Lucas's injuries are tended to. Eileen makes a plea before her father the king. And why are Nick and Judy so blue?

Special thanks to Togdoesstuff for proof reading!

A/N:

'Damn, he took a beating.' Nick thought to himself as he examined the rabbit before him. He had pulled his coat as far back as he could without taking it off and used his claw to rip the front of the undershirt open. Causing Eileen to gasp in surprise when she heard the rip. Nick ran his paws over the rabbit's ribs searching for puncture wounds. It would be hard to diagnose a broken or bruised rib with him unconscious.

He then felt the rabbit's arms and legs for any abnormalities in case the bones were broken. Finding none he checked his head and felt several lumps forming. The swelling around his left eye where a large cut curved around the socket was something to worry about. Nick could barely pull the eye lids back far enough to inspect the eye itself. Seeing it wasn't bulging or discolored in anyway, he concluded it should go undamaged and tore a small piece of the rabbit's shirt to press to the cut and stop the bleeding. He noted the bad cut on his right side of his buck teeth to his upper and lower lip, pressing a bandage to it as well. He then leaned back and looked at the two does across from him.

Judy was hugging her sister by the shoulders trying to keep her calm. Eileen had tears freely flowing and shaking slightly but never made a sound. She had both of her smaller paws wrapped around his right paw. Judy was trying to ask her questions to find out what happened but she would only stare at the closed eyes of the buck as if willing him to open them.

Fortunately, the surgeon arrived promptly. Nick explained what he found while giving the buck a once over leaving the surgeon to perform his own professional examination. Moving over to speak with Avrid and get his report of what happened. Once satisfied he had two of the several foxes that had now gathered around the shed to carry the bunny to the medical tent, the surgeon following closely behind.

Eileen tried to go with them but Judy held her back. Hoping that separating her from this still unknown guardsman will get her to speak. Now facing her completely Judy held her younger sister's shoulders tightly. Looking down into her eyes to convey the importance of what she was about to say.

"Eileen, you have to tell me what happened." Judy stated firmly.

Eileen took several shuddering breaths before she could speak. Starting with how Samuel had restrained and threatened her and the guardsman. Judy then got her to tell how she ended up with the buck in the first place. Only when she was sure that Eileen was not exaggerating what happened, due to stress or being emotionally overwhelmed, did she release her shoulders.

"We have to go to father then. If we don't Nathan and Samuel will tell him what they want him to hear. And it won't bode well for…what was his name?"

At the question Eileen's blush was easy to see through her white furred cheeks. By this time Nick was standing next to the pair and had listened to Eileen tell her side of events. Seeing the blush easily answered the questions for him and seeing as she was reluctant to answer, Nick offered to answer for her.

"You don't know." Seeing the mortified look and that the poor bunnies face was more red than white now, Nick took that as a no. With a sigh he looked toward the door of the shed they were still standing in. Leaning on the frame was the older fox who had been with them thru this entire fiasco. The tired look on his face reminded him that he was also guarding his and Judy's room early this morning. In the off chance he knew something Nick spoke in their own language to the haggard looking fox.

"I don't suppose you know that bunnies name, do you?"

"Lucas." He casually replied. Taking Nick by complete surprise.

"How did…?" Too surprised by the casual way the old fox answered, Nick's jaw hung upon with the unfinished question.

The old tod raised and eye brow at his reaction and pointed a thumb at the still red bunny. "She didn't know?" When Nick shook his head, all Avrid could do was shake his own in response before walking away. Mumbling something about being too old.

"What was that about?" Judy asked. Nick then turned back to face her.

"Said his name Lucas." Nick looked back at the now empty doorway then back at the two bunnies. "Not how he know."

"Lucas." Eileen whispers. Not realizing Judy heard her. Judy took a deep breath and began easing her sister towards the door. They needed to hurry to intercept any problems Nathan and Samuel may cause.

"Come on, let's go see father."

Following the two bunnies Nick happened to glance to the side of the shed. There he saw a dark blue cloth that seemed to be out of place. Collecting the item, he examined it while he followed Judy and her sister. It was the cloak of the Royal Guards. Over all the garment was just a dark blue. The front had silver trim that flared out where the buttons were located. The collar having the same silver trimming all the way around the stiff brim.

The only thing that seems to distinguish one guardsman from the other were the symbols on the left breast. This one had a silver sun. In the middle was an upside-down pick tool with the hilt of a sword resting on the point of the pick and angled across the handle. A shovel angled the same way crossing the handle with the blade of the sword. A crown resting at the top. A common symbol he had seen around the palace when referencing something to do with the royal family.

The cold had still not relented. Seeing that Eileen was ill prepared for it, no doubt due to her impromptu exit last night, Nick offered the item to his young sister-in-law. She hesitated for only a moment before taking the item. Wrapping it around her shoulders, she found it was nearly too big for her. Longer than she needed, she had to hold up the front to keep it from dragging the ground. Taking the opportunity to hold it to her muzzle and indiscriminately sniff the garment.

They had only just made it back inside the gates when Bonnie spotted them from the steps leading to the palace doors. Quickly running over she pulled Eileen into a hug.

"My child! Thank goodness you're safe!" She leaned back to examine Eileen for any injuries, instead took notice of the oversized cloak she wore. "Come inside we'll get you a-"

"Mother we must see father first!" Eileen interrupted.

"Nathan and Samuel attacked the guardsman that was taking care of Eileen. Now we fear they may be trying to convince father that he tried to take advantage of her when it was Samuel who assaulted and threatened them both." Judy added.

Bonnie looked at Judy as if she hadn't noticed her before. "Judith! Why on earth are you blue?!"

Earlier

A certain rabbit was getting dunked into the barrel of blue powder after dumping a bucket of blue powder on a certain fox for 'accidentally' bopping said rabbit's tail with a powder coated arrow.

Back in the Present

"T-that's not i-important right now!" A suddenly purple Judy was stuttering to answer her mother.

"She's right!" Eileen encouraged. "We must hurry before father makes a decision." Giving a sigh of resignation Bonnie conceded.

"Very well, come." She led both daughters by paw into the palace. Nearing the chamber doors to the king's throne room, Bonnie turned to Judy.

"We will need Nicholas to lead so the guards won't try and stop us." Judy looked back to Nick and felt certain he had heard at the scowl she saw him wearing. Sure enough, as they slowed their pace, Nick passed them by and let the rabbit guards open the door for him.

Nick walked in with the small entourage behind him. He felt slightly uneasy as he entered the great hall the rabbits called a throne room. This was the place it all began. Where he had made what felt like a selfish choice that dragged Judy along with him, all for the sake of an alliance.

Sitting on a raised platform was a chair that stood out above all chairs. The king's throne was made entirely of gold. The ornate cushion made of the finest threads money could buy. Upon it sat The Head of the Warren, King of the Burrows, Leader of Clan Hopps, Stuart Hopps. The titles and ornate decorations didn't seem to fit the rabbit on the throne.

The way his eyes were now watering with a steady stream of tears as he listened to the tale being woven by Nathan and Samuel. To his left, on a pair of stools, sat Johannes Wilde and Gideon Grey. Gideon whispering into the Earl's ear. Translating what was being said as a look of displeasure was growing on his muzzle.

Everyone was so enraptured by the falsities being spewed by the two rabbits they hadn't noticed the small group entering the large room. Nick slowed his pace to a near halt and turned his ears to better hear what was being said.

"…found them in the hay shed along the western wall. He had his paws all over her, playing with her ears, touching her in every conceivable way. Samuel bravely wisped her from his reach while the rest of us tried to subdue him. He began resisting, threatening her and us, we were afraid he would try something so we had to-"

"Liar!" Everyone looked to where the loud voice had come from. Nick, Judy and Bonnie were wide eyed at the strong voice that came from such a little creature. Eileen was shorter than Judy. The top of her head only coming level with Judy's eyes. Yet standing there with her ears leaning forward raised aggressively, jaws clenched with her lips pulled back putting her buck teeth on display. The Earl would later say he felt a shiver of fear run down his spine at the sight.

Nathan had turned with a look of annoyance while Samuel's was in disgust. Both were knocked aside by the flying ball that was Stuart Hopps. Quickly reaching his daughter and bringing her into a tight embrace.

"Oh, Eileen you're ok!" Stu had lifted her slightly off her feet, rubbing his chin across the top of her head vigorously. Not letting her go until Bonnie patted him on the shoulder. "Nathan was just telling me of your horrible ordeal. I promise this buck with be dealt with most harshly." Stu smiled confidently. Looking at his wife, he suddenly felt the confidence of what he just said dwindle away.

"Father," Stu turned his attention back to Eileen, "they are lying."

"Oh, come now Eileen," the voice that sounded like the screech of eels to her said, Samuel confidently walked up, "do you really expect us believe a commoner knows anything of manners?"

"Compared to Lucas I'm afraid you come up a little 'short' Shortgates," Eileen replied in a singsong voice before deadpanning, "in all manners."

"How dare you talk back!" Samuel spat, stomping closer towards the group. "Do not forget that you are in the presence of bucks! And you will do well to-" Samuel was nearly in front of Eileen when a strong paw reached up and grabbed the front of his shirt yanking him to the side and in front of King Hopps.

"And you would do well, boy, to remember whose presence you are in." Stu squeezed the shirt in his paw tighter and lifted it slightly till the faint tear of seems could be heard. Bonnie felt her heart flutter at the sight of her husband. It was easy to forget that someone such as Stu, who was known for his emotional breakdowns, had worked hard in the fields of his own lands his whole life. The strength he gained there was well hidden beneath his now chubby appearance. The fact that he was protecting one of their children did nothing to stop the heat she felt rising in her belly only causing it to intensify.

Stu gave a slow shove to the brat in front of him and walked back to his throne. "Now then, I will hear both accounts." After listening to both parties give their accounts as well as Nicholas giving the account Avrid had told him, Stu pondered on what to do next for a moment. He wished for privacy with his wife. She was so much closer to their daughters than he was. Looking closer at Eileen he noticed the symbol on the cloak she wore. Recognizing it immediately, he realized he hadn't heard all accounts.

"Where is the guardsman now?" Stu asked. To which Nick stepped forward. Allowing Gideon to translate for a clearer answer.

"In the care of our physician."

Stu nodded before speaking again. "Then I will go and speak with him. Bonnie, it's dreadfully cold outside. We should return to our chambers to dress accordingly."

She gave a knowing smile and bowed. These little codes were how they could communicate discreetly. Once alone in their chambers Stu turned to Bonnie.

"Do you believe Nathan is lying?" Stu cuts to the chase. How closely he counseled with his wife was frowned upon by the nobles. Interactions like this had to be kept short.

"Thru his teeth." She answered shortly.

"And Eileen?" He watched as Bonnie visibly deflated.

"She seems to have developed feelings for this Lucas fellow. If not for Judith and Nicholas's accounts…I don't know if we could trust her to be forth coming with any unsavory details about him."

"Agreed." Stu helped Bonnie to put on her coat before putting his own on. "I'll just have to see what kind of a buck he is then."

Near the main entrance to the palace, everyone waited for the return of Bonnie and Stu. Including Johannes and Gideon. Who were looking at the strange pair of blue mammals in front of them.

"Nicholas?" Johannes finally said.

"Yes, father?"

"Why are you and Judith covered in blue powder?"

Earlier

Nick watched as Judy stood on a crate to watch the next match. They had easily won their own. While their team pinned down the reds, he and Judy skirted around the flank. Nick then gave Judy a boost as she leapt out of his paws. Causing her to fly several feet in the air and fire from above. Taking out two opponents on her way down to be caught in Nick's paws.

Now he watched as she was captivated by the new team playing. Fluffy tail tantalizingly closer to his eyes. He watched it twitch back and forth several times before getting an idea. He pulled out a blue arrow and casually held it in his paws before turning slightly to the side.

Present

"Oh, um, I uh…" Nick started scanning the room with his eyes looking for a way out. Fortunately, Stu and Bonnie appeared at that moment. "Oh look! They're back!"

The group made the journey to the tent in the fox camp that Lucas was being tended to. Upon arriving they found the surgeon sitting outside his tent tending to a small fire where he was boiling water. Seeing the group approach, he stood and offered a bow. Before going in Stu had a few questions for the surgeon, which Gideon gladly interpreted.

"Is he awake?"

"Yes."

"Has he said anything?"

"Only mumbled a few phrases the surgeon didn't understand." Stu had a suspicion that if he was anything like Eileen described he might be able to prove his own virtue with his actions. "He then tried to get up and leave but he's in too much pain to get far."

"Can he try and repeat what he said when he first woke up?"

The surgeon thought on it for a moment before doing his best to replicate the words he heard.

"Cá bhfuil sí? An bhfuil sí ceart go leor?" The surgeon's pronunciation was badly off but for Stu it was close enough to give him the answer he wanted.

"Thank you." Stu offered before stepping into the tent alone. It was dark and it took a moment for his eyes to adjust. He could hear the grunts and strains of someone in pain in the tent. But until his eyes adjusted he didn't see Lucas making an effort to sit up and stand in the presence of his king. But once he did though. "Lay back down son."

He watched as the tall buck eased himself back down to the bed and started taking shuddering breaths. There was no doubt in his mind that the boy's ribs were badly bruised if not broken. Once his breathing was under control he spoke again.

"Thank you, your majesty." He whispered. Stu smirked at the rabbit before replying with a shake of his head.

"It is I who should be thanking you." This caused Lucas to hold his breath for a moment and stare at his king with wide eyes. "Eileen told me what you did for her. She also told me that you made no advances towards her. For that I thank you." Lucas had to blink a couple of times to bring himself back to reality. To stunned to do anything more than nod in response.

"Now then, we do have a problem we need to discuss." Lucas suddenly felt very chilly. "Eileen seems to have taken a liking to you." Lucas let out a sigh. His features becoming apologetic.

"I did not intend for that to happen sire." Stu nodded in response.

"I'm aware of that possibility, but tell me, do you think you could return her affection?" Lucas was only able to move his jaw up and down a couple of times allowing a couple of squeaky noises to exit before he could speak again.

"I-I don't know sire. She is beautiful but…"

"But what?" This time Lucas sighed in frustration. He never meant for this to happen. This complicated his life and he wanted to live simply. Not seek out anything higher than his station.

"Sire, I hardly know her beyond her name. Besides that, I'm a commoner. She has no future with me."

Stu grabbed a stool and pulled it beside the bed. Sitting for a moment before speaking. "You know your father told me the same thing before marrying your mother." Lucas grunted when he felt the pain from trying to sit up hit him.

"You knew my father?" Nodding his head Stu had a genuine smile across his face.

"Indeed, I did. I met him while traveling in my youth. Before I was made king. He was building a ballista and testing it when we met. I convinced him to return here with me and I was able to get him appointed to the armory. That's where he met your mother. Did he ever speak to you about her?"

"Only that she was the most beautiful rabbit he had ever seen and that he loved her very much. Not much else besides having given me her eyes. He was not one for details outside of his work I'm afraid." Stu nodded in understanding.

"She was from one of the lesser noble families. I wasn't king yet and couldn't help him to raise his status. As you know status must be appointed by the king or earned through merit. Your mother didn't want to wait for him to have the chance. She renounced her family and title and they eloped to your father's homeland where they were married and you were born."

"When he returned with only you a couple years later, the quietest baby I'd ever seen by the way, I knew something had happened."

"She died giving birth to me." Stu nodded sorrowfully.

"Indeed, she did. Her family shunned her after she renounced her title and they were no kinder to you or your father when he returned. I was able to get him reappointed to his position in the armory and have watched you grow." After sighing to himself Stu continued. "I fear Eileen may do the same for you." Lucas suddenly looked frightened.

"She can't. Not for me." Stu raised his paws to stop him from getting excited.

"Rest easy lad. I have a solution. As a thank you for what you did to help my daughter I've decided to appoint you as a Gentlemammal to a noble." Lucas opened his mouth to protest only to be interrupted. "I am king and it will be done. Now because Eileen is a princess she is supposed to marry a highborn noble so I can't allow you to officially court her…yet. If she has not found a suitor by her seventeenth birthday all other suitors are allowed to court her at that point. I doubt she'll have any trouble waiting till then so it will give the two of you ample time to get to know one another. In the mean time I must find a noble family that will take you into their clan. The Shortgates family is well connected but I think I know someone who may be willing."

Stu had watched as a smile kept growing across the boys muzzle the more he talked. "Thank you sire for everything."

Stu only smiled in return and stood, patting him on the shoulder as he did so. Looking him over once more he noted that he was bare from the waste up. Bandages wrapped around his chest. His face was still swollen and left eye swollen shut. A bandage wrapped where a cut was located on the same eye. Considering how he must have been beaten he seemed to be faring well enough.

Almost back to the tent's entrance Stu turned around to address Lucas once more. "I'll let Eileen know she can come in now." He said with a smile and then he was gone. Shortly replaced by the brown and white doe still wearing his cloak.

Eileen stepped into the tent and was temporarily blinded while her eyes adjusted to the low light. Once she could see properly, she scanned the large- for a rabbit, room. In the center was a wooden table and a candle lantern hanging from the wood frame roof. Once her sight was fully adjusted, she was able to make out a wood framed cot with a familiar rabbit lying on it.

Making her way over to him, she saw the small stool next to the bed. Where her father must have sat, she thought. As she sat, she took in his appearance for a moment.

Bare from the waist up, she saw his ribs bandaged and the swollen features of his face. The bandage covering his swollen, cut eye. The cut on his lips had stopped bleeding but left no doubt of the scar that would form. Now sitting, she found it was just a tad tall for her. Only her toes being able to touch the ground. She hadn't looked him in the eyes yet.

"Are you alright?"

She finally looked to meet his one good eye. In it all she saw was concern her. For that moment she felt like her world revolved around him and she his. She couldn't help the tears that built in her eyes or the lump in her throat, preventing her from speaking. She looked down to her paws in her lap. She was a mess. The hem of her dress and his cloak caked in mud from the rain, rumpled and creased, it still smelt of hay.

She closed her eyes in an attempt to stop them from falling, But they wouldn't. Soon she felt herself hiccupping through the tears. She felt she loved him. She didn't know how or if it truly was, only that she cared more for him than anyone she had ever met. The fear that he hadn't felt the same melted when he asked the question. As did her emotional outpouring, when she felt his paw take her own. She opened her eyes and in her blurry vision saw his larger paw gently stroking the back of her knuckles.

Soon the fear of being rejected was replaced by one of being torn apart. She knew the law, he was a commoner. She would have to denounce her title to be with him. The fear of how her family would react seem to pale in comparison with not being able to be with him.

"I suppose…" She looked up at him once more, a smile on his face as he spoke. "We have much to discuss."

Outside the surgeon's tent.

Stu watched Eileen enter the tent with a slight smile on his face. He didn't know if it would work out between the two of them, but at least they would have a chance at a life, together. His smile quickly faded when he turned his attention back to the group of bucks, now waiting his judgement.

"You lot, return to the throne room. I'll deal with you later." He watched as the group trudged away with drooping ears. Stu would have to find a punishment befitting their crime. For now, there was another matter that needed tending.

"Earl Wilde," he turned to face the one eyed fox, "I need to ask a favor."

A/N:

The emblem on Lucas's coat is an adaptation of the Badge of the Royal Pioneer Corps of the British Army. From what I understand this unit was in existence between 1939-1993.