6

"Is everything OK Boss?" Andy asked as he watched Ianto going over the stud books that he had demanded be brought to him from the palace financial records room. It was like he was searching for the meaning of life as he poured over them.

"Four more. SCOTTYYYYYY"

Andy cringed as Ianto roared, the sound so unlike him and Scott swung around the doorframe "hark, was that the sweet dulcet tones of my beloved king?"

"Fucker has four more of our horses" Ianto was writing furiously "Take young Chester, he knows each of these horses on sight."

Scott accepted the piece of paper now being thrust at him "Confiscation? Really?"

"It's in the fine print. Any mishandling of any Royal Blood means the horse being purchased must be returned to the royal stables. If they are trying to kill royal blood horses, all royal blood horses are now forfeit" Ianto folded his arms with a look both men knew well. It was a look that usually made Jack cringe a little. Someone was going to find out there is more than one way to get your balls cut off around here. And you NEVER fuck with this dragon. He not only has the ability to flame you… he is crafty as fuck.

"Sire. As you wish, so it is done."

.

.

"Hey babe, what did you do today?" Jack asked as he bounded into the kitchen where Ianto was relaxing with the lovely housekeeper. Ianto turned to him as Jack held up two fish "I caught fishies. Look… big!"

"Oh Jack… they look delicious" Ianto said with a clap of his hands "and here I was just saying I feel like a light meal tonight. Fresh fish and a salad. Maybe some fresh bread. Oh, lovely."

Jack preened as he provided the meat for the family, almost striking at his chest but the fishy smell stopped him. Ianto had one more task and a fishy chest might impair that. Jack waited.

Ianto stepped in close once the fish were held away from Jack at arm's length and kissed him resoundly, then slapped his arse where he had definitely wiped fishy stuff, but winked to show he was OK.

"Today I went next door and took the fuckers Royal Blood horses off him" Ianto said as he stepped back and Jack made a noise of interest as he offered the fish to the hapless woman who could only weakly smile and accept them.

Ianto gave her a look and she nodded.

Ianto relaxed as he knew the stable cats would love the offerings, the fish already filleted in the fridge ready to go. Jack would never know these fish, caught and left in the sun for half a day, were not the majestic food coming tonight. And he would crow, Ianto would praise some more and the kids would be impressed.

"Next time I will take Max, maybe now he can see there really are fish he might want to come" Jack said as he moved to wash his hands "Can you imagine… he asked how dirty it would be?"

"What can I say, he is my child after all" Ianto laughed "you know, Mac might be a better fit. I think she might enjoy the thrill of the hunt."

"Really?" Jack paused and considered "that was sexist of me. Of course, you're right love. Max can bring some of his art stuff maybe, paint the river or something. Such a pretty spot and he does have your eye for colour."

Ianto smiled as he agreed, their young son was becoming quite a gifted artist, again like his Taddy. Mac though…. Oh well… she wanted blood. Noise and bluster. Clearly she threw to Jack there.

"So, the fucker had royal stud huh?" Jack said as he now dried his hands, leaning back to admire the man now scooping jelly into bowls as an afternoon treat for his kids. "Dickhead."

"Yep"

"Hah! Idiot, needs to learn to read the fine print" Jack laughed, turning at the waist to throw the towel then hesitating, feeling eyes upon him as he carefully hung it back with care.

"Good boy" Morwen said as she held out a bowl of jelly for him, a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top.

Jack kissed her cheek and took off, Ianto sedately following with the tray of bowls and they found the kids on the back patio with their coloring things, all settling for some jelly and sunshine.

"Taddy?"

"Yes Mary?"

"There was a blackie."

Ianto took a moment to consider her sentence. Used to half spoken conversations. Did I say this one was like her father? After a beat or two he knew and nodded "Yes, he is a sixteen hand three year old."

She took a bite of jelly and chewed, looking at him in silent expectation.

"Comet." He supplied the name after thinking through her unspoken question.

She nodded, then took another bite, turning her head to watch her youngest brother simply shoveling it in with fingers and a look of wanton delight. Yeah… took after Jack too.

"So… you want him?" Ianto asked as he handed his half empty plate to the garbage disposal and Jack grunted, taking the task seriously.

"Yes please"

At least she remembered her manners.

"Fine." Ianto nodded, sitting back to cross his ankles and let the sun warm his cockles. Whatever the hell cockles are. Oh god… don't ask Jack.

He has that completely wrong!