Chapter 25
Pierre sat on the library sofa, a glass of whiskey in hand and a book resting on his lap. He had retired to his suite after dinner, but found himself too restless to stay there. He decided a walk was in order and as was usual for him his walk led him to the library. Now seated in the quiet library with only a small reading lamp illuminating the room he found himself wrestling with his actions over the past few months.
"I thought I might find you here," his father's voice said from the shadows before stepping into the light and seating himself next to his eldest son.
"Papa, I didn't expect…" Pierre began stopping when his father waved away any excuse. Knocking back the whiskey in hand Pierre stood and walked to the small table to pour himself another. "May I get you one?" he asked his father.
"Please," said Rupert.
Pierre poured two full measures of whiskey before carrying both glasses over to the sofa and handing his father one. Rupert took a small sip from his glass, enjoying the burn of the whiskey while observing his son.
"Is there something wrong mon petit renard?" Rupert asked, using his son's nickname. Rupert waited for his son to answer. He knew something was bothering his eldest son. He also knew he would eventually tell him what it was; he just needed to wait.
Pierre took a sip of his whiskey, leant forward, his elbows on his knees, his glass held between his hands and said, "I went to visit Helen in San Francisco."
His father's hiss of in drawn breath was loud in the quiet room.
"When?"
"Three months ago."
Silence greeted his statement and Pierre chanced a look at his father. The emotions on his father's face ranged from disbelief to anger to excitement to sorrow.
In a quiet voice Rupert asked, "Did you see her?"
Pierre placed his glass down on the coffee table in front of him. Taking his father's hands in his he answered, "Oui, Papa. Elle est belle, douce et adorable! Papa, I wish you could have seen her! She is perfect!"
"Helen didn't tell her who I was just that I was a friend of her papa. But Papa, she is so much like Philippe! While I was there she was practicing her letters, and she stuck her tongue between her teeth just like Philippe does when he is concentrating," Pierre said. "And her temper! Oh, she has the Renaldi temper! She threw a fit when it was time for her to take a bath and go to bed. She wanted to stay up and visit more but she was so tired and Helen was adamant that she get ready for bed."
"What did Helen say about your visit?" asked Rupert.
"She was angry at first. She thought I was there to try to…"
"To take Amelia…Mia…" Rupert finished.
"Yes," said Pierre. "But I told her I wasn't there for any reason other than to see Mia. I just wanted to meet my niece and maybe spend some time getting to know both of them. Helen agreed to allow me to spend time with Mia while I was in San Francisco. But she made it clear I was not to tell Mia who I was or anything about her father or his family, that was her place and if I didn't agree she would have to ask me to leave."
"And did you agree?"
Pierre looked down at his father's and his hands. "Yes, I did," whispered Pierre.
He cleared his throat.
"I spent three days visiting with them. Papa, I wanted so badly to just grab Mia and leave with her," he said, "…to contact the Genovian consulate, order security to retrieve us both and place us on the first flight to Genovia!"
"But I didn't, and after I said my goodbyes and left."
"There is more though isn't there?" Rupert asked.
Pierre nodded. "Yes."
Rupert waited for Pierre to continue.
"I went to see Philippe in Dubai."
"Pierre." His name conveyed more than multiple sentences ever could.
"Don't worry Papa, he is still breathing. Bruised but breathing," said Pierre.
"Dammit Pierre!" his father yelled. "What have I told you about…?"
"Papa, Philippe won't mention 'our talk' to anyone. One reason is he doesn't want anyone to know his priest of a brother gave him a right pasting. The other is…"
"I don't care! I ought to take a cane to you for your actions," said Rupert glaring at his oldest son. He could just see the headlines and reactions if the media caught scent of this not to mention Clarisse. Taking a deep breath Rupert asked, "And what will you say to your Mother if she hears about this?"
Pierre paled at the thought of his mother finding out about his actions.
"Exactly!" his father said. "You didn't think about that, did you? All I have to say is that YOU," Rupert pointed at his son, "are on your own if she hears one iota about this."
"But...," Pierre said.
"I suggest finding bolt holes. Lots of them," said Rupert.
"Merde!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The feel of his Queen's skin beneath his hands, the taste of her on his tongue caused his hand to drift to his erection to ease the ache there. Three strokes were all it took before he came, his shout of 'Luciana' echoing loudly in the quiet room before quiet reigned once more.
An hour passed before the sound of hand moving across skin was heard again. The groan of 'Marguerite' was heard then silence. A few hours passed before hand on skin was heard once again, this time a shout of 'Carolina' broke the silence before stillness settled over the room.
As dawn broke over Genovia, the rhythmic sound of hand on skin was heard once again followed by the shout of 'Mirielle'.
Joseph woke; his dreams and the promise of 'soon' skirted the edge of his conscious mind. He wasn't surprised to find evidence of his release coating the sheets and his stomach. It had been the same for the past three nights. Dreams filled with loving his Queen in all her guises.
He stripped the bed of the soiled sheets and walked to the small en-suite bath to shower. Wrapped in a towel Joseph waited for the arrival of Shades and Micah.
The two men would assist him in dressing and then escort him to the Cathedral sanctuary where he would swear his oath and receive his marks of office as 'regina patronus quod paramour'.
Joseph stood when he heard the key turn in the door.
He smiled in greeting as the two men entered the library. Finally, the day had arrived!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sunlight greeted the three men as they exited the palace from the hidden passage. A limousine waited for them. Micah and Shades were dressed in short tunics, with ankle length bracae or trousers underneath. Shades tunic was a dark green plaid pattern, with dark green bracae and Micah's was plaid saffron with solid saffron bracae. Each man wore heavy neck rings made of beaten gold, head and arm bands. Each was armed with a short sword hanging from a thick leather belt. Their crisscrossed leather boots and garters completed the outfits.
Joseph was dressed similarly but unlike the other two men he was bare-chested. His bracae were black. Around his neck hung a heavy gold and jewelled torc and his upper arms and wrists were encased in gold cuffs. In his ear was a heavy gold hoop. His head was bare. Hanging from his belt was a short sword and a jewelled dagger was strapped to his right calf. His black leather boots and crisscrossed garters completed his outfit.
Each man looked like an ancient Gaul warrior.
All three entered the limo, and Shades signalled they were ready. The drive to the Cathedral took only twenty minutes as traffic was light. They entered the Cathedral from the security entrance on the side.
The interior was illuminated by sunlight filtering in from the stained glass and the men silently made their way down the main aisle to the sanctuary. Each man genuflected at the base of the stairs that led to the altar before rising to join the men already positioned before the altar.
Candles illuminated the altar and incense filled the air with the scent and smoke of pine, myrrh, frankincense and sandalwood. Joseph noticed the brazier to the left of the altar. Its heat rippled the air above it.
Rupert stepped forward bare-chested, dressed in dark blue bracae, boots and garters complete with jewellery, crown and armaments. But where the other men were without cloaks, Rupert sported a wolf fur cloak; a heavy jewelled clasp secured it around his shoulders.
Shades stood next to Joseph while Micah stood next to His Majesty. The four men turned as one to face the Archbishop and his attendants.
The Archbishop began.
"For thousands of years the blood-lines of Genovia have offered the position of one who serves to one who is worthy. The position is one of protector, of sentinel, of companion and of lover.
The offering of this position is not to be entered into lightly nor is its commission to be handled carelessly. This position is offered only once, and once accepted he who holds the position is no longer in charge of his destiny.
His destiny and life is inextricably linked with the blood.
If the blood falters, he falters.
If the blood weakens, he weakens.
If the blood ceases, he ceases.
Has the Renaldi blood found a man worthy who is prepared to accept this position?"
"Yes, it has," replied His Majesty.
"And what is this man's name?" asked the Archbishop.
"Jose Joseph Alejandro Calvera Ramirez," answered His Majesty.
"Jose Joseph Alejandro Calvera Ramirez, please step forward and kneel," the Archbishop instructed.
Joseph moved forward with Shades directly behind him. He knelt in front of the Archbishop, his back ramrod straight his eyes locked on the man in front of him.
"Jose Joseph Alejandro Calvera Ramirez, do you understand the position that is being offered to you?"
"Yes, I do," Joseph answered.
"Do you swear to abide by the edicts of the blood? To protect, defend and preserve the Renaldi blood-line even unto death? Do you swear to execute your duties regardless of their consequences? Do you swear this by your life, your blood and your honour?"
"Yes, I do so swear," answered Joseph.
"Do you swear to place she who is the root of the blood-line before all others? To execute any order or directive from her even if it means your death or dishonour? Do you swear to place her needs before your own? To cater to her needs both physically and emotionally, regardless of their effect on you? Do you swear this by your life, your blood and your honour?"
"I do so swear," answered Joseph.
"Do you Jose Joseph Alejandro Calvera Ramirez accept the position of 'regina patronus quod paramour' to the Renaldi blood-line?"
"I do so accept," Joseph answered.
Turning to His Majesty, the Archbishop asked. "Do you Rupert Pierre Renaldi, son of Arturo Rupert Renaldi and descendent of Chevelair Renaldi accept this man as 'regina patronus quod paramour' to Clarisse Mignonette Gerard Renaldi, foundation of the Renaldi blood-line? Do you accept him as protector, sentinel, companion and lover to She who is the foundation of the blood-line? Do you accept him as one who serves the blood without reservation or deterrent? Do you accept him by your life, your blood and your honour?"
"I so accept him," His Majesty answered.
"Then kneel," the Archbishop ordered.
Rupert knelt next to Joseph, Micah behind him as witness.
Pierre brought forward tray, a white linen towel draped over his arm. On the tray lay a small gold ring, a cruet of holy water and a small bowl. Blessing the ring, the Archbishop rinsed it with holy water then turned back to the two men kneeling in front of him.
"This ring, as with all rings has no beginning and no end. It is a tangible and visible representation of your oath today and from this day forward should be worn by you Jose Joseph Alejandro Calvera Ramirez as a sign of your oath to the Renaldi blood-line. Rupert, please take this ring and repeat after me," instructed the Archbishop.
Rupert took the ring and waited to repeat the words that would bind Joseph to the Renaldi blood-line.
"I, Rupert Pierre Renaldi, King of Genovia…"
"I, Rupert Pierre Renaldi, King of Genovia," repeated Rupert.
"…do hereby accept Jose Joseph Alejandro Calvera Ramirez as 'regina patronus quod paramour' to the Renaldi blood, for now until the end of time."
"…do hereby accept Jose Joseph Alejandro Calvera Ramirez as 'regina patronus quod paramour' to the Renaldi blood, for now until the end of time." repeated Rupert, sliding the ring onto Joseph's right pinkie.
"Joseph, the ring is an outward sign of your oath to the Renaldi blood. It is a token of the office and position that you hold. But there is another token of office that must be bestowed on your before your name can be recorded as 'regina patronus quod paramour' to the Renaldi blood-line. Are you ready to receive this token of office?" the Archbishop asked.
"Yes. I am," Joseph answered. Rupert and Joseph stood and all four men followed His Grace over to the brazier and kneeling bench before it.
Kneeling, Joseph hooked his arms over the top of the bench no surprised when Shades and Micah secured his arms to the sides of the bench.
"Are you ready Joseph?" Rupert asked.
"Yes."
Rupert accepted the handled heated brand from one of the attendants. He positioned himself behind Joe and signalled with a nod of his head to Shades and Micah. Each man leaned their weight against Joe's arms to keep him still.
The brand seared into the upper left shoulder skin of Joseph filling the air of the sanctuary with the smell of burnt skin. Joe gritted his teeth against the pain of the branding. He knew no one would look down on him if he screamed, but he was determined to bear the branding stoically. Less than a minute passed before the brand was removed, and as soon as it was one of the attendants smeared the area with a cool, healing salve.
Joseph was released and with the help of Shades and Micah was able to stand. Joseph walked, albeit shakily, over to the altar and knelt. Rupert knelt next to him. Shades and Micah took their positions behind both men.
"Jose Joseph Alejandro Calvera Ramirez has accepted and been accepted as 'regina patronus quod paramour' to the Renaldi blood-line," His Grace said. "Let his name be recorded, from this day forward as one who serves the blood-line and may his service to the blood be performed with honour and diligence."
"And may God grant you His favour," His Grace said, before blessing both His Majesty and Joseph.