Drake was old enough to make the half day trip to Copeland. The weather was exceptionally mild for the time of year.
Drake and Elizabeth were both spoiled and fussed over. When Heath and Adam put them on a blanket to play, they took to each other like bees to flowers. They fussed when they were separated, to the point that in order for anyone to get any sleep the babies had to be in the same cradle.
Shawn was in grandfather heaven. He made new toys and clothes for them and took them for daily walks in his garden.
While his family was all together, Shawn had Sir Jeffery Hardy sketch the family portrait. Jeffery was a very talented artist. The Knight knew he could do a painting from both his drawings and memory. He promised he would work on it every chance he got and have it sent to Shawn and soon as it was done. Jeffrey also did new locket sized paintings of both babies. Drake's would be a surprise for Bret...
Drake's third month of life marked the anniversary of Adam and Bret's marriage. It was hard to believe that a year had passed already
Hunter and Shawn sent a small coffer of gold, gems and precious metals along with bolts of fine cloth as gifts. Bret was speechless at his in-laws generosity. He had a sword made for Drake from some of the contents of the coffer. He would give it to his son on the day he earned his spurs. Until then, it would stay in Bret's armor cabinet.
Adam had just put Drake down for the night. He knew his son would sleep most of the night. Drake was starting to grow his teeth. To help the baby rest and not have pain, Drew had mixed some medicine to be rubbed on Drake's gums. It made him a bit drowsy and that was a blessing to Adam. Bret had been against it at first, for fear if too much was accidentally given it would possibly kill him. Adam of course, had the same fears.
The Physician sat down with them and showed them there a was absolutely no danger. Even if too much was applied, Drew assured them it would only make Drake sleep hard for a few hours. The parents trusted Galloway and Adam finally got some much-needed sleep and Drake felt better as well.
Bret was sitting in his large chair in front of the fire. He was reading a letter from Lord Barrett. Alexander had been due back two months ago. He kept sending letters saying he was sorry, but he was delayed in returning. Lord John had brought the letter when he returned yesterday.
John hadn't said much. He left the letter, then said he had to go check on his own estate. Bret didn't think too much of it, he knew estates had to be looked after. Adam had a bad feeling, but he left it alone, for now.
Adam came out of the adjoining room where Drake was peacefully sleeping. He went over to the desk he used and took out the gift he had for his husband and their anniversary.
Adam was feeling a bit... romantic. Since Drake had teethd, the Royal couple had not been "together" and they were missing their "bed fun".
Adam was only wearing his long, silk robe. It was sapphire blue with a sliver unicorn on the back. His long hair was loose and hung in soft waves down his back. He walked over to his husband.
The King Consort pulled the letter from Bret's hand. Normally, he would dream of doing something like that, but this was their anniversary and Drake was sleeping peacefully. He wanted his husband's attention.
Bret was annoyed by Adam pulling the letter from his fingers, that is until he looked up and saw his young Consort. His breath hitched at the beauty before him.
"I... uh... was... um... you look beautiful, my pet," Bret's voice was low and husky. He grabbed Adam by the waist and pulled him down into his lap. He kissed Adam deeply. Their tongues danced together as the younger man moaned softly. He wanted Bret... badly. When the kiss finally broke, the couple was breathless. The fire of passion burned in both green and brown eyes. It had been a while.
Adam nearly forgot the box in his hand, when he felt it he gave it to Bret. "Here my love, I hope you like it," Adam said warmly as he gave Bret the wooden box.
Bret smiled, then looked puzzled as he opened the gift, "um... it's the locket you gave me for our wedd... oh.. oh... pet... thank you," Bret stammered as he opened the locket. There was a tiny portrait of Drake on one side and new of Adam on the other. Jeff had done an incredible job on the tiny paintings, they looked lifelike.
"Sir Jeffery did them. I am glad you like it. Happy Anniversary, Bretty," Adam said with a soft smile.
"I love it. I never thought the locket would be filled by this time. Thank you for our beautiful son," Bret spoke with emotion, as he again kissed Adam.
"Maybe we can make him a brother or sister. I mean after all, it's the anniversary of Drake's creation too," Adam said with a seductive tone.
"We can try, but first, my gift for you," Bret said as he pulled something out of his pocket. He hung something around Adam's graceful neck.
Adam looked, at first he didn't understand. It was just a gold coin. He looked closer. Bret's profile had always been on the Calgary coins, but now Adam's had been added and the reverse side showed the new joint unicorn and dragon seal that was official since their marriage.
"Bret... I'm... such... an... honor... thank you. It's beautiful," Adam was truly touched. It was a huge thing for a country to change its currency.
"They were issued starting today, on all coins of Calgary. This is the first one made. I'm proud of you," Bret said with another kiss to his husband. He stood and led Adam to their bed.
By the time they got to the huge bed, they were both naked. All they wore now were their necklaces. Adam never got tired of looking at Bret's hard, muscular body. Bret was just as impressed. Adam had worked hard to get his body back into shape after having Drake. The hard work had paid off. Adam was more fit than ever.
When Adam crawled on to the bed, his ass muscles rippled under the tight, bronzed skin. Bret's cock grew hard at the sight. He wanted to just slam into his espoused, he was so hot for Adam.
Adam knew he was teasing Bret. He made sure to move even slower, clenching his muscles as he moved. He stopped and turned to face Bret. He was kneeling on the bed, his thigh muscles stretched, his cock, hard and erect bounced against his rock hard abdomen. Adam was the perfect example of a young, bronzed body, developed from wearing armor, and training with a heavy sword and shield.
The young King Consort's long, blond hair was pulled over one shoulder, his nipples were hard and his eyes were the color of deep green emeralds; a shade they only turned when lust owned his body.
Bret stood at the side of the bed and let out a loud, lust filled growl. His eyes grew nearly black with desire as he watched Adam display some very unkingly actions.
Adam ran his hands up his body, teasing in just the right places. When the beauty began to stroke himself, it was all Bret could take.
"You are a very naughty little boy aren't you? Acting more like a King's whore than a King," Bret teased as he climbed on to the bed with Adam.
"But you like it. You like having a..." Adam didn't get a chance to finish before Bret covered his lips with his in a bruising, crushing kiss that made Adam moan like the whore he acted.
Bret pushed Adam down on the bed. Hands wandered over hot skin as the husbands bodies reconnected. Their desire for each other was as hot as the distant desert sun.
The older man bit and nipped at Adam's graceful neck and shoulders. Adam tasted better than any food. The younger man matched his husband's movements. Both kings would have to wear high collars for a few days, but it was worth it.
The younger man's long legs wrapped around the older man's waist, it caused his body to arch gracefully. Bret loved to feel the muscles of his Consort strain and flex around and beneath him.
Bret may have been much older in age, but his body was just as fit and hard as Adam's. His abdomen rippled and his thighs strained as the King of Calgary slowly inched his steel hard shaft into his husband.
Adam's teeth raked his bottom lip, as whimpers and moans passed over it, "Hurts Bretty, hurts," he cried out as tears rained from his lust darkened eyes. It hurt, but it felt so damn good.
"Easy my pet... almost... so tight! Godsteeth!" Bret gasped out. It was almost like when he took Adam for the first time one year ago.
Adam took a deep breath and relaxed his body. He opened his thighs wider, it helped Bret slipped the rest of the way in. The King wrapped his hand around his Consort's shaft. The hand worked in concert with his hips as he sent Adam soaring into the sexual heavens.
Neither man lasted very long. After only a few minutes they both had rocking eruptions from their cocks. Bret filled Adam and Adam coated his body and Bret's hand.
"Godsteeth... that was... fast... but so... intense..." Adam panted out as Bret gently washed him.
The King loved taking care of Adam after sex. It was his way of showing how much he cared and Adam preened under the gentle touches. He also knew it was Bret's way of showing love without saying it.
Bret chuckled, "yes it was pet. We will... do it again later... was... too long... since... our last time," Bret's voice was hesitant as he paid attention to cleaning himself.
As Bret finished, they heard Drake start to cry in the adjoining room. Adam started to get up with a bit of a sigh. Bret held Adam down while he went to check on their son. He didn't bother to put his robe on and Adam got heated again as he watched Bret walk away.
The King of Calgary returned in a couple of minutes, "he was already asleep again. Maybe he just had a dream and cried out in his sleep. He is fine," Bret said as he slipped back into the bed.
Before Bret could even settle, Adam was on top of him, straddling his hips. His lips attacked the older man's. Bret rolled his eyes back, thankful that he was in such fit condition.
The Royal couple celebrated their anniversary four more times during the night. They had only been asleep for an hour when Adam was woken up by a hungry baby with a dirty cloth.
He slipped into his robe and went into the nursery. John had just brought a bowl of milk and a fresh feeding cloth. Adam bathed and changed his son with Cena's help. John left poppa and son alone as he took the dirty laundry out.
When Bret found his husband in the nursery, he got tears of love in his eyes as he gazed on the beautiful scene.
Adam had taken Drake to the large window seat. He was sitting sideways on the seat, his back against the wall. His knees were drawn up and Drake was propped up on them snugly. Adam was feeding him while humming softly. The morning light framed his two boys in a golden glow. It was absolutely breathtaking. He wished he could capture the moment in a painting.
The King backed out of the room unnoticed. It had overwhelmed his heart. He busied himself with getting dressed. His own personal servant, Jack helped him. When he was fully dressed, Adam came in with a dressed Drake.
"Take him while I get dressed. I nearly forgot it's our morning to break the fast with the Council. Wish we had more sleep... well, no, we had fun and I don't regret that," Adam said with a wink as he gave Drake to his father.
The two Kings were seated at the center of the long dining table. Lord Richard, Baron Nicholas and Lord John were there, along with other important Council members. Father Robert was also there.
Crown Prince Drake was in a large "box" made of wood. The sides were made of nearly shear silk so Adam could see him as he lay on his stomach and chewed on the cloth dragon. He was happily content.
Bret was very anxious to hear from Lord John about Britain. Lord Barrett's letter had been fairly vague. "So what news from Britain, Lord john?" Bret asked in a voice that matched his mood.
Lord John smiled, "Everything is fine, Sire," Laurinaitis replied in his raspy, airy voice. His odd way of speaking had been the result of a teenage illness. He'd nearly died, but he slowly recovered. He was left with damaged vocal cords that gave his voice its airy quality.
Bret frowned, he needed more than that as a reply, "What did their King say? Was there no answer to my letter?" the King's tone was full of concern.
Lord John swallowed his bite of food. He had to think fast, Barrett had warned him to keep his mouth shut about the reality of the situation. In Lord John's mind Barrett was playing a very dangerous game. The Brit was trying to pit two Kings against each other for personal gain.
"I did not go to see the King with Alexander. I do not know what was said between them. I am sure you will get a full report when he returns. I am assuming by your questions, Lord Barrett's letter said nothing?" Lord John's voice was harsh and airy.
Bret frowned, this was confusing at best. Why was Lord John being so... difficult and Barrett's letter had been nothing more than a story of his voyage to Britain and the condition of his estate there. Von Hart knew Barrett had the King of Britain's ear, maybe even more so than the King's own Council. Bret knew it because he'd heard it while in the foreign country from more than one person.
"I see. No, Alexander told me nothing about his visit with the King. Maybe I need to... make another trip to visit Britain myself. Wars have started over less. I want trade routes not problems," Bret said firmly.
Adam was now holding his son and feeding Drake a bit of fruit he'd mashed. He dipped his finger in the fruit, then Drake sucked it from his poppa's finger. He loved the sweet tasting food. However, the Consort was taking in every word being said. He knew this whole thing stank, something was going on.
"Oh, I don't think that's wise Your Majesty. There is a lot of tension in Briton now. The King's attention is on the north and a probable war. I don't think trade routes are important at the moment," Lord John spoke in a dismissive tone. He had to direct the King's mind away from Briton. The best way he knew was to speak of the Crown Prince Drake.
Before Bret could respond, Lord john spoke again. "The Crown Prince is growing like a reed. He is the very image of Your Majesties, not a fairer child resides in the land."
Adam knew the older lord was being sarcastic and deflecting Bret's attention, he wasn't about to have that. Something was in the air and it wasn't good. "Thank you Lord John. Let us hope he has a country to rule. I think there are things afoot that his Majesty should know, are there not?" Adam laid it on the line, he didn't like deception.
Bret looked at Adam like he had three dragon heads sprouting from his neck. "If you gentlemen will excuse us, it is time for Prince Drake's morning walk," Bret said in an aloof tone. He was good at hiding his emotions, but Adam knew he was in trouble.
Lord John flashed the young Consort a glaring smirk. He did not like to be under-mimed by anyone, especially a young, snooty, spoiled Royal or so he assumed.
Adam scooped up his son and followed Bret out to the garden. Bret was silent until they got to the benches in the middle of the maze. Adam spread out the blanket that he'd brought with him. They always went to the garden after breakfast so Adam was prepared.
When the Prince was settled, Bret finally spoke. "Adam what are you thinking? You nearly accused Lord John of … treason! How could you have done that?" Bret was angry. It was the first time he'd been really angry with his Consort.
Adam knew he was in trouble, but he was surprised at how angry Bret was, "I have a bad feeling, Bret. It just makes no sense. Why wouldn't the King of one country not acknowledge another King? Even if he has problems and isn't interested in trade, Royal protocol demands a response. How do you know the King of Britain even saw your letter? Because Lord John said so? No, My Lord, something about this rings false. Send a spy to Britain and tell no one. Send Sir Jeffery, he can change his look, blend in. Please Bret, for the safety of Calgary," Adam spoke bluntly and openly.
Bret just stared at his spouse, he searched deeply into Adam's eyes. He saw real worry and concern. "You are serious... aren't you? You really feel that deeply that something is wrong?" Bret asked, his brow raised.
"Yes, I am. My father learned the hard way that poppa had instincts about things. I have the same thing; trust me Bret. Send Jeffery. If nothing is going on, I shall never interfere in Royal issues again," Adam was deadly serious.
Bret sighed, maybe his young husband was right, after all, Shawn was one of the best military minds around, "Alright. I shall send Hardy. We will meet with him after the mid day meal, alone in our chambers," Bret said firmly. He was willing to give Adam a chance. He trusted his espoused.
"Thank you, Bret. This one time I pray that I am wrong. Are you still angry with me?" Adam asked, his eyes lowered. He hated upsetting his husband.
Bret slid down to the blanket where Adam was sitting with their son. He lifted Adam's chin and looked into the beautiful green eyes. "Not now. I was astounded that you were so bold with Lord John. Now I realize you only had Calgary's interest at heart. I admire you for that," Bret said with a soft kiss to Adam's lips. Drake cooed loudly as his parents kissed. It made the two Kings laugh.
"So, we want you to go to Britain and learn what you can. Stay in disguise. I have deep suspicions about Lord Alexander Barrett. See if you can find out how the Briton King feels about our countries. Will you do this? We are not going to order you to go, it must be your free choice. We shall bear you no ill will if you say no, I want that understood," Adam said to his Head Guard. Bret was letting his husband set things up.
Jeffery looked at his friend, now a King. This was a great thing he was be asked to do. He was not about to refuse. "I will be honored to do this for Your Majesties. I shall not fail you. When do you want me to leave? What will you tell Sir Matthew?" Jeff asked in a worried tone. He knew his brother would worry about him, even in Copeland. They often exchanged messages.
"Thank you Jeffery. I shall tell Matthew you were sent to Winnipeg to check on the ships, then out to the ports to see about how things are there. You will leave as soon as you are ready. A ship will be waiting. It will have orders to sail towards the ports, then out of land sight, you'll turn to Britain. I sent a messenger to the harbor already," Adam said with a wink, he knew Hardy would agree to the mission.
"Very well. I'll be ready to leave in a couple of hours. I won't fail, Your Majesties. Thank you for your trust," Sir Jeffery said with a deep bow.
"Good. That will give me time to compose a new letter to the King of the Britain, if the opportunity presents it's self for your to give it to him. Take this as well. Coins, gems and other things for trade," Bret added as he handed a few velvet bags to the Knight.
An hour later Jeffery was in his small house in the inner Bailey, near the stables. The house was his as Head of Adam's personal Guard. Reigns was there with him. "Why can't you tell me?" the large man asked with a near whine.
"Because I can not. I will be back. I just do not know how long I will be gone. Just promise me one thing. Please, look after King Consort Adam and Crown Prince Drake. Guard them as if they were your own family. Adam and I grew up together as you know, he is my brother in spirit," Jeffery said in a serious tone.
"Alright, I will. I know how much they mean to you. What if your brother comes to visit?" Roman asked as he sliced some cheese to nibble on.
"Send him to Adam or King von Hart. They have a plan. Just know what I am doing is for Calgary and Copeland," Jeffery said soundly. He was proud of what he was about to do.
"I'll... miss you. I have a feeling this is dangerous, but I'll support you and... I shall wait for you. My bed will be cold..." Roman's dark eyes looked sadly at his lover.
"I'll be safe and I'll be back. When I return, I'll warm your bed and your body," Jeffery said softly as he pulled Roman in for a deep kiss.
By late afternoon, Sir Jeffery Hardy was on his way to Britain. Adam hoped he would and wouldn't be proven right. If he was right, it meant his adopted country could be under attack. If he was wrong, Bret might not trust his judgment again. He had a feeling he was right though. Lords Barret and Laurinaitis just gave his spine the chills.
"I'm going to send messages to poppa and King Lance. I want to know how the ships are doing. Bret... well... come with me," Adam said hesitantly, as he led his husband to a room at the very top of the tower.
Adam had asked the Head of the Household, Glenn, where he could find a room nobody every went to or even knew about. He took the King Consort to the top of the tower. Nobody ever went there anymore.
"Where are we... wait, I used to play up here, in a hidden room," Bret said in an astonished tone. What was his husband up to?
When Adam opened the hidden door and took Bret into the room, the King of Calgary's mouth fell open. There on the floor was a huge map of the CopeCalTor Basin. It also showed the coast lines, islands and shipping routes.
There were large model ships made of wood on the floor map. The walls were covered with parchment maps of the different islands. A desk was covered with papers, quills and inks of various shades.
Adam lit several huge candles and the windowless room filled with light. Bret was even more amazed as the images became clearer.
"Adam? What? When?" Bret took Adam by the shoulders and looked him in the eyes, he continued, "What have you been up to, and why?" the King was amazed, dazed and slightly confused.
Adam blushed, "Just... oh... Bret... alright. I just have a feeling that for whatever reason, Barrett isn't who he says he is. I just... if Britain..." Adam threw up his hands, he knew he sounded insane, how could he explain what he felt?
"Adam. Talk to me. I'll listen," Bret said in a calm voice. He was curious about what Adam was thinking.
"Barrett is going to lead an attack from Britain. Look at what Calgary has; mines, precious metals, quarries and ports. What scares me is, I am not sure the King of Britain is even aware of Barrett's plan," Adam blurted out his inner feelings. He really didn't know why it was such a strong feeling... it just was.
"Barrett has never shown me anything but friendship and good will," Bret said in doubtful tone.
"Did he introduce you to the King? Did the King respond to your letter? Bret von Hart, King von Hart, when does one King not acknowledge a Royal, and why? Think Bret! If you don't, you would be considered a coward, that you were afraid to... oh..." Adam was frustrated. He knew he sounded crazy and he hoped Bret wouldn't just lock him up with the monks.
"There is truth in what you say. A King always acknowledges another, even if he says go to the devil. Alright, show me, before Drake wakes up," Bret's tone was anxious. He really wanted to hear Adam's ideas.
Adam launched into his battle plan or what could be a battle plan. Bret made a lot of corrections and suggestions for the land battle, and learned a lot about sea battles. Adam had learned from the best naval commander and showed.
"Between my land knowledge and your sea knowledge, we could stand against Britain. That is if Toronto and Copeland joined as promised. I know Copeland will for yours and Drake's sakes. King Lance probably will for the ports. Keep this hidden. Let's see what Jeffery has to say. We'd better go down now. I don't want anyone finding us up here," Bret said as he blew out one of the candles.
They went down to their son. John watched over him as Drake napped. "How is he?" Adam asked as he looked at his beautiful baby boy.
"Fine Your Majesty. He ate and went right to sleep. His mouth doesn't seem to be bothering him so much today," John whispered his report.
"Good. Thank you, John. You can go now, I'll call on you later," Adam said as he looked in the crib.
John left, he knew something was on the young Consorts mind, but it was not his place to ask. He just hoped it wasn't anything too serious.
Drake woke up with a soft mew. It was like he knew his poppa was there. Adam picked his son up and cooed softly to him as the went into the Royal chamber. Bret was at his desk.
"My beautiful boys," Bret said softly as his family came into the room. Drake turned his head towards Bret when he heard his father's voice.
Adam easily handed the baby to Bret, and the King cuddled his son, "You see this, little dragon? We have to write a letter to the King of France. He has an Anniversary soon, so we must congratulate him. Should I send him one of our fine, pink diamonds?" Bret asked his son. He figured Drake was never to young to learn.
The baby made a laughing sound and wiggled in Bret's arms as if he approved of his father's idea to send the gift to the French Monarch.
"Alright, I shall send him one. Now, go back to poppa so I can finish this," Bret said with a kiss to his son's chubby cheek. Adam took the baby and sat on the bed with him. The little family went about their daily business. They were content and happy for now.
In another room in the castle, other plans were being made. Little did King von Hart realize that two traitors to the Crown were working in the very heart of his Council. Lord John and Baron Nicholas were talking about the plans that were being made in London, the great seat of Britain.
"Barrett is playing a dangerous game. If he gets caught on his end, it's treason. If he gets caught here... the King will... execute him. However, if he pulls this off... we will have all the spoils, sail off to the new world and live like King's ourselves," Lord Laurinaitis said to the younger Baron.
"Won't von Hart get suspicious that his letter to the King of Britain was ignored? Sounds like the Copeland brat is starting to raise some questions," Baron Nemeth asked in a worried tone.
"You saw how angry the King was at the brat. I am quite sure he pinned his ears back. He doesn't like his Royal matters being questioned. The brat may call himself King Consort, but everyone knows he is just the Royal brood stock. I'll guarantee you, once the spare heir is born and presented, the brat will be ignored," Lord John spoke with bitter disdain.
"You better not let anyone hear you say those things. Your head will be departed from your body... at the least," Baron Nicholas' tone was full of worry.
Lord John waved him off. The plan was working. He had no worries that in a few months time, they would be on their way to the new world. It was a choice between the new world and China. The new world had more opportunities. The Spanish thought so at least.
Baron Nicholas trusted the older man, after all Lord John had been his sponsor during his Spurring. He'd also paid for his education and obtained his title for him. Yes, he had to serve in the man's bed, but it was worth it. Advancement in rank would have taken longer without Lord John.
"By the by, you are in my bed tonight," Lord John said with a sly smirk. He needed a good romp in the bed and Nicholas was very talented.
Little did the two Nobles know, their every word had been overheard. The listener was furious at the things being said. However, he wasn't sure of what exactly was being plotted. If he brought false accusations to the Kings against high Council members, without real proof, he could be imprisoned or worse, beheaded if the Nobles pushed the issue. He knew one thing, he would keep his eyes down and his ears open. Then he would go to the King Consort. He knew the younger King would be more apt to listen, then react. King Bret tended to react first, then listen.
Things were afoot in Calgary. Would war be averted or was doom sailing over the horizon?