A Royal Ryde

The title and The Heir

Jude stood glaring at his brother.

Drake sat on his horse glaring down at Jude.

"You could never be happy with what you had."

Drake snorted. "You had everything. What was there I could be happy with?"

"I was to inherit the title, Drake. Everything else was divided equally between us. You couldn't have found happiness with that?"

"I was not to inherit the title because of something I had no control over. Why should I be left out just because you happened to be born before I?"

"You weren't left out, Drake. Father always saw to it that you never were."

"I'm tired of being the second child. I will be first."

"Even if it means my death?"

"Especially since it means your death. I've waited a long time to watch you die."

Bliss, having heard enough to understand what was going on decided that it was time she started managing this scene. Taking a deep breath, her expression changed to one of complete pain and misery as she clutched her stomach, fell forward, and began moaning in a way that would have terrified the most unattached person.

"What is the matter with you?" Drake hollered over her moaning and groaning. He tried to shake her but it only resulted in her sliding to the side of the saddle. She was dead weight, it was only Drake's arm that kept her from falling.

Drake clutched the horse with his legs as he fought to keep his hold on the girl. He couldn't lose her! If things got sticky she would be their ticket out. He tried to pull her up but she was no help and gravity kept pulling her down.

The horse, spooked by the groaning and commotion that he couldn't see, started to to prance. Growing agitated, his movements became more pronounced as he was determined to lose the two people on his back. Drake tried to hold on, but with Bliss being pulled by gravity to the ground, the horse causing a fuss, it wasn't long before Drake's legs lost their grip. Bliss and Drake landed in an undignified dusty heap. Bliss continued to moan and squirm as she clutched her stomach.

Jude, recognizing a distraction when he saw one, ran and grabbed a coil of rope that was hanging on a nearby fence post. Years of working his land had made him strong. His brother was no match for him. Within seconds, Jude pulled Drake off of Bliss and tied him up good and tight. Drake lay on his side, his arms caught behind his back as he tried to stand.

Jude forgot about his brother as he knelt beside Bliss whom had just experienced an astounding recovery.

"Bliss, are you alright? Did you get hurt when you fell?"

"The only thing that hurt was listening to your brother talk." Bliss moaned. "I can't believe I brought him here. He wanted to kill you."

"Honey, my brother has wanted to kill me for a long time. And don't worry about bringing him here. It's my fault really. I should've told you about him long ago. About me."

"You can tell me now."

Jude was distracted as the valet dismounted. He picked Drake's body off the ground and draped him over his horses back. "Should I deliver him to the sheriff's, Mr. Ridry?"

"You're turning on your master?"

The valet shrugged. "I turned on him long ago. He just didn't know it until today."

"You are a smart man." Jude said as he gazed at his brother.

"Not so smart." The valet said. "Otherwise I would've left long ago."

Jude nodded. "Let me hitch a wagon and I'll come along with you."

-------
Several minutes later Jude drove along the road in his wagon. Bliss rode in the wagon with him. Ahead of them rode the valet. He was leading the horse that Drake was draped over. Drake had long since stopped complaining.

"Jude." Bliss ventured softly.

Jude's turned to look at her. "You want to know?"

"Only if you want to tell me."

Jude sighed. "I suppose it's your regular 'older brother has the title younger brother wants it' story."

"Why didn't you tell me who you were?"

"I was scared, Bliss. I didn't want anything to happen to you. I knew my brother would find me eventually."

"He found you because I brought him to you."

"No." Jude shook his head. "He was close. Besides, he wasn't the only one searching. He had hired men looking for me too."

"Is Jude even your real name?"

"It's my middle name. Named for for father. My first name is Stefon."

"It's hard to imagine you as Stefon. Jude is such a serious no nonsense name."

"And Stefon isn't?"

"No. It's the name of a great man. A heir." Bliss grew silent for serval minutes as she thought about Jude. "Will you be leaving?"

"It's time I've stopped delaying my duties. I won't run any longer, Bliss."

Bliss couldn't think of a single nice thing to say. She didn't want Jude to leave. Why couldn't he just forget about the title. Because he is a man who takes responsibilities seriously. 'You'll never see him again.' Her heart whispered softly.

"Do you suppose your aunt would mind if I courted you seriously?"

"Court?" Bliss gasped.

"Yes. Isn't that what they call it these days?"

"You want to court me?"

"Would you want to marry a man with a title tied to his neck and an evil brother."

"I wouldn't care if I liked him enough."

"Do you like me enough, Bliss?"

"Maybe."

Jude smiled to himself. His little Bliss was blushing pink as she looked away from him. "I'll speak to your aunt then."

Bliss slid over and wrapped her arm around his. "She will approve."
Jude smiled as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "I know. She practically called me stupid the day she came to see me."

"She went to see you?"

"She came to knock some sense into this thick head." Jude chuckled softly. "That lady is very good at making a point."

"She always has been."



Six months later.


Dear Mama,

I wish you and papa were with me today. Today is the day Jude will make me his wife. I always knew when I came out west so many months ago that something would happen here that would change the course of my life. I just didn't know that it would be Jude.

Aunt Belle is just as happy as can be. She never had any children of her own you know. She is rising to the occasion nicely. I just miss you. My dear mother and father. Would you be proud of me? Would you approve of Jude? Cullen assures me the answer is yes to both questions.

Aunt Belle says I must hurry now, or I will be late. Just think mama, when I write you next I will be Mrs. Stefon Jude Ridry. A duchess, even. But that doesn't compare to being with the man I love for the rest of our lives. I love you, mama.

Your Faithful Daughter,

Bliss











Finis

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