Date: Mon, 4 Mar 2013 00:16:10 +0000 (GMT)
From: ukwriter12@yahoo.com
Subject: Lord Aquamaine - Chapter 1

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

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Characters
-----------
Lancelot Jefferson Bravender VI
The Honourable Lord Bravender, Viscount of Aeden <Troy>
Grandpa Bradley Patterson ... LJ's Grandpa

Mr Jake ... Caretaker of LJ's estates.

King Roger of Aquamaine ... King of Chrysland
Prince David – Heir to the throne of Aquamaine.

Thomas – Lancelot's Major-Domo
Simon – Lancelot's Footman
Saunders – Lancelot's Butler

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Titles
-------
Lord Ravenswood - 14th Duke of Ravenswood and Aeden
Viscount Ravenswood
Earl of Lizonby
Earl of Aylsgart
Baron Rooksfeld

Viscount Aeden
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

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Locations
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Chrysland (Nation)
Lizondia (Neighbouring nation)


Towns in Chrysland
------------------
Lizonby
Aylsgart
Valtland
Jusland
Sifton Park - Aquamaine
Aquamaine

Homes mentioned
---------------
Rooksfeld Manor (Near Lizonby)
Aquamaine Palace (Home to the kings of Chrysland)
Aquamaine House

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Lord Aquamaine
--------------

Chapter 1 - Lancelot


Not many people have heard of Lancelot Jefferson Bravender. I mean
why should they? I'm just a normal lad, that's got a weird name.
Same name as my father and his father before him. My mother was
American though and insisted that they add the number after my name
which makes it even weirder, Lancelot Jefferson Bravender VI.

Now I don't know why I am writing, except since coming to America I
feel a need to record everything that happened so that one day my
family will be able to see what really happened and why I am what I
am.

People say write about happy things, but how can you when the events
that shaped your life are so sad for the first few years. There will
be happy times and when we get to the point where the family comes
along there will be more happy times than sad, but to start there
has to be crisis and betrayal for that's what happened. I think if
my family know how everything affected me then it may help them to
shape their lives in some way.

I would write about love, but the first two times when I felt that I
had met Mr Right nearly destroyed me... Yes I said mister. If you do
not like it leave for that is what it is. This journal does not need
to list all of the sordid details though.

As I was saying times when I felt I had found Mr Right just turned
out to be failures and yet I found great joy in life as well. From
a very young age I was a business man, my family came only when I
had children. I never had a family of my own to observe and learn
from like most children.

I eventually found love in a place and time that I least expected to
find it. I was on an Italian beach wearing as little as possible and
I saw this young man sobbing his heart out and I lost my heart, but
that will be told later. Possibly in a different story even.

If it appears that I write as if speaking to you, like this, and
then jump back into the action where you can actually see the
discussion that's because often I will explain what happened and
then other times will allow the action that I remember to explain
events that shaped my live. I trust you will bear with me.

Sorry I jump ahead of myself and should let the story tell itself.
At the time that I start telling the story I was nine years old,
but will talk about all of my preceding years. As the journal goes
on I may need to intervene so that you know exactly where I am.
Even I get confused as this will cover so many years.

I never knew my mother. She died in childbirth and father never
really got over it. He would disappear months on end when we were
very young and I found out that he was travelling to Lizondia to a
retreat that he had just so that he did not have to be around us.
When he had grieved sufficiently he was never the same and though he
loved his children he buried himself in drugs, sex and booze.

In the times that father was sober he used to tell us that mother
took one look at me and my twin brother when we were born and
promptly popped her clogs and died. He was a lovely man, or he had
been when mother was alive, but death had changed him.

Daddy was and I have to try to remember it all ... Lancelot
Bravender, Lord Ravenswood - Duke of Ravenswood and Aeden. In
addition our family are able to also claim, Earl of Lizonby, Earl
of Aylsgart and Baron Rooksfeld. As a result we lived in Rooksfeld
Manor near Lizonby even though we have many other properties.

At the time the journal begins The Honourable Troy Bravender,
Viscount of Aeden was my twin and I was known as The Honourable
Lord Lancelot Bravender, Viscount of Rooksfeld.  Troy was my older
brother by only fifteen minutes. He was due inherit everything and
I loved him for it. I think because of the way father was none of
this meant anything to me. Troy would become the next Baronet
Bravender of Rooksfeld when good old father decided to pop his
clogs. You can tell we're really close can't you.

Father was a child of the sixties and got stuck there when he came
back to the manor the last time. It was as if he were a different
man. He was a flower power, pot loving hippy.

From when we were born we had one of the maids looking after us.
Sarah would watch and protect us from everything. That is until
father decided to change the Manor into a commune and all of the
staff was laid off. We were nine years old and although school gave
us freedom from his way of life, once school was out we had to go
back.

I loved the place. I loved walking along the drive to the house
after school. It was so grand and pure in an odd sort of way. All
of the grounds were well manicured and looked after. Troy and I had
a grand old time exploring and walking among the deer in the grounds
as we grew. That is until father changed.

Rooksfeld Manor had been built over a period of thirty five years
and the original plans and building work had been carried out in
the 15th century by the sixth Duke, Cecil Bravender. We could trace
our family right back to Saxon times in England, where most of those
that lived on the island of Chrysland originally came from.

Once the manor was complete there was a North, South, East and West
wing; with a central quadrant for the ladies to exercise. In later
years this was covered over and the quadrant changed in to a massive
ballroom which was sheer elegance, with several smaller rooms
connecting to it. On one side of this were several hidden priest
rooms that only the family knew existed. I guess this was a throw
back to our British heritage. I never did know why in Chrysland we
needed priest holes.

With the building of the ballroom the ladies took to exercising in
winter months along the Long Gallery in the South wing.

The Eastern approach was meant to be the main entrance. Whilst there
was an entrance on each wing by the time the Manor was complete the
main entrance was the Northern gatehouse.

The northern approach had a gloriously extravagant gatehouse that
controlled access to the manor, until father got rid of all of the
staff. Once through the wrought iron gates there was a mile long
driveway leading to a circular courtyard around the fountain itself.
Horse drawn coaches could drive under the portico so that the family
and guests would avoid getting wet in the frequent storms that we
had.

Overall, majestic was the only name for the building. No that is
totally wrong it's beautifully elegant. I tried many times to count
the number of rooms and gave up deciding to concentrate on just
bedrooms and still there were too many to count. I am sure there
must be a record somewhere, possibly in the books in the library.

Even when I finished counting rooms in the main house there was a
whole servants' quarter just off the West wing. This not only housed
all of the living accommodation, but also the laundry and the
kitchens as well. The place was quite forward thinking and had a
furnace built into servants' wing and this supplied under floor
heating for the whole Manor.

The main dining hall was massive and took most of the ground floor
of the West wing. It was split into three individual dining areas.
Though could be made into one for stately occasions. Though close to
the kitchen there were torturous corridors and steps that led to it
and it was a miracle hot food ever got the table. Though there was a
dumb waiter lift from the kitchen to the preparation room just off
the dining hall.

Towards the South wing there was a walled garden which grew all of
the vegetables for the house and also an orchard which was mature
and well preserved. The kitchen always had an abundance of fruit.
There was a large block of stables and out buildings on the west
side behind the servant's wing and this was well stocked with our
horses and housed our cars and coaches. It also had more bedrooms
for the stable staff and chauffeurs.

The grounds were well maintained until father lost himself. The
driveway had a gentle slope to it and there was a pump that pumped
water from the fountain outside the main entrance to the top of the
driveway. There it flowed down the gentle stepped canal back to the
fountain and gushed its beauty through Neptune and his Cherubs. The
flow from the fountain was sheer magnificence, especially when lit
at night.

The inside of the house was painted with frescos and gold leaf.
Many walls lined with oak. On the walls were paintings by old
masters like Donatello and Constable who actually painted the
house and grounds.  There were statues of Greek gods everywhere and
it must have taken an army to keep the place clean. At the top of
the main staircase was a magnificent gigantic clock that gave the
time for the whole house. This was kept wound maintained by the
house butler and everyone took their time from it.

Our favourite part though, had to be the suits of armour and all of
the medieval weaponry arranged on the wall as you entered and
throughout the Great Hall itself.  The best was the display of giant
broadswords placed in a circle on the massive oak covered wall that
formed part of the magnificent stairway leading up to the second and
third floors. I can tell you Troy and I loved reliving the heraldry
of the past and how the family were granted the titles that we had.

We loved trying to work out why our family coat of arms was what it
was. A shield in the centre bordered by two rampant dragons with
wings unfurled. The shield was plain Gold with flames around the
base, rising out of the flames and in the centre of the shield was
a gleaming sword. On top of the shield was an eagle with his wings
as if he were landing.  We could never understand it, but we both
took great pride in it.

You could see the coat of arms flying on flags all over the village
and the school that we attended had the coat of arms as part of it
official letter head as did all of father's stationery. We often
told stories of how the sword was Excalibur with the shield
symbolising King Arthur.

Troy had never been a very well person and I had to take the place
of mother and father and look after him as well as a little boy
could. When he was unwell we used to spend hours in the library,
with me reading to him all if his favourite historical tales. If he
was particularly bad I would play my grand piano as he loved my
playing and it seemed to calm his spirit. By spending quiet times
together he would normally recover quickly.

I remember one time he didn't recover and he was getting weaker and
weaker, screaming in pain. I decided that it was time to ask father
to take us to the doctors or the hospital. Troy was far too weak to
walk by now.

As I walked into father's room he was high on LSD or something. He
seemed drunk as usual and was snorting what looked like a line of
white powder. The air was thick with foul smelling smoke and was
room was full of naked men.

I knew father suffered with melancholy and depression. When he did
he had often lashed out at me with his belt or a cane depending
where we were. Today was no different, though he was not himself.
In the past he had control. Today he very nearly killed me had I
not been able to escape when one of the men tried pulling him back
on to the bed. As I fled he just yelled and yelled and thrashed the
man that had pulled him away.

I often wondered why the commune had no women. Yet when I asked
father would just beat me. I soon learned status quo and how to
avoid whippings. During the beating all the men laughed. Thinking
back they all seemed to be sexually aroused at the same time. This
last time though he even pushed those he was with over the edge.

Grandpa where are you?

That's it! I had no choice I had to get word to Grandpa, my mother's
father as Troy's life depended on it. After spending a little time
literally licking my wounds, I took all of my money and ran to the
village post office, sobbing all of the way. It was well over three
miles and it was all I could do to walk never mind run.

I banged and banged until I got a reply at the post office. By the
time the door was opened I was almost unconscious on the doorstep.

I literally begged them to send the telegraph to Grandpa. When they
read what I wanted to send, they took me in and fed me until they
had completed the task. The post mistress saw blood seeping through
my shirt from my back and spent time dressing my wounds as she
sobbed at what she saw. They didn't want me to go back, but I told
them that I was the only one that Troy had so I had to get back to
him.

The post master called around and got basic supplies for me from
ever store in the village so that I could nurse Troy until grandpa
arrived. His wife explained what I should do to get the most out of
the medical supplies that they had given me.

The doctor even came over and asked what was happening to Troy. She
said she thought it might be appendicitis and I would need to nurse
him as his temperature would escalate as the infection spread and if
the appendix burst then he might even die. She wanted to come with
me, but it was clear that everyone was afraid of father. I hugged
her and told her that I understood.

We should have taken Troy to the hospital, but no one dared come
near the place. You see the last time anyone did father took a shot
gun and chased them away.

The post master gave me tins of soup so that I could feed Troy and
promised that they would bring Grandpa and the police as soon as he
arrived. Before sending the telegraph he had added to the message to
contact him as he was very concerned for the children's safety.

They loaded me and my supplies into a car and dropped me off at the
gate so that I only had to walk the mile down the driveway. My
backpack was full of supplies that would save my life and help Troy
and was heavy so it took some time for me to walk the mile back to
the house.

I hated leaving Troy, but I had no choice as the phone had been cut
off, servants chased away and everyone else was so drugged that they
were a danger to themselves.

The only trouble with the telegraph was that the only person I knew
could help, my mother's father. You say that's okay as he will love
you enough to sort things out. Yes he would, but he was in America
several hours away.

He lived in Texas. Even owning a plane as he did it would take hours,
if not days for him to get here. This was not the twenty first and
travel was slow.

I raced up the drive to the stately halls that I was so used to and
as I ran in the entrance I heard the most horrific scream coming
from our room. "Oh God Lance it hurts so much! Help
arghhhhhhhhhhhhhh..."

Filling a basin with cold water I raced up the stairs. As expected
the hippies had taken over and were oblivious to the state Troy was
in.  I had to chase them out with the water and then got more to try
to bathe Troy to keep him cool.

Troy's temperature was simply getting worse and worse. I gave him
the medicine that I had been given and kept watch though out the
night watch and waiting. Watching Troy and bathing him with cold
water to bring his temperature down, whilst waiting for Grandpa.

I doubted Grandpa would get the police to help as previously I'd
tried to tell them what was happening when one of the men in the
commune had tried to rape me. They just took me to my father and
in one of his more lucid moments he made it very clear that we had
to avoid scandal at all costs.

That was the first night that father beat me. It was Troy who nursed
me that night as I sobbed myself to sleep. Father's drunken rages
became a regular occurrence after that. I never let him touch my
Troy. It was always me that took the beatings. My beautiful Troy
could not be harmed like that! Rather coincidental, father beating
me and also worrying about a scandal.

So here I was, having to look after a sick twin who meant more to me
than life itself. I got a bowl of cool water, a little medicine and
some food that I had been given. He took the medicine, but could not
eat anything and was getting weaker and weaker.

All through the night I was awake bathing Troy to keep him cool and
his temperature down, but it was a losing battle. I also became
worried through the night as it went very quiet. Unusually so which
was very strange.

I was just a normal guy with a weird name. Okay my family came from
money. If we wanted Troy would become Lord Ravenswood, 14th Duke of
Ravenswood and Aeden. My family home was Rooksfeld Manor just
outside of Lizonby. We owned several stately homes and others in
Valtand and Jusland, one in France, one on the South Coast and a
four bedroom flat overlooking Sifton Park in the city of Aquamaine.
All of this meant nothing without Troy.

Did I like my family? With my father the way he was at the moment?
What do you think? I loved my father, but hated him for what he had
become.

It had been well over twenty four hours, almost forty eight since we
had sent the telegraph. Troy was unconscious and getting weaker by
the minute. No matter what I did his temperature got worse. I
suddenly heard cars in the driveway and rushed to the door. Grandpa
was about to pick me up, but I just pulled his hands and begged him
to follow me.

At that moment we heard Troy scream as he had been for about an hour
and Grandpa and his men took off like a shot. "Carl, do what you can
and get him to hospital as quickly as possible. We'll follow."

With that he raced from the room and the police followed. "I want
everyone off these off the premises now! I'll deal with the Duke
myself. Why has no one listened to my grandchildren inspector?"

The inspector just said, "Sir they never said anything."

"I know that is a lie as they called me and told me what you had
done. If Troy dies I will sue this police force for negligence. How
could you? Did you even think to come out here?"

"But the Duke sir..."

At that time we entered father's rooms and grandpa looked at him,
"You were saying. The Duke...? Go and get one of the nurses.
Now...!" Within seconds a male nurse entered the room and felt for
a pulse. First father then all of the other men in the room and he
just looked at Grandpa and shook his head.

"Sir your son–in–law is the fourth person that has... They all seem
to have..."

I interrupted him, "He's dead isn't he? They all are. They all went
strangely quiet in the night."

"Yes son, but don't worry Grandpa's here."

"Good. He won't be able to beat me anymore." I turned to leave the
room totally void of all emotion.

"He beat you?"

"Yes Grandfather, almost every day." I turned and lifted my shirt to
show my back. The police and nurse just gasped and turned away.
"When I came and asked for help with Troy he was already high on
one thing, drunk with another and snorting something else and this
was his parting gift to me for asking for help."

The inspector looked at me, "It does not appear that simple My Lord.
The heroin was tainted deliberately. Neil Fitzwilliam just looked at
me and asked if it had worked. Do you know him?"

Grandpa looked at me, "Are you up to answering son?"

I thought for a moment, "Yes sir. Neil Fitzwilliam was the
university roommate of my father. It was obvious that while they
were together Neil and father had been something slightly more than
just friends. Once the old duke died and father became the Duke,
grandmother paid Neil to stay away. I thought that I'd seen him the
other day. He'd always promised that he would get even with father."

Just then another policeman walked in dragging someone with him.
"Is this him?"

I ignored him and continued talking, "Grandfather we'll..."

He interrupted me again. "Maybe you didn't hear me you little brat,
is this him?"

I turned. "I'm sorry, are you speaking to me? You are forgetting
yourself if you are. When you wish to address me you will call me
My Lord or Sir. My father may be dead and my brother in hospital
fighting for his life and I'm only a nine years old, but I am still
 Lord Bravender, Viscount of Rooksfeld and master of this house at
the moment. Remember that!" I looked at the man, "No that's not
Neil. That's Richards the footman that served my father for years.
I always did like him."

Looking at the man I asked "Why Richards?"

"Sorry young master I wud'a done anything for this not to have
affected you. I would never hurt either of you boys and I told them
that."

"Who?"
He flinched and ignored my question, "As I was saying I loved you
both. You know all of us servants did sir. I know you're young Sir
and maybe won't understand, but him `n' me were lovers so we were.
Slept in his bed for years I did. Even when he married your mother
we were still loving so we was.

"Then, as we got older he continued to like `em young so he did and
threw me away like an old boot for a younger piece of ass. The old
bastard got what was coming to him. I feel no regret. I's sorry my
Lord that it's hurt you. Poor Neil had nothing to do with this. He
wanted to kill him so he did, but he's so simple he had absolutely
no feking idea what to do."

"Thank you Richards, were others involved?" He flinched again and
dropped his head and next thing I knew the police we dragging him
away.

Things were to get far worse though as the doctor had already left
for the hospital when we got back to where Troy had been. The police
stayed at the Manor to clean up as they called it. Grandpa's men got
a team together once all of the bodies were removed and started to
put the Manor back together as they did we learned that father had
destroyed several priceless pieces in his drunken rages.

Grandpa and his closest friend were given a police escort to Lizonby
hospital to be with Troy. A policeman tried to block my way and tell
me to stay at home and they would let me know what was happening. I
looked at him and suddenly I was so angry. My father had always told
me that I had to stay in control.

In a very calm voice I asked, "Do you know who you're talking to?
The Duke is dead. By right of succession I am already Lord
Bravender, current Viscount of Rooksfeld. If my brother dies tonight
then I will be Lord Bravender Duke of Ravenswood and  a lot of other
places you will only forget! Do not presume sir to tell me what I
should do my grandfather will do that.

"The police are already facing the wrath of my family. Just pray to
god my brother lives or this land of Chrysland will also know my
wrath and will never recover. Now - move - out - of - my – way and
perhaps you will keep your job!."

Grandpa just stood and watched. The police inspector stepped in at
that point and said "Sir, please follow me."

Grandpa laughed a belly laugh when we got into the car and just
hugged me, "By god I could see your mother in your eyes just then.
LJ you were fucking marvellous." We were soon speeding along the
road to Rooksfeld County hospital at Lizonby. We even had the blue
lights on the police car to get us there.

Troy's appendix had burst, and because of how weak he was he never
recovered. Two days later my twin...my best friend died in my arms.
At the end he opened his eyes looked at me, smiled and that was it.
He was gone. When Troy died any warmth that I had towards my father's
family died as well.

I was Lancelot Jefferson Bravender VI, Lord Ravenswood - 14th Duke
of Ravenswood and Aeden, Earl of Lizonby, Earl of Aylsgart, Baron of
Rooksfeld. I was able by inherited right to sit in the Parliament of
Lords as opposed to the Parliament of the people.

Yet I hated life.

Rich beyond imagination and I hated the fact that I was alive, and
my beautiful Troy dead. I was empty. I was a shell. Grandpa was
devastated as he felt that he'd failed us.

So it was that from the age of nine I was going to grow up on a
ranch in Texas and had been given the name LJ by my Grandpa. It
stuck and I loved it. I was Lord Bravender and all of that, but
would I ever return? That I just did not know.

Grandpa asked his ranch foreman to stay on the estate as manager
and look after the place for me. The house was completely closed
and the cleaning crews were the only people who had access to the
Manor and all of the other properties.

Before I was able to move to over to America we had to arrange
everything and sort out the estate. Father had gotten it into a real
mess. Grandpa and his attorney hired me a solicitor to represent the
estate and another to independently represent me. We worked with the
authorities of the land and all of the succession was completed very
quickly. Suddenly everything was in my name.

The funerals of His Grace the Duke of Ravenswood and Lord Bravender,
Viscount of Aeden were terribly painful for me. Everyone that I did
not even know existed came to visit and to express their condolences.
Suddenly Rooksfeld was popular again.

Family arrived at the Manor, family that I had never seen before.
This was family that had left us to die. Family that assumed they
could just come in and take over. I found out that I had an Uncle
and Aunt who had done nothing to help even though they knew what he
was like.

Up until recently I even had a grandmother that was still alive.
I'd not seen her in years. As her only heir my solicitor petitioned
the crown and all of her lands and fortune was signed over to me.

This gave me the titles of, Marquess of Reymire, Earl of Kirkowen
and Lord Mallamtap. So now I was even more of a mouthful ...
Lancelot Jefferson Bravender VI, Lord Ravenswood - 14th Duke of
Ravenswood and Aeden, Marquess of Reymire, Earl of Lizonby, Earl of
Aylsgart, Earl of Kirkowen, Baron of Rooksfeld, and Lord Mallamtap.
The only one I did not understand was Lord Mallamtap.

Only thing with all of the titles is that I never knew if I was
allowed to use all of them. They were all mine by feudal law, but
surely I could only really be known as one or two things. I would
have to find out eventually. I mean did it even matter what I was
called if I was living in America if Grandfather?

When we returned to the Manor after the funerals my uncle started
spouting off that he would be the next Duke. I lost it. "Is that
so?" He did not know that I was standing near him and my aunt. "Have
you forgotten that only one of the twins died? How dare you even
presume to think that you can step into my shoes when I am still
very much alive?"

"Why you bloody little upstart...! Richards said one of you was
still alive."

Grandpa had made his way over to me by now, "Grandpa, call the
police Viscount Upstart and Lady Slime have some confessions I
believe."

My aunt looked at me, "How can you think that I would be involved
in something like he's insinuating?"

"Simple. It was my brother that was ill dearest aunt, not me. I saw
a lady regularly visiting and delivering the drugs to Richards. I
never connected it as I assumed it was just more to the supply they
usually got. No. It was in fact you delivering the poisoned heroin
so that he could use it on the people here. I will stand up in court
and swear that's what I saw."

Everyone was looking at her now, "I think you will also find that
Richards will squeal like a pig now that he's behind bars. He's
already apologised to me, has he contacted you yet?" I turned to
grandfather and paused.

Looking at my uncle, "Do not think that I did not see you also sir...
Yes I saw Neil and he was as drugged up and my father most of the
time. You were there though. You came and went and delivered food
for my brother and me on that last day. I bet if we test the food in
the kitchen we will find that too was poisoned. If we exhume his poor
body we will find poison in Troy's system. Luckily the post mistress
gave me food so he would not have had much."

At that moment the inspector stepped out of the shadows, "No need
Your Grace. As they died at home under suspicious circumstances we
had to carry out post mortems on all of the bodies. You're right
they had all been poisoned in the drug that they were taking. Your
brother though, that was just horrific what they did to him as he
was so young and innocent. We have tested all of the food and drugs
and have finger prints and proof that it was them. I am so sorry
Sir."

That was it. I looked at everyone in the Manor. "You think you are
all so fucking well to do and protected and yet you cannot even look
after your own. Show of hands and be honest for a change. Or is that
impossible? After tonight you may never see me, so how many of you
knew what was happening?" All faces turned to the floor and all
hands went up.

"How many of you knew Troy and I even existed?" Again all hands were
up in the air.

"How many of you had the power to step in and sort things out for
two young boys who were ill and being abused?" A few hands went up.

"Well obviously the country leaders and its nobility are a bunch of
spineless money grabbing twats. Leave and leave now. I care not if
you'd arranged to stay. I want you off MY property now. You worry
about scandal? Well you bloody well have one. It is about to hit
the fan never mind the fucking newspapers. Grandfather you know what
to do."

I was to find out that Grandpa's men had fixed the phone because as
everyone was leaving and grandpa's men were seeing them off the
premises there was a phone call and it was from the palace.

They were distant cousins of fathers and were worried about what was
happening. They were calling to apologise for not attending the
funeral today. The King himself was on the phone talking to me like
a father. "Son...? Lancelot...?"

"Your majesty I prefer to be called Lance."

"Okay, Lance I want to come and visit with my son. Can we come up
to you tomorrow for the day? Pleased believe me I had no idea that
things had got this bad with your father."

"Sire I have no staff to look after you and you may not wish to
visit when you know what I plan to do."

"Why would that be?"

"I want the papers to run the story of what has happened and how
everyone turned a blind eye since we were six years old and just
watched Troy be murdered."

"I see. Well I cannot say that I blame you, but I wish that you
would wait until we meet. Plus I know that you're angry and upset
and I am sure that I would be myself. I am your father's cousin and
was his best friend at your age. However, I do not feel that what
you have said would be the best for you personally and I wish that
you would reconsider." Grandpa was listening on the speaker phone
and simply nodded agreement.

I simply started sobbing... "Oh sir I don't know what I am going to
do. I even just found out that my grandmother had died and no one
told us. I feel ... I feel so betrayed." I just sobbed for what
seemed like ages.

"Mr Patterson can you hear me?"

"Yes your majesty."

"Is Lance Okay?"

I pulled myself together and looked up, "Sorry sire, I'm still
here."

"Lance, do not worry about anything. We will talk. I will bring our
own staff and a team that will blitz the manor for you and get it
back to the grand old girl it used to be. Let me do this for you
please.

"I would also like my house manager to work with someone your
grandfather trusts to ensure that all of your properties are managed
and protected not just that one. I think you need a Steward to look
after your properties."

The phone went silent and Grandpa and I waited for what he would say
next as I had the phone on speaker. "Did you know your father and I
went to school together? I still Lance so very much. I'm sorry, but
because of my position I had to distance myself and I am so sorry
now. You know I can remember the day you were born? Let me try to
look after my friend's baby boy."

I just said "Thank you sire. My Grandfather and I would enjoy
meeting with you."

"Do not worry Your Grace. We will get everything sorted. I promise
you."

With that the call ended. As promised he and his family arrived
early in the morning. He set his servants working with Grandpa's
people to get everything sorted. His cook took over the kitchens
promising breakfast would be served by 10:00am sharp.

It felt good to feel life come back to the Manor. His son walked
over to me. He was about a year older and he pulled me into a hug
and I just cried. Grandpa and the King spent a little time together
discussing what should happen while giving me private time. The
Prince sat with me and just held me while I cried.

As I pulled myself together I stood and approached the King. "Your
majesty I am honoured that you are visiting."

"Nonsense Your Grace it is I that owe you a debt of honour for out
of everyone you have shown us all how to act. It is also you that
has suffered the greatest."

As we chatted we walked toward the dining hall and the smells were
wonderful. "I remember when your mother met this certain American
Belle and the wonderful ball that he threw for her in the ballroom.
You were there were you not Mr Patterson?"

"Yes sir, it certainly was a grand shindig."

We walked into the dining room and there was the serving table full
of a selection of foods that had been prepared and allowed us all to
have as much as we wanted. The kings advisers and grandfather men
joined us.

After we had our fill the rest of the servants and workers were
allowed to sit and have their breakfasts as well. It might not have
been as etiquette would state, but I wanted everyone to feel part of
the family.

I walked with the King into the Morning Room. It was a room that
caught the early morning sun and I loved it above all other rooms.
We discussed everything even the fact that he was willing to let me
live in the palace with his family until I was of age.

Grandpa refused and insisted that he was now my guardian. He did ask
the King for his protection of my titles and inheritance as it
appeared others already had their eyes set on them. The King assured
us that would not be an issue in the future as his men were already
on to it.

"Lance?" The King started, "I would like you and your grandfather
to attend the Parliament of Lords as is your right at the `Specially
requested' session of parliament. David my son is The Crowned Prince
of Chrysland and the 17th Duke of Valkland and is taking his place.
So it would be good to attend together."

Grandpa looked at him, "How can I attend your majesty? I would not
want him to be alone."

"You're an Oil baron aren't you?" He smiled, "More importantly you
are the guardian of the current Duke of Ravenswood and Aeden and as
such it is his right to bestow upon you any title that he so deems
appropriate. I would suggest, Sir Bradley Patterson, Viscount of
Aeden since he uses the title of Duke of Ravenswood. It would also
honour Troy as that was the title that he held. Lancelot will retain
 the title of Duke, but will go by Ravenswood for his signature and
so can bestow up on you the Viscount title. Your Grace does that
meet your approval?"

"Yes sire it certainly does." I said smiling.

The footman approached and handed the King a sword. "Bradley,
please would you kneel." Placing the blade of the sword on Grandpa's
right shoulder the King said, "Bradley Patterson I knight thee Sir
Bradley Patterson, Viscount of Aeden, Baron of Crogdun. Arise, Sir
Bradley." I was grinning from ear to ear.

"From this day on I do entrust upon you the life and wellbeing of my
godson the most Noble Duke of Ravenswood and Aeden. Be warned should
his wellbeing ever be put into question the Throne of Aquamaine will
intervene no matter who is putting him at risk."

The King smiled at me, but I do not think that the King knew how
true his words would be when the actual throne of Aquamaine put my
life in danger. "Yes Lancelot I am your Godfather." With that he
hugged me and we both wept.

"Now Bradley will you attend the House of Lords with your Grandson
as is your right as Baron of Crogdun." Grandpa nodded. "Okay while I
am in the mood for change lets have you on your knees Your Grace."
He said playfully. I looked at him and knelt on one knee and bowed
my head.

"Lancelot Jefferson Bravender I bestow up thee as is my right, the
Dukedom of Rookfort the most ancient of rights in this land next
only to the King. I also bestow, as is my right, Lord Aquamaine
Baron of Kingsmere. Those are my own lands Lance. The Prince of
Chrysland has requested that I bestow on his behalf Marquess of
Conroy which makes you Prince David's man at arms. You young Sir,
are now the most important Lord in this land. Arise, Lord Aquamaine,
Duke of Rookfort... Marquess of Conroy, Baron of Kingsmere."

As I stood, everyone in the room including David and the King knelt
and pledged their allegiance to me as the Prince's man at arms.
Grandpa was shocked when he saw that, but copied everyone as the
King's footman place the ring of office on my hand.

David looked at me and stated, "From this day you will be known as
His Grace the Lord Aquamaine, Duke of Rookfort, Marquess of Conroy.
This will let everyone know that we King Roger and Prince David of
Aquamaine have pledged our allegiance unto your house and will not
allow you to be attacked in any way."

The King looked at me I just said, "I do not feel worthy sir."

"Lance my boy when I was a young man I soon realised that no one is
worthy of this. I am Roger of the House of Rooksfeld the same house
that you belong to and as such we will pull together. In the new
positions that you have you also inherit all lands and properties
appertaining to those positions. Castle Conroy is yours, as is
Aquamaine House in the city of Aquamaine. I love you as my own son
sir."

"Thank you." I just sobbed.

"Good. We need to drive down to Aquamaine and get your robes and
everything else that you will need. I would like you to stay at my
home, the Palace Of Aquamaine whenever you are in Chrysland."

"Thank you Sir we would be honoured." I said.

"Thomas." A footman stepped forward. "Please pack a bag for Lord
Aquamaine and I would expect that he will require a whole new
wardrobe so please arrange to have all of that made available to
him by the time we reach the palace. He will also need his new
coat of arms and initials on everything. He is now a Prince of the
land in all but name and we need this to be known. I would say the
simple addition of a crown around the sword in his current coat of
arms should say everything. If you look at David's and mine it is
very similar."

He looked at Grandfather. "Did you bring formal attire sir?"

"No your majesty I had to get here rather quickly and never
thought." Grandpa said.

"Thomas also arrange with Nigel to assign a footman to the Baron
and arrange a formal wardrobe for him. As grandfather of the new
Lord Aquamaine he needs to look the part. Thomas I would also like
to ask you to serve Lord Aquamaine in the future." Thomas simply
bowed.

The king looked at me and continued, "Lance you do not need to
worry about anything. The ceremonial robes for you both will be
arranged at the same time with all of the accoutrements that are
usual. Thomas is now your main man so turn to him for advice in
everything."

Our stay with the Royal family was fantastic and David insisted
that I share his room. The King like my father had experienced loss
young and the Queen had died in childbirth when his second son was
born, but sadly both died. Hence the reason he was so close to
David.

They both took me on a tour of all of my properties and worked with
Mr Jake my overseer to ensure that everything was in place to
protect my inheritance and properties. I fell in love with
Aquamaine House. Not as large as Rooksfeld Manor, but far grander.

We decided that we would make it our main residence when we were in
Chrysland. Rooksfeld Manor would be our country retreat for the
summer and Castle Conroy would become Prince David's and my private
retreat when we wanted time to ourselves. Castle Conroy would host
the annual Gala that I held every year, but the part I hate is that
it would also hold the saddest day of my life which is why I would
eventually stop going to it.

Thomas my footman became more than just a footman. With the King
we negotiated with him his new position as it would mean that if
we were to move to America with Grandfather that he would need to
move with us. He became my Major-Domo, Steward to of all of my
properties and responsibilities.

He was also my guide and my friend for most of my life and served
me faithfully. Simon a young teenager who had just come to the
Palace became my Footman and also close friend and would also travel
with us. It was a sad day that we lost Simon.

To complete my household Saunders who was under butler at the Palace
became my butler and no matter where we were he was head of the
households until he moved on and met his love.

Saunders was the person who worked with Mr Jake to ensure that all
of the properties were correctly staffed and had housekeepers and
butlers that reported to him. It was then up to them to assess the
needs for the household and make sure that they were fully staffed.

Thomas worked with Jake to make sure the estates were running
correctly. Saunders worked with Mr Jake to ensure that the
households were running correctly. We asked Mr Jake to hire a chief
housekeeper for the properties that could work with him. In doing so
he met Dotty.

We made sure that the King and David were aware that there was an
open invitation to stay at any of our properties whether we were
there or not. As the King said we were family. It made visiting
the northern regions far more accessible than it had ever been.
Saunders even when we were in America co-ordinated with the
households so that they were ready for the Kings visits whenever
they happened.

We had a fantastic time visiting with King Roger and Prince David.
The King made sure that I was aware of many facts that my father
had failed to tell me. One of them was that I was now third in line
to the throne. I was growing to love David and would serve him as
my Liege Lord all of my life. There was David as first in line. Then
a distant cousin who was quite old and infirm, but not as distant as
my father had been so was in line before me. Then there was me.

The clothes we were given were absolutely fantastic and I now felt
that I belonged at last. At night David insisted he sleep with me as
the first night I woke screaming with nightmares and the King took
me in his arms and I slept in his bed that night.

I had never ever been hugged by my father and yet here I was naked
as I never slept in anything with a very naked King spooning me
from behind and hugging me into him and it felt so right. When we
woke up he was exceptionally hard and his cock was pressing into my
crack and yet nothing seemed wrong. Lying in his arms just felt so
right. I felt safe.

When David found us he was horrified and glared at his father and
said, "Leave him alone sir or face me!"

Ever since then insists he sleep every night with me protecting and
loving me. At the time I did not understand this, but I was to find
out. David also warned grandfather to never allow the King to sleep
in the same room with me again. I think grandfather understood, but
he never said. I found out later that Thomas was also warned to keep
an eye on me.

The day that David, Grandpa and I went to the Parliament of Lords
to be presented was pure pageantry. Boy was the King a showman and
he arranged with all of the networks across the world to televise
the event.

The whole affair was televised and they made sure to point out that
"There in the first carriage we see King Roger of Aquamaine and with
the King is his Godson, The Lord Aquamaine - Duke of Rookfort,
Marquess of Conroy. Following them in the second carriage is the
David of Aquamaine, Crowned Prince of Chrysland. Escorting him is
the Viscount of Aeden, Grandfather of the Lord Aquamaine.

The King arranged with the military to have identical uniforms made
to match the one that he wore as Head of the House of Aquamaine.
There I was in my midnight blue livery with the royal purple sash
hung over the opposite shoulder to the King and David to show that
I was not directly a royal prince. Grandpa wore a midnight blue
evening suit with the purple sash and looked very dapper indeed.

It felt so odd being in front of everyone, the crowds cheering and
waving at us. The flashing cameras loved us and we were soon the
talk of the country especially when as part of the Kings specially
arranged announcement to his government he invited me to address
the Lords and the country.

He knew what I was going to say when he said "My Lords, Ladies and
Gentlemen of Chrysland and the wider world watching us on their
televisions today. I present to you the Crowned Prince of Chrysland,
David of Aquamaine - Duke of Valkland." Prince David stepped forward
and took the throne on the King's right.

"I present to you also The Lord Aquamaine, Duke of Rookfort,
Marquess of Conroy - Third in line to the throne of Chrysland. Be
it known that he is of the house of Aquamaine."

There was an audible gasp. "My Lord Aquamaine the floor is yours."
The King and Prince David sat on the thrones as I approached the
podium and bowed to before him. He acknowledged me and bowed his
head.

I stepped up and asked David to join me. "As Lord Aquamaine I have
always been told to avoid a scandal. Well I am afraid this may cause
one. Since I was four years old all of my family and all of the
peerage knew my father the Duke of Ravenswood. They also knew that
he was a hippy and had turned Rooksfeld Manor into a commune." The
murmuring around the hall became very audible.

I staggered a little and there was a gasp, but David held me up and
looked to his father for help. They allowed me to continue, "Drugs
flowed freely and I raised and looked after my twin who was never
strong. At six years old I was cooking, washing and cleaning for
the two of us or we would not have survived. To cut a long story
short I am nine years old and both my father and brother are dead.
When they died I suddenly found out that I had grieving family."

I took a deep breath, "Family came out of the woodwork once
everything was clear. Every one of you had known and all you did
was gossip and feel sorry for the boys ... `Oh my, those poor boys.
Someone should help them!'..."

I looked around the hall. "You all knew about us. Not only are my
family at fault, but you all knew about the Dukes young children
being in danger and you did absolutely nothing. You the wonderful
leaders of our land let my brother be murdered!"

I looked at Grandpa, "It was well known that we were in danger and
you did nothing to help. In fact my own family played an active part
in the murder of my father and brother.

"The Kings government pledges this day to all the children within
Chrysland and its principalities that it will review all laws and
create new laws that will protect you from dangers like this.
Protect you from the daily beatings that I had to endure during my
father's drunken drug induced rages." The King and Grandfather had
not heard of this before and both looked shocked and the King
visibly sobbed.

Suddenly I started to sob and collapsed. David held on to me as the
King dashed forward and picked me up and cradled me in his arms
with grandfather standing at his side. People tried to take me from
him, David held them back from me. I had blacked out completely and
my head lolled backwards, David simply held it to protect me.

King Roger took over from me while he cradled me protectively in
his arms. "My Lords, Ladies and gentlemen of Chrysland and its
principalities I pledge with every breath in my body that we will
not allow this travesty to happen again. If the judiciary fail
children then the Kings government reserve the right to overturn
any ruling in order to protect a child." Being the good showman he
paused.

"I am sorry. I now dedicate the lives of my family and government
to the children of this land. Never again will the life of a child
be thrown away as this young man's brother Troy was. Never will
this child be ever again put in danger for whoever does so will be
guilty of treason to the throne of Chrysland and his life forfeit.
I King Roger so decree this law and let them face the joys of Castle
Blackswale." At the time he could not know how these words would
affect us all.

With that he stepped down from the throne with Grandfather at his
Left hand side and the Prince of Chrysland at his right. Both were
wearing their crowns, the whole scene looked so regal.

As they walked the Lords and parliament moved aside to make way for
them. The Kings men at arms took their place at his side and
protected him as he protected me. As we exited Government House the
cameras of the world flashed and the picture that would be become
known as the `The King of Hearts' was taken as the King carried me.
His popularity soared.

The House of Lords called for me to take my place, but soon realised
it was too little, too late. The King felt that they wanted to try
to control the power that I had. I was The Lord Aquamaine and both
Grandpa and the King refused. Stating that I was in mourning and
when I was old enough to make my own decisions then I would.

In the meantime they claimed the Act of Proxy which meant that any
vote carried out in the house then the Lords had by law to notify
me by post or telegraph and I would place my vote that way. Thomas
as my Major-Domo was their contact.

After that, Saunders with the household staff that worked for him
managed the properties reported not only to myself, but also the
King so that he was sure that I was being well looked after. Mr
Jake insisted that they purchase antiques to replace those that
were lost at Rooksfeld Manor and soon everything was back to the
grandeur that it once knew.

They managed not only that estate, but also all of the properties
that I owned. With the new titles and the titles inherited from my
grandmother I had considerable rents coming in from the properties
in Aquamaine and Conroy. Add to that the farms and lands that I
owned in Ravenswood and Aeden meant that I had great wealth indeed.

Saunders' team extracted the outgoing expenses for the estates
before I saw any of the cash, but it was still of great worth. I
found it was very seasonal as there was the annual game shooting
season and other functions like that. I still had a considerable
income. Only the King knew what I was really worth and he had
cautioned me that no one else need know.

There were two sets of money as far as I was concerned, my money
and the estate money. I kept each estate's money individual as a
separate entity. As a result of all of this I now held I had a
regular income and the fortune of the family was invested to protect
the family. The fortune grew. The King was my guide, but we also had
an independent investment advisor in America.

Grandpa sued the authorities for child neglect and won with the
support of the King. I had the $75,750,000 damages in my own bank
account as grandpa insisted it be kept separate from the family
fortune. I soon learned what `Family' money was and what was my own.
I would also soon discover how different America was and just who my
grandfather was.

______________________________________________________________________

That's all for now folks ... Will life in America be what LJ needs?
Chapter 2 will follow soon.


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