Cinderfella

Story: Cinderfella 2: A New Life

Chapter: 9 Comeuppance

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

Mature Readers only due to sexual situations and graphic sexual content

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Seth and Erik suffer and triumph together.

Comeuppance

Seth and went back up to our sons.

"I don't remember him," Seth said softly, as tired as I was from our long few days.

"He said he was an associate," I said taking my vigil by Dennis. "You don't know of what, do you?"

Seth sat in the rocker, taking Toby with him and began rocking with him. "No. But knowing Arthur, I don't think anything is impossible."

It was another two days before the fever finally abated. Thoughts of Candor were the last things on our minds. I almost cried as Toby started to stir and move around. I think I did. Then Dennis came to and looked at Seth.

"'uice?" He asked Seth.

"I'll get you some juice!" Seth picked up Dennis happily, kissing the head of our son and hugging him. Seth was crying, with joy! "I'll squeeze the whole damned vineyard myself!"

Then Toby signed to me. Dad, your face is hairy.

I nodded with a laugh. "It is! I haven't shaved." I covered our son with kisses.

Royal Valley lost six children. That was a miracle! It could have been so much worse! It was in other towns. It seemed that Blethos as a whole got hit with the measles and it was transmitted across almost all the towns. A guard from Blethos capital came in to check on us as our crisis was at an end.

The mayor sent for Seth and me and we came with our two boys. When we arrived, I recognized Matt, in his mid-twenties and blond, the poor man. He was a guard that had accompanied Sam and Terry before.

"You weathered this alright?" Matt asked, but glad to see us.

I nodded. "It came and went." I held up Toby. "They both got it but are fine now."

Matt nodded with a smile. "We're still counting the losses in Blethos' capital." Then he waved my next question he knew would be asked. "King Samuel and Queen Theresa are fine. Both the prince and princess is fine."

Seth sighed with relief. "Good."

Matt nodded. "We're probably going to hit a thousand in Blethos capital. Maybe more. How many here?"

"Six," Keith answered.

"Six?" Matt's eyes widened. Then he nodded, "You mean six hundred."

"No," Seth chuckled. "I mean six." He counted off on his fingers. "One, two, three, four. five, and six." He held up a finger for each. "They were the first to get it and we didn't get to them in time."

"Just six?" Matt balked. "Are you sure? That's all!? How'd you do that?"

Keith grinned, slapping me on the back. "Well, a lot of help from A'Dore. Ice and steam." Then he leaned toward me and whispered. "Do I need to know where the ice kept coming from?"

"God?" I grinned at him. "Fairies?" Then shrugged. "Just pick one."

Keith nodded. "Okay." Then he just smiled and didn't press me for any clarity further. I knew I liked him. "The deaths were children, unfortunately, but they were the first ones diagnosed, so...we couldn't intervene in time."

Matt shook his head. "That's incredible!" He grinned. "Any other treatments or cures from A'Dore?" He smiled at me.

"I'll let you know when needed."

Matt smiled nodding. "Please do." He looked around. "Well, I need to find the Inn again." But the way he said it, and the look he gave Seth and me, he didn't really want that. The blue eyes that darted toward Seth and me said he was hoping we'd invite him.

Seth grinned with a chuckle. "You want a hot bath? And maybe a good meal?"

Matt grinned, then put on this innocent look, "Oh, I wouldn't think of imposing or..."

"Of course, you would!" Seth laughed at him. "Walk with us to the manor. You're more than welcome."

"If you really don't mind." Matt said one last time.

"Shut up." Seth laughed, putting an arm around the man's shoulder.

"Shutting up." Matt nodded with a smile. Then looked down at Toby who was holding his Daddy's hand but was looking at Matt in his light armor. "Hi, Little Man!" Matt greeted and like most here, he knew Toby was deaf and knelt down. "Remember me?" The Toby nodded and started signing. Matt looked up at Seth.

Seth was grinning at what he saw. "He said you came with his Aunt Terry and Uncle Sam." Then he and I laughed at what came after that.

"He says, he's not a little man, he is a little boy." I chuckled.

Matt smiled at Toby. "Are you kidding!? You've grown since I last saw you! You'll be a man next week!" Then he stood, but Toby was still signing. "I need to learn to sign." He said to Seth and me.

Seth nodded at Toby. "He wants to know what you're wearing." Then Seth nodded. "You were more casually dressed last time."

Matt nodded. "Well, I'm a guard for your Uncle Sam. This is what I wear doing that. It protects me." He tapped on his breastplate. "It's hard. Feel." Toby put his hand on the breastplate. Then Matt put his hand on the breastplate with the red cross on white and lions. "On it is the symbol for Blethos. Telling everyone who I work for. And this tells people I work for the palace." Then he pulled his sheath over. "In here is where I keep my sword."

Now Toby was signing more. Seth reached down to stop him. "Later. You can ask him those questions later. We should go home first." Toby was disappointed but nodded.

Matt chuckled. "What can I say? I'm a fascinating guy." He shrugged.

Seth frowned. "They have hot baths at the inn now." He growled. "You want to go there?" But the smile on Seth's face at the end told Matt he was joking.

Matt shrugged again.

I walked over to Keith. "The man that you followed is named Candor. He came to the manor during the measles outbreak demanding Arthur owed him money as was to be paid by us. Ever hear about him by name?"

Keith shook his head. "Can't' say I did." Then he shrugged. "I was new during the last few years in Thorne Valley before it became Royal Valley. I wasn't in the know then." He smiled, then frowned. "Was he trouble?"

"No." I shook my head. "You know we can defend ourselves, but just because he wasn't trouble, doesn't mean he won't be."

"I'll let the others know," Keith told me and turned to go back in his office.

That's when I spotted a wagon I knew with three passengers I knew. Bent smiled as Garth pulled the wagon to a stop.

"Bent! Garth!" I greeted, making Seth stop and look back. He handed Toby's hand to Matt and signed for Toby to stay with Matt.

Bent sighed seeing Toby and Dennis. He got down. "Good, your boys are okay."

Garth walked over with his eight-year-old son. "We were worried about Royal Valley. And you two."

Quick hugs to each and they hugged us. I nodded. "We had it, but it's over for us. Your other two?" I pointed at their son who looked fine.

Garth nodded. "He got it, the others had it before during the last outbreak.... what..." he looked at Bent. "...was it eight years ago? It was touch and go with him. But our youngest got this time but that treatment you gave us saved the day. I worried we'd lose Ely when he got it." He patted his son's shoulder. "He was so young."

"Steam and ice!" Bent said. "We both were sweating from the steam and keeping her cool at the same time. Boy, was that a challenge!"

Seth chuckled. "We know."

"I know the fear now." I nodded understanding. I smiled at Dennis who was taking it all in. "I thought we might lose them both." Then I grinned at them. "Other than that, how is it with you two?"

Bent grinned whispering to me. "That man's a maniac." He chuckled. "A real maniac." I smiled at Bent.

I watched Garth begin to turn pink, "Oh, and I suppose you didn't like it." I nodded at Bent.

Bent held his hands up, shaking his head. "I didn't say that, but the kids!"

I laughed at him. "You have a door, right?" Bent nodded. "Keep it closed." Looking at Ely. "And maybe locked."

Ely looked at his father and Bent. "You guys are talking about sex."

Garth frowned. "Aw, please son, give me a couple of more years, okay?"

Ely, who was the spitting image of Garth, shrugged. "Okay, Dad, I'm willing to give you and Dad-Bent suggestions now, but if you'd feel better hearing it a couple of years, fine." Then he grinned at his father whose mouth was open in shock.

Then Garth narrowed his eyes at Bent, "He must get this mouth from you!" But you saw him smiling.

Bent sighed nodding. "God, I hope so." He grinned as Garth came over kissing him.

"My room's next door to yours. Thin walls, Dad," Ely said smiling explaining.

That's when Dennis let them all know he was here and liked what was happening as he squealed. Not the kiss necessarily, but all this interaction. I laughed at them as Seth hugged our friends.

"So, it's good?" Seth asked them.

Garth nodded, putting his arm around Bent. "Very good." He waved to Toby. "Hello, Toby." Who waved back. Then Garth brought Seth and me in for a tighter hug. "Thanks, guys. For the advice and friendship."

"And we insist you being friends," Seth said. "We should plan a night when you and your whole family can come to the manor for dinner one night. And as you live out of town, you can stay the night."

Bent grinned. "We'd like that." Then his eye narrowed. "If Grace cooks."

I looked mockingly offended. "I can cook!"

Seth shook his head. "I can't."

Bent grinned. "Can you cook, Erik? I've never had yours; Grace's I have." Then he looked serious again. "Really, you two did so much. For Royal Valley and Blethos. You got King Samuel to take the law off the books that allowed Garth and me to even date, much less marry. If you hadn't, Garth and I might never have gotten together. You've improved the winery and wines and all the lives in Royal Valley. Thank you." He hugged me and Seth again.

I nodded. "I'm glad things worked out. We'll be in touch." I waved and walked back to Matt who was holding Toby up to sit on his horse.

"Another happy couple in Royal Valley." Seth kissed me as we got to Matt and Toby. He was signing to anyone that looked. Seth chuckled. "He wants to ride back." He walked over as we headed back, Seth and Matt making sure Toby was secure in the huge saddle. Well, it was for Toby. The horse was huge but didn't seem to mind giving the ride. Most likely because Toby weighed so much less than Matt.

Matt walked into the house and inhaled. "It seems it was a very good thing you invited me to stay the night." He grinned at us. "Something smells very good."

Seth nodded. "Your lucky day." We headed to the kitchen. We didn't often eat anything but breakfast and lunch in here, but...

Grace looked up as she saw Matt. "Hello. Another mouth." She smiled. "It's a good thing I make plenty. There should be enough pot roast for everyone."

I slipped Dennis in his highchair, then walked over and kissed Grace on the cheek. "And we're so glad you take good care of us."

"We'd starve if you didn't." Seth nodded, doing the same and kissed Grace on the cheek. He looked back at Matt. "You remember Matt? He came a couple of times with my brother and Terry."

Grace nodded. "I do. Welcome to the manor." She looked at the table. "Should I move the table settings to the dining room?"

Matt looked at her surprised. "Am I a guest? I think I've been here enough to be a friend. I hope I am. I was a guard when Seth was king. We've known each other a few years now."

Grace nodded. "I'll set a plate for you here then."

Seth was already getting it. "I got it covered."

Then Seth and I were looking at our two boys. Toby was signing to Dennis. Then Dennis signed back! His fingers weren't in the exact places, but it was understandable to Toby. Even Matt was looking astonished.

"Your youngest can sign!?" Matt asked in disbelief.

I smiled. "Well, Toby has used sign language in front of Dennis since Dennis was born." I shrugged. "Dennis was bound to pick it up." Then I looked at Seth. "But he's signing something I don't know. Did you teach Toby something?"

Seth shook his head. "No. But they're brothers, it must be a sign Toby recognizes. See Toby was nodding. It might be a brother language."

"'uice!" Dennis stated to any and everyone.

Matt's eyes widened again. "Did he just say something?"

I nodded. "He's asking for juice." I chuckled. "There are certain letters he hasn't mastered the pronunciation of yet."

Matt sat at a place at the table looking at Dennis in amazement. "He's what.... seven months old!"

Seth chuckled. "Eight now, but Erik tells me, Dennis doesn't know he can't speak yet, so he does."

I nodded. "And he knows what he's saying."

Matt shook his head, then looked at me and Seth. "My little girl was a year and a half before she spoke enough to make sense."

Grace frowned at Matt who was turning to begin to eat. "No, you can't eat yet." She said to all of us strictly. "You know the rules."

Seth nodded. "Yes, we know." He smiled at Matt. "She wants us to wash our hands first." He grinned at Grace. "We're going, Mom." Seth thumbed behind himself. "There's a bathroom over here that's connected to the tank for the kitchen. The water's always hot. I'll show you."

The time we spent with Matt was nice. He was a good man. I liked that he and Seth were friends. They got along well and were at ease with each other. I ended the evening for the boys and me by putting them to bed. Then went in a lit the hot water tank in our bathroom. But Seth didn't come up until after I had bathed and was in bed. Seth did come up later, took his bath and then crawled in next to me.

"You disappeared," Seth said quietly.

I rolled over and smiled at Seth. "Baby, it was late. I needed to take care of the boys. You and Matt were enjoying yourselves, why stop it?"

Seth frowned. "Is that it?" His tone suggested otherwise. "You know he loves his wife."

Now I frowned. "Is that what you're worried about?" I sat up. "Seth, it never occurred to me to worry you'd ever have an affair with anyone." But I looked in his eyes. "Are you tempted?"

Seth shook his head. "Of course not, but I don't want you to think I am...Matt's a good looking man, but we knew each other so long..."

I kissed Seth in the middle of his sentence, long and ended it gently. "The fact you and Matt are friends doesn't bother me. I like that you do. You're a likable man, so is Matt. If you ever did have an affair, I couldn't stop you. I hope you won't, but I don't own your body or heart."

Seth shook his head. "You do. You know that." He smiled. "We have many friends, together. Matt and I just...well, we get along." He shrugged.

"Are you worried I might have an affair?" I asked, but Seth's eyes lowered. I sat up. "You are!"

Seth gave one of his shrugging nods. "Well...I can't help it!" He waved over me. "Look at you! You're gorgeous. There are all sorts of people that would love to have an affair with you. Almost all the women and half the men! The other half of men probably considered it."

I rolled on top of him, pinning his hands down near his head. "Have I ever given you a reason to doubt me? Like you told me, I love you, damn it! You are the only person I've ever been with and will ever be with. We have a family! You are the love of my life! How could you ever think I would ever cheat on you?" Again, Seth was looking away. "Look at me!"

Seth looked, sighed, and took a deep breath. "You're tired of hearing it, but...I was ugly so long! No one wanted me until you came around. I was scarred! And a part of me thinks of myself as cursed!" He shook his head. "I know that doesn't make sense, but I do!"

This confession hurt me. It would take more than a few years of a good marriage to undo the two decades of Arthur's treatment of Seth, and the opinion Seth had of himself. "Aw, Seth. You are not cursed. You were never ugly to me. You know that." I laughed. "You may have kissed me first, but I was thinking about it before you did." I lowered myself on top of him. "You were and are the most perfect man to me." I ran a hand over his chest. "You're kind, smart and was always DAMNED good looking. And you still are!"

Seth smiled but looked away again. "No, I wa..."

"Don't interrupt me!" I commanded only half an inch from his face. "And look at me!"

Seth's eyes came back to me. I saw the hurt there.

"I love you. You are everything I ever wanted and will ever want. We have a phenomenal life! You and me. We make love almost daily! And I like it! A lot! Don't you ever doubt that! No one could ever tempt me. Not ever!"

Seth smiled bigger. "It's just ingrained in me. I can't help it."

I nodded. "I'll work on that." I grinned pulling my nightshirt off. "I love you. I love that you more than willingly make love to me. I love that you let me make love to you, and like it!"

Seth chuckled. "I do indeed." He nodded.

"I'm willing to show you as often as needed." I kissed him deeply, lingering in the kiss as I tried to pass my desire for him in the kiss. "I love you, Seth." I reached down and pulled his nightshirt up. "I desire you. Only you." Then I shrugged. "And Matt's blond." Seth laughed knowing I didn't care for them, sexually. "And you're not." My lips traced his jaw, then I lowered myself over his black hair covered chest. "And hairy." I smiled, inhaling Seth's musk. My mouth took a nipple I nipped making Seth give a little sound of intense sensation, all good. Then into his armpit. But I knew, the strongest of Seth's male scent was farther down. Seth moaned as I stuck my tongue in the hairs of his armpit and made my way down his sensitive side, over his stomach, and down the goody trail to his pubes. There I inhaled deeply, taking his musky good smell in me, making my manhood that was already stiff, even harder. We both knew each other's body and our bodies knew the other and the response was instant. He was already rock hard, now strained for me. With practiced ease, I took him in my mouth, this time taking my time as I slowly brought him closer to shooting and he was clutching the sides of my head, pulling himself even deeper, if that were possible. Then with a grunt from Seth, he shot deep in my throat. I came up, kissing my way up to kiss him deeply again.

"I do love you," Seth said softly. "My husband." Then he raised his legs. "Make love to me," Seth told me.

"I always have loved you." I nodded. "I'll gladly show you how much." And I did, slowly and luxuriously I entered him, facing him as we did love. Deep kissing as I did until I could hold back no longer and released that love deep inside my husband.

We waved good-bye to Matt in the morning as he went to tell Sam and Terry the good news, waving as he rode off. I looked at the town below. There was a lot of activity. There were people going back and forth with destinations that had to quickly to get to.

I looked at Seth. "What's going on in town?"

Seth squinted as he looked closer. "I don't know." Then he nodded. "Has it been a year already?" He pointed. "I see a lot of red ribbons. It must be what's his name's Love Festival again."

I frowned. "Stewart, Seth. His name is Stewart."

Seth chuckled. "Okay. He just didn't really attract my attention, so..."

"Oh, you only remember of those that attract you?" I grinned. "What's my name?"

Seth grinned at me evilly. "Darius?"

I slugged him. I mean, this time, I really hit him in his arm by the shoulder.

"Ow!" Seth held his arm where I hit him but smiled anyway.

"You'll get over it." I shook my head at Seth and looked back at the town. "But it can't be Love Festival. It's too soon. We just survived the measles."

"Maybe Stewart moved it up. There was no time set for it." Seth pondered.

"This soon after a tragedy?" I shook my head. Then shrugged. "We'll have to ask."

Seth grinned at me. "You ask. I'm needed in the vineyard." He thumbed to the abundance of grapes growing. "I can't be late."

I chuckled. "We own it."

Seth shrugged. "We have to set an example." He kissed me passionately, his arms around me pulling me close. "I love you, Baby." I reached down squeezing a buttock making Seth yelp. He looked at me surprised. "The Darius remark I get, but what was that?"

I shrugged. "I love everything about you, Seth. What's inside and outside of you. And as I can't squeeze your heart, but I can show I love what's on the outside. I love you, Seth." Then whispered in his ear. "Besides, you've got a great ass."

Seth grinned chuckling, lowering both hands to squeeze both of my buttocks. "You do, too." Then he kissed me again. "See you later." He waved and walked off whistling but turned back holding his wound again. "Ow."

I chuckled. "I'll kiss it later."

He grinned. "I'll hold you to that. You promised."

I shook my head as I waved back. "You're a lucky man, Erik." I told myself. Then went into the house to get things ready for the day.

It was later when I came into the kitchen for lunch. Grace was working on something. It smelled really good.

"Hi, Grace," I greeted and looked to see if I could get an idea of what she was making. "That smells good."

The woman turned around, almost blocking me from seeing what it was. "Well, you know me...I love to cook. You'll get it later."

Something was going on. I smiled at her. "Okay." But I looked at her more intently. "Does it have something to do with what's going on in town?"

She looked very guilty now. "In town?"

I narrowed my eyes at her, "Grace."

"Don't ask me!" She said pleading. "You know I can't keep secrets."

My eyebrows rose, "There is a secret going on down there." I nodded as the door opened and Seth came in for his lunch also.

He sniffed. "That smells awesome!"

I held my arm up stopping him. "But don't ask her." I grinned. "It's a secret."

Seth frowned. "A secret?" Then he walked over to me and Grace. "The guys in the vineyard were hiding something, too. Norton all but lied to me!" He grinned at me. "Something's going on. Big."

I nodded. "That they want to keep secret." Then shrugged. "But she said we'd know later, so..."

Then Hannah came in with Dennis and Toby.

"Do you know what's going on in town?" Seth asked Hannah.

Now, she was fine at keeping secrets. "I do." She nodded and ended it there.

I patted Seth on the chest. "And she's not about to tell us."

Hannah smiled sweetly at us. "No, I won't, but you keep asking questions, you're fishing for answers. Stop it." She pointed at us; her face told us not to push it.

I nodded. "You heard her." Then looked at Seth and my brows came together. His hands were filthy.

Seth looked at his hands. "I know, I know. I'm going, I'm going." He went to wash his hands.

I chuckled. "He does love that vineyard." Dennis was kicking and babbling at me in delight. "Your Daddy loves the dirt. He's dirty." I took Dennis from Hannah.

"Da da!" Dennis pointed toward the bathroom.

"I know!" I grinned at him. "He'll be back. You'll see." Kissing him, then taking him to the highchair. I greeted Toby as he got in his special chair some nice man made him that put him high enough to eat. It wasn't a highchair but elevated for him.

We did enjoy our time together. Toby would tell us all that he'd done that morning, having to divide his time between signing and eating. Which was comical. He even tried to sign with one hand to keep from stopping.

Seth chuckled to me. "We should tell him that it's impolite to talk with his hands full."

Things were fine until I came back from the winery to find Garth waiting at the front of our house.

"Hi, Garth!" I greeted our friend, but he wasn't dressed as he would have normally. He was casual but dressed like there was something important to go to.

Garth smiled. "Hi. Is Seth back from the vineyard yet?"

I shrugged. "We'll find out." I opened the door and let Garth come with me to our bedroom. I heard Seth in the tub. "He is."

Garth nodded with a smile. "Good. Now get dressed." He ordered. "And when Seth gets done, tell him to dress too." And he was about to leave.

"Hold it, Garth," I said stopping him. "Is this because of what's going on in town?"

Garth nodded. "And you have to come. No options." He said flatly. "Doris is on the way to watch the boys." He pointed downstairs. "I'll wait down there." Then he walked out.

I watched Garth leave, then went into the bathroom.

Seth grinned at me as he saw me come in. "Care to join me?"

There was something... I smiled at Seth. "I'd love to; however, we've been commanded to dress and go somewhere."

Seth nodded. "This is about whatever's going on that they kept secret from us." Then he rose from the water. "What should I wear?"

I grinned at him; a wet, naked Seth was pretty nice for me to see as water dripped off him. "I'd be okay if you went like that, but that might be a bit much for some."

He gave me a smirk. "Ha, ha."

"Garth was here and is waiting," I said. "Casual, but dressy. Dressy casual?" I asked.

Seth shrugged. "Okay." And got out of the tub drying himself with a drying cloth and drying his hair.

We both dressed, or rather, I changed, he dressed. We headed down to see Bent, Zeke, and Gabe were here now. All were dressed up, hair washed and combed.

"Hi, guys." Seth greeted.

"Hugs and kisses later," Zeke said hurriedly coming up to me. "Your presence is wanted..."

"It's demanded!" Gabe correcting pulling Seth gently.

"And we're all here to make sure you're both there," Bent added. As we were escorted out the door.

"Okay," I said as we were taken to the town's square. And from what I could see, everyone in Royal Valley was there. Thousands! Men, women, and children were there.

Keith Davidson saw us and went to a platform I'd never seen before. "And now they're here." He smiled and waved us up to the platform. "Come up, please?"

The square was decorated with red and white ribbons, the colors of Blethos. Even the lamps lit, every other one had red glass now making the alternating lamps red and white that glowed as the sun was setting. There were flowers around and everyone was smiling at Seth and me as we got on the platform.

"My dear friends, Seth and Erik." Keith began. "This is to honor you both." He held up a hand to stop an objection either Seth or I would have raised. "No, hear us out. We've been planning this for a while. All of us." He waved to the crowd. "You have taken a place where we all were employees of Arthur Thorne and worked his estate. You came in and made us a town. A real town!" He waved at some people. "We have Ebenezer as a blacksmith, but he was brought here to work for Thorne."

"You didn't need to tell everyone that," Eb called from the crowd. "I'll be called Ebenezer for weeks now."

There was a general chuckle through the crowd.

Keith smiled looking at the large man. "I think we all knew what Eb was short for. It really wasn't a secret." Then he continued. "My point was, we were all here, even Jenny, our dressmaker was here for Arthur and his children. The baker was here for Thorne, everybody was here for Thorne! But about this time, these two wonderful people came to us. One we knew, Seth. He was called cursed." The crowd all gave murmurs to say it wasn't true. Then Keith moved forward. "We should all be so lucky as to be cursed like he is. He's an amazing man. They both are. And we all know the story now, how Arthur killed his poor mother and kept the sons of our late King Alexander secret and tormented Seth for decades. I mean he was tormented! But then he met Erik, they married so we could have a new king. The king he was born to be by right of birth." He shook his head at Seth. "I think you would have been a great king, but I'm glad you and Erik came here. After you two came, the name changed for Thorne Valley to Royal Valley, and we became a real live town! They were legally married and really married. If you see them, you know they are in love. They are an example we all should model after. They love each other. They even helped those that were like them here, realize they weren't anything but humans that loved another human. Even standing with them when it was still illegal and punishable to kill them for it! But they were exempt! They were married. Others like them arrived and in standing with them, got that horrid law removed. To say you were to die because of who you love someone doesn't approve of is stupid! My wife's eyes are blue, mine aren't, it could have been a law to say only those with the same color eyes could marry. Or they had be the same race, though that would hard since we're all the same here. My point is, it could be restricted for ANY reason. A different class or station in life. But more than that, Erik came to us and changed things so much, we have doctors and teachers for our children. Many of you now read because of Erik! He saw the value in teaching people and treating them as equals. Equals! He is a prince! He married a king! They are both now princes, but they treat us as equals and want us to treat them as one of us! They have treated us with respect and Erik not only allowing but helped others better themselves." Then he got serious. "We lost some precious children in this last outbreak of measles, and I grieve with the families, but I know that death toll would have been so much higher without his impute. He saved Royal Valley from deaths that would have been in the hundreds! I can say that we had the lowest mortality rate in any town in Blethos, large or small. That was due to Erik." Now he was back. He shook his head. "And I'm sorry, but you guys need to come up with another name for yourselves. Because no longer should FSE stand for people who married or loves a member of the same gender. I'm not, but I told Erik a while back. I hope he and Seth consider me to be their friend. A very good friend if I can be. I would be honored to be called FSE."

There were a number of people now applauding and shouting "Here, here!" Seth got closer to me, putting his arm around me as he was choking up with me.

Keith waved at the crowd. "See? Everyone, the old members of Thorne's estate and new friends that came after to Royal Valley. All want to be FSE! You've got to be called something else from now on. I want and demand to be FSE. I am a Friend of Seth and Erik. Everyone here would be honored to be FSE. You are a friend to Royal Valley. This day, every year will be set aside to honor you."

I heard it, I saw it, but it was so overwhelmingly wonderful. Call it what you will. I wasn't just choked up, I was crying! Who wouldn't be? Even Seth was wiping his eyes. Then I noticed almost everyone had a cup I hadn't noticed. They weren't all pretty, but they all had one. Then a cup was put in my hand and Seth's by Curt and Daryl, the friends we made after returning from A'Dore.

"This is a toast to you. Seth and Erik. You will always be a part of Royal Valley. Now and forever! To Seth and Erik!" Keith raised his cup as did everyone else. "To Seth and Erik!" They all said in unison.

I could barely get the wine down as I was so choked up! Seth nodded to everyone, raising his cup to everyone and drank. I don't think even Christian had gotten a celebration like this. And he was greatly loved as king. Nor Samuel, but he was still new at the throne.

Seth cleared his throat. It seems I wasn't the only one between us that was choked up. "My friends..." he cleared it again. "And I say, my friends, you are all both our friends. I wish to know each and every one of you. Erik tries to. You have all been so welcoming to us. We have some here that did become good, good friends we will always cherish." Now he was choking up more. "Thank you so much. We love you all!!"

There was another cheer given up by everyone.

Keith stepped up again. "Let the party begin!!"

Then the music began as everyone was dancing with each other.

The people of Royal Valley were so pleasant and friendly that evening. There were a lot of positive comments, hugs and thank yous, I almost didn't get to spend any time with Seth! We were both demanded by almost everyone. But a great time was had by all. I danced with many that night, Eb, Norton and Keith included. Being liked and appreciated was the best present I've ever gotten. I was dancing with Maria when she was tapped on the shoulder. Turning, she smiled at Seth.

"I guess I can let you cut in." Maria smiled at Seth. "He is your husband."

Seth smiled back to her. "Thank you." He came to me as the music changed to a slow dance. He kissed me. "This is all so wonderful." As we started to dance, he grinned. "But you don't get out of the promise. You said you'd kiss it and make it better. I'm still holding you to that." He moved his arm. "You've got a mean punch. Good thing I don't piss you off normally."

I smiled back. "Well, that comment about Darius deserved the punch." But brought him close again, kissing him passionately. "And I will keep the promise. I always keep my word."

It was very late when we got back to the manor. Seth didn't even stop other than to lock the front door and pulled me upstairs. We did peek in our boys' room. Doris had rocked Dennis and he was still on her lap, but both were sound asleep. Toby was asleep also. Then we went to our room.

Seth smiled, turning to me. "I guess we need to bath again."

I grinned. "Well, you had yours before the party, I didn't. But we did dance a lot, probably are sweaty." His arms bringing me close again. Being close to Seth was...I can't put into words how it made me feel. I felt secure, loved and he was warm and comforting at the same time. "I love you, Seth."

Seth smiled back. "I know. I love you." He looked back at our bathroom. "We didn't light the tank. The water will be cold."

I shrugged. "We don't really need it." I turned us around and lowered us on the bed. He sat up straddling me. "Now, about that shoulder..." I grinned as I unbuttoned his shirt and pushing it off. I did kiss it. There was no part on either one of us that we didn't touch, kiss, and just enjoy. I made love to Seth, he made love to me, using our favorite positions and slowly, enjoyed our love for each other.

In the morning, I heard the birds sing and saw the light coming in our bedroom windows. I felt the comfortable weight of a head on my chest, looking to see that head of black hair, messed from our night of passion and sleep. I was completely content. Our love was solid. The smile that came on me was a prayer of thanks to whoever brought us together. I toyed with some of the locks of black gently. That's when I felt Seth move.

"I didn't mean to wake you, Baby," I said softly.

He looked up at me and smiled, focusing. "Good morning, my love." He moved up and kissed me gently. "I was just dozing."

I laughed at his dismissal. "You were asleep."

He grinned. "Well, I'm not now." Then he held up his hand for me to wait. "Be right back." He got up, walked naked in our bathroom where I heard him do his morning thing, which I needed to do, too. I got up to do the same. I watched him as he lit the tank of water. I loved to look at him. He was a very handsome man and the work he did outside shaped him, making him even more handsome. Then he got up coming back to me. "This will take a few minutes. So, let's go back to bed."

"To get more sleep?" I grinned knowing what he meant.

He shook his head. "Nope."

We made love again!

Seth and I finally got in the tub and didn't hurry. It was Sunday, no work needed to be done. It was nearly lunchtime when we made it down for.... brunch?

Doris smiled at us as we greeted the boys. "Did you like what happened last night?" She asked.

I nodded with a smile. Then my wisecracking ways just surfaced. "Oh, you mean the party! Sure, that was good too."

Seth chuckled. "It was unexpected, but greatly appreciated," Seth said kissing Toby on the head. Then Dennis.

"Da da!" Dennis said happily to Seth. Words he knew then he would return to making sounds or singing and banging his spoon on his highchair and table. He was a very happy baby.

Doris laughed and smiled at Dennis and nodded. "And much deserved." She shook her head. "I hated missing it, but someone had to watch the boys. I was glad to do it." She kissed and waved at Toby.

"Well, it is Sunday." I said. "Go home. You have a family, too."

Doris smiled at us. "You're sure? I don't mind staying longer."

Seth pulled Dennis from his highchair. "Go." He smiled at her as he gave Dennis the long, wet kiss on his neck that made him cackle.

She nodded. "Okay." She got up, kissing Toby. Then looked at us. "You two are wonderful people. I'm honored to have been a part of this family in any way. Thank you." Kissing Dennis, then Seth and me, then left.

We had a good day.

The week began again, and we were back to business as usual. People were coming to Royal Valley on business. Our population had tripled since Seth, and I arrived! New houses going up and lives were made better every day.

But that would change. One night, I woke as I felt someone cover my mouth and hold me down as I heard Seth struggle against someone else. I knew instantly the voice nor the hand belonged to Seth.

"Calmly." The voice said, and I knew instantly it was Candor. "Or I kill your husband right now." He let me sit up as a lamp was lit. There stood Candor. Looking as nasty as always, again with that cold smile. That's when I heard someone struggling as Seth's hands were tied behind his back and a binding around his mouth. "Let's get down to business."

"What business?" I asked.

Candor shook his head. "Oh, come now. Money is owed to me! I told you I would collect." He pointed to the men holding Seth. "These are associates of mine." He explained. "Don't fool yourself, they will kill with no problem."

"So, collect," I said simply. "Get it and be gone."

Candor smiled wider. "I will." He nodded. "You see? I was the one that got.... those things...for Arthur." He said. "I go to the cave where I was told to put these items, and it's been cleaned out."

I nodded. "The stolen merchandise. You stole it."

Candor nodded. "Of course. You don't believe one moment the Arthur stole it." He chuckled. "He profited from it, yes. But he did it slowly. Selling pieces one at a time. I just brought the bulk of it to him. That's when he would pay." He glared at me. "Now, you're going to pay."

"How much?" I asked.

"Five hundred gold pieces."

My eyes widened. "We don't have that here!"

Candor looked puzzled. "Not hiding somewhere?"

"No!"

Candor frowned. "Then you have a problem. I told you I would be back, and I intended to collect. You had plenty of time to get it."

I got up irritated. "First, you never said how much was owed, nor did we ask or care and second, we didn't ask you to steal anything."

"But two princes living so well off. You have to have money here." Candor reasoned.

"The vineyard and winery bring money here. We don't get money from either kingdom!" I said angrily. Money from the winery and vineyard goes to wages and improving the business. I looked around the room. Could I make it to my sword?

Candor smiled knowing what I was longing for as he raised his dagger. "No need to look. You won't get to your sword." He chuckled. "Though I admit, I am tempted to let you. I hear you are very talented with it. Deadly. A fight with you might be fun, but I prefer a sure thing. Right now, I have that." He motioned to the other two. "Put him in a chair." He pointed. "That chair. We can keep an eye on him while Prince Erik and I talk business." Then he circled me slowly. "I hear you're the brains of this business anyway." He did a turn looking at the house. "You have a beautiful home." He smiled again. "A lot of lovely things. Now, I can take some of these things, but I really don't have time to sell them slowly. What money is here?"

I thought honestly, "Maybe a hundred gold pieces."

Candor nodded. "Well, that's not nearly enough." He chuckled again and sat on the side of Seth's and my bed. He shrugged. "Of course, there are other things of value here." He motioned toward where I knew the boys' room was. "There is, of course, you've got two children." Then he frowned. "Now, I know neither of you two had them, you got them from someone. How much did you pay for them?"

"What!?" I asked angrily. "We didn't pay anything for them. Leave them out of this!"

Candor shrugged. "I would have taken them as partial payment. I've seen them. Very pretty little boys." He chuckled. "I know men that would pay handsomely for two pretty little boys. Now what they do with them...." He left me to guess, but I knew what he meant. "I might anyway."

I started to move toward Candor. "Don't touch our sons!!"

Candor stood raising his dagger again. "I wouldn't, but I will if I don't get paid!!" He shouted angrily. "Now rest assured if I don't. They will die!" He pointed the dagger at Seth. "I'll kill him, you and those kids. Understand? No one will be alive if I don't get paid! So, what's it going to be?"

Okay, I'd dealt with Seth's rape attempt with Deena and my own. I watched as she tortured Seth in front of my eyes. The threat of someone killing Seth and my sons...and I had no doubt Candor would kill them. "Is there something we can work out?"

Candor smiled. "That's more like it. Ready to negotiate now." He sighed. "I've killed men. I've had many women and killed a few of them." He shook his head. "But I've never fucked a man before." Then he smiled again. "And a prince!" Then he looked at Seth. "Or a former king! You're both the sons of kings!" His face was dangerously close to mine now. "Are you a good fuck?" He shrugged. "You must be. You two have been fucking each other for years now." Then he leaned in close to my ear. "If you are, I may knock the price down."

Seth was struggling against the ropes that bound him. Tears coming down his face as he shook his head and he tried to say. "Don't you do it." It came out muffled as he was glaring at Candor.

"How do I know you won't do it anyway?" I asked Candor.

He shrugged. "You don't." Then he smiled at me again. Like I said it when I first met him. It was cold. "Do you want to risk I will, or won't?"

I had no choice. I hated what Candor wanted to do, but I couldn't let him kill Seth, Toby, or Dennis. Tears started to come as I pulled on my nightshirt. I was desperate. "Demetrius!!! Help us!!!!" I shouted.

That's when the lamp went out, then I heard the door Seth and I always left open to hear our sons slam shut and a series of flashing light like in the middle of a lightning storm, a rush of hot wind blew through the room in a mighty gush knocking Condor off his feet and this head.... Huge head, about eight feet tall alight with this bluish-white light appeared as it roared at Candor.

"Don't you touch him!! How dare you threaten my sons!!" The head roared so loud, echoing and the rage in those huge eyes blazed right at Candor who was trying to escape. The two that had been holding Seth in place rushed to the door, but it wouldn't open no matter how they tried. "You are a stupid, vile, evil, evil man! No one will harm my sons or my grandsons!!" Candor was trying to shield himself from the giant head, cowering in fear. "I WON'T ALLOW IT!!" His voice cracking like thunder! Suddenly, I smelled urine...from Candor. He wore cloth britches and I saw the material darken at the crotch.

If I didn't know it was Demetrius, I would have been terrified too!

"These men...this family is protected! Protected by ME!!" Demetrius roared again so loud it literally shook the room! "Have you no concern for your immortal soul?" Then the image changed, now before us was, and I swear, it was a naked Arthur writhing in agony in what looked like a real lake of fire! Molten rock splashed against him as Arthur screamed, but the heat didn't physically burn his skin, but the pain was there. It burned! Arthur was screaming! Then there was Darius and Deena, also burning, but none were together. They suffered alone. "Not a second will pass when you won't beg for a death that will never come, but this will last FOREVER!!" Then the scene disappeared and Demetrius, dressed as I've never seen him before. Clothed in a blinding white robe and a sword of blue-white flame in his hand. Like an avenging angel or even GOD Himself! The light behind his head was blinding! "You have damned yourself!! And should you continue this path, I will make sure it happens NOW!! These men are my sons! I will defend them as long as they live this mortal life! My grandsons will not ever be touched!! If you don't leave Royal Valley and Blethos, and I mean leave and you NEVER EVER RETURN!!! If you do, you will die! AM...I...CLEAR???" Each of those last three words boomed and the whole world shook! Demetrius looked closer in Candor's face, his eyes glowing red!! The ground shook even harder!! Candor was completely white, and his eyes were wide with horror as he scrambled to his feet and couldn't head to the door fast enough, pushing the other two aside and flung the door open, which opened easily now and they all three rushed down the hall, down the stairs, and out the front door running as if their mortal lives were about to end! Which they were!

I caught my breath as I panted and everything went dark, then the lamp lit again. I gasped and ran to Seth, untying his mouth and quickly untying his hands. Then hugged him, kissing him again and again. "Did they hurt you?"

Seth shook his head kissing me back. "No." Then he chuckled. "I nearly pissed myself though."

I hugged him tighter. "I almost did, too!" I laughed, "Candor DID!!" I looked back as Demetrius stood there smiling at us. I rushed him, hugging him quickly. "Thank you! Thank you, thank you!!"

Demetrius chuckled as Seth came up behind us and hugged us both. "Well, I had to do something."

Seth chuckled. "Did you ever!!" He waved at our room. "How'd...what...I..."

Demetrius smiled. "I can tap into magic." He shrugged. "I gave them a show. Was that good?"

I hugged Demetrius again, then thought. "The boys!!" I was about to run in their room. "They must have been terrified!"

Demetrius stopped me. "They were never bothered at all." He assured. "Dara is with them now. They're sleeping.... like babies. They didn't see anything, feel anything or hear anything."

I shook my head. "I thought you couldn't do anything like that."

Demetrius shrugged. "Well, I could this time. He had choices. As I said, we don't make things happen, but we influence things."

Seth nodded. "And that...with Arthur?"

Demetrius shrugged again. "That wasn't really Arthur. No one has seen what happens to a man after he dies. What punishments he faces, but I think I showed him what he'd believe. I think it looked like Arthur, Darius, and Deena; don't you think so?"

I laughed at Demetrius. "I do."

"That was all a show!?" Seth balked. "None of it was real!?"

Demetrius chuckled smiling. "What do you mean, not real? It was real! You saw it!!"