Date: Tue, 5 Mar 2013 02:11:14 +0000 (GMT)
From: ukwriter12@yahoo.com
Subject: Lord Aquamaine - Chapter 2

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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In an effort to help you follow what is happening the characters are listed
below, but in addition since Lord Aquamaine is a very rich young man other
things are listed as well, such as his businesses to help you follow.


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

Mr Jake ... Caretaker of LJ's estates.
Greg Chalmers - LJ's man at arms
Rupert Devereaux - Interior Designer
Brodie Reid - Clothes Designer
Matt LeRoy - Manager of Oklanhoma Ranch
Mr Drew - Oklahoma Foreman


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

Belinda Tremaine Davison - Vice President of America
William Tremaine - LJ attorney and Belle's father
Arnold Tremaine - Attorney and Belle's brother
Peter Tremain - Belle's oldest son

Thomas – Lancelot's Major-Domo
Simon – Lancelot's Footman
Saunders – Lancelot's Butler
Mike and Dave - Lancelot's security guards

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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
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Lizonby
Aylsgart
Valtland
Jusland
Sifton Park - Aquamaine
Aquamaine


Properties
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Rooksfeld Manor (Near Lizonby)
Aquamaine Palace (Home to the kings of Chrysland)
Aquamaine House
Florida Ocean Front House
Oklahoma Ranch
Texas Ranch (Main Home)


Aquamaine LLC
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Aquamaine Fruit and Vegetables - Florida
Aquamaine Horse and Cattle Company - Oklahoma and Texas
Aquamaine Wineries - Califormia and Texas
Aquamaine Hotel

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

Chapter 2 – America

You know thinking back it was an extremely difficult time. A time that
was filled with great joy, especially the hours spent with Grandpa and
Prince David travelling around my properties and meeting everyone. This
would form a template for how I treated my lands and properties as I
grew. Knowing my people were important for if you give loyalty you can
rightly expect it back. I found that I liked to know the people that
worked for me.

Disaster and hate seemed to follow me though as I tried to moved on. A
desire for revenge had been germinating for years in certain people and
now with my father gone it was all focused in my direction. I remember
that there were many tears over the next few weeks as I got used to life
without Troy. Tears though would flow freely when the revenge finally
germinated.

I kept visiting all of my lands and people that rented property from me
so that they got to know me and I got to know them. It kept me busy and I
liked that. It was also my desire that my people feel comfortable
approaching me for changes or improvements that they felt that they
needed. When they did I made sure that my Mr Jake assigned workers to
make sure that the changes were made.

I soon became popular with the people of the land and the companies that
rented my properties and they were happy when I raised the rents slightly
to compensate for the changes we were making. The increase the King
suggested we put into an improvement fund so that there were always funds
there for any improvements that Mr Jake agreed were needed.

Eventually we felt happy that all of the lands, property and houses were
running smoothly and well maintained and that we had a good team of staff
working for us. We made sure that we knew all of the staff by name and
that there was a yearly bonus made available when everything went well in
the area that they worked.

In addition to the regular reports from Saunders we asked that the
Housekeepers themselves have an open communication with us so that we
knew they were happy with how the houses were running and so that they
had the ability to make any suggestions for improvement directly to us.

We stayed until after the New Year and made a tour of all of the
properties over the holiday season with small gifts for each of the
staff. It was the first Christmas that I can remember and the parties
that were thrown at the palace were exceptional. I also held one at each
property for the staff and local people... I finally felt as if I
belonged.

When the New Year arrived I thought that the New Year's party was just to
celebrate the New Year, but as I walked into the Ballroom at Aquamaine
Palace I was totally blown away. I had never known when my birthday was,
but the King remembered and arranged everything with Grandfather.

As Prince David and I walked into the Ballroom the whole House, staff and
guests, broke out singing "Happy Birthday to you." I broke down into
tears and ran to the library sobbing. The King and his family made me
feel whole like I had never felt before.

Prince David raced after me. "What's wrong Lance?"

"I've never had a birthday before. I never even knew when it was. Father
just ignored us. David I was so alone. Nobody bothered whether I was
alive or dead before. You and your father have changed all of that."

He turned me round and held me as I cried "Look Lance you mean the world
to me. The King feels the same. Let us try to make amends. Come and
celebrate not only your birthday, but also your new life." I pulled
myself together and went into the Ballroom and once again they sang
happy birthday. I was only ten and felt on top of the world.

There were presents from everyone, even the staff of all of my
properties. It was nice as they had banded together and bought presents
from the area specific to the title or house. One thing that I loved was
a kilt that the King bought for me as we apparently had Scottish blood.
It was something about Bonnie Prince Charlie coming to our lands or
something like that.

The world was good and I loved the King and David with all my heart, but
I had to stay with Grandpa. So after the New Year it was with a heavy
heart that we said goodbye and agreed that Prince David would tour the
United States on behalf of the King in the spring.

As I boarded the plane I already missed David and raced off the plane
for one final goodbye. It was followed by the king who hugged me and
whispered, "Lancelot if you ever need to come home call and we will make
it happen." We were all in tears as Thomas walked with me back on to the
plane.

Grandpa felt guilty uprooting me and taking me thousands of miles away
from everything that I knew. He wanted me to know what would eventually
become mine so we started our tour by landing in Florida not far from
Jacksonville.

We stayed at what was like a small house. Grandpa called it an ocean
front property. It had eight bedrooms detached family building. It was
actually two houses knocked into one and had its own swimming pool and
own private beach. Grandpa told me that we owned some of the condos that
had been built around here as well. That was a new word so I had to
investigate. Grandpa soon got fed up of all the questions and bought me
an English American dictionary.

Our house and condos sat on the waterfront between Jacksonville and
Orlando somewhere. What did it matter to me it was just another property
at the time, somewhere to sleep that had a grand view of the ocean. Would
you believe that I had never even seen the sea? Or at least, if I had I
could not remember it.

The next day we had a short drive. Can't say how long it was as I slept
most of the way, to a farm because I had jet lag. What surprised me was
the name. Grandpa had called it Aquamaine Fruit and Vegetables. I was
told it spanned over 60,000 acres and grew a variety of vegetables but
concentrated on fruit, mainly Peach, Raspberries, Blueberry, oranges and
grapefruits.

I looked at the fruit and asked if we could send some over to David and
the King as a gift. Grandpa simply stated that the palace already bought
their fruit from him anyway, but that he would send a shipment of special
fruit specifically from me.

The man who ran the farm, Mr Carl surprised me because instead of losing
his temper with a kid running under his feet all day he spent time
explaining what they did. He also explained that my mother had loved
Florida and it was her that bought the farms not grandpa. When she died
the farms were left to Troy and me. Grandpa simply looked after them for
us.

By the time the day was over I had fallen in love with the area and
promised that I would visit regularly. I also promised to visit in the
spring with the Prince of Aquamaine. He said that he would be honoured as
he was from Chrysland and had moved over here with his family several
years ago. He said that I would find quite a large Ex-Pat following in
America and that they all supported me. At that he bowed and Thomas gave
him our card if he should ever need to get in touch.

While Thomas got everything ready for the next stage of our tour Grandpa
and I went for a walk along the beach when we returned to the house and
he gave me my first swimming lesson. Swimming would fast become a sport
that I would excel in.

I soon found out that the habit of walking shirtless was quite acceptable
and was shocked at how undressed certain people were. Both Grandpa and I
took great delight in having the sun on our bodies.

I did notice that we now had two people dressed in black following us all
of the time and pointed this out to grandpa. It was then he told me the
King had assigned a security detail to us for our safety. I was after all
third in line to the throne. They would be with me for years and were
Mike and Dave, partners in life as well as work.

As we got back to the house Thomas told us that the Whitehouse had been
on the phone and that Madam Vice President and her children would like to
meet me. She was the first ever female Vice President and had only missed
out on President because women never become Presidents. Apparently the
president would like to meet us and attend a Charity Gala held in my
honour when we reached Texas. Thomas gave Grandpa her telephone number
and we called her.

When the phone was answered I simply stated, "Yes I'm sorry, good
afternoon. Could I speak to Madam Vice President please...Yes of course,
please let her know Lord Aquamaine is returning her call... Thank you...
Madam Vice President?"

"Good afternoon Sire this is Belinda Davison."

"Good afternoon ma'am this is Lord Aquamaine Duke of Rookfort, Marquess
of Conroy. I understand you called."

"Yes your Grace. King Roger called the Whitehouse to arrange the tour of
Prince David in the spring. While he was on the call he pointed out that
you are now a resident in the United States and that your mother was no
less than Amanda Patterson."

Grandpa looked shocked and spoke for the first time, "Hello madam this
is Bradley Patterson, Viscount of Aeden ... Madam how did you know my
daughter?"

"Uncle Bradley you don't recognise me? I was Mandy's roommate at UT
Austin."

"Little Belle? Oh my god! How are you? Hold on. No questions now, we'll
catch up when you come out to Aquamaine Texas. It's so good to have my
second daughter back. I will not take no for an answer about coming out
to us. You will note that my whole operation is now called Aquamaine
Holdings. On the ranch we have an oil gusher that we christened
MandyBelle."

"Thank you Papa of course we will come to visit you. Now Lord Aquamaine
when do you expect to reach Texas? I understand Papa is taking you on a
tour of the Aquamaine Holdings?"

"Belle it's Papa again. I would think we will settle in Texas no later
than a week from now. We are going to Oklahoma and then on to California
before heading back to Texas. No better make that three weeks just in
case we have some fun as well."

"Thanks Papa that would be great. My Lord, since your mother was American
you have the right to claim American citizenship and thus be a dual
citizen with both America and Chrysland. I would like complete this as I
know your mother lived in the USA right up to her marriage and so you
qualify. If you agree I will get William Tremaine the famous attorney to
present your case to the courts."

"Thank you Ma'am I think that I would like that."

"Your Grace quit the Ma'am, its Aunt Belle to you and always will be."

"Okay I can do that only if you call me Lance or LJ as Papa calls me."

"Okay now to business. I would like to hold a Charity Gala in aid of any
charity of your choice. I was thinking possibly child based charities.
You and Papa would be the President's guests of honour. After the meal
there will be an auction of items that have been donated."

"Aunt Belle, if Papa or Thomas will get me some art materials I would
like to donate a painting of my ancestral home Rooksfeld Manor. I used
to paint and would like to try again. If it turns out rubbish we can
forget it. I have several photographs so have plenty of material to use.
Maybe I could do two. I also love the Palace of Aquamaine. I'm sure
American's have seen them before, but to have their own painting would be
different. Especially since I understand there are so many ex-pats over
here."

"LJ, that's a splendid idea. Part of what we will be auctioning are
several good looking Hollywood men as they have offered one days service
to whoever the buyer is. Rather daring if you ask me, but then who am I?
If we plan on Saturday three weeks from now, that will give my people
plenty of time to make the arrangements. We'll head out to the ranch Papa
say on the Thursday. LJ, will that give you enough time to complete the
paintings?"

"Yes it will."

Papa spoke up, "Belle, this is Papa. I think that will be fine, but let me
call Thomas in and see if that agrees with the calendar that he keeps for
His Grace." Papa stood and rang the bell for Thomas.

"Yes Sir how may I help?"

I asked Aunt Belle to explain what was happening. "That would be fine
Madam. I take it that the evening will be formal and The Duke will need
to be dressed in his uniform that he wore Parliament House."

"Thomas what a splendid idea...! The Viscount will be fine in just his
white tuxedo and black tie, but full dress for the Duke would be
wonderful. The American public will lap it up. Sorry Sir as long as that
meets with your approval."

"Yes Ma'am it most certainly does. Aunt Belle what did you do before you
went into politics?"

"Why I actually own my own law firm sweetie."

"Belle this is Papa, could you arrange for one of you firm to call or
come out to Oklahoma as we need someone to represent Lord Aquamaine here
in the States."

"It would be my pleasure Papa. William Tremaine my father has already
requested that I mention that to you. My brother Arnold Tremaine is
partner in the firm and I think he would be good for The Duke. I'll talk
with him and arrange for him to come out."

We continued talking and then the call ended as Saunders called us for
our evening meal. "Saunders do we have a cook yet?"

"No my Lord we do not." I could tell he did not approve.

"Can you work with Thomas to get one hired as soon as possible? You
should not have to do this as well as everything else. We will also need
full house staff wherever we go."

He looked shocked, "Very good Sir. Thank you." I really liked Saunders
and if I could help him in any way I was determined to do so.

The next day we flew to Oklahoma and the Aquamaine Horse and Cattle
Company. The ranch manager Matt LeRoy was a real cowboy and loved the
fact that his boss was now a Viscount. Apparently when we went to
Parliament the whole ranch watched and loved every minute of it.

I had only ever seen a horse in the distance as daddy sold all of ours
when the house became a commune. I had never been up close or ridden one.
Over the next few days Drew the ranch foreman picked out a horse that
seemed to be taken with me every time I entered the stable. It was
strange as I walked past the stalls all of the horses ignored me except
this one. He was a young dapple grey and he got worrisome if I did not
stop and talk to him.

He had never let anyone ride him before, but Drew got me to take his
reins and walk him into the paddock. He was a gentle as anything with me
and just nudged his head on my neck every so often. When we reached the
paddock I looked at him and decided to call him Baron. He loved it and he
nodded his head and then nuzzled me.

While this was happening Drew placed a blanket on him. Baron looked back
and then at me with a sad look in his eyes. I was his boy and he loved me
and knew that I needed him. Next, it was the saddle. They expected him to
bolt, but he nuzzled me and loved me while they were doing it. I was his
boy and he needed me at the moment as he was afraid and I just talked to
him and kissed him nose as I pressed my face up against his.

I was small, but Drew showed me how to place my foot in the stirrup and
swing my leg over and mount Baron. He stood totally still while I got
used to it and then when I was on his back I simply leaned down and
nuzzled his neck and kissed him. His head reached back accepting my love.

I clicked my tongue as I had seen others do and he step forward slowly.
He was looking after me and soon Papa and Drew were riding next to me.
"Baron, do you want to go faster?" I asked and he nodded and I kicked me
heels and he took off at a gentle canter.

We rode for almost an hour looking over all of the lands that formed the
ranch. I loved it. I loved Baron. "Baron you need to find a horse for
when Prince David comes over. Can you do that for me?" I swear he
understood as he nodded his head.

On top of one of the hills there seemed to be a pump type of affair and
we rode up to it. We couldn't get too close, but Drew explained that it
was one of Papa's oil wells. Papa told him that it was mine, just like
the whole operation in Oklahoma was mine. Drew just looked at me and said
"Nice to meet ya, Mr Boss man I'm sure" and he tipped his hat at me and
smiled.

We rode to a meadow and I jumped down and walked with Baron. They could
tell something was on my mind so got down. "Papa," I loved calling him
that since hearing the Vice President call him it, "Why are you telling
everyone that everything we see is mine?"

"That's easy my young Lordship. It's because I've given it to you. You're
my only living relative and I do not want the American tax man to get
their hands on it. I have plenty of money so I have signed all of my
properties and businesses over to you.

"Everything is mostly managed by your own management company so it will
look after itself.  You will get a report monthly on how the LLC is
running. You also have your own auditors that look after things for you.

"I should have told you, but with so much going on it slipped my mind.
I'm getting old. I want you protected." I simply put my arm around his
waist and we walked.

"Your Grace?" I looked at Mr Drew. "Speaking for everyone here in
Oklahoma we'll be honoured to be working for you."

"Why thank you Mr Drew."

"Why I ain't a mister sir, just call me Drew and I'll serve you
willingly."

When we got back Matt LeRoy showed me all of the workings of the Ranch
and how everything flowed into the accounts. Including how much I was
making from the oil pumps which totally shocked me. I was finding out
that I loved figures. I was also finding that from Oklahoma alone I was
very rich. I learned that once a quarter any profits after all of the
expenses were covered would be transferred into my personal bank account
just like all of the other businesses.

The next day, after a tearful farewell with Baron we flew to California.
It was here that I fell in love with something that Papa did not own, but
that would shape my business life.

We stayed in a newly built hotel. When talking to the manager we found
out that it was due to close as the owners had gone bust. The bank was
in the process of repossession. The owners had been running a chain of
hotels for several years and had grown too big too quick and did not have
the finances to keep to keep it going.

I went outside and what I saw was a replica of Rooksfeld Manor. It had
been built in the same style. The manager stood with me as I walked
around the building. "Are they all like this? I mean a replica of a
stately home?"

"You have a discerning eye My Lord. Yes all of the buildings are based on
different stately homes from around the world. I personally love this one
as it is a copy of your own beloved Rooksfeld."

"Who should we contact to investigate about purchasing the hotels?" He
handed me a card. It was the bank and the card stated they would bring
along the estate agents handling the sale and also the owners.

I got Thomas to phone immediately told him that I wanted it. I asked him
to find out how much it was. I could see us setting it up so that it
mimicked my properties; stately home hotels in America. It would be
Aquamaine International. All of the staff would be decked out in a
version of the Aquamaine Livery that my households wore and a version of
my coat of arms would appear on everything, including the grand entrance
carpet.

The building was already a grand affair, rather than a multi-storey
building. So it mimicked a stately home in every way. It had a grand
stone exterior and the bank representative that came out said that they
were all supposed to mimic the stately homes of Chrysland.

It was as wide as Rooksfeld and was five floors high. On each floor were
either ballrooms of different sizes or conference and presentation rooms.
The main ballroom was on the ground floor and would accommodate two
thousand five hundred people for any function. It was a grand affair, but
not quite as grand as Rooksfeld and in the grand ballroom I wanted to add
frescos.

There were two hundred bedrooms and each of them was a copy of stately
home bedrooms. Several of them had four poster beds and everyone had
bathrooms attached to it. All of the rooms cried luxury. The top floor
of the West wing had larger suites available and was specifically called
the Presidential Suite and another King Suite.

Toward the east wing of the hotel was a gym complex that the hotel users
could take advantage of and there was a swimming pool and sauna in what
would have been the basement, again this was very reminiscent of the
stately homes as these were added after the property had been built.

It was like home from home for me. The bank representative and Estate
Agent tried to ignore me and spoke solely to Papa and Thomas. I simply
looked at Papa and said "Come on Papa let's find our rooms they obviously
do not want me to buy it."

At that the Estate Agent looked at me and with the man from the bank
laughed, but it was the man from the bank that said, "How the hell would
you afford something like this you little pipsqueak this is a man's
world." That was it.

I very calmly said, "Thomas call the bank and ask for the manager to come
out here as we originally requested, I will not accept anyone else. Also
ask for the owners as I requested as I will now only deal with them. If
they ask who wants to see them tell them tell them Lord Aquamaine, Duke
of Rookfort and Marquess of Conroy...Third in line to the throne of
Chrysland. Oh and tell the bank manager he may very well have lost my
account which is worth millions."

I looked at the people who were there already. Looking at the Estate
Agent I simple asked. "Is it an American thing to ignore children? If I
can get the owner here we will not need you at all and you will have lost
your commission on this sale as I refuse to deal with ignorant people
like you." I looked at the bank representative, "You can pack your things
when you get back to the bank because if you are not sacked then I will
sue the bank."

At that point the Bank Manager and the owners walked into the building.
The bank manager went up to Papa and tried to talk. The owners however
recognised me and knelt in front of me, "My Lord Aquamaine it is an
honour" and the bank manager did a double take.

I held out my hand and he kissed my coat of arms as did his wife. "Stand
please. Thank you for acknowledging me. You are the only ones, but since
we are in America I was warned it would be like this."

I turned to the bank manager, "Are you the bank manager?" He nodded.
"Good I want him sacked for rudeness and incompetence. He may have lost
you my account. Which I can assure you is worth several million dollars.
You may even have lost it as well as you too ignored me because I was
just ... a kid."

I turned to the owner, "Now who currently owns this hotel and is the
whole chain of hotels for sale? Thomas?"

"Yes My Lord?"

"Please call King Roger and see if he knows of any reason why I should
not invest in a chain of hotels." I looked back at the owners.

"There is at least one identical to this in every state sir and we were
hoping to open more. We visited Chrysland several years ago and loved
it's grandeur. We wanted to bring that to the people who use our hotels.
Our favourite is New York and the exterior is just a little grander more
like Aquamaine Palace."

"Good that is exactly my idea as well. Now let's talk money. I understand
it is in receivership or at least about to be. Plus there are renovations
that will be required so I need your base price and if it is not an
honest one I will walk out of the deal."

Papa just stood there and watched with a smile on his face. The owner
said, "We owe the bank just under $50,000,000 sir."

Thomas looked at me, "The King would like to talk to you Your Grace."

I took the phone, "Good morning Uncle Roger, I mean sire."

"Lance listen, and listen carefully. What you are planning is a cracking
idea. Calling it Aquamaine International will really put Chrysland on
the map. The throne will purchase the buildings and you will cover the
renovations as I know you have definitive ideas of what you want to do.
 There's an interior designer that I've used in both Aquamarine House and
the Palace. Is that the type of look you are trying to achieve?"

"Yes Sir, I love Aquamaine House and feel if we can copy that type of
grandeur people will clamour to get rooms as it would be pure luxury."

"I agree. I'll contact Rupert for you and see if he can come over and
work on the project. Now remember the buildings are my gift, to my
godson. Hold on David is speaking... He's just been on the phone to
Rupert and it's his gift to his brother. Your designer is Rupert
Devereaux and he will be with you by the end of the week. Thomas can
co-ordinate everything. Try to make a list of things that you would like,
so that he has a base to work with. Now, what type numbers are we talking
about?"

"Thank you Sire... There is at least one hotel in every state, except
Alaska. That makes forty nine add to that a few extra. Like I know there
is two in Texas and one in Albany and New York so we are talking over
fifty hotels. They're asking $50,000,000."

"The price does seem a little steep in this market. Let me talk to the
Viscount please." The King said.

"Thank you Uncle... Papa he wants to speak to you. Everyone we already
have Rupert Devereaux on board as our interior designer." The owners
gasped as everyone had heard of Rupert. It was simply that he did not
work for just anyone. Papa spoke for some time with the King.

When he completed the call he said "I'm authorised by King Roger of
Chrysland" there was a shocked look on the bank people's faces, "to
offer $35,000,000 as there is so much work that His Lordship desires to
be completed. I am sure that it is more than you would have received from
the bank. If you're in agreement it is dependent on the team that Thomas
and I pull together, which will include Rupert Devereaux, approving of
all of the properties. Do you agree?"

"Yes My Lord" and the owner shook on it with Papa and me. I had the
feeling that the original debt he stated was slightly exaggerated.

"Are you still there Sire?" Papa listened. "Thank you sire" He closed
the phone and handed it to Thomas. "Thomas please contact Rupert and co-
ordinate when he will be ready to leave as we can send one of the ranch
jets out for him."

Thomas bowed, "Very good sir" and he stepped back to my side and started
making notes on things that needed to be done.

Next Papa looked at the bank manager, "As far as we are concerned we have
handled the sale with the owners so you are not required. We will notify
you when monies are available. A bankers draft from the Throne of
Chrysland will be with me by the end of the day as a show of good will.
The balance will be available only once all properties are approved and
the sale complete. If you will excuse me I need to contact my attorney
and get them here as soon as possible."

With that he called Aunt Belle and asked if Arnold could come out to
California as we needed his expertise. If he needed property law experts
with him then he should hire them on my behalf. I spoke with Belle later
that night and she was excited about the project that we were starting
and said that Arnold was not the property expert, but her husband was so
he would be with him.

She did get me thinking as she pointed out that there may be a need for
upper class clothes stores and such at or near the hotels. If so she had
a girlfriend called Brodie Reid that could work with me on this. I put
her on to Thomas and he made all of the notes and took contact details
for Brodie that we would need.

Papa looked at the Estate Agent, "You sir have lost the sale completely
as you were taken out of the circle because of your attitude to his Grace
the Duke. The bank would have been, but their involvement is
unavoidable."

As everyone got busy I asked the reception if they had plain sketching
paper or graph paper that I could use for making sketches. Within
minutes the bellhop handed me two pads with drawing pencils. While Papa
took control of everything Thomas followed me as I went around. I sketched
everything I saw and he was astounded by the quality of the pictures. He
made notes of everything that I said for each room.

I sketched lightly what I could see, then in slightly heavier pencil I
sketch what I wanted everything to look like. Thomas simply gasped at
what he was seeing as the sketches developed. Once I added colour you
could see what we were looking for.

By the time we were sitting down to our evening meal I had an artist
representation of how each area of the ground floor would look. Over the
next couple of days we visited our wineries and completed each artist's
sketch of what I wanted to accomplish. As promised in the afternoon of
the fourth day Rupert turned up and we all fell in love with him. I think
particularly Thomas who would eventually become his occasional love
interest when they were in the same area.

That afternoon we walked through the hotel and discussed our vision of
each room and the overall impression we wanted to have at the end of the
exercise. Rupert was blown away by my drawings as they showed each room
how we saw it and how in the end we wanted him to make it look. He said
it made his job easy.

At that point Thomas told everyone that we now had our team to tour the
different hotels and it would be led by Rupert and Saunders with Aunt
Belle's husband and her brother Arnold. Rupert had bought a team of his
own and as we readied to move on to Texas we left Saunders in control of
the hotel project and agreed that we would meet again in a month at the
ranch in Texas to close on the deal once Saunders and Rupert had
finalised the inspection. I asked Rupert for sample costings so that we
had an idea on the cost of the overall renovation.

I was blown away with California and yet again the fact that Papa had
signed everything there over to me. I loved him so much and he treated me
so well. If everything was mind blowing before Texas, then I was
absolutely blown away by Texas. The ranch house had eighteen bedrooms and
was plantation style which I had always loved. It was beautiful.

The ranch specialised in Texas Longhorn Cattle and American Quarter
Horses. They were also experimenting with a Texas winery and it was doing
pretty well. Like Oklahoma we had oil on the ranch and the pumping area
was called MandyBelle II.

In total over all of the operations we owned a total of 975,000 acres
mixed between farming and ranching. All of them had one thing in common.
They were part of `Aquamaine Holdings'. Oklahoma and Texas were
`Aquamaine Horse and Cattle'. Florida was `Aquamaine Farms' and
California was `Aquamaine Wine'. Papa when he changed the name also made
it an LLC company so it was called Aquamaine Holdings LLC. It was an LLC
as far as tax purposes were concerned, but I was the only member.

With my security men it was strange going to school and the Headmaster
refused to give me a place until he was told in no uncertain terms by
Papa that Madam Vice President had recommended this school as she used to
attend and if needed she was willing to intervene on my behalf.

So it was the next week that I started school. Even though I was only
ten, I was placed in the seventh grade with twelve and thirteen year olds
as my placement tests showed that I was advanced for my age. I
effectively skipped a year. This caused a problem straight away as I was
younger than any one in my class and no one talked to me. It felt so
different from Chrysland where I had enjoyed school.

The second lesson of the day was sports. I had heard about baseball and
basketball and American football, but never seen any of them before. So
coach made a big deal out of ridiculing me. Greg Chalmers one of the boys
in my class surprised me when he told the coach to stop being a bully and
give me a chance since I was new.

After so many years of looking after myself and Troy I was used to being
in the back ground and no one noticing me. Until now, hell in the first
lesson no one spoke to me at all. Sports, second lesson and I was the
centre of attention. Greg looked at me as said, "First, what's your name
mate? I've seen them two gorillas following you so who are you?"

Coach thought it was funny when I looked at Greg and just shook my head.
"Come on sonny stand up and tell us all." With that he reached to
physically grab me. He nearly ripped my arm out of the socket the way he
grabbed me and I screamed in pain.

Mike the security man picked him up by his collar and said, "You are
never to again try to touch His Grace Lord Aquamaine. He is the Most
Noble Duke of Rookfort is that understood?" I looked around and several
of the children in my class were knelt before me.

I felt so insignificant. I looked at everyone, "I am Lancelot Jefferson
Bravender VI, Lord Aquamaine Duke of Rookfort - Marquess of Conroy.
Before that I was the Duke of Ravenswood and Aeden." They were all still
down on their knees. Now though all of the other classes in the sports
hall had joined them.

"Please stand I'm just one of you. I'm Lance Bravender living with my
grandpa. I've only been in America for a few days." I said.

Greg looked at me and said, "That's it though my Lord. You are the third
in line to the throne of my homeland. My family have always worked for
your family in one way or another and now we work for Viscount of Aeden
at Aquamaine Holdings. I believe you know him."

The coach chirped up "Everyone knows the old Viscount at Aquamaine Ranch
he owns most of the land around here."

I looked at him. "That's just it. He does not."

The coach laughed, "What do you mean he doesn't? Of course he does. I
even live in one of the properties that he owns."

"No coach, you live in one of my properties. I am his only living
relative and now I am the owner of what used to belong to my grandfather.
As I said I am just a normal lad, but I'm now your landlord! Do you
understand what I am saying?"

This seemed to change his attitude quite considerably and he never
bullied me again. My security even began to coach when we had sports
class. I joined the track and swimming teams as those were the things I
loved.

During sports I discovered that Dave one of my security guards was a
fully qualified Black Belt.  I asked that he set up a training area so
that he could practice. I asked that he be my Sensei and train me in
martial arts so that I could learn to protect myself.

I had settled in school when it was the weekend the Vice President was
due to visit and we were to attend the Charity Gala in Dallas.

Aunt Belle arrived on Thursday evening and with her all of her team and
family. She had two children all boys younger than me. As her husband
stepped down from the plane I collapsed in Dave's arms and my Grandfather
fell to the ground. There standing before us was my Father, or at least
someone who looked exactly like him.

Aunt Belle was deeply concerned by all of this especially since Papa
collapsed as well. We were all back at the ranch house when I came to in
Aunt Belle's arms. I looked at her husband, "Who are you?"

He looked at me, "I'm not sure I know what you mean."  Peter, Aunt
Belle's oldest son had bought me a glass of water that I sipped and
looked at his father.

"I think you know very well what I mean. My father was Lancelot Jefferson
Bravender, Lord Ravenswood - Duke of Ravenswood and Aeden, Earl of
Lizonby and Aylsgart, Baron Rooksfeld. Once he died I inherited those
titles. In addition I am also Lord Aquamaine, Duke of Rookfort -
Marquess of Conroy. I ask again. Who the hell are you? I thought you
were father come back from the dead."

Belle looked shell shocked when she heard what I said and just starred at
her husband.

"Lance it's a long story." He looked at me full of love. "At the same
time that your grandmother was pregnant with your father there was a
troupe of players attending the theatre in Lizonby near your home and
your Grandfather went to see them. A young travelling girl took his eye.
Well to cut a long story short she became pregnant and had a son. Me."

He paused in thought, "To save a scandal the family paid her a
considerable amount of money to keep it quiet and move away from
Chrysland. They even paid for the family to move to America and
purchased property for them so that I would have a decent life. They
gave us a ranch out in Montana."

He looked at Papa, "Before I left as a baby my father took me in his
arms and granted upon me Viscount of Aylsgart telling my mother that if
anyone should find out that the title would be forfeit. She didn't want
a title and told him to stuff it where the sun didn't shine." We
chuckled.

He continued, "She was fifteen and thought she was in love. He was
thirty. Since then we've lived over here and made a name for ourselves.
As you know I am an attorney that specialises in property and have been
working for you." He knelt and bowed his head and said, "I happily
recognise you sire."

Aunty Belle just looked at him, "I swear Papa I never knew. I never met
Lance's father."

"It matters not. By birth right it means that you are the third in line
to the Throne of Chrysland. Does it not?" I asked.

"No son, my mother investigated this and though I am the bastard heir it
is the lineage through the eldest son that is recognised as the heir
apparent. That is valid not only to the throne, but also peerage and
dukedoms alike. I have no claim to anything while you live and that is
as it should be. All I ask is your hand in friendship and I will serve
you faithfully."

I held out my ring. He looked at it and then at me. Hesitation, something
was wrong. "Why do you hesitate sir? If you are as you say or are you an
actor just like your mother? There is no question in my mind that we
could be connected and yet you hesitate. Why?"

"You are nothing, but a boy!" He seemed to be struggling, and sweat was
forming on his forehead, "You've already been nearly dead because they
tried to murder you. I am nothing whilst you live. If you were dead then
I could come out of obscurity and claim my right to your titles, but...
you are nothing but a boy sir. Nothing...!" With that he pulled out a gun
and held it directly at me and started to pull the trigger back.

Belle screamed and lurched for him to knock him off target. Papa had
knelt there after he collapsed and as he saw the gun and the trigger
being pulled leapt forward and threw himself in the way of the bullet
to save my life.

He clung to me and gasped for air... "Never doubt my love..........." As
I looked in his eyes I saw the life drain out of him a single tear fell
and he was gone. At the same time my security shot the Vice President's
husband dead.

"Papa...!" I screamed. I held his lifeless body, "Papa please, don't
leave me now ... Please." I rocked his body back and forth sobbing. In
the background I heard Thomas.

"This is a State emergency I must speak to King Roger or Prince David
now! This is Thomas, Major-Domo to Lord Aquamaine." He waited. "Thank
you. Your Majesty it is my solemn duty to inform you that the Viscount
of Aeden has just been murdered saving Lord Aquamaine. His Grace
desperately needs you."

"Thomas is he there?"

"He's hysterical, clinging to his Papa. The bastard brother of his father
tried to kill him to claim what he said was his birthright. His Papa
threw himself in front of him."

"You mean the chorus girls little bastard. I wondered if he would show
his head."

"He was married to the Vice President Sir and has been dealt with, but
that leaves his family. Lance's security must come above all now."

"Very well Thomas put the phone on speaker and just hold it to him so
he can hear."

"Lancelot... Lance son can you hear me? This is your Godfather."

"Your majesty...? Oh God sir what am I going to do?" I just sobbed. By
now the Vice President had come to me and so had her children Bobby and
Peter. "Aunt Belle I am so sorry that you've lost your husband." I just
sobbed and couldn't stop.

"Lancelot please listen, and listen well. He and I married three years
ago and have never been close I think he married me for the contact that
he knew I would have with Papa now I think about it. Soon after we
married I became pregnant, but lost the babies. He was always going on
about getting in touch. Now I think about it he was raving when he
turned up at your hotel and you were no longer there."

I looked at her, "I need another attorney."

"Thomas here is my card it has my father's details. Contact him and tell
him what has happened. Tell him King Roger has requested that he act as
Attorney for Lord Aquamaine. He's the best. Currently semi retired, but
hates it. Tell him he's needed here to arrange a press conference as soon
as possible. Arnold will handle the hotels sir."

Thomas looked at me and I nodded. He just said "Yes ma'am."

Aunt Belle looked at me, "Do you want to return to Chrysland or stay
here?"

"It is a little early, but I think here." At that moment we heard the
King having forgotten that he was still on speaker.

"Lancelot, we are going to be on the next flight available and will stay
with you until the funeral. Mr Jake has said he will stay on to look
after everything for you. We actually think he's sweet on the housekeeper
Dotty. We'll talk about the future when we arrive. Remember you will
always have me." He paused.

Next he addressed the Aunt Belle. "Madam, I think we need to postpone the
Gala until after the funeral. I also want your husband's family hunted
out and bought to justice, or his Grace will never be safe."

I looked up at the phone and realised that I would never be happy, that
my life was doomed from the start because of who I was. Maybe it would
have been better if I had died with Troy. Why me? Why the fuck me? Don't
they realise that all I want is a normal life. They seek this nobility
and titles that I hold. They could have it tomorrow as long as they
allowed me to live my life as I so choose. I would willingly give it to
them if I could!

I then realised that grandpa even though we had only known each other for
a short time had taught me so much. Forgetting all of Chrysland, I now
owned Aquamaine Holdings LLC. The bastard's family would never own that.
It had nothing to do with them.

I owned Aquamaine Hotels and they would never have anything to do with
them. I realised I was no longer that little boy anymore I was worth
something. I was no longer that weak unwanted kid from the manor that
shrank into the shadows. I had a life and I was worth as much as anyone
else.

Suddenly I was pulled from my thoughts, "Do not worry your Majesty the
special Agents are already on the way to the ranch and all known
properties. They will be arrested or taken out before you arrive."

"No I need to see the matriarch if she is still alive, so that the throne
can revoke the arrangement that we made. Thomas and Simon stay with his
Lordship until we get there. You know the procedure full lockdown, do not
allow anyone access to his Grace except the Vice President or Rupert if
he arrives. That also includes the President we are declaring complete
lockdown."

"Of course sire" said Thomas.

"Right I am hanging up Prince David has just informed me that the flight
leaves in thirty minutes so we are on our way. Do not worry about
anything. Thomas, work with the Vice President to arrange a State Funeral
and also I need the attorney who arranged the original purse for the
bastards family so that we can revoked it" and he hung up.

There was a sudden banging on the ranch door as I lay on the sofa with
the Aunt Belle singing a lullaby to me. "I have to see him. Please sir
you don't understand we go to school together and I just heard about his
Papa. Please let me get to him." It was Greg and he was sobbing.

"I am sorry sir we are on complete lockdown by order of the King." Greg
must have heard of this before judging by his reaction.

"Yes my father thought you would be, so he sent me to Lord Aquamaine so
that he has a Man at Arms to protect him. Lance, sorry Your Grace please
let me in. I have to be with you. I have to protect you."

I called out, "Thomas let him in he was the only one that helped me at
school. His family are from Chrysland and have always served my family.
He kissed my ring in front of everyone. I trust him."

"His Grace has requested your presence please be aware the Vice President
is with him."

"Thank you." He ran in to the family room and saw me lying down. "Your
Grace..." He rushed forward and again kissed my ring. Then he fell
forward and hugged me. "God Lance I do not know what I would have done
if we had lost you. I could not live without you." He kissed my cheek
and then stepped to the entrance of the room and stood guard uncovering
the gun he was wearing on his waist.

Just less than twenty four hours later noise started outside. When we
investigated it was the press wanting a statement on what had happened
as they had heard about the arrests and also the death of my uncle.

For some reason no-one had heard of the death of Papa. This was really
annoying me and I so wanted to go and address them. Both Thomas and Greg
made me sit it out until about two hours later the King and Prince David
arrived.

As they were seen to exit the limo all hell broke out in the press
shouting and asking why Lord Aquamaine had murdered the Vice President's
husband. By this time I was openly sobbing, it was really getting to me
how the public thought that I had killed Papa and everyone.

"Madam."

"Your Majesty, Prince David." They all greeted each other in the normal
manner.

When Greg realised who had walked into the room he immediately got down
on one knee and bowed his head. I stood and greeted Uncle Roger and David
and we hugged. "Your Grace, who do we have here?" The king asked as he
held out his hand and Greg kissed his ring, the same with David.

"Your Majesty, Prince David I would like to present Greg Chalmers an Ex-
Pat attending my school who was sent over by his family to be my Man at
Arms when they heard what had happened."

"Greg it is with much appreciation that I thank you. I do feel though
that his Grace's Man at Arms should not be what was called a commoner in
the olden day, please kneel. Thomas smiled and handed him my dress sword.
"Greg what is your full name?"

"My name is Gregory Terrance Chalmers sire."

"Gregory Terrance Chalmers I bestow up you the position of Knight of
Aquamaine, Viscount of Lizonby. From this day on wherever Lord Aquamaine
is you shall be as his Man at Arms and protector. Arise, Sir Gregory." He
had tears flowing and stepped back to my side bowing low to the King.

David stepped up, "As Lancelot's Man at Arms you will need all of our
contact details so that you can take control should the situation call
for it. On this card are all of our details."

"Thank you my Prince."

"Right, Lancelot how are you?" asked the King.

"You are asking me something that I cannot answer at the moment. I came
here thinking that I would have years with Papa getting to know him and
now within less than a year I have lost the whole family that I have ever
known and my own family have caused it."

"I know, remember I said we will always be your family. We do have news
for you as well as there have been changes. My old uncle who was second
in line to the throne passed away two weeks ago so that means you are
now the second in line to the throne of Chrysland."

Aunt Belle said exactly what I was thinking, "Oh my!"

"We do not have to make any decisions today, but with what has happened
we will need to. First you will need a place to live as I am sure that
you well intend to stay in America and not let anyone beat you." He
looked at Belle, "Madam I also want Special Agents assigned to his
security team. The crown will pay all costs" said the King. Belle simply
nodded and stepped out to arrange it.

Gregory stepped forward. "Your Majesty if I may speak."

The king looked at Greg, "Certainly."

"Well my father and mother both work, but we live in a rented two
bedroom house. They are old Chrysland citizens and refuse to become
Americans. Pops is a baker and ma runs the shop for him. They work many
hours, but I am sure they would be willing to become guardians of his
Grace, even if it is only on a temporary basis."

"That might work. Are they good parents?" asked the Aunt Belle as she
stepped back into the room.

Greg grinned from cheek to cheek, "Oh yes they're the best. I am their
only son now." He sniffed.

We all asked, "Now?"

"Yes Ma'am, two years ago my older brother Gary was serving in army and
came under hostile fire. He died, but not before he became a hero. He
carried his Gunnery Sergeant back to safety as the sergeant had been
badly wounded. Sergeant Wilks still lives around here."

"Gregory, please call your parents and request them to attend as soon as
possible. One desires to speak to them."

He bowed, "Yes Sire."

He was about to leave when the Belle spoke. "If you can also contact
Gunnery Sergeant Wilks please ask him to attend as the US may have a
mission for him if he is willing."

"My father is still in touch with him. I will do what I can madam."

I looked at Thomas, "Please show Greg where the phone is Thomas." At
that point there was a knock at the door and Thomas was about to answer
when Aunt Belle walked to the door and just said "Let me."

Within a few moments she came into the room with two gentlemen. "Your
Grace, Your Majesty and Prince David ... Oh god I am sure that I got
that wrong! Anyway people we have Mr William Tremaine and Arnold
Tremaine. William is my father and was the attorney that put together
the bastard's agreement. Arnold is my brother and has been working with
my husband on the hotels."

The King stepped forward, "Mr William Tremaine we need to talk, but I
want to talk in private. I am sorry your Grace, but you do not need to
know any of what we are about to discuss. We will make sure that all
properties that are recovered are added to Aquamaine Holdings. While we
are in the Library why don't you talk to Arnold about the Hotel project?
Madam, please join us."

After they walked out I suddenly realised that I was alone with Arnold
and I could not even see my Security detail. I blacked out and started
having a panic attack and a seizure. "Someone help me!" Arnold shouted.

Prince David was the first one to me. He looked at Arnold and said, "What
the hell happened and be careful what you say sir."

"Sire I don't know. He was alright when everyone was around. As soon as
we were alone he seemed to have a panic attack and then this happened."
Arnold said.

Thomas was at my side like a shot. "We should have known my Liege as he
has been through so much. Being left with a stranger he thought that he
was going to die like everyone else that he has ever been close to."

All meetings were postponed for a few minutes while everyone looked after
me. Aunt Belle, ever the mother, took me into her lap and sang to me with
the king by her side.

Suddenly they heard a small voice, "I am so sorry everyone. I am Okay
now. Thank you." When everyone went back to what they were doing Greg and
Mike and Dave my men stayed. I found talking about the hotels with Arnold
to be relaxing and I was in my element.

Within minutes we had Rupert on the phone and were discussing what had
been done so far. Suddenly Arnold became very agitated "Rupert what did
you say he was doing before the Belle's husband flew out here today? I
can't remember seeing him."

Rupert was thoughtful, "He was in the basement with one of his friends
they wouldn't tell anyone what they were doing."

Arnold shouted, "Evacuate! Evacuate and get the sniffer dogs and bomb
squad in there NOW! The man was shot today after trying to kill His
Grace. How many buildings has he been like this at?"

"Just this one" Rupert replied.

I suddenly shouted, "Rupert for god sake get out of there and get the
bomb squad in! Arrest the man that was with him."

"I am on it your Grace I'll call back as soon as we know what is
happening... Evacuate...!" and the phone went dead. David had heard the
conversation and ran to his father to tell him of the development. They
all came back into the family room and we waited for the call back from
Rupert. So it was a good time for Thomas to serve drinks and snacks.

About fifteen minutes later we were called by Rupert and the police chief
and were informed that bombs had been set and an arrest of a hired bomb
expert. The man said that he was to wait until contacted before detonating.
We were lucky no one was harmed. The police sent the squad into all of the
hotels and verified that they were Okay.


______________________________________________________________________

That's all for now folks ... Just as everything was settling down for LJ and
this has had to happen ... what will happen to him now that he is all alone?
Chapter 3 will follow soon.


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