Chap 3

"I can't believe he's done this to us!" Jack's mother, Queen River wailed as she folded her skirts into a chair.

Jack's Father, King John just sighed and looked to his eldest son.

When Jack's wife, Sofia had died in childbirth it had plunged the whole planet into mourning. Now that little Stephen was at the toddling stage Jack had finally started to smile again, even if that smile didn't reach his eyes. The lovely Alice was a heart stealer at five years of age with her father's once cheeky ways as well. That bonding had been a good coupling. A good choice and had she lived past the second child they would not have half the problems they have now.

Jack always controlled Grey's tantrums but his grief had left Grey unattended for too long. The King berated himself for such thoughts when his son's grief could not be measured let alone put aside. All who knew him felt his cold detachment from the reality of other's feelings. Once a warm and loving man, Jack was now cool and aloof. Resembling the man his mother once met before forging the bond that warmed her husband into the good king he is now.

Now this. Grey never failed to disappoint.

To have both sons married to their former rivals' bloodlines would have finally formed the triad their forefathers had once dreamed of. Damned boy!

"I'll marry her!"

King John slowly turned and stared at his Heir apparent.

"Jackie, no. You did your duty for the good of the people. Sofia has barely been gone for two years." The King said quietly, crossing to his son by the fireplace, "I do admire your commitment. That you learned to love her was a bonus that would not come twice."

"Dad, you know this will never be the end of it. They've already spent the dowry for Grey and we both know how much they needed the credits." Jack sighed, "They have been in poverty for so long and this wedding is the talk of the galaxies."

"But darling, perhaps your sister …" Queen River sighed and fluttered her hands as if to scatter the thoughts she was trying to voice as she knew that their wayward daughter, Clara would likely never marry for less than love.

"No. The only solution is for me to marry her instead. A bigger prize anyway, if the tabloids are anything to go by" Jack winked at his mother who growled softly.

His majesty sighed as he realised the truth in his beloved son's words and then began to formulate the new agreement that would see his son wedded once more.

.

.

.

Rhiannon could not believe it. Everyone knew of the Prince's lost love and to hear that he would consider her was the talk of the planets. Really?

Her parents had gone into overdrive as they realised the coup this would cause and quietly celebrated what they considered a win over the Royal family Hart who had long since declared themselves better than them for having wed their daughter to the reigning bloodline. The two children the beautiful Princess Sofia had borne Prince Jack ensured their place in the Legers of Time.

She thought back to the letter that had been delivered to her in chambers and marvelled at the penmanship.

Dear Lady Rhiannon

It is unfortunate that our families, which were due to come together in a time of celebration have been shamed by my brother's childish ways.

We both know that this is a loveless union, but I hasten to assure you that my first union was just as naïve and the wife I was rewarded for my faith with renewed that faith tenfold.

We must have faith in the Gods and do their will. I will do my best to be a good husband and shall seek the spark of affection between us that may grow to love in time.

I hold no illusion that a raging fire may kindle between us but will endeavour to reach for a warm glow of companionship.

I ask for your hand in the name of Boeshane, that my kingdom and yours may find peace. The time I have spent on Launderau has shown her to be a beautiful planet and I assure you that I will not cloister you away from her.

We must try to make this work, for our parents and our peoples. In time, I pray that it may be for our children.

Yours in faith

Jack Harkness HRH

She was still unsure what had shocked her more. The honesty in the note received or the return note of one word she hastily scrawled back once her brother had read the note and encouraged her decision.

Yes.