The Duke of Tremont

Chapter 30

Author’s note: Well, this is it. Thanks to all of you who have stuck by me with this story, and have left such encouraging feedback. Thanks to Sterling Dragonfly, who swooped down in the middle and cleaned up my messes. Also a big thank you to Doll, who is my mystical consultant, and my bestest on line buddy. And last, but never least, thanks to Margaret for being the web goddess over at Moonshadow Tribe. Her work is never done. My next project is brewing so stay tuned. ~Kris

*********************************************************

Brian stood on his balcony in his blue silk dressing robe, enjoying the gentle breeze that had come with nightfall. He was happy to be home in Lofton again and to finally have a moment to himself. They all had returned from Westlake earlier that day and Brian had been badgered endlessly since his arrival. If it was not Ted or one of his man wanting his attention and decisions about the lands, it was Lindsay and Deb trying to coddle him and stuff him full of food.

They became even worse when the two women had learned of his and Justin’s ordeal. By evening it was all he could do not to strangle both of them and Justin had wisely intervened. He had pleaded exhaustion and Brian had immediately offered to accompany him back to their room.

Once there, Justin had kissed Brian gently on the lips and turned to leave again. “I thought you were tired. Where are you going?”

Justin smiled at Brian. “I’m giving you a little time to yourself. I promised Daphne a private visit so we can really talk.”

Brian smiled fondly at his lover. “You don’t have to go. It is not your company of which I tire.”

Justin merely smiled and kissed Brian again. “I know I don’t have to, but I know you, My Lord. You need some time to relax in peace and quiet. I shan’t be gone long.”

“Thank you,” Brian breathed into Justin’s hair.

So now, here he stood, all alone in his rooms, hating the fact that lately he really did prefer it this way. Brian’s physical wounds had healed quickly but the emotional trauma still clung to him. He avoided everyone’s touch but Justin’s, and even their relationship was not as it was before. Their intimate moments these days mainly consisted of snuggling and gentle kisses. Justin had been infinitely patient with him, but he was frustrated with himself. Of course he could trust Justin; he felt his innermost feelings, but his touch still reminded him of Sapperstein, no matter what he tried to tell himself.

He sighed and leaned over to look down to Mel and Lindsay’s balcony. He smiled as he caught sight of Lindsay nursing Gus in the small rocking chair she had brought out there. The babe had seemed to grow inches in the short time they had been gone. Brian could not believe he was almost to turn one.

That he had known Justin for a whole year.

Gus’ nurse and Mel came out onto the balcony. Lindsay stood and handed Gus to the other woman, who smiled and bade them good night taking the babe back to the nursery.

Brian could not mistake the look exchanged by the two women as Mel took Lindsay’s hand and led her back to their bedchamber. He sighed deeply and found himself envying the two women for the ease of their intimacy.

He wished Michael were here. His friend had provided much comfort, as well as a sympathetic ear, when Brian found he needed to talk with someone other than Justin. Sometimes, Justin was too close and Brian found it difficult to open up to him. To his credit, Justin seemed to accept this, happy that Brian had someone he could talk to, and not hold it all in.

But Michael was not here. He had remained in Westlake with Ben. Both had stayed to help Molly, who had returned to her home soon after the battle to attend her parents’ funeral and take over her duties as the Countess of Westlake. It was decided that Patrick would stay with her in the capacity of advisor and guardian, with Ben and Michael to help as well. Justin would take on many of Michael’s duties here in Lofton.

Even Jonathan, Hunter, and young Charles would be heading home to Sylvania in a few days time. Jonathan was anxious to return to his wife and his home. It had taken him longer than he thought to clean up the mess Sapperstein had left in Balybonne. Traitors had to be rooted out and executed, including Christopher and Father Ronald, and fealty had to be re-sworn by the men who had raised arms against the king, but said they had been forced or coerced by Sapperstein. It was decided that Hunter would be crowned Duke of Balybonne, since Claire and Sapperstein had no heirs.

Timothy had been offered the title as second son, but had declined, admitting he had no interest in ruling. He and Ethan would soon be off on their adventures, with Tim promising to report back to his parents and brothers in detail with his experiences and findings.

“Brian,” Justin spoke softly. He had learned the hard way not to sneak up on his lover these days, after Brian had almost laid him out flat one time.

Brian smiled and turned to his lover. “You’re back.”

Justin hesitated until Brian opened his arms to him. “I’m back. What are you doing out here?”

“Enjoying the cool breeze and thinking.”

“Thinking about what?” Justin asked as he moved into the comfort of Brian’s arms.

Brian rested his chin on the top of Justin’s head. “Oh, just about Jonathan and Michael and the others.”

“You’ll miss them.” It was a statement, not a question.

“Yes, of course, but we will see them when we go to Christmas court at the capitol. Molly will be there, too.”

“Hmm, that will be nice. I miss her and Uncle Patrick already.” He automatically reached inside Brian’s robe to run a hand along his bare skin, but stopped when Brian stiffened a bit. “Oh, I’m sorry! I wasn’t thinking!” Justin apologized profusely.

Brian stepped back. “Stop it, Justin. Please stop. You don’t have to apologize every time you touch me.” He turned his back in frustration, more with himself than his lover. “Are you not tired of this yet? Don‘t you want someone who is not afraid to make love to you?” Justin laughed out loud and Brian turned on him in anger. “I am so glad that you find all this to be so amusing.”

“Brian, please take a moment to listen to yourself. You are asking me, your soul mate, if I would be happier with another, over such a stupid thing as making love. You should be happy I am not angry with you for thinking so lowly of me.” Justin crossed his arms and practically stomped his foot. “Good Lord, Brian, you healed me with your life force alone. Your blood is a part of me and mine a part of you. How dare you think I will take off after the first man that comes by, simply because you think I need to rut like some animal.” Now Justin really was becoming angry.

Both men stood and stared and it was Brian who broke first. It started with a small smile, turned into a barely suppressed snort, and then Brian was laughing heartily at his lover.

“Just what is so funny?” Justin crossed his arms, glaring at his lover. Brian could not answer and soon the older man’s contagious laughter spread to him and both men stood guffawing out on their balcony like a couple of lunatics.

As they continued and the tears began to flow, neither could be sure if they were laughing or crying, but they knew it was a relief to them both, whatever it was.

After several moments, they settled down and Brian pulled Justin back into his arms as both of them tried to catch their breath. “I’m sorry for saying that. I know you will not leave me.”

“I should hope so,” replied Justin tartly.

Brian pushed him back a bit and gazed into his eyes. Justin smiled his most dazzling smile and something inside Brian broke. He placed his hand behind Justin’s head and pulled him in for a passionate kiss for it seemed that he had to have him that moment or die. It was as if the laughter and tears had cleansed him somehow and had left a fiery passion that was ten times stronger than his fear and uncertainty. Brian quickly pulled them into the bedroom and began to almost frantically remove Justin’s tunic.

Justin stilled his hand and led him gently to sit on the bed. He stroked Brian’s face softly and looked into his eyes. “Perhaps we should slow down, My Lord,” Justin suggested, though the fire in his eyes matched that of his lover.

“I want to make love to you now.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, let’s just go easy.”

Justin smiled. “Like our first time?”

Brian simply smiled in return and lowered Justin down to the bed with him as they shared another loving kiss.

*********************************************************

Two years later…

Justin stood in the nave of St. Brigit’s Cathedral in the capitol city of Sylvania. He brushed his velvet tunic once again, as he nervously glanced through the open doors to the sanctuary. He saw that the large church was filled to capacity and he began to sweat.

King Jonathan and Queen Elaine approached him and he bowed respectfully as the king placed a warm hand on his shoulder. “Good luck,” Jonathan said with a wink and a smile.

Justin could only offer a nervous smile in return as Queen Elaine moved in and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek.

Soon the herald announced their presence and the couple made their way down the long aisle to their seats.

Daphne soon appeared dressed in a lovely gown, carrying a small bouquet. She smiled as Justin held out his hand to her. She let him take her hand and he brought it gently to his lips. “You look beautiful, Daph.” He smiled at her.

“So do you,” she responded in kind. They shared one last smile and then Daphne made her own stately way down the aisle.

Next came Gus, led by his nurse. The three year old boy looked very handsome dressed in blue velvet, carrying a satin pillow with two rings tied securely to it. Justin knelt down to talk with the little boy, who bore such a striking resemblance to his father. “Now, Gus, do you remember what to do?”

Gus nodded soberly and Justin smiled. “All right then. It’s your turn.” Justin sent Gus on his way and was proud of how brave and mature the boy was being in the face of such a large crowd. He silently thought he should take a lesson from the child as the sight of the full church made his stomach lurch again.

The herald moved to close the heavy door, but not before Justin caught a glimpse of Brian waiting for him near the altar. Brian winked at Justin and it filled his heart and gave him courage.

Just as the door closed someone else glided up next to him. “Ready, brother?”

Justin turned and gasped. Molly was a vision in her bridal gown, fresh white roses sitting atop her golden hair, holding her delicate veil in place. “You look stunning,” Justin breathed out.

“Thank you.” Molly ducked her head and blushed. “You don’t think it’s a bit much?” she asked, gesturing to the opulent gown.

Justin shook his head. “It’s beautiful, and you only get married once. I’m so happy for you, Mol. Mother and Father would be so proud.” Justin’s eyes welled up.

Molly stroked the small Bible her own mother had carried on her wedding day and wiped a tear away. “Stop it, Justin. I’ll be a mess before Hunter even sees me.”

“All right,” Justin agreed, “no more crying.” He held out his arm and Molly slipped her hand through the crook of his elbow.

The large doors opened once again and brother and sister began their long journey to the altar. “Here we go,” muttered Molly. Justin squared his shoulders and patted her hand.

*********************************************************

“Who gives this woman to be wed?”

“I do,” said Justin in a clear voice as he placed Molly’s hand on top of Hunter’s and smiled at the young couple. He then moved to the front pew to sit between Brian and Patrick.

As Bishop Vic began to speak the words of the marriage liturgy Justin took Brian’s hand and squeezed it tightly. Brian looked down at his lover and smiled. “I love you,” he mouthed.

“I love you, too. Forever,” Justin mouthed in reply.

“Forever.” Brian repeated back silently as they turned their attention back to the ceremony and let the joy of the occasion fill their bodies and souls as one.

The End.

Return to The Duke of Tremont