"DADDDDDD! Geoffrey's not letting me share his computer!"

"It's mine, Johnny, you have your own!"

"But it's not working!"

"Use Rich's, or Hen's!"

"But they're on email, or workiiingg!"

"Don't you think I'm working too?" Geoffrey swung round on his chair, and glowered at his little brother. "Go and pester someone who cares, Johnny!"

John sulked, his lip wobbling at not getting his way. He climbed up onto his feet, and leaned over Geoffrey's chair, trying to get a glimpse at what he was doing. "Who are you emailing then? Philip?"

Geoffrey closed the screen. "No, it's not Philip. You know that Father won't let us speak to him."

Philip was the ruler of most of the companies in Frances that Henry had stolen from him. He was young, quite young, when his dad had died, but he was doing surprisingly well. He was Geoffrey's closest friend and secret ally. They both hated Henry, but knew that they had to stay quiet and pretend that they weren't talking, more like negotiating, in case they angered him even more. Philip was also Rich's ally and friend, but Philip was sneaky, and was often changing sides between him and Henry to get the largest amount of money he could. Rich was a sensitive thing, and always forgave Philip because he was his friend, but Geoffrey knew that there was another reason why…

"But you're speaking to him, aren't you, Geoff?" Johnny asked.

"What I do is none of your business, John," Geoffrey sighed. "Now leave me alone."

When Phillip's dad, Louis, had died, Henry had leapt to the chance to steal lands. Surprisingly, Louis was first husband of Geoffrey's mother, Eleanor, who owned the rich lands of Aquitaine and Poitou. She had been married off at fifteen to Louis, a very saintly man, and had provided only two daughters for him. He had divorced her, and Eleanor had married Henry, Duke of Normandy, who owned LOTS of land across France. When his uncle, Stephen, had died without an heir, Henry inherited many businesses and land in England. Henry and Eleanor were very proud of the vast amounts of land they owned in the two countries, and named it, "their empire". Geoffrey found it sickening.

"Or are you talking to a girl?" Johnny teased, raising an eyebrow.

Geoffrey sighed. "No, Johnny, I'm not. Now go and get a working brain. Maybe then I'll talk to you."

"That's mean, Geoffrey."

"But it's true."

"You are talking to a girl, aren't you, Geoffrey?"

"No, Johnny, I'm not!"

"You know what Father will say if he finds out you've been breaking one of his rules. You're betrothed, Geoff!"

"Yeah, to a brat…"

"Dad will kill you!" Johnny sang in a singsong voice.

"And I'll kill you if you tell anyone!" Geoffrey growled.

"Oh, so you ARE with a girl!" Johnny exclaimed gleefully, grinning. He took a deep breath and opened his mouth: "OOOOHHHH DAAAAAAAADDDD!"

The sound of rushing feet echoed up the stairs, and the door slammed open, revealing a tall, well built, but tired looking man.

"What is it, Johnny?!" he asked frantically, his eyes wide.

The spoilt teen pointed to his older brother. "Geoffrey's got a g-"

Geoffrey placed a hand on his shoulder. "I've got a great offer on the car insurance. We can get 50% off the car if we invest more and cut down on shares."

Henry raised an eyebrow. "Are you serious, Geoff?"

"Yes! Absolutely!" the younger man replied, shaking his head enthusiastically. "Johnny was going to tell you first, but I wanted to."

Their father looked at Johnny, giving him a 'you called me up for THIS?!' look.

Johnny opened his mouth. "I wasn't going-"

Geoffrey tightened his grip, and gave a big grin. "Don't worry, Father. You can go now."

The man looked at his sons again, before he shook his head and walked out, muttering to himself.

As soon as he was gone, Geoffrey grabbed his brother by the collar, and stared at him in the face, his eyes narrow. "If you EVER do that again, John, so help me God, I'll get you for it!" he hissed.

John whimpered like the coward he was, and squealed. "Geoffrey, let go! I promise I won't do that again!"

"I don't think you're being honest, Johnny." He dragged John out of his room, and went into his. Geoff picked up the teddy that lay on Johnny's bed. "Let's ask the bear, shall we?"

His brother's eyes widened. "Please! Not Mr. Snuggles! Don't hurt Mr. Snuggles!"

Geoffrey darted over to the window, and held the bear out. "What did you say? I can't hear you!"

"Please!" Johnny was on his knees, tears pouring down his face. "Don't hurt him! I won't tell again! I promise!"

"Will you stay out of my room? Stop nagging me for my computer? Stay out of my way? No, my life?"

"YES!"

"Okay." Geoffrey threw the bear at his brother, and Johnny caught it, clutching it tightly.

As he walked past, Geoffrey placed his hand on his brother's head, and shoved him hard onto his face.

"Stay out of my way, Johnny…" he murmured as he went back into his own room. "And don't ever get into my business again. You don't want to mess with me. I'm dangerous."

Johnny whimpered, and lay on the floor. He slowly got back up to his feet, and glowered in the direction of Geoffrey's room.

"You'll have to be nice to me sometime!" he yelled. "It is my birthday tomorrow!"

"Drop dead, Johnny," was Geoff's reply.