25

Jack sat calmly looking at the camera as he spoke.

"This last week has been one of violence and extreme malice. The attack on the motorcade that had my dear husband and our unborn child victimized has been thwarted. There were several mistakes made on both sides but now at the tail end of the attempted regicide of my entire family, I can explain what I know and have you… my people… decide if I am still the Good Just King."

Jack glanced off camera where Ianto sat watching, his body not its usual ramrod straight as he still showed pain he wound never admit to, his bruising so vivid that it was sickening to Jack to know he felt anything at all, and Jack knew damned well Ianto was hurting. Jack took a deep breath and regarded the camera once more as the live broadcast went to every home in the realm.

"The attack was not centred on the Righteous King Ifan… rather it was me they were after. The flags were not on the vehicle, as I usually do not bother. Ianto had used the car after me without a thought to the flags so those attacking it thought they might get me instead. They failed. There were several men found at a house in the lower ward who were plotting to attack the palace next and take control by either incapacitating my dear grandmother or killing her. The notes said they should try not to kill the children but would do so if needed." Jack stopped as he knew some needed to let this sink in, then he said "I have authorised the release of these handwritten notes and such to the new agencies so you might all see why there was an explosion. The building was destroyed along with those responsible. We now know they are from another realm, sent here by advisors to the royal family of that realm, intent on destroying us and inserting their own family on my throne."

Jack new the place was in an uproar, some of those in the room were also up in arms as they had not known the extent of things.

"We have now quashed this uprising, are assured that the royal family themselves had no idea their underlings were doing this and we have agreed to continue with a truce. I will not name this realm out of respect for them, and in return I have their undying gratitude and service."

Jack shifted in his chair "Further to these revelations… there was also an attempt on the newborn babe at the hospital last night."

Now more than one man stormed from the room, unable to hide his anger even as they knew the baby was safe in the arms of John who stood by Ianto's chair.

"Two men entered with the intent to kill the newborn baby while thinking their brothers were in the palace killing my family. Of course they did not know the secret kept from everyone. The baby had a protector that was not expected at all. You see… the Town Crier was given the wrong sheet. As with most things, there are two or three versions of things written and ready to go but he read the wrong one. We let it slide so that some safety might be maintained while this threat to our crown was dealt with. To that end… last night the Righteous King Ifan killed a man who was attempting to kill or youngest child while also incapacitating the second one."

Jack rose and walked over to Ianto who was sitting there waiting for the camera to pan, trying for a smile that appeared more as a grimace. John lowered the baby into his lap and Ianto plucked at the blanket to reveal the tiny face to the world "Everyone… here is my latest and maybe last offering to the bloodline. I was gravely injured and he almost didn't make it either but we are of strong blood and the prayers and strong wills of my people sustained us both."

"Ianto has been calling him milwr … it means soldier. I have taken a liking to this and have decided this is our new child's name." Jack said, Ianto swinging to stare at him then barking with pain at the sudden movement. "Ianto! Darling be careful."

Jack crouched and took Ianto in his arms, soothing and helping him settle once more "Sorry love, I didn't mean to surprise you into reacting like that … oh darling."

Ianto sighed as he leaned against him and said softly "milwr. Another M?"

"Yes. Max and Mac and Milly."

Milly… you can't call a boy that!" Ianto snorted.

"Too late" Jack said as he took Ianto's face and kissed those bruises with soft butterfly touches "You already named him my darling man. My handsome and brave, powerfully killy man."

"Stop it!" Ianto smiled softly transfixing into the lovely creature that made grown women… and men… swoon. Even with the bruising he was so damned handsome "Twpsyn."

Jack kissed him on the lips and whispered "For you… I will always be the fool. For my king, I will do anything to make you smile. My beloved… my everything."

Ianto did not scold, instead touching Jack's face as he replied "Takes one to know one I guess."

The realm seethed even as they rejoiced in the resurrection of their Righteous King.

Then they all agreed that they needed this family to rule.

Any other would die!