Chapter 13: Get Hero into Albion
Waking up bright and early Angelia got ready in her black outfit leaving her cape off whilst she had breakfast with Hammer and Garth. She double checked she had everything then secured her cape, Hammer gave her a long big hug as did Garth even the children got a little hug and kiss on the cheek from Angelia. She then waved goodbye to them as she trudged through the sandy streets to Anna who was waiting outside her shop.
"Good morning, you ready for this?"
"Hell yeah"
"That's what I like to hear. C'mon the others are waiting at the Samarkand port"
Anna told Angelia about her weapons couldn't be on display, luckily for her she had a magic satchel that was like a bottomless pit she hid her weapons in her bag. They reached the port seeing a group of 5 individuals, they explained another 6 were on board the ship. Like Anna said they were all dressed in black similar to Angelia, she pulled up her hood concealing her face as she boarded the boat. Surprisingly Anna came with them too, she was also dressed in black she explained she was the one arranging everything, so it makes sense that she see's this through. Once all onboard they set sail for Albion, Angelia watched as Samarkand her home for the last 17yrs disappeared into the horizon.
It took a week to sail back to Albion but to avoid the hot spots Anna told the captain to dock at Westcliffe. Bowerstone was out of the question, the highest concentration of guards there and Bloodstone too since those were the two main ports, not many went to Westcliffe unless they were visiting to see the crucible. When they arrived, Anna read her recent letter from Major Swift, he said there will only be three purple guards at Westcliffe thanks to him. Angelia, being the hero, took charge with Anna's permission she gladly stepped back watching the hero at work. Angelia ordered 4 of the men into the bushes then assigned each of the others to get each of the guard's attention. At first the guard's ignored the pestering people telling them to back off or they'll make them back off.
"But there are bandits coming up the hill I saw them!"
"Fine! Show me where they are"
Once that particular group member from Anna's team realised that worked they quickly passed on the message then one by one the darkly dressed people coaxed the purple guards by the bushes. Each one was jumped covering their mouth then knocking them out quickly getting dressed into their uniform, so no one would be none the wiser. When the last guard was jumped and knocked out they all reconvened at the entrance of Westcliffe near the old gates.
"What are we going to do with the knocked-out guards when they come to, Anna?"
"We'll be long gone before that happens Angelia"
"Right ok, listen up! You four remain here, if the guards wake up too soon knock them out again"
"Yes, your highness"
"Ah, been a long time since I've been addressed like that"
"Well you are our true hero queen"
"Thank you, Anna. So, what's stage two of your brilliant plan?"
"Ah, yes! Now to get you to Millfield's safely one of these 'guards' will escort you there. We will remain here with the passed-out guards then once the 'guard' returns we will leave getting them redressed so they'll awake dazed and confused not quite sure what happened"
"Brilliant, let's do it then. Who's escorting me to Millfield's?"
"That'll be me, the name's John"
"Nice to meet you John"
Angelia gave Anna a big hug thanking her again for helping her get into Albion, Anna told her not to worry about it and apologised that she couldn't organise it any faster. Just pleased to be back in Albion Angelia looked up letting the rain drops of Westcliffe drip onto her face a few happy tears trickled down then with a big sigh she kept her hood pulled over her to conceal her face then followed John. Before they lost sight of Westcliffe Angelia waved goodbye to Anna.
The walk to Millfield's took hours but luckily because it was only the two of them Angelia was able to handle any trouble they came across. If any villagers or passing guards walked by John exaggerated his stance walking behind Angelia occasionally bumping the butt of his gun into her back to make her walk faster when the passer-by's disappeared he profusely apologised. Angelia smiled at John telling him not to worry about, he wasn't even pushing her that hard in the back and she understands why he did it, for effect. After hours of walking they eventually reached Millfield's it took Angelia's breath away every time she saw it, it was a piece of local paradise she even noticed the bridge to the gypsy camp was repaired. It did keep falling into disrepair even when she was queen, she wondered if her daughter did that during one of her many quests. They reached Millfield's mansion, John stopped by the iron gates giving a gracious nod to Angelia, still concealed by her hood she reached out her hand giving him a firm handshake thanking him.
"Thank you, so much John for escorting me"
"My pleasure, your highness"
With that John disappeared down the path heading back to Westcliffe, she did a little pray in her head that he'd return to Anna and her gang safely. Angelia looked up at the iron gates, she suddenly got very nervous she hasn't seen Reaver in so long. Yes, they saw each other when Reaver could find the time to visit her but recently it had been so long since they were both busy worrying about their daughter and son. Taking a deep breath Angelia pushed open the gates walking up the small set of steps then she pulled out her copy of the key she had cut back when Reaver built the mansion. Hearing the mechanism inside the lock click Angelia's heart was racing as she slowly opened the front door letting herself in the mansion, locking the door behind her. She was quickly greeted by the household staff but as soon as she flicked her hood back they recognised her.
"Your highness! You've returned!"
"Yes, ssh look Reaver doesn't know I'm back. If it's ok with you I would like to surprise my husband"
"Oh, yes of course. Right this way my lady. You can get changed in here if you like, Master Reaver is in the drawing room"
"Thank you and yes please lead the way"
The household staff at Reaver's mansion obviously knew of the couple's marriage but no one thought to question the household staff of Reaver's. The only one who didn't know was Barry who's now deceased due to Balverine contact. Making her way to one of the many rooms Angelia thanked the staff again then locked the door putting her satchel down she dug out an appropriate outfit to surprise Reaver on their anniversary.
"Ah ha! Found you, this dress is perfect"
Angelia excitedly pulled out the dress she was after, it was a floor length deep blue dress with two splits running high way up each thigh at the front of the dress. The neckline was sweetheart as usual, but the edge of the neckline and the straps has crystals lining it, the straps were thin feeding over her shoulders then crossing across the back revealing half of her back. She got undressed slipping on the dress opting for black lace underwear with her laced topped stockings finishing the outfit with silver high-heeled sandals. She let her long blonde hair flow down naturally. Giving herself a once over in a nearby mirror Angelia unlocked the door heading for the drawing room but then inspiration struck her. She snuck into the master bedroom putting her satchel by her side of the bed then she moved to one of the main ball rooms.
"Providing sound travels let's see if my darling husband can find me"
Clearing her throat Angelia began to sing.
"I want you now. Tomorrow won't do. There's a yearning inside. And it's showing through. Reach out your hands. And accept my love. We've waited for too long. Enough is enough. I want you now…"
In the drawing room Reaver was sat in an armchair nearby the fireplace, he was staring into the crackling flames caught in a day dream. He tilted his head to the side when he heard something, he frowned not believing what he's hearing. Getting up out of his chair he walked towards the grand double doors that lead to a hallway, swinging open the doors he leaned forward listening to the singing.
"It can't be… If this is some joke I will kill the person responsible!"
Reaver murmured the first part then shouted out the second part letting his staff hear his frustration. It sounded like Angelia but that couldn't be right she was stuck in Samarkand.
"My heart is aching. My body is burning. My hands are shaking. My head is turning. You understand. It's so easy to choose. We've got time to kill. We've got nothing to lose. I want you now…"
Angelia moved from room to room as she sung just to tease Reaver making it a mission to find her. She heard movement and it wasn't from the staff as she asked them to stay away whilst she surprises him. Reaver walked down the hallway with purpose trying to find the source of the singing. As he entered one of the ball rooms he caught a glimpse of a blue dress leaving through one of the other doors.
"And I don't mean to sound. Like one of the girls. That's now what I'm trying to do. I don't want to be. Like one of the girls. I just want you now…"
Angelia moved two rooms down then entered another ball room moving around the room she leant against a large marbled pillar that casted a large shadow concealing her. Reaver quickly sprinted across the room opening the door the figure disappeared through when he saw nothing he questioned his own sanity, was he seeing and hearing a ghost? He moved through to the next room where his other ball room was, he slowly pushed open the door hearing the singing more clearly.
"Because I've got a love. A love that won't wait. A love that is growing. And it's getting late. Do you know what it means. To be left this way. When everyone's gone. And the feelings they stay. I want you now"
Reaver walked into the ball room looking around he couldn't see anything, and the singing came to a stop, standing in the middle of the room he scoped all around, but saw nothing. Then he heard a low wolf whistle he snapped around looking at the large pillar and there Angelia stepped into the light posing with a hand on her hip leaning on one leg looking as seductive as she could.
"*whistles* Hello Reaver"
"… Angelia? Is it really you? Or did someone spike my wine?"
"*chuckles* It's me, my love"
Reaver cautiously approached her staring at her in amazement hoping she is actually here and it's not some twisted dream or a hallucination. Angelia didn't move an inch she just watched her husband approach her eyeing him with a cheeky glint in her eye. When they were face to face Reaver reached up pausing just before her face searching in her eyes that she truly was here, Angelia stepped forward letting his gloved hands touch her face she reached her hands up weaving her fingers in his hair as she pulled him in for a kiss. A huge sigh of relief hit Reaver as soon as he kissed her, it wasn't a dream she was here, and she needed him.
Deeping the kiss opening their mouths to slide their tongues against each other's, they both groaned with a deep need. Reaver quickly moved his hands away from her face to take off his gloves then moved his hands to around her waist holding her tightly against him. He dug his fingers into her waist enjoying her moans as she gasped against his lips, her body was begging for him. Not wanting to resist any longer Angelia broke away from the kiss looking at her husband with lust filled eyes, her hands went straight to his clothes helping him get undressed. Reaver returned in kind, his hands moved up pulling the straps of her dress down pushing her dress down. When it hit the floor Reaver growled at the sight before him seductively, she was now standing in her black lace underwear complete with stockings.
"Angelia, the things you do to me"
"Oh Reaver… I wasn't joking when I was singing, I do want you now"
"And you shall have me, my love"
At this point Angelia only managed to get Reaver out of his coat, take off his hat and loosen his black bowtie. He removed the rest of his clothes then gently slid Angelia's underwear off, unhooking her bra too but leaving the stockings and her shoes on. They both admired their now naked forms then crashed their lips together in a passionate embrace sinking to their knees until Angelia gently pushed against Reaver, so he was lead on the floor. Angelia wasted no time straddling her husband and with the both of them being naked he was already rock hard desperate to be buried deep inside of her. They broke the kiss to looking into each other's eyes, Angelia bit her bottom lip sitting up straight she rolled her hips, so his erection slid in effortlessly making Reaver moan hard gripping onto her thighs.
"Ooh fuck Angelia, I've missed you"
"I missed you too Reaver… Ooh yes I have!"
Reaver looked down admiring her riding him wearing her stocking and high heels, she looked incredibly sexy like this. When he looked up at her face he saw only love in her eyes he could feel himself getting harder just getting lost in her eyes. Angelia started slow then built up speed relishing in the feeling as Reaver's throbbing erection filled her wonderfully sliding in and out of her. At this angle his penis brushed up against her G spot making her legs tremble in delight as Angelia tightened her grip on Reaver moaning as her orgasm hit her hard.
"Oh... OH yes!... Reaver Oooh"
Coming down from her high Angelia slowed her movements but Reaver was so close he didn't want her to stop or slow down. He quickly flipped them over, so he was now on top, he moved her legs over his shoulders then relentlessly pounded into her. Angelia screamed Reaver's name as she enjoyed multiple orgasms riding off of her original one, her inner walls clamped down hard on Reaver's erection bringing him to his own release.
"Oh yes! Angelia!"
"Ooh Reaver…"
Reaver pulled Angelia in for a hard kiss as he came, filling her up with his hot release, she was coming down off her own orgasm too trembling as her inner walls clenched around his erection. Wrapped in each other's arms, Reaver let Angelia's legs lower so they were lead on the floor wrapped up together in a hot sticky sweaty mess. They remained like this for a while just enjoying being with each other again permanently. Soon the hardness of the floor got to Angelia's back as she shifted under Reaver's weight he noticed she was uncomfortable, so he got up grabbing her hands pulling her to a stand.
Cupping her face pulling her in for a soft kiss Reaver caressed her cheek with his thumb staring into her eyes lovingly then pulled away to pick up her clothes passing them to her. They got half dressed then a creak of the door handle caught their attention as they stared at the door. One of Reaver's staff members took two steps into the room then froze when they saw Reaver only wearing his trousers and Angelia covering her naked body with her dress. Backing up eyes to the floor they muttering numerous apologies then quietly left the room leaving a very embarrassed Angelia to finish getting dressed, Reaver just smirked he didn't have to or want to hide his sexual conquests with his wife. Once they were both dressed Reaver took Angelia by the hand as they walked out of the ball room, as they left the room a different staff member approached them.
"Master Reaver, Lady Angelia… You have a visitor"
Confused Angelia looked at Reaver worryingly, what've she was spotted and it's the purple guards here to kill her. Knowing the worried look in her eyes Reaver gave her a faint kiss then dismissed his staff member.
"Stay here. I'll see who it is"
"Be careful"
"I always am *wink*"
Reaver walked towards the direction of the front door going through a few doors to get to it, he made sure the close the doors as he went not wanting to give away Angelia was here. When he reached the front doors, he saw who he 'guest' was, his staff already let them in but obviously just told them to wait in the hallway.
"Walter"
"Reaver"
Chapter 14: A Hero's welcome
Standing in the front hallway of Millfield's mansion was Walter, he received a letter from Hammer saying Angelia was returning to Albion but hiding out at Reaver's mansion. Currently he just addressed Reaver who wasn't giving anything away, Walter was still irritated by the man for putting his daughter through all that fighting here in the mansion and for shooting innocent workers. Quite rightly so Reaver didn't give anything away because he wasn't sure if Walter was just fishing for information for the stupid rebels he despised.
"Walter my dear friend, to what do I owe such a pleasure?"
"Save it Reaver. Hannah told me what happened here, how could you do that to your own daughter?"
"She handled it didn't she? I'm assuming she didn't mention my help?"
"Your… help? What are you talking about man!"
"Hm clearly not. I helped her during the fight providing her a health potion. A bit risky, especially if that wretched rebel leader spotted me helping her. Questions raised, mistrust, blah, blah all that crap"
"No, she never mentioned that to me, perhaps Jasper knows she confides in him more"
"Pity"
"Reaver you are a bloody menace"
"Compliments already? Look as much as I enjoy this banter. I'm bored, now if you don't have a real reason to be here I'll bid you a due"
"I know Angelia is here"
"What makes you think that?"
Walter pulled out the letter from Hammer handing it to Reaver, rolling his eyes he snatched the letter out of the old guard's hands quickly skimming through the letter. He peered over the top of the paper throwing his arms up in defeat rolling his eyes again with a huff he turned on his heel.
"*sigh* Fine! Come on, this way"
Reaver walked back through towards Angelia who was pacing in the room, when the doors opened Angelia got into a battle stance ready to attack but when she saw Reaver again she relaxed. Reaver smirked at his wife giving her a wink he stepped to the side revealing Walter who smiled brightly seeing the hero queen.
"Walter!?"
Angelia ran up to Walter embracing him a long-lost friend hug, steadying himself Walter returned the hug pulling away holding her at arm's length with his smile widening until he laughed heartedly.
"This is bloody brilliant! Your majesty, how are you?"
"I'm fine Walter, it's so good to see you after all this time. And please you know it's Angelia to you and Jasper"
"Force of habit"
"How did you know I was here? Also, who else knows?"
"He got this letter from Hammer"
Reaver piped up stepping next to his wife he handed her the letter. Angelia scanned the letter smiling as she read it ("cheeky Hammer, very cheeky").
"Trust her to let the cat out of the bag"
"And in answer to your question Angelia, no one else knows you are back and I'm assuming you want to keep it that way, at least for now"
"Yeah, as hard as it is to resist not wanting to see my children I can't do much if I'm killed the moment I leave this house"
Walter, Angelia and Reaver all moved to one of the lounge area's sitting on the soft cushions Reaver ordered one of his staff to bring a bottle of wine for his guests. Once comfortable Walter then brought Angelia and Reaver up to speed on what's been going on, he stressed he's telling them in the strictest of confidence. He shot Reaver a cold stare to which Reaver paused mid sip of his wine sighing he promised he wouldn't leak any of the information to the king, he'd be stupid to do so since his daughter is with the rebellion. Angelia didn't say a word she just listened absorbing what she's been missing out on. Walter then explained the small things outside of the revolution, such as when Hannah told Walter about seeing Elliott again, but he was engaged to another woman, so she let him go. Reaver furrowed his brow in anger looking at his wife who was listening with a sad expression.
"Who does this boy think he is? How dare he toy with my daughter's feelings then betray her leaving her heartbroken"
"Reav, honey calm down that's life she's a big girl. I'm pleased she handled it well telling the boy to stay with his fiancée rather than try to break them up. That would've just ended up being a toxic relationship"
"Well if I see him he may not be breathing after I'm done with him"
"Reaver! I get it sweetie, she's daddy's girl but daddy's girl is a strong independent woman, right Walter?"
"Too right! She is more than capable, I wouldn't worry too much about Elliott I think she's got a new crush"
"Really who? Any one we would know?"
"This is pure speculation from an old solider… But I noticed Hannah's behaviour changed around Ben Finn. The captain from Major Swift's unit"
"I recognise that name, he was the one Swift vouched for before I was kicked out of Albion"
"Hm, I recognise that name from Bloodstone. Got into all sorts of trouble almost as bad as me before I became exclusive with you my sweet Angelia, but not quite as stylish as moi *wink*"
"Yes, that's Ben. He's a good kid, trouble just always seems to find him. If Hannah and Ben do become something I think she'd be good for him"
"Well, us the parents will give the casting vote when we meet him"
"Haha, good luck to him, poor bastard"
Walter was not kidding he didn't want to be in Ben's shoes if he does end up dating Hannah-Rose. Meeting the parents of your partner is always daunting but times that by 100 when your parents are the hero queen and Reaver.
The conversation moved to Logan, unfortunately Walter didn't have much information about Logan since he's still by the king's side. They then discussed what Hannah has planned next, Walter told them they needed to go to Aurora to gather followers there. Soon they finished the bottle of wine Reaver requested and Walter reluctantly said his goodbyes.
"I better head back to the rebel's hideout to meet Hannah, she'll only question where I've been otherwise"
"Yeah, thank you for coming here to welcome me back Walter"
"It's my pleasure Angelia, very pleased to have you back"
Angelia waved Walter off not daring to stand in the front garden in case any passing guard spotted her, he said his goodbyes disappearing off down the path back towards Bowerstone industry. Once he left Reaver wrapped an arm around his wife pulling her close to him kissing down her soft sensuous neck.
"Come my dear. My bed's been without your gorgeous body for 17yrs, time to fix that *wink*"
"Reaver, don't you mean 'our' bed? *smirk*"
"Oh, I definitely mean our bed *deep chuckle*"
Back in Bowerstone, Walter got back to the rebel hideout just after dinner time. As he walked through the hideout he spotted Ben talking to Hannah-Rose. Ben was stood up leaning on his forearm against a stack of boxes next to him. Hannah was leaning on one leg jutting out her hip making her look very feminine with one hand on her hip and the other resting on the boxes mirroring Ben. Walter couldn't hear what they were talking about, but he could see the way Hannah was talking to Ben, her body language showed he had her full attention, the way she smiled at him with that flirtatious under tone to her voice.
A part of Walter bristled ("Ben better be good to her, that's all I'm saying") he guessed it's because over the years he's become sort of a father figure to the children. Reaver only saw them in fleeting moments over the years and certainly couldn't talk to them where as Walter practically brought them up with Jasper, so being a little protective came with the memories of watching a beautiful baby girl grow up into the strong hero Albion needs.
"Ah, Walter there you are"
"Swift, is everything alright?"
"Yes, yes so where did you run off to then?"
"Come on. I'll discuss it in private"
Walter and Swift turned around heading to a quiet room quickly scoping around making sure no one was listening, still Walter whispered anyway. He explained he went to Millfield's mansion to meet Angelia, she's made it across the border safely and is currently staying with Reaver. Swift questioned why would she stay with Reaver, so Walter came clean about Reaver being the children's father Swift nearly choked on his smoke from his pipe. Walter patted him on the back letting his old friend recover.
"*whispering* Reaver? Really? So that means…"
"Reaver and Angelia are married yes, when she was crowned Reaver signed a document relinquishing his rights to the throne. Didn't want the responsibility"
"That's why he's always going for meetings! The king doesn't realise Reaver is the father either?"
"Precisely right old friend, the king hasn't got a clue"
"So why don't the children recognise their own father?"
"Cartwright used a memory wipe potion on them, made them forget their parents"
"What a monster"
"I know, hard to believe I'm showing sympathy to Reaver, it's the only time the bugger gets any"
Major Swift and Walter finished their conversation when Page entered the quiet room asking what they were discussing. She was immediately distrustful accusing them of plotting behind her back, Walter calmed her down quickly saying they were discussing what Swift was going to talk to the king about later. She backed off leaving the room in a huff, Swift thanked Walter for the assistance then made his way to the castle for his meeting with the king. He asked Ben if he wanted to join him, but Ben gave it a pass telling the major he's got some important tactics to discuss with the princess.
A few hours passed, Page returned saying the king is making a public announcement everyone is gathering outside of the castle. Concern laced Hannah's features as she looked at Ben he grabbed her by the arm.
"Come on. Let's go see what this announcement is about"
They reached outside the castle walls where a crowd had started to gather, the king walked out addressing the people. Logan was stood nearby the king, he looked twice as tired than before and even more miserable clearly since his sister's departure the king had become much more ruthless. The prince stood out of the way nearby a guard as the king paced in front of the crowd on a raised platform.
"It seems our peaceful kingdom is being threatened by the tainted scum of treason you see before you"
With that a guard pushed Swift into eye view, he was bound at the wrists behind his back only dressed in his trousers and ripped shirt no longer in uniform.
"This man was caught trying to convert loyal soldiers to his cause, swaying the deep loyalty of the men who protect us from traitors like this man!"
The crowd got angry shouting abuse at Swift, some were even hurling abuse at the king, but he ignored them. Ben looked up in horror as his mentor was being humiliated in front of all these people, he took a step forward, but Hannah grabbed his hand yanking him back.
"We have to do something!"
"We can't Ben, we'll be killed if we intervene"
"This man will be made an example of, this will be a message to any of you out there who thinks it's a good idea to turn against the crown!"
With that Cartwright pulled out his pistol shooting Swift directly in the head smirking evilly as he watched the dead Major collapse to the floor in a bloody heap. Ben's eyes widened in shock he squeezed his eyes shut curling his hands into fists holding back the anger. Hannah saw this quickly turning him to face her she embraced him in a tight hug, he relaxed into the hug feeling her taut slender body against his, he caught her aroma of gun powder and vanilla it was weirdly arousing. Clearing his throat Ben pulled away from the hug looking down at the floor releasing a breath he'd been holding he looked up at Hannah.
"Promise me you'll make him suffer, he deserves just as much if not more suffering than what Swift received"
"I will. I promise, that man is no longer my father anymore. He's a monster"
"Glad we can agree on that. C'mon let's get out of here"
Logan also watched in horror as the king shot Swift, the prince remembers Swift he was the one who taught him how to read maps whilst Walter was recalling past stories. He quickly hid his mortified expression when the king glared at him after walking away from the dead body. The king walked by heading back into the castle giving Logan a minute to look out over the crowd, right there he spotted his sister hugging a blonde man. When his sister pulled back from the hug he could see her talking to the man then they turned to leave. Logan kept his stare hoping she's sense she was being watched, it paid off she turned around clocking him looking right at her. Hannah hesitated worried her brother would reveal her, but he just did a half smile nodding his head at her, she returned the smile then disappeared off down the street with Ben.
Logan headed back inside seeing if the king needed anything, he did not and dismissed the prince. Heading for his room Logan locked his bedroom door then grabbed some paper and pen, he looked up at the soft cuddly pirate toy he keeps on his bed side table smiling at the toy he decided though he can't travel he can write, so he wrote a letter to Walter. He addressed the letter to Walter's address but changed his name to a fake name, so the king wouldn't intercept it.
Dear Walter,
I understand why you couldn't pull me away from the castle as I'm too close to the king. You would've been stopped or worse, killed. I'm pleased to see my sister is doing so well, she truly is becoming a hero just like those stories you told us of our mother.
That's part of why I'm writing. I need answers Walter, what father did today was beyond evil even for him! If your stories are anything to go by why would you murder an old friend from the royal army that your late wife created to protect Albion. It makes no sense that our mother, the great hero queen, would marry someone like our father and after her death he'd force most of her followers into this poverty-stricken cesspit.
If you have any further knowledge please let me know, I'll make my own plans to leave when it's safe to do so.
Logan
Walter put down the letter then reread it again ("screw it, Logan deserves to know"), he already knew what happened to Swift, Hannah and Ben told him when they got back. The letter arrived the next day. Whilst Hannah was preparing for their travels to Aurora, Walter quickly wrote a response back to Logan and another letter to Angelia and Reaver. It's time they saw their son and for Logan to finally ease his worried mind.