Courting Danger- Part 1
Adam is five when it happens. He doesn't understand it at all, except that his father's face becomes tighter, and that his mother wanders around the house, tears in her eyes. Neil, who is ten at the time, looks at Adam in scorn and says that Adam should just know.
The world has changed. He doesn't really know it yet, but even at five, he sees that things are different.
When Adam is fifteen, the new King declares all music but that of his choosing to be banned, he begins to fathom. All Adam has wanted is to be involved with the theater, but that kind of music is no longer allowed. Adam plays none of the permitted instruments, and his high toned singing is considered too abnormal to continue on in even studying what is permissible.
It is then that he joins the revolution. Paula, his voice teacher, leads him to it, saying that many nobles have joined, and that perhaps he could find peace there. Adam loves it, diving into it as if it is a new song, creating new ideas the way he loved to create new music. He is the highest noble there, next to their leader.
When Neil abandons his spot as the future Duke of Angeles, Adam's situation becomes precarious. After all, Neil has no idea of Adam's membership in the revolution, has no idea that their slim chances have almost disappeared.
The best chance for success had been waiting for the Crown Prince to simply outlive his father. Or for the Crown Prince and the King's long standing feud to come to a head, and the younger brother to inherit.
Adam liked the second idea. The whole leadership council liked the idea. Their leader hadn't been so sure. Even though he is the second Prince himself.
Then Daniel disappeared.
So Adam has to deal with the new responsibilities of his duchy, taking over leadership of a doomed revolution, while also making himself known to the King and his progeny.
It's a wonder he does not go gray early.
But he does know that no matter the Crown Prince's political leanings, his reported arguments with his father cannot be completely unfounded. So the opportunity to meet him cannot be passed.
Adam looks at the mask in his hand. He has been told not to wear color, as the court follows the fashion of the Crown Prince. Adam hates the idea, but the dark gray is quite a good look for him. He rubs his hands together and lets out a breath. It's just another play. Just another stage.
He steps out of the carriage.
"His Royal Highness, Kristopher Neil Allen Cowell, Crown Prince of Dolonia!"
Kris makes his way down the steps carefully. It's not the grandest of entrances, but he doesn't trip and fall, so he supposes that's an accomplishment.
He waits at the bottom of the stairs for his parents. He lets the announcement wash over him, giving his father a polite nod and his mother a warm smile as they pass.
He watches them glide across the hall, to take their perches on the thrones. Later they will dance, stately and without passion.
The ball has begun.
It is like every other one: first he circles the room, making sure everyone has been welcomed. Then he dances with all the eligible men and women-not because he's interested, but because he understands that he will be King one day and there are political alliances to be made. Then he circles the room again, perhaps dancing again with one or two (but never the same one or two as the ball before.) Then shortly after his parents dance, he retreats to 'deal with matters of state.' He then spends the rest of the night watching his daughter sleep. Among other things.
Kris looks back to his parents. His mother looks out into the room, seeing nothing. His father looks out, trying to see everything. Kris watches carefully. He knows his every move will be analyzed, scrutinized, and lectured back at him tomorrow. His father is nothing but thorough in his need for Kris to be perfect.
Although Kris understands that he will never measure up in his father's eyes, that there will always be something at fault. In the last five years, he has begun to care less and less what his father thinks, and more and more about how he is perceived by his country.
After all, he will be King some day, and Kris has seen the way the citizens look at his Father, and while crime is down, and the people are fed, there is a gloom in their eyes, a fear that there will be no change.
Kris will not stand for things staying the same. But he also knows he must outlive his father first.
"His Grace, the Duke of Angeles."
Kris looks up to the stairs. No one is ever late for a ball, and Kris isn't even sure he's ever met any of the royalty from Angeles, but the man at the top of the stairs has received an invitation, so he must be real. Or at least have access to an excellent forger. And an impeccable tailor. And apparently, no name, although Ryan could be paid to say about anything you wanted.
Then Kris vaguely remembers something about the first son marrying out of country, and the second inheriting. It is one of the outlying duchies, and they do not appear in court often, so with his father's emphasis on those who do pay court, Kris is proud to remember that much.
The man at the top of the stairs is in dark gray, and saunters down just slowly enough so all eyes in the room are on him. The gray reflects the lights as he walks down the stairs, reflecting minute threads of purple and blue. Even that much color seems a breach of protocol, but the Duke walks forward as if his dress is no matter. Kris thinks it's a rather spectacular entrance. He walks over to the man.
"Your Grace," Kris says, "Welcome. I don't think we've ever had the pleasure of meeting."
Kris's breath catches at the directness of the Duke's gaze, blue and frozen.
"No. I think I would remember meeting you," the Duke murmurs.
Kris pauses for a moment, and then laughs politely. "Perhaps you'll find I am not all that interesting."
"I don't think so."
Kris watches as the man glides away, realizing he never actually asked for a name.
They dance a minuet, later. The Duke glides effortlessly across the floor; executing each move with a precision that spoke of old wealth and idle time spent learning the intricacies of the dance.
"I must apologize for missing most of this season," the Duke says, "but Angeles has been keeping me rather busy. I wasn't trained for my duties, and my brother left me appallingly in the dark."
"I must confess, I do not really remember ever knowing anyone from Angeles personally. So I did not realize I had missed you until you appeared."
A sly grin crosses the Duke's face.
"Very well played, your Highness."
"I do enjoy pleasurable banter from time to time," Kris says.
"Only banter?"
Kris finds himself smiling back at the earl. "I have time for little else."
"What a terrible waste."
"Merely a recognition that I must tend to my duties first and pleasures second."
"I will concede that," the Duke says. "But perhaps you should make time for your pleasures, to make the duties seem less onerous."
"Alas, I am still learning much. My father insists on perfection. Perhaps when I have mastered more, I can afford such time."
The Duke nods and says nothing for the rest of the dance.
"Lambert," he says, "my house name is Lambert. If you feel you can pay for time."
The duke winks at Kris as he bows, and swiftly disappears into the crowd. Kris blinks, trying to remember the last time he had been so engaged in a conversation. Then he remembers he is to dance with the Baroness del Toro, and he steels himself.
The night progresses as normal, although Kris finds himself searching for a figure in white when he lets his mind wander. When it is time for a few second dances, Kris looks for the earl, but he is gone.
Kris is almost certain that he's imagined the whole event, except the Countess Underwood informs him that she saw the Duke slip out shortly before the King and Queen's dance, as if he were late for something else.
Kris puts the Duke aside as he heads for his rooms.
"Hey, Megs," he says as he slips inside his door.
Megan says nothing for a moment. It's their ritual. Most everyone thinks that Kris and Megan are having an affair. They aren't, but they both let it slide because it gives the illusion they need.
"I heard that the Duke of Angeles made an appearance."
Kris makes a noncommittal noise as he looks into Allison's room.
"How is she?"
"She's fine, and you avoided my question. He must be cute."
Kris shrugs. "Perhaps. I have other things to worry about. Midnight?"
"As always."
Kris nods once before going to his room to change. He only has a few hours.
There is a revolution to help.
"The troubadour has been very forthcoming and helpful in the past. And others have confirmed some of what he gave us tonight."
Adam looks at David and sighs. Adam is the new leader for many reasons, but sometimes he wishes David would have stepped up instead. David had been with the revolution when Adam joined, but he was content to stay second in command.
"So let's say that he isn't leading us into a trap. What then?"
Adam looks at David, and the rest of the leaders. There are five of them in the room, and Adam implicitly trusts them all.
“Dry run.”
Adam looks to the far end of the room. As always, Blake sat in the darkest corner. The professed ‘prince of thieves’ has a vested interest in keeping Cowell on the throne, yet for whatever reasons, chooses to fight to rid Dolonia of its greatest enemy. Then again, Blake is never known for doing what was expected of him.
“Do you ever speak more than two words at a time?” Carrie asks
Carrie comes with David. She is a Countess by birth, but her lands had been lost years ago to flooding and mudslides. She is still considered nobility, but her best bet for continuing in society is to marry someone with stronger land ties than her. She sticks with David, however.
“When there’s a complicated job, sometimes we do a dry run. We’ll send out our second team to scout the place, see if our information is right. Adjust timelines.”
Adam nods. “I like the idea. If the Troubadour is correct, perhaps we need to keep better tabs on him.”
David shakes his head. “No can do. He came to me, and he wants to stay hidden. I’d say he’s either on security or household staff. We can’t compromise that.”
“If the information turns out to be correct, I’d love a way to meet him. Or to let him know that if he is caught, we will gladly give him a safe haven. Even gone from the castle, someone like that would have much information we need.”
David nods. “We’ll talk about that later. Who do we send for the dry run, then? You need to remain mysterious, so I’d say Kelly would be our best bet. Sorry, dear.”
Carrie says nothing. She is used to her position being questioned, Adam supposes.
“Yes. Kelly, and perhaps a few of Blake's friends as her security detail?”
They all agree, and disperse. David hangs back for a moment.
“This troubadour. Is that the name he gave you?”
“He also goes by Allen. I don’t share that, because there may be the haze of his possible bastardy in the balance of his information.”
“Interesting. Do you think he might be a bastard child of King Neil?”
“No. If the old king was known for anything, it was his fidelity. But the name might be a symbol of his devotion to the old order. I do not know. But he is committed, whoever he is. Do you want me to give him the standard tokens?”
“Yes. We’ll need all the help we can get. Cowell is-“
“I know,” David says. “Trust me, I know.”
David leaves the room and Adam sits back down. It’s been an eventful week and he’s trying to balance the two worlds very carefully. It hasn’t been helped that he was very disarmed by the Crown Prince at the ball earlier tonight. When meeting the son of Simon Cowell, Adam had expected someone very different. Colder. Brusquer.
Not the man he had danced with tonight. It created an interesting dilemma for Adam, as he couldn’t just say ‘Hello. I think you are quite distracting. I sort of like you. By the way, I’m trying to overthrow your father.’
Adam sighs and puts it away. Tomorrow is another day.
“Kristopher, at some point, you will be King, and you must have someone to rule by your side. I do not care who it is, as long as they are of proper birth and temperament. You must understand that it gives people comfort to have two on the throne. That there’s a sense of stability," the King says.
Kris sighs inwardly. He isn’t interested in marrying. After Katy’s death, it has been the last thing on his mind.
“At least look like you are trying. Perhaps you’ll find it isn’t as hateful as you think. Pick three or four nobles. Don’t play favorites. Perhaps be a bit more personable than you usually are?”
Kris looks at his mother. He sees she is straining to please both him and his father. Kris still does not understand them, but as he had the luxury of marrying for love the first time. He knows now that he may have to marry for politics, and it kills him.
“Fine. Four you say? No favorites? What about Lady Clarkson, Countess Underwood, Duke Lambert and Marquis Mills.”
Kris has named four very different nobles, one of whom hasn’t been around for long. He’s only pulled their names because he’s at least had favorable interactions with them, but they also represent a wide spectrum of political beliefs.
“Underwood? Lambert? Two more suspect nobles if I’ve ever heard.”
“Exactly, Father. If I court them as well as the more popular, it will look as if we support them, but at the same time I can get to know them better and see exactly what they are hiding. It’s not as if they would refuse the invitation of the Crown Prince. Furthermore, if they are true nobles, it would boost our connection to them, even if I didn’t marry them. We win every way.”
Kris stomach only slightly turns at the lie. He's getting better at it, playing the political games his father loves so well.
The King blinks for a moment. “Well Kristopher, I cannot tell you how pleased I am. Surprised, but pleased. Go ahead with this. You will update me, dear?”
“As always,” the Queen replies. “Now it is time for my tea with the Lady Clarkson herself. Perhaps I could relay a message?”
Kris nods. “Let me escort you. Father.”
He nods to the King and holds out his arm. He and his mother walk slowly down the hall.
“Are you certain of this Kristopher? I do not want to push.”
“It’s past time, Mama. Allison is five now. Perhaps it may do me some good to get out of my comfort zone.”
She nods and gives him a hug. “Be careful,” she whispers in his ear. “I know some of what you are doing. What you and Daniel were doing. He… Please be careful. I cannot lose another son.”
Kris manages to hold his face until he gets to his room. Then he sits, staring at the wall. His mother knew something was going on. This should be a problem, yet somehow it signals there is more to his parent’s relationship (or lack thereof) that he isn’t aware. He puts away any thoughts and begins to write out instructions for his secretary.
Adam stares down at the letter, and then looks at Kelly and Carrie.
“Is this coincidence?”
Kelly shakes her head. “No. The conversation I had with the Queen indicates that the Prince chose a wide spectrum of nobles on purpose. The Marquis has been fairly pro-King, while I have been muted at best. Carrie is known for her connections with the old regime, and you represent the unknown. “
“This means I’ll have to show my face.”
“True, but you could develop a certain style. Something completely different from how you present yourself here. We cannot refuse,” Carrie says.
Adam stares down at the letter again. “What do we know of him?”
Kelly sits back in her chair. “Well, since I’ve been in court the longest, I suppose I know him best. He’s probably the most genuine person I’ve ever met. I have no idea where his laid back personality came from, considering how focused his father is. From what I can tell, he could possibly be an ally. Except-“
“He loves his country. He would never go for it. For the sake of continuity, he would wait out his father,” Carrie says.
Kelly nods. “He married young, but he and Katy were a fortunate love match. They were great friends as children. When she died in childbirth, I think the whole country died a little. Kris was different after that. Much more serious. Focused even. He became very distant. When Daniel disappeared last year, he became the obedient son with little difficulty. I don’t suspect him, only because he’s never shown any inclination of actually liking his father, but I do worry that his heart is too hardened now for us to make any difference.”
“Hmmm,” Adam says. “He seemed at the very least engaging.”
“Oh yes,” Kelly says. “He still is Kris, but he’s so much more closed off than I remember. But this gives us another well of information if we play it right.”
“Hmmm.”
“Is there a problem?” Carrie asks. “You’ve looked worried the entire time.”
“He’s very distracting. I'm not used to political dating. I'm not sure I can do it.”
Kelly laughs. “Oh this is going to be very interesting. It is fortunate your older brother decided to leave the country after all. I’m going to be highly entertained.”
Adam sighs. “I’m not here for your entertainment. Although I could play on the kinship of having a title I did not want. Or that both our brothers left us. I hate playing someone like this. I really do.”
“Well, if he is favorable to our cause, then he’ll forgive you. If not? Well, at least he’s pretty.”
Adam puts his head in his hands, but he cannot help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.
It's closing in on his parents' wedding anniversary, so there is some sort of party at least once a week. Kris waits in the hallway for the Duke of Angeles. It is their third meeting.
Kris originally named the Duke for the very reasons he gave his father: while Lambert's birthright seemed legitimate, his inheritance of a title around the same time Daniel disappeared is odd. But after two dates, Kris…
The Duke of Angeles is a puzzle of sorts. He strikes Kris as someone who would hate the change his father brought to Dolonia, yet in all their conversations, the Duke has neutral politcally. As if testing the waters.
Plus his hesitation when he gave his name…
Kris isn't sure what to think of Adam, except that there is something fascinating about him, something that Kris is determined to know. He just doesn't know what yet.
"Your Highness."
Kris looks down the hallway. Tonight's outfit is all black, with hints of blue and purple. The mask is covered in feathers.
"Please, Adam, Kris. I beg you."
"Kris. You look wonderful."
"I knew you would go all out. I had to try and at least match you."
Adam smiles, "Of course."
Kris holds out his arm and they enter the ball together. They manage to use up all of their small talk at dinner, leaving them silent as the dances begin.
"Have they always danced like that?"
Kris looks from Adam to his parents. "Yes."
"Does it bother you, having to make a political match?"
"Yes."
Kris doesn't say much beyond that. This is the third time he has been with the Duke, and perhaps the most comfortable. Yet he cannot seem to open up. It had been a wonderful surprise at the end of their second meeting, lunch in one of the gardens, when their relationship had changed. They had been discussing corn.
"I hate this," Kris says. He puts a hand over his mouth, because he hadn't meant to say it aloud.
Adam blinks at him for a moment. "Me too. Perhaps I've gone about this wrong. I don't know if I am interested in being the Prince Consort, and I don't know if you really want to marry at all."
Kris turns to face Adam head on. "What are you saying?"
"I don't see any point in boring ourselves with silly conversations about politics, and where I stand on the rights of wheat farmers versus corn farmers, when none of it really matters. You obviously are courting people to make your parents happy. So why not at least make it interesting?"
Kris can't stop the smile from coming. He relaxes in his chair. "You have no idea how happy that would make me. I hate this. I have a daughter, so I don't understand why I have to get married all of a sudden. I have plenty of years to find someone to rule with."
Adam smiles back and Kris has a feeling that the Duke isn't done surprising him.
"Good. Perhaps then, you can give me all the gossip. And I can insult how they dress."
"I think I'd like that."
"Are you with me?" Adam says.
Kris shakes himself and nods once. "Sorry. I just wonder, sometimes. I worry."
"Your mother takes quite good care of herself."
"I still worry."
Adam nods. "Perhaps, but I think you are supposed to be paying attention to me."
"Trust me, I'm always paying attention to you."
Adam's grin is almost predatory. Kris finds himself growing warm under Adam's gaze, but he doesn't look away. Without any of the pretense of court rituals, Kris finds it easy to be himself. But he also knows he is being watched, so he must maintain some decorum.
"Let's dance," Adam says. "I promise to behave."
"Don't be so hasty," Kris murmurs as they walk out. "A little bit of scandal never hurt anyone."
When he and Adam walk onto the dance floor, Kris feels the change. He doesn't have to say anything to make sure he doesn't push Adam away, or insult him. It's the freedom he's been missing for a long time.
"I have to admit though, you are very distracting," Kris says.
"Oh really? Perhaps the next time I see you, Highness, we could discuss that further."
"I'd like that too."
Adam laughs and the night flies by. Kris escorts him out of the room around ten.
"You know, your babysitter would probably stay past ten."
"I know, but it gives me a convenient excuse to leave early."
"Perhaps I need to have a child. I have no such excuse."
"Yet you leave early whether you are with me or not."
"True. A little mystery never hurt anyone."
Kris turns at the door to his rooms. "Maybe I could give you a tour of the castle. Next time, that is. I'll show you the forbidden room."
Kris laughs at the look that crosses Adam's face. He's taken off the mask, and the play of emotions is amusing.
"The forbidden room?"
Kris leans forward and whispers, "The music room."
"Ah."
Kris realizes he is inches away from being pressed against Adam, and moves to step back. Before he does, Adam leans down and kisses Kris on the corner of his mouth.
"Too soon? That was definitely too soon. I just spent the whole of two dates trying to convince you I didn't want to court you and I-"
"Shut up," Kris says, pulling Adam back to him.
They are in full view of anyone who comes down the hallway, and Kris doesn't care. It's been so long since he has felt anything he wants to make sure he's taking this all in.
Adam pulls back first.
"Okay. Not too soon."
Kris bites his lip. "Probably should have that talk while we walk around the castle."
"Yes."
Adam stands there another minute before moving. Kris watches him walk down the hall. He turns to his rooms, and sees the mask on the floor. He picks it up.
When he enters his rooms, he finds Megan suspiciously close to the door.
"You keep kissing him like that, no one's going to believe you are sleeping with me anymore."
"Megan-"
"Hush. I like him."
"Why?"
"Because he confuses you. Because he flips everything you do upside down. Because he's a damn good kisser."
"I can't believe you watched."
"You were the one kissing in an open hallway."
Kris sighs. "I know. I know. Don't remind me."
"Well go on and do your thing. It's close anyway, right?"
He nods. "I don't know if I'm going to get out again. I have to let them know that at least."
Kris turns to get ready.
When Daniel and he first found out about the grass-roots rebellion to overthrow the King, they had spent a long time discussing it. Kris was the first to approach them, in his disguise as a troubadour, banished from his craft. Then Daniel joined. His position as second son made it easier for him to be more involved: he wasn't watched as much.
They had a careful system in place, and everything looked good until Daniel disappeared. At first, Kris thought his father had found out. That their plans were for nothing. But the rebellion continued, but Kris had no knowledge of its inner workings anymore. All he has is his original contact and hope that they were still doing well.
"Ah, Allen. On time as always."
Kris doesn't move from the step. It's a dingy room in the middle of the city, but it is almost like another home.
"I've been instructed to tell you that the plan is set. We’re finalizing plans now."
"Good. Good. I brought the maps of all the secret tunnels I know of. Don't let these fall into the wrong hands. In fact, the less people that knew this, the better I'd feel."
"Of course."
Kris's contact is David. He looks familiar for some reason, but Kris cannot place it. David is all business, although Kris has the feeling that in David's case, still waters ran very deep.
"I've also been instructed to give you a way out. Our leader understands your need to be discreet, but if ever you should need shelter-"
"I'll be fine."
"If ever you should need shelter, show this token to one of the beggars. Tell them who you are, and we will protect you in every way we can."
Kris takes the offered necklace in his hand. He doesn't look at it before stuffing it in his pocket.
"Thank you. After tonight, I am not sure my cover will be safe anymore. If I can, I will come back. If not, it has been a pleasure working with you."
"Wait."
"What?"
"What do you know of the Crown Prince?"
"Why?"
David looks out the window for a moment. "Other sources tell us many things. We think we can trust him not to be his father all over again, but we would like your opinion."
Kris says nothing for awhile. He hasn't even considered that the rebels would consider killing him as well.
"I do not know him well," Kris says carefully, "but I can tell you that the Crown Prince and his father are not friends, and are often at odds. That he is a man that will not love taking the crown, but do it the justice it deserves."
David nods slowly.
"Thank you."
Kris walks out without looking back. He knows he is being followed, but he also knows that he can rid himself of the tail easily.
When he returns it is quarter of midnight.
"Early, I see," Megan says.
"Megan…I need to ask you a favor. Bigger than this."
Megan looks at him. "Just how much trouble is there going to be?"
"I don't know. But I do know this, if there is, and I can't get here in time, or if I can't get here at all, would you take Allison and hide her for awhile? I know it's a lot to ask, but-"
"Not even a question. Should we have a code word? A phrase?"
"You'll know."
She nods. "I'm going home now. All the maids told me earlier that I should demand a raise if you are going to stop sleeping with me."
Kris laughs. "We'll see."
Kris looks in on his daughter one more time before getting ready for bed. He remembers the token in his pocket and pulls it out. It's a necklace on a simple black cord.
Kris stares at it for a long time before putting it around his neck. He runs his fingers down the single black feather and then looks at the mask lying on a table nearby.
"Lots to talk about the next time I see you," he murmurs before tucking the necklace under his shirt.
Adam has seen parts of the castle before, and he's seen enough hand drawn maps to last a lifetime.
This is much better. Kris knows stories that Adam has never heard. How his great-grandmother threw a plate of pasta at a visiting king in one dining hall, and how his cousin was conceived in another.
Mostly¸ though, it is good to see Kris relaxed. Happy almost.
The idyll of the day ends in the forbidden room.
"Did you learn to play at all?" Adam asks.
"No."
Kris's lips twitch, and Adam knows he is lying.
"Adam, I found this, on the floor."
Adam looks at the mask in Kris's hands. "Okay. Why is this so important?"
Kris sits down on a bench near the harpsichord. "I know who you are."
"I don't understand."
Kris looks around. "Do you think I didn't know what Daniel was doing? Where he was disappearing to? Who do you think first checked out the validity of it all?"
Adam swallows and sits down next to Kris. "Oh. He never mentioned you."
"He wasn't supposed to. I wasn't supposed to be involved. I'm the Crown Prince."
Adam is silent for a moment. "How did you find out?"
"Funny you should ask-"
The door crashes open.
"Your Majesty."
"Kristopher, I would speak with you."
Kris nods and walks to the door.
"I'll be right back."
Adam can hear their words through the door, which has not shut properly. The King does not believe in secrets, obviously. It is an argument about the propriety of being in a room full of objects forbidden to even exist in the kingdom. Kris argues back that they are of historical value, and he was merely showing Adam the extent to which their family was trying to preserve. Adam thinks it's a pretty slick comeback. The King huffs and tells Kris that perhaps he was unwise to choose his companions. Kris says nothing, and there is silence as footsteps walk away.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I found it quite enlightening."
"I wish we had more time to talk."
"Me, too. Someday you could tell me why exactly your parents married."
"Perhaps I would be the better person to ask. I suppose my husband already came and left?"
Kris and Adam turn to see the Queen.
"Yes, your Majesty."
"What a nice boy you are. Is your mother still well?"
"Yes."
"I hope to see her again soon."
"I had no idea you even knew her."
"No, I suppose not."
The Queen looks down the hall for a moment, as if deciding something. "Let's go in here for a moment. There are things to be said."
Adam looks at Kris, confused, but they both follow her.
"You know what I love best about this room?"
"No, Mama, I don't."
The Queen walks to a wall and knocks on it. There is a muffled thump. "Soundproofed. This was the best room to avoid spies. I suppose that's the real reason Simon hates it."
"Mama-"
"Shh. I need to know one thing. Can you trust him with whatever you are involved in, Kristopher?"
Adam sits. Of all the things he was expecting today, a complete turnaround on everything he had assumed was not it.
"You can trust him, Mama."
"Good. I'm assuming there is a plan in place?"
"Yes Mama-"
"I don't need details. I've been waiting for this day for twenty-four years. I should have had the courage to go on my own, but when Simon came along. One day I'll tell you everything, but I had no choice. I couldn't risk not marrying him. His political base was too strong then. And then it all went to hell, and it was all my fault. And now his base is so much stronger."
"Your Majesty, you've done so much good, you-"
"Thank you Adam, but it still weighs on me. What I did."
"Mama, I don't understand, what's this about?"
The Queen looks down at her hands.
"I made Daniel disappear. Don't ask where he is; only know that he is alive. Simon got to him. Daniel had the best intentions, but he had a duty to his father. Or so he felt. He's now quietly contemplating his duplicity with the monks. I asked them to take him to a secret location, until you gained the crown. Then things could be safe."
Adam feels Kris's hand tighten on top of his.
"Daniel was going to tell, wasn't he?" Kris asks.
"He was. He came to believe it was treason. He came to me first, luckily. I was faced with a choice. Daniel is a good boy, down deep, but he is still Simon's son," The Queen says.
"So am I," Kris says, not looking at his mother. "What makes me different?"
The Queen says nothing for a moment.
"I've been waiting for twenty-four years, hoping. And you turned into everything I hoped you'd be."
"Mama. We don't have time. What aren't you telling me?"
"I may have left out some convenient math when you were born."
Adam's mouth drops. He cannot contain it. Kris still looks confused, but there is a dawning in his eyes that cannot be mistaken.
"Mama?"
"You are not his son."
"Oh really?"
There is mass confusion for a moment. The Queen puts a hand to her mouth before putting herself in between the King and Kris. She turns to Kris for a brief moment.
"Run. For me."
Adam grabs his hand and pulls him out of the room, despite any protests.
"Adam, I just can't leave her!"
"She sacrificed twenty-four years of her life for you. The least you can do is honor her wishes."
Kris stops in the hallway. Adam watches the emotions play over his face in the space of seconds for becoming completely calm. He nods once, looking briefly down the hall they just came from.
"I can't go to my rooms. They'll be waiting. I have to leave now. Damn it. Can you go to my rooms, and tell Megan it's time? She'll know what I mean."
"I'm coming with you."
Kris shakes his head. "You can't. You have to go back, tell him you were confused and I ran away from you. That you are on his side."
It's Adam's turn to consider, and as much as he hates it, Kris is right.
"That’s…that's terrible and perfect. You going to be okay?"
Kris grins and pulls a necklace from his shirt. Adam stares at it.
"I'll be fine."
Adam watches Kris disappear around the corner. He has no idea what's going to happen next, only that the plan has completely changed. He looks back to the music room, and figures he has a few more minutes to spare.
PART TWO