used to keeping his own counsel. Glad you like it. Next part posted - MORE hawt secks! ;D xxx

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

I decided to read before the Christmas cards to give the ole foot a rest after YWP...

Another great chapter and well worth waiting for! Billy had a few surprises up his sleeve and now we know why he went through that door. He wuz set up :-/

I'm not as clever as Elijah so will have to await his revelation of the "anomaly" he has discovered, although I suspect it's someone uncomfortably close to Dom...

Glad they ended up in each others loving arms *bless*

Thank you for posting. Btw, thank you all, too, for your lovely Christmas card, it arrived safely today and the address on the red envelope was perfectly legible :-)

*huggles*
xxxx

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Ha! Blind as a bat but I did it! Thank you for yours, too!

In each others arms is where they belong! ;D xxx

[http://users.livejournal.com/tweedle_/]

I love all the figuring that is going on. The list of those in line for the throne and who might benefit, does make one think as they all are, 'Who would want Dom out of the way?' I love Elijah's cousin putting her two bits in concerning his safety. :) And wonderful gentle love making. Terrific chapter again. XXOO

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Glad to see you have two minutes to yourself after all the rushing about. And very happy you like my story, too! ;D xxx