Blood of the Crown-Chapter 2

"Listen up boys," Lance called. A hush fell over the knights, all save the small 'hmph' from somewhere in the back. Lance sighed, rolling his eyes. Why they needed a nurse was beyond him. They were men and they could take care of their own injuries!

"Corection," he said begrudgingly, "Listen up men and Kitty. The King is obviously not fit to be our King." There was series of gasps from the crowd but Lance ignored them and carried on with his speech.

"There is no reason to prolong this senseless war!" he continued, "The King is WRONG! We need not fight! Those of you who are with me come forth now! Those of you, who are not, feel free to choose among yourselves a new captain, for I resign my position as Captain of the King's Guard." The crowd began whispering amongst themselves and only a handful stepped forward. He recognized them as Freddy, Todd, John and Kitty. He was a bit disappointed that no more had been bold enough to take a stand. But fear was obviously more effective than morality. Lance jumped form the stage and landed in front of the small group, if it could even be called that.

"Well men," he paused and looked at the distraught look on Kitty's face, "And women, you agree then, that this war is senseless and all around stupid?" The four nodded and he smiled.

"Good," he said, "and I have just the plan to hit the King where it counts."

- - - - - - - -

Pietro mumbled sleepily and rolled over in his bed. His eyes suddenly snapped open and he bolted upright, scanning the dark confines of his room. There was someone there, he could feel it. Another quick sweeping gaze around the room confirmed it was too dark to see properly if there happened to be someone there. He wasn't in the least surprised. It was more than likely some angry humans come to take him for ransom. Well, they'd obviously forgotten that he was a mutant. He grinned smugly.

"You can come out!" he called, "I know you're there!" He heard a shuffling then a silent whisper and he rolled his eyes. The curtains were suddenly ripped open, the silvery light of the moon spilling into the room. A single dark silhouette stood in the moonlight and Pietro's eyes widened.

"Captain Alvers!?" he breathed, backing up against the headboard. The familiar face of the captain smiled and Pietro felt his heart leap into his throat.

"You're Highness," he replied, bowing slightly. Pietro glared, gathering the blankets around him and covering his bare chest. He felt uncomfortable at that moment, letting the Captain see him half nude.

"What are you doing in my bed chambers at this hour!?" he inquired angrily. Lance's smile widened.

"My apologies you're highness," he said softly, "But my fellow knights and I have come to take you away. Please do not make this any more difficult than it is." Pietro looked at him in horror.

"What on Earth!?" he cried, "Are you mad!? You are Captain of the King's Guard! You cannot kidnap the prince! You are sworn to protect the Royal Family! Not endanger their well-being!" Lance shook a finger at him.

"Correction," the captain said in a silky voice, "I used to be the Captain of the King's Guard. I resigned less than an hour ago. Now my liege you shall come quietly." Pietro shook his head.

"No I will not!" he shouted, "You ARE mad! How dare you!" Lance sighed.

"I had guessed you would react as such," Lance said removing a bottle and handkerchief from his pocket. Pietro shrank back.

"How else would I react!?" he yelped indignantly, pulling the blankets closer as if to shield himself. Lance chuckled.

"Like a good little prince?" he suggested with a smirk. Pietro glowered at him.

"Can you at least tell me your reasons for kidnapping me?" he asked witheringly. The Captain nodded.

"Why of course," he answered, "The King will not see that he is in the wrong. The only way to prevent such a war is to black-mail him with what means most to him." Pietro narrowed his eyes.

"You are a cruel and truly evil person Captain Alvers," he said scathingly, looking away, "But do what you must, and make it quick." Lance smiled triumphantly.

"Now there's a good prince," he said softly, "That wasn't so hard was it?" Pietro turned to look at him and the Captain felt his heart constrict painfully at the look of hurt and betrayal in the young prince's eyes. He smiled sadly and sat on the bed, gathering the boy into his arms who did not protest. Pietro felt the oddest sensation at being held like this and he let his head rest against Lance's rock hard chest.

"Please forgive me my prince," he murmured into his ear as he slipped the handkerchief over the boy mouth and nose, effectively knocking him unconscious. The boy sagged limply against him and he removed the cloth, gently laying him on the bed.

"Todd! John! Freddy!" he barked, "Take the boy now! Be gentle or it will be your heads!" The knights rushed from the shadows and took the boy from the room, followed closely by Kitty. Lance sat a moment on Pietro's bed before taking out the ransom note and setting it on the prince's pillow:

King Lehnsherr,

We have taken the young Prince Pietro. Stop this war immediately lest the prince's life be in danger. You are in the wrong and I can only hope you see the error of your ways.

Sincerely, Former Captain of the Guard, Lance Alvers

x(X)x

Well there it is! Chapter two! Hope you liked, Please review! Oh, and since I didn't put an Author's note in the first place I just did so you might have gotten too many author alerts! Sorry!

--Avalanche Maximoff--