A Prince's Harem

Château de Naturalis

Scott stood at the grand entrance of the Château de Naturalis with Pix standing behind him protectively and Katherine beside him, all waiting nervously.

A young rider from a nearby farm home in Frostine had arrived with news that Will would be arriving soon but did not know whether or not a new courtier would be arriving with him or if the consort would be alone.

Calida approached from behind and placed a hand on Scott's forearm cautiously, "I did not like Shep at all, not one bit, nor did I trust him, but if Will has agreed to bring him then I will behave civilly for Will's sake."

Scott nodded slightly, "Have you had enough time to prepare for Will and potentially Shep?" he asked Katherine, tapping his fingers together together anxiously.

"My parents left without a trace and I was named Highest Lady of Naturalis when I was a very young girl. I have been raised to plan for nobility quickly. Have some faith in me Scott," Katherine teased playfully, nudging Scott in her enjoyment.

Scott rolled his eyes affectionately, a chuckle dying out on his lips as he quickly sobered up at the distant sound of horse hooves approaching as Will and Shep's horses came into view of the Château.

Will's eyes darted to Shep quickly as their horses came to a steady halt in front of the welcoming party, "Katherine will show you to the stables," he broke the silence that had lingered between them the whole ride, not sparing the other a second thought.

With the grace and poise of a true gentleman, he swung his leg over the horse and dismounted cleanly, coming face to face with his ecstatic husband as he did so.

Scott smiled and wrapped a loving arm around his husband's waist and pressed a gentle, chaste, kiss to his forehead, "Hello my dear, is everything alright?"

Will accepted the gesture with a soft smile on his lips, "I don't want to trust him any more than I did years ago, however he wanted sanctuary and protection and you know that I will not turn away someone in need of protection."

"Love," the Crowned Prince's tone shifted now from one of joy to one of concern, "Has he hurt you?" Scott questioned quietly, "At any point in your life?"

"Lady Katherine," the half born's attention shifted quickly towards the female faerie and away from his husband, "If you could please show Lord Shep to the stables for our horses?" Will then turned away from Scott, "And thank you for your hospitality," he tipped his head respectfully to his friend and hostess.

"Of course," Katherine smiled brightly, taking the reins of the clydesdale mare Will had ridden, chuckling as the horse nudged her playfully with one of its fluffy hooves, "Your rooms are prepared, and Impulse and Tango are waiting."

"Thank you so much," Will then turned slowly to face Shep with a stone faced expression, "You will be shown around the home by Lady Michela, you will respect her as if she was me, am I understood?"

Shep bowed slightly, almost begrudgingly but semi-respectfully all the same, "Of course, Your Royal Highness," he turned quickly and followed Katherine towards the stable with no acknowledgement towards the others gathered around them, not even the Crowned Prince of the realm.

"Will-" Scott tried again to engage in conversation only to be ignored for a second time in less than a minute.

"Calida," Will beamed, pulling the princess into his arms quickly, "Was your journey well? Was the carriage ride pleasant enough?"

Scott caught on to Will's denial and avoidance of his enquiries and so he simply sighed, stepping back to let his husband do as he needed.

"Everything went perfectly well, now I think that you should wait here for a moment because my brother and Impulse are on their way," Calida smoothed out her skirts, bowing her head respectfully, "If you will excuse me? I must prepare to return home tomorrow, an emergency meeting with my father's council."

"Of course, don't let me keep you held up here," Will stood back and bowed his head in return, "Would you like an escort back to your rooms?"

Calida smiled, "Thank you, Will, if you truly do not mind then I'd love an escort?"

"Lord Pix?" Will turned slightly to his husband's guard, "If I could acquire your assistance?"

"Yes, Your Grace?" Pix tilted his head, "How can I be of service to you?"

"If you could please escort the Princess Regent back to her rooms?" Will smiled, stepping back to stand beside his husband with a soft smile, "Then please take some time off, I'm going to steal Scott for a nap."

Pix bowed politely and turned away with Calida, leading her away from the royal couple, leaving them alone for all of a few moments.

Just as Calida disappeared from their sights, Tango appeared within range of view and grabbed Will's hand to press their cheeks together in an affectionate greeting, "You are safe."

Impulse was close behind, hugging Will tightly to his chest, his wings fluttering protectively, "Are you alright Sprout? Did he hurt you?" He pulled back with a concerned expression, eyes glancing over Will's face in search for potential injuries.

"You are all so concerned as to what he did to me, but I promise you that I am physically unharmed. Shep may be a cunning man with a focus on what he wants but he is not stupid enough to jeopardize his main chance at safety," Will mused playfully, moving his cheek to rest in Impulse's hand, "Now I am tired and sore from the journey, can I please just lie down and rest?"

Tango gently took hold of Will's red hands, holding it in his own, "There are two people who request an audience first then we can nap and we can take a look at the burns on your hands from your reins."

Will's entire demeanour shifted slightly as he stood up straight and settled into his husband of the prince persona, "Of course, of course and don't worry, I always hold the reins too tight."

Scott clicked his tongue gently, "Oh Darling, no, I promise you can relax," Scott interlocked fingers with Will, gently placing a kiss to his knuckles.

Will simply laced his fingers through his husband's hand, letting himself be pulled along to the reception room only to find the second born prince and the princes' illegitimate cousin.

Graecie bowed her head, "Your Royal Highnesses," she smiled gently, lacing her hands in front of her.

Will bowed his own head, "Your Royal Highness, Lady Caravel," he greeted Acho and Graecie respectfully.

Acho rolled star's eyes teasingly, "Will, I know you must be tired so let's cut to the chase."

Graecie looked between the Denholm and Renais heirs, "King Hudson and Queen Aurelia have ever so nicely decided I no longer need my own household or establishment. I have been told to find a place in someone else's household or never show my face in their court again. I was allowed to stay with Ros as she was a friend from my childhood but I am destitute now without a job. I beg of you, please help me?" She dropped to her knees and bowed her head.

Will's heart shattered within his chest, "Graecie Margret Caravel, you are my best friend, you have been for our entire lives, you have a home with me no matter what. Graecie, I would take you and Ros on with no questions asked if you asked," he knelt beside Graecie.

Acho nudged Scott and gestured towards the door, leading his brother outside to give the friends privacy.

Graecie pulled Will into her arms with tears in her eyes, "You are too kind. From all the stories my mother told me, I believe that you are truly a son that Aunt Maggie would have been incredibly proud of."

Will blinked back his own tears, "My mother would have loved to have met you. She, Marnie and your mother were such close friends before Mother died and I'm glad that your mother was able to have a daughter like you."

"Will, I love you," Graecie smiled, she had been like a sister to Will for their entire lives, they had seen each other at their worsts.

"I love you too, Graecie," Will replied softly, holding her close.