Ianto sat waiting for them, settled and determined in the course of action ahead and as the guards entered the room to bow he took a deep breath, glancing at the door Jack would enter through when it was time.

The Viscount DeFleur and his wife entered with looks of matching doom, the fact they were 'sumonned' instead of Ianto visiting them in their chambers giving them pause, also the others in attendance had no doubt loudly attacked him in the smoking room earlier… something Malcolm had confirmed quietly in his ear as he sat and pondered before sending for them.

As the Viscount looked around the room with mild interest is was his wife who first saw Ianto sitting near the back in the high backed chair of regency. She paled as she curtsied, even at a distance Ianto knew he looked bad.

It has now been three days past, he had waited and watched himself in the mirror deeming those bruises rough now to cause alarm. He rose unsteadily making a show of the discomfit in the action, not all an act as his ribs were definitely complaining now but he took a mild glee in the woman's face paling considerably as he started to walk towards them, his face becoming clearer.

"Rosalie" he said softly "Come, you look worn out."

"Just a little" she smiled, accepting the hand held out and he led her to the table as the Viscount stood to attention, waiting for the same recognition to be shown. Malcolm looked him up and down.

"If you expect some sort of salute you will be fresh out of luck as Ianto seems fresh out of Fucks on that level" Malcolm rumbled softly "Best you follow your missus if you want to keep your head."

The Viscount scurried after her and stood behind her as Ianto stopped at the little table with four chairs, tea service set and some finger foods. He ignored the viscount "Come, let us sit. I am not moving so well today."

He settled in a chair and motioned, the other two finally settling and the Lady reached out to place her hand over Ianto's as she chose to sit next to him… well… I guess really her husband chose to sit on the chair opposite, as far as he cold.

"Now. The reason why I called you here today is because it has come to my attention that Gray and Lilly are harbouring feelings for one another, to that end I have discussed things with my darling King and he has agreed with his wonderfully big heart to allow this. We shall keep her here of course for the duration of the courtship since is seems your little kingdom is not as friendly." Ianto let that sink in "For as a Viscount here you are beholden to my king, under his rule, in your little kingdom you are one day to be a king in your own right. You did well to marry such a lovely princess who has no brothers or sisters, ensuring that her father's relinquishing of the crown will come your way. You will likely be a paper king, as she holds the bloodline… perhaps her father will make you a consort only, who knows how he will react once he learns of what has happened here. Your people seem to be comfortable with you, albeit a little scared which is a shame…. So the joining of our families ensures the connecting of the kingdoms and in time, when you step down my little Gray will take over as your ruler… as well as Duke here of course."

The man stared at him as he heard the words being said.

"That was never the agreement. Cora wed her man and left my kingdom, I retained it." He spluttered.

"No son, no other charge. What were you intending upon your stepping down or death? A vote?" Jack's voice boomed as Malcolm opened the door and signalled that Ianto had warmed them up "Don't' be a bloody fool. Whomever little Lilly chooses, it will be your successor. Unfortunately your little kingdom does not have the right of succession to include the females… not like ours does now. When Rosalie's father the King dies, the crown will go to the next male in line… it might skip you altogether if the old king cuts you out!"

"Since we are in agreement I see no reason for you to continue to stay when it must be dreadfully uncomfortable for you, after all the other lords and ladies in attendance seem to be… bullish to you since the little thing with your men." Ianto was glad his eye was partially open so he had full vision with both to see the Viscount blanche. Yep. Definitely lovers "You need to burry your dead anyway and I do not want them here. Take them home, to their dirt. Hmmm?"

The Lady stared at Ianto a little longer "Are you recovering?"

"Yes my darling Rosalie, made of good stock. A soldier at heart… I shall suck it up as they say" Ianto assured her "However …. I fear there is going to be some backlash to the event …. The bothersome press have been poking about and found all sorts of things to howl over now … best you scurry off until it dies down. Take Norman here home where he can think about things a bit. Tell your father the story, without the press additions that will surely come … let him have time to forgive Norman … hopefully the crown will not pass over you altoghter… hmmmm?"

"I am so ashamed" she sighed.

"Not your fault, you were not the one with an indiscreet choice in concubine" Jack roared with a sniff, looking poor 'Norman' in the eye "Terribly bad all round, yes?"

Norman nodded silently, accepting that he had put himself here. He had never even considered the crown he had wed into … he had always assumed that would become his.

Jack quietly preened with glee.

Gray would one day be a king.