29

Jack was surprised at how easy it was to let some of his Harem leave. He was also surprised to learn that some didn't want to go, liked the court, liked the life and liked Ianto too. Oh. OK. That was different.

"I've been thinking!"

"Oh shit… really? You really should have asked someone first before you did that. Can lead to all sorts of trouble" Ianto said distractedly as he lifted a stirrup to polish on his saddle, Jack's mouth still open as he had gone to add something.

"How rude." He finally spluttered.

"Can't help it when it's the truth" Ianto said turning to give a blinding smile to Jack "go on then. Amaze me… what did you think of? I know I shall never guess."

Jack lit up again, now seeing that Ianto was playing with him "Well… I was thinking… of the Harem is getting small then… do we need all that room?"

"OK" Ianto said slowly.

"Well… I mean… I was thinking… some of the ladies in waiting could move in there with them right? Instead of the servant quarters that are smaller" Jack pointed out.

"Jack! Brilliant idea!" Ianto said with delight, reaching out to place a hand on his shoulder.

"Yeah?"

"It makes sense. Easier to see who goes well in the group, easier for them to see who is a trouble maker and … extract them... make a little group that can entertain one another and create less gossiping behind one another's backs." Ianto assured him.

"Do you think they will miss me?"

"Why would they? You will still visit for tea and gossip. They have not have sexual favours from you for some time so it's not a change there. Lucia did her best to separate them from you anyway, right? So there was no other child? This way they might see more of you.. of us. They will be our court now… right? We can both visit and let them feel appreciated for their continued loyalties" Ianto agreed. "I mean… I do not want to share you with them but I shall be happy to go with you for face-time… as long as you warm my bed every night!"

Jack considered and then said softly "Are you handling me again?"

"No. Advising. We are a partnership and you are to be the Head King of this Realm, I to be your secondary King or… I don't know… Side King? Assistant King? King Regent? I don't know the title you will give me but I know I will always tell you my thoughts on things so you might see what I do, have my prospective to add to your own when making a decision. If I am handling you, my hands will be in your britches my love" Ianto whispered as he leaned in close, then kissed the shell of his ear "I will also always back whatever you decide, whether or not it is what I privately spoke of."

Jack nodded "Good enough for me."

Ianto relaxed as he knew he had secured their freedoms.

..

.

"Hello Mother"

"Oh! Ianto love" the queen lit up as her son-in-law settled in a chair next to her and signaled for another cup of tea. He was joining her. Oh. How lovely. Her children never did this. "I am not interrupting a thought I hope?"

"Of course not sweetling. No. I chose to sit in the veranda today so I could look over the gardens below. I am considering a change to the borders but am undecided between dwarf lavender or pansies."

"Ah. A dilemma" Ianto said with a serious face that had her giggling with surprise. He was playful today. "And your thoughts so far?"

"I do love the purples but… it looks so scraggly once it is past it's best" she sighed, lifting her cup to her lips as Ianto leaned back to allow the servant girl to place down more refreshments.

"Thank you Winnie" Ianto said softly and she blushed as she curtsied politely and ran off with glee.

"You know her name?"

"I am learning them all… a few still not cemented but I do believe in knowing your staff well. It makes for a better working environment and if you are more familiar with them, you hear more gossip" he winked and she smiled as her day grew a little warmer. "And the flowers. A dilemma."

"Yes."

"Well… I love pansies. So happy, cheerful little faces and easy to remove and replace as they die off. Lavender… I do love that too but in my personal gardens I used to have it on pots. All the different colours and variations… did you know there is a giant headed one the size of my fist? Imagine. I had the large pots spattered around the garden amongst the roses so they could be pulled forward or shoved back according to the display. The pansies would be lovely borders and when they start to fade lobelia could be swapped in. I love the cascade variety, it could run over the bricks to the pathway. Lovely."

"Oh, that is the little flowers along the walkways of your palace? Back home? The purples, blues and whites?" she asked with interest, the carpet of them so sweet to walk on.

"Yes… the purple and white would be lovely down there… the blues maybe for outside the entrance to form a boundary along the top of the small wall." Ianto waved his hand like they were talking about the weather, designing her garden for her with ease. She saw then that he had the eye of a warrior, able to see the battlefield from above, all combatants in their respective holes.

He was more than he let on. He was starting to remind her of her late father actually, the same militarial stance, the same staid silence at times and softly spoken commands that made the servants jump to.

Yes.

She was becoming rather fond.