This chapter is dedicated to The Princess of Perv, Natalie. Without her encouragement, this story would have been discontinued for lack of reviews. THANK YOU Natalie!
Plans were underway for the celebration of Prince Drake Arthur de Copeland von Hart's first birthday, at the end of the month. It was going to be a grand feast and celebration. Hunter and Shawn along with Christian and his family were coming. Heath would be cleansed by then. He'd just given birth to a second baby girl, Anne Katherine.
King Theodore of Jericho had been invited, but had not yet responded. The King and Queen of Toronto and their children had just accepted. All the higher ranking Nobles had also been invited.
One day of the three-day celebration would be devoted to the residents of the castle village. They would be allowed to enter the inner courtyard in small groups to receive a special coin celebrating the Prince's first year.
Also running through Adam's mind was the fact that he wasn't with child again. It certainly wasn't from lack of trying. The Royal Physician told the couple their health was fine. He advised them to not try so often and to stop thinking about it. He also said stress could block conception.
Bret told Adam, after the celebration, they would leave Drake with his grandparents and take a trip to Paris. They were both looking forward to it.
Also, a few more general letters had been sent by Barrett. He said he'd return in a few weeks. Adam also had no reports from Sir Jeffery Hardy, and he was getting worried. Almost three months had passed since the Knight had left for Britain.
Roman was also worried. He knew Jeffery's brother would be part of the contingent from Copeland. He would have to avoid saying anything about Jeffery. His lover had told him that King Adam would explain it.
"Your Majesty, there is a Morrison of Jericho to see you," Glenn announced to Adam. The Royal family was in the garden.
"Show him here," the King Consort replied with a smile. He was holding Drake by the hands as the Prince took a few wobbly steps. He'd also learned how to say pa and fa. Bret was fa and Adam was pa. The young Prince could also say eat and wata for water. He was learning and growing so fast.
"That's our baby boy. Come to father, come on," Bret was smiling and clapping softly as his boy toddled to him, he was so proud.
Just as Adam and Drake got to Bret, Morrison appeared at the entry to the garden's center. He bowed low, "Greetings Your Majesties. Your Royal Highness" the messenger from Jericho addressed the Royal family von Hart of Calgary.
"Welcome, Morrison. A message for us?" Adam asked with a warm smile.
Morrison spoke, "Yes, Your Majesties. King Theodore happily accepts your invitation to the celebration of the Birthday of His Royal Highness, Prince Drake. He will be one in number plus servant and six guards. His Majesty will arrive two days prior to the celebration," Morrison read his message from a Royal parchment.
"Wonderful! I will write a reply for you later. Glenn, please see that Morrison has quarters and food for the night," Adam said firmly.
"Thank you, Your Majesties," Morrison replied with a deep bow. He followed Glenn out of the garden.
"How nice! You will love Theodore. I'm so happy he is coming," Adam said joyfully. He really liked Chris' father.
"I suppose you hoped Lionheart was coming too," Bret said in a tone of sadness. It took Adam by surprise.
"Bretty? I never even thought of that. I wrote the invitation to Theodore. I didn't even mention, Christopher coming. You know I love you. You are the father of my child," Adam thought this issue was long over. In over a year of marriage, Bret had never told him he loved him, but he knew in his way, Bret did love him. Christopher hadn't crossed his mind in months.
"I am sorry. Forgive me?" Bret asked sincerely. He berated himself. He always spoke rashly.
"You know I do, I love you," Adam leaned over and kissed his husband.
"ucky" Drake said with a squeal and wiggle in Bret's grasp. It made the two parents break their kiss with a laugh.
The Royal Family of Calgary spent another hour in the garden. Then they went to the Royal Mews, to the stables. The pony for Drake had arrived from Copeland. They wanted to see what Christian had sent for their son.
Adam's brother was known for his horsemanship. He'd been in charge of the horse breeding and training in Copeland for many years. He had raised champion racing stock, work horses, riding and hunting stock and great war horses trained to be deadly in battle. The older Prince of Copeland had a magical, natural touch with horses.
When they got to the stables, the groom brought out the most beautiful, solid black pony. The little pony's conformation was absolutely perfect. The pony was a gift from Christian, Heath, Elizabeth and Anne.
"Look Drake. That is your very own pony," Adam said to his son, who was straddling Bret's hip.
"Oney! Oney!" Drake said with excitement. The boy loved animals of all kinds. Drake loved to ride in front of one of his parents, as they held him securely.
"P-pony, Drake," Bret tried to prompt his son to speak correctly. Still it made him laugh. Drake wiggled happily.
"We shall ride this afternoon, around three," Bret said to the groom, who bowed deeply.
"Eat?" Drake looked at Bret, his light brown, long, curly hair bounced as he clapped his little hands happily.
Bret put his son down. Adam and Bret each took one of Drake's hands and slowly walked back to the castle. They made an adorable family. The servants working around the castle stopped to watch the Royals as they passed. They were so thankful for the day Adam came into their lives, and that only doubled when Drake had been born. Their King was smiling once again.
Back in the castle, Lord John and Baron Nicholas were making plans. They had gotten word from Lord Barrett. "Somehow he has managed to get the southern army of Britain behind him. Apparently, the King has moved up north with all his council. Alexander was given command of the southern contingent. He has convinced them that they are to raid Calgary for her resources to help the King's efforts in the north and the Southern Lords believed him," Lord John read and interpreted the meaning of Lord Barrett's letter and explained it to Baron Nemeth.
"I do not know how he managed to do it. He convinced all the south Britain Nobles that they should invade Calgary? It's actually going to happen?" Baron Nicholas was impressed with Lord Alexander. He never really thought the plan would come to fruition.
"I don't either, but he did. He says they will be sailing in three weeks. We are to have our army at the coast to meet them. We have a lot of work to do. We have to convince the King we need coastal patrol drills or something that will use only our men. That might take away suspicions of our actions. We also need to come up with a back up plan. Maybe gather some bandits or rogues for hire," Laurinaitis explained to the younger noble.
"Why will men loyal to the King and Calgary suddenly turn on their country? I have always said this is the fatal flaw of the plan," Baron Nemeth asked in a worried tone. This was the hardest part of the plot.
"Lord Barrett has said he will take care of that. I am sure he will manage it. We must have faith. He has gone this far. The timing is perfect. The King and his brat are too busy with Prince Drake's celebration. If we wait two more weeks, when they are even more involved our chances will be better. I'll get the coastal armies together, you just back me up," Lord John said in a firm and confident tone.
The unfortunate thing? This important conversation had been missed by the normally ever watching eyes and ever listening ears. The observer was tied up with duties, preparing for the birthday celebration. Had he heard this conversation, the future of Calgary would have been different.
"Bret, he is too young. He can't ride that pony by himself yet," Adam was frantic as Bret placed their nearly year old son on the black pony.
The pony had been saddled with a tiny child sized saddle, a gift from his grandparents. Drake was happily sitting on his pony, quite ready to ride.
Sir Reigns had secured the young Prince into the saddle. A special strap held him in securely, and the back of the saddle came up high enough to support the child. Almost all of them had learned to ride before they could walk, even Adam. It was the way of the times. It didn't stop Adam from being terrified.
"He's happy, pet. Let's walk with him first. If he doesn't like it or do well, he can ride with you," Bret said firmly. He was not one to "baby" his boy.
Adam knew he wouldn't win. "Drake, you hold on tight," Adam said as he put the reigns in his son's hands. As Bret led the pony by its bridle, Adam held his son by the waist, even though he was secure in the saddle. Drake had a grand time. Eventually Adam let go, Drake was a natural rider. Bret and Adam decided it was safe enough to mount their own horses.
Bret led the pony and Adam rode next to his boy. Roman and five other Royal Guards went with the family. They rode for an hour. By the end Drake was tired and cranky so Adam put him on the horse he was riding and held him tightly. The little Prince was asleep before Adam could blink.
Two weeks later, Shawn and little Elizabeth arrived. The rest of Adam's family would come after Heath was churched. Anne would be presented after Drake's celebration.
When the two cousins were reintroduced, they were again instantly best friends. Shawn doted over his grandson. He wished he had more time to visit Calgary, but news in the air prevented it. He probably needed to talk to his son-in-law, but now he wanted to enjoy Drake and Elizabeth.
The Royal children sat on the floor in front of the fire. Adam and Bret were in their chairs watching them. Shawn had gone to rest, he wasn't feeling too well.
Drake was telling Bess, as his cousin was fondly known, all about his adventure, riding his pony. The two Kings could barely understand the childish gibberish, but Bess hung on Drake's every word. The young Prince sounded so dramatic as he spoke. It made the older men smile, as they watched with love.
In the mean time, unbeknownst to his son, Shawn had asked John to bring Physician Galloway to see him. When they arrived, Shawn sent John away with a warning not to tell Adam or Bret. John nodded and left the two men alone.
"What can I do for you, Your Majesty? You do look rather pale," the young healers asked earnestly.
"Do you... think... could I be with child?... at my age?... I feel the same... as when I carried my sons," Shawn asked in a quiet stutter. He thought he was too old to be enceinte.
Andrew asked Shawn to lie down. After removing his tunic, the "Queen" complied. Drew was amazed, the older man was still extremely handsome. His body was hard and as chiseled as a young Knight. King Hunter was a very lucky man.
The Physician started feeling around Shawn's abdomen and asked him questions about exactly how he felt. When it started and if he was ill in the mornings. Shawn told him it started a few weeks ago, but no he wasn't morning ill. The worst part were the headaches he got in the afternoons. Usually they would pass after a few hours, but sometimes the pain was blinding and all he could to get rid of the pain was sleep in a very dark room.
Drew ended his examination, "I don't feel any child. If you were that far along, I would feel it. Your Majesty, I would guess with the headaches, you are going through a change of life. I would doubt if you could become with child again. It is a part of getting older. The headaches will pass in time. Rest when you need to and eat well," the healer explained at length. His tone was warm and understanding.
"Oh... I never..." Shawn was shocked. He had secretly hoped he was with child again, even though he was older. Another baby would have made Hunter so proud and happy. They always longed for a daughter. His blue-green eyes filled with tears.
The Physician felt bad, it was never easy to tell a man or woman they had grown too old to conceive. He placed a kind hand on Shawn's shoulder, "I am sorry, Your Majesty. Just remember, you have two handsome sons and three beautiful grandchildren. It is God's way and we must accept it as best we can."
Shawn nodded as he put his tunic back on and laid down again. His head still ached and the news hadn't helped. "Thank you, Andrew. You are very kind and understanding. I just... am I less of a man now? What will Hunter think? Will... we still... you know... often... will... that... change? I am not... ready... for... a separate... bed..." the "Queen" flushed a bit.
Shawn and Hunter still had excellent marital relations. He just wasn't ready to give that up. Hunter was too good at it and Shawn knew he still pleased his husband as well. He worried now that Hunter wouldn't want him anymore, or maybe his espoused would now take a younger lover, as often happened.
Physician Galloway smiled softly, "I am sure it won't make any difference. Please, do not be offended or think evil of me, but you are a very attractive man. King Hunter is very lucky to have you. Be honest with him. I am sure it shall be fine," his words were honest as was his tone.
Shawn flushed a bit, "um... thank you. I will be honest, I have never once lied to Hunter. I just pray you are right. Thank you again. I'll just rest a while now," Shawn said politely as he dismissed the Physician. Drew nodded with a smile and left the "Queen" of Copeland to rest.
A few days later while Adam was bathing the two children, Shawn went to talk to his son-in-law. Bret was in the small chamber just off the throne room. He had just had his daily meeting with his Council.
"Ah, Shawn. I was told you wanted to speak to me?" the King of Calgary looked at his father-in-law, his brow raised.
"Yes I do. There have been some things I have heard from the shipyard. Rumors of an army setting sail from southern Britain. The thing is, the last we knew the King of Britain was busy in the northern extent of his Kingdom, several hundred miles away. Why would he do this? An army wouldn't sail just for trade negotiations," Shawn said in a perplexed tone.
"Rumors, Shawn? Should we really be worried about unfounded facts? I guess I should tell you, Adam too has a feeling something is wrong. We sent Sir Jeffery on a mission to Britain. We have not heard from him as of yet. Until then, they are only rumors," Bret said firmly, with a nod of his head.
If the King of Calgary had a fault, it was that sometimes he relied too much on cold, hard facts. Sometimes rumors panned out, his Council had often warned him to heed things that were "floating" in the air.
"You know, it took Hunter a long time to get used to my feelings as well. He learned my judgment was often right. Let me just say, if my son told me about something, I would listen to him. What harm could it do to reinforce your coastal border a bit?" Shawn said in a friendly but wise tone of voice.
Bret smiled, "I do Shawn. Let me show you what your son has done. Follow me, but do not say a word about where we are going and what you are about to see," Bret said as he stood. He led the "Queen" of Copeland up to Adam's hidden "war room".
Shawn was surprised. He was also pleased that Bret did listen to Adam. The sea Captain in Shawn was proud of his son. Adam had paid attention to him. He made a few minor course adjustments for Adam, but those were the only faults he found and they were minor at best.
"You will make a formidable team. You are an expert at land battle. Show Hunter, he will be impressed. My son actually learned from me. I wouldn't hesitate to give him a fleet of mine to command," Shawn spoke proudly to his son-in-law.
"Adam has control of our seas. I do trust him, he is young but wise. You raised him well. Now, let's go before we are missed," Bret said just as proudly.
They went back down to the Royal chambers. Shawn nearly squealed, Hunter was warming his hands in front of the fire. He turned and smiled at his beloved "Queen". His arms were soon filled with a happy coppery blond. They kissed in joyous reunion. Adam smiled at his parents as he came out of the adjoining nursery.
"You're early! Where at the boys and Anne?" Shawn asked as he rested in Hunter's warm, strong embrace.
"Don't panic, but Anne has a cold. The Physician said she should not travel. She is fine, but Christian said Adam would understand. They aren't coming. I decided I missed you too much, there was nothing I could do to help, so Heath threw me out," Hunter said with a smile and laugh. He only left because he knew his granddaughter would be alright.
"Of course we understand. Anne's health matters more than anything. I am glad you came early father, welcome to our home," the King Consort of Calgary said warmly as he embraced his father.
Bret then welcomed his imposing father-in-law. The King of Calgary truly liked Hunter and would relish in the chance to have this extra time to talk to him.
"My darling, are you sure little Annie will be alright? She is just so... small. Maybe I should go ho..." Shawn was interrupted by his husband's hand on his arm.
"Heath said you are not to worry, or to come home. She is fine there is no fever. She only has a bit of a runny nose and a few sneezes. The Physician advised a trip would not be good for her, it could make her really ill. Now, where are my babies. I want to see my grandson," Hunter said in a soft, assuring tone.
Shawn knew Hunter wouldn't lie, especially about something so important. Hunter took off his traveling cloak and settled into a chair in front of the fire, while Adam went to wake the children. The "Queen" fussed over his King. Hunter relaxed, he'd missed Shawn very much.
Elizabeth giggled and toddled to her grandfather. Drake was in Adam's arms, straddling his hip. The boy looked afraid of the huge man, however, he had enough of Bret in him that he didn't cry.
"Drake, remember? This is your grandfather. See Bess loves him," Adam said softly as he spoke to his child. Drake took Hunter in, if Bess was alright, he would be too. He wiggled in his poppa's arms.
Adam placed the little dragon of Calgary in Hunter's lap. The King beamed at his grandson, "My you are a handsome Prince. Did you like the pony Uncle Christian and Uncle Heath sent you?" Hunter asked the child. They never spoke gibberish baby talk to their children or grandchildren.
"Oney!" Drake said firmly, then launched into the same story he had told his cousin about his first ride. Hunter paid rapt attention and asked the boy questions. They had quite a conversation, even though Hunter could only guess at half the things the Royal toddler said.
In the mean time, Glenn and John brought the evening meal into the chamber. John had advised Glenn to all the King and "Queen's" favorite foods and the trays were filled with them.
The Royal family filled their plates and sat around the fire. Shawn held Bess and fed her from his plate as they sat in Adam's chair. Hunter was in Bret's chair. Bret and Adam chose to sit on the floor, happy and cosy. Drake sat between them as both men fed him from their plates. It was a nice, quiet family moment.
In the chambers of Lord John he and Baron Nicholas were also enjoying their evening repast. They whispered and plotted throughout the meal. The man who spied on them was discouraged, he couldn't hear anything. He gave up after a while, he had other duties to attend to.
Glenn supervised as lesser servants cleared away the remains of the Royal meal. Shawn and Hunter sent their compliments to the Head Cook as did Adam. Glenn smiled and nodded. He was thankful that John was so helpful.
Adam laughed when he turned around. His father, the mighty King of Copeland was sitting on the floor rolling a ball, first to Bess, then to Drake. The children were laughing happily. Shawn looked a bit... sad. Adam made a note in his thoughts to talk to his poppa later.
Soon Drake started gnawing on his fist. Adam knew that was his son's signal he was getting tired. Bess was rubbing her eyes, her sign of sleepiness.
"Father, they are getting tired. I'd better put them to bed," Adam said to the King sitting on the floor.
"Alright son. Come Bret we can do this. Bessie you ready to go to sleep?" Hunter asked as he stood up and picked up the little red-head.
"Yes we can. Come my little Prince, Father will read you and Bess a story," Bret said as he stood and scooped his son up, making the boy laugh.
Shawn and Adam smiled as the two Kings went to the nursery with the children. Adam pulled his poppa to the bed. They sat down side by side.
"Poppa? Are you alright? You looked sad when Father was playing with the children," Adam asked, concern filled his voice.
Shawn sighed deeply, then told his son about his talk with Andrew the Physician, "... so, I'll tell your father tonight and pray he stays in our bed," Shawn finished his explanation. He let out another sad sigh.
"I'm sorry poppa, but I know father loves you. It must be hard though. I just... I know in his way Bret loves me, but he's never... once said it. At least father says the words to you," Adam expressed to his birth parent.
Shawn realized his problem was small, "I know he does love you. I have observed how he looks at you, and how he talks about you. Remember he... Edward. Mayhaps Bret's head just can't make his mouth speak what his heart feels. Just know in your heart he does love you and cares deeply for you. I am glad to see you so happy. I know how you felt about Christopher. You have done well by Bret. Um... are you... another child?" Shawn asked his youngest.
Adam flushed a bit, "We are trying or at least we... you know... often. Bret is... very... um... robust. You are correct about the other, he does love me, he shows it..." Adam stopped as their husbands came back into the room.
"Drake wants poppa and Bessie wants Shawn," Bret said as he and Hunter went to have a drink at Bret's desk.
Later, Shawn and Hunter were settling into the bed in their guest-chamber. They were lying naked in each others arms. Shawn looked up at his husband. The moment had come, he had to tell his news. For the second time that night, Shawn told what the young Physician had explained to him. The "Queen" was honest with his King. When he finished, he hung his head, almost in shame and waited for Hunter's response.
Hunter gently lifted Shawn's chin, he looked in to the beautiful blue-green eyes, "Is that all? My pet, I was worried that your headaches were something more serious. I must be honest, I am glad. I am too old to have another baby to raise. You gave me two handsome sons and through them three grandchildren. Now we can have relations and not worry. So cheer up my little one. I love you very much. You are still the most beautiful creature on earth," Hunter said with a soft kiss to Shawn's lips.
Shawn smiled, he was relieved, "I am glad to hear that. I was worried you wouldn't want to... bed with me... that I was useless to you now. I love you, my King of Kings," Shawn said softly with a kiss to Hunter in return.
Hunter then proceeded to show his husband how he felt about him. Shawn was not disappointed, in fact, he was higher in the sexual heavens than he'd ever been. It was wonderful.
Adam lay in bed, as he tried not to laugh. Bret was reading some Royal papers by the rich candlelight. The King looked at his young spouse, "What is so humorous, my pet?" the bed was shaking from Adam's silent laughter.
"Do you not... listen..." Adam cocked his head towards the wall that separated their room from the guest-chamber where Hunter and Shawn were staying. The faint sounds of moans could be heard, and they were certainly not moans of pain, not by a long shot. They were very obviously sounds of much pleasure.
Bret finally noticed the sounds, "Well, now I know who you inherited that little squeal from. Sounds like your poppa has no complaints. I think we should show them how the young folk do things," The King of Calgary said with a wicked grin. Not thinking he was only a couple of years younger than Shawn.
Adam's eyes grew wide, but he had no objections. The King and his Consort gave the King and "Queen" a run for their gold. Had the children not have been in the nursery, the von Hart's would have won.
At breakfast the next morning, two very smug Kings were grinning at each other as two very flushed light-haired spouses fussed over Drake and Bess while trying to keep their dignity. Bret and Hunter laughed, making the other two blush even more.
Both Bret and Hunter tended to matters of the Kingdom. Von Hart listened to his older father-in-law. Hunter was very smart and wise. He took an instant dislike to the two Noble who seemed to have Bret's ear the most. They appeared to be steering him away from making the coastal borders stronger. That just did not make sense, especially when the three land border countries were strong allies of Calgary. He would Council Bret in private later.
While that was going on, Shawn and Adam made further plans for Drake's birthday celebration. Today was the day the Royal Mint would strike the coins. Adam needed to give his final approval.
The Royal Mint was really an old mine along the coast. Hunter and Bret decided to go with Adam, Shawn and the children. They would spend the night, then spend a few hours on the beach before returning back to the castle.
The Royal carriage was prepared and a trunk quickly packed. Glenn was used to such things so he had the family packed and ready in an hour. John went with them and Roman was the Head Guard. Matthew Hardy from Copeland went as well. Bret had only told him Jeffery was on a Royal mission. Matthew did not question the King.
The ride to the coast was pleasant. The little village where the Mint was located was called Winnipeg. They were known as the gold coast town, of course named for the gold mine. However, copper was also found there as well as a beautiful quartz that was made into jewelery or things for a household, like vases or containers for perfumes and oils. Silver came from the nearby village of Silver Springs.
Glenn had sent word ahead and the miners were waiting as were the Mint Masters. The entire village cheered as the Royal carriage entered the town. It really wasn't an effort, they loved Bret and were happy to meet Adam and their future King.
Drake and Elizabeth mimicked the adults and wildly waved their little arms, the crowds loved it. The coach pulled up to the Royal Mint. King von Hart stepped out first, Adam handed Drake to his father then exited the carriage. The de Copeland's followed as Hunter held on to Bess.
The Head of the Mint, Vincent McMahon, greeted the Royal Family and led them into the mine where the Mint was built in an old shaft. There too, the workers were lined up to greet the Royals.
Bret was proudly holding his son, Drake seemed to be aware he was special. The boy was still, quiet and very regal. Adam was just as proud of his son. Elizabeth was good too, as she rested in Hunter's strong arms.
"Your Majesties, here is the coin. If you approve we will begin production immediately," Lord McMahon said firmly. He was gruff and tough on his workers, but the Royal Mint of Calgary turned out the most beautiful coinage in the four realms of the region.
Vince handed Adam the solid gold coin. On one side, there was a rampart unicorn and dragon. Their feet rested on a shield-shaped like a heart. The details in the two creatures was so well done, they looked alive. Scroll work ran around the edges, along with the words, "Celebrating the first year of Crown Prince, Drake von Hart. The front was an exact copy of Jeff's drawing that graced Bret's locket.
More scroll work contained the motto of Calgary, "The Excellence of Execution". It was truly a work of art. Adam and Bret loved it, Drake's grandparents approved as well.
"Excellent work, Lord McMahon. We approve. You may begin production to the quantity agreed upon. Make sure we get the first one. You have all done an excellent job. Give them Prince Drake's celebration day and the day after off from work," Bret said in a very Kingly tone.
"Yes, Your Majesty, and thank you. The first coin will be saved for you. Delivery will be as agreed. Now, we thought the young Prince might like to see the men at work. We have a short tour prepared," the older Lord replied with a bow.
Drake and Elizabeth both enjoyed watching the men working. They were too young to understand it, but the shiny metals fascinated them. They each left clutching a piece of gold. Now they were very tired. John and Roman took the children to the Royal lodge to nap while the older Royals continued to tour the jewelery shops and goldsmiths of Winnipeg.
Adam fell in love with a beautiful silver statue that was sized to sit on a desk. The scene depicted showed a mighty lion protecting a beautiful unicorn from a terrible looking bear. Bret understood why Adam liked it, he honestly didn't mind. He purchased the piece. It earned him a nice kiss.
In the main jewelry store, Shawn admired a beautifully detailed silver cross with copper and gold accents. The long chain was as fine and delicate as the cross. Hunter bought it and he too received a kiss.
Other things were bought. A pretty necklace with a pink diamond for Bess, a ring for Christian and a rock crystal vase for Heath. They had a fine time shopping and just enjoying each other.
Late in the afternoon, Adam wanted to get to the Royal Lodge to check on the children and Shawn agreed. The Royals returned to the lodge.
The Royal Lodge was a fifteen room manor house that sat on a hill and over looked the ocean below. It was plainly decorated, but still you would know that it was the home of a Royal.
They settled in. Adam smiled at his beautiful boy. The young Prince was awake, but was quiet as Bess slept next to him. Drake smiled at his poppa and held up his arms.
Adam smiled brighter and picked up his son, "You have a dirty cloth, young man," Adam said with a wrinkled nose. As he changed the Royal bum, Shawn woke Bess. She too needed a change. Soon they were clean, dry and happy.
"Oney?" Drake asked as Adam carried him down to the main part of the house.
"Not today, son. Oney is at home," Adam replied to his son. The black pony had aptly been named "Oney" for the way Drake said the word "pony".
"Eat?" Drake then asked his poppa. His brow was furrowed, much like Bret when in deep thought.
"Yes, Your Highness. Your supper is ready. We've set the table outside, Your Majesty," John said as he entered the room with a bow.
The servants had set a large table up outside, under a tent top. Roasted beef and turkey with breads, cheeses, eggs, olives, pickles and watered wine were ready to be enjoyed. Sweet meats would be served later.
The family was enjoying their meal. Roman and Matthew were standing guard. John, Glenn and the lodge servants were waiting on the Royals. Drake was enjoying feeding himself. Beef juice ran down his hands and face. John had made sure the tenderest bits were served to the children. He didn't want them choking.
Just as the meal had ended, a loud groan was heard, but nothing could be seen. Roman's eyes scanned the land for a wild animal. The noise was heard again as a head appeared over the ledge that lead down to the ocean. A hand appeared, with another pain filled groan.
Roman and Matthew went to the man who was obviously badly hurt. As they got to the man both Reigns and Hardy were horrified. It was Jeffery.
Roman carefully went over the ledge and helped Matthew ease the wounded man up to the flat land. The Knight looked beaten and dried blood covered his tunic, fresh blood wept from the wounds.
"Jeffery? Godsteeth what happened?" Roman said as he held his lover in his arms. Matthew had rushed to tell the Royals.
Jeffrey barely opened his blackened eyes, he saw Roman, he knew he'd finally made it home. "Barr... ett... war..." the wounded man said as he passed out in his lover's arms.
