Sid G

The Prince's Boy

Chapter 1
The Meeting

Crown Prince William Henry strode towards the wizard's workshop. At six-feet [1.80 m] he was tall for sixteen, tall for any age really. Blond hair trimmed just short of his shoulders. His body as fit as his active mind.

Though the shop stood within the castle walls his two guards were on edge. "Wait here for me. We are not to be disturbed, by anyone," he said as he entered the building.

"Yes your Excellency," the senior guard said, with obvious relief.

"On time as usual, I thought that today of all days you might be early."

"A teacher once said to deduce what your foe is expecting, and do the unexpected."

"I did say that, but when did I become your foe?"

"A lesson I learned from father. Is he ready?"

Wizard Longhorn waved his hand and a portion of a stone wall turned into a door. "Be kind, be gentle."

William opened the door and walked in. Before he'd closed the door he heard the bed squeak and the patter of bare feet on the stone floor. Taking a deep breath he turned and saw the boy kneeling in the center of the room where the light from the windows intersected. Quite a different setting from where he'd first seen the boy.

He had been riding along the outskirts of the capital with Lord Andrew when they'd come across a group of soldiers forcing a family into a wagon.

"Your highness, please help us," cried the father.

William looked at the peasants with disinterest until he came to the middle child. He saw desperation and terror in the boy' eyes.

"Your highness, these peasants and their problems need not concern you," said the officer in charge.

"We will decide what concerns us," William said. "Now where are you taking my subjects and why? Answer while you still command."

The officer went to one knee. "I beg your forgiveness my Lord. We found these people living in an empty shack on your farm and eating from your fields without permission. They are being taken to prison to be executed."

"The entire family?" William said."

"Of course, they all committed the crime."

"You, you are the head of this household?"

"Aye sire, my name's Robert James, and this is my wife and five children. I confess what the officer says is true, but we were starving with no place to live and no one to turn to."

"He confesses my Lord, your justice will be done."

The father prostrated himself in the dirt. "Please forgive us, if you must have a head take mine and spare my family."

"Where is this shack officer."

He stood and pointed, "that building on the edge of the forest."

Seven people lived in that one room, amazing he thought. "I do not want anyone's head today. You may remain in your home. Officer you will take this man to the keeper of the fields and he is to be assigned the area he was using. If anybody has it now they are to be given a larger plot."

"Your will be done my Lord."

"How can I repay you Prince William?" The father said.

William smiled at the gesture, and then his eyes saw the boy again. His beauty caused all too familiar sensations to rise. "I need a boy as a servant and I see that your second son fits my needs."

The man turned to his wife but before either could reply the boy walked up and bowed. "I will serve my Prince and do my best to do all you want."

"All?" William said with a smile.

"All," the boy said.

That had been a month earlier. Ed had spent the intervening time in the wizard's care. The wizard discovered the ten-year-old had a surprisingly quick mind, which greatly aided his instructions on castle living and most of his duties.

Right now there was one duty that William wanted the gorgeous, naked youth kneeling in front of him to fulfill.

"Are you ready?" William asked.

"Yes my prince."

"Has the wizard explained all your duties?"

"Yes, and I look forward to pleasing my master."

"You know how to start."

William watched as the boy wordlessly and without hesitation or the least bit of trembling started unbuttoning his pants. The young prince felt his member swell as the youth exposed it to the air. William gasped as the boy took it in his hand and slowly stroked it.

"Oh yes," William moaned.

In response Ed put his lips over William's cock head and gently lapped the oozing precum. Not wanting to wait any longer William pressed his hips forward and his cock was soon engulfed by the boy's warm, moist mouth. After a moment's adjustment Ed started slowly bobbing his head back on forth as he licked William's pulsing shaft.

William ran his hands through his new servant's hair and rubbed his shoulders, all the while holding the boy in place. But the youngster made no show of wanting to pull off, even as it became clear the hard, throbbing rod in his mouth was about to erupt.

"Oh yeah boy, suck it, I'm going to shoot my load right down your throat any moment now, oh yeah, hear it comes." With that William discharged the load he'd been saving since he'd first seen the sexy boy and Ed swallowed every drop.

Ed continued to gently suck and lick the royal prick until William removed it. "Did I please you?"

Silently William lifted the boy to his feet and gently stroked his hairless chest. In fact, except for a thick head of long black hair there wasn't a hair on his body.

"You did fine boy. Now get dressed and bring everything you have with you. You are moving into your new quarters.

"Thank you master." William watched the boy as he scurried around the room. When Ed turned his back to put on his tight pants William was curious until he realized that the boy was bending over and revealing his butt hole a little longer than necessary.

***

William found he had to keep stopping for Ed to catch up as they walked through the grounds, into the castle and up the several flights of steps. Watching the peasant's face, especially his eyes, he finally realized the difference in his life and those of the people he would rule one day.

One time he went back to where the boy was looking at a landscape. An oil painting he'd walked by a thousand times. "What are you thinking Ed?"

"I'm sorry master, I'll keep up from now on."

"No, watching you is opening my eyes again. I've gotten too used to too many things. Now answer the question."

"It's beautiful, very real and yet made up. It's God's farm. And to think that I'll be living in the same building with it."

"My father had that painted years ago as a gift to his mother. You see that shack in the background?"

Ed had to move back and stretch but he finally nodded.

"That's where you were living a month ago, and come late summer it will look like the picture again."

Ed turned away and wiped at his cheek.

William put his arm around the boy's shoulders and pulled him close. "Your family is well, and the shack has been fixed and enlarged. Your parents even have their own bedroom."

"Can I see them again master?"

"Of course Ed, I would never hurt you like that."

"Prince William," a voice called from down the corridor and the heir to the throne turned.

"Yes."

"Sorry my lord, but the king wishes to see you at once," the guard said.

"Very good, lead us sir."

"Master, what should I do?" Ed whispered.

"Stay calm, silent and two steps behind me and a little to my left once we enter my father's presence. If he notices you and asks you a question you answer and call him your highness. You call me Prince William. Understand?"

"I hope he doesn't, at least today."

"Then he surely will." Both giggled a little as they reached the door. "Good, this is his sitting room, nothing formal."

They waited as the guard knocked and the door was opened. William motioned the boy into position and entered the room. He quickly looked around and saw they were alone.

"Good afternoon father, how are you today?"

"Fine, and how is my misbegotten heir?"

"Well, and no misbegetting."

"Good, is your schedule clear?"

"Two fairs in the western territory week after next, those of Lords Alex and Charles."

"Good, very good, I need you to go see King Gerald of Crondell."

William nodded and his father, King Phillip of Exeter, explained.

When William stood and bowed to his father the king finally noticed the young boy at his son's shoulder. "Is this the lad Wizard Longhorn told me about?"

"Yes father, this is my new servant Ed."

"Come forward boy, don't be scared," the King said.

Ed looked to his master, who nodded, before inching forward.

"Don't be frightened lad, I don't bite, regardless of what my enemies tell you."

"Yes your highness," Ed said softly.

"Is my son treating you well."

"Yes your highness."

"If he doesn't you report it at once understand. I do not allow the people in my service to be abused."

"Yes your highness."

"Do you know how to say anything else lad?"

"Yes I do your highness, I'm just a little scared right now."

The king roared with laughter and when William joined in Ed smiled.

"Did you understand any of what my son and I were talking about?" The king said.

"A little, am I to go with you master?"

"Of course, you won't be my only servant on this trip but you will accompany me on all my travels."

Ed's face lit up, "Really? Wow, I've never been nowhere before." He stopped and blushed. "Sorry master."

"Quite all right, I remember the thrills when I started accompanying father on his trips. You have much to learn and I intend to learn through your eyes."

"Son, I think you made a good choice here."

"And to think we almost hung him and his whole family."

"I know, I know, I've already changed the law. And it was a law from my grandfather's times not my own lad. I had no idea my troops were still enforcing it."

"Yes your highness."

"Come Ed, we all have duties to perform," William said.

From the study the prince slowly led his boy servant further along the hall and up three flights of stairs to his quarters. To the left of large double doors William pointed to a small single door.

"That's the door to your room Ed, there's another door that enters into my sitting room. You may lock this door but not the connecting door."

"Understood master."

William grimaced but shook it off before Ed saw. "Go and put your things away, then come see me."

William was reading briefing papers when Ed came through the connecting door ten minutes later. The boy walked over and quietly stood behind him.

"Can you read Ed?"

"A little bit master."

William put the paper down and turned. "Ed, when we are alone, and especially in bed, I do not want you calling me master. My name is William. Now how much is a little bit?"

"Enough to read signs, simple instructions, things like that. Wizard Longhorn went over some words and number things with me but I'm not sure how much stuck."

"Very good, honesty not boasting or hiding things from me. You'll soon learn how unusual that is, but I think you learned more than you realize. How do you like your room?"

"A lot William," Ed smiled, "Who do I share it with?"

"Nobody, that room is reserved for my personal servant."

"All that room and all those things just for me? I've never had my own room, even before we left Saundersville."

"Saundersville? That's a three day ride from here, more likely four days."

"It took us a month with having to drag the wagon by hand."

"Why did you come here? I've heard nothing from that part of the kingdom to cause people to flee."

"We didn't flee, we were kicked out."

"Why, and by whom?"

"My father was the assistant stable master for Lord Saunders himself and well liked by the family. Robert, the Lord's youngest son is two years older than me and when he fell ill last year I was recruited to be his playmate."

"Quite an honor."

"That's what we thought and I was quite willing, especially when I was able to join him for his lessons. Our friendship continued even after he was better." Edward stopped and walked to the window. William's snap response was annoyance, but it quickly turned to sympathy as understanding began to dawn.

"So what happened between you two?"

Ed kept looking out the window. "He seduced me, taught me how to pleasure him with my mouth and buns. One of his father's aides caught us one day while I was blowing Robert. Naturally he blamed me and I got dragged down to Lord Saunders' chambers. Next thing my father was thrown on the floor next to me and we were given two hours to be on our way out of Saundersville. I tried to explain but a guard kicked me in the stomach, then a bunch of them grabbed us and threw us out the servant's door into the dung pile."

Ed started crying and William walked over, turned the boy around and pulled him tight. "It's OK Ed, you didn't do anything wrong. It's all behind you."

Slowly Ed settled down but didn't pull away from William.

"Are you mad that you aren't my first?"

"No, didn't think I was when you seemed to know what I meant the day we met, then this morning when you made sure I saw your hole."

Ed lifted his head and smiled at William. "Do you want to see it again?"

William bent down and kissed the boy, their lips parting, tongues exploring the others' mouth. "Lock the door," William said when they parted.

When Ed entered the bedchamber he was awestruck by two sights. The first was the huge canopied bed. The second was the naked prince propped up on pillows stroking his hard eight-inch [20 cm] cock.

"Join me," William said.

Ed pulled off his clothes as he walked towards the bed leaving his few clothes strewn behind him. When he reached it he saw the top of the mattress was at chest level. Placing his hands on the bed he jumped and pulled himself on. Once on he saw William trying not to laugh.

"I'm sorry Ed, just remembering the troubles I had when I was your size. But in the future there are steps under the bed you can use."

Ed stood, walked over to William, turned, straddled his chest and knelt. He felt warm hands gently caressing his smooth cheeks. He purred. William pulled Ed down and brought the boy's mouth to his. From a gentle kiss on the lips they quickly progressed to deep, furious tongue dancing, hands feeling every inch they could reach. After several minutes William's middle finger found Ed's hole and rubbed the rosebud.

"Oh yes," Ed sighed as the finger slowly penetrated the outer ring.

"You like?" William said as he licked the boy's neck. Ed opened his hole and the finger slipped the rest of the way in. "You like."

William slipped a second finger in and felt around till he found his love-servant's prostate and slowly stroked it as he stroked the boy's four-inch [10 cm] cut cock with his other hand.

"Yes, yes, that feels great, feels better than anything ever. Oh shit, ohhhhhhh," Ed moaned as he went into a long dry orgasm. When it finally ended William drew him into his arms and held him tight until he stopped shaking and his breathing returned to normal.

"Fuck me William," were Ed's first words.

"Get into position."

Ed turned onto his back and raised his legs into the air and William grabbed both ankles and put them on his shoulders. Slowly, gently he maneuvered his penis to the entrance of Ed's love canal. The prince looked down into his servant's eyes and was rewarded with a smile and a nod. Tenderly he began pushing his rod in. When he reached the sphincter he encountered momentary resistance but Ed quickly relaxed and William's entire hard cut eight-inch [20 cm] cock was inside. He felt Ed's chute fit around his cock like a glove and start undulating. If the boy kept this up he'd shoot without doing anything. He didn't want that so he started slowly stroking his cock almost all the way out and then back in. Ed started moaning and stroking his hard cock as William's cock rubbed against his prostate. The younger boy's pleasure excited William into going faster and faster until his thrusts were as fast as Ed's strokes. With a load howl he filled Ed with his seed as both boys experienced their second orgasm of the afternoon.

William grabbed Ed's shoulders and rolled onto his back while keeping his cock inside Ed's anus. Ed started sliding up and down on the rapidly recovering tool and was quickly rewarded with a second load of cum to replace the one that was dripping out.

"Lay next to me Ed."

Wordlessly Ed moved into position and William drew a blanket over their naked bodies.

Chapter 2
The Fairs

For the next week spent Ed spent his mornings with Wizard Longhorn continuing his lessons. Afternoons he accompanied Prince William as the heir to the throne of Exeter fulfilled his duties. After the day's duties they spent the evening in the prince's bed. However, Ed slept in his own bed. It would not be proper for two naked boys to be caught in bed together, especially of such disparate ranks.

Ed didn't mind, he had his own bed. For the first time in his life he had a room and a bed to call his own. His own room with doors he could shut and be alone. The room was only five feet [1½ m] wide but ran along the entire length of the prince's quarters. Ed loved his privacy but kept at least one connecting door open so he could hear his prince's summons. The servant boy knew, and accepted, his role. Ed was happy, and feeling something beyond duty and loyalty.

Having Ed leave his bed bothered William. He'd been sleeping alone in the bed since before Ed was born, and while he longer imagined being adrift in the middle of the ocean it remained a large and lonely place. What he didn't understand were the strange feelings while with the boy. Ed wasn't the first sex partner he'd had, male or female, but there was something special about him. Granted he was more than a mere servant or a quick fuck, or a quick fuck of a mere servant for that matter. Maybe it was the fact he'd saved the boy's life and the lives of his family.

"Trying out some of your new clothes for the trip?" William said that Saturday.

Ed blushed, "Do you like?"

"Very much, you chose well. These clothes are comfortable enough for a long ride and show your gorgeous body to its best advantage."

A smile lit the boy's face. "You really think I'm gorgeous?"

The prince stroked Ed's cheek. "Oh yes, you are most pleasing to look at and be with."

"As you are my prince." Ed could see William's swollen prick stretching the fabric. "I'd better take care of that before you have an accident."

As Ed unbuttoned William's pants the prince moaned. "Hurry Ed, hurry."

Ed did, and quickly had William's prick in his mouth. He quietly held it there, letting it subside a little bit before he started running his tongue around it and over the slit.

"Now," William whispered.

Ed started slowly, no need to rush. He felt the cock in his mouth respond to his gentle ministrations, becoming longer, harder, more alive. Gentle hands ran through his hair. This simple show of affection transformed the blowjob from part of his duties to making love to someone he cared about, and for. Ed started slowly taking the cock deeper and deeper into his throat. He heard William's breathing become erratic as the royal cock jumped around in his mouth. He slowed his movements until he stopped altogether with his face buried in William's groin. He extended his tongue and started bathing William's balls. Ed licked slowly and gently. Finally William lost all control, holding the boy's head to his groin he shot his load down the boy's throat. Ed swallowed as fast as he could, a matter of pride and hunger that he never spilled a drop of his prince's seed, of William's seed. Once the prince stopped shooting he licked the cock clean, withdrew, gently dried and replaced it.

"Let's go," William said.

"Yes my prince, do I need to bring anything?" Ed said, though the words felt wrong somehow.

"Go to the kitchen, Mrs. Baker will have a basket for you. Then meet me by the stables."

"Yes my prince."

William watched the boy turn towards the servants' stairs and sighed. That damn phrase, that fucking phrase. Whenever Ed called him "my prince," it hit him. He knew Ed had to call him that in public, and mostly did call him William in private, but it still seemed wrong. With a shrug and a sigh the prince left his rooms and headed to the stable.

"Ah, there you are Prince William," Wizard Longhorn said.

"Good morning, I didn't expect to see you here."

"A wonderful morning for a stroll around the castle grounds."

"To, and I quote, 'what must be the smelliest dung heap in the known and unknown world.'"

"I've get to see if there's a spell that prevents my words from coming back at me," Longhorn grumbled which elicited a chuckle from the prince. "But the right spell and my nose thinks I'm in the middle of a garden."

"So what brings you here?"

"You of course, you and your boy."

"Yes?"

"You leave in three days to go to two fairs and then a diplomatic mission. The signs are mixed," the wizard said.

"How?" William said. His eyes darted around.

"Between success and tragedy, some of both."

"You're afraid for my health, or Ed's?"

"His, I fear his impetuousness at a time of danger. More I cannot see."

"I can't leave him behind, but I have more faith in your teachings than you do. As you instructed me to have on numerous occasions. Will you be joining us?"

"I will be around Crondell when you get there. I will find you."

"Or Ed will find you, if I know you well enough."

Longhorn smiled, waved his arm and vanished in a puff of smoke. Immediately followed by a large thump and a string of curses from inside the stable.

"You all right Roberts?" William said to the guard readying the horses.

"Yes Your Majesty, he just startles me every time he does that. Why can't he just walk away like a normal man?"

"Because he's not, and he knows how much you hate it."

"Aye, I'm just glad you're leaving him behind this trip. The horses will be ready in a couple of minutes sir."

Two minutes later Ed arrived, half-carrying, half-dragging a basket along. "Sorry my prince, but Mrs. Baker packed enough for a dozen people."

"She wants to make sure there's something I like, though she knows exactly what I like to eat when I go riding."

"Where are we going?"

"Would you like to see your family?"

Ed's eyes went wide, then quickly looked both ways. Seeing no one around he stretched, "Thank you William."

"Your welcome Ed," the prince said as Roberts led out three horses.

An hour later they came to the clearing where they'd met. In the distance a much larger building stood in the field. Six people worked in the fields.

"Ready when you are Ed," William said.

"I can't believe I'm nervous. Will they like me the way I am now?"

"Of course, you may be dressed differently and know more than you did five weeks ago, but you're still Ed."

Ed patted his horse and led the way through the patch of woods and into the fields. They were almost there before his older brother picked his head up and saw them. Instead of running towards them he fled screaming.

"Let's go," William said and kicked his horse into a trot with Ed right behind him. When they got closer Ed pulled ahead and cried out.

"Mommy, daddy, it's me, Ed." He repeated it twice more before he reached the shack.

His father stopped, slowly turned. "It really is me dad," Ed said reigning his horse in. Robert James walked over, looked and shook his head. "It's really you, I can't believe it."

Ed slid off the horse and everybody hugged. It took a few minutes before the youngest daughter and child noticed William.

"Prince William, you brought my Eddie back?" she said.

"Your Highness, forgive me. A thousand pardons. Please let me help you off your horse," Robert James said.

William was impressed with the easy but firm touch Ed's father showed with his horse. The beast was normally skittish around new handlers but a quick hand motion settled him right down. "Ed get the basket, it's time for lunch. I think we have enough for everybody."

"Your Highness, I couldn't take food out of your mouth," Ed's father said.

Before William could respond Ed blurted, "Father, Prince William has more food in his basket than we ate during our whole trip. Lucas can you help me with the basket? Brian, Mary, can you get the table ready for me?" His older brother and sister ran to the house. William shook his head at Ed's departing back, he wouldn't scold him in front of his family but he would have to remind him of proper etiquette on their return.

After lunch Robert James led Prince William on a tour of his fields.

"Sir, I know you've seen a thousand fields and said all the right words every time."

William laughed, "And meant them every time," he paused, "Ed told me what happened in Saundersville, I'm sorry."

Robert shrugged. "My son, is he happy with you?"

They walked a little more before William spoke. "I see you take his ability for granted, and you should. For someone with so little training he's doing remarkably well. And yes, I believe he is happy. He's learning, experiencing new things all the time. I feel the joy he feels at all his new experiences. In the evenings we talk and I see things anew through his eyes. As a prince and a man I swear to you that I will take good care of your son, and try and keep him safe and happy."

"Thank you Your Highness."

Tuesday morning William and Ed left for Lord Alex's fair with a party of twenty-four. The two rode side-by-side most of the day, the prince showing his servant different points of interest along the way. Both were oblivious to the looks and whispers around them.

At sunset they reached an ancient manor house. A young man, hardly older than William himself, was at the front door. Ed thought his hair a peculiar mix of blond and black, almost like he'd tried to hide one of them. If it was the blond he could understand why. It did not have the same glow as his prince's.

"Greetings Your Royal Highness Prince William of Exeter, my family is honored by your presence."

"Greetings Sir St. James of the Duchy of N'Orleans, it is we who are honored by spending the night with you and your family."

When Ed was dismissed for the evening he went to the servants' quarters for the night. It was the first time he hadn't been sleeping in the prince's suite since he'd joined him. At the door, he took a deep breath. "It'll be OK, they're William's servants too, no problems," he said to himself. Slowly he pushed the door open and entered. He spotted an empty cot near a window and headed toward it.

"Well, well, here's the prince's boy come to sleep with us poor wretches for the night," said a voice from another cot as he passed it.

"Now hush George, it's probably the first night his bung hole won't get worn out since he moved into His Highness' bed."

"Oh, I don't know about that, maybe we should do our prince a favor and keep it well used," George said.

"Oh pipe down," said a third voice, "leave the boy alone."

Ed was scared but kept moving. "I don't know what you're talking about. Now I'm tired and going to sleep."

"Bed maybe, but not to sleep. I want a bit of what that snotty brat gets," George said. Ed sensed George come up from behind, whirled and raised his left hand. The stable hand froze, staring at the light shining from the boy's hand.

Ed gaped, the wizard's spells worked!

"I am in your command sir," George said.

"Make him blow you," said the second man.

"Fuck him," said the third.

"As you wish," said George.

Keeping his hand extended Ed slowly turned until the light had struck all the men in the room. "Listen and obey, I am the Crown Prince's servant and I serve him alone. You will forget all these lies you have heard."

"We understand and obey," they all said.

"Now to bed and sleep."

"We understand and obey."

***

It wasn't until he was helping William dress for supper at Lord Alex's manor house the next evening that Ed could report.

"You handled it well. It's important to always remember all Longhorn taught you."

"I will, but I don't understand William. Aren't your guards enough protection?"

"Most of the time, and against most attacks." William turned, put his fingertips together, pointed at Ed, and then the ceiling. Ed felt something happening and realized he was looking directly into William's eyes. "You are not the only one the wizard taught some tricks." William pulled Ed closer to him and they kissed.

"You do know how to get me down?" Ed said when they broke a couple minutes later.

"Yes, but I like you here right now. Back to your question, the guards aren't always with me and you aren't always with me. If the men last night realized we are more than prince and servant then so might others."

"And may try and use it against you."

"You are as bright as you are sexy."

"Thank you William."

William looked at the face floating in front of him. It was different.

"Did I say something wrong?"

Ed looked down and shook his head.

William raised it back up. "You are bright, you are sexy and you are more than just a servant, or even a sex-partner. You're my friend; you mean a lot to me. I don't want to, can't lose you. I mean it."

Ed's eyes searched William's and saw he meant it. He reached out and pulled himself tight against William's body. "I feel the same way, have since before you took me to see my family. I couldn't say it, but I feel it."

They embraced and kissed until a knock and a voice interrupted them.

"Yes," Ed said.

"Inform His Highness that the reception will begin as soon as he arrives."

"Thank you."

***

The next day Ed accompanied William as they toured the fairgrounds.

"This is not the kind of fair I'm used to," Ed said.

"I know, I've been to Saunders' fairs. Lord Alex runs a small and dignified fair. These fairs started ages ago as tributes to God, thanking him for his bounty. Lord Alex keeps the agricultural and cultural intent of those early fairs."

"It's nice really, especially since this fair doesn't have areas kids can't go to."

"True young man, my son was older than you before he could accompany me to some of the others," Lord Alex said. "Prince William, may I have a word."

"Certainly, here Ed take a couple of coins and try out some of the games."

"Thank you my prince," Ed said and ran off.

"You don't treat the boy like an ordinary servant Your Highness."

"He isn't Lord Alex, he's helped me in many ways."

"How so, he looks like a peasant boy."

"Because he is, he sees things differently, fresher than those boys who grew up in the castle. Most important, he is completely faithful to me."

"That is most gratifying to hear, but he is not why I pulled you aside."

"I thought not, what is on your mind my friend?"

"Trouble over the border with Crondell. Bandits roaming the roads, disrupting the markets."

"Have they crossed over?"

"Not yet, though one rumor says they are from Exeter and hideout on this side of the border."

"Not on your land surely?" Prince William said.

"No, some say Lord Charles but most say Lord Saunders'."

"Interesting, do you give these stories any credence?"

Lord Alex extended his hand and an aide handed him a scroll that he passed to William. "At your leisure Your Highness."

***

Late that night William finished reading the document for the third time, closed his eyes and waved Ed over. "Read this, tell me if it makes any sense. If you don't understand a word let me know."

Ed read it, there were several words that were strange but when he asked William he found he had figured them out correctly. "It does William, it reminds me of things dad told mom at supper a couple of times the last few weeks before we were kicked out."

"Tell me, it may be important."

"OK, seems that for the last few months there were lots of night rides by a group of new guards his lordship had hired. Dad said they were good enough riders but had no concern for their horses."

"Did you see them doing guard duty during the day?"

"No."

"Did they bring things back with them?"

"Large bags and boxes that went straight into the Lord's private storehouse. The week before we were kicked out dad went and talked to Lord Saunders twice about it, because of the horses' condition. First time he was told it was not his concern and just do his job. The second time, just two days before," Ed paused and took a deep breath, "dad said Lord Saunders yelled at him to keep his eyes and mouth shut, and just do his job if he knew what was good for him."

"And two days later you were gone?"

"Yes," Ed paused. "Do you think there's a connection?"

"Definitely, Lord Saunders and his son set you up. They wanted to send your father away disgraced so if he told that story people would think he was trying to get even."

"You're saying Lord Saunders is responsible for the problems in Crondell?"

William nodded.

"What I told you my father said before we were kicked out, and has not said to anyone since."

"I believe you, and your father. Now bring Sir Croughten here at once."

"Yes my prince."

"Ed."

"Yes my prince."

"We are still alone."

"Yes William."

"Much better."

They both smiled.

A half-hour later they were again alone in William's room.

"Come here Ed."

The boy walked over and William gently tilted his face up and brought his mouth to the shorter boy's. As they kissed William unbuttoned Ed's shirt then fondled the boy's tiny nipples and breasts. The boy tried to return the action but his hands were tapped away. Slowly William stripped his servant, friend, lover.

When the boy was naked William removed his own cloths before kneeling before Ed. Gently he took the boy's prick in his hand, it was half the length and circumference of his own, but quite healthy for a ten-year-old who had not reached puberty. As he stroked it the cock grew rigid and William sensed Ed's legs shaking. He picked the boy up in his arms and carried him over to his bed.

When he was on the bed Ed started to raise his legs.

"No, not yet. First I want to pleasure you," William said. Ed lowered his legs and William lowered his mouth, engulfing Ed's manhood quickly.

"Oh, shit, that feels so good," Ed moaned. He tried reaching William's head as his lover always did, but couldn't quite reach. "Yes suck me," he said leaning back, giving himself up to the feelings spreading from his groin.

William slowly worked on the young meat in his mouth. While he'd serviced several of his friends this was different, better. Ed was someone he wanted to make feel good. As he bobbed his head his tongue caressed the fresh prick in his mouth, slipped out to lick Ed's hairless balls. William extended his long arms and caressed the boy's firm nipples and torso.

Under his prince, friend, lover's attention Ed writhed on the bed, moving between ecstasy and bliss. Slowly he felt himself climb towards orgasm. His balls tightened, his cock reacting to every touch. His cock never felt this way.

Suddenly William ran his tongue across Ed's slit and sent the boy into a giant, convulsing orgasm. Ed arched his back and opened his mouth to scream but nothing came out as his body reacted to the power of an orgasm created by the one you love.

William kept sucking on Ed's cock until the boy finally began to settle down. Gently letting the limp member drop from his mouth he moved up alongside him and drew his lover to him.

"Happy?" William said.

Ed turned, nodded and leaned up to kiss the older boy. "Fuck me," he said.

"Only if," William's words were cut short off by an invading tongue that also answered his question. There was no question in William's mind that he wanted this, but he realized that if he wanted Ed as his lover and not a servant letting his prince use his body then the youngster had the right to choose.

But that would be a discussion for another time.

Right now William turned Ed onto his front and spread his cheeks, stared at the rosebud and dove at it. He started licking through the baby-smooth crack, then down towards the opening to bliss. Reaching it he spread Ed's ass wider and inserted his tongue inside and began tongue fucking the boy.

"Oh yeah honey," Ed sighed, "rim my ass."

"A beautiful ass it is," William said and dove back in. After another five minutes William got up, flipped the boy onto his back and blew him a kiss.

"Fuck me, please fuck me William."

"Call me honey again."

Ed smiled, "fuck me honey."

William placed his rock hard, precum dripping eight inches [20 cm] at Ed's entryway and slowly pushed in. By the time he was halfway in Ed was gasping and grasping at the sheets. William continued to inch his way in until his pubic hair brushed against Ed's white cheeks.

"That feels so good," Ed said.

"You are so tight tonight."

Ed squeezed his ass muscles tighter around the giant tool filling his rear. "You are so big tonight, fuck me William, do it please."

William started stroking slowly, and struggled to keep it that way, but couldn't. The heat of the moment drove him higher and higher. Soon he was pounding his lover's insides with animal intensity. And the sounds coming from deep inside their throats came from the same primeval urge.

"Oh shit," William cried and filled Ed's ass with gallons of sperm. Shot after large shot pulsed into the boy's rear until it started spilling out. As the second shot hit his prostate along with the ramming cock Ed went into his second intense orgasm of the night.

Slowly they subsided and separated, falling asleep in each other's arms.

Ed woke around four in the morning and looked at the sleeping prince next to him. "I do this for your sake, though neither of us wants it."

Ed gently left the prince's bed and walked to the small servant's bed in the front corner of the guest suite.

Back in the master bed William lifted his head and saw Ed cover himself. He lay back down and cried himself back to sleep.

***

Shortly after daybreak the door creaked open. Ed slowly opened his eyes and looked. This was not the way, nor the amount of light told him, the time they'd been woken their first morning. When the door was a quarter of the way open a man slipped through with a knife at the ready. Ed waited until the assassin was past his bed before he slipped out, grabbed William's sword and moved up from behind.

As he struggled to lift the sword with both hands he remembered another of the wizard's incantations, silently repeated it and the sword felt light as a feather. Ed poked the point through the man's shirt.

"Drop the knife."

The man looked over his shoulder and saw the young boy, smiled and began to turn. Ed saw the knife slash toward him and thrust the sword into the man's back as the blade cut his cheek.

"Drop the knife," Ed said as the man screamed in pain. The knife clattered to the floor as William sat up in his bed. Seeing what was happening he reached and pulled a bell cord furiously.

"Who sent you?" Ed said. "Speak and my prince may show you mercy, remain silent and he will not have a chance." Ed pushed the sword in a little more.

"It doesn't matter, with my failure my son dies." The failed assassin stepped back and finished impaling himself on the sword. When Ed saw the blade exit the man's stomach he dropped the sword letting the man fall.

"Ed, you're hurt," William said running over from the bed.

"It's nothing, are you all right?" Ed said as he touched the bleeding wound with his fingers.

"You saved my life," William said softly.

"You are my…," Ed stopped as his knees started to buckle. Finally guards and others responded to William's summons.

"Get Ed onto my bed," William said grabbing his robe. Somebody get the doctor or wizard now.

"Now," Lord Alex said from the door and four men started moving. Two gently lifted the boy and carried him to the bed.

"I'm OK, just never killed a man before. Are you sure you're fine my prince?"

"He never got close Ed," William turned to Lord Alex. "Do you recognize that man?"

Lord Alex yanked the sword out of the corpse's back and kicked the body onto its back. "May have seen him at the fairground today, but otherwise no. Did you get any information from him?"

William shook his head and told his host the man's last words.

Lord Alex turned and motioned the captain of his guard forward. "Tie it up at the entrance to the fair. Parade my staff in front of him; see if anybody recognizes him. All who attend the fair must look as well. There's a reward for any information that helps us. Death is the reward for anyone who remains silent."

"Yes My Lord."

"And go see where the doctor is."

"I'm here your grace."

"Check the boy on the bed, his cheek's been sliced and he just killed his first man so he may be a little distraught," Lord Alex said.

The older noble turned to William and put an arm on his shoulder. "The boy will be fine, you probably cut yourself worse the first time you shaved."

William's right hand went to his left cheek as he raised his eyes and gave a small grin. "But at least I did that to myself."

"No guilt, the boy doesn't need that, he needs your praise, and the affection you obviously feel for him."

"No guilt? He's only ten. I took him from his family less than two months ago and he's already gone through this. To kill."

"A lot of men will kill, and die, for you by the time your reign is done. Some you will know, others will be nameless subjects. Then there will be ones like the boy who you truly care about, who you will want to hold back, and can't. Hopefully, they will serve you as well as he did and return to your side."

"Prince William, can you come here?" the doctor said.

"Thank you my friend," William said to Lord Alex and forced himself to walk up to the bed.

"How is he doctor?"

"Fine, there will be a small scar he'll be able to point out to his girlfriends and brag about. He is shaken though, needs a friend more than anything."

William nodded, "We are scheduled to leave later today. Should we wait another day?"

"It would be advisable."

William nodded and turned. "Lord Alex we will need your hospitality for another night. Also two pairs of riders, one to Lord Charles to notify, but not explain, our delay. The other to the King."

"We are at your service Your Highness," Lord Alex said.

"Thank you, now if the doctor is done my boy needs his rest."

Silently everyone left the room leaving William and Ed alone. William sat next to Ed and took his hand.

"I'm fine my prince, we can leave today," Ed said.

"We're alone my friend and one of the advantages of being me is that I usually can change my schedule to my needs, and yours.

"I'm proud of you, and grateful and so happy you're going to be fine."

"But I killed him. I didn't want to, really I didn't."

"Hush, you gave him a chance to live and he rejected it."

"I know, but."

"I know Ed, I know." William stretched out on the bed and drew Ed into his arms. "Now sleep my dear, sleep."

"Call me that again."

"Sleep my dear, sleep," William said and planted a kiss on Ed's forehead. Within seconds the youngster was asleep.

Once he was convinced Ed was fine and sleeping peacefully William turned his attentions to the attack itself. Who had sent the assassin and why? Who was cold blooded enough to promise to kill the man's son if he failed? That bothered him even more than the question of how he had gotten that close.

***

By the entrance to the fair the failed assassin was tied on a post. Every visitor was forced to look at him, but no one identified him. On a nearby hill overlooking the entrance knelt a man who could. Barely five feet [1.50 m] tall he was broad shouldered and every ounce was muscle. Eduardo Biaggi spat as he stood. Somebody had done his work for him. Hopefully the idiot found his son waiting for him at the gates of hell, along with the rest of his family.

Biaggi headed down the hill and stopped to look at the corpse. "So we meet again," he said and spit.

"You know this man?" the Sargent spoke.

Biaggi ran a finger over an old scar. "He did this to me while we shared a cell across the border. I was in for being drunk and fighting. The nurse who patched me up said he would never be getting out, except in a box. Must have cut some kind of deal."

"So he is from Crondell?"

"That's where I left him."

"The crown thanks you for your help. Here's a bag of coins in thanks."

Biaggi pocketed the bag and bowed. "Anything for the crown. Grateful the bastard failed."

After Biaggi left one of the guards went to cut the assassin down.

"Leave him," the Sargent said.

"Why? We have our information."

"Story doesn't sound right. Did you ever hear of King Gerald overruling a death sentence? I haven't since he took the throne twenty years ago."

"True, and he likes hanging everybody convicted of a violent crime."

"Including drunken fighting," the Sargent said. "I'll report the conversation to the Captain, but let's see if anybody else comes forward."

Biaggi was slightly surprised when he saw his dead subordinate still hanging there. Then decided they were just sending a message to the peasants.

At supper Lord Charles relayed the Sargent's report to Prince William.

"Do you agree with his analysis?" William said.

"I do, King Gerald believes in a strong fist and rare examples of mercy, and those are usually impoverished children caught stealing food. No, this is just an attempt to throw suspicion."

"I never doubted that, it would be nice to have the informer in custody."

"Two men are following him, they picked him up when he left the fair. First reports are he's travelling east."

"Away from the border and right to Alexandra or Saundersville. Did you get the drawing of the assassin?" William said.

"And a pretty good sketch of the other."

"Can I see them my prince?" Ed said from behind William's chair.

"Certainly, Lord Charles are they handy."

"Richard, the drawings are on the table in my sitting room. Fetch them at once.

"Son, I know our prince has told you, but do not feel any guilt about the man's death. You were protecting our Prince's life which all of us in his service are sworn to do." Lord Charles said.

"Thank you my Lord, I know, and understand. Feeling is taking some time."

"As it should, every life is precious and taking one should never feel good."

Ed turned and wiped his eyes. William reached back and took his hand. Their eyes met and slowly Ed smiled, nodded and gave William's hand a squeeze. "Thank you William," he whispered.

"The pictures are here," Lord Charles said a minute later.

"Do you recognize either of them Ed?" William said.

"No, not from home, I mean Saundersville. But I saw the other man at the fair yesterday while I was playing the games."

"Curious, why did you notice him?" Lord Charles said.

"He was looking for someone, upset he or she wasn't there. Kept pacing, cursing his head off. One of your guards asked him to curb his tongue and I thought there would be a fight."

"What stopped it?" William said.

"Another man in uniform came up, not a guard's uniform, one of Lord Charles' household."

"Did you get a look at him?" Lord Charles said.

Ed shook his head; "it was my turn to play the game so I stopped watching. Sorry."

"Did you win?"

A slight nod.

"Very good my boy. A victory well earned. My guard should be able to point out the traitor."

"Thank you my Lord," Ed said.

William pushed his chair back and instantly everybody at the table rose. "We know it is early Lord Charles but we were woken early this morning and we want to get an early start tomorrow so we will bid you and your guests a good evening."

"It is always my pleasure to host Your Highness in my humble home. May your sleep and the rest of your journey be peaceful."

William bowed towards Lord Charles and then towards the other guests.

Though four of Prince William's personal guard stood outside the door Ed placed chairs in front of the door once they were safely inside.

"Come here my dear."

Ed turned and saw William standing by the bed, slowly untying the laces on his shirt. Ed went to him and started working on his pants.

"What do you want to do tonight?" William said once they were both naked.

"Spend the night in your arms, in your bed. No sex, just hold me tight, make me feel all right. Can you do that for me William?"

William picked the boy up in his arms and placed him in the center of the bed, then climbed in next to him. The prince pulled the covers in place and drew Ed to him. He kissed his love's neck. "Sleep my darling Ed, sleep the sleep of the child you are."

Ed relaxed back into William's body, his body relaxed, breathing slowed until he was asleep. Only then did William permit his tears to silently fall. Sleep quickly, and gratefully, took him as well.

***

They rode into Alexandra and up to Lord Alex's manor house an hour past nightfall the next day. Twice as large as Lord Charles' home it was lit by huge bonfires on each side of the main entrance. Suddenly nervous William motioned Ed to his side and his guards to surround them and his top aides. A couple of loud cracks and pops and the guards drew their weapons.

"Just the wood burning," the Captain said without lowering his sword. "Advance." As they passed between the bonfires the front door opened and three men came out. The Captain of the guard swung in front and gave a quick look. "Let Prince William pass." William rode almost to the door and quickly dismounted. A quick glance showed his troops surrounding the entranceway.

"A thousand pardons for this display of force Lord Alex, an attempt was made on my life yesterday morning," William said as he motioned four of his guards into the building. "Precautions must be taken." His eyes never left Alex's.

While Lord Charles was older than William's father his new host was barely six years older than William. Alex had inherited the title when his father had died ten years earlier in a riding accident. An accident, William's father had reminded him, some had questioned.

The shock in the young Lord's eyes seemed genuine however and William relaxed a little. The Captain reappeared at the door and nodded.

"Your Highness, I welcome you to Glory Manor. Enter and be safe." Lord Alex and the men with him bowed and William returned it. Turning he signaled for Ed and the rest of his party to dismount and follow him. Ed was at his side in an instant.

"We gratefully accept your hospitality my friend, and again my personal apologies for this affront." They entered the great hall and headed to the dining room.

"Wow," Ed whispered and was surprised when the word echoed back. "Sorry my prince, my Lord."

"Lord Alex, this boy is my personal servant Ed, and he single-handedly saved my life."

"We are all in your debt Ed. Now what brought on that 'wow?'" Alex said.

Ed turned to William who nodded. "The paintings along that wall," Ed said pointing to a row of paintings. "I've never seen paintings with such bright colors, they look like gardens on a beautiful summer day, and yet not real."

"Yes, that was the idea. My sainted mother, Lady Gloria, commissioned the series with those instructions. They are my most prized possessions."

"And what am I?" A woman's voice said from the dining room door. She was holding a baby in one arm.

"My dear, no man could ever possess you. Your Highness, my wife Lady Sylvia and my son and heir Daniel Justin, my dear His Royal Highness Prince William."

"My Lady, it is good to see you again. William said as he took her other arm.

"My pleasure, to be honest I've missed the capital and your father's court. You have to tell me all the latest gossip."

A nurse came and took the baby away. Ed watched and wondered what his mother would think about having a nurse always around to look after a baby. Especially when there was only one.

As supper ended William whispered into Ed's ear and the boy went off with Lord Alex's servants while the noblemen retired to the sitting room for brandies. They met back in William's room later that night.

After a long kiss they undressed and got into bed together. Between the guards and chairs they weren't worried about being interrupted.

"How did it go with the serving class?" William asked.

"They treated me like royalty, between being your personal servant and saving your life I was a step above them even if they were a lot older with more experience."

"Good, any interesting gossip?"

"Seems like his Lordship found companionship with another while his wife was pregnant, and hasn't dropped her yet."

"Interesting, not unusual but maybe useful," William said and kissed Ed's forehead.

"I said we'd heard reports of raiders on Crondell's roads and that they were coming from Exeter. They got real nervous, started looking around like they were afraid someone was listening. Finally one whispered that the reports were true, and that some of the thieves were here in Alexandra," Ed said.

"Some?"

"That's what I said. Another one said that others were in Saundersville, and that Lord Saunders was behind it."

"Does Lord Alex know about this?"

"They say no, but they may just be protecting their Lord. I'd lie for you."

"I know you would. But in this instance they may be right, or Saunders' is forcing him some how. Lord Alex seemed genuinely distressed about the attack on me and about the robbers. They're hurting Alexandra's trade with Crondell and that hurts his pocketbook.

"Are we still touring the fair tomorrow?" Ed said.

"Yes, I cannot hide from my people, but security will be tighter. But right now there's something else I want to do." With that William drew Ed into his arms and they kissed. Ed could feel William's cock rising against his thigh. He broke the kiss and pushed his lover flat on his back.

Turning around he quickly swallowed all eight inches [20 cm]. He felt William's hand on his cock and wiggled his butt.

"Oh yeah, shake that cute butt, you know what I want to do with it." "Then you'd better get it ready while I work on this," Ed said and returned to work. Ed slowly sucked William's rod while the older boy started rimming his ass. The dual sensations had his little prick twitching especially as William's tongue invaded his hole. This was a new experience, while William had rimmed him before he'd never tongue fucked him. The youngster started licking the cock in his mouth and suddenly threw his head back and screamed as his orgasm shook his body. William grabbed his lover's cheeks and dug his face deeper into the boy's crack, licking the inside until Ed stopped shaking.

"Fuck me, fuck me now," Ed said still panting.

William straightened up and gently rolled Ed onto his back, raised the boy's legs to his shoulders and put the rigid royal rod right at the red, moist opening. He started to say something but stopped. William knew what he'd been on the verge of saying, and didn't know why he'd stopped.

"Fuck me honey, I need you inside me," Ed said, disrupting William's thoughts.

"Oh yes my dear, I'm going to fill your hot ass with my cock right now." William slowly pushed his way into Ed. The boy reflexively opening his sphincter to allow the massive organ in.

"Oh yes, it feels so good, I want all of it inside me," Ed moaned.

With a series of soft grunts William quickly accomplished just that. He bent over and their lips met in a long kiss. Ed's fingers playing with William's rock-hard nipples. Slowly William started to slide his pulsating cock in out as they continued to kiss. He knew he wasn't going to last long this time. The sensations attacking his mouth, chest and cock were so fantastic. He pushed himself up and started to pick up the pace.

He looked down at the smiling boy and whispered. "I love you."

"Really?"

Ed's face glowed and William smiled and nodded. "Really."

"I love you too." Ed pushed himself up putting William on his back, the throbbing member still buried inside him. Ed looked deep into William's eyes and saw he was speaking the truth. They both had spoken it.

For Ed it was a moment of inner realization. Crossing the line between just having man-to-man sex to being gay. As he looked at his true love he understood the truth of their relationship. He was a peasant boy and William was the future King of Exeter and as such would marry and sire future rulers.

Now though, they were in love and bonded as all men in love have been bonded. Slowly he lifted himself up and let himself down. He could feel the precum leaking from William's slit as he felt the member grow larger than it had ever been before.

William reached up and gently caressed Ed's chest as he looked at the boy's angelic face. He noticed the healing cut on his face and touched it. Like Ed he also knew the limited future they faced, but that was the future.

"You are so beautiful," William said softly.

"And you are the handsomest man alive. Now fill my insides with your love."

William started matching Ed's movements, as they moved in rhythm sweat streamed down both their bodies. William reached for the bobbing hairless five-inch [13 cm] cock in front of him and started stroking it gently. With William's first stroke Ed started moving faster, and faster.

"Oh, shit I'm cumming," they shouted together moments later and the prince filled the servant boy's ass with his love, gallons and gallons of it.

***

Prince William and Lord Alex left Glory Manor late the next morning with their guards and retinues flanking and trailing them. Like every other comparison with Lord Charles' estate Lord Alex's fair was twice as large as well. A good part of the extra space was taken up by the kind of adult entertainment that Lord Charles disliked. Ed was both disappointed and proud that his prince, and lover, avoided that area completely.

After all, Ed thought, he might be Crown Prince, a great sex partner, but at sixteen he was too young to go into those kinds of places.

As they approached the horse show area William turned and waved Ed to his side.

"Yes my prince?" Ed said.

"You have the pictures of the two men?

"In my satchel my prince."

"Good. " William looked up and pointed at one of his guards. "Accompany Ed to the second set of stables, Ed will recognize who he's looking for."

"Yes Your Highness," the guard said.

Ed looked up but William just nodded.

William watched Ed and the guard walk off and turned in the opposite direction. After admiring the horses they turned the corner to a commotion coming towards them. Immediately the two sets of guards moved to surround the royalty. Through the guards they saw Lord Saunders approaching.

"I can't believe he still came," Lord Alex said.

"It's what I would have done," William said and turned to another guard. "Go find them, have them wait where they are."

The guard saluted and left.

"What do we do?" Lord Alex said.

"Why welcome your guest of course. Say nothing about the attack or the robbers."

Lord Saunders bowed. "Your Highness, Lord Alex, what a pleasure to see you here. Isn't it a glorious day for a fair?"

"I am glad you were able to accept my invitation. Have you enjoyed yourself?" Lord Alex said.

"Posh, when was the last time I missed one of your fairs?" Lord Saunders turned toward William. "Your Highness, you look well. I was relieved to hear the attempt on your life failed and the assassin killed."

"Fortunately it was not a credible threat, and we are on the trail of his accomplices, and whoever hired them." William thought he saw fear flicker in Lord Saunders' eyes.

"That is most welcome news sire. Surely though they came from Crondell, probably the thieves disrupting traffic and trust between the two kingdoms."

"Interesting idea, Lord Alex and I would be interested on hearing your ideas about the problem," Prince William said and motioned them to resume walking away from the stables.

Ed and the guard walked down the first row of stables then turned the corner and entered the center aisle of the second stable. Ed breathed in the scents and remembered helping his father tend the horses.

Suddenly a large figure stepped out from one of the stalls. Ed stepped back and the guard started to pull his sword. "Son," the figure said.

"Dad? Is it really you?" Ed said.

As the figure moved into the light the guard drew his sword but Ed took off down the aisle and jumped into his father's arms.

Robert James turned his son's head and examined his cheek; gently tracing the healing wound.

"I'm fine dad, it's just a slight cut," Ed said.

"I know, but I'm so proud of you, and hope you never have to do it again." They silently hugged each other for a couple of minutes until another guard appeared.

"Ed, His Highness requests that we remain here until summoned."

"Then I'd guess Dad you'd better put me down and take a look at the two pictures," Ed said. They pulled a table under the opening in the ceiling and Ed unrolled the two drawings. "Do you recognize them dad?"

"Yes, they were both part of his Lordship's new guards," he pointed to one of the pictures. "Is the man you killed?"

"No, the other one."

"A shame, this one is their captain, his name is Biaggi and he is a very dangerous man with a cunning mind and short temper."

"And he's working for Lord Saunders, this confirms His Highnesses' suspicions," Ed said.

"Lord Saunders?" said the second guard, "that's who was approaching when Prince Williams sent me here."

"Go back and find him, whisper in his ear that I said yes, hurry," Ed said.

The guard, a veteran in his forties looked at the little peasant boy and frowned. Who was he to give him orders? Then, as if the boy had read his mind, Ed touched the scar. The guard nodded and left.

The prince and the two lords were viewing the sheep judging contest when the guard approached.

"Prince William, a second please."

"I thought I told you to wait with my servant."

"Ed sent me Your Highness, he said to tell you he said yes," the guard said. "Return and the four of you return to Glory Manor at once."

"A problem?" Lord Saunders said.

"One of my servants took ill, probably too much food and fun at the fair. I instructed that she be taken back to the Manor. But isn't that a fine ewe, looks like she'll produce plenty of lambs."

"Yes sire," everybody said and William laughed to himself. When the contest was over, and that ewe won, they headed to Glory Manor for tea and rest before dinner.

"Lord Saunders, I want to thank you for sending me one of our best new farmers. I believe he used to be second in command of your stables, Robert James."

"I hope he is more loyal," Lord Saunders started.

"I know why you dismissed and exiled him and his family. They have been quite honest with us and we understand."

"Yes Your Highness."

"Prince William, would the boy who saved your life be this man's son?"

William stopped and faced Lord Saunders. "Yes it is, and he is forever in our debt. But I am tired, let us return. You will be staying at Glory Manor tonight Lord Saunders?"

"Yes please stay old friend, there's plenty of room," Lord Alex said.

"I humbly accept your invitation my Lord."

"Good, we are off to Crondell in the morning to meet with King Gerald to discuss stopping these bandits who are disrupting trade and relations between our two nations. I could use both of your advice on this matter," William said, plotting to get Ed and his father a chance to renew old acquaintances with Lord Saunders' men.

Chapter 3
Crondell

Prince William and his party reached Luden, Crondell's capital at noon the second day after their departure from Lord Alex's home. King Phillip of Exeter and his son, Prince William, had planned a route from Glory Manor that took them through five towns, and the obligatory speeches by local dignitaries and responses by the Crown Prince. They spent the night about a mile from the Crondell border, on a road the bandits were known to frequent. Much to William's regret, and Ed's delight, the night passed quietly.

When they reached the border they were met by a company of the Crondell Army sent to welcome and escort the Crown Prince and his party. Sir Croughten, his chief aide, gave a polite response, but everyone knew the troops were there more to guard against the Exeter party than protect or escort them.

They were greeted at the castle by Crown Prince Thomas of Crondell, a young man about five foot eight [1.73 m], broad shoulders and long flowing hair even blacker than Ed's own. He was strangely familiar to Ed but he couldn't put his finger on it and the thought quickly slipped away in the excitement.

Especially when William dismounted and walked to his counterpart and hugged him. A pang of jealousy swept through Ed, a feeling he tried banishing without complete success. After all, they knew each other, old friends probably, why shouldn't they hug, especially if they were trying to keep the peace.

Dismounting Ed saw an olive skin boy, about his own age and dressed similarly standing behind Prince Thomas.

"Now that the formalities and warm greetings are over old friend my father awaits," Prince Thomas said.

"Very good, we have much to discuss. Sir Croughten accompany me please."

For a second Ed thought he was being excluded but decided he should follow William closely. They would assume the prince's personal servant to stay with him unless specifically excluded.

Prince Thomas led them up a long flight of stairs. The castle was as impressive as any place he'd seen before but he kept silent. This was not the time to embarrass William by showing how na‹ve he was. As they reached the landing he took a deep breath and sensed someone looking at him. He turned and found the other boy smiling at him. He smiled back. Both boys nearly ran into the man in front of them when the group stopped at a large stone and gold door. It took two of the biggest men Ed had ever seen to each open one side of the door. Princes Thomas and William started walking up the aisle while the rest of the party stayed put.

"It's the throne room," Ed heard the other boy whisper.

"Thanks," Ed whispered back. Now he understood the delay. Only when the King had accepted his prince's presence and exchanged welcomes would the rest of the parties be allowed to enter.

After fifteen minutes of quiet and trying not to shuffle a loud bang resounded from inside the throne room that made Ed jump. "What was that?" He said, and blushed at the loss of control.

"His Majesty has a fondness for an old gong his grandfather received as a gift decades ago. Uses it to signal that us peasants may join him," the boy said.

"Luxor, watch your tongue," a man said and slapped the boy's rear.

Luxor turned and glared at the man who backed away. "I am sorry Sir Theodore," Luxor said. Luxor turned and gave a quick smile to Ed as they started walking.

To Ed's regret, he and Luxor were assigned to spaces along the wall on opposite sides of the room and apart from where King Gerald, the princes and their chief aides tried discussing the problem in calm tones. Ed was amazed that it was the king who seemed closest to losing it.

Suddenly King Gerald stood and Ed almost fell immediately kneeling, head bowed.

"Prince William, you make a persuasive case, but we have to think about this. We will see you at supper, until then I suggest you and my son renew your friendship."

"Thank you Your Highness," William said.

Only when he heard doors close and a soft rap on the gong did Ed hear people standing. He quickly spotted William and when Luxor moved to Thomas's side, he followed suit.

***

An hour-and-a-half later Ed found himself in a giant, heated indoor bath with William, Prince Thomas and Thomas's boy-servant Luxor. He quickly realized that part of Luxor's duties resembled his own, but had the two developed the same feelings for each other as he and William?

"Ed, do you and Prince William have sex together? Prince Thomas and I do," Luxor said as they were sitting together at the far end from where the prince's talked.

Ed nodded.

"Would you like to fuck me?" Luxor said.

"Would Prince Thomas permit it?"

"He likes watching me be fucked by someone else."

"My prince has never given me permission, nor have I asked."

"Would you like to?"

Ed thought about it. He truly loved William but the idea of fucking the boy fascinated him. He walked to where his lover and Prince Thomas were sitting and talking. William turned and noticed the rising cock approaching. "Yes Ed?"

"Luxor has asked me to fuck him, do I have your permission?"

William was startled by the request but saw Ed's desire. "Why do you wish to fuck him?"

Ed shrugged, "I like him and he's sexy and…"

William held up his hand, "I can see all that my friend. You may fuck him, you may suck him, but your hole is mine alone."

"Yes my prince."

"Do you understand the rules Luxor?" Prince Thomas said.

"Yes my prince," Luxor turned to William, "I understand and respect your limits. This was my idea, not your servants."

William glanced at Ed who nodded. "Then proceed you two, enjoy yourselves."

Slowly Ed touched Luxor's chest, gently fondling his tiny breasts as Luxor returned the action.

"Will I be your second?" Luxor said.

"No, yes, I don't count the first any more."

Luxor leaned in and gently kissed Ed's lips. "I understand," was all he said before he felt himself being pulled tight against Ed's shaking body. "I understand."

Ed was confused. He'd always known Martin Saunders was just using him, even before the events that ended with his family's expulsion. Even that all William had expected at first was a sex toy. But his relationship between William had changed and now what had come before was too dirty to be real.

"You love your prince as I love mine," Luxor whispered in his ear.

Ed nodded.

"Does he love you as mine loves me?"

"Yes, but I know it can't be forever." Ed felt tears on his cheek, and realized some were Luxor's.

They held each other tight till each felt a pair of hands on their shoulders. Looking up and behind they saw their prince, their lover smiling down at them. Ed and Luxor separated, turned and embraced the one his heart belonged to.

With soft splashes each couple descended into the warm waters embrace. Bodies held tight together by every conceivable limb, mouths securely locked together by intertwined tongues, each pair seemed as one.

For a long time they stayed as one until first Luxor and then Ed said the same thing. "Fuck me my love."

They separated and moved to the shallow end of the bath. Ed and Luxor lay down in the 69 position, each boy licking the others balls as their prince moved into position.

"Damn, Luxor go lock the door," Thomas said.

"Wait," Ed said, turned toward the door, mumbled something, moved his hand and the bolt slid into place. "Now where was I," he said and lay back down.

"I told you it would help if Wizard Avila taught me some stuff," Luxor said and started licking Ed's cock.

"I told you too," William said as he slid in behind Ed.

"When this is done we'll talk to him," Thomas said resignedly as his cock began finding its way inside Luxor.

Two prepubescent voices moaned in harmonic ecstasy as William joined Ed and Thomas joined Luxor. When Ed felt Williams' pubic bush against his cheeks he turned his head and was rewarded by a deep intimate kiss.

When they broke Ed lay back into the water and swallowed Luxor's hard cock and started bobbing his head, matching the stroke in his love canal. He gasped when he felt Luxor returned the favor.

It was Ed's first time in a foursome, threesome for that matter. The multiple assault on his sexual senses drove his lust to new heights and when William nibbled on his shoulder it flung him over the edge into a thunderous orgasm bringing the other three boys with him.

Still connected the four boys caught their breath. Then Luxor started slowly sucking on Ed's cock again. Surprised, but pleased, Ed started working on Luxor's fragrant rod while flexing his ass muscles around William's cock. It didn't take William long to be fully aroused and matching Luxor's slow strokes. Looking up William saw Thomas fucking Luxor at the same speed.

"Remember," Thomas mouthed.

William nodded and immediately flashed back to the first time he and Thomas had made love.

***

It was the summer they were both thirteen and accompanied their fathers to a summit. Both had previously gone on official trips but it was the first time they were allowed to sit in on meetings. The price for attendance was silence. The princes quickly became friends and spent as much time together as they could.

Midway through the third morning's meeting they were summarily dismissed and while slightly peeved took the opportunity to grab some sandwiches and sneak off. An act that caused two royal behinds to later become reacquainted with two royal hands.

After wondering for thirty minutes they discovered a stream and decided to take a swim. Being alone they decided to swim in the nude and pubescent boys being randy and rowdy by nature so was the swim.

Then William and Thomas grabbed the other's crotch simultaneously, realized they both had erections. Both liked the feel of the others hand on his penis. What startled both was they liked their hand being on the other's penis.

With the water flowing around them they first fondled each other and then began to masturbate. They never figured out who made the switch first but it didn't take long for both to shoot their royal semen.

"Wow, that was great," Thomas said.

"Yeah, have you ever done that before?"

"Just by myself, never with anyone else. You?"

"Same, but this felt a lot better," William said.

"Want to do it again on the grass so we can see?" Thomas said.

William, smiled and led Thomas onto the bank, wiggling his young buns seductively. When he stopped Thomas walked right up behind him, planting his hardening cock into William's crack.

"That feels good, can you rub it up and down?" William said.

"Like this?" Thomas said as he started moving his cock up and down.

"Yeah, but let's lay down, it'll be easier.

William lay down and spread his legs. As he knelt between his friends thighs Thomas saw William's hole and rubbed his fingers around it, then slightly inside. When William moaned he pressed in further until he met resistance.

"That feels so good," William said. "Can you go in further?"

Thomas was about to say no when William relaxed a little and his finger slipped the rest of the way in.

"Oh shit, that feels so good. Can you get another finger in?" William said.

Thomas brought the first out a little bit and then had an idea. He pulled his finger completely out and quietly moved up a little bit and placed his cock at William's entrance.

"Tell me if this hurts," Thomas said as he started pushing in. It was a lot tighter and the barrier was more resistant but he soon had his crotch resting on William's butt.

"How many fingers do you have up there?" William said.

"One, one cock. I'm going to fuck your ass."

"Shit, it feels so big, so good. Fuck me Thomas, fuck my ass."

Thomas began a series of short, quick strokes that constantly rubbed against William's prostate.

"Your ass is so hot man, my cock feels so fucking good in there."

"Yeah, feels real good in there, keep it up man, you're getting me hard without my touching myself."

"Oh shit, I'm going to shoot right up your hole," Thomas shouted as he slammed all the way in, held it and fired his load up William's hole. When William felt Thomas's sperm inside him he fired his load into the ground.

***

With the memory of that orgasm William discharged his second of the afternoon into his lover's love canal.

To William's surprise it was a small dinner that night. King Gerald, his wife and Thomas' mother Queen Sandra, Prince Thomas and his younger brother Prince Andrew, himself and their personal servants in addition to the wait staff.

William carefully let King Gerald and Queen Sandra lead the conversation wherever they wished. He caught Thomas rolling his eyes when Queen Sandra mentioned dating and eligible women. He knew she had his younger sister in mind for one of her sons but wasn't about to say anything about that. Catalina was only twelve after all.

Finally the main course was cleared away and following King Gerald's lead they all leaned back in their chairs.

"Prince William, did you enjoy the meal?" Queen Sandra said.

"The best I have had in all my travels."

"Well said," King Gerald said.

"And the truth to boot," William said.

"Good, now before dessert I wish to bring something dear to my heart to your attention," the Queen said.

"Please Your Highness," William said.

"My mother Queen Alexandra, wife of King Gerald's uncle and predecessor King Harold was the daughter of Lord George Saunders. They were returning home from her wedding when they were slaughtered."

"I know of the wedding and its tragic aftermath of course but wasn't aware it was your mother," William said.

Queen Sandra nodded. "I was their only child and grew up with Gerald in this castle," she took her husbands hand, "we married shortly before King Harold's death and I've been blessed with two fine sons."

William knew something unpleasant was coming but just smiled and nodded. In the corner Ed and Luxor looked at each other and shrugged.

"Let me be blunt Prince William," King Gerald said. "You have convinced us of Lord Saunders responsibility for these crimes against my people, property and land. I will leave it to your father to see he is removed and properly punished."

"Thank you Your Majesty," William said.

King Gerald nodded. "You will then recognize my son Prince Thomas as the rightful heir and place him on the high seat of Saundersville as the new Lord."

"What?" William said.

"What?" Thomas said.

William looks at his friend and begins to think. It would be nice to have him closer, but there would be many issues.

"Prince Thomas, are you willing to surrender your place as a prince of Crondell and swear fealty to King Phillip alone?"

Before Thomas could respond his father started to stand but stopped at the sight of swirling lights darting through the room. All the servants stopped moving except one. The servant waved his hand over his head and transformed into Wizard Longhorn."

"Your Majesties, I am the Wizard Longhorn in service to His Majesty King Phillip."

"What is the meaning of this?" King Gerald bellowed.

"A thousand pardons for my intrusion. There is a reason for my presence."

"Speak plainly Wizard," William said.

"There is another, one with a stronger claim to the title."

"Impossible, explain yourself. No one escaped the slaughter," Queen Sandra said.

"True Your Highness, but your mother's oldest brother's wife was pregnant. Sir Aaron wife Lady Arianna stayed behind at her parent's home and when word got back she disguised herself as a servant. Two months later she gave birth to a baby girl who she turned over to a loyal family to raise. The girl grew up, married and has a son. He is the rightful heir," Wizard Longhorn said and bowed.

"Who is he? Where is he?" Queen Sandra said.

"In good time, he himself does not know his heritage and future yet. He will be revealed when Lord Saunders is removed. This is for his own safety.

***

After two weeks of planning and preparation Prince William and his party departed Luden for Saundersville with Prince Thomas and a squad of his guards.

It was just past mid-afternoon when they arrived in Saundersville. As they rode through town Ed carefully observed the city he once called home. He recognized several people as they rode but all were staring at the two princes leading the way.

"This is your home?" Luxor said.

"Yes, but not anymore. Now my home is with my prince."

They rode through the gates of Saunders Hall. Lord Saunders stood with his sons in front of their staff and guards.

"The one standing next to the Lord, is that the one?" Luxor said.

Ed nodded, Martin stood by his father dressed in a miniature version of the same outfit.

"We need a special punishment for him."

Ed smiled and nodded vigorously.

"Your Highness, welcome to Saunders Hall. Please join my sons and I for refreshments."

"Thank you Lord Saunders. First let me introduce Crown Prince Thomas of Crondell, the great-grandson of Lord George Saunders."

Lord Saunders' eyes went wide and it took a moment before he recovered. "Prince Thomas, this is an honor. Welcome home."

"It is a pleasure to finally see the ancestral home my grandmother told me so much about."

"I hope you will be pleased on how we've maintained and improved her home. Now please join us."

Ed and Luxor quickly dismounted and each held their prince's horse as he dismounted. Lord Saunders put his arm around Prince Thomas' shoulders and started describing all the work he'd done since the great tragedy.

"How dare he," Luxor whispered.

"He thinks himself the king's equal so this is like putting his arm around his son's shoulders."

"They should rip that arm off before they hang him," Luxor said.

As soon as the front doors closed the two sets of guards started moving. Carefully following instructions half of Prince Thomas's guards took up position near the three gates and the rest moved to the stables. Prince William's troops moved to the guards' barracks and the adjoining storehouses. After posting guards at the storehouses Robert James led the bulk of the force into the barracks.

"In the name of King Phillip stop and remain standing," Robert James said.

"Look, it's the cock suckers father claiming to talk for the king. I thought we threw your ass out of here," one of the guards said.

Ed's father drew his knife and held it to the man's throat. "I do not claim to speak for His Majesty, I do speak for him and against you and your traitorous band of thieves. Now where is Biaggi?"

"Go to hell."

"You first," Robert said and slit the man's throat and calmly placed the bloody knife on the next man's throat.

"He's not here."

"I did not give him a second chance because he insulted my son. I did not ask where he wasn't I asked you where Biaggi was." Robert said as he pressed the edge into the man's skin.

"I don't know," the man pleaded.

"I saw him enter the main house an hour ago, kitchen entrance. He's been fucking one of the cooks," another man called.

"Aye," called another one. "There's a small room right off the kitchen. They're probably in there."

"Did he go alone?"

"Yes sir," the first one said. Robert turned toward the Sargent. "Give me two men who know how to move silently and the rest of you remain here and secure the prisoners."

"Yes sir. Ruben, Benjamin, you're with the Captain."

The three men walked out of the barracks and strolled across the yard toward the kitchen doors. Robert led them in and looked around. One of the cooks glanced up, back at her pot and then jerked her head up.

"Robert James? What are you doing here?" she gasped.

He put a finger across his lips and whispered. "Later Wilma, where's Biaggi?"

She pointed at a door at the far end of the kitchen.

"Is there a window?"

"Yes but it's much too high and much too small for the likes of him."

"Good, now go get some fresh air."

"But I'm making my special tea for Prince Thomas."

"He'll wait, now go."

The two soldiers moved to one side of the door. One drew his sword and the other a very long knife. "Remember, alive if at all possible." The others nodded and stood back as Robert grabbed the knob. It turned and he quietly, slowly pushed the door open an inch. From inside he heard the two of them going at it. Biaggi sounded like he was close to climaxing so Robert held his hand out, telling the others to wait.

"I'm cumming," the head thief screamed and went limp in mid-orgasm seconds later when he felt a sharp knife blade against his throat.

"In the name of His Majesty King Phillip and His Royal Highness Prince William you are under arrest for multiple counts of armed robbery, murder, treason and the attempted regicide of Prince William. Do you have anything to say?" Robert James said.

"Why should I? You're going to execute me no matter what."

"True, but it can be quick or it can be drawn out and extremely painful. They took four days once to complete the job."

"King Gerald dragged one murdering rapist's out for a week once," one of the soldiers said.

"King Phillip would probably like to get the record," said the other.

"Yes it's true, but Lord Saunders hired me and planned to usurp the throne and make himself king, and then conquer Crondell."

"Where's the stolen property?"

"The storehouse nearest the barracks. Key's in my pants pocket," Biaggi said.

"Can I get out of here," a woman's voice called from beneath the thief.

"No, you're under arrest too," Robert James said.

"What for, you can't arrest me for bad taste in men," she said.

"We'll figure that out later, find out what you know."

Robert pulled Biaggi up and threw him against the wall. "Tie his arms behind him. And you stay on the bed," he said and went to the pile of clothes and started going through them. Out of the woman's he pulled out a knife and a pair of scissors. "You should have used these instead of your charms on him," Robert said and threw her dress onto the bed. "Put it on."

It took him five minutes to separate all of the weapons from Biaggi's clothes. Including a couple he didn't recognize. When he was sure he had emptied everything out he flipped the thief's pants to one of the guards. Get these on him and then take both of them to the guardhouse.

Robert went along as the two soldiers escorted the prisoners and then started checking the compound to make sure everybody was in place. As he passed the closed main entrance he heard a trio of echoing horns from over the high walls and smiled.

Reversing his path Ed's father used the key he'd taken from Biaggi's pants and entered the storehouse. It was filled with bags and chests, armor, jewels and other art objects. As he turned back to the entrance he spotted an urn that belonged to his wife. He was about to leave it for later when a voice tells him to take it. Robert looks around before slowly picking it up and putting it into his tunic pocket.

Exiting the storehouse he paused and looked around the main courtyard, seeing it in a whole new light. He realized that the soon to be ex-Lord Saunders had done him and his family a favor by exiling them. None of them would have been as aware of the world around them if they hadn't been forced to travel.

Five minutes later there was a second round from the horns, this time nearer. He marched toward the gates, signaling the Crondell forces to move with him.

"On Prince William's orders open the gates now," Robert James said. "My orders are to let no one in, and I ain't taking orders from the likes of you," the gatekeeper said and spat on the ground.

"Very well," Robert said and motioned to one of his troops who knocked the man out and dragged him away.

Robert pulled a pin and pushed the lever up and the gate began to slide back. As soon as it was wide enough soldiers on horseback poured into the compound.

The rest of Lord Saunders' forces appeared and began to attack but quickly discovered they were vastly outnumbered and out armed. Those who lived past the initial assault quickly surrendered.

While the survivors were being secured with the other prisoners in the guardhouse the Captain of the Guard approached Robert. "Good work sir, is everything secure."

"Thank you Captain Jericho. We hold the gates and the stables so escape is impossible. The traitor has men inside though. They probably know what's happened."

"Agreed, any suggestions?"

Robert thought for a second and then knelt and drew an outline of the house. "You should take a contingent in through the front door while I take another around and through the kitchen. All the men have to understand who is inside and that great care must be taken."

"Aye, the King's orders are clear. He wants the traitor alive and if any harm comes to either prince I will no longer be an officer."

While the troops moved into position outside of Saunders Hall inside the great hall there was a good deal of laughing. Ed couldn't concentrate on his duties and several times Luxor had to nudge him forward. There were two causes to Ed's dilemma. The first was the general excitement and anticipation. The other was the mere presence of Martin Saunders. The boy sat at his father's right and acted so smug and condescendingly to everyone else. Ed knew it was more than that, it was how somebody who had acted like a friend had stabbed him in the back. Well revenge was coming.

***

"Ed, some water please," William said.

"Yes my prince," Ed said and turned to the pitcher. As he picked it up he saw a word being written in the condensation: NOW!

He waved Luxor over and showed it to him and the other servant boy picked up another one. Ed wiped the pitcher over and as he leaned over William's shoulder and poured he whispered. "Now."

"Your back to the wall, no windows, and remember your spells," William said.

Ed did as instructed and motioned Luxor to his side. As his friend arrived he heard two doors opening and the sound of booted feet moving in.

"Men, guards, we are being attacked. Lucien, Benedict it is time," Lord Saunders said.

His two oldest sons stood up fast enough to knock their chairs over and drew their swords as they rounded the table. Ed tried to remember the right spell through his rising panic but suddenly the two men stopped, dropped their swords and slowly fell. Each had a knife sticking out of their hearts.

"That practice paid off," William said, another knife in his hand.

"Told you," Thomas said, also holding a second knife.

Suddenly Ed saw Martin crawling towards the fireplace. There had to be a secret door. He sprang out and tackled Martin and got a chokehold on. He turned around so Martin was between him and the fighting in the room.

"Tell your father to surrender or you die," Ed hissed.

"You wouldn't."

Ed tightened his hold.

"Father, stop please," Martin called.

Lord Saunders turned, saw, shook his head and started running to the kitchen. Right into the arms of Robert James.

"Surrender traitor," Ed's father said.

"Never, you'll have to kill me first."

"In the name of King Phillip and the Royal Council I command all fighting cease," Williams voice rang out. "If you wish to live surrender now."

In seconds the room was silent except for weapons dropping to the floor and Lord Saunders' men being led out.

Robert dragged Lord Saunders over to William and forced him to your knees. Ed threw Martin down next to him.

"I see you have already lost two sons to your treason Saunders."

"Lord Saunders to you. What now, you and your coward father going to turn this land over to that boy and our enemy Crondell?" He spit toward Thomas. Prince Thomas kicked the man in his ribs. "That's for my mother, grandmother, and for my great-grandfather and everybody else you slaughtered Saunders. Each word accompanied by a solid kick.

"Saunders, you will be taken to the capital to be tried for treason, murder, theft and conspiracy to commit regicide," William said.

"You have no proof of that."

"Biaggi has confessed and accused you of being the mastermind," Robert James said.

Saunders sagged.

"Am I next in line?" Martin said.

"No, you see your grandfather became Lord after he murdered Lord George Saunders and his entire family. Or almost his entire family," William said.

"Nobody in his party survived," Saunders said.

"True, but Lord George's eldest son's wife was pregnant and stayed behind. She gave birth to a daughter who gave birth to a son who is the rightful heir."

"Who is this heir? Does he have the birthmark?" Saunders said.

Before anybody could answer a small ball of sparkling light appeared and slowly grew. The ball vanished and Wizard Longhorn appeared.

"The time has come Wizard," William said.

"Indeed my prince. Mr. James I believe you found something belong to your wife earlier."

"Yes sir, an urn. The only thing she has from her mother. She was orphaned as a baby and adopted by my first wife's family.

"Indeed, can I have it please?" Longhorn said.

Robert James slowly took it out and handed it to the Wizard. Ed's eyes were racing between the three men but he stayed by his prince's side. Longhorn tapped the sealed cover and opens it, slowly removing and opening a scroll.

"I Lady Arianna, wife of Sir Aaron, first born son of Lord George Saunders and slaughtered with him, hereby leave this scroll with my daughter Penelope," Longhorn read.

"Mother?" Ed said.

Longhorn turned toward the boy. "I pray she grows up to have a son to reclaim what has been taken."

"Brian is Lord Saunders?"

"William said.

"No, he isn't Penelope's child," Robert James said.

"I am her first born son," Ed said.

***

It was much later and Ed and William were climbing the stairs.

"I don't want to sleep in Saunders' bed."

"Then you'll have to get a new one."

"But what about tonight? All the other bedrooms are full."

"I believe there's enough room in my bed my love," Prince William George said.

"That sounds perfect my love," Lord Edward George Saunders James said.

The End