Title: The Year Was 1624

Rating: PG

Pairing: Kurt/Blaine, mentioning of others

Warnings: Cross-dressing, underage children, religious themes

Status: WIP

Summary: AU. To lay with another man is a crime against god. He knew this, and he knew he would not allow himself to be charmed by young lord Anderson under the ruse of being a maiden.

Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing, but I still dream daily that I do.

The Year Was 1624

The lady-in-waiting struggled with her young ward as the young boy tried to escape. "I do not wish to wear bloomers," he protested, hopping upon his bed pulling the four poster shut.

"Please, young master, it is the lord's wish."

"Do I carry the appearance of a maiden?" The woman sighed, shaking her head in the negative. "Then I will not dress as one."

"Young master, please, do you wish me no longer in this situation? If so I can speak with Master Hummel and I'm sure he can arrange a new situation."

The young boy sat on his rear-end, crossing his arms over his bare chest. "For father's sake I will represent myself as a female."

"Thank you, young master," she sighed, kneeling in front of him to dress him in the bloomers.

It was not normal for a boy of 10 wearing an elegant dress but circumstances called for this measure. After the passing of Lord Hummel's first wife leaving him baron, he was left to care for his son alone. However, a noble lady had caught his sight and he wish to court her properly, perhaps give his son a mother. The lady Hudson too was a widow and had a son of her own. Lord Hummel would not take chances and therefore took precautionary measures to dress his son as a young lady.

"To your feet."

The boy hoped up, lifting up his arm into the air to allow her to lower the thick dress over him. The skirts fell in thick layers around him, the bodice loose around his chest, the sleeves tight to his arms. He turned upon his lady-in-waiting's orders, her fingers working nimbly to tighten the strings of bodice. "That hurts," he hissed, touching his stomach as the clothing became increasingly tighter.

"I apologize, but it must be tight."

Suddenly he felt much sympathy for the young ladies of the court; this was not comfortable in the least.

Once the task was completed he was tapped to the mirror. He grimaced at the feminine clothing of yellow and white, but this was the fashion of the century, or at least that he knew of.

"Is Kurt ready?" Lord Hummel asked from beyond the door.

"You may enter," Kurt called to his father, his hair being pulled painfully back to accommodate a net.

The wooden door creaked opened, the old metal hinges creaking their protest. Heeled loafers clicked loudly against the stone floors, coming to a stop just behind the two occupants. "You look stunning Kurt."

"I do not feel so. I feel as a fool. Father, must I hold this appearance," he pleaded to his father. Unlike his father he did not pull at the ruffles of his doublet, nor pick at the buttons of his cuffs. Kurt was quite at home and the clothing of nobility and loved flaunting it about their home. His father had always been more suited to the peasantry wear from which he was born.

"Kurt, the Baroness Hudson also bore a son."

"So you wish to hide me lest she turn down your courtship?"

"You professed to me no more than a fortnight ago that you feel drawn to young boys such as yourself. Does this appearance not please this choice?"

"I professed to you father for I was scared, but it's not a choice. I can not stop it."

"You are but 10, you will grown to understand and perhaps except the betrothal Lady Pierce has so kindly offered. The hand of her eldest daughter in hopes to improve upon our holdings. It's a fine offer."

"But one I wish to refuse. Father, I do not know of the ailment that has over taken me, but I tell you this it was no choice. Perhaps it was a curse from god if the being we worship is such a benevolent being and not the devil himself."

"You will not speak such blasphemy in this home, Kurt," Lord Hummel ordered, attempting to keep his tone level. "I do love you son, but you must understand…."

"To lay with another man is sin against god and punishable by death. May god save your soul from the eternal damnation you will endure for man is not meant to lay with man," Kurt recited, having heard this speech in a sermon. The priest like to repeat messages when he felt someone was drifting to the darkness. Yet, Kurt was left wondering, did the benevolent god they spoke of truly exist. If he was truly benevolent why would he curse the ones he love.

"The carriage awaits, no further will this be discussed, understood?"

"Yes, father," Kurt agreed, picking up his skirts and following his father out of their home.

-o-o-o-

As they entered the court gardens Kurt was left wondering further on his predicament. It was a crime to dress above one's station, it was a crime to lay with another man, would that not mean it was a crime to dress as a woman? Even at masques it would not be permissible for a man to hide behind the face of a woman. What if he was to become known?

"Ah, Lord Hummel, I have traveled a great length to meet you," a boisterous English man greeted. The man was Kurt's father's height, his head full of lustrous brown hair, that also found residence under his nostrils. His clothes spoke of his nobility for him as he spoke of his holdings with Lord Hummel, but Kurt found the color of his tailcoat to be quite unflattering. "Ah, but I have forgotten my manors. May in introduce my children," he announced, bringing the three children forward. "This is my eldest son Stephen."

Stephen gave a quick bow before rising and holding his hand out to Lord Hummel. "It is a pleasure."

Kurt rolled his eyes, kicking a pebble atop the cobblestone. He had grown weary of these meetings. His father would chat about land and holdings and would then roll into tennis or whichever sport caught his fancy.

"This is Blaine," the man continued, placing his hand upon his middle child's shoulder. As his elder brother did, Blaine bowed, but he did not reach for Lord Hummel's hand instead he turned to Kurt, taking his hand and kissing the back. Kurt's eyes met the other boy's instantly, his face no doubt turning to rose.

"It would not be proper to ignore a young lady," he smiled, pulling a rose from a bush and holding it out to him. Kurt took it, holding it to his face and hoping it helped to hide his blush.

"Seems I have forgotten my own etiquette. This is my daughter, Elizabeth," Lord Hummel introduced.

"Elizabeth," Blaine whispered, his brown eyes finding Kurt's own. "Consecrated to God, a beautiful name."

Kurt blinked, eyes fixed on the boy his own age in front of him. A dark curl danced against his forehead, his hair undoubtedly unruly outside of court gatherings. "A-And Blaine means…."

"Nothing special, I assure you," he smiled, releasing Kurt's hand and returning to his position aside his brother. Blaine's father chuckled, making a quip about a possible betrothal between the two. "Perhaps this meeting was predestined," Blaine smiled.

"And my youngest," Blaine's father continued, smiling broadly. The girl at his side curtsy politely as her father declared her name to be 'Maria'.

"If you will excuse me, Lord Anderson, I see Baroness Hudson and wish to offer courtship."

"By all means," he nodded. "But perhaps, Blaine can escort Elizabeth for a stroll along the gardens?"

Lord Hummel was hesitant for a moment to allow it, then again if he did not Lord Anderson could suspect something is afoot. "But of course," he agreed.

Blaine's face lit up as he stepped forward, holding his arm in the direction of the gardens. "My lady."

Kurt looked to his father briefly, before picking up his skirts and walking across the cobblestone towards the gardens. One common knowledge of the queen was her love for floral. The courtyard, in which they now stood, was adorned in rose bushes of many variety and were often where meetings such as this one took place.

Blaine came in step beside Kurt, smiling to the boy as they descended the stairs to the vast palace gardens. Other couples were scattered upon the garden, chatting politely with each other. Some commenting on the fine ten foot long fountain adorned with Greek sculptures, water lilies floating upon the crystal water. This was where Kurt led Blaine to, the gravel beneath his feet crunching. Water swooshed as it moved in the light wind, Kurt's eyes drawn to the lilies as they went up in down in smooth waves.

"Quite enchanting," Blaine commented.

"I agree," Kurt nodded, thankful for once his voice would not give away his sex. "The queen has excellent taste."

"I was not referring to the lilies."

Kurt caught himself as he stumbled over his own feet. This boy was almost to charming, to dapper, to be true. Kurt had never met a man of the court like this, and he had met several.

"I mean not to be offensive, Lady Elizabeth, but what is your age?"

"10," he answered in a whisper.

"Ah, then I am two years your senior. Father is eager to find me a betrothed, as my elder brother is already betrothed to Lady Lopez of Spain. But the gossip is, Lady Lopez is quite cavalier for her age, being only 16 years. From what I can gather she's had frequent visits with a peasant boy by the name of Noah. Oh, I apologize, my mouth has run away."

"No," Kurt smiled. "I'm happy to see you're not all manners. I happen to like jumping on my bed."

"My how un-ladylike," Blaine smiled. "Perhaps you can visit my home and jump upon my bed. It is due for a good jumping."

"To invite a lady so boldly to your bed chamber, I am astonished."

"I mean not to offend."

"You have not," Kurt smiled, turning his attention back to the pond.

"I am glad. I would be most vexed to lose such a fine maiden's attention."

Kurt found himself blushing yet again at the other male's compliments. The feeling was fleeting, however, knowing the words would not be as sweet if Blaine knew he was wooing a man. Yes, Kurt had to remember he currently wore a mask; one that so easily fooled everyone. Ah, sweet cruel reality. "If you'll excuse me, young Lord Anderson, I believe I hear my father calling."

"Do wait," Blaine called, as Kurt turned to leave. "I wish to see you again."

"If the fates permit it, perhaps we will meet again," he answered, picking his skirts from the ground. Slowly he retreated back to the courtyard to seek out his father amongst the nobility.

Blaine looked down at his hand, the one that had touched Elizabeth's so delicately upon their first meeting just moments ago. He had met many maiden's carrying the same appearance as Lady Elizabeth. They were pristine, polished, their long hair tied in perfected knots; he'd grown use to this. As per his father's orders he was charming with each one, but the moment Elizabeth's delicate hand touched his own he knew. Lady Elizabeth was no maiden, and he was determined to see what lay beneath that façade.

-o-o-o-

"You will not see that boy again, understood?" Lord Hummel told his son as they sat for dinner.

Kurt stared down at his fish and corn dinner, poking at the kernels. He was not fond of corn but it was in season and therefore ripe for picking. "I had no intention to."

Lord Hummel nodded, sipping his wine. "Baroness Hudson has agreed to a courtship, and her son, Finn, is currently betrothed to Lord Fabray's youngest daughter. They are to marry in half a year."

"I understand, father."

"I understand you do not wish for a brother six years your senior but perhaps you can learn from him. If I am to wed Baroness Hudson and her son weds Lady Quinn, Kurt, I will allow you to live as you choose."

"What?"

"With a marriage on my behalf, and a strong marriage on Finn's, you are free to wed who you choose. You are free to live as a peasant if you so choose."

Kurt understood this was his father's way of coming to accept who his young son was becoming but Kurt would rather not be hanged for crimes against God. He may be a mere 10 but one could not play naïve in these times. "I will meet with Lady Brittany." He had a chance to wed by 16 and be normal as all in their country, and to make his father brim with pride.

"If you are sure, then I will arrange the meeting."

"I am sure, father," Kurt answered, allowing the maid to take his wooden dishes.

The proud smile that lit his father's face told him deciding to side with the church was the right path.

-chapter 1 end-