Denial II, Chapter 24: The Day Returns Too Soon
Title: Denial II, Chapter 24: The Day Returns Too Soon
Author: wastingyourgum
Characters/Pairings: Little John/Legrand, Carter, Brooks, Robin, Much, Queen Eleanor
Rating: NC-17
Genre: Drama, Angst
Words: ~3700
Disclaimer: BBC & TA own; we just want to play in their universe
Notes: Beta'd by robinfanatic and jagnikjen . Takes place after AU 2x13 but prior to 3x01
Introduction and chapter links for Denial II are here...
Summary: The boys get cleaned up and prepare for their arrival at Poitiers...
>>-------------------->
Chapter 24: The Day Returns Too Soon
Though the night was made for loving,
And the day returns too soon,
Yet we'll go no more a-roving
By the light of the moon.
- Byron
"Here... stop that! What are you--?" John brushed the woman's hand away as she reached for his belt.
Legrand laughed. "Relax, John. It's all part of the service."
Brooks, Much and Carter were already washed, dressed and downstairs at the dinner table. Robin had just got out of his bath and the maids were waiting for Legrand to get out of his so they could top up the tub for John.
The small group had reunited at the small town of Lussac-les-Chateaux, about twenty-five miles from Poitiers. The plan was to rest at the inn there for the night before making the last stage of their journey.
They found their arrival had been anticipated. The queen had sent out a carriage from Poitiers to meet them with all that was required to make sure the travellers were presentable when they arrived at her court the next day. This included a very large bathtub to accompany the smaller one the inn already had and a number of servants. The idea of some proper rest, hot food and a warm bath had certainly appealed to John, right up to the point when he realised someone else would be scrubbing his back.
Legrand stepped out of his bath and stood patiently as two maids towelled him off and then started dressing him. He looked completely at ease, as did Robin who was being helped on with his clothes by another maid.
John looked at the unfamiliar garments waiting for him with deep distrust as he grudgingly allowed the maid to take off his coat. The queen had also provided complete sets of new clothes for them all, including Brooks. The other mens' clothes fit perfectly and John had no doubt his would do likewise. He wondered just how long the queen had had her eye on them all.
"Careful with that," John called as one of the other women took his coat from the room at arm's length.
"John, they don't speak English," Robin reminded him as he left the room.
"I know, but she still understood me," John said. He leaned over as the maid tugged his shirt off over his head. "You better not have eaten all the food by the time I get there," he growled at Legrand.
"Have you seen the amount of food downstairs? Nobody's appetite is that big. Not even Much's," Legrand said as he stooped to allow the maid to help him on with his jacket. "Then again, you know all about my appetite." He slapped John on his backside as he passed him to follow Robin downstairs.
The maids giggled at the familiar gesture and John turned scarlet. He had a horrible feeling he was going to have get used to that sort of treatment when they arrived at the palace the next day.
Legrand took his place beside Robin, Much, Brooks and Carter at the dinner table. They all watched with amusement as a steady stream of maids ran up and down the stairs with armfuls of towels, clothes and more hot water. Robin rose from his chair when it sounded like a serious disagreement had broken out in the bath room but Legrand placed one hand on his arm and shook his head. Sure enough the argument ended abruptly moments later with the sounds of a huge splash and the furious spluttering of a large, unhappy outlaw.
Much giggled non-stop for several minutes after that and even Robin cracked a rare smile.
Robin's dark mood and the tension between Much and Carter left little room for humour. Much had told Legrand that he hoped some time at Poitiers might lift Robin's spirits or at least let him find some peace to mourn properly. Robin had focussed only on revenge since leaving the Holy Land and had become more and more withdrawn the closer they got to England.
Gradually the sounds of frantic activity upstairs ceased and several of the maids came back down to help with the dinner service, flushed in the face but looking very pleased with themselves.
A while later, the men all paused in their muted conversation as they heard John's slow tread down the stairs. They turned towards him, curious to see the results of the maids' hard work.
John stopped half-way down the stairs as he was greeted with stunned silence. "What's wrong?" he asked defensively.
Legrand felt his mouth drop open. Carter and Brooks were also struck dumb and even Much had paused mid-chew.
John's usually matted hair now fell in soft waves about his face and his beard was neatly trimmed. He wore a fine white linen shirt under a simple jacket and hose of a deep forest green. They were nowhere near as ornate as the nobles' outfits, but closer inspection showed that just as much attention had gone into their making. The jacket had a delicate embroidery of leaves traced over it in a darker shade and a small bear carved on each of the buttons.
For once, it was Robin who broke the silence first. "Nothing. Nothing is wrong, John. You just look very...different."
John tugged at the collar of his jacket as he sat down and started helping himself to the food.
"You do know beards aren't really the fashion at court?" Carter said.
"If Much gets to keep his, I'm damned if they're shaving mine off, " John growled.
"Je pense qu'il est très beau," one of the serving maids said to another with a quiet giggle.
Legrand frowned and signalled her to pour him some more wine. If the maids thought John looked handsome it was almost certain the queen would do likewise. His appetite unexpectedly deserted him and he pushed his plate away.
"What did she say?" John asked.
"She thinks you look very nice, John," Robin replied.
"Oh...well...tell her thank you."
"Mon ami dit vous remercient beaucoup," Robin said to the maid, who blushed and giggled again.
"Votre ami ne parle pas Francais, monsieur?"
"Non." Robin sat back as Legrand raised his goblet.
The maid turned back to her friend. "J'espere que la Reine est douce avec lui."
Legrand spluttered into his wine and hastily wiped the table and his mouth with his napkin. Gentle with him? If the queen hadn't changed her mind since the last time she saw John, he wouldn't know what hit him.
Carter smirked and Robin raised another faint smile when he saw John's puzzled expression.
"What?"
"Nothing, John - she just hopes you have a nice time at Poitiers," Robin replied. Much looked at Robin expectantly and Robin mouthed, "Tell you later."
John shrugged and tucked into his meal with enthusiasm.
Robin watched him eat for a few minutes and said, "John, I think you and I should have a few words about court etiquette before we arrive tomorrow..."
>>-------------------->
The shutters were open in John's room allowing a cool breeze to drift in from outside. Legrand ran his hands possessively down the long expanse of John's back. The moon had shown full only a few nights ago and its waning light painted the warm skin under Legrand's fingers in shadows of silver and grey.
Legrand pressed his lips against John's shoulder as he pushed harder into him. It was even better than he'd imagined - and he'd imagined it so many times.
John moaned into his pillow and his arms and legs tensed, making the bed frame creak.
Legrand checked John's gag was secure before grabbing a fistful of John's dark hair. He whispered harshly into his helpless lover's ear, "You know you always wanted this, John. Why did you resist me for so long? Why make me take what you should have given? You are mine, not the queen's."
The door suddenly burst open and four Royal Guards rushed in with drawn swords. Legrand found himself backed against the wall with three swords at his throat, while the fourth man stood by the bed. The fourth guard did not cut John's ropes but instead turned and looked back at the door.
Legrand followed his gaze as Queen Eleanor swept furiously into the room.
"Of all people, to betray me so badly, Guillaume." Eleanor's eyes flashed with anger. "Kill him," she ordered.
Legrand braced himself but it was the man by the bed who raised his sword and plunged it into the middle of John's back.
Legrand's eyes snapped open and he struggled to catch his breath. He was staring at the ceiling of his room in the inn; his fingers bunched into tight fists in the bed sheets.
Judging by the half-light outside, dawn was not far off. Legrand looked down; the effect of the first part of his dream - the feel of John under him and around him - had not diminished any. He stroked himself for a few moments while he looked out of the window then let out a long sigh and got up.
It's not tomorrow yet, Your Grace....
>>-------------------->
It was still very early in the morning when John awoke. He lay on his side with his hands tucked together under his head, the position he'd been used to adopting during their travels when his pillow was whatever lay nearby.
He wondered what had woken him before he became aware of the second presence in his room. He felt Legrand lift the covers then climb into the bed behind him. Legrand had seemed oddly out of sorts all evening since dinner, not at all like a man happily coming home after a long absence, and John had worried there was something troubling him.
John felt the warmth from Legrand's bare chest pressing against his back as Legrand put his arm around John's waist, sliding his hand under John's shirt. John smiled and started to drift back off to sleep when Legrand's hand edged lower. "It's a little early for that, don't you think?" John mumbled.
"No, mon ami, it's almost too late." Legrand kissed the back of John's neck as his fingers slid into John's breeches and then curled around what they had been searching for. John could feel the Frenchman's own length pressing against him. He shifted and made to reach behind him to return the favour but Legrand pushed his hand away with the elbow of the arm draped over John. "No, let me do this just for you, John."
John put his hand back under his head and closed his eyes, shifting his hips as Legrand continued to gently stroke him. He was fully erect in moments under his friend's talented touch.
Legrand nuzzled at the nape of John's neck, enjoying the softness of his hair and the subtle smell of the perfumed bath and new clothes mixed with John's natural scent. He pressed himself against John's back and his breath caught. They fit so well together, he could just...
"John?" Ask him. Just...ask him.
"Yes?"
"N-nothing." Legrand closed his eyes. Fool! Idiot! What on earth do you have to lose now?
John groaned as he felt the heat starting to build in his groin. He leaned backwards against Legrand's chest, allowing him easier access. Legrand shifted away as John pushed back against him, allowing John to roll over onto his back. John laced his fingers together behind his head as Legrand laid his head on John's chest.
"You were very quiet at dinner, Guillaume. Is something wrong? Aren't you happy to be home?" John asked.
Legrand stopped and laid his hand on John's stomach. "Of course."
"You don't sound so sure."
"It's just...it will be strange being at Poitiers again. It's all about politics and appearances. People there know my family and they think they know me - I have to act differently accordingly. It will be quite strange for you too - especially if the queen still likes the look of her Big Bear," Legrand teased.
John snorted. "It's been nearly a year since we met. She's probably seen hundreds of other men who've caught her eye since then. Even if she hasn't, having me standing before her again, large as life and twice as ugly, might make her doubt her memory."
I'm not that lucky... "You're certainly large as life, John." Legrand smiled as he resumed his task with deft strokes. "But you were never ugly and certainly not now."
"So, you think I look good enough for the queen?" John asked him.
"Certainment. I think... you look good enough to eat," Legrand answered. He started slowly kissing his way down John's body.
"Wait - you're not going to...? Ohhh..."
>>-------------------->
John fell asleep again with one arm draped across Legrand's chest, resting his chin on Legrand's shoulder. When he woke up, Legrand was gone and there was no sign he'd ever been there - other than John feeling not quite as rested as he should have done.
Breakfast was a silent meal, charged with unspoken hostility. Legrand did not show at all and the tension between Much, Carter and Robin had not diminished any. John was not looking forward to being stuck in the confined space of a carriage with the three of them. From the look on Brooks' face, neither was he.
Carter and Much had travelled in ordinary clothes to avoid any unwanted attention, but for their arrival at Poitiers they had changed back into their Royal Guard uniforms.
Legrand finally appeared as they were loading their bags into the carriage. He was also in his uniform, clean-shaven and with his hair neatly trimmed. He sat astride a huge bay destrier. The combination of man and horse meant he was looking down at them from about ten feet above the ground. A servant was walking behind him leading another charger.
"I thought I might ride," he said to Carter. "Would you care to join me?"
Carter glanced at the others then nodded. "Thank you. I think the carriage would be a little cramped for all of us." He swung himself up onto the other horse and he and Legrand trotted off.
Legrand hadn't so much as looked at John and he could see the others looking between them, probably trying to work out if they had quarrelled. John frowned and went back to loading the bags, throwing them with perhaps a little more force than he might have done.
When they arrived at Poitiers a courtier came hurrying out to meet the carriage. "Gentlemen." He bowed. "Messieurs Legrand and Carter are waiting for you. You are to go straight in to the audience chamber."
"Thank you. I know the way," Much said as he and Robin went inside.
John and Brooks made to follow but were stopped by a loud whistle from the coachman. They turned to see him tipping his head towards the large portmanteaus and saddle bags on the back of the carriage. "Vos bagages?"
John and Brooks looked at each other, looked to where Robin and Much had already disappeared inside then shrugged and started loading themselves up with the bags.
The courtier stood waiting for them, somewhat impatiently. "You are with Robin of Locksley?" he asked John.
"Yes," John confirmed.
"And you?" the courtier asked, looking at Brooks.
Brooks smirked. "I'm with Sir Carter...and Sir Much - sometimes both together."
The courtier looked momentarily confused but then jerked his head sideways. "You also have Le Comte's baggage?"
"Le Comte?" Brooks said.
The courtier sighed. "Le Comte de Châtellerault? Sir Guillaume?"
"Oh...uh, yes." John pointed to them.
"You can leave those here. One of his men will collect them."
Brooks placed Legrand's saddle bags back down beside the carriage.
"Bon. Suivez-moi." The courtier set off up the stairs at pace.
John looked at Brooks. "What did he say?"
"Follow me."
They followed him up the stairs into the castle, along several long richly decorated corridors, up more stairs and finally came to halt in a smaller corridor with two doors on either side of it.
The courtier closed his eyes for a moment as if trying to remember something, then, pointing to the two doors on the right and the further away one on the left, said, "Lord Bonchurch, Sir Carter de Wilton, Lord Locksley."
John and Brooks put their friends' bags into the respective rooms. The guest quarters were large and sumptuously decorated. Much and Carter's rooms were on the south side of the castle and flooded with brilliant sunlight. John noticed there was a connecting door between Much and Carter's rooms as well as out into the corridor. Robin's room was not as well lit but no less opulent.
"So we're in the fourth room?" John asked.
The courtier looked aghast at the suggestion. "Le Marquis de Tours is in the fourth room. I will show you to your quarters."
They walked back down the stairs and then down another flight into the first basement level and along a very plain stone corridor. He ushered them into a cramped bare room with two simple cots in it. It was lit by a single small window high up in the wall of the room at ground level.
"You should return here once you have unpacked your masters' bags. I will have someone sent to fetch you when your masters have finished their audience with the queen." He strode haughtily from the room and left, slamming the door behind him.
John stood looking at the back of the door in disbelief, but Brooks laughed.
"That's us put in our place - eh, John?" He looked round the room. "Snug. Which bed do you want? Or shall we push them together?"
"What? Oh either is fine, I don't mind." John was still trying to work out how he'd found himself so quickly and effectively excluded from his friends' company.
"Can I go on top?"
John tore his gaze away from the door as Brooks' words finally got his attention. "I'll take the one on the right - and if your bed moves so much as an inch towards mine, I'll bolt it and you to the floor," he growled.
Brooks grinned. "Fair enough." He sat down on the bed on the left and bounced up and down on it a few times. "Shall we go back upstairs then?"
"I'm not acting like a servant just because they think I am one. They can unpack their own bloody bags," John grumbled. "I'm tired. I think I'll have a nap."
"You don't want to explore a little?"
"No." John lay down on his cot with a great sigh. "I think that's got me in enough trouble already..."
>>-------------------->
"Robin - I am so sorry our reunion could not be under happier circumstances."
"Thank you, Your Grace."
Queen Eleanor looked around at them all and some of the brightness of her smile faded. "I was under the impression there were two more in your party?"
Much looked back over his shoulder towards the doors. He'd thought John and Brooks were right behind him but there was no sign of them.
"Two of Locksley's men travelled with us, Your Grace. They are taking Much, Carter and Robin's bags to the guest apartments," Legrand explained. "A simple misunderstanding, I'm sure. We tried to travel discretely so your intelligence may have been unable to determine the exact number of nobles in our group."
Carter and Robin looked at Legrand in surprise and Much was sure his face must reflect theirs. Locksley's men? John and Brooks weren't Locksley's men - they were...well, they were John and Brooks.
And how does Legrand know where they are? Much wondered.
"Ah, of course," Eleanor replied. "I hope they are also being provided with suitable accommodations or are they in the stables?"
"I understand your steward has made a room available in the servants quarters, Your Grace."
"Excellent. Please, relax, make yourselves at home and I shall see you all again at dinner. I'm sure we have much to discuss and I'm anxious to hear news of my son. Gentlemen."
"Your Grace." They all bowed.
Eleanor moved on to the next group of people waiting her attention.
Legrand turned to the others. "I hope you'll excuse me, gentlemen, but I have several people I must speak to before dinner." He bowed very stiffly, spun on his heel and marched off through a side door.
"What on earth has got into Legrand?" Much asked.
"This is his home, Much. I expect he'll have business from his own estates to deal with," Robin replied.
"Yes, but he's so...cold," Much said.
"It's a Royal Court, Much. It's not as relaxed as King Richard's camp. The rules here are different. Legrand's family are very well known and he has to live up to that name. You're going to have to be very careful yourself."
"Nobody here knows me at all, apart from you lot. We were only here one night last time and the Queen gave us a private audience." Much couldn't help but glance towards Carter as he remembered the happier circumstances of the last time they'd been here. Carter quickly looked away.
"Exactly. So they'll be watching you very closely," Robin explained. "It's vital you make a good impression. Get on the wrong side of the wrong people and they can make life very difficult for you. Come on, let's go find out where they've put us. We'll need to make sure we look our best for dinner."
"Perhaps you can get your men to help?" Carter suggested, reminding Robin of John and Brooks.
"My man, you mean. We'll only be able to bring one servant with us to dinner so you're welcome to Brooks. Do you know where the servants quarters are, Carter?"
Carter nodded.
"Good. Let's go find them and you two can decide which of you is officially having Charles." Robin looked from Carter to Much here. "You can't exactly share him."
Carter coughed and Much felt his face flush.
"What?" Robin asked.
"Nothing," Carter replied. "Come on, the servants quarters are this way..."
To be continued...
Author: wastingyourgum
Characters/Pairings: Little John/Legrand, Carter, Brooks, Robin, Much, Queen Eleanor
Rating: NC-17
Genre: Drama, Angst
Words: ~3700
Disclaimer: BBC & TA own; we just want to play in their universe
Notes: Beta'd by robinfanatic and jagnikjen . Takes place after AU 2x13 but prior to 3x01
Introduction and chapter links for Denial II are here...
Summary: The boys get cleaned up and prepare for their arrival at Poitiers...
>>-------------------->
Chapter 24: The Day Returns Too Soon
Though the night was made for loving,
And the day returns too soon,
Yet we'll go no more a-roving
By the light of the moon.
- Byron
"Here... stop that! What are you--?" John brushed the woman's hand away as she reached for his belt.
Legrand laughed. "Relax, John. It's all part of the service."
Brooks, Much and Carter were already washed, dressed and downstairs at the dinner table. Robin had just got out of his bath and the maids were waiting for Legrand to get out of his so they could top up the tub for John.
The small group had reunited at the small town of Lussac-les-Chateaux, about twenty-five miles from Poitiers. The plan was to rest at the inn there for the night before making the last stage of their journey.
They found their arrival had been anticipated. The queen had sent out a carriage from Poitiers to meet them with all that was required to make sure the travellers were presentable when they arrived at her court the next day. This included a very large bathtub to accompany the smaller one the inn already had and a number of servants. The idea of some proper rest, hot food and a warm bath had certainly appealed to John, right up to the point when he realised someone else would be scrubbing his back.
Legrand stepped out of his bath and stood patiently as two maids towelled him off and then started dressing him. He looked completely at ease, as did Robin who was being helped on with his clothes by another maid.
John looked at the unfamiliar garments waiting for him with deep distrust as he grudgingly allowed the maid to take off his coat. The queen had also provided complete sets of new clothes for them all, including Brooks. The other mens' clothes fit perfectly and John had no doubt his would do likewise. He wondered just how long the queen had had her eye on them all.
"Careful with that," John called as one of the other women took his coat from the room at arm's length.
"John, they don't speak English," Robin reminded him as he left the room.
"I know, but she still understood me," John said. He leaned over as the maid tugged his shirt off over his head. "You better not have eaten all the food by the time I get there," he growled at Legrand.
"Have you seen the amount of food downstairs? Nobody's appetite is that big. Not even Much's," Legrand said as he stooped to allow the maid to help him on with his jacket. "Then again, you know all about my appetite." He slapped John on his backside as he passed him to follow Robin downstairs.
The maids giggled at the familiar gesture and John turned scarlet. He had a horrible feeling he was going to have get used to that sort of treatment when they arrived at the palace the next day.
Legrand took his place beside Robin, Much, Brooks and Carter at the dinner table. They all watched with amusement as a steady stream of maids ran up and down the stairs with armfuls of towels, clothes and more hot water. Robin rose from his chair when it sounded like a serious disagreement had broken out in the bath room but Legrand placed one hand on his arm and shook his head. Sure enough the argument ended abruptly moments later with the sounds of a huge splash and the furious spluttering of a large, unhappy outlaw.
Much giggled non-stop for several minutes after that and even Robin cracked a rare smile.
Robin's dark mood and the tension between Much and Carter left little room for humour. Much had told Legrand that he hoped some time at Poitiers might lift Robin's spirits or at least let him find some peace to mourn properly. Robin had focussed only on revenge since leaving the Holy Land and had become more and more withdrawn the closer they got to England.
Gradually the sounds of frantic activity upstairs ceased and several of the maids came back down to help with the dinner service, flushed in the face but looking very pleased with themselves.
A while later, the men all paused in their muted conversation as they heard John's slow tread down the stairs. They turned towards him, curious to see the results of the maids' hard work.
John stopped half-way down the stairs as he was greeted with stunned silence. "What's wrong?" he asked defensively.
Legrand felt his mouth drop open. Carter and Brooks were also struck dumb and even Much had paused mid-chew.
John's usually matted hair now fell in soft waves about his face and his beard was neatly trimmed. He wore a fine white linen shirt under a simple jacket and hose of a deep forest green. They were nowhere near as ornate as the nobles' outfits, but closer inspection showed that just as much attention had gone into their making. The jacket had a delicate embroidery of leaves traced over it in a darker shade and a small bear carved on each of the buttons.
For once, it was Robin who broke the silence first. "Nothing. Nothing is wrong, John. You just look very...different."
John tugged at the collar of his jacket as he sat down and started helping himself to the food.
"You do know beards aren't really the fashion at court?" Carter said.
"If Much gets to keep his, I'm damned if they're shaving mine off, " John growled.
"Je pense qu'il est très beau," one of the serving maids said to another with a quiet giggle.
Legrand frowned and signalled her to pour him some more wine. If the maids thought John looked handsome it was almost certain the queen would do likewise. His appetite unexpectedly deserted him and he pushed his plate away.
"What did she say?" John asked.
"She thinks you look very nice, John," Robin replied.
"Oh...well...tell her thank you."
"Mon ami dit vous remercient beaucoup," Robin said to the maid, who blushed and giggled again.
"Votre ami ne parle pas Francais, monsieur?"
"Non." Robin sat back as Legrand raised his goblet.
The maid turned back to her friend. "J'espere que la Reine est douce avec lui."
Legrand spluttered into his wine and hastily wiped the table and his mouth with his napkin. Gentle with him? If the queen hadn't changed her mind since the last time she saw John, he wouldn't know what hit him.
Carter smirked and Robin raised another faint smile when he saw John's puzzled expression.
"What?"
"Nothing, John - she just hopes you have a nice time at Poitiers," Robin replied. Much looked at Robin expectantly and Robin mouthed, "Tell you later."
John shrugged and tucked into his meal with enthusiasm.
Robin watched him eat for a few minutes and said, "John, I think you and I should have a few words about court etiquette before we arrive tomorrow..."
>>-------------------->
The shutters were open in John's room allowing a cool breeze to drift in from outside. Legrand ran his hands possessively down the long expanse of John's back. The moon had shown full only a few nights ago and its waning light painted the warm skin under Legrand's fingers in shadows of silver and grey.
Legrand pressed his lips against John's shoulder as he pushed harder into him. It was even better than he'd imagined - and he'd imagined it so many times.
John moaned into his pillow and his arms and legs tensed, making the bed frame creak.
Legrand checked John's gag was secure before grabbing a fistful of John's dark hair. He whispered harshly into his helpless lover's ear, "You know you always wanted this, John. Why did you resist me for so long? Why make me take what you should have given? You are mine, not the queen's."
The door suddenly burst open and four Royal Guards rushed in with drawn swords. Legrand found himself backed against the wall with three swords at his throat, while the fourth man stood by the bed. The fourth guard did not cut John's ropes but instead turned and looked back at the door.
Legrand followed his gaze as Queen Eleanor swept furiously into the room.
"Of all people, to betray me so badly, Guillaume." Eleanor's eyes flashed with anger. "Kill him," she ordered.
Legrand braced himself but it was the man by the bed who raised his sword and plunged it into the middle of John's back.
Legrand's eyes snapped open and he struggled to catch his breath. He was staring at the ceiling of his room in the inn; his fingers bunched into tight fists in the bed sheets.
Judging by the half-light outside, dawn was not far off. Legrand looked down; the effect of the first part of his dream - the feel of John under him and around him - had not diminished any. He stroked himself for a few moments while he looked out of the window then let out a long sigh and got up.
It's not tomorrow yet, Your Grace....
>>-------------------->
It was still very early in the morning when John awoke. He lay on his side with his hands tucked together under his head, the position he'd been used to adopting during their travels when his pillow was whatever lay nearby.
He wondered what had woken him before he became aware of the second presence in his room. He felt Legrand lift the covers then climb into the bed behind him. Legrand had seemed oddly out of sorts all evening since dinner, not at all like a man happily coming home after a long absence, and John had worried there was something troubling him.
John felt the warmth from Legrand's bare chest pressing against his back as Legrand put his arm around John's waist, sliding his hand under John's shirt. John smiled and started to drift back off to sleep when Legrand's hand edged lower. "It's a little early for that, don't you think?" John mumbled.
"No, mon ami, it's almost too late." Legrand kissed the back of John's neck as his fingers slid into John's breeches and then curled around what they had been searching for. John could feel the Frenchman's own length pressing against him. He shifted and made to reach behind him to return the favour but Legrand pushed his hand away with the elbow of the arm draped over John. "No, let me do this just for you, John."
John put his hand back under his head and closed his eyes, shifting his hips as Legrand continued to gently stroke him. He was fully erect in moments under his friend's talented touch.
Legrand nuzzled at the nape of John's neck, enjoying the softness of his hair and the subtle smell of the perfumed bath and new clothes mixed with John's natural scent. He pressed himself against John's back and his breath caught. They fit so well together, he could just...
"John?" Ask him. Just...ask him.
"Yes?"
"N-nothing." Legrand closed his eyes. Fool! Idiot! What on earth do you have to lose now?
John groaned as he felt the heat starting to build in his groin. He leaned backwards against Legrand's chest, allowing him easier access. Legrand shifted away as John pushed back against him, allowing John to roll over onto his back. John laced his fingers together behind his head as Legrand laid his head on John's chest.
"You were very quiet at dinner, Guillaume. Is something wrong? Aren't you happy to be home?" John asked.
Legrand stopped and laid his hand on John's stomach. "Of course."
"You don't sound so sure."
"It's just...it will be strange being at Poitiers again. It's all about politics and appearances. People there know my family and they think they know me - I have to act differently accordingly. It will be quite strange for you too - especially if the queen still likes the look of her Big Bear," Legrand teased.
John snorted. "It's been nearly a year since we met. She's probably seen hundreds of other men who've caught her eye since then. Even if she hasn't, having me standing before her again, large as life and twice as ugly, might make her doubt her memory."
I'm not that lucky... "You're certainly large as life, John." Legrand smiled as he resumed his task with deft strokes. "But you were never ugly and certainly not now."
"So, you think I look good enough for the queen?" John asked him.
"Certainment. I think... you look good enough to eat," Legrand answered. He started slowly kissing his way down John's body.
"Wait - you're not going to...? Ohhh..."
>>-------------------->
John fell asleep again with one arm draped across Legrand's chest, resting his chin on Legrand's shoulder. When he woke up, Legrand was gone and there was no sign he'd ever been there - other than John feeling not quite as rested as he should have done.
Breakfast was a silent meal, charged with unspoken hostility. Legrand did not show at all and the tension between Much, Carter and Robin had not diminished any. John was not looking forward to being stuck in the confined space of a carriage with the three of them. From the look on Brooks' face, neither was he.
Carter and Much had travelled in ordinary clothes to avoid any unwanted attention, but for their arrival at Poitiers they had changed back into their Royal Guard uniforms.
Legrand finally appeared as they were loading their bags into the carriage. He was also in his uniform, clean-shaven and with his hair neatly trimmed. He sat astride a huge bay destrier. The combination of man and horse meant he was looking down at them from about ten feet above the ground. A servant was walking behind him leading another charger.
"I thought I might ride," he said to Carter. "Would you care to join me?"
Carter glanced at the others then nodded. "Thank you. I think the carriage would be a little cramped for all of us." He swung himself up onto the other horse and he and Legrand trotted off.
Legrand hadn't so much as looked at John and he could see the others looking between them, probably trying to work out if they had quarrelled. John frowned and went back to loading the bags, throwing them with perhaps a little more force than he might have done.
When they arrived at Poitiers a courtier came hurrying out to meet the carriage. "Gentlemen." He bowed. "Messieurs Legrand and Carter are waiting for you. You are to go straight in to the audience chamber."
"Thank you. I know the way," Much said as he and Robin went inside.
John and Brooks made to follow but were stopped by a loud whistle from the coachman. They turned to see him tipping his head towards the large portmanteaus and saddle bags on the back of the carriage. "Vos bagages?"
John and Brooks looked at each other, looked to where Robin and Much had already disappeared inside then shrugged and started loading themselves up with the bags.
The courtier stood waiting for them, somewhat impatiently. "You are with Robin of Locksley?" he asked John.
"Yes," John confirmed.
"And you?" the courtier asked, looking at Brooks.
Brooks smirked. "I'm with Sir Carter...and Sir Much - sometimes both together."
The courtier looked momentarily confused but then jerked his head sideways. "You also have Le Comte's baggage?"
"Le Comte?" Brooks said.
The courtier sighed. "Le Comte de Châtellerault? Sir Guillaume?"
"Oh...uh, yes." John pointed to them.
"You can leave those here. One of his men will collect them."
Brooks placed Legrand's saddle bags back down beside the carriage.
"Bon. Suivez-moi." The courtier set off up the stairs at pace.
John looked at Brooks. "What did he say?"
"Follow me."
They followed him up the stairs into the castle, along several long richly decorated corridors, up more stairs and finally came to halt in a smaller corridor with two doors on either side of it.
The courtier closed his eyes for a moment as if trying to remember something, then, pointing to the two doors on the right and the further away one on the left, said, "Lord Bonchurch, Sir Carter de Wilton, Lord Locksley."
John and Brooks put their friends' bags into the respective rooms. The guest quarters were large and sumptuously decorated. Much and Carter's rooms were on the south side of the castle and flooded with brilliant sunlight. John noticed there was a connecting door between Much and Carter's rooms as well as out into the corridor. Robin's room was not as well lit but no less opulent.
"So we're in the fourth room?" John asked.
The courtier looked aghast at the suggestion. "Le Marquis de Tours is in the fourth room. I will show you to your quarters."
They walked back down the stairs and then down another flight into the first basement level and along a very plain stone corridor. He ushered them into a cramped bare room with two simple cots in it. It was lit by a single small window high up in the wall of the room at ground level.
"You should return here once you have unpacked your masters' bags. I will have someone sent to fetch you when your masters have finished their audience with the queen." He strode haughtily from the room and left, slamming the door behind him.
John stood looking at the back of the door in disbelief, but Brooks laughed.
"That's us put in our place - eh, John?" He looked round the room. "Snug. Which bed do you want? Or shall we push them together?"
"What? Oh either is fine, I don't mind." John was still trying to work out how he'd found himself so quickly and effectively excluded from his friends' company.
"Can I go on top?"
John tore his gaze away from the door as Brooks' words finally got his attention. "I'll take the one on the right - and if your bed moves so much as an inch towards mine, I'll bolt it and you to the floor," he growled.
Brooks grinned. "Fair enough." He sat down on the bed on the left and bounced up and down on it a few times. "Shall we go back upstairs then?"
"I'm not acting like a servant just because they think I am one. They can unpack their own bloody bags," John grumbled. "I'm tired. I think I'll have a nap."
"You don't want to explore a little?"
"No." John lay down on his cot with a great sigh. "I think that's got me in enough trouble already..."
>>-------------------->
"Robin - I am so sorry our reunion could not be under happier circumstances."
"Thank you, Your Grace."
Queen Eleanor looked around at them all and some of the brightness of her smile faded. "I was under the impression there were two more in your party?"
Much looked back over his shoulder towards the doors. He'd thought John and Brooks were right behind him but there was no sign of them.
"Two of Locksley's men travelled with us, Your Grace. They are taking Much, Carter and Robin's bags to the guest apartments," Legrand explained. "A simple misunderstanding, I'm sure. We tried to travel discretely so your intelligence may have been unable to determine the exact number of nobles in our group."
Carter and Robin looked at Legrand in surprise and Much was sure his face must reflect theirs. Locksley's men? John and Brooks weren't Locksley's men - they were...well, they were John and Brooks.
And how does Legrand know where they are? Much wondered.
"Ah, of course," Eleanor replied. "I hope they are also being provided with suitable accommodations or are they in the stables?"
"I understand your steward has made a room available in the servants quarters, Your Grace."
"Excellent. Please, relax, make yourselves at home and I shall see you all again at dinner. I'm sure we have much to discuss and I'm anxious to hear news of my son. Gentlemen."
"Your Grace." They all bowed.
Eleanor moved on to the next group of people waiting her attention.
Legrand turned to the others. "I hope you'll excuse me, gentlemen, but I have several people I must speak to before dinner." He bowed very stiffly, spun on his heel and marched off through a side door.
"What on earth has got into Legrand?" Much asked.
"This is his home, Much. I expect he'll have business from his own estates to deal with," Robin replied.
"Yes, but he's so...cold," Much said.
"It's a Royal Court, Much. It's not as relaxed as King Richard's camp. The rules here are different. Legrand's family are very well known and he has to live up to that name. You're going to have to be very careful yourself."
"Nobody here knows me at all, apart from you lot. We were only here one night last time and the Queen gave us a private audience." Much couldn't help but glance towards Carter as he remembered the happier circumstances of the last time they'd been here. Carter quickly looked away.
"Exactly. So they'll be watching you very closely," Robin explained. "It's vital you make a good impression. Get on the wrong side of the wrong people and they can make life very difficult for you. Come on, let's go find out where they've put us. We'll need to make sure we look our best for dinner."
"Perhaps you can get your men to help?" Carter suggested, reminding Robin of John and Brooks.
"My man, you mean. We'll only be able to bring one servant with us to dinner so you're welcome to Brooks. Do you know where the servants quarters are, Carter?"
Carter nodded.
"Good. Let's go find them and you two can decide which of you is officially having Charles." Robin looked from Carter to Much here. "You can't exactly share him."
Carter coughed and Much felt his face flush.
"What?" Robin asked.
"Nothing," Carter replied. "Come on, the servants quarters are this way..."
To be continued...