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 Charles Edward Bravender, Marquess of Reyesford - LJ's adopted son
Baron - LJ's Horse
Anna Hemmings - Nanny 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 rancher / Belle's husband (was Governor) Belinda Tremaine Davison - LJ's guardian (was Vice President) 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 Governor McMahon - Governor of Texas and Walts cousin
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 Todd Wilks - LJs Friend / Lover and 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
Marquess of Reyesford
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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
Bravender Businesses -------------------- Bravender Gallery Bravender Art
Lord Aquamaine --------------
Chapter 4 – Weddings and growth.
The hotel opening was a grand affair and went really well. During the week leading up to the opening all hotels reported exceptional advance bookings.
The King opened the New York flag ship and we held a Gala Benefit evening for the children cancer charities that I supported. I was now patron in America and spokesperson for several children's charities. The first guests at the New York hotel were King Roger of Aquamaine and Vice President Belinda Tremaine.
While the King was with us we toured four of the hotels and were on several talk shows to promote the hotels. Once the King left Aunt Belle and I toured the rest of the hotels and did all of the promotional appointments that had been booked in each area.
For some reason Mr Drew and Mr Billy didn't feel that they were needed so asked to just get on with the jobs that they had. As they left to go back to Texas I swear I saw tears in Mr Drew's eyes and he seemed to cling to Mr Billy, but didn't dwell on it.
Gunny, Mike and Dave toured with me as my security, Thomas my Major-Domo and Simon my footman were always with me as well. We were well impressed with what we saw and Thomas, Belle and I made a report for each site so that we had notes of all of our findings so that we could follow up on any items that we needed to. While in each hotel I made sure that I did a marketing job by having the press attend an interview with us.
Saunders was still my butler and met with all of the staff to ensure that he was happy that we had every one in place that was required to run a tight ship.
We made sure that we had security in each hotel as you always hear about prostitution in the rooms etc. They were all trained by Mike and Dave and were particularly watchful for children who seemed out of place. In doing so the hotels became known as a safe place for children to seek help.
As things settled we toured the hotels on a regular basis, meeting with the managers and staff and following through on any feedback that we were given by guests. I hired an auditor and we had regular financial reports of all Aquamaine Holdings LLC.
I was becoming good with figures and designed the report that the auditor would prepare on a monthly basis but I was lax and when the auditor left we did not replace him. Saunders left at the same time as the auditor as they had found something that they both needed and they settled down together in Bowland running one of the local pubs.
This placed me in quite a situation as we had no butler. Thomas spoke at some length with Belle and it was decided that he would manage the household without risking a new person coming on to my staff thus keeping exposure to outside influences, such as the bastard son, at a minimum.
Each of our private houses had staff that managed the living quarters such as maids, chauffeurs, gardeners and chefs so my homes were always looked after and managed. Thomas though would for a short time take on the a dual role for me.
One thing I challenged the Managers of the hotels to do was come up with a disaster recovery plan. This was so that the clientele were protected if there should be a disaster at the hotels.
It meant that all of my staff were expected to know what to do and would know how to help guests in a disaster, such as a bomb scare. On each floor we made sure that emergency guidelines were posted. All emergency exits were clear and accessible and the contacts for their floor clearly listed.
Guests spoke of how safe they felt when they visited with us and how much they enjoyed the time that they spent at Aquamaine. Not one hotel was different we had positive feedback from everyone.
The luxury they experienced with us and the safety that they felt made them want to tell all of their friends and we were soon getting bookings from word of mouth. Each hotel developed a good commercial business for conferences and held regular wedding fairs for people planning weddings.
Our hotels also attracted clothes designers to run their fashion walk shows in our ballrooms as they showed off the beauty of the new ranges that they were promoting. It was our hotels that launched Brodie Reid on her successful career.
As we toured we promised that we would visit on a regular basis and spend time at each hotel. By the time we headed home we were sure that we had a great team in our hotels and also that we would get regular reports on how the hotels were doing.
I made sure that all managers met on a monthly basis and chose a different hotel for each meeting so that the manager could showcase their baby to others. I ensured that this meeting was on a Saturday so that I could attend. I really had a good team and loved my people. It was the best choice that I had ever made, buying the hotels.
When we returned to Texas the place was empty. Mr Billy and Mr Drew were nowhere to be seen. I went to their rooms and all personal effects had been removed. The rooms were just a shell, nothing personal in them except a letter addressed to "Our Darling LJ". I sat on the bed and as Gunny read the letter to me I just curled up and cried.
Our darling LJ...
It is with a heavy heart that we move out. We have loved our time with you.
You mean the world to us, as if you were our own son.
We cannot explain, but we're ill. We know that within the next few weeks we will die and we do not want you to have to face that.
You will hear from our attorney when everything can be finalised.
Please keep in touch with Mr Billy's ma and pa as they are old and do not understand.
LJ know that you have bought more light into my life than I have ever experienced.
I love you more than words can say...
Drew x
"Gunny, do you know where they are?" He shook his head. "Did you know that they were planning this?"
He nodded his head. "Sir, Mr Drew has brain cancer and it was too advanced when they found it to successfully treat. I've seen him. He is getting worse by the day... Mr Billy thought he was the same to begin with when his started, but they have diagnosed something that is so new no one knows what to do for the best for him." I nodded. I understood what he was telling me. I would miss them for the rest of my life.
"Sir I know that I'm your security, but I've approached Mr Tremaine and Madam Vice President and I have agreed to be your guardian as I'm always with you anyway. As I said you are my boy and nothing will happen to you while I am here."
"Thank you Gunny. I'd like that. I know you're still in touch with them. I want you to make sure that they have everything that they need to keep them comfortable. You don't need to tell me anything. Just tell me the cost is for our "SPECIAL" project and funds will be there. If Mr Billy's parents need anything when the time comes make it happen. Gunny when the time comes no expense spared they get the best and so do Mr Billy's parents if they need it."
I stood up and just walked out to my room. As I was going I turned, "I think I'll change and spend time with Baron he'll know what to do. He'll be able to make me smile. You know where we'll end up."
When we'd been riding we'd come across a pool similar to the one in Oklahoma it even had a waterfall falling similar to the one that I had first seen Mr Billy in. "Oh and Gunny can you contact Mr Tremaine and ask him to interview for an Aquamaine Holdings Manager. I think I would also like an area manager for the hotels. It is up and running, but we need someone to co-ordinate everything."
He nodded, "Sir I don't want to speak out of term. You have the respect of all of the managers. I could see it as we visited. I think if you want an area manager who knows what you want, then you're the best person for that job. Your people love you. Encourage an open forum and discuss with each manager what he wants for their site and then you make decisions." I simply nodded and walked away.
Baron could tell something was wrong and just walked with me nuzzling. I'd lost my dearest friend, the one I had imagined would be my Mr Billy in life. Now I had lost the two men that had saved me at my lowest. I jumped on Baron without even a saddle and rode for ages. He looked after me and I knew he would. We ended up at the lake just sitting there with me crying into his neck.
Baron lay with me and just listened as I talked about my love for Greg and how Mr Drew and Mr Billy had to leave. He put his head in my lap and I just held on to him and wept. We were there for what seemed like hours. The sun had gone in. I eventually curled up close to him as I had done many times and fell asleep knowing Baron would never leave me.
I woke up to Gunny picking me up and holding me as he climbed back on his horse and we rode back home with Baron walking at my side. As we got to the stable I looked at Baron and just said "Do you want to have a foal with a lady? Do you want to be a daddy?" He cocked his head as if to think and looked at me and nodded.
"We were thinking of putting him to stud sir" said Chuck the stable manager who had been listening.
"I don't want him just used for any filly. Choose only the ones that he likes and believe me he will let you know won't you boy." He nodded.
"Very well, as soon as we have one in foal we will let you know Your Grace."
I started going out to different places with my camera and taking pictures and then changing those into paintings. I had been concentrating on my painting more and more since everyone started to leave.
I needed time. Gunny was great and suggested that as we had so many pictures that maybe we could look into getting a gallery.
We found a small property that we could purchase or rent in Boston. I was tending to spend more time there since everyone had left. I arranged to purchase the property as the owner was willing to sell and added it to my portfolio.
The gallery was small, but after my people changed the insides around and added different levels with stairs and varying levels of light the effect was wonderful. The interior was almost like a statue in itself the way we had done it.
I was surprised how many pictures I had that I could sell or show. I arranged, with Thomas' help to have many copied and available at cheaper prices than the original if people wanted to buy them. These were also in different sizes.
So in one corner we set up the retail store. One of the things it did was frame pictures for customers. The frames were from very plain to very rnate and matched the pictures we carried. It also framed pictures for the client no matter whether it was purchased from us. This was also the main accounts desk where payments and receipts were processed.
One selection of goods that we specifically stocked, in that corner, was top of the range painting and drawing utensils. Paints, pencils, charcoal, pastels, paper all sold like hotcakes and Bravender Art built quite a reputation as being the best art suppliers in the country.
It took about four months to get everything up and running. I never took time off school, I was in Texas for school and Boston for everything else.
Before Christmas the Bravender Gallery opened to much acclaim. We called it Bravender Gallery and Bravender Art as I wanted it to be me and not my name that made a difference.
When the doors opened on the preview evening, which was special invite only and the press, I was shocked to see King Roger there. Prince David could not be with me as he was with a friend for Christmas.
We were in the papers once again as the gallery was a success. All of the paintings sold but remained on display for a whole month and then new stock would be made available. I also encouraged the manager to source new artists to show as well.
To think that my father had always laughed at me because of my painting and now it had turned into something successful. Writing this I can say years later my painting is still very successful, as is photography. If we had nothing else we could eek out a very nice living from it from not only the galleries in America, but also the one in England, Italy and France.
The best painting was one of the King and Prince David that the king purchased for the crown as he loved it. It was taken from a photo of them in the New York hotel. Another which sold was Gunny's favourite and that was the painting of the pool at waterfall at Oklahoma. I found out later that it was purchased by Gunny on behalf of Mr Drew.
The King joined me in my Boston Estate for a quiet Christmas. We held a Gala Christmas Eve party at my Boston Aquamaine with special guest Vice President Belinda Tremaine and Governor Walt Simms. That evening turned into a massive affair as Aunt Belle asked if she could announce something to the press.
As they all milled outside the front of the hotel Governor Simms got down on one knee and asked Belle to marry him. The King and I were really pleased. They had worked so closely together ever since they had both become my guardians and it had bought them together. Her children were over the moon. He had never married so had no family.
They announced that the Aunt Belle's political term of office was coming to an end and they would wait until the next spring when she would be free of any engagements except one and that would be to Walt.
The Governor also announced that he would be stepping down to concentrate on his new family. What shocked me most was that they asked me to live with them as they both looked on me as their son.
I was totally shocked and told them that though I loved them both I needed to stay at my own property, where ever that maybe. I hated turning them down, but did not want my ranch and properties just getting swallowed up with everything else. I needed my independence. I loved them both as if they were my mom and dad anyway and always would, but I needed my own space and so did they as newlyweds.
The King stayed for Christmas and we even went to the opera and several Christmas concerts together. Just before the New Year he flew back home and I flew back to Texas after we had an early birthday celebration. I was twelve.
The year was a busy one as we were preparing for a very family affair. School though sad for me with Greg no longer there, was still a joy and I loved learning. Martial arts went well and I we were still heading back to my old school to train with Coach Ord.
As was usual during the summer break I visited all of my holdings in both America and Chrysland and then at Christmas threw a Charity Gala evening on Christmas Eve dedicated to my children's charities in Phoenix Arizona this year and later in Conroy Castle on New Year's Eve. I wanted this to become a tradition.
With the New Year both Belle and the Governor were free to set up home and chose a ranch in Texas not far from mine. Ranching had always been the Governor's business and now he became a cowboy and Belle went back to work at the family firm.
As the planning was taking place she came out to the ranch to see me and asked if I would be willing to walk her down the aisle in my Aquamaine ceremonial outfit. While we were talking I suggested the Scottish outfit that the King had given me and thought that a Scottish themed wedding would be great. She was thrilled as she too had Scottish blood in her family. Tremaine is a Scottish name.
I asked why she was not walking down the aisle with her father. She looked at me and with tears in her eyes told me that though he still worked when I needed him he was unable to walk very far now and had asked her to ask me to stand in his place as Arnold was the best man. The ushers were going to be her sons and their friends.
As we were talking I offered the Dallas Aquamaine as my wedding gift for both the ceremony and the reception. I also offered the Presidential Suite in the Hawaiian Aquamaine for a two week break as my gift for the honeymoon.
At Aquamaine the main ballroom would be set up for a wedding with tables set for dining and the ballroom floor for dancing. This would be the extended ballroom that would be used as the Kings Palace and Rooksfeld rooms could be joined to extend the size of ballroom offered.
The ceremony would take place in the grounds of Dallas Aquamaine. It was going to be a state affair and many heads of countries even though no longer the Vice President had accepted the wedding invitation. She told me that she had asked my hotel to keep that date open so that the guests had luxury and all invitations were being sent with details of the hotel. I made sure that I had my usual room booked and they just laughed and told me it was the first thing that they did after the Vice President had contacted them. Belle would be staying with me at the ranch the night before the wedding as we would be leaving from the ranch for Aquamaine in an open topped carriage that my grandfather used for his wedding.
School dragged those first few months of that year. I was thirteen and lonely and also I couldn't wait for the wedding. I was still learning Martial Arts and was now a blue belt. The final competition before the wedding was really too advanced, but Dave and Gunny both felt that I was ready for it.
This competition was televised and was networked world wide. I sailed through my first few rounds and got closer and closer to final standoff. Then it was here and I was in the final facing Goliath himself. Now I knew how David felt, except I didn't have a sling.
I kept calm and mediated as he seemed to be relying on freaking me out with the way that he was acting. I knew a bully when I saw one and I was right. When it came to skill we were not evenly matched at all and I had the skill. My every move left him on his back or looking to see where I was.
The match came to an end when he made a move to try to take me and I had no option, but to do a move which involved propelling through the air and over his head once a specific kick move was complete. I left him on the floor knocked out. I had won and was declared World Champion and a granted red belt status as a result.
When the match ended I was taken back to the locker room and Gunny insisted that I have a massage so that my muscles would not seize up. As I walked into the massage room there stood this gorgeous man that made my heart stop. He only had tight running shorts on and nothing else as his packet was only just hidden in them.
As he turned to me he fell to one knew and just said "My Lord." I held out my hand and as he kissed my ring I told him to rise. "Sir I was hired by Mr Gunny as a request to help a young man to his manhood. He cannot have been talking about you."
"If I said that he was will what we do stay in this room? You are not going to go to the press over this or anything?"
"My Lord I have just left the marines, they found out about me and threw me out. Gunny has been looking after me. I know he works for you, but dad said that it would be OK."
"Is Gunny your father?" He simply nodded. "Then where are you living and what do you do?"
"Dad found me a small condo and I work as a waiter."
"No! You should not have to do that. I have space come and live with your father at the ranch. What are your skills other than the obvious?" I said as I looked at his beautiful body. He blushed.
"I was training as a chef before..."
"Are you any good?"
"Have sex with me and you'll find out."
"I was talking about cooking." I punched his shoulder and laughed.
"Oh... I knew that!" He said with a huge grin on his face. "Yes I am good, ma taught me before she died."
"Good you have a job in my kitchen and house then if you want. I do not have a butler at the moment my Major Domo is doing it. The job will include payment to go to evening school if you want to take cooking further. It will mean travelling with me as I want you to control my diet and what people feed me. You will be the main man as far as my many households are concerned. Thomas is first as far as my life is concerned and everything else." He had tears in his eyes and just sobbed.
I hugged him. He was gentle as he took me in his arms. I looked at him and said "You don't have to do this."
He put his finger to my lips and simply said "I know." Two hours later we emerged and I told Gunny that Todd would be living and travelling with us in the future as my butler, come security, come friend as required. Gunny just smiled.
As the time drew close to the wedding I called Belle and asked if the cake had been finalised. The answer was no, so I told her that I had a new man and he would make an absolute dream of a cake.
When I called Todd he was blown away and simply asked if he had full freedom to do what he wanted. I told him to surprise us, but to remember it was for Belle and that pictures would most likely be printed all over the world and his name would be made because of it.
To begin with he and Gunny work out a metal shaped heart that was about four feet high and around the hearts interior were shelves that would hold different sized cakes. This would sit against the wall lined and circled with red and white roses. The back of the heart we attached a large picture of the happy couple. In front of the heart Todd made a six tier cake which had set in a specially made wrought iron seat attached to the heart.
Todd asked if we could get a picture of the floral arrangement that the Belle would be carrying. I called the Belle and she gave me the number of the florist. When I told her why we needed the information she said that she would deliver photographs of the same type of arrangements that she had done in the past.
Sure enough a day later the package arrived and Todd disappeared into the kitchen. Two days later Gunny asked that I call the Belle and ask her to come and give her approval of the cake that had been made.
Though she was busy she was out at the Ranch within the hour. We were sat in the family room when Todd walked through and asked us to close our eyes. We were sat there and could here activity happening in the background. When we were told that we could open our eyes we were totally blown away by the beauty of what we were seeing.
There stood the heart shape decked out in cream and red roses with greenery trailing all over the frame. On shelves attached to the heart were small cakes that were covered in white icing the same as the main cake with cream and red roses climbing up the sides and covering the top.
In the centre of the heart was the main large six tier cake seated on the wrought iron seat. The cake was white with cream and red rose climbing around the sides and the copy of the bouquet was sitting at the top. It appeared to be hanging there at the side and looking from where we were you could not tell how it was attached. On the top were the Bride and Groom again with a duplicate bouquet.
Belle stood up and approached it and simply put her hands to her mouth as she realised all of the flowers were made with sugar icing that Todd had spent hours shaping and making. She ran to phone, "Walt get to the Aquamaine ranch now we need you. No, not an emergency just get here." She hung up and just continued crying and looking at every aspect of the cake.
An hour later the Uncle Walt was pulling up outside and there was soon a knock on the door. Thomas answered it stating that he felt Belle needed him. As Uncle Walt came into the room he saw Belle sat there staring at the cake. She had managed to stop crying. When he realised what it was she was looking at he sat down very quickly saying "Oh my!"
Needless to say the wedding cake was a hit and Todd was the number one man of the hour. Belle asked if he could oversee the banquet that they wanted for the wedding. Todd and Belle put their heads together and then Gunny and Todd took over getting everything that was needed. All Belle had to do was pay.
While Belle was with us we suggested changing the venue as the weather was really nice and the grounds of the ranch were stunning. We could deck the grounds out with the flowers of her bouquet and then everyone could be seated to witness the wedding. We also had plenty of room for the reception.
Todd and the kitchen staff spent the next week in prep and then two days cooking the food. By the time the wedding was due everything was ready to be served and just in our walk in cooler.
We arranged that we would use the new barn I'd built for all of the motor vehicles as I felt they needed to be housed away from the elements. The barn was a huge building and we were able to clear it and lay a floor for dancing and set the tables up around one end of the floor with the head table away from the dance floor. The food tables were set up against one wall.
Basically this would make it easier for the reception as Todd could prepare everything in the barn while the wedding was talking place. Todd was a master at what he did. No-one, not even Belle, asked how much Walt gave to him as payment for the catering but when he walked to Gunny he had tears rolling down his face.
On the day you would walk through the line my staff from Aquamaine was to serve you with what you wanted and then at the end you were returned to your table. We had drink waiters from Aquamaine serving at the tables. Thomas and Todd worked together to give the guests that Aquamaine touch.
The meadow behind the East wing of the house had been laid out for the ceremony itself. The weather was fine and there were garlands of cream and red roses all over the place. The site was stunning. Only close friends were invited to the service along with leaders that Walt and Belle had become close to during their years in politics.
As Belle walked down the marble staircase she was stunning. Her wedding dress was created by Brodie Reid. A simple strapless ivory satin gown that crossed over the bust almost layered to the waist where it met a satin and lace belt. From the waist the satin was covered in a lace skirt that was attached to the belt. The dress itself was normal length. The lace skirt though flowed down into train as she walked. It was stunning.
Her veil was the same lace as the dress and topped with a tiara that my mother had worn at her wedding. The train flowed for fifteen feet behind her. Across her shoulders was small lace bolero that completed the ensemble.
I also loaned her my matching diamond ear rings and choker that went with the tiara. All of them Papa had given to mother on her wedding day, but were my great grandma's originally and dated from when she lived in Russia. They had been made by Fabergé. Belle was simply over the moon, she was glowing.
As we walked out into the grounds the music started which was the `Grand March from Aida' and as we walked down the aisle there was a gasp as people saw how radiant she was.
I was dressed in my Scottish outfit and the same tartan ran through the bouquet and the floral arrangement throughout the house and grounds. I had to order a more grown up version of it though as I had grown some as was almost six foot and only fourteen. I was also quite muscular because of all of the training that I did with Dave and coach Ord.
Uncle Walt had the King as his best man and their three groomsmen were all dressed in the same tartan. To describe the wedding would take ages as it was sheer beauty.
As a surprise when the vows had been taken and they sat to sign the register I stepped forward and sat at the grand piano and played for the first time in a long time. I had always been in the church choir and had missed it since moving here.
I had spent many hours at the piano to prepare for this moment. As they signed the register I started to play Secret Love' from Calamity Jane and then shocked everyone as I started to sing. I followed that with You made me love you'. They had both been sung by Doris Day which was Belle and my mother's favourite when they were in college.
To close I simply said "This one is for Uncle Walt." With that I played "Higher than a hawk" that was from Calamity Jane as well and was sung by Howard Keel when he fell in love with Calamity. Once I was finished I had to stand and recognise the applause and then move back into place.
When it came to photographs we posed for them in the library in the house and on the grand marble stairway, which had been decked out specifically for them. Belle had one of the top photographers taking them and they would appear in all top magazines throughout the world sold by the happy couple. They controlled who got to publish them.
On the front page of most magazines were Belle and I as we stood at the base of the stairs and posed for pictures before we walked out to the ceremony. It was titled "Lord Aquamaine and the American Princess." As soon as the pictures appeared in the media replicas of the dress were in every shop. Belle was the Princess that never was, though to Papa and me she always had been.
The picture that got to me the most and I sobbed when I saw it was of Belle and Walt with Belle's kids and me and the heading was `Happiness at last for the young Lord'. All I wanted was to be allowed to grow up and have a family like anyone else and yet the world seemed to conspire against me.
The photos of them leaving for the honeymoon showed Belle still in her wedding dress. The lace skirt had gone as had the long satin skirt. It was replaced by a slightly shorter skirt this time with a plain satin belt and a satin bolero, yet again every inch a lady.
As expected when photos of cutting the cake appeared in the media requests came into Todd for him to make and design cakes for society weddings across the world. He gladly took this on, but only if it fit in with the role that he had with me. I tell you I loved this guy and he kept me sane often riding for hours with me on our horses or swimming in our pools.
The day of the wedding the ranch foreman told me that they had just found out that two mares had taken and were carrying Baron's foals. One I hoped would be a stallion and we'd call him President, the other a little filly we'd call Belle.
Baron had chosen well as I was told that these were the only ladies that he was interested in. His first lady was a beautiful palomino, her coat though golden was almost white and her mane was literally pure white. She was called Sal, but had never been officially named. She became Countess. His second lady surprised me as she was a pinto with very dramatic and beautiful black and white markings. She became known as Princess.
They had been given the pride of place in the stables, but it would be almost a year before the foals were born. When I rode Baron they got restless unless we allowed them to follow us. Only once did they threaten to get out of hand and run off, but Baron nipped Countess and soon put her in her place.
It wasn't long before the next piece of news came in about the pregnancies. We were sitting down to Sunday dinner with Belle and her family soon after they had returned from Hawaii when the new manager called for me to come to the barn.
When we got there we were told that the very rare possibility that one of the mares was having twins. The vet was concerned, but promised to keep a very close eye on them.
Belle and Walt had loved the Hawaii, but had missed their boys who had stayed with me and Gunny during the honeymoon. We had taken them to see the Aquamaine Dude Ranch in Montana while they were gone. We even took the babies and the special agents took it in turns looking after them.
The place had been totally transformed. The people were warm and inviting, the place well thought out and the treks well marked. They had built individual cabins and bunkhouses and the place was fully booked throughout the year. I loved it, but I was just not happy with it.
We had a great time and had returned in time to go back to school. We had been back a week when Belle and Walt arrived and they had nothing but praise to say about Aquamaine Hawaii. The islanders loved it and not only tourists, but everyone on the island was using it.
It was when I came to preparing for the summer break that the headmaster called me into his office. Basically I had sufficient credits that if I had a tutor again during the summer I would have enough credits to move up to the senior year. Summer school counted as home schooling as I always sat an evaluation test before the new school year started. He also said that as it was I would be in advanced classes. I would be just coming up to my fourteenth birthday and would be a senior.
I had become very good at languages and could now speak and write fluent French, German, Spanish and Italian. I had found that I really had a knack for languages and the school had encouraged me. My language tutor also travelled with us so that we could continue during breaks.
He only allowed me to talk and write in the language I was currently studying unless it was otherwise required. I was fluent in five languages. This came in very handy at official functions for the King and also the President as I could act as interpreter. In the next year I would be studying Polish and Japanese. I intended on getting a head start in the summer and would need two tutors this year.
I also made sure that I was taught American Sign Language (ASL) as I had felt really sorry for a person in my retail store. There was no one who understood what the man was trying to ask and the staff never even had the sense to offer a writing pad to write it down.
I made sure that the they were all trained from that point on in customer service and handling and that at least one person in each store had sign language abilities. ASL as with other languages came easily to me.
Gunny and Todd were over the moon for me and we took Belle and her family out for a meal to celebrate. It was while we were out that I overheard a conversation that worried me. It was in French and hushed, but I was petrified by what I heard.
I asked if the waitress had a pen and notepad that I could use. When she bought it to me this is what jotted down...
First man – `The next collection will be this week. We've enough brats to keep them happy. We will have to move on or people will realise kids are disappearing.'
Second man - `We've already moved the operation to Warehouse 54 on Kirby. That's the second move. What else can we do?'
First man - Well just be ready on Wednesday when the contact arrives.'
I put my head in my hands and wept. "Walt can you take me to the bathroom please I don't feel so good... Gunny you need to guard us!" I picked up the pad and moved to the bathroom, they could both see I was not right.
"LJ what's wrong?"
"Uncle Walt if someone hears something incriminating is it wrong not to tell?"
"I would say yes. LJ what is it?"
"Back in the restaurant there were two men talking in French. This is what I heard them say" and I handed them the note book.
"Did they see you writing this?"
"No they were at the table in front of us and couldn't see me."
"Good act ill as we go back. We need to leave and we need to leave now." He thought, "Gunny when we leave with LJ I'll say that there is no point spoiling the evening for everyone and you and Todd stay and see what happens. Do not put yourselves in danger."
Gunny agreed and then just the thought of what I had heard sank in and I was a sick as a dog in the sink. I did not need to act. As soon as we were out of there Mike was driving and both Belle and Walt were on their phones. Eventually Gunny and Todd arrived back at the ranch and Todd's arm was bleeding. "Todd!" I ran to him and hugged him. "What happened?"
"I speak French as well and heard what you did so when they started to leave we followed them. They are at the warehouse sure enough, but please do not ask about this as you do not want to know."
"Todd I need to know."
"As we were leaving the warehouse area we had to create a cover for ourselves so acted like gay lovers looking for somewhere to fuck..." He looked at Belle, "Sorry Ma'am. Seems that they can sell kids, but they hate gays." Everyone laughed.
Belle took a call and then came back into the room. "The FBI and all of the agencies that I could think of are on to this. They just never knew where the base was as they move so often. So sorry it's a wait and see situation. I think they will be watched until the pickup and then get them all including the buyer. The President himself will want to come out to thank you LJ."
Gunny looked at her, "Are you mad? Any publicity and it will put LJ in danger if they realise that it was him that grassed on them."
Belle smiled, "Gunny he just wants to come and meet, that's all. I'll be there it will be Old meets new. He is a great supporter of His Grace. The info that you and Todd supplied is exactly what they needed. Well done!"
The next few days dragged by and on Wednesday it hit the news that a major child slavery cartel had been busted in Texas, the exact area was never mentioned. Twenty seven children had been recovered and over $15,000,000 in cash seized. The `contact' was trying to claim diplomatic immunity, but the USA refused unless he co-operated.
Walt and Belle never released the source of where they heard the tip off so they knew that I was safe.
We wanted to visit the hospital where the kids were, but all but one had been collected by parents or child protective services that could place them back to where they were taken from. The little one left was only two years old. Though a full search for all missing children was carried out no trace was ever found.
"Belle I am not having him put into care to be lost as a statistic." I thought for a moment, "I want to adopt him. I might be only fourteen, but with Todd and Gunny and you listed as his guardians... I want a son. Can we do that? You know that I have the means to look after him. He will be the Viscount of Ravenswood which is what I used to be."
"Leave it to me. I'll organise it." Belle simply smiled and went to the library. When it was time for my annual trip of all of the Hotels and properties I had a son Charles Edward Bravender, Viscount Ravenswood. We allowed an interview with the press and sat for pictures. In the world's press it just said `Lord of Hearts'.
Just before the annual tour started the President of the United States America paid a visit to the ranch with Belle and Walt. Belle had arranged a Gala evening at the Dallas Aquamaine in honour of his visit and all proceeds went to the President's chosen charities.
That evening I had the opportunity to use my language skills, including sign language, to help him understand guests as they spoke. Then one of the French speaking parties shocked the world by pulling a gun and taking a shot at the President. I flew to the ground knocking knock him out of the way and the bullet flew passed.
Walt's cousin who was now Governor had his agents take control of the French contingent and the rest of the evening went well. The President and I were photographed for the next day's papers and the heading was "Lord Aquamaine saves the day."
We learned by the end of the evening that the shooter was one of the group that had been broken and had been determined to take out the trouble so that the operation could continue.
The FBI was soon on it and not only was the country put on sanction as far as the USA was concerned, but every other country as well until they responded and seized those involved with the slavery ring. As far as we were concerned it was over and we would never hear of it again. Mother America took care of it.
As usual during the summer I travelled round all of the hotels this time with Viscount of Ravenswood at my side. I just seemed like a fourteen year old visitor and before introducing myself and asking to see the manager I sat and reviewed what was happening. I was always with Gunny and Todd and it looked as if he was my father going to get a drink for all of us while I looked after my baby brother.
In July we completed our tour of the hotels and Aquamaine Holdings by holding our annual Charity Gala. This year it was in New York and was sold out. Attending were A listed celebrities, Presidents and vice presidents old and new, King Roger and several other country leaders. Again no Prince David this was beginning to worry me.
King Roger fell in love with Charles Edward, Viscount Ravenswood and gave him his own title of 7th Marquess of Reyesford. So he was to be known as Marquess of Reyesford, Viscount of Ravenswood. He also said that he would arrange for his properties to be transferred to him with me as the signatory and Mr Jake as steward.
I donated two paintings again at the gala and had also donated an enlarged photo of the outgoing president greeting the new president. The auction went wonderfully and the paintings and photos were the winners as usual. It was fun seeing all of the men auctioned and the reaction that it got.
Again Roger and I spent a week in Boston and then headed off to tour Chrysland together. When we were alone in Boston I asked, "Sire, have I upset the Prince in any way? He never comes over now and seems to avoid me when I'm at home in Aquamaine House."
King Roger had tears in his eyes. "Oh LJ never think that. With privilege comes responsibility. We were wrong leaving the throne without anyone to guard it when I was shot. It could easily have meant everyone in line to the throne had been killed. We are no longer allowed to travel together. In doing so we are thus protecting the linage of the throne. I believe something like this happens with most monarchies."
He paused then smiled, "Oh and while I think of it Charles Edward is now third in line to the throne as your adopted son." I didn't fully understand, but I could see what would happen if we had all been affected in that shooting and I was shocked by what he said about Charles.
I made my mind up that I would call David nightly again and renew our friendship. When the King and I returned to Chrysland I made sure that it was not the King, but Prince David that I travelled with. We visited all my properties and took part in game shoots. Everyone on my lands loved us and promised to let me know how things were going on a regular basis.
While we were in Chrysland we interviewed for a nanny that would care for my children. Anna Hemmings a middle aged lady that had served at Rooksfeld Manor when I was young, before the commune took over, was hired. She had no family and when we met she wept when she saw me. I remembered the nights she would nurse Troy allowing me to rest. As she had no family she would be able to travel and so she became grandma to me and the kids.
Edwards, one of my gamekeepers, asked when they would be seeing the Aquamaine hotels in Chrysland as they were very proud of what we had done in America. I looked and David and we both promised to look into it.
When we called the king he thought it was fantastic as it would encourage tourism and allow people to visit stately homes and the land that we loved. The King made it possible for me to purchase some land in Aquamaine and I gave some in Aeden, David gave some in his dukedom of Valkland.
I called Rupert and asked how he would like to run the project for me from groundbreaking upwards. He loved the idea and promised they would all be ready in eighteen months. I told him that I wanted to copy the style of New York Aquamaine, only slightly bigger. If all went well we would be opening Chrysland Aquamaine at the end of my senior year.
Before I travelled back to America, Prince David and King Roger broke the ground for all three hotels and spoke at the dedication of the sites. It might sound odd but it was a marketing ploy to get the hotels in people's minds. Yet again we were in all of the papers around the world.
By the time school started the President contacted me with contact details for France, Germany, Italy and Spain as they all wanted to build an Aquamaine Hotel in their country. If they took off then we would be allowed to build more. I was in shock and asked if I could get back to him.
I called King Roger and discussed what was on the table with him. He was gobsmacked especially when he found out that the name was to remain no matter what country it was in. He told me to have William Tremaine and Belle draw contracts with each country. Belle and Rupert should view the land we were being offered before any agreement was made. All countries wanted to meet with me at the final signing.
Belle knew everyone from her time as Vice President and was pleased to act as spokesperson. My language skills came to the fore in every country that we visited. All of this was scheduled in to my schooling. So I was country and continent hopping over weekends for contract signing, negotiations and groundbreaking and then back to normal life at school during the week.
When the plans and pictures of what we were planning were presented to the leaders of the countries they were over the moon and signed everything without any problems. Rupert incorporated a lot of the style of the country we were in rather than basing everything on Aquamaine. He studied and visited stately homes and castles in the country and pulled the best into his designs.
When I called Rupert to attend the final contract signing so that the leaders could meet with the designer he was absolutely blown away. At the groundbreaking ceremony in each country King Roger attended with me so that Aquamaine was seen as the leader.
I found it very easy to get along with the leaders in the countries and they were shocked at my ability to speak to them in their own language. Belle sat back when I was with her and let me take the lead. Never once did we have any problems and the opening of the different hotels was all running to plan. Rupert hired teams in each country and would jet between each site to oversee each stage as required.
That's all for now folks ... So LJ is now a daddy and has a purpose at last. I would love to have the hotels to run ... Next in Chapter 5 he becomes a senior and finds that they are a diiferent species.
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