A/N; 529 people read this story every time I post a new chapter, only seven - .upon., SlytherinQueen020, ana, laffertyluver23, Sabaku no Sable, cricket5144 and KairaiGensou spares the few seconds it takes to review- so this chapter is for you!

Chapter 6;

As Henry, Howard, Brandon, Compton and Knivert reached the river, Dean was standing over a large stag with impressive antlers. "What on earth did you say to make the boy so angry," William asked. "Propose to bed him?" Henry just glared at him. William arched a brow, "Oh dear that was the case then?" Then he sniggered, "Proving not to be such an easy catch then? You might actually have to do something other than flash your flag at this one," he winked.

"He resigned," he replied quietly.

William lost his teasing expression in a flash, "That's... not quite what I'd anticipated..."

"He really does hate me..." He whispered to himself and got off his horse. And for some reason, this once, that stung. He just didn't know that William had heard him.

William walked down to Dean by the riverside, intending to resolve whatever it was his king had made a mess of. "Dean," he greeted. "What a stag!" Dean didn't even look at him. William sighed, "Henry told me you resigned..." Still not a word. "He's quite upset."

"I'm sure..." Dean muttered.

William smiled; at last, words! He does not show his emotions easily, but when we left this morning, he was hopeful, and now he's in a mood. Care to burst the bubble?"

"No."

"He seems quite fond of you." Not a word. William sighed, "Quite taken, actually. At least be thankful he didn't start sending you flowers, chocolate and jewellery!" Dean glanced up at him with an odd expression on his face. "Dean, in our twenty years of hunting here- or chasing foxes, as it were," he winked, "he has never invited anyone else- not even his own brother."

"Maybe he actually wished to eat this time."

"Now you're just being pig headed," William said good naturally. "If you have not noticed, you are quite stunning, so who can blame the king for being blinded by your beauty?"

"His wife," Dean bit, trying hard to let his emotions get away with him.

"Ah.." William nodded, "So you are one of those. You believe in the sanctity of marriage."

"I believe in the sanctity of commitment, and respect, regardless of whether bound by contract or not," Dean replied as he carefully flayed the skin of the hid leg of the stag to cut out a few good pieces of meat without damaging the hide, "Something I believe his majesty to be incapable of."

"Ouch..." William said and sat down, "So you're not at all attracted to the king?" he asked, "You do not like men?"

"I don't like the king." Dean specified. "And I'm starting not to like you."

"Oh come on," he said and stood up, "What did he do to anger you so? Bed your mother? Omph!" He landed hard on his back as Dean swept his legs out from underneath him.

"Now you listen here, whatever issue I have with the king, is between him and me. If you ever insult my mother, may her soul rest in peach, believe me, you shall see my hunting skills in proper use," he said and stepped off.

William drew air into his lungs, gasping. Oh dear lord, what had Henry gotten himself into. He felt arms grab him and lift him to his feet. He watched Dean walk away, obviously intending to jump on his horse and leave now that he had gotten their stag for them.

"What did you say?" Howard asked.

"I just told him the king seemed quite taken with him, and wondered why he was being so hostile-" he said.

"And?"

"If the reason was that Henry bedded his mother..." he glanced up at the king, who was standing next to him.

"Compton you idiot -" he said and ran after the youth. The though of the back of Dean's retreating form was the last he would ever see of him, made Henry's heart hurt. "Dean -" he called. He caught up with him soon, beside his horse, and grabbed his arm, forceing him to turn, "Dean, at least stay to enjoy the food," he said.

"No thank you."

"Dean please," Henry said and grabbed him with both hands to keep him there. "I know my apology is inadequate, and unwanted, but you must believe me when I say my heart ache with sorrow for how I hurt you-"

"Spare your waxing for your mistresses, your majesty -" Dean spat and twisted to get loose.

The king just held him tighter, "Please, I'll give you anything you wish for compensation." If only it would ease his guilt.

"Nothing," Dean hissed, "-can compensate for what you took from me," and tore loose. The king grabbed him again and spun him around. Dean lost his balance and had to lean on Henry not to fall. And then the king kissed him. It was hot and needy. It penetrated his soul as it did his lips; the king licked the roof of his mouth and made him shiver.

As soon as Dean caught his footing, he bit down and pushed the king hard away from him. With a splash, the king landed in the ice cold shallow river. Dean panted, "Enjoy your stag," he said and spat on the ground, needing to rid of that intoxicating taste.