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 - LJ's brother Bradley Patterson - LJ's Grandpa Charles Edward Bravender - LJ's adopted son Troy Jordan Bravender (TJ)- LJ's adopted son Jame Ross Bravender (JR)- LJ's adopted son Ezekiel DeLuca Nelson Bravender - LJ's adopted son
Baron - LJ's Horse
Anna Hemmings - Nanny Mr Jake - Caretaker of LJ's estates. Dotty Walters - Mr Jakes wife. Rupert Devereaux - LJ's Interior Designer Brodie Reid - Clothes Designer Nicole DuBois - Opera singer
King Roger of Aquamaine ... King of Chrysland Prince David – Heir to the throne of Aquamaine. Christine Bowers - Fiancée of Prince David
King Myles - King of Lizondia Prince Steven - Prince of Lizondia
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 Judge Reynolds - The deans brother Professor Absom - Class tutor
Maria Gonzalez - Spanish speaking class member Lincoln Struthers - LJ's friend in class Cace Nelson - Italian speaking class member and LJs partner 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 Kingsmere Viscount of Reymire 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
12th Duke of Vauxland Prince Of Bowland
------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Penrise Hall Iddlesworth Hall
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 7 – University Life
I sit here crying as I think how happy I was with Cace and how much I trusted my godfather. I miss Roger, so much. He was the father I never had. I vowed years later that I would never be like King Roger as a father or a leader. He was a user, selfish and weak. So was Cace and maybe that was why they were good together.
Because of the life that I led I had no idea what was going on. I'd learnt to trust people since moving to America. Otherwise I would not have survived on my own. King Roger had never been anything except kind and I had no reason to suspect that anything was wrong. Why should I?
Life settled back into a routine and university life was setting a pace once we got back to the second year. We were all on course now as my minor had completed with great success and had already been really useful.
If anything I was finding Law study to be easier than business study. I think that was because a lot of law is memorising facts and being able to recall them when you need them. I was fascinated by all of the facts and really took to it.
Professor Bryan Masters tailored the course that I was taking so that it included a fast track that would allow many options once the course was complete.
Cace and I were closer than ever and we had even moved into the same suite of rooms. Even though we had agreed no sex until I was of legal age we slept together. It was tempting, but we were determined to achieve it.
I was a fool as I told him he could see others if he wanted, but he got upset and told me that I was all that he ever wanted. Would you believe that I believed him?
Fall break soon came and we were both busy. He wanted to travel with me, but had a personal invitation to spend the break with an Italian speaking family in a small nation to the south of Chrysland that used to be one of their territories.
I encouraged him to accept the offer, as they had seen him interpreting and wanted to hire him. I felt rotten that we'd be apart, but I also had to encourage him.
It was strange though that as soon as he left I had a foreboding that something was seriously wrong. It had only been an offer for him and not both of us, especially since I usually had a good relationship with the nation.
As I was touring Chrysland with King Roger we had kept in touch by phone even though he seemed distant on the first and second nights and then was not available at all. We all had these new mobile phone contraptions, but his was not recognised.
I approached King Roger with my fears and he was sure something was wrong that we were not being told and so we flew over to our neighbour. If anything he seemed more agitated than I did.
We arrived at the address that Cace had been given and received a very cold welcome in deed. There was drugs and booze everywhere. The smell alone would have been enough to make you high.
It reminded me of my father all over again as they were all drugged and drunk and everyone was a man. I saw the person who had invited him and recognised him immediately as the business man that we had helped when he visited DC last year. "Where is he Alberto?"
"What the hell are you doing here?" He snapped in English which surprised me.
"We're here to see where Cace is as we've not heard from him." There was laughter and people saying he was wonderful.
Alberto was so drugged up he said, "God he was wonderful both times I was with him."
I looked at him and picked up my phone and called the Chief Minister. "Sir this is Lance Bravender I'm here at the house of Alberto with King Roger looking for Cace Nelson... Yes I know he was with you Sir and then moved on as agreed."
I smiled at Alberto and then said, "I think you need to come over here ... No you don't understand me! You need to come over here NOW! Cace has been brutalised in some way by Alberto at least that is what Alberto just said and we still have to find where he is. King Roger is with me and is on the phone to the President of the United States of America as Cace is an American citizen."
I listened to him as he shouted at others and it was clear that he knew what was happening.
"If we find out this is your doing, this small island of yours will be on its own and international sanctions will stop all help coming to you. Believe me I have the power to end your tyranny." I just hung up.
I looked at Alberto, "I suggest you take me to him of I will tear this fucking place apart brick by fucking brick if I have to." I totally lost it.
"As you wish..." He said giggling, "You want a turn as well!"
The King looked at his guards and simply said, "Put this building on lock down no one leaves, only the Chief Minister comes in. Heads are going to roll."
We raced after Alberto and it was soon obvious where we were heading so I raced forward and kicked the door open. Immediately someone tried to attack me, but since I was ready my training came in and I took out two men. I didn't even care if they were alive or dead. Dave joined me and we had a room full of people on the floor by the time we approached the main room.
I pushed the door forward and Dave and Gunny walked forward and just clicked their guns while Gunny said, "Back away from him and back away now or we will shoot."
"How the hell did you get here?" The man with Cace asked. The room was covered in blood. Apparently they had tried everything and Cace resisted what they did and refused to eat or drink. They had brutalised him as a result and he was covered in blood barely alive and still they were torturing him.
I looked at him with so much hate that I simply said, "Step away and find out. I take it you are the boss."
"Go home little boy, the family have hired this doggy from the minister for the weekend and we will have what we paid for dead or alive." He said.
At that I heard Mikes voice from outside, "I think you need to go in not leave." With that he marched him into the room with a gun against his head.
I looked at the minister, "Why? How could you? All he has ever been to you and your family is a friend."
"The family insisted we provide entertainment or they would ..."
I reached into my jeans and pulled my gun and aimed and fired at the naked mans feet just skimming passed the skin. "You little bastard watch what you are doing."
"Did it hurt? Let's see if we can hurt you like you've hurt mine." I aimed again and shot his little toe off.
King Roger looked at him and said, "You need to watch, treading on glass can be dangerous. Now who the hell are you?"
"Davison. Does that ring a bell? He should have been in line to the throne not that little brat!" and he spat at me.
"So it's nothing to do with the island then. It's jealousy and wanting something that was never yours in the first place." The King said.
"He should have had all of the hotels and stuff!"
I looked at him, "You fucking idiot I own those with my Grandfathers money nothing to do with being Lord Aquamaine."
The King looked at the chief Minister, "Are you tied in with them?"
I looked at him and just said, "Be honest as I am well aware of what was being said in the background when we spoke."
The minister looked at me, "The bitch had six sons and a daughter and we were drilled every fucking day that we had to kill you and yours to get the throne. She was obsessed with it. First Daughter and son in Chrysland – killed in prison thanks to him the little brat. Second the bastard son – killed thanks to him. Third the bitch and pa at the ranch – killed thanks to him. Fourth the school superintendent, a son – killed thanks to him. Fifth the sniper at the nursery - the clever git from university, a son – killed in prison thanks to him. Don't worry I'm the last. Well me and the baby brother over there having fun." He said pointing to the man with Cace.
"Gunny, get him away Cace. Todd, see if you can look after him. He looks as if he is nearly dead." The King said. With that the minister took out gun and shot first his brother and then himself. Alberto came running into the room shouting "Papa!" waving a gun aimed at me. Mike took him out with one shot.
Cace was unconscious so while the Kings guards sorted everything out we took him to the hospital to be looked after. They were able to clean him up and tend to him. They did a rape test and nothing had happened.
King Roger and I were stood at his bed when he opened his eyes and smiled, "My Lord I protected my gift to you. I am still intact." Little did I know what the look by the doctor meant. I also thought he was talking to me, but now thinking back he was looking at both the King and me it could have been either of us. I wonder?
With that he screamed and passed out. The doctors rushed him to surgery and we waited the night to see the result. The King and I spent the day in hospital. He was in a coma so we left Gunny and Todd on guard while we went to the parliament with the instruction no one was allowed in to him.
As we approached parliament they tried to stop us from entering. Guns are a really good persuasion though and we were soon entering the parliament hall. "I tell you no one knows where the Chief Minister is" said voice one.
Voice two, "We heard King Roger arrived and discovered what the old man was doing...Serves him bloody right if you ask me!"
We walked in and just stood there until everyone shut up. King Roger walked up to the lectern and stated, "Unless this land has a peaceful surrender to Chrysland we will declare war against you after your act of hostility towards us."
He let that sink in and continued, "Your country knowingly committed an act of war against a citizen of America and the second in line to the throne of Chrysland. This type of action will not be tolerated. Sanctions are already in place against your island as a result. You will starveunless you step down."
"What do you mean knowingly?"
I just looked at him and stated, "We heard that King Roger arrived and discovered what the old man was doing..." I looked at all of the ministers, "We heard what you were saying and yes you not only knew, but I dare say you were involved. If and when the Viscount of Iddlesworth is well and he is able to identify any of you then you will be arrested. So - speak - now."
"We knew my Lord, but never agreed with what he was doing. He was a man obsessed." Voice two said and then continued. "King Roger you do not have to fear for we will surrender from his dictatorship happily. With only one request and that is that you attach us back to Chrysland as in days of old and allow Lord Aquamaine to be Prince of Bowland again. Our people love him and will readily accept him as their Prince."
At that everyone in the hall knelt. Over the next few days as Cace started his long road to recovery, the `Treaty of Affiliation' was created and an independent council setup to oversee the country and report to the king.
I spent as much time with Cace as I could and even slept in his room. King Roger never left our side as Case was his son. His injuries were healing well and Cace looked at me. "With your coronation coming up you and the King go and get some rest. I will be here. Lance, know that I never doubted that you would come for me. I love you with all my heart. I am yours no matter what." I kissed him and as I backed away the King kissed him gently on the lips and we left for our hotel.
A week later we were gathered in Bowland cathedral after leaving the Palace of Sighs, the official residence of the prince, in the state landau. All of the world's cameras were on us once again as the council leader read the Treaty of affiliation and signed it in front of the world.
Once that was complete the leader of the council and the chief judge of the land asked for anyone that the voice of the people had chosen to be their Prince to step forward. As I stepped forward I looked at the audience and there was Belle and Walt with Charles Edward and my Cace with his Ma and Pa. They were all in tears.
In the row behind was all of the Masters including the President and they were sat with Professor Absom. I was shocked by all of the support that I had. As I continued to look around there was the Dean sat further back with all of the study group and my other tutors.
The coronation of the Crowned Prince of Bowland was a very humbling affair as I had to vow to protect and uphold and to rule with Justice and fairness with the King as my lead and the Lord as my guide. What shocked me was when the judge called for the Viscount of Iddlesworth to step forward.
Cace seemed very hesitant and looked at the King. Uncle Walt stepped forward with him. "Cace Nelson, as Consort to the Prince of Bowland do you affirm the vow that the Prince has given and will you help uphold him at all times?"
With tears streaming down everyone's face he simply said "I will".
The judge continued. "Then by the power invested in my by this land I crown thee Prince Consort, 12th Duke of Vauxland and master of Penrise Hall as was required in ancient days. The legacy has been fulfilled and we are now aligned with not only Chrysland, but there is an American on the throne as well. May you support and uphold your Prince all the days of your life." At that he placed a plain gold band around his head which was a very simple crown.
After the pomp and ceremony of the coronation was complete I walked out in full uniform of the house of Bowland with the sceptre and the rod of power with the ancient crown of the Princes of Bowland on my head with the King at my left side and the Prince Consort with his hand resting on my arm at my right. He walked with a stick and winced in pain, but was determined to manage.
As we walked past our friends the pain became too much and he collapsed only to have President Masters rush forward and catch him. We continued the walk for the people of Bowland were waiting, but Cace was cradled in the arms of the American President. I did note that the Prince of our neighbour Lizondia started forward to help, but the President got there first. At that simple act I turned and nodded to the Lizondian Prince and his father King Myles.
Once all of the celebrations had completed things were up and running with Mr Jake as overseer of the Palace of Sighs and Penrise Hall and lands. The kings own men that I had chosen were placed as the three leaders of the Council of Bowland accountable only to me and the King. Thus we were able to return to America.
One outcome of the celebrations was that we made lifelong friends with the Lizondian royals that were visiting with us and made sure that they knew we were grateful for their act of kindness. We extended an invitation to the New Years Ball at Castle Conroy and at least one always attended. In return we received a request to visit with them during summer breaks.
As courses started in the introduction to each class the Dean ensured all tutors knew Lord Aquamaine Prince of Bowland was in the class and that they did not have any problems with it. They also knew that the Prince Consort - Duke of Vauxland was as well.
Things were falling into place with the courses and even though we had to have some time off we managed to catch up and was once again leading the way with our study team.
One afternoon we received a phone call from Anna and was asked to come to the nursery where little Charles Edward attended. He was popular with all of the team so we decided to go and pick him up together. When we arrived at the school we were led into the heads office and there sat a very upset young man who seemed not much younger than me. He was in tears and was clinging to little Pete who I knew was a friend of Charles.
I sat and put my hand and his shoulder and he flinched and pulled away. "Don't send us back sir please? I cannot take it anymore."
"What's happening to get you like this?"
"My name is Colm and this is my son. While his mama was alive he was kind and looked after us. Since my Suzie died he has beaten me every night." He let Anna hold Pete and pulled off his shirt. His back was covered in welts and scars and was oozing with blood and puss.
"Mike, call the police and get them over here. Gunny, call Belle and see what we need to do to protect Colm and Pete." I said and looked around.
Suddenly Cace looked at me and said that the team was already on to it and had called Professor Masters and the Dean so that they could come over and help.
At that point towards the entrance there was a terrible commotion and shouting. When we went to see what was happening the man looked at us. "Where are they? They're mine do you hear me? Mine! You cannot take them away from me." He lunged toward me and I sidestepped and in a moment he was pinned to the floor where he stayed until the police arrived.
As they came into the office they looked at Anna who was nursing Pete and Colm and then looked at me. "Causing trouble again are we? What have you done this time? More family shooting everyone up... God you people think you own everyone."
From behind him he heard the Dean and his brother, Judge Reynolds enter. They had heard what the policeman said and the judge simply said, "I do hope you were not talking to the Crowned Prince of Bowland sir. If you were you will be sweeping the streets for a very long time. That is if you can get a job at all."
Colm looked up and coughed in his tears. "They came out to help. Petey is a friend of the Marquess of Reyesford and his nanny saw the state that I was in when I came to collect him. Yes I know I am only seventeen, but I do have a two almost three year old son. We lived with his mama until she died last year in a car crash. It was at that time her father became a bastard."
He sobbed, "I could not let him hurt Pete like he has me. He turned and showed his back to the policeman and judge. There was an audible gasp.
Cace had done good and had found out the family's last name from a teacher. She told him who was named as the emergency contact and it was a lawyer and not the step father. He managed to find the phone number of the attorney and he called them with some of the team on conference listening. When Cace explained what had taken place the attorney said to hold everything and he would explain when he arrived.
Soon the attorney entered the office and looked at Colm, "My god what the hell has happened to you? You were placed with that family to protect you not put you in danger."
I looked at him, "Sir, are you the attorney of Pete's mother or of Colm?" He suddenly realised who was present and bowed his head to me.
"Sire, I am the attorney for Colm that he hired when he was thrown out by his family. The family did not like that a fourteen year old had gotten a young girl pregnant so they threw him out. They were then arrested for child abandonment. What they did not realise is that the family fortune had been left to Colm and not his parents. His grandfather realised what his son and his wife were like and wanted to protect his grandchildren."
Colm looked gobsmacked. "He told me I had nothing Mr Ethan."
"That's because he was trying to access the money himself and couldn't get to your accounts. Suzie was just like you. Her mother left her everything not him. The stepfather wanted the money and tormented you both. Suzie's car was tampered with before the accident, so that was murder. When her mother died Suzie's life became at risk as he would do anything to get access to the family's money.
"When Suzie died her legacy became Pete's money not yours. That was her wish as she knew you were taken care of. She saw me and made sure that you would be protected. Her family own a chain of stores, those do become yours and so does the house. I would suggest that you sell the house and buy one that you and Pete will be happy in."
Colm was in tears, "Are you going to be alright now?" Todd asked as he hugged him. Colm simply nodded.
The attorney continued, "I suggest we leave now so that I can take you and get everything in motion. Lord Aquamaine it has been my pleasure to meet you. I just wish it had been under better circumstances." We shook hands they left to start a new life.
Once again university life got under way and life was good and we were settling in really well together. Cace made sure we had calls with Bowland every week so that we were kept abreast of what was happening.
Thanksgiving came around very quickly and we travelled back to Texas for the break so that we could see Baron and all of his family of horses which was becoming quite large. Well we also wanted to spend time with Belle and Walt. It had become tradition that we set out the big barn with a massive table and had everyone to the Thanksgiving dinner.
Belle and Walt came as did the President and his father and brother and their families. Professor Absom came along and bought some of the study group who could not travel home for the break. Ma and Pa Nelson came out and Ma insisted on helping out with all of the cooking and my chef was right at home as they worked well together.
I think all of my past was catching up with me as I was growing distant from not only Cace but also Charles and I just felt miserable. I didn't know what to do for the best. I was afraid of getting close to anyone as I was scared of losing them. I was always alone.
President Masters was like a father to me and insisted that we go riding together on the afternoon before thanksgiving as he wanted to talk. We rode in silence for some time and then he said, "You know that he will not wait forever don't you. Why are you so distant all of the time? I'm worried sire."
I jumped off Baron and walked to the edge of the nearby river. "I'm afraid Ian. Sorry Mr President. Everyone that I've ever been close to I've lost. Sir so many have been murdered died because of knowing me. I could not bear to lose them. I cannot be alone again." I sat on the bank and just watched the water as he jumped off Princess.
He walked up to me and sat down. "Do you honestly think it is your fault son? Because I will tell you that it's not. Men ... It's men that have caused this not you. I will not have you thinking that. You will lose Cace though because I've watched him. He needs you. I think he will look elsewhere otherwise if he has not already done so."
"You really think so?"
"I know so. He needs your friendship as it strengthens him and keeps him going. He needs to feel that he's supporting you. He's your consort sir. That means that you are also his and should not be acting like a stranger."
"Ian I love them so much it hurts." I sat there and hugged him while he let me cry.
I would be sixteen at the New Year so arranged to have the Charity Ball in Aquamaine Mansion in Washington on Christmas Eve and hosted it for the President as promised. Then Boxing Day in Castle Conroy was the other charity ball that we always held. This would allow Cace and me to leave the guests to be entertained by the President and King Roger while we slipped away to Penrise Hall for a romantic New Years together.
It was only years later that Ian and Belle told me that the King was raging with anger when he found out that I had slipped away with Cace. He nearly ordered my arrest, but Ian simply stated "Do so and I will ensure that when you and Cace meet next that you are discovered and will both be tried for treason as you'll be hurting LJ yourself. We all know what you're doing sire. Do not put my loyalty to the test for it is and always will be with LJ!"
He never followed and it was years later that things came to head. I was so stupid. I was so in love.
Penrise was majestic and wonderful and it was his so he was master. As we stood at the main door I knelt and looked up at him and simply said "I submit my life and my all to thee the king of my soul." With tears running down his face he carried me over the threshold and we committed ourselves to each other. At the end of the weekend we promised that there would never be anyone else.
We returned after a the long weekend and stayed at Conroy with everyone until the University started. Just looking at us you knew that we were now well and truly a couple as we were glowing and we shared those moments that couples have. I also knew what he was thinking and could step in and order things for him.
Penrise was spectacular and we were treated like Kings, though the staff seemed rather guarded. The time we had there was wonderful and we both gave ourselves to the other. Cace filled me so wonderfully with his love that it made me whole and I realised that even just one day with a love like this was worth more money than I could ever have.
Even with the time that we spent at Penrise Hall we still had the ability to tour all of the properties include a quick tour of all of the hotel construction sites. Rupert met us at the Italian hotel where he was spending the holiday. After the meeting with Rupert we were happy with the state of construction and also that we would be able to have a tour to open the hotels at the start of the summer break.
Charles Edward was a joy to be around. Every day he was learning. He was turning out to be more like me in every way and even Baron seemed to take note of him when he was around. The little colt Troy was like his brother and stuck to him like glue when he was in the paddock.
Charlie filled our lives with so much love that we both wanted to have other children. Neither of us knew how to go about it, but Cace wanted a son that was mine and not adopted. I agreed, but also wanted one that was his.
When we approached Belle and discussed what we wanted and she was over the moon. It would be difficult, but not impossible. We talked everything over with the King and came to an agreement that he would fly out two young ladies, about nineteen, who had been estranged from their parents. They needed a future but in Chrysland would never have one. They also did not want children.
With the help of a clinic in Texas both ladies would conceive our children and as payment would have a new life created in New Zealand together. They wanted to live and love together as partners, but needed to have a new start in order to do so.
They would be required to sign a contract and would have the rights to have access to the children when they were older, but only at the choice of the child not theirs and certainly not ours. Both of the mothers felt that they would never want contact and were happy to sign. Once the contracts were signed we also signed them as well.
So just before the start of our third year we visited the clinic with the nineteen year olds who had agreed to be the mothers of our children. As we walked in to the room I looked and simply said, "Tessa?" she ran to me and hugged and we both cried.
Tessa had been the young daughter of the maid that worked in my childhood home. We had played together when we were young and she cried when father made them all leave.
"Your Grace I will willingly carry a child for my best friend as I always loved you. I cried when I heard about Troy. How I loved you and yet your father... Sire, do not look on me badly for I have fallen in love and neither of us wish to have children."
"Tessa I could never look on you badly."
"Sire this is my Martha. We were both in service until mother found out and got us dismissed. Now we can settle nowhere in Chrysland and we just desire a new start. Oh Lance I have missed you so much."
"Tessa this is my Cace. He is my Martha if you understand. We want children, but do not wish to marry. If you agree to bare our children we will settle a dowry on you both and purchase a business and property with lands attached in New Zealand if that is where you wish to go. Plus I will put enough money in the bank for you both to live comfortably for the rest of your lives. I have more than I will ever need and I want to help my friend."
"Oh Lancelot we would love to bare your children. Martha has always dreamed of New Zealand. She is prone to illness in the cold winters so we would love a bed and breakfast establishment in a coastal area of the north island. I'd also like to call it Bravender House as I know you use the name Aquamaine. I am so proud of you sire. "
Cace looked at her and smiled. "Then it is agreed and you will carry LJs child and Martha if you will carry mine. I propose that you stay with Belle and Walt until you are due as they are our dearest friends and you will be well looked after. We would say stay here, but some of the time this year we will have to complete our internship and may not be home all of the time."
I looked at them, "Part of my time will be in Texas, but I will be travelling and overseeing the whole business. Cace will be in Aquamaine hotels concentrating on the hotel side while I concentrate on the other businesses. We have both a mentor to guide us through and ensure that we complete a successful internship. How do you feel? Do you agree?"
Martha was a pretty one as well, but more petite than Tessa and you could tell she was weaker. They held hands and then looked at each other and discussed their options. "Sir?" Martha said, "We would love to accept your offer, but we do not wish to join physically with you. How will this be done?"
I looked and smiled and patted her hand, "I can see why Tessa loves you as you are not just pretty, but you have brains on your pretty shoulders. While we are here at the clinic we will produce the sperm together in an act of love. You will then have an egg removed and inseminated. Once the child is established the egg will be placed in your womb. If we're lucky we will be successful."
Unlike many who use these facilities the sperm that we provided was a gift that came from our act of love and sharing. It was taken immediately into the room where the girls were. An egg had been harvested from each of them and soon both eggs were growing as planned.
Within a short time the girls were both pregnant and loving life. They had both fallen in love with Belle who was also pregnant. The three of them were going through similar things at the same time. We were lucky both of the girls were healthy and their pregnancies blooming. Even Martha seemed stronger.
Before we settled back into the new school year we took the entire study group to the Aquamaine to have an intern meeting with Professor Phillip Masters who had been nominated as our mentor with Professor Absom. All of my managers were present and each had a presentation about what their business actually did.
The internships or externships, as you want to call them, were due to start officially at the start of the next school year. All managers made it plain that if they wanted to start working before year four started then they would welcome them. Intern started at the start of next school year and I would be sixteen.
The study group was mainly those that had challenged me in different languages. There was Mary Beth – French, Cace- Italian, Roman – Polish, Maria – Spanish, Kurt – German, Taji – Japanese, and Thomas who was an expert in sign language.
In addition to them there was Jey, Lincoln, Kaitlyn and Skyler. In total a study group of twelve, this seemed to work well for us. Three others had approached me for their internship other than the study group so I had a group of fifteen that needed places.
Once the managers stood and explained what their areas did and how their operations worked the table was open for general discussion and a search and find session on what exactly the different interns wanted to achieve and what areas they wanted to concentrate in once the course was complete. As the discussion progressed the managers gradually offered each intern a place.
Cace would be working with Stevens as they had developed quite a good relationship, better than I would have wanted if the truth were known. Mary Beth went to Florida on the fruit farms as her family had similar farms. Linc was a typical cowboy and went to the Oklahoma ranch. Roman and Tony decided to work with the legal division. Maria, Kurt, and Amy all went with Cace to the hotels. Taji went with the Californian wineries. Thomas and Kaitlyn decided to go with the Departmental stores. Jey and Skyler went with the Real Estate division, but in different states. Finally Jet went into Aquamaine property management.
They were all happy that they had good placements and so were Professors Masters and Absom. Both of these professors had been relieved of classes during the first half of the next school year so that they could monitor the interns.
That just left me. I wanted to concentrate on the overall management of my holdings. I needed to know how to control the whole picture. Professor Masters came up with a plan that would place me in the different establishments for intense training in all areas as he knew that I would be able to pick it up. Professor Absom was directly responsible for me and Masters would work with the rest of the interns.
The internship would last for six months from September to March and the managers had to provide a report to the university on each student at the end of the training period. Mine would have a report from each of the areas that I completed, plus one from Professor Absom as well. He had taken to setting regular assessment papers that I was required to complete and that went to the final mark. He was tough, but I liked him a lot as he was fair.
With the expectation of the internship meeting the summer flew by with the usual visits. This time we spent more time in Texas to get to know the girls and make sure that they were doing well. Belle was due to deliver in October and the two girls in December.
When we visited they were all radiant and we were able to go to the ultrasound scan with them. We were as proud as punch when we found out that Cace was going to be the proud father of a boy, daddy just cried. The shock to my system came when Tessa's scan found she was carrying twins and they appeared to be two healthy boys. This daddy had to sit down to let the news sink in.
Tessa was in tears at the news, "I trust you are pleased Sire." She actually looked afraid.
Belle watched me to make sure I handled this correctly, "Please Tessa I am more than pleased. I'm overjoyed. I'm ecstatic. Are you going to be okay?"
"Yes sire I will be fine as long as you are happy."
Martha was in tears. "I am sorry that I only carry one for you my Lord."
Cace looked at her and took her in his arms. "Hey, no tears little one. We only have tears of joy for the gifts that you are giving us." With that he rocked her until Tessa was dressed and then he took Martha and rocked her as she wept.
We were soon all up and running in our internships and the first anniversary of my coronation as Crown Prince of Bowland was approaching at the fall break. There was scheduled a week of celebrations not only in Bowland, but also in America and Chrysland.
Cace and I arranged with Professor Masters to have a week off and it was approved. As Absom was specifically over me we arranged that he would travel with us.
The week was hectic and we travelled across three countries appearing at openings of different things, going to concerts and visiting hospitals.
Professor Absom became quite popular with the ladies around the world and told wonderful stories to entertain any dinner table that we found ourselves at.
The Lizondia monarchy also celebrated with us and the Prince threw a charity ball for us as culmination of celebrations. Prince Steven pulled me into the library with Cace, King of Lizondia and King Roger. As Professor was with us I asked if they minded him coming in as well.
Prince Steven said, "Lord Aquamaine we have such a good relationship with Chrysland and Bowland because of you that we would like to invite you to open one of your Aquamaine hotels here in the Lizondia. We know that you own land over here..." Absom looked totally stunned and did a double take. I looked at King Roger, "Do I sire? Do I own land over here?"
The King looked at me and said, "Your father had a holiday mansion, a home here. He liked to spend time here when he needed to escape. He actually met your mother here on one of those occasions. It's very close to capital. I suggest we utilise it and convert it into an Aquamaine as I know that you use Conroy or Penrise as your escapes. That is if King Myles sees nothing wrong with the suggestion. Sir what do you think?"
"Roger quit the sir we were roommates in university for Christ sake. If you cannot remember those times because you're too old, then I hate to tell you that I'm bloody sure that I can remember." We all laughed. He looked at me, "Yes I agree is it actually what we were thinking. At the moment it is not even being managed and is just closed and boarded up. Let's open it up, expand it and bring life back into the old place. It could be a flag ship for all hotels as it's quite a grand old gal when she's washed and polished."
"Sire Cace and I have to return to America with Professor Absom, as we're required to complete our intern period. We were only granted a week's leave for the celebrations. King Roger, do you think we can get Rupert here? Then you and he can agree with King Myles and Prince Steven the changes that need to be made. Once it's agreed Cace and I will have the final say and will fly out with our Estates Division and Estates Attorney to sign all of the contracts."
King Roger looked at me. "Estates Division...Estates Attorney...?" Professor Absom smiled.
I looked at Absom, "Why don't you explain sir as you have been awfully quiet."
"Sire, the internship has taught his Grace many things and also helped him realise that he cannot do everything. Part of that are the new divisions which are being created in Aquamaine Holdings. Estates Division will manage all of the Prince's properties.
"The legal division will handle all legal matters like contracts etc. The HR division all of the employment related matters and so on. It will be called the `Office of the Prince' and will handle everything for him. He will even have his own PA to help Thomas who recently has been quite swamped with the Princes calendar. LJ has quite a strong study group and I feel that he may ask them to head the divisions and be his team if it all works out."
Cace looked at me. "Gosh things are changing you used to want to do everything yourself! Well done Prof for knocking some sense into him. He never listened to me."
I laughed, "Yes, but guess who is going to head the Hotel Division?"
His eyes went wide as saucers and tears ran down his face. "You mean that? I love those hotels."
"I know, that's why that decision is already made" I said.
King Myles put his arm around him, "Son I can think of no one better to lead this project for the Prince than his consort as you are the closest to him. I warn you though always put the interest of the Prince first sir."
Professor Absom spoke, "Very well as this is directly connected with the internship I'll contact the university and have it added to the plan. Boys, be prepared to complete a paper on the Aquamaine Lizondia as part of your finals."
King Myles looked at me, "Lord Aquamaine... Prince of Bowland you may not have been born a Prince, but you are a Prince of men. For someone your age I think you have quite a business head on your shoulders. Let's shake on the deal and get it off the ground. I would also like to use Aquamaine, like I know the President does in DC, as a place to meet visiting officials and have press conferences."
"Sir, that goes without saying."
That was it I now had seven hotel projects on the go and the three in Chrysland were due for completion by our next break from university. As part of the Christmas break we would be opening the three hotels in Chrysland and holding our annual charity ball in Aquamaine Valkland with Prince David as the host.
Everything was falling into place and the all of the interns were doing well in their positions. Professor Masters and Professor Absom and I not only met on a regular basis with the managers, but we also had regular intern meetings at one of the sites each month. These meetings were to assess that everyone was reaching their potential and meeting the needs of the course. It also ironed out any problems.
When it came to my time I hosted the meeting in the Aeden Aquamaine even though it was not complete and everyone, managers and interns, stayed at Rooksfeld Manor. Professor Masters and Professor Absom were both there.
As we were visiting as part of Aquamaine we toured the sites and also my properties. Professor Masters and Professor Absom set us all a task that as part of our finals for this year we had to write a paper on the management style of the House of Lord Aquamaine. As I was Lord Aquamaine my paper had to be Aquamaine Holdings LLC in the twentieth century.
We were in the wineries with Taji when we received a call from Texas in the second week in October. Belle had gone into labour and was doing fine. Tessa though had tried to help get her back inside the house and had suffered a fall. During the fall her waters had broken and they were both in labour.
Walt was with them, but Martha was struggling to cope and they worried about her baby as well. I called Cace and Stevens made him drop everything and head out to Texas. Stevens even hired a plane for him.
We were on the Aquamaine flight as soon as we could get there and it was only hours before we were walking into the hospital ward. Walt met us as we entered and shook his head. Belle had delivered fine and mother and daughter were strong and healthy. Tessa was fine and so were both of the baby boys even though they were premature.
Martha being the type of person that she was suffered a seizure with all of the pressure she was under and they had to deliver the baby. He was beautiful and was as strong as an Ox, even though he was only minutes old when his daddy held him for the first time. His mother would never be the same as they had to take her motherly parts as Walt called them. She has ruptured something in the seizure and to save her life needed this extreme surgery.
Both girls would recover and when they realised that they never wanted children anyway were fine. It took them both a little time to recover and be nursed back to strength. Neither of them wanted to see the babies, but Tessa asked to see me.
"Lance? Look after my babies as they have to have the chance in life that I never had. I am going to take Martha away as planned, but I fear she will never be the same." She looked into the distance and then after a few moments thought she continued, "I knew she wasn't strong. We'll be fine together as long as we know the children are looked after. Promise me."
"I promise Tessa."
"Call the oldest Troy Jordan after the person we both loved and lost so young. I like my father's name as well so the other twin should be James Ross."
"It will be done."
"Martha said that her Pa was called Ezekiel, I know it is old fashioned, but I like that as well and she will be happy knowing that he has a family name. I will not contact again. I'll always love you my darling boy." With that she closed her eyes and I was excused.
The babies were strong enough to take home the next week and Belle and Walt took care of everything as agreed for the girls. We got a card from Australia just to let us know that they were there and all was well. That was the last we heard from them.
Anna bought Charles Edward to Texas and also called her cousin to come over from Chrysland to help as nanny. Anna would stay in Texas with Charles Troy and JR and her cousin Sally would be based in DC with Cace and Ezekiel. We would fly back to DC each weekend to be together as a family.
When we travelled we would make sure that they would all travel with us. Although as they were so young the Christmas tour to open the hotels in Chrysland would not be attended by them this year. They were far too young to travel. I could not believe it I would be seventeen in the New Year and a father. Not only that I was a daddy to four beautiful children.
We were all in Texas again for Thanksgiving and were joined by not only King Roger but also King Myles of Lizondia. There were also several other world leaders that had been invited for the Thanksgiving celebrations. The President who had just won his second election was there with his brother and father. Also the entire study group, the Dean and Professor Absom also attended.
It was a joyous time and we kept with tradition and had the gathering in the long barn. This though was followed by the main reason for everyone gathering and that was the christening or Troy Jordon Bravender II - Viscount of Aeden, James Ross Bravender – Viscount of Kingsmere.
As his gift to me before the ceremony Cace had Judge Reynolds give me an envelope. I looked and he just told me to open it. As I did so I cried. My beautiful Cace had his name changed so that we were one in everything. His name was now Cace Nelson Bravender. So the final christening was Ezekiel DeLuca Nelson Bravender – Viscount of Reymire.
We had a right old time trying to work out the godparents as everyone wanted to be it. The Godmother for all of them we did not have to think about, it was Belle. We decided that they would all have a second godmother though and asked Aunt Dotty, Mr Jakes wife to be their godmother as she always had a kind heart and good advice.
For the godfathers we decided to have three. Again one of them was easy, that was Uncle Walt. The second for all of them was President Ian Masters. Little TJ was held by his other godfather King Myles of Lizondia, JR was held by his other godfather who was King Roger of Chrysland and finally little Ezekiel DeLuca was held by his other godfather Signor Andre De Luca the Italian Prime Minister.
Once again the cameras of the world were on our family and the picture that touched the hearts of the world was the one of the godfathers holding the children with Charles Edward being held by the President as he was his godfather. The title of the picture that surprised us all was "Leaders and future leaders of the world?"
The celebration of the christening was held in the Aquamaine Dallas and was the biggest affair that we had ever held. Official photos were taken of all the guests and a remembrance book for each child was created so that they would remember their day.
The month leading to Christmas was full of preparations and present buying and organizing. Cace and I enjoyed getting all of the children's gifts and as usual left Thomas to organise everything else. As we were talking one day I said "Thomas I want you to think about how your duties can be split."
"What do you mean my Lord? You are not unhappy with me are you?"
"Oh good god no... I just feel that personal and business should be separated. That would then give you the ability to concentrate on estate duties and my families personal needs and the new person can deal with the needs that arise from the business."
"Well My Lord things have got busy just recently and with the three little ones coming early..."
"Exactly... You have heard me talk about the Office of the Prince being created. I want to take on a PA as far as the businesses are concerned. If you can work out a plan and the best way to approach this it would be appreciated."
We broke for Christmas and whereas everyone went home, except the Study Group who had specifically asked to work the Christmas period so that they could see the contrast of the level of work and the management needs. Once Belle and Walt and Ma and Pa Nelson had arrived at Aquamaine Hall to be with the children we left for Chrysland for the opening of the new hotels. We kept it a short visit which everyone understood and everywhere we went there were cheers and crowds with presents for the children. The guards walked with us and as we were given the gifts they collected them from us so that we could continue to greet everyone.
The Grand opening was held at Valkland and was greeted by the Grand Charity Gala on the 23rd December. It was wonderful and we raised so much for children's charities. What was wonderful was that we had hired the world famous orchestra that played Johann Strauss music all night and it was so much fun dancing with everyone to that music.
As they were coming to the end of one arrangement the leader asked if I would play with them. I stood and walked onto the stage the eyes of the world were in shock as this crowned Prince of Bowland sat at the grand piano and played several favourite pieces that he knew by heart. As I played one piece the voice of Nicole DuBois the famous opera singer sounded from the back of the hall coming forward as she waltzed with my Cace singing "I'm in love with Vienna".
The whole room stepped back and let them have the floor as they danced and Nicole sang. I think that Cace was as shocked as anyone, but he was a great fan of Nicole so I knew he was in his element dancing with her.
As she reached the stage the song came to the grand finale. She looked at me and smiled. We just nodded and as she sang I played several operatic arias that I had played for her in the past when I was in Chrysland and then I was just nine years old.
She then stepped to the piano and sat as I stepped forward and simply said, "My good friend Prince David has announced his engagement this evening so in his honour I give this gift." No one had heard me sing properly before, but Nicole knew and she played "Take a pair of sparkling eyes" from the Gondoliers.
She then followed it with "Beloved" from the Student Prince. This was sung for the Prince, but I looked at Cace all of the time. He was in tears. Papers around the world led with pictures of the singing and the title, "The Prince serenades his love."
As we finished I ran to her and fell into her arms and just wept. "Mamma, oh Mamma... It has been so long." We paused when we realised that everyone was looking at us. "Ladies and Gentlemen Madam Nicole sang several times with me when I just nine years old and I have not seen her since." The whole hall cheered and applauded and we agreed two final pieces to get the party going again. Nicole and the orchestra played the "Drinking song" from the Student Prince and I had everyone singing with me and then Nicole and I closed with drinking song from La Traviata.
During the evening King Roger and the President stood and announced that they had created a joint foundation for the benefit of children in need. All funds of the gala would go to the foundation. Its name would be `The Bradley Patterson Foundation for children' in honour of the man that saved my life.
Prince David had held this as his early gift to me for my seventeenth birthday. Strange Cace totally forgot that year and most years after that, but I never said anything. His parents never forgot.
It was a sad night when we said goodbye to Nicole, but she promised that a simple phone call from either Cace or myself telling her that we were in need and she would be there with us no matter what.
As a surprise we flew back with King Roger on Christmas morning after having an early celebration with Prince David and his finance Christine Bowers. They were still in university and would not marry immediately, but had announced the engagement as part of their gift to King Roger at the Gala. They seemed really happy together and the King was pleased.
We arrived at Aquamaine Mansion just before lunch and as we walked in found Ma and Pa nursing JR and Ezekiel and Walt nursing TJ. On the floor playing with Charles Edward's first train set were Professors Phillip and Bryan Masters. Pouring drinks for everyone was the President. Belle had disappeared to change Amanda. She had named her daughter after my mother.
As we entered there was a big commotion. It was Charles begging us to pick him up and "Daddy! We missed you!" The only thing was he couldn't decide which daddy to hug first. I can honestly say it was the best Christmas that I had ever had.
That's all for now folks ... Chapter 8 - With much joy, for LJ now has four sons, comes much sadness and the next chapter he faces his bigest challenge yet and meets a loved one from the past ... fighting fo his life.
The character list has been reduced by those that do not appear again...
If you enjoy reading the stories on nifty consider donating to the site to help with costs - http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html
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.
If there are any editors out there let me know. I have reviewed it, but a second pair of eyes never hurts.
A little about myself ... I'm from the UK and born in Yorkshire... Ancestors were miners. Me I'm and accountant. I have always loved writing and hope you enjoy...Let me know!!