From: "A.K." Sent: Wed, September 5, 2007 3:06 am Subject: The Gilded Cage 8/11 (Historical) ---------------------------- THE GILDED CAGE by Andrej Koymasky (C) 2007 written on November 8, 1993 translated by the author English text kindly revised by John ----------------------------- USUAL DISCLAIMER "THE GILDED CAGE" is a gay story, with some parts containing graphic scenes of sex between males. So, if in your land, religion, family, opinion and so on this is not good for you, it will be better not to read this story. But if you really want, or because YOU don't care, or because you think you really want to read it, please be my welcomed guest. ----------------------------- CHAPTER 8 - Travel to Berlin, to London, and sudden death of the king At the Berlin Court they were received with all honours, as befitted a Crown Prince and a relative. Jakobus and his train were assigned an apartment in the part of the Imperial Palace destined for guests of honour, a complex of twelve rooms, and were assigned some pages and honour guards at the entrance to the complex. So Jakobus met the emperor Willhelm I, eighty-five years of age, his son Friedrich, fifty five, Friedrich's son Willhelm, of twenty-seven, and his son Friedrich Willhelm who was just four years old. Jakobus was impressed being able to see four generations at the same time and when he was in front of the old emperor he felt a real awe. All the court life was regulated by strict protocols, much more than at his father's court. He also met the powerful count of Bismark and he felt a weird sensation, a mixture of admiration and of deep wariness. Notwithstanding he had been received and was treated with all honour, he perceived that, after all, he had little consideration, as he was just the Crown Prince of a really small and only semi-independent kingdom. But besides that, what Jakobus really enjoyed was the wider freedom he could enjoy during his three months visit in Berlin. In the "Cygnus Apartment" where they were hosted, he first of all arranged to be permitted to dress and undress and to wash by himself. He confined Petrus in a small room not adjoining his bedroom. He had the count Franz Julius use the room communicating with his own, and his attendant in a room beyond this, and not communicating. Reinhardt was set in a room communicating directly with the small private study that was connected with the Prince's bedroom. This allowed the two lovers to spend together all their nights without being disturbed and without the fear of being caught. In fact at night they closed by key all the doors of their rooms, leaving unlocked only those connecting with the small study. They could sleep together already on their first night in Berlin. When Jakobus was in the strong arms of Reinhardt, said him, "You are Reinhardt Martinus I, emperor of all my heart!" "Come on! I am just a poor soldier in love..." "Are you always in love with me?" "More and more, Jakobus." "We finally can sleep together without having to continually control the clock..." "We can fell asleep one in the other's arms... it will be beautiful." "Hey! You aren't going to fall asleep now!" the prince joked. "How could I? Don't you see that you have awakened my whole body?" "Yes, I see it, and I feel it... but I would like to feel it even better." "I adore you, Jakobus." "I too. And I like it that here we can have all the lamps alight, so I can admire you even more." "Do you like me?" "Oh yes! You are so virile... and so tender. I feel safe, in your arms. And feeling how much you desire me, gives me joy." "Yes, I crazily desire you!" "Take me, then..." Jakobus murmured, offering himself. Reinhardt kissed him, and with unlimited tenderness and determination, entered him. "Ah, that's good feeling you inside me, my love! You and I one only flesh..." "And one only soul..." "How can you be so strong and so delicate at once?" "It is my love for you that makes me delicate, and your love for me that makes me strong and daring." Jakobus was relishing the long and slow movements of his lover inside him, and kissed and caressed him, feeling in ecstasy. The sound of a distant bugle broke the silence of the night, followed a little later by the strokes of the bell in a clock tower. "Why are you stopping, Reinhardt, what's the matter?" "I don't want to come yet... Now you take me, then can I take you again, then you... Well, we have the entire night for us, at long last." "Yes, my love." "No, don't move. I want to sit on your beautiful sceptre... Stay as you are... so... here I am! It's good..." Reinhardt murmured lowering himself on his lover's rod, impaling himself, and starting to tilt his pelvis up and down while he was caressing and titillating his lover's chest. Jakobus was giving pushes upwards, accompanying the movements of his beautiful soldier. He was keeping tight his waist, caressed his belly, his swollen erection, his strong thighs. Their eyes were fixed on each other's and they smiled at each other, happy and carefree. They made love for a long time, in all ways and positions, enjoying themselves, and also enjoying the opportunity to at last make love without worries. They shuddered, vibrated, throbbed the one for the other, the one with the other, the one inside the other... They were giving to each other pleasure, delight and joy. They greedily sucked each other, they took each other with ardour, letting themselves be seized in the whirlwind of their passion. Until both were no more able to control and restrain themselves and they abandoned themselves to an orgasm, each pouring into the other his tribute of sweet liqueur. "Do you know that while you are coming you become even more beautiful?" Reinhardt whispered. "Yes, it's you making me beautiful with your love, you, my sweetheart." "You have charmed, fascinated, enchanted, and bewitched me... You, Jakobus, my supreme good." "Do you know that when I'm with you I feel carefree and happy?" "But you are always with me, my love, as I told you. Even when we are not in the same room, I remain with you." "Yes, in my heart, in my mind, in my soul. But I also need your body..." "And I need yours." They were blissful days for both of them. Gradually, the count Franz Julius came to know Reinhardt. "Do you know, Royal Highness, that the more I have occasion to frequent your lover, the more I can understand why you are in love with him. He really is an extraordinary and admirable young man." "Reinhardt tells me that you treat him with exquisite courtesy and friendly respect..." "It's just natural. And not only because he is your lover." "I thank you for not looking down on him... even though Reinhardt is not a nobleman..." "He is noble in his soul, that's what counts most. What I like in him is that he is humble without being servile, that he is proud without being arrogant. In him, being a simple soldier and the Crown Prince's lover is harmonized without contrasts. This denotes a remarkable balance, a remarkable maturity and a beautiful personality. He is really a fascinating person..." "Hey, count, you're not trying to steal him from me!?" Jakobus jokingly said. "Oh, I would never be able to, simply because he would let nobody take him away from you. He really loves you." "Yes, we really do love each other. But, tell me, count... do you have some adventure in sight, here at the imperial court?" "Here everybody is so stiff, serious and formal... Well, there is a certain viscount who possibly... He is in the retinue of prince Willhelm, the emperor's grand-child. He invited me to a party. Who knows if something could come out..." "Do you like him very much?" "Yes, he is really attractive. And when he talks with me he looks at me in a way that makes me tremble with emotion ..." "Then I wish you success." "I hope so. Your attendant, however, seems to have found his way to a certain damsel's heart..." "Very good - that will keep him busy." Jakobus commented with satisfaction, then said, "In four days there will be my Reinhardt's birthday. I would like to give him a present, a surprise. Could you give me some ideas and a hand? It would be difficult for me, as I can't leave the court..." "Do you have something in mind? Perhaps a jewel? Or something different?" "I would like to give him a ring, but I fear it would be too showy... It would be easier for you to go out, downtown... would you have the courtesy to help me?" "Yes, willingly. Neither of you two smoke, am I right?" "Yes." "A precious frame with your portrait... would be too compromising, wouldn't it?" "I am afraid it would." But the count found, at a jeweller, a sardonyx cameo, carved by the Guay, representing Castor and Pollux - two handsome naked young men looking at each other and giving more the feeling they were two lovers rather than two brothers. The cameo was mounted on a velvet background and was enclosed in a small box of rose-wood. It was really beautiful and precious, and it had belonged to a French aristocrat who escaped at the time of Napoleon I defeat. Jakobus bought it and on the back of the cameo had painted the date 1886/9/21 and the writing "Amor omnia vincit". Then on the night before the 21st, after having made love with Reinhardt, he gave him the small box. "Happy 25th birthday, my love." "Oh, you remembered it!" "Of course I did." "May I open it?" "Yes..." Reinhardt removed the lid and admired the small work of art. "It is us!" "Yes..." "But... how did you manage...?" "It is a work of the last century, carved by a famous artist. The fact that the two youths resemble us is just a lucky coincidence. Do you like it?" "Yes, very much!" "Look at the back..." "Oh, the date and... what is it, Latin?" "Yes..." "Would you translate it?" "Love wins everything." "Oh yes, it is completely true!" Reinhardt said, moved. He put back the cameo in the box then bent to kiss his lover. "Do you know that I want you again, Jakobus?" "Will you not get tired of me? "How could that be possible! Do you feel like... starting again?" "What do you think?" Jakobus asked pushing against him the erection that had already awakened. "Oh... I think yes..." the handsome young man radiantly answered, embracing and kissing him. They had got into the habit of taking their bath together in the morning, washing each other in the wide marble tub. There was warm water pouring from a tap, a luxury that didn't exist in their land, and they enjoyed it together. Then after drying each other, they dressed and Reinhardt went back to his room and locked the door communicating with the prince's study, and both were ready to start the new day. One afternoon, while Jakobus was the guest of prince Willhelm, the emperor's grandson, count Franz Julius entered the Cygnus Apartment and found Reinhardt there, who sprang to attention. "Easy, easy, Reinhardt. With me you can avoid these formalities." "Oh, no, count, sir, it would not be correct..." "Well, if other people were present... but... does it annoy you if we talk for a while?" "At your orders, count, sir." "Sit down, came on, while we are alone. Do you know that I feel a great admiration for you?" "Admiration for me? But I am just a soldier..." "You are an exceptional person and the prince is fortunate having your... devotion." "I am fortunate being at His Royal Highness' service." "You realise that I know about you two, don't you?" "Yes..." "And you also know that I am glad for both of you." "I thank you very much. You are very kind." "Well, then, I pray you to accept being less formal with me..." "I thank you. But I have to stay in my place." "Yes, I understand... the form... the way etiquette imposes... But I would appreciate if you would consider me a friend, as I feel you one for me." "You are too kind." "Whatever might happen, any problem you have to face, please just remember you can count on me." "You confound me..." "When we get back, it will not be as simple and easy as it is now, here in Berlin." "Yes, I am aware." "So, then, my friendship could become useful. My devotion towards prince Jakobus includes you too, I want you to know this. If our society was less bigoted, less filled with prejudices, your place would be at the prince's side. As it is into my heart. Never forget it." "I thank you, count, sir. I am unhappily a man of little value, I cannot return a similar devotion to you. But I am feeling deeply grateful." "Even though respecting the form, as you prefer, never forget you have in me a sincere friend. I wanted to make you aware of this, Reinhardt." "My friendship has no great value... but in me also, count, sir, you will always have a... a friend." "Don't be shamed by telling me. I rather heartily thank you for having accepted me as your friend." On the surface nothing had changed between them, and yet that secret friendship was real. Reinhardt told Jakobus about this conversation. The prince was happy and as a consequence a sincere friendship bloomed between the prince and the count and the two youths started to call themselves by name. When the three months in Berlin came to an end, they all went back to the court. Reinhardt held the rank of maniple-commander, thus it was he who rostered the guard's shifts at the prince's quarters. The friendship between Franz Julius and Jakobus strengthened. And Reinhardt and Jakobus started again their secret night meetings in the deserted room. Friedrich turned eighteen and was presented at the court, the first amongst the other presentees. At the following party he met the young countess Theresa Fanny, also eighteen and the sister of Franz Julius, and started to court her. One of the reasons that attracted Friedrich towards Theresa, besides her charm, grace and cleverness, was the fact that he had came to know from Franz Julius that his sister was the only one in his family who knew about his sexuality, and that this wasn't at all a problem for her. Therefore Friedrich thought that, if he would one day marry with the young countess, he could tell her about Jakobus without fearing to get from her a negative judgement and a refusal. The queen, and in consequence the king too, looked favourably on the beginning of a romance between their second-born son and the daughter of the Admiral - his family was not one of the most ancient court aristocracy, but was a wealthy and powerful family. Friedrich was a fascinating and good boy, therefore the young countess was all but insensible to his charm. Stefania turned sixteen. She was a pretty girl, lively and sweet. Friedrich told his brother that in his opinion it was time to tell their sister the secret of his love. "I think not yet. When she is a little more grown-up, possibly." The prince objected. "But I am certain that she would be one more ally. You will need, my dear brother, all the possible allies, to have a better chance to live your love..." "I have you, and now also the count Franz Julius. And in part, I think, also our cousin Johann..." "But you would have all the court against, if it came to be known..." "We will manage not to be caught." "When you are king, it will become even more difficult." "Ah, I will be king in... forty years, I hope." "Our father is a strong man, it is true. But the throne is wearing him out." "You have not to worry, Friedrich, neither for our father nor for me. But you, rather, how are you going with the count's daughter, Theresa?" "Nicely. We don't even give each other a kiss, but... we seem to fit very well together. I feel something really serious is beginning between us." "May I ask you a very personal question, Freidrich?" "Of course, anything." "You... are you still... a virgin?" The boy blushed delightfully, "No... Last year I had an adventure... You know, when I was guest of our cousin the duke Stanislaw... While I was alone, strolling in the woods I met a girl. She was the daughter of the school teacher in the nearby village. She was nineteen and... she wasn't a virgin, but it was very nice. She didn't know who I was and when, afterward, she asked me what job my father did, I told her he is a soldier... and she seemed disappointed. I asked her if we could meet again, but she said no... So, that was my first and only time." "But you liked it anyway." "Yes, she was skilled. Do you know that..." he said and again blushed, "that she did it... with her mouth..." "Yes, it is really exciting." "Excuse me, Jakobus, but also you and..." "Yes, of course." "Who knows why our tutors teach us so many things, but not one of them ever teaches us about these things?" "Well, but you found a... a master, didn't you?" "Yes, but I felt so awkward and embarrassed, and I was afraid to cut a bad figure..." "When you make love you have just to do what your instinct and your heart tell you. It is much less complicated than it would seem. And you have always to respect the other person..." "Anyway, it is good, making love." "Yes, it is very good, Friedrich. But especially when it is with the person you love." After they spent three months back at the court, Jakobus with his retinue left for London. He was received by queen Victoria, empress of India and by Crown Prince Albert Edward, and by his sons Albert Victor, who was twenty-three, and George, who was twenty-one. The English court was much more lively and free than the German one. The "St. Andrew Apartment" was assigned to Jakobus and his retinue. And there too Jakobus and Reinhardt could spend all their nights together, in the same bed, although with a subterfuge somewhat more complicated than in Berlin, and with Franz Julius's complicity. In fact Reinhardt, to come and go between his lover's bedroom without being seen, had to pass through Franz Julius' room. But the young count, besides being very ready and willing to help, at night was almost never in his room, in fact he had started a relationship with prince Albert Victor's attendant, count James Leopold, a handsome man of twenty-eight. All the rooms had electric lighting and both Jakobus and Reinhardt were fascinated by that novelty. It was enough to turn a tumbler switch and at once the light shone! And what a light! Not flickering like that of lanterns or candles, and much brighter. Another thing the two lovers appreciated was the wide mirror that was in the bathroom, in front of which they often embraced, naked, to enjoy the image of their intertwined bodies. Moreover, together with the princes Albert and George, at times they went out in plain clothes, in a jolly party, with a freedom that Jakobus would never have dreamed of. And he was soon able to take Reinhardt with him, also in plain clothes. So that once Jakobus told him, "Do you see, dressed like this, when we tour the city, we are really just the same! Isn't it beautiful?" "To me it is always beautiful when I can be near you, Jakobus. But even with these ordinary clothes we can't actually touch in public..." Together with the two English princes, they went to the theatre, to the racetrack, to see national sporting matches of cricket. The days were passing careless and fast, in spite of their hot and intimate nights. They had adopted the habit, there in London, of falling asleep totally naked and embracing, at times without making love. But in the morning, when the first rays of the sun awakened one of them, he would lie gently on top of the other, and start to make love, giving him the most affectionate awakening. It was by far the best way to start a new day. There in Buckingham Palace they also learned the English fashion of the pyjamas and of the dressing gown, that everybody found much more elegant and decorous than the old night shirt, and which they at once adopted. Great Britain, especially in the field of men's fashion, at that period was leading all of Europe. And the princes almost never wore their uniform, apart from at official ceremonies, but rather, with sober elegance, they wore plain clothes. Count Franz Julius, in particular, bought a full wardrobe in London. "Oh, Jakobus, what a dream this city is, and this court." He said. "Yes, here we can breathe much fresher air than at our palace, can't we?" "Yes, thankfully." "When I'm king... I think I'll try to transform our court in the image of the English court, Franz Julius. At least in part." "It would be beautiful, provided they let you do so..." "You will be at my side, won't you?" "Yes... if I don't flee to London beforehand." "And into the arms of count James?" "Why not. I had heard so much about typical British phlegm but... James in bed he is all but phlegmatic. He disturbs me! Do you know that sometimes he takes me three times in a night? And at the end I remain with not a single grain of energy in me? It could be because of his Spanish grand-mother... but that man has fire in his veins." "But you like him, don't you?" Jakobus asked him. "Oh, sure. I mean, his appearance is agreeable, not really handsome. But the way he is able to make love! After a night with him I feel like as if I had had sex with a regiment of guards! He really disturbs me, that man. And then he says that I'm the hot one... He does everything. At time I feel almost as I am a rag doll in his arms... or maybe I should say between his legs!" "But you do like him, don't you?" Jakobus asked again, laughing. "To die for. He makes a mess of me, but in such a lustful way! I would marry him immediately, if such a thing was possible for two men!" "But are you in love with him?" "No, what has that got to do with it? Between us there is just sex, from the first moment I meet him to the moment I leave him. But what sex, my friend!" They had been in London for two months and a few days. Franz Julius was in Jakobus study and was talking with him and Reinhardt. "... then, Jakobus, you would not believe it, but count James asks me - did you ever had sex with a black boy? No, I answer. Would you like to? I don't know, I say, possibly. And he says, I have a young lackey, a handsome boy of seventeen I took with me three years ago, when I was in Kenya Colony. A fine figure of a boy and really skilled for sex. If you want to have a taste of him... Well, I couldn't stand my curiosity therefore I accepted. It was an unforgettable experience." "But is it true, count, that the back people are very well endowed?" "Yes, Reinhardt, it is true. But more than the opulence of their tool, is how they are able to use it. That boy is a real expert in the amatory arts. You know, he was made a slave by the Arabs who prepared and instructed him expressly to make love with men..." "A slave? What an horrible thing!" Jakobus commented. "Yes, but now he is just a servant of count James, he is no longer a slave. He gets his regular pay..." "But he had to have sex with you..." Reinhardt countered. "No, he didn't have to. James asked him if he wanted to go with me and the boy agreed. Ah, having a page like him!" "You really would like it?" Jakobus asked him. "Yes, really. I am discovering in me a libido that I didn't think I had..." "I too am discovering that..." Reinhardt said looking with a smile his lover. "And I with you, my love..." Jakobus answered. "You two are delightful!" the count commented. In that moment someone knocked at the door. Reinhardt sprang on his feet and at a sign of Jakobus, went to open the door. It was the attendant. He had a sheet of paper in his hand. "Royal Highness... unfortunately... incredible news..." he said handing the sheet to the prince, "we received by telegraph just now, Highness..." Jakobus stood up, took the sheet, opened it and turned pale, "Good Lord! My father... king Heinrich... is no longer of this world..." Franz Julius stood up, astonished, then in a low voice said, "My heartfelt sympathy... Majesty. You possibly want to be alone..." "No... No... Please start to prepare for my return at once. Queen Victoria is already informed, I presume..." "No, the telegram was coded, I have only just decoded it." "Well, go immediately to give the news to our hosts. We have to go back as soon as possible." "Certainly, I will deal with that at once, Your Majesty." The attendant said, clicking his heels. "And stop calling me Majesty. I have not yet been crowned." Jakobus said with a gloomy face. "It is the tradition... Majesty. Forgive me." The attendant said, uncertain. "Alright, it doesn't matter. Please go, now." The attendant went out, then Jakobus said to count Franz Julius, "Can you please go to tell Petrus we have to go, and to make preparations for our return? Forgive me, but now I need to be alone with Reinhardt for a while..." "Yes, of course, I understand. I'll go immediately. Then I'll be in the antechamber, if you need me." A soon as they were alone, Reinhardt embraced Jakobus, who leaned his head on his lover's shoulder. "It's odd, Reinhardt, my father is dead and... I'm not even able to cry, to feel pain. He was always so distant... he loved me, I know, but... he has been more a king than a father, in some ways. Am I a monster?" "No, my love. I have seen as you turn pale. You are not a monster. It is not your fault if king Heinrich never gave you the affection you needed, but probably it was not even his fault either." "Reinhardt... happily I have you, your affection, your love... Never let me lose it, I beg you..." "No, my love, never..." "We have to go back... the funerals, the coronation... I am afraid we will have very little time for us in the next few weeks... My God! I am too young to be a king! Will you help me, Reinhardt?" "I? To help you to be king? I cannot... I will be near you, of course... but you will have better councillors than a simple soldier." "I'll really need you. Please don't step back right now." "I will never step back, you can be certain. As you are a man, I will always be near you, but as king..." "Maman had always been near my father, and not only as a wife. And we two are married, don't you remember?" "Yes, of course. But this has a value only for us, not for the court. On the throne, you would be alone..." "I know, unhappily. But will you listen to my doubts, will you give me your advice?" "Each time you want it and if I am able, for the little I can understand about a king's duties..." Jakobus received the condolences of the English Royal family and of the court and his farewell was held with a sober and sad ceremony. He was escorted to the ship that would cross the Channel and was taken to his country, by a more numerous escort than that which welcomed him as a Royal Prince, but less numerous than that who would escort a king. At the border of his land a new escort was waiting for him, and the Prime Minister who offered him the government and the nation's condolences. At the Palace he met his mother and his brother and his sister, all in mourning. Then he went to the funeral chamber that had been prepared in the Great Chapel. The king had been laid on the catafalque, with the royal insignia on him. Jakobus demanded to remain alone in front of his father's corpse. "Papa... you are now up there, in heaven, because you have been a honest man and king. Therefore you now know. Protect this son of yours so that he can be a good king. Protect this son of yours and his lover. Protect us all, now that you can. I would have liked our relation to be different... but at this point... Rest in peace, king Heinrich. Rest in peace, papa." The preparations for the solemn funeral were made. Several sovereigns would attend in person or would be represented by close relatives. It was necessary to accommodate all of them properly. They would remain for the funeral, then also for the day that was fixed for the coronation which, as tradition required, was twenty-one days after the death, and fourteen after the funeral. The masters of ceremonies worked hard for the two occasions. Jakobus in those days had to receive the royal guests, preside over the Crown Council, the Ministers Cabinet, the Royal House College... For several days he could not meet Reinhardt, and this was more onerous than anything else. Following the law, in the twenty-one days between the death of the king and his crowning, his father's brother, who was the Bishop of Köln, would assume the role of regent, signing all the documents regarding the ordinary administration. It was a strange diarchy. Jakobus as future king and chief of the royal house, administered certain powers and his uncle the Bishop, as regent, administered certain others. Jakobus asked his brother for help. "Friedrich, after my coronation I have to take many things in my hands, too many. I will have to reorganize my lodgings, my servants, my guard... You know what is required, can you prepare a plan for me?" "Willingly, Jakobus." "Then the Council, the Cabinet and the College will present their resignations. If you had some ideas and suggestions I would be very grateful." "I'll think of that too." "Oh, Friedrich, I didn't even ask you how you are going with your nice countess..." "Well! We were thinking of asking our father the authorization for the official engagement, but now..." "We will settle this after my coronation. Is everything going well between you both?" "Yes, very much. We love each other." "Did you tell her about me and Reinhardt?" "Not yet. I am waiting for your permission" "If you think it appropriate, do so. Then tell me about her reaction." "Certainly." "In these days some matters can possibly escape me. If so, make me notice them, please. I have not yet been prepared for... all of this. No, I really am not yet ready. Ah, and I have a great favour to ask you." "Yes?" "Go and see Reinhardt. Tell him he is always in my thoughts. Give him all my love and ask him to be patient during these days. You can see that I'm no longer my own master for even a minute... Tell him I miss him very much..." "Yes, of course. He will certainly understand." "Did the physicians already announce a verdict about our father's death?" "Not yet. I think the archiater will announce it this evening. But I have heard they were talking about his heart... It gave way all of a sudden. At least he died without suffering." "Do you miss him?" "I don't know, I can't understand it. At times yes, at times no. I think that Stefania misses him very much." "Right. Surely not maman, she has her lover. Ah, it is necessary to provide for papa's paramour too. Will you take care also of that? Will you give me your advice about what I can do for her?" "Possibly she will miss papa too. I think they really loved each other." "Ah, really? Why do you think so?" "Well, you know, from the secret passages I at times spied on them and... and I got this feeling." "If the countess Cecilie Melanie really loved him, she deserves consideration." Jakobus also had to undergo the measurements and the fittings for his clothes for the funerals and for the crowning ceremony, as well the alteration to the crown and so on. Two evenings before the funeral, Friedrich went to knock at Jakobus's door. "Come in!" "Jakobus, can you come to my room?" "Yes, certainly. What for?" "Come... go in..." Inside there was Reinhardt. "Friedrich thought we could pass half a hour together, before you have to go..." the young guard told him, hesitantly. "Oh, Reinhardt! Embrace me!" "How are you, love?" "Shattered... But now, well." "I love you, Jakobus." "I too love you. But these days seems to never pass." "We will recover, later." "I really hope so. And you, how are you?" "Unemployed right now. You have the Royal Guard that was your father's and we of the Noble Guard are waiting for new orders..." "For the moment I cannot change anything. Everything is as if... frozen. I miss you." "Yes, I too miss you." "Friedrich is a darling, having managed this meeting." "Yes, he is very kind to me. Also count Franz Julius is caring for me." "Ah, Franz Julius, my dear friend..." They kissed, tightly embrace, caressed each other. There was a knock at the door and the two lovers reluctantly parted. "Sorry," Friedrich said appearing at the door, "But you, Jakobus, have to go now. They are waiting for you. Reinhardt, you go through the secret passage. As soon as possible, I'll arrange for you two to meet again. Come on, Jakobus..." Finally the solemn funeral was held. Jakobus, following etiquette, was wearing the royal white uniform, but without the kingly insignia. All the bells of the kingdom tolled the mourning while the funeral cortege, from the Grand Chapel of the Royal Palace was going to the Cathedral. Here the Archbishop officiated the solemn exequies. Then the coffin was moved to the square where it received the official homage of the civil and military authorities. Then, loaded on a gun carriage, it was moved to St. Martin's church crypt, where the kings were buried. When they went out of the church, after the burial, all the knights of the Royal Order of Saint Martin, wearing their characteristic crimson capes cut in half, were waiting for Jakobus. He saw Franz Julius between them. The Great Commendatory knelt in front of Jakobus and offered him the Great-Master's gold neck-chain which Jakobus then wore. Then the two youngest knights, and one was Franz Julius, put on his shoulders the bipartite cape, kept together only by the collar which, for the Great-Master, was of gilt cloth. All the knights then knelt and threw the salute of acclamation. Once this simple investiture ceremony ended, Jakobus returned to the Palace. During the two following weeks, at the Palace, in the Cathedral, and in towns and villages all over the kingdom the symbols of mourning were gradually disappearing to be replaced by the decorations for the crowning ceremony. Meanwhile Jakobus was busy with a host of other engagements. Between these, his brother made him examine his projects. The reappointment of the Ministers Cabinet, with the substitution of only the Justice Minister, too old, with the cousin Johann Mathias. The reappointment of the Crown Council, with the introduction of Friedrich and Franz Julius in place of two older councillors. The reappointment of the Royal House College, here too with only two changes. The appointment of Reinhardt as a count and personal attendant of the king. A pension and the gift of a villa to the lover of the defunct king. Then some minor decisions. Jakobus approved everything and subscribed to all the projects. Then he asked Friedrich to organize another encounter with Reinhardt for him. When they were alone, after some sweet effusions, Jakobus said to Reinhardt, "At Friedrich's suggestion, after my crowning, I intend to confer the title of count on you and to name you my personal attendant." "I, a count? No, Jakobus!" "But so you will have freedom of movement at court, dignity, honours..." "Your love is worth more than any dignity and honour... and I really don't see myself as a count. I am not made of the right stuff." "All those on whom a title of nobility was conferred, were common people before ..." "No, please. A simple guard named count! Everybody would criticize that..." "But I... it would make easier for us to be together. A king and a count... there would be nothing odd if..." "No, please. As your attendant I could anyway stay near you." "The king's attendants are almost always aristocrats, or at least high army officers. Making you a count would be normal, but I cannot all of a sudden make of you a general!" "If it is an order, I cannot but obey you. But I beg you, don't force me..." "But making of you the personal attendant of the king without giving you any title would be even more odd. And I want you to be able to be near me always, in any way, on all occasions." "I'm not a good judge of these matters..." "Don't you want to be near me?" "Of course I want to!" "Then, please don't make it difficult for me. Moreover the noble guard is normally composed of aristocrats, isn't it? What was your grand-father's title?" "He was a count..." "Right so, you see? Accept being made a count, love, I beg you." "I... I will do anything you want, my love." "And not be upset with me." "No, I could not." "Then embrace me again, love." Jakobus summoned the Marshal of the College of Heralds and asked him to look for which count's title he could bestow on his attendant. He already had in mind the land to give to his assistant - that of the Silver Forest, where the old castle built by his ancestor Otto the Solitary was. He didn't then imagine how very appropriate this choice would turn out to be. ----------------------------- CONTINUES IN CHAPTER 9 ----------------------------- In my home page I've put some more of my stories. If someone wants to read them, the URL is http://andrejkoymasky.com If you want to send me feed-back, or desire to help revising my English translations, so that I can put on-line more of my stories in English please e-mail at andrej@andrejkoymasky.com ---------------------------