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 Annabelle Margaret Bravender - LJ's adopted daughter 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 Colt Nelson - Cace's Pa
Thomas – LJ's Major-Domo Simon – LJ's Footman - Todd's lover 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 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
Countess of Aylsgart
------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 8 – Hello Troy
Writing all of this down is making me sit back and evaluate my life. I always wanted to be a good man and to be kind and loving. I just do not know if that is what I achieved. In the end I decided that if you live your life as if the one that you love the most were standing with you and you wanted to make them proud then you will always do your best.
Life settled back to normality once Christmas was over and we set in for the next three months to complete our internships or as the university was calling them externship. All of the people working for Aquamaine were doing really well or at least they seemed to be. I felt life was good and I also felt at seventeen I had accomplished something good with my life.
That is until we had a call from Linc in Oklahoma telling me that he needed us to visit as he felt all was not right with the place since Matt LeRoy had retired due to ill health. I was shocked as it was the first that I had heard of the retirement. I could not help wondering who had hired his replacement and so the next day we headed up there.
I couldn't help feeling that all was not well and so had called Governor George Kempson on the way and the state police to ask for assistance. When I was talking to the police I got the feeling that all was not well for some reason, but it never occurred to me that they might have been involved.
Once they heard who was calling they seemed to go out of their way to send help. Only thing was the help had not arrived as we drove up to my property. I couldn't see why I shouldn't enter my own property and I had guards, so what was holding me back.
As we arrived there was this big brute of a man stood on the porch. It was a hot day and all he was wearing was a pair of rather revealing cut off jeans that did not seem to be holding anything in, if you know what I mean. "This is private property get the fuck off my land."
I looked at him as I exited the car with several guards fully armed and ready for trouble getting out of the cars around us. "Now you see I have a problem with that as I know this ranch belongs to Aquamaine. So that would be old man Patterson or his grandson."
"No siree, this ere ranch is mine and always has been since my daddy found the oil on that there `ill."
"What is your name sir?"
"Manners... Well that's good in a young'un. Rufus, Rufus Delaware they call me. As you can see, all my boys are around is watching us son." They were all as well dressed as he was and some far more revealing.
"So you know who I am then?"
"Yes sir and I reckon you have enough and since daddy found the oil for your old pops. So I just want to share in your good fortune and reclaim it fer our family."
"You know that you can't do that."
"Sheer numbers `gainst you says I can."
At that point helicopters flew over and shot the ground where he stood. "Police drop your weapons." Also about ten police cars full of police drove up. What shocked me was the police were not talking to him... they were talking to us and shooting at us.
Then to cap it all the sheriff came up to me and tells me to leave or he would do me for trespassing. I replied, "Really sir? Perhaps you would like to tell the Governor Kempson that, as his car is driving up the road or even the President as he has been listening to everything on my phone" I tried bluffing him. "You see I don't like crooked men who sell their soul for money and people in authority who do that are the worst sort."
"You little bastard..! You've gone and called in the fucking governor for backup." With that suddenly bullets were flying all over the place. All I could think about was falling to the ground away from the fire and then look for cover. Sheriff Delaware whilst running toward Rufus took his gun and shot a full round shouting "You fucking little bastard!"
Gunny saw this and as the sheriff made his move he ran to cover me and drag me to safety. Before he got to me though I was hit as I had started trying to find safety. It hurt like fuck, but I had to get out of the bullets so I tried dragging myself away, but was hit again.
As I lay there I looked around and several of the men on the ranch were down, but Rufus and the Sheriff were still standing. Many of my men were down. I tried looking for Mike and Dave but could not see them. I felt lost ... totally lost.
Suddenly the Sheriff was down and I looked to see where that had come from and saw Dave. With one bullet he shot the sheriff through the head. I could see Mike had tears in his eyes, "Mike..." That was all I could get out before I blacked out momentarily. Mike shouted "The Prince is down take the bastards, make them suffer. I repeat shot the fucking lot of them! The Prince has been shot."
In protecting me Gunny lay at my side, shot, he was unconscious and yet he was still protecting me. I was barely conscious now and was aware that I was losing consciousness. I thought that I had lost my Gunny and my heart was breaking. Of everyone that I had ever known Gunny and Thomas were like fathers to me and had always been there. I blacked out, but as I did I could feel his breath. My last thought was...He's alive.
From here on in it is a reconstruction on what people have told me as I was totally unconscious for over twelve weeks.
At that point the governor drove up and saw my body lying on the ground. His driver positioned the limo so that they could pull Gunny and me into the car. The movement shocked me in to consciousness and I screamed a primal scream from hell and blacked out again.
His guard and cars had now circled the area and strengthened my team and were now returning fire. His driver was on the radio. "Alpha one to Alpha two...Stay onsite with the Prince's men. I repeat stay onsite. I repeat all teams stay and cleanse the rot. We'll escort the Prince."
As the special agents returned fire they killed everyone except for Rufus who "disappeared" while the agents found out what it was really all about. When Rufus was seen again he was never the same and was scared of his own shadow.
As we were being pulled into the Governor's limo Linc dodged bullets to get to us, but took a bullet to his thigh. As he reached the limo he looked at the governor, "Sir let me go with him. I have to be with him I'm part of his university class and was the one that alerted him to what was happening.
As the Limo was speeding down the road Linc took his belt and created a tourniquet around his leg. Once he had done that he made sure that pressure was placed on my worst wound to stem the bleeding. With one hand he took my phone and called Belle as he had heard us talk about her and had even met her once.
"Lance love what are you calling at this time of day? I thought you were on your intern at the moment."
"Mrs Simms? Aunt Belle help! Oh God please help Lance has been shot!"
"Who is this and where are you?" Belle asked. "Walt called my father and Arnold! LJ's been shot. We need them now!"
"This is Linc from LJ's study group. Ma'am the Prince has been shot and so has Gunny. They're unconscious. We're with the Governor of Oklahoma heading to the hospital. We're alone the agents are involved in a shoot out at LJ's ranch. I fear many are dead. One of the people who shot the Prince ma'am was the sheriff and a man called Rufus Delaware."
"Linc stay calm and try to stem the bleeding if you can. Look after him for me. Are you Ok?"
"No ma'am I've been shot in the leg and it hurts like fuck. Oh god ... Sorry I shouldn't have said that."
"Perfectly acceptable... Now put the Governor on the phone... George what the fuck happened?" George Kempson continued to tell Belle what he knew and Linc added facts to help them understand.
"Ok George, leave it to me. Which hospital are you taking him to?"
George told her and Belle said they were on their way and would contact everyone. Linc was in tears as he made the next call as it was to Cace. Thinking ahead he asked to speak to Stevens.
"Mr Stevens you may not remember me. I'm Linc part of the study group that Cace and the Prince of Bowland belong to. I've asked to speak to you as I have some very bad news and I need you to talk to Cace." There was a slurping noise in the background, but he did not have time to think about it, even when Stevens groaned.
Stevens seemed distracted, "Yes Linc, I remember meeting you. How can I help? Cace is with me now." Boy was he with him.
"Sir the Prince has been shot and is critical, so is Gunny. We're taking them to the closest hospital. Tell Cace to contact Aunt Belle as she is organising everything to get people over here to be with the Prince. She is also on the phone to the President."
"Ok son let me finish what I'm doing and then I'll call the university and see if they know anything. We'll get Cace out there as soon as we can. You have to realise that he is busy boy at the moment."
Linc was frustrated by this attitude, "Sir, Lord Aquamaine could easily die it is that serious. Now get Cace, tell him to stop what he is doing and get his ass over here or I will let everyone know what you and he thinks is more important. Believe me you would be out of the hotel on your ear without a reference ... Oh and I do hope you are enjoying the blow job he is giving you! I know slurping noises when I hear them. Now stop what you are doing and get Cace here or believe me I will take this further and you will lose your fucking job."
Steven's clearly shocked that Linc realised what was happening simply said, "Let me talk to everyone and I will get back to you even if we have to hire a helicopter to get him there we will do that. I promise."
"I should hope so. You both disgust me." Cace and Stevens would do everything that they could, but first they were very busy with something else that had come up and were not willing to stop. Did Cace feel guilty? As far as he was concerned why the hell should he? It was then that Linc determined that if he could not have LJ then he would be the best friend that he could be and support him all of his life.
Linc called everyone on my phone that he could find. He hesitated when he saw King Roger, but he dialled it anyway. "Hello is King Roger available please this is Linc a friend of Lord Aquamaine... Yes I'll hold."
"Hello Linc this is the King. What has the little...? What has he done now?" Linc thought this very odd, but he was fast running out of strength.
"Sir, I do not know what you mean by `What has the little...' so cut the attitude and listen because I could not give a fuck who you are. Have you spoken to Belle Simms? Have you heard what's happened? Oh please tell me that you have everything organised...Please help."
Roger was shocked at Linc's curtness with him, but also shocked at the pleading in his voice. Maybe something was really wrong. "No. No-one has been in touch with me. You're getting me worried. Tell me is there something wrong? Is Cace hurt? Why are you on LJ's phone?"
Linc sobbed. "Why do you ask about Cace? It's LJ. He's been shot sir, but then why should you care about the little..." and he hung up.
He waited and sure enough there was a call. "Linc never talk to me like that again."
"Sir I could not care who the fuck you are. The first thing you asked about was Cace, not your Godson and I have to ask why. Plus you were about to call his Grace something terrible. I hope to god I am wrong, but I feel you may even be linked with what Cace is doing with Stevens at this very moment."
The King chuckled, "Why that dirty little ..."
"You think that's funny? There is one of you fucking LJ's staff and the other about to call him a brat or something worse. While all the same time he's dying here in my arms. I hope you are proud of yourself.
You promised to be a father to him remember and you are screwing the one he loves! What has changed so much? Oh and did you not once say that should any one harm him then it was an act of treason against the throne?"
Linc sobbed and the King stood there stunned that someone should know about them. "Look I've been shot so have little time left. Lord Aquamaine may make you all very happy soon as he will die if we cannot get medical help. Do you understand now you bastard? Or do I need to speak to your son at least he is LJ's true friend."
Linc lost it, took a deep breath and continued. "Lord Aquamaine has been shot twice and is critical. So has Gunny while protecting him. We're heading to the hospital. We're alone with the Oklahoma Governor, George Kempson, he has no protection sir. All of the agents were at the ranch in a shoot out. It was a sheriff that shot him. A fucking god damned sheriff! Governor Kempson has us in his limo."
"Put George on and let me talk to him." Roger suddenly realised who he was and stopped being frustrated that this would ruin his weekend with Cace or maybe it was because David had entered the room and realised there was something wrong.
Linc could only hear the one side of the conversation from then on. "Kempson, good afternoon sir... Yes we have them both and are heading to the hospital ... Gunny and Lord Aquamaine have been unconscious since the shooting. Linc is stopping the blood flow as best he can, but even he had been shot in the leg. Gunny took a hit to the chest. No I don't think it's the heart. Very near though. I've just checked our ETA at the County General and it is five minutes... Yes sir we'll wait for your call. Please be quick they're growing weaker as we speak. I fear we may be too late ... Yes sir."
We pulled up at County General, pulled into casualty and rushed through to reception. "Help us please I'm Governor Kempson and I have the Crowned Prince of Bowland and his body guard they've both been shot. We need urgent help."
"I'm sorry sir you just cannot storm into my reception and try to take over. Sit down and we'll get back to you when I decide that he deserves to be looked at."
He was about to shout at her when my phone rang. It was the President wanting a status update on what was happening after talking to Belle. Linc looked at the Governor and they simply nodded, "Mr President this is Linc from this Prince's study group. I'm here at the Oklahoma County General and the staff at the reception are refusing to let us in. We're stuck in reception and both LJ and Gunny are bleeding to death while the staff looks on." He looked at the nurse behind the desk, "This is the President of the United States Ma'am. He wants to talk to you."
She turned white and as they spoke she tried to say "How the hell do I know who you are?" She didn't get it out though before he cut her off and told her that the administrator was on his way to terminate her employment as he had been on the phone arranging everything when he had called for a status update.
At that point five doctors and a very well dressed man walked into reception and tried to take me away to be dealt with. Linc looked at the doctor, "Sorry my injury can wait. I stay with the Prince until his family arrive. He has no guards here so I protect him. Governor, stay with Gunny."
Don't know how he did it, but at that moment Thomas and Professor Absom walked through the entrance. "Professor, protect the Prince." Linc said and collapsed unconscious to the floor, finally unable to continue now he knew his friend would be safe.
Thomas rushed forward, "You little bastard don't you leave me. I've been with you since you were a nine year nipper and have loved you as my own son ever since. Stay with me...Please, oh God stay with me."
With that LJ arrested on the table and Thomas jumped on the gurney and start CPR as they were racing through the corridors to the operating theatre. Thomas refused to leave. So he was put into scrubs and stood to the side to make sure that LJ was safe in the operation.
I remember that I was in the room looking down at myself lying there and at Thomas crying as he looked after me as he had always done. Later I was told that I had died on the operating table which would explain the memory I have of looking down.
Kings Roger called Myles and told him and they decided that it was important for both to come to me as Steven and David were able to look after everything at home. He also called Mr Jake and Dotty insisted on coming over to support Cace and help with the kids.
Before I was out of the operating theatre Cace was in the waiting room with Belle and Walt and everyone else was on their way including the whole Masters family.
As Cace sat Belle could see that he sat very gingerly. Belle just looked at him, "If I am ever in the position to prove that you are being unfaithful to LJ I will ruin you; you heartless bastard. Was Mr Stevens a good fuck while your boyfriend lay dying? LJ does not deserve this sir." Cace looked shocked that she would talk to him like that, but more so that she knew.
Anna and Sally were there with full supplies for the babies and as King Roger arrived Dotty arrived and Charles ran to her and just hugged her and buried his head into her neck and cried. The three women with Belle put their heads together and after a few calls were made had secured caters to supply food for those who were waiting.
King Roger was waiting and he looked at Belle and said, "We should call Nicole DuBois...?" Everyone nodded. Cace handed him the number that he had been given and King Roger dialled. "Madam Nicole DuBois? This is King Roger of Chrysland. Yes I will hold... Nicole this is King Roger, I think you need to sit down as I have some terrible news."
He paused "Lord Aquamaine was visiting his ranch in Oklahoma today and there was a shoot out with people who were trying to take control of his oil fields. Three agents have been killed. Lance has been shot and is currently critical and in surgery... Yes it is serious. There is a very strong chance that we may lose him." Cace just stared at King as things finally sank home.
Belle smiled and whispered to him, "Everything has been left to the kids ... nothing to you. You better start to pray."
Whilst this happened the King continued, "We have been warned to expect the worst... Are you sure...? Okay we will see you then. He is in the Country General in Oklahoma. When you get here we will one of the agents to collect you."
Everyone sat there. You could cut the silence with a knife with the occasional crying noise from one of the babies. First out of the operating theatre was the doctor who looked after Linc. Once Linc was settled in his room the study group, which had arrived in ones and twos all went to be with him as he was blaming himself, after all he had called LJ.
During the waiting time Myles looked around and noticed that King Roger was missing. When he looked around he also noticed that Cace was missing so assumed that he was consoling the young man. He was not the only one to have noticed them missing as Belle had already gone looking for them.
She found them in one of the storage rooms, switched on the light and just looked at them. "King Roger if it was any other situation I would have you flogged for what you are doing to your young ward. You will cease this as of now. If I ever find out that it has gone further than just making out I will ruin you... You disgusting bastards! Now make yourselves presentable. You have two minutes to get back to everyone else who ARE here to support LJ...Unlike some!"
She looked at Cace, "So Stevens is not the only one. Hurt LJ and I will hurt you. Never mess with mine sir those that have, have regretted it I can assure you of that."
"Keep your fucking nosy snout out of my business you bitch. I have the ability to have you killed in an accident if you cross me so watch yourself. We would not want your little girl left motherless would we?" Cace had changed and the power he had because off LJ has ruined him. Belle just stood there stunned.
Roger looked at her, "Madam you have your answer watch yourself and just look after LJ. Leave us alone, we will not hurt him," He smiled, "But we will not love him either." As roger turned to leave Myles gave him a good right hook and Walt landed Cace and they both landed on their arses.
Walt looked at Cace, "Never threaten my wife or my children or I will make sure it is you that disappears." With that he took Belle's arm and walked her away.
King Myles stared at his friend of many years. "What has gotten into you? Lance is your godson for Christ sake. Look after him or David will hear and activate your own law. Never hurt Lancelot sir. Never." He just turned and walked away ignoring Roger who was now alone on the floor.
Charlie had heard it all and just looked at Cace who tried to get him to go to him and all Charles did was hit him in the face and run to Walt screaming.
It was hours later that the doctor appeared at the waiting room. "Is there any one here for Lord Aquamaine?" They all stood. "Who is the next of kin?"
"I'm his partner and Prince Consort. Roger, sorry King Roger is his godfather. Everyone is here for him though so please speak freely."
Charles stepped forward, "Ignore them sir I am his son and as such his next of kin. Cace Nelson is not related." He just glared at them. "Please tell us all what's happening.
"Lord Aquamaine was shot in two places once in the shoulder, but more seriously once in the chest. Luckily the bullet missed his heart, but he received a punctured lung. We were able to remove both bullets, but he died on the table twice and we had to resuscitate him. He has been stabilised."
Belle looked up in her tears and asked, "How is he sir?"
The doctor continued, "He is in a coma and we just have to wait to see what happens. We think it is simply his body protecting itself, but we will just have to wait. Only time will tell. I sure hope that he is one of the lucky ones as he is a pretty special guy."
Dotty looked at the doctor, "Can we sit with him?"
"Of course having the children with him might actually encourage him to come out of the coma, but do not let them climb on him. Please also no raised voices around him."
So it was that the vigil started and would continue over the next three months as lord Aquamaine remained in a coma. His body healed, but his spirit refused to come back to all of the pain ... his heart had broken when he was attacked. His heart just did not want all of the pain anymore.
King Roger refused to leave his bedside for the first week and it was only when Nicole made people start taking time away to rest that Roger agreed to leave.
Aquamaine Hotel opened the top floor for the family to use and Thomas and Simon made sure fresh clothes were always there for people as they took rest. It was on one of these nights that Roger heard crying. So he walked next door and knocked quietly. "Come in."
Roger looked at a naked Cace as he nursed one of the babies. "Hey big guy do you need a friend?" Cace simply nodded. Roger walked over and settled the baby down then made Cace lie down, dropped his robe and climbed on top of him. "You need to some loving my darling boy..."
As Cace laid there, smiled at King Roger. Kissed him and...
It was two hours later in the middle of the night and the now naked sweaty men spooned together. Roger was erect and his cock slipped easily back into Cace. Without thinking what he was doing Cace pushed back wanting more like he always did with Roger. As Roger held him he simply said, "I wish..."
At that point there was a knocking at the door. King Roger held him, but by Cace, fully awake, realised they had been caught. He jumped out of bed and answered the door wondering what the hell he would say. He even forgot his robe.
Thomas was standing there. "I am sorry sir I heard you crying and saw the King come in hours ago. When no one came out I wanted to make sure that the PRINCE CONSORT was okay. I see my fears were realised. You are both going to break his heart aren't you?"
He looked at the king, "You need to leave or I will make sure that there is a very public scandal as people find out what you two have done tonight and been doing for some time. Though tonight is unforgivable for you have seduced Lord Aquamaine's consort when he is fighting for his life. That sir is reprehensible. I have heard from Prince David how you've hurt several people around the palace as well. I will not have you hurt Lancelot by your actions. Do you understand me?"
Looking at Cace, "Though I feel you are both equally at fault and I warn you I will not allow you to hurt his Grace Mr Nelson," A naked King left the room without another word.
Cace looked at him and simply said as he left the room, "Thank you for your support sire, but I think that you need to go home as soon as possible. If needed, and I think it is, send Prince David to look after LJ. I have never been more ashamed than I feel at the moment so leave ..."
Nicole stood there as the king exited naked and looked at the naked Cace, you could see and smell sex on them. She looked at him and slapped him hard on the face and ran forward and slapped the now sobbing Cace hard on the face. "Son, I hope this was his doing and not you. That is all I'll say, but I am watching you from now on. LJ loves you and deserves better than this from both of you!" She walked away and ignored a now sobbing young man as Thomas made the bed for him with clean linen.
"Oh Thomas I miss my boy so much it's killing me. I think we're going to lose him and if we do I don't know what I'll do." As the king's men and Roger exited with his luggage Thomas simply guided Cace back into his room.
Thomas looked at them both and simply stated, "Remember I will be watching and I am prepared to ruin you to save LJ. Do not put me to the test and Mr Nelson do not threaten me like you did Mrs Simms or I will have my friends in the marines take care of you. It is that simple as I was in the special forces and we stick together and I will protect LJ."
Cace looked at Roger. "Do not ever try to see LJ again. When we are over in Chrysland make sure that you are not there and our terrible secret will remain just that." Myles went home with Roger and would have a very close heart to heart with him. They were never close again and without Lance all links with Lizondia would have been broken.
It was a week before Prince David arrived and he went straight to visit LJ and sat with him. At the same time he was nursing JR. "Come one big guy daddy needs a hug from you before you go to sleep and he placed JR very tenderly on LJ's chest. Toward the left away from where the bullet wound was.
"LJ father needs to let you know that he's sorry." I could hear David's voice and it seemed to be calling me back from the darkness. There was also this bundle of vulnerability lying on my chest and I knew that I had to return because it needed me.
I'd been wandering in the darkness looking for a way out for so long. I felt so lost. Suddenly I realised there was this very white light and my Troy appeared next to me. "LJ what are you doing here?"
"Troy? Is that you? I think I'm lost. Can't find my way out no matter how I try."
"What a stupid question you've wiped my ass before when I was ill so I think that you should know who I am." I fell into his arms and wept.
"You need to go home LJ. The boys need you. Also Cace cannot forgive himself..."
I looked at him, "Cace ...?"
"Suffice to say many people have been feeling lonely and need you. Roger needs someone to love just like you have. Do not hate him, either of them for they both love you. Roger just needs someone. You could help him by finding that someone."
"I could never hate David or the King they saved my life. My Cace saved me as well. He's always there. Do you like him?"
Troy smiled, "Hey big guy we're twins of course I like him. He makes you happy. Watch him for he is weak and losing control. It is like an illness with him that will destroy him in the end if he is not careful. He could easily hurt you." He was silent for some time. "You need to go back LJ. You need to go back and love your children. They need you. Forget everything else for you are so loved by them. Your children..."
He was quiet for a few moments and we just hugged. "LJ I will always love you and watch over you, but you need to go back. Hold me and close your eyes. Listen to David as he's talking to you." As we stood there I could clearly hear David's voice as it got louder and louder. Suddenly he stared at me as I tightened my hand around his.
"LJ is that you? LJ...?" I tightened my hand again. Without thinking he pressed the alarm button and soon everyone came running. As my hand twitched again my eyes opened, but shut very quickly because the light was so bright. He noticed and said "Turn the lights down!"
I tried to open my eyes again and soon I was lying there with Charles Edward clinging to me saying "Love da da" and JR just clinging to me.
Professor Absom had called the hotel and soon a very upset Cace walked in to the room. I looked at him and then I looked at David. Tears fell down my very dry eyes and I just looked at Cace and said "I know. Troy spoke with me. I love you Cace. Come here." With that he fell into my arms and I kissed him on the lips as he wept and held me.
"I thought I had lost you and was crying one night holding your JR as he's part of you. The King walked in and climbed in bed with me and ..." He was sobbing, "Then ... I am so sorry LJ it was both of our faults we were vulnerable, tired and lonely..." He took a gasp in his crying and continued. "Suddenly there was a knocking at the door and I came to my senses realising what we had done. As I got to the door Thomas was there and took control and then Nicole..." He was sobbing now.
David was in tears as he listened. "I am so sorry I did not think he would do anything while you were like this. We have had problems around the palace for some time now and only just evaded a scandal several times. LJ he will never be allowed to be near Cace alone again. I do think it was reciprocated and maybe there is more that could be told."
"David from what I hear it was both of them and Cace is at fault as well. I also do not feel that this was the first time." Cace glared at me stunned by my revelation. "Do not hate Uncle Roger. He needs to feel loved and desired. He has been alone too long. Cace you need to realise that is all it is so do not get grand ideas about replacing David in the palace.
"David, when you were around all of the time he could hide this. Now with your engaged and I'm with Cace he feels left on the shelf; forgotten, an old man alone. He needs to find someone to love. Tell him I do not blame him. Yes he was predatory, but circumstances placed him in the wrong place at the wrong time."
I looked at Cace, "All I will say is do not let it carry on. If I find that you do then I will ruin you both. A wise king once decreed that if anyone seeks to harm me then they are guilty of treason. That decree is still valid! If you do not change I will ruin you." He was now not happy and glaring at me...
I looked at him, "Roger promised me as a boy that the Throne would intervene and protect me at all times. If either of you bring shame or ridicule to the throne of Chrysland I will follow his decree through the ancient laws of the land. Realise this Roger is not the throne merely the person who sits upon it. Do not ask what the outcome will be. You would not want to know!"
If only I knew how deeply embroiled together in their affair they were. Even with a lover, Roger and Cace still sought times together to renew their love making. Even knowing what could happen. It was as if they were taunting us to act. As if it was an illness.
Now I was awake it didn't take long before I was up on my feet and going through physiotherapy. Manny was a forty something guy who was as funny as anything and we hit it off from the very beginning.
One day as we were talking he just looked at me and said "You are so lucky having your Cace. It is so obvious he worships you. Me I don't have anyone. Sorry, but I would love to have that King Roger of yours in my bed and in my life. I would surely show him a good time."
David was with me as I had to have someone if I walked to physiotherapy otherwise they made me sit in a wheelchair. David looked at me and I just nodded. I knew that I had to see Roger to forgive him or he never would. I talked it out long and hard with Cace and what Troy had told me. He did not hate the man he still looked on him as another father.
The next day David and Roger appeared at the room together. David smiled and just said "We know we should not be here together dads just here on a flying visit. I am going to get breakfast with Cace I'll be back after your physio treatment LJ" and he winked at me.
After he left, Roger looked at me. "It's okay I know sir. Troy told me."
"Troy?"
"Yes sir he was with me when I was in a coma... You know when you were fucking my boyfriend. He told me I had to come back as you, David, Cace and the kids needed me. He told me what you are going though and the mistake you made. I personally think that it was not the first time. We forgive you. Cace has come to terms with everything." I hugged him. "I need to get to physio so help me into the wheelchair and you can take me down."
As we walked into Manny's room he literally became a blubbering wreck as he saw Roger. As he put me through my exercises he was flirting so shamelessly with Roger and Roger was lapping it up. There was an electric current running around the room and they were falling for each other.
"You know Manny with all of the engagements that I have I could do with my own physiotherapist to put me through my exercises and make sure my tired body is looked after." King Roger stated.
"Sire I would willingly put you through your paces anytime. The only thing is that when we were finished, you would be so exhausted that you would need a massage just to get over it."
"I think I could get used to that."
I looked at Manny, "Are we finished for the morning because I need to get back to my room. I could place guards at the door so that you are not disturbed if you want." King Roger looked at me and then at Manny. He took me in his arms and said thank you and I left them together.
I walked back to the room and found Todd there with Cace. Todd was sobbing. It was then that I realised that I had not seen Gunny. "Where is he Todd? He saved my life. Where is he?" He just rushed to me and wept. "That's it take us to him."
As we walked down the corridor to another room there was my Gunny laying there and the nurses were about to unplug the machine. "Stop!"
I rushed to his side. "Gunny...Sergeant Wilks, attention!" I felt stupid doing it, but as I did I thought that I had seen a slight movement and the nurse must have as well as she gasped and ran for the doctor.
I tried again. "Gunny Sergeant Wilks you are failing in your duty. I said attention!" This time everyone saw definite movement and the doctor that had entered the room gasped. "I should bloody well think so. Now come back to us as you are failing in your duty and I will not let you leave us. Do you hear me sir?" We waited. No response. Todd sighed thinking all was lost.
"I said do you hear me sergeant?" I shouted.
In a very croaky voice we heard "Yeah yeah, ya de ya de ya! Troy told me you could be a bully. I'm back. I'm back on duty."
With that I fell into his arms. "You my friend are on leave until you are back to your to yourself." Todd simply fell at the side of the bed and sobbed with joy.
I turned and there stood King Roger looking as if he had just been fucked within an inch of his life. "I take it you sorted the in depth ins and outs?"
Without batting an eye lid he just said, "Oh yes the deep thrusting in and outs. Oh WOW you should see him!" He put his hand out and Manny came in holding Roger's hand.
"People I would like you to meet Manny he has handed his notice in. Sorry LJ. He's agreed to move to Chrysland and be the royal physio dealing with all of the hard pounding that I need."
"Congratulations, it is about time you had a GOOD SEEING TO. Your muscles must be so HARD at the end of the day. Everyone needs a GOOD POUNDING now and then." We were all laughing and everyone knew what capacity Manny was going over in, but the world would see him as the king's physio.
"Manny just make sure that I have someone to look after me."
Two weeks later they finally let me free and allowed Gunny to return home with us as long as he had outpatient care. So we hired a nurse to look after him. We did not mean to match make a second time, but she fell for Gunny hook line and sinker and before long moved in with him as became his lover, but they would never marry. They were together for years, but said marrying would ruin it.
Professor Masters and the Dean visited and agreed that the internship had been successful and even I had passed that stage of the course. Everyone in my classes agreed to take leave of absence until I was able to return to classes which would be another month. They also agreed with the university to extend the course a few weeks so that the year could be completed during summer school.
It seemed weird while we went to school Charles Edward was at home enjoying his holiday from school swimming with Anna and the guards every day. He even had his friend round and the chef cooked for everyone. They had a great time while daddy studied.
I am one for climbing back into the saddle when you fall off so insisted we do a tour of all of my holdings so that I could make sure that everything was fine. As part of the `Office of the Prince' I interviewed for an auditor. I asked Professor Absom be part of the interview panel with me as he was fast becoming one of my main advisors and closest friends.
Dwight Young a qualified CPA impressed us the most and Absom knew of him from when he had been in university three years before. Dwight was in awe by my titles, but Cace told him to look on me as just another guy. He was told that we wanted him to create a small team working for me that would visit and ultimately hold responsibility for all accounting functions of my businesses and investments not only of Aquamaine LLC, but my personal fortune and also my titled money as well. It was the best move I ever made.
When we returned to the ranch both Cace and Absom insisted on being with me to make sure that I was okay. I also took Dwight as I felt it would be a good place to start. I wanted to know how this was able to happen. What we found during our two day stop over was that the staff had systematically be replaced over a period of a year and then Matt started getting sick and no one knew why.
Since the shoot out and everyone being taken out of the ranch that seemed to be causing trouble it was up and running again, but when we looked at the books it was obvious that there was still something wrong. The profits from the oil operation were down by a third and yet the production was up as there seemed to be regular payments to one or two people.
I called all of the guards that I could think of and the study group and we interviewed everyone pushing them to the limit with comments that we made about the recent debacle. Those that were obviously still loyal to Rufus were arrested and those that were there from the original staff were kept. However, when we interviewed the oil operations manager and staff that was another story.
We had guards everywhere as we went to see them. One by one we interviewed them and one by one they were arrested. I was horrified that these men had survived the cleanup that the FBI did. Thomas called the FBI director and asked that those involved with the ranch operation be sent out again and when asked why they should Thomas simply said "Because if you do not then the President will make you."
The director and those involved in the shoot out arrived and immediately the director asked, "What are you interviewing these men for? We've sorted everything."
I looked at him, "Do you think that I am so stupid that I would not bring auditors into the ranch to go through the books?"
"You can't do that this is an LLC and directors would need to approve..."
"Wrong I am the sole owner of Aquamaine Holdings LLC and as such I run the company. Payments I note have been made to Mr Franklin Benjamin Inslee and I wondered what they were until I realised that these payments were to Mr FBI. I then traced the bank transfers to your account, in total $3,000,000 dollars since the shooting alone. That is a lot of my money you've stolen from me."
We then heard the voice that I had been waiting for, "What do you have to say about that Mr Director. Several other people have been receiving payments as well and they have all been arrested. All of the staff at the oil field has been replaced and now you too are under arrest."
"Mr President what the hell are you doing here? This is an FBI investigation?"
"No, this was never an investigation. It was a cover up of what you and your friends in the agency had organised thinking that a young kid like Lancelot would not realise what you were up to. We have stripped all of your accounts and had a judge, not the one that you were paying, order that the stolen funds be replaced and returned. It is over sir. Gather your men and leave peacefully or we will make you. Just like we did your brother Rufus!"
That was it. Matt LeRoy returned and with Dwight and the President interviewed for an assistant to help with the operation. It was the only area that was ever attacked in such a way. Because of the way we controlled the spread of the cancer within it never happened again. For cancer it was.
Dwight set up his office in DC with us in the study library and we worked with him on many areas. He soon had a team working for him that he trained and that he knew we could trust. I noticed that Cace always made sure that he knew where he would be. I discovered later so that their paths would never cross and Cace would not be found out.
As a group we had our own management meetings every month and agreed the schedule of audits that we wanted Dwight to carry out. The audit office was set up in the old coach house at the back of the mansion and all of the building was dedicated to that function.
It was only into the summer break by three weeks when we finally completed the years study with flying colours. The entire group had ced the year. As a group we toured the hotels and holdings as a thank you for the intern period that they had completed. Then as a group we travelled to France, Spain, Italy and Germany to hold the grand openings of the Aquamaine International Hotels.
They were magnificent and everyone who attended the Gala openings were in awe with what had achieved. With the marketing team we had put in place as the openings were looming. As a project for the course Jet, Skyler and Amy asked if they could put a marketing strategy together and run with it for the finals for the year. They also included the opening of the Chrysland Aquamaine as part of the project.
Cace and I thought it was a great idea, but that they ought to let me form a Marketing Company "Bravender Marketing" and they would work through that and not Aquamaine. They were over the moon with the challenge and the program they ran with had everyone all over the world calling the phone lines at the hotels to book in advance. It also had several countries requesting that we start negotiations for hotels in their countries.
In each hotel they interviewed and hired onsite marketing to work with Aquamaine and public relations. Jet was placed as manager over the German and Spanish team, Amy over the French and Italy team and Skyler over the rest of Europe including Lizondia. It was a good move and the hotels were running at a far better profit than the American hotels.
This led us to extend the program to the US and Linc agreed to lead the American Marketing team. Our success in this area encouraged us to create Bravender Marketing as a newly formed company in its own right. This grew quickly because of the reputation of Aquamaine and they were the main customer to start with.
By the time we arrived in the Lizondia there was so much expectation about the new hotel that the media were swarming around like we were magic. Myles and Steven insisted on extra security and I just worked the crowd as I always did.
Myles and Steven were the ones that travelled with us to my father's old hideaway. All but Cace in the study group travelled with me as he was not feeling very well so stayed at the palace. Father's old place had been transformed and was the epitome of elegance and posterity that so befits stately homes of Lizondia.
As with everything else the advance bookings were through the roof and the forecast was so good that Myles invited my team to view a site in Saxonia the north of the island as he had been thinking of it for another hotel. We travelled on the royal train through all of the country and were in awe at the beauty. The site was not too far north, but also not too close to any city. With the site we were granted hunting and fishing rights that would attract the tourist.
The entire group loved the site and we placed Roman as project lead for this new project and he would also lead the invitation that we had received to build in his home country of Poland. We both spoke Polish so we would travel together to make all the arrangement.
Once the international hotels were opened we sent the jet back with the study group so that they all had chance to spend time with their families before the final year. We went to Chrysland for two weeks and a week in Penrise Hall. This time we took the children with us and we had a wonderful family holiday.
In Chrysland we split the time between Conroy which we loved and the other properties. Cace was still not feeling well so David and I travelled and Cace stayed with King Roger. Now I know why, but looking back I was worried about his health.
Kingsmere we had opened to hunting parties as long as there was a gamekeeper present to look after the property and the land. Mr Jake hired Dotty's son from her first marriage and Johan Grange became our gamekeeper.
We never had one in the past and whilst we did not agree with fox hunting there were certain things that needed control and the only way was to hold hunting parties to ensure that the game was kept under control. Also it was interesting to find out that just like cattle we learned that we bred our deer herds specifically to enable the hunt. Many would not agree, but we were told it was far more painless that the abattoir.
Over time he hired a team of keepers for each property and liaised with Thomas so that we were aware of when these parties were being held. After each one the Butler of the house concerned contacted Thomas to confirm that all was well.
We had never treated game as a business in the past, but now Johan had a real gift for it and we soon started to see that we could make a nice profit on these activities. He of course became the head keeper for all of the properties and even some of the hotels and had a nice profit from this activity.
The only other time that we allowed the properties to be used was for professional painters and universities who ran regular classes to teach students art. These workshops were held at the properties and classes allowed to stay in the servant quarters for the week. Never did we open the house unless the butler or Mr Jakes men were on hand.
We left an open challenge with the staff of each house that anyone finding an inventive way to promote the property and to help it make a profit then a bonus out of the additional profit would be paid to that employee.
The Annual Bradley Patterson Foundation Charity Gala was held the week before we returned to America and this time we held it in Chrysland Aquamaine and the A list of all of the famous were present. Heads of state from around the world and as one would say all of the beautiful people were there. Tickets sold for $5000 each and over three thousand people attended.
I painted two major pieces of art for the gala. Both were paintings of Penrise Hall and Conroy Castle. At the end of the evening we had raised with over $27,000,000. We set up the foundation offices in an office block that we owned and granted them a lease free of charge so that all funds went to the foundation.
When we returned to DC to get ready for our specialization year we were ready to get back to the swing of study. I did find that I tired quicker than I used to and spoke to my doctor about it. They carried out tests and found that even though I had recovered the bullets had taken it out of my body and I should resort to a walking stick if I needed the extra support. They suggested a shooting stick so that I could use it to sit if needed.
The JD/MBA as it was called is completed in eleven quarters so that left the winter quarter that we could take off to take the family on holiday to the cabin in Aspen so that we could all go skiing together.
Most of the specialization choices were a simple decision to make. Mine was Management of large organizations. Cace, Roman and Kurt specialized in Hospitality and hotel management. Maria and Taji went into farm management. Mary Beth and Kaitlyn went into HR management. Skyler, Jet and Amy concentrated on marketing. Tony and Lincoln really loved law as much as me, but also Linc did marketing.
We all returned from the winter quarter to take our bar exams and we were all MBE qualified. Jey and Thomas who were interested in becoming CPA accountants as well went on to take that, but it did not hold them back at all. They also were as busy as any of us in Aquamaine while they were doing all of this.
It is strange, but requirements like needing two year work experience and things like that were automatically fulfilled for me. I had run a successful LLC since I was ten years old. If you add to that a growing hotel chain and the successful "International Business" I fulfilled all requirements. "International Business" is what they called my titles and properties in Chrysland and Bowland. Because we were new to law I hired a trained attorney for the Office of the Prince to lead my team.
Before we talk through the graduation the most interesting thing that happened was that I had my first real family holiday. We took the study group with us, but this was for Charles Edward, Troy Jordan, James Ross and Ezekiel DeLuca were all at that interesting age.
While the group went skiing we went for long walks and racing with Charles in the snow. He even had his first sledge. We went on my first ever sleigh ride which was pulled by real reindeer and the kids met Santa. It was a wonderland to me as well as we never had anything like this when I was a kid. We made snowman and even angels in the snow. Of course Cace had to write his name in the snow, but I walked off with the kids as I did not think that they needed to see that.
That was also when we had my eighteenth birthday party which I was confused as we went to a theatre for a "Gala Performance". Except when we got there is was a "Gala Performance in tribute of Lord Aquamaine". Cace had hired a Broadway theatre for the night and also Leo Fabian a famous TV anchor man to be the MC for the night. There were many stars from country to comedy and all of them were my favourites.
The star of the night for me though was Madam Nicole DuBois who was totally resplendent and in her element as she celebrated her boys birthday. Of course I had to play, but I didn't mind. It was the best evening of my life.
As we were leaving and heading to the Limo with Nicole for a quiet meal together, I stopped "Did you hear that?"
Cace looked at me, "It was the wind coming from the alley."
I glared at Cace, "Mike, Dave follow me. I swear it was coming from over there." As we headed down the alley we all heard it and there was this box laying there. Nicole stepped forward and picked up the bundle. There was a letter.
Nicole read, "To Whom It May Concern this is Annabelle Mae my only daughter. If you can please find Lord Aquamaine and tell him we once knew each other, but he would never remember me because I was just a baby in his house and then his father threw us out. Please someone look after her for I do not have long on this earth and all I have known is pain. I do not wish that for my daughter. I fear I may not see tomorrow night. Please do not fail her. LJ I trust you. Mandy. Ps my ma named me after your ma for she was her ladies maid. She would never tell me who my father was, but I fear I may be your sister."
"My mother's ladies maid..? I do not remember my mother, but I can remember Pippin the maid. She was kind to me, but all of the staff left so quickly I never found out what happened. Talk was that my father got her pregnant and that the baby that was in the house was his. She was beautiful, but her mother was so hateful. We have to look after her Nicole. Let's call Belle. Legally she will know what we have to do."
After we had gone on to the evening dinner we placed a call with Belle and then I remembered Dean Reynolds had a brother who was a judge so I called him as well. By morning Belle, the Dean and his brother arrived at Grandpa's New York apartment.
The judge was to become a very close friend over the years and was all business as he took out the papers necessary for the adoption. Belle acted as Annabelle's legal representative. She was soon our daughter. The judge smiled at me and just said, "You know it would be easier if you lived in Boston. I'm getting too old for all of this travelling."
Once this was finalised I contacted the king and arranged all of the titles and changes that needed to be made. Since I was the holder of the titles the children could hold courtesy titles. I therefore arranged that the children of Lord Aquamaine would in future hold the titles:-
First son would be The Honourable Lord Bravender Marquess of Reyesford - Viscount of Ravenswood. This is Charles Edward, third in line to the throne of Chrysland. He was now six.
Second son would be The Honourable Lord Bravender Marquess of Lizonby. This is Troy Jordon, fourth in line to the throne of Chrysland. He was now two.
Third son would be The Honourable Lord Bravender Marquess of Rooksfeld. This is our James Ross, fifth in line to the throne of Chrysland. He was two also.
Fourth son would be The Honourable Lord Bravender 6th Marquess of Penrise, Viscount of Reymire. This is because the current one is Ezekiel DeLuca, sixth in line to the throne of Chrysland. He was now two also.
Though not so necessary the first daughter would be Countess of Aylsgart. This is our Lady Annabelle Margaret Bravender, seventh in line to the throne. She was, well she was newly born.
Upon my death all titles would resort back to the current Lord Aquamaine or in the case of Ezekiel the death of his father Lord Penrise. On my death Charles Edward would become Lord Aquamaine, but we would arrange with Charles before that time that titles would be granted to his brothers. Annabelle would always be Lady Annabelle Bravender no matter what.
As life prepared to move on and we completed our bar exam things were good and would remain so for some time. All that was left was graduation and then I would be Doctor Lancelot Jefferson Bravender Esq. JD, MBA (Business Management and Administration), BA (Languages). Not sure if I could use all of those letters, but as an eighteen year old it sure felt good. Sure felt as if I had accomplished something. I think it would turn out to be The Honourable Lord Lancelot Jefferson Bravender Esq.
Here was the little nine years old boy that was beaten on a daily basis by a drugged up drunken father because he was useless and only survived because his brother needed him. Now, here he was and he was The Honourable Lord Lancelot Jefferson Bravender Esq. attorney at the bar. I'm father of four boys and one little girl and all five are destined to break the hearts of many influential people of the world. All of them are destined to be leaders and one would become a queen.
We all entered for the first available graduation ceremony and then I had fun going though all of the graduation regalia and mementoes to try to make sure everyone had things to remember our time together. I also purchased two gold class rings for me and Cace. Before the ceremony I visited the Dean with the frames for everyone's diploma. He surprised me most by asking me to be the guest speaker. He also asked if I would invite King Roger to speak as well.
While I was in the office I put through a call to Chrysland to talk to the King and he was over the moon to be asked to speak. He asked if he could have several tickets reserved as King Myles and the Italian Prime Minister also wanted to attend. Prince David was bummed by not being able to come, but understood protocol plus he would be graduating from Cambridge not long afterwards.
The family settled down and the boys were almost two and Charles six. Little Belle still a baby, but we all had fun getting dressed up for the ceremony. I even had some fun with the regalia makers by having them make special editions for all of the boys. Anna would have Belle, but the boys would walk up with me when we got the certificate and would stand with me as I gave my talk. It would be short and to the point.
Soon the whole study group were dressed up like monkeys as we gathered for the presentations and the parties that followed. Aquamaine was hosting the official graduation ball.
People could talk for hours on graduations and I could fill a chapter for you, but all went well and when they called for Lord Bravender to approach the stand for his diploma I walked forward and then the jokers started.
Suddenly Charles shouted, "Oh my we've been caught they must know I'm skiving school! They called us forward!!! Lord Bravenders, forward." TJ, JR and Ezekiel all stood and toddled forward in their little robes and hats. JR had other ideas and took off at a run in the opposite way.
"Soldier...! Private JR, about turn!" JR stopped. JR turned. "Attention!" Little JR puffed out his chest.
Charlie looked at the audience and said, "You know I've seen better." The audience were in fits of laughter with their antics.
"Forward... march." JR marched forward and when he reached the others Charlie shouted, "Soldiers fall in!" and they marched in line on to the stage. The whole audience stood and cheered.
I turned to Charles, "What are you doing up here and dressed like that young man?"
"Mr Reynolds called us forward and I am not a young man I'm Lord Bravender."
TJ tugged his sleeve and he bent down to them... "Oh yeah so are they!"
"No he did not call you."
"Yes he did."
"Oh, no he didn't!"
"Oh yes he did..." The audience joined in and shouted it with him. Charles just lapped it all up.
I looked at the audience and said, "Don't you lot encourage him!"
The whole place was in fits of laughter and Charles waited and then as silence reined he said, "Yes he did daddy he said for Lord Bravender to come forward... Well I'm Lord Bravender and so is TJ, so is JR and so is little Zeke. You're lucky little Belle's a girl or she would be here as well." The whole place just erupted once again.
"I suppose that's why you have those robes."
"Oh no... We have these because you bought us them! Mind you when we are old enough to wear them I think we will need bigger ones." That was it the whole place was laughing. The more we did the more they lapped it up.
Professors Phillip and Bryan Masters and Professor Absom along with the Dean stepped forward. "Now daddy as you bore all of these good people to sleep our official babysitters are waiting."
With that professors scooped them all up and as the Dean held Zeke he said in to the Mic "Ladies and Gentlemen the Honourable Lord Aquamaine Esq. Crowned Prince of Bowland."
We had one more trick up our sleeves. I looked up and read "Once upon a time ..." I turned to Charles, "I think that I have yours." He put his hand into his robe and pulled out my speech. Looked at it and then looked at me with wide eyes and tore it up. "What did you do that for?"
"It didn't make any sense to me so I got rid of it. Let me have mine back and we'll have a story while you speak to everyone."
"Well I guess that tells me." Applause erupted and I waited for it to die down, "So many times in life we are given opportunities where we can influence the world or people for good. Yet fail to take chances and wonder later in life why we never seem to achieve what we wanted to do or what we wanted to be. People of this year's class do not be afraid to stand up and be counted. I had my boys stand up and be counted just now as a little bit of fun. It was also to show you that anyone can make that little bit of a difference. Anyone, if they are in the right place at the right time can affect the world and people's lives. Make sure it's you. Never be afraid to stand up and be counted.
"I was once a little beaten and abused boy that looked after my brother and never felt as if the world was right. Then someone came into my life and even though my home life stayed the same for another year I knew that I was loved. She's here today at my request and as my gift to you we would like to sing instead of speak." We had chosen `We are the champions' by Queen as we felt it rather fitting and we could get those graduating to join in. "Before we start can the graduating class all stand. You are going to help us with some of the first song. We think you will know it.
Nicole took the piano and I started to sing. When they heard the words the whole place went wild.
I've paid my dues – Time after time – I've done my sentence But committed no crime – And bad mistakes I've made a few I've had my share of sand kicked in my face – But I've come through
To my surprise Charlie was at the front of the stage again and pretended to conduct the graduating students as they sang...
We are the champions - my friends And we'll keep on fighting - till the end – We are the champions – We are the champions No time for losers 'Cause we are the champions - of the world –
Nicole joined me with the second verse and onwards, but as it came to these words I looked at Cace and Roger and sang it looking at them hoping that they would get the message.
But it's been no bed of roses No pleasure cruise – I consider it a challenge SIR before the whole human race – And I ain't gonna lose!
Roger simply hung his head and Cace looked furious. As we closed the song I let Nicole sit and before introducing the King I sang one more song, "You know ever since I was a little boy this song has kept me going and kept me strong and I want you to listen to the words and remember them as they are talking about you." I then sang in my full tenor voice `I'll Walk with God' completely without any accompaniment.
No one had heard me sing, well not until today and definitely not my operatic voice. I hadn't sung for some time and my voice had changed. Usually I simply played the piano, but today I wanted to sing and sing in my now mature voice. As soon as I finished Nicole was up on her feet cheering for more. All of the hall joined in and wouldn't stop cheering until I did more.
Professor Bryan Masters had played the piano for me and I walked to him, pulled some music out of my case and asked if he could play. He smiled and nodded as I gave him instructions of what I wanted to do.
It was a rather comic version of "I am what I am". I walked of stage and as the music hit the right point came back on fully dressed in my Duke's robe and crown. The whole audience was up on their feet cheering. As I finished Nicole stepped forward and took the robes and crown form me. To close I sang "To Dream the Impossible Dream". The whole place was up on their feet cheering and cheering, begging for more.
Professor Masters looked at me and we simply nodded our heads and he played the opening bars of a song that shocked me because I found myself singing in Italian "Nessun Dorma". This would change my life. The world's cameras were there because of who was graduating and when my voice was heard it went around the world and the Office of the Prince soon had requests begging for me to sing and produce an album.
With the close of the song I collected my kids and returned to my seat with Cace who I had noticed had been standing at the side of the stage holding hands with King Roger. They thought that I hadn't noticed or anyone else either. Truth is we all had.
Without seconds though I walked toward them at the end of the song looked at Roger and said "Thank you Sire for looking after MY CONSORT, but I'm sure that I can take over from here." The boys looked at Cace and not one of them would go to him and they just walked off the stage to Anna who was waiting.
As we sat I looked at Cace and said, "Never ever embarrass me like that again sir. I care not what you do, but never in front of the children or friends ever again! Or your train ticket will come to an end and you can tell that to your lover! You make me sick." He was going to say something, but just hung his head. Charlie climbed on my knee and we just hugged.
After the graduation we left for the study group celebrations. King Roger arrived at the door with King Myles and the Italian Prime Minister. Nicole was greeting everyone at the door and let Myles and Signor DeLuca into the celebrations, then she turned to King Roger, "Sorry sir you do not have an invitation. I suggest you take the next plane back to Chrysland or Lord Aquamaine will follow up on the treason decree that you made when he was a child. Leave sir." My security guards told King Roger that he was no longer welcome and that Cace would not be available for some time.
That's all for now folks ... Chapter 9 - With his graduation complete his life takes shape only for everything to fall apart. Only his children hold him together.
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.
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!!