26

Jack was talking of a party. A celebration. Ianto was not sure about that, he didn't want it to seem like he was crowing but the idea of Jack formally announcing the titles and such for his court was a good idea. Maybe al title something for that.

With Gwen gone it felt a little weird but a party might be nice. Christmas and all… they can call it that right? A ball… he had thought of that then mentioned it vaguely like asking what their version of one was like to watch Jack's face. It was pleasing to her Jack blurt out "A Ball" like it was his idea. Nice. Their bond was stronger by the day and now Ianto knew suggestion could be used… oh shit… Ianto knew he had to work on his shields and teach Jack to do the same. Can't have people moaning about the old wives tale of the Fae able to mind control those that love them… even if they can… to an extent. They can't control them but they can whisper in their ear from a distance… if ya know what I mean. Damn.

Ianto wandered for a while and considered things only to find himself in the men's baths. He stood there staring at the deep pool of water that had been recently replaced. He was soon undressed and in the water up to his chin as he considered this. Hmmm. Never been in one of these.

Others entered and soon there were several men in the water talking boisterously about some sort of exercise that they had all taken part in. Ianto listened in and learned that there had been some tracks spotted by the tree line to the east that has left them uncomfortable.

Christmas. A time of celebration and peace… not a time to covertly recon a palace… right? Ianto frowned and knew a ride was in order, rising from the water and walking up the steps towards the robes as the voices all softly petered out.

Maybe because they finally saw one of their future kings had been sharing their water… or maybe it was the scars so starkly evident on his pale flesh from the battles he had won… hard fought battles that had given him these badges on his flesh that he wore with honour.

Ianto turned slowly as he pulled on the robe and let them see his royal jewels, his dick at half mast as it always was after a nice comforting bathe. He grinned "Gentlemen."

Soft laughter started as he left the room and a few catcalls after him as a few brave souls tried their luck. Ianto's deep booming laugh echoing back into the room.

"See? I told you. He's one of us at heart" one of the men said softly, setting back further "If you ask, he will spar without fear of retribution."

"I just don't' want his highness cutting off me balls if I mark up his pretty thing" the man sneered.

It was Rhys who started a high pitched giggle at the mere thought someone could 'mark' Ianto in any way. "You know mate… if you had any brains you would have noted that all the scars on his highness' back are old… as in … youthful. He's not been 'marked' as you put it in over a hundred of your years. Fuck, you humans are weird."

Rhys then rose from the water to follow his prince, leaving the men setting there stunned as Rhys had been with them all morning and not a single time had they even thought of him as not one of the crew.

"Well.. fuck me. Clever fucker, ain't he."

"Which one?"

"Yeah… that's what I mean Which one do we watch?"

"The one to watch is the one who not only holds the ear of our future king buddy… but the one who one day will ride into battle with us without fear." John Hart finally spoke, having enjoyed the entire spectacle in silence.

"Those scars…"

"All warriors have scars. I am telling you… that man is a born ruler. I know I will follow him into battle without hesitation, even if I know it's certain death. He will not leave us on the field, likely bleed alongside us… die with us if it saves the realm."

"That's the feeling I got from him too" Kolleg agreed.

"Well, I am hungry. Come on… the feast is nigh."

"Oh la-de-fucking-da the feast is feckin nigh boys!" John said in a high pitched voice and the laughter again bounced off the walls, John refocusing with the open the banter as Ianto's footprints had long since dried as he left.

To tell the truth, the water had probably steamed away within the first few steps.

Hot blooded, that one.