JohnLock 3: Missing Sherlock

JohnLock 3:Missing Sherlock - The School

If one had lived in Watson Hold for the last couple of years, life would have been good. Crop yields had been abundant, so tummies were full. Business had been good, prosperity grew and so purses and pantries were full. The populace was content and thankful for the kingdom's peaceful times. For the royals, not much had changed since the birth of the Prince Regent's heirs. There was peace and love and joy at the castle, and everyday something new and wonderful happened. Optimism abounded.

It was a warm morning in the Spring. The Prince Regent John's toddler heirs, Locksley and Johonna, have very recently celebrated their third birthdays with a small but the "most jolliest party in the whole world," that world being the fast-becoming famous Watson Castle Child Care and Day School. They, and many of the realm's most precocious youngsters, spent most of their waking hours in the "nursery," playing and learning.

All the realm's children were welcome to the school, no matter age, gender, or physical ability; activities supervised by a series of nannies, mannies, and nurses, and, as time passed and scholarly pursuits became more important, taught by the kingdom's most competent instructors.

On this particular day, the Watson toddlers were mightily resisting a much-needed nap. Proudly, they sported miniature versions of their parents' court dress, Locksley in a blue and gold doublet and tights with royal accoutrements like his Papa's: epaulets, Medals, and braids. Johonna wore a flouncy little skirt that just reached her calves, layered in a dark blue with red petticoats. She described herself as a "'ittle girl Cherlock," and dressed to look like her Daddy, when she could. At her insistence, the skirt was topped by a military-cut loose blouse in white with red and blue accents: buttons, bows, and a waist sash.

The daddies thought they were the cutest things that ever were, and could do no wrong, but, at times like this, their vow to never apply corporal punishment was sorely tested. The nannies had given up on getting the babies to cooperate and called for paternal reinforcement. The Prince Regent was otherwise engaged on business of the realm, which under the circumstances, he embraced with more enthusiasm than usual, so the Prince Consort, Sherlock, (...generally known as Locke...) was recruited to enforce the much-despised nap time.

Locke sauntered into the nursery, appearing as beautifully perfect in his immaculate uniform as he always did. He had his hands clasped behind his back and one brow cocked high, a moue of faux annoyance on his well-formed lips. Walking over to where the two little rebels were seated on miniature ladder-backed chairs, their chubby little arms crossed on their chests and their pretty baby faces screwed into defiant little frowns, he paused and stood facing them at full attention.

Locke spoke softly but with firm command in his deep voice. "What is this I hear about my children refusing to follow the rules?"

"Iss not fair, Daddy." Locksley stood and spoke up, (...much as he usually did...He was always the leader of the "gang." There were a couple of occasions where other little ones would be in cahoots with the Watson kids, but with Locksley always understood to be the spokesman...) "'Uncle' Petie nor Lido nor Arielle have to take naps. It ain't fair, 'cause we're not tired." This speech would have been much more effective had not Johonna at just that moment, yawned widely and noisily, her blue eyes drooping. Both Locke's brows shot up, and he lowered his chin to express his skepticism.

Locksley turned to Johonna with his chubby little fists on his hips, his eyes in a squint at her, and threw up his hands. "Honny!" he pouted in frustration. Turning back to his father, he apologized, "I'm sorry, Daddy. The Nanny shouldn't oughta 'volved you." Looking disgusted, he added, "I guess we'll be lying down now." Locke had to bite his lip to keep from laughing at his son's mature acquiescence. Dropping down to one knee, and opening his arms, Locke accepted a hug and a kiss from both children.