Chapter 9
Lois awoke the next day happily, today she would be going on an adventure. Not only that but she would be meeting Clark's mother, the woman who raised the man who had captured her heart utterly and completely. Lois had told her ladies that she wanted to take a private horseback ride in the country and get some much needed fresh air and that she would be accompanied by a man King Zod had found worthy. Lois was dressed in a black and cream colored gown which was modest but perfect for riding. Her ladies pinned a small black lace veil in her hair which covered half of Lois' face.
Just as she was preparing to walk to the stables a messenger entered the room. He quickly bowed before her, out of breath. "A letter from his Majesty my lady."
Lois smiled and took the letter from the young boy. "Are you the messenger of the King?" The boy needed and Lois smiled walking over to the drawer of her bedside table. "I would have you give this to the King. He has been generous enough to write me letters but I seem to miss you every time you appear in court."
"Yes my lady. I will ride north immediately." The messenger bowed.
"Thank you." Lois smiled before she took a moment to sit on her bed. Taking a deep, calming breath Lois opened the letter.
My jewel,
Things seem to be looking up here in the north, we have been able to get the Northerners to see the error of their ways. It's truly amazing seeing how people's views change when you begin to murder their wives and children. Unfortunately there are still many things that need to be done and I'm afraid the time which I will return will be no sooner than the month we originally thought.
I've received word that I can no longer keep it a secret that I've had Clark Kent keep an eye on you while I've been gone. I figured he would stay in the background and out of sight but I was told a man in the market acted out against you and Clark carried out the proper punishment. Why were you in the market my dove? I know I gave you leave to explore the country but I would have you stay out of the market, I do not trust those men with you, even with Clark keeping an eye on you.
I trust he is treating you with the respect you deserve? The man is a beast and is known for his brute nature which is why I ordered him to keep an eye on you. If anyone made one wrong step against you he would take care of them, which is what I want to be done. If he isn't respecting you or you do not like him send word to me and he shall be punished accordingly.
I am still counting down the days until I return to you. Doing ones duty can be quite unpleasant, but at least with the amount of bloodshed we've spilled this has been a real pleasure.
Your King,
Zod
Lois' stomach turned at the thought of Zod and his men murdering innocent women and children, that was no way to make peace with men that don't agree with your ways of ruling, it only created resentment. Lois shook her head before placing the letter in a small pocket that was sewed into her gown. Lois said goodbye to her ladies as she pulled on her leather riding gloves. The guards greeted her as she walked through the hallways until she was outside at the stables. Clark was not there, she knew he was waiting for her at their meeting spot.
The stable boy smiled and greeted Lois. "Good morning my lady. I saddled your horse as you asked."
"Thank you very much sir." Lois smiled at him as he took the small stool out to give Lois the height to easily mount her horse.
"I'll await your return my lady." The young boy looked up at her. Lois smiled as she situated the reins in her hand.
"Do not waste your day waiting for me. Go out and have fun," Lois paused, "Do something daring."
"Is that an order my lady?" The young boy questioned.
"Yes, it is an order. Enjoy your day." Lois smiled before pulling the reigns to turn her horse in the direction of the entrance of the stables. In no time Lois was past the palace gates and enjoying her summer ride through the rolling hills of Krypton. One thing Lois loved about Krypton was how colorful it was, things seemed to be brighter, richer and far more royal in color there then in Metropolis. It was a beautiful thing to behold each day. She could not help the smile that graced her face when Clark finally came into view on the back of his horse.
"Good morning Lois." Clark smiled as she approached him.
"Good morning Clark." Lois said happily as she brought her horse to a stop. "I am ready for our adventure."
Clark chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Well then, let's not delay." Clark turned his horse towards the west and slowly took off as Lois followed suit riding up next to him before the two of them worked their horses into a gallop. The rode through some of the densest forests in Krypton, filled with green trees, blooming flowers, and singing birds. Unfortunately the speed which they rode at did not allow Lois to take it all in. When Lois laid her eyes on a small stream ahead she slowed her horse down to a walk. Clark turned back to look at her concerned.
"You may be able to run through the stream with your horse but I will not meet your mother for the first time soaking wet and looking horrible." Lois defended herself.
"I'm sure she would not mind Lois. And besides it would be impossible for you to look horrible." Clark smiled charmingly as he and his horse walked through the shallow stream, Lois followed suit. Lois quickly brought her horse back up to a gallop shocking Clark.
"Well come on!" Lois challenged him while laughing. Clark quickly caught up to her riding alongside her. After what felt like ages Lois saw a large home ahead of them on the horizon. "Is that it Clark?"
Clark turned to her, smiled, and quickly rode forward. Lois loved how he challenged her constantly in such a playful way. They pulled up to the stone home and Clark brought his horse to a walk before dismounting and walking over to Lois who had done the same. Lois swung her leg over the saddle before placing her hand on Clark's broad shoulders as he eased her off the horse. Clark grinned before leaning down to kiss Lois' lips chastely. "What was that for?" Lois asked as she pulled away.
"I feel as though I can not be near you and not kiss you. Perhaps I need it more than breath." Clark spoke poetically.
"Oh so you're a poet now Clark Kent?" Lois teased caressing his chest softly.
"Perhaps you make me one." Clark teased pushing a soft curl behind Lois' ear. "Let me put the horses away quickly and we'll go inside."
Once Clark put the horses away in the stables he placed a hand on the small of Lois' back and lead her into the entrance of his childhood home. Lois looked around as they entered, it had a much more welcoming and warm feeling about it then any other home she had been in. Her home in Metropolis was not a real family home to say the least, not with her father's iron fist way of ruling. And the palace in Krypton did not feel like a home to her, she felt like a guest.
"Mother?" Clark called as they walked the hallways. Lois' eyes were drawn to a slightly older woman, with gorgeous red hair in a cream colored gown, a simply pearl necklace hanging around her neck, as she entered the hallway.
"Clark!" The woman smiled as she quickly made her way over to her son wrapping her arms around him tightly. She was of very small frame, it was almost as if she could be completely hidden by Clark's massive body. "I wasn't expecting you back so soon."
Clark smiled softly before looking over to Lois. "Mother, this is Lois, the woman I told you about."
"Of course." Martha said stepping back from Clark curtseying to Lois. "Your Majesty."
"Please, no formalities are needed, this is your home." Lois smiled softly. "It's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Kent."
Clark smiled at Lois, a gesture which did not go unnoticed by Martha. "I guess you two are here to see Christopher?"
"Lois would not let me go another day without taking her to see him." Clark shook his head.
"Oh stop!" Lois chuckled, "I only brought up the subject yesterday."
"I'll go and get him." Martha smiled sensing the charge between the two. "I believe he's out in the back."
Lois turned to Clark, her eyes narrowed. "You are such an exaggerator!"
Clark leaned forward and kissed her forehead tenderly. It was so refreshing for him to be able to be so affectionate with her without having to worry about being caught by anyone. If Clark could he would lock her away in a room in his mothers house and stay with her until the end of time.
Lois pulled away and smiled before reaching into her pocket pulling out the letter she had received earlier that day. "I received a letter from the King today, his words about you were less than true."
Clark opened the letter reading the words carefully. "Beastly and a brute?"
"I would never use those words to describe you." Lois smiled cupping his cheek. "They couldn't be more incorrect."
"And how would you say I have treated you?" Clark questioned her.
"Hmm…" Lois thought for a moment. "I would say that you have taken very good care of me. That being in your presence has been nothing less than pleasurable. And just maybe that I would have you as my own personal body guard to keep a close eye on me at all times."
Lois lifted herself onto the tips of her toes and took Clark's lips in a simple yet seductive kiss. Clark pulled away his eyes fluttering open, "I hope you won't say that to the King, I may never see you again."
Lois smiled kissing his lips quickly before she heard the sound of small feet approaching them. "You came back!" She heard the young boys voice. Lois turned around seeing him round the corner before rushing toward her.
"Of course I did." Lois chuckled bending down smiling as he jumped in her arms. "Why wouldn't I come back?"
"No one ever comes back for me." The young boy said softly, his lips pouting.
"Well I always will." Lois smiled gently running her fingers through his dark locks. She looked up at Clark who was gazing down at her with love in his eyes. The young boy wrapped his arms around Lois, nuzzling into her embrace. Martha smiled as she approached them. Lois looked up at the older woman. "Thank you so much for taking him in. I know you didn't have to and it's not proper of me to have asked Clark to ask you."
"It's okay my lady. It's quite nice to have someone else here with me." Martha smiled warmly looking at Clark with longing in her eyes. "It's been quite lonely since Clark left me."
Without warning Christopher pulled away from Lois before reaching up for Clark's hand pulling him in the direction that he came from earlier. "I want to show you something!" Christopher said enthusiastically.
Lois smiled and shook her head, it was amazing how things had changed, when they first came across the boy in the field he was absolutely petrified of Clark and now he was practically forcing himself in Clark's company. Clark looked back and shot Lois a started look, Lois simply smiled as she was left alone with Martha.
"My son cares about you a lot." Martha said looking down at her hands which were fumbling with themselves.
"And I care about your son Martha." Lois said passionately.
"Clark has always been so guarded, especially since he was taken from us when he was a boy. I've never seen him let someone in like he has you, nor have I seen him so unguarded and carefree. It's nice to see." Martha said with love in her tone. "But I'm sure you can see why I'm concerned."
"You don't want to see your son get hurt." Lois nodded knowing how Martha was thinking. "I want you to know that I would never do anything to hurt him. I know our situation isn't ideal but I… I love your son Martha. And I know what my heart is feeling is dangerous but I plan on protecting it and your sons, if he gives me his own, with my life if need be."
Martha smiled at the young woman. "I always knew a strong passionate woman would be the one to capture my sons heart."
My son Lois said in her head. She took a deep breath and turned to Martha hoping to get some answers before Clark came back. "Martha could I ask you some questions? They may be personal but I must know the truth."
Martha looked at Lois curiously before nodding her head.
"What do you know about House of El?" Lois questioned. She watched the emotions run through the older woman's face: shock, confusion, astonishment, fear. "It's okay, please Martha."
"What do you want to know?" Martha asked.
"I stumbled upon a hidden room at the palace, inside are journals, portraits and hundreds of books. A lot of them are about the House of El. There is one journal in particular that talks about Jor-El and Lara, the last King and Queen of the House of El. It says that Lara was pregnant and gave birth to a son they named Kal-El. But unfortunately that is the where the journal ends. There is a portrait of the King Jor-El and he looks exactly like Clark. It can't just be a coincidence." Lois explained all she knew.
Martha looked at the woman amazed she silently shook her head answering Lois' question. "And I asked Clark about his father, Clark said he looks nothing like him, and I mean no offence but you do not look like Clark either. Ms. Kent, is Clark your biological son?"
Tears fell down Martha's cheeks and Lois' heart ached for the woman, she could imagine it wasn't an easy thing to admit or relive. Martha shook her head before whispering, "He's not."
Lois' heart soared at the revelation. "Could you tell me about how you and your husband came to take him in?"
Martha took a moment before speaking, "As you can see our home is far removed from everything, not much is around us. One day my husband came across a fallen rider while he was out on horseback. The man turned out to be King Jor-El. My husband and I helped him and brought him back to health. The King was grateful and my husband told him if there was anything he ever needed we would be happy to help. Two years later the Queen was pregnant, but because she had miscarried four times before there was no announcement made and hardly anyone knew. One night the King arrived here with the Queen who was in labor. The King told us he sensed there were traitors among those they trusted at court, he wanted his wife to give birth in a safe environment and to take their child in until they deemed it was safe back at the palace."
"And they never returned." Lois put the pieces together. Martha shook her head.
"From what I understand a rebellion happened at the court, the King and Queen were both assassinated, and because there was no heir the people knew about the present King's father took the throne, before he was assassinated mysteriously some years later." Martha said sadly before she began crying. "When they came and took Clark away all those years ago and brought him to the court I never thought I would see him again. I don't know why Zod has kept him alive, he knows that Clark is the true heir to the throne."
Lois hugged the woman. "Perhaps the King wants to keep Clark close so he can always keep a watchful eye on him. If he keeps Clark under his thumb he can keep Clark from knowing his true heritage. So Clark knows nothing of his birth parents? Or what is rightfully his?"
Martha shook her head, "We never told him, we thought it would be safer for him."
Lois smiled at the protecting mother. "Ms Kent, I swear here and now I will do everything I can to try and right this wrong. The King is gone from court for a month's time, I'll find a way to fix this!"
Martha placed her hands on Lois' shoulders. "Be careful Lois. I don't know if my son would be able to go on without you."
"I will Martha, I swear on my heart." Lois said passionately before she heard Clark and Christopher approach. She turned, her eyes widening as she saw they were both covered in mud.
"Christopher wanted to show me the mud pool." Clark said completely unenthused causing Lois to laugh. Martha wiped her eyes before walking up to Christopher.
"Look at you, you're a mess." She said smiling. "Come with me and we'll get you cleaned up."
When Martha and Christopher disappeared Lois smiled up at Clark, looking at him as if for the first time. "And maybe we should get you cleaned up." Lois said seductively.
"What did you have in mind?" Clark asked intrigued.
"Is there a lake nearby?" Lois questioned him playfully. Clark broke out into a grin. Lois vowed that she would tell Clark everything when they got back to the palace, she would show him the room she had found, but right now she just wanted to enjoy him and the time they had.
Zod leaned back in the pillows with a smile on his face. His hands groped and pulled at the naked woman on top of him, sounds of pleasure and grunts escaping off their lips. The woman rocked her hips before Zod grunted in pleasure and felt his release overcome him before pushing the woman away from him. She pouted from not having reached her own peak.
"Majesty." The messenger entered his room averting his eyes from the naked woman.
"What did I tell you about interrupting me in my chambers?" Zod shouted.
"Forgive me sir. I have a letter from the lady of Metropolis." The messenger said slightly frightened. Zod sat up, now intrigued.
"Oh?" Zod smiled softly holding his hand out, "Give it here."
The messenger dropped the letter in Zod's hands before bowing and leaving the room. Zod went to opening the letter but paused scowling at the woman still in his room. "You can leave too." The woman pouted before leaving the room in shame. Zod smiled and opened the letter.
My King,
Thank you for your letters. Unfortunately every time I received them the messenger had already gone before I could write a reply to you. I wrote this before he arrived. I am enjoying Krypton immensely, it is such a beautiful country. I have never seen such colors nor immaculate sunsets, they take my breath away and I make sure to watch them every night.
Everyone here has been so kind and gracious to me. I feel comfortable around them. Thank you for the seamstress' you have taken on, I have certainly taken advantage of them and I hope you are pleased by the gowns I have designed.
The tournament you had set up for me was wonderful. It was a spectacle unlike any other I had seen, everyone was so polite and cordial toward one another. I hope they are a common occurrence in Krypton as I would love to see another!
And I thank you for the man you have ordered to watch over me. He has followed every order, been nothing but respectful and kept me safe. I think perhaps he can not wait til you return so he can stop accompanying me on my many rides in the country. I hope to ride with you when you return.
I do not want to keep you too long, as I am sure you are very busy in the North. I do hope you return home safe.
Your Jewel,
Lois
Zod finished the letter before smiling, crumbling it up and tossing it to the side of the room. He raised his voice calling, "Who's next?" At his call another naked woman entered the room quickly walking over towards Zod in the bed ready for whatever he commanded.
Okay so a big bomb was dropped in this chapter! What do you think? Also some of you may be thinking WTF at Lois' letter to Zod but you have to remember she's playing him so she's saying all the things he would want to hear. Loved it? Hated it? Questions? Concerns? Suggestions? Ideas? Leave me some comments because I am dying to know what you guys think of this chapter!