Chap 12
"Ianto, can I please have a moment of your attention" Jack asked politely, "Before we are rudely interrupted by the lower people again."
Ianto smothered a giggle at Lisa's shocked gasp as she turned to flounce away and nodded seriously at Jack, "My liege"
They walked the short distance to the food tables and as they began to gather food to return to their seats with Jack was sad to note the meagre portions Ianto allowed himself.
It had saddened him to hear of the young Lady Hallett's betrayal of Prince Ianto. To have gone through the pretence of a wedding only to denounce him at the bonding table. One of the worst insults both to him and his family. A Hart to be sure!
"Please Ianto, call me Jack" Jack asked.
"What are you scheming?" Ianto hissed as he finally saw the twinkle in Jack's eye.
"Ianto. You told me that your life-journey was interrupted." Jack said instead.
"When that she-bolgarteen slapped me down at the bonding it was the end for me. Our planet had been expected to pay for everything, the dowry had been so expensive and they never returned it you know." Ianto frowned as he remembered that part.
"Did she ever say why?" Jack asked reaching for some fruit.
"No. Just that she wanted to see if she could. Said it made her happy or something" Ianto shrugged.
Jack looked closely at the uncommon man and saw a beautiful rose bud. Ianto was lively and humorous in his thoughts he shared so sparingly. That it had come to this.
"Will you attend in your sister's stead?" Jack asked as they returned to their seats. "As I stood in my brother's?"
Ianto's eyes widened and his eyebrows disappeared into his hairline as he digested Jack's question, leaning back in the chair that felt as if it were made for him. Finally he leaned forward and nodded.
Jack huffed with satisfaction then rose from his chair.
A hush crossed the room and Jack took a deep breath. Looking at his mother for guidance, he saw her frown and knew she'd twigged.
"My friends, I have just concluded a peace treaty with my friend, Prince Ianto Jones of Launderau and I am pleased to announce an agreement between our peoples"
The place murmured like a Mexican wave so Jack raised his hands for calm. Ianto took the moment to rise slowly and painfully from his chair. Jack turned and gently helped him upright and towards the edge of the podium.
"Gentle folk, Ianto of the house of Jones has agreed to a dual bonding. I will bond to him and he will bond to me. We will rule together!" Jack roared the last part over the swell of raised voices and Ianto slipped his hand back into Jack's who squeezed.
As Ianto's mother swooned his father cried out with shock. The family Hart roared with horror as they realised not only would their bloodlines would be joined in marriage but Ianto would be one of their kings, and began to protest.
"There will be no further negotiations in this matter!" Jack roared with full royal authority.
Queen River closed her eyes and dropped her head as she thanked the gods for her clever boy and she prayed they could find a friendship.