Chapter Text
When the Princess Sibylla had sent for your services, you understood what you had to do; for it took little time to be briefed on what it was exactly that your job entailed.
“Should anything go amiss,” you were told in confidence once you reached the palace, “you are to dispose of any evidence that might prove troublesome to His Majesty’s reputation.”
You’d nodded your head in assurance.
No sooner after agreeing were you dressed in flattering silks with your neck powdered. The pearls that dangled from your hair would suit you well in your part. The clothes you brought with you, while they were fine garments on any other occasion, could certainly never match this splendid finery. Your face, however, was left completely bare.
“His Grace is particular about things,” is whispered in your ear as your hands are guided through thick silk curtains. “You are never to speak a word of what has occurred. Is that clear?”
Naturally.
“We’ve seen to it that these rooms are easily accessible to you,” is added quickly, “At this hour, servants should be out of your way. You might want to return quickly through this path at this time of evening as well.”
Once you’ve made it to where you have to be without difficulty, the room is dark. Only a hint of firelight glows in a corner somewhere, barely visible even to your eyes. But once you’ve adjusted to the darkness, you realize quickly that this was much nicer than any room you have ever set foot in before. All rich blues with gold accents. But then again, you had never been called to meet a King. You found a peculiar pleasure in the fact that this particular one would come to have need of your services.
Considering all his afflictions.
Emerging quietly behind a tall wall, there is someone whose frame you find to be imposing. You can tell that he is thin, even shrouded in shadow. His silver mask gleams in what light you can make out; it looks so elegant in its shape against his slender neck. The clothes fit well on his person.
You thought that your presence would’ve caused him to question your true purpose within his palace. Though you were well versed in court etiquette as a girl, you were certainly too pretty to be an aid of his. Yet, you were surprised to find that he had already been informed of your intentions there, and that you had already been paid for your services.
“Whatever my sister paid you for,” he’d said upon meeting you mask to face, “I’ll pay you double just to leave.”
It had shocked you into silence. Your hands were quick to tighten around one another before your lap, head bowed in feigned humility as you attempted to hide your delight. “Your Highness...I fear that you have a misconception about my business here.” A glance towards your masked companion had shown you his cold regard. You were hardly discouraged. “I was only sent here to assist you in more intimate matters.”
The King shook his head, “I do not want for intimacy of any kind.” Though his eyes lingered upon you. You could tell that he was curious about what sort of person would come here to service a dying man.
“My king, then. Please do tell me what you require,” you offered sweetly.
There is a brief moment in which you truly believed he might ask you to undress for him before his resolve overrode whatever lust lingered within his chest. “Begone, then.”
His voice was quiet, yet it reverberated deeply within you. The hairs upon your neck stand in alert as you rise; there is a delicate clink to your jewels.
You couldn’t help your disappointment as you gathered your things to leave his room. “Perhaps you may desire me another day...?” you tried hopefully. The blue dress swishes around you as you turn to do as you are commanded.
But there is little room to hope. “I doubt that. You will see how I prefer to conduct my affairs,” is his dismissal.
To your credit, you remained professional. The gold you pocketed was enough to provide you with a great life. But it still disappointed you that you were unable to perform your duty to him as it had been planned. No one you knew had ever laid eyes on him. Truthfully, you desired him, craved to touch him with your very bare hands. What little you were able to see of him before you left stirred your imagination. How you had longed to touch his flesh.
There is a burning inside of you. You know how to extinguish it. How to snuff it out for a while so that you may forget it. A leper he may be, diseased in flesh by his own making, yet you desire to see if his lust is still there beneath all that ruin. It is funny how much you could come to adore a stranger who wanted nothing of you. You would offer to let him indulge in all of his filthiest thoughts, just as you are made to do for many men who come to call on your services, if only to hear his breathing hitch in your ear. Perhaps then you would be allowed a glimpse of his face.
You touch yourself that night before you fall asleep. Your room is not grand, your sheets are old, the window a hole in a wall. But you’re in love with your imaginings of his voice, of what it must feel like to kiss his mouth. To trail kisses down his neck until they led to his lap, where his cock lay in wait.
To your surprise, another messenger comes to you in short time; there is a demand for your services once more. This time with another payment offered, larger than before. You happily take to his invitation. The Princess Sibylla is obviously very concerned for her brother. You are too — at least, your body aches at even thinking of him.
He’s sitting near a fire when you arrive. The light flickers across his mask’s surface, silver trim shining bright. “Why are you here?”
You smile at him, one that is only used to disarm your most resistant of clients. “The Princess Sibylla seems to be under that belief that you require my assistance.”
He shakes his head. “As if I would ever. Go tell my sister to stop sending you.”
You nod as though it is an easy task. “Perhaps it would be best if you spoke with Her Highness directly.” And then because you have an inclination that it is going to work you ask, “Would you like me to stay until she arrives?”
The king waves at you dismissively. “As you wish,” is his tone of agreement.
A win. You’re glad it works so simply. Perhaps this time you might get what you’ve been craving all week long. Your fingers have grown tired of pleasuring you. You cannot remember what another man feels like as you were asked to keep yourself clean for your newest client. You would love nothing more than for him to have his way with you.
You watch him in that long silence, a silence in which you can hear every ragged draw of his troubled lungs; your eyes wander up his long neck to his veiled hairline to finally see his eyes as they focus on some piece of parchment in his lap. His eyes are blue, a blue so bright and so striking that it makes your stomach twist to have them gaze back at you; for a split second in which you can see yourself reflected in them. The sudden eye contact makes you shudder.
But they are gone as quickly as they are upon you.
“It seems she is not coming, Your Highness,” you venture to speak up.
He hardly seems fazed that you’re here still. “Yes.”
You rise with a flourish of skirts, eyes bright as you approach him with quiet steps. “Might I be of service then—” you begin sweetly.
He's already looking up at you. “No.”
“I must insist on it,” you press on.
“Are you hard of hearing?” The question is sharp on his tongue.
You only shake your head as you stand over him, “I only wish to help you. That is all I want.
The man’s eyes burn into your own as your hand hovers just over his masked face. They flicker to your fingers curiously. A part of him is begging to be touched by someone who is truly attracted to him.
“You are a fool.” You smile at his insult, relish how beautiful he sounds with that venom laced in his words. You could listen to him berate you all night with such a pretty voice. “No amount of gold is worth suffering this disgrace.” But oh...you would do it for free. You want to tell him that. You want to tell him that you’ve craved him since you've met him.
“Shall I show you just how good this is going to feel?” There is a coyness to your voice as you kneel down before him. You take your hand back and let it come down to rest upon his leg. He shifts slightly, his head tilted as his fingers twitch. “Have you ever felt a woman’s touch before?”
He is stiff when you trail your fingers upwards until you’ve reached his waist; there is a tremble that you feel in his legs. The king finally takes in a shuddering draw of breath. “Do you find pleasure in touching a monster?”
Your lips pull into a coy smile. “Are you a monster?” You wonder what he looks like under that elegant white garb of his. “Surely you’re only a man in there.” Your eyes travel over him, noting how broad his shoulders are in comparison to his slender waist. Your fingers ache to slip beneath his tunic.
There is a snort. “An unfortunate man.”
You cannot disagree with that, what with his diseased body...but that would never be an issue in what you have in store. “I have seen many unfortunate men. Some are lucky enough to still find their desires can be met despite what affliction plagues them. That is how this profession came about...for men like you. Men in dire need of pleasure despite it being a sin.” Your hand inches closer to his inner thigh.
“It’s not right...” But his voice is getting softer with each word. The fire behind his words is only dying out.
You sit back onto your heels in surprise. “What is there to fear? Only you and I shall ever know.” Your fingers brush lightly over him. “You are still able to feel. Am I correct?”
“I suppose so.”
“Good,” you lick your lips at him. “I have so many things in mind for you. You only need to lay back.” The king shifts nervously where he is seated. “Please Your Highness? For me?” You give his cock a quick stroke, his whole body jumps at your touch.
“Christ, woman!” He exclaims in a hushed tone. You’re pleased to hear just how hoarse his voice has gotten; there is a bit of that gravelly quality that is driving you wild. Your fingers make to undo him while his hand comes up to catch yours. “I’m sure that...I can’t do this.” Yet his hold is slack, making it all too easy for you to wiggle out of his grasp.
You ignore his pleas. “Let’s see what we’re working with here...” You’re delighted at your findings. “There’s nothing to worry about, Your Grace.” Even beneath layers of clothing it’s quite easy to tell just how thick he is. Rumors about the King had spread across Jerusalem. How his cock had turned black like his blood, or even fallen off due to his illness. In your hands now, you have living proof that none of those were true — you can hardly wrap your fingers around him in your excitement. “Goodness...you’ve been blessed. Certainly God has favored you,” you bite your lip with an obvious delight. “Has anyone ever pleasured you? At least once?”
He’s hard in your grasp, your question is nearly answered just by that. Your strokes slow when you’re met with his silence. “Your Highness? Have you?” A pause. His head shakes stiffly. Your mouth runs dry at his admittance of never being pleasured by another before.
“Then let me be your first,” you insist softly. You let go of his cock in favor of sliding up to sit in his lap. There is an arm that comes around to cage you against him; one of his hands grabs onto your dress at your waist. You bring your face down until it hovers right over his own. You know you must look wild with desire at that very moment, your gaze surely holding an animalistic gleam. But how can you help yourself? This is a once in a lifetime chance. To pleasure a King who has never once experienced carnal acts.
You’re pleased that your eyes do startle him. The look in his tells you he isn’t used to such a stare; your gaze always seems to do that to your customers though.
“What do you intend to do?” There is a barely noticeable strain in his voice. You've felt his cock rub against your thigh when you’ve settled into his lap. You’re sure that his arousal is starting to affect him now. The urge to go on is harder to fight. Especially when there’s gold at stake.
You lean close as to bring your lips to his ear. “You may do what you like with me. I am entirely yours tonight.” A kiss on his neck, right to that sensitive spot you’ve seen many men melt at. You’re pleased with his gasp. “Have you ever touched a woman before? Perhaps it was an accident...long before your...decline. Surely you must recall. Was it your sister’s ladies? A servant girl?” Your voice is sweet and your fingers glide along his jaw. His body stiffens underneath yours at your mention of women’s touch. He isn’t denying anything you’ve said.
Your smile grows. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of. Were you a curious lad then?” Your fingers play with a lock of his blonde hair. The King looks up to you with an unreadable emotion. The longer you look at him — only because his eyes are drawing you in like a fish to bait — your grin is quick to fade. There’s an urge that rises within you. This poor lonely King. Surely there must be a way that you can provide him with a real human connection...
“You tease me too much,” he replies carefully.
And just like that your smile is back in place. “Then allow me to show you.” Your hands gather up your skirts to pull them up just high enough to give him a clear view of yourself. He swallows hard, a gulp that sounds painfully loud in your ears; his eyes are trained upon that bare spot between your legs. There you can see just how eager he truly is.
“Is this alright for your first time?” You’re reaching between your bodies now to take him in your hand once again. The feel of his bare cock has you clenching around nothing already. But you need this. You want this just as much as he does. Perhaps even more so.
But before he can reply, there is a knock at his doors. You stare at that sharp interruption. You look towards it with a hint of annoyance as you continue to position him against your entrance. The King himself still hasn’t moved his head. His eyes are burning holes through your skin.
“Yes?” he nearly growls.
“The Princess Sibylla, Your Highness,” Came a voice from behind the door.
You glance down to him in a slight panic as he nearly shoves you off of his lap in a haste you’ve never seen in him before; your skirts fall just as he gathers his robe tightly around himself. A wistful sigh escapes you. If only you had more time to really indulge in each other.
Princess Sibylla walks through his doors just as you stand off to his side. Her smile falters only for a second when she lays eyes on you. But then it’s all bright again as her focus shifts to her brother. “I see you’ve met my aid,” is her polite way of ignoring what must be obviously written over your features. Your face is a little flushed, to say the least.
“Indeed,” his response is clipped. You can feel his eyes burning at your back as you make your curtsey to them both.
“Leave us, please.” Her voice is just as polite.
When you are out of his doors you can hear them begin their argument. You smile to yourself knowing that you may come back there another night, a night in which your king will want your service. Whether or not you're able to sate your appetite will remain to be seen.
When a summons comes by way of messenger during sunset you rush to collect your things before hurrying through palace corridors. You cannot remember a time that you’ve ever been this thrilled at seeing a customer. There is a quickening in your chest when you arrive at his doors; a rush that has your head spinning. You give a few quick knocks before slipping inside with barely any pause to greet his servants who watch you pass. They are shortly dismissed after they announce your arrival with bored tones.
And there you have him waiting for you. In all his masked glory. Your grin is sharp on your face.
“I take it that your sister had words with you.”
He waves at you. “You are dismissed. Permanently.”
You almost laugh. “My liege,” your voice is laced with a giggle you can’t contain, “that is certainly what you said last time...Yet here you are having summoned me once more.”
“I have only summoned you to tell you that your services are truly unnecessary,” But you aren’t paying any mind to what he’s saying. Your attention is on his form instead. You feel yourself slowly melt at his stiff stature. He is tall, his form long. You are delighted to know that you were right. How strong his chest felt underneath you when you nearly rode him into his seat days prior...now your body aches to feel him again. “Is this amusing to you?” And oh...even his voice is driving you wild.
There is a genuine grin on your face that you’re unable to control. When was the last time you’ve felt so excited? Perhaps you feel a thrill at seducing a holy man? Someone who has undoubtedly stayed away from such carnal sins? While you yourself have been sinning ever since you discovered what pleasure you could provide to yourself. The gold and silver earned have only been a benefit. The King shifts beneath your burning gaze. He clears his head with a little cough. “Did you even hear a word of what I said?”
Your smile brightens. “Hmm? Oh, you said that you don’t need me.” You take a few strides until you stand right before his masked face; your eyes fall half-shut at just how beautiful his blue eyes are. You’re entranced. “You wound me, Your Majesty.”
A snort of disbelief. “I will say it again until you understand. My sister might have paid you greatly to attend to me, to pleasure me...but those coins were a waste.” You cannot believe a word that is coming out of his mouth. “I will pay you double, triple the amount, if you simply just turn around this very moment.”
It sounds tempting. With triple your pay you’d be able to live out your days lavishly without another man’s touch; a chance to leave this life behind once and for all. But to fuck a King? How can one compare gold to such a feat? This may be your only chance at glory in a life lived in shame.
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible,” You try to hold your composure though. There is a need inside that will only grow until you give in to it. You wish to finally see if your king has what it takes to fuck. To fuck you until you can’t remember a world without his name on your tongue.
He almost rolls his eyes at you. “My God, woman. Can nothing convince you?” A pause, and then in a much lower voice, “I am hardly worth your attention.”
Now there is a fire in you. “Do you think so little of me? That gold could convince me?” You wish you could slap some sense into him. Though...the idea of violence has you hot. You shake your head to get those thoughts out of your mind. “What makes you think that this has anything to do with gold? I have chosen to stay out of want for you.”
If you could see his expression you bet there would be shock written all over it. There is a definite silence as both of you take a moment to understand. You watch his chest rise in a deep draw before it exhales into an amused chuckle.
“I see that you are a bold one. So what is your true intention?” You raise a brow at him. What other angle is there than wanting a good fuck? You open your mouth to tell him just so before your eyes drift over him once again. The words die in your chest. Your hands fist at your sides in restraint. How is it that a man hidden behind a disguise could be this alluring?
Your thoughts travel to your wildest dreams; ones where his face is slowly revealed after you’ve pleasured him. There is a thought of his come leaking between your thighs when you finally ride him to completion.
“You speak as though there are hidden intentions. And perhaps there are many women who come to you seeking some gain...” You’re coming up close to him again; your head tilts at him in an alluring manner. You’ve pulled this look many times before when you had a handsome enough customer. You think this is exactly how you’ve managed to gain a reputation for yourself as a woman who knows exactly how to pleasure a man. “All you need to do...is to take me.”
Your king still stands there like a statue. So tempting. So beautiful. His silence makes it almost too easy for you to lean forward and press your lips against his cheek. “I will do everything,” you mutter into his ear. There is an obvious reaction as a shudder ripples through his body. “Or if you wish...you can take me right here.”
Your fingers run along his hair line until they rest against his neck; your thumbs rub gently as you coax him to look at you. Finally his eyes meet your own. Oh they are so blue. Bright like crystals that you want to lose yourself in them.
He moves. Suddenly. His hand is fisting your hair, pulling you backwards with enough force that you're gasping at him; you’ve never been handled this way before. “Do you think of me as some sort of toy for your pleasure?” There is a darkness in his voice that makes your eyes widen. You bite your lip to hold back a moan. “Have you become that spoiled by others who are easily manipulated into your bed?”
“Is there another man who could’ve possibly resisted?” Your words are cutting. There is only a brief moment in which he almost looks a bit stung by them before that dark gaze comes over you once again. “Or do you find me less pleasing to your senses? You are certainly hard right now.”
Your can feel his erect cock digging into your backside. There is only a slight twitch of his hips in response as you press yourself into him. His breathing has picked up when you bend a little in his grasp; your head rests against his chest.
“I have never claimed that you’re displeasing.” One hand has shifted until it comes up to hold your face. “Only that you have mistaken your profession with some...lust for a King. A leper, as you may well know me.”
A light laugh bubbles in your chest. “Perhaps a little.” His fingers are trailing along your jaw and down your neck, tracing circles as they go. “There is more to it than that. Please allow me to show you...”
“You have a curious sort of fascination...” His hand settles around your neck loosely. You sigh out a small whimper. His fingers twitch as though startled by your pleasure in being manhandled this way. But there is definite intrigue. You are melting like candlewax as his thumb shifts to rest against your windpipe. A slow inhale has his thumb press down gently.
You are gasping for him. “A-Ah...”
“You would like to continue in this way? With you entirely at my mercy?” If only he knew what kind of whore would like such a thing done to her.
You’re nodding your head quickly before you begin to speak; “Y-Yes...I want it all. Everything.” You could imagine him pushing you onto your knees. Holding you down by your neck as your lips stretch to accommodate his cock. Your eyes are practically rolling into your skull. “Will you make me beg for your forgiveness? Force me to atone for my sins by swallowing every bit of you?”
“So this is a sort of confession for you?” He tilts his head at your pleased sigh. You're squirming as it is. Aroused beyond belief. You've never wanted to be so filthy in all your days. But your king has some sort of effect on you. This dark energy...it's irresistible. The man before you knows what to do with it though. “What sickness has come over you that has twisted you into this slut?”
You whine as he moves his hand away to push you down to your knees by your hair. He holds you in place until you begin to mouth at his front, kisses trailing along his stomach until you come to mouth at his cock through his robe. He shudders once more, pressing your head against his erection so hard that it nearly cuts your airflow completely off.
A giggle escapes you just before you begin to pant into his lap; your tongue laves along him until a patch is darkened with your saliva. “M-Mm! My King...” you whine at him. “Use me as you wish.” And before you know it his hand is pulling back his robes to allow his cock to come into full view.
It is red. Angry-looking with an almost purple head. Circumcised with thick veins that are begging to be traced with your tongue. You can’t help yourself as you lean in with your mouth wide open. A pearl of precome is gathered right on his slit that begs for a lick. “Y-You’re a sinful man.” But his hold on your hair remains. You are unable to move as you take in a ragged inhale of his musky manhood. “Give it to me.”
“And if you choke on it? Will it still be so entertaining?” He leans forward slightly, his legs spread enough for you to see just how big his balls are. So full. Aching to be drained inside of your mouth.
You manage to meet his eyes. “I’m counting on it.” Your king stares for a moment before his hands pull your head down roughly onto him; your lips part wide as you accept him into your hot mouth. There isn't even an inch inside before your jaw begins to ache. But oh how good it feels. You groan when you're allowed to come back up for a short moment; your spit connects your lips to his cock's head as you pant over him.
He looks disgusted by your wanton display. But even so...he’s gripping himself, sliding his hand slowly up and down just at seeing you nearly salivate for him. “I see that you’ve taken a liking to it. Is this what you get off to? Being used like a toy by a man such as me? Does your cunt drip for it?”
“Fuck!” Your words are strained as you try to lick at him. He jerks back in response only to push himself back in. You feel your lips sliding along him as your jaw aches. You moan at this feeling of being full like you have never been filled before. Your lashes flutter in satisfaction. “God...yes,” you manage to say against him; your eyes shut to savor what it feels like as he begins to slowly fuck your mouth with shallow thrusts. “S-So good...more. Please.” Your hands are digging into his thighs. You’re letting him know that you are able to take more with a slow blink of your eyes. “C-Care to take it a bit further?” You goad him on with an open mouth and tongue stretched out just for him.
“Perhaps you will need to be punished instead...” Your mouth is stretched taut around him as he plunges deep. You are gagging. Drool slips past your lips in long ribbons while your head bounces with his thrusts. But you are loving it. You try your hardest to take him deeper. Your hands come up to pull his hips further in. But it becomes too much to take. “This greedy mouth of yours...will never learn.” You choke when you feel him press against your gag reflex; your eyes are tearing up as you look up to him. So beautiful. The fire is alight in his eyes. Oh how you want to please him.
His hand tightens its grasp on your hair to keep your mouth fully upon him. You groan in delight when you feel his heavy balls slap against your chin. You are drooling so much that it's dripping down your neck. Your core throbs with each thrust inside your hot mouth. “I can take it,” you say between gasps when your head is finally pulled away.
“Then perhaps you shall have me inside your mouth when I spill. Since you are so keen on it.”
You are grinning even as you cough. You look up to him through your teary vision before you run your tongue up his length. You hold eye contact as you go to tongue at his slit. There is another twitch that pulls another drop out. A deep groan at its salty-sweet flavor has his cock jumping once more in your grasp. You laugh before pulling him back into your mouth, slurping sounds echoing against his chambers.
“You are such a lewd thing,” is whispered through a heavy exhale. But it is obvious to you that he enjoys every second of it as your nose brushes along his stomach again. Your eyes stare up to him until you feel your vision darkening slightly. You try to blink a few tears away to watch his chest rise and fall harshly. To admire how beautiful he looks like this...in his moment of losing himself.
It seems as if a hand of God himself is caressing down his neck. You feel his whole body tense as his head falls back with a silent moan. Your reward for all your hard work is his hot come spilling directly in your mouth, some spilling out of your mouth while you frantically swallow around him. There’s just so much...It’s dripping down his shaft in spurts. You moan when you feel how hard his hands have fisted your hair. So strong in his pleasure that it makes you want to melt away into it as well. Your jaw is on fire when you finally feel him relax.
His breathing is so ragged that you know you will take pride in your performance tonight. You manage to pull yourself off of his length with one final suck, pulling all of him in until you feel his head hitting the back of your tight mouth again. You feel his salty come on your tongue as you swallow him down. Then you let him go with a light hiss.
“Delicious,” you breathe as his hands move away to steady himself behind you. Your head bows forward; you let your hot breathing tickle over his softened cock before licking him once more just to keep him sensitive. You can see a drop of it slide down onto his balls before you decide to lean forward. Your lips latch onto that wrinkled skin as you hear your king grunt in surprise. You roll your tongue over his sack until your saliva is slipping in a stream towards his inner thigh.
His eyes are angry, the kind of guilt-ridden anger a man in his position must feel after getting sucked off like this by a woman like you. A sinful whore who wants nothing more than to service his needs.
He pushes you away by your shoulder; his come smeared across your lips and chin in his haste. You can only laugh at how flushed his voice has become. “W-What is there to laugh at? Have you soiled yourself at being treated as though you are nothing?”
There’s an ache between your thighs that is becoming hard to ignore. “I enjoyed it very much. Can you tell?” You hike your skirts up to show him just how your juices are leaking down them. You touch a finger right against your opening. A whine escapes your lips. “See how worked up you have me? Aching for more...craving for you.” The sight of his cock still peeking out of its cover has you running your fingers over your clit; your legs open wide for his viewing pleasure.
He looks away as though ashamed. Though you don't miss how he shifts his robes over himself again. “Go clean yourself.”
Your bottom lip pouts out in disappointment. You had hoped that he may return such a generous favor. Yet you understand why it might be hard for him to be this way with another. You would feel honored to be his first and hopefully only one. But perhaps that is too much to ask of a King in his position. Instead of asking you give him an amused sigh; you stand on weak legs as you gather yourself up properly. Your cheeks feel as though they're on fire still. Your own arousal only embarrasses you. Perhaps he will take pity on you next time. Perhaps next time you won't have to find relief in your own hands.
“Thank you, Your Grace.” You begin to make your way to his basin until you feel his hand latch onto your wrist. You peer down at him curiously.
He avoids meeting your eyes for a second time. “Tomorrow, you will visit me again.” You smile widely before you lean in to press a kiss against the metal of his cheek. His blue eyes are hard when they finally meet your own. You want to kiss them so badly. “Don't be late.” There is that tiniest smirk that almost goes unnoticed.
“Never,” is your honest reply.