The Duke of Tremont

Chapter 15

Warning: unsafe sex

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Brian and King Jonathan strolled through the extensive gardens of Brian’s castle. It was the first chance the two had to speak alone since the King’s arrival five days ago. It was a beautiful day in late August and they had left the rest of their friends and family having a picnic in another part of the Garden.

“Justin is quite the artist,” commented Jonathan, looking sidelong at his brother.

“That he is,” replied Brian nonchalantly.

“He seems to be a very kind and loyal friend as well;” tried the King again, fishing for more information from his reticent brother.

“Yes, he is that too,” answered Brian, trying to contain a smile at Jonathan’s growing frustration.

“He is quite handsome as well don’t you think?”

“My, my Jonathan, I had not thought that you shared my interest in men. What will Elaine think? I think Justin may be a bit young for you.”

“Dammit Brian! That is not what I meant and you know it!”

Brian snorted; “that is what you get for being so nosy.”

Jonathan sighed at Brian’s stubbornness; “you seem much happier than last time I saw you; more relaxed even.”

Brian allowed a small smile to cross his face; “I...I...am happy,” his smile was replaced by a troubled frown. “It is not a feeling I am used to. I keep waiting for someone to come and take it all away from me. To take him away from me,” he finished in a quiet voice.

Jonathan placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder; “I’m sorry you have had so much pain in your life brother. Justin seems like a wonderful young man and it is obvious he adores you. Let yourself be happy. You know I will do all I can to protect both of you,” he pulled Brian into a hug; “I think it is safe to say that Lindsay, Vic and the others all feel the same.”

“Thank you Jon,” Brian replied gratefully; “I will try my best.”

“Good man,” Jonathan pulled away and thumped Brian on the back a few times.

They continued to walk in silence for a bit until Brian brought up the topic he knew they both had been avoiding; “what do you hear of Claire and The Sap?” Brian asked Jonathan with a smile, using the nickname they had privately given their much reviled brother-in-law.

Jonathan smiled with his brother but it quickly turned to a frown; “it does not look good Brian. I believe they will try to reclaim the throne of Balybonne.”

“Why? Balybonne has been a part of Pennington for generations. Would Sapperstein really wage a civil war simply to gain more power?”

“I don’t think we even realize what he is capable of Brian. It’s not just a bid for more power. They hate me and the way I rule. Claire has single handedly started a campaign against me and the laws the council is working to pass,” Jonathan stopped to scrub a hand through his hair. “To be honest she’s not the only one who is upset; they do have quite a few followers.”

“But you have more my brother,” Brian reassured the man; “and you are in the right.” Brian wrapped an arm around his brother’s shoulders; “I almost want to tell you to let them go. We don’t need their anger and hatred here, but I know it would be the common folk of Balybonne who would suffer. I cannot imagine The Sap as a king; he causes enough trouble as a duke.”

“You are right. For the good of all my people I cannot let them get away with this. Even if it means I must execute members of my own family for treason;” Jonathan looked down to the ground.

“I’m sorry Jon,” Brian said quietly, “I can’t help but think that most of this is my fault. If I were born a different person perhaps Father and Claire wouldn’t have hated me so much. Perhaps mother would care about me.”

“Oh Brian that’s silly,” Jonathan reassured his brother, “I don’t want you to be anyone else. You are a wonderful brother and friend. Father was an ignorant old fool and Claire is just as bad. As for mother, well, I’m not sure she can ever care about anything other than the life she lost when she was forced to marry Jack.”

“Thank you,” Brian replied, “I don’t know what I would have done without you Jon.”

“You would probably still be mucking out stables for Deb at that horrible inn;” laughed Jon, “good lord do you remember her face when you introduced me to she and Michael? I thought her heart would fail her.”

“Yes I remember,” Brian smiled fondly, “honestly that was a happy time for me.”

“I know it was brother, but your place was with your family. Your place was with me, helping me to rule this land as you were meant to. Beside,” he smiled slyly; “you are far too accustomed to the finer things in life to enjoy being a stable boy for long.”

“Hey! I made a good stable boy,” exclaimed Brian, “I worked very hard.”

“Worked hard at looking in the mirror,” Jonathan called as he made a run for it.

Brian chased his brother back to the spot where the rest of their party was still lazing about on the lawn. They all looked up and smiled to see the King and Prince acting so undignified as Brian caught his brother and pulled him down to the ground to try and sit on him.

“Now boys;” Lindsay admonished, “keep quiet or you’ll wake the baby,” she indicated the basket next to her where baby Gus slept soundly.

“Yes, please do not wake the babe,” grumbled Mel who was lying with her head in Lindsay’s lap, “he sleeps little enough as it is.”

“Sorry My Ladies;” whispered the King quietly as he deftly flipped his brother off him and proceeded to sit on his chest; “I was simply showing Brian that I am still the superior brother.”

The rest of the party laughed at his antics as Jonathan slid off of Brian brushing his hands together in a satisfied manor. He finally took stock of the little group and noticed someone was missing; “where are Hunter and young Molly?” He questioned.

“They are over there Your Highness,” Justin smiled shyly at the King as he pointed to the pair who were walking along a nearby path, obviously having been told to remain in sight of their chaperones.

“Hmm, interesting,” was all Jonathan said as he observed the two who were taking part in an animated conversation then made eye contact with Lady Lindsay who nodded and winked at him.

Brian, meanwhile had crawled over to where Justin had seated himself at the base of a large tree. The older man took Justin’s ever present parchment and pencils off his lap, unceremoniously dropping them in the grass and replacing them with his own head. “Rub,” he commanded the young man.

Justin laughed, shocked but pleased by Brian’s open display of affection in front of the King. He had been very reticent to show any affection even in their small circle of friends since his brother had arrived. Justin smiled his brilliant grin as he immediately began to massage Brian’s temples causing the other man to groan out a contented sigh. Justin even dared to lean down and give the man a quick peck on the lips which was heartily returned by Brian and then turned into something a bit more passionate.

“All right, all right;” laughed Jonathan, “just because I accept your lifestyle brother, does not mean I want to witness it first hand.”

Justin blushed bright red as he pulled away from Brian; “oh goodness, I’m so sorry Your Highness!”

“It’s quite all right Justin and please call me Jonathan, at least when we are amongst friends and family. I am pleased to see a real smile light up my brother’s face for once, instead of that ever present smirk.”

Brian stuck his tongue out at Jonathan and they all laughed at their antics yet again. The merriment was interrupted by the arrival of Michael and Ben who had been out riding together. They were accompanied by a strange man who was dressed in the livery of The Earl of Westlake.

The King stood immediately and approached the three riders; “who is this Michael?” He asked warily.

Michael bowed his head in homage to the king as did Ben and the stranger; “he is from Westlake Your Highness. He says he has a message from The Earl, and The Duke and Duchess of Balybonne.”

Brian stood and moved next to his brother while Justin moved behind him gripping the back of his tunic tightly as he wondered why his father’s man was here representing the Duke and Duchess.

“What is the message?” Asked the King tensely.

The man unrolled a scroll and proceeded to read; “His Royal Highness Louis Sapperstein, King of Balybonne and His Queen request you to meet them on the plain near Westlake that serves as the border between the Kingdoms of Balybonne and Pennington in four day‘s time. The King is presently residing at the home of their most loyal subject, The Earl of Westlake. It has also been requested that Lord Justin of Westlake accompany you to this meeting. ”

“Father!” Brian heard Justin exclaim quietly.

Gasps and cries of outrage could be heard throughout the group; “what is the meaning of this?” Cried Brian as he drew a dagger out of the top of his boot; “are you telling me that Duke Sapperstein has dared to declare himself king of a land that is rightfully ruled by my Brother?” He advanced on the hapless messenger menacingly.

“Brian! Be Still!” Admonished the King. “I will not be the one to start the bloodshed in this farce.” He regally turned his attention back to the man; “you may return to our traitorous sister and her husband and tell them that we shall meet them in four days time. You may also tell them that I will not now, or ever recognize them as King and Queen of Balybonne.” He turned his attention to Michael and Ben; “would you gentlemen please escort this traitor out of my brother’s fair city. I’m not sure how much longer I can vouch for his safety.”

Michael and Ben nodded and escorted the relieved messenger out of the gardens to the gates of Lofton.

Jonathan stood and stared silently after the man for a few moments then turned to Brian; “well brother, it seems our fears have come to pass.” He looked to Justin who seemed almost near tears at his father’s apparent treason; “although I must say I am surprised by your father’s defection,” he said, not unkindly.

“I am as well, Highness,” replied Justin; “I never thought he would turn against you.”

“It is a most disturbing turn of events to be sure,” replied Jonathan.

Justin nodded and let himself lean into Brian’s comforting embrace. He shared a worried glance with his Uncle Patrick knowing that they were both concerned about the Lady Janniver.

“Well,” continued Jonathan as he eyed his brother and his family as they all stood and gathered themselves to return to the castle, “it seems we have some planning to do.”

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Ten riders set out from the relative safety of their small army onto the plain toward Westlake. Brian and Bishop Vic flanked King Jonathan on either side. On Brian’s other side rode Justin then Michael. Ben rode next to the Bishop with Sir Patrick on his other side. The King’s men, carrying his banners and the white flag of parley escorted the whole group.

Coming from the other direction rode another group of ten, including Claire, Sapperstein, Father Ronald, Christopher Hobbs and their guards. Two more riders set out with the group but stopped halfway between their army and the negotiating party.

A light rain fell, signaling the beginning of fall in Pennington. Justin shook his cloak out and spoke quietly to Brian; “I still don’t understand why they wanted me to be here.”

Brian looked fondly at the young man; “I suppose we will soon find out Sunshine;” he smiled.

Justin simply nodded reigning in his horse along side the rest of the party as they halted mere feet from their adversaries.

“Ah Your Highness;” spoke Sapperstein as he addressed the King; “thank you for meeting with us on such short notice.

Jonathan regarded his sister and brother-in-law for a moment; “did I really have a choice? Let’s get on with this; what exactly is it that you want?”

“Straight to the point as usual I see;” replied Sapperstein. “Fine, let us get to business. We have reclaimed the throne of Balybonne and have cut ties with Pennington. Queen Claire and I will now rule Balybonne jointly as it’s own country.”

“Come now, you surely do not think I will let you do this?” Asked the astounded Jonathan.

“It is what we want,” countered Claire, “our people no longer want to be ruled by you.”

“What people Claire?” Brian asked sharply; “the good, common folk of Balybonne, or the little circle of zealots you have gathered around yourself?”

“You will not address me you pervert!” Claire spat out at Brian; “this is your fault! You have poisoned our brother. Father was right to fear you!”

“Enough Claire!” Shouted Jonathan; “no one has poisoned me. I am a grown man capable of making my own decisions. Brian is our brother and I love him, not because he has bespelled me but because he is a good and honest man and has earned my trust and love. That is more than I can say for you right now.”

“He is a devious miscreant, child molester! Open your eyes brother!”

“I said enough!” Responded Jonathan; “I am not here to discuss our brother with you Claire. I am simply here to find out your intentions.”

“I believe that my King and Queen have already made our intentions quite clear;” spoke Christopher.

“And may I ask who you are young man?” Asked the King.

“He is Christopher Hobbs, The Earl of Westlake,” replied Father Ronald with a smug smile.

“What are you talking about?” Cried Justin, “my father is the Earl of Westlake!”

“Ah, young Justin,” Sapperstein smiled, “we appreciate you answering our invitation. We thought that perhaps you would like knowing what my first act as king was.” He raised his hand in signal to the two riders who had stopped behind him; “your family has been very uncooperative with our plans thus far;” the he continued conversationally.

Justin gasped and unconsciously reached for Brian’s arm as he saw the riders approaching. One of the men was a guard and the other was Justin’s own father, hands tied in front of him, bruises peppering his once handsome face; “father!” He called out in horror.

“Justin I’m so sorry,” said Craig weakly; “I didn’t know! I swear I didn’t know Your Highness!” He turned his pleas to the King.

“Silence!” Craig’s guard cuffed the man into silence as Justin cried out in fear for his father.

“As you can see Lord Craig did not agree with our plan so I was forced to strip him of his title. I did try to do all this in a more civilized manor by having Christopher marry young Molly, but you mother ruined that plan as well.”

“What have you done with my mother?” Justin cried out angrily.

“Don’t you worry that pretty little head young man. She is fine...for now;” Sapperstein sneered.

“So help me, if you touch either of them Sap...” Brian threatened.

“Now, now, dear brother is that any way to talk to family?”

“You dare to talk about family you bastard?!”

“Brian! Let be!” Spoke Jonathan; “this is getting us nowhere.” He turned from Brian back to Sapperstein and his sister; “please release the Earl and his wife to us at once. They have done nothing to you.”

“I don‘t think so Your Highness,” replied Sapperstein, “I think we shall keep Craig and Janniver right here with us.”

“What is your plan?” Asked Jonathan tiredly.

“We want your blessing to leave Pennington. We will give you until Twelfth Night to decide. If we have not gotten word from you by then we will consider Balybonne at war with Pennington come spring.”

“You would cause a civil war in a country that has had generations of peace?” Asked Jonathan.

“We are doing what we must,” replied Claire. “Think of the Taylors as our little insurance policy to help you make your decision.”

Craig heard this and began to struggle violently; “no Your Highness! You must not relent! They must not be allowed to tear apart our country and rule Balybonne!” He fought off his guard; “do not take my wife and I into consideration. I will happily forfeit my life for Pennington!” The guard finally subdued Craig and slipped a gag into his mouth.

Sapperstein and Claire wheeled their horses to ride away and the rest of their party followed; “Twelfth Night Brother!” Claire called over her shoulder.

Jonathan also turned to ride back to his army followed by his men. He pulled up along side Justin who was trying bravely to stop his tears; “I am sorry my friend.” Justin could only nod as the King patted his back and then moved to the front of his party to shout out orders to his waiting army.

When they reached the camp Brian helped Justin down from his mount and handed both horses off to Michael and Ben. He led Justin into their tent and simply held the boy as he wept inconsolably in his lover’s arms.

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