Cinderfella

Story: Cinderfella 2: A New Life

Chapter: 4 Fairy Tales Mature

Author: Eric McQueen (mcqueen.richarderic@gmail.com)

Mature Readers only due to sexual situations and graphic sexual content

Freedom of expression is precious. To do that Nifty needs help. Your donation is greatly desired. Give to http://donate.nifty.org/ or this story ends and all the others! That would be a crime!

The story never ends. As long as I'm alive, I will write. Again, guys with short hair, few beards unless I say otherwise, and none of those ballooning pant things. Pants! Prince Erik and Prince Seth go back to A'Dore. Cinderella gets angry!

Fairy Tales Mature

We spent a week just getting things back in order. Production returned of the vineyard and winery. Life was returning to normal. I sent an invitation to the families of Ezekiel and Gabriel to come for dinner with their parents that following Saturday night. When our guests arrived, they were...well...wondering why they'd been invited.

Ezekiel had gotten his dark hair and size from his father. That man was literally a bear of a man! Dark hair covered his chin. His mother had dark brown hair. Gabriel had gotten his blonde hair from his mother, his father had dark sandy colored hair, but more delicate features than Ezekiel's father. Ezekiel's father was the blacksmith. Gabriel's father worked in the vineyard with Seth.

Condolences were expressed at Alex's passing to us. Soon we were chatting pleasantly, and things were not so grim. Neither Seth or I thought we should bring up the subject of the evening and left it to Ezekiel or Gabriel. After dessert, Gabriel put his fork down and cleared his throat.

"Mr. Seth and Mr. Erik invited us here because we asked them to," Gabriel said. "As a favor."

Gabriel's father sat back a little. "Oh?"

"What do you think about them, Dad?" Ezekiel asked his father.

Ezekiel's father wasn't ready for this question. How could he be? "What do you mean? They're good at business. They took a business that was doing well and made it even better. They helped us become a real town."

Ezekiel nodded, "I mean, what do you think about their marriage?"

Ezekiel's mother frowned, "About their marriage? Why should we care? It's their marriage."

Ezekiel looked at Gabriel. "The reason we ask is...."

"Ezekiel and I are in love," Gabriel said quickly.

All four parents looked at their sons in shock. "What!?" A mother said. "Impossible." The other mother said. "You can't be!" A father claimed. "Are you out of your mind!?" The other father asked.

Seth stood suddenly. "Stop!!" He shouted, stopping the conversations and outrage in its tracks. Then Seth leaned forward, "Think before you speak next. Is it shocking? Yes. But it is. Saying no or denying it won't change anything," Seth said sitting again.

Ezekiel's father glared at Seth and me, "This is because of you!"

I nodded. "I hope so," I confessed. "We didn't make them this way, but because we are, they felt safe to let us know first." I took Seth's hand. "Love between two human beings is hard enough. To have your family deny it, hate you because of it...even want to kill because of it is pointless. It won't change what is." I looked at them all. "Do you doubt the love between Seth and me?"

"You're different," Gabriel's father said weakly.

"How?" I asked.

"There was no real choice," Gabriel's father argued. "You made a decision to get a ruler for Blethos. Seth was the best choice obviously."

Seth nodded. "Answer the question. Do you deny there is real love between us? That what we have is a real marriage?"

Ezekiel's father hesitated, "Well...no, but...he's our son."

"So?" Seth asked. "You have a son that loves another human. That human happens to be male. What's the problem?"

"It's illegal!" Ezekiel's mother said.

"So, what we have is illegal, too," I argued. "The law changes, but people don't. We, those like Seth and me, or even Gabriel and Ezekiel have been around since mankind began. History is full of accounts to prove that's true. Rare, but true."

"Ezekiel and Gabriel knew you'd react badly," Seth said. "They feared your reaction would hurt them, maybe even kill them." He leveled a look to Ezekiel's father. "Is that fear justified?"

"But how can they live?" Gabriel's mother asked. "They can be prosecuted and even hung for it!" Then she shook her head. "They can't marry like you two. The Church would never condone it."

I shrugged, "They didn't for us, either."

"And what does the Church know?" Seth growled. "Love is love. It is. To put rules and regulations about it is stupid!"

"The scriptures, no matter what is said, as written by man for man," I continued. "God never said a word about it. If he had said we shouldn't, don't you think there'd be eleven commandments? Not ten?" I shrugged, "Or simply make it physically impossible."

Ezekiel's mother shook her head. "That doesn't mean they'll be safe!"

"They will be here," Seth stated. "This is their home. A person should be safe at home. And if anyone wants to press charges against them, they will have to press charges against Erik and me," Seth swore.

"Agreed," I nodded, then I grinned. "We sort of have favor with our king."

"And his word is still the most powerful in the kingdom," Seth grinned. "Let `em try and prosecute Gabriel and Ezekiel. They will be in for a fight they have no hope of winning."

Gabriel's mother looked at her son. "It's just....so bizarre."

I nodded, "It can be." Then I looked at Seth. "Perhaps we should get Samuel to rule that law null and void. At least others like us can't be prosecuted."

Seth snorted. "He could," He nodded. "But that would not be received well. People aren't going to like something they refuse to accept."

"Why should our situation be different?" I asked. "Because we're princes? Sons of kings?"

Seth gave a grudging nod. "Well...yes."

"It may take a while before a law is passed saying they can marry. Until then, they have our support." I said smiling at Ezekiel and Gabriel. Then I looked at their parents. "I hope they have yours. Because your reaction is going to determine how Royal Valley reacts."

"We just don't want them hurt," Gabriel's father said softly.

"We can be," Ezekiel took Gabriel's hand. "We know that. We're willing to risk it."

Ezekiel's father rose. "Just...give us a little while to...absorb it. Okay?" He looked at his son. "Give us that, at least."

Ezekiel nodded. "Of course, but..." then he smiled at Gabriel, "...its gonna happen. It already started. We can't stop because you can't accept it."

I smiled at them. "Now, do we let them return with you? Or do we have guests for a few days?"

"Why would..." Ezekiel's father began to ask but then shook his head, "...I'd never hurt my son." Then he laughed. "Look at him! He's almost as big as me now! I'm not sure I could!"

The fact that Ezekiel's father was using humor was a very good sign. I grinned at Seth. "Well, you all raised good sons who are proving to be good men. You have to be proud of them."

Gabriel's father was taking it more seriously. "But I don't like how dangerous their lives will be."

I nodded. "So, make it less dangerous. Accept it."

Gabriel's father nodded. "I don't have a choice."

Seth nodded. "And don't forget. We all know each other." He leveled a look at the parents. "We'll know if you don't."

Things with Seth and I did return to normal. As in our relationship together. Our problem was me. I didn't want to hurt him. His fingers were still healing, and he was hurt pretty badly in the area needed for intimacy. Tender. But it was only a few days afterward that he proved himself ready and willing to return to our...favorite activity. Of course, the execution and funeral sort of put dampers on the desire to do so. It was nothing about our desire for each other, we had that! There was no term of grief written we had to abide by or length of time to wait or some other nonsense, but...it just never occurred to either of us. Until the night of the dinner with Ezekiel and Gabriel's parents. We were getting ready for bed when Seth looked at me with that look.

I chuckled when I saw it. "I know the look," I grinned as I walked toward him. "You think we can get it back?"

Seth looked surprised, "Get it back!? It never left! We were just...too busy."

"Being injured and then losing our father..." I grinned. "So, we're not too busy anymore?" I asked as his arms went around me. I loved being close to this man!

He shook his head. "Not too busy at all." His lips engulfed mine. We'd kissed during the time of the funeral and all, but now the desire for each other was being expressed and was missed by both of us. Hands moved in directions we both knew and loved. Touching as we each loved being touched. Our desires manifested itself in our bodies as our reactions were well known by us both. Lovemaking had never been a chore and we actively and energetically loved well into the night, leaving both of us breathless and deliciously tired. Seth grinned at me as he looked down at me.

"Not bad for an old married couple," He smiled.

I grunted at that. "Speak for yourself. I'm still a teenager for a few more months," I pulled him down kissing him, which he returned willingly.

He sat up quickly. "What? Are you saying I married a child!?"

I shrugged, "Do I act like a child?"

His eyes squinted. "If I say yes, how will you react?"

"By cutting you off until I turn twenty," I growled.

"Then no," Seth chuckled. "Of course, not."

I nodded, "I don't believe you." Then I grinned, "Gabriel and Ezekiel deserve a wedding present."

The change of subject confused him a moment. "There will be no wedding," Seth pointed out.

"Semantics," I waved the comment off. "We both know they're getting married." I grinned. "What say we give them a tub and hot water heater?"

"Don't they need a house first?" Seth asked. "We can't get that for them."

"If they build one, we give them one. If they buy one, we give them one. Either way, we give them one."

"We didn't put this one in!" Seth objected. "Those three...whatevers...did that! We don't know how!"

"But your brother did," I pointed out. "I can't ask Demetrius, Dara or Lukus to do it again. How hard can it be really?"

"That's my whole question!" Seth said. "How hard can it be? We don't know!"

I shrugged. "I guess we'll find out." And we loved again.

There were reactions from others in town when Ezekiel and Gabriel moved in together. A man doesn't usually move into a new home here unless he's getting married or leave for a new town to start a new life. Often families live in the same house for generations. Parents die and the children inherit the house. If there are a couple of sons and daughters...well, you figure it out! Daughters move in with their husbands. Other sons moved out after they marry. That's what Ezekiel and Gabriel were doing; with each other. No one announced that they were getting married and couldn't, just the fact they were moving in together told everyone what they were doing. Not that it was anyone's business! And I hate to say it, but when Seth and I showed up at their new house, or should I say, new for them, I was not unprepared that it was...well...quaint is a nice word. Basically, it was two rooms. A kitchen and a bedroom. The kitchen was large enough to eat in. Not everyone expected to live in a manor. Not exactly.

The fact that they did have a house now meant they were taxable Blethos citizens. While living with their parents, their parents paid the taxes then. I knew Ezekiel was a paid apprentice at his father's blacksmithing business. Gabriel was working for the village of Royal Valley fixing what was needed...even lighting the streetlamps at dusk or fixing what was needed. For Royal Valley. They had jobs.

"It's a hovel!" Seth said to me quietly.

I nodded. "A hovel which is theirs!" I corrected with my teeth gritted so no one would know what we were saying by reading lips, "They're just starting out! They have two fathers, one very strapping that can help them out if they need to expand." Then I chuckled, "But why? It's not like their having children." Then I swatted Seth on the arm lightly, "And when are you such a snob!? It doesn't leak..." but I looked at the roof which needed repair, "...well, maybe it does, but they can fix it!"

"Hitting a member of the royal family is a crime that is punishable by death, you know?" Seth teased with a chuckle.

"Is it?" I feigned surprise. Then narrowed an eye at him. "I never saw in the laws, which I read thoroughly to marry you, was any mention what would happen if a member of the same royal family hits another where there will be charges. In fact," I pointed to him. "If charges were brought against me, all I have to tell them is what you just said and no judge in either of the two kingdoms would convict me." Then we saw Ezekiel and Gabriel. "Now..." I jabbed Seth in the ribs. "Smile."

"What do you think?" Ezekiel asked waving at the house. "I know it doesn't look like much..."

"Are you kidding!?" I waved at the house, "It's great!" Then I looked at them closer and their proud smiles. "It's yours."

Ezekiel grinned as Gabriel nodded. "And never would have happened without your help," Gabriel said. "Thanks!"

Seth shook his head. "Well...of course you'll have to build another room," He said with an air of disapproval.

Ezekiel and Gabriel looked at the house, then back to us. "Add a room?" Ezekiel asked.

"Why?" Gabriel asked, "For guests? Everyone we know lives here!"

"For the bathroom!" I smiled. "Our present to you two. Hot water tank, tub and toilet."

The two's eyes grew. "Really?" Gabriel asked excitedly.

"Really." Seth nodded. Then Seth thumbed to me, "His idea, but I agreed."

"Thanks!" Ezekiel nodded reaching carefully to shake Seth's hand without the broken fingers, "We'll be the first house, not the manor to have it!"

Seth looked at the kitchen, which was nothing more than a stove for heating the house and a table. "What do you have to cook on?"

"Or with?" I noticed the lack of pots or pans.

Gabriel smiled. "Our moms are helping with that part. The cooking stove comes today."

"So, who cooks?" Seth asked. "I can't cook at all."

The two grinned at each other. Gabriel scratched his ear humbly, "We both try."

"But what either of us tries, it's barely edible," Ezekiel continued. "At least we'll have a bathroom. I guess we need to ask for some help building it." He said to Gabriel.

"But who?" Gabriel asked. "Our fathers are at work most of the day."

"What about some of the ladies?" I asked. "Or even your moms?"

"Ladies!?" Ezekiel asked in disbelief. "Working construction? Mom!?"

My eyes narrowed, "And what's wrong with that? There are some women here who work well with tools."

Gabriel shrugged, "I guess that's true. Will they know what to do?"

I smirked, "Hammer and nail? Sawing wood?" I shook my head, "Haven't they repaired cabinet doors, the table you eat at, or made something needed for the house?"

"Yes," Ezekiel looked a little hesitant. Then he changed the subject. "I know there are...but have you ever met a woman..." he pointed at himself and Gabriel. "...like us? Together as a couple?"

I shrugged, "I bet I have. I just didn't know it."

Gabriel nodded, "Have you wondered what..." he couldn't finish the question.

Ezekiel waited then continued, "...you know. When they do it," He pushed a finger into his other fist indicating penetration. "I mean, what do they do it with?"

Seth and I both laughed. Seth shook his head, "I never thought to ask. Then again, I never knew WHO to ask."

I nodded, "I'm sure it's a well-guarded secret. And if you did know who to ask, if they told you, you'd probably have to die so they're sure the secret would be kept."

Ezekiel nodded solemnly, "Most likely."

Gabriel took a breath. "Are we friends yet?"

I was surprised at the sudden change of to another subject and the question. "What do you mean?"

"I mean..." Gabriel continued. "We're friendly, but are we friends? People you want to be with occasionally." He pointed at Ezekiel. "We both really like you two and...well we are sort of the odd ones in Royal Valley."

Ezekiel nodded, "Yes, it'd be nice if we were actually friends. Not just friendly. With some others like us, that we like!"

Seth smiled and brought Ezekiel in for a hug, "Of course, we are."

I laughed, hugging Gabriel, "You bet. We owe you our lives. Being friends just makes it sweeter."

Ezekiel grabbed me in a hug and of course, the Gabriel hugged Seth. "Can you call us Zeke and Gabe now?"

"I think that's appropriate," Seth nodded.

"We'll be heading to A'Dore in a few days, and be gone for a few weeks," I said cautiously.

"Make that a couple of months," Seth laughed. "It isn't exactly next door."

Ezekiel laughed. "I've seen maps. I've only been to the capital of Blethos. That was far enough."

"I say that because we' were going to tell you, we won't be here to defend you," I stressed.

Ezekiel laughed, then leaned in mock confidentiality. "No, but Dad is!"

Seth and I both were surprised at that.

"Yeah," Gabriel nodded. "That loudmouth Flanders is going to have a black eye for a while." He chuckled.

"Really?" I smiled. "Your Dad punched him!?"

"Laid him flat!!" Ezekiel said happily.

Seth grinned. "I guess we can leave you in good hands. Good!"

"My Dad is having a harder time," Gabriel admitted. "He'd never go against the two of you, but..."

I smiled. "He may come around given time."

Seth growled. "He works with me. He will."

Seth and I were getting things together for our long trip. Supplies were bought and stored in the carriage. But as far as the winery and vineyard were concerned, things needed to be done there also. Like leaving who was going to be in charge while we were gone. Seth said we're not just going next door. He put a foreman in charge of the vineyard, and I looked for someone who could keep up with the inventory and things needed to be done in the winery. The most capable person was Helen. A young woman about thirty, to say she was pretty was not quite true. Though not attractive to me, that was because I liked the male form more. She had sort of blonde hair, in the summer. While not thin she carried herself with confidence. Blue eyes, but more importantly, she was educated enough she could read and do math! But could she handle the men under her control? Could she make them listen and do what she deemed necessary? She proved to be quite capable. Our new friends, Zeke and Gabe were busy getting their little house in order. The main focus now was the roof. Spring was here and the rains would begin, so Seth and I helped them get the roof repaired. Much to Zeke's and Gabe's surprise! I mean, where was it written that because you were a prince you couldn't do hard work? Which we did. Their stove had been delivered, while it was not brand new, it worked! And Seth and I got to understand why the two had said that what they cooked was barely edible. It was that. Barely edible. The promise of a bathroom spread through town. Soon nearly every man in town was helping Zeke and Gabe if only to see this new bathroom! The tub, hot water tank, and toilet were waiting. But even so, there were still a few who just couldn't adjust to the two living together.

A woman watched as Zeke and Gabe joked and were at perfect ease with each other. While not quite feeling as free as Seth and me, expressing affection was done between the two in the form of touches, not in any inappropriate way, and occasionally a kiss. "It's just wrong," She said flatly.

I looked at her, "Why?"

"They are two men!" She pointed out the obvious. "It's not natural."

"You do realize Seth and I are like them," I reminded her.

She gave a shrugging nod. "You're different," She said. "You married him to put a king on the throne."

"Who's not on the throne now," I pointed out. "We're still married." I looked at her. "Did you ever consider the idea that maybe, just maybe...there is love involved?"

She blinked, looking at me, "I don't see how."

I shrugged. "You aren't involved with their relationship or Seth's and my marriage. Our marriage was performed by the former king of Blethos and the king of A'Dore. I love Seth more than I ever imagined I could love another human being. It is clear that Zeke and Gabe feel the same for each other but can't marry. They should be able to. It seems perfectly natural to me." Then I smiled. "I don't recall God ever consulting any man how to design a human being. So, how do you know it's not by design?"

She just looked at me, thinking about what I told her. Then nodded and let the topic drop.

Speaking with Seth, he talked with Gabriel's father, Norton. Seth was able to find out what the problem was for Norton with Gabe's and Zeke's relationship.

Seth frowned as we relaxed in our tub of steaming water. "He's scared."

I nodded. "That's understandable. Zeke and Gabe's relationship is going to have resistance. There some here that will be a problem. That man named Flanders Zeke's father decked...why did he have to!? Flanders badmouthed Zeke and Gabe." I pointed over my shoulder at the woman I had just spoken with. She was a widow of fifteen years now. Bitterness was on her face as she watched us. "Some people just won't understand," I held a finger up, "Not that they can't; they won't. It's a hard path they're going down."

Seth nodded coming closer. "It will be." He agreed. "They aren't stupid and knew there would be problems yet were willing to put up with it." He sighed, his arms coming around me. "I was right. If their parents are okay with it, they'll have the support of family. And the more the people see them, the more normal it will be here. And Eb, Zeke's father will pound that fact home," He grinned. "Literally." He said kissing me lightly.

I pulled him to me. "I almost hate to miss it," I admitted. "But we need to see Christian and Ella."

Seth nodded, "We will."

Again, lovemaking was practiced and perfectly natural for us.

The horses were hitched, and we rode out, stopping by Zeke's and Gabe's home. The house was looking much better than when we first saw it. The roof was repaired and looked solid. Seth and I had been a reason it was because Seth and I helped repair it! Gabe put an arm around Zeke as they said goodbye to us for a while.

"I don't envy the trip you're taking," Zeke admitted. "It's a long way."

I nodded. "It was my home. And I want to see that new nephew of mine."

Gabe smiled. "Family is very important," He agreed. "Have a safe journey. We'll see you in a few months. By then we should have this place in shape to entertain."

Seth chuckled. "Which we will be glad to come to...providing one of you learns to cook!"

Gabe rolled his eyes. "It's going to be a few months. Give me a break!"

Seth laughed. "It doesn't have to be you!" He glared at Zeke, "See you." He gave a small shake of the reins and we started off.

As it was Spring, the weather during the day was warm, but nights were still a little cold. The magic rocks supplied by Lukus were gone, so we just used regular coal. But the enchantment he'd put on the carriage to make it not be a target for theft was still working. No one was very interested in a carriage they'd never seen before. We did again travel by day and camped at night, checking in the occasional inn for a good night's sleep, a hot bath, and a hot meal. Again, we were met with some that didn't understand about our being married, but looking at both Seth's and my rings, the rings that had our family crests on them, not our wedding rings, they kept silent about it.

"Why should because who we are be a factor?" Seth wondered. "Gabe and Zeke don't have rings like this."

I shrugged. "That's why they need to stay in Royal Valley."

Again, we were facing no real deadline, so we took our time. Well, we did have a kind of deadline, as in Christian's birthday was coming and I wanted to be there. Christian and I still corresponded by Demetrius. So, our arrival was anticipated. I merely told Demetrius to let Christian know where we were so Christian would know when to expect us. We took a full two weeks to enter the outskirts of A'Dore's capital. Making a stop at an inn just on the edge of town so we could head to the palace in the morning, having had a hot bath and cleaned up before seeing our family.

Clean and ready, we rode the rest of the way to the white spires of A'Dore's palace. As good as it was to see the castle, again, it didn't feel like I was coming home. Seth was my home. I was glad to be there because of Ella and Christian! The people of A'Dore all waved as we rode through the streets knowing who we were, at last entering the gate of the castle. And there was our family. Christian had not changed much, nor had Ella, but now there were four children with them. The tall, almost lanky little boy eight years old now in front of Christian, two little girls who were now six and a baby held in Ella's arms. Edward was not quite a year old. Climbing down from the carriage, Christian stepped around his son, Thomas and slammed his body against me as he grabbed me in a heartfelt hug.

"Welcome back!!" Christian greeted happily as he rocked us both in the hug. Kissing me on the cheek. "My brother is back!"

It was so good to see them all! Ella looked as glamorous as always! Seth was equally hugged and greeted.

I grinned at Christian. "Where's Thomas?" I pretended not to know.

Thomas rolled his eyes. He was too grown up for those kind of games now. "Oh, come on, Uncle Erik, you know it's me." He said hugging me.

I held him back. "Impossible!" I grinned. "You're almost as tall as your father!"

"I'm told that's what happens," Thomas replied.

"Hello, Uncle Erik." Ana greeted curtsying and Ada did also.

"What beautiful young women!" I hugged each.

Ella came forward. "And this..." she held the blond boy, whose hair was so blond you had to be looking right at him to see. "...is Edward."

As he didn't know me, I was hesitant at taking him, but I couldn't refuse. He was part of me! But he tolerated it well. Looking at me with large blue eyes, "Hello, Edward."

Christian had hugged Seth but looked at him calmly. "I was sorry to get word about your father. And about what happened to you and Erik."

Seth nodded. "That drama is finally over. The Thornes are all gone now. What happened to Erik and me is in the past. We're good." He smiled brightly, "So how does it feel being thirty?"

Christian grinned. "I'm not there yet. A week more."

"A week," Seth said dourly. "Is that really important? But you're there nearly four years before me...so, what's it like?"

Being back was great. I paint an image that things are very good in A'Dore. With any town or country with humans, there is not so good. There were the dishonest, cruel, and not so pretty here as well. Criminal behavior in the Capital was dealt with severely, so it was less common. But there were other crimes, or what I considered a crime that was hard to see, much less deal with. Family issues were the hardest to deal with. Like it was in Blethos, the king almost never got involved in a ruling of any crime, there were judges to do that. Ella practically never did. The worst cases were brought to the palace from all over A'Dore. Christian sat as these cases were brought before the judge and observed justice taking place. He was king and needed to know. Today, Christian, Ella, Seth, and I sat to observe. Seth wasn't king here, but he had been and was still a prince. And he was part of the royal family of A'Dore. A woman was brought to the court having killed her husband. She was brought in, and she had bruises on her face, a lip that was healing but you could see where she had been beaten very severely. There were bruises on her arms and body.

"Mrs. Burke," The Judge said not even looking up at her. It was obvious he was bored with having to deal with it twice a week for hours at a time. "You have been charged with the murder of your husband. How do you plead?"

The woman was clearly upset, but not because she had committed a crime. "He was going to kill me! He was drunk, which he was almost every night! This time, I just knew he would kill me. I had to stop him. I didn't mean to kill him! What would happen to our children? I had to protect them!"

"How do you plead?" The Judge repeated sounding irritated and still did not look up at her.

"One moment, please!" Ella said standing from beside her place at Christian's side.

The judge did look up then and stood up. "Your Majesty," The judge bowed to Ella.

Ella walked over and took the papers from the Prosecutor had who informed the Judge who was next and what the crime was. It took a few minutes for Ella to read through the scrolls of paper. She frowned, "She has clearly been assaulted." She waved at the woman, "That's seen as evidence on her face, neck, and arms. There are many testimonies from neighbors where they say that her husband would often hit her. Beating her on many occasions in public." She pointed out.

"But she killed her husband," The Judge, a bald man in his fifties, said simply.

Ella nodded, "If a man were being beaten, and he killed another man in self-defense..."

"But he was her husband!" The Judge claimed.

Ella shook her head. "That gives him the right to assault his WIFE!?" She asked because clearly, this Judge was not seeing reason and was missing the whole point. "He married her. I am supposing he did that because he loved her. I hope. That marriage does not give a man the right to kill or harm anyone. Let alone his wife!" She looked at the woman, "Where is your representative to present your side of this situation?"

"I couldn't afford one," the woman said mournfully.

Ella looked at the Judge and Prosecutor, "Therefore, she's guilty!?" She looked at some papers and frowned. "You have accounts where she was witnessed killing her husband, but why did she do that? Did she mean to? Was it an accident?" Ella was normally a kind, soft-spoken woman, but now her voice took on an edge. "You inform the judge of the crime but gave none of these details." She looked at the woman, "I will arbitrate for you, my dear."

The Prosecutor's eyes widened, "You can't!"

Ella smiled a little meanly, "I can't? Why not?"

The Prosecutor was not an attractive man to me. He was in his early forties and losing his black hair. A small man about five feet and two inches. He waved at Ella, "You..."

Ella finished for him, "...know the difference between right and wrong. This, is wrong." She held up sheet after sheet, "On several scrolls, page after page tells she has been the victim. She is a citizen of A'Dore and deserves someone to speak for her." She looked at the Judge. "The law only says every citizen has the right to be represented by an Arbitrator. Nowhere does it say that can't be me."

"Did she have to kill him?" The Prosecutor asked. "She could just leave."

"I didn't mean to kill him," the woman said in tears. "I did leave him twice, but he tracked me down. I couldn't leave my children!"

Ella waved a scroll, "There are three children," She said to the Judge and Prosecutor. "What happens next could take the one parent they have left away." She looked at the woman. "Where are the children now?"

"My mother is keeping them," Mrs. Burke said. "She is fine for a while, but she doesn't move as fast as she used to. They are good children but will tire her out." She was pleading for them to understand. "Tad, my husband changed. He was loving and kind when we first married." She explained. "Then he started drinking and began to hit me. I went to the Sheriff, but they said they couldn't do anything. I was told that how Tad disciplined his family was a private family matter."

Ella shook her head, "A broken arm, cuts, severe bruising...that's a part of his discipline!?" She looked at the judge. "I know neither of you are foolish enough to believe that." She looked from one to the other and saw something...they didn't know what she was talking about. "You DID read this, didn't you?"

"Well," the Prosecutor began. "I did read over..."

"I don't think Your Majesty understands the..." the judge interrupted but considered his words so not to offend his queen, "magnitude of the sheer number of cases we see in a week."

"Why would you assume that?" Ella asked testily. "Because I'm a woman? I certainly DO understand." She sighed, "A'Dore's population numbers about six hundred and thirty thousand at the last count and growing constantly. The capital of A'Dore is the largest city of five largest cities in A'Dore. The most severe cases are sent here and you," she pointed at the judge, "were given the task of judicating these cases because you asked for the job and your knowledge of the law." She nodded, "The number of cases is an explanation, but it's not an excuse for rending an unjust decision because you don't consider the whole story." She shrugged. "How is it justice if it's unjust?" She looked at Christian. "Surely you don't think she should face charges. It's clearly written here!" She waved the paper. "You will be hurting four lives because of this horrible incident!"

Christian smiled shaking his head. "I don't." He looked at the judge. "Enter a plea of not guilty. And the ruling will be, not guilty."

The judge bowed. "It will be as you say, but there are many cases like this. We have no laws to prevent this! A man has to control his family."

Christian shook his head. "There are laws for this. If a man feels he's threatened. If he feels his life is in danger, he can use deadly force to stop it. The ruling would be not guilty by reason of self-defense. Why shouldn't that ruling be the same for a woman who happens to be married to the one she's accused of killing?" He got up and took the paper Ella was holding and read it briefly. "The abuse is documented. It was clearly self-defense." Then he looked at the judge. "I'm surprised at you for not seeing this. I will make a ruling. She is not guilty. And all those other cases like hers. If there is documented proof of abuse, those accounts should be weighed before rendering a verdict." Then he gave the paper back to the judge. "Understood?"

The judge bowed again, "Of course, Your Majesty."

Christian looked at the woman, "You are free to go."

The woman was crying in gratitude. Bowing to Christian and Ella as her shackles were unfastened. "Thank you, Your Majesties. Thank you, Queen Ella."

Seth and I smiled at each as Christian, and Ella sat near us.

"Nice," I said in a whisper to Christian and Ella.

Christian grinned and shrugged, "As Ella said, it's not called justice if it isn't just. There is a proposal to allow those about to graduate from the University of A'Dore's Law School to be the arbitration for those like this unfortunate woman."

Ella leaned to see past him to me, "And Christian knows, if he tried that with me..." she ended the statement unfinished.

Christian smiled but shuddered. "Perish the thought!"

All the countries' issues continued. But all was pretty good. We spent time together, enjoying each other's company. Little Edward had gotten used to Seth and me. Even began to prefer Seth as his favorite uncle. I should have been jealous! But it was great to see the little boy take to Seth so well. There must be something about the men of the royal family of Blethos. Michael loved his grandfather and now Edward loved Seth! But I had to agree. I loved Seth, too. But Seth was like his own father, not afraid of making those silly faces to Edward who found that delightful and laughed at his uncle. Nor was Seth bothered as Edward would babble to him.

"You know?" I grinned as Edward laughed at another face Seth gave him. "It's almost a shame we can't have a child."

Seth chuckled. "Well, we're missing a key item," he said. "A mother. Neither you nor I can do that." Then he looked at me. "Would you have sex with a woman to do that? We're married!"

"I'm not suggesting either of us have sex with a woman." I rolled my eyes. "Really, Seth," I groaned. "You never thought about it?"

He shook his head, "It was never a possibility, so why would I?"

I nodded, "There are hundreds of parents that die, leaving children alone. There are orphanages. We could see about taking one of them."

His eyes grew. "It won't be our child."

I shrugged, "So?" I got closer to him. "It will be if we take them home." I reasoned. "While it won't be part of me or you, we can raise it. It would be our child."

Seth wasn't stupid, but like he said. Having one was not a possibility, so he never considered it. "I suppose." He ran it through his mind. "But with you and me, we sort of know what that child would be made from. Us! With someone else's child, you don't."

"Being born in a family doesn't mean much," I said cautiously. "The Thornes were from your family. Look how they turned out."

He grimaced. "I grant you that," He nodded.

"And even your father said that their grandfather or great-grandfather...whatever...was a little mad." I pointed out. "So, there's no guarantee with that line."

Seth looked at me, "You're serious."

I shrugged taking my nephew's hand as he reached for me. "I am."

Seth nodded. "Can we talk about it more?"

I nodded. "Of course. It's not a decision we need to make now," I said. "But even wealthy families die. With good people creating children that are now alone. They need homes." I smiled kissing him gently. "It's just another thought."

Plans for yet another party was underway in A'Dore. There were many staff preparing for Christian's birthday. Thirty was a milestone! Until health issues were dealt with; almost any birthday was important. You made it another year!! In light of our parents' ages when they died was a concern. And the deaths in Blethos, being thirty was middle age. The palace was gorgeous anyway, but now they were pulling out all the stops. More candles were made for the many chandeliers, ribbons and garnishes were strung; musicians were coming for the music. Something from Asiana was coming. Fireworks! With someone who supposedly knew how to fire them off safely. This was going to be a party! Guests began coming into town staying in the various inns in A'Dore. Governors and mayors as well as the nobility, often the nobility were the governors and mayors as they were educated. For those that couldn't be at the palace, the whole town was getting ready to celebrate. Restaurants and pubs were readied. The streets had ribbons and garnish.

Seth frowned as he tried to fix his tie. He grunted in frustration. "I can't fix this."

I smiled coming over, "Are you giving up?"

He glared at me. "I'm asking for your help." Then he frowned, "Or do I go without a tie?"

I grinned. "If that's your choice," I shrugged. "You could start a fashion trend." Then I guided him to the bed and had him sit on the edge, I got behind him. "I can only do this if I'm doing in on myself."

"Aw, any excuse to next to me. That's nice," Seth grinned moving his backside closer to my crotch right behind him.

"This is for the party, dummy. This is the only way I can do this." I explained working on his tie.

Seth nodded and sniffed the air. "What are you wearing?"

"A cologne left for us to use. Why?" I asked as I worked.

Seth grinned again. "It smells good." He turned when I finished. "It almost makes me wish to take all this off."

I rolled my eyes. "The scent makes you want that?" I kissed him. "You would anyway."

Seth nodded returning the kiss, "It's a good smell and very enticing."

"Well, we didn't get dressed up to do that," I said continuing the kiss. "Now let's go." I broke from him suddenly, leading him by the hand out into the corridor.

Music was the first thing that greeted us. The sounds of many conversations mingled in the air. The palace was brightly lit. I headed down to meet with the family. Christian had insisted we enter the party with them as family with him. And naturally, when we arrived, Edward reached for Seth! Ella just chuckled and handed her son over.

"But he should be with you!?" Seth objected, but only half-heartily as he took the baby. "You're going in as a family!"

Christian grinned, "And that includes you! He is as your nephew!"

I grinned at Seth, "This just shows he's got good taste when it comes to people." Then leaned forward and said to Seth alone. "And also, you should brush up on your lullabies."

Seth's eyes grew.

The party was in full swing. It was later when, and I wasn't eavesdropping, but a well-dressed woman looked as Seth who couldn't let Edward go for long as Edward would fuss! The woman was nobility but shared an affliction many had. Ignorance. She had to be ignorant, otherwise, she would never have said what she did to Ella.

"Is he to be trusted with your son?" The woman asked Ella.

Ella looked at her curiously, then at Seth with Edward. "Edward adores his Uncle Seth. I don't know how I'm going to deal with Edward when Seth and Erik go back to Royal Valley. Why?"

The woman looked like she didn't understand why Ella didn't see it. "He's married to a man. He has sex with a man! Your brother-in-law. He could abuse Edward."

Ella frowned, "Because he's married to my brother, he'll abuse my son? Why do you say that?"

"He could touch the boy, sexually. He could make Thomas or Edward like him," The woman reasoned.

Ella, who almost never got angry, but she was angry now as her mouth dropped open. "Madam, you have insulted my family! Who would have done that to Erik? Christian? Their father!? Because, believe me, no man or woman employed at the palace would dare do that to Erik. Not if they valued their lives! Christian and their father would have had them executed on the spot! Seth was horribly abused, that is on record, but no one made him like he is! That is the most idiotic thing I have ever heard! There are men and woman that abuse children, their own children as well as others. You have children, therefore sexually active. Does that mean you abused them?"

The woman looked shocked, "I didn't mean..." the woman stammered. "I've never..."

"Neither has Seth or Erik! I can only hope my sons are half the men their uncles are. Honest, hardworking..." Ella said firmly. "How dare you accuse any of my brothers of such things! You offend my family, and you offend me! Seth is a member of this family! So, leave." Ella pointed away from her, and the door. "I would trust any and all my children with either of them implicitly!" The woman looked alarmed at Ella's reaction and left.

I sighed. There was a lot of ignorance to combat.

The evening did go well at any rate. All the faces I saw were very happy to be there included at this celebration. We stepped outside as the fireworks streaked through the night sky, like additional stars! Only these were vibrant colors!

And we got to bed late, or early depending on how you saw it. It was like a couple hours until sunrise. We didn't get up early. It was about lunchtime by the time Seth, and I made it downstairs. But of course, the children had gotten to bed roughly on time, only allowed to stay up to see the fireworks and then off to bed. They were on their regular schedule. Mostly. And again, Edward saw Seth and began babbling, reaching for Seth.

I laughed at the sight. "It's a foregone conclusion. You need to be a father."

Seth grinned at me as he sighed, "Can I have coffee while I'm being a surrogate father to this one?" He reached for Edward. "Hey, Little Guy, Uncle Seth here needs coffee! Okay?" He asked the boy sitting down with him.

Ella smiled, looking a little less glamorous than she usually did. She was a mother! Getting her children up was her priority. "I don't know what I'll do when you two go home." She laughed, "He'll be a wreck!"

I smiled at Ella, then I kissed her on the cheek, but I did so a little longer, and out of appreciation.

She smiled at me, delighted, but asked. "Not that I mind, but what was that about?"

"For what you said to that woman last night," I said sitting down in the chair I normally sat in across from her,

Her face fell. "You heard that." She nodded, but her face scowled. "I could have scratched her eyes out!"

Christian had just come in but stopped hearing that, his eyebrows rose. "You could have scratched whose eyes out?" Then he resumed his course to his chair.

"Mrs. Cunningham," Ella said still a little angry.

Christian nodded. "Oh," He said it as if to say the name said it all. He sighed and asked sadly. "What did she do this time?"

Ella told him what she said. Christian was not like Ella, he got angry often. "That nasty old biddy!!"

I put a hand on his arm, "But Ella set her straight."

Seth looked like he'd been blindsided hearing it! Which was what he was! "I'd never...." He started. "You two don't think I'd ever..." He was about to put Edward back in his chair worried they might!

Ella shook her head, taking Seth's hand stopping him. "Absolutely not!!"

"I should press charges!" Christian shouted making the children look at him surprised. Even Edward looked surprised!

"Don't, Christian," I urged. "It's just ignorance."

Christian shook his head. "That's an excuse!?" He fumed. "She insulted a member of this family!" He pointed at Seth, "You!"

I watched a little of the old Seth come to the surface. "Stop!" I said to Seth. "Don't you go back there! You've come so far." I pointed at Christian. "Both Christian and Ella tells you, you are family. You're not just my family, but their family." I chuckled. "You should have seen Ella. She was furious! Told the woman Seth is her brother and she insulted the family."

Christian sat back smiling at Ella. "Furious!? Really?"

I nodded, "I've only seen her that way twice. Both times was because someone insulted you, brother."

Christian laughed. "My wife got mad and yelled at someone! That's wonderful!" Then he looked at Seth and me. "Never. I repeat, never has that thought ever crossed our minds, Seth. Believe that." He said firmly. Then sat back. "But I'll send her husband a warning." I began to object, but Christian held up his hand. "It's got to happen. No one can do that." Then he chuckled. "I am king."

Seth relaxed making another face at Edward who cackled. "So, do you think I'd be a good father?" Then he looked up at Christian and Ella.

Ella nodded immediately. Christian looked puzzled. "How would that happen?" Christian asked.

Seth smiled at me, "Well, Erik here thinks we should get one from an orphanage or something."

Ella smiled even bigger. "I think that would be marvelous!"

Christian nodded. "That's a great idea. All children need love."

"So, you wouldn't mind a nephew or niece that's not related to you?" I asked my brother hoping he did think as Seth did at first.

Christian shook his head. "Of course not." Then he looked serious. "I think it's a wonderful idea. But most orphanages are run by the Church. You may have trouble with them."

I shrugged. "Then we'll search another route. There has to be a different way.