27

The Christmas morning dawned with high pitched screaming and chaos in the lavishly decked out hall, Ianto standing back to let the little girl have at it, glad to watch from the background as Jack joined his daughter on the floor, adding to the squeals and gleeful clapping. Ianto did not remember Christmas like this at al and was again reminded of his mother's dislike for him. Not her fault. She was done with kids and he was a surprise. Might have been nice to have this instead of a gift at the foot of his bed and nothing else. Usually robes and a book. Wow... she got so much, and they just keep coming?

Ianto was more interested in the one who stood back wringing her hands over her large stomach. Ianto moved over to her "Hi there."

"Oh" she squeaked, curtseying gently.

"Careful, you might drop if you open your legs any further" Ianto whispered with amusement "Who is the father?"

She looked at him like he was mad, then over at Jack and Ianto's' smile faded. He stared at her then knew "Posey?"

"Hello Brother" she nodded.

"Jack told me there were other wives and I have met some but you all hide so well… tell me child…. Who is the father? I know that is not Jack's seed in your belly" Ianto was more demanding now and he reached out to place a hand on her arm gently "No harm. Is there another you love, child? Come now, this could go badly for all concerned if it is not handled correctly."

She glanced at one of the personal guards, then looked down at her feet with obvious shame as Ianto sighed "Damn. Not even a lord that could challenge him to a bloodless duel or something. You really pick them. Right. You will have to leave it with me and I will see if I can talk to him later. Go, before he notices. If he asks I will say some of the womenfolk were leaving to prepare for the evening meal. Changing your gowns or something…. Go."

"You will? Really?"

Ianto nodded and watched her leave then turned to find his husband's eyes on him, watching the entire exchange. Jack rose and walked over then asked "What's happening?"

"One of your harem is not used to being high society and is wanting a way out… quietly with decorum. She is with child, clearly not yours given how ill you have been… she only wants peace and some respect." Ianto said softly. "Hopefully we can facilitate that without others getting wise."

"She… how dare she. What the fuck… she is mine!" he snarled and Ianto noticed people turning to look in their direction with interest so he reached out and touched Jack's arm.

"Quiet Cariad, people are looking."

"So?" Jack yanked back, "are you trying to handle me?"

Ianto frowned "No. I am trying to make sure your daughter does not have her day ruined by something that cannot be altered."

"Well I want to have words with her and I will decide what happens next, alright? This is still MY realm and my wife… you are just another of my Harem here, not the bloody prince" Jack said before swinging away to storm off and Ianto felt the physical blow. He grunted as he stepped back from the spot they argued in like tht area was cursed now.

Jack was halfway down the corridor before he felt it. Ianto's anger and pain flowing through the bond and he slowed with surprise, then he felt a spike of alarm as he felt something else. He felt it all fade away as Ianto slammed down firewalls that shut Jack out of his heart.

Seems for now… Jack can be the Man all he wants… Ianto is no one's bitch.

.

.

Ianto stood in his room long around as the anger thrummed. He knew Jack did not mean the things he said, he knew that in some way Jack was angry at himself and as Ianto is a part of him that is visceral, real and solid, he lashed out. Ianto also knew this was a test and how he handles the next 24 hours would determine the rest of their marriage.

Things considered and a course of action decided, Ianto moved down to the stables where he swapped pleasantries for the day and assured the men that he would be at the celebrations later. Then he calmly saddled his Mount, taking her out in the morning air. If Jack wanted space, he would give it to him. Now their bond was complete he could travel a fair way without it costing Jack any discomfort so… let's see how much leeway this bond has.

Ianto kicked her sides gently and let her have her head. She flew across the grass barely touching the ground as he laughed as he let his heart release the anger and pain from a conversation that was a mere moment in a lifetime of togetherness. The few spatters of flame left in the grass soon extinguished itself as they ran, the black marks the only proof that she had touched the ground at all. He knew Jack would say sorry, no doubt he would accept it without question but now… right now… for a moment… he wanted Jack to feel the anger and know the disappointment of his mate.

If not… how will he ever learn that this is a two person bond… no single one of them is in the boss and no single one of them gets to decide things. Nope. Jack needs to learn one way or another.

This dragons' wings cannot be clipped.