Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2022 14:03:32 +0000 (GMT)
From: blackscar01 <blackscar01@btinternet.com>
Subject: Operation Pied Piper - Part 115a

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*******

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Finally, thank you again to my editor, Jim.

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

Theodora gave a little snigger. "McPhee, that was cruel, and you Forts,
should know better."

I had to ask, "Err, Forts, did you just say Niki was a Count?"

"I certainly did. Apparently, I am allowed to do that, and I cannot think
of anyone who deserves it more."

Niki kissed Dima and then ran along the bed and leapt into Fort's arms.

"What shall I call you, Count Little Monkey?"


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

Operation Pied Piper – Part 115a – The Castle Beckons'


Brian continues the story.


I took a deep breath and stretched. At least I wasn't jumping up, wondering
where I was anymore. I had now settled into the cottage and still chuckled
at the three flying ducks on the bedroom wall, everywhere seemed to have
those. The morning light was filtering through the floral curtains. The
shuffling of pans on the cooker and the low chatter of voices let me know
once more I was the last up. I propped myself up on my elbows and reached
for the bedside clock. Something felt taut on the skin of my stomach as I
stretched. I felt down, yes, definitely a bit crusty. I had toyed with it,
dropping my head back into the pillow, remembering my visitor during the
night. The same visitor who had come every night since I had arrived. But I
am racing ahead, let me take you back.

*

We had finally arrived at Inverurie Station around ten o'clock at
night. Someone called Mr Duncan met us, Gary called him Gregor, apparently
he was the school's cook. Gary introduced me as a new student. It was
funny. I felt as if Gregor's eyes had been undressing me as he smiled,
looking me up and down. Gary must have felt it too. He had said, "Eyes and
hands off, this one is mine." I wasn't sure what he meant exactly, but it
sounded like he thought of us as good friends already. I had clambered in
the back while the two of them sat up front.

The buildings of the town soon vanished, and we were out in the
countryside. Gregor glanced back at me and then leant closer to Gary. "You
won't have heard, someone tried to shoot Forts!"

Gary gasped and glanced back at me too, then, practically whispering,
asked. "Is he okay?"

Gregor nodded. "Apparently, Dima threw himself in front of Forts. Dima was
shot and injured. They were operating on him earlier. But big Bruno grabbed
both of the gunmen, killing them both with his bare hands. Can you believe
that?"

(I wasn't to find out until much later, that was exactly why Gary had taken
Bruno aside and spoken to him; His unstoppable brute strength. Gary had
been right. Forts had been in danger. He wouldn't let Archie and Athol
forget this, especially as it had been them who ordered him to return to
the Castle, stopping him from carrying out what he considered was his
divine duty.)

I remember seeing Gary nod. He seemed to be smiling, but I could only see
the corner of his mouth as he spoke. "And you're sure no one else was
hurt?"

"No, thank God. Though Athol was in a terrible state. Archie had to do the
talking on the phone."

"Really."

"It could have been a bloodbath if Bruno hadn't been there. Poor sod, he is
under arrest now."

Gary nodded again, "Hmm, so, Forts was definitely not hurt or Athol? They
are both okay?"

Gregor gave Gary a strange look, "Yes, I just said that, only Dima. Archie
said he will ring again in the morning and update us on how he is."

Gary had made no reply, just turning and looking out into the darkness
surrounding us.

Gregor had smiled back at me again. "We weren't expecting you until
tomorrow Brian. Looks like your parents couldn't wait to get rid of you?"
He joked.

I just smiled, nodding. "Something like that."

Mr Duncan continued, his eyes watching me in the rear-view mirror. "Only
thing is, I am not sure your bed is ready yet in the dormitory. What shall
we do with you tonight?"

Gary turned towards him, his eyebrows raised, then smiled back at
me. "Don't you worry, Brian. You can sleep at mine tonight."

"I thought you lived in the Castle, Mr Morris." I had thought I had better
call him by his surname.

"Not actually in the Castle. I live in one of the gate lodges with my wife,
Maureen, and my baby son, Aaran."

"Wife and baby?" I felt the words blurt from my mouth.

His head had slowly turned back to look at me. His eyes seemed to glow in
the darkness, glinting, emotionless black pits. I had felt a shiver run
down my spine. "Yes, didn't I mention them?" His mouth formed a smile, or
was it a sneer? I wasn't sure.

I remember feeling uneasy as I mumbled, "I probably forgot." He hadn't
mentioned them. I knew he hadn't.

*

The rest of the journey had been made in silence, until Gregor, sorry Mr
Duncan, dropped us off at the gate lodge. He had then driven off along the
drive into the darkness, calling from his open window, "Goodnight you two,
welcome Brian."

Once we were out of the car, Gary stood silently in the dark. I could feel
his eyes watching me. "Are you okay? You have gone very quiet."

Gary's hand had gripped my shoulder, I had jumped and squirmed as his
fingers dug into me. "Hey, ouch, that's sore."

He had looked down at me, his grip loosening. "Sorry, I don't know my own
strength. I didn't mean to hurt or frighten you."

I didn't want to let on he was doing a good job of it though. His face
moved to within inches of my own. Once more, his eyes burned like coals in
the darkness. Then extinguished as his face formed a smile, and I saw the
white of his teeth. He bent down to me and kissed me on the lips. "You and
I are going to be great friends. Partners. I can feel it."

His hand moved from my shoulder, sliding down my back. "Come on, let's get
you into your new home and introduce you to the wife, Maureen. The baby
will be in bed now, you can see him tomorrow. Bring your case."

Well, that had surprised me, "Won't I be staying in the Castle?"

He chuckled as he walked towards the front door of the lodge up the short
path. "No, I think you will be better here."

Maureen was already in bed, so I didn't get to see her that night. I was
told to follow Gary after he made us both a cup of tea. He opened one of
the doors off the small corridor, "This room used to be Brookmeyer's." He
said it like I should know who that was. "It will be yours now... That's
the bathroom, and that's where Maureen and Aaran sleep."

I looked round the room that was now mine. It was small, and had a single
bed, with a small bedside cabinet and a dark wood cupboard. I opened
it. There were still some clothes hanging in it.

Gary saw them and my face. "Those are Brookmeyer's things. I will get him
to remove them tomorrow, so there is space for your stuff."

I had asked, "Won't he mind?"

Gary had chuckled. "Brookmeyer will do as he is told, like everyone, if
they know what's good for them." His tone made me feel even more uneasy,
his voice was cold. He caught my glance, his face changing to a smile
again, "Now come and drink your tea."

We sat chatting for a while and then, with the mantel clock striking
midnight. He suggested I head off to bed.

"Are you going to bed too?"

He had given me another emotionless stare, "I sleep when I am
tired. Goodnight Brian."

He smiled and pointed to his cheek. I blushed and went over to kiss him
goodnight. Just as I was about to kiss him, he grabbed my head and turned
it, pulling my lips towards his. His tongue pushing into my mouth, sending
my head spinning. He pulled away and licked his lips. "Goodnight,
partner. For now, anyway. Oh, Brian, from now on, I want you to sleep
naked, understand?"

I was confused, his eyes were now full of love, "Yes, Gary."

*

That night, I had quickly fallen into a deep sleep. Stirring only when I
felt the covers being pulled off me and someone getting into the bed beside
me. A hand had covered my mouth, it was definitely an adults'. Silently,
they had positioned themselves astride me. I felt their hot breath on my
ear and neck. Was I imagining those glowing, hypnotic eyes? This was
bizarre. "Easy, it's me, partner, You sexy fucker!"

I immediately relaxed, Gary obviously sensed it. His hand was removed from
my mouth, replaced with his lips. Once more, his tongue pushed into me,
dominating me, sending shivers and tingles all over my body. He ground his
groin and hard cock against my stomach. My cock was hard in
seconds. Duelling with his hefty meat, it was dominated quickly, in a
totally uneven contest. His throbbing cockhead oozing out precum, coating
my shaft and bellend. His head dropped to my neck, his tongue dragging
across my skin. He mumbled, his voice deep and husky. "I am going to enjoy
this. You will too."

His body lifted up from mine, and he kissed down my body, his feet kicking
the sheets from the bed. Strong hands slipped down my sides, gripping my
hips as his mouth engulfed my sixteen-year-old rock-hard cock. God, no one
had ever sucked my cock before. Sure, I had wanked and cum, but Gary was
opening so many doors to me. His mouth dropped down my shaft and then
dragged up from the top of my balls, his tongue furiously licking. When he
reached my bellend, his mouth engulfed it once again. It sent my head
spinning for the second time in twenty-four hours. I began thrusting into
his mouth, my hands dropped to his head, holding him on my cock. Frightened
he would stop, it not registering, he wanted to taste me.

My cock throbbed as he worked my shaft with his mouth, his hands still
firmly on my hips, holding me just where he wanted me. He groaned as my
bellend poured out precum, boy nectar. I kept trying to look down, but
could see nothing, only able to hear the slurping noises and smacking of
his tongue on his lips.

The result wasn't in doubt. My body couldn't resist anymore, I buried my
head deeper back into my pillow, my legs stiff and straight, my toes
curling as the rush over took me. My balls tingling as they tightened to
the base of my six-inch shaft. I wouldn't, no, I couldn't resist any
longer. My breath came in gasps, my chest heaving, my hips fighting to
thrust deeper into his warm wet mouth against the hands holding me firmly
down. It drove me crazy. He was preventing me from tipping my cock over the
edge.

He pulled my bellend from his mouth and I heard him chuckle, as it slapped
hard against my stomach, before rebounding back up towards his mouth, as my
tendons strained to bury it once more. His tongue ran between the glans, up
to my cocklips. The tip of his tongue, forcing itself into me, coating
itself in my bubbling precum.

"Gary, please, please."

Another chuckle and his mouth engulfed the swollen head again. Temporarily
disorientated, my soul engulfed in pleasure as the pressure on my cockhead
increased as he sucked harder, I lost it. My balls, which had nearly crept
up my arse as they tried to get closer to my throbbing bone, jumped and I
felt my cum racing up my cock. I exploded in pleasure, fuck, one, ouff,
two, oufff, three, ouffff four, fuck, ouffff, five. My stomach tensed with
each spurt. Did I black out? Next thing I knew, Gary was hovering, his
mouth barely touching mine. He pushed his lips against me. Unable to
resist, I instinctively opened them, gasping as he pushed my cum into my
mouth from his. His tongue followed hard, coating mine and my entire mouth
with my boy honey.

Backwards and forwards it went, until, absorbed by us both, it was gone. He
pulled away from me and looked down at me. "I will see you in the morning."

And he was gone. I went to reach for the sheets. My cock, now a fat
deflated slug, lying across my stomach. I felt down, touching its exposed
head, my foreskin was still pulled back, tightly tucked behind my
glans. The head was sitting in a pool of warm slimy cum, where Gary had
blown his load, while snogging me. I brought some to my mouth, tasting him
alongside me. I closed my eyes and contentedly drifted off to sleep once
more.

*

So where was I? That's right, laughing at those ducks and trying to hear
the conversation taking place in the sitting room. I still wasn't sure
Maureen was quite as pleased to have me staying. Oh, and breaking up the
crusty patches of dried cum on my stomach.

There was a tap on my door, it was Gary. "Hey are you awake? Up you get, we
have some work to do."

I had hauled myself out of bed and quickly washed my face at the
washstand. The water in the china jug was cold, so it was a bit of a quick
rinse round, if I am honest. I made my way into the small sitting room,
catching the end of their conversation as I entered.

Maureen was speaking, "well you can tell him Gary. Have you forgotten all
the trouble with Daniel before?". Gary had caught sight of me coming into
the room, he had snapped, "Enough!"

"Come in Brian." I was introduced to a rather flustered Maureen. She was
cradling a baby. "Hello, young man. Welcome to Castle Fraser."

Gary beckoned me closer. "And this is Aaran, our son."

I stroked the baby's chubby cheek and made those silly noises everyone
makes at babies. Maureen had smiled and offered me a cup of tea and some
toast. Both of which I accepted, but I sensed a bit of an undercurrent. She
wasn't happy about something. I hoped it wasn't me, I mean, what had I
done?

*

Since my arrival, Gary had been taking me to help with the horses each
morning. He had been especially keen to introduce me to a great black brute
he called 'Pegasus'. This horse was huge. While we fed and watered them
all, he had told me all about him, how he belonged to someone called
Forts. Apparently Forts was a real Russian Prince and I would meet him when
he got back with another guy called Davy. He was one of the teachers, a Mr
Thomas. He spoke about several other guys too, but too many names for me to
remember straight away.

It was at the stables that first morning, I met a boy about my age, called
Brookmeyer. I could sense a bit of tension in the air. Brookmeyer had been
pleasant enough to me, but he seemed pissed off at Gary about something. I
would later find out it was me. Gary and he had gone into the stable office
and obviously had words. Brookmeyer had stormed off, heading towards the
gate lodge. Later I would see him carrying a clothes bag, back past the
stable towards the Castle. After we finished with the horses, I finally got
to see it, the castle, I mean.

I am sure I walked around with my mouth hanging open as Gary introduced me
to loads of different people. Oh, that was another couple of the names he
mentioned, Athol, who was the Laird of the house of MacDonald, this was his
ancestral seat. His partner and the Castles factor, was called Archie or Mr
Campbell, as I was to call him. Gary never mentioned he was the heir to all
of this, that was for another day.

Mr Duncan was all smiles as we entered the dining room. "Good morning,
Houston, Gary." He turned back to me, "How are you settling in Houston?"
This was so alien to me, people calling me by my surname. "Well, thank you
Mr Duncan." As I moved down the servery, I heard him speak to Gary, Mr
Duncan's voice barely above a whisper, "Gary, can we speak about
Brookmeyer?"

I glanced back, hearing that name again. Gary stared at Mr Duncan, his eyes
just boring into him. Mr Duncan looked away, his expression embarrassed
and, at the same time, he was obviously worried. "Sorry, it's none of my
business."

Gary only uttered one word. "Correct!"


**


Davy continues the story.


At last, we were on our way home. In some style, I might add. Someone had
pulled strings, and quietly without fuss, Forts 'new' train carriage had
been added to the train. Under the pretext of moving it to safety, it was
to be stored in a siding in Inverurie.

So, what have I got to tell you? Where to start? Should be the
question. Dima had been recovering well. He had only been released from the
hospital that morning, being brought to the station in a private
ambulance. Forts had made the doctor an offer he couldn't refuse, and he
was also travelling with us to make sure Dima was okay.

I glanced out of the carriage window as we pulled slowly out of London,
through the suburbs. Happy to be heading to what I now considered being my
home, Castle Fraser. Forts came and stood next to me, "Are you okay?"

"Yes, thanks." I took his fingers and gave them a squeeze. "How's Dima?"

Forts sat down opposite me, chuckling, "Well, I think he has the best berth
on the train." Forts had Dima placed in the small bedroom at the end of the
carriage. "You can pop and see him later. I think the doctor is driving him
crazy. He will be pleased with some different company."

"Yes, I will." I studied Fort's face, "And how are you feeling?"

He reached for my hand over the table, "Pleased it's all over and we can
get back to some normality, to be honest."

"Are you sure? A few times, it looked like you were enjoying all the
fawning."

Forts looked shocked, and a bit hurt. "No, now you have me worried. I
wasn't rude, was I?"

"No, of course not, but watch out for those doors at the Castle."

We both giggled, Forts playfully slapping his forehead, mimicking walking
into a door.

"Darling, I have to speak to dad. I won't be long."

*

He got up and kissed me, then walked off down the carriage as I watched
him. Forts looked amazing. I much preferred him without the beard. Marcus
had laid out one of his uniforms, it fitted him like a T. Just before he
sat down with Athol; he glanced back at me and gave me a wink, accompanied
by one of those beautiful smiles of his. It made me feel all warm and cosy
inside.

The shriek of laughter over to my left shattered the moment. You have
guessed it. Niki, Ouranoff, and Bruno were laughing about something
together. Niki hadn't left Bruno's side since he had been released, more
about that later. McPhee was seated with them, along with Robert Milner,
the photographer.

I glanced round, where was Marcus? Then he was there, Marcus had an uncanny
knack of knowing just when something was needed. Right now, it was tea and
biscuits. He placed down a cup next to me, smiling. I managed to get in a,
"Thank you Marcus," before he moved steadily off down the carriage. It was
a shame Denis wasn't with us, but he was required to run Dryford Manor's
household. Similarly, Mishcon had remained in London. He would visit the
Castle soon, no doubt with a pile of more papers for Forts to sign, and
more ominously, the translated file on Fort's parents' disappearance.

My mind drifted back to the chat I had with Theodora before we left for the
ball. She was insisting on staying in London with her mother, despite the
invitation from Forts for them both to come to the Castle. Privately, she
had told me she found it too painful to be so close to Forts, knowing he
could never be hers. That didn't make me feel any better, if I am
honest. When she added, "You must be so proud of him. I envy you." I had to
bite my lip hard.

The charity ball that Mishcon and his team had hastily arranged was held at
the Savoy Hotel. The cream of London society was invited to meet the
highest-ranking Romanov in the country and, of course, raise funds for war
and Police orphans.

We had arrived early, wanting to check everything was okay. Quickly joined
by the General manager and the Maitre de, we were shown round the ballroom
and the dining room, then introduced to the conductor and the
orchestra. They would play throughout the evening, both during the meal and
later in the ballroom. Forts wanted to check the top table where we were to
be seated. I had looked at the place settings round us.

"Forts, who are Mr and Mrs S Prise?"

He had shaken his head. "No idea, must be some relative."

"They don't sound very Russian to me."

"Well, we will find out soon enough, I suppose."

He left me standing at the table. I just couldn't think who they were. How
stupid am I?

Twenty minutes later. I stood next to Forts as part of the guest greeting
party, Theodora stood to my left. The invited guests comprised the 'Great
and the Good' of London society with a smattering of politicians' and lots
of Forts distant Russian relatives. The Master of ceremonies announced each
of the guests' names and titles, and then they were introduced, first to
Forts, Oops, to his Imperial Highness the Grand Duke, Drageon
Drageonivanov, Romanov, and then the rest of us.

I don't know how many hands I had shaken. It was awful; I didn't know
anyone. Theodora was standing next to me in the line-up. Both of us
giggling about me knowing no one. She mocked me mercilessly, copying my
voice. "Good evening, how do you do, so very nice to meet you." Finally, I
recognised some of them. Niki peeked round Ouranoff and waved.

"His Serenity Count Pyotr Adraxine Ouranoff. His Serenity Count Nikita
Igoreovich. Lord Christopher Roland McPhee. Lord MacDonald, Mr Archibald
Campbell, Mr Mishcon, Mr Trevelyan, Mr Roberts, Mr Milner."

Niki gave McPhee a little friendly punch. He found his middle name Roland
funny. Me, I was just pleased to see familiar faces. At least I knew this
lot. While I was distracted saying hello to them, my darling Forts tapped
me on the shoulder, I thought I was going to be told off for being loud.

"Davy, looks like Mr and Mrs Surprise have arrived."

"Mr and Mrs Surprise?" My eyes followed his gaze to the doors.

"Mr and Mrs Thomas." Announced the Master of ceremonies.

"It's mum and dad!" I grabbed Forts and kissed his cheek, "Thank you." He
gave me a wink. "Mum, dad. It's great to see you! He didn't tell me you
were coming, just a Mr and Mrs Surprise."

They both laughed. Mum looked amazing. She was wearing a beautiful, in
fact, it was a stunning, evening dress. On her head, she was wearing the
diamond Kokoshnik from the safe deposit box. She later told me Forts had
asked her to wear it for the night. Of course, like most women would, she
loved it. Round her wrist was our Christmas present, the emerald bracelet.

Forts, smiling broadly, greeted them too. Bowing, he kissed Mum's hand and
then each cheek. "Mum and dad, I am so pleased you could come. It means so
much to us." Dad had looked at him oddly, repeating, "Mum and dad?" Then
broke into a broad smile, "Son, no thank you for inviting us." Phew.

Sorry folks, I am jumping about a bit. You are probably wondering what we
were all wearing. The Gentlemen were all in white shirts and black bow tie
and tails. Mine had only arrived from the tailor that morning. Looking at
him, I don't think my dad felt any more comfortable in his than I did in
mine, not the way he kept fiddling with his dickie bow. I say we were all
in tails, well apart from the ladies, of course, they were all in evening
dresses.

And what was my gorgeous partner wearing? Forts, of course, was not in
black. Marcus had dressed him in white breeches, with highly polished black
leather knee-length boots. A white 'tails jacket' with scarlet piping,
shoulder boards and a gleaming scarlet lining. The Jacket was heavily
embroidered with silver bullion and his entire ensemble was topped off with
his turquoise blue sash. On his chest two glittering diamond 'star' awards,
and from his waist, hung the 'Katherine the Great' Order of 'Saint Andrew
the Apostle, the First called' diamond broach, the gift from Theodora. On
his other hip hung a gilt sword, finally he was wearing a pair of white
gloves.

Later I had to chuckle as mum told him how smart he looked. Back at the
Manor, Forts hadn't thought so, as he looked at himself in the full-length
mirror in our new apartment. "Marcus! Please, no! I look ridiculous, like a
puffed-up... a... puffed-up peacock!"

Marcus had looked skywards as he walked away, "Great, that was the look I
was going for." He had winked at me, smiling, as he left Forts open
mouthed. I couldn't help laughing, well Forts wanted informality.

*

Back to the ball. After all the formal introductions, I felt I had to
remain at Forts side. I could see mum and dad standing alone, both looking
somewhat uncomfortable. Theodora spotted it too and hurried over to them
with Athol and Archie in tow. She grabbed mum by the arm and took her over
to meet the Dowager Grand Duchess Truorwskoy and her mother. Soon they were
all chatting like old friends, while dad seemed to finally relax with
Archie and Athol.

I should have said, Theodora, too, was looking amazing. If anything, her
radiance enhanced by her now obvious condition.

Meanwhile, I could see dad, Athol, and Archie had been joined by Count
Ouranoff, and the newly elevated Count Nikita Igoreovich. I must get used
to saying that, but he would always be our little Niki to me. Ouranoff and
Niki had also dressed up for the occasion. Niki was in a dark green, almost
a forest green tail coat, with gold bullion embroidery and a red sash. He
was looking every bit the young gentleman. Ouranoff was in a dark blue
tailcoat and, as usual, could be heard before he was seen.

I chuckled to myself, thinking about it. Before we left, Niki had been so
pleased at how he looked. McPhee told me that in the car on the way to the
Savoy, he had been waving, regally, of course, at anyone who looked at
him. It had made me laugh, I wished I could have seen it.

Forts, bless him, had also insisted that Marcus and Denis both attend and
Robert Milner, the photographer too. Robert was both a guest and also to
capture the event informally with his box camera.

*

There was to be another amazing surprise, I probably shouldn't mention
it. Talk about possible diplomatic incidents. McPhee, came over to Forts
and me. "Can I have a quick word?"

Forts was smiling, "Of course you can, Chris. What is it? Don't tell me you
think I look ridiculous too, don't you!"

McPhee, looked Forts up and down. "Well...No, can you both follow me. I
hope you don't mind; I invited two second cousins along. I am afraid they
have brought their mum with them too."

Forts grinned. "Don't worry the more the merrier."

McPhee nodded, "I would like you both to meet them."

"Certainly."

We followed McPhee into a side room. I stopped open mouthed, as McPhee
stopped and with a bow of his head announced. "Your Majesty. I am pleased
to introduce you to, His Imperial Highness, the Grand Duke, Drageon
Drageonivanov, Romanov. Prince of the Blood Imperial." As Forts and I stood
to attention, McPhee continued, "Her Royal Highness, the Queen Elizabeth,
Empress of India, and my second cousins, their Royal Highnesses the
Princess Elizabeth, and the Princess Margaret Rose. I saw Forts glance at
McPhee, I knew just what he was thinking, I was thinking the same. That
voice in my head screaming, "YOU MIGHT HAVE FUCKING WARNED US McPHEE!".

Queen Elizabeth, approached us both, she offered Forts her hand, which he
gently took, keeping his head bowed. "Your Majesty". She smiled broadly, "I
am very pleased to finally meet and speak to you young man. The King has
mentioned you often." Forts was speechless. McPhee stepped forward once
more, "You Majesty, allow me to introduce, Mr David Thomas." I stepped
forward, copying McPhee and Forts head bows. I am sure I mumbled "Your
Majesty, such an honour." I immediately felt stupid. Was that a titter from
the Princesses? "Such an honour", Oh, God.

McPhee again leapt to the rescue, "Their Royal Highnesses, The Princess
Elizabeth and Princess Margaret Rose, my second cousins." They both smiled,
as McPhee lightened the formality, with his quip. Forts and I shook hands
with them both.

Queen Elizabeth spoke again, smiling, "Let us dispense with all this
formality. After all, Drageon, you are family." Forts just bowed his head
again as the Queen continued. "My husband the King, sends his warmest
regards. He heard about yours and the Grand Duchesses donations to the
orphans charities and wishes to match each of your donations.

Forts glanced at me, then back to the Queen. "That is amazing your
Majesty."

She continued, "Of course, he would have loved to have been here, but,
well, you know why he can't, after the criticism in some quarters of his
attendance at the funeral of the Grand Duke."

Forts nodded. The Queen continued. "It only remains for me to ask that, we
keep our attendance as low key as possible." She turned to the two
Princesses, "But these two were desperate to come to a ball. I hope you
will do them the honour of dancing with each of them later."

Forts had blushed, adding. "But of course, ma'am. It will be my pleasure."

*

"Top up Davy? you look miles away."

Gosh, I had been, "Yes please Marcus. Sorry, I was just thinking about the
ball."

He smiled as he poured me another cup of tea. "It really was amazing,
especially when you all entered for the meal. I was so proud of you both."
He didn't mention 'the elephant' that had been in the room, which was kind
of him.

*

"My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, please be upstanding for His Imperial
Highness, the Grand Duke, Drageon Drageonivanov, Romanov. Prince of the
Blood Imperial. Colonel in Chief of the Imperial Regiment of the Life
Guards Sankt-Peterburgsky. Honourable member of the Order of Saint Andrew
the Apostle the First called. And her Imperial Highness, the Dowager Grand
Duchess Theodora Petrovich."

Forts glanced down at Theodora, holding on to his arm, then back at me. I
knew this was the way it had to be. Forts had pushed protocol in the
greeting line-up, he had been strongly advised not to do it again. He took
a big breath and whispered, "Ready everyone? Let's get this over with!"

As the master of ceremonies continued, "and party."

The orchestra immediately struck up with the March of the Life Guards
Sankt-Peterburgsky. Forts glanced back at me and smiled one of his smiles,
"You okay?" I nodded. He nodded to Theodora and the two of them led us all
into the dining room. The formal part of the evening had begun.

We stood at the table as the orchestra seamlessly moved to playing "God
save the Tsar." We remained standing as the Master of Ceremonies, called
for everyone's attention, once more.

"My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain standing, for Her Royal
Highness, the Queen Elizabeth, Empress of India. And their Royal Highnesses
the Princess Elizabeth, and the Princess Margaret Rose."

There were gasps, followed by polite applause as the orchestra played, "God
save the King". The three members of the British Royal family joined us at
the hastily rearranged top table. A place was even found for McPhee. We
would have to thank him for this later. I glanced at mum and dads face, a
memory I would treasure for ever.

I still couldn't believe it. Thank goodness, Mishcon had invited none of
the current Russian government or their representatives; There would have
been a huge diplomatic incident.

After the meal, Forts had thanked everyone for attending and for their
generous support for the orphans. He then invited everyone to the ballroom
before the two of us retired to a private room for a break. As we entered,
he turned and locked the door. He grabbed me in his arms, pressing me up
against the wall, kissing me passionately. "I have wanted to do that all
night."

He kissed me again. "Are you okay? I am sorry I had to walk in with
Theodora. But you heard Mishcon and dad. It's a bloody joke. It won't
always be like that. After the war, we will move somewhere people don't
care! I promise."

I hugged and kissed him back, "It's okay." I wasn't sure how convincing I
sounded. "Come on Forts, now for the important bit, let's get Bruno
released, and that investigation stopped."

He nodded, "Yes, you're right."

The ball had been lovely. Those dancing lessons Forts had been having had
paid off. Dad and I looked on in awe as he waltzed mum first, then Theodora
and the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose. Then the Police
Commissioner's and the Home secretary's wives, numerous lesser Princesses
and a few titled ladies too. Round and round the floor he went. It was an
amazing show and all part of the bigger plan, well the Commissioners and
Home secretary's wives, anyway.

While Forts charmed the wives. Mishcon moved in on the men themselves, to
plead the case for Bruno and for the investigation into the death of the
chamberlain to be stopped. Consequently, I didn't see Forts much for the
rest of the evening. But somehow it had worked. Bruno had been released as
it was not in the public interest to prosecute him. After all, he had saved
a Royal life, and they were common murderers. Similarly, the investigation
in to the death of the old chamberlain was stopped. Obviously, the two men
who had attacked Forts were responsible. Mishcon was a genius.

*

I sat back, my eyes closed, and let out a sigh. Lips kissed mine.  "I'm
back."


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

Folks, I really hope you're enjoying the story. There is nothing more
rewarding than hearing your feedback with observations and
suggestions. Please email me to let me know. Blackscar.

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