Chapter Eleven

Seven O'clock, a.m.

House woke up to a very chilly bedroom and shivered. When he reached for Althea, all he felt were the cold sheets next to him and he frowned. The frown didn't last for long, however, when he thought back to the night before. As he got up, he saw the note on the pillow next to him and he snatched it up.

My dearest Greg,

Thank you for last night. It was truly the best night of my life. You're an amazing man.

I'm sorry I left you so early, I had to be back at the castle before father realized I was gone all night. I will see you soon.

Your Princess Althea

He read the note again, put it on his dresser and got dressed for the day before going to the outhouse as per his usual routine.

After eating a very hearty breakfast, he headed to the castle in search of the Princess.

He spotted her walking through the garden with her nose in a book. Her face looked radiant and there was a slight smile on her face. He stood and watched her for awhile and she would often stop, look around with a dreamy expression and then go back to reading her book. He hurried his pace until he caught up with her.

"Excuse me, Princess but I couldn't help noticing you look like a woman who's recently been made love to," he said in a deep voice.

She squeaked when he approached and looked around to see if anyone was watching but there was nobody to be seen.

"Not here," she said.

"Oh, okay well maybe not here but..."

"I mean we can't talk just now."

"Why not? I never took you for the love em and leave em type. I'm hurt."

She stopped walking and looked at him. "I'm sorry, Greg. That isn't what I meant."

"Then what did you mean?"

"Follow me," she whispered and began walking swiftly towards a gazebo in the center of a maze of trees. "I am in a little bit of hot water."

"Why? What happened?"

"I was seen returning to the castle early this morning and my father heard of it."

"So? What did you tell him?"

"That I needed to use the privy and that was that."

"Do you think he bought it?"

She scrunched up her face in confusion. "Bought it?"

"Do you think he believed you?"

"Oh, I am not sure. He didn't seem entirely convinced, but he trusts me so I hope he did."

"Good." He gently reached over and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "I missed you this morning. You should have woken me up. I would have walked you back myself."

She smiled. "You looked so peaceful, I did not want to wake you. You deserved your sleep."

He grinned and pulled her a little closer. "You don't have to be shy around me anymore," he whispered before leaning over and kissing her deeply, letting his tongue explore her mouth.

"I am not."

"How're you feeling this morning?"

"I am... how do I say this?"

"A little sore?" he chuckled.

"Yes! How did you..."

"I'm a doctor remember. A vigorous evening of sex, or rather, the kind of sex we had, is bound to make you a little sore. You used muscles you haven't used before. A hot bath will help. As well as these." He reached into his pocket and produced a couple of Tylenol caplets.

"Thank you, Doctor," she smiled as she took the pills and dry swallowed them.

"So, have you told Emmett yet?"

Her eyes widened. "You expect me to tell him what we... no. I have no intention of telling anyone."

"Why not? Are you ashamed of me?" he asked, arching his eyebrows at her.

"Absolutely not!"

He laughed at the look of horror on her face and kissed her forehead. "Relax. I'm just messing with you. I don't care who you tell."

"I don't plan on telling anyone."

"Right, because a lady doesn't kiss and tell. But let me ask, did you enjoy yourself last night?"

She blushed a very pretty shade of pink. "Yes," she whispered as she looked down at the hands folded in her lap. "Did you get my note?"

"Yeah."

"Well I meant everything I said. You were kind, gentle, respectful. You're a wonderful man, Greg. And do not doubt that for a second."

"Uh-huh. You would be singing a different tune if you really knew me."

"I'd like to know you."

"You have carnal knowledge of me at least," he grinned.

"And you, me," she smiled. "I never felt such ecstasy before. You have opened my eyes to what it is like to give yourself to one person that way. I felt you could see right through me, into my soul, and it was the most amazing feeling. I'll never forget it, and I know you've ruined me for any other man."

"That was the idea," he said as he pulled her further into his arms and kissed her again. "So the next time you give yourself to that one lucky guy, you won't be able to without comparing him to me."

She giggled as he nuzzled her neck and nipped at the sensitive skin at the base of her throat. "Gregory House, don't you dare give me a love bite!" she gasped.

"Too late," he chuckled.

"Greg," she whined.

"Relax. Your hair will cover it. Just keep it down for a week."

"A week?"

He grinned sheepishly but silenced her by pressing his lips against her and placing his hands on her ample breasts. he loved the way her dress showed off her cleavage and it made him want to shove his face between the valley of her breasts and stay there.

"Althea... want you... right now," he growled as he slipped his hand down underneath her skirts and stroked her, finding her already wet and very ready for him.

"We can't... not here."

"There's nobody around," he said as he quickly unbuttoned his pants and released his very throbbing erection. "Sit here," he said as he patted his lap. "Lift your dress a bit."

She looked doubtfully at him for a second, and hesitated, but eventually she complied and did as he asked. He gripped his shaft in his hand and guided it to her entrance.

She let out the deep feral growl that he was beginning to crave as she sank down onto him and gripped his shoulders.

"Now there, see? If you want it bad enough, you can have it," he whispered as he kissed her throat and worked his way up her neck.

"Oh Greg!" she gasped as she moved up and down on him as he gripped her hips to guide her movements as to how he wanted them. Then once it seemed she was well on her way to setting the pace, he wrapped his arms around her waist and held her against him.

"So good... keep going," he urged as he bucked his hips up into her harder so she screamed.

"Greg! Oh my God... I'm...I feel..."

"Let go," he whispered as her inner walls strangled his cock like a vice and he shut his eyes to control his own climax. But it was not meant to be. He held her tightly as he bucked up into her and exploded until he saw fireworks behind his eyelids and she screamed his name once again.

They sat in that position for a few minutes, neither of them wanting to move just yet. But eventually he fell out of her and she got up and smoothed her skirts.

"Amazing. Absolutely amazing," she whispered. Suddenly, she saw her sister coming towards them, just as House had finished adjusting his clothing. He was sure they weren't fooling anyone. Anyone in their right mind would have been able to put two and two together and know what just transpired.

Charlotte looked amused as she entered the gazebo and surveyed the two of them. "Hello, your grace."

"Charlotte," he nodded in acknowledgement. "What brings you to this neck of the woods?"

"I saw my sister in the garden but then she disappeared and I was curious."

"I see. If you'd arrived a few minutes earlier you might've been able to join us."

"Greg!" both Charlotte and Althea said together in disgust.

"What?" he shrugged. "Anyway, I have to go and see a patient about a boil on his ass. I'll see you around, ladies," he smiled and made his exit.

"There he goes," Althea sighed as she watched him walk away. "I love to watch him go."

"Am I correct to assume you spent the night with his Grace?"

"What? What makes you think that?"

Charlotte gave her sister a look. "You cannot fool me, sister. Not that I can blame you one bit. He is quite a maestro, yes?"

"Quite."

"Just take care. He is not the type to stay around long."

"Oh, I don't know about that. He was the one who went looking for me out this morning. He wanted me, Charlotte. He likes me. Not just for my body, but my mind as well. And I like him too."

"But do you love him?"

"I don't know. I think I certainly could get to love him in time. He's brilliant, and he makes me laugh."

"And moan," Charlotte added with a wistful sigh. "You best be careful. I think Daddy is out for his head."

"Why? He loves Greg."

"Not when Greg deflowers the future Queen of England."

"He is ridiculous if he expects me to save myself for some good for nothing prince. I have no intention of seeing anyone else as long as Greg is here."

"And when he leaves? What then?"

"I don't know. I hope that won't be for a long while."

XXX

Emmett grinned like a cheshire cat as he sat behind the wheel of the Delorean and programmed the computer and the time circuits. He had installed a program before he ended up in London that would allow him to go to any place and time he wanted, rather than staying in Hill Valley.

He was so immersed in what he was doing that he didn't hear Althea approach. "Emmett? What are you doing?"

He got up so fast that he bumped his head on the gullwing door and cursed. "Damnit! Oh, sorry. You scared me. I thought you were someone else."

"I am sorry. I did not mean to frighten you. If you are busy I can leave you in peace."

"No, no. It's alright. What can I do for you?"

"Have you heard anything about my father being out for Greg's head?"

"No, I can't say that I have. Why would he be?"

Althea looked at the ground and the light bulb went on over Emmett's head. "Oh. Oh! You didn't..."

She nodded and gave a sheepish grin. "I did indeed."

He couldn't help the feeling of his heart being pierced with an arrow and he slowly sat back down in the driver's seat. "I see. And how was it?"

Her eyes widened and she frowned. "How was what?"

"I'm sorry. It's none of my business. I apologize."

"No. I mean yes. It was an experience I will surely never again have with anyone else."

"I'm happy for you, Althea. I'm thrilled that you're happy."

"Thank you. I don't really know how I feel about the whole thing. While it was amazing, I worry about the future."

"I understand."

"I don't know what to do. Part of me wants to latch onto Greg and not let go, and the other part says not to get too attached because I won't have him for long."

"I don't know how to advise you on this. You know that when I leave, House is coming with me, don't you?"

"Yes," she said softly.

"And it will be very soon. A week tops. The car is almost repaired and ready for the trip. I just need to tie up loose ends here. Find a replacement blacksmith."

"Does my father know?"

"Yes."

She fidgeted a little. "What if... what if I came with you?"

Emmett's eyes widened. "Why? You have a life here. A father who adores you and the chance to be Queen one day. Why would you want to leave all that behind?"

"I want to see the world, Emmett. I can't do that as it stands now."

"Why not? If you set your mind to it, you can accomplish anything."

"I'd love to see America. I'll bet it's lovely, based on all the things you and Greg have said about it."

Emmett cleared his throat. "Althea, I think you'd find the changes a little difficult to deal with. There's more to it than I've told you."

She cocked her head to one side. "More?"

"A lot more. I could tell you but I don't know if you'll understand, and I don't know if I can simplify it so you will."

She sat down on a nearby stool. "Try me. I might be a woman but I'm not a simpleton."

He gave her a look. "Have I ever implied that you are?"

"Well... no."

"Look, if I tell you, you have to keep it a secret. And when I say secret, I mean you can't breathe a word of it to anyone."

"Not even Greg?"

"He already knows."

She looked surprised. "He does?"

"Yes. Which is why he's going with me. I'm going to take him home. Tell me something, what was your first impression of me when you first saw me?"

"Honestly?" she asked and blushed a little. "I thought you were some deranged old man who was lost."

He laughed and shook his head. "Not surprising. Back home I'm what they call a crackpot."

"What is that?"

"It's a rude word for crazy person."

"And calling someone crazy is not rude in itself?"

"Well, yeah, that's true but I'm used to it. I've been called worse things."

"I don't believe it."

"It's true. But it doesn't matter. I know I'm not crazy. That's good enough for me."

"And this... car as you call it. What does it do, besides fly?"

Emmett hesitated. "Althea... I came from the year 1985."

Her breath hitched and she blinked a couple of times. "That's impossible."

"No, it's not. Look," he said as he showed her the computer. "See here? This shows where I am, where I'm going and where I was. And here," he said as he took his wallet out of the glove compartment. "Look at my driver's license. See the date?"

She paled and closed her eyes. "I don't understand any of this... how it's possible. What am I supposed to do now?"

"Talk to House. See how he feels. If he wants to take you with us then fine. But I think it's a mistake. You belong here. House and I do not. Every minute we're here can be hazardous to the space time continuum."

She cocked her head to one side. "I do not know what that is, but it sounds frightening."

"It very well could be. So go talk to House. See what he has to say. But don't get your hopes up. You don't know what his life was like back home. It might not be what you expect."

Althea left his place in a daze. So many thoughts were going through her head she didn't even know how to begin sorting through them all. As she approached House's place, she stopped cold when she saw two armed guards standing outside at attention. "Oh no," she sighed as she picked up the pace a little. Two more men led House outside and he didn't seem to be resisting much at all.

"What is the meaning of this?" she demanded of one of the men.

"Althea, don't. It's fine," House assured her. "I'll talk to you later."

"What's happening?"

"Your father wishes to see me. I can only imagine what for," he smirked as he was led away.

"I'm coming with you."

"Suit yourself," he shrugged. "But it might not be pretty."

King Richard sat in the throne room waiting patiently for House and when he arrived, the two men glared at each other.

"Dr. House, am I to understand that you lured my youngest daughter to your bed last evening?"

"Wow. Getting right to it, huh? Yes, that's true, your majesty."

"Give me one reason why I should not send you to the tower to be executed."

"Father, wait!" Althea shouted as she burst into the room.

"Althea, this does not concern you. Go now."

"No, I will not."

The king stared her down but she didn't move. "This concerns me too. And I do not appreciate you discussing MY life without me in the room."

"She has a point, your Majesty," House said, but was met with a hard smack to his face delivered by the king himself.

"Silence! You will speak when spoken to."

House rubbed his cheek but didn't say anything more.

"I wanted to be with him, father. So I went. He did not lure me. I went willingly. And I will gladly go again."

The king looked at House and then back to his doctor. "You can't be serious."

"I am serious. I love him, father. And I will not have you sending him to the tower for that. He has done nothing wrong."

"He deflowered you! Who will marry you now, being tainted goods? No man will want a woman who is not a virgin."

"Then so be it. But I am done with you choosing a husband for me. So far the last two choices have been horrible."

"And you want him? He's too old for the likes of you."

"He's younger than the Duke was. And didn't you make Greg a Duke so he could marry whom he chooses?"

"Well yes... but I didn't mean for him to turn to my own daughter who will one day be Queen. Now I do not know if that is even possible, now that you've given yourself to another."

"What would be worse, father? Having me be happy with a man who treats me well, or being miserable with a man who only wants to marry me for what I can give him? And one that treats me horribly as well."

He stared at House. "What are your intentions towards my daughter? Do you love her?"

"Love is a strong word, your Majesty. I... care about her a great deal but I still have a lot to learn about her. And I'll be leaving soon, with the blacksmith. I mentioned that to you from the beginning."

"Aye, you did. But that was before you messed with both my lovely daughters. And yes, I know all about Charlotte."

"With all due respect, your majesty, so does the rest of court."

The king raised his hand to strike House again but Althea jumped in front of him. "That's enough, father! Greg has done nothing wrong."

"He used you, took advantage of you and now he's leaving. Is that the kind of man you wish to be with?"

"He and I have a lot to talk about."

"The hell you do!"

"Yes, we do. I'm an adult, father. Please, start treating me like one. Have I ever let you down?"

"No, you have not." He sat back down and glared at Greg. "And you, if I so much as hear of any wrong doing, I will have your head. Is that clear?"

"Crystal, your Majesty," House nodded and bowed before leaving the room.

"I hope you know what you are doing, Althea."

"Me too, father. Me too."