Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, events or locales is purely coincidental and no slanderous intent is implied.
This is a story about a son of Duke from a fictious kingdom and the life and experiences that he has when he ends up in America. During this story we discover two fictious nations and principalities and their royal families ... These are completely the product of my imagination and bear no resemblance to anyone living or dead.
I know that I hinted that Lord Aquamaine would be Part 2 of the Moonside Manor story line. However when I started writing, it took on a life of it's own and when I tried to tie the two together they would not let me and I had to do major rewrites in Lord Aquamaine as we result. There will be more of CJ and more or LJ, but they are stand alone at the monment. Currently working on a story set in 1880s in the Ridings of Yorkshire about a boy from the coal mines.
This work is copyrighted and I ask that you do not copy, post or electronically download without my express permission.
If you are too young to be here or it is illegal in your state then please leave; finally if you are looking for hot sex scenes then look again as you'll not find any here.
Email me - Kev (UK) with your comments at ukwriter12@yahoo.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- In an effort to help you follow what is happening the characters are listed below, but in addition since Lord Aquamaine is a very rich young man other things are listed as well, such as his businesses to help you follow.
Characters ----------- Lord Lancelot Jefferson Bravender VI - Lord Aquamaine Lord Byron Penn - LJs husband Charles Edward Bravender - LJ's adopted son - Lord Lyonaisse Troy Jordan Bravender (TJ)- LJ's adopted son Jame Ross Bravender (JR)- LJ's adopted son Ezekiel DeLuca Nelson Bravender - LJ's adopted son Annabelle Margaret Bravender - LJ's adopted daughter - Lady Ravenswood Colt Nelson Vravender - LJ's adopted son - Lord Caderis
Baron - LJ's Horse
Anna Hemmings - Nanny Mr Jake - Master of the Prince's stables Dotty Walters - Mr Jakes wife - Main housekeeper Johan - Dotty's son - Caretaker of LJ's estates. Ryan Crow - LJs PA Andrew Collins - TJ special friend.
Rupert Devereaux - LJ's Interior Designer Brodie Reid McGregor - Clothes Designer Nicole DuBois - Opera singer Josh Connors - Country Singer
King David – Heir to the throne of Aquamaine. Queen Christine - Wife of King David. King Myles - King of Lizondia Prince Steven - Prince of Lizondia Princess Zorina - Daughter of Myles. Queen Georgiana - Dowager Empress of Lizondia
Governor Walt Simms - Texas rancher / Belle's husband (x Governor) Belinda Tremaine Davison - LJ's guardian (x Vice President) William Tremaine - Belle's father (retired) Arnold Tremaine - Attorney / Belle's brother Peter Tremaine - Belle's oldest son Bobby Tremaine - Belle's son Richard Tremaine - Belle's twin son Barnaby Tremaine - Belle's twin son Nonna DeLuca - Wife of the Prime Minister Carl Masterson - Foster son on Nonna
Ian Masters - CEO of Aquamaine LLC and former President Professor Phillip Masters - President Masters father and LJs mentor Professor Bryan Masters -President Masters brother and LJs tutor Dean Reynolds - Dean of university and LJs mentor Judge Reynolds - The deans brother Professor Absom - Class tutor Martin Japp - PI Cornell Anderson Sr - President of USA Cornell Anderson Jr - Son
Maria Gonzalez - Spanish speaking - Colt's mother Lincoln Struthers - LJ's friend - Partner in law firm Colt Nelson - Cace's Pa
Thomas – LJ's Major-Domo Edward - LJ's security guard Mickael Russo - Mike's nephew Dave - LJ's security guard Gunny Wilks - LJ's security guard Todd Wilks - LJs Friend and Security guard General Nathaniel Wilks - LJs chief of Security
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Titles ------- Lord Ravenswood - 14th Duke of Ravenswood and Aeden Viscount Ravenswood Earl of Lizonby Earl of Aylsgart Baron Rooksfeld
Viscount Aeden Viscount of Kingsmere Viscount of Reymire Viscount of Rooksfeld
Marquess of Reymire Earl of Kirkowen Lord Mallamtap
Baron of Crogdun
Lord Aquamaine Duke of Rookfort Marquess of Conroy Baron of Kingsmere
17th Duke of Valkland
Marquess of Reyesford
Baron of Lizonby Viscount of Iddlesworth
12th Duke of Vauxland Prince Of Bowland
Countess of Aylsgart
Marquis of Vauxland 8th Duke of Caderis 15th Earl of Perisand 19th Marquis of Ironsea 5th Duke of Shadehaven
12th Duke of Lyonaisse 16th Marquis of Stoneacre
11th Duke of Courtnesse 9th Duke of Eriton
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Locations ---------- Chrysland (Nation) Lizondia (Neighbouring nation)
Towns and areas in Chrysland ----------------------------- Lizonby Aylsgart Valtland Jusland Sifton Park - Aquamaine Aquamaine
Properties ----------- Rooksfeld Manor (Near Lizonby) Aquamaine Palace (Home to the kings of Chrysland) Aquamaine House Florida Ocean Front House Oklahoma Ranch Stoneacre Estate - Boston Thousand Oaks Estate - California Texas Ranch (Main Home) Aquamaine Mansion - Washington DC Penrise Hall Iddlesworth Hall Ironbay Hall Stoneacre Castle Blackswale Castle Grande Vista Palazzo - Ezekiel and Colt's inherited home Italy Giardino di Fiore - Ezekiel and Colt's inherited home Italy
Courtness Hall
All businesses controlled by "The office of the Prince"
Aquamaine LLC ------------- Aquamaine Fruit and Vegetables - Florida Aquamaine Horse and Cattle Company - Oklahoma and Texas Aquamaine Wineries - Califormia and Texas Aquamaine Hotel Several Shopping Malls in differnet States Two Theme Parks Aquamaine Men (Menswear) Aquamaine Retail (departmental stores) Aquamaine Real Estate - Various Rental properties Aquamaine Dude Ranch - Montana
Bravender LLC -------------------- Bravender Gallery Bravender Art Bravender, Struthers and Tremaine - Aquamaine Law Roksfeld Accounting and Auditing Co.
Bravender - Freedom Bank Bravender - Florris Investments Bravender - Lazy T Mall Bravender - Boston Properties
At Home with Aquamaine LLC - Company created by the Bravender kids.
Lord Aquamaine --------------
Chapter 16 – Life and a State Wedding -------------------------------------
Gunny and Thomas put their heads together and booked the plane for a flight over to Italy. Just Gunny and Todd would travel with me and Thomas. Nonna and the General would stay with the children as their guardians. Perhaps with me not there they may have a normal life at last.
We had been in Italy for about a month staying at Giardino di Fiore on the coast. It was having the desired effect on me as I was coming out of my depression and starting to notice life. We went down to the beach this one morning and an American tourist was desperately looking out to sea and looking like he wanted to just jump in and forget to get out. I could tell he was a tourist as he had that typical look about him. "Hi there. Did you know that this is a private beach?" No answer.
I walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder. "Excuse me I said did you know that this is a private beach?" He looked up at me and his face was so covered in tears that I simply fell to my knees and hugged him and allowed him to cry.
"You don't have to say anything, but I am here if you want to talk." He nodded and sobbed.
"I'm all alone sir and I hate life."
"What do you mean you are alone? How old are you?"
"I'm twenty two and just finished college. My parents were killed in an accident last year with my baby brother. I was the only one left so everything came to me. I guess that made me quite wealthy, but I only got through it all because I had Jerry my roommate. We had become best friends and then lovers. He was just... Well he was just him. Then he was diagnosed with a cancer. I said goodbye to him about a month ago and have been so lonely ever since. Sir everything that I loved has been taken away from me."
We were both just dressed in speedos and holding each other for some time. I had laid down on his towel and kept him hugged close to me. So as we lay there his head on my naked chest playing with the chest hair suddenly we both became very aware of our near nakedness. He was definitely getting to me.
"Look I am staying at Giardino di Fiore just behind us. Other than the security that I have with me I am alone as well. Why don't you join me? I'd love to have your company."
He looked at me and just nodded. "Who are you sir? My name's Byron. I feel as if I should know you."
"My name is Lance. Lance Bravender. That is all you need to know for now. I want us to be friends. To be honest I need a friend, so let's not let anything else get in the way."
He smiled, "I'd like that, I'd like that a lot Lance. I would really like that. Thank you. I am staying at the Aquamaine, but it is so lonely when you have no one else."
"I promise I will eventually tell you about me and I hope that you will tell me about your past, but let's just be friends" and that was it. We sat there and we talked for the rest of the afternoon. As we felt that we were well cooked I invited him into the mansion. As we walked up to it he started crying and just sank to the ground.
"Is this yours?"
"No. No it's my sons. They were left it by their godfather. Why?"
"It reminds me of home. Mom and Grams always had flowers everywhere. Our mansion was laid out so that the gardens were in bloom year round. Oh damn now you know. Sire I just don't know what to do."
"Sire? Why call me sire I said that I needed a friend and our pasts would not get in the way. It sounds like you know who I am."
"Ma and Pa loved you and Josh and never missed your TV specials."
I smiled, "I did that because I felt alone. I needed to do something to stay busy. Okay let's sit down here under this bower and discuss what's gotten you like this. I want to be here for you and to help."
"I was in college up until May when I graduated and my grandparents and parents were all there to see me collect my diploma. I may only be twenty two, but I am a qualified doctor of medicine as I was able to get through school faster than most. I can also speak five languages."
I smiled "French, Italian, German, Polish, Spanish, Japanese and English. Oh and I have ASL as well. I dare say that I could pass in BSL."
He smiled "All but ASL, Polish and Japanese."
We laughed and I just said, "Twins. Ok ... sorry carry on..."
"I was going to set up practice in Boston close to my parents and grandparents. In fact I was going to have an office in my father's practice. I went to Bravender high and father's offices aren't too far away. Our mansion is just up the road from Stoneacre. In fact I think we were your neighbours."
He sobbed again his whole body heaved with pain as he did so. "Then on the way back home there was an accident and my whole family was killed; four grandparents, parents... even my baby brother who was just eight years old."
I was stunned that someone so young could have gone through something so painful. He continued, "Jerry and I had been together for four years all the way through college and we graduated together. He never had anyone and was the rock that got me through it all. Six months after everything he was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. He died exactly nine months after my parents." He was sobbing.
Gunny and Todd had knelt around us and were offering support. Both had tears running down their faces. "I buried Jerry just before seeing you guys in the Christmas concert. I only went because a friend told me I had to go or they would come and drag me there. It was the best move that I ever did. Your kids are wonderful, just like you." He realised what he had said and then blushed.
"It's okay you seem pretty wonderful yourself." I looked at him. "Come on, Todd here and me are taking you to the Aquamaine and moving you to another suite. You have had enough of being alone. You are moving here with us."
"I have to go back soon and open the doctor's surgery that was my fathers. It's in the Back Bay area so needs to be open. I have to settle the will and everything."
"Byron what was your last name?"
"Penn ... Byron Penn, son of Dr Martin and Dr Patricia Penn. I think we are the only Penn family in America before you say anything it is not very common."
"I have heard of them. Gunny, call Linc get him on to settling the will for Byron. The last thing he needs to do is to have to settle his parents and grandparents wills."
I looked at him, "There, we have one more week and then I have to travel back as well. You sir will stay as my guest and then fly back with me. As to what you do after that it is up to you. I have a massive house full of kids that would love Uncle Byron to live with us."
He looked at me and cocked his head to the side. "Are you asking me to move in with you?"
"Yes, but not as my lover as my friend that needs friends around him. If anything grows between us then it would be nice. I have had one lover that was beheaded for treason and then another lover that I found in bed with one of the guards so excuse me if I want a friendship before anything else.
"If it does get that far I will only enter into a relationship if I think that you would be happy with just me. If I think you would stray then you keep your freedom and we remain friends."
He thought about that. "I think that I would like that Lance. I need a friend and I need to have people around me. I think I would like a lover eventually. Though I need to be in the right place and at the moment I am not. Friends can cuddle at night though can't they? I enjoyed cuddling on the beach just now. I do not want to be alone in an empty house. My mansion we can use when we get visitors or when the kids want to spread their wings or something like that. For now I need to be near friends." We hugged, but this time there was no tears.
"I think I need some good cuddling as well."
That was it for a week we relaxed on the beach, swam and played beach volley ball and just laid out in the sun. Even Gunny and Todd loved the time that we had as Todd was able to use it as a time to overcome his grief.
Thomas kept things sane and kept in touch with Boston and it was not long before we were flying back. I was relaxed and didn't worry about not having a lover. I had a wonderful friend and we bounced off each other.
We met with Linc at Byron's house the day after arriving back in Boston and were surprised by the insurance settlement and value of the estate.
I was also surprised because his parent's estate was next to Stoneacre. Linc had sued the company of the truck that smashed into the family and had secured quite a large settlement out of court. $25,000,000 didn't give him his family back though.
With the $25,000,000 and the insurances and estates of the family Byron was worth over $125,000,000. He just broke down and sobbed. Linc then surprised us all and asked if Byron had thought of renting out the estate that was either his parents or his grandparents. The reason being he wanted his kids to be close to the family.
After they discussed everything Linc would rent the estate of Byron's grandparents and we would renovate and decorate so that it was ready in the summer for Linc and Mary to move into. There was an option to buy, but Byron had not made his mind up at that time.
Mary was with Nonna and the General when we walked back to the estate and I remembered that she was a nurse. "Mary when you move out here will you be going back to work?"
"Well I would like to as Nonna and Anna have offered to watch the little ones until they start school."
"What type of nurse are you?"
"I'm now a qualified nurse practitioner and will be looking for something similar when I get back to work. Byron what do you do love? Welcome to the mad house by the way. I hope we can be friends as I know these two over there are like Siamese twins and I have just had to accept it. So now you have a sister." He just had tears rolling down his face and we all laughed as Mary just kept on talking as he cried.
"Mary, Byron lost all of his family last year in an accident."
"Oh my darling boy!" She just hugged him and held him tight.
Suddenly he looked at me, "Poppa Bear? Is everyone in this `ere family good at hugging?"
Nonna looked at him, "I'll answer that one LJ. Yes sir every last one of them, even the guards."
"Man I think that I have just found heaven!" He stepped away, "Mary I may be young, but I am a qualified doctor. I have also got my own practice; well it was my father's so I have inherited it. I'll be looking to staff it because when he died I had to close it till I had sorted everything.
"I need about three or four nurses, lab technicians, orderlies, other doctors and anyone else that you can think of. It was quite a large Health Clinic that my father owned. I'd really like to get it back up and running. Linc, would it be wrong for the clinic attorney to also be husband of one of the partners? I have more than I will ever need so I need a partner to help me run the place."
Mary smiled, "If that is an offer of a partnership in your practice then I would love it. Linc's business attorney in Boston will be the practice attorney so there is no conflict. I would not do it for less than a 35% share though."
Byron smiled. "I want to keep overall control as daddy did. So 40% to 60%. If you agree to that Linc can have the practice valued and then it is up to you to arrange payment."
"Oh I can pay I have my grandparents inheritance still that I've never touched. They would love knowing that it is being used for this. They always wanted me to go into my own business." I looked at Linc and he just winked at me and smiled knowing that they had struck it off and that Byron and Mary would be like the girlfriends that never were.
That was it the decorators were in the parents and the grandparents estates as well as the doctors clinic. The grandparent's property was walking distance from us and Linc and his family took up residence.
They loved it and Linc soon settled into the Boston attorney way of life. `Bravender, Struthers and Tremaine Law' already had quite a reputation, but when Lincoln Struthers' name was on the reception as one of the local partners business just came pouring in. It also meant I was working in the office now and doing what I loved.
That first month we felt that we needed to move and adapt so that we were where the business was. We looked at the property that we had on board at the time and took control of Stoneacre Towers the office block in the centre of town and we moved the Aquamaine head office over to where we were.
Belle and Walt had retired, but had trained great people to take their positions. Ian Masters was still single and jumped at the chance of being closer to the family. So it was that all of the Office of the Prince was once again together and they bought some of the property that had been vacated as a result of the battle of Stoneacre.
On the top floor of the offices the kids established the head office for At Home with Aquamaine LLC. TJ fashion house also moved there and we provided more space so that he could employ seamstresses. Other than the conference rooms the ground floor was Aquamaine Law and TJ of Aquamaine Fashions. We fell in love with Stoneacre Towers and life settled down at last. One addition that the kids bought on was Professor Blain Absom as CEO for them.
After about six months of everything running smoothly Byron and I were shooting the shit late one night. In fact we were playing a rather competitive game of snooker when he just looks at me. He suddenly went very quiet and reached forward. "I love you Mr Bravender." Then he fell to one knee and pulled something out of his pocket. "Will you marry me Poppa Bear?" He just looked at the floor as if he was going to cry.
"Beg your pardon?" I was stunned that this beautiful man would want me.
He stuttered, "I, I ... I said will you marry me? I want to spend my life with you. You have to know though that when I give my heart to someone it is for eternity and it is not open for others to share. It is just two of us in bed and never anyone else. I love you with all my heart and want to spend my life with you Lord Aquamaine."
I reached down and pulled him up and just hugged him with tears falling down my face. "I have loved you since the day I saw you on the beach, which by the way is this week. At the time we both needed a friend more than a lover as we had both been hurt. I wanted this last year, but wanted you to be my friend first and always. I love you with all my heart Doctor Byron Penn. I would be honoured to spend my life with you." That was it I had done it and life suddenly felt good as we kissed.
Suddenly we heard applause coming from the doorway. The sneaks they had been listening in. God I loved my family. Suddenly Nonna said "I will call Miss Belle tomorrow and we will start the organisation of a State Wedding. General we need to call King David as the ceremony will need to be in the Bowland Cathedral. For now though bed everyone. Oh my we have so much to organise. Come, come bed now ..." She looked at me and then to Byron, "You to yours though ... You move once married!"
We laughed and looked at each other. I said "Guess we will stay here then as I do not want to let you go." I looked at the rings that he had bought for us they looked like they were designed for us and they had like a gothic L and B intertwining around the ring with diamonds and emeralds.
TJ looked at Byron, "Papa come to the design studio and pick out the cloth for the grooms suits for you, dad and all of the attendants. I have all of your measurements and will make them first. Who are going to be the female attendants? Hell who's the bride? Do you want the same suits or colour variations?"
"Poppa Bear help!" We all just laughed. With that we all went to bed and the next morning was woken up with Queen Christine, Mary and Zorina all at the door to get the organization on the move. Word had spread, so before it could spread anymore I called King David and Myles and asked both of them to stand for me as my best groomsmen.
We notified TJ that King David, Myles and I would all be wearing the military attire belonging to the Principality of Bowland, as would all of the male heirs. Byron would be wearing a navy blue tuxedo with matching trousers and across that would be the purple sash of the house of Aquamaine draped from his right shoulder as we would all have ours draped from the left.
It wasn't long before David and Myles and all of their families arrived. I discussed with both Byron and David the thought about him becoming my Prince Consort, but he had heard about Cace and did not want to tempt fate and refused.
Uncle Myles felt that we needed to enter the marriage as equals so he came to the rescue by knighted Byron and made him Lord Penn, Eleventh Duke of Courtnesse, Master of Courtnesse Hall and Duke of Eriton. Lord Byron Penn.
I talked to the children and agreed that it made sense that the Bowland tradition be kept and even though he refused to have any title from me Charlie gifted him Penrise Hall as the official Bowland residence of Lord Penn of Lizondia.
Myles hugged Byron "I do not know how this fits, but the family name of the Dukes of Eriton was Penn before it died out in the 1800's. Do you know where your family came from?"
"Lizondia sire. We moved to America in the late seventeenth century though. I believe as aid to the Lord who moved here, but that's all I know."
Zorina looked at her father, "O...M...G! Your family were aids to the first equerry to America from Lizondia. It's known that the aid to the equerry was Lord Brian Penn, Duke of Eriton's youngest son. He was best friend of the equerry my father's ever so great-great uncle. It is right and fitting then that you become the Duke of Eriton as you are the only living relative."
Byron looked at Zorina and slumped to the floor. "I always wanted to have family and relatives. Ever since my family were killed. Poppa Bear I'm not alone!" and he just sobbed. Thus with the marriage King Myles united our two kingdoms and King David was over the moon.
It meant now that he had the right to be fitted with the ceremonial uniform of Lizondia. It was a midnight Blue uniform with gold trimmings and the medals that went with his position. He would now have the royal purple sash of Bowland with the Bravender coat of arms. Finally King Myles, Prince Steven and Princess Zorina now known to be his relatives would be walking the aisle with him as he entered and Prince Steven would be his best man. Zorina would be in a midnight blue creation by TJ of Aquamaine and she too would wear the sash. Only Byron would be wearing the Aquamaine sash the rest would be in the ivory of Lizondia.
King David, Queen Christine, Prince Richard and Princess Adora would all walk with me. Princess Adora was to be the flower girl dressed in a pale blue TJ of Aquamaine dress.
All of the men connected to the Aquamaine and Bowland throne would wear the midnight or navy blue and gold uniform. Everyone would wear the royal purple sash with the Bravender insignia on the Left shoulder attached to a ceremonial sword at the waist. I would wear the ivory sash with the coat of arms of the Duke of Eriton.
Christine and Annabelle as Zorina was already in midnight blue would be in matching royal Blue dresses with no sash. Once our union was official their aids would add the union sash to their outfits.
The only exception to all of this was Charlie and Colt. Charlie was dressed in the ceremonial colours of Lord Lyonaisse; a bright red and gold uniform with a pale blue sash and dark blue trousers. Colt wore the ceremonial uniform of Lord Caderis and Lord Ironsea melded together to create a new uniform. His was the bright red jacket of Caderis with the silver braided jacket of Ironsea. The dark blue trousers also had the silver braiding. This was finished with the pale blue sash of Ironsea. Even with this individuality both boys chose to wear the Bravender family coat of arms on their sash.
We agreed that the midnight blue suits would be our going away outfits after the ball in the palace of Bowland. TJ took the two sashes and with all of his skills created a sash that intertwined the two kingdoms thus creating the union. When we appeared at the reception we would be wearing the new union sash.
We also agreed that we would be flying out to where we met for our honeymoon...The Giardino di Fiore. We would have two weeks by ourselves, then the kids and Nonna and the General would join us for a week in Italy. We would then tour all of our international properties, both business and personnel in Italy, Lizondia, Bowland and Chrysland.
Other than all of this it was agreed that it would be a June wedding which was two months away. Bowland cathedral was to be used and the entire world knew that I had found my man. We were in every magazine, on every news program and in every talk show that we could get on to. Just before we travelled to Bowland I had a phone call. It was from Corney Anderson asking if he could sing for me with Nicole.
How I loved this kid. He was magic with a capital M and so we invited the family and of course we had Corney, Josh and Nicole singing and invited as friends. Being a singer myself I wanted my vows to be special so I was going to serenade my man. As I was about to give my vows I was going to sing one of my favourites that said how I felt...
Tonight I celebrate my love for you It seems the natural thing to do Tonight no one's gonna find us We'll leave the world behind us When I make love to you
Tonight I celebrate my love for you And hope that deep inside you'll feel it too Tonight our spirits will be climbing To a sky filled up with diamonds When I make love to you, tonight
Tonight I celebrate my love for you And that midnight sun is gonna come shining through Tonight there'll be no distance between us What I want most to do, is to get close to you Tonight
Tonight I celebrate my love for you And soon this old world will seem brand new Tonight we will both discover how friends turn into lovers When I make love to you
Tonight I celebrate my love to you And that midnight sun is gonna come shining through Tonight there'll be no distance between us What I want most to do, is to get close to you Tonight I celebrate my love for you Tonight I wouldn't be doing any other singing, but this was my gift to him as I wanted him to know how I felt.
Life was a blur for the next few weeks and both royal families took up residence in America for the foreseeable future. Admittedly both Kings had to travel between the two but they gave most of their times over to our time.
Myles and David though chose to take Byron up on his offer and live in the residence that used to be his parents as it was on our property now. We had joined the two grounds together for security reasons. So Penn Hall became a royal residence.
It was just starting summer and I contented myself with the kids and Byron to spend as much time working out and swimming as possible and I even took up jogging again with Charlie early every morning to try and strengthen my leg. We both loved it and were ready for the day at the end of a good run.
As it got closer to the wedding I did one last tour with Linc to make sure that everything was running smoothly. Charlie came along and we started teaching him the ins and outs of running the business. I was pleased he was very bright.
When we returned to Boston we were soon all packed and heading out to the Palace of Sighs, my official residence in Bowland. All of our family were able to stay as there were plenty of rooms though Zorina insisted that Byron and the Lizondia contingent stay at Penrise Hall as we should not see each other on the day of the wedding until the wedding itself.
It seems as though the world had descended on Bowland. Our new hotel, Aquamaine of Bowland reported that all of its rooms were fully booked with visiting dignitaries. As we did not have room at the palace for everyone I opened the Aquamaine so that we could cater for everyone.
The night before the wedding King Myles threw a massive banquet to celebrate the return of one of the lost sons of Lizondia. They had proven through DND that Byron surely was a descendant of the old Dukes lineage. King Myles was the host with Byron as the guest of honour.
As the lineage had been proven we were all surprised when King Myles got Byron to kneel before him as placed a simple gold band upon his head. Lord Penn – Duke of Courtnesse by right in the long distant past was a prince of the land. His family were also distant cousins of Myles as was mine to David. As such he would be known as Prince Byron Maksim Penn of Courtnesse.
David got me to kneel and placed upon my head a newly fashioned crown, which matched Byron's. The ancient crown would still be used for official Bowland ceremonial functions, but on a day to day basis the simple gold band would be worn when society required it.
That night the world's media ran with the story of the marriage of Prince Lancelot Bravender of Bowland and Prince Byron of Courtnesse. They also recognised that it united the two countries for the first time in centuries.
Surprisingly no one mentioned that it was a same sex marriage, but in Lizondia as in Chrysland same sex marriage had been legal for hundreds of years.
We both circulated the room and entertained our guests, both ensuring to speak in the language of the leader where ever we could. Also the children wooed and won the hearts of the world as they too walked the floor and entertained the guests. The boys were often seen on the dance floor with the older ladies flirting shamelessly.
That night the world was also introduced to a new member of our family as TJ had invited Andy and they won the hearts of the nation as they spoke to everyone. I was pleased to see that with only a few exceptions all of the ladies gowns were designed by the TJ of Aquamaine and you could see the pride that Andy took in noting with each lady that she looked spectacular in a TJ of Aquamaine creation.
Before the stroke of midnight Zorina and Myles whisked the Lizondia contingent off to Penrise to stay the night so that we would not be able to see each other until the wedding. As Byron was no where around I was a bag of nerves worrying, just knowing that he would need his Poppa Bear.
Waking that morning I thought that my head was going to split. I think we had drank a little too much of the Bowland Bubbly. Of course it could not be called champagne, but it was just as good as far as we were concerned as the grapes of Bowland were second to none.
The General took control and like a military operation made sure that we all were looked after and he made sure that I drank his hair of the dog recovery elixir to get rid of my hangover. It was green, it smelled foul and it worked like a treat. God only knows what it was, but when Gunny saw me drinking it he laughed his head off.
After that he made me have a full breakfast as he said that with all of the ceremonies today my energy would sag very quickly, he also gave me some glucose sweets for an instant energy rush if I needed it.
After all of that, up to the Prince's rooms to have Thomas take over in my care and make sure that I looked as if I was a million dollars; such pampering. He even bathed me and it felt like it did when I was a young boy and he used to do that.
Once I was cleaned, scrub and perfumed I was dressed in my uniform. What shocked me was that the uniform came with the ceremonial cloak that I wore at my coronation. I nearly balked as it made me feel that I had the train so I was the bride; however, it was required that I wear full ceremonial robes for state occasions.
He pointed out that Charlie and Colt would be wearing similar, as would Kings David and Myles. I was the prince of the land and as I walked down the aisle the world would know that I was lord of this land as I would be wearing the ancient crown of the Princes of Bowland.
Thomas had timed it right on time as transport was waiting for us as soon as I was ready. As I walked out to the rest of the family, there were my wonderful children in full ceremonial uniforms and medals.
King David's family were also there in full gown the only thing David was not wearing was the robe as he did not want it to detract from my family. David, Christine and all of the children, theirs and mine, wore the simple everyday gold band crowns of Chrysland. The view that they created was stunning.
There were three carriages and Thomas and the staff would travel in the cars behind. The first carriage had the King and Queen of Chrysland with TJ and Andy, JR and Grandpa Colt. The second was Linc and Mary with Ezekiel, Colt, Nonna and the General. I travelled in the third carriage with Charlie, Annabelle and Crowned Prince Richard.
Once we were all there we walked in the following order; King and Queen of Chrysland followed by Grandpa Colt first. A few seconds later they would be followed by Linc, as my man at arms, with Mary followed by Nonna and the General. Finally after a slight break Princess Adora with her basket of petals would walk in alone throwing petals of red roses. She would be followed by Prince Richard and Annabelle, followed by TJ Andy and JR, followed by Ezekiel and Colt. Once they had entered Charlie and I would make our entrance.
We were going to be the second to arrive as King Myles' carriages arrived at the cathedral first and Zorina and King Myles were first to walk in with Zorina's arm on her fathers. They were followed by Prince Stephen and the Bishop of the Cathedral.
Finally King Myles' Grand Mother the Dowager Empress of Lizondia, Queen Georgiana with her hand on Prince Byron - Lord of Courtnesse entered and walked slowly down the aisle to Ode to Joy. Byron was shocked by the way everything was happening.
As he walked with the lady who had told him straight "From this day Byron you are one of mine, never forget that!" Everyone in the congregation stood and bowed. When they reached the front he seated the Dowager Empress and went and sat next to Prince Steven waiting for our arrival.
The very fact that the Dowager had walked down the aisle with Byron was her way of letting the world know her feelings. Being a true showman that she was she made sure that the world knew that she accepted the now third in line to the throne. At this time I did not know that this had happened.
Apparently the Dowager had private investigators research his family. He truly was the descendant that they thought and as such was part of the royal family. Myles and his children and cousin were from the oldest sons lineage and then Byron was from the youngest sons lineage and thus third in line to the throne.
The situation actually suited the music that had been chosen by the family for because anyone looking at my Byron at that moment would have known that he finally felt at home.
As all of this was happening we were just leaving the palace for the short ride to the cathedral. The streets were packed with not only people from Bowland, Lizondia and America, but from all over the world. People had travelled hundreds of miles. The world's media was everywhere and we waved our hands off as we rode to the cathedral. The kids thought that it was all great fun and won the hearts of the world that day.
King David knowing that I loved Trumpet Voluntary and all trumpet music had commissioned a variation on Trumpet Voluntary to be composed especially for the wedding.
Soon it was our turn and as stated we entered the cathedral in the procession that I have already described. We spaced the procession out, but it was truly magnificent to the music that had been written for the service.
As King David and his queen started the procession into the Cathedral the music started and I was in tears as I realised what had been done. I wanted King David to be my best man, but he had to take his place as King and with his Queen on the throne of Bowland placed to the side of the approach to the altar. As a result Linc stepped aside so that Lord Lyonaisse could stand for me. I was chuffed to pieces by this.
"Father, will you stop pacing up and down as the cameras are watching. Take one of the sugar tablets it might help to calm you down."
"Charlie what if it turns out like Cace did? What if I'm fated to be alone all of my life? I've never been truly happy in anything so why should I now? I mean I'm not an eighteen year old like you anymore."
"Dad... That's easy because you are the sweetest, kindest man that I have ever met in my life. If I can meet a man half as good as you then I will be very lucky." We just hugged and all of the cameras caught the picture `The support of love'.
At the prearranged time the music reached a crescendo and we started our walk down the aisle. Charlie was every inch the Prince that he was born to be. Me? Me well I felt so happy to have made it this far, to have a wonderful family and to have finally found love.
As each of our group arrived at the seating area the family the Lizondia family was still standing and we bowed to them especially Empress Georgiana and King Myles. Likewise they returned the bow.
As I reached the families Charlie and I bowed and as we bowed Empress Georgiana came forward, which was totally unplanned. "Be it known to the world that this day we join the greatest of the great. Lord Aquamaine I have watched you young man and your mother would be so proud of the man you have become." That was it tears were streaming down my face.
She continued, "I give unto you the long lost son of Lizondia to look after and love. Love him as we have always loved you. Be it known to the world that this union has my blessing." With that she placed Byron's hand in mine; his smile could have lit up the world at that moment. Happy her job was done she returned to her seat. Once she was seated everyone followed.
With Byron's hand in mine, his hand laid across mine so all could see we continued up the last portion of the aisle by ourselves. Charlie and Linc and Prince Steven followed closely behind as men at arms.
The ceremony was wonderful in every way. As we were exchanging our vows I sang my song to him and he broke down in tears. As he gave his vows he looked at me and with a singing voice that I had never heard before sang West Side Story "Make of our Hearts".
Without me knowing JR had gone over to the grand piano. I just looked at Byron and without any prompting sang the duet with him. We both had tears streaming down our faces as we did. As JR continued to play we went with the Bishop, followed by Empress Georgiana and the two Kings for the signing of the marriage certificate.
During the signing Josh Connors and Nicole sang for the congregation. We were in for a treat though as JR played and Corney stood in the congregation and sang `Can you feel the love tonight' from the Lion King. It was beautiful. I stood and held my arms open for him to come up to me. He simply jumped and ran into my arms and I hugged him as my own.
After we had gained composure I nodded to JR and we sang `Danny Boy' together and as we were coming to an end he simply walked over to Byron and hugged him "Welcome home Mr Byron, welcome home."
With that he just walked back to his father and sat down with the biggest smile ever. I smiled at him as he sat on the President's knee. "Ladies and gentlemen help me say thank you to my friends Nicole DuBois, Josh Connors and my very dear friend Cornell Anderson Jr."
I sat with Byron in the thrones now for the Princes of the land, opposite the King and Queen of Chrysland. As the prayers and service was over we walked forward to the cheering of the congregation. As we started the walk out of the cathedral Handel's Hallelujah Chorus played in the background. As we walked up the aisle to the entrance everyone stood and simply cheered as we walked past.
Behind us was the two kings followed by the Dowager and Queen Christine and the rest of the family fell in behind making sure that all of the children were wall protected.
Once we were on the steps of the church we stood briefly so that the media and news people could capture that all important picture. Once we had stood for a few moments we were joined first by Byron's family, then they stood to one side and my family joined us. As they stepped to the side the kids grouped around us and that picture was wired across the world and was the one that led all of the stories the next day.
We sure gave the news people and magazines plenty to talk about as the story of the Dowager Empress and Prince of Courtnesse led the headlines as well. At the palace we congregated in the throne room for all of the official photographs. Each family, the individuals and so it went on and on.
Eventually the photos were complete and we were able to retire to our bedchamber as did everyone else. Here we showered together and freshened up then changed into our Midnight blue tuxedos and matching trousers. We also changed to the simple gold band crowns. This surprised us though as we were given crowns that had the bands intertwined showing both nations united.
As we met the children they all had matching suits for the evening and Annabelle a slightly different dress, but more importantly they too had the new crowns upon their heads as well. The reception had started below and we were prompted to walk down the marble stairs as the music started.
As we moved off as a family we saw Gunny and Todd and all of the guards now had the midnight blue suits. Nonna walked as part of the family as she always had, as did Colt Sr and the General in the full dress uniform of Bowland. As we came into view the whole room cheered and applauded as we paused for photographs and then continued down and created the reception line.
Once the reception line was there the guests formed a queue to be presented to us. The first was the Dowager Empress. Byron just looked at her. "MeeMaw" and he fell into her arms as she held onto him. Myles watched like a proud father.
"Lord Aquamaine, know that you are now part of our royal line. With the son of Lizondia you are third in line to the throne; as he is fourth in line to the throne of Chrysland." My jaw dropped as I heard the Empress, but could not believe my ears.
Myles smiled, "We have discussed with King David and the parliaments of all lands concerned. Just as you are fourth in line to the throne of Chrysland, since the loss of David's youngest son to leukaemia, you are now third in line to the throne of Lizondia. You are adopted to both houses and if ever you have to take the throne then you will reign as equals in all things."
The evening was wonderful and by about four in the morning we all retired to our rooms. This time the Lizondian contingent stayed at the palace with all of our guests.
I finally had my Byron to myself and he was absolutely wonderful. He had that grin on his face that looked like it could light the world. "Well Lord Bravender Penn are you coming to bed?" He looked at me and smiled. I just stood amazed at his beauty. "Well?"
"Well Lord Bravender Penn I think that would be an affirmative." I fell into his arms and experienced pure joy and happiness for the next two hours. We were both exhausted, but also determined to make love to each other. He was so gentle, so understanding and so absolutely beautiful. God I loved this man.
"Byron?" I said as we lay there in the early hours in each other's arms.
"Yes?"
"Dr Byron, you did not have to change your name you know. I loved you as you were."
He smiled, "I wanted to take just Bravender, but King David felt that I should link the two nations by joining the names as well. I was surprised when everyone in the family agreed to have the same name as well. We truly are Lords and Lady Bravender-Penn. Lance do you think we can you travel to Courtnesse Hall after our honeymoon? Meemaw and Myles want to tour Lizondia with us and introduce us as royal family to the people of Lizondia. You know the empress loves the children."
"I think it is a great idea, we'll also tour Chrysland and visit all of the properties over there and finish with a tour of Bowland." So that is what we did. The next day we flew for a ten day break in Italy staying at the Giardino di Fiore.
After that the family joined us for one weeks stay where we visited the Italian businesses, not only Aquamaine but also the ones that Zeke and Colt inherited.
From there we worked our way around the international hotels and then moved on to Lizondia where we stayed at Courtnesse Hall and were the hosts to the royal family for the week. The Empress was seen with the Prince and his Prince Charming whenever she could. I actually feel that we made her feel young again. I know the kids did and Colt Jr had really taken to her.
As the week was coming to an end the Empress requested that she be able to travel to America with us for an extended stay with Zorina as her companion. It was Byron's idea that they take his old family home as their official residence whenever they wanted to spend time with us. The invitation was also open to King David's family.
This made sense, as the royal residence would therefore be on the grounds that were already covered by security. The Estate had eight main bedrooms with six rooms in the servant's quarters and a butler's apartment over the garage complex. The grounds would be looked after by our groundskeepers.
She would be bringing her own maids, chefs, footman and butler, but requested that the General interview and find her a security contingent for both her and Zorina. She would have her lifelong lady-in-waiting, Lady Penn also with her as her companion. Lady Severna Penn a distant relative of the Duke of Courtnesse, sadly the only known living relative with the name of Penn.
Dowager Empress Georgiana loved the idea of living on the Estate with us and Byron insisted on calling the house from that day on the Dowager Hall. Georgiana had never had the opportunity to visit or tour America in the past.
Since Zorina wanted to go to college in America and had secured a place at Harvard medical school starting in the fall it all made sense. Even though Zorina would be with us, Empress Georgiana refused to give permission unless she also lived in America as her chaperone.
Georgiana may be in her late sixties early seventies, but since her Maksim, her husband had died twenty years ago she felt that her purpose in life had disappeared and she needed something that gave that purpose back.
When Emperor Maksim of Lizondia had been alive she had been a kind and understanding queen, but with the death of Maksim most people thought that she had lost her mind, where as she had simply lost her purpose in life.
Zorina was her only grand-daughter and she felt that purpose again. She could be there for her. Byron also reminded her of her beloved Maksim, because his likeness to the family was uncanny, so it was natural that she would do anything for him.
The title of Emperor and Empress and been forsaken for the simple title of King with the death of Emperor Maksim. It made sense as it seemed to meet with the expectation of the modern world. Georgiana though had remained the Dowager Empress as a form of respect.
The very fact that she would be resident in America held much prestige for the country and President Cornell Anderson made sure that she also found purpose by heading several children's charities. It was her choice though that she became the voice of the Bradley Patterson Foundation and she sat on the board.
When Byron found out that it was Emperor Maksim he was totally floored as he had never been able to find out where his middle name came from since the spelling was so different, Lord Byron Maksim Bravender-Penn. Once he found out who he was named after he also felt very close to his new found Meemaw.
From Lizondia we spent the next week travelling Bowland meeting and greeting people and attending functions. Then we travelled to Chrysland and toured our properties and carried out official engagements with Prince Richard and Queen Christine.
All my staff ware over the moon everywhere we went and Byron soon proved himself as a person that they could trust and go to if there was ever any trouble. He was even announced as the patron of several children's charities while we were there.
We hated leaving Stoneacre Castle as we had all had such a wonderful time touring with the Empress. It turned out that Lady Arrabella Bravender had been a close friend of the Empress and Emperor. She loved staying at Stoneacre and we even took her out on the boat. As with all good things time flies and we had to return to Boston so that the children and Zorina could all start school.
There was a little excitement though in the last week. We were woken in the night by Charlie and the butler. It appeared that the daughter of the housekeeper was pregnant and had chosen that night to go into labour. They had tried to get the doctor, but he was already on call and it was too ate to get her to the hospital.
Without a moment thought we jumped out of bed and dressed and Byron ran to the bedchamber Charlie had told the housekeeper to put her in. Georgiana never batted an eyelid, but rolled up her sleeves and ushered the men out of the room other than Byron.
Georgiana assisted him and was ready to care for the baby once it was born. The labour went smoothly and within three hours baby Georgiana had been born. Charlie had a word with the housekeeper and arranged for full care for the mother and daughter and also that once the mother was one her feet again that she had a job that would ensure she was able to look after the little girl as well.
The Dowager Empress was never one to sit on the back and watch the world go by as she had shown that night. Once she was in America she toured the different states with the President and promoted Lizondia and Papa's foundation whenever she had the opportunity.
She joined the country club and became a patron of the opera and all of the local theatres. Of course wherever she went Byron and I were always her escorts for the night and we had a wonderful time. She did eventually settle into life and became a typical Bostonian.
I was finally happy. I had a wonderful man in my life. I had six wonderful children and good friends. Finally my life had meaning. I was thirty and after twenty years alone struggling finally my life had meaning and I understood just who I was.
That's all for now folks for Part 1...
The character list has been reduced by those that do not appear again...
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A little about myself ... I'm Kev, from the UK and born in Yorkshire... Ancestors were miners. Me I'm and accountant looking for a job. so now I wrote. I have always loved writing and hope you enjoy...Let me know!!