Chapter 12

A few days had passed since Kal-El had last saw Lois Lane. He missed Alicia so much. He had mourned her for a year but he knew that he would have to move on and he felt like he now was with Lana but something still felt missing.

Kal-El wore a red tunic today with a gold chain around his shoulders. He removed the key from his pouch and unlocked the doors to Lois's quarters. He entered the room and she was must have been expecting him because she sat by the fire fully dressed this time. She wore a black gown with gold embroidery and she wore her hair down.

Lois looked up from the book she found in one of the drawers and tilted her head to side when she saw it was him. She marked her page and closed the book. "I assumed you would be back sooner but it seems I misread you." She said.

"You will find that I am a hard man to read like I find you to be a hard woman to read." Kal-El said and took a seat across from her.

"Oh, really? From what I read from you is that you are used to performing hard work and you definitely did not grow up at court. You were most likely always training and you prefer to handle matters yourself." Lois said.

Kal-El rubbed his chin. "Well, from what I can tell about you is that when your mother died, you had to become the mother for both your sister and father so you never really learned discipline despite your father's best efforts. You too like to handle matters yourself. And you obviously grew up at court but despised it so you were reckless and a nuisance to attract attention to yourself but only to gain your father undivided attention." Kal-El said.

The two stared at one another. "Are you trying to find some leverage to break me, Smallville?" She asked slightly leaning in.

"I see us as two people getting to know one another." Kal-El said interlocking his fingers.

"Do expect to form an intimate connection between us because you yourself are a father?" Lois asked raising an eyebrow. There was a slight flicker of anger in his eyes. Then he pursed his lips and gave her a cold stare. "Deny it if you like but you are a father, aren't you? I have heard all the rumors about you having a bastard son that your noblemen refused to acknowledge as your heir. Must be frustrating."

"He is not a bastard!" Kal-El exclaimed pointing a warning finger at her. Lois's heart jumped out of fear but she hid all emotion, something she learned from her father after her mother died. Kal-El took a deep breath and ran his hand through his hair. He obviously knew how to control his temper because most men would throw a punch by now.

Lois placed her index and middle finger on her cheek as if in thought. She was now interested and her facial expressions showed that. "It appears that I found a button to push… You have a son." She crossed her legs.

"Leave him out of this." He said. His expression was angry and his voice was cold.

"If he is not a bastard, then what is he?" She asked and Kal-El interlocked his fingers tightly. He clenched his jaw tight. "You are the one who started this so I will answer a question if you answer mine."

Kal-El sighed and rubbed his eyes. "I…I did not father him but he is my son." Kal-El also spoke with his hands, something she noticed he did when he was stressed.

Lois now showed greater interest. "You still have not answered the question." She said.

Kal-El hesitated and sighed again. "I adopted him after I banished his family." He said and Lois lowered her hand from her face. "As I said, I did not father him but he is my son. But something tells me that you understand what I mean. Since you started the conversation a few days ago… have you ever been in love?"

Lois sat up straight. "Love does not exist, only duty." Lois said.

"I find that hard to believe. You said that you only want to avenge your family. If you did not love them, then why avenge them at all?" Kal-El asked.

Now Lois had a flicker of fear in her eyes. "My uncle, aunt, and cousin were innocent and they were butchered by Kryptonians. They wanted nothing to do with this war and they became victims of it." Lois said. The anger made her voice shake and tears began to fill her eyes. "Why did they have to die, tell me that?"

Kal-El was empathetic. "You are not ready for the truth because it will shatter you no matter how strong you are. I understand your pain because I have lived it for so long…Not even a king is immune to pain. We can hide it but we are not immune. I have killed people's sons, brothers, husbands, and friends. They say we kill for good reasons but I say that a life loss is still loss, whether innocent or guilty."

"Is there a point to this speech?" Lois asked quietly.

"When the time is right, I will tell you everything you want to know about your family's murder but now you are not ready. You will tell me you are but you are lying to yourself thinking you can handle the truth." Kal-El said.

"It sounds like you are trying to protect yourself." Lois said coldly.

"I assure you that I am only trying to protect you and I believe that you will see that in time. Now is there anything else you wish to ask me?" He asked.

"What is your son's name?" She asked.

"Christopher. Viscount Christopher Jonathan Kent. I gave him a new name when I adopted him. What is your sister's name?" He asked. Then they once again began asking and answering each other's questions at lightning speed.

"Lucy. Why did you give him a new name?" Lois asked.

"Because the whole kingdom believes he is dead and I want it to remain that way. Why are you so interested in my life?" He asked.

"Well if I am going to spend most of my time with you then I better know my enemy. Why must everyone believe he is dead?" Lois asked.

"Because some say that he has a strong claim to the throne and is a threat to the House of El. Weren't you once a potential bride for Prince Alexander, King Bruce, and King Olivier?" He asked. Lois knew he knew the answer because the quick smirk he made while counting them off on his fingers. "I ask because you are asking about my private life."

"Yes, yes, and yes. Why is your son a threat to the House of El?" She asked.

"They believed him to be a threat because his real name is Lor-Zod. Why didn't you marry any them?" He asked.

Lois eyes widened. "The House of Zod! I thought they were wiped out by the House of El. Their cruelty makes Lionel Luthor look like a saint. There are even ghost stories told about them to scare children. Why did you adopt a member of the House of Zod?"

Kal-El grinned. "You didn't answer my question."

Lois rolled her eyes. "Bruce was great but there was a part of him I did not want to know. Olivier was… Olivier and I just weren't meant to be. And Alexander was more interested in Lana Lang than me at the time." She said and his grin disappeared. Kal-El opened his mouth to say something but Lois cut him off. "You have not answered my question either."

"Um…as part of the peace treaty with the Daxam provinces, they gave me Christopher to prove their loyalty to me. They assumed I would kill him. Lex was courting Lana?" He asked. Lois noticed that he was talking with his hands again.

"Yes and I heard that she did return his affections for some time. There were also rumors that she was his mistress but a year after they met he married Helen Bryce. Why didn't you kill, um… Christopher?" Lois asked but she noticed that he was distracted by what she said.

"Are you lying to me?" Kal-El said fiercely.

"As much as I want you to see you suffer, I am not lying to you. Now, why didn't you kill Christopher?" Lois interlocked her fingers and rested then on top of her crossed legs.

"You wouldn't understand. No one understood except the Duchess of Kent." Kal-El said.

"Well I may or may not understand so tell me." Lois said empathetic.

"The royal forces and I had just captured the last of Zod's followers when…when the Duke of Daxam came to see me with the resistance fighters. One of them was holding a little boy…only a year old. And they presented him to me as a peace offering saying I could do with him as I pleased. And…Christopher smiled and held out his arms to me. I held him in my arms and we looked at each other. I just knew that he needed me and I needed him. I adopted him, changed his name, gave him a title…he is my son." Kal-El explained full of compassion.

"And what if tries to take your throne?" Lois asked sympathetic. She even stood up and sat down next to him. It was obvious he did not have anyone he could really talk to.

"He won't." He replied with a small grin.

"How can you be so sure? He is not of your blood but that of your enemy." Lois asked.

"Blood does not corrupt, people corrupt. Christopher is my son… and I love him." Kal-El replied.

Their eyes met and both of their heartbeats quickened. Kal-El had not felt like this since he proposed to Alicia. He did not feel like Kal-El, he felt he was Clark for once.

Lois kept thinking that Kal-El was just too good to be true. No one adopts the child of their enemy. It was unheard of but he did it.

They both leaned wanting to act on their sudden desire for one another. They could feel each other's breath on their face. Then there was a knock on the door and the moment was lost. Lois immediately stood and walked to the window.

Clark was once more Kal-El and he stood. He opened the door and there was Captain Ak-Var with a bandage wrapped around his head, where Lois had hit him. "Yes, Captain?"

"Another message from Her Royal Highness, Your Majesty." Ak-Var said quickly glancing over at Lois to make sure she didn't attack Kal-El while his back was turned. Kal-El gave Ak-Var a quick glance.

Kal-El turned around and bowed his head while saying, "Captain Lane." Lois crossed her arms and cut her eyes at him. He grinned and left the room.

Lois went over the water basin and splashed water in her face. "It was a trick, Lois. He is trying to trap you. He was probably even making up that whole story…but his eyes weren't lying." Lois said to her reflection. She took a deep breath and began drying her face with a towel.

Kal-El walked to his private quarters thinking about their intimate moment. He shook his head. "She must be trying to play some sort of trick. I just have to be more careful with her. And she has to be lying about Lana. She has to."

Kal-El entered his private chamber and removed his sword belt. He laid the belt down next to the red pouch and removed his gold chain, and laid his gold chain on top of his sword. He picked up the red pouch and removed the sealed letter inside. Kal-El opened it and began reading.

It was Kara's report and Kal-El felt a wave of anger when he read that there was no investigation into who tried to kill his son. The only real news besides the Council's incompetence was that General Lane has sent more reinforcements to Smallville. He probably heard that his daughter had been captured.

A few minutes later, Kal-El handed a knight of the Red Shard another red pouch with his reply. He fastened his sword belt back on and felt his sword against his hip. He straightened his red vest and ran his hand through his hair.

He thought about Lois one more time but once again shook it off. He left his quarters and went down the hall. He entered Christopher's bed chamber quietly. Christopher was playing with his governess and he was laughing.

Clark crossed his arms and leaned against the door frame. He grinned as he watched Christopher. Then Fara-Tal noticed him and immediately bowed. He nodded and Christopher looked up at him. "Papa!" Christopher ran into his arms and spun him around. "Papa, who is that lady upstairs?" Christopher asked and Clark looked at him serious.

He put Christopher down and got down on one knee. "You are not supposed to know about her." Clark said.

"I saw Sir Ak-Var take her in there. She was sleeping and she looked nice." Christopher answered.

"Well trust me, she is not nice and I do not want you seeing her without me or Captain Ak-Var… I do not want you seeing her at all. Do you understand, Christopher?" Clark demanded.

Christopher looked scared. "Papa, are you mad at me?" He asked sadly.

Clark closed his eyes regretting his reaction. He rubbed his eyes and then placed a comforting hand on Christopher's shoulder. "No, I am not mad. I am only worried about you." Clark caressed his son's cheek.

"I understand." Christopher said and Clark smiled. He hugged Christopher and ruffled his dark hair. Clark kissed his forehead and stood up. "Your Majesty." Christopher bowed.

"Viscount." Kal-El bowed his head. He then winked at Christopher and he smiled in return. Then Kal-El left the room and Christopher returned to playing.

Back in Kandor

A Red Shard knight kneeled before Kara. Kara wore a blue gown with her red slash. She took the red pouch and motioned for the knight to leave.

Kal-El's reply was what she expected. He was angry that there was no official investigation and demanded one immediately. And he said that Captain Lane was going to be harder to question than he assumed but he was still confident that he could switch her allegiances. He asked her to give Martha and Lana is love and he wished to be kept informed.

Kara then re-folded the letter and placed it in a lead box. She locked the box and placed the key in the pouch tied to her belt. She looked out the window and saw Lana and Peter walking through the gardens talking.

Kara thought nothing of it and sat back down. She then opened Milton's most recent letter. She smiled as she began to read.

Weeks had past and Kal-El could feel that he was making progress with Lois. She could not tell herself but she was starting to break. However, being at the Fortress with Lois was relaxing in some way. He had forgotten all about the war and the fact that he was king until he received Kara's weekly letter.

"I do not joust as much as I used to when I was only a prince. Being a prince was fun when I was younger and then when I got older, I had to learn about the art of war and politics with my other studies. Then I met Alicia and I thought about the kind of king I could be with her by my side." Kal-El rubbed his index finger against his chin.

Lois sat across from him. She grinned as she listened to him. "Not many people get to feel that way. I, myself, have only felt like that once in my life."

"Let me guess, with Wesley." Kal-El said twirling a sheath dagger between his fingers. Lois kept her eyes on the dagger. Kal-El was informal today wearing pants, a shirt, a blue vest, and no sword.

Lois shook her hand. "No. I once thought I was in love with King Oliver back when he was only a prince. He was handsome, fun, gentle, and so much more but Lionel declared Star City his enemy after learning about their treaty with Krypton and I was soon no longer one of his potential brides. I wish I had met Oliver the way he is now. He is no longer a boy but a man, who has everything now: a throne, a family, friends, and a higher calling." Lois continued to follow the dagger.

"I remembered Oliver in those days too. He was irresponsible and arrogant. I was still young when word reached Krypton on the assassination attempt on his life. I met Oliver some few years later when I was sent away to my tutors. I also met King Bruce of Gotham City there and my father paid for Peter's education as well." Kal-El smiled as he thought back on it.

"Why do you always called the Duke of Kent your father? You are of royal blood; although, the Duke and Duchess are of noble blood." Lois said.

"My mother and father were murdered when I was very young. The Duke and Duchess are the only mother and father I have ever known. I even changed my name to Clark so I could pretend to be their son and whenever we were home, that is what they called me. I miss those times." Clark said. He and Lana never talked like this. Why did it seem so natural with Lois?

"Yes, I remember. The king and queen were assassinated by thieves. Krypton blamed Genesis and King Zor-El I declared war." Lois said.

"That is a lie. My mother and father were assassinated by Lionel Luthor because they were trying to smuggle Queen Abigail and Prince Peter out." Kal-El said defensive.

"I do not know who has told you such lies. The royal family was assassinated by Krypton and with no living heir to the throne; the nobles decided to give the throne to Luthor." Lois replied defensive as well.

"Then you are being lied to because there is a living heir living in Krypton under my protection." Kal-El said and Lois was not expecting that.

"You are lying." Lois read his facial expressions. She had believed that she could now tell when he was lying. "You are not lying." She whispered and Kal-El nodded. "Who?"

"Prince Peter, the only surviving member of the House of Ross. He was the only survivor of the ambush that started this war. The Duke and Duchess brought him up as well. He is now a knight in my army." Kal-El said.

Lois leaned back in her chair as she took it all in. "Peter is alive." She whispered. "What else have Luthor lied about?" Lois demanded.

"As I told you before, I would reveal all when you are ready and you almost are." Kal-El said and stood.

Lois stood as well and twisted his wrist. Kal-El grunted as he dropped the dagger and Lois caught it. She kicked the back of his legs and fell down on the carpet. She placed the dagger against his throat. "What else are you keeping from me?" Lois demanded.

"I promise I would not tell you and I will not. But I do know this, you will not kill me." Kal-El said.

"What makes you so sure that I will not? I kill you and back home I will be a hero." Lois said.

"I have two very good reasons why you will not kill me. If you kill me, you will never know what secret I am hiding from you." He said feeling the tip of the blade softly touching his neck.

"That was only one. What is the second reason, just out of curiosity?" Lois asked.

"This." Kal-El grabbed her wrist and rolled so he was now on top. He pinned her arm so she could not move.

The two held each other's gaze and their heart rates increased along with their breathing. Clark was now overcome with desire and he could no longer control it so he crushed his lips against hers.

At first, Lois eyes widened in shock and she was furious but she could not resist the sweet taste of his lips. Her grip loosened on the hilt of the dagger and she released it. It fell onto the carpet with a soft thud.

Lois then ran her fingers through his hair. She had never been kissed like this before. Clark had never kissed any woman like this before, not even Alicia. It was passionate, intimate, and he could not think of any more words to describe this moment because it was in fact indescribable.

Lois's gown had hiked up above her knee when they had rolled. Clark's hand lightly touched her bare leg and he ran his fingers across her skin until he felt her thigh. "Kal-El." She whispered with pleasure.

"Clark." He whispered as he made light kisses on her neck.

"Clark." She whispered as she unbuttoned his blue vest. Their lips met again for another intense passionate kiss. Lois had never met anyone who made her feel like this. It was like there was a dying flame inside of her and Clark had reignited it so now it was a white hot fire.

There was a knock at the door and he turned to look at the door. "Ignore it." She whispered.

Clark's warm lips returned to kissing her neck but the knocking continued. He stopped and Lois groaned. He stood up and began to button up his vest. He held his hand out to Lois and helped her up. She then picked up the dagger and set it down gently in his hand. He then put the dagger back in his sheath on his belt.

He ran his fingers through his hair and straightened his vest. Lois sat down as he opened the door. "Yes?" Kal-El asked.

"Another letter from Her Royal Highness, Your Majesty." The knight said.

"Thank you. Captain…" He said to her nervously and quickly left the room.

Lois stood and straightened her gown. She then went over to the water basin and dunked her head down into the water to calm her burning desire for him.

Kal-El entered his quarters and opened Kara's letter. He must have read the same line at least three times before he realized it. He could not stop thinking about Lois and nothing else mattered but then he thought of Lana.

"By Rao!" Kal-El swore under his breath and threw the letter down onto the table. He ran his hands over his face and threw his hair. He sat down and rested his head in his hands. He had felt like this once before but these feelings were much stronger and that scared him.

Christopher Kent's DC wiki page is in my profile if anyone is interested. Hope you enjoyed the update.