Chapter 23: Royal Promises
Hannah-Rose has been crowned a month, she has 11 months before the inevitable Crawler attack. In her 1 month as queen she has kept one promise: reinstate the royal army, with Ben officially taking Swift's position always now known as Major Benjamin Finn. It was amusing when Hannah presented Ben his new uniform announcing his new title as she kept her professional royal demeanour whereas Ben kept putting her off winking and whispering jokes under his breath that only she'd hear.
Hannah was completely comfortable with her mother and father now, they initially moved back into the castle as instructed by Hannah and Logan at least until the Crawler has been dealt with. Reaver went back to the mansion to keep it maintained also offering the wheel of misfortune out to anyone who's willing to pay to train by fighting all sorts of beasts. One day they all went in as a family; Hannah, Logan, Angelia and Reaver with Walter, Jasper, Ben and Paige watching from the raised platform. Individually they were impressive but as a family unit they were a deadly force of nature, especially when a balverine charged at Angelia she rolled out of the way then all four of them lined their pistols shooting the beast in the head in the exact same spot.
Today Hannah had to cast her punishment for Cartwright, he was still wearing his royal attire, but it was dirty and torn in places. Hannah sat on the throne looking down at the traitor, he was cuffed around the wrists and ankles, Ben pushed him forward to make him deliberately trip landing on his knees before the queen. Cartwright whipped his head around to glare at the solider, but Ben kept his rifle trained on him daring him to try and stand. Walter addressed the court.
"Now a royal matter that needs deciding by the queen herself, the punishment for the old king Cartwright. Charged with the highest treason for crimes against the crown; overthrowing the old queen Angelia, the use of black market potions on minors, employing a private army to murder the old queen, the unjust murder of Major Swift of the royal army. How would the queen like to punish the accused?"
Hannah looked up at Ben when Walter mentioned Swift knowing it's still a sore subject. Ben looked down at the old king keeping his rifle aimed at the kings back.
"Look, I'm not one for lopping people's heads off, but we saw Major Swift executed like a bloody circus act. He deserves nothing less as far as I'm concerned"
"Your majesty, the choice is yours. Spare the king's life or have him executed"
Hannah pondered the choices knowing executing the king would affect her moral stature, but this man has caused so much grief and pain. He ordered the execution of their mother over nothing just because he wanted the crown. Reaver and Angelia were stood on the other side of the throne to where Walter was addressing the crowds. Reaver stepped forward placing a hand on the queen's arm, breaking eye contact from Ben, Hannah looked up at her father he motioned her to lean closer, so he could whisper his idea. The court held their breath as Reaver whispered into the queen's ear, they all knew that was her father which worried them they didn't want the queen to be swayed to Reaver's selfish plans because he's her father. Reaver pulled away smiling at his daughter, she returned the smile nodding at him placing a hand over his as he stepped away standing next to Angelia whispering his plan to her too.
"As queen I hear by sentence this man to death! But… The execution will be carried out by my parents"
The court gasped then quietly muttering amongst themselves, Ben smiled at the queen's decision then at Reaver. He knew Reaver has been itching to give Cartwright what's coming to him. Cartwright dared to look up at Angelia and Reaver who were both smiling smugly at him.
"The queen has spoken! Cartwright will be executed at dawn by the hands of our former queen Angelia and her husband Reaver"
As day broke the queen got dressed making her way out to the window that looked down into the gardens knowing that below her Cartwright was going to receive his death penalty. She was already greeted by Ben who asked her if she wants to watch, she shook her head happy to contemplate from the window. Outside Cartwright was brought out in chains wearing prisoner clothes ordered to take his place. Angelia took her place next to her husband standing slightly ahead of the crowd that had formed behind them. Reaver pulled out his faithful dragonstomper holding up ready for the traitor to get into position. A guard offered a blindfold to Cartwright, but before the old king could speak Reaver whistled the guard over.
"No! That man doesn't deserve such courtesy"
The guard did a nod stepping back away from the prisoner, Cartwright glared at Angelia and Reaver.
"So, this is how it ends? I was your faithful advisor for years and this is how you repay me?"
"How dare you! The audacity coming out of your mouth, TRAITOR! You stole my babies from me, scrambling their brains so they couldn't recognise their own mother and father you sick FUCK!"
"Such language from the former queen"
Reaver put his arms around Angelia when she took a step forward, he soothed her whispering he'll meet his end soon. Reaver got into position aiming his dragonstomper at Cartwright using his free hand he guided his wife to stand in front of him wrapping her hand over his so they both can pull the trigger at the same time. He whispered what he wanted to do, and Angelia eyed her husband over her shoulder giving him a soft kiss then nodded.
*bang* Into Cartwright's leg "That's for stealing the crown from my wife"
*bang* The other leg, Cartwright's now collapsed onto his knees in pain "That's for claiming my children as your own"
*bang* Into Cartwright's arm "That's for murdering Major Swift"
*bang* The other arm "That's for threatening to murder my wife!"
Cartwright was now a bloody pulp quivering in pain from being shot 4 times, he was bleeding out he didn't have long before the blood loss took him.
"And this is for my family! Let this be a lesson to anyone who thinks of messing with Reaver and his family" *bang* into Cartwright's head.
Angelia let go of the gun and her husband's hand once they shot Cartwright through the head a wash of relief hit them both as they were finally free from all the secrets. Angelia turned to her husband embracing him tightly, Reaver slipped his gun into its holster then returned the embrace. Ben watched on feeling happier knowing that traitor is now dead, hoping Swifts spirit will finally find some peace.
The following months addressed all the promises Hannah-Rose made with her allies when she rose to power as Queen. A week after Cartwright's death she was summoned to Bowerstone industrial to talk to her father Reaver. He was waiting stood next to Paige, he explained his reasons for keeping child labour enforced, reminded Hannah about the darkness that's coming so they needed an army to prepare for it. Paige argued the case stating Hannah had to act to make Bowerstone a better place now and keep her promise. Though Hannah didn't like Paige's attitude to her father she agreed with her.
"I decree that child labour will be abolished and all children will have to attend school instead"
"Thank you, your highness"
"*sigh* I suppose if we must, I'll see to the changes right away your majesty"
The next promise which was important to the people was the rebuild of the Old Quarter in Bowerstone as it had been destroyed by the war when they stormed the castle to take back the crown. This was a no brainer but still Reaver argued why waste the money now whereas Paige argued profusely they needed to rebuild.
"As queen I order the rebuild of Bowerstone Old Quarter"
"Thank you, your grace"
"*rolls eyes* If you want to waste the treasury I can't complain I suppose. Might I suggest you buy up the new properties to earn your loss back, your highness"
"I'll take that under advisement, father"
The months rolled by, but Hannah-Rose has barely begun scratching the surface on her promises. Kalin has travelled down from Aurora to ask about her promise to protect their city by expanding the guard budget. This way the royal guard will gain more recruits which can be stationed out in Aurora. Again, Reaver argued does the budget really need rising to such heady expensive heights, Kalin ignored Reaver pleading to Hannah to help protect her people.
"As queen I hereby expand the guard's budget to allow soldiers to be stationed out in Aurora"
"You are most kind, your majesty"
"Psh very well"
The next order of business followed the next day since Kalin was already in Bowerstone it made sense to address this now rather than later. Reaver proposed mining Aurora for valuable resources since it's an untouched area who knows what kind of treasure could be buried there. Kalin strongly disagreed explaining the area is sacred and holy, not to be tampered with for selfish reasons.
"As queen I decree that Aurora will be left alone"
"*sigh of relief* Thank you, your grace"
"I'm only trying to help raise the gold, tsk honestly"
Before Hannah-Rose knew it, 9 months had rolled by she knew she only had 3 months left before the Crawler attack. The treasury was doing well but she had to be careful, luckily during these months her father taught her a thing or two about real estate keeping the money constantly coming in. Reaver even gifted her 3 of the properties in Millfield's knowing the rent from them will greatly help her. Hannah walked into the throne room greeting everyone before taking her seat on the throne to address Paige and Reaver over child benefits. Paige made her pitch going for the sympathy vote that new parents need these benefits to pay for people to watch their children while they work. Reaver offered why not charge for having a child, it would certainly reduce the population and stop Bowerstone becoming a bunch of freeloaders.
*shakes head smiling* "I decree as Queen we will introduce child benefits only. I do concur with my father I want Bowerstone to be a hard-working city not some cesspit filled with freeloaders expecting something for nothing"
"Thank you, your highness"
"Hmph while I don't condone the benefit to begin with I'm glad you see my way too"
The next call of business was about Bowerstone sewers although Hannah-Rose despised the way this hippie spoke she couldn't harm these people all because the man leading the speech spoke like a free love idiot. The man from Mouringwood asked for their small village to remain as it currently stands and to redirect the sewage elsewhere. Reaver scoffed at the man's appearance asking the queen do we really need people like him in the kingdom then suggested directing the sewage right at the village which angered the hippie.
"I will make sure Bowerstone receives one of the first sewage plants freeing any sewage that might come Mouringwood's way"
"Oh! Thank you, thank you so much your highness!"
"*sigh* I suppose I'll draft up some blueprints for a sewage plant then hm?"
"If you would be so kind father"
"Wait… this man is your father!?"
10 months gone, only 2 left until the Crawler attack. Hannah did do some adventuring in-between royal decisions such as finding a rare diamond the aurorean flower which she donated to the royal treasury to help fund the army she needed. With Angelia and Reaver being back Treacle went back to Angelia, since it was her dog in the first place leaving Hannah-Rose without a travelling companion. It was just before her first side quest without the dog, Major Finn stepped forward offering to accompany her for any quests, Hannah gladly accepted. The pair became travelling companions since Ben always loved adventure and his unit is stationed around the castle, so he isn't necessarily needed to watch them.
Hannah-Rose was notified of her royal duties for today starting with a meeting with Samuel to discuss Brightwall Academy. She entered the throne room taking her seat ready to hear Samuel's pitch which was to keep her promise and reopen the academy making it free for anyone to use. Reaver interjected saying while opening the library is a good idea it would be better if it's a charged privilege. Samuel argued saying only the wealthy would be able to afford going to the academy which Reaver didn't see a problem with.
"Since my mother built this academy I want to continue what she did, keeping the academy open to all"
"Thank you, your highness you are most gracious"
"Hm, remind me to have words with your mother over this 'for free' nonsense"
Later that day Paige entered the throne room to discuss Bowerlake, the area now formally known as Millfield's. Reaver suggested draining the lake to mine it for resources which would give a healthy amount of income to the royal treasury. He did also make a point that he'd gladly sacrifice the surrounding beauty outside his mansion in order to help the kingdom. Paige was having none of it telling Hannah to open her eyes to the beauty that is Bowerlake, the only bit of beauty Bowerstone truly still has and that they should hold onto it.
"Dad you know mum wouldn't approve if I destroyed where she grew up. Remember it's how she met you if she didn't become the hero of Bowerlake"
"Yes, yes I know. I'm only advising my child"
"In answer to your question Paige, Yes I promise to keep Bowerlake as it is. It will not be drained as ordered by myself, the queen"
"Thank you, your grace"
"*sarcastic* Fantastic, I'm sure I'll get an earful later on"
Hannah smiled at her dad rolling her eyes when he whined about mum who will probably moan at him for daring to suggest destroying Bowerlake.
It was now the 11 months, only 4 weeks until the Crawler attack. Sabine was in the throne room ready to discuss the Mistpeak Mountains. Sabine recalled the queen's promise to return the mountains rightfully to his people the dwellers. Reaver questioned why would the kingdom allow these squatters rights over the mountains, instead the mountains should be mined for resources.
"I vow to keep my promises, the mountains of Mistpeak shall be returned to the dwellers"
"Thank you, your highness"
"As ever your decision carries the consequences, but you already know that"
Chapter 24: Calm before the storm
There was only 2 weeks left until the Crawler attack, Hannah-Rose managed to keep all her promises and still have enough gold in the treasury to fund the army she needs for the attack. Everyone was getting ready for the battle ahead, Hammer and Garth made arrangements with Anna to look after the children, so they can join the battle. Angelia wrote to Hammer confirming they'll join them at the castle in a week's time so they all have time to prepare. Angelia looked at her reflection in the mirror of her vanity table she's still the young woman she was when she first met Reaver the passage of time didn't ravage her complexion. A small thought of sadness entered her mind as she knew even though her and Reaver are immortal their children are not, eventually they will grow old and pass.
"*sigh* I can't think like that now. Can I Treacle?"
Her dog perked her head up to bark excitedly at her mistress earning a giggle from Angelia as she reached down to stroke the dog's soft fur on top her head. Pushing the doom and gloom out of her head Angelia studied her reflection a bit more memorising her blue glowing Will lines, seems the next generation of heroes weren't burdened with these permanent body patterns. Hannah-Rose used a lot of Will like her mother, but she only had faded white lines that were barely visible. With another sigh Angelia got up from her vanity table looking around her and Reaver's bedroom she pondered what to do but then she wondered where her husband was. A playful smile curled on her lips as she thought of a nice surprise for him, she knew he was around in the castle, question is where.
"He's always surprising me with his devilish charms or gifts. Now it's my turn"
Moving to her wardrobe Angelia looked over her many outfits she decided on wearing a wrap around floor length dress. It was figure hugging with a sash that ties into a bow on one side. The dress was soft, light and flowy perfect for hot summer days or for lazing around the castle but still looking presentable. The dress was deep red with the sash jet black, being a wrap around dress the neckline was a deep 'V' showing off her ample bosom.
Angelia pulled out the dress then changed her lingerie deciding on a deep red and black lace bra with matching underwear, garter belt with black lace stockings and finishing the outfit off with black high heeled court shoes. Angelia checked herself out in the mirror, the dress was perfect it concealed her appealing lingerie underneath, doing a little twirl she saw a little bit of her stockings which made her smile with excitement picturing Reaver's reaction. With that she turned on her heel leaving Treacle asleep in the room heading out to find Reaver.
It didn't take long to find him, he was in the war room reading a book whilst idly looking over the map of Albion. Angelia snuck in quickly scanning around the room to make sure they were alone, there was two doors into the war room. She locked one which caught Reaver's attention when he heard the bolt lock he looked up from his book smirking at her and checking her out. He watched his wife as she ignored his gaze walking across the room to the other door locking it she turned around leaning her back against the door smirking at him.
"Locking me in? You do know there's a meeting in this room later this afternoon"
"*coy* Is there? Oh, well you better hurry up then"
"With wha- Oh, Angelia… "
Angelia slowly pulled the bow loosening the sash letting her dress open slightly exposing her lingerie on one side. Reaver dropped the book he was holding, distracted by his wife currently undressing in front of him. Angelia stepped away from door letting the dress slip off her shoulders hanging by her forearms exposing her lingerie. With a deep growl of approval Reaver stepped forward approaching Angelia, once he was face to face with her he gently pushed the material of her dress down letting it pool around her feet.
"Now this is a surprise. What's the occasion my sweet?"
Angelia leant forward to whisper in his ear "I want you to take me. Ooh please take me now… Master"
She pulled away from his ear biting his earlobe making Reaver groan in approval. Before she could look at his face Reaver grabbed her by her waist pushing her back slamming her against the door earning a startled gasp of arousal from Angelia. He looked into her eyes and saw that same feral lust building up inside. With a devilish smirk Reaver dropped to his knees pulling off her underwear as he went. He glanced up to her face, she was biting her bottom lip waiting for him, feeling her burning gaze he dug his fingers into her thighs spreading them apart then plunged his tongue into her sex making her moan hard slamming her head against the door.
"Ooh Reaver… "
He slowly rolled his tongue around inside her sensitive sex then moved to her sensitive spot drawing maddening patterns around the area. His hands held onto her thighs as her body writhed above him, her back arching as she felt herself orgasm. Reaver moved his tongue sliding it deep inside of her sex enjoying the taste of her sweet release. He made her do that two more times leaving her trembling for more, her legs felt like jelly as her 3rd orgasm wracked her body. Reaver pulled away coming to a stand he grinned at his wife going for her neck he kissed then bit his way across her tempting flesh enjoying the way her body instinctively wrapped around his.
Angelia kept her head back against the door, with Reaver distracted by her neck, Angelia moved her hands down working on his belt and trousers. When Reaver noticed the fabric of his trousers had loosened he pulled away from her neck to look at his wife. She smirked at him capturing his mouth in a deep kiss pushing him back, he stumbled as he tripped over her dress on the floor but remained upright walking backwards until he bumped into the map table. Angelia broke the kiss giving Reaver a wink then dropped to her knees, she yanked his trousers and underwear down with her freeing his hard erection. Angelia admired her husbands throbbing erection before taking him fully in her mouth listening to him groan in approval as she sucked on his length.
"Ooh Angelia... That feels so good, don't stop my love"
She had no intention of stopping, wrapping her fingers around the base of his penis, Angelia started pumping his erection from the bottom whilst her tongue circled around the tip then sliding his erection into her hot mouth sucking hard. Reaver ran his fingers through her hair holding onto her tightly with one hand, his other hand he braced against the map behind him throwing his head back moaning as his own orgasm started building.
Angelia moaned in-between sucks which resonated down his length making his erection twitch excitedly in her mouth. She pulled back to the tip then focused on that area flicking her tongue across the tip of his erection enjoying the breathless moans escaping from her husband. Reaver tried really hard to hold out a little longer but she was relentless pulling his pleasure from him taking no prisoners.
"Angelia, my love… Ooh I won't last much longer if you keep going"
She smirked with her mouth full pulling away she looked up at his lust filled daze, his body trembling tittering on the edge of release.
"Good"
With that she quickly took him in her mouth again but with more vigour, she held him in place as she sucked harder and faster bobbing up and down his length enjoying the feeling of his erection twitch and harden with every movement in her mouth. Reaver's grip in her hair tightened but the pull only encouraged Angelia then with a deep growl Reaver threw his head back as he came filling her mouth with his hot release. Once she consumed the last drop she pulled his semi-hard erection out of her mouth with a pop coming to a stand seeing the spent look on Reaver's face beads of sweat gathered across his brow.
"You little minx"
"I try"
"Mm come here"
Reaver scooped her up in his arms, her legs wrapped around his waist as he turned around propping her up on the edge of the map table. With the position they were in Reaver's penis slid into Angelia's sex with ease making them both moan. She looked up at him wantonly her eyes begging for him to take her against this table. Reaver began moving rapidly thrusting deep into her right up to a hilt watching her expression as she unravelled before him moaning hard. She put both her hands behind her, being careful of the model mountains on the map, she braced herself arching her back pushing her cleavage closer to him. Taking the invitation Reaver held onto her waist then moved his other hand around her back unhooking her bra. As the bra came away from her chest Angelia moved her arms to take it off properly flinging it across the room, not really caring where it landed. With her breasts now free bouncing to the rhythm Reaver wasted no time capturing a hardened nipple between his teeth moaning into it as her inner walls clamped down around him.
"Yes! Ooh yes… Reaver"
Reaver picked up the pace thrusting harder and faster as his wife came multiple times clenching her sex around his erection milking him to his end. Both of his hands were on her behind as he dug his fingers into the soft flesh keeping him buried deep inside of her thrusting and gyrating erotically bathing in her moans of wanton desire.
His rhythm faltered when there was a loud knock on one of the doors, he didn't stop but he did slow his thrusting to see if the person knocking would go away. Angelia didn't seem to care she threw her head back moaning quietly deliberately squeezing her sex around him making Reaver moan then chuckle under his breath as he looked at his wife with arousal in his eyes.
*knocking* Muffled voice through the door "Why is this door locked? Hannah, Logan is one of you in here? Come on we made sure it was on the royal agenda!"
They both recognised the voice, it was Ben Finn, but they hoped he'd give up go find Hannah giving them enough time to finish off and leave.
*louder knocking* "Whoever is in there you time is up! *muttering* where's the servants entrance to this room?"
Reaver and Angelia both looked at each other with widened eyes of shock.
"Shit, I didn't check the servant doors into here there must be at least 4 doors"
"We can pick this up later if you like my love?"
"Ah, I don't think so *wink* you need to finish what you started… but I would hurry if I was you"
"Ooh you devilish little minx"
Wrapping their arms around each other Reaver drove into Angelia deeper and deeper thrusting like his life depended on it. They heard a shuffle from the other side of the door knowing the group with Ben are finding the servants entrance, so they didn't have long before they got unwelcomed eyes on them. Angelia pulled Reaver closer to her as she whispered her deepest desires and fantasies she wants to do with Reaver, she begged him to come moaning in his ear admitting to him she loves the feeling of his penis when he comes as it twitches so deliciously and fills her so divinely.
"Ooh fuck Angelia…"
That did it, Reaver came harder than he has in a while, but they didn't have time to bathe in their afterglow they had company soon. Quickly pulling out Reaver helped Angelia off the table, she couldn't find her bra, but she did spot her underwear and dress ("that'll have to do, I'll find my bra later"). Reaver tidied himself up picking the book he dropped off the floor whilst Angelia quickly slipped on her underwear then tied her dress back into place. Without a mirror she didn't really know how she looked but her eyes went wide when she saw Reaver's face, but it was too late the servant door opened. Reaver quickly moved next to Angelia so it looked like they were discussing the book Reaver had as Ben and some of his men entered the room.
"Haven't you heard of knocking, Benji boy?"
"We were knocking, didn't you hear us yell through the door?"
Reaver looked up from the book he was pretending to read with Angelia giving them a smug look.
"No can't say I have"
Ben was about to argue but when Reaver looked at them he saw red lipstick kisses on Reaver's chin, jawline then trailing down his neck. His eyes flicked over to Angelia her hair was dishevelled and she had red bite marks going down her neck. A smug smile broke out across Ben's face as he folded his arms looking between Reaver and Angelia.
"What was it? Some 'light' undisturbed reading"
Reaver raised an eyebrow at Finn looking at his wife he spotted the bite marks then snapped his gaze back at Ben with a cheeky smile.
"Mm something like that. Come along my sweet these boys need to do their strategy or whatever it is they're doing"
As they both turned to leave out of the other door they locked, Reaver spotted Angelia's bra caught on the bookshelf near that door. As Angelia unlocked the door she opened it turning around to Reaver who glanced over his shoulder at Ben, then with a smug smile he grabbed her bra caught on the bookshelf throwing it to his wife. Angelia caught the bra going immediately bright red playfully hitting Reaver on the chest scampering off to their bedroom leaving Reaver behind holding the door open. The men spotted the bra averting their gaze clearing their throats looking a bit sheepish. Reaver winked at Ben doing playful wave as he shut the door.
"Tatty-bye"
Once Reaver had left the men looked at Ben with slight embarrassment on their faces.
"No-one mentions this to the queen or prince Logan, understood?"
In unison "Sir, yes sir!"
"Alright let's get on with this meeting"