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
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- In an effort to help you follow what is happening the characters are listed below, but in addition since Lord Aquamaine is a very rich young man other things are listed as well, such as his businesses to help you follow.
Characters ----------- Lord Lancelot Jefferson Bravender VI - Lord Aquamaine Lord Troy Bravender, Viscount of Aeden - LJ's brother Bradley Patterson ... LJ's Grandpa Baron - LJ's Horse
Mr Jake ... Caretaker of LJ's estates. Greg Chalmers - LJ's man at arms Rupert Devereaux - LJ's Interior Designer Brodie Reid - Clothes Designer Matt LeRoy - Manager of Oklanhoma Ranch Mr Drew Evans - LJ's estate manager - Guardian. Mr Billy Watson - Atorney - Mr Drew's partner.
King Roger of Aquamaine ... King of Chrysland Prince David – Heir to the throne of Aquamaine.
Governor Walt Simms - Texas Governor Belinda Tremaine Davison - Vice President of America William Tremaine - LJ's attorney / Belle's father Arnold Tremaine - Attorney / Belle's brother Peter Tremain - Belle's oldest son Bobby Tremaine - Belle's son Richard Tremaine - Belle's twin son Barnaby Tremaine - Belle's twin son
Thomas – LJ's Major-Domo Simon – LJ's Footman Saunders – LJ's Butler Mike Russo - LJ's security guard Dave - LJ's security guard Gunny Wilks - LJ's security guard Coach Ord - LJ's Sensei with Dave
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 and areas in Chrysland ----------------------------- Lizonby Aylsgart Valtland Jusland Sifton Park - Aquamaine Aquamaine
Properties ----------- Rooksfeld Manor (Near Lizonby) Aquamaine Palace (Home to the kings of Chrysland) Aquamaine House Florida Ocean Front House Oklahoma Ranch Texas Ranch (Main Home)
Aquamaine LLC ------------- Aquamaine Fruit and Vegetables - Florida Aquamaine Horse and Cattle Company - Oklahoma and Texas Aquamaine Wineries - Califormia and Texas Aquamaine Hotel Several Shopping Malls in differnet States Two Theme Parks Aquamaine Men (Menswear) Aquamaine Retail (departmental stores) Aquamaine Real Estate - Various Rental properties Aquamaine Dude Ranch - Montana
Lord Aquamaine --------------
Chapter 3 – Alone
Looking back I realise that I didn't know what to do. I was lost, at least when I looked after Troy I felt as if I belonged. I had a purpose. I was needed and someone loved me. Here I was and no matter what anyone tried to do I felt alone and in terrible, terrible pain.
I ached and wanted to die. I wanted to be with my Papa and Troy so that the pain would end. I knew if I took my own life it would never be allowed to happen. I just wanted to be loved, no needed to be loved and accepted for who I was. I just did not know what to do.
The King stayed until the funeral and tried to arrange everything that he could. Even I knew that his throne would be in danger if he did not return to Chrysland. Prince David went back with him and when Aunt Belle had gone I was alone... with strangers. I just did not know what to do anymore and all I seemed to do was cry.
Greg and his ma and pa were there and I believe that they cared, but I felt like an outsider in my own home. It had been a week since Papa's funeral and I arranged for his attorney to come out to the ranch house.
I was expecting this doddering old fool, like you see in all of the old films. When he was shown in, there stood Simon Hart and he was stunning. I'd begun to realise that I had gay feelings even though I was only ten and a half (please do not forget the half!) and this proved it.
He was Adonis reincarnated and there I stood sporting the first boner that I can remember. All these years later and I still remember the man that gave me my first hardon. Hell years later we even appeared in court against each other and I won for my client.
As I expected Papa left everything to me. I already had the properties, but Simon went through all of my holdings. Other than the ranches and farms Papa's estate included several shopping malls in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Colorado and Arizona. There were a couple of theme parks in Colorado and California. He had a top of the range men's outfitters called Aquamaine Men and a departmental store called Aquamaine Retail.
I remember meaning to talk to Belle as we did not seem to have anything in Aquamaine for women's fashion and I felt that it was a gap that we could work together to block.
Other than that he had a large balance in the bank of several million and several hundreds of thousands in stocks and shares. I noticed that he had shares not only in Microsoft, but shares which looked ancient and were Coca Cola. Microsoft I wondered what that company was. It sounded computers possibly, but being from the background that I was I had never even really seen a computer.
Coca Cola I had heard of and these were taken out when the company was originally formed. When I looked at them there was $560.00 investment which was purchased by my family in 1919. When I eventually got the dealer who was supposed to be advising grandfather and the attorney worked with him to sell the shares and we got over $100,000,000. Seems Grandpa invested well.
I also offloaded the Microsoft shares and I had a good feeling about them as well. What had cost him $24,450 gave a sale value of just over $25,000,000. Once we had sold I noticed that the value of Microsoft shares started to fall quite drastically.
After talking to grandpa's attorney he advised me to change my investment adviser as the one that grandpa used had made some serious oversights. Once we interviewed and settled on a newly qualified CPA and investment broker the stocks and shares started to grow quite rapidly and he was instructed to take risks, but never stupid risks. The value we were making from stocks and shares tripled over night.
Finally grandpa owned several condo blocks and townhouses in different states and towns, usually near colleges and universities. Most of these were rented and had a regular income on a monthly basis. They were managed by our own estate agents, Aquamaine Estates.
Personally, he had several flats - New York, Dallas, Vermont and Paris France, a beach house and several Condos in Florida, Stoneacre Estate in Boston, Aquamaine Estate in Thousand Oaks near Los Angeles and a ski cabin in Aspen. These were managed and maintained by Aquamaine Estates and though rented to friends were mainly for personal use. If I hadn't been before, I was now well and truly a $Billionaire several times over.
I also owned a large ranch in Montana that William Tremaine successfully recovered along with the $50,000,000 capital which they had been given as long as they kept quiet. They lived off the interest, the capital stayed intact. Now it was mine.
There were eight members of the family. Mama who was old, a daughter and younger son who failed to kill me in Chrysland and died in prison. Then there was the person who had killed Papa and he was now dead. When Mama heard that everyone was dead she shot her husband and then took the gun to herself before the authorities could get to her. Hence it was easy to recover everything. No matter how I tried even though they said eight those that we knew of did not match up to a count of eight.
I contacted William Tremaine and asked him to make sure that I had all of the legal representation that I needed and to make sure there was one position specifically open for a person that specialised in Child Law. He said that he was more than willing and would notify Thomas when my team was complete.
Before everything happened Aunt Belle was in touch all of the time. Now I just got a call from her son once a week telling me that mom was not doing too well at the moment as she blamed herself for Papa's death. This just made me feel worse than ever.
Now that the old family had been removed from the hotel project and Arnold was running it they were having great success and were soon half way through the tour and everything that I was being told was more than positive.
I got my security, which now included Gunny Wilks or Gunny as I called him to get the jet ready as we were going to go on a tour of the properties while the school was out. We had a quick tour of the wineries and citrus farms and then two weeks at Oklahoma where I spent most days horse riding with Mr Drew.
He was becoming like a father and I asked him if he was tied to Oklahoma. "Hell your Grace my family are in Texas right near where you live. I would love to go back home."
"As you know I have no one. Greg's parents are looking after me in my ranch and I just feel like an outsider all of the time. I need someone that I can trust and someone that I feel cares for me. I think you care about me, don't you?"
"Hell boy, I ain't never had no son a'fore and now you're asking me if'n I cares about you. Damn you!" I looked at him and he had tears in his eyes. "I couldn't care no more if'n you were my own kin." With that he hugged me and we just wept.
"Will you move to Texas and live in the ranch house with me? Will you be my guardian Mr Drew?"
"Why I don't think you'll want me when you know more about me My Lord." He had tears running down his face.
"Oh I don't know. You were thrown out by your father at the age of fifteen and moved in with your best friend's family. Billy and his family paid for you to go to the same UT Austin with him and you both graduated as Lawyers though he found work two years ago in Oklahoma and you never could as you want to specialise in Child law. So you moved to Oklahoma with him and got a job at what you grew up doing and that is being a cowboy. You and Billy have been together as lovers for several years, though you weren't when you first met. His parents love you both. How am I doing?"
"How can we move back he would never get a job." Mr Drew signed.
"Yes he would and you know it. His family own the firm that we use for Aquamaine Holdings and William Tremaine is the only family that has kept in touch with you, he was your grandfather's brother. He has also agreed to keep a position on my team open. Mr Billy since he is your family would become my personal lawyer a position that has been kept open for him.
"Of course if you came I would want you to be the manager of the ranches and farms for me. Sort of doing what Papa was and making sure with Thomas that everything is running smoothly and it all works well together."
"What about the family that you have already?"
"Greg I think he would stay with me, but I know his ma and pa want to get back to their own lives. They only did it on a temporary basis as a favour to the King. Either ways I would want Baron bringing down to Texas for me."
"Come with me young un I knows where my Billy is today as he's off work." We were soon riding for about fifteen minutes and then came upon a pool with a water fall and there was a naked man swimming in it. "Billy babes get your ass in gear and get out here I wants you to meet someone." Billy stood up to see who it was and when he realised Drew was not alone tried to cover his impressive erection.
"I am so sorry Your Grace."
"Billy, from what I can see you have nothing to be sorry about. No wonder Mr Drew has a smile on his face." Billy turned several shades of red. I just wandered off a ways with Baron and gave them some time together. About an hour later they both walked over to where I was, both blushing as I had heard grunting and was worried about them at one point and ran over only to find two very naked beautiful men making love.
I was so ashamed of myself that I walked over to Baron and told them to come to me when they were ready and Baron would look after me. I sat on the meadow feeling more alone than ever. No one loved me for what I was not like Mr. Drew loved his Billy. "I'm sorry LJ, but Mr Billy gets me hot so he does and I just forgot myself."
"He must you just called me LJ."
"Oh My God...! I am so sorry Your Grace I would never disrespect you."
"Nothing to be sorry about Mr. Drew, what I saw was beautiful and you forgot in the heat of the moment. Did you get to talk to Mr, Billy or were you too busy?"
"Lord Aquamaine, if I go back I could walk into a job so there is nothing holding me here. I would like to help you and work for you though. You mean the world to my Drew I swear I have never seen him so protective of any one. So you will mean the world to me as well." I just leaned against Baron and sobbed.
Mr. Billy picked me up and hugged me gently rubbing my back as he sang to me, eventually he said "Lance when do you want us to move?"
"Baron would you like to come and live with me?" The horse knew I swear as he nuzzled me and nodded his head. "That's it then you have to move now because Baron wants to live with me." We all laughed.
We arranged that they would drive down to Texas with Baron in a horse trailer in two weeks time for the end of the month. Matt LeRoy was not happy that we stole one of his men, but when he heard what for he understood.
"Mr Drew there is one place that I would like you and Mr Billy to come visit with me."
"Where's that Sir?"
"Montana as I have no idea what we are going to face when we get there."
They looked at each other, "Of course we will."
The next day we flew to the nearest airport in Montana to the ranch and then hired limos to drive us the rest of the way. What we saw shocked us to the core. There was a ranch house okay. Everything else looked like it had been a zoo. There were cages and lock ups everywhere.
As we drove into the driveway there were FBI agents blocking the drive. We'd attached the coat of arms on the car and when they saw who it was one of them climbed in and we were allowed to drive to the ranch house.
"You Grace, I am Agent Tollioni. We are still in the process of clearing this site. You need to be aware that the people who were here were not nice. I almost feel that I should not expose you to any of this, but you need to know. They were operating a child slavery operation, selling young boys to interested parties."
"Have the children been saved that could be saved?"
"Yes Sir. We need to know that we have found everything though."
Gunny was on the phone and called in a favour from a friend and soon we had tracker dogs arriving. "Sir these men work for marine canines and are fully trained marine sniffer dogs that are used in the thick of all of the action. They are used to looking for life signs and also sniffing for bombs. Leave it to us for a good hour and we will report status."
Agent Tollioni looked at him, "I've heard about these canines but always thought they were a myth. Very well you have an hour. Your Grace if you would follow me we'll get you safe and comfortable in the house."
As we were walking I heard something not too far away from where we were standing. Everyone just followed me as I headed to the outhouse building.
"Sir we have already checked over there." There it was again barely audible, but there was definitely a faint noise.
"Gunny get one of the dogs over here there's someone crying I swear there is. He released the dogs and one of them bounded over to the outhouse and started scraping at the ground. I ran over to it and looked around. "Look there's a pipe coming out of the ground as if it's an air vent. Quick get this dug up."
As they started digging a wooden trap door was uncovered and there were two identical babies. Agent Tollioni was on the phone getting paramedics immediately and asked for air medics to be deployed. Mr Drew and Mr Billy were the first to jump into the hole to get the babies. With the babies there was a letter in one of the baskets and certificate to prove who they were.
Their names were Richard and Barnaby Tremaine, but that was the Aunt Belle's name! They were the children of the bastard child. The letter said their mother had either been killed or died soon after they were born, but no one knew where she was. His name though was Davison it was Aunt Belle's maiden name that was Tremaine.
Thomas called the King to tell him what we'd discovered on the site and that none of us were willing to ignore these children. The king agreed and after speaking to Mr Drew agreed that they would be adopted by the crown and I would be their guardian. Ultimately Mr Drew and Mr Billy would be, but they were overjoyed to be able to be daddies.
The search uncovered another six children. Most were so weak that they never made it to the hospital. The two that did survive when their pictures were run in the paper and the story about their discovery stating that they had been in a coma since being found, two families contacted Thomas.
Two ladies came out telling us that they had separated from their husbands because they had sold the boys when they thought that they had discovered that they were gay. The men had been arrested for child abandonment, but the mothers had almost given up on ever finding the boys. When Gunny took them into the rooms with the boys they broke down at the side of the beds and the nurses had to sedate them.
We had been in Montana for a total of a week and Mr Drew and Mr Billy had interviewed a few families for overseers of the property and also a few cowboys to staff the ranch. It was supposed to be a horse breeding business so we gave funds to an already open business account and told the overseer that he had to report to Mr Billy about any purchases and that Mr Drew would be out regularly to make sure things we going well.
I gave them carte blanche to get the property up to standard. Pearson the new Montana ranch manager asked if he could develop the "Aquamaine Dude Ranch" as they were becoming quite popular and several of the cowboys had already worked on them and had the experience needed. I didn't know what he was talking about so asked him to explain.
A dude ranch is a working ranch which opens itself up for holiday tourists, come city dwellers to become cowboys for the period of their holiday. The employees would search the land of the ranch and mark it with several trails of varying difficulty and the carpenters would set markers along the trails say that look like totem poles of different colours to represent the difficulty.
They needed to get herds set up of the Aberdeen Angus cows so tourists could help with herding, branding and cattle drives. The ranch would get horses so that there was plenty for riding, but there were mustangs in the area and they could go catch a herd so that they could breed on the ranch and the dudes help foal the horses. He already knew of a river come pond that could have swimming area set up in it.
The carpenters and men could build simple home on the range cabins so that even though the holiday makers have comfort they feel as if they are walking back in time when they enter the little cottages. I loved the idea and they wanted to call it "Rooksfeld Range".
I agreed to everything except felt that my people needed to add the marketing expertise that we had so that the launch of the ranch was anticipated and fully booked. I also pointed out that as Mr Drew was my manager that they had to run everything past him, before it was finalised.
When we got back to Texas there were calls waiting for us from Belle. She wanted to know if I felt like that Charity Gala now as she was planning for the end of the month. I asked for three tickets and told her that my guardians Mr Drew and Mr Billy would be coming with me. "Aunt Belle, I hope you know how sorry I am for what happened and that you lost your husband. I have been meaning to call, but..."
"Sir he bought it on himself with greed. It is me that should apologise for what has happened and the loss that you have experienced. I hope you know that America still views you as an ally that we can work with and personally I still want to be Aunt Belle.
"I would like that madam. Let me put you on to Thomas and he will agree a date with you. Before handing you over though while we were at the Montana property we discovered two babies, twins. Their names are Richard and Barnaby Tremaine. Since you were his wife do you know anything about these babies?"
"Oh my god..." She screamed. "When we got married I got pregnant towards the end of the first year and he was not happy. It was with twins and he took me out to Montana for the last month of the pregnancy. When it was my time I collapsed and thought I had blacked out, now I think they drugged me. When I came too they had been born by caesarean section. I was told they had been born dead because they had been hurt when I collapsed. The bastard took my babies from me." With an anguished sob the phone went quiet.
Then Peter one of her sons came on the phone. "Your Grace mom is really upset as you can expect. We're flying out as soon as we can so that she's reunited with the boys. We do not want to wait we'll be there as soon as an Air Force plane can get us there. Thank you sir you've given me my baby brothers. We will see you later" and the phone went dead.
I then contacted the King and told him what had happened and he was pleased they had been reunited. I also told him that I had made and arrangement with people that I felt that I could trust and that they would be with me in two weeks with my horse.
I told him that it was one of my grandfather's men that I got on with from the start and he would manage the holdings for me. Then I quietly added that his partner Billy would be one of my attorney's. He knew Drew and felt that I had made a good choice.
Greg's parents were really happy about my decision and said they would always be there for me. As expected Greg insisted on staying with me at my side.
Aunt Belle had decided that as a result of what happened she was resorting back to her maiden name and would be Belle Tremaine. She arrived that evening and simply collapsed when she looked at her twins. Bobby and Thomas carried her to one of the rooms and then Bobby nursed Barnaby while Peter sat and nursed Richard.
We had sat nursing the babies for some time chatting when there was a knock on the door. Thomas answered it and there stood The Department of family and Protective Services. They had the cheek to state that they were here to collect three children, Lancelot Jefferson Bravender, Richard Tremaine and Barnaby Tremaine.
At that moment Aunty Belle had been coming down the stairs and heard what was being said. "Can I ask who has told you that Lancelot Bravender has no guardian looking after him or indeed that he is a citizen of America."
"Why? Who are you?" The child agency man asked and did not look up.
"I am your worst nightmare." With that he looked up. "Belinda Tremaine, formerly Belinda Davison mother of the two twins that you have also asked about and Vice President of the United States of America." He gulped and tried to back away, only to step back in to the point of Mike's gun.
She continued, "Now tell me who told you about Lancelot Bravender, Lord Aquamaine - Duke of Rookfort and Marquess of Conroy. He is a visitor to this country who has just inherited his grandfather's estates as his grandfather was murdered. He also has King Roger of Chrysland's protection and me as his guardian. Also he has several quasi guardians appointed by me. If you want to see his legal papers, then Mr William Tremaine of Tremaine Partners law firm has them for him. For your information as his mother was American he is becoming an American citizen this month. Now tell me who told you?"
"I am sorry madam, but I am not allowed to say."
"You, either tell me or the director when she comes out to visit after I call her and demand she attends."
He looked at his paperwork. "Coach Wortgren contacted us on the first day he attended school saying that he had fears about his safety."
"Agent West ensure that the coach is arrested." She shouted.
"You can't arrest Uncle Clarke..."
Belle looked at him, "You pretentious little upstart! How dare you try to take his Grace into your custody as retribution for what happened in school? Be certain now that the director will sack you as we will be taking you to court with your uncle. We will make sure that neither of you ever work again! We will also be seeking reparation from the school board for what has happened. Take him away agent."
With that she stormed into the kitchen and called the Governor of Texas. "Governor Simms please ... Yes I will hold." She snapped. "Walt? This is Belle I am with Lord Aquamaine in Texas and we have a serious problem." She went on to explain what had just happened and he said that he would call back.
As promised the phone rang fifteen minutes later. It was the Governor and wanted to speak to Belle. "Ms Tremaine, this is Walt. We have a school board meeting for that district at 7:30. Have Lord Aquamaine ready and any other children who can verify what happened when he went to school. I understand that he has only been a few days because of everything going on."
"That's true, but with everything going on would you want to go there again with the attitude that he has already faced?"
"Exactly...! Well let's see what they have to say. Also have your father there and that fella from the Child Protective Agency and his uncle the coach. I want them in handcuffs for all to see. They will learn not to mess with us Belle. Apologise to the Duke for me and I will see you tonight when I pick you up."
"Thank you Walt." With that the call ended. Belle looked at Greg. "Sir as Man at Arms, can you remember what happened to the His Lordship at school?"
"Yes ma'am. I dare say my mates will be able to remember as well as we were the only ones who recognised him for who he is. He was treated like dirt by all of the teachers."
"Call your friends and get them to attend the meeting that the school board is holding tonight."
"Ma'am did you know the Headmaster turned down his application to attend the school down until his Papa pointed out that you had recommended it."
"Did anyone witness this?"
"Yes my aunt is the school secretary and can go through a lot more than I just covered she was really upset by how he was treated."
"Get on the phone and call everyone. Get them to this meeting. We are not going to have LJ treated like this. If need be we will home school him with all your friends here at the ranch, but that will be a last resort."
Time flew by and we were all ready when Governor Simms and Belle's father drove up to the house along with the Governor's contingent of Special Agents. It was quite a cavalcade that arrived at the school offices and I noticed that they were in a building called, "Aquamaine House". I checked with Thomas and we actually were the owners of the building, and we were also the owners of the land that the school was built on. Belle really had weapons now that her father could use.
As we approached the floor where the meeting was scheduled the Governor walked in to the room and was asked. "What in the hell is this all about Governor? No one questions how we run our schools, no-one!" He never said anything. Aunt Belle simply entered the room. "Madam Vice President? Governor what is this about?" asked the superintendant.
Belle stepped forward and stated, "All school board meetings are open meetings so I would like to bring in the rest of the interested parties. May I introduce to you Lancelot Jefferson Bravender, Lord Aquamaine? You may take note that he is the most honourable Duke of Rookfort, Marquess of Conroy and guest of the United States of America. With him is his Man at Arms, Sir Gregory Chalmers - Knight of Aquamaine, Viscount of Lizonby. Behind them are all of their friends in Lord Aquamaine's class and their parents. We also have representing Lord Aquamaine as required William Tremaine who I am sure you have all heard of.
William Tremaine stepped forward. "Some time ago Lord Aquamaine tried to register at Aquamaine School, please note the name. He passed all tests and even though only ten years old was placed in the seventh grade as it was felt that his learning was sufficiently advanced to merit skipping a year. Since then we have had him independently tested and he merits being placed with thirteen year olds. His learning is that advanced."
Aunt Belle stepped forward, "While Lance was taking the tests Mr Bradley Patterson who was Lancelot's Grandfather and Viscount of Aeden was seeing the headmaster. I also note that he is sat with you at the desk. Mr Decker. The viscount was rudely told by Decker they would not be taking His Grace. He only backed down when the Viscount pointed out that I had attended this school and had recommended it. If you want further evidence of the headmaster's attitude we have his secretary here who is willing to testify. Gregory can you tell us all how you felt the Dukes first day went."
"Yes ma'am. The teachers were rude to the point of being ignorant. All of us kids noticed it. They never spoke to him or asked him to introduce himself like they do other new starters. The only one that spoke was the bully, Coach Wortgren. The way that he acted made the Dukes security step in."
Belle looked at him, "Did you feel His Grace was rude or in any way hurtful?"
"No madam, because of the situation he kept himself to himself. You could tell that he was really upset, as were his security."
"Thank you." Belle looked at the board. "Imagine my horror when visiting Lord Aquamaine today I intercepted `The Department of family and Protective Services' of Texas trying to take into custody Lancelot Jefferson Bravender, Richard Tremaine and Barnaby Tremaine.
"The last two names are twins babies whose lives were saved by His Grace just this week when he discovered them buried alive by my dead husband's family. They are in fact my twins that my husband tricked me into believing were dead. So let's get this first item out of the way should we? ... NEVER MESS WITH ME OR MINE!"
She looked at the school board, "Secondly trying to take into custody Lancelot Bravender."
The headmaster jumped in, "We were quite within our rights. As his grandfather was killed he currently has no Guardian."
William Tremaine looked at him, "Is that so? Then you do not know your own school records sir. I present to you signed paperwork given to your school that shows King Roger of Chrysland, his godfather and ... protector. His quasi guardians while he is living in America are listed as four people. Belinda Tremaine – Vice President of the United States, Mr Drew Evans – Foreman for Aquamaine Holdings, Billy Watson – Attorney for Aquamaine Holdings, Mr Michel Russo – The Duke's personal security and friend of King Roger. Now by law you are required to state why the school raised this issue with the protective services?"
"Oh for God sake why should he have what he has when my family has nothing?"
I looked at him, "You are the bastard son's own son are you not? Now I understand. Your family had millions to help you and still it was not enough. What I have as a result of my grandfather has nothing to do with you or yours."
He glared at me, "My father was his father's brother it should be ours. Now they're all dead because of him."
I looked at him, "No! Chrysland goes to the oldest son and Aquamaine Holdings was my mother's father not the bastard son's father."
He pulled a gun and as he went to pull the trigger Gunny took him down before he had chance. As the room went quiet Gunny simply said, "Never threaten my boy!" I looked at him and smiled.
After all of the chaos died down, "Now that the School board's superintendant's attitude has been explained what about the rest of you? Is there anyone else who feels the same... Headmaster?"
"No he was blackmailing me and making me act that way, you see I thought we were lovers... I'm married. It's too late now as the truth needs to be known. I am sorry Your Grace." He stood and moved towards our group.
I stood up. "I want you all to know that I am nothing more than a normal child with a desire to learn. Be it known that I own this building that you use and also the property that the school is built on. You pay rent to me for both of them. I will remove those privileges if I am stopped from being able to live as normal a life as possible. Is that understood?"
I started sobbing as I did not know what else I could do anymore. Thomas stepped forward to me, but the Governor scooped me up into his arms. "Are we sorted or do I need to remove you all from the school board and replace you as well? I will if need be." Everyone shook their heads.
The Governor continued, "Be it known that Governor Simms of Texas is now being added to the list of guardians of this young man. Let no one harm him or they will report to me. My own people will be coming into these premises and all of the schools under your supervision. They will be re- interviewing all staff, all teachers, all board members for the jobs and positions that they hold. Anyone found wanting will be terminated. We will also carry out a full audit of all school funds."
The room exploded with shouts that all of that was unfounded. "Ladies and Gentlemen you have bought this on yourselves. Face the music. Lance will also be suing the school board and all of you personally so be prepared to offer a reasonable figure to him in settlement when William Tremaine approaches you. Do not let it go to court for he will win."
William Tremaine continued, "As from next week when school starts Lord Aquamaine will be attending as any normal young man should. If any of you try to block his ability to get an education we will sue you personally, and ruin you. Do not challenge me. I have done this many times. Be warned I do not like bullies and will not see a ten year old bullied by people who ought to know better. Look to the back of the room Coach Wortgren and his nephew have already tried and will face a court for their efforts tomorrow."
"We sent him not the coach. We were worried about his well being" said the assistant superintendent.
"No sir. You showed no concern at all. You never even tried as a board to make contact after his grandfather was murdered. So I fail to understand why you would do such a thing if none of you felt the same as his relative the superintendant?" He simply stood up and walked out leaving the door open, hoping that they would continue talking.
"Oh come on everybody he's just a bloody little upstart. Of course we all felt the same! We did, didn't we? I mean we all agreed" said one of the women at the table.
"I bet that little fucker's a queer as well just like everyone from over there. What do they call them? Oh yes BUM BANDITS!" The little man at the table added.
"You mean just like all of the bastard kids in school. One good ticker in classroom three and they would all be gone. BOOM!"
The Governor and William had been listening outside and prepared to walk back in. Handing me to Thomas to hold in his arms the Governor was ready for action and battle and told Belle not to enter.
The Governor and William walked back in and William's voice boomed louder than everyone, "You should find out whether people have left before mouthing off like that. Agents arrest them for terrorism if nothing else as there was talk about a bomb. I want search warrants to search all properties that they have. I want all schools to be searched. Be certain that bigoted individuals like you will not be allowed to roam free. What you have said is enough to put all of you away for a long time. Representing the King of Chrysland I will be more than happy to do so."
School was cancelled for the next two weeks while Aunt Belle and Uncle William successfully sued the school board and all of its members. Yet again money went into my bank account and I was $62,000,000 better off. Yet I still had to go to school. I loved reading and spend my time in Papa's library reading and learning about his business from all of the records.
The headmaster had been legit and worked to get new teachers for the school. He also worked with Belle to put into place an independent school board that was to review and supervise all school functions.
When we returned to school the atmosphere was different. It was warm and welcoming. The coach was young and encouraging and the form tutor was one that was there for the children. I was still in the same class as Greg.
School, both students and teachers adjusted to seeing Mike, Dave and Gunny. There was only ever two on duty, but they all went to school with me.
Dave was a martial art expert and coach allowed him to be my Sensei and train me after school in the gym. Coach Ord started attending the training and even taught me the discipline that he was black belt in. They worked together until after five years of training I was a black belt and qualified as the 8th Dan, known as Hachidan. I would be a master of the arts at only sixteen.
That was all in the future, at the moment I want to continue writing about my early time in America. I organised with Mr Drew to have tutors for the summer to teach Greg and me so that we could be prepared. We actually found we excelled with home study. We would still be in Middle School, but the eighth grade in September.
It was arranged that by mid July we would have the Charity Gala in Dallas, but would tour America with the President and Vice President for three weeks. During that time there would be many opportunities for such evenings. Prince David and I would also have a two week vacation, one week with Governor Simms at the Boston Stoneacre Estate and one week with Belle's family in Florida at the beach house.
By the time everything had settled it was time for the school break for summer. School was going really well and once everyone settled down the teachers asked me if I was willing to sit another series of tests to see where I was.
I blitzed all subjects and shocked the socks off the teachers. I was ten years old and the tests indicated that I should have been placed in classes for fourteen and fifteen year olds. They literally classed me as a genius. It hurt Greg when he found out, but I was quick to point out that we had summer school and he might be able to catch up. We were still friends and always would be. Or so I thought.
Mr Drew took me to the High School to see the headmaster and the teachers. It sounds like I was missing two years going from the seventh to the ninth. This was the end of the school year and I would be starting the ninth grade at the start of the school year so was only skipping another one. I would still train with Dave and Coach Ord though.
The school was like chalk and cheese to the other one that I had gone to. Its name was Abraham Lincoln High School. The headmaster was young and as I walked into his office he took my hand and kissed the ring as he bowed to me. "My Lord, it is great a privilege to meet you at last."
"Thank you. My name that my Papa called me is LJ which I am quite happy to be known by. The rest seems a bit of a mouth full every time I am introduced to someone new."
"I agree, but the start of year assembly I would like you to introduce yourself to everyone and tell them a little about Chrysland. Not everyone gets to go abroad for holidays and to hear about your life would be a boost to them. It would also help in many history and geography classes."
"I'd like that. I have some slides of the country and houses that I grew up in so could show that as well and then we can get the slides copied and you can have them for use in Geography and history if that would be helpful."
"Oh my, that would be wonderful Sir." The conversation went on for some time and he was bowled over when he saw the test results and also hearing that I would be getting home taught during the summer I think gave him an orgasm. He worked out a plan that if we were to complete during the summer would definitely help me in the classes I was taking. He suggested trying a language course as they had a strong language department.
He called in Greg's neighbour who was also an ex-pat as his grandmother was from Lizonby and we got on really well. Unlike Greg, he would be in all of my classes. We all got identity badges from the head for my security guards so that they would be able stay in school with me. Mr Dirk and Mr Billy were given parent passes.
The head did note that I may be called on to be away due to state requirements of both America and Chrysland and if so lessons would be made available to me in advance. I really felt at home at last.
We promised Greg summer school and since I would be travelling we included him in all of our travel plans as the tutor was travelling with me.
Before David came over we had our meeting with Rupert and Arnold and saw all of the photos that they had taken and all of the plans that they had pulled together. I loved what I saw and so did Mr Drew and Billy. They had already couriered the results to the King and he joined on the phone as we walked through Rupert's vision for each site.
We both loved what we saw. I requested one little tweak. It was easy to make and made the plans all that better. As planned all hotels would be ready for reopening by May next year. A year to complete the project sounded good to me. Rupert had sourced construction teams in each area and teams that would add all of the finishing touches.
Saunders was working on getting staff on retainer so that they were in place when we needed them. That would be long before the opening as it would be them that get the hotels into the running order that we needed so we had to organise a full training program for all staff.
Saunders also worked with suppliers in America to design a replica of the Aquamaine livery used by my household staff, including even the copies of the maids outfits used. Everything had to be as if Aquamaine.
We requested Arnold and his father to interview for the manager's posts for each site and that was the best move that we ever made as they were young and energetic and most stayed with me for years. Even they had uniforms, but they were dress suits, which became evening suits if they were on evening shift.
We agreed that the hotels would open in the summer of next year and that King Roger would fly out to cut the ribbon for me at the flagship which we had decided would be New York. He would also visit several other sites that week. Everything seemed to be going well. I was touched when the King said how proud he was of me.
By mid July David was due to arrive and we had three full weeks and then two weeks in Chrysland. We changed the plans slightly as Belle and Governor Simms were to be my guests at Castle Conroy for one week and then tour the land as guests of the King.
We flew down to stay at the Whitehouse the night before and my security blended in with the Special agents of the President and made sure that everything was well covered. I slept in the Lincoln Bedroom and Mr Drew and Billy slept in the Queens bedroom.
We were at the airport to greet the King's own Flight and were shocked by the crowds that had gathered to cheer him as he arrived. This was a very big deal for America as it had only ever had British monarchs visit before and this was one that had always held America close to its heart. I think it was also novel to the public that it was two young boys that were representing the throne.
As David arrived we were shocked that King Roger was with him. He had only come for a whirlwind visit, but he was here and as he walked from the plane I simply could not hold my pleasure anymore and ran into his arms. I did not want to let him go as I felt so close to this man.
When I stepped back and looked at him I was concerned. "Sire, are you alright?" He looked at me and staggered and at that the Governor of Texas that was with us rushed forward and held on to him.
"Sire let me carry you to the car out of this heat." The king nodded and Uncle Walt scooped him up and carried him. At that moment he started to have a seizure. The Governor rushed him into a hanger out of sight so that people would not see him.
"David dear do you know what's wrong with his majesty?" Belle asked. Though the President was with us he was a very unassuming man.
David nodded his head and handed her a letter. It was a notice if this should happen of what was wrong. Also it told us what needed to be done to help. He had developed a mild form of epilepsy over the years, but it was getting worse as he got older. He was on medication and it usually controlled everything. This was unexpected though. His doctor was with him and requested that we head to the Whitehouse immediately.
Belle agreed so pulled her to one side. "Madam I do not want the world to know about this. We were out of sight when everything happened and America was only expecting Prince David. You go along to the Whitehouse with the President and the King and Mr Billy so that you can look after him. The Prince and I will continue in the open top car with Governor Simms and Mr Drew. All of the king's entourage can go with you and those with the Prince can follow behind us." That was it the Secret Service and the King own Guards were running to get everyone in their limos as soon as possible.
The Prince had heard what I had said and thought it was a good idea as he feared for the throne if the world saw him in this state. Governor Simms had called a friend who was a top neurosurgeon and asked him to attend the residence as the President needed his help.
As we drove through the street we were in awe by the love that flowed to us as people waved and shouted to us. We were almost there when there was a road block so the driver pulled up the top immediately to protect us.
This was a good move because as we stood there a stream of bullets hit the car. The Governor pulled us into the foot-well so that we were out of sight.
The car was bullet proof but being low would protect us. The Secret service was going mad trying to get the situation in hand and we noticed that the president's car was the main target not ours. I looked at the road and saw there was enough room for the car to pull up on the pavement and the road and move forward.
Mike agreed and the driver slowly moved forward and managed to get along next to the President's car. I wound the window slowly an inch and shouted "Are you all OK?" Belle looked at me, she was terrified. She simply nodded. "Get the driver to follow us." Again we inched forward and we were soon clear of the blockage as was the Kings car. Now there was no stopping the drivers and we reached the Whitehouse in minutes.
I could tell by the way that the Governor, President and Vice President looked that heads would roll. All I was interested in was getting the King settled and looked at. He seemed at rest now and was just sleeping. David looked at me, "He does that a lot when this happens. Leave me with him as I want to sit with his head in my lap till that doctor arrives."
As I left the king and David together I headed to the Oval office and ignoring the special agent at the door stormed in. There stood Belle and Governor Simms with several other people in heated discussion. "What the hell just happened?" They all looked at me.
"Now this is a visiting royal to your country and his life is put under threat like this. I want answers."
Belle looked at me and said, "By god you're like your mother. Okay gentlemen enough talk you heard the boss. What the hell happened? Ted you're director of Secret Services what do we know? You must have them by now."
"Yes ma'am and it does not make sense."
I was really riled by now, "What the hell does not make sense?"
"It was a concerted effort to separate the Prince and the King. The King isn't ill at all. He's been drugged over several months and that makes it appear he is. The people are called, well it doesn't matter, but they want the King and the Prince dead."
I was listening by now, but something was going through my head. "Davison, the bastard son...! They're connected to Davison my bastard uncle that thought he could get the throne by coming out of obscurity when we had all died. He never would though." I went to the door, "Mike go get the Prince this instant!"
Within minutes the Prince came running with news that the King was doing a lot better. "Prince David I need to know if you have a new chef or staff in the palace."
He thought for awhile and then turned white. "The old butler retired and we hired new which is unusual for us. Davidson seemed really good. Still does, but now that you mention it father took ill soon after he became butler."
"Did he come over with you?"
"Yes he served us on the plane. He insisted on making father drinks."
"Director that's the answer... they changed names Davison or Davidson it is still the bastard son! Whoever this Davidson is must be related to Madam Vice President's dead husband who was the Bastard son of my grandfather and therefore would be in line to the throne if they had not been discovered. Is this Davison still around? If so I want to see him."
Belle looked up and said "I want to see them as well." The Governor agreed. The President just sat there and said nothing. Belle called the kitchen and asked for Davison. "That's strange they said he insisted in making soup for the King. He has just left to take it to him. Strange thing is though they said it seems all there."
I suddenly shouted, "Gunny, Mike protect the King!" with that we were racing through the residence to where the King was resting.
As we got there we heard. "Damn fools are all downstairs. They think that little prick is the one we're after. Well he was. Now no one's left so what the hell let's just take you out and make the little brat miserable. You'll just be one less nobleman to worry about. Don't worry it will be painless...After the bullets in your head!"
Gunny stepped forward, "Put the gun down sir."
"Fuck that!" He let a bullet off at quick succession and Gunny took him out. He was still alive, "You little brat you're still alive. Why couldn't you just die........?" and he died.
At the same time the Prince was with the King. "Call an ambulance! Oh god daddy, stay with me... Don't you dare leave me! Help me! Someone help me!" Suddenly everyone was on the move. The King has been shot twice. Security was suddenly on the move the Whitehouse doctor was on the way.
I felt alone again the only man that had ever meant anything to me was dying and I'd lost everything. Governor Simms looked at me picked me up and held me tight as I wept. I could not bear to see my David in the pain that he was in.
As people moved him away from the King so that they could work on him he came over to me. He was broken, I just took him in my arms and the Governor sat and hugged us both as we cried for the man we loved. Mr Drew stood by us and would not let anyone anywhere near.
The visit had suddenly changed again and David and I would be attending all of the planned functions and scheduled events so that everything looked okay.
The King would be convalescing at the Whitehouse so that the story was kept away from the news. To the world the King and Vice President were visiting friends in Chrysland. In reality the Vice President was nursing him to make sure that he behaved himself.
Prince David and I were the toast of the town. We were on the front page of every magazine and paper. We visited all of the states with the Governors and Governor Simms, who was our companion throughout the different visits. Mike, Dave and Gunny were always by our sides and we were being heralded as the new face of royalty.
I asked Mr drew and Mr Billy to go back to Texas as Aquamaine Holdings would not run itself. Even with this busy schedule Greg and I still managed to complete three hours study every day. Greg was wonderful throughout everything and stayed at our side all of the time no matter what.
It took three weeks for the King to heal sufficiently to be able to attend a charity gala with us. It was a wonderful evening. Leo Fabian, the Broadway star, was the Master of Ceremonies.
The evening went well and it was hilarious watching the auction of all of the male celebrities. Mr Drew blushed when he was purchased for the Aquamaine Men fashion shoot and then Mr Billy stopped laughing when he was next and had to do the same. They also purchased the top three A listed hollywood stars.
As the evening was coming to a close the final two lots were announced. First a large ornately framed painting of Aquamaine Palace. The room went wild and the offer was $50,000 until the King raised his good arm and bid $150,000.
"My one question that is who is the artist? For this is exceptional and will hang in the Palace itself. To add money to the charities we are raising funds we will allow a lithograph to be created so copies can be sold."
Leo smiled, "You know the artist Sire as he is sitting next to you. It is Lord Aquamaine himself." The king looked totally amazed and just stood up and started applauding followed by everyone else.
Eventually peace was gained again and the final item uncovered. It was a life size portrait that I had completed of the President when he and his family visited Texas. I found that painting helped me overcome the hurt and pain I felt.
The king raised his hand, $100,000, but was quickly followed by the President's wife with a bid of $200,000. At that point the Smithsonian curator stood up "$350,000 as we would like to display it for America to see and enjoy in the gallery of Presidents. It will be the central feature of the display."
The whole room stood and I just looked embarrassed. The evening ended with an announcement that we had made $13,500,000 for child charities.
After that evening the King travelled home to Aquamaine. Mr Drew, Billy and I spent a week at Aquamaine Palace travelling Chrysland and meeting the crowds as we had done in America. We even attended a couple of musical theatre shows together.
The tour of Chrysland culminated in a Charity Gala held at Conroy Castle. The leaders of several countries, including America, attended and that made the evening really special. We spent another week at the Castle with David and Aunt Belle's family. We then had to return to America to go to school.
The goal that we had set at the beginning of the holiday Greg and I managed to complete as we had three hours study every day. Maybe not at the same time each day, but we did complete it.
When school started I had a presentation for the school as requested by the Headmaster. When we were given the schedules I noticed that I was in all advanced classes and later that day when we went to lunch I noticed that Greg had moved up as well so the summer classes had really worked for him.
I was ten and Greg was just thirteen and we were studying with fourteen and fifteen year olds as freshmen. We realised from the start that the study would be hard as it was designed for an older age group than us so we set up a homework group at the ranch and worked together. I also kept the tutor on that we had used over the summer so that we had extra guidance and it really showed.
I am not sure whether it was because I was in the magazines all of the time attending this thing or that with the Governor and Aunt Belle or whether I was just genuinely popular, but school was not a problem for me and I settled in really well. Even though I was the youngest in the class I found if I proved myself that everything was fine. Greg however struggled and I think he started resenting me.
Sports continued to be a challenge. Now I had a year's training in martial arts and was physically stronger. I went out for the swim team and the wrestling team and was successful in both. I won the state championship for both swimming and wrestling.
I spent the next year loving every minute of school and as the school year came to an end we were preparing for the opening of Aquamaine Hotels. I decided the name should just be Aquamaine as that spoke quality with nothing else to flower it up.
Before that I was entered in my first martial arts championship and I walked away with the title for my age group. I loved this sport and was very good at it and usually won all championships that I entered. Unlike Greg who had tried and just did not get on with it.
Before the opening of the hotels I was in for a shock as Greg and his parents visited with me which was nothing unusual as we often spent the evenings together. This time Mr Chalmers told me that family had taken ill in Canada and they had decided to sell up and move there to be with them. Apparently it was an old grandparent and they needed help.
I told them that I totally understood and that they had to do what was best for them. As they were leaving Greg, just looked at me and said, "Sorry Lance, but I need my life not yours. I abdicate the title or whatever I have to do so that you don't feel that I used you. I am really am truly sorry for you. Ma and Pa feel it's for the best."
With that they were gone and with them the best friend that I had ever known.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- That's all for now folks ... I thought Greg and his family were here to stay. Will LJ ever find love and a family? Would you believe we have a wedding coming up in Chapter 4?
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