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Chapter Three:
“Feisty Men”
"All men naturally desire knowledge".
Aristotle
“Jonathan have the flowers arrived yet?”
“Yes, mother… And I instructed that they position them in the Grand Hall… Why must we hold the dinner ball anyways??? I don’t like it one bit.”
“I know dear, but it is not our decision to make. Your twenty – seven now, un-married, and your father has grown ill. You need a bride; it is time for you to settle down. Who knows how much time you have until your father moves on, and you will have to take over the as King.”
“I know, but I would rather choose my bride instead of having one forced on me!”
“I know son, but please for our sake and for your father’s just give it a chance.”
“Okay… I will, but only for you mother.” Jonathan replied as he kissed her on the check and walked out of the room. But before he left he yelled “I am going out for a while you can find me at Sir Brian’s if you need me.”
The Cullinghendch estate was to the west of the Raktiailordskel Castle, which if you went straight east across the land you would find Kalygadel estate. As you can see the placing of the Lords’ estates were not well planed.
The Cullinghendch estate is two thirds the size of the Castle and one third larger then the Kalygadel estate. Both the Lords homes and the Castle have stables, barns, and servants’ quarters.
The Cullinghendch estate was made half of wood and half of stone as well as being the same style as the Castle. The Kalygadel estate however was mainly made of wood and in Victorian style. I was obvious that the Kalygadel estate was the newest of the three.
So if one notices it is plainly simple to see as to why Prince Jonathan could effortless feel at home when he was at the Cullinghendch estate, where in which he greatly enjoys visiting and often.
The Jonathan and Brian had met as young teens at one of the required horse riding courses. That is where they quickly became friends. It helped that they had many things in common and they were the only two males with high status so close in age. It was nice for both of them to have someone to relate to and talk with.
Brian and Jonathan could pass as brothers and have many times. They both share the same muscular build and similar just above the ear, fly free hair styles. But Brian usually combs his hair back when going out. Their only real differences are their hair and eye colors. Jonathan has blue eyes the color of the ocean, and sandy blonde hair like a beach. Brian on the other hand has chocolate colored brown hair and deep earthy brown eyes.
“Wow Brian your horse is amazing! Wild Bear is a 1Ban-ei right? But I heard that new rider almost beat you at the last race.” He was amazing. I wonder what his name is and where he is from. Did you talk to him after the race? I only wish I had been able to race myself. Then Spit Fire and I would have trampled you both!” Jonathan commented with a hearty laugh. Sometimes I wish that I did not have the scores of responsibilities that I do have.” He added with a touch of sadness in his voice.
“Thank you for your kind words! Yes Wild Bare is a Bam-ei, I am glad I spent the extra money to have him shipped here. And yes it was a close run, but I won and I will beat both your 2Belgian and his Arabian at the next race, with ease! As for the new rider I have no clue who he may be. I can ask around if you want? What I do know is this, that was his third race and he won the one race we were unable to attend. Thanks to our royal duties. Furthermore if you would just settle down and marry like I am doing soon then you would not have so many duties.” Brian replied adding a slight tone of importance to the last sentences. “Now that was a breath full. I remember when I was once 3reticent. That has changed since I met you.” He added taking a deep breath.
“You are welcome, and you are right! I would have countless duties. You just helped me make up my mind, I will never marry!!”
“You say that now my friend, but there will come a time when you will have a want to for children, and pleasure. Or else you will be forced to partake in them. And if it is the latter you will regret it. But if you hate the chosen woman for you, the option to find a mistress will always be there.” he added.
“BRIAN!!! I am surprised at you suggesting such a horrid thing, even if she was the ugliest, meanest woman alive; even if I hated her; I would never consider having a mistress! I hope that you would not either, that goes against our beliefs’ as Christian Men and it goes against our childhood teachings.”
“Of course I would never have or consider having a mistress, but I wanted to say that the option is always there, thought I hope you would not take it. You would be a terrible King and unworthy of respect and I would not respect you for doing so.”
They were both silenced by those thoughts. And ad the tension began to fill the room Brian searched his mind to find something to say to end it the dramatic pause. “So will you be racing this week or the next coming weekend?”
“That all depends on my royal duties, if you mean tomorrow then yes, if you mean next weekend that depends on if I find a wife at the Ball Wednesday night. Will you be attending it by any chance? I hear it is at your dear friend, Lady Jane’s home?” And where will the race be tomorrow any ways? Same place as usual?”
“Oh, are not the Royal Balls usually held in the Royal Ball room? And yes the race tomorrow was the one in question, thought it would be nice for you to attend the one next weekend as well. No the race is going to be on the west side of town at Tom Baker’s Ranch. It is his turn to host it this month.”
“Usually yes, but my mother says that the Kalygadel’s offered to host it in my honor and their joy of their only daughters engagement. My parents think it is a good idea and will be good for our reputation for the future. I honestly don’t care I don’t really want to be there but it is my duty. Wait, did you not just tell me you were to be married soon? Who is the lucky lady?”
“She is no one of importance, you will meet her soon enough, I do not wish to talk about it right now. And I should be going I have to go to town, we lost another cow last night and I need to investigate. I am sorry Jon...”
“That is more then fine, I should be going too. I am sorry for your loss and I hope you find the culprit soon. Be safe my friend and stay out of trouble, I don’t want you having any fin without me.” Jonathan added with a laugh, shook his friends hand and left.
Brian watched as Jonathan left and made his way to the kitchen. The cook had the day off due to her daughter giving birth that morning and his parents were on a mission. So he was on his own for food. He rummaged through the pantry and found himself some fresh bread, some cheese, and some vegetables. A sandwich would have to do him for now; he will grab dinner at the pub in town latter.
Usually the estate was crawling with people but today it seemed empty and lonely. Maybe it was just him; he was both enjoying it and hating it at the same time, and yet thankful for the time alone to think. Maybe his parents had planed on that?
Just before his parents left that morning they had informed him that Lady Jane’s parents were finally going to tell her about his and hers’ soon to be engagement. He had known this fact since he was but a young boy and on his own he went to meet her.
He was happy to find that she was beautiful but all these years there had never been any real sparks. She was kind and smart, a real catch but for some reason he didn’t want Jonathan to know who she was. He would lean the news at the Ball any ways. If he is mad that Brian had not told him first he would surly get over it.
Finishing his sandwich Brian stood up and made his way to the stables to prepare his horse. Normally that would be Jude’s job but it was Jude’s wife who had had the baby. So he was on his own.
He took his time saddling Wild Bare, making sure everything was tight and secure before he took off towards town. Once a month, for five months, one cow has gone missing from their estate. But last night two had disappeared. At first his family thought they were wandering off, but now for sure Brian knew someone had to be behind it. He felt bad for lying to Jonathan about the number of missing cows, but he didn’t want to worry him more then he needed to be. He already had a great deal of things on his plate.
Brian’s parents’ job was public affairs so that left him to mange the whole estate alone. He had been doing so since age sixteen. The aged him sooner then Jonathan and Lady Jane, neither of them really knew what it meant to be in charge of something like that, at least not yet and this caused him to feel a bit lonely and saddened. He didn’t doubt that Jonathan and Jane could not handle the responsibilities that were coming to them, but it was obvious to him that it will be difficult for them to settle down and accept them at first. Is Jane really ready for marriage he wondered, would she ever be?
Jonathan rode home his mind lost in thought. Just who was Brian going to marry, who is stealing his cows, and who on earth will he wind up marring? There were many eligible women on town and he was sure he was going to be subjected to each and every single one. Right now he is the grand prize to be won from the race and he didn’t like it one bit.
If only he wasn’t being forced to choose, if only he father would take a turn for the better. “Why is this all happening?” he asked himself. Jonathan was not really afraid of marriage or being King for that matter but afraid of failing in both. What if he was a terrible husband and a horrific king? He has had little responsibility other then a few royal duties and even fewer missions. And he had absolutely no Idea of how to be a husband, he never really saw his parents act as husband and wife. Then it hit him, what if he wife became pregnant right away? Jonathan stopped his horse at the realization of what that meant. Of course his wife would get pregnant right away, that was why he was marrying, to create an hair to the Kingdome before his father passed away... “I don’t know how to be a father!” he shouted drawing in a small crowd of onlookers and causing a few blushes from the ladies.
Realizing he has shouted his inner thought he commanded Spit Fire to move once more and commanded him to gallop. Luckily no one recognized him. Jon had leaned a while ago that when he went out for fun to dress down and to Ware a hat that covered his hair and eyes. If he had not that little out burst would have done a larger load of damage.
After a few hours Brian had tracked down five possible suspects. But dusk was drawing near and he was forced to begin his short journey home to complete the nightly chores before bed.
Chores such as: gathering all the cattle, the horses, the pigs, and the sheep in for the night; feeding the animals once they are settled; and balancing the exchange and finance book. He was finishing his last task just as the sun slowly snuck behind the trees. He didn’t hate the chores in fact he usually loved them.
Nevertheless for some odd reason he could not get Lady Jane off his mind. It was clearly slowing him down. Would she be of any help to him or the farm? Is she prepared or equipped for this hard working life? Would she be a good wife? Was she properly trained to be a wife? Furthermore would he be an admirable husband and be able to show her the ropes? Moreover would he grow to lover her as a husband should, instead of like a brother as he did now? That was the most important thing, especially if they were to hope to conceive a child and continue the royal bloodline.
“God, What Should I Do Please Help Me!!?” He shouted out the window into the night wind.
“Jon Dear, You are very quiet this evening. Is there something on your mind?” The Queen asked from across the wide dining room table.
“The dinner was good, but not good enough to eat in silence my son.” The King added in concern. “You are not acting as your usual cheerful self.” He added.
“No, nothing is worrying me. I just did not think to speak, that is all” Jonathan replied. He had lied to his parents. They had enough to worry about with his father’s ailment and the upcoming functions. He just had to figure what to do and who to marry on his own is all. And it was not going to be an easy task.
“Oh I hope so, my dear… I forgot to mention to you previously that you have a date with Amber tomorrow afternoon. We went ahead and arranged it for you since the two of you seemed to get along so well at the last function. I thought you would like this opportunity to get to know her a bit better. She seems like a sweet girl.” The Queen explained. Maybe she will be what he needs she thought to her self as she stood up to leave.
Jon had nearly forgotten about the race till then. Oh well…What can he do about it now… He should have been upset, but there was no point the plans had already been made.. He did wish his mom would stay out of his business, but he knows she cares about him and it is her way of taking care of him.. He was really looking forward to the race and burning off some of his built up frustrations and stress. Rider or Spectator either way at least he will get to go. That will just have to do for now, he has plenty of time in the future to race. “Thank you mother, I will do my best, and I will gladly accompany her for the day.” He replied just as his parents were leaving the room.
As he stood up, a modest sigh of disappointment slithered out between his lips and he made his way toward his bed chambers. He was not really tired but there was little left for him to do now that the sun had set. He quietly undressed and climbed into his luxurious bed trying to forget his worries and started reading Hamlet. Before long he had fallen fast asleep.
Beth awoke thankfully earlier then the other servants at the estate. She was both excited and nervous about the upcoming race. This would be her first official race, she was happy to have the chance to participate but she was really scared too. She did not want to let Jane down or maybe exposing them.
She quickly and with effortlessness set her hair into a simple bun and pulled on the short reddish haired wig, and fastened the wig into place with some pins. She next put on the men’s pants, socks, and boots. The whole time making sure to be extra quiet, luckily she had her own room thanks to Lady Jane. She then took out and fixed the long leather like girdle around her chest making sure it was extra tight. The thick material is just what she needed to hide her breasts. Jane had had three made one for Beth, One for Jane and one extra. Yes it was uncomfortable, but necessary if they were to pose as men. Once the girdle was in place she pulled on the men’s shirt fitting it properly and went out in search of Jane for her approval.
The girls were used to dressing as men; they had been doing so for the past several months in order to take riding lessons and now for racing. The lesions were important; they teach men and women how to ride different. And they use different saddles as a rule.
Beth easily and quietly found her way to Jane’s room. Being Jane’s chamber made things easier too; she knew all the secret passages and knew the best way to the rooms she had to go to.
“Halt Right There!” a male voice whispered be hind her. “Who goes there?” The voice asked.
Beth tensed up and froze. “Tis I Ben.” She replied in her deepest voice, making sure not to miss a beat.
“Hello Ben, Nice to meet you!” Jane replied in approval of Beth’s appearance and name choice.. Thought they had been poising as men they have yet to give anyone their male names.
This was their usual meeting when going out as men. But despite the numerous times they have done it, it still causes Beth to freeze when she hears Jane’s Male voice. Jane already had a deep sultry voice so it is easy to see how it can be that of a man. Hers on the other hand sounded like a teenage boy. So she forgot often that it was Jane, maybe after some more time it will stop causing her nerves.
“I am so excited for you Beth, I am going to try and get all my studies done in time to watch your race!” Jane said as she hugged her dear friend.
Beth felt both relived and nervous in reply to Jane’s promise. She was glad to have her dearest closest friend’s support but that only added to the already placed tension. As a result she made her own silent promise to Jane and to her self to do more then her best in the race. That was the least she could do. With a nod she silently smiled and walked away.
Jane watched as Beth walked away, Beth had a lot to do before the race. she was really sad that she would not be able to race that day no be able to help Beth prepare for her first official race. . But she was really happy that Beth would get the chance to experience and participate in a race.
Keeping her promise Jane worked really hard to finish her studies and chores. Her tutor wondered why the sudden turn around. She was impressed and tried to keep her longer but with a promise to work hard like she did today, latter, she was let go for the day.
2 The Belgian is native to the country of Belgium. They are a heavy, powerful breed of horse. They are the horses that carried armored knights into battle.
3 Uncommunicative
