"Poppa was crying. I hope he will be alright," Adam said as he settled into the large, black open carriage. They had just left Castle de Copeland and were on the road north to Calgary.
"It's hard to let your youngest go. I'm sure Hunter will take care of him. It's only half a day's journey by carriage, less if you ride. The Capitol is close to the border," Bret said with a pat to Adam's thigh.
Sir Jeffery Hardy rode at the head of Adam's Royal Guard. They rode along side Bret's Royal Guard. It was hard on Jeffery as well. His brother, Matthew was the Head of King Hunter's Royal Guard and it as the first time the brothers would be separated for so long. Jeffery would miss his brother.
John Cena was excited to go. He wanted a change. He wanted to stop thinking about Philip de Brooks. Without Prince Christopher in Adam's life, there would be no Philip. Well, he thought, servant and gentry never worked anyway.
"Tell me about the people of Calgary. Do you think they will like me?" Adam asked his husband in a worried tone.
Bret laughed, "My pet, you are so beautiful, they will adore you. When they get to know you and learn that you are smart, they will follow you with star dusted eyes. They are warm, but hard-working. They don't waste a lot of time. I have to make sure they have occasional holidays. It will be time for the early harvest festival soon. A fair and round table will be held," Bret said with a smile.
"Will you take part in the round table? Will I be involved?" Adam asked, his brow raised. He'd won several round tables in the last year. A round table was a series of events for Spurred Knights. A joust, sword on foot and a third event, usually wrestling or sometimes archery. Adam loved wrestling.
"I don't take part any longer. Without an Heir Apparent... it's too... risky. You can join if you wish though. I know your skills, but no over the top risk taking," Bret said firmly. He would actually enjoy seeing Adam compete.
"We shall see when the time comes. I love wrestling and sword on foot. Do other lands come?" Adam asked, he was curious about the competition habits of his new country.
Bret wondered if Adam was thinking of Jericho or was he just asking in general? "Other lands don't come to this round table, it is just for Calgary. Were you thinking of... never mind," Bret said with a bit of a sigh.
Adam's eyes were clouded with emotion. He hadn't thought where his question might lead, he turned and faced his husband," Bret, I married you of my own free will. Yes, it was hard, but you, our future children and Calgary are my life and my focus. I care deeply for you. You have part of my heart no one else will ever have. I mean that with all that I am," Adam spoke from his heart as a single tear dripped down his face. He never meant to hurt Bret in any way.
Bret regretted his thoughts. He leaned down and gave Adam a soft kiss. They rode on in quiet companionship, each lost in their own thoughts.
The Lord from Britain, Alexander Barrett was riding next to the Royal Carriage of Calgary. He noticed perhaps not all was well with the newly married couple. Had he seen Adam first, Bret wouldn't be with him now. Alexander found the blond most beautiful and he would have courted him. Maybe Adam would be the kind of Royal to take a lover, and if so, the Britain would make sure he was the one chosen.
They crossed the border to Calgary just after their stop for a picnic lunch. As soon as they started out again, people had gathered on either side of the road. Bret and Adam smiled and waved to them. They tossed flower petals at the newly married Kings. They cheered and clapped for the couple. They shouted blessings and wished happiness on them.
Soon the Royal entourage arrived at the castle on the edge of the village. The village was fairly large but small for a capitol, it was named Alberta. The castle was standard for the period. It was five stories with the Royal apartments at the top. It was hexagon shaped and well constructed.
The thing that made Castle Von Hart stand out was the pinkish shade of the stones. The castle had been made with stone from a certain quarry in the northern part of Calgary, it was the only place in the world where the pink stone could be found. At sunrise and sunset, it glowed a deep, soft pink. It was known as the Rose Palace of Calgary.
"It's beautiful M' Lord. I am proud to call it home!" Adam exclaimed excitedly. He really did like it, the pinkish color made it look... happy.
"I am glad you like it my pet. It is... home," Bret said with a deep sigh. He had been happy here as a boy, as King, not so much.
A large, bald man was waiting as the carriage pulled up. He had assembled most of the household servants, ready to greet their returning King and his new Consort.
"Greetings Your Majesties, Welcome home to Rose Palace and Calgary," the man said with a deep bow as Bret helped Adam out of the carriage. The gathered servants bowed or curtsied as well.
"This is Glenn Jacobs, he makes sure the place runs correctly. Show Cena where to put the King Consorts trunks. We shall require washing water in the chambers," Bret said to the huge man.
Glenn nodded and went to see to their trunks. Sir Roman took Sir Jeffery under his wing. He understood about leaving family. He knew that sometimes Royals forgot things like that.
"We will wash up, then the people are expecting us to appear on the balcony that faces the village. They want to see you. The palace is yours to explore after that," Bret said as he led Adam up the stairs that went to the Royal apartments.
They were at the top of the castle, above the noise and din of the activity below. The lesser servants lived on the castle's farms, but people like the Royal Guards who didn't own homes lived on the third floor. John would live with others on the second floor.
The fourth floor was where the Banquet Hall, Throne Room and other rooms like the Library and Map Room were located. The balcony to the village was part of the grand Throne Room. It was also where Bret's Royal Council met and the Lawyers and Chamberlains had their work spaces as well. It was a busy place at times.
When they got to the Royal bed chamber, Adam was pleased to see that it was that it was laid out much like his own room back home.
"You can have your own room if you wish, there is one that adjoins mine," Bret said as he pointed to the door.
"No. I want to be with my husband, unless you want me to be away from you?" Adam asked with his brow raised. He wanted to be like his parents, love or not, he was married to Bret.
Bret smiled, just a bit, Edward had insisted on having his own royal apartment. He was more than pleased that Adam wanted to share. "That's fine with me. You please me pet, wanting to be with me," Bret said softly. He pulled Adam in for a small soft kiss. Adam smiled at his espoused.
While Bret took off his tunic and washed, Adam opened the door to the adjoining room. He smiled, it would be perfect, he turned to his husband. He bit his lip. It took his breath away a bit. Bret's upper body was muscular and hard from wearing armor. A patch of dark curls ran across his chest then made a thin line that vanished into the top of his hose. It wasn't thin and wispy, nor was it thick like fur, it was just enough to enhance Bret's handsomeness.
"Um... could we make that room into... a nursery?" Adam asked as he felt a stirring in his lower regions as he watched Bret run the wet cloth over his torso.
Bret noticed the look Adam was giving him. It bolstered his ego to know his young husband found him pleasing to look at, and desired him. If they hadn't been expected to appear on the balcony soon, he would have mated with Adam, but sadly there wasn't time. He stopped washing and dried his body.
"That's a fine idea. I want to be an active parent. And no swaddling cloths! Those horrid things should be outlawed!" Bret said firmly. He hated the idea of a poor baby wrapped tightly, unable to move.
"Oh thank gods! I hate them too. Poppa refused to use them on us. I just wish... but, I can't..." Adam never understood why women could feed their babies but male carriers couldn't. He would have to use a rag dipped in milk. He hated the idea of a wet-nurse as well, the babe would bond more with her instead of him, and that wasn't going to happen.
"It's alright pet. Now wash and have a fresh tunic put on. Put your hair up, that is my pleasure only, to see it down," Bret said in a commanding tone. He'd noticed Adam had let his hair down when he'd removed his crown to wash.
Adam washed quickly then John helped him into one of his new tunics designed for Calgary. He also put his blond hair back up and the King Consort crown on his head. Adam smiled at his servant, John was his friend.
"Do you have a nice place to stay, John?" Adam asked the stocky man.
"Very nice Your Majesty. I share with a nice boy named Jack," John said softly with a bow. Adam smiled, nodded and dismissed John from the room.
"I'm ready M' Lord. I am anxious to meet Calgary," Adam said in a nervous tone. He was excited, but scared. He had always hated being around strangers.
Bret looked up from the stack of papers he was glancing through. He had a lot of work to catch up on. "Let us go. Do not worry, they will love you," Bret said as he took Adam gently by the arm and led him down to the Grand Throne Room where the balcony was.
The people of Calgary had been told their King was returning with his new husband. They were anxious to see their new consort. The older generations remembered the tragic way of Edward. They had seen their beloved King broken and turn hard-hearted. They prayed the new young Consort would make King von Hart smile again. They also hoped an heir would be born in nine months.
Buntings of silk had been hung on the balcony, a sure sign the King would appear. The Harald trumpets blew the King's Tattoo. A sea of people gathered where they could see. Father's carried children on their shoulders.
Sir Jeffery and Reigns were on the balcony, watching the crowd. Other guards walked among the people. No spy reports of there being any direct threats against the Royals had been made, but sadly the threat was always there. Strangers were always watched as were traveling merchant caravans, minstrels, bards and the like. It always paid to be cautious.
Bret and Adam stood behind the closed window/doors that lead to the balcony. Adam had his hand wrapped around Bret's elbow as he stood on the left.
The trumpets blared once again and Anthony, the Royal Harald announced the Royal couple, his voice loud and clear, "Their Royal Calgarian Majesties, King Bret von Hart and his King Consort, Adam von Helmsley de Copeland-von Hart!"
The window glass doors opened and the Kings stepped out on to the balcony. The people cheered loudly. They loved their King and had stood by him through some difficult times. Bret pushed Adam forward gently, he wrapped his arm around Adam's waist protectively, the people approved. They cheered even louder when Adam smiled and waved to them.
"Kiss! Give us a kiss!" started from somewhere in the very back of the crowd. It caught on quickly as the chant reached the Royal ears.
Adam looked at Bret giving him encouragement to do what the people asked for. Bret wasn't much for public displays of affection, but in this case, the people needed to see their happy marriage.
Bret leaned in and pressed his lips to Adam's. Adam was a bit naughty, he let his tongue flick over Bret's lips. They broke the kiss and Adam winked. Bret then shocked his people, he laughed and smiled. The cheer was the loudest the King had ever heard.
The instant he'd made Bret laugh, Adam had become their beloved King Consort. They continued to wave for a few more minutes, then the Royal couple went back into the palace. Always better to leave the people cheering and wanting more.
Inside, Bret's ministers and councilors of state were waiting for him. There was so much to do. Adam had met them during the wedding feast. He told Bret he would leave them to their work. Bret stopped his husband, "They can wait."
Bret flashed his council a look that they knew well. It was, "Leave me alone". The head of the ministers, the Royal Chamberlain nodded. "It will keep, your Majesty," Richard said with a deep bow.
Bret walked Adam out of the room. He proceeded to lead his Consort to their bed chamber. Bret locked the door behind them.
"Well, you were a naughty boy," Bret said with a low growl. He pulled Adam against him. He removed Adam's crown, then his own. He set them on the nearby table. He then removed Adam's King's collar, then his own, they went on the same table. Soon their jeweled belts joined them.
It only took Bret a few moments to have them both stripped naked. Bret then took the wooden pin and leather tie from Adam's hair. The blond locks tumbled down past his shoulders, nearly to his waist. Adam reached up and untied Bret's leather tie. His black hair came down in soft curls. Adam's fingers smoothed them down.
Bret picked Adam up and carried him to the huge bed, he laid Adam down gently. The older man caressed his husband's leg from ankle to thigh. He smiled as his touch caused Adam to whimper and arch up to the touch.
Von Hart wanted to take his time and really explore his beautiful husband's body. Their first time together had been more about consummating the marriage. It was a wonderful experience, but for their second time, he wanted more. They had not had relations their second night together. Adam was still too sore and Bret didn't want to hurt him.
The King ran his hand up the other leg, it caused more whimpers and writhing. Bret knelt on the bed, next to his pet. His finger ran around Adam's naval, then up his chest. He circled each of Adam's nipples, the younger King let out a sound like a French whore. It made Bret's eyes darken with lust. His cock hardened as did Adam's.
"Does that feel good? You sound like a French whore. Such a naughty little pet," Bret husked into Adam's ear. He then licked around the delicate flesh.
Adam's eyes rolled back into his head. His lips parted, soft moans poured over them. He could feel Bret's strong hands as they parted his legs, then caressed the softer inner skin of the muscular thighs.
The older King couldn't wait to be back in that tight, hot tunnel. He slowly started to work one large, thick finger into the pink pucker of flesh. Adam knew more this time. He knew the burning pain would soon turn into wonderful pleasure. He moved his hips to draw Bret in further.
As they continued, hands explored and the couple further learned each others bodies. Where certain places when touched caused reactions and enhanced their pleasure.
This time when Bret slid his cock into the tight, hot heat of his young husband, Adam was prepared. He inhaled deeply and kissed his espoused. Again, Bret wrapped his hand around Adam's hard shaft. Adam knew how to move his hips in tempo with Bret's movements. It was even more pleasurable than before.
When they reached their climax this time, Adam was even higher in the sexual heavens. He felt truly wonderful. He smiled as Bret washed him clean.
The only thing Adam hated was that Bret got dressed and with a short kiss told Adam he was going to do some work. Adam just nodded his head. He'd hoped they could lay there and cuddle together, but it wasn't Bret's way. Adam turned over and fell asleep. He just prayed that it would all lead to a baby. That was all that mattered.
Later that night they had relations twice more. Adam was exhausted as he curled against Bret's back. He longed for the time Bret would hold him afterwards, but for now he was happy just to be near him.
The next day, Adam began his work as the King's Consort. He went to the meeting of the Council with Bret and sat by his side as an equal. They were addressing the rumors of an invasion by the Britons. Lord Barrett was also there. The raven-haired man raised alert in Adam, he just didn't know why.
"So I think you really have enough ships. Why waste money building more. Land invasion is more of a worry," the foreigner turned spy for Calgary spoke strongly.
Adam spoke up, "My Lord Barrett, with all due respect, five war ships are not enough. Especially with over one hundred miles of coast. Investing in new ships would reduce the need for land troops. We need at least ten new ships. Place them in these strategic locations," Adam advised wisely. He placed fifteen tiny wooden ships on a large map that had been laid out on the table.
Bret heard his husband and watched where he placed the ships. Adam certainly had inherited Shawn's naval skills.
Barrett and Richard, the King's Chamberlain, along with Lord John Von Laurinaitis and Barron Nicholas de Nemeth all scoffed a bit.
Lord John spoke, "Your Majesty, do forgive me, but what can such a... young... nay... inexperienced... Consort know about military matters. Wouldn't the King Consort be better at planning the Royal picnic for the village fair?" The others nodded in agreement.
Bret was not happy as he saw Adam flush and step back a bit, "My dear Council, let me remind you of who my Consort is. He is King in his own right. Young, yes. However, he is highly educated and the son of the greatest Admiral in the Kingdoms. He grew up teething on "Queen" Shawn's ships. I will heed his advice. I want ten new ships built. You will make deals with Copeland and King Lance von Toronto to build them," Bret's tone left no room for questions.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I am sure my fellow Lords did not mean any disrespect to the King Consort. My apologies, King Adam," Lord Richard said honestly. He sometimes let the others influence him when he shouldn't.
"As a matter of fact, Adam, you shall over see the building of ten of the best war ships. I'm sure you can talk to your poppa about it and we shall invite King von Toronto to a feast," Bret spoke in a commanding tone.
Lord Barrett's mind flew. He had to think of a plan, those ships could not be built. He knew "Queen" Shawn had the ability to build ships in half the usual time. He didn't know how Shawn did it, but he did. Shawn could have five ships built and battle ready in four to six months.
Adam looked at his spouse with wide green eyes. Yes, he wanted to help Bret rule, but this was too much, too fast. He had no problem dealing with his poppa, but the King of Toronto was a stranger, he didn't deal well with strangers.
Bret saw the doubt in his Consort's eyes. He pulled Adam to him, he held him close and spoke low, "you can do this. You won't learn any younger. You know more about naval tactics than all of them combined. If I didn't trust you, I wouldn't give you the job," Bret said in a sure tone. He did have faith in Adam.
Adam nodded, he moved back to the table with the map of the naval points. By sea, Copeland was to Calgary's west Toronto to her east. The three countries formed a wide "U" shape. There were a few small islands dotted around the "CopeCalTor Basin", as the region was called. Adam studied the maps.
"I know we own these three islands, well Copeland owns them, sorry M' Lord. I'm sure I can negotiate with poppa for space for ports. We can give him ports on our four islands. Toronto owns these three. Hopefully we can do the same kind of negotiations for ports with them," Adam said thoughtfully as he stroked his chin.
"Your Majesty" You can't let other countries on to our islands! We have posts there that are secret!" Barron Nemeth said in protest.
"We are allies with both Toronto and Copeland. I doubt seriously if Copeland would harm one of their own. It's a sound idea. If there is an invasion, we will need our allies. If they have ports on our islands they will be more apt to help us protect them. You look and sound like jealous children because a man of ten and eight out thought you in thirty minutes," Bret said with almost a laugh.
Lord Richard and Lord Barrett joined in Bret's mirth. Lord Richard was truly amused and Lord Barrett wanted it to appear that way.
Adam felt proud that Bret liked his ideas. In being Royal, he was used to the petty fights of Lords. They were always bucking for more land or a higher seat on the council.
What did bother the King Consort was that they thought he was stupid because he was young. Shawn always told him he was young in years, but wise in thought. He had grown up on the decks of Shawn's ships.
Adam smiled as he remembered... He was out hunting with his family. His father had turned in his saddle and told the two young Princes, "Your poppa can't ride a horse for love nor money, but put him on a ship and he is a god!" Hunter said as they watched poppa Shawn trying to mount his horse.
"And by the by, Lord John and Barron Nicholas, you shall be in charge of planning the Royal picnic for the village fair. We had better be well entertained, fed and watered!" Bret said in a matter of fact tone.
Adam had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing. Bret turned to him and winked, he offered his husband his arm and the young Consort took it. Bret turned to the Council.
"Adam reigns in Calgary second to me. He will be obeyed and respected as if he were me. Am I understood?" his eyes flashed darkly. Adam would have to earn their respect as a man, but until that time they would respect him as their King Consort without question.
The Lords of the Council bowed deeply. Lord Richard liked the young Consort. "Absolutely Your Majesties. Welcome to Calgary King Adam von Hart," Richard knelt at Adam's feet and kissed the hem of his tunic. It was a gesture of supreme respect.
Adam smiled at the older man, something inside said he could trust him. Adam's judgment of people was usually spot on.
Lord Barrett stepped forward, "Welcome Your Majesty. You must come see my library on my estate. It is full of books from Britain. I shall invite you to luncheon. Soon, with the King's permission of course," Barrett was almost too welcoming, especially for being a visitor and from a possible enemy country.
Adam never liked Barrett from the first time they met. He'd noticed that during the journey from Copeland, the black-haired man had kept leering at him. Bret might trust him but Adam didn't, not one bit. He had no wish to go to Barrett's estate, at least not without Bret.
"We shall see. I am anxious to settle into my husband's home, my home," Adam said shortly as his hand gripped Bret's arm a little harder in trepidation. He also trembled a bit until Barrett backed up.
Bret picked up on Adam's fears and led him out of the Grand Throne Room. He took Adam down to the Royal Garden, he thought the atmosphere would be nice for his husband.
Bret led Adam to a stone bench. A slab rested on the backs of two carved, marble dragons. They sat down. Bret turned to his spouse. "Pet? Are you alright? They were a bit hard on you," Bret was truly worried.
Adam smiled, his husband might not love him, but he did care. Adam appreciated that. "I'm used to pushy Lords. I expected to have to prove myself. Thank you M' Lord for your support," Adam gave Bret a kiss on the cheek.
"I meant what I told them. You are the second highest in the land. You will be treated as such. Pet, you don't like Alexander do you?" Bret asked curiously.
"I hope to do Calgary proud, Bretty... sorry, M' Lord," Adam flushed, he hadn't meant to call his husband that outside of the bed chamber.
Bret laughed, "I don't mind my little pet. Just not at Council. Now what's going on with you and Alexander?" his tone turned serious.
"I'm sure he must be alright, but something about him just... raises my hackles. I just... don't want to be alone with him. Please," Adam looked at his husband in earnest.
Bret caressed Adam's face gently, "You won't be alone with him. You just need to get to know him, mayhaps it's because he's foreign, they come across differently, " Bret said softly.
Adam leaned into Bret's touch, his affection for the care Bret showed him was growing. "Thank you. Say, your garden... um... it needs some work," Adam said with a gardener's eye.
"I know. They try, it just needs a delicate touch. Shawn's garden is so beautiful. Did you inherit his ability there too?" Bret asked curiously.
"You should see King Theodore's garden. It puts poppa's to shame. I'd love to make this one as good as I can. Poppa can send me some slips and clippings from his garden. Would you be upset if I wrote to King Theodore and asked him for some as well? I'd let you read the letter before I sent it," Adam asked a bit tentatively.
Bret sighed, "My pet, of course, you can write to anyone you want. I trust you. Adam, I know you love Jericho, but I also know your integrity. You aren't like Edward, you won't... do what he did..." Bret's shoulders drooped. He thought of the babies, that could have been his that were... gone.
Adam cupped Bret's face in his hands, "Bretty, I don't want to keep this coming up between us. Yes, Christopher has a place in my heart. However, that was then. I am married to you. Do you think I would make those sounds or feel the feelings I do in bed if I didn't have feelings for you? We may never have a love filled marriage, but I want us to have a happy marriage. I want your children. I want them to grow up knowing their parents have feelings for each other. I am sorry about Edward, mostly because he stole your ability to love. Now, let's find the gardeners. I want to make this into a place where you can find respite for your weariness," Adam ended his talk with a soft kiss to his husband's lips.
They went in search of the two Royal gardeners. The Royals found Robert and Michael. Adam spoke to them about getting the garden into shape. The two men were glad to see the garden get better care. They loved their new King Consort and were anxious to please him.
Over the next few weeks, Adam settled into his new home. He put his own touches in the palace. Everyone adored their new Royal addition. He made Bret a happier person and that meant a lot to them.
Jeffery settled in and made great friends with Reigns, de Ambrose and Rollins. They trained together and rode together. He still missed Matthew but he also enjoyed making a life for himself.
John was also settling in nicely. He was surprised when he would get occasional letters from Philip de Brooks. John wrote back and told him all about his new life.
Adam made good process with the building of the ships. Shawn of course agreed right away. Once Adam met King Lance von Toronto, he also agreed to help. Adam was excellent in negotiating deals for ports on the islands. It helped with trade not only between the CopeCalTor Basin, but other countries as well.
Lord Richard admired Adam's skills, but the other Lords still thought he was too young. Barrett still held a secret lust for the pretty blond Consort.
The newlyweds enjoyed a very healthy marital relationship, often several times a day. Bret felt younger and happier and the people loved and knew it was because of King Consort Adam.
Two months later, Adam was training for the round table that would be held during the village fair. Bret presented his husband with a new suit of armor that was fit for a King. It was beautiful. The one from Hunter was for war, Bret's was for the round table and was more ornate.
Bret also had a new sword made for Adam. Sapphires, diamonds and a pink diamond were embedded in the hilt. Even though it was beautiful, it was deadly. It could split a hair it was so well honed. Adam named the sword "Gewitter", which meant thunderstorm in the old language of Germaina. Adam felt that giving the sword the name of something he feared gave him power over it.
Bret helped Adam train. The older King was excellent in wrestling and taught his young Consort a lot of new things, including a move of submission that twisted the legs of his opponent. It was fun for both of them. Bret was actually looking forward to the village fair. It had been delayed for a month because of an unexpected rainy period, but now the late spring crops were ready for harvest.
They had a talk with the Knights in the round table, like Hardy, Reigns, Rollins, de Ambrose, Lord Barret and others. The two Kings told them to treat Adam like a fellow Knight and not a King. If Adam won, he wanted to win on his own merit, not because they pulled punches because he was a Royal. They all agreed.
It was the night before the fair. Adam had fallen into bed exhausted. He was asleep before his head hit the pillow. Adam never knew that Bret had pulled him into his arms and held him.