Chapter 3: Birthday time

The kingdom was in great prosperity, everyone was pleased with the hero queen ruling Albion. All decisions were treated fairly and unbiased coming to a decision that would benefit all parties such as Reaver's factories. True he might own all of them, but he was told not to underpay any of them and child labour is strictly forbidden.

Today was an equally important day little Hannah-Rose turned 2 years old, the toddler woke up in her small royal bed climbing over the partition that stops her falling out of bed in the night. Holding onto her favourite teddy bear she quickly and clumsily waddled to her brother's room, she knocked on the door twice then leant her ear against the door hearing movement. After a few more minutes the door creaked open to a very sleepy Logan, he rubbed his eyes yawning before addressing his sister.

"*yawns* What is it?"

"Logan don't be a silly… It's my birthday!"

"Ha I knew that numpty. I'm asking why at this hour do you think it's ok to wake me up!"

Hannah-Rose started quivering her bottom lip looking up at her brother with puppy dog eyes.

"Don't you want to see mummy and daddy with me?"

"*sigh* Fine! C'mon please don't cry"

She immediately dropped the act throwing her arms in the air giving her brother a big hug.

"Yay! Come on Logan"

Pulling her brother by the hand Hannah and Logan ran down the corridor to their parent's bedroom, they saw Jasper on the way, they quickly hid from him. Jasper is old school, rule and manners as well as etiquette are always top priority, so the prince and princess shouldn't be running around in their pj's. Of course, Logan and Hannah knew this that why they darted out of the way hiding behind a large statue. After Jasper passed by the two children made a run for it reaching for the bedroom handle, not quite tall enough yet Hannah couldn't reach Logan had to open the door. When he did Hannah crept into the room first, it was dark, the sun just about peaking between the curtains. Logan then entered the room following his sister, they saw their parents asleep in bed, the prince helped his sister get onto the bed first then he climbed up.

Reaver and Angelia are both heroes they can wake up in a moments notice, they both opened their eyes when they heard the bedroom door handle move. As it was Hannah's birthday they suspected it was her and Logan. When they felt small bodies climbing onto the bed they knew it was their children. Hannah was perched sat on her legs looking at her parents in the poor lighting trying to work out if they were asleep or not. After a minute Reaver quickly sat up wrapping his arms around Logan making him jump and Angelia did the same to Hannah.

"Aah your awake!"

"Yes, we are madam, now I wonder why you're awake already… Do you know dear?"

"Hm not a clue my love…"

"*laughing* Noo it's my birthday!"

"Is it? Oh no what are we going to do about presents then?"

They were both being sarcastic, obviously, they liked teasing their kids especially when they are being cheeky waking them up at 6:30am on a Saturday.

"She woke me up too!"

"Haha I thought as much Logan, you are so like your father. Gotta have your beauty sleep"

"It's how I look gorgeous for you my sweet Angelia *smirks*"

"Eew mummy, daddy, no mushy stuff"

"Hannah-Rose now don't be a prima-donna"

"What's that?"

"*rolls eyes* Never mind, ignore your father. C'mon I'm up, I'm up let's go have breakfast then you can open some presents"

"YAY!"

The children both hopped off the bed running down the corridor, they giggled uncontrollably when they ran past Jasper who expressed his disappointment seeing the prince and princess in their pj's and not royal attire. Back in Angelia's and Reaver's bedroom the couple sat up in bed then Reaver pulled his wife into his arms showering her in kisses. As he was focused on her neck she felt something hard brush up against her inner thigh.

"Reaver darling…*gasps* You know the children will just run right back in here if we don't go downstairs to join them for breakfast"

"You denying your husband his insatiable need to make love to his wife?"

"Ooh not at all… I'm saying lock the bathroom door"

Angelia moved until she was straddled her husband leaning down to whisper to him to lock the bathroom door, she bit his ear lobe to tease him as she climbed off heading for the bathroom. Reaver followed right away running up behind his wife grabbing her throwing her over his shoulder as he walked into the bathroom locking the door. When Reaver put his wife down she started running the bath, she got undressed just perched on the edge of the tub naked, Reaver undressed too his hard erection twitching against him as he admired his wife.

"Reaver sweetie?"

"Yes, my sensual temptress"

"Come here, can you keep an eye on the bath whilst it's running?"

"Why would I need to- Oh Angelia!"

Reaver stepped closer to his wife as she asked him to come closer to her, when she asked him to watch the water level he was confused. Just as he questioned why he needs to watch the water Angelia held onto his hips as she took his throbbing erection into her mouth sucking him profusely. As she pleasured him with her mouth Reaver threw his head back closing his eyes running his fingers through her hair, he briefly looked down and she gave him a sultry look her eyes speaking out how aroused she was. The bath was definitely full enough by the time Angelia finished giving Reaver a blowjob, he was so close to release but rather than orgasm he quickly pulled away from Angelia picking her up he placed her gently in the warm bath water. He joined her then slid his erection deep inside her sex loving the way she arched her back and moaned as he filled her.

After an hour of love making in the bath Reaver came hard with Angelia not far behind, they quickly cleaned each other with the now cooled water then hopped out of the bath getting dressed to join their children downstairs. Angelia dressed in her usual queen attire placing the crown on her head she admired herself in the mirror then Reaver stepped up behind her wrapping his arms from behind across her front moving one hand over her hip and the other he cupped one of her breasts feeling through the fabric of her outfit kissing down her neck.

"Your appetite really is insatiable"

"Not my fault when the queen is looking this ravishing"

"Flatterer"

"Hm I do try… and usually succeed"

Reaver turned his wife around in his arms planting a soft lingering kiss on her lips, she returned the kiss with more passion wrapping her arms around him. She pushed her tongue into his mouth feeling her tongue against his enjoying Reaver getting friskier again as his grip on her tightened as he ran his fingers through her loose flowing hair. Angelia broke the kiss biting Reaver's bottom lip to tease him, he looked at her with pure animalistic lust written all over his face. He did a little fake cough to clear his throat.

"And you say I'm the one with the insatiable appetite?"

"Haha you love it *wink*"

"Mm yes I do"

"Come on now, can't keep the kiddies waiting"

"Such a tease"

Reaver pulled away from his wife but not before giving her arse a playful squeeze making her giggle. With both of them dressed they headed down to the royal dining room to have breakfast with their children. Hannah-Rose was already enjoying her breakfast whilst listening to a story Walter was telling both kids, Logan was half listening making a point to be a pain. He was going through a phase; acting up, throwing tantrums and being a general emotional mess. Logan is 7 years old at the moment so other children his age was going through similar phases. Reaver sat next to Hannah whilst Angelia sat next to Logan, Walter finished his story doing a little bow when Hannah and Angelia clapped at the end the solider ducked out of the dining room leaving the family to eat.

"What's the matter Logan?"

"Nothing mum"

"You seem extra grumpy today… is it because it's Hannah's birthday? Do you think she's getting all the attention and not you?"

Logan said nothing which gave Angelia her answer, kids get very jealous of who's receiving all the attention especially when it's siblings.

"Aw Logan don't be like that. Your sister loves you. You know me, and your father loves you too?"

"Yeah I guess"

Logan hung his head low feeling a little down today but then his mother wrapped an arm around him giving him a hug. As she hugged him he embraced her climbing onto her lap, she smiled looking down at her son snuggling against her, she idly stroked the top of his head brushing his dark hair between her fingers.

"Is Logan alright mummy?"

"Yes, sweet he's fine, he just wanted a hug from his mum"

After breakfast Logan seemed to be in a better mood and even surprised everyone when he went upstairs to dig out a gift he got for Hannah-Rose. It was a cuddly pirate doll that looked weirdly like Reaver when he use to dress in his Bloodstone pirate attire. Hannah-Rose had a great birthday she received lot's of presents from her mum and dad, even a few from Walter and Jasper. As Hannah was playing with her new toys and Logan joined her showing her how to ride the rocking horse properly without falling off and such, Angelia was approached by Jasper he said the advisor was here needing to speak to the queen urgently.

Angelia rolled her eyes after hearing the news the advisor was here, she looked at Reaver giving him a here-we-go face. He frowned at his wife then watched as she stood up announcing she's going to go speak to the advisor then immediately Reaver knew why she rolled her eyes. He smirked at his wife chuckling under his breath as he remained sat in the armchair watching the children play.

"Avo sake, what does he want to complain about this time?"

The advisor was an official role needed in any royal household, they kept the royal family wealth, but they usually lacked empathy towards the people. Normally power-hungry noblemen did the job happy to take the money and not care about the consequences. One such role is being fulfilled by Cartwright, he is old money proper blue blood, his name is well known in the rich and wealthy society. He may advise the queen on what to spend the royal funds on, but he isn't very attentive, so he has no idea that the father of the queen's children is Reaver. He see's Reaver in the castle talking to the queen, so he naturally assumes he's here to discuss more business. As for knowing who the father is Cartwright couldn't care less he assumed it was some noblemen the queen enjoyed then divorced since he doesn't see any other royal figure with her. The doors to the throne room opened as the queen entered, Cartwright was standing next to the throne daydreaming about being king.

"Your majesty *bows*"

"Cartwright, what is so important that you had to pull me away from my daughter's birthday?"

"I do apologise your highness I had no idea it was the princess's birthday"

"Spare me the apology, what's the matter?"

"It's nearly time to set the taxes for the year your highness, do you want to keep the current policy? Low it or my personal favourite raise it?"

"I see no benefit exploiting my people with taxes they can't afford"

"Only the poor your majesty, the wealthy will gladly pay the rise"

"No, as queen I say the taxes should remain as they are. I already lowered them last year so another year at its current level will be fine"

"Of course, your highness *bows*"

The queen dismissed Cartwright then turned on her heel leaving the room returning to her family. Meanwhile Cartwright just frowned at the door the queen left from, balling up his fists he stomped his foot on the ground quite hard in frustration.

"How dare she speak to me like that!? I'm Cartwright, my family name holds a grand status, not that she would know… Oh the people were foolish to give her power over Albion I'd be so much better as King. Hm, king Cartwright, I like the sound of that"

Cartwright looked around to see if any staff were about listening in on his little speech about being king. When he was satisfied no one was in the room he bravely sat on the throne admiring the view from this seat of power.

"Psh hero queen, honestly you save a few morons then you automatically become queen? No training, no noble roots to continue a family name… She was just a street rat turned queen. The throne should be mine! Oh, now there's a thought. Hm… what about the children? I've always wanted a family, but no woman has every stuck around long enough to give me my own. Ah the potion shop does have black market connections maybe a little forgetful potion is required then the little brats will think I'm their daddy and poor mummy had herself a little accident, hahahaha"

His evil cackle did cause a slight scene as the doors to the throne room opened and in popped Jasper. Cartwright quickly jumped out of the throne before he was spotted, just standing next to it giving Jasper a weird look.

"Has the queen dealt with your business?"

"Hm? Oh, yes she has no need to fret Jasper old friend"

"Hmm"

"I'll be going now, do send my best to the birthday girl *muttering to himself* enjoy your family time while it lasts my queen"

"What was that?"

"Oh, nothing, nothing at all"

Chapter 4: Trouble in Samarkand

An elderly gentleman entered the potion shop asking for the 'special' goods putting a hefty amount of gold on the counter. The shop keeper looked at the gold nodding then flicked a switch under the counter which revealed a hidden staircase down to the basement. When the old man got downstairs he met up again with the shop keeper, the man smiled asking what kind of weird and wonderful potions did the man want. The old man asked for a memory wipe potion, the shop keeper was a little surprised asking the old man why has it left it until now to wipe his memories. The man said nothing then repeated the potions name, frowning at the old man the shop keeper dug out the potion handing it to the gentleman watching as he left. The old man walked around a corner into a dark alley where he met Cartwright who was waiting in the shadows.

"So, you have it?"

"Yes, here it is one memory wipe potion… now about my payment"

Cartwright snatched the bottle out of the man's hands inspecting it then stuffing it into his own pocket.

"Payment? Haha how rich"

As quick as a flash Cartwright pulled a gun on the old man, he timed it perfectly to the hour so when the clock tower chimed loudly he pulled the trigger not alerting anyone to this alleyway murder. Cartwright blew away the smoke from the barrel then holstered his weapon stepping over the dead man.

"Right that's one part done, now how to get the hero queen away from the kingdom…"

Back at the castle, it was the day after Hannah-Rose's birthday and royal life returned to normal. Reaver had urgent business to attend to at one of his factories whilst Angelia had to meet with some people from Oakfield and Bowerstone about the next golden oak festival. After the meeting Angelia slumped back in her throne rubbing her temples either side of her head just below where her crown sits. Jasper entered the now empty throne room approaching the queen with a silver tray full of letters addressed to her. As Jasper lowered the tray allowing the queen to reach for the first one, she opened the first letter recognising the hand writing as Hammer's, then Cartwright burst in, but Angelia ignored him concentrating on her letter.

"Your majesty I- "

"Ssh!"

"But your highness I have some- "

"Cartwright! Not right now I'm reading"

Dear Angelia,

Me and Garth are currently in Samarkand, by avo it is stupidly hot here!

Garth received a troubling letter from some of his old students, they've come across a book that described an evil darkness. Much stronger than the spire and ten times more destructive, I'm not sure if Theresa has contacted you about this? Surely it would trouble her if the world was consumed in darkness!?

I know you have your royal duties but me and Garth need you, some of these old Cullis pads require a hero of combined strength, will and skill. That's you!

Be safe, hopefully see you soon?

Hammer

"Jasper please get someone to fetch Reaver, I have an appointment with him"

"Uh... of course, your highness I'll arrange someone to collect Reaver at once"

"What's the matter your majesty"

"Not now Cartwright, whatever you've come in to discuss will have to wait. I've got a business trip I need to attend to"

"Going away your grace?"

"Since you are the advisor I'll inform you for now… I'll be going to Samarkand for a while"

"Oh, Samarkand. It's fine your highness I'll rearrange our meeting for when you return"

"Thank you, Cartwright"

As Jasper quickly left the throne room to get someone to fetch Reaver, Cartwright discovered the queen's plans of travel. After she revealed her destination Cartwright quickly got out of the conversation doing a bow he left the room walking down the corridor smirking evilly to himself ("Looks like I don't need to find an excuse now, haha, I love it when a plan comes together").

Reaver was in one of his factories patrolling on one of the upper walkways looking down at the workers making them all nervous. Just as he reached one end of the walkway a smartly dressed man walked in asking the supervisor for Reaver's whereabouts, rising an eyebrow at the conversation Reaver strolled down to greet the man. As soon as the man spotted Reaver he did a half bow informing Reaver he is needed for an appointment with the queen. Not wasting any time Reaver hurried the man telling him to take him to the queen right now.

Back at the castle Angelia was pacing in the war room getting inpatient waiting for her husband, after an hour the doors opened and in strolled Reaver.

"What's the matter my love?"

"It's Garth and Hammer"

"What have they done now?"

"It's nothing they've done, it's what they've discovered. We need to go to Samarkand"

"Ugh again? I've been there done that"

"This isn't a holiday Reav! They've discovered a darkness that is more powerful than the spire! What ever it is they can't access all the information on their own. It requires the power of the fourth hero"

"Ah I see… What about the children?"

"It could be dangerous, I don't want to risk their lives, they will remain here under Jasper's and Walter's watch"

"What about the crown? I have no power, so I can't be in charge whilst you go"

"No… That wouldn't work anyway Reav, they might need both of us to discover the information we're looking for to defeat the evil… And as you said you have no power over the crown"

"Soo… who do you want to leave in charge? As queen you can grant temporary powers until you return"

"I don't like it, but he knows the system and having grown up in the upper society he'll handle the job better"

"You mean?"

"*sigh* Yes, Cartwright… We don't have a choice, do we?"

"I guess not… It takes a week to reach Samarkand by ship. I'll go prepare a crew and meet you on The Reaver"

"Ok I'll go sort out my affairs here and meet you on the ship"

Reaver quickly headed out but before he left the castle he went to the play room to see his children. As dangerous as it might be he will see his kids again but Reaver still wanted to say goodbye, he wasn't sure how long they would be, and this is the first time they've ever left the children for a long period of time. He entered the room seeing Hannah playing with her new toys from her birthday and passing them to Logan who was looking out the window. The children heard the door open turning to see who it was when they saw it was their dad they rushed towards him, Hannah grabbed one of Reaver's legs while Logan hugged his dad.

"Hi daddy, have you come to play?"

"No sweetheart *sigh* Your mother and I have some very important business to attend to, it's in a far away place so we'll be gone for a few weeks"

Reaver knelt to the kid's level when he told them about the trip.

"Can't we come with you?"

"I'm afraid not Logan. Your sister and you are too young, it's much too dangerous. Maybe when you're older"

"But daddy…"

"Aw Hannah don't cry sweetie"

Hannah-Rose being a typical 2yr old couldn't cope with the idea of her mum and dad being away from her for a long time, so she started crying. Logan looked like he was about to cry but held it together, still because Reaver was knelt on the floor the kid's hugged him. He embraced his children stroking their backs to sooth them. He pulled back from the hug's giving each of them a kiss on the forehead before coming to a stand.

"Now you promise to be good for Jasper and Walter"

"Yeah *sniff* we promise"

"Good girl, Logan?"

"Yeah I'll be good"

"That's my boy"

Reaver ruffled Logan's hair then gave Hannah another hug before leaving the playroom giving his kid's a small wave goodbye. When he left the play room he got a few odd looks from some of the staff he rested his hand on the hilt of his gun eye them suspiciously, not wanting to wind up dead the staff gasped then hurried back to their jobs. Smirking at the fear he can instil into people Reaver headed out of the castle going down to the private dock where his ship The Reaver was docked.

Angelia informed Walter of her trip to Samarkand with Reaver, Walter didn't like the idea of giving power to Cartwright but understood her decision. Whatever happens Angelia told Walter to just protect the children, if anything happens to them she wants to know he'll protect them and if need be take them to the tomb to get the seal. Whilst she and Walter were discussing the trip Jasper came in with Cartwright, she asked Jasper to go find him whilst she spoke to Walter. Cartwright gave a bow addressing the queen and then Walter.

"What do I owe such a pleasure your grace?"

"Cartwright, as you know I have business in Samarkand"

"Yes, you mentioned it earlier"

"Well part of that, I'll be away from the kingdom for quite some time, my reasons in Samarkand don't have an end date. So, I'll be granting you temporary powers of the crown to keep our promises and commitments, if you'll accept?"

"I would be delighted your majesty"

"Excellent, I need to leave… like now… so Jasper if you have the documents let's get this sorted"

"At once your highness"

Jasper unravelled a scrolled-up piece of paper, the paper documented as a legal binding document granting a person full rights of the crown. In the eyes of the law they would become king/queen but only under a temporary basis until the queen returns from her travels. Angelia signed the paper turning it around to face the signature line to Cartwright, with a gracious smile Cartwright signed the paper. Jasper rolled it up doing a bow to the queen then left to hand the document into the council, so it will be processed and as of tomorrow Cartwright would be king.

"Thank you, your majesty"

"Don't thank me yet ruling the kingdom is no walk in the park"

With that Angelia removed her crown handing it to Cartwright, as his hands grabbed the crown Angelia pulled it forward slightly to get his attention.

"Be kind… Oh, and Walter is going to be watching the children so don't do anything to piss him off or I'll hear about it *smirks*"

"Never your grace"

Letting go of the crown Angelia stepped back letting Cartwright try it on, she forced a fake smile telling him he'll do fine whilst she's away. Cartwright left the room promising to stay out of the way until tomorrow when he officially takes over as king. Angelia grabbed her trusty satchel throwing a few things in her mystic bag then got dressed into her old pirate girl attire; black knee length skirt fluffed out with a red petticoat, black corset with red lace panelling, knee-high wedged-heeled black leather boots, black felt lined gloves and her skin-tight black trench coat with deep red detailing. Tying her hair back with a red ribbon she looked exactly like the day she agreed to go adventuring with Reaver all those years back. She caught herself in the mirror smiling at her old look then left her bedroom, Walter was waiting in the corridor he smiled.

"That's more like it! You look like a true hero now"

"Thanks Walter. Oh, hold on a sec *whistles loudly* There she is!"

Treacle came running down the corridors as she heard her mistresses call, Angelia crouched down ready to receive the dog's slobbery kisses. Treacle jumped for Angelia landing in her arms as Angelia gave the dog fusses.

"C'mon Treacle let's go meet Reav on his ship"

"I still can't believe he named a ship after himself"

"Well he is Reaver"

"And how the likes of him wound up married to a hero like you still puzzles me"

"Haha you sound like Hammer"

They walked and talked until they reached the private dock, so no-one would be suspicious or try to follow them Angelia had a hood added to her coat, so she could conceal herself once she left the castle. Walking down the stony steps to the private dock Angelia kept a firm grip on her hood avoiding eye contact with any strangers. Once she saw the ship she gave Walter a hug, she already said goodbye to her children just before getting dressed in her old pirate attire. The kid's behaved exactly like they did with Reaver, begging her not to go then having a few tears but Angelia hugged them tightly promising to return as soon as she could. Angelia climbed up the walk plank turning to wave at Walter, she looked up at the castle and there in the window of the throne room she saw Jasper with the children who were also waving.

"There you are my sweet Angelia, you ready to go?"

"Yes Reav, look the kids are waving"

Reaver looked at where Angelia was pointing also spotting the children he waved too, they then walked up to the ships wheel as Reaver gave the command to lift the anchor. Reaver took a hold of the wheel guiding the ship out to sea with his wife stood by his side, they plotted a course to Samarkand. Reaver wasn't lying it did take a week to sail there, it wasn't too bad on the ship just a few storms which Reaver battled through steering the ship to safety each time. After the first day Reaver ditched his Bowerstone industry look and changed back into his pirate king attire, it was much more practical on the ship. Soon he heard one of his men shout land dead ahead, Angelia pulled out Reaver's spyglass from her satchel taking a look seeing the sandy shores of Samarkand.

"Well we're here, let's see where Garth and Hammer are"

"They better not be wasting our time"

"Easy Reav, c'mon let's go"