![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
palacechristian.
Okay. He had the trays wrapped and ready to go outside. They were Obie-proofed to the max, the drinks were in the cooler and the barbeque was turned on and nicely hot. What had he forgotten? Christian turned around in the kitchen space and looked at all the surfaces. Nope. Nothing. He could hear voices outside and so headed in that direction.
"Harry!" He spotted the other man at the end of the hall by the front door and waved him in, pointing at the trays. "Grab something."
Harry rolled his eyes but moved anyway.
Just as he turned, Adrian came racing out of the bedroom and Christian finally remembered what it was he'd meant to do. He indicated to Harry that he should put the tray down again as he grabbed Adrian by the scruff of his t-shirt just before he could get past them.
"Not so fast, sunshine." he grinned. "Need a word with you first."
Adrian yelped when Christian snagged him, then managed to croak, "Yeah?" He eyed Christian over his shoulder, then looked at Harry, then back at Christian. Fuck! he thought. What'd I do now??
//First I'm lifting and carrying, now you want me to stay here? Make up yer damn mind,// Harry grumbled.
Steering Adrian over toward the greater space in the living area, Christian smiled even wider but his eyes were serious. "Just need to talk to you about the princess." he said, sending Harry a message of his intent.
"The princess?" Adrian looked confused. "How come? Is she, like, ugly? Or not really smart? I'd never make fun of someone for anything like that!"
"Oh Jesus fucking..." Harry trailed off, suddenly immensely grateful that Christian had thought to have this conversation now, and not after... Harry shuddered at what might have been.
Christian rolled his eyes. "No." he said, ignoring Harry's grin. "She's gorgeous. She's a beautiful, intelligent woman. An Eradorian woman. That's what we need to sort out. I don't want you propositioning her or asking her impertinent questions, okay? Remember the manners Liam taught you? Apply them and then add some!"
"Of course I remember my manners! I always remember!" He paused and his gaze dropped to Christian's chest. "Well, okay, I don't always apply 'em, but only with people I know. I wouldn't be rude to someone I just met, really!" He looked up again, earnestness pouring out of his eyes.
"No, but you do ask people you've just met to fuck. And that's not going to be a good idea here," Harry went back to Christian's first restriction.
"I know." Christian looked at Harry for help. "But see, the people from Erador they're . . . different." He was trying not to let his prejudice affect his words and pass onto Adrian, so he was struggling a bit. "More . . . formal, less unrestrained. Harry's right. No talking about fucking, sucking or any other -ing, alright? They don't do that. Well, not like we do."
Adrian looked over at Harry, frowning in confusion. "How come? I mean, I'm asking, right? And I'm not rude about it, like nasty or commanding or anything."
Harry sighed. "I know, Adrian. But they're different then us, and they have different values and codes of conduct. There are some people who have different ideas for when people should be able to have sex, never mind even just talking about it. Especially for women." Harry said, thinking of Gwyn and her previous imposed restrictions on Anna.
"But if she didn't want to then she'd just have to say. I mean, I wouldn't force her to!" Adrian looked horrified at the thought.
Christian covered his face with his hands and just let Harry handle it.
"Adrian, you're not following me here," Harry looked him straight in the face. "What she'd say or do is not the issue. Princess Caeline? Virgin. Likely sheltered, considering the frowning piece of work I've seen shadowing her about. She's not going to fuck you. Hell- she's not even going to fuck Christian at this point. If she knows what the word fuck means, I'll be impressed as all hell. Don't ask, don't talk about it, just don't. You don't want to make her uncomfortable or embarrassed, do you?"
Christian peeped out from between his spread fingers, his eyes glowing with hope.
"No, of course not! I won't say a word, I promise! But, why can't she fuck Christian if they're getting married? Why would anyone marry someone they haven't fucked? What if it doesn't work? And why would it embarrass her if I asked her if she wanted to? I won't!" he hurried to repeat. "But I don't get it."
"Adrian." Christian sighed and dropped his hands. "Look. They're completely different from us. Different set of moral standards. Women marry as virgins. If they fuck beforehand, they're seen as 'ruined' and . . . Oh, it's complicated. Just take our word for it that that's how it is. And it's ten times worse for the nobility, okay?"
Adrian looked at Christian, then back at Harry, then back at Christian, then shrugged and nodded. "Umm, okay. Not a word about sex to the princess, I promise." He crossed his heart with one finger, giving Christian a bemused grin as he did so.
"Thank you." Christian looped an arm around Adrian's neck and tugged him close, kissing his cheek in gratitude. He released him and looked up at Harry. "Next time we chat," he told them both "we're gonna have a nice discussion about foreplay and how conversation and a bit of getting-to-know-you can be considered good foreplay as well. Okay? See if we can't teach you a bit about . . . restraint."
"And no talking in her presence about what you, Johnny, Christian, a bottle of lube and a spray can of whipped cream got up to the other night." Harry added, just covering the bases.
"Spray can of...? Hey, that's a great idea!" Adrian beamed at Harry.
"And if that doesn't work, I'll just buy you a coil of rope, and you can tether him to the fence along with Oberon." Harry muttered.
Adrian blanched. "Umm, no, really, that won't be at all necessary. I promise!" Adrian took a step backwards and bonked into a side table.
"Whoa there!" Christian grabbed Adrian's arm and steadied him. "He was kidding. Now, grab a tray and let's go." They took a tray each and headed down the hall. Christian stopped in the doorway and pointed. "See next to my father? That's the princess."
Adrian peered out the door, then his eyes opened wide. "Whoa! Oh, man, she is totally hot!" He grinned up at Christian and said, "Good thing you warned me!" before trotting out to the table with his tray.
Harry turned and looked at Christian. "Can you telekinetically keep his mouth shut?" he asked, his eyes hopeful.
Christian did another of what he was beginning to think of as an Adrian-eyeroll and grinned at Harry. "He has to learn." he chuckled. "Hopefully not at Caeline's expense. You met her yet?"
"Nope- just seen her being directed about by that chaperone type. Reminds me of Juliet's nurse," Harry murmured.
"Her name is Madame Liane." Christian whispered as they moved off and approached the table. "I've not spoken to her much, she just . . . glares at me a lot. See if you have more luck."
Dropping the tray of vegetables on the table, he guided Harry toward where his father and Caeline were standing, chatting, the duenna throwing dark scowls in his direction from her position two feet behind. //See?// He sent. //She wants to carve me up.//
//Well yeah, 'course she does. Your ultimate goal is to, well, defeat what she's spent years protecting,// Harry sent back, smiling politely as he walked over.
Christian poked out a mental tongue and then stepped smoothly up beside Harry to make the introduction, being sure to include the Chastity Warrior when he did. As soon as the words were said, he was looking around for his lover, spotting him talking to Orlando and waving him over.
Harry smiled and inclined his head towards each lady in turn. "Your Highness, Madame Liane. It's a pleasure to meet you both." Harry said smoothly, also nodding politely towards Marton.
Caeline watched the man she already thought of as 'her' prince approach and smile at her. His blue eyes were brilliant in the sunshine and his clothing reflected the casual air of the day perfectly. It was all she could do to not bring her hand to her heart, a gesture that was common in the royal circles of Erador but which she had learned already was considered over-dramatic and even a little . . . strange here in Calera. His smile never dimmed as he introduced her to his friend, the youngest prince's lover if memory served correctly, and she didn't even mind when his eyes immediately turned away to search the lawn for his lover, Johnny.
Johnny felt Christian's attention on him and looked around -- sure enough, there was Christian motioning him to come over. He excused himself from Orlando and headed over across the lawn to his lover. He almost cuddled up against Christian's side out of habit, then stopped himself at the last minute. Maybe not a good idea? Right. Let Christian initiate touching if he wants to, in front of his future wife. Check. He stopped with about a handspan between them, said "Hi," to Marton with a nod that was sort of half a bow, and then waited to be introduced.
Again, Christian made the introduction, waiting until greetings had been exchanged before sliding an arm around Johnny's waist and turning his attention to his father. "So, dad." he began in lazy tones. "You taking the reins on the barbeque?"
Marton sighed, tried to hide his knowing grin. "I thought I was a guest, not a worker."
Christian tugged at Harry's sleeve to get his attention. "But dad," he wheedled. "Harry's been salivating since yesterday."
"Considering that I've spent near on twenty years listening to Sean brag and tease and gloat about you on the grill? You bet your ars-sweet bippy I've been salivating," Harry altered at the last moment, determined to avoid swearing at least for the first few minutes.
"Then I shall attempt to live up to my publicity." Marton said, laying a hand on Caeline's arm. "If you'll excuse me? Christian? Come show me how this thing works."
As his father moved off, Christian looked down at Johnny, kissing the tip of his nose and glancing between he and Caeline. "Why don't you two sort out the table?" he suggested. He glanced at Harry too, but the other man was engaged in conversation with the duenna and so he didn't interrupt. "I'll be right back." He followed his father.
Caeline, still a little shocked by the casual air that surrounded this family in private, but willing to enjoy it nonetheless, looked at Johnny who was watching Christian leave. "Shall we?" she offered her arm.
Madame Liane found herself left with Harry. She gave him her most charming smile and asked, "So tell me about yourself, Mr. Sinclair. You're a 'retriever' I understand? What exactly does that mean?"
"Harry, please. And my primary job is to staff Palace. There are other people who take care of the staffing for administration and housekeeping, security, those sorts of areas, but all new libertines come directly through my office, and most of them are interviewed by me directly. So, what I do now isn't what most retrievers do, which is to collect people who are due to begin serving their Ancestral Debt and arranging for their placement." Harry explained, returning the smile.
Liane only understood about a quarter of what he'd said, but she easily maintained her smile. "You have a good deal of responsibility, then. I'm sure a great many people depend upon you." She gave him an approving nod.
Yep. If it wasn't for me, there'd be a chronic shortage in the number of people available to provide high quality fucking. I am, indeed, a humanitarian. "A fair degree of responsibility, but I have good people working for me, which makes things considerably easier.
Johnny smiled at the princess and gave her a shallow bow before linking his arm with hers and strolling over to the table where all the utensils and the non-grillable food was sitting. "How about if you lay out the dishes there at the end, so folks can pick them up first, and the other stuff opposite so they're at the end? I'll put the salads and all down here and around the other side,in the middle?" Johnny gestured to show the flow pattern he had in mind, from the dishes to put the food into, past the food, then to the knives, forks, spoons and napkins last.
Wrinkling her brow, Caeline listened carefully to the instructions and then set about trying to follow them, the 'lay-out' of food never having been something she'd ever had to think about before. She moved the plates, vaguely surprised by their weight and then, tucking her hair behind her ear, set to work moving the cutlery to the other end. The sound of laughter, of light-hearted conversation swirled around her and the combination of sunshine and the relaxed atmosphere was heady. She glanced over at Johnny and smiled when he met her gaze. She almost said 'This is fun!', but that would be silly.
Johnny looked over his shoulder, scanning the picnic area. Orlando was hauling chairs under Anna's supervision, Harry was entertaining Caeline's chaperone, Christian and Marton were fussing with the barbecue.... "Adrian!" he called. "Come here and help!"
Adrian looked up when Johnny called his name. He'd been hovering over by the wall, watching and absorbing what Harry and Christian had told him, trying to get it all sorted out so he could remember it properly. And didn't it figure, Johnny was with the princess? He swallowed hard and headed over.
"Your highness, may I introduce my friend, Adrian Forrester?" Johnny said, one hand on Adrian's shoulder. "Adrian, this is Her Highness, Caeline of Erador."
Adrian bowed, but managed to remember that commoners waited to be acknowledged before speaking to Royalty and kept his mouth shut.
"Adrian." Caeline offered her hand and the young man took it, shaking it briefly. "It's a lovely day for it, isn't it?" she invited with a smile. "Do you live here too?"
"No, Ma'am," Adrian answered, his face perfectly calm and all but expressionless. "I'm visiting Johnny. I've been staying with him and Christian, and I'll be going home in a few more days. And yeah," he added, a grin slipping out, "it's really pretty, perfect for eating outside!"
"Yes, yes it is." Caeline returned the smile. "I'm told that his Majesty is a most marvelous cook. I'm looking forward to sampling." The inane conversation was practiced and professional but it faltered suddenly, her eyes going wide as she looked past Adrian's shoulder and saw . . ."Oh dear!" she pointed. "Seems that puppy has similar ideas."
At the word "puppy" Johnny spun round, his eyes zipping over the tables. "Ack! No, Obie! Down!" He dived for the puppy who was standing up on his hind legs, sniffing at the platter of raw meat ready for the barbecue. Johnny scooped him up and carried him back to the Gatehouse, lecturing all the way and ignoring the wriggles and whines which resulted. Luckily the pup hadn't thought of hopping up onto a chair first -- they'd all be reduced to vegetarian if he had!
Adrian snickered and gave Caeline a conspiratorial wink. "He's a brat, but he's such a cute brat, you know?"
Momentarily taken aback by the casual familiarity of Adrian's tone, Caeline recovered quickly, her own impish sense of humor surfacing before she had a chance to censor. "Which one?"
Adrian laughed out loud. "Well, yeah, both of 'em, actually. I meant the puppy right then, though. His name's Oberon but we call him Obie. Do you like dogs? Christian has this really gorgeous dog named Shannon, she's in the house 'cause Orlando doesn't like dogs but you've got to meet her some time."
Caeline raised her eyebrows, eyes twinkling. "Dog?" she said. "That is not what I heard. But yes, I love animals. I tell you what?" She looked down at the finished set-up, then back over her shoulder toward Liane. "Why don't you introduce me?" Offering her arm to be taken and having Adrian step up in a clumsily gallant fashion to take it, she went with him toward the gatehouse door in the same direction Johnny and the recalcitrant pup had gone.
Christian looked up from adjusting the heat in time to see Johnny taking charge of the four-legged Houdini. He'd been glancing around from time to time while he helped his father with the food and now, as Marton expertly flipped the first of the thicker steaks, he elbowed him in the ribs, pointing out the transgression.
Marton looked up and chuckled. "Gatecrasher." he said. "Seen over there?" He pointed toward the corner with his spatula. Harry and Caeline's duenna were still engaged in conversation, with Harry looking more and more uncomfortable while Madame Liane’s plump, round face plainly showed her ever more enamoured of her companion. "Long live love." he murmured.
Christian laughed, watching as Caeline and Adrian followed Johnny inside, his prospective bride looking flushed, but happy and infinitely more relaxed. "And something tells me that if we told her Harry is gay, she'd think he was really happy with her company." His eyes twinkled with mischief. "We're going to have to promote that friendship." he said, referring to Harry and Madame Liane. "Do her the world of good. Do both of them the world of good. Not to mention me."
Marton raised his head. "Fermenting sedition are we?"
Christian waggled an eyebrow and Marton thwacked him with the oven mitt. "Oh, just pass the sausages and stop plotting!"
"A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do." It was Christian's turn to mutter.
"That may well be. But this man's hungry, so get a move on. We've got people need feeding! Plot on your own time."
Okay. He had the trays wrapped and ready to go outside. They were Obie-proofed to the max, the drinks were in the cooler and the barbeque was turned on and nicely hot. What had he forgotten? Christian turned around in the kitchen space and looked at all the surfaces. Nope. Nothing. He could hear voices outside and so headed in that direction.
"Harry!" He spotted the other man at the end of the hall by the front door and waved him in, pointing at the trays. "Grab something."
Harry rolled his eyes but moved anyway.
Just as he turned, Adrian came racing out of the bedroom and Christian finally remembered what it was he'd meant to do. He indicated to Harry that he should put the tray down again as he grabbed Adrian by the scruff of his t-shirt just before he could get past them.
"Not so fast, sunshine." he grinned. "Need a word with you first."
Adrian yelped when Christian snagged him, then managed to croak, "Yeah?" He eyed Christian over his shoulder, then looked at Harry, then back at Christian. Fuck! he thought. What'd I do now??
//First I'm lifting and carrying, now you want me to stay here? Make up yer damn mind,// Harry grumbled.
Steering Adrian over toward the greater space in the living area, Christian smiled even wider but his eyes were serious. "Just need to talk to you about the princess." he said, sending Harry a message of his intent.
"The princess?" Adrian looked confused. "How come? Is she, like, ugly? Or not really smart? I'd never make fun of someone for anything like that!"
"Oh Jesus fucking..." Harry trailed off, suddenly immensely grateful that Christian had thought to have this conversation now, and not after... Harry shuddered at what might have been.
Christian rolled his eyes. "No." he said, ignoring Harry's grin. "She's gorgeous. She's a beautiful, intelligent woman. An Eradorian woman. That's what we need to sort out. I don't want you propositioning her or asking her impertinent questions, okay? Remember the manners Liam taught you? Apply them and then add some!"
"Of course I remember my manners! I always remember!" He paused and his gaze dropped to Christian's chest. "Well, okay, I don't always apply 'em, but only with people I know. I wouldn't be rude to someone I just met, really!" He looked up again, earnestness pouring out of his eyes.
"No, but you do ask people you've just met to fuck. And that's not going to be a good idea here," Harry went back to Christian's first restriction.
"I know." Christian looked at Harry for help. "But see, the people from Erador they're . . . different." He was trying not to let his prejudice affect his words and pass onto Adrian, so he was struggling a bit. "More . . . formal, less unrestrained. Harry's right. No talking about fucking, sucking or any other -ing, alright? They don't do that. Well, not like we do."
Adrian looked over at Harry, frowning in confusion. "How come? I mean, I'm asking, right? And I'm not rude about it, like nasty or commanding or anything."
Harry sighed. "I know, Adrian. But they're different then us, and they have different values and codes of conduct. There are some people who have different ideas for when people should be able to have sex, never mind even just talking about it. Especially for women." Harry said, thinking of Gwyn and her previous imposed restrictions on Anna.
"But if she didn't want to then she'd just have to say. I mean, I wouldn't force her to!" Adrian looked horrified at the thought.
Christian covered his face with his hands and just let Harry handle it.
"Adrian, you're not following me here," Harry looked him straight in the face. "What she'd say or do is not the issue. Princess Caeline? Virgin. Likely sheltered, considering the frowning piece of work I've seen shadowing her about. She's not going to fuck you. Hell- she's not even going to fuck Christian at this point. If she knows what the word fuck means, I'll be impressed as all hell. Don't ask, don't talk about it, just don't. You don't want to make her uncomfortable or embarrassed, do you?"
Christian peeped out from between his spread fingers, his eyes glowing with hope.
"No, of course not! I won't say a word, I promise! But, why can't she fuck Christian if they're getting married? Why would anyone marry someone they haven't fucked? What if it doesn't work? And why would it embarrass her if I asked her if she wanted to? I won't!" he hurried to repeat. "But I don't get it."
"Adrian." Christian sighed and dropped his hands. "Look. They're completely different from us. Different set of moral standards. Women marry as virgins. If they fuck beforehand, they're seen as 'ruined' and . . . Oh, it's complicated. Just take our word for it that that's how it is. And it's ten times worse for the nobility, okay?"
Adrian looked at Christian, then back at Harry, then back at Christian, then shrugged and nodded. "Umm, okay. Not a word about sex to the princess, I promise." He crossed his heart with one finger, giving Christian a bemused grin as he did so.
"Thank you." Christian looped an arm around Adrian's neck and tugged him close, kissing his cheek in gratitude. He released him and looked up at Harry. "Next time we chat," he told them both "we're gonna have a nice discussion about foreplay and how conversation and a bit of getting-to-know-you can be considered good foreplay as well. Okay? See if we can't teach you a bit about . . . restraint."
"And no talking in her presence about what you, Johnny, Christian, a bottle of lube and a spray can of whipped cream got up to the other night." Harry added, just covering the bases.
"Spray can of...? Hey, that's a great idea!" Adrian beamed at Harry.
"And if that doesn't work, I'll just buy you a coil of rope, and you can tether him to the fence along with Oberon." Harry muttered.
Adrian blanched. "Umm, no, really, that won't be at all necessary. I promise!" Adrian took a step backwards and bonked into a side table.
"Whoa there!" Christian grabbed Adrian's arm and steadied him. "He was kidding. Now, grab a tray and let's go." They took a tray each and headed down the hall. Christian stopped in the doorway and pointed. "See next to my father? That's the princess."
Adrian peered out the door, then his eyes opened wide. "Whoa! Oh, man, she is totally hot!" He grinned up at Christian and said, "Good thing you warned me!" before trotting out to the table with his tray.
Harry turned and looked at Christian. "Can you telekinetically keep his mouth shut?" he asked, his eyes hopeful.
Christian did another of what he was beginning to think of as an Adrian-eyeroll and grinned at Harry. "He has to learn." he chuckled. "Hopefully not at Caeline's expense. You met her yet?"
"Nope- just seen her being directed about by that chaperone type. Reminds me of Juliet's nurse," Harry murmured.
"Her name is Madame Liane." Christian whispered as they moved off and approached the table. "I've not spoken to her much, she just . . . glares at me a lot. See if you have more luck."
Dropping the tray of vegetables on the table, he guided Harry toward where his father and Caeline were standing, chatting, the duenna throwing dark scowls in his direction from her position two feet behind. //See?// He sent. //She wants to carve me up.//
//Well yeah, 'course she does. Your ultimate goal is to, well, defeat what she's spent years protecting,// Harry sent back, smiling politely as he walked over.
Christian poked out a mental tongue and then stepped smoothly up beside Harry to make the introduction, being sure to include the Chastity Warrior when he did. As soon as the words were said, he was looking around for his lover, spotting him talking to Orlando and waving him over.
Harry smiled and inclined his head towards each lady in turn. "Your Highness, Madame Liane. It's a pleasure to meet you both." Harry said smoothly, also nodding politely towards Marton.
Caeline watched the man she already thought of as 'her' prince approach and smile at her. His blue eyes were brilliant in the sunshine and his clothing reflected the casual air of the day perfectly. It was all she could do to not bring her hand to her heart, a gesture that was common in the royal circles of Erador but which she had learned already was considered over-dramatic and even a little . . . strange here in Calera. His smile never dimmed as he introduced her to his friend, the youngest prince's lover if memory served correctly, and she didn't even mind when his eyes immediately turned away to search the lawn for his lover, Johnny.
Johnny felt Christian's attention on him and looked around -- sure enough, there was Christian motioning him to come over. He excused himself from Orlando and headed over across the lawn to his lover. He almost cuddled up against Christian's side out of habit, then stopped himself at the last minute. Maybe not a good idea? Right. Let Christian initiate touching if he wants to, in front of his future wife. Check. He stopped with about a handspan between them, said "Hi," to Marton with a nod that was sort of half a bow, and then waited to be introduced.
Again, Christian made the introduction, waiting until greetings had been exchanged before sliding an arm around Johnny's waist and turning his attention to his father. "So, dad." he began in lazy tones. "You taking the reins on the barbeque?"
Marton sighed, tried to hide his knowing grin. "I thought I was a guest, not a worker."
Christian tugged at Harry's sleeve to get his attention. "But dad," he wheedled. "Harry's been salivating since yesterday."
"Considering that I've spent near on twenty years listening to Sean brag and tease and gloat about you on the grill? You bet your ars-sweet bippy I've been salivating," Harry altered at the last moment, determined to avoid swearing at least for the first few minutes.
"Then I shall attempt to live up to my publicity." Marton said, laying a hand on Caeline's arm. "If you'll excuse me? Christian? Come show me how this thing works."
As his father moved off, Christian looked down at Johnny, kissing the tip of his nose and glancing between he and Caeline. "Why don't you two sort out the table?" he suggested. He glanced at Harry too, but the other man was engaged in conversation with the duenna and so he didn't interrupt. "I'll be right back." He followed his father.
Caeline, still a little shocked by the casual air that surrounded this family in private, but willing to enjoy it nonetheless, looked at Johnny who was watching Christian leave. "Shall we?" she offered her arm.
Madame Liane found herself left with Harry. She gave him her most charming smile and asked, "So tell me about yourself, Mr. Sinclair. You're a 'retriever' I understand? What exactly does that mean?"
"Harry, please. And my primary job is to staff Palace. There are other people who take care of the staffing for administration and housekeeping, security, those sorts of areas, but all new libertines come directly through my office, and most of them are interviewed by me directly. So, what I do now isn't what most retrievers do, which is to collect people who are due to begin serving their Ancestral Debt and arranging for their placement." Harry explained, returning the smile.
Liane only understood about a quarter of what he'd said, but she easily maintained her smile. "You have a good deal of responsibility, then. I'm sure a great many people depend upon you." She gave him an approving nod.
Yep. If it wasn't for me, there'd be a chronic shortage in the number of people available to provide high quality fucking. I am, indeed, a humanitarian. "A fair degree of responsibility, but I have good people working for me, which makes things considerably easier.
Johnny smiled at the princess and gave her a shallow bow before linking his arm with hers and strolling over to the table where all the utensils and the non-grillable food was sitting. "How about if you lay out the dishes there at the end, so folks can pick them up first, and the other stuff opposite so they're at the end? I'll put the salads and all down here and around the other side,in the middle?" Johnny gestured to show the flow pattern he had in mind, from the dishes to put the food into, past the food, then to the knives, forks, spoons and napkins last.
Wrinkling her brow, Caeline listened carefully to the instructions and then set about trying to follow them, the 'lay-out' of food never having been something she'd ever had to think about before. She moved the plates, vaguely surprised by their weight and then, tucking her hair behind her ear, set to work moving the cutlery to the other end. The sound of laughter, of light-hearted conversation swirled around her and the combination of sunshine and the relaxed atmosphere was heady. She glanced over at Johnny and smiled when he met her gaze. She almost said 'This is fun!', but that would be silly.
Johnny looked over his shoulder, scanning the picnic area. Orlando was hauling chairs under Anna's supervision, Harry was entertaining Caeline's chaperone, Christian and Marton were fussing with the barbecue.... "Adrian!" he called. "Come here and help!"
Adrian looked up when Johnny called his name. He'd been hovering over by the wall, watching and absorbing what Harry and Christian had told him, trying to get it all sorted out so he could remember it properly. And didn't it figure, Johnny was with the princess? He swallowed hard and headed over.
"Your highness, may I introduce my friend, Adrian Forrester?" Johnny said, one hand on Adrian's shoulder. "Adrian, this is Her Highness, Caeline of Erador."
Adrian bowed, but managed to remember that commoners waited to be acknowledged before speaking to Royalty and kept his mouth shut.
"Adrian." Caeline offered her hand and the young man took it, shaking it briefly. "It's a lovely day for it, isn't it?" she invited with a smile. "Do you live here too?"
"No, Ma'am," Adrian answered, his face perfectly calm and all but expressionless. "I'm visiting Johnny. I've been staying with him and Christian, and I'll be going home in a few more days. And yeah," he added, a grin slipping out, "it's really pretty, perfect for eating outside!"
"Yes, yes it is." Caeline returned the smile. "I'm told that his Majesty is a most marvelous cook. I'm looking forward to sampling." The inane conversation was practiced and professional but it faltered suddenly, her eyes going wide as she looked past Adrian's shoulder and saw . . ."Oh dear!" she pointed. "Seems that puppy has similar ideas."
At the word "puppy" Johnny spun round, his eyes zipping over the tables. "Ack! No, Obie! Down!" He dived for the puppy who was standing up on his hind legs, sniffing at the platter of raw meat ready for the barbecue. Johnny scooped him up and carried him back to the Gatehouse, lecturing all the way and ignoring the wriggles and whines which resulted. Luckily the pup hadn't thought of hopping up onto a chair first -- they'd all be reduced to vegetarian if he had!
Adrian snickered and gave Caeline a conspiratorial wink. "He's a brat, but he's such a cute brat, you know?"
Momentarily taken aback by the casual familiarity of Adrian's tone, Caeline recovered quickly, her own impish sense of humor surfacing before she had a chance to censor. "Which one?"
Adrian laughed out loud. "Well, yeah, both of 'em, actually. I meant the puppy right then, though. His name's Oberon but we call him Obie. Do you like dogs? Christian has this really gorgeous dog named Shannon, she's in the house 'cause Orlando doesn't like dogs but you've got to meet her some time."
Caeline raised her eyebrows, eyes twinkling. "Dog?" she said. "That is not what I heard. But yes, I love animals. I tell you what?" She looked down at the finished set-up, then back over her shoulder toward Liane. "Why don't you introduce me?" Offering her arm to be taken and having Adrian step up in a clumsily gallant fashion to take it, she went with him toward the gatehouse door in the same direction Johnny and the recalcitrant pup had gone.
Christian looked up from adjusting the heat in time to see Johnny taking charge of the four-legged Houdini. He'd been glancing around from time to time while he helped his father with the food and now, as Marton expertly flipped the first of the thicker steaks, he elbowed him in the ribs, pointing out the transgression.
Marton looked up and chuckled. "Gatecrasher." he said. "Seen over there?" He pointed toward the corner with his spatula. Harry and Caeline's duenna were still engaged in conversation, with Harry looking more and more uncomfortable while Madame Liane’s plump, round face plainly showed her ever more enamoured of her companion. "Long live love." he murmured.
Christian laughed, watching as Caeline and Adrian followed Johnny inside, his prospective bride looking flushed, but happy and infinitely more relaxed. "And something tells me that if we told her Harry is gay, she'd think he was really happy with her company." His eyes twinkled with mischief. "We're going to have to promote that friendship." he said, referring to Harry and Madame Liane. "Do her the world of good. Do both of them the world of good. Not to mention me."
Marton raised his head. "Fermenting sedition are we?"
Christian waggled an eyebrow and Marton thwacked him with the oven mitt. "Oh, just pass the sausages and stop plotting!"
"A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do." It was Christian's turn to mutter.
"That may well be. But this man's hungry, so get a move on. We've got people need feeding! Plot on your own time."
