The Duke of Tremont

Chapter 5

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Brian lifted the flap of Justin’s tent quietly and entered. Inside was a cozy scene with Justin lying on a camp bed, Daphne perched next to him on a stool.

Emmett bustled about working on setting up another bed like Justin’s. He halted his exertions when he noticed Brian enter; “My Lord,” Emmett bowed, “your bed is almost ready. I am very sorry you will have to share a tent with my master.”

Brian raised a hand; please do not concern yourself about it. In truth I was expecting to sleep with my men outdoors tonight since we were not prepared for camping when we left this morning.”

“Oh, that would not have done at all Highness,” Emmett replied, “I’m sure Master Justin would agree with me.”

“How is the boy Emmett?”

“I think he does well. I am grateful you and Master Ben were able to stop the bleeding and did not have to use the iron. I did not want him to have to endure that pain.”

“I am grateful for that too. I think I will check on him now, then I must meet with the Bishop before retiring tonight. I may be late so please do not wait up for me.”

“As you wish My Lord,” Emmett bowed briefly and then went back to his work.

Brian approached Justin’s bed pulling up another stool next to Daphne’s; “how is our patient tonight?”

Daphne inclined her head with respect then answered The Duke’s question; “I think he is well. I am a bit worried about infection though.”

“I am as well Lady. My home is not far from here. I would like to take him there so my healer can tend to him. All of you are welcome of course.”

“You are very kind to offer us your services Your Highness;” Daphne replied. They both took a moment to watch the sleeping man.

“He looks as if he is sleeping comfortably,” Brian commented.

“Bishop Vic gave him some sort of medicine that he himself takes for the pain in his back. I think it has helped with Justin’s pain, but it has made him act a little odd if you understand my meaning My Lord?”

“As if he’s had too much ale?” Brian asked poking a tongue in his cheek.

“Yes, that’s it exactly,” Daphne responded, “one time back at home we snuck into the cellar and opened a keg of hard cider. We got drunk as skunks. Heavens we were both so ill the next day. Justin’s father was so angry, he got a lashing and I had to darn all the socks in the manor for a whole week.” Daphne laughed at the memory and then looked startled when Brian joined her; “oh My Lord I am sorry to bore you with such a story.”

“It’s all right My Lady. I did not mind it at all; it sounds like the two of you are very close.”

Daphne smoothed back Justin’s hair as he stirred a bit in his sleep; “oh yes. My mother was one of Lady Janniver’s ladies-in-waiting and my father was a member of the household guard. Justin and I were born just days apart and my mother even nursed him when his mother could not. ” Again Daphne blushed; “you must forgive me again My Lord, I am much too forward. It is a serious flaw in me.”

“Again Lady there is nothing to forgive; I honor forthrightness in a lady. I think it’s ridiculous to be so proper all the time. After all I know that babies must eat, I see nothing inappropriate about the subject.”

“Then we shall get along just fine My Lord because I have a very difficult time being proper,” Daphne smiled.

“I must confess to having the same problem Lady Daphne,” Brian smirked and then both of their attention was taken away by Justin’s soft moans.

“Justin,” Daphne said softly, “if you can wake up a little you have a visitor.”

Justin opened his eyes slowly and his gaze made it’s way over to Brian; “oh, it’s you again,” Justin slurred slightly.

“Justin!” Daphne started to scold but Brian laid a hand on her shoulder; “it’s fine Lady, I know he is not himself.” He looked back to Justin; “how are you feeling Justin?”

“Mmm, shoulder hurts and I feel dizzy and floaty.”

“Floaty hmmm?” Brian answered with a kind smile.

“Yes, floaty,” Justin replied, “did you know you have a wonderful smile?”

“Justin!” Daphne tried to stifle a laugh.

Again Brian motioned for her to be still; “no I do not think anyone has told me that before.”

“Well you do,” Justin said smugly as if winning an argument. Then he flashed Brian a brilliant smile of his own.

“My smile may be wonderful young Justin but yours rivals the summer sun;” the words slipped out before Brian even realized what he was saying. He ducked his head feeling Daphne’s eyes on him.

Justin sat up slowly and brought his hands to Brian’s face pulling the man closer to him; “thank you. That’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.” He proceeded to pull Brian into a heated kiss; with tongue.

Brian found himself kissing back for a moment until he remembered where he was. He pulled away and gently pushed Justin back down on the bed. Daphne and Emmett were both staring at him to see his reaction. “Yes, well, you should get some rest. I must get going; I have some things to take care of.”

“Please don’t leave me;” Justin begged, “at least not until I fall back asleep?”

He sounded so young and alone that Brian could not refuse him; “all right I will stay a little longer,” Brian gently laid a hand over one of Justin’s.

Justin nodded and closed his eyes; “I think I shall dream about you,” he muttered sleepily.

Daphne gaped at her friend in shock; “My Lord please excuse his behavior. It must be those drugs; I have never in my life seen him act this way.”

Brian smiled; “it is truly fine Lady. He is quite something isn’t he?”

Daphne could not help catching an odd flicker of emotion in Brian’s eyes; “that he is My Lord.”

Brian stood seeing that Justin truly was back asleep; “now I really must go. I must speak to the Bishop.”

As Brian was leaving he suddenly turned back to Daphne; “he is lucky to have a friend such as you. He will need you more than ever now.”

Daphne noted that as Prince Brian spoke to her he only had eyes for the young blond in the bed; “and what of you, Your Highness?” Daphne asked rather boldly, “do you have such a friend in your life?”

Brian’s eyes shot back to stare at this brazen young lady, then he smiled softly; “yes, my wife, Duchess Lindsay has filled that role for me since we were children,” he sighed as he stole another glance at Justin; “truthfully I don’t know what I would have done without her.”

Daphne took measure of this man, this Prince of the realm and decided that she liked him very much. “I’m glad for you,” she said gently, “I think I should very much like to meet the Duchess.”

“So you shall;” Brian smiled then turned and left.

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A short time later the Duke entered a different tent and almost threw himself into a camp chair. He ran a hand through his hair and looked up at the three other men who were staring at him curiously.

“Is all well with you Brian?” Bishop Vic asked with concern.

Brian smiled at the older man; “yes, I am well. I believe I am just tired.” He turned to address the two other men as well; “I just come from visiting young Justin. He seems to be resting comfortably, though I’m a little uncertain about that potion you gave him Bishop Vic.”

Vic laughed, “ahh, it’s something the healers at the Capitol gave me for my back pain. I only take it at night. A bit loopy is he?”

“To say the least,” answered Brian with a grin. Bishop Vic and Michael exchanged a quick glance because it seemed as if Brian was almost blushing. Then the Duke turned serious; “I’m still worried about infection and would like to take him back to my castle. We are only about a day’s ride from there.”

Vic nodded thoughtfully; “I think that is a good plan, especially since the circumstances surrounding the attack are so suspicious. You are sure you recognized the man who injured Justin, Benjamin?”

“Yes, Excellency, I am sure it is was young Christopher. He is Father Ronald’s nephew and only came to foster with the Earl a few months ago.”

“Should we not inform the boy’s father of this treachery?” Asked Michael.

Brian shook his head; “am I correct in guessing that the bruises on his face and ribs were not given to him by that Christopher fellow in their scuffle?”

Ben sighed and shook his head; “no My Lord, it was his father that did that to him. Justin had drawn some rather risque pictures...well of me,” he looked uncomfortable.

“His father found them?” Brian asked.

“Yes,” Ben looked into Brian’s eyes trying to gage the Duke’s reaction.

“That is why the boy is with me Brian. His father was sending him to the Monastery in Harrisburg. I believe it was his hope that the priests there would help him repent and rid him of the “evil” that is currently residing in his soul.” Bishop Vic shook his head looking sad.

Brian traded glances with Vic and Michael; “well, this is all something I know a bit about isn’t it?” He smiled crookedly at Ben, who was staring openly at the Duke. “No,” Brian continued, “I do not think we should tell his father anything of the attack until we can be sure he was not involved in it. I will send a message stating merely that I met your party on the road and brought you all home with me for a visit.”

“An excellent plan my friend;” added the Bishop, “I honestly am a bit frightened to take the boy to Harrisburg now. I am sure that the priest Father Ronald is somehow part of all of this and who knows what friends he has at the monastery.”

“It will also give you a chance to visit with your Lady Sister, Bishop Vic;” Brian winked at the older man.

Bishop Vic traded a look with his nephew who laughed heartily; “yes, Uncle; Mother will be thrilled to see you. Perhaps she will leave me alone for a bit with you there to fawn over.”

“Thanks so much;” Vic replied with a bemused smile.

“Shall I plan on traveling with you or go on to Harrisburg on my own?” Ben asked the other men, “I mean I really have no ties to Justin and it’s not my place to intrude.”

“Oh you should definitely come with us,” Michael blurted out, then turned red as Brian and Vic both gave him pointed looks; “uh, I mean if the Duke agrees that is,” he finished lamely.

Ben regarded Michael for a moment; “I should very much like to come with you,’ Michael found himself blushing even more.

“Then you are very welcome to;” Brian smiled, “I see that you are a good and loyal friend to young Justin. It seems he may be in a bit of danger at the moment. I think you could serve him well as a personal bodyguard. Of course you would be paid.”

“Thank you My Lord, though I would protect Justin without the pay; he is a very special young man.”

Michael and Brian both frowned a bit at Ben’s words, but Brian gathered himself and offered a smile. “Good then; it is decided. We shall all go to my home as soon as Justin is able to travel,” Brian stood and stretched; “I think I shall turn in, it has been a long day.”

“That it has,” agreed Bishop Vic, “would you be so kind as to ask the Lady Daphne to return to our tent,” he motioned to the area that was partitioned off for the lady. “I’m sure if she had her way she would spend the night watching over Justin, but she needs to rest and it is not seemly for her to spend the night in a tent full of bachelors. Emmett is perfectly capable of taking care of Justin.”

“I will try my very best to do so Vic, though when it comes to Master Justin it seems the lady can be somewhat stubborn.”

Ben laughed as he stood and joined Brian to leave; “you do not know the half of it My Lord.”

Michael remained to visit with his uncle while Ben and Brian made their way to their beds. “So you and Justin are close?” Brian asked the other man, “I mean if he was drawing risque pictures of you it would seem to make sense that you and he...”

“My Lord,” Ben interrupted, “Justin and I were close friends and that is all. I was his arms teacher and he saw me change my clothes a few times. I know that he fancied me and truthfully I was attracted to him, but I am smarter than to get involved with someone in his position.”

“And now that you are no longer his teacher?” Brian asked quietly.

“He is my good friend and so it shall remain. I will protect him with my very life and that is all,” Ben spoke with certainty.

“That is good to know,” stated Brian simply as he reached his tent and went inside, “good night.”

“Good night My Lord;” Ben stood and looked thoughtful for a moment before retreating to his own bedroll for the night.

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