Hi Friends!

Thanks so much for your reviews!

This chapter is completely from Derek's point of view.

The song mentioned at the end, "Greensleeves," is a real composition supposedly composed by Henry VIII for Anne Boleyn (never proven). It is kinda fitting because it's the tale of unrequited love...but if you really read the words it's incredibly sad because the man singing the song has ultimately been rejected by the one he loves. Anyways, why the history lesson? I just wanted to mention that I know that the song deep down is sad and that our two lover's might not have chosen it to represent their love...but hey, I love the melody and if you've never heard it I encourage you to Google it and listen to it.

Please forgive any mistakes.

Enjoy!

Derek pulled the reins on his horse, Thunderhead, right in front of the rusty iron portcullis. He peered up at the daunting barrier and shook his head. "You'd have thought they'd have already retracted this monstrosity," he muttered under his breath.

On the other side of the gate Charles's men were scurrying around trying to get everyone in position to lift the massive barrier. None of them bothered to ask Derek who he was; the banners waving with his sigil provided enough identification.

Two more horses whinnied to a stop on either side of him. On his right was Sir Hotchner and to his left was the Lady Penelope.

"How long do you think it will take them to raise that?" Penelope asked.

"Depends on how many men they have manning the wheel," Derek told her.

Sir Hotchner frowned, "What do you suppose is the point of making us wait? I'm sure they saw our flags waving miles away. They could have had this up before we arrived."

"The only thing I can think of is that Charles wanted more time to ready himself for our arrival," Derek said before he sighed impatiently.

Penelope looked over that the annoyed monarch and said, "Maybe it's not a bad thing that we have to wait."

Derek turned to her and gave her an incredulous look.

She shrugged, "I think that you need to use these last few minutes to get your head straight."

"My head is just fine," he said with a bitter note to his words.

"Is it?"

"Yes."

She hummed her disagreement.

"Why do you think otherwise?" he asked, a little peeved at her behavior.

"Because we are about to cross into enemy territory and anyone worth their salt would be nervous…but you…your situation is unique. Your lover's life is at stake…the pressure on you to make sure this turns out well is immense. So, are you sure you're mentally prepared for this?" Hotchner asked, saving Penelope from having to continue the unpleasant line of questioning she started.

Still feigning ignorance, Derek replied, "Mentally prepared for what?"

The knight gave his king and friend a skeptical look. "You know what."

"Do I?"

Hotchner huffed a breath of air before he laid it all out on the line. "Alright, I'm asking if you're mentally prepared to see the love of your life being debased and degraded right before your eyes. I'm asking whether or not you're going to be able to keep your wits about you and act like nothing is wrong," he stated bluntly. "Because what you're about to witness being done to Spencer is going to test your strength and mental reserves – actually it's going to test all of ours – and it's not going to be easy."

Derek listened to his friend's solemn words intently. He didn't answer right away; the knight feared he wasn't going to answer at all. But as the iron gate started to rise up inch-by-inch the king finally decided to respond, "I know…I know that it's not going to be easy…and I'm ready. I have to be. This is our one and only chance to bring him home safely and I'm not going to mess it up."

The knight said nothing in return, just nodded his head in agreement.

Penelope reached over and laid her hand gently on the young king's arm. She gave him a sympathetic smile and said, "We're going to get him back, Derek. We will!"

Derek placed his hand over hers and squeezed it tightly. "I know."

A resounding clank echoed in the air, signaling that the portcullis had been raised as high as it would go. Thunderhead nickered impatiently beneath his owner, eager to move forward. So, the monarch dug his heels into the horse's sides and clicked his tongue, signaling his mount to move ahead slowly. His friends and the few soldiers he had brought along stayed a few paces behind him allowing him to take the lead.

The king sat ramrod straight in his saddle and clutched the sword sheathed at his side. The courtiers that were outside to witness his arrival were impressed with how regal he looked and the superior attitude he exuded. They whispered among themselves about how a man so young could hold so much power.

As Derek's horse approached the entrance to the castle he saw King Charles standing at the top the steps with his son and brother positioned beneath him. All three of the men were bedecked red doublets that had golden accents woven throughout. Charles, though, stood out the most due to the inordinate amount of jewels he was wearing all over his body.

The king allowed his eyes to momentarily wander away from the royalty standing before him, looking earnestly for his beloved. A twinge of concern nudged at the corner of his mind when he did not see his lithe lover anywhere.

Unfortunately, he had to tuck his worries away in the back of his mind when Thunderhead smoothly halted at the bottom of the stone steps leading up to the castle. Derek waited silently for the rest of his party to stop behind him before he dismounted his steed and walked up to the first stair.

"Charles," was the only word he said as he gave a small nod. A gasp of surprise rippled through Charles's courtiers when they heard Derek's informal greeting but the young king thought nothing of it. For Derek was not about to bow and show fealty to Charles. They were both kings in their own right – neither one technically outranked the other – and to fully bow down and use a proper title to address Charles would have sent the wrong message to all of those witnessing the occasion.

The other king took Derek's lack of respect in stride externally while he burned with rage on the inside. But instead of letting the anger out he nodded his head in return, "Derek, welcome to Georgia."

"Thank you," he said politely as the two men stood there sizing each other up. "Shall we get to it?"

"Absolutely not! You must be bone weary after your lengthy journey. What type of host would I be if I swept you away and forced your to talk politics without allowing a chance to rest?" Charles chided.

"That's really not necessary," Derek protested, though he was feeling a bit tired and grimy after being on the road for the last few weeks.

"Nonsense. Your room is set up and there is already a warm bath waiting for you. Please, it is nearing supper time and I made it a rule to never discuss political affairs on an empty stomach," the Georgian King stated.

Derek went to object again when he was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Come now, King Derek. Indulge the good man and take his generous offer. I assure you that you won't be disappointed," Rossi declared with a big smile on his face.

"Lord Rossi!" the king exclaimed, happy to see his dear friend after so long.

"It's great to see you too, my liege," Rossi said, opening his arms in order to receive Derek in a hug.

The Quantico monarch quickly embraced the older man before pulling back and saying, "How are you doing, old friend?"

A cough disrupted their happy reunion, "I hate to interrupt but will you be taking me up on my offer, Derek?"

The young king looked at his friend and saw Rossi nod his head in encouragement. "Alright, Charles. I would be happy to freshen up. Thank you for offering."

"Excellent!" Charles exclaimed. "I'll let Lord Rossi lead you to your chambers. After spending the last month here, he more than knows his way around."

"It would be my pleasure," Rossi agreed.

"And after you've washed away the dust from the road, please, come down and join us for supper. My cooks have been preparing a great feast to celebrate your arrival. We'll eat, drink and dance the night away as we honor what is hopefully the first of many meetings of between our two great kingdoms," Charles announced with a grandiose voice.

"May I present your chambers, Your Highness," Rossi said respectfully as he pushed open the doors to the rooms that Charles had prepared for Derek.

"Thank you, Lord Ross," Derek said graciously.

The king and his friends walked into the lavish receiving room and looked around in wonder.

"King Charles has expensive taste," Lady Penelope said, her eyes wide as she took it all in.

Rossi closed the doors and locked them. He then turned to his awestruck friends and said, "Don't be too impressed. Charles just sunk a ton of money he doesn't have into decorating these rooms in order to impress you."

Derek looked at the older man and raised an eyebrow, "Seriously?"

"Yes. He seems to think that you'll be easier to fool if you are swayed by all of his supposed coin," Rossi shared. "And just wait until you see what he has planned for supper…"

"Extravagant, I'm sure," Sir Hotchner said wryly.

Rossi laughed, "That's an understatement."

Derek's eyes wandered over to the closed doors before they turned back to Rossi, "Is he alright?"

David held up his hand and looked around, "That's a hard question to answer, King Derek…because as they say…even the walls have ears."

Sir Hotchner raised an eyebrow and walked over to one of the tapestries that was hanging on the wall and peeked behind it. He immediately spotted a few small boreholes carved into the stone; ones that were large enough to allow someone to listen in on any conversations that were being spoken in the receiving room. Aaron let the drapery fall back into place and held a finger up to his mouth.

"Your Grace, why don't you retreat into the washroom and take advantage of the bath that King Charles had drawn for you?" Rossi suggested, wisely. "You'll be astounded by the size of the tub."

Derek nodded his understanding, "That's a great idea. I feel like there must be five layers of dirt caked on my skin."

"Sounds like a plan to me," chirped Penelope.

"You, my dear, need to park your cute behind on that cushioned seat by the fire and enjoy some sweet treats while I clean myself up," the king said with a grin.

She crossed her hands in front of her and pouted. "No fair."

"Now, Lady Penelope, you know my husband would never approve –"

"Oh pish-posh…what he doesn't know…but fine. I'll stay here."

Derek smiled sweetly and said, "Thank you, sweetheart," before he followed David to another set of doors.

Sir Hotchner shadowed his king to the washroom. Once he reached the doors he turned and said to his fellow knight, Sir Kassmeyer, "Keep watch out here."

The knight did not question the other man's orders and just nodded his head. Aaron then smiled at Lady Penelope before closing the wooden barriers.

The second the doors were secured, Derek spouted, "Where is Spencer? Is he alright? Where are they keeping him?"

Rossi, having fully expected this line of questioning, walked up to his king and started helping him undress.

"Wh-what are you doing? I don't want a bath! I want you to answer my questions," the king snarled, jerking his body backwards when David went to unlace his breeches.

"I will. I promise. But, yes, you do need a bath and it would look mighty suspicious if you left this room in the same state as you entered," Rossi informed the headstrong youth.

"Fine. But I don't need your help," Derek huffed like a haughty child.

"Then by all means," David said, waving his hand at the tub.

The sovereign quickly shed his clothes, revealing the toned body that had been hidden beneath and lowered himself into the tub. He closed his eyes and let out a sigh as the warm water enveloped his body. When he opened his eyes he was greeted by the sight of a soapy rag.

"Here, take it," Rossi ordered. "I'm not about to bathe you…that's your husband's job."

The king snatched the towel from his friend's grasp, "That it is…and I'd like to get him out of here so he can get back to work. Now will you finally tell me what is going on?"

Rossi grabbed two stools and positioned them next to the bathtub. He gestured for Sir Hotchner to sit down on the extra one.

Once they were all seated, the grizzled Italian said, "Well…there's good news and bad news. Which do you want first?"

"The good news."

"Alright…the good news is that Charles has absolutely no intention of killing Spencer. Which means we have plenty of time to execute our plan and get everyone out safely. We don't need to rush."

"Don't need to rush? Spencer's been stuck with this bastard for over six months – the sooner we get him out of here the better," Derek argued, taking his anger out on his legs as he scrubbed them furiously with the rag.

"Lord Rossi's right, Your Grace. While we may want to free King Spencer as quickly as possible, we would be risking his life and ours if we do it hastily. We need to take our time and factor in every variable before we spring into action. We have an advantage right now…we can observe our surroundings, accommodate our plans for any anomalies that we didn't anticipate and then make our move. I'm sorry, Derek but we won't be taking Spencer home tonight," Sir Hotchner declared.

Derek dropped the rag and looked back and forth between his two friends. The points Aaron made were solid as always. "Fine," he said even though he didn't like it. "What's the bad news then?"

A sour look overtook Rossi's features causing the submerged king's body to shiver with a sudden chill. "What? What is it?"

Lord Rossi leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees, hanging his head, "Charles doesn't have any intentions of killing Spencer because…well, he is quite obsessed with him."

"What?"

"Charles barely lets the boy out of his sight; Spencer is always by his side. The poor boy eats, sleeps, and breathes in the king's presence. The king publically debases him during the day and sexually abuses him at night. It has been utterly unbearable to witness for days on end, knowing that I could do nothing without risking both of our lives. Derek…your willpower is about to be tested more than it's ever been before. Believe me…" Rossi trailed off.

The king clenched his eyes shut in despair. The room was silent for a few minutes as the three men reigned in their emotions.

Derek was the first to break the silence, "Do-uh-do you think I might be able to talk to him?"

"Maybe. I've been able to catch a few moments with him. Not many…but it is possible," Rossi explained. "It's funny…each time I have been able to get some alone time with him it was due to Prince Tobias. He seems to be pretty fond of King Spencer…they act like friends when they're together without the eyes of the king glaring down on them. Perhaps he can help us arrange another meeting."

"Will you see what you can do?" Derek requested, a hint of desperation in his voice. "I-I need to talk to him – see him – touch him."

"I'll do my best," Rossi promised. "But it may take a few days."

"Of course."

"As for right now, let's get you ready for dinner. The sun is setting and we'll be expected soon," the older man said, standing up from his stool.

Derek stood in front of a set of massive doors that led into the dining hall. He had on a fresh set of clothes and his sword strapped to his side. As always his friends were behind him, lending him their support and strength.

Before the doors were opened by the guards Lord Rossi stepped forth and whispered in his ear, "Remember to stay calm. Do not make eye contact with Spencer. He is just a slave and his treatment doesn't concern you – no matter what Charles does to him. We are here to discuss uniting our kingdoms and nothing more."

"Right," the young king whispered, trying to mentally prepare himself.

"You can do this, sweetie," Penelope murmured encouragingly.

He forced a smile onto his face and stepped forward. "I'm ready to enter," he told the guards.

The man on the right reached down and pulled up the horn that was hanging from his belt. He blew out a few notes to announce to the people inside the hall that royalty was about to enter. Then the two guards grabbed the handles of the doors and pushed them open.

There were multiple tables spread out throughout the room filled with courtiers all standing up out of respect for the royal guest. The hall itself was bedecked with fresh floral bouquets and candelabras. The smell of the flowers mixed with the food, creating a unique heady aroma. At the front of the hall sat King Charles at a massive table that was jammed pack with food. The seat to his right was empty but the one to his left was occupied by the prince. Raphael was fulfilling his knightly duties by standing erect behind his brother, fully prepared to protect the king were anything to happen. The only thing missing from the entire room was Spencer.

A disappointed Derek stopped his trek right in front of the rival king and said, "Good evening, Charles."

The king stood up and opened his arms wide, "Derek, please join us. I saved you a seat right here."

"It would be my pleasure," the young man answered. "And what of my friends?"

Charles grinned, "Well, Lord Rossi already has a seat dedicated to him at our table and…well shame on you Derek for not introducing me to the siren standing behind you."

"Ah, forgive me…both of you. Charles, may I introduce you to the lovely Lady Penelope," Derek announced gallantly.

Penelope, who was dressed in a dark green velvet dress with silver pipping, bowed low to the King of Georgia with a giggle. She graciously said, "Your Highness," before bowing lower to give him a better view of her assets.

"Lady Penelope, it is a pleasure to meet you. I would be honored if an enchantress such as yourself would take the open seat next to my son," Charles said as he ogled her cleavage.

"It would be an honor, Sire," she chirped, standing up with a bright smile and a flirtatious wink.

"Wonderful," Charles said. "And your knight –"

"Don't worry about Sir Hotchner. He will take position behind me," Derek said, cutting off the king.

"Of course."

Derek walked around the table and allowed Aaron to pull out his seat. He plopped down on the cushioned chair and turned toward his host, "This feast looks delicious."

"It tastes even better," Charles bragged. "Please, help yourself." He then snapped his fingers and ordered the servant to refill his flagon with some mead. "Make sure you pour some for Derek too."

Derek did his best to tuck into the food but found his stomach rebelling. So instead of bringing attention to himself he chose to pick at the cuisine and push it around his plate, trying to make it look like he was enjoying the fare. "Your cooks are astounding, Charles. Tell me, would your chefs be willing to take on students? I may have to send a few of my cooks down here for lessons."

"Didn't I tell you the food would be good?" Charles exclaimed, biting deeply into a roasted chicken leg.

"You did," he admitted before changing the subject. "So, what are the plans for tomorrow?"

The Georgian King swallowed his bite and said, "I figured we'd breakfast in our respective chambers and meet at nine in my conference room. We'll begin our discussion and break at noon for lunch. We'll then go hawking during the afternoon and eat what we catch for supper."

"Sounds like a busy day. I'll have to get plenty of sleep tonight in order to prepare," Derek said.

"Ha! I don't know how much sleep you'll get. We've got a night full of music and dancing ahead of us," Charles boasted before he helped himself to a cherry tart. "Speaking of music – I have a surprise for you, Derek."

The younger man crinkled his brow, "A surprise?"

Charles didn't answer; rather he snapped his fingers, beckoning Raphael forward. "Music. Now."

Raphael bowed to his brother and then left the room via the side door. Derek followed the knight with his eyes; his curiosity getting the best of him.

It took about five minutes for the king's brother to return. Derek's eyes were glued to the door as he avidly watched the foreboding knight walk back into the room with his hands full – in his right hand he held a lute and in his left he clasped the lead of a golden leash.

Derek felt his jaw drop when he saw what was on the other end of the leash – Spencer.

His beloved was swathed in only golden chainmail, but not the type seen on knights. Instead, the upper half of his body was practically bare. The only thing covering it were lengths of golden links – four individual strands of them wrapping over each shoulder and meeting in the center of his chest at a ruby that was two inches in diameter. From the ruby five more lengths hung down and connected with the waist chain. The view of his back was almost identical to the front except that it lacked the ruby. Overall, it pretty much looked like a golden chained body harness that had a starburst shape with a priceless jewel in the center.

On his lower half Spencer wore a golden-linked loincloth. The waist chain that the strands from the upper harness connected to was two rows of links thick. The chain had two box clasps holding it together positioned on the right and left side, allowing for the king to tighten or loosen the belt as he pleased. Two triangular portions of links hung down from the front and the back of the belt, covering the boy's assets – the front was approximately 11cm long while the back was about 15cm. The sides of his legs were bare except for three loops of gold arcing down to accentuate his thighs. Finally, the loincloth's links were decorated with smooth spade-shaped leaf molds. Each of the strategically placed leaves were dotted with ruby chips that sparkled whenever they caught some candlelight.

Finally, across Spencer's face rested a golden veil. It covered his visage from just above the tip of his nose downward, leaving only his haunting eyes exposed. The top 5cm were made out of tiny little golden discs that stretched from ear to ear. A narrow strand of them wrapped around his head and fastened in the back, holding the veil tightly against his face. The last row of discs had little loops attached to them, from which hung thin lengths of chain that stretched down past his chin, effectively masking the whole lower half of the boy's face. Around the crown of his head hung a length of chain that had little golden leaves sporadically strung from it to match the bottom loincloth. Dripping down from the center of the chain was a group of three rubies, strung in order from largest to smallest.

This sight of his husband clad so scantily left Derek feeling quite confused. For he felt outraged that his lover was so exposed and virtually put on display for all to see. Yet, on the contrary, he also felt lust coursing through his veins and lighting a fire in his loins. He had to admit that the outfit that King Charles had dressed his beloved in was incredibly sexy and would drive any man to sin. In the end he didn't know whether or not he wanted to jump up and throw a table cloth over Spencer's naked form or bend him over the nearest table.

Derek's musings were interrupted by Charles leering voice, "Recognize him, do you?"

"Uh…uh, yeah…isn't that my mother's former slave?" Derek asked, trying to make it sound like he couldn't even remember Spencer's name.

"Ah, you do recognize him," Charles stated. "I've got to admit. He's the best thing that I brought back from your country. So young and supple…he bends to my every whim. Ha, and when he doesn't I make sure to remind him who is in charge."

Derek resisted growling at the man and forced out a laugh instead, "He was my mother's favorite for a reason."

"Diana had good taste," Charles said, before turning his attention back to the slave.

Spencer, who hadn't looked up from the floor once throughout his journey, was now seated on a stool in the center of the room. His hands had been released from their manacles and the lute was positioned between them.

"Slave! Play us a song," Charles ordered.

Derek watched as Spencer's delicate fingers started plucking the thin strands of catgut, emitting a beautiful melody into the air. The music changed the atmosphere in the room as the occupants laid down their forks and sat back and enjoyed the tune, mesmerized by the exquisite sounds.

The young king, whose eyes hadn't left his lover's body once, suddenly realized what tune his husband was strumming – Greensleeves.

It was their song.

The one they danced to at the wedding. The one they had played for every special occasion. It was the one song that truly embodied how much they loved one another – and Spencer was playing it now for him.

Derek almost slipped in that moment and started singing the words out loud, but he caught himself before he could make that mistake. Instead he bit his bottom lip with his teeth, keeping the words tucked deep inside his mind.

As Spencer approached the end of the melody his head slowly started to tilt upward. Once the last string had been plucked the young slave dared to fully raise his gaze. And with bated breath Derek watched as his darling's maple brown eyes opened wide and connected with his own for the first time in eleven months.

So I tried to do my best in describing his outfit (believe me, I have been planning it more than I was planning the chapter) but I realize that my words might not have done it justice. So, I'm going to tell you what I Googled so you can go look at what I used as inspiration/described.

Warning: I am not responsible for all of the images that are going to pop up on your screen when you put the following things into the search engine...believe me there is some crazy stuff...that and you might be like me and get so caught up in looking at sexy chainmail that you realize two hours have passed.

Anyways:

For the upper half of the outfit: website was alexipress dot com and its called the Gold Silver Body Belly Waist Chain Bikini Beach Harness (I added the ruby in the center)

For the bottom half of the outfit: I Googled "Chainmail Loincloth" and it was like the 14 image for me.

For the veil: I Googled "Golden Face Veil" and it was the second image.

Both of the "Googled" items were under "Images"

Anyways, if you go looking have fun...there are so many things out there that I could have chosen. Ahhh, word of warning...you probably shouldn't be looking at this stuff if you're at work.

Till next time!