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. Dotty Wlaters - Mr Jakes wife. Rupert Devereaux - LJ's Interior Designer Brodie Reid - Clothes Designer Matt LeRoy - Manager of Oklanhoma Ranch
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 Signor Andre De Luca - Italian Prime Minister
President Masters - President of the USA Professor Phillip Masters - President Masters father and LJs mentor Professor Bryan Masters -President Masters brother and LJs tutor Dean Reynolds - Dean of university and LJs mentor Professor Absom - Class tutor
Mary Beth - French speaking class member Cace Nelson - Italian speaking class member and LJs partner Maria Gonzalez - Spanish speaking class member Mary Nelson - Cace's Ma Colt nelson - Cace's Pa
Thomas – LJ's Major-Domo Simon – LJ's Footman Saunders – LJ's Butler Mike Russo - LJ's security guard Mickael Russo - Mike's nephew Dave - LJ's security guard Gunny Wilks - LJ's security guard Todd Wilks - LJs Friend / Lover and Security guard General Wilks Marcus - Charlie's security guard Coach Ord - LJ's Sensei with Dave Mr Stevens - Hotel manager
------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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
Baron of Lizonby Viscount of Iddlesworth
------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Mansion - Washington DC
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 6 - University
Thinking back you know I never thought my life was any different to that of a fifteen year old. I just got on and did what I had to do.
I had been thrown into this life of privilege in both Chrysland and America and my way of dealing with it was to control and manage. I was fourteen and managing businesses which would have made a grown man weep. I simply got on with it and did what had to be done. As a result I was one of the richest men in the world.
Life settled once university started and on my weekends I did a complete tour of all of my holdings and even travelled back to Chrysland a couple of times.
University was as expected totally different to school, but like every other time in my life I simply soaked all of the information in. It seemed that once I read a topic I had the ability to retain the knowledge and use it to answer questions.
I was also able to utilize this knowledge because as the time went on it was obvious that my management style of the holdings became different and the people that worked for me enjoyed themselves and usually stayed for a long time.
As I started class the tutors had us all introduce ourselves and in one of the Law classes when I introduced myself, "Lance Bravender, fourteen and pleased to be here."
He stopped and just looked at me. "What in the hell are you in my class for? You should be in elementary school not law school. Leave sir and leave now."
"I beg pardon?"
"Deaf as well as daft I see. I said leave young man before I throw you out."
"With all respect I hardly think a boy not even fifteen years old being eligible for your class sir is daft sir. Has Dean Reynolds or Professor Masters not talked to you about me? I already have a BA in languages and I was told that allowed me to start my Law studies early especially since I blitzed the entrance exam."
"Just because you can speak a language..? Well, so can I, English...!" The class tittered at his joke.
"No Sir I can speak six different languages and ASL and have been the chosen interpreter for two Presidents and King Roger of Chrysland."
Then in front of the class he asked "Oh really ... then speak to the class in those languages and sign at the same time." So I did. As I was speaking in French, Mary Beth in the front row started to talk to me in French.
After a few moments I replied in Italian and Cace who was sitting in the back row told me that I was unfair switching languages, but he said it in Italian. We spoke for a while and then I switched again to Polish and the same happened and then the same with Japanese.
While talking in Japanese someone shouted out in German and I was able to talk to them both at the same time. I finished asking a question and directing it to Maria Ganzalez in the back row in Spanish. She was over the moon that we were able to talk in her mother tongue. All of the time I had been signing as well to someone that was signing back.
The tutor just sat there and said nothing. As everything went silent he said, "Just exactly who are you?"
"Me? I'm Lancelot Jefferson Bravender VI; Lord Aquamaine, Duke of Rookfort, Marquess of Conroy and second in line to the throne of Chrysland." At that several people knelt on one knee while we continued to talk.
I looked at the tutor, "Exactly why are you acting like this towards me when I have done nothing to you? If you question my ability to be in your class then set me an exam to assess me. I do expect the Dean to be present though and for you to tell him and me why you are acting like this."
Mike had seen what was happening and had called the Dean for help. The tutor was shocked when he looked at the door and noticed that the Dean had been watching the interaction with all of the students in the different languages.
The Dean walked into the class and look at him. "Do we have a problem Mr Absom? I've listened to you and you are totally out of line. Do you have the exam that your students sat for last year's finals?"
He nodded and the Dean continued, "Be aware the last time he sat this challenge it was agreed if he is found more advanced than your class he will move on and will be awarded the full credit for your class. You though sir, will be sacked."
He suddenly looked at me, "You're willing to sit the exam aren't you?"
"Doctor Absom, yes I am. All I have had since I was six years old is people telling me that I'm a worthless piece of shit. I have the ability to absorb everything that I read and understand and apply it. I do not want to miss classes, but so far that is all people like you have allowed me to do. I want to learn. I have businesses in Chrysland, Italy, France, Germany, Spain and America and I want to learn how to run them instead of having other people do it for me."
He smiled, "Are you happy to start again Your Grace?"
"Oh yes please."
"Sit down and let's get started then!" I smiled at the Dean and he just nodded. "Okay as this is Business Law let's talk about what you have Your Grace and see how we can apply that to what we are talking about in each lecture."
I went on to describe what we had and he used my business to demonstrate the law principles that he was teaching. We ended up having very good relationship together and later he even travelled to Chrysland with me for the opening of the hotels. So did Cace who had spoken to me in Italian.
After that altercation though tutors tended to leave me alone and let me get on with it. I spent my lunches now with a group that seemed to adopt me and developed the first real friendship of my life with. It helped that he was absolutely beautiful. A Greek god to look at and his name was Cace. The lunch group became a study group and then a homework group and we bounced off each other which really helped.
It also helped that if they struggled to understand something in English I was able to translate the text to their mother tongue and discuss it with them until they understood the concept.
I had one of the larger bedrooms knocked through to make a large shell. Then it was lined with book cases from floor to ceiling to create a library. In the shelves were several computer stations so we had everything that we needed to study.
Once that was in place we added several smaller oak tables to allow study and reading, but that could quickly be moved around to form a rectangle for a conference table. After the purchase of the computers and all of the stationery that we needed we had our own class room.
I had Professor Bryan Masters give Thomas a list of all of the recommended reading for the courses that we would be sitting, both Law and Business Management and my marketing course. Then he got on to the phone and organised the purchase of all of the books required.
We thus had our own space and the lunch group, come study group had their own private study space. This would become our office for the businesses when they all accepted jobs with me after the course completed. This also fast became my favourite room. I sat and read for hours remembering the times that I had read to Troy in a similar library.
It was in Business Management that the first major clash came with a tutor and he proved that he was too proud to give in and accept that he was wrong. In truth he'd turn out to be far more dangerous than any of us could ever imagine.
We had to choose a model for a business that we wanted to work with going forward and possibly even work for after the completion of the courses. Of course I put Aquamaine Holdings or Aquamaine Hotels.
He took one look at me and laughed. What made it worse was he read it out to all of the class and all but the study group laughed as well. "Why are you laughing?" I asked. "What's wrong with Aquamaine?"
"Oh come on Lancelot we all know that Aquamaine's owned by the Crown of Chrysland. No one can get into it unless the king invites them."
"You're wrong. Aquamaine Holdings are owned 100% by Lord Aquamaine - Duke of Rookfort, Marquess of Conroy. Come to think of it so are the hotels."
"Sorry my lad, but old man Bradley Patterson owns Aquamaine Holdings. That is a known fact."
"Mr Rodgers, if you had paid any attention to the news you would have heard that `old man' as you put it was murdered a few years ago saving the life of his only living grandson." I paused when he flinched at my words as if they hurt him.
I would not let tears escape. "He left everything to him. You should also know that same grandson purchased the Aquamaine Hotels himself at the age of ten. The King and the President of America were both at the official opening as were many other world leaders."
"Oh really and how the hell would you know that?"
"Well I could say that I saw the news," I looked around and many were nodding. I looked at Gunny "Gunny, organise a bus we're going to take them over there. This is the last class of the day and I am so fucking fed up of everyone's attitude!"
Cace looked at me, "Your Grace you don't have to do this."
"I know. I need to. Thanks!" I stood and looked at the tutor. "If I can organise a meeting with the hotel this afternoon are you all up for a visit?"
Rodger's looked at me, "No one can get us in to that place, but yes we will go over there if you can get us in."
I looked at him, "To say you are a business management lecturer and yet management is to have the foresight to know what will be good for a business. I'm sorry you can not apply those same principles to this class sir. You are extremely short sighted. Follow me and my bodyguards..."
"Bodyguards...? Why the hell do you need bodyguards?"
I ignored his comment and continued, but Cace just said "Sir, work it out and then maybe you will know who he is."
I looked and Rodgers and just said, "As I was saying follow me and we will head for the bus. You will also find Dean Reynolds has been invited to attend as well. Do not worry about the cost it is all covered so all of you please come with us. It will be a good exercise for the course."
"How dare you!" screamed Rodgers.
"Easy! I am protecting my future."
No one said anything we just collected our stuff and walked out. Gunny had done it again. There in the front of the campus was the Aquamaine Hotel bus with Dean Reynolds standing in front with Professor Phillip Masters. Phillip simply hugged me in front of everyone and whispered "You're doing Okay." As we climbed on to the bus I put my finger to my lips to show that the driver was to say nothing.
It was a ten minutes drive and as we climbed out of the bus I gathered everyone together as they needed to know expectations. Mr Rodgers took over and thought that he had full run of the place and started spouting off spiel about the management of such a place. They were all in for a shock.
As we walked into the reception the desk clerk rang the main bell and everyone that was on duty came out into the reception and got down on one knee and bowed their heads. This was followed by Dean Reynolds and Professor Phillip Masters and of course Cace.
Mr Rodgers thought it was for him and tried to get help, but he was ignored and by now patrons at the hotel had come to the foyer and seen me and were all on one knee as well.
Stevens the manager stepped forward and kissed my ring, "Lord Aquamaine it is an honour for you to pay us a visit. We were not expecting you until the management meeting at the end of the month." Mr Rodgers just looked around as if to say what the hell is going on. Professor Phillip smiled and looked on.
"Everyone please stand and get on with your normal day. We did not want to disturb you. Those of you who are guests I do hope that you are enjoying your stay."
I greeted several and all of a sudden I just slipped into Italian as I greeted the Italian Prime Minister. After a brief discussion with him I returned to the manager, "Stevens this is one of my classes in Business Management. I was wondering if you would give them a tour of the place and explain to the class and the tutor how it works. Also the management of a chain how you see that working so that they have your insight."
"Your Grace I would be honoured."
"Stevens I know that I intend to do my internship here in the hotels do you think that we could source placements in the hotels or the Holdings for those who want to intern with us when the time is right?"
"We have done at this hotel sir ever since we opened sir."
"While you take everyone on the tour do you mind if I go and talk to the Prime Minister? I will catch up. Could you also get Nigel to run some monthly statistical progress reports so we can use them as we discuss this in our classes? There are twenty of us so if he could run a copy for everyone. He may want to make the information fictitious as I do not want everyone knowing my business."
"Not at all sir... I believe the President is due to arrive for a meeting with the Prime Minister in the Valkland Suite. The press are already gathering there. Maybe the class would like to attend." Mr Rodgers was gobsmacked.
"Yes I know about the meeting. That's why I've been requested to attend by the Prime Minister. He needs an interpreter as does the President. He can speak English, but struggles with the understanding."
I looked at Professor Phillip and the Dean. "Sorry about this, but I have been asked to help the Prime Minister of Italy. You can either tour with the group or come over with me and I'll introduce you."
The Dean stepped in, "No I think we will stay with the group, but we would like to attend the press conference. Thank you Your Grace."
With that Stevens took everyone off for the tour and I went back to the Prime Minister who was just standing as the President's car arrived. As President Masters approached he looked at me and smiled. After greeting our guests he came over and just hugged me, "Thank you for being here Sir. It is very much appreciated."
"Not at all... I hope you do not mind, but my class and the Dean and someone called Professor Phillip Masters are with me. They have requested to be able to attend the press conference."
"Not at all, it will do them good to see the negotiations and international relationship at first hand. Good thinking son."
We were led to a smaller meeting room of the side of the main conference area and for the next thirty minutes I translated the negotiations that the two leaders were meeting about. They sat face to face and I sat off to the side. Even though they watched each other to gage reactions they listened to my voice. We were then led by the special agents into Valkland Suite and we faced the cameras of the world.
As the leaders took their places I approached the microphone off to the side and the room went quiet. I looked out at the audience and saw Cace's smiling face and suddenly realised that I hoped our friendship continued to develop.
I looked around and spoke, "Ladies and Gentlemen of the press please be aware that everything said today I need to interpret for one person or the other. So please do not shout over each other and allow time for the answers to be given. Likewise allow me time to interpret the replies that are given to your questions. Ladies and Gentlemen I would like to present President Ian Masters of the United States of America." I then translated it into Italian and French as was the custom.
As the President addressed the media I knew he could have spoken in French, but the guest was Italian so he allowed me to do all of the translating. The President and I worked like a well oiled machine. We were fast becoming firm friends.
Over the time I had grown to love the Prime Minister and we had a respect for each other. When it was time for him to address the press I continued to translate in to English for the President. At the end he came over to me and in front of all of the cameras hugged me and kissed me on the cheeks saying "mio figlio". My son. I had tears running down my cheeks, but knew that I had to carry on.
Once order returned and cameras stopped flashing the floor was opened and questions flowed smoothly. There were even a few questions from my class. There were no problems and the questioning went really well. As soon as it came to an end we were whisked off. I looked at Gunny and told him to not let the class go before we got back together.
The Dean and Stevens were talking to the class as I walked up and Stevens saved the day by inviting them all to have a meal in the restaurant as a gift from Aquamaine.
At that point I noticed the President was walking out and as he saw us approached. "Lord Aquamaine, I want to thank you for allowing us to meet with the Prime Minister at your hotel. He loves staying here, especially since you are building one in Italy."
"Nonsense Sir you know that you're always welcome to use our hotels for State visits. If you ever need an evening hosted we can also make use of Aquamaine Mansion ballroom."
"Why thank you. That is very good of you. It would be good for the New Years official ball. We will have to get my people and Thomas and start organising it."
"One final thing Mr President we were just about to go into the restaurant for a meal as a class with the Dean and our Professors and wondered if you would like to join us. I know it's not often that Business and Law Professors brush shoulders. It might be fun."
"Well as I have no little lady waiting at home, why not. Oh by the way everyone what do you have when there are one hundred lawyers chained to the bottom of the sea?"
Everyone smiled and shouted "A good start...!" We were all laughing as we entered the restaurant.
I saw that the Italian Prime Minister and his wife had just been seated and asked if everyone would excuse me as I wanted to invite them to join us. They were over the moon to be seen with Lord Aquamaine and willingly joined us to meet my class. Cace was in his element and really charmed them.
We had a fantastic evening. I specifically asked if the Prime Minister would mind sitting next to Cace as he could translate for them and I would sit next to the President and would translate for him. The Dean sat next to me and I heard as we were talking that he gave Mr Rodgers a severe warning that if he tried to pull another stunt like that again he would be looking for a new job as I had the power to have him terminated in more ways than one.
As the evening came to an end the bus drove everyone back to the campus as the Prime Minister and his wife pulled me and Cace to one side. They said that tomorrow was their last day and that they would like for us to attend breakfast come brunch with them.
As we walked away Cace could not believe that a farm boy from Idaho was rubbing shoulders with the Prime Minister of Italy and the President of America. When we got back to the reception the bus had left already and Cace was about to start walking back to the campus.
I looked at him, "If you want a lift I can give you one. Hey if you want to come back to the Mansion we could go for a swim. It is still early."
"Sire I would love to, but do not have a costume or the money to pay for something like that. I am still looking for a job and my ma and pa could not afford to pay for all of this."
Stevens had joined us as we waited for my limo. "Excuse me if I speak out of term, but I need a trainee manager to work under me. Of course it would fit with your schedule and we could work to make sure specific areas that you are working on are the areas that we work on with you are well. Of course His Grace will have the final word."
I looked at Cace, "How bad are things Cace?"
He just wept, "Your Grace if I do not find something soon I will have to go home as all of the funds that I saved were used up in the first few weeks. I haven't even got the money for food or my dorm. I just do not know what I am going to do."
"Ok ... You move into the mansion with me. I have plenty of bedrooms and there are always people around. If you need a car to get to Aquamaine for your shift Stevens can organise a company car for you. I think you are worth investing in and if all goes well in your studies there will be a role in either the hotels or the holdings once you graduate. The Prime Minister may even claim you for the Italian hotel."
His weeping became more intense and he almost collapsed, but Stevens caught him and held on to him until he calmed down. "Now the Limo is here. What say we head to the mansion for a swim and to call your ma and pa? Then Dave will drive you to the dorm and help you move your stuff in to the mansion."
I turned to Stevens. "I really want to thank you for today Stevens as that was over and above anything that I could expect. Thank you."
"Believe me sir it is always a privilege sir, always a privilege."
As we were climbing into the limo Stevens said, "Call by the hotel tomorrow after class and we'll discuss your hours and what you'll be doing. Training starts at the bottom as his Grace knows. Even he has washed dishes." We all laughed, but Cace agreed that he would see him tomorrow and that he would willingly be bottom.
"Have you really washed up before?" He asked.
"Yep, and I did it in all fifty hotels! I believe in pitching in and helping when it's needed." He just roared with laughter and it was good to see him smile.
As we were the only ones around the pool I asked, "Why don't we skinny dip?"
"I'm game if you are." With that we stripped and both jumped into the water very quickly. About an hour later we were both tired and climbed out and relaxed on the loungers. I could not take my eyes of him, "I know you are looking at me...."
"Oh my god! I am so sorry..."
"Don't be. I want you to look because I like looking at you. Sire you are a pretty special person you know." I blushed, "You are. I would like to get to know you better if we can."
"I'm only fourteen going on fifteen."
"I never said I was ready for anything else. I believe your lover should be your friend first before anything else. I think I will be ready in a little over three years. What do you think?"
"I'm thinking that I will be as well." I paused, "The fact that people bow and kiss my hand all of the time is not going to get to you is it? I had a friend once and he couldn't cope..."
"Sir I have nothing, but what you see. I do however have the feeling that I am falling in love with you. When I see people doing that and kneeling to you I'll be thinking `That's my man there... that's my man.' You see I think you will mean the world to me LJ."
"That's good because I think you will to me as well." That night he moved into the Mansion and for some time life was good. He meant everything to me and I thought we never even looked at anyone else. Neither of us, well I know that I hadn't. He's twenty two and I'm nearly fifteen, but we will see how things work out.
Cace started working for Stevens at the hotel and got on really well with the work and training that he was being given. Now looking back it was not only the training that he got on really well with because Stevens used him just like Cace was using me. I think that is all that has ever happened because of my money. People use me.
With this new turn in relationships, I thought about Todd and discussed this development with him and he just smiled. "Sir it's Okay. I have been seeing Simon your Footman ever since I moved in with Gunny. We became partners about a month ago. We love each other." I hugged him and just went to the study room to read. This room was fast becoming my favourite room.
From that point on there was no problem in class and I seemed to fit in well with everyone. Those that I did not, Cace did and because I was with him no one ever gave me any problems. I had to tour the properties and businesses over Christmas, but we made sure Cace got home and Stevens kept him working when he came back so that he had spare cash.
We had settle back into University life and Cace had started touring with me on weekends and all seemed well that is until a few weeks later when we were preparing for the summer break. We were returning home one afternoon with the study group and the place was quiet. The Mansion empty...
Charles Edward had started nursery earlier in the month and Anna had seemed concerned that something was wrong. She had voiced her concern to Mike and Gunny and with the help of Belle two guards were assigned to him at all times.
Anna insisted that she never leave his side and worked as a volunteer with the teacher while he was at nursery. She was the best person we had ever hired as she was a mother to everyone in the family including Walt and Belle.
While we were standing there the phone rang. It was Marcus the head guard calling to state that there was trouble at the nursery. A gun man was holed up outside the school insisting that Charles be handed over. He had shot and killed every one that had tried to enter or leave. Police were there, but the situation was critical and getting worse.
Gunny, Todd and Mike declared complete lockdown. Thomas communicated it to the King as full lockdown meant that they had to be in lock down as well. I just sat there and clung to Cace and cried desperate for Charlie to be safe.
I called Belle and Cace called Professor Masters. We needed to do something and couldn't think of anything else. Soon they were all forcing their way into the Mansion insisting that they be with us at this time. Luckily Thomas knew everyone and that it would be hopeless not letting them in.
I was shocked when the President arrived. I felt helpless and just wanted to be with Charles Edward. He was my life and always had been.
Marcus was told full lock down had been declared and that they were to protect Charles at all costs. The President ordered that they were authorised to shoot to kill in order to protect any child, not only Charles Edward.
Media had got hold of it and were starting to call so Professor Masters and the President arranged to address them outside the mansion on my behalf and to call for calm. Stating that a full debrief would be held once the situation had been resolved.
Within in moments the President, Phillip and Belle stood before the nation. All programs stopped and aired the announcement, "It is with heavy heart that we announce that the Lincoln Nursery where Lord Aquamaine's son Charles Edward Bravender, Marquess of Reyesford, Viscount of Ravenswood attends is currently under siege. According to reports several people, including the headmistress have been shot. Demands are being made that the young child no more than two years old be handed over to the attackers."
Belle took over, "King Roger has announced that this is seen as a direct attack on Chrysland as the Viscount is third in line to the throne and the attackers need to understand that should he be harmed it will be seen as an act of war."
The President took over again, "We have moved all forces including the army onto the site, but the FBI has agreed a plan for resolving this situation. We will keep you all updated, but please keep in your prayers this night these young children and their parents."
Finally Phillip closed the address, "To all of the children's families we have taken all measures to ensure that the children are protested and there are security guards on site that will put the welfare of the children first. We will update you all again once we know more. Thank you."
We were soon on every channel with media camped as close to the nursery as they could and at least one helicopter flying around.
The siege went on well into the night and the FBI and Homeland Security were working with the Special Agents to try to get to the snipers that had attacked the school.
As the headmistress had been shot Anna was trying to care for her and several crying babies as well as young nursery nurses who were nothing more than kids themselves.
The President had to place guards on both the drive and the doors to the mansion to stop the media trying to approach for a one to one interview. I was so furious that they never left me alone, but no one would let me face them in the state that I was in. Mike even found a photographer in the tree in the back garden filming the room we were in.
Marcus and his team made sure that the nursery was locked and all entrances secured. All seemed well and all was quiet until about half way through the night Marcus heard breaking glass and followed it leaving his other guard with the children. He had given Anna a gun earlier in the night just in case.
It was the male locker room and toilets that the noise was coming from and he waited outside the door knowing that they would come out eventually. Sure enough the door opened and there stood two men. "Freeze!" Shots were heard and both of the men were taken down.
At the same time a concerted attack on the school started with several guns shooting and grenades being thrown at the windows.
We were being kept updated by phone as to what was happening by General Wilks who was leading the situation. Everyone was finding it harder and harder to keep me from running to the nursery and shouting "You want me then come and get me! Little kids did not deserve this!"
Once the FBI had every one in place the counter attack was on. Now they knew where they were it was easy to surround the buildings and to take them out one by one. It was a kidnap attempt as they felt that we would give into to demands for money. The Masters were as shocked as I to see that the failed kidnapper was Mr Rodgers from my Business Management class who had been born in Chrysland and was the brother of the bastard son.
They had taken five people from Chrysland that were like freedom fighters and had joined Rodgers wanting the end of the monarchy. King Roger was on the phone with the President on a regular basis throughout the night planning what would need to happen.
About thirty minutes later the scene was cleared at the school and parents were allowed in to get the children. All of the parents were angry that their kids had been put in harms reach until quite rightly Marcus stated that any of their children could have been the target as they were all kids of government officials and mine was the only one with guards provided.
The parents also found my guards and Anna were the only three that were caring for the kids as all of the staff were either incapable of it in the state that they were in or were so scared they did not know what to do for themselves never mind the kids. The headmistress was the only one that stood up for the children and by the end of the night had given her life.
It was still later in the night that we heard the crowd, that had gathered outside. They had been standing vigil holding candles outside. Suddenly they started to applaud and cheer as we heard cars pull up outside. We might have been wrong, but we all shot to the door to see what was happening. There was Anna stood with the guards holding Charles Edward. He was lapping up the attention and waving at the cameras.
Then he saw me and started crying, "Da da ug. Da da ug." He screamed and as I took him in my arms it all caught up to him and he cried for the first time.
As Belle and the President with Professor Masters addressed the nation I just sat on the steps of the mansion with Cace and my boy and sang to him.
He loved me singing and it settled to him. The TV cameras continued to film as they all listened to the old lullaby from Chrysland that my nanny used to sing. I had never felt so loved at that moment with Cace's arm around me protecting me and my little one in my arms.
Over the next few days we had numerous calls from all over the world expressing their disgust about what had happened. We had talked everything over with our Professors at university and we were given two weeks leave of absence.
As I was discussing this with the Dean, Cace was talking in Italian over the phone to the Prime Minister who had been on the phone several times since it had all started. After agreeing what was going to happen with the Dean we got back to the Prime Minister and accepted his offer for a short two week holiday break with his family at their holiday home.
We notified the King where we would be and then as a family, including Belle and Walt we went to Italy for a family holiday. Charles Edward had a whale of a time and it did us all good.
While we were there we were shown around the half built Aquamaine. He then surprised us all by having a Gala Ball for us with Cace, Charles and I as the Guests of honour. In the paper the next day it was headed "Prime Minister's two sons that never were." In others it said "Grandpa at last" with a picture of the Prime Minister and Charles Edward.
One afternoon Charlie had been tired and I stayed with him at the suggestion of Cace. Belle and Walt went out shopping together and Cace wandered off to the beach in just his skimpy swim trunks that he had bought when we got there for us both. He said for a walk and a swim refusing and refused to take a guard with him. He said he needed some me time. Now years later it is obvious what he had really gone out for.
We were sorry when we had to return, but we knew that we had to in order to complete our study for the year. As we drove up to the Mansion there was a crowd outside and as we stepped out of the car the cheers erupted and we just stood and allowed the crowd and the people to have their moment.
There was only a few weeks left of my first year at university and they flew too quickly and we were soon in summer break mode. The study group was back up and running and all worked with Cace and me to help us catch up with everything. The university in order to avoid a scandal settled with my attorney William Tremaine in favour of both Cace and I. Cace received $2,000,000 and I received $7,500,000 whilst Charles Edward was awarded $15,000,000.
I looked at the Dean as he bought the cheques. He just looked at me and said, "Do not say anything we all knew that he had a problem with you and we did nothing about it and I am so ashamed as it could have cost young Charles his life. For your information Rodgers has been sent to prison for fifteen years, but since they know it was an attack on a child he will not last."
He paused and then looked at me, "Also you need to know that Belle and her father William Tremaine have insisted that they interview all of the tutors that you have in advance so that this will not happen again. I am so sorry Your Grace." He just hugged me.
That just left the finals and we all went in like gladiators in an arena and faced the enemy. "The Exam". By the end of the week we were able to get our results and both Cace and I along with the study group blitzed the exams. We all achieved a minimum of 87%. I averaged 97% overall.
Thomas had been busy during the last week and we were scheduled to visit with Cace's parents for a week before leaving on our annual tour of Aquamaine Holdings and Hotels. When we arrived at Idaho Cace had failed to tell me that their farm had failed and both his ma and pa held three jobs in order to see him through university. I immediately loved these people.
As we walked through the door on the Sunday morning they had just arrived back from church and his ma was sat at the kitchen table having a glass of water when she saw us. She was about to say something then recognised me and fell to her knees with her head bowed. Mary was a lovely lively lady and loved her son unquestioningly.
Then pa walked in and he was a twin copy of Cace. The difference was Ma and Pa were forty and Cace twenty two. Colt was Cace's father and he ignored me completely and just hugged his son and both had tears in their eyes. Then as he said, "I take it this is the young man that you told us about ..." He took one look at me and fell to his knees and said "My Lord."
I looked and Cace and he had love running down his face in tears. "Please stand. It is me that should greet you." I walked over and ma stood and hugged me.
Then the same with pa then he looked at me and said, "We understand that we have to wait for the wedding, but where is my grandson!" I walked to the door and asked Anna to step in with Charles. As soon as he came in he ran to Cace, "Papa, who they?"
"Little man these are your grandpa and grandma. Say hello."
He looked at them half smiled and then hid his face in Cace's shoulder. Ma said everything, "He is so beautiful!"
We had a fine visit and as we sat on the porch on the last day I asked, "Colt I know you have the farm, but is there anything else like family holding you here?"
No your Grace, not even the farm anymore. Cace does not know, but we sold the farm to finance his university and we just have to pay rent to live here. Why do you ask?"
At that, the screen door opened and Cace came out in tears, "Why pa? Why?" He just sobbed.
"Oh Cace it's because we believe that you deserve the chance in life that we never had."
"Well Pa as a result of the kidnapping and the fact that it was a professor from the university we don't have to worry, ever again. We got compensation as a result of Lance's lawyers and I now have $2,000,000. I want to give you and Ma some."
Colt just wept and Ma came out to see what was happening and when we told her she joined her husband. I also said that I wanted to purchase the land back for them as my gift for welcoming me into the family."
When we left Colt had gotten everything back into place and had £1,500.000 in the bank. He also had my farm foreman working with him to plan on what was the best use for the farm. They were to prove to be good friends to me for many years.
As we toured all of the sites they made a big deal of welcoming not only Charles to the family but also Cace. When we got to Montana and the dude farm Cace was in his element and loved the place. When we got to Texas for a week's lay over before heading out again he fell in love all over again and so did Countess as she claimed him as her boy. Princess was a little standoffish and we were told that they had just discovered that she was in foal again.
For the rest for the break we visited Germany, Spain and France to see the status of the hotels. We had already been to Italy. All three were progressing well and even though Aquamaine they were in the style of the country.
I liked the French Aquamaine Chateau, Schloss Aquamaine in Germany which was styled after the Schloss Breitenburg and the Aquamaine Palace outside Barcelona. It was the Palazzo Aquamaine in Italy that we all fell in love with. It had been styled in the fashion of Palazzo Madama and was stunning.
Following this we had a two week break in Chrysland to visit all of my lands and also view how the three new hotels were progressing. Then we took a week in Castle Conroy.
The King fell in love with Cace. Little did I realise at the time. I thought he became like a father to him. It is a shame that people are blind to warning signs.
On our last day we held our annual Charity Gala at Castle Conroy and the King asked Cace to kneel. "Cace Nelson I dub thee Sir Cace Nelson Baron of Lizonby, Viscount of Iddlesworth. Arise, Sir Nelson. I could not have the daddy of my grandson without a title now could I?" They hugged and Cace had tears in his eyes.
Prince David approached him looked at him and said "I think you know what I mean by this" he also looked to his father as he spoke. "If you ever hurt Lance you will answer to the throne of Chrysland you do know that don't you." Cace nodded and they hugged as well.
As we walked in to the grand hall of the castle we were announced, "My Lords ladies and gentlemen please be upstanding for King Roger of Aquamaine, Crowned Prince David, Lord Aquamaine Duke of Rookfort - Marquess of Conroy and Mr Cace Nelson Baron of Lizonby, Viscount of Iddlesworth."
As the night wore on the King approached, "While you are with LJ as Viscount of Iddlesworth you are the Lord of Iddlesworth Hall. Maybe you would like to visit before returning home. You can extend a day can't you Lancelot?"
"Of course sire. Can Mr Jake oversee it for Cace?"
"It has already been arranged." I turned and there stood Mr Jake with a lady that I recognised for Aeden. "Sir I'd like to introduce my wife, Dotty Walters. I seem to have been caught sire. Your papa always said it would never happen. God sir you do not know how I miss that man."
"So do I Mr Jake, so do I." I hugged him and then introduced him to my family and Charles fell in love with Aunty Dotty as she would become known. Dotty and Charles we destined to become lifelong friends and she would be the person that Charles would confide in when he grew up.
What surprised me was the next day when I woke Cace and the King had already left for Iddlesworth hall. When I suggested that we follow them David looked shocked that I did not understand what was happening, but recovered soon and told me we had to tour Aquamaine city and attend a function that day in place of his father.
I was so blind. "Is something wrong David that I need to know about?" He just ignored me.
Two days later they returned. We were exhausted by all of the duties we'd fulfilled. They looked fresh and walked funny. Thomas was not amused to say the least and warned Cace that he knew what he was doing. Cace just laughed and walked away. I would never have guessed what was really happening as I thought they both loved me.
When I think back I do not know how I survived as so many people were less than honest with me to say the least. If I had known then I would have hated life. Instead I had to put Charlie and my businesses first and carry on as if nothing was wrong. Well in my mind there wasn't anything wrong. I was just so naive. Maybe I still am.
I also wish we had gone to Iddlesworth that weekend as years of hurt would have been avoided. I know now thinking back that Prince David knew what was happening, but also realised the repercussions and was not ready to be King so stood by me and warned his father to back off.
That's all for now folks ... Chapter 7 - With Charlie safe university life falls into a routine until all does not seem right and King Roger and LJ travel to find out why.
The character list has been reduced by those that do not appear again...
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I would like to thank all of those that have written to me to say how much they are enjoying the syory. Many of you have already read my other story Moonside Manor, but thsat on is in Beginnings as well. Continue to let me know what you think it really helps to inspire me ...Write me with your feedback and comments at ukwriter12@yahoo.com ... For those of you that do contact me I will always try to reply.
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A little about myself ... I'm from the UK and born in Yorkshire... Ancestors were miners. Me I'm and accountant. I have always loved writing and hope you enjoy...Let me know!!