He makes his intentions clear

Christine watched as Merthin's eyes studied her naked body in undisguised admiration.

"First Prince Henry and now the Bishop of Oldchester, my lovely, lovely Christine." Merthin shook his head sadly, "you are racking up quite the list of powerful admirers, my dear." The way the wealthy notary was staring at her was as unnerving as his assessment of her situation.

"I know, Master Merthin. I don't understand why ... I am ever so grateful for your help." Merthin approached until he was standing so close that she was staring at the expensive gold chain that hung low on his chest. He lifted her chin with his hand until she had to crane her neck awkwardly to meet his gaze.

"Oh, I can understand why." Merthin laughed. "As pretty as you are, Prince Henry was certain to take notice ... and our Bishop Anthryl has always had a weakness for devout young women from respected families." He chuckled softly as he stroked her cheek. "You would be the cream of that sweet crop." Merthin brushed her lips with the ball of his thumb; it was a disquieting caress, but Christine knew that she could ill-afford to offend the man. "It would be an even greater tragedy if our heir-apparent got his hands on your sweet young body. I hear our bastard prince has some pretty depraved tastes." This time she did shudder and try to pull away, but Merthin stopped her retreat with a firm grip around her slender neck. It was an act so aggressive and threatening that Christine was stunned into silence. Her mouth opened and closed several times, but only on the third try did words came out.

"I am ever so grateful, Master Merthin. My fath-" The notary silenced her with finger on her lips.

"I wonder just how grateful you are, Lady Gerard?" Merthin's forefinger slid sideways until it was rubbing the soft skin just under her left ear. "If I am going to risk my life for you, I expect something quite special in return." Yet again, Christine found herself naked and powerless in the hands of a man. Merthin's gentle touch was nothing like the coarse way Bishop Anthryl had groped her naked body, but there was no mistaking the sexual nature of the caress.

"What would I have to do?" Christine did not miss the way Merthin smiled at her timid query, he looked like a wolf stalking a yearling lamb. This wealthy notary held all the cards; she needed Merthin, and he had both her and Erik hidden away with nowhere to go. What other choice did she have?

"Anything I ask you to," Merthin confirmed her worst fears, "and I want everything from this lovely body of yours." Christine could sense the hunger in the man's eyes and when he pulled her even closer, she did not resist. "You would be my courtesan, my paramour, my lover ... my whore."

"But you'll protect me from Prince Henry," Christine whimpered softly, "and help Erik get training?" Merthin's hand shifted again, this time cupping her breast in his palm. Christine could feel him weighing the soft flesh in his hand like a goodwife picking out a ripe melon.

"I'll do that and more to have a highborn beauty like you squirming under me as I plow your tight little pussy." Merthin's crude assessment of what he wanted made Christine's empty stomach turn, but the traitorous sensations of pleasure that radiated from where his hand cupped her made it hard to refuse his offer outright. Perhaps, this is the best course of action for her. Lay back and exchange her body for protection and assistance in her quest for ****.