His Highness Prince Vincent

Story: His Highness Prince Vincent

Chapter 9 A Rough Life

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

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Mature Adult Readers, Sexual Situations, Sex

Vincent and David prepare for their dinner guests and learn more truth about Matilda's plans and what she wants to accomplish.

A Rough Life

As good as our visit was with the Royal Family, we opted to stay for that late lunch. That included Thor. Remembering what had happen the day before we kept him with us. We didn't need him marking his territory and getting us thrown out of the palace now that Queen Maregete had consented to have him in the palace. I chuckled as she petted him a few times, but then would not touch her own face. He liked her. She wasn't taking any chances. Thor was just being Thor. Happy and loving the attention we were giving him. We did take his leash out and clipped it to his collar. Vincent then stuck the other end under a leg of his chair to keep Thor's movements restricted. This was new for Thor, and it took a few attempts for him to realize that.

"We'll have to train him to walk on the leash, too," I said to Vincent.

Vincent shrugged, "We always carry him around."

"Until he gets big enough to go under his own power," I nodded. "Did you find out what day it was when his mother had the litter?"

"She had four on October twenty-eighth," Vincent smiled. "One died right after the birth. Eight weeks ago."

"She had three living puppies?" I nodded knowing their fate and looked at Thor. "The more I learn, the more I despise that that man." I felt two small legs on my left leg. Thor whimpered a little. He wanted up. "We also don't want to start something we'll have to stop. He'll get bigger and might not be welcome at the table."

"Even Cousin Vickie doesn't allow that," Vincent chuckled and looked down at Thor. "No, Thor. Stay there."

That command was new, and it took a few times for Thor to understand he wasn't going to be allowed up. He gave up and laid out on the floor between Vincent and me. I sensed Vincent was having trouble with that and would give in and pick Thor up.

"Remember when I told you they learn to manipulate us?" I asked Vincent, "He's trying to do it now. He's pouting."

"He's doing it on purpose," Vincent nodded.

"He is," I grinned. "It's bred into his nature. You need to be in control. Not him. You are the alpha."

Vincent's eyes grew, "How do you know so much? Cows I understand you knowing those, but...a dog?"

"Why not dogs? They share roots with wolves, and they respected beings of the world, like eagles," I chuckled, "Wolves and dogs share many traits. One of those key traits is establishing an alpha that controls the pack. Wolves are revered with all Natives. When we brought dogs into our hearts and welcomed them to stay we took that position of alpha."

Everyone else's reaction to Thor was funny. The house staff that served us lunch were surprised at the additional small ball of brown fur. Vincent did pick Thor up while things were set out for us. Thor wanted to meet all who had come around and investigate those smells the put in front of us. His appearance didn't scare anyone, but everyone looked at Queen Maregete because the entire staff knew about her aversion to pets. Thor was not scary or vicious. Who would be scared of Thor!? Other than her staying on the opposite side of the table, the queen just smiled.

Toward the end I thought he might need to go out again. Thor did well on the leash.

As with some domestic animals are good judges of character and in particular...dogs are very good judges. Thor was happy again being on someone's lap, but wanted to smell what we ate. Of course, he did; he's a dog!

The idea of getting any legislation using Thor as the focus was a good one. Thor had more than enough personality that would win most hearts. As they discussed how to do this as this was an internal matter for Denmark, I could give opinions, but the decision was theirs. Vincent pulled the favorite ball from his pocket that Thor adored and began playing with it again in the family communal room. We got other toys he could play with, but that ball held his attention. That ball was almost as big as his head! Annabelle sat on a stool to play with Thor. Vincent and I didn't care and sat on the floor. A princess couldn't sit on the floor. No. Sitting on the floor was not even ladylike, never princess-like.

"There are many in Parliament that are animal lovers," King Fredrik smiled as Thor lunged again to get the ball as it rolled by with his yip and growl. "You'll win sympathy votes."

The sound of footsteps approaching, and Matilda appeared in the doorway just as the ball rolled in her direction having been knocked off course by Thor who was scampering happily after it but skidded to a stop before getting under some feet. Matilda looked down and let out a screech and brought a foot up and brought down hard missing Thor by an inch. Thor yelped and retreated, scrambling back from this person's feet.

"Don't you dare hurt Thor!" Annabelle stood ready to defend Thor. Her fist was balled ready to punch Matilda again, if needed.

Vincent was the closest and rolled quickly grabbing Thor up, comforting Thor in his arms and cradling Thor to his chest.

"Oh, god! What is that!?" Matilda asked in disbelief.

"A new member of the family," Vincent stated irritated and kissing Thor's head.

Matilda looked a little bothered by this, "All I saw was something small and brown coming at me. I didn't know what it was." She looked up at Queen Maregete. "I thought pets weren't allowed."

Queen Maregete nodded, "As a general rule, yes. It's my rule," She waved at Thor, "He's the exception to my rule."

"Oh, sorry," Matilda said and then pressed on. "I spent the morning looking over property in Copenhagen."

"Property!?" King Fredrik balked. "You are looking to buy in Copenhagen?"

"Why not?" Matilda asked with a shrug. "I can't remain here in the palace, but I feel the need to get to know my Danish roots."

I frowned at that, "It's really not the usual season to shop for real estate."

Matilda smiled, "Well, I hoped I could stay in my grandmother's house..."

"But you can't," Annabelle came over and took Thor from Vincent. Thor looked a little shaken and still whimpered a little. She reassured Thor gently as she kissed his head and hugged him to her.

"That property has been leased to the United States of America for the Ambassador's use," King Fredrik said.

"Yes," Matilda said a little bitterly. "I was told that after I first arrived." She did the slow walk. "I can't very well stay here." She shrugged. Even I knew she was hoping for an invitation to do that. The palace had the room, but no one offered.

"Why do you want to?" Vincent asked. "And please don't say because you love us."

"You're family," Matilda said simply.

"You'll have to understand if we don't see it that way," Queen Maregete said. "You always present such an adversarial presence to us."

"You seek something," Vincent said.

"Don't you have family elsewhere?" I asked her.

Matilda frowned, "Not really." She said. "My father had other children with some other women, but I only have a legitimate half-brother..."

"I'm not talking about bloodlines," I interrupted. "I'm speaking about heartlines." I waved at the others in the room. "I consider each of these people to be family. Yet we don't share a drop of blood. For over a decade they have been that family."

"But weren't you a servant?" Matilda asked.

"A servant!?" Vincent stood up quickly. "To who!?" He asked indignantly.

"You!" Matilda said like it was obvious.

Vincent's eyes widened and he pointed over his shoulder at me, "David? A servant!?" He laughed heartily at that, "I assure you; David Richards is not or has ever been a servant to anyone. Especially, not mine!"

King Fredrik chuckled, "You don't understand the Ring of Trust."

"I understand David and Christian proved their devotion by doing something to prove that loyalty," Matilda said.

"It's more than that," King Fredrik smiled. "Yes, they proved themselves to be friends beyond doubt. Christian proved that many, many times and I gave him permission to see me any time he needs to with no appointment or notice. If there is anything he needs to see me about or anyone here about, he can do that."

Vincent nodded, "David did that, too. He saved my life many times. Not because he was a servant, because he is my friend. He will tell me the truth even if he knows I won't like it."

"He's doing it for the lifestyle," Matilda suggested shrugging.

"Lifestyle?" Vincent asked. "He doesn't need me for any lifestyle. You don't even know what his lifestyle was or is."

"He can afford this?" Matilda said in disbelief as she waved at the palace.

"Yes," Vincent replied simply.

"A cowboy from the America's Wild West," Matilda said doubting it was true. "I also hear he's part Indian." She waved at the palace that surrounded them. "He can afford this?"

Vincent's eyes widened, "I was unaware you ever traveled to the United States of America."

I heard the sarcasm, but he was a good actor right now. I knew Matilda wouldn't catch it.

"I never wanted to," Matilda answered. "All I've read..."

"Read!?" Vincent balked. "You deem it impossible, but you don't know shit!!" He shouted.

"Vincent," the Queen said disapproving quietly.

"I'm sorry, Mom," he said to his mother. He glared at his cousin, "I've been to his home twice. Eric is richer than any man I know." He smiled at me. "His house is beautiful and his palace is the beauty of Earth. He talks about the Music of the World. He's teaching me to hear it and I am hearing it."

King Fredrik nodded, "He is one of two men we trust with no question."

"The other man is Mr. Christian Hanson," Matilda nodded again.

"You keep saying that like you know all about it," Annabelle said.

"You know nothing about it," Queen Maregete said quietly again, but she was angry. A queen doesn't just explode in a rage.

"You claim you're here because we're family," King Fredrik said. "Try acting like you're a member."

I grinned at the king. "There are things even Thor had to be taught what to do." I waved at Matilda. "She may have never been taught."

Thor heard that sound again, meaning he was being called again and fidgeted in Annabelle's hold. She grinned at me. "I'm pretty sure he wants you, Eric."

I grinned at her and walked over, which made him fidget more, "Okay, okay, big guy." I took him and held him which he let me know he was happy again as he licked my face. "I find it interesting that your first reaction to Thor was to destroy him."

"What?" Matilda asked heatedly, "I didn't know what it was at first. It was small, brown and furry and..."

"That's my point," I nodded. "Nor did you take the time to see he is a happy, loving creature that loves everyone. A baby. You're first thought was to kill it."

"Excuse me!?" Matilda asked questioning my reason for talking to her like this. How dare I?

"I'll tell you," Uncle Fred said. "You've been looking for something to use against me and now Vincent, too."

"We even know what," Queen Maregete said. Her low tones was like distant thunder from an approach storm. "What we don't know is why."

"Because what's happening is immoral!" Matilda suddenly shouted.

"You are playing the Morality Card!?" Annabelle came a bit closer, "You are." She shook her head. "Did you even love that guy you married? It was just for the title, wasn't it?"

Matilda snapped at Annabelle, "Of course, I loved him. What business is that of yours?"

"Again," I said loud, "That's my point!! It's not!"

Vincent chuckled, "And this moral stance is just bullshit!"

"Vincent!" His mother chastised firmer.

"Fine, but I'm not sorry," Vincent said back.

"Everyone knows you didn't do it," Annabelle said. "But believe you are responsible." She challenged Matilda when she added, "You marry him for a title, you had a contract to ensure that you get the title and then he dies!? It sounds planned."

"Enough!" King Fredrik stated.

I again held my hands up, "We don't know the environment she was raised in. Does she even know what love is?"

"How dare you!?" Matilda said to me about to come at me.

Vincent's arm came out to block her from getting to me, "I'd think very hard about that." Vincent warned. "You'll be attacking more than just a friend we consider family, but also a government official from the United States who is a guest here in Denmark." He smiled, "And you aren't from either country."

"There is a lot of causes from abuse physically, sexually and neglect..." I began. "That can cause malformations in personalities and behaviors..."

Matilda groaned, "You sound like that crazy doctor that spoke at the Berlin University talking about the formation of Psychoses due to trauma as a child and being in love with parents and that."

I grinned, "From Austria? Dr. Freud?"

"You know of him?" Matilda asked surprised.

"I do," I nodded. "I know of him. I went to Cambridge University and there were many articles about Dr. Sigmund Freud. I don't agree with some of his findings, but symbolism in dreams are often true. Learning by your first exposure to your mother and father plays a major part in future relationships."

"This country is open to any and everyone," King Fredrik said. "I'm still king. If you are after something to overthrow the kingdom, to overthrow me, you will not be allowed in again."

"Does anyone welcome you anywhere?" I asked. "Do you think these people even like you and want you around when you act like you do?"

She opened her mouth to answer and then frowned, "You're not a doctor!"

I chuckled, "Modern Psychology and the Shoshone knowledge of Human Nature are pretty similar. Such as things in the minds of all every person it's important that you maintain a proper balance. You," I pointed at Matilda, "are out of balance. The Pohogwe Shaman would see that easily and tell you what you can do to restore your spirit's balance..."

"That is complete nonsense!" Matilda said irritated.

"What is?" I asked.

"You're from..." she sputtered. "from the Americas! You can't have..."

"Some people in the Wild West as smart or even smarter than you are?" I grinned.

"People in the part of the world she came from are very confident..." Vincent said to me.

"Don't forget entitled!" Annabelle reminded everyone. "Natural born privilege due to class because of birth."

"This cowboy and Indian can beat anyone with his knowledge of languages," Vincent bragged and turned to me. "How many now? English, Shoshone, French, Italian, German, Danish, Norwegian..." He turned to his cousin, "but, to verify you have to speak those languages. Do you?"

Matilda was now red in the face and was turning to leave.

"I have not released you," King Fredrik said firmly.

She heard him and did faultier a step but kept going.

"Guards!" King Fredrik shouted, "Stop Baroness Hofer von Lobenstein!"

How they do it...I don't know. From men that blended with the background and disappear, to suddenly be there in seconds. Two stood in front of Matilda blocking her way. King Fredrik signaled the guards to bring her back. They were going to take her arms, but she jerked her arms away.

"Bring her back!" King Fredrick demanded.

This time they did grab her arms, turned her around and brought her before King Fredrik. All the while she was demanded to be let go.

"Silence!" King Fredrik demanded in a booming shout and came right into her face. His was a face I had never seen! Rage. He was a big man!! "Who do you think you are!? Who do you think I am?" Now his face was maybe an inch from Matilda. "I'll tell you. I am the King of Denmark!!" He screamed at Matilda making her retract a little, but held in place by the guards. "You are no one!"

"But..." She began, now in fear.

"I'm not finished!!" King Fredrik bellowed. "You were welcomed as family. There are ordinary citizens in Denmark that can claim that and are a lot closer as family members than you are." King Fredrik moved even closer. I couldn't see how, but he did. "That is over!" He did what she did to Vincent and walked leisurely around her. Now King Fredrik was the cat, Matilda was the mouse being toyed with and tormented. "You are a guest in Denmark." Waved his hands at the surrounding city and palace, "A guest in my home. I treated you as a member of the family. You were just a naughty little girl I tolerated." He again faced her just as close as before, "That stops now! You are a bad person. I believe you are a criminal..."

"A criminal!?" Matilda gasped.

"This moral outrage is just dung and so laughable. I want you out of Denmark," King Fredrik continued. "I'll give you two days. My guards will escort you." He said. "You will obey our laws and you will respect those in the Royal Family. You will respect me. Never turn your back to any of them and that includes David and Christian or you will be moved somewhere I guarantee you won't like, I promise you. Your welcome has expired. Leave!" He said pointing in the direction of her room at the palace. "Tell whoever you are working for to declare a state of war, I'll be happy to oblige." He looked at the two guards, "Be sure she goes and have someone watch her."

Both guards bowed, "Ja, Deres Majestæt." They dragged Matilda backwards. You do not turn your back to a king or queen. That was a law. You also never leave until you are dismissed. That was law, too.

"I didn't want to do that," King Fredrik said sadly.

I smiled sadly at King Fredrik, "Were you given a choice, Uncle Fred?" I asked quietly.

"She is a danger to all of us," Queen Maregete said, "You are a king."

"And a damned good one!" Vincent said and hugged his father. "And a great Dad!!"

"Tell them," Queen Maregete said quietly to her husband. "Tell them why you gave her the wide berth. They will understand why better."

King Fredrik sighed and nodded, "What you said about abuse malforming, you hit that right in the center of the bullseye. Matilda's mother, Katharina married well," He began sadly. "He was abusive." He stopped.

"Dad?" Annabelle asked quietly. "He was abusive to Matilda?"

"Yes," King Fredrik said and went to sit again with a sigh. "I liked Katharina." He pointed at Vincent. "She was family."

"What sort of abuse?" I asked. "Abuse is abuse, but..."

"I was told she was seven when her hymen was broken," King Fredrik even got red-faced saying that and he glanced at the queen and Annabelle. "Sorry."

"Why are you sorry?" Annabelle shrugged, "That's what it is. Her father broke it?"

King Fredrik nodded, "That's why she came here during her breaks from school."

I nodded, "Now, it makes sense." I raised my hands to say I was not attacking anyone. "Trauma explains a lot, but she should be held accountable. Abuse may be the reason but is not an excuse." I smiled at King Fredrik, "You are a good man, Uncle Fred. She's used her status to get away with things. The lesson that it won't always work should be driven home to Matilda."

"Do you all think it was right for me to throw her out of Denmark?" He asked us.

"You meant it," Vincent said.

"Of course," King Fredrik replied.

"As bad as the abuse was," Queen Maregete said sadly. "You're right, David. That doesn't excuse bad behavior. She has to learn that."

"Or she's given a reason for committing a crime," I shrugged.

"Do the Pohogwe ever have cases like this?" Annabelle asked.

"Of course," I nodded. "There are some major differences, however. Families didn't just have mothers, fathers, aunts, and uncles. There are traditional marriages, but a family sometimes consisted of a couple of wives..."

"That happened in biblical days," Annabelle shrugged, "and still does in many other cultures."

I raised a finger, "Ah, but those wives could have a couple of husbands." I grinned.

"Now that's fair!" Annabelle stated firmly crossing her arms over her chest.

"I knew a family made of two men and a woman who were married," I chuckled. "She was both of the men's wife and they were her husbands. They were two-spirited men who married each other. She came afterward."

"They married her to cook for them?" Queen Maregete asked.

I shook my head smiling, "Oh, no. Roles in the family are not governed by gender. She was a hunter and a warrior. One of her husbands did the cooking and child-rearing."

"They had children!?" Annabelle asked smiling bigger.

"Three!" I nodded. "Two were born by the wife, another was following a woman in the tribe that died getting sick a year after the birth. My point is...they all lived together! That woman had a child of one of the two men. She wasn't married to any of them, but they all lived in the same home."

"In the same home?" Queen Maregete's eyes grew.

I thought about King Fredrik and Christian living in the same place with her, "Why not? They knew what was happening. Women are the ones to give birth, so they did, and no one person raises a child. The entire village raised the children. The many children, half-siblings are not raised alone by anyone. The many adults watched the children and protected them. That sort of sexual abuse is practically unknown. Family is very important to us."

"Living together like that sounds like most of the royal households," King Fredrik shrugged. "They even institutionalized it. Approved by the Church, too."

The queen nodded, "That's right."

"It's Human Nature," I smiled.

"You never told us," Vincent objected quietly.

King Fredrik smiled at him, "Really? Do you see any other family members here? Have you ever? There are plenty of others."

Both Vincent and Annabelle just stared a few seconds as they thought.

"I always wondered why," Annabelle said quietly.

"She's an adult now," Queen Maregete said.

"And needs to know that what she does has consequences," I said. "If she doesn't..." I looked at King Fredrik. "This is a hard lesson. Not for Matilda, but for you to teach. I know you won't back down and you shouldn't. She needs some remorse. She needs to regret what she did and see it hurt people that were kind to her."

"She needs to have a conscience for that," Annabelle pointed out. "She uses emotions to manipulate people. She could fake it."

"How can we trust her?" Vincent asked.

I shrugged, "I don't know, but she knows right from wrong. She needs to express regret and guilt."

"David's right," King Fredrik nodded. "She will be allowed to stay if she admits to what she did." He held his finger up. I was rubbing off on them. "I mean, not sorry that she did something to get herself in trouble, but voice that what she did was wrong. More than just saying she's sorry."

"Okay," Annabelle nodded.

"She will need that property here to stay," King Fredrik said. "She won't stay here."

Thor was learning, but he had us pretty well trained, too. In my arms he looked up at me and licks were just normal, but he just licked my nose once. That dog was smart!! It wasn't an "I love you" lick. It was a "remember me" lick. Backed with a soft whine.

"Oh," I kissed Thor's head. "Okay." I looked at Vincent. "Where did I put his coat? He needs to go out."

Vincent grinned and reached for Thor, "I'll take him out." He looked at Thor. "Let's go, buddy." He reached for Thor who again was happy to go with Vincent. The mean person was gone now, and he adored Vincent.

"Get him excited in your own arms," I grumbled as Vincent took Thor from me. "Let him pee on you."

"Nooo," Vincent crooned at Thor who was now licking Vincent happily. "If he does, that would be accidental. He loves us!" He said walking away and spoke to Thor in baby talk everybody does with puppies. "Don't you, buddy?" Vincent blocked my seeing Thor now. A big man holding a little dog, but I didn't need to see Thor responded with more licks and tail wags. "Yes, you do." Vincent's voice faded with distance.

"He's this happy with a puppy," I grinned and said to no one. "Imagine him with his child."

"The scenario you described with some Indian families," Queen Maregete smiled. "Will happen here. It did before and will again. It isn't new. We just don't talk about it or do it so openly."

"We didn't because," King Fredrik smiled, "we wanted our children to understand why. And to save trust from the..." he paused thinking of a word, "simpler...members of the kingdom."

"I know, Uncle Fred," I said sincerely. "You and Aunt Maregete are good people."

No, I didn't have a degree in the sciences or formal medical studies, but I did help my grandmother who had treated the human condition all of her adult life. I did study Biology and sciences at the University. I read. There were some interesting papers and theories. Yes, I read them. The people who were the hardest against those that violated the "laws" of human conduct were often guilty themselves. Dr. Freud was one that suggested that. Victims of that breach of moral laws were often guilty themselves and became vigilantes for the cause. That would explain a lot about Matilda's campaign to expose King Fredrik and Vincent. Matilda had her hymen broken. Why? Mostly because an adult male wanted to have sex with her. Is that what her father did? All Humans had sex. Native American culture had it sometimes, but like I said, most children weren't alone, and the other adults would not allow that. Sexual taboos were not really known. There didn't really exist. Religions gave the taboos. Violence that gave sexual arousal happened, but not often. There were tribes that did rape and scalp when attacking on a warpath, be it a woman or a man. Pohogwe didn't. Nor did the Shoshone. A woman or man that was being abused with violence hardly ever got by with it as the other adults in the family and tribe put a stop to it immediately. Remember, it was the grandmothers that made the law and decided punishment. My grandmother was usually the one to speak with the accused and she would find out events in the past made the accused desire violence. And some, a few, got pleasure from pain. Giving and receiving! Few! I didn't personally know any. I couldn't imagine hurting Vincent physically or emotionally. I didn't want to be hurt by Vincent, either. Pain is a warning that something is wrong and out of balance! Right? How can it be enjoyable?

Anyway, it did explain a lot with the whole Matilda situation. Why King Fredrik treated her like he did and why Matilda behaved like she did. Whatever. No one was going to mistreat anyone. I would protect Vincent. I would protect Uncle Fred, Aunt Maregete and Annabelle. No one could do that. She lashed out at Thor. He was completely harmless! Animal cruelty was not a good sign in Native Indian circles. You hunted to eat and clothe the family. Not just to be mean for enjoying being mean. There were other emotions at work in Matilda like jealousy. Of me. Her "family" loved me, not her? Was that the problem with Christian and King Fredrik? He loved Christian instead of her!? He was more important than she was, and she was family? Did I want to ask her? I had to be careful if I did. I didn't want to confirm any suspicions she had. She also could be working for a political group to topple the government in Denmark. We'd see what she did next.

The evening wasn't lost. Nor did it become awkward...until we got home. Once inside, Thor was becoming more excited. He knew where this was. It was home! He began squirming to be put down.

"Okay, okay," Vincent chuckled at him. "Let me get my coat off." He put Thor on the ground and Thor made a beeline towards the back of the grand foyer. "I need to take your coat off, too!" He called after Thor.

Thor knew the kitchen and I knew that was where he was going.

Vincent and I walked to the kitchen where we heard...

"...hvorfor tog du dem med herind?" Rebekka demanded crossly. ...why have you brought those in here?

A male voice replied just as indignant, "Fordi Mr. Richards bad mig om det!" Because Mr. Richards asked me to!

Walking in the kitchen, I saw our gardener, landscape artist standing with fists on his hips, not backing down from Rebekka a bit. He was in his thirties, also without the blond hair but black hair. Even in the Winter he had tan skin. He spent all Spring and Summer in the sunshine. He had two large earthen clay pots on the floor. They could hold a small tree; roots and all in each.

"Det gjorde jeg, Ulf! De ser store nok ud." I said to Ulf. "Og jeg'm ikke Mr. Richards." I did! They look big enough. And I'm not Mr. Richards.

"Well," Vincent grinned. "You are Mr. Richards."

I elbowed Vincent lightly in the gut. Thor went to Rebekka and jumped up resting his front legs on her leg. His tail was at a lower speed on the floor, but his open smile spoke volumes as to what he wanted. He wanted to be picked up by his friend. She gave him something to eat, meaning she liked him. He liked her!

"Hej, Thor!" Rebekka greeted him happily. "Jeg kan ikke hente dig. Jeg laver mad!" I can't pick you up now, baby. I'm cooking!

Thor didn't speak English or Danish, but he was learning to understand Human Kindness and some Human Meanness and Cruelty. He went over to Ulf who was someone new he hadn't met yet.

Ulf looked down and smiled at Thor, "Hej, lille en! Jeg har hørt om dig." Hello, little one. I heard about you. "Jeg laver ikke mad. Må jeg hente dig?" I'm not cooking. Can I pick you up? He reached down and lifted Thor. Ulf was a friend in seconds. Ulf was the name for wolf, so they were practically kin!

Vincent walked over and began taking Thor's coat off. Ulf thought Vincent was taking Thor, "You can hold him." He said to Ulf. "He'll be more comfortable with this off." Thor began licking Ulf. "He likes you."

Smiling at Rebekka, "Those are your two ovens." I began pointing at the pots. "The Pohogwe have modern ovens now of cast iron, but Grandma and Mom cooked in a traditional Pohogwe style." I pointed to the fireplace they used occasionally to spit roast things, even a whole pig. "These pots are the closest things to ovens Pohogwe used in the past. We'll get them heated up and slow roast the venison and chicken in those pots. The maple glaze will drip into the coals and scent the bread and other dishes cooked."

Rebekka thought about what I said and nodded, "Sure, there are other cultures that cook in similar ways."

I nodded and smiled, "And you've done it?"

"Not even once," Rebekka admitted.

I chuckled, "Okay." I smiled. "Not a problem. There are some things to watch for cooking this way. I'll help you!"

"And the side dishes?" Rebekka asked.

"There are several," I said. "I don't know of a single tribe that doesn't have The Three Sisters." I saw her confused look, "That's Squash, Corn and Beans."

Vincent brightened, "Ooh! What was that dish your mom made? That had all those."

I grinned back at Vincent, "The Pohogwe Three Sisters Vegetable Dish?" I turned to Rebekka. "He loved it so much, Mom had to make it at least three times a week for Vinnie here." I thumbed at Vincent.

Vincent frowned and pointed at each of them, "Only he can call me that. Anyone else will be sent to the rack." He growled.

I looked at Vincent, "Do you still have a rack?"

Vincent shrugged and threw his arms out, "I'm sure we can find one around here somewhere! Maybe in the abandoned unused dungeon."

Rebekka smiled at us and chuckled, "With just those three things?"

"Oh, no," I shook my head. "It's a dish that the Shoshone had for thousands of years. The Pohogwe took it and made it their own. Every few generations...as the Pohogwe progressed through time things were added making it our own. Grandma added some things. Mom added some things...it has evolved."

Vincent grinned, "Too bad we don't have that Hickory Salt."

"We could make some," I shrugged and nodded to Rebekka. "It's a process to make. We weren't close enough to the ocean for Sea Salt. We could get it from the Salt Mines in Utah, but we had Hickory Trees and that made excellent salt when water evaporated from the wood." I pointed at Vincent, "I know none of the Havershams have had it so the only ones to know something's missing is you and me. I'll send Mom a telegram and have some brought over when she comes this Summer. I'll even get Jacy to ship us some on a regular schedule."

Vincent smiled, "Great!" Then he looked at Rebekka. "Wait! Where do you get your..." he waved a hand at the kitchen, "stuff to cook with?"

"From the Royal Greenhouse," Rebekka answered. "Your mother insists on the freshest herbs and spices possible. She has all of them grown."

Vincent began nodding quickly, "So, why can't we? Here's Ulf! Can't he grow ours?"

"I can't agree," Rebekka said. "The chocolate cake you love is made with extract that came from Madagascar. The cocoa beans that made the chocolate is from the Central Americas. Even the sugar comes from plantations in the Caribbean. The coffee served also comes from the Central Americas or the Caribbean..."

"Are you saying that where means better spices and herbs?" I asked but looked at Vincent. I knew the answer. "Is it the soil or what?"

"Not just where," Rebekka said hesitantly. "The weather conditions, where the plants grow the healthiest...their native environments..."

I spun on Rebekka and pointed at her, "Exactly!" That caused her to jump a little. "The weather conditions might be reproduced, but even the soil...all the life before added compose that changes flavor. They rotate where they plant every five years."

"Why?" Vincent asked in shock.

"The ground becomes deplete of nutrients," I explained. "We make compose during the years we grow in one area and till it in the soil for the new site. What is the one thing we have the most of at the ranch?"

"Steer," Vincent answered.

"Grass and grain fed steer," I nodded. "We make compose from the steer and horse dung." I said simply. "We also throw things like left over fish and other organic refuse and on the fourth year we mix it with the soil of the ground we will use."

Vincent nodded with a grimace, "The Pohogwe are a very intelligent people."

I waved at him, "Just as the Vikings were." I grinned again. "When you weren't raping and pillaging while wearing those horned helmets that is."

It was an ongoing tease I gave now, like my calling him Vinnie. Vincent went with it each time and wasn't really bothered by it anymore. We almost never did it without an audience. Vincent narrowed an eye at me, "I can still take that ring off, you know?"

I didn't miss a beat, "You tried before! Remember? It won't come off!"

Vincent looked around the kitchen, "Where's that big kitchen knife?"

"Use this one," I instructed helpfully. "A well-aimed downward thrust will do it quickly." I pointed at my right index finger just above the ring and below the knuckle. I looked at him with a look of sincerity, "Or am I to suffer? I'm sure there's a dull bladed butterknife or even a spoon! But we should do it outside; Laura will have a fit about getting blood over her clean kitchen."

"Fine," Vincent said with sudden resolve. "I'm going into the other room." He pulled the coveted ball from his pocket and showed it to Thor who began fidgeting in Ulf's arms "Do you want to play with this, Thor? I know you do." Thor let out a happy yip as his tail began moving rapidly. "Dad's people discovered the new world long before anyone sailed the ocean blue."

I nodded and grinned, "And found my mother's people waiting on shore when they arrived greeting you."

Vincent raised his hand in frustration, "They were thousands of miles away!"

"Yet," I grinned bigger, "Odin and Thor are mentioned by name...the great bearded gods from the Asgardr in our history and mythology. Odin asked Manitou, the sky-god to send someone to join in a conflict with Thor."

"Which you've said before," Vincent said, "but can't prove! There's no written record."

"There is proof!" I shot back. "We didn't have a written language then. It was all by song. Learn Shoshone and find out!" I shrugged. "Or wait for Mom and ask her when she gets here." I walked over and took the ball from Vincent and Ulf handed Thor over to me. I turned to Rebekka. "We have time. I'll play with Thor a little, then change and wash up."

"Sure," Rebekka nodded.

"Er de altid sådan?" Ulf asked in a whisper to Rebekka. Are they always like that?

"Yes, the fun never ends," Rebekka chuckled. "It's real pleasure to work here and an adventure. It's proof they trust you...and a reminder; Eric speaks fluent Danish."

"Oh, yeah," Ulf seemed to forget a moment. "That's right."

You know why we do it; it was fun!! It brings smiles, too.

I did spend an hour or so with Vincent and Thor. Thor was a happy little dog. The relationship that Vincent and I had was never questioned. Remember, again the staff here wouldn't dare question Vincent. He was Denmark's future king! My being the ambassador now made me a diplomat for the United States for Denmark and Norway. Officially. I was also in favor with the Royal Family and best friends with that future king. I was now a resident of Denmark and partially for Norway. Scandinavia as a whole. As a representative of the United States no one would just accuse me of anything now. There were evil, nasty, lazy, and ignorant people in this world. Finding those good, kind, hardworking and brilliant people is always rewarding and it had nothing to do with race, class or even education. Criminals were often educated, hardworking and greedy, thinking only about themselves. I can give you so many examples from every culture and ethnic group. Many are leaders! Those people employed here, in this house are kind, honest, and very smart people. They earned their way to work for the Royal Family. They are exceptional people that earned their exceptional wages. The family's ranch was the same way. My father was king! You know what I mean. He was the law! Writers wrote stories about a lawless, savage world of a wild west in the United States. Only a small part of that was true. A very small part. Dad dealt with the dishonest and lawless occasionally. There were times his fists did have to settle things. Only twice had he been forced into a "draw" of any kind. Only one died as a result. He was going to kill my father! The writers also painted a picture of a savage native population that scalped, murdered, and raped many in the United States. Yes, there some tribes that did, but not all of them. Definitely not the Pohogwe. The number one thing my mother and father despised was a lie. The person that lied; knowing it was a lie and did it for the sole reason to get what they wanted was unforgivable. Telling a lie because you were scared was one thing. Telling a lie for gain was something else entirely. Lying about an assault because you are scared that you or someone else would be hurt was understood. Foolish? Sure, while a lie for gain; be it money, power or even status was way worse. Usually, the only regret was about getting caught. Never any guilt about what they did wrong.

All of that to say, these people were loyal. Were there mistakes made? Sure. However, other employees watched and kept things under control. It was an enjoyable and happy work force that work with friends.

I did spend about an hour with Vincent and Thor. Then I went and changed and cleaned up to go down to go over what needed to be done for dinner the next night. The basics of cooking were the same everywhere. What you want to cook, fire, and various additives that add flavor to what you cook. The area you live in make what you cook and additives you add vary. Where the Pohogwe lived had certain things they add. How the used the fire to cook made flavors change. Ovens of earthen clay were used, and the wood used to cook was important, too. The smoke added flavor. We were using the wood from the maple trees. Meals had risen from being just something done because you were hungry; it was an art!

Instructing Rebekka and Laura went well.

"When my mother comes this Spring, I know she will show you more." I told them.

The kitchen door opened, and Vincent stuck his head in, "David, can you take a break a few minutes? It's important."

"Sure," I looked at Rebekka and Laura. "There's more, but tonight it will snow. We need to put a pan out and collect some for tomorrow."

"Snow," Laura repeated.

"We have more than enough of that. It's for the Maple Snow Candy," I said simply. "You pour hot maple syrup over nuts over hard packed snow just before you serve it. It hardens fast with the nuts and it's delicious!" I nodded. "We can serve it with the Pohogwe Bread Pudding."

Vincent bounced and said, "I loved his mother's!"

I walked with Vincent back into the living area just off the entrance. There I spotted another person playing with a very happy Thor. A blonde woman I did not know. She was in her early thirties who was responding equally happily with Thor. The tail's wagging speed told me that. Playing a form of "keep away" was right up there with playing with that precious ball in Thor's book. She would grab his snout gently, shake it playfully and raise her hand out of reach making Thor follow her hand as he knew it was coming back. He was being held again and he followed her other hand and gave his puppy snarl and growl as he went. The number of people that didn't like Thor could fit on one hand and there would be unused fingers left over! I needed to have Thor greet everyone that came here as he was a good judge of character.

The woman was thin but didn't wear makeup as some adult woman did. She was still young enough to still be pretty without it. My own mother was beautiful! She wore color on her lips and occasionally on her cheeks.

"David Richards," Vincent motioned toward the woman. "This is Clara Anders. She is one of the three women Dad asked to watch Cousin Matilda."

Clara smiled moving Thor to her left arm and offered her right hand to me. The idea of putting Thor down did even occur to her. She gave a little curtsy. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ambassador."

I took her hand, turned it from a handshaking angle and brought her hand to my lips and kissed the knuckle on the back of her hand. "You poor thing!" I grinned at her. "As we have been introduced now, please call me David."

Clara chuckled, "And I'm Clara."

Vincent's smile grew as I put on the Richards' charm, "Okay, Romeo." Vincent knew Clara was no threat to what he and I had.

"What?" I humorously asked him. "I'm just being polite!"

Clara seemed a bit embarrassed, but let it go. "I reported to His Majesty King Fredrik, and he wanted me to tell you what we confirmed. The threat she is making on the king and His Royal Highness Prince Vincent goes further than just them. It threatens Denmark."

I frowned, "You mean more than just a threat to either of them because they are Denmark."

Clara nodded, "Oh, yes. Much more than that. Do you know of the Ubermensch?"

My eyes widened, "The super men? The Master Race? I know of it."

Clara nodded, "Yes. Baroness Hofer von Lobenstein is involved with Ludwig Viktor. His father was Karl Viktor. He believed in the Aryan Superiority."

I held my hand up, "Wait a minute. Aryan Superiority!? Doesn't that include King Fredrik? He's a Dane! Vincent is Aryan! Aryans are Germans, Swedes, Icelanders, Norwegians, English, Dutch, and Danes...they are all Aryan."

She nodded again, "Yes, but His Majesty King Fredrik and His Highness Prince Vincent would never agree with that."

"Because it's ludicrous!" Vincent blurted annoyed as he closed that subject off crossing his arms over his chest.

My eyes grew as I looked at Vincent, "What are you complaining about? I'm a member of the Untermensch!"

"You are not Sub-Human!" Vincent said angrily as he pointed at me. "You're brilliant! I speak three languages fluently and can carry on a conversation in two more. How many do you speak?" His head cocked as he looked at me. "Do you even know? I lost count!"

Clara laughed at Vincent's and my discussion, "King Fredrik said you'd be like this." She held her hand up to stop us, "Anyway, this was Karl Viktor's view of Humanity. Ludwig went even further. He believes Germans the Master Race of the Ubermensch and above all of them."

"And what led him to that idea?" I demanded.

"According to him," Clara shrugged, "it was just a fact. Germans are smarter, stronger, and were supposed to control other races." She pointed at Vincent's head, "The black hair is proof that Prince Vincent's Aryan blood has been tainted."

"Tainted!?" Vincent balked again.

"Yes," Clara said with a chuckle. "Utopia will be reached when true Aryans take their place in the world and take control." Then she shook her head, "Ludwig has charmed Matilda. Ludwig's sister went to school with Matilda. The Baroness met him when he visited his little sister. She fell in love with him."

"And he with her?" Vincent asked.

Clara shrugged slightly, "When they met, she was twelve. He was twenty-two."

"Let's sit in Thor's playroom," I waved toward the men's den. I looked at Vincent, "I have a feeling this will take a while."

Vincent grunted and nodded.

We sat in the men's den and as Vincent went to get us some hot drinks I asked, "Have you watched Matilda before?"

"No," Clara said putting Thor on the floor and rolled the ball causing Thor to run after it.

"How did you get this history about her?"

Clara smiled slyly, "She thinks we can only speak English, Danish, and a little Swedish."

I nodded, "Oh, I see."

"That was easy," Clara waved that off. "We would only respond when she spoke English. She doesn't speak very much Danish. She would say something in German, and we wouldn't answer. We would occasionally as we should understand some with Germany right below us to the south. She would write instructions for us in German. We wouldn't do it if it wasn't in English or Danish."

I grinned at her, "Very clever. In fact, I bet you speak fluent German."

"I do. She wasn't that neat," Clara confessed, "or organized. She left correspondences scattered over the desk." She grudged a shrug, "In handwritten German, which I can read, and she told all three of us things at different times and we compared notes. She has funded a great many of Ludwig's campaigns."

Vincent came in with three steaming mugs of Cocio-Guarano. It wasn't even a local drink. It was from Southern and Central America. It was very popular in the winter. If your hands and feet were cold, the drink warmed the blood and pushed the warmth to those extremities. It kept working for several hours. Cocio was related to coffee and chocolate, but not as sweet as chocolate or as strong as coffee, the guarano kept the blood heated and flowing.

"Ludwig ran for political office?" I asked.

"He wanted to," Clara said. "He is a Marxist."

My mind was working quickly. Many people had fetishes and sexual desires for children. A neglected and abused girl who becomes enamored with an older man who now was funding his political campaigns... I gasped, "This is just a theory because there probably is no proof, but the timeline is right. Ludwig spearheaded the whole thing!"

Vincent was considering what I said and nodded slowly, "It is, isn't it?"

My mind was still going as I turned to Clara, "What sort of record does he have? Questionable behaviors and unanswered questions about him?"

Clara gave a grudging nod, "The Danish Royal Intelligence Service hasn't really gotten all the known information."

"How many agents do you have?" I asked.

"Not enough," Clara muttered. "We have limited resources. We know he's zealot. He even wants to begin a breeding program."

"A breeding program!? Why?" Vincent asked. "For whom?"

"You!" Clara said simply. "You, me, and every Aryan in the world."

"You know why," I groaned to Vincent. "To make more little Aryans!"

"He is a radical," Clara added.

I nodded again, "And I bet he has a connection to Baron Karl Hofer von Lobenstein. To get to Baron Lobenstein's money he had Matilda marry the Baron."

"You think he had the Baron killed?" Vincent asked me.

"It's a theory," I repeated. "We need evidence."

Vincent was now gesturing as he spoke, "We all wondered how she was smart enough to have Baron Karl sign a contract to give her Baronial Status before the marriage! Status she would keep. She's devious, but I seriously doubt she thought of it herself!" He shook his head. "So, why hasn't he married her and claimed the money himself."

"I don't think he can," Clara answered. "Not and remain the head of his radical party."

"He can't," I said. "It does explain why he's getting rid of all the Aristocracy." I shook my head. "Marxists don't believe in class. Everyone is on an equal status. No one is better than anyone else. Peasants, laborers, kings, and royals are all the same. Equal status and no one profited for the Aristocracy alone. No one owns anything. They all own everything equally. As soon as he married her, he would have to give it all to the party."

Vincent nodded, "As long as Matilda is unattached to him he has funds he can use..."

"...and remains in love with Ludwig." I added. "He must charm her often."

Clara smiled, "I understand he's very charming, handsome, and charismatic."

"He'd have to be to be a leader," I shrugged. "I will contact Ambassador Runyon. He's the United States Ambassador to Germany and ask him."

"That's not your job," Vincent smiled.

"No," I agreed. "We are allies, Denmark and the United States. I say it will be helpful to promote goodwill for the United States to support Denmark in this situation. Don't you think?"

"You'll send a telegram?" Vincent asked with a grin.

I shook my head, "No, I'm having that telephone installed. I'll call him. Ambassador to Ambassador."

There was a sharp yap from the floor. Looking down, Thor had the ball in front of him, but let us know he was being forgotten! How dare we? His tail was going at a slower speed, but his waning smile told us he was willing to forgive us as long as we got our priorities straight.

"Oh," I said to him. "You poor neglected little thing!! We haven't forgotten you." I was about to launch myself at Thor who let out a good bark, lowered his head on his front paws and had his tail speed up as my challenge was accepted. I grabbed him up and rolling as I cuddled him. Thor knew it was a game and was never frightened of me. He did jump back about an inch and his tail speed increased even more. I hugged him and kissed his head repeatedly. He knew he was loved. My reward was a very wet face.

Both Vincent and Clara were both laughing heartily.

We escorted Clara to the door and were going to walk her back to the palace, but she stopped us. "Thank you," she smiled pulling her cloak on Vincent was helping her with. "You are both gentlemen I know, but we really don't need to be seen together." She smiled at us both. "My job isn't finished." She curtsied to me and Vincent. "Mr. Ambassador. Your Royal Highness." Then she caressed Thor on the head who was being held by me, "Good-bye, Thor. I know we'll see each other again. You are just adorable!" She waved and headed off.

"It makes sense," Vincent said as we walked back into the depths of the house. "The how, the why..."

I nodded, "And I hate to admit it, but Matilda may be a victim."

"What!?" Vincent physically stopped me. "She was in on it!"

"Yes," I nodded. "Why?" I turned more directly to Vincent. "She was physically and sexually abused as a little girl, but also sheltered," I raised my finger to Vincent. "Along comes this handsome man who treats her better than any man she's known! He sees someone he can use to get what he wants. He sees Baron Lobenstein's money and uses Matilda to get it." I shrugged, "To remain on Ludwig's good side, she agrees and does what Ludwig asked. She becomes his bank account." I shook my head again. "She won't see that. She can't or she loses him forever! She's a victim!"

"I can't feel sorry for her," Vincent said through gritted teeth.

"I can't either," I admitted. "With the change in thinking though, she's a misguided little girl, but still responsible." I held my arm out. "She was twelve when Ludwig and Matilda met. Twelve! I don't like her either, but we may help her when we investigate."

Vincent thought a second and then shook his head, "Why can't we just throw her in the dungeon?"

"We need proof, Vinnie!"

"Kings never did before!" Vincent said. "Dad even thought of it."

I smiled and handed Thor over to him, "It's called justice. You're more civilized." I patted his chest went to check on Rebekka and Laura.

"Aw," Vincent pouted and followed me. "Do we have to?"