Even If The Gods Deny Us
“Wait-“just as they reached the main entrance hall of their palace Brett stilled Ted; his smile dropped somewhat and his eyes lined around the corners even more than before, betraying the shadows of wear cuddling underneath his lids. His mouth was down-turned somewhat, and had it not been a somewhat unsightly gesture then Cody would have bet that the younger man would have been biting his lip.
Cody noticed concern crease Ted’s own face as he looked at the other blonde, “What is it?” he didn’t bother to lower his voice and Cody found himself internally hoping that that was because he trusted (he and his accompanying entourage obviously) and not just because Ted was careless enough after all of his time out of royal circles that he was letting all thought of his wellbeing go.
“I think you should go and see mother. Now.”
If possible Ted seemed to pale then, and in that moment he didn’t look much older than his brother. Had Cody not known better than he would have thought he was looking at twins as opposed to just brothers; if one slimmed Ted’s face down and added some more muscle to Brett than the pair would be almost identical, mirror-images save for the odd change here and there.
“I don’t-”
“She needs to see you,” Brett’s hold on his brother’s hand turned almost desperate then. “Please. I don’t…” he swallowed thickly, cast a glance at them all gathered behind Ted and then smiled, “If you’d excuse us? We shall catch up with you in a moment but until then…” Brett glanced across the hallway and then smiled slightly, “Oh, yes, Melina-“a slightly buxom woman with a surprisingly large mass of dark hair atop her head curtsied as she stepped into view, “Would you mind showing our guests to the apartments and have some food prepared for them?”
“Of course sire,” the woman responded in a throaty voice, head lowered demurely--- however the look in her eyes as she glanced across the two brothers was anything but demure and Cody felt his hackles rise. It was only Mike’s hand gripping his wrist gently that reminded him of himself and he actively bit his tongue so hard that the coppery tang of blood was soon prevalent in his mouth.
Hesitantly Ted looked behind him and Josh offered a smile, “Don’t worry your highness, we can help arrange everything,” after all he had been in the guest apartments before when he’d been brought along with his father so he knew whereabouts they were and what they should do. If they could help then that was what he wanted to do.
Brett beamed momentarily, “Ah Josh, I’ve been so lost without you to keep me in check.”
Josh flushed and looked down, “Don’t be silly sire.”
“Nonsense,” Brett said firmly, “You’ve been much missed, and I’m glad you’re returned to court,” he then looked and met John’s eyes, “Both of you.” He didn’t say anything further as he led the mildly resisting Ted away but everyone there knew that there was a pointed undercurrent to that otherwise warm statement.
“Well,” John sighed, “Let’s move on shall we?”
“This way please, sirs,” Melina cooed, turning on her heel and starting down a long hallway.
Cody felt somewhat depressed as they walked because although the palace still held the same splendour and grandeur he was used to you could see where things had been ruined and destroyed when they had been attacked by the barbarians, and most of what remained had obviously seen better days. Much like in the surrounding towns and villages work had been underway to return the heart of their kingdom as it had once been but of course, but with one thing and another, things had been as slowed down as they had elsewhere.
Melina soon had them all settled in rooms that were essentially adjoining one another down an expansive corridor, and then she excused herself to do and sort out some food for them. Servants would be along shortly if they wished to bathe or needed their things unpacked.
Cody reflected that his heart felt heavy as he sank down onto the large bed.
~::~
Since the death of her husband and son, their mother had been a veritable shadow. Brett had confessed that only having him there, and holding onto hope that Ted was somehow OK, were the only things keeping her tied to their realm. On more than one occasion he had believed that she somehow going to barter with the gods to let her join the two of them, and Brett said that seeing such a strong, vivacious woman crumbling had been even more terrifying than being left with the aftermath of the attack upon their kingdom.
Needless to say Ted had been pretty damned scared as he headed to the apartments that had once belonged to his mother and father, but now belonged solely to her alone. They were the apartments usually reserved for the king but Brett had point-blank refused to oust her from them if that was where she wanted to remain. She had thanked him but Brett knew deep down she was thanking him for more than just allowing her to keep her view of the gardens that she was so fond of.
“Mother,” Brett murmured softly, the aged woman glanced briefly at her younger son and smiled softly, but the smile barely touched her eyes. Brett seemed momentarily discouraged before he brightened himself up and stepped aside to reveal Ted, impatiently tugging the other when he seemed determined to try and hide behind one of the delicate purple drapes that lined the room. Under other circumstances it would have been a role-reversal that would have had their family laughing (Brett had always used to hide behind curtains or pillars when he was younger, especially around new people, and when he did he was usually clinging to Ted’s hand) but as it was all it did then was serve to remind Brett of how much things had changed.
For several long moments there mother didn’t move, merely stared with wide-eyes, and then she gave a hoarse scream and fell from her chair. Her maid, equally stunned at the sight of Ted, was immediately on her knees beside her but the two sons beat her to it.
“Go and fetch some wine and a cold cloth,” Ted instructed and the elder woman obediently nodded and hurried off.
“Mother-“Brett started, “Are you hurt-”
Sobs greeted his question, but the smile on her space spoke of the total opposite of pain. Her arms (when had she lost so much weight? She had always been a trim woman but this was ridiculous, and caused Ted’s heart to shudder) wrapped tightly around the two and she started to sob harder. In that moment composure and needing to try and keep going didn’t matter; what mattered was that somehow her other son had been returned to her, and she was revitalised with the knowledge that now Brett wasn’t going to struggle alone and the deaths of her husband and eldest son hadn’t been entirely in vein.
Choked up, Ted merely wrapped his arms around her and his brother in turn and held them, speaking softly, thickly, to his mother to try and calm her down.
By the time the maid returned with the items Ted had requested their mother’s sobs had ceased, but her smile seemed to grow brighter with each passing moment.
“I’m home,” Ted finally managed, smiling back weakly.
~::~
Damien Sandow was an intelligent and cultured man, and as such was not some simple peasant who fell prey to every wayward emotion that might come into his highly developed range now and again. However, in that moment he would have happily traded his soul with Hades to have that afternoon’s events never happen. Theodore was back. Theodore was not dead or cast away to some other land, he was back.
Which meant Damien was in big fucking trouble!
Grinding his teeth together as he stalked towards the main chamber where Brett usually took audiences with people over matters of state and the day to day running of the kingdom, Damien cursed whatever twisted hand of fate had decided to return the older brother to their midst. They were clearly having a good time at his expense and determined to ruin everything he had worked so hard for since he had been a mere boy!
Theodore had never liked him, and, unlike the naïve and easily swayed Brett, Theodore had a much stronger constitution and a mind that knew much more about the ins-and-outs of state business. Brett had never been considered even vaguely to hold the position he was now in, and, despite the damage that he also suffered at the hands of the barbarians, he couldn’t help but bless them for their collision course with their lives because it had provided him with an opportunity that he had never thought he would receive before.
And, just like that, there was a chance everything would be ruined.
Growling under his breath Damien bit down hard on his thumbnail, not even registering the stinging pain that accompanied the action as he drew blood as he was so lost in the tumultuous storm brewing in his own head.
What was he going to do?
If Ted took over then he knew he would likely lose his position at court to that damned four-eyed peon Matthews (the thought made bile rise in the back of his throat) and he would be forced back into an existence of relative obscurity. And he didn’t want that. Not at all. He had worked to get where he was today and he’d damn Zeus to his very face before he allowed any of it to slip away.
He just needed to calm down and make a plan.
He was good at plans, especially when the goal of said plans was ultimately a very simple and straightforward one:
Prince Theodore had to go. For good.
As he continued his fevered journey Damien completely missed the figure in the shadows, watching him with an arched brow and suspicious eyes. The man stepped back into the shadows, seeming to almost become one with them, and silently slipped off to find John. Officially speaking she might be the almost-queen of the kingdom, but before that she had been a very skilled assassin and intelligence gatherer, and now more than ever Kaitlin knew that she needed to utilise her skills.
~::~
The change in the palace was swift and surprising to anyone who had been labouring there in the past few weeks since the king had been slain, along with his eldest son, his middle son taken hostage and most likely dead. News of Theodore’s return spread through the kingdom with the aid of proclamations sent out from the palace, the news of great rejoicing and the palace grounds being thrown open to the ordinary people in much the same manner as during any great celebration. Animals were slaughtered in preparation for the great feast that was being hastily planned, every capable baker available was set to work preparing breads and cakes. It was certain to be a real spectacle, on a scale that Ted hadn’t seen in many years. Even from his window he could see how busy the entire palace was, how many people were sweeping and decorating, the drab garb of the slaves scurrying around and probably cursing how busy his return had left them.
With a slight frown he turned from the window and smiled at his brother, who was still lingering behind him as if afraid to let him out of his sight - and Ted was glad to see him there, feeling a little the same way himself. His mother had insisted that the both of them stay with her for an hour as she lay atop her bed with both of them occasionally cooling her brow, asking Ted about what had happened in his absence. Ted had given her a very carefully edited version of events, so carefully edited that the slavers who had bought him had practically nursed him back to health with the same care and concern her sons showed her in that moment, and the man he had been sold to had practically revered their roles and waited on Ted rather than the other way around.
Eventually though the court physician had arrived, having heard of Ted’s return and almost broken into a run to get to the palace. He took one look at the queen, announced she’d had far too much stress and demanded she was allowed to rest before the nights festivities. Ted and Brett had agreed with him and left him to attend to their mother while they left, with the promise he could look at the wounds Ted had sustained. Although Ted thought that after all this time, there would be little that could aid his recovery any further.
“I don’t wish you to relive all that happened,” said Brett quietly. “But how was it, really? You have brought those men back with you, but I do understand how diplomacy works. I’m not sure they would allow one of their most noted dignitaries, a member of the royal family no less, to accompany you simply on your word.”
“John did vouch for me,” said Ted with a slight smile. “And Cody was the best of it, really. I had assumed things would only get worse and then as it turned out, he barely expected anything at all from me. It was very easy and to be honest, he spoke to me as an equal. He is not used to having a slave to himself I think.”
“You speak very highly of Cody and clearly think much of him and his entourage,” said Brett. “And before that?”
“It was not so pleasant,” replied Ted rather shortly. “I was at first considered something of a prize. I was left to live or die from my wounds and as you can see, I lived. The slavers thought I would be of value until I showed myself to be too wild to appeal to anyone wanting a trained slave and I was extremely fortunate that Cody found my insubordination amusing enough to give in to his whims and buy me.”
He turned back to the window, knowing that Brett found his tales of being a slave hard to hear - he couldn’t even start to imagine what life as a slave might be like to one high-born but Ted had experienced it and been treated as a slave and he had come to believe that birth didn’t matter. Born a prince or a slave, it made no difference to one’s humanity and worth.
“I do not like to see the slaves work as they do,” he said, mostly to himself but knowing that Brett could hear him.
Brett frowned behind him but Ted didn’t see, lost in his own thoughts. After a moment Brett cleared his throat. “Theodore, is there anything you would like to see done as thanks to your new friends? We should show them our gratitude?”
“I think that our feasting and entertainment this evening will be pleasing to them and maybe we could discuss terms to ally ourselves with them,” said Ted thoughtfully. “But there is one thing that I think would show my thanks and respect to one member of the entourage in particular and I wondered if you could have someone arrange it for me.”
“Of course,” said Brett with a slight smile. “Whatever you like.”
Ted looked sideways at Brett, wondering if he was being accommodating because he was pleased to see his brother back, or if in the back of his mind Brett too was wondering which of them truly was the king now Ted was returned - and if either one of them actually wanted the honour.
~:~
Alex was busy unpacking Mike’s things, laying out the clothes that he would wear that evening while Mike himself lay on the bed trying to get some rest when there was a knock at the door. Mike called for the person to come in, assuming it would be Cody ready to either be excited about their new surroundings or feeling uncertain about his role there relating to Ted.
Instead Melina walked in, her eyes on the floor, fabric in her arms. Mike leaned up on his elbows, frowning a little. “Are we expected to dress in a certain fashion?” he asked. Although they were in a whole new kingdom, he hadn’t assumed there would be much difference in dress codes, and Brett hadn’t been dressed particularly differently to himself or Cody.
Melina smiled a little, laying the clothing beside those that Alex had already put out for Mike. “My lord, these are not for you. His highness has suggested that your companion may not have anything appropriate for tonight’s celebrations and asked that I provide these.”
She turned to Alex and inclined her head subserviently, noticeably startling the blonde. “My lord, if I am inaccurate in my guesses over your size or your preference, please forgive me. I can replace these items if they are not to your liking.”
She paused, clearly awaiting an acknowledgement even if it was merely a dismissal without thanks. Alex said nothing at all, not knowing what to say, staring dumbly at her. Mike quickly realised what the problem was, getting off the bed and standing beside Alex. “Thank you miss,” he said, vaguely aware he’d never called any of the female slaves back home miss. “We shall make you aware if there’s anything amiss.”
Nodding at the acknowledgement, Melina exited quickly and as soon as the door closed Alex turned around to face Mike, looking him directly in the face for once. “Mike, what is going on?”
“I don’t know,” said Mike. “But Ted has said more than once that he considers you a friend - isn’t that what you alleged he told you? Perhaps this is his way to ensure you are still able to be on the same standing.”
“A thanks perhaps, believing that I would prefer to live as a lord?” Alex looked more distressed by the thought than pleased about it.
Mike snorted. “I still do not trust Tee-dore. Maybe this is his way of gaining your trust, your favour and your gratitude before plying you with unexpected amounts of wine and lying his way into your affections-“
“Tee-dore has eyes for no one save Cody,” said Alex gently. “I do not believe his intentions are anything other than well-meant. And while I appreciate those intentions, I believe I shall not be accepting them.”
Mike paused. He might not trust Ted but at the same time he didn’t want Alex missing out on the festivities due to his feelings. “Why on earth not?”
“I don’t feel comfortable.” Alex sighed, casting his eyes down. “I am not a free man, no matter how you ask me to call you by your name, or how I am dressed. I am a slave and would not know how to behave. I would be uncomfortable to be in the company of the court and more uncomfortable to have others wait upon me.”
Mike stared at him a moment, the sense of injustice that he so often felt as he debated their relationship growing within him until it threatened to choke him. Alex wasn’t happy being a slave, or at least Mike couldn’t see how he would be - he did it because he had no choice and his position was the reason that they could not carry on as they wished, gender be damned since there was little comment about men who behaved as he and Alex did provided that they were relatively subtle about it and they were of the same social class. If they were discovered then the scandal would not revolve around them both being men, it would be because Alex was a slave.
But they were a long way away from home, no one knew them and they were given the opportunity for Alex to be a guest, an equal rather than his slave. Mike would bet that Cody would be persuaded to go along with it once he discovered that it had been Ted’s idea and the soldiers would say nothing at all. Why not take the chance they were being offered? And if Alex felt uncomfortable he would soon get over it; it was only what he deserved for so many years under the rule of another man.
“Alex,” said Mike firmly, putting a hand beneath Alex’s chin to coax him to look up. “You deserve to go to the festivities as the honoured guest that Tee-dore introduced you as - and regardless of his intentions, I will be ensuring that you are kept safe throughout.”
“But-“
“No arguments, Alexander,” said Mike, grinning a little, a thread of excitement in his stomach. If this was what was to come from the trip, then he was glad he had been ordered to undertake it. “And if you feel uncomfortable being treated as a free man, then we shall just have to practice.”
“...What do you mean?”
“I mean, it’s time you shed those clothes you’re wearing and allow me to prepare you for the evening.” Mike’s smile grew, hardly able to express his excitement. “I will be the one massaging you and shaving you, ensuring that you are taken care of the way you take care of me. When we are to join the royal family, Alexander, no one will know that you are anything other than a social equal. And you shall enjoy every moment of it. I shall do all I can to ensure it.”
~:~
John was putting his things away from the trip, not that he had taken much with him on the journey but he had still a few things to sort out. He had a place much like Randy’s, a quarters away from the other soldiers but he did not share with a novice, preferring that Josh was able to come and go as he pleased. And he frequently did, their relationship was common knowledge. There were more of the individual homes for soldiers here than there had been in Cody’s kingdom, each brother having been assigned a guardian from the soldiers. Michael, the eldest brother, no longer had need of his and the soldier in question had drunk hemlock over the shame of his charge being killed. Sheamus was Brett’s protector, much as John was Theodore’s - the soldiers with the most promise were given their assignments when they were in their early teens and the boys themselves little more than toddlers.
A part of John’s great relief over finding Theodore was not just that it would have pained him on a deeply personal level for the prince to have been abducted, it would have injured his pride. And there was no way he intended to seek his own death. He had promised Josh that no matter what the outcome of their mission, that would not happen.
A knock at his door interrupted his thoughts. He half-expected Josh but Josh rarely felt the need to knock given that he spent almost every night in John’s bed, it was his home too. He didn’t get the chance to say a word though; the door swung open and a young lady stood there.
He smiled. “Kaitlyn. It is good to see you again.”
“And you,” said Kaitlyn formally, before moving forward to give John a familiar hug. “I prayed so hard that you would return and bring Theodore home with you. Brett has been desolate.”
“He was even before we left.” John returned the hug and stepped back. “Should you be here? I have heard that you are betrothed.”
“I’ll go where ever I like,” returned Kaitlyn with an impetuous toss of her hair that made John grin. She had always been a rather wild girl, a tomboy who had always found some way to sneak away from the duties of the well-educated, rich young lady, a daughter of a member of the court, should be doing. During her teens she had gone astray and there was some barely audible gossip of some of the things she might have been involved with in that time - but Brett had taken one look at her when she had returned to her father’s side some years later and fallen in love. The two had been inseparable ever since and the attack and Brett’s subsequent gloom and ascension to the throne had worried Kaitlyn more than she would ever admit. When John had announced his intent to search for Ted, she had approached him and asked that he bring the prince back if only for the sake of his younger brother.
“I don’t doubt that you will.” John grinned at the woman. “Are you here simply to welcome me back?”
“Partly,” said Kaitlyn, her smile fading. “I owe you a debt. I truly do. In the short time Theodore has been back, Brett has begun acting so much more as his old, carefree self. I have not seen him this happy in a long time and that is because of you and your dedication in bringing his brother home.”
“I didn’t do it entirely for his highness, but I am pleased that he has been positively affected.” John frowned. “You said that was partly the reason.”
“Yes.” Kaitlyn looked around as if expecting someone else to be there and lowered her voice. “I think Theodore may have some trouble.”
“From whom?”
“Damien has been ingratiating himself with Brett of late. I don’t like him even slightly - he’s disingenuous. I don’t think he cares much for Brett or has anything other than his own interests at heart but I am not Brett’s wife yet and have no say over the company he keeps. And it could be politically dangerous for me to orchestrate his removal - I am no politician and he has much experience. But Theodore’s return has enraged him. There is no love lost there and I fear that he means to discredit Theodore. Or worse.”
John’s eyes narrowed. “Discredit him how?”
“I would imagine his recent experiences would be enough to claim his mind has been unbalanced and it would need only a little evidence of strangeness to back up his ideas. He has already made some odd comments about slaves and how they should be free men all.”
John sighed. “Well, he has experienced slavery and did not care for it. He merely empathises. And would Brett stand for it?”
“No, but it might be enough to coax an uncertain court to disallow Theodore any kind of say in the land’s affairs.” Kaitlyn hesitated. “And I don’t believe he would be that forthcoming as to his intentions. I think Theodore should be very careful until this situation is resolved. And that you should watch his back.”
“You think that someone would do Theodore injury?”
“Damien would not act that way, he would be too afraid, but there are others and there are always conspiracies.” Kaitlyn smiled slightly. “When things are settled, it will be as it always was. Until then, these are strange times and with no clear heir, there will be those wishing to exact their own ends. It does not merely apply to Theodore of course. There are some who feel Brett has not represented their own interests and might be more interested in having Theodore take the throne in his place.”
“You think both brothers are in danger?”
“I have a suspicious mind.” Kaitlyn pushed hair from her face. “I shall do all I can to hurry along peace and stability. In the meantime, I implore you to watch over Theodore.”
“You have my word.”
“I shall speak to Sheamus also. Perhaps you should speak with him also. He may not have grown up with the rest of you soldiers but his loyalty is without question and he would lay down his life for Brett, as I believe you would for Theodore - and their wishes are that their brother is safe.”
“I understand.” John sighed. “Thank you.”
“It is I who owe you thanks,” replied Kaitlyn. “I shall speak to you again at the festivities.”
Kaitlyn left and John lost interest in rearranging his home, sitting on his bed and sighing. He had known things would be difficult until the matter of the throne was settled, but he had not realised quite to what extent. And it had never once occurred to him that Brett’s life may also be in danger, although with hindsight it should have been obvious.
A part of him was wishing that he had never returned Theodore back home and directly into the path of danger.
Cody noticed concern crease Ted’s own face as he looked at the other blonde, “What is it?” he didn’t bother to lower his voice and Cody found himself internally hoping that that was because he trusted (he and his accompanying entourage obviously) and not just because Ted was careless enough after all of his time out of royal circles that he was letting all thought of his wellbeing go.
“I think you should go and see mother. Now.”
If possible Ted seemed to pale then, and in that moment he didn’t look much older than his brother. Had Cody not known better than he would have thought he was looking at twins as opposed to just brothers; if one slimmed Ted’s face down and added some more muscle to Brett than the pair would be almost identical, mirror-images save for the odd change here and there.
“I don’t-”
“She needs to see you,” Brett’s hold on his brother’s hand turned almost desperate then. “Please. I don’t…” he swallowed thickly, cast a glance at them all gathered behind Ted and then smiled, “If you’d excuse us? We shall catch up with you in a moment but until then…” Brett glanced across the hallway and then smiled slightly, “Oh, yes, Melina-“a slightly buxom woman with a surprisingly large mass of dark hair atop her head curtsied as she stepped into view, “Would you mind showing our guests to the apartments and have some food prepared for them?”
“Of course sire,” the woman responded in a throaty voice, head lowered demurely--- however the look in her eyes as she glanced across the two brothers was anything but demure and Cody felt his hackles rise. It was only Mike’s hand gripping his wrist gently that reminded him of himself and he actively bit his tongue so hard that the coppery tang of blood was soon prevalent in his mouth.
Hesitantly Ted looked behind him and Josh offered a smile, “Don’t worry your highness, we can help arrange everything,” after all he had been in the guest apartments before when he’d been brought along with his father so he knew whereabouts they were and what they should do. If they could help then that was what he wanted to do.
Brett beamed momentarily, “Ah Josh, I’ve been so lost without you to keep me in check.”
Josh flushed and looked down, “Don’t be silly sire.”
“Nonsense,” Brett said firmly, “You’ve been much missed, and I’m glad you’re returned to court,” he then looked and met John’s eyes, “Both of you.” He didn’t say anything further as he led the mildly resisting Ted away but everyone there knew that there was a pointed undercurrent to that otherwise warm statement.
“Well,” John sighed, “Let’s move on shall we?”
“This way please, sirs,” Melina cooed, turning on her heel and starting down a long hallway.
Cody felt somewhat depressed as they walked because although the palace still held the same splendour and grandeur he was used to you could see where things had been ruined and destroyed when they had been attacked by the barbarians, and most of what remained had obviously seen better days. Much like in the surrounding towns and villages work had been underway to return the heart of their kingdom as it had once been but of course, but with one thing and another, things had been as slowed down as they had elsewhere.
Melina soon had them all settled in rooms that were essentially adjoining one another down an expansive corridor, and then she excused herself to do and sort out some food for them. Servants would be along shortly if they wished to bathe or needed their things unpacked.
Cody reflected that his heart felt heavy as he sank down onto the large bed.
~::~
Since the death of her husband and son, their mother had been a veritable shadow. Brett had confessed that only having him there, and holding onto hope that Ted was somehow OK, were the only things keeping her tied to their realm. On more than one occasion he had believed that she somehow going to barter with the gods to let her join the two of them, and Brett said that seeing such a strong, vivacious woman crumbling had been even more terrifying than being left with the aftermath of the attack upon their kingdom.
Needless to say Ted had been pretty damned scared as he headed to the apartments that had once belonged to his mother and father, but now belonged solely to her alone. They were the apartments usually reserved for the king but Brett had point-blank refused to oust her from them if that was where she wanted to remain. She had thanked him but Brett knew deep down she was thanking him for more than just allowing her to keep her view of the gardens that she was so fond of.
“Mother,” Brett murmured softly, the aged woman glanced briefly at her younger son and smiled softly, but the smile barely touched her eyes. Brett seemed momentarily discouraged before he brightened himself up and stepped aside to reveal Ted, impatiently tugging the other when he seemed determined to try and hide behind one of the delicate purple drapes that lined the room. Under other circumstances it would have been a role-reversal that would have had their family laughing (Brett had always used to hide behind curtains or pillars when he was younger, especially around new people, and when he did he was usually clinging to Ted’s hand) but as it was all it did then was serve to remind Brett of how much things had changed.
For several long moments there mother didn’t move, merely stared with wide-eyes, and then she gave a hoarse scream and fell from her chair. Her maid, equally stunned at the sight of Ted, was immediately on her knees beside her but the two sons beat her to it.
“Go and fetch some wine and a cold cloth,” Ted instructed and the elder woman obediently nodded and hurried off.
“Mother-“Brett started, “Are you hurt-”
Sobs greeted his question, but the smile on her space spoke of the total opposite of pain. Her arms (when had she lost so much weight? She had always been a trim woman but this was ridiculous, and caused Ted’s heart to shudder) wrapped tightly around the two and she started to sob harder. In that moment composure and needing to try and keep going didn’t matter; what mattered was that somehow her other son had been returned to her, and she was revitalised with the knowledge that now Brett wasn’t going to struggle alone and the deaths of her husband and eldest son hadn’t been entirely in vein.
Choked up, Ted merely wrapped his arms around her and his brother in turn and held them, speaking softly, thickly, to his mother to try and calm her down.
By the time the maid returned with the items Ted had requested their mother’s sobs had ceased, but her smile seemed to grow brighter with each passing moment.
“I’m home,” Ted finally managed, smiling back weakly.
~::~
Damien Sandow was an intelligent and cultured man, and as such was not some simple peasant who fell prey to every wayward emotion that might come into his highly developed range now and again. However, in that moment he would have happily traded his soul with Hades to have that afternoon’s events never happen. Theodore was back. Theodore was not dead or cast away to some other land, he was back.
Which meant Damien was in big fucking trouble!
Grinding his teeth together as he stalked towards the main chamber where Brett usually took audiences with people over matters of state and the day to day running of the kingdom, Damien cursed whatever twisted hand of fate had decided to return the older brother to their midst. They were clearly having a good time at his expense and determined to ruin everything he had worked so hard for since he had been a mere boy!
Theodore had never liked him, and, unlike the naïve and easily swayed Brett, Theodore had a much stronger constitution and a mind that knew much more about the ins-and-outs of state business. Brett had never been considered even vaguely to hold the position he was now in, and, despite the damage that he also suffered at the hands of the barbarians, he couldn’t help but bless them for their collision course with their lives because it had provided him with an opportunity that he had never thought he would receive before.
And, just like that, there was a chance everything would be ruined.
Growling under his breath Damien bit down hard on his thumbnail, not even registering the stinging pain that accompanied the action as he drew blood as he was so lost in the tumultuous storm brewing in his own head.
What was he going to do?
If Ted took over then he knew he would likely lose his position at court to that damned four-eyed peon Matthews (the thought made bile rise in the back of his throat) and he would be forced back into an existence of relative obscurity. And he didn’t want that. Not at all. He had worked to get where he was today and he’d damn Zeus to his very face before he allowed any of it to slip away.
He just needed to calm down and make a plan.
He was good at plans, especially when the goal of said plans was ultimately a very simple and straightforward one:
Prince Theodore had to go. For good.
As he continued his fevered journey Damien completely missed the figure in the shadows, watching him with an arched brow and suspicious eyes. The man stepped back into the shadows, seeming to almost become one with them, and silently slipped off to find John. Officially speaking she might be the almost-queen of the kingdom, but before that she had been a very skilled assassin and intelligence gatherer, and now more than ever Kaitlin knew that she needed to utilise her skills.
~::~
The change in the palace was swift and surprising to anyone who had been labouring there in the past few weeks since the king had been slain, along with his eldest son, his middle son taken hostage and most likely dead. News of Theodore’s return spread through the kingdom with the aid of proclamations sent out from the palace, the news of great rejoicing and the palace grounds being thrown open to the ordinary people in much the same manner as during any great celebration. Animals were slaughtered in preparation for the great feast that was being hastily planned, every capable baker available was set to work preparing breads and cakes. It was certain to be a real spectacle, on a scale that Ted hadn’t seen in many years. Even from his window he could see how busy the entire palace was, how many people were sweeping and decorating, the drab garb of the slaves scurrying around and probably cursing how busy his return had left them.
With a slight frown he turned from the window and smiled at his brother, who was still lingering behind him as if afraid to let him out of his sight - and Ted was glad to see him there, feeling a little the same way himself. His mother had insisted that the both of them stay with her for an hour as she lay atop her bed with both of them occasionally cooling her brow, asking Ted about what had happened in his absence. Ted had given her a very carefully edited version of events, so carefully edited that the slavers who had bought him had practically nursed him back to health with the same care and concern her sons showed her in that moment, and the man he had been sold to had practically revered their roles and waited on Ted rather than the other way around.
Eventually though the court physician had arrived, having heard of Ted’s return and almost broken into a run to get to the palace. He took one look at the queen, announced she’d had far too much stress and demanded she was allowed to rest before the nights festivities. Ted and Brett had agreed with him and left him to attend to their mother while they left, with the promise he could look at the wounds Ted had sustained. Although Ted thought that after all this time, there would be little that could aid his recovery any further.
“I don’t wish you to relive all that happened,” said Brett quietly. “But how was it, really? You have brought those men back with you, but I do understand how diplomacy works. I’m not sure they would allow one of their most noted dignitaries, a member of the royal family no less, to accompany you simply on your word.”
“John did vouch for me,” said Ted with a slight smile. “And Cody was the best of it, really. I had assumed things would only get worse and then as it turned out, he barely expected anything at all from me. It was very easy and to be honest, he spoke to me as an equal. He is not used to having a slave to himself I think.”
“You speak very highly of Cody and clearly think much of him and his entourage,” said Brett. “And before that?”
“It was not so pleasant,” replied Ted rather shortly. “I was at first considered something of a prize. I was left to live or die from my wounds and as you can see, I lived. The slavers thought I would be of value until I showed myself to be too wild to appeal to anyone wanting a trained slave and I was extremely fortunate that Cody found my insubordination amusing enough to give in to his whims and buy me.”
He turned back to the window, knowing that Brett found his tales of being a slave hard to hear - he couldn’t even start to imagine what life as a slave might be like to one high-born but Ted had experienced it and been treated as a slave and he had come to believe that birth didn’t matter. Born a prince or a slave, it made no difference to one’s humanity and worth.
“I do not like to see the slaves work as they do,” he said, mostly to himself but knowing that Brett could hear him.
Brett frowned behind him but Ted didn’t see, lost in his own thoughts. After a moment Brett cleared his throat. “Theodore, is there anything you would like to see done as thanks to your new friends? We should show them our gratitude?”
“I think that our feasting and entertainment this evening will be pleasing to them and maybe we could discuss terms to ally ourselves with them,” said Ted thoughtfully. “But there is one thing that I think would show my thanks and respect to one member of the entourage in particular and I wondered if you could have someone arrange it for me.”
“Of course,” said Brett with a slight smile. “Whatever you like.”
Ted looked sideways at Brett, wondering if he was being accommodating because he was pleased to see his brother back, or if in the back of his mind Brett too was wondering which of them truly was the king now Ted was returned - and if either one of them actually wanted the honour.
~:~
Alex was busy unpacking Mike’s things, laying out the clothes that he would wear that evening while Mike himself lay on the bed trying to get some rest when there was a knock at the door. Mike called for the person to come in, assuming it would be Cody ready to either be excited about their new surroundings or feeling uncertain about his role there relating to Ted.
Instead Melina walked in, her eyes on the floor, fabric in her arms. Mike leaned up on his elbows, frowning a little. “Are we expected to dress in a certain fashion?” he asked. Although they were in a whole new kingdom, he hadn’t assumed there would be much difference in dress codes, and Brett hadn’t been dressed particularly differently to himself or Cody.
Melina smiled a little, laying the clothing beside those that Alex had already put out for Mike. “My lord, these are not for you. His highness has suggested that your companion may not have anything appropriate for tonight’s celebrations and asked that I provide these.”
She turned to Alex and inclined her head subserviently, noticeably startling the blonde. “My lord, if I am inaccurate in my guesses over your size or your preference, please forgive me. I can replace these items if they are not to your liking.”
She paused, clearly awaiting an acknowledgement even if it was merely a dismissal without thanks. Alex said nothing at all, not knowing what to say, staring dumbly at her. Mike quickly realised what the problem was, getting off the bed and standing beside Alex. “Thank you miss,” he said, vaguely aware he’d never called any of the female slaves back home miss. “We shall make you aware if there’s anything amiss.”
Nodding at the acknowledgement, Melina exited quickly and as soon as the door closed Alex turned around to face Mike, looking him directly in the face for once. “Mike, what is going on?”
“I don’t know,” said Mike. “But Ted has said more than once that he considers you a friend - isn’t that what you alleged he told you? Perhaps this is his way to ensure you are still able to be on the same standing.”
“A thanks perhaps, believing that I would prefer to live as a lord?” Alex looked more distressed by the thought than pleased about it.
Mike snorted. “I still do not trust Tee-dore. Maybe this is his way of gaining your trust, your favour and your gratitude before plying you with unexpected amounts of wine and lying his way into your affections-“
“Tee-dore has eyes for no one save Cody,” said Alex gently. “I do not believe his intentions are anything other than well-meant. And while I appreciate those intentions, I believe I shall not be accepting them.”
Mike paused. He might not trust Ted but at the same time he didn’t want Alex missing out on the festivities due to his feelings. “Why on earth not?”
“I don’t feel comfortable.” Alex sighed, casting his eyes down. “I am not a free man, no matter how you ask me to call you by your name, or how I am dressed. I am a slave and would not know how to behave. I would be uncomfortable to be in the company of the court and more uncomfortable to have others wait upon me.”
Mike stared at him a moment, the sense of injustice that he so often felt as he debated their relationship growing within him until it threatened to choke him. Alex wasn’t happy being a slave, or at least Mike couldn’t see how he would be - he did it because he had no choice and his position was the reason that they could not carry on as they wished, gender be damned since there was little comment about men who behaved as he and Alex did provided that they were relatively subtle about it and they were of the same social class. If they were discovered then the scandal would not revolve around them both being men, it would be because Alex was a slave.
But they were a long way away from home, no one knew them and they were given the opportunity for Alex to be a guest, an equal rather than his slave. Mike would bet that Cody would be persuaded to go along with it once he discovered that it had been Ted’s idea and the soldiers would say nothing at all. Why not take the chance they were being offered? And if Alex felt uncomfortable he would soon get over it; it was only what he deserved for so many years under the rule of another man.
“Alex,” said Mike firmly, putting a hand beneath Alex’s chin to coax him to look up. “You deserve to go to the festivities as the honoured guest that Tee-dore introduced you as - and regardless of his intentions, I will be ensuring that you are kept safe throughout.”
“But-“
“No arguments, Alexander,” said Mike, grinning a little, a thread of excitement in his stomach. If this was what was to come from the trip, then he was glad he had been ordered to undertake it. “And if you feel uncomfortable being treated as a free man, then we shall just have to practice.”
“...What do you mean?”
“I mean, it’s time you shed those clothes you’re wearing and allow me to prepare you for the evening.” Mike’s smile grew, hardly able to express his excitement. “I will be the one massaging you and shaving you, ensuring that you are taken care of the way you take care of me. When we are to join the royal family, Alexander, no one will know that you are anything other than a social equal. And you shall enjoy every moment of it. I shall do all I can to ensure it.”
~:~
John was putting his things away from the trip, not that he had taken much with him on the journey but he had still a few things to sort out. He had a place much like Randy’s, a quarters away from the other soldiers but he did not share with a novice, preferring that Josh was able to come and go as he pleased. And he frequently did, their relationship was common knowledge. There were more of the individual homes for soldiers here than there had been in Cody’s kingdom, each brother having been assigned a guardian from the soldiers. Michael, the eldest brother, no longer had need of his and the soldier in question had drunk hemlock over the shame of his charge being killed. Sheamus was Brett’s protector, much as John was Theodore’s - the soldiers with the most promise were given their assignments when they were in their early teens and the boys themselves little more than toddlers.
A part of John’s great relief over finding Theodore was not just that it would have pained him on a deeply personal level for the prince to have been abducted, it would have injured his pride. And there was no way he intended to seek his own death. He had promised Josh that no matter what the outcome of their mission, that would not happen.
A knock at his door interrupted his thoughts. He half-expected Josh but Josh rarely felt the need to knock given that he spent almost every night in John’s bed, it was his home too. He didn’t get the chance to say a word though; the door swung open and a young lady stood there.
He smiled. “Kaitlyn. It is good to see you again.”
“And you,” said Kaitlyn formally, before moving forward to give John a familiar hug. “I prayed so hard that you would return and bring Theodore home with you. Brett has been desolate.”
“He was even before we left.” John returned the hug and stepped back. “Should you be here? I have heard that you are betrothed.”
“I’ll go where ever I like,” returned Kaitlyn with an impetuous toss of her hair that made John grin. She had always been a rather wild girl, a tomboy who had always found some way to sneak away from the duties of the well-educated, rich young lady, a daughter of a member of the court, should be doing. During her teens she had gone astray and there was some barely audible gossip of some of the things she might have been involved with in that time - but Brett had taken one look at her when she had returned to her father’s side some years later and fallen in love. The two had been inseparable ever since and the attack and Brett’s subsequent gloom and ascension to the throne had worried Kaitlyn more than she would ever admit. When John had announced his intent to search for Ted, she had approached him and asked that he bring the prince back if only for the sake of his younger brother.
“I don’t doubt that you will.” John grinned at the woman. “Are you here simply to welcome me back?”
“Partly,” said Kaitlyn, her smile fading. “I owe you a debt. I truly do. In the short time Theodore has been back, Brett has begun acting so much more as his old, carefree self. I have not seen him this happy in a long time and that is because of you and your dedication in bringing his brother home.”
“I didn’t do it entirely for his highness, but I am pleased that he has been positively affected.” John frowned. “You said that was partly the reason.”
“Yes.” Kaitlyn looked around as if expecting someone else to be there and lowered her voice. “I think Theodore may have some trouble.”
“From whom?”
“Damien has been ingratiating himself with Brett of late. I don’t like him even slightly - he’s disingenuous. I don’t think he cares much for Brett or has anything other than his own interests at heart but I am not Brett’s wife yet and have no say over the company he keeps. And it could be politically dangerous for me to orchestrate his removal - I am no politician and he has much experience. But Theodore’s return has enraged him. There is no love lost there and I fear that he means to discredit Theodore. Or worse.”
John’s eyes narrowed. “Discredit him how?”
“I would imagine his recent experiences would be enough to claim his mind has been unbalanced and it would need only a little evidence of strangeness to back up his ideas. He has already made some odd comments about slaves and how they should be free men all.”
John sighed. “Well, he has experienced slavery and did not care for it. He merely empathises. And would Brett stand for it?”
“No, but it might be enough to coax an uncertain court to disallow Theodore any kind of say in the land’s affairs.” Kaitlyn hesitated. “And I don’t believe he would be that forthcoming as to his intentions. I think Theodore should be very careful until this situation is resolved. And that you should watch his back.”
“You think that someone would do Theodore injury?”
“Damien would not act that way, he would be too afraid, but there are others and there are always conspiracies.” Kaitlyn smiled slightly. “When things are settled, it will be as it always was. Until then, these are strange times and with no clear heir, there will be those wishing to exact their own ends. It does not merely apply to Theodore of course. There are some who feel Brett has not represented their own interests and might be more interested in having Theodore take the throne in his place.”
“You think both brothers are in danger?”
“I have a suspicious mind.” Kaitlyn pushed hair from her face. “I shall do all I can to hurry along peace and stability. In the meantime, I implore you to watch over Theodore.”
“You have my word.”
“I shall speak to Sheamus also. Perhaps you should speak with him also. He may not have grown up with the rest of you soldiers but his loyalty is without question and he would lay down his life for Brett, as I believe you would for Theodore - and their wishes are that their brother is safe.”
“I understand.” John sighed. “Thank you.”
“It is I who owe you thanks,” replied Kaitlyn. “I shall speak to you again at the festivities.”
Kaitlyn left and John lost interest in rearranging his home, sitting on his bed and sighing. He had known things would be difficult until the matter of the throne was settled, but he had not realised quite to what extent. And it had never once occurred to him that Brett’s life may also be in danger, although with hindsight it should have been obvious.
A part of him was wishing that he had never returned Theodore back home and directly into the path of danger.