Chap 10
Ianto stood before the ornate mirror and unfolded the letter he kept in his breast pocket.
It was torn and worn from his folding and unfolding it on a daily basis since he had found it in his sister's things a week ago and the blood smears were his sister's. The note to his sister was now his. Her duty now his as well.
As he was the last child and now the Heir to his father's crown he had a duty to his people to find a peaceful resolution.
The tunic was a simple burgundy with gold thread and the gold crown his mother had placed on his head was heavy. The black slacks and boots made him look as regal as his mother wanted. He felt like a fraud. My sister should be wearing the crown of waiting.
Ianto turned with a heavy heart and began the journey from his chambers to the great hall where the final arguments would take place.
As he entered the room he was surprised to see a chair next to Jack still vacant and as he approached Jack smiled and motioned him over.
"I saved you a seat for the floor show" Jack murmured as Ianto gratefully rested his still sore body in the plush seat. The healers had worked their magic but some things were not fixed overnight.
"This is nice, so soft" Ianto whispered rubbing the fabric under his hands and Jack nodded his agreement as the arguments raised a fraction and yelling began.
"What have I missed Sir?" Ianto asked and Jack grinned at the title.
"Well, they've decided that they are both lower than dog's balls on a summer afternoon, or so they have informed each other of the fact and I think the Hart family accused the Jones family of fucking a pig or something" Jack shrugged and was rewarded with a quiet snort of humour.
"You okay?" Jack took a moment to examine the young prince and found approval in his garb.
"Just tired. Can't sleep" Ianto admitted as his mother hurled an insult across the room and Jack's father called for calm once more.
"Wow, all we need is finger food" Ianto drawled and it was Jack's turn to snort.
Her Majesty the Queen looked over at her son and watched as he gently placed a hand on Ianto's and whispered something that had the young man grinning with a mock frown.
Such a pleasant young man, his valour was highly spoken of and he does wear a crown so well.
She was surprised that Jack had ordered the chair moved to his side as the chair had been placed to one side behind the main chair and left unused since Sofia's demise. The regal throne of the Heir's bond-mate, it was destined to dust. A twin to his own, but dainty with red velvet to polar his blue. Now he had revived it and she had wondered why until Ianto had entered and Jack's face had lit up. Now as she watched her son carefully woo the young man she suddenly felt her stomach fall into her slippers. No.
As the meeting calmed and food was brought out, Jack took a moment to order a small table be paced beside him so Ianto could eat from the chair. Ianto blushed prettily as Jack poured his drink personally and again spoke softly.
Now she was sure of his plan. Oh my lovely boy.
"Ianto, you say you helped your sister decide the fate of our peoples" Jack said softly as he offered Ianto a sweet.
Ianto looked up at him through his lashes and nodded.
"So you believe, as I do, that we need to join our two families to stop this madness and declare the three families one federation?" Jack watched closely as Ianto's eyes slid to the side and he followed his gaze.
Lady Hallett had just entered.