And They All Fell Down

Chapter Three

The Remembrance Ceremony was today in Christopher's country and he wished he could be home with his family and friends as they celebrate the fallen on a day of drinking and lighting of the ceremonial candles. He wanted to light a candle for his sister and brother and for the woman he loved a long time ago. He wanted to hold his mother while she cried and drink with his friends and share stories of friends that were gone but not forgotten. 

Christopher walked down the halls and saw servants doing chores and people coming and going, not paying any attention to him. The King came down the hall and everyone stopped what they were doing and bowed before him and Christopher was no different. He bowed and the King stopped before him, "Lord Degory, there are some matters I wish to discuss with you. Come by the council meeting after supper tonight." The King walked away and all of his puppets followed after him. Christopher knew an order when he heard one and he wasn't sure what could be so important of a council matter that he would need to be in attendance. 

He walked into the dining area just off of the ballroom and he saw the Queen enjoying breakfast with her ladies. She looked up and smiled at him, "Lord Degory, come join us!" 

He sat at the table and a servant brought him a plate. He thanked the nameless woman and looked at the beautiful omelet in front of him, "This looks wonderful." 

The ladies continued to talk amongst themselves but he found the conversation particularly interesting 

"Are you excited?" Melinda asked. 

"Yes and Sir Ambrose is expected to arrive any day now and mother says he is very interested in taking me as his bride." 

Lavinia huffed, "There goes another lady to the pitfall of marriage," she joked. "Degory, are you aware that I once had six ladies on my service?" 

"I was not, your excellence" 

"It is very true! Four of them went off and married and were stolen away from court but the promise of true love and a reasonable fortune....but mostly the fortune." 

The girls all laughed 

"And now it would seem my dearest Sophia is being taken from me as well." 

"We don't know for sure, Lavinia." Sophia attempted to stay modest but she did hope that this could be the one to take her away. 

"Oh darling I am only teasing! I am so happy for you and I believe Sir. Ambrose is a fine match. His family has a vast fortune and he owns many lands. He isn't titled but what he lacks in station he has more than made up for in other areas." 

"I'm sorry to intrude but...are you referring to Daniel Ambrose?," Christopher wiped his mouth and took a sip of milk. 

"Yes," Sophia nodded. 

"Is there something we should know?," Melinda asked. 

"I don't wish to impose information that I am not sure is even true." 

"Please," Lavinia urged, "If it regards my friend I expect you to inform me." 

He cleared his throat, "Well...I have traveled to many courts and heard many things about many people and there is no way to determine if something is more true than another. However...I have heard plenty of credible sources say that he doesn't exactly..." 

His face turned pink and the Queen chuckled at the sight of his obvious embarrassment, "Go on..." 

"Well...I know several woman that he has bedded and they all seem to tell the same story." 

"Which is?" Sophia inquired further. 

"He can't get hard!" He blurted it out and he could feel his face becoming hot. He looked at the Queen and she began bursting into laughter, followed by Melinda but Sophia did not seem to find it funny. Her face was one of more disappointment than anything else.