A/N: Thank you to all of you who are reading and reviewing! I know this story is much different, but I hope you are enjoying it. Once again, THANK YOU!
Adam put more wood on the fire. He wished now he had his tunic, but when he ripped it off he was making a statement.
The young Prince was heartsick, torn between love and duty. Had he not met Chris, he supposed he would have gone along with the betrothal to von Hart. He remembered Bret from a dinner during the annual meeting of the King's Council. They had been dinner companions. Adam was sixteen and Bret was thirty-six. Von Hart had looked so sad, almost broken. Adam wanted to make his dinner companion laugh. He started telling a funny story and soon Bret was laughing. They finished their dinner and he never saw von Hart again, until earlier today.
Well, he didn't care. He wanted to be with Chris, not some old, black-hearted King. Adam put his head in his hands and sobbed.
Chris finally saw a thin trail of smoke. He pointed his stallion in the right direction. Chris' horse was the color of a tawny lion with four black stockings that ended at his knees. The horse also had a black mane and tail and was beautiful. His name, of course, was Lionheart.
Chris rode into the clearing, he dismounted and dropped the reigns. His horse would stay, no matter how long the Prince was gone. It was part of his war training. The smoke was coming from the center of a formation of rocks. He ventured in and heard sobs, he knew he'd found his love. The Lion pressed forward.
"My Liege, this way!" Seth Rollins came riding up to King von Hart. Reigns had stayed with his King. Seth had gone east, de Ambrose to the west. Reigns gave a sharp whistle and soon de Ambrose appeared and joined the Royal party. They rode off towards the smoke Rollins had spotted.
"Adam? Oh, my love," Chris' heart broke when he saw the blond beauty. He went back to his steed and pulled free the rolled up blanket that was tied to his saddle. He went back into the "cave". "Here my love," Chris said softly as he wrapped the broken Prince in the warm blanket. He pulled Adam into his lap.
Just as Adam settled in Chris' lap, there was the sound of someone else entering the "cave". Chris drew his sword, no robber was going to harm him or his beloved. "WHO GOES THERE?!" Chris boomed in a deep and commanding voice. Adam had never heard that tone before, he found it quite alluring.
"King von Hart! Friend or foe? Announce yourself! I am armed!" Bret replied in an equally commanding tone.
"Prince of Jericho and the Crown Prince of Copeland. Enter as friend," Chris said, his sword still drawn. Until he saw the man, he would not stand down. Chris held Adam fast against him just in case.
Bret von Hart entered the little "cave", there was more room than it first appeared. The King sat across from the two Princes. Chris put away his sword, but kept Adam in his arms.
Adam couldn't look at the older King. He didn't even want to know Bret von Hart existed. He curled tighter into Chris and pulled the blanket closer. It was like the temperature had dropped several degrees with Bret's entrance.
"Adam, it is not proper for you to be in the arms of another," von Hart said rather softly. He knew to win Adam, he'd have to tread gently.
"Why? We are going to be betrothed. I am only waiting to see Adam's father, to sign my father's offer. We love each other!" Chris said firmly as he pulled Adam even closer.
"You haven't told him?" Bret asked in a confused tone, his brow raised.
Adam only shook his head "no", he still refused to look at Bret. The blond then spoke, "How could I? I didn't find out until I got home. Now I wish I'd never come back!" Adam sobbed again as he covered his head with the blanket.
"Didn't know what? What is going on? Why is my Kitten so upset?" Chris asked worriedly. He heard Adam whimper softly at the Lion calling him his Kitten.
"Adam is betrothed to me. I signed the offer with King Hunter a few days ago. I've been staying here, waiting for Adam's return. We will marry soon," Bret said firmly. There was no anger in his tone, but he spoke plainly.
"No! He is going to marry me! We love each other! Tell him Adam, please!" Chris voice choked with emotion as he spoke. This was not happening.
Adam began to sob again, "I'm... ripped in half! I don't know what to do! I love you Chris. I love my fathers and my country, too. I don't know what to do!" Adam's voice was filled with tears and he shook with emotion.
"You'll marry me like we planned. Your parents will understand. You said they promised you could marry for love! King Bret will understand, right? You won't stop young love, will you?" Chris blue eyes looked earnestly, as he pleaded with the older King.
"I want Adam, Prince Christopher. I want to have an heir to my kingdom. I care deeply for the young man who made me laugh, once. Maybe he can heal my blackened heart. You are young yet, you will find another one to love. This is my last chance for any possible happiness," Bret's voice was just as sad and broken as the two younger men who sat across from him.
Adam finally lowered the blanket and looked at the older King. Bret looked like a lost little boy. It tugged at his kind heart, but he loved Chris. He honestly did not know what to do.
"I... you just looked so sad at dinner that night. I only wanted to see you smile. I was just trying to be a good dinner companion. If you care for me, why did you wait so long? Why now, all of a sudden, Sire?" Adam asked point-blank. He needed some answers and he needed them now.
"You were too young then. Then, I went to Britain with a friend. You were gone to Paris. I spoke for you as soon as I could. Your parents assured me you would agree. How did I know you would fall in love so quickly. I have waited two years. I know you love Jericho, but by law, you belong to me. Can your father ill afford for me to bring his name to the King's Council?" von Hart explained as he looked at both young men.
"You would do that? Just to have someone who loves someone else? No, my father can't afford that kind of action at the King's Council. Jericho isn't poor, but we aren't as wealthy as your country... Calgary, right?" Chris answered the older King honestly, as much as he hated to do it.
"Yes, I would. I know it makes me sound cruel, but people know of the betrothal. I can ill afford to be scandalized... again," Bret's tone was almost defeated as it faded.
"What do you mean, Sire?" Adam asked. He was looking for answers he could understand.
Von Hart sighed, but he figured Adam deserved to know the truth about his past and former Consort. He launched into the story of Edward, he left nothing out, he even told of the horrible thing about taking the herbs to kill the babies. When he was done, the King looked mentally exhausted.
"I'm sorry that happened to you, I really am, but how is making Adam marry you going to make it any better? Knowing he loves someone else. Won't that be like your first Consort?" Chris asked in a questioning tone.
"I need children, Calgary needs an heir. Shawn told me Adam's dream to was to have children. I... just wanted... a slight... chance at some happiness... maybe I'm... supposed... I'm going back to the castle. One thing, at least I know from the start... well, there are talks to be had. Are you coming?" von Hart asked as he stood in the hidden "cave".
Adam nodded, Bret's story had affected him deeply. The older man was right, there was talking to do. It was time to grow up and be the Royal he was raised to be. Chris also agreed, he was going to make sure he was part of the talks. He had a lot at stake too, he loved Adam and wasn't just going to give him up.
Rollins, de Ambrose and Reigns were waiting at the entrance of the rock formation. They stood and bowed when the three Royals emerged.
Bret mounted his black beast and waited until Adam and Chris had mounted the tawny stallion. Von Hart didn't protest the two Princes riding together. They all rode back to the castle, it was dark and nearing one in the morning.
Jeffery had known where they were and arranged for several servants with torches burning to light their way safely back to the castle.
Hunter and Shawn were waiting. Jeffrey had assured them Adam was safe, and that both Jericho and von Hart were with him.
John was waiting for his Prince. When Adam walked into the castle, the servant quickly helped the Prince into his tunic, Adam smiled gratefully. Cena was worried, Adam looked so lost and torn. The servant was glad he wasn't a Royal.
Everyone was tired. They were glad for the platters of meats, breads, cheeses and cakes. Shawn had also seen to it that there was hot cider to drink.
There was an awkward moment when Adam and Bret grabbed the lone peppermint cake. Adam quickly let go, deferring to his elder Royal. Bret solved the problem by cutting the cake in equal halves. He put one of the pieces on Adam's gold plate. The young Prince smiled at the kind gesture.
"Son, are you alright? I am sorry your father acted so rashly, but he was thinking of Copeland. Remember, he must always be King first, father and husband second. He is regretting putting you in such pain. Talk to him, please?" Shawn said quietly and privately to his younger son.
While they were waiting for Adam to be found, the Royal couple had talked out their argument, while Shawn was still upset about breaking their promise, he knew Copeland came first. As a Ruler himself, Shawn knew the people came first. Sometimes being a Royal was a pain in the ass.
Adam excused himself and went to talk to his father. "I'm sorry I threw my crown and ring. It was childish. You know I take my Royal duties seriously. If I chose Chris, I go against all that. If I chose King von Hart, I give up the man I love. Help me father!" Adam's green eyes were filled with pain and anguish.
Hunter sighed, "Christopher is a cause we didn't count on, I'm sorry son. I forgive you, you aren't the first Royal in this family to break a crown," Hunter winked and flashed his eyes towards Shawn.
Just as Hunter was going to finished his talk with Adam, there was a loud bang as the doors to the Royal Chamber flew open. Everyone turned to look. All the members of the Royal Helmsley family were shocked when Christian walked in, he was carrying a younger red-head in his arms, bridal style.
"We did it! We got married!" Christian announced excitedly as he gently set his new husband down.
Adam bit his lip and let the tears rain down his cheeks, it was suddenly more than he could stand, "NO!" he screamed at the top of his lungs.
The younger Prince strode across the room. He looked at the commoner, now turned Royal. Before he could stop himself, he reached out and slapped his new brother-in-law, as hard as he could, "You are nothing but a dream destroying slut!" Adam yelled at the red-head, who was now on the floor from the slap.
Adam stormed out of the room and headed for his chambers, leaving everyone in shock. No one noticed when the Lion of Jericho slipped out of the room and followed Adam.
Christian was livid as he helped his new husband up from the floor. He drew his sword, "Brother he may be, but he dies for that!" he started for the door.
Bret von Hart stepped in front of the angry Prince, "you shall not harm my betrothed. There are things afoot you do not know. He will regret his actions and make apologies, I am sure. Come, listen to your father's council," the King spoke firmly and wisely.
"He is right son. Your little brother is in turmoil right now. Your news couldn't have come at a worse time for him. However, I suppose congratulations are in order and knowing you, we aren't that surprised. Heath, you are welcome in my family and are now my son and a Prince of Copeland. Welcome, Prince Heath!" Hunter declared, making it right and legal.
Shawn and Hunter welcomed their new son-in-law and while doing that, explained what was going on with Adam. Christian was still upset, but Heath understood. He was able to calm his new husband and sooth him, like only he could do.
Shawn looked around the room. He noticed Chris was gone and von Hart was now slipping out of the room. He hoped there wasn't going to be any further trouble. It had been a long evening and now it was nearing sunrise. All they could do was wait.
Adam slammed the door to his royal chamber. The room was huge. There was a large fire-place with two chairs in front of it. Under one window was a desk and chair. Usually, the desk was covered with books and papers along with drawings, maps, quills and inks. It was clear now simply because Adam had been away for so long. There were four leaded glass windows and Adam's favorite place was the biggest window with a cushioned seat and a lot of pillows. He loved sitting there to read or draw, sometimes he just sat and watched the world go by.
In the far corner was his huge bed. Curtains of deep blue velvet could cut him off from the world when he pulled them closed. Adam flopped onto his bed and pulled the cord that caused the drapes to fall around the bed. He just laid there sobbing.
"It's not fair! He gets to be happy and I don't! He's the oldest! He's supposed to do the Royal duty! It's not fair!" Adam sobbed out into the darkness.
"No, it's not fair is it?" Chris' voice whispered softly. Adam felt the bed dip as his Lion joined him. Chris laid back against the huge oak head-board. Adam's blond head instantly went into Chris' lap and the Lion's fingers tangled in the long blond hair.
"Tell me what to do my love. I can't even think anymore," Adam nearly begged the other Prince.
"I want you to come back to Jericho with me, marry me and be happy. Sadly, being Royal doesn't always mean we get what we want. Adam, listen to me and don't speak until I'm done, alright?" Chris asked with a soft kiss to the blond head.
"Yes, Chris," Adam said simply, but he sat up so he could look Chris in the eyes. He took Chris' hands in his.
"You have to agree to the betrothal with von Hart. You may even learn to love him... in time. I will always love you, but I have to let you go and be the Royal you need to be. What we had was sweet and beautiful. Holding you that night when it stormed was one of the best nights of my life. We will always have that to treasure. Keep a part of me in your heart, but make room for Bret there. He needs you, and not for the reasons he thinks. Be kind to him my Kitten, he has been hurt far worse. Will you do this for me? Be the Royal I know you are? For your country and your people?" Chris spoke and asked honestly. It wasn't fair to rip at Adam anymore.
The Prince of Jericho had spent time thinking about it all. He knew in the end von Hart would win, so why keep tearing Adam up over it. He had to let Adam go. He would love no other, but it was the right thing to do for Adam's sake.
Adam listened to Chris. As much as it broke him, he knew his Lion was right. "Kiss me one last time?" Adam's voice was sad, but consigned.
Chris nodded, his own blue eyes filled with tears. He gently pulled Adam in and kissed him with all his love, but it was a kiss of fare-the-well. Their tears blended together as they held fast to each other one last time.
The two Princes were not alone. Bret von Hart was standing next to Adam's bed. He'd heard it all. For the first time in many years, tears fell from his dark, brown eyes. He vowed to try to at least make Adam happy, even though he knew he'd never love him. Love was a dead emotion to the King of Calgary. He quietly left Adam's chamber.
Chris stayed until Adam fell asleep. Telling his decision could wait till morning. Chris would leave Copeland immediately and quietly, no fuss needed or wanted.
When he left Adam's room, von Hart was standing there. Chris bowed and started to leave, but he was stopped by the older man.
"Thank you Lionheart. I know what he means to you. You have my word, he will want for nothing and I'll do my best to keep him happy. You are the better man. I hope our countries can count on each other. Calgary will always answers Jericho's call for help, should she ever make it. Be well, Lionheart, and thank you again," von Hart said, then vanished into his own room.
Chris, his guards and Philip de Brooks were saddling their horses. The Prince had left a note under the door of the King's chamber, thanking him for their hospitality. Just as he was ready to mount up and leave, King Hunter came into the stables. Chris told the others to ride out and wait for him at the gate.
"Christopher, I don't know what this means. Does Adam know you are leaving?" the King asked in a concerned tone of voice.
"I'm sure he won't be surprised, Your Majesty. We have talked. It's up to Adam to tell you about what. I hold no ill will to Copeland. Jericho will answer Copeland's call for help if should she ever make it," Chris stated simply and honestly. He used the same ancient words of the Code that von Hart had used. Once spoken, they were honored, always.
"As Copeland will for Jericho. Thank you for taking care of Adam. I know this has been hard on you. Travel safely and give this to your father. You are welcome here any time," the King said warmly as he handed Chris a letter.
Chris bowed, then mounted Lionheart. He rode out of the stables and to the front gate. He paused and looked back, up to Adam's room, "I'll always love you, my Kitten," Chris said to the empty window. His heart shattered as they rode toward home.
Adam watched as his heart rode away. Tears streamed down his face. He'd hidden in the drapes when Chris looked up, just before he rode away. "I'll always love you, my Lion," Adam sobbed as Chris vanished down the road.
Adam felt a hand on his shoulder, he looked around and saw his older brother. Christian's eyes were full of worry.
"I'm... sorry... I... go ahead... kick me when I'm down," Adam said with a hiccup of sobs.
"I'll admit, I wanted to, but poppa explained. I'm really sorry baby brother. Heath holds no ill will, he's the one that made me understand. I... love... you.. brother," Christian said softly. He wasn't good at being loving with family with words, he was better with actions as he hugged his baby brother.
"Heath is a good man, Christian. Love him. Love him like you could lose him on the morn. I'll make amends to him later, I want to sleep a bit. I love you too, brother," Adam said with a slight smile and yawn.
Christian led his brother to the bed and tucked him in like he used to do when Adam was little, and their parents were away on Royal duties. He kissed Adam's cheek and left his brother to sleep.
Adam woke up three hours later to a light clatter of a tray being placed on his bedside table. He figured John was bringing him some breakfast.
"I'm awake John," Adam called out through the curtains.
The blue velvet pulled back, Adam blinked against the brighter light. "It's not John. I thought we could break the fast together and talk a bit, just us. Before you talk to your parents," Bret von Hart said in an almost boyish tone. He knew he had to treat Adam gently.
"Come sit with me," Adam invited the older King to sit with him on the bed. They sat in the middle, cross-legged with the tray between them.
As Adam buttered a bite of bread, Bret spoke, "I must be honest. I heard you and Jericho earlier. I was worried about you. He spoke the truth Adam. I need you. We won't pretend there is love, but I do care about and respect you. I won't stop you from keeping his memory in your heart. I must know one thing, are you willing to have my children?" Bret laid it on the line. He had to know the answer.
Adam couldn't help but blush a bit, but he looked his future in the eye. "Yes, Sire. I will do my duty to you. I want children," he turned an even deeper pink.
Bret smiled softly, Adam would be a beauty in the bed. "Thank you. Now, by Calgary law you will be King Consort. Our first-born will be heir apparent. You will be crowned King Consort during our betrothal ceremony," Bret explained as he took a bite of bread and meat.
"May I ask... will I rule at all or is it just a title? I mean I am not useless. I am a Knight of the Silver Spur. I'm educated in all things Royal, but also in military tactics and sea warfare, politics, theology and the arts. I want to stand by your side and offer council," Adam said firmly. He wasn't stupid and he wanted a chance to prove it.
Bret chuckled a bit, "Part of the reason I chose you was because I know you are smart. I will want your council, you will rule by my side. So you willingly accept my offer of betrothal?" von Hart asked in his softest voice.
"Yes Sire, I do. I will willingly marry you and hopefully give you a beautiful son. I will pledge my love and loyalty to the people of Calgary. I'll give you my body and my heart, all I ask is that you don't break me, my heart or my spirit," Adam replied in a sure tone. If he was going to do this, he'd do it one hundred percent.
Bret reached into his pocket and pulled out a beautiful ring. He placed it on Adam's left ring finger, the finger with the vein that runs to the heart.
"Sire, this is beautiful. I've never seen a stone of this color. Thank you," Adam said as he looked at the ring.
"It was found in a cave in northern Calgary. My mother wore it. She called it Pink rose. It looks pretty on your hand," Bret explained to his future husband.
The ring was an oval, pink rose-colored diamond. It was set in silver and surrounded by tiny, tiny white diamonds and seed pearls. It fit Adam perfectly and was just the right amount of jewelery for his strong, but delicate hand.
Adam leaned over the tray and softly pressed his lips to Bret's. The action startled the older King. Kissing was intimate and he didn't think the pretty blond would welcome it. Bret quickly responded and deepened the kiss. He kept his tongue to himself, but he made sure Adam felt his care for him.
Adam knew the lips weren't Chris'. Bret kissed him like an older, more sexually knowledgeable man. It was nice and not at all unpleasant. When they broke the kiss, they smiled at each other. It may not have been love, but there was the understanding, they belonged to each other.
They finished their breakfast and talked companionably. Adam was told to call his future spouse Bret, and it made Adam happy.
Later they formally posted their Banns of Marriage and would wed in thirty-one days. Bret's hope of a week just wasn't possible he had forgotten that Banns had to be posted for thirty days, also there was just too much to do and a month was even barely enough time. Shawn went into a panic, everyone in Copeland was put to work.
The wedding feast would huge. Nobles from Copeland and Calgary were invited. The Royal Tailor, Jerry, was put to work making Adam's wedding tunic. The baker was given the task of making a huge fruit cake.
Adam had the Royal Jeweler make a gold locket for Bret. It would be for holding pictures of their children, that would be painted at the time.
Chris heard the news, but he didn't want to go to the wedding. He put his heart and soul into his work. The Lion of Jericho entered the King's army. He started as a low officer and wanted to work his way up. He lost himself there, but his heart remained sealed, it belonged only to one man, Adam Joseph von Helmsley de Copeland von Hart.
King Theodore was disappointed, but Hunter's letter had explained everything and he understood. He just hated seeing Chris lose himself in the army, but he let his son deal with it as he needed. He wrote a letter back and pledged Jericho's loyalty to both Copeland and Calgary. He still dreamed of blond grandchildren.
Adam and Shawn along with Heath were having their final fittings for their wedding tunics. Adam and Heath had become fast friends and enjoyed spending time with each other.
Heath spent a lot of time with Adam. Christian was in the King's army as one of its Commanders. He was often gone two or three days at a time. Adam gave Heath lessons in Royal protocol and history. The red-head was quick and eager to learn. The people of Copeland accepted him as their Prince and Christian showed him off proudly.
Jerry had finished with Shawn and Heath and was now working with Adam. His wedding tunic was a true work of art.
The tunic was pure white silk, and it went over a pure white velvet undershirt. The sleeves were criss crossed with sliver stitches that looked like diamonds. At the diamond points were small square sapphires. Inside each of the diamonds was a tiny, silver stitched unicorn. It was beautiful.
The tunic of white silk was edged with silver "X" stitches, each one perfect. The "X"'s went around the bottom hem, the sides and round the neck. In the center of each "X" was an even smaller sapphire.
The rampant unicorn on the front was outlined in silver and was padded to stand out. There were fancy silver stitches in the flying mane, tail and feathers around the hooves. The hooves were solid silver and the spiraled horn of the unicorn was stitched in raised silver threads. The eye of the animal was a very dark blue, tear drop cut sapphire. It was turned on its side to look like a real eye.
The tunic went to the middle of Adam's thighs. It was belted with a silver, diamond and sapphire encrusted belt. It rested gracefully on his hips and one end fell to the end of the tunic.
Adam's legs were encased in white silk hose. They tied at the tops of his thighs with silver cords, this was hidden by the undershirt of the tunic. The cobbler had made a pair of white slippers that matched the diamond stitching on the sleeves of his undershirt. Sapphires were also on each of the diamond points.
The last piece of Adam's wedding outfit was an extra long white silk cloak. It would fasten at his shoulders with silver and sapphire clips. The edges were in solid silver stitches of silk thread and a large rampant unicorn was stitched on the back in silk silver thread. It was hardly noticeable, but added a touch of sparkle. The cloak was long enough to cover the rump of Adam's horse when he rode to the church.
Everything fit perfectly. Shawn had tears in his eyes, "You are just... beautiful. Your father will be so proud. Excellent work Tailor," Shawn praised Jerry warmly.
"Bret will love it Adam. You are just breathtaking," Heath added his compliments.
Adam just hung his head and blushed. He wanted to make Copeland proud and please Bret. Deep in his darkest soul, he thought of The Lion of Jericho, wishing it was their wedding instead.
The days passed way to fast, but finally the day of the wedding dawned. Hunter and Adam would ride from the castle to the large church in the main city, five miles to the north.
Shawn, Christian and Heath had ridden a head in the formal carriage. People lined the road and cheered. The three days of the wedding had been declared a holiday.
"You look fine son. I'm proud of you. I know what you're wishing, but you make Copeland proud. I love you son." Hunter said as he helped Adam on to his horse.
Adam was nervous, "I love you too, father," he said simply.
Hunter mounted his steed. They were off to the wedding.