Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, events or locales is purely coincidental and no slanderous intent is implied.
This is a story about a son of Duke from a fictious kingdom and the life and experiences that he has when he ends up in America. During this story we discover two fictious nations and principalities and their royal families ... These are completely the product of my imagination and bear no resemblance to anyone living or dead.
This work is copyrighted and I ask that you do not copy, post or electronically download without my express permission.
If you are too young to be here or it is illegal in your state then please leave; finally if you are looking for hot sex scenes then look again as you'll not find any here.
Email me with your comments at ukwriter12@yahoo.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Characters ----------- Lancelot Jefferson Bravender VI The Honourable Lord Bravender, Viscount of Aeden Grandpa Bradley Patterson ... LJ's Grandpa
Mr Jake ... Caretaker of LJ's estates.
King Roger of Aquamaine ... King of Chrysland Prince David – Heir to the throne of Aquamaine.
Thomas – Lancelot's Major-Domo Simon – Lancelot's Footman Saunders – Lancelot's Butler
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Titles ------- Lord Ravenswood - 14th Duke of Ravenswood and Aeden Viscount Ravenswood Earl of Lizonby Earl of Aylsgart Baron Rooksfeld
Viscount Aeden Viscount of Rooksfeld
Marquess of Reymire Earl of Kirkowen Lord Mallamtap
Baron of Crogdun
Lord Aquamaine Duke of Rookfort Marquess of Conroy Baron of Kingsmere
17th Duke of Valkland
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Locations --------- Chrysland (Nation) Lizondia (Neighbouring nation)
Towns in Chrysland ------------------ Lizonby Aylsgart Valtland Jusland Sifton Park - Aquamaine Aquamaine
Homes mentioned --------------- Rooksfeld Manor (Near Lizonby) Aquamaine Palace (Home to the kings of Chrysland) Aquamaine House
Lord Aquamaine --------------
Chapter 1 - Lancelot
Not many people have heard of Lancelot Jefferson Bravender. I mean why should they? I'm just a normal lad, that's got a weird name. Same name as my father and his father before him. My mother was American though and insisted that they add the number after my name which makes it even weirder, Lancelot Jefferson Bravender VI.
Now I don't know why I am writing, except since coming to America I feel a need to record everything that happened so that one day my family will be able to see what really happened and why I am what I am.
People say write about happy things, but how can you when the events that shaped your life are so sad for the first few years. There will be happy times and when we get to the point where the family comes along there will be more happy times than sad, but to start there has to be crisis and betrayal for that's what happened. I think if my family know how everything affected me then it may help them to shape their lives in some way.
I would write about love, but the first two times when I felt that I had met Mr Right nearly destroyed me... Yes I said mister. If you do not like it leave for that is what it is. This journal does not need to list all of the sordid details though.
As I was saying times when I felt I had found Mr Right just turned out to be failures and yet I found great joy in life as well. From a very young age I was a business man, my family came only when I had children. I never had a family of my own to observe and learn from like most children.
I eventually found love in a place and time that I least expected to find it. I was on an Italian beach wearing as little as possible and I saw this young man sobbing his heart out and I lost my heart, but that will be told later. Possibly in a different story even.
If it appears that I write as if speaking to you, like this, and then jump back into the action where you can actually see the discussion that's because often I will explain what happened and then other times will allow the action that I remember to explain events that shaped my live. I trust you will bear with me.
Sorry I jump ahead of myself and should let the story tell itself. At the time that I start telling the story I was nine years old, but will talk about all of my preceding years. As the journal goes on I may need to intervene so that you know exactly where I am. Even I get confused as this will cover so many years.
I never knew my mother. She died in childbirth and father never really got over it. He would disappear months on end when we were very young and I found out that he was travelling to Lizondia to a retreat that he had just so that he did not have to be around us. When he had grieved sufficiently he was never the same and though he loved his children he buried himself in drugs, sex and booze.
In the times that father was sober he used to tell us that mother took one look at me and my twin brother when we were born and promptly popped her clogs and died. He was a lovely man, or he had been when mother was alive, but death had changed him.
Daddy was and I have to try to remember it all ... Lancelot Bravender, Lord Ravenswood - Duke of Ravenswood and Aeden. In addition our family are able to also claim, Earl of Lizonby, Earl of Aylsgart and Baron Rooksfeld. As a result we lived in Rooksfeld Manor near Lizonby even though we have many other properties.
At the time the journal begins The Honourable Troy Bravender, Viscount of Aeden was my twin and I was known as The Honourable Lord Lancelot Bravender, Viscount of Rooksfeld. Troy was my older brother by only fifteen minutes. He was due inherit everything and I loved him for it. I think because of the way father was none of this meant anything to me. Troy would become the next Baronet Bravender of Rooksfeld when good old father decided to pop his clogs. You can tell we're really close can't you.
Father was a child of the sixties and got stuck there when he came back to the manor the last time. It was as if he were a different man. He was a flower power, pot loving hippy.
From when we were born we had one of the maids looking after us. Sarah would watch and protect us from everything. That is until father decided to change the Manor into a commune and all of the staff was laid off. We were nine years old and although school gave us freedom from his way of life, once school was out we had to go back.
I loved the place. I loved walking along the drive to the house after school. It was so grand and pure in an odd sort of way. All of the grounds were well manicured and looked after. Troy and I had a grand old time exploring and walking among the deer in the grounds as we grew. That is until father changed.
Rooksfeld Manor had been built over a period of thirty five years and the original plans and building work had been carried out in the 15th century by the sixth Duke, Cecil Bravender. We could trace our family right back to Saxon times in England, where most of those that lived on the island of Chrysland originally came from.
Once the manor was complete there was a North, South, East and West wing; with a central quadrant for the ladies to exercise. In later years this was covered over and the quadrant changed in to a massive ballroom which was sheer elegance, with several smaller rooms connecting to it. On one side of this were several hidden priest rooms that only the family knew existed. I guess this was a throw back to our British heritage. I never did know why in Chrysland we needed priest holes.
With the building of the ballroom the ladies took to exercising in winter months along the Long Gallery in the South wing.
The Eastern approach was meant to be the main entrance. Whilst there was an entrance on each wing by the time the Manor was complete the main entrance was the Northern gatehouse.
The northern approach had a gloriously extravagant gatehouse that controlled access to the manor, until father got rid of all of the staff. Once through the wrought iron gates there was a mile long driveway leading to a circular courtyard around the fountain itself. Horse drawn coaches could drive under the portico so that the family and guests would avoid getting wet in the frequent storms that we had.
Overall, majestic was the only name for the building. No that is totally wrong it's beautifully elegant. I tried many times to count the number of rooms and gave up deciding to concentrate on just bedrooms and still there were too many to count. I am sure there must be a record somewhere, possibly in the books in the library.
Even when I finished counting rooms in the main house there was a whole servants' quarter just off the West wing. This not only housed all of the living accommodation, but also the laundry and the kitchens as well. The place was quite forward thinking and had a furnace built into servants' wing and this supplied under floor heating for the whole Manor.
The main dining hall was massive and took most of the ground floor of the West wing. It was split into three individual dining areas. Though could be made into one for stately occasions. Though close to the kitchen there were torturous corridors and steps that led to it and it was a miracle hot food ever got the table. Though there was a dumb waiter lift from the kitchen to the preparation room just off the dining hall.
Towards the South wing there was a walled garden which grew all of the vegetables for the house and also an orchard which was mature and well preserved. The kitchen always had an abundance of fruit. There was a large block of stables and out buildings on the west side behind the servant's wing and this was well stocked with our horses and housed our cars and coaches. It also had more bedrooms for the stable staff and chauffeurs.
The grounds were well maintained until father lost himself. The driveway had a gentle slope to it and there was a pump that pumped water from the fountain outside the main entrance to the top of the driveway. There it flowed down the gentle stepped canal back to the fountain and gushed its beauty through Neptune and his Cherubs. The flow from the fountain was sheer magnificence, especially when lit at night.
The inside of the house was painted with frescos and gold leaf. Many walls lined with oak. On the walls were paintings by old masters like Donatello and Constable who actually painted the house and grounds. There were statues of Greek gods everywhere and it must have taken an army to keep the place clean. At the top of the main staircase was a magnificent gigantic clock that gave the time for the whole house. This was kept wound maintained by the house butler and everyone took their time from it.
Our favourite part though, had to be the suits of armour and all of the medieval weaponry arranged on the wall as you entered and throughout the Great Hall itself. The best was the display of giant broadswords placed in a circle on the massive oak covered wall that formed part of the magnificent stairway leading up to the second and third floors. I can tell you Troy and I loved reliving the heraldry of the past and how the family were granted the titles that we had.
We loved trying to work out why our family coat of arms was what it was. A shield in the centre bordered by two rampant dragons with wings unfurled. The shield was plain Gold with flames around the base, rising out of the flames and in the centre of the shield was a gleaming sword. On top of the shield was an eagle with his wings as if he were landing. We could never understand it, but we both took great pride in it.
You could see the coat of arms flying on flags all over the village and the school that we attended had the coat of arms as part of it official letter head as did all of father's stationery. We often told stories of how the sword was Excalibur with the shield symbolising King Arthur.
Troy had never been a very well person and I had to take the place of mother and father and look after him as well as a little boy could. When he was unwell we used to spend hours in the library, with me reading to him all if his favourite historical tales. If he was particularly bad I would play my grand piano as he loved my playing and it seemed to calm his spirit. By spending quiet times together he would normally recover quickly.
I remember one time he didn't recover and he was getting weaker and weaker, screaming in pain. I decided that it was time to ask father to take us to the doctors or the hospital. Troy was far too weak to walk by now.
As I walked into father's room he was high on LSD or something. He seemed drunk as usual and was snorting what looked like a line of white powder. The air was thick with foul smelling smoke and was room was full of naked men.
I knew father suffered with melancholy and depression. When he did he had often lashed out at me with his belt or a cane depending where we were. Today was no different, though he was not himself. In the past he had control. Today he very nearly killed me had I not been able to escape when one of the men tried pulling him back on to the bed. As I fled he just yelled and yelled and thrashed the man that had pulled him away.
I often wondered why the commune had no women. Yet when I asked father would just beat me. I soon learned status quo and how to avoid whippings. During the beating all the men laughed. Thinking back they all seemed to be sexually aroused at the same time. This last time though he even pushed those he was with over the edge.
Grandpa where are you?
That's it! I had no choice I had to get word to Grandpa, my mother's father as Troy's life depended on it. After spending a little time literally licking my wounds, I took all of my money and ran to the village post office, sobbing all of the way. It was well over three miles and it was all I could do to walk never mind run.
I banged and banged until I got a reply at the post office. By the time the door was opened I was almost unconscious on the doorstep.
I literally begged them to send the telegraph to Grandpa. When they read what I wanted to send, they took me in and fed me until they had completed the task. The post mistress saw blood seeping through my shirt from my back and spent time dressing my wounds as she sobbed at what she saw. They didn't want me to go back, but I told them that I was the only one that Troy had so I had to get back to him.
The post master called around and got basic supplies for me from ever store in the village so that I could nurse Troy until grandpa arrived. His wife explained what I should do to get the most out of the medical supplies that they had given me.
The doctor even came over and asked what was happening to Troy. She said she thought it might be appendicitis and I would need to nurse him as his temperature would escalate as the infection spread and if the appendix burst then he might even die. She wanted to come with me, but it was clear that everyone was afraid of father. I hugged her and told her that I understood.
We should have taken Troy to the hospital, but no one dared come near the place. You see the last time anyone did father took a shot gun and chased them away.
The post master gave me tins of soup so that I could feed Troy and promised that they would bring Grandpa and the police as soon as he arrived. Before sending the telegraph he had added to the message to contact him as he was very concerned for the children's safety.
They loaded me and my supplies into a car and dropped me off at the gate so that I only had to walk the mile down the driveway. My backpack was full of supplies that would save my life and help Troy and was heavy so it took some time for me to walk the mile back to the house.
I hated leaving Troy, but I had no choice as the phone had been cut off, servants chased away and everyone else was so drugged that they were a danger to themselves.
The only trouble with the telegraph was that the only person I knew could help, my mother's father. You say that's okay as he will love you enough to sort things out. Yes he would, but he was in America several hours away.
He lived in Texas. Even owning a plane as he did it would take hours, if not days for him to get here. This was not the twenty first and travel was slow.
I raced up the drive to the stately halls that I was so used to and as I ran in the entrance I heard the most horrific scream coming from our room. "Oh God Lance it hurts so much! Help arghhhhhhhhhhhhhh..."
Filling a basin with cold water I raced up the stairs. As expected the hippies had taken over and were oblivious to the state Troy was in. I had to chase them out with the water and then got more to try to bathe Troy to keep him cool.
Troy's temperature was simply getting worse and worse. I gave him the medicine that I had been given and kept watch though out the night watch and waiting. Watching Troy and bathing him with cold water to bring his temperature down, whilst waiting for Grandpa.
I doubted Grandpa would get the police to help as previously I'd tried to tell them what was happening when one of the men in the commune had tried to rape me. They just took me to my father and in one of his more lucid moments he made it very clear that we had to avoid scandal at all costs.
That was the first night that father beat me. It was Troy who nursed me that night as I sobbed myself to sleep. Father's drunken rages became a regular occurrence after that. I never let him touch my Troy. It was always me that took the beatings. My beautiful Troy could not be harmed like that! Rather coincidental, father beating me and also worrying about a scandal.
So here I was, having to look after a sick twin who meant more to me than life itself. I got a bowl of cool water, a little medicine and some food that I had been given. He took the medicine, but could not eat anything and was getting weaker and weaker.
All through the night I was awake bathing Troy to keep him cool and his temperature down, but it was a losing battle. I also became worried through the night as it went very quiet. Unusually so which was very strange.
I was just a normal guy with a weird name. Okay my family came from money. If we wanted Troy would become Lord Ravenswood, 14th Duke of Ravenswood and Aeden. My family home was Rooksfeld Manor just outside of Lizonby. We owned several stately homes and others in Valtand and Jusland, one in France, one on the South Coast and a four bedroom flat overlooking Sifton Park in the city of Aquamaine. All of this meant nothing without Troy.
Did I like my family? With my father the way he was at the moment? What do you think? I loved my father, but hated him for what he had become.
It had been well over twenty four hours, almost forty eight since we had sent the telegraph. Troy was unconscious and getting weaker by the minute. No matter what I did his temperature got worse. I suddenly heard cars in the driveway and rushed to the door. Grandpa was about to pick me up, but I just pulled his hands and begged him to follow me.
At that moment we heard Troy scream as he had been for about an hour and Grandpa and his men took off like a shot. "Carl, do what you can and get him to hospital as quickly as possible. We'll follow."
With that he raced from the room and the police followed. "I want everyone off these off the premises now! I'll deal with the Duke myself. Why has no one listened to my grandchildren inspector?"
The inspector just said, "Sir they never said anything."
"I know that is a lie as they called me and told me what you had done. If Troy dies I will sue this police force for negligence. How could you? Did you even think to come out here?"
"But the Duke sir..."
At that time we entered father's rooms and grandpa looked at him, "You were saying. The Duke...? Go and get one of the nurses. Now...!" Within seconds a male nurse entered the room and felt for a pulse. First father then all of the other men in the room and he just looked at Grandpa and shook his head.
"Sir your son–in–law is the fourth person that has... They all seem to have..."
I interrupted him, "He's dead isn't he? They all are. They all went strangely quiet in the night."
"Yes son, but don't worry Grandpa's here."
"Good. He won't be able to beat me anymore." I turned to leave the room totally void of all emotion.
"He beat you?"
"Yes Grandfather, almost every day." I turned and lifted my shirt to show my back. The police and nurse just gasped and turned away. "When I came and asked for help with Troy he was already high on one thing, drunk with another and snorting something else and this was his parting gift to me for asking for help."
The inspector looked at me, "It does not appear that simple My Lord. The heroin was tainted deliberately. Neil Fitzwilliam just looked at me and asked if it had worked. Do you know him?"
Grandpa looked at me, "Are you up to answering son?"
I thought for a moment, "Yes sir. Neil Fitzwilliam was the university roommate of my father. It was obvious that while they were together Neil and father had been something slightly more than just friends. Once the old duke died and father became the Duke, grandmother paid Neil to stay away. I thought that I'd seen him the other day. He'd always promised that he would get even with father."
Just then another policeman walked in dragging someone with him. "Is this him?"
I ignored him and continued talking, "Grandfather we'll..."
He interrupted me again. "Maybe you didn't hear me you little brat, is this him?"
I turned. "I'm sorry, are you speaking to me? You are forgetting yourself if you are. When you wish to address me you will call me My Lord or Sir. My father may be dead and my brother in hospital fighting for his life and I'm only a nine years old, but I am still
Lord Bravender, Viscount of Rooksfeld and master of this house at the moment. Remember that!" I looked at the man, "No that's not Neil. That's Richards the footman that served my father for years. I always did like him."
Looking at the man I asked "Why Richards?"
"Sorry young master I wud'a done anything for this not to have affected you. I would never hurt either of you boys and I told them that."
"Who?" He flinched and ignored my question, "As I was saying I loved you both. You know all of us servants did sir. I know you're young Sir and maybe won't understand, but him `n' me were lovers so we were. Slept in his bed for years I did. Even when he married your mother we were still loving so we was.
"Then, as we got older he continued to like `em young so he did and threw me away like an old boot for a younger piece of ass. The old bastard got what was coming to him. I feel no regret. I's sorry my Lord that it's hurt you. Poor Neil had nothing to do with this. He wanted to kill him so he did, but he's so simple he had absolutely no feking idea what to do."
"Thank you Richards, were others involved?" He flinched again and dropped his head and next thing I knew the police we dragging him away.
Things were to get far worse though as the doctor had already left for the hospital when we got back to where Troy had been. The police stayed at the Manor to clean up as they called it. Grandpa's men got a team together once all of the bodies were removed and started to put the Manor back together as they did we learned that father had destroyed several priceless pieces in his drunken rages.
Grandpa and his closest friend were given a police escort to Lizonby hospital to be with Troy. A policeman tried to block my way and tell me to stay at home and they would let me know what was happening. I looked at him and suddenly I was so angry. My father had always told me that I had to stay in control.
In a very calm voice I asked, "Do you know who you're talking to? The Duke is dead. By right of succession I am already Lord Bravender, current Viscount of Rooksfeld. If my brother dies tonight then I will be Lord Bravender Duke of Ravenswood and a lot of other places you will only forget! Do not presume sir to tell me what I should do my grandfather will do that.
"The police are already facing the wrath of my family. Just pray to god my brother lives or this land of Chrysland will also know my wrath and will never recover. Now - move - out - of - my – way and perhaps you will keep your job!."
Grandpa just stood and watched. The police inspector stepped in at that point and said "Sir, please follow me."
Grandpa laughed a belly laugh when we got into the car and just hugged me, "By god I could see your mother in your eyes just then. LJ you were fucking marvellous." We were soon speeding along the road to Rooksfeld County hospital at Lizonby. We even had the blue lights on the police car to get us there.
Troy's appendix had burst, and because of how weak he was he never recovered. Two days later my twin...my best friend died in my arms. At the end he opened his eyes looked at me, smiled and that was it. He was gone. When Troy died any warmth that I had towards my father's family died as well.
I was Lancelot Jefferson Bravender VI, Lord Ravenswood - 14th Duke of Ravenswood and Aeden, Earl of Lizonby, Earl of Aylsgart, Baron of Rooksfeld. I was able by inherited right to sit in the Parliament of Lords as opposed to the Parliament of the people.
Yet I hated life.
Rich beyond imagination and I hated the fact that I was alive, and my beautiful Troy dead. I was empty. I was a shell. Grandpa was devastated as he felt that he'd failed us.
So it was that from the age of nine I was going to grow up on a ranch in Texas and had been given the name LJ by my Grandpa. It stuck and I loved it. I was Lord Bravender and all of that, but would I ever return? That I just did not know.
Grandpa asked his ranch foreman to stay on the estate as manager and look after the place for me. The house was completely closed and the cleaning crews were the only people who had access to the Manor and all of the other properties.
Before I was able to move to over to America we had to arrange everything and sort out the estate. Father had gotten it into a real mess. Grandpa and his attorney hired me a solicitor to represent the estate and another to independently represent me. We worked with the authorities of the land and all of the succession was completed very quickly. Suddenly everything was in my name.
The funerals of His Grace the Duke of Ravenswood and Lord Bravender, Viscount of Aeden were terribly painful for me. Everyone that I did not even know existed came to visit and to express their condolences. Suddenly Rooksfeld was popular again.
Family arrived at the Manor, family that I had never seen before. This was family that had left us to die. Family that assumed they could just come in and take over. I found out that I had an Uncle and Aunt who had done nothing to help even though they knew what he was like.
Up until recently I even had a grandmother that was still alive. I'd not seen her in years. As her only heir my solicitor petitioned the crown and all of her lands and fortune was signed over to me.
This gave me the titles of, Marquess of Reymire, Earl of Kirkowen and Lord Mallamtap. So now I was even more of a mouthful ... Lancelot Jefferson Bravender VI, Lord Ravenswood - 14th Duke of Ravenswood and Aeden, Marquess of Reymire, Earl of Lizonby, Earl of Aylsgart, Earl of Kirkowen, Baron of Rooksfeld, and Lord Mallamtap. The only one I did not understand was Lord Mallamtap.
Only thing with all of the titles is that I never knew if I was allowed to use all of them. They were all mine by feudal law, but surely I could only really be known as one or two things. I would have to find out eventually. I mean did it even matter what I was called if I was living in America if Grandfather?
When we returned to the Manor after the funerals my uncle started spouting off that he would be the next Duke. I lost it. "Is that so?" He did not know that I was standing near him and my aunt. "Have you forgotten that only one of the twins died? How dare you even presume to think that you can step into my shoes when I am still very much alive?"
"Why you bloody little upstart...! Richards said one of you was still alive."
Grandpa had made his way over to me by now, "Grandpa, call the police Viscount Upstart and Lady Slime have some confessions I believe."
My aunt looked at me, "How can you think that I would be involved in something like he's insinuating?"
"Simple. It was my brother that was ill dearest aunt, not me. I saw a lady regularly visiting and delivering the drugs to Richards. I never connected it as I assumed it was just more to the supply they usually got. No. It was in fact you delivering the poisoned heroin so that he could use it on the people here. I will stand up in court and swear that's what I saw."
Everyone was looking at her now, "I think you will also find that Richards will squeal like a pig now that he's behind bars. He's already apologised to me, has he contacted you yet?" I turned to grandfather and paused.
Looking at my uncle, "Do not think that I did not see you also sir... Yes I saw Neil and he was as drugged up and my father most of the time. You were there though. You came and went and delivered food for my brother and me on that last day. I bet if we test the food in the kitchen we will find that too was poisoned. If we exhume his poor body we will find poison in Troy's system. Luckily the post mistress gave me food so he would not have had much."
At that moment the inspector stepped out of the shadows, "No need Your Grace. As they died at home under suspicious circumstances we had to carry out post mortems on all of the bodies. You're right they had all been poisoned in the drug that they were taking. Your brother though, that was just horrific what they did to him as he was so young and innocent. We have tested all of the food and drugs and have finger prints and proof that it was them. I am so sorry Sir."
That was it. I looked at everyone in the Manor. "You think you are all so fucking well to do and protected and yet you cannot even look after your own. Show of hands and be honest for a change. Or is that impossible? After tonight you may never see me, so how many of you knew what was happening?" All faces turned to the floor and all hands went up.
"How many of you knew Troy and I even existed?" Again all hands were up in the air.
"How many of you had the power to step in and sort things out for two young boys who were ill and being abused?" A few hands went up.
"Well obviously the country leaders and its nobility are a bunch of spineless money grabbing twats. Leave and leave now. I care not if you'd arranged to stay. I want you off MY property now. You worry about scandal? Well you bloody well have one. It is about to hit the fan never mind the fucking newspapers. Grandfather you know what to do."
I was to find out that Grandpa's men had fixed the phone because as everyone was leaving and grandpa's men were seeing them off the premises there was a phone call and it was from the palace.
They were distant cousins of fathers and were worried about what was happening. They were calling to apologise for not attending the funeral today. The King himself was on the phone talking to me like a father. "Son...? Lancelot...?"
"Your majesty I prefer to be called Lance."
"Okay, Lance I want to come and visit with my son. Can we come up to you tomorrow for the day? Pleased believe me I had no idea that things had got this bad with your father."
"Sire I have no staff to look after you and you may not wish to visit when you know what I plan to do."
"Why would that be?"
"I want the papers to run the story of what has happened and how everyone turned a blind eye since we were six years old and just watched Troy be murdered."
"I see. Well I cannot say that I blame you, but I wish that you would wait until we meet. Plus I know that you're angry and upset and I am sure that I would be myself. I am your father's cousin and was his best friend at your age. However, I do not feel that what you have said would be the best for you personally and I wish that you would reconsider." Grandpa was listening on the speaker phone and simply nodded agreement.
I simply started sobbing... "Oh sir I don't know what I am going to do. I even just found out that my grandmother had died and no one told us. I feel ... I feel so betrayed." I just sobbed for what seemed like ages.
"Mr Patterson can you hear me?"
"Yes your majesty."
"Is Lance Okay?"
I pulled myself together and looked up, "Sorry sire, I'm still here."
"Lance, do not worry about anything. We will talk. I will bring our own staff and a team that will blitz the manor for you and get it back to the grand old girl it used to be. Let me do this for you please.
"I would also like my house manager to work with someone your grandfather trusts to ensure that all of your properties are managed and protected not just that one. I think you need a Steward to look after your properties."
The phone went silent and Grandpa and I waited for what he would say next as I had the phone on speaker. "Did you know your father and I went to school together? I still Lance so very much. I'm sorry, but because of my position I had to distance myself and I am so sorry now. You know I can remember the day you were born? Let me try to look after my friend's baby boy."
I just said "Thank you sire. My Grandfather and I would enjoy meeting with you."
"Do not worry Your Grace. We will get everything sorted. I promise you."
With that the call ended. As promised he and his family arrived early in the morning. He set his servants working with Grandpa's people to get everything sorted. His cook took over the kitchens promising breakfast would be served by 10:00am sharp.
It felt good to feel life come back to the Manor. His son walked over to me. He was about a year older and he pulled me into a hug and I just cried. Grandpa and the King spent a little time together discussing what should happen while giving me private time. The Prince sat with me and just held me while I cried.
As I pulled myself together I stood and approached the King. "Your majesty I am honoured that you are visiting."
"Nonsense Your Grace it is I that owe you a debt of honour for out of everyone you have shown us all how to act. It is also you that has suffered the greatest."
As we chatted we walked toward the dining hall and the smells were wonderful. "I remember when your mother met this certain American Belle and the wonderful ball that he threw for her in the ballroom. You were there were you not Mr Patterson?"
"Yes sir, it certainly was a grand shindig."
We walked into the dining room and there was the serving table full of a selection of foods that had been prepared and allowed us all to have as much as we wanted. The kings advisers and grandfather men joined us.
After we had our fill the rest of the servants and workers were allowed to sit and have their breakfasts as well. It might not have been as etiquette would state, but I wanted everyone to feel part of the family.
I walked with the King into the Morning Room. It was a room that caught the early morning sun and I loved it above all other rooms. We discussed everything even the fact that he was willing to let me live in the palace with his family until I was of age.
Grandpa refused and insisted that he was now my guardian. He did ask the King for his protection of my titles and inheritance as it appeared others already had their eyes set on them. The King assured us that would not be an issue in the future as his men were already on to it.
"Lance?" The King started, "I would like you and your grandfather to attend the Parliament of Lords as is your right at the `Specially requested' session of parliament. David my son is The Crowned Prince of Chrysland and the 17th Duke of Valkland and is taking his place. So it would be good to attend together."
Grandpa looked at him, "How can I attend your majesty? I would not want him to be alone."
"You're an Oil baron aren't you?" He smiled, "More importantly you are the guardian of the current Duke of Ravenswood and Aeden and as such it is his right to bestow upon you any title that he so deems appropriate. I would suggest, Sir Bradley Patterson, Viscount of Aeden since he uses the title of Duke of Ravenswood. It would also honour Troy as that was the title that he held. Lancelot will retain
the title of Duke, but will go by Ravenswood for his signature and so can bestow up on you the Viscount title. Your Grace does that meet your approval?"
"Yes sire it certainly does." I said smiling.
The footman approached and handed the King a sword. "Bradley, please would you kneel." Placing the blade of the sword on Grandpa's right shoulder the King said, "Bradley Patterson I knight thee Sir Bradley Patterson, Viscount of Aeden, Baron of Crogdun. Arise, Sir Bradley." I was grinning from ear to ear.
"From this day on I do entrust upon you the life and wellbeing of my godson the most Noble Duke of Ravenswood and Aeden. Be warned should his wellbeing ever be put into question the Throne of Aquamaine will intervene no matter who is putting him at risk."
The King smiled at me, but I do not think that the King knew how true his words would be when the actual throne of Aquamaine put my life in danger. "Yes Lancelot I am your Godfather." With that he hugged me and we both wept.
"Now Bradley will you attend the House of Lords with your Grandson as is your right as Baron of Crogdun." Grandpa nodded. "Okay while I am in the mood for change lets have you on your knees Your Grace." He said playfully. I looked at him and knelt on one knee and bowed my head.
"Lancelot Jefferson Bravender I bestow up thee as is my right, the Dukedom of Rookfort the most ancient of rights in this land next only to the King. I also bestow, as is my right, Lord Aquamaine Baron of Kingsmere. Those are my own lands Lance. The Prince of Chrysland has requested that I bestow on his behalf Marquess of Conroy which makes you Prince David's man at arms. You young Sir, are now the most important Lord in this land. Arise, Lord Aquamaine, Duke of Rookfort... Marquess of Conroy, Baron of Kingsmere."
As I stood, everyone in the room including David and the King knelt and pledged their allegiance to me as the Prince's man at arms. Grandpa was shocked when he saw that, but copied everyone as the King's footman place the ring of office on my hand.
David looked at me and stated, "From this day you will be known as His Grace the Lord Aquamaine, Duke of Rookfort, Marquess of Conroy. This will let everyone know that we King Roger and Prince David of Aquamaine have pledged our allegiance unto your house and will not allow you to be attacked in any way."
The King looked at me I just said, "I do not feel worthy sir."
"Lance my boy when I was a young man I soon realised that no one is worthy of this. I am Roger of the House of Rooksfeld the same house that you belong to and as such we will pull together. In the new positions that you have you also inherit all lands and properties appertaining to those positions. Castle Conroy is yours, as is Aquamaine House in the city of Aquamaine. I love you as my own son sir."
"Thank you." I just sobbed.
"Good. We need to drive down to Aquamaine and get your robes and everything else that you will need. I would like you to stay at my home, the Palace Of Aquamaine whenever you are in Chrysland."
"Thank you Sir we would be honoured." I said.
"Thomas." A footman stepped forward. "Please pack a bag for Lord Aquamaine and I would expect that he will require a whole new wardrobe so please arrange to have all of that made available to him by the time we reach the palace. He will also need his new coat of arms and initials on everything. He is now a Prince of the land in all but name and we need this to be known. I would say the simple addition of a crown around the sword in his current coat of arms should say everything. If you look at David's and mine it is very similar."
He looked at Grandfather. "Did you bring formal attire sir?"
"No your majesty I had to get here rather quickly and never thought." Grandpa said.
"Thomas also arrange with Nigel to assign a footman to the Baron and arrange a formal wardrobe for him. As grandfather of the new Lord Aquamaine he needs to look the part. Thomas I would also like to ask you to serve Lord Aquamaine in the future." Thomas simply bowed.
The king looked at me and continued, "Lance you do not need to worry about anything. The ceremonial robes for you both will be arranged at the same time with all of the accoutrements that are usual. Thomas is now your main man so turn to him for advice in everything."
Our stay with the Royal family was fantastic and David insisted that I share his room. The King like my father had experienced loss young and the Queen had died in childbirth when his second son was born, but sadly both died. Hence the reason he was so close to David.
They both took me on a tour of all of my properties and worked with Mr Jake my overseer to ensure that everything was in place to protect my inheritance and properties. I fell in love with Aquamaine House. Not as large as Rooksfeld Manor, but far grander.
We decided that we would make it our main residence when we were in Chrysland. Rooksfeld Manor would be our country retreat for the summer and Castle Conroy would become Prince David's and my private retreat when we wanted time to ourselves. Castle Conroy would host the annual Gala that I held every year, but the part I hate is that it would also hold the saddest day of my life which is why I would eventually stop going to it.
Thomas my footman became more than just a footman. With the King we negotiated with him his new position as it would mean that if we were to move to America with Grandfather that he would need to move with us. He became my Major-Domo, Steward to of all of my properties and responsibilities.
He was also my guide and my friend for most of my life and served me faithfully. Simon a young teenager who had just come to the Palace became my Footman and also close friend and would also travel with us. It was a sad day that we lost Simon.
To complete my household Saunders who was under butler at the Palace became my butler and no matter where we were he was head of the households until he moved on and met his love.
Saunders was the person who worked with Mr Jake to ensure that all of the properties were correctly staffed and had housekeepers and butlers that reported to him. It was then up to them to assess the needs for the household and make sure that they were fully staffed.
Thomas worked with Jake to make sure the estates were running correctly. Saunders worked with Mr Jake to ensure that the households were running correctly. We asked Mr Jake to hire a chief housekeeper for the properties that could work with him. In doing so he met Dotty.
We made sure that the King and David were aware that there was an open invitation to stay at any of our properties whether we were there or not. As the King said we were family. It made visiting the northern regions far more accessible than it had ever been. Saunders even when we were in America co-ordinated with the households so that they were ready for the Kings visits whenever they happened.
We had a fantastic time visiting with King Roger and Prince David. The King made sure that I was aware of many facts that my father had failed to tell me. One of them was that I was now third in line to the throne. I was growing to love David and would serve him as my Liege Lord all of my life. There was David as first in line. Then a distant cousin who was quite old and infirm, but not as distant as my father had been so was in line before me. Then there was me.
The clothes we were given were absolutely fantastic and I now felt that I belonged at last. At night David insisted he sleep with me as the first night I woke screaming with nightmares and the King took me in his arms and I slept in his bed that night.
I had never ever been hugged by my father and yet here I was naked as I never slept in anything with a very naked King spooning me from behind and hugging me into him and it felt so right. When we woke up he was exceptionally hard and his cock was pressing into my crack and yet nothing seemed wrong. Lying in his arms just felt so right. I felt safe.
When David found us he was horrified and glared at his father and said, "Leave him alone sir or face me!"
Ever since then insists he sleep every night with me protecting and loving me. At the time I did not understand this, but I was to find out. David also warned grandfather to never allow the King to sleep in the same room with me again. I think grandfather understood, but he never said. I found out later that Thomas was also warned to keep an eye on me.
The day that David, Grandpa and I went to the Parliament of Lords to be presented was pure pageantry. Boy was the King a showman and he arranged with all of the networks across the world to televise the event.
The whole affair was televised and they made sure to point out that "There in the first carriage we see King Roger of Aquamaine and with the King is his Godson, The Lord Aquamaine - Duke of Rookfort, Marquess of Conroy. Following them in the second carriage is the David of Aquamaine, Crowned Prince of Chrysland. Escorting him is the Viscount of Aeden, Grandfather of the Lord Aquamaine.
The King arranged with the military to have identical uniforms made to match the one that he wore as Head of the House of Aquamaine. There I was in my midnight blue livery with the royal purple sash hung over the opposite shoulder to the King and David to show that I was not directly a royal prince. Grandpa wore a midnight blue evening suit with the purple sash and looked very dapper indeed.
It felt so odd being in front of everyone, the crowds cheering and waving at us. The flashing cameras loved us and we were soon the talk of the country especially when as part of the Kings specially arranged announcement to his government he invited me to address the Lords and the country.
He knew what I was going to say when he said "My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen of Chrysland and the wider world watching us on their televisions today. I present to you the Crowned Prince of Chrysland, David of Aquamaine - Duke of Valkland." Prince David stepped forward and took the throne on the King's right.
"I present to you also The Lord Aquamaine, Duke of Rookfort, Marquess of Conroy - Third in line to the throne of Chrysland. Be it known that he is of the house of Aquamaine."
There was an audible gasp. "My Lord Aquamaine the floor is yours." The King and Prince David sat on the thrones as I approached the podium and bowed to before him. He acknowledged me and bowed his head.
I stepped up and asked David to join me. "As Lord Aquamaine I have always been told to avoid a scandal. Well I am afraid this may cause one. Since I was four years old all of my family and all of the peerage knew my father the Duke of Ravenswood. They also knew that he was a hippy and had turned Rooksfeld Manor into a commune." The murmuring around the hall became very audible.
I staggered a little and there was a gasp, but David held me up and looked to his father for help. They allowed me to continue, "Drugs flowed freely and I raised and looked after my twin who was never strong. At six years old I was cooking, washing and cleaning for the two of us or we would not have survived. To cut a long story short I am nine years old and both my father and brother are dead. When they died I suddenly found out that I had grieving family."
I took a deep breath, "Family came out of the woodwork once everything was clear. Every one of you had known and all you did was gossip and feel sorry for the boys ... `Oh my, those poor boys. Someone should help them!'..."
I looked around the hall. "You all knew about us. Not only are my family at fault, but you all knew about the Dukes young children being in danger and you did absolutely nothing. You the wonderful leaders of our land let my brother be murdered!"
I looked at Grandpa, "It was well known that we were in danger and you did nothing to help. In fact my own family played an active part in the murder of my father and brother.
"The Kings government pledges this day to all the children within Chrysland and its principalities that it will review all laws and create new laws that will protect you from dangers like this. Protect you from the daily beatings that I had to endure during my father's drunken drug induced rages." The King and Grandfather had not heard of this before and both looked shocked and the King visibly sobbed.
Suddenly I started to sob and collapsed. David held on to me as the King dashed forward and picked me up and cradled me in his arms with grandfather standing at his side. People tried to take me from him, David held them back from me. I had blacked out completely and my head lolled backwards, David simply held it to protect me.
King Roger took over from me while he cradled me protectively in his arms. "My Lords, Ladies and gentlemen of Chrysland and its principalities I pledge with every breath in my body that we will not allow this travesty to happen again. If the judiciary fail children then the Kings government reserve the right to overturn any ruling in order to protect a child." Being the good showman he paused.
"I am sorry. I now dedicate the lives of my family and government to the children of this land. Never again will the life of a child be thrown away as this young man's brother Troy was. Never will this child be ever again put in danger for whoever does so will be guilty of treason to the throne of Chrysland and his life forfeit. I King Roger so decree this law and let them face the joys of Castle Blackswale." At the time he could not know how these words would affect us all.
With that he stepped down from the throne with Grandfather at his Left hand side and the Prince of Chrysland at his right. Both were wearing their crowns, the whole scene looked so regal.
As they walked the Lords and parliament moved aside to make way for them. The Kings men at arms took their place at his side and protected him as he protected me. As we exited Government House the cameras of the world flashed and the picture that would be become known as the `The King of Hearts' was taken as the King carried me. His popularity soared.
The House of Lords called for me to take my place, but soon realised it was too little, too late. The King felt that they wanted to try to control the power that I had. I was The Lord Aquamaine and both Grandpa and the King refused. Stating that I was in mourning and when I was old enough to make my own decisions then I would.
In the meantime they claimed the Act of Proxy which meant that any vote carried out in the house then the Lords had by law to notify me by post or telegraph and I would place my vote that way. Thomas as my Major-Domo was their contact.
After that, Saunders with the household staff that worked for him managed the properties reported not only to myself, but also the King so that he was sure that I was being well looked after. Mr Jake insisted that they purchase antiques to replace those that were lost at Rooksfeld Manor and soon everything was back to the grandeur that it once knew.
They managed not only that estate, but also all of the properties that I owned. With the new titles and the titles inherited from my grandmother I had considerable rents coming in from the properties in Aquamaine and Conroy. Add to that the farms and lands that I owned in Ravenswood and Aeden meant that I had great wealth indeed.
Saunders' team extracted the outgoing expenses for the estates before I saw any of the cash, but it was still of great worth. I found it was very seasonal as there was the annual game shooting season and other functions like that. I still had a considerable income. Only the King knew what I was really worth and he had cautioned me that no one else need know.
There were two sets of money as far as I was concerned, my money and the estate money. I kept each estate's money individual as a separate entity. As a result of all of this I now held I had a regular income and the fortune of the family was invested to protect the family. The fortune grew. The King was my guide, but we also had an independent investment advisor in America.
Grandpa sued the authorities for child neglect and won with the support of the King. I had the $75,750,000 damages in my own bank account as grandpa insisted it be kept separate from the family fortune. I soon learned what `Family' money was and what was my own. I would also soon discover how different America was and just who my grandfather was.
That's all for now folks ... Will life in America be what LJ needs? Chapter 2 will follow soon.
If you enjoy reading the stories on nifty consider donating to the site to help with costs - http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html
Come on people let me know what you think. When you write us with your feedback it helps us to continue ... Email me with your comments at ukwriter12@yahoo.com ... I know it has been said many times, you keep us going and give us the determination to keep posting when you write. For those of you that do contact me I will always try to reply.
If there are any editors out there let me know. I have reviewed it, but a second pair of eyes never hurts.
A little about myself ... I'm from the UK and born in Yorkshire. I have always loved writing and hope you enjoy...Let me know!!