Chapter Five

London, 1666

"The boyfriend's back, I see," House muttered as he sat on the windowsill of his chambers and watched the excitement below.

The page who was responsible for House's bath looked at him in confusion? "Doctor?"

"The moron that the Princess is supposed to marry."

"Aye," the page nodded. "Tis the Duke of Cambridge. Tonight is the official engagement party. There will be much feasting this day and next."

"What do you know about him? Is he a good guy?"

The page made a face. "He's a dandified buffoon."

House laughed. "Wow. Tell me how you really feel."

"He's not worth the paper I use to wipe my own arse."

House was practically in stitches at that point. "Okay okay, I get the picture."

"Your bath is ready, Doctor. Ring when you are done and I will come take it away."

"Thank you."

House slipped into the hot water and sighed. He'd make sure he'd take a nice long one to make it worth the effort. It was painful watching several men come in with large buckets of steaming water and fill the tub when he would have taken a shower in that time and gotten dressed.

Once he finished, he got dressed and went down to the courtyard to see what all the excitement was about. Althea was there, dressed in her finery looking like she was at a funeral. "You look thrilled, Princess," he whispered to her. She whirled around and glared at him.

"You know nothing."

"I know that you don't want to marry this idiot. I mean look at him."

House glanced at the younger man, dressed to the nines in what looked like his Sunday best. His blonde hair was perfect, and his face was as smooth as a baby's behind. He wasn't a bad looking guy, and reminded him a little of Chase, only with much more arogance than he deserved.

"You wouldn't know anything about him," Althea hissed, staring at the Duke and smiling her fake smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"I don't have to know. I can tell just by looking at him. If I wore clothes like that I'd have to kick my own ass."

She stormed off with her nose in the air and House merely snickered as she watched the two of them talk quietly. The Duke glanced over at House and then nodded in his direction before making his way over.

"Dr. House, I presume?" the man said. "Althea's told me a lot about you."

"That's funny," House said as he cocked his head to one side. "She didn't mention anything about you."

The duke extended his hand to House. "I am Anthony Ducette, Duke of Cambridge."

House stared at his hand like it was poison and Anthony lowered it.

"Dr. Gregory House."

"Oh yes, you're the famous doctor I've heard so much about. They say you've saved a lot of lives in your short time here."

"And I plan to save a lot more. Doesn't say much for the doctors that are already here, does it?"

"Rumor has it that his majesty is planning to elevate you."

"Elevate me?" House asked with an arched eyebrow. "What does that mean?"

Althea smiled at House. "It means he wishes to make you a Knight."

"Really? That's news to me, and seems kind of silly but whatever floats his boat."

Anthony and Althea exchanged confused glances and then he placed his hand on her shoulder. "Go get me some wine, Althea."

She hurried away and Anthony smiled at House. "Are you married, Doctor?"

"No."

"Well you best stay away from a maiden like Althea. She's not for the likes of you."

"And why's that"

"The dregs of society shouldn't mix with royal Princesses, that's why."

"So then what are you doing with her?" House snapped back. Anthony fumed, clearly not used to being talked to in such a way.

"You'd be wise to curb your tongue, doctor House. If you want your head to remain on your broad shoulders."

"My head is just fine. I'm employed by the King. You don't scare me, kid. I've eaten pieces of shit like you for breakfast. Threaten me all you want, but I will tell you this. That little girl over there isn't going to stand for being ordered around much longer. If I were you, I'd treat her like the Princess she is and give her the respect she deserves, or you'll find yourself without a wife, or a head." House wandered off and found Emmett in the crowd. "What a fucking pansy ass," he cursed. "She has to marry that pathetic excuse for a man? I mean seriously?"

Emmett nodded. "She was apparently betrothed to him as a child of seven. It's her father's wish and so it will be done."

"Not if I can help it."

XXX

It was the middle of the night when someone shook House awake. "Dr. House," the voice whispered loudly. "Dr. House wake up! Please!"

The voice pleading him was female so he opened one eye and looked at Althea. She had tears streaked down her face.

He rubbed his hand over his face and propped himself up on his elbows. "What's wrong?"

"It's my mother, the Queen. She's very sick. You need to come now and help her."

He nodded and got up, grabbing his black uniform and slipping it over his head. "Let's go."

He followed her through the castle to her mother's bedchamber where the Queen lay in bed, blood down the front of her nightgown. "What's happening?"

"I coughed and there was so much blood," the queen explained, her eyes glassy. House took her pulse, but he already had his suspicions. After doing the other diagnostic tests, he sighed.

The first thing he noticed, and he didn't know how he missed it, was how much weight she'd lost since he'd seen her a week ago. "I'm sorry, your Majesty. It's tuberculosis."

Everyone in the room looked confused by this so House shook his head. "Consumption."

There was a round of gasps in the room, signifying that they all knew what that meant.

"How did she get this?"

"She could have picked it up from someone else who had it. If they sneezed or coughed on her. But that's what it is, and there is no cure." He looked at Althea, and then at the king. "I'm sorry. There's nothing more I can do."

"There has to be something!" the king shouted as he made his way over to House. "Isn't there any medicine?"

"I can give her something for the pain, to keep her comfortable, but that won't cure her illness. It's already much past that."

He excused himself to get some of the herbs they kept on-hand for that kind of thing and administered them. "This will help her sleep. It won't be much longer now."

Althea watched him as he tended to her mother, seeing a completely different side of him that she was used to. He'd been in their kingdom for over a month now and she couldn't deny the fact that he fascinated her to no end. Something that Anthony had failed to do. Hell, Anthony failed at everything. He might've been attractive, but he wasn't a smart man, and relied heavily on his title to get him anywhere.

Gregory House was a mystery. She knew of his poor bedside manner with patients and yet he always managed to cure them. Sometimes they ended up in much better shape than when they went to see him.

He left shortly, whispered to the other attending doctors, who nodded their heads in understanding, and went outside for some fresh air.

"There's really nothing you can do?" she asked him.

"Nope. No cure for consumption. I'm surprised your mother didn't tell me about any symptoms before. She must've been in a lot of pain. So either she has a high tolerance for that kind of thing, or she's an idiot. But I'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt and say it's the former."

"How dare you talk that way about the Queen!"

House rolled his eyes. "What do you want me to do? I don't have an answer. I don't know how she managed to hide this from me for so long. But then I don't see her much at all so I guess I just missed it. Didn't you notice anything? Bad cough, flu-like symptoms?"

She shook her head sadly. "I thought it was just some kind of stomach illness. But when she vomited the blood I knew something was very wrong and that's when I came to find you. I knew if anyone had the answers it was you. But even you can't save her."

"Nope. It's out of my hands, I'm afraid."

She looked so lost, and so sad that when he turned to her she immediately ran into his arms. He didn't know what else to do except wrap his arms around her and let her cry it out.

"Oh, Dr. House," she sobbed. "This is so awful."

She smelled of soap and pine, and she fit perfectly in his arms. He didn't know why, but it felt good to hold her that close as he tried to be reassuring.

"Even the healthiest people get sick from time to time. Sometimes they get better, sometimes they don't."

"What is the meaning of this!?" a loud male voice bellowed. "Althea! Get back!"

Althea startled and jumped back from House as if someone had splashed cold water on them. The Duke of Cambridge stood in the doorway, trying his best to look menacing.

"And you, do not ever touch her again or you'll find yourself in the tower so fast it will make your head spin."

House was about to snap back with a witty retort but Althea held him back. "No, Dr. House. You don't have to leave."

"I need to speak to his Majesty," he said as he slipped back into the room, but stayed near the door so he could listen in.

"You will never do that again, Althea," the Duke's voice was deep and menacing. "You are betrothed to me, and you will behave accordingly. You will honor and obey me, or so help me God, I'll have his head, along with his other privy parts up on display in the courtyard. Then we'll see how much you think of him."

"He did nothing wrong, Anthony!" she spat back, earning a hard slap across her face. House came back out into the hall and his fist met with Anthony's chin, knocking him to the ground.

He stood in front of Althea and shielded her. "Get up, you fucking coward! Does it make you feel like a big man? Hitting women because you're threatened by them? If you wanna hit someone, hit me, but I will hit back."

Anthony scrambled to his feet and instead of hitting House, he grabbed Althea and pulled her away. "We're going. Right now!"

He watched them go and sighed before going back into the bedroom where the Queen slept.

"Thank you, Doctor House," the King said softly. "For doing everything you could for the Queen."

"I only wish I could do more." House went over to the queen and took her pulse. It was painfully slow. "You'll want to stay here, your Majesty. It won't be much longer. I'm sorry."

The King nodded and took his place next to his wife's bedside, reaching for her hand. "What am I going to do without her? How will I continue to raise our daughter?"

"You'll manage. Althea is very bright. But if it pleases his majesty, may I ask a question?"

"Yes. What is it?"

"Why must she marry the Duke?"

"It will align the kingdoms and make them one."

"And she has to marry him to make that happen?"

"If she does not, there could be war."

"If I may speak freely, I don't mean to intrude but I saw the Duke strike her just now."

The king's face was murderous. "He did what?"

"He arrived as I was comforting your daughter out in the corridor and he threatened to have my head. She was upset and she needed to be held so I held her. It was innocent, I promise your Majesty. But he showed up and misunderstood."

"I'll speak with him and I'll straighten everything out, don't worry."

House nodded. "She doesn't love him, nor will she ever. But that's strictly my opinion. Nothing more."

"Thank you, Doctor House. You've done some excellent work since you've come here. I would like to do you the honor of elevating you to a Knight."

House blinked. So it was true. "His Majesty is very kind but..."

"It's an honor, Dr. House. Oh, and you'll no longer have to wear the traditional doctor's attire. As a knight you may wear whatever you wish. Be in my throne room on the morrow at ten-thirty sharp."

House nodded and bowed before saying goodnight and leaving the room.

He went up to his chambers, got undressed and fell asleep almost instantly, dreaming of the next day.

At ten-thirty, he was standing in front of the king.

"Gregory House, I dub thee Sir Gregory House and bestow all privileges that such title comes with." He touched each of House's shoulders with the sword and then placed a very large gold necklace around his neck. "Arise Sir Gregory."

There were a few claps as the king kissed both of Greg's cheeks. "I was with my wife when she passed. Thank you for making her last hours pleasant."

House merely nodded and then walked away, not looking at Althea as he passed, or noticing the mark on her cheek from where the Duke had hit her the night before.

Two days later was the funeral of Her Majesty at Westminster Abbey. House stood next to Emmett and looked around to see who else was there.

"Why isn't the King at his wife's funeral?" he asked.

"The king doesn't attend funerals or executions. It might cause someone to think the King dead, which is treason."

It made sense to House and he nodded. "Same goes for Althea?"

"She's here," Emmett said. "Up there, on the balcony."

House glanced up and saw her sitting with Anthony, but she was looking at House, not the processional taking place below her.

"Did you hear about her little incident with the Duke the other night?" House asked Emmett.

"No, what happened?"

"She needed someone. I was there, so I hugged her. Then that pansy ass showed up and threatened to send me to the tower, then when Althea told him nothing had happened, he smacked her around."

Emmett looked shocked. "He didn't..."

"Yes, he did. Didn't you wonder where she got that shiner?"

"I haven't seen her at all these last few days. Son of a..."

"Yeah."

"Well, let me at least congratulate you on your uprising. The King doesn't elevate just anyone."

"Thanks. I'm not sure what to make of it but whatever. If it saves me from God knows what, I'll enjoy it. What can I do as a knight, anyway?"

"About the same as anyone else. You should have gotten a sword."

House pointed to the one attached to his belt. "It's nice not having to wear that stupid black hat and dress all the time now."

"I can imagine. So, what lovely lady will you take to your bed next?"

House shook his head. "I've been thinking about what you said, about planting my seed all over the place. And you're right. I shouldn't be hooking up with everyone."

Emmett nodded. "I knew you'd see reason. And yet, I think you have your eyes on a certain young lady."

"No, not really. She's spoken for. And I don't play ball on a full field."

"Like hell. Look, House," Emmett said, "I realize I'm an old man, but I think you'd do well with the Princess. She might seem like a cold fish, but you could warm her up."

"Why would I do that? She hates me."

"But she let you hold her."

"She was grieving and I was the only one around. She could've just as easily gone to her father for support."

"And yet she chose you."

House shrugged. "I'm not going to read anything into it. I was simply there for her. Nothing happened except a hug, which was quickly interrupted when the Duke showed up. How old is he anyway?"

Emmett thought for a minute. "Hmm if I had to estimate, I'd say maybe in his mid to late forties."

"So he's older than me. Interesting."

"How old are you?"

"I just turned forty before I came here."

Emmett nodded. "Were you, or are you married?"

"No. But I live with someone. She's a lawyer. What about you?"

"Nope. No wife, no girlfriend. Nothing. It's one of those wonders of the universe I'll probably never figure out."

"Oh I don't know. I think there's someone for everyone. Who knows? She could be here. In this time."

"Well if she is, I haven't met her yet."

They waited until the end of the funeral and House was heading outside when he spotted a woman looking at him. She looked to be in her mid-twenties and she was nearly as beautiful as Althea.

"Who's that?" House asked Emmett.

"That's Charlotte, Althea's older sister. She's a widow. Never remarried. She lives in the east wing of the tower. Kind of a recluse."

House looked at her and gave one of his most charming smiles that have been known to melt a woman in seconds, and then mounted his horse to head back to the castle with Emmett.

Charlotte watched him with interest as he rode off, determined to know more about the handsome doctor.

XXX

House sat outside with a guitar that someone let him borrow. He was bored beyond belief and it was his day off. What else was there to do? As he sat and strummed some chords, he saw the shadow of someone approaching. It was Charlotte, Althea's sister.

She was pretty, looking somewhat like Althea, only with blonde hair, not brown, but her eyes were green as well. She also had more curves than Althea did. Curves which House appreciated.

"Hello," she said, her voice soft. She was a little timid, but she was smiling at him.

"Hi. And what's your name?" he asked as he moved over on the bench and made room for her to sit.

"I am Charlotte. Althea's older sister. But then, you probably knew that already."

House grinned. "What makes you think that?"

"I've heard you've made it your business to know everything about everyone in the kingdom and that you're a brilliant medical mind."

"Uh-huh. What else have you heard?"

"That you have no problem taking women to your bed."

House laughed at that. "Well I still try to be selective."

"Yes, I've heard that too. May I join you, Sir Gregory?"

He shrugged and gestured to the empty space next to him. "Do you play any instruments?" he asked her.

"The flute," she nodded. "And the piano."

"Nice. So do I."

"Perhaps we can put on a concert for his Majesty, my father," she suggested. "He loves music."

That was the last thing House wanted to do, but he didn't say that. "Maybe. I don't know if you'd like any of my songs though."

She frowned. "What kind of songs do you play?"

"Blues, mostly."

"Blues," she repeated. "Like, sad songs?"

"Not really sad just melancholy, I guess. They're good songs though. You might like them. Can you sing?"

She shook her head. "No, I'm afraid I can't."

"Have you ever tried?"

Charlotte laughed. "Heavens, yes. I was told to stick to the piano and the flute."

House nodded in understanding as he began to play a song. When he was finished, she clapped.

"So I hear you're a widow," he said.

"Aye," she nodded. "He died in battle. He was a soldier."

"Sorry."

"Tis alright. He died honorably, serving his country."

"Ever thought about marrying again?"

"No. I just can't bring myself to fall in love with someone again, only to lose him."

"There's a simple solution to that. Don't marry a soldier."

She smiled at him. "Yes, that would certainly make sense. You're very smart, Sir Gregory. I can see why my Father adores you. You helped him deal with the death of my Mother. He grieves, but not as badly."

"That's good. Will he ever marry again?"

"Yes, I believe he will. Tis the way it is. The King will need to take a wife, and produce an heir. A boy, preferably."

"Won't that ruin your hopes of being queen?"

"I have no desire to be queen. I do not want that much responsibility. I believe Althea would make a much better Queen than I. But if father remarries and has a son, he will be be King when my father dies."

"Huh. Sounds pretty shitty to me."

Charlotte cocked her head to one side. "What does that mean? Shitty? Is it an American word?"

House chuckled. "I guess you could say that."

"I see. Well, I must go now. Tis time for lunch. Would you care to accompany me, Sir Gregory? Perhaps we could spend the afternoon at the piano. You could teach me one of your Blues songs."

He nodded. "Food sounds good. Lead the way, Princess."

X X X

"I thought your sister was getting married this week," House said to Charlotte as they sat side by side in the courtyard.

"She was, but it has been postponed. The Duke had other business to attend to that was more important."

"More important than her? Wow. I see where his priorities lie."

"You don't think work is important?"

"Well, yeah, of course. But I wouldn't let it interfere with getting married, especially not to someone like Althea. What do you think of him?"

"The Duke?"

"Yeah."

"I think he's an overbearing pompous, blustering windbag."

"Yes, that seems to be the opinion of most people. And the King consents to handing his daughter off to that prick?"

"Prick?"

"Moron, jerk, imbecile," House supplied.

"Ah, yes. All those."

Charlotte looked at him and smiled. "I like you, Sir Gregory."

"I like you too," he said, nodding. He certainly wasn't expecting her to lean over and kiss him, but she did, and it wasn't at all unpleasant. In fact, it was quite erotic. Her teeth grazed over his tongue as it entered her mouth to explore. That's when they heard a gasp and pulled apart to see Althea standing there, staring at them.

"Yes? May I help you?" he asked her with a pleasant smile.

"You! With my own sister?" Althea gasped.

"Um, she kissed me. Second, what do you care? You're marrying the Duke of Asshood."

"Althea," Charlotte sighed as she stood up. "It was just a kiss, sister."

"Didn't look like just a kiss to me!" she said and stormed off.

"Let her go," House told her. "I don't know what she's so upset about. It's not like she and I have even..."

"Haven't you?"

"No. I don't take other men's women. I do have morals, you know." He got up and looked down at her. "You know where to find me if you need me."

XXX

House was in a sound sleep when he felt the bed move and the covers ruffle. He rolled onto his back and looked up to see Charlotte standing next to his bed. "Mm...changed your mind I see," he said as he reached for her and pulled her into the bed next to him.

"I never changed my mind. I simply got sidetracked. But if Althea finds out..."

"Hush, hush sweet harlot," he whispered, pressing his finger to her lips. "Err, I mean Charlotte," House corrected himself as he looked sheepish, but not exactly embarrassed about his mistake. "Don't worry about her. She doesn't have to know."

He moved to lie on top of her as he untied the laces on the front of her nightgown. He revealed one of her breasts and lowered his head to suckle it before moving to the other one.

"Oh, Gregory," Charlotte moaned as she arched her back and slid her hand through his hair. "That's very nice."

"Mhm," he nodded as he kissed and licked each nipple until it was a hard bud. Then he took one of her hands and placed it on the rock hard bulge in his shorts. "See what you do to me?"

"Wow, you're very um, well endowed, aren't you?"

"I haven't had any complaints before," he chuckled as he reached down to pull his cock free through the slit in the front and rubbed it against her thigh.

"I know it. I've heard stories about you and your, dare I say it, talented tongue."

"Oh yeah?" he asked as he moved his kisses up to her neck and her throat, licking and biting the skin there. "And what did you hear?"

"That you have many talents."

"Would you like to witness those talents first hand?" he asked as he began to kiss his way down her body once again.

"Unghh," she grunted as his hand slipped down between her legs. "I think I would surely die of pleasure," she breathed. "Oh!" she squealed in surprise as he ran his tongue in and around her belly button and moved his kisses lower.

"Nobody ever kissed you here before?" he asked as he kissed and nibbled the inside of her thigh.

"N-no never. I've never been touched there, oh my!" she gasped as she felt his fingers slip in between her folds.

"Never? Wow. You've been missing out," he whispered as he let one of his fingers slide into her tight warmth and began to move it in and out slowly. "So wet."

"Oh yes!" she sighed. "Oh Gregory, nobody's ever done this to me before!" she panted as she squirmed underneath him.

"I guess your late husband wasn't big on foreplay."

"What's that? Ohhh!" she groaned as her eyes closed and her head fell back against the pillows.

"It's what I'm doing right now. Getting you all nice and wet for when I fuck you like the insatiable little thing you are."

"Oh yes, Gregory, fuck me!" she whined as she spread her legs wider for him and began to thrust against his hand.

"You want me, Charlotte?"

"Yes!"

"Are you sure?" he asked, still stroking her a little harder in quick circles until she practically sat upright.

"God damn you, Gregory just take me!" she all but screamed at him, which made him chuckle. He grabbed one of the condoms he had, moved on top of her and slid himself inside of her, making her give a long, deep, feral moan. "Ohhhhhh sweet Jesus..."

"For a Catholic woman you sure like to take the Lord's name in vain a lot," he chuckled as he stayed still for a minute, allowing her to adjust to his size.

Charlotte moaned again and began to squirm underneath him as her legs wrapped around his waist and she urged him to move. No, she was definitely not a wallflower. She knew what she wanted and he was going to give it to her. Repeatedly.

And he did. At least three more times that night until she left his bed in the middle of the night while he slept, and returned to her wing in the other end of the castle.

A/N: Reviews/comments are love, guys. I love hearing from you! It's nice to know people are actually reading this. I hope you'll continue to enjoy this :) Feel free to give me a shout!