23
Laughter filled the room as Malcolm pranced about doing a fair imitation of Jack in an outfit that looked made for him. It wasn't. It was Marks and Spencer off a rack. The shopping spree had gone without a hitch and not a single person had recognised their own king shopping amongst them, Scotty being a dutiful 'beard' as Malcolm tried to stay back.
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Their beanies and turtle necks worked like they usually did, turning them into 'normal' shoppers. It was not until they were leaving the store that Ianto noticed an elderly lady struggling to count out her money, her hands shaking. He offered to help and she told him it was a gift for her granddaughter's graduation. She was so proud but now thinks she overspent a little. She was black and Ianto felt a slight annoyance in the fact the cashier had been curt with her, almost to the point of rude. As some are to those of colour. Something Ianto abhorred. Lisa had been a good friend and fake girlfriend when needed back in the day and he still had contact with her family since her death a few years ago.
"Nonsense. This writing compendium is the perfect gift. She will treasure it always, think of you every time she opens it and be reminded to pen you a little letter as well" Ianto assured her "A thoughtful gift. Malcolm? Do you have the change? No? Never mind … here. Pop that on my account."
Ianto handed over his card and the cashier rolled her eyes, holding it up to check it then paling as she read the name, looked into those eyes and recognised him. She curtsied immediately and he huffed "Don't do that. I shall be recognised sweetie. Come now … I want it gift wrapped as well … if you do that. A lovely bow!"
"Yes your Majesty" she said softly with growing shame at how he had caught her earlier behaviour towards the old lady, the old lady swinging to gape as she finally saw her king tending to her needs and as he bowed to kiss her wrinkled hand she started to weep. "Hush now old mother, do not be silly. You are my family too, are you not? I hope your Granddaughter has a wonderful graduation and may she always be happy in her endeavours."
"She's coming to your service my Liege" she said happily "As staff in the great serving hall."
"No! Really? Wonderful. You must tell me her name so I can make sure she is OK" he was still holding her hand and she felt the warmth from him like that of her long since lost lover. Her handsome young husband gone in the war, leaving her with two little children and no money. She had fought to keep them alive, off the streets and now she was being rewarded with the first grandchild becoming someone of worth. Royal Staff.
"Now tell me old mother … graduating to serve food? What was her subject of choice?"
"Languages" she said proudly "Delia can speak six!"
"Well … that is a good thing to have. Delia. Lovely name. Now, you best get home before the rains come this afternoon, it will bucket down from the smell in the air" he gave her hand a final squeeze and she went to curtsy and he made a soft noise in his throat "Now good mother. You need not bow to your king … I know your affection and need to subservience to show that. For if you would let me, I would bow to you for the strength and pride you show in your service to your family. No. Today we are just two people shopping for our families … although my husband will be lost with one of those. Can't even write a damned note for the fridge door that one."
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Malcolm stopped stropping about the bedroom as Jack lay on the bed doubled up with laughter, watching Malcolm pull haughty faces then waving to a pretend crowd. "And of course Jax, you must stand next to the royal couple with Ianto … the colours of your empire on show… like this!"
Malcolm shot out his hip, flicked back the jacket to reveal the bright purple lining and slammed a hand on his hip, diva style and pouted. Jack roared with glee, pointing as he tried to say he liked that one.
Ianto has discovered Delia's employment records upon arrival home and was stilting in a chair reading quietly as the brothers played, then he called out "Max needs a governess darling. A nanny that can help with things a little boy who will be a king must know. Languages and etiquette and the like. The nanny we have now is for cuddles and comfort … a good woman but she needs help with those little things that Max might buck at, taking her attention from Mac."
"Like what Tiger?"
"Well … our empire has four distinct languages within it … he only knows one. He must learn them all, the two languages of our neighbouring empire would be a good idea as well, especially with our connections to them with Cora and now sweet Lilly" he said as if this was imperative and Jack sat up to look over at him.
"You have someone in mind lover of mine?"
"Eighteen, straight out of Uni, sweet and cute as a button … loyalist to the core and just entering our service so she has had all the correct security checks and protocols done … also has ranked in the top ten percentile in our system." Ianto held out her picture and Jack accepted it, looking at the pretty dark skinned girl with sleek long hair.
"Delia… what does it mean? Cute. Max will love her. Are you sure? She is rather good looking for a nanny"
"Dark. And you are devilishly handsome for a boring old king but there we are" Ianto sighed theatrically "I must endure."
Jack roared as he lunged at him and in the other room Andy and Malcolm shared a kiss as Malcolm changed outfits.
A good day.