Date: Sun, 11 Jul 2021 18:34:22 +0100 (BST)
From: blackscar01 <blackscar01@btinternet.com>
Subject: Operation Pied Piper - Part 93e

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

The static from the phone line was so loud, Athol couldn't make out what
the operator was saying, more static

`Dad! Dad! is that you?

`Hello? ...Hello? ...Forts,... Forts son the line is terrible, ...Forts,
God son, what's happened, ...Fort's son you are going to have to take a
deep breath ...I can hardly hear what you're saying'

`Dad is that you, Dad, can you get to the Grand Dukes as soon as you can,
Davy's gone'

 The line went dead. Athol stabbed at the cradle

`Operator! Operator! we have been cut off; can you get them back?

`Sorry Sir, the line has been disconnected at the other end'


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


Operation Pied Piper – Part 93e


Davy picks up the story


I was reeling; the footman had picked up my case and the Grand Duke had
hold of my arm and was pushing or was it pulling me towards the door, the
whole time he kept up the mantra of

`Quickly Davy, you can't want to ruin Prince Drageon's life, your too nice
to do that; why did you come? when you know deep down he loves Theodora;
what a wonderful couple they will make, come on quickly, the car is
waiting'

Just as we got to the door, Dima came running in and an animated
conversation began between him and the Grand Duke; they obviously weren't
in agreement. But when the Grand Duke began shouting, Dima looked shocked
and bowed, he turned to me.

`Come on Davy the car is waiting, ready to go'

`Dima, what's happening?

`I'm sorry Davy, it's for the best'

`But what have I done?

`Davy, you were never supposed to be here'

`But I want to see Forts'

`No, there is no time'

Dima received what appeared to be another tongue lashing from the Grand
Duke. He grabbed my arm at the same time bowing to him, I was being
propelled along the corridor and down the stairs.

`Dima I want to see Forts, before I leave'

`Davy that's not possible, come on'

One of the footmen opened the main doors; I grabbed for the door frame and
held on tightly.

`Dima, please, what's this all about, why can't I see Forts?

Dima seemed torn he looked at me, his eyes reddening, he shouted at the
footman, who prised my fingers from the door frame. Dima, then grabbed both
of my hands and held them tightly, moving very close, he half whispered.

`Davy you were never supposed to come, The Grand Duke wants Drageon to
marry Theodora, to keep the succession going, any children would
automatically become first in line to be the next Tsar'

`But?

`Davy come on'

I couldn't believe what was happening, I was totally confused, pulled to
the car I was bundled in, Dima getting in alongside me. The door was
slammed shut and the car, threw up a load of shingle as it sped off from
the house.


**


Forts picks up the story

I ran up the stairs two at a time and down along the corridor; the footman
kept pace with me, urging me on. The door to my suite was open, I rushed
in; running straight into the Grand Duke.

`Prince Drageon, hello'

I glanced round the room

`Where is Davy!

I could hear the anger in my voice as I shouted at him

`Where is he?

The Grand Duke, pulled himself to his full height and glared at me

`Remember you're a Russian Prince of the Blood Imperial, act like one, pull
yourself together'

I was stunned, the Grand Duke turned to the footman.

`You get out'

The footman bowed and retreated towards the door, the Grand Duke, took hold
of my arm and pulled me towards the seats by the window. He barked at me.

`Sit down'

I could feel the tears running down my cheeks; The Grand Duke glared back
at me.

`Davy has gone, he wants you to be happy and understands that your
happiness will be fulfilled, when you marry Theodora'

`But I love Davy'

`Don't be ridiculous. You are a potential heir to the Russian Crown; you
must marry and produce an heir yourself'

`But'

`Quiet, there are no buts, you will do your duty, or do you want to be
declared an imposter like that awful American woman Anna Anderson, remember
I made you; I can destroy you just as easily'

That was it, I lost it completely, I stood up and ripped the blue sash from
my chest, tearing the several Diamond encrusted stars from my tunic and
throwing them at the floor.

`Here take them. They mean nothing to me; not if I lose Davy'

The Grand Duke for the first time, looked shocked, he reached for my hand

`Drageon, please, keep your bum boy, but you must marry Theodora and
produce an heir'

`I can't, I love Davy, I should never have come here, I will leave
immediately'

`You can't leave, you are to meet the King this evening'

`I don't care, tell him I am an Imposter and you got me to leave'

The Grand Duke visibly staggered and reached for the arm of the chair.

`I can't'

`Why not, then I am gone and you don't have to worry about me anymore'

The Grand Dukes eyes began to water, he stared out of the window.

`I can't'

He let out a sob, as he tried to clear his throat

`I am surer now than ever; you are your fathers son, you are just like him,
strong headed, stubborn and fiercely loyal to the ones you love.  You are
definitely the son of Prince Pytor Drageonivanov, my nephew, I could never
deny you'

He collapsed into the chair, his head in his hands. I didn't know what to
do, he was obviously in great distress; I grabbed the phone off the cradle
and put a call through to the Savoy. The line was terrible, Dad could
barely hear me, I was just about to repeat, what I had said.

The phone went dead, I looked round Prince Dima had his hand on the cradle
he had disconnected the call; I grabbed for the phone

`Not you too Dima; I thought we were friends. What are you doing?

I looked at his face just as a big tear ran down his cheek.

`Fort's you don't need to ring, I have brought Davy back'

He turned to the door as Davy came running in, tears streaming down his
face.

`Forts, Forts'

I ran towards him, grabbing him and spinning him round, our lips pressing
against each other's. Dima, watched and then went over to the Grand Duke
and helping him up, led him from the room.

`Davy, what happened?

Davy just hugged me, he stood back and looked at my ripped tunic.

`Forts, they wanted me to leave, they said you loved Theodora and wanted to
be with her, please say that's not true'

I kissed him passionately, mumbling into his lips

`You know the answer to that'

`I love you too, I always will, but what now?

`Davy, I don't know, but I am not leaving you alone again. Where I go you
go'

Davy got on to his knees and began picking up the diamond stars from where
I had thrown them, he carefully placed them on a side table.

`None of them are broken, thank goodness'

He gave me a weak smile; my heart was still racing; to be honest I didn't
much care about them, right at that moment.

`Davy, I just tried to get hold of Dad at the Savoy, I think he will be on
way here now'

There was a knock at the door. Davy and I looked at each other, he nodded
to me to answer.

`Come in'

It was the footman, who had given me the note; but he was in casual clothes
and carrying a small case.

`Sir, I am sorry to intrude, I came to say goodbye, I have been dismissed
from my position of footman and valet. ...I saw you both together on your
last visit and saw how happy you were together, when I heard them plotting
in Russian, I had to warn you, well the Princess reported me and I have
been given my cards...'

I glanced at Davy and stepped forward offering my hand to the footman.

`Please, I'm Drageon, but all my friends call me Forts; I would like you
to. This is Davy, my partner'

`I'm Marcus, pleased to finally meet you both...anyway, I had best be going
before they throw me out of the house. But good luck both of you'

Davy looked at me; the closer we had become, the more we both knew what the
other was thinking, he nodded at me.

`Marcus, would you consider becoming my valet? At least while we are in
London and then, I am sure we can find a job for you back at the Castle'

`Sir'

`Please call me Fort's'

`Sir, I don't know what to say?

Davy stood up and put out his hand

`Well then, it's easy, say yes'

Marcus nodded and broke into a broad smile

`Thank you, thank you'

I shook his hand too

`Now I know this is a bit cheeky, but as your first job, could you get us
both a stiff drink, oh and yourself, I know Davy and I need one and I am
sure you probably do too, and if anyone asks, you are employed by Prince
Drageon Drageonivanov, Prince of the blood Imperial'

We all smiled. Marcus nodded.

`It will be my pleasure Sir'

Marcus put down his case and removed his coat, then slipped out into the
corridor. Davy smiled for the first time since we had found each other.

`A valet now? Don't you go getting used to all this'

`It is all a bit surreal isn't it?'

I took Davy's hand and we went to the window and looked out, me standing
behind him; I wrapped my arms round him and nuzzled into his neck.

`I am so sorry; I love you more than anything'.

I gently nibbled his ear lobe; he gave a little chuckle and pushed his
cheek against mine. We stood in silence, both of us with our own thoughts.

*

There was another knock at the door, it opened and Marcus was pushed
through it by two other footmen closely followed by the Chamberlain. I
stepped towards them; Marcus mouthed the word "sorry" to me

`Release that man'

The Chamberlain stepped forward

`He has been dismissed'

The Chamberlain turned to Marcus

`Get your coat and your case and leave'

`Chamberlain, there appears to be a mistake, Marcus is my valet'

`But your Imperial Highness'

`Oh good, I am still his Imperial Highness Prince Drageon Drageonivanov, in
that case, get this man a uniform and if you need to speak to him, please
speak to me first, now run along, I am sure your busy'

The Chamberlains face was a picture; if eyes were daggers I would have been
dead on the carpet, he gave a curt nod and turned to leave, pushing the
other footmen out of his way; they scurried after him as the door closed.

Marcus gave a little chuckle

`I don't think he has ever been spoken to like that, one minute Sir I will
get the drinks you asked for'


**


Athol continues the story


The journey seemed to have taken ages, the car pulled up at the wrought
iron gates, a uniformed guard approached from a small building.

`Your business here?

Not another bloody Russian. Archie sat forward

`Open the bloody gates, we are here to see his Imperial Highness Prince
Drageon'

`Wait please'

He turned and went back into the small building, I could see him pick up a
telephone; Archie growled and before I could say anything was out of the
car, he marched over to the guard and snatched the phone off him, I could
hear Archie's raised voice in the car, after a few minutes he handed the
phone back to the guard, who briefly spoke and then, with Archie marching
in front of him and getting back into the car; opened the gates. Archie,
half smiled at me

`You don't want to know'

I reached for his knee and squeezed it. The car moved off and soon we were
pulling up in front of the Old Elizabethan Manor house again. We were met
by a footman, who seemed a bit surprised at our arrival.

`I am Lord MacDonald, I am here to see Prince Drageon, take me to him
immediately'

`Err, please come in I will get the Chamberlain'

Archie stepped forward, he moved to within an inch of the footman.

`No, YOU, will take us to his suite NOW!

`But Sir'

I didn't think that Archie could have got in to this guys face more than he
had, but somehow he did; the footman looked at him up and down.

`Yes Sir, this way'

He headed off towards the staircase, with us following. I grinned at Archie
and whispered

`He obviously knows a mad mother hen when he sees one'

Archie, laughed and gave a low clucking noise

`He was about to get a right hander from "Clara Cluck" here'

God, was I pleased to have Archie by my side. We followed the footman up
the stairs and along the corridor, he stopped and knocked outside one of
the doors. The door was opened, by a footman.

`We are here to see Forts and Davy, err, Prince Drageon and Mr Thomas. I am
...'

The footman stepped back opening the door.

`I know who you are my Lord, please come in, they are waiting for you'

Archie, let me go in first. Forts and Davy came rushing over

`Dad, dad'

Forts grabbed me and hugged me; the stress and tension of the last few
hours came bubbling to the surface. Davy wrapped his arms round both of
us. Archie quickly opened his arms

`Hey how about me?

Forts eyes were filled with tears; he couldn't hold it any longer.

`Mum'

He grabbed Archie and they both hugged, Forts hiding his eyes and sobs in
Archie's fly plaid as they did. Davy, was the first to pull himself
together.

`Athol, Archie, this is Marcus; he was the footman who warned Forts what
was happening. Err, he is Forts valet now, as they fired him'

I held out my hand to Marcus

`Thank you, young man, thank you'

Marcus nodded, there was a bit of a silence. Davy suggested some tea, we
all agreed and sat by the windows, while the whole sorry tale was
revealed. I sat and listened, wondering what it all meant, standing up

`Well, I suppose I should speak to the Grand Duke and find out what is
happening'

Archie, looked up

`I think we should just leave'

The decision was taken from us, as there was a knock at the door. Marcus
crossed to open it; we saw him bow and take a step back. He announced in a
loud voice.

`His Imperial Highness, The Grand Duke Truorwskoy and his serene Highness
Prince Dima Chikenoff'

We all stood up, as they came into the room; but remained by the door. Dima
spoke

`May we come in; we need to talk?

Forts nodded and indicated for them to sit with us by the window; Marcus
quickly fetching two more chairs. The Grand Duke's eyes were focused on
Drageon, his Uniform tunic was a mess, the material torn where he had
ripped off the various Orders he had been awarded; The Grand Duke seemed
deep in thought as we all sat down. I couldn't stop myself

`I think you owe Drageon and Davy and the rest of us an explanation'

Dima nodded, he looked embarrassed, he quickly glanced at the Grand Duke,
who gave him a little nod; obviously permission to speak. It wasn't an easy
conversation, Dima looked very uncomfortable as he explained everything;
the problem was we didn't seem to get past this "Provide an Heir" bit, we
just kept going round in circles. I held up my hand to bring the
conversation to a temporary halt.

`Grand Duke, you seem to be the only person who can answer this. Is
Drageon, still a Prince of the Blood Imperial or has that changed?

The Grand Duke sighed

`Drageon, will always be a Prince of the Blood Imperial, I could never
disown him'

The man seemed crushed

`So, what happens if he doesn't marry Princess Theodora and produce an
Heir?

Dima interrupted

`There are two surviving Princes of the Blood Imperial; that we know
about. Drageon is one of them, the other is in America, the rest were
killed by the Bolsheviks. The Grand Duke, if the unthinkable has happened
to the Imperial Family, would be first in line to the throne, if Tsar
Nicholas and the Tsarevich Alexei are both dead'

Dima's voice trailed off, it seemed that possibility was to hideous to even
contemplate.

`Drageon, being the great nephew of the Grand Duke, would be next in line
and any offspring would be the premier heirs to the Romanov throne'

Dima looked down

`I know, to you that is no excuse for what the Grand Duke did'

Dima gripped the Grand Dukes hand, they exchanged glances. I was sitting
looking at an old man; from a different era and time; His duty was
everything to him; just like my father. Dima continued.

`But he wasn't thinking straight, he wanted to ensure the succession, above
all else'

Forts stood up and stared out of the window; I looked up at him, the
sunlight was haloing his face, he turned to face us all after a few
minutes. He took a deep breath.

`Your Imperial Highness, Prince Dima, I am sorry, I cannot marry Theodora,
I love Davy and always will. It wouldn't be fair to either of them; I
couldn't live a lie, I am sorry'

Forts crossed to Davy and held out his hand, Davy looked a bit shocked, he
stood up and Forts moved closer to him, putting his arm round his waist.

*

The Grand Duke nodded and spoke briefly to Dima in Russian, before getting
up and leaving the room. Dima stopped by the door, his face was a mess, his
eyes red, he turned back to Forts and Davy.

`Your Imperial Highness, Davy, I know what has happened to you both is
wrong, but my sister Theodora is distraught; she only did the bidding of
the Grand Duke'

Dima's voice broke

`Fort's she loves you, we both do, please see it in your heart to speak to
her, I fear she will die broken'

Forts didn't answer. Dima staggered losing it; then back in control,
snapped to attention.

`I am sorry Prince; I should never have asked'

He bowed and left, closing the door behind him.


**


Davy continues the story

Forts sat down again, we both did, he stared out of the window; I knew he
was worried.

`Fort's we can go and see the Princess if you want. I know Dima isn't lying
when he says Theodora loves you'

Forts didn't say anything for a few minutes, Athol and Archie, both quietly
moved away. Forts looked at me as I took his hand.

`Come on, I will come with you, she has been a puppet in all this just like
us'

`Davy, she had Marcus fired, she knew what was happening and let it, how
can I possibly speak to her again?'

`Because you are a Prince of the Blood Imperial, they look up to you'

Forts nodded his head and stood up I joined him

`Dad, Mum, we wont be long, but Davy is right, there are things I must do'

Athol and Archie both nodded, as we made our way to the door and out into
the corridor.

*

I was sure I could hear Forts heart pounding or was it mine. I stepped
forward and knocked on the door to Theodora's suite. The door was opened by
Dima, he gave a little smile and mouthed the words "Thank you" as a tear
rolled down his cheek, he stepped back allowing us to enter.

Theodora was standing by the window, she didn't look round, Forts stepped
forward.

`Theodora'

The princess spun round, she had been crying; in fact, she still was, she
let out a little cry and ran across the room.

`Oh Drageon, I am so sorry, can you and Davy ever forgive me?

She collapsed at Forts feet holding his leg, sobbing pitifully into his
trousers.

`Please forgive me, say you don't hate me'

Forts glanced round at me; he swallowed visibly, I gave a little nod and
he, knelt down and lifted Theodora to her feet, she threw her arms round
him, now sobbing into his torn tunic. He put his arms round her and they
stood hugging like that for some time. He broke away from her

`Princess, you and Dima are two of my closest friends, we will speak again
before I leave'

Fort's gave her a kiss on her cheek and walked to wards the door, Dima
intercepting us, he dropped to one knee and held Forts hand to his head.

`Thank you Prince'

I could see Forts, was worried about speaking in case he too ended up
sobbing, he nodded and we both left. He sighed audibly in the corridor and
took my hand.

`God, that was awful'

I gave him a little wink and a nudge

`Well, I know, where those Holly Wood actresses get it now'

He looked at me questioningly, I couldn't resist it, I put on my best
Scarlett voice

`Rhett, Rhett, where shall I go? what shall I do?'

He began sniggering and dragged me back into our room.

*

A short time later, the Grand Duke sent an invitation for me to meet the
King with Drageon and a tailor to sort out Forts Uniform Tunic; luckily the
damage was not as bad as it looked.

*

So, there we were again, outside the doors to the ballroom; Forts
resplendent in his Uniform his chest glittering in the many Orders he had
been awarded: he squeezed my hand and then stood to attention as I swelled
with pride. The doors swung open and the band struck up the `March of the
Imperial Regiment of the Life Guards Sankt-Peterburgsky' I felt my Prince
take a deep breath and then, with me by his side we entered the ballroom.

We stood while the band finished the march and then joined the Grand Duke
and Duchess and waited. There were three loud bangs on the floor from the
Chamberlains staff and the doors opened again as the Band began playing
`God Save the King'. I felt myself swallowing as King George VI came into
the room; the introductions where all a bit of a blur, Forts was introduced
as His Imperial Highness Prince Drageon Drageonivanov, Prince of the Blood
Imperial; in front of the King, Forts had introduced me as David Thomas;
Mum and Dad would have been so proud.

After the official introductions, the Grand Duke led us into an anti-room,
where several small tables were laid out.

The Chamberlain led us to one of the tables, on it on a little stand was a
gold and diamond encrusted cigarette case; this was Fort's gift for the
king; the King enthused about its beauty and then led Forts to another
table. On it was, what looked like to me, an old gilt box, heavily
encrusted with precious stones, it was two inches thick, with what appeared
to be two hinged doors enclosing what was within. The kings equerry stepped
forward and opened the doors; there was a gasp from the assembled
Russians. Dima lent into me

`It is an icon of "Our lady of Kazan".  A Palladium for all of Russia.

My face obviously revealing I had no idea what that meant, The Grand Duke
leaned in between Drageon and me and whispered

`Prince, a Palladium is an image of great antiquity on which the safety of
the nation is said to depend, this icon is a very sacred and valuable gift'

The Grand Duke followed by the assembled Russians, knelt down before it;
Forts and I did likewise. He held up his hand and said loudly

`Our lady of Kazan, Protectress of Mother Russia, bless and protect the
Tsar and all the Royal family, bless those who continue the line'

Forts glanced at me; there was that phrase again. Once we were all standing
Forts whispered to me.

`I really must learn more about the Russian Orthodox Church'

I nodded; only earlier I had been thinking I knew his thoughts, now I
wasn't so sure.

*

Our audience with the King was soon over, The Grand Duke walked with us
back to our suite. He turned to Drageon taking his arm.

`The king, Prince Drageon, has recognised your importance to the Russian
line of succession with his gift; in your hands the safety of the nation
lies and depends'

He gave a curt bow and left us at the door. What did that mean? Was this
succession thing, going to always hang over us?



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


Guy's Thank you for taking the time to let me know you're enjoying this
story. There's nothing more rewarding than hearing from you with
suggestions or even just that you're enjoying the story, please email me to
let me know.


Other Nifty stories by this writer:

`NightCam Fun'                      – Gay/Encounters
`Exploring my brother'              – Gay/Incest
`Joshs Adventures series'           - Gay/Adult Youth
`An Army life for me'               - Gay/Adult Youth/Military
`Grandmas Bedroom'                  – Bisexual/Incest
`Dominic Online'                    – Gay/Adult Youth
`Vampyre'                           – Gay/Adult Youth
`Operation Pied Piper'              – Gay/Adult Youth
`Scream if you want to go faster'   - Bisexual/Adult Youth
`Red and Nick'                      – Bisexual/Military
`The Extraordinary Christmas Party' – Bisexual/Incest
`A Brother Used'                    - Gay/Incest