14

Both men returned from the stables refreshed and ruddy cheeked. A skip to their step that left no one in confusion as to why. Their hands were clasped together tightly and they seemed inseparable.

"Highness" one of the High Princess's Ladies in Waiting stepped forward to stop them. "Her Highness wishes an audience with you. Little Princess Alice is unwell."

Jack's attitude changed instantly as he dropped Ianto's hand and began to run for the wing Ianto knew he would not be welcome in. Well played madam… I hope you did not make your child sick for this. Ianto then became aware of the Lady still standing there eyeballing him.

"Is there something you need madam?" he asked softly.

"Yes… for you to step aside and bow. I need to go that way" she replied haughtily.

Ianto was so surprised he laughed before he could school his emotions, folding his arms to tip back his head and eyeball her back "Oh? Bow, shall I?"

"I am the First Lady of the High Princess's Court. You are just a bed toy" she sneered and those in the vicinity became quiet, turning to watch the show as Ianto's smile widened. Hers seemed to fade as she realized he was not about to yield or show anger… she was amusing him?

"I amuse you Sir?" she demanded.

"Yes you do. And it's Highness" Ianto replied "I am of higher standing than you… or your mistress. I suggest you remind her of that fact. I am her husband's other half now. His shadow. We have the one heartbeat and to anger me is to anger him. Also… you are in MY way, Mi' Lady."

"You think by letting him put his dick in you it makes you higher than me?" she squared off and suddenly there was another between them.

"Oi, oi, oi, what's all this malarkey?" Rhys asked, slamming into her as he pushed her back "I think you need to step back pretty lady, his highness does not like to be touched."

"How dare you… assault. Help. This man is attacking me!" she screamed in a high pitched voice. The laughter as Rhys looked back at Ianto was her undoing and she attacked him with snarling anger, her fingernails gouging at him.

Rhys simply hugged her to him and kept her controlled as he looked at her some more "Feisty ain't cha little sweetie. My… you are a wild cat."

Ianto was already walking away, his mind in turmoil as she struggled in Rhys's arms "Let me go you… you… oaf."

"Only if you have dinner with me" Rhys countered "I need me a strong woman… good hips. You would bear good children… of all those I have met since arriving here…. You are the first one to show moxie. I bet you fight like a demon in the bedding missus."

She gaped at him, then snarled as she started to struggle some more, then he leaned in and kissed her. "There missus... now THAT is assault."

She went still and then aid softly "It's Gwyneth. Gwen."

"Well… hello there Gwen. I'm Rhys. Got a man?"

She started to smile as she saw that one had her already.

.

.

Ianto was in his quarters trying not to take it personally that the bitch had usurped his mood. He instead settled at the table to write a letter home to his little niece whom he loved so deeply.

The servant that came with his tray of refreshments was not one known to him and he nodded absently as it was placed down and she retreated. He then absent y lifted the cup to take a sip and froze. Sniffed. Smiled. Drank.

The servant watched from the doorway and took off to tell her mistress that it was done.

He had drink of the pointed tea.

..

.

Jack watched the little one slam into the room and race to her mistress, whisper in in her ear and as Lucia's face lit up Jack had a strange feeling that she had done something bad. Really bad. Especially when she turned to grin at him in a predatory way.

Jack looked at his daughter who was playing with palace children as if she had never been ill a day in her life and he left the room, moving swiftly for Ianto as his heart pounded.

What has she done.

He entered Ianto's chambers to find him on the bed, laying so still and silent that the pain in his chest seemed to almost fell him. "Ianto?"

"Cariad. There you are" Ianto said softly "I was snoozing in the heat of the afternoon. I still cannot abide this heat… although since bonding to you it seems less… killy."

"I had a sudden thought. Like… a slamming fear in my chest… I thought… I thought…" Jack crawled onto the bed and touched Ianto's face "Are you OK?"

"I am fine. Just sleepy, come… snuggle with me and tell me of your lovely little girl." Ianto reached out his arm in invitation and Jack smiled as he settled in, then one of the servants came in to clear the things from the table.

"Connie… the cup … make sure it is thrown away and do not let the liquid touch your skin" Ianto called out softly "It is sour and I fear the tea might have turned. The stain will not come out of the china."

She curtseyed and left.

"Tea does not turn" Jack whispered into Ianto's ear.

"No… but the poison makes it tepid." Ianto replied, rolling to then face one another and he rubbed his nose agonist Jack's "But no worry. I am immune to that one. Silly woman… she should try harder but then again, she is clearly deranged to think killing me will regain you. After all… kill me… will you too, right? Your wife needs to learn that we BOTH need a strong heartbeat if she is to ever get that crown she hungers for""

Jack stared at him and knew Ianto was speaking truthfully.

"Bitch."