A little clarifying: The King: Hunter, The Queen: Stephanie, The Princess: Maria

The gates opened and the carriages rolled in. It was the queen's 40th birthday which included alcohol, food, entertainment, gifts and thieves.

''Your highness! You look marvelous'' the Duke of French's wife bowed to show her respect as they entered the party.

''Thank you Charlotte, and you look stunning'' the Queen replied. Charlotte had a yellow dress and looking rather ugly, but Hunter knew how women worked. They tell each other lies and expect a compliment in return.

''Sir'' Hunter turned to face Randy.

''Yes?''

''The Cardinal is here'' the King's face slightly tensed by the information.

''Alone?'' he whispered to not interrupt the welcoming ceremony. Randy shook his head no.

''The Red Guards by his side''

''You mean his sons and their friends'' Hunter snorted and Randy nodded.

''By all means, let them enter'' Hunter added. His guard bowed and left him to return to the greetings.

The final families bowed and the party could now begin.

''The welcoming ceremony is torture'' Hunter said as he took his wife's hand and walked down from their thrones to join their guests.

''I know dear, now try to behave'' Stephanie gave him a compassionate look and he frowned confused.

''Old friend'' he tensed by the voice.

''Vince'' Hunter turned to face the Cardinal that had a big, ridiculous, smile on his face.

''Long time'' he added and Vince nodded in agreement.

''Where is Linda?'' Hunter tried to preserve a conversation to distract himself from saying something he would regret.

''My wife could not attend, but wishes you the best'' Vince referred to Stephanie. She slightly bowed her head to show her gratitude.

''And your so…'' Hunter didn't have to continue the question because all three appeared behind Vince.

''Dean, Roman and Seth… you three haven't changed a bit'' Hunter tried not to sound rude but by the chuckle of his wife, he understood he had failed.

''Your majesty'' they said in tone and bowed. He could tell they were forced to this.

''Father?'' a sweet voice was heard and Hunter noticed how the three men rolled their shoulders back.

''Vince, you remember my daughter; Maria'' Hunter took her hand and brought her forward. She observed the old man and his sons for a while before slightly bowing.

''Even beautiful than I remembered'' Vince smiled, taking her hand and placing a kiss on top of it.

''What is it dear?'' Hunter turned to Maria.

''The Duke of Spain was delayed and wishes to greet you'' she said and Hunter nodded.

''Gentlemen, enjoy your evening'' he said.

''The pleasure is on our side'' Vince said and with a nod, Hunter left them to welcome the new arrived.

''I don't understand why we're here father'' Dean muttered as he took a glass of wine from the plates that the servants where carrying around.

''To celebrate the Queen's birthday'' Vince grinned and his sons frowned.

''But you despise her? And everyone knows the Red Guards follows your command the majority of…'' Seth commented but received a slap to the head.

''Not so loud you idiot!'' Vince hissed and Seth muttered something underneath his breath.

''Time for the gifts!'' they turned by the voice of Shane, the King's Minister. People gathered around and gift after gift was brought forward as the Queen showed her gratitude by nodding and approving.

A girl, some ages younger than the boys; in the age of Maria to compare to a woman, appeared behind the Royal Family. She was dressed in black leather pants, a black tight tank top, black boots and a black skin jacket together with a belt that had weapons attached to it.

Dean, Roman and Seth were stunned by the view. They had never seen a women wear something else then a dress, less weapons.

''Who's that?'' Roman grinned and the other two smirked in amusement.

''Luna, also Hunter's daughter'' Vince said and they frowned.

''Impossible'' Roman objected.

''How can that be?'' Dean added.

''The King had a mistress. Rumor said he was to run away with her; until the Queen got pregnant. Years after, it was revealed that his mistress also was with child'' he nodded against the girl.

''A bastard? Must be tough'' Roman said and Vince nodded.

''She doesn't see herself as royal, but is bound to show her loyalty to the American crown. She's a part of the Royal Guards'' Vince shrugged, returning his gaze to the gift opening.

''She's hot'' Dean smirked and his father chuckled.

''She inherits it from her mother. She was pure beauty, but don't let her charm fool you; that girl is cold as ice and ruthless''

''Oww, who's that from?'' they turned by the voice of the King that had locked his eyes on a big box, wrapped in gold. His servants looked around it before exchanging gazes.

''It doesn't say, sir'' one of them said and the King waved his hand.

''No matter, open it'' he said exiting even though it wasn't his gift. Stephanie just smiled polite. The servants did as he said and the girl, Luna, took some steps forward.

''Well, what is it?'' Hunter's eyes were shining as the servants peeked their heads into the box. One of them screamed as they all stepped away from the box. By the scream, Luna ran up to the gift and looked inside; knife in hand.

''Shut the box!'' she commanded and they did as she said. She looked around, people had begun to whisper and looked worried.

''Perhaps food, your majesty?'' she proposed as she ordered the guards to remove the box.

''I think that's a good idea, don't you dear?'' Stephanie addressed her husband and he nodded before clapping his hands two times.

''Food is served'' he said and in came plates filled with meat. The people started to cheer and turned to make sure they would get some of everything.

''Fath…'' Roman begun but was interrupted.

''I see'' Vince said as they watched the Royal Family get dragged away to another room.

x x x

''Who sent this!'' Hunter yelled in frustration as he walked back and forth. His wife and daughter were holding each other's hands.

''Perhaps you should take some breathes, sir'' Shane tried to calm him but received a glare instead.

''Old friend?'' Hunter turned by the voice of Vince. Luna immediately stepped between them and Vince grinned.

''We are the King's guards as well, remember'' he said and she snorted.

''What is it that troubles you so?'' Vince continued and turned his gaze against the King.

''Show him'' Hunter placed a hand over his eyes and sighed. Randy opened the golden box and Vince, along with Dean, Roman and Seth; peeked inside. They widened their eyes by the sight. A head of a Royal Guard and attached to the left eye by an arrow; a note with the words 'Happy Birthday'.

''Who could have done this?'' Vince gasped.

''I wonder'' Luna narrowed her eyes on him.

''Enough'' Hunter said and the girl turned her gaze away to mutter.

''Four men have been captured sir, they're in the dungeon'' Batista was back and they all turned to face him.

''On it'' Luna said as she headed for the door.

''I insist on letting the Red Guards interfere as well. This is unacceptable and I'll rather seen to that the responsible one is punished'' Vince voice stopped her and she closed her eyes to curse something.

''Red Guards have no business in the castle. Your job is to patrol the streets'' Luna growled as she turned around to glare at them.

''How come the Royal Guards are allowed on the streets then?'' Roman raised one brow.

''Well if you would do your job right, we wouldn't have to'' the girl crossed her arms across her chest and tilted her head to the side. Dean, Roman and Seth grinned.

''Feisty'' Dean commented.

''Enough. I understand, however,'' Vince said and turned to the King.

''You said it was four men. I think we should show them that we are the ones in superiority; don't you?'' Vince said and Hunter seemed to consider it.

''I have Randy and Batista'' the girl objected.

''You've got a point, Cardinal'' Hunter said and Luna tightened her fist. They could tell she was trying hard not to snap.

''Of course, your Majesty'' she mumbled before she walked out the door.

''She didn't bow'' Seth whispered, leaning closer to his brothers. They nodded, thinking the same thing.

''Boys'' by the voice of their father, they turned. He was aiming them to follow her and with a bow, they disappeared.

You like these kind of stories? I thought I would give it a try :)