A/N: WARNINGS: M/M Slash, Mpreg, language, adult situations and description of war. If any of these things aren't to your taste, please heed the warnings and do not read. While this story is set in Medieval times, the language is more "modern" as most people find the Thees and Thous confusing and hard to read (and hard to write lol). However, all descriptions of war machines, ships, arms and armor were researched to be as historically accurate as possible. Also a side note should be made, marriage at the time was only a legal matter, and wasn't yet considered as Holy, therefore, actual marriage ceremonies took place on the Church steps, in front of the closed-door. After the ceremony however, there would then be a service of blessing inside the Church. I will try to remember to explain other customs of the time, if the need arises. If you ever have any questions about a subject, please feel free to PM me any time. The world of the CopeCalTor Basin is from my mind, I hope you enjoy it. All characters belong to Vince McMahon and the WWE. I make no profit. I hope you enjoy the story and remember, everything has a point. All reviews are much appreciated, even a word or two can be encouraging. ENJOY!
He was being lazy and he knew it, and he really didn't care. He wasn't interested and tired of his studies and bored with his duties. "He" was Christopher Jericho, son of King Theodore of Jericho. He was also known as Prince Lionheart. He'd earned the name because he'd single-handedly fought off a party of twenty-five highway men as they attempted to rob his father's coach. A trap set by the robbers had caused the Royal Guard to chase in the wrong direction, leaving the King and his son unprotected. When the band attacked, Prince Christopher held them all at bay until the Guard returned and killed them.
Word of young Jericho's bravery spread and the people of the tiny Kingdom gave him the name, Lionheart or sometimes he was simply called, The Lion of Jericho.
Christopher was much like a young lion. His shoulder length hair was the tawny gold of a lion and his heart was fierce. He was nearly six feet tall, lean but muscular from the armor he wore. He was twenty-one years old and single.
Chris got up from his chair and stretched with a yawn. He went to the window and looked out. It was too nice of a morning to spend it indoors. He knew Father William would be waiting for him in the library. It wasn't that he didn't want to learn. He knew his education was a privilege few could afford or the opportunity to have.
Over the years, his father had managed to collect several books and manuscripts and a vast collection of maps. He admired the artistic talents of the monks that oversaw the collections, as they made copies of pages for study. Now he just wanted a few hours alone, to just be a lazy boy.
Lionheart quietly left the small castle and went to his favorite place, a large oak tree in the middle of a green, fragrant field. He sat with his back against the tree, his blue eyes were half closed as he let his mind wander.
Chris was the only son and sole heir to his father's kingdom. He was in no hurry to become King, for that would mean the death of his father. That was something he prayed was a long, long time away. Chris' mother, the beloved Queen Loretta, had died three hours after he was born. King Theodore never remarried and Chris was his prized possession. He loved and spoiled his only son. However, he made sure Christopher was well-educated and trained in the Rules of Knighthood.
King Theodore's proudest moment had come last year, on the twenty-first anniversary of Chris' birth. The young Prince had earned his Spurs and was made a Knight of Jericho. The celebration feast lasted three days.
Prince Lionheart dressed in a deep blue, velvet tunic, his sword belted at his side. His muscular legs encased in black hose and he wore boots that ended just above his knees. He was clean-shaven and his long hair was neatly tied at the base of neck with a leather band.
So there, propped up against the tree sat Prince Christopher of Jericho. He was just thinking about returning to his studies, when to his left he saw two young men gathering wild flowers. Chris thought they must be serfs from the village, because there was no guard with them.
Prince Lionheart rose and thought he would see what the two boys were doing. After all this meadow was the King's private property and those wild flowers were not just for common servant boys to pick. He decided he'd better have a word about the laws of Royal property. He wasn't an overbearing Prince, but he liked everything in its proper place and this was not the proper place for two servant boys...
The two young men were glad for a few moments alone as they left the road where their carriage had broken a wheel. They wandered into the nearby meadow. They were on their way home after being away for a year in Paris. They had lived with the Duchess of Copeland, the Aunt of one of the two boys. Their carriage had thrown a wheel and it would take most of the morning for the driver and four guards who rode with them to fix it.
The two boys were Prince Adam de Copeland and his servant, John Cena, who was older but shorter than his Prince.
John was six feet tall and twenty years old. He was of a stocky build and extremely strong. He was the Prince's personal servant and a good friend as well. They were more like brothers, but John was very aware of his place in the Royal Household. His father was part of the Household as well, as the head of the Royal Mews.
It had been a natural choice for Adam's "mother" "Queen" Shawn. He knew the two boys got along well and John had been raised properly. Cena would never betray Adam or lead him into danger.
Prince Adam was the youngest of two sons. His parents were King Hunter Von Helmsley and his husband, "Queen" Shawn de Michaels Von Helmsley. Because of an ancient and unbreakable law, the country of Copeland could only have one King. Hunter wanted Shawn as an equal on the throne, so it was decreed that it would be acceptable if Shawn agreed to be called, "Queen". He did agree and was properly crowned on their wedding day, twenty-five years ago.
After several miscarriages and nearly lost hope, Shawn gave birth to Prince Christian. The Prince was now twenty-one and was very much his father's son.
Shawn continued to hope and pray for another child, hopefully a Princess. He wasn't disappointed when Adam was born eighteen years ago. He was as beautiful as a boy could be and not be a girl. Adam was very much his birth father's child. While Christian was hard and course, Adam was fair and gentle. The brothers were very close and loved each other dearly. Adam took after Hunter in a few ways. He was very tall, at six feet four inches and he had a strong jaw line. However the rest of his looks favored Shawn.
The young Prince was lithe but strong. He trained for Knighthood alongside his brother. Adam's hair was long, falling way past his shoulders, nearly to the middle of his back. It was thick and full and fell in soft waves.
His eighteen year old eyes were like costly, green emeralds. They changed color to fit his moods. Normally, they were a sparkling light green, but when angered they would almost become black. His smile could charm the wildest beast, and his laughter was like an angels.
Prince Adam could be a bit vain and spoiled at times, much like Shawn. He could also be as sly as a fox and if pushed, a bit devious. He was loved by everyone and many had asked for his hand. So far, his parents had rejected them all.
Adam had just spent a year attending the great and costly University at Paris. He and John had lived with King Hunter's sister, Duchess Stephanie of Copeland.
She had been raised by their Uncle Thomas of Copeland who had lands in France, near the great city of Paris. Copeland had been in dispute when She and Hunter were children. Their father sent Stephanie to Thomas to be safe and there she happily stayed. She would miss Adam as she had no children of her own. She never chose to wed, but she was happy and had a good life.
Prince Adam said he wanted to stretch his legs and walk a bit while the wheel was fixed. Sir Jeffery Hardy, Adam's bodyguard and best friend looked around. The meadow looked safe enough and John was with him. He also knew Adam could fight and was deadly with a sword. Hardy just told them not to go too far.
Adam and John wandered off into the meadow to rest and have a picnic. Jeffery was wary but he was needed to help lift the carriage and again, he knew Adam could take of himself.
As he and John settled on a blanket, Adam noticed a handsome young man approaching. He had the distinct look of a noble. Hardy also noticed the approaching man, but there was nothing he could do about it, they were lifting the heavy carriage, or trying to. He trusted John to protect his charge.
The Prince of Jericho approached the two young men. He immediately recognized the mark of Royalty. Adam was wearing a deep purple tunic. Emblazoned on the front was a rampart unicorn, outlined in costly silver thread. Much like the rampart Lion on Chris' own tunic. The other boy was clearly a servant.
John stood, his eating knife drawn, but pointed it down, it was a stance of warning to the approaching man. Adam also stood, he put his hand on John's arm, he too recognized Royalty. This man was his equal.
When Chris got a good look at the young Royal, his heart leapt. The young man was the most beautiful creature he'd ever laid eyes on.
Adam's pretty green eyes went wide. The man approaching was like a young male lion. He was the most handsome creature he'd ever laid eyes on.
"Greetings. Welcome to my land. I'm Christopher of Jericho, Prince son of King Theodore of Jericho." Chris' voice was warm and strong, yet soft and welcoming.
John bowed, "I present His Royal Highness, Prince Adam de Copeland, son of King Hunter and "Queen" Shawn Von Helmsley de Copeland."
"Greetings Prince Adam. Is that your carriage? Throw a wheel? The road is bad, we've had a lot of recent rains," Chris' eyes never left Adam's as he spoke. They were like beautiful emeralds.
"Thank you. Yes, my guards are trying to repair it. We just wanted to get home. Alas, we shall be delayed. Do you think you could send help?" Adam asked, his voice was a bit deep, but it was clear and soft.
"Yes. Come with me to the castle. I'll send men and the wheel wright. You'll be on the road soon. May I?" Chris offered his arm to the beautiful prince.
"John, go tell Jeffery, then come to the castle. If... it is alright? My father would wish it," Adam said to both men.
"We shall wait," Chris nodded to the servant. John hurried to tell the head of Adam's personal guard who Chris was and were they were going.
Jeffery saluted Adam and John hurried back to his charge. Adam took Chris' arm and they began the walk to the castle.
When they arrived at the small castle, Adam smiled. It was smaller than his own home, but it was warm and cozy. He immediately felt as if he belonged there. It was like coming home after a long trip.
"Ah, there you are my boy. Father William is most vexed with you. You missed your lessons. Oh, who do we have here?" King Theodore asked as he saw visitors in his castle.
"This is Prince Adam de Copeland, son of King Hunter and "Queen" Shawn Von Helmsley de Copeland." Chris introduced the young visitor to his father.
Adam bowed properly to the King, "Greeting Your Majesty. My servant, John Cena," he introduced his companion.
John bowed deeply and remained silent. A servant never spoke to Royalty unless directly addressed. The King nodded to the servant. He might be a powerful King, be he knew the value of a trusted servant and he held them in high regard.
Chris explained about Adam's plight. As he did, thunder rumbled in the distance. It was the rainy season and sudden storms were nearly a daily occurrence.
Chris noticed that Adam's body trembled when the distant thunder rumbled. The green eyes were afraid. Chris hoped the storm would hold off, or the broken carriage could be stuck for a week. It had happened before.
King Theodore was issuing orders to his own servant, "Send the work horses out. They need to try to get the broken carriage out before the rains come. Send Marcus to oversee the work. He'll get it done," The servant bowed and hurried off.
"Hopefully, they can pull the carriage out, Prince Adam. My lands suffer during the rainy season. Jericho can become a giant swamp, but it makes rich soil for growing crops," King Theodore explained.
"My fathers will be worried. I am already a day late. My we borrow a carriage or riding horses so we can return home?" Adam asked in a worried tone. Adam knew his father Hunter often acted before he thought. Shawn was the quiet voice of reason in the Kingdom. The young Prince knew they would worry and if Hunter thought something had happened, he might send out the army.
"Of course, but I would be guilty of your death if something happened to you. The rains are dangerous on the mountain passage. I could not in good conscious let you have strange horses in such conditions. You are more than welcome in our home. You shall stay the night and we'll see what the morrow brings," The King spoke warmly but firmly.
"His Majesty is correct, my Prince. Better to wait the night," John said quietly to his friend.
Adam bit his lip, "My fathers... will worry..." the young Royal said in a worried tone. He knew Shawn would be especially concerned.
"That is easily solved," The King clapped his hands in an odd tempo. A young man appeared from seemingly nowhere.
The newcomer was tall and thin, but lithe and light on his feet. He had long black hair that tied at the base of his skull. His name was simply Morrison. He was the King's best messenger. He had the talent for being able to get anywhere, he'd never failed to get his messages to and from his destination.
"Compose a message and I'll send it with Morrison. He will get word to your fathers. That way they will know you are safe," King Theodore said as he extended his hand to a desk covered with writing papers and quills of the finest quality.
"Thank you. Jeffery should go with him, that way my father will know the message is not a forgery. Jeffery is fleet of foot as well," Adam said in a relieved tone.
"Very well. Compose your message and my son and I will see to your comfort as well as your household," Theodore held the chair as Adam sat at the King's desk. John stood just to Adam's left.
The King and his son left the young Prince to compose the message in privacy. Morrison had gone to prepare for his journey.
Adam licked the tip of the quill, then dipped it into the dark ink. He wrote his letter in very neat, almost artistic handwriting. He carefully explained what had happened and knowing Shawn, made sure to tell them he was not injured. He praised the Royals of Jericho and assured his parents he was safe and would be home as soon as the carriage was repaired and the weather was clear.
Adam finished the message and nodded to John. The servant lit the big wax pillar that sat on the desk. He picked up a stick of the red sealing wax and melted it to the large spoon used for that purpose.
While John did that, Adam took the Prince's ring off his right first finger. The servant dripped a puddle of red wax from the spoon next to Adam's Royal signature. The Prince pressed his ring into the wax, marking it as a testament to his signature.
John then made his special mark as a witness. When the wax had set and the ink had dried, The Prince carefully folded the letter. John then cut a length of binding ribbon, wrapped it around the letter then with more wax and the ring, sealed the ends of the ribbon together. The message was ready for delivery.
They waited for the Royals of Jericho to return. Adam giggled, he spoke in a near whisper to his servant friend, "The Prince of Jericho is most handsome, don't you think? I wonder if he is unwed?" Adam flushed as he spoke.
John smiled fondly at his charge, "he is most handsome. Are you finally thinking about marriage?
Adam was considered a very good catch. Many Princes, Dukes and Earls had tried to court the pretty blond. The young Prince was more interested in books than romance. Hunter was anxious for his sons to wed and give him grandchildren and heirs. Shawn was more patient about it.
Shawn didn't want his sons to go through what he did. His marriage to Hunter had been arranged. While he had found the new King, Hunter handsome, he didn't like being "forced" into marriage. Eventually though, Shawn fell deeply in love with Hunter and was glad to marry him. He wanted his sons to marry for love, right from the start.
Christian was posing a problem in the love department. While it was only a rumor, Shawn knew his eldest had an interest in Heath the Miller's son. Heath was a sweet boy, but not a drop of Royal blood flowed in his veins. While there was no law in Copeland about Royals marrying a commoner, there were laws that said a Royal with a commoner spouse could not sit upon the throne. That didn't really bother Christian.
It did mean however, that Adam would have to marry a Royal and produce and heir. So Shawn prayed for Adam to find love with a proper Royal. It was stressful.
"I might be, if it was someone like Prince Christopher. Well, I won't worry about that now... AACCK!" Adam let out a bit of a scream as the thunder clapped again. It was closer and louder this time.
The King and Prince were just returning to their guest when Adam screamed. They hurried to see what the matter was. When they entered the great room again, Father and son saw John hugging the Prince, he was humming a soft tune.
Chris felt a pang of jealousy, wishing he could hold the beautiful blond. He hurried over to his guest, "Are you alright Your Highness?" Chris remained formal, Adam had to be the one to give permission to use their first names.
"Yes. The... storms scare me just a little. My older brother and I were playing outside when a sudden storm came up. We sheltered under a large tree. Lighting struck and the thunder was so loud we both couldn't hear well for two days," Adam said a bit shyly. He hated his fear of storms.
"You are very lucky you were not killed! Come, I'll show you to your bed chamber," Chris said softly as he offered Adam his arm once again.
"Here is the message to my fathers. Thank you Your Majesty for everything. My fathers will be most grateful to know we are so well cared for," Adam said with a deep and proper bow to the older King.
"I am sure your fathers are just as kind. Morrison will leave shortly. Remember, dinner time son," The King said as he watched the boys leave. Chris gave his father a wave of understanding.
John quietly followed his Prince as they were led through the castle. The castle of Jericho was busy with activity and Chris pointed out the various rooms or tapestries the hung all the walls. The huge tapestries we not only works of art, they offered protection and insulation against the cold stone walls.
The bed chamber for Adam was large and airy. It was on the top floor of the Royal tower. There was even a small private room for John.
"My room is just across the hall. I brought you some sleeping clothes, in case yours are wet..." Chris was halted by another of the castle's servants.
"Your Highness, the carriage has been pulled to the mews. The wheel wright says it will take two days to fix all the damages. The trunks are downstairs," the older man informed the Royals.
"Thank you. Perhaps John will help with the Prince's trunks?" Chris said to Adam's servant.
John bowed and left the two Princes alone, something he wasn't too keen on doing. There was no choice, he had to over see the trunks. Many of Adam's jewels were in them, along with priceless books and manuscripts from his studies.
A clap of thunder pealed overhead. The storm was even closer. Adam jumped and trembled. Chris instantly took the young Prince into his arms. "Be calm, you will be fine," Chris cooed softly in Adam's ear.
Adam buried his head in the crook of the older Prince's neck. It felt so right to be in the strong arms. He held on to Chris as he trembled again as more thunder boomed. A small whimper escaped from his lips, he clung tighter to the Lion of Jericho.
"Hush now my pretty one. Nothing can harm you, I won't let it. You are so beautiful. I thought a fairy was walking in the meadow when I first saw you," Chris cooed softly again. He just wanted to take Adam's fears away.
The blond giggled, "I don't have wings! Everyone knows fairies have wings. You are very silly," his tone was almost childlike. Storms did that to him, it was the deep seeded fear.
"No, I am not silly, I am enchanted. Enchanted by beautiful green yes. You make my heart beat swifter..." Chris said softly. He couldn't help it, he kissed Adam's sweet lips. It was as wonderful as he knew it would be.
Adam was startled at first. No one had ever kissed him before. Many had tired, but he always turned away and refused them. Adam closed his eyes and let himself enjoy the feeling. He responded by kissing Chris back. It was awkward at first, but it didn't take long to get the hang of it.
Chris kept the kiss going. It just felt too wonderful and Adam tasted too good. He could tell it was probably the blond Prince's first kiss, so he patiently let Adam respond. It didn't take long for their lips to move in harmony with each other. Adam was so far gone into the kiss, he never heard the latest clap of thunder. He felt parts of his body stirring. Things were happening to his body he'd never felt before, all he really knew was that he liked it.
As much as he hated to end the kiss, Chris knew they had to breathe soon or the Angel of Death would come for them. It would be a wonderful way to die though. He reluctantly pulled his lips from Adam's. The two young Princes looked deeply into each others eyes. They knew they were meant for one another, it was as plain as the daylight.
"That was... wonderful," Adam said with a slight pant to his voice. His eyes sparkled like the brightest emeralds in the Crown Jewels of Copeland.
"Yes, it was. Are you... spoken for?" Chris just had to know if this handsome, beautiful Prince was free.
Adam blushed deeply, could Chris read his mind as well? "No... I'm not. I was going to ask you the same. Are you?" the Royal looked into the sapphire blue eyes of the Lionheart, Prince of Jericho.
"I'm free as well..." Chris' words were halted when the sound of servants was heard on the stairs. The two young Royals broke their embrace and acted like nothing had happened, or at least they tried.
The servants were too busy to notice the flushed faces of their masters. John was busily checking the contents of Adam's trunks. They had rescued them in time, all the contents were safe and dry.
"I must dress for dinner. Oh, we do dress for our meals. Father dines with his retainers. You have an hour. I'll come escort you, you shall sit on my left." Chris instructed the visiting Prince. Sitting to the left of a Royal was a position of honor, a place where only the most important people sat. Chris quietly left the pretty blond to prepare for dinner.
"Only an hour! John, help me!" Adam was in a panic. It usually took him at least two hours to dress for dinner, and that was with John and four others helping him.
Luckily Chris had ordered a bath brought in for Adam's use. John helped his Prince to bathe and wash his hair. Several minutes later, Adam sat still while John dried his long, blond locks with a thick towel. The long hair was put in a braid, then coiled on top of Adam's head. John placed Adam's small coronet style crown on his regal head, the braided mass kept the circlet in place.
The crown was made of silver. Sapphires and diamonds glittered as the firelight hit them. John dressed Adam in a silk tunic of sapphire blue. A large, silver stitched rampart unicorn emblazoned the front of the garment. The tunic fell to a length that ended just above Adam's knees. Black silk hose encased his long, curvy legs. Leather slippers of blue and silver covered his feet. Lastly a jeweled silver belt was fastened around his trim waist and rode low on his hips.
John had just finished when Prince Chris knocked on the door. John opened it with a deep, respectful bow. "You look beautiful, Adam," Chris said as he looked the blond over. Adam blushed. The issue about first names had never come up, it just seemed right, neither Royal cared.
Chris was just as handsome. His crown was gold and had a mix of gems including diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. It matched his gemmed belt. His tunic was black velvet and a gold rampart Lion was stitched on the front. Lionheart's hose were of black silk, and his slippers were golden leather.
"You are very handsome as well. What about John? Where does he eat?" Adam asked in a worried tone. He was concerned about his servant and other retainers.
"Do not worry. Justin will see to it John is taken care of, as well as the rest of your company," Chris informed the Prince. As if on cue, Justin appeared at the door. Justin held the same place in the House of Jericho as John held in the House of Helmsley de Copeland.
"Your Highness, your father would not like if I..." John's protest was interrupted by Adam. The young man knew what his servant was going to say.
"I will be fine. The King of Jericho honors my father by inviting me to dine. You just enjoy your meal and help see to the Guard." Adam said firmly as he placed his hand on top of Chris' offered arm. He let Chris lead him out of the room and to the dining chamber.
John smiled after his Prince. Justin lead him to their dining area. He filled the visiting servant in on all the Royal gossip. John just laughed, he would enjoy his evening.
When they arrived at the door of the banquet hall, Adam hesitated. He didn't like rooms full of strangers, he was horribly shy. It was easy at home, Shawn was there, as was his brother. They always made sure he was safe, especially Christian.
"It is alright Adam. You shall be right next to me. I'll protect you, and no one here even wants to harm you. It is just the Earls and their families. Come, Father does not like me to be late," Chris said in a comforting tone.
Adam smiled, he knew with Chris by his side he would be safe. He took a deep breath and stepped forward with the young Prince of Jericho. The trumpets sounded, the guests rose.
Howard, the Royal Harald of Jericho announced them, "Their Royal Highness's, Prince Christopher of Jericho and the King's guest, Prince Adam de Copeland, son of their Majesties Hunter and Shawn Von Helmsley de Copeland!"
Adam took another deep breath and walked with Chris... the evening had begun.
Additional Author's Note: One of the things I am often called on, is that my characters fall in love too fast and too early in the story. For the most part, that IS a legit gripe, and I have tried to work on that aspect in my stories. However, in THIS story, Adam and Chris' "love at first sight" is VERY germane to the story as you will soon find out. So please, bear with me this time. Thank you, and I hope you enjoy the story! Lady Dragonsblood.
