Twenty Nine Part Two

Lynwood drove the carriage across town to Lord Kensington's, per Marcus' instructions.

Lynwood reined the team in as they approached the residence, pulling the carriage to the side of the lane, he set the brake and hopped down from his perch.

He crossed over to the other side of the street, walking up the steps to knock upon the door.

He waited patiently a few moments, wondering if he should try around back. There was usually someone working about in the kitchens.

He lifted his gaze as he heard a rig coming down the street, it slowed it's approach, coming to a stop beside him.

Lynwood recognised Charles riding atop the conveyance, now setting his brake.

Charles was relieved to find Lynwood standing on the stoop. He had been to Lynwood's daughter's home, only to be told that the man had already departed.

Charles climbed down, nodding to Lynwood, before he then went to the door of the carriage, opening it to allow his passenger to disembark.

Lynwood stood aside as Charles led a middle aged woman to the steps.

"I shall be right with you, Lynwood. Please come in and wait." Charles opened the door, allowing the woman to precede him inside.

Lynwood followed behind, closing the door and standing in the foyer, as Charles made the woman welcome in the parlour.

Charles closed the door behind him as he came out, and glanced furtively at Lynwood, "Follow me."

Charles led the man to the kitchens where he asked for a tea tray to be prepared for the hired nurse.

Charles then led Lynwood to a roughly hewn, wooden table in the corner, where he invited Lynwood to sit upon the benches with him for a moment.

Lynwood could tell that something was bothering Charles, "What is it, man? Is all well with ye?" He inquired.

Charles shook his head, "'Tis not me who has the worries, Lynwood. Your Lady has been hurt very badly. She had an accident, and from what my Lord says, she will not be recoverin'."

Lynwood sat back in his chair, flummoxed. This was definitely not what he had been expecting when he arrived here today.

"What happened to her?" He asked bewilderedly.

Charles saw her in his mind, lying upon the foyer floor once again, he visibly cringed, as he told Lynwood the whole sorry tale.

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The King sat forward, taking in all that Marcus told him, weighing it carefully as he went, while eyeing Violet closely the entire time.

Violet stood stoically, except the once or twice when he was visibly embarrassed, as his father sang his praises, stressing how many young lives he had saved.

Violet had not known it had been that many, they had seemed so few and far between. Yet, it had been many years now that they had done it, and he was glad to have been able to be used by God in such a way.

The King was duly impressed, over one hundred children had been rescued, either being returned to their relatives, or they had been found new homes through the church. This was highly commendable in the King's eyes.

He could not fault Violet's motivation, yet, he still could find fault with his methods.

When Marcus had told all he knew, the King thanked him and the Lady Ellie, dismissing them back to their observation area.

Katherine rubbed Marcus' arm as he returned to her, she knew he had done the best he possibly could while defending their son.

The King looked up from the records in his hand. He was just about to speak, when he heard a strange noise coming from one end of the room.

He chuckled, and looked towards the door Elizabeth was sequestered behind.

He could see his man backing up against the door, as she tried repeatedly to get out.

Marcus also noticed the activity. He knew Elizabeth was in there, as the King had pointed out the door earlier.

Marcus bent his head, covering his mouth with a hand. His laugh, he covered with a cough and a healthy throat clearing.

Katherine looked between the two men, bewildered at their behaviour, then she looked towards the door that rattled.

Violet knew the moment the door began rattling, that his kitten was in there and she wanted out.

He quirked a brow at the King, waiting to see what the Monarch would do.

His smirk turned to a smile, as the King waved his hand at his man to release her.

Of course, Betsy had just set in for a giant push when the man stood aside, so she came flying out of the room to swing wide, hanging onto the latch for dear life.

She skidded sideways to a stop......and then had to turn to face the room.

She smiled at the King sheepishly, "I need to use the privy?"

All erupted in laughter, as Elizabeth realized that she had blundered into her husband's audience with the King.

She looked at Violet and was mortified.

"Show Elizabeth to the ladies quarters, by all means." The King chuckled, "Return her here after."

Elizabeth smiled apologetically at Violet, as the King's man led her away.

"Your wife." The King quirked his own brow at Violet.

"Yes, Sire, my most beloved wife." Violet's visage shone with love and humour, his eyes sparkled merrily and his smile was wide.

Would she never fail to surprise and amuse him? Violet hoped not, as he certainly did not want a boring wife.

He did not think he would miss the excitement of the seas very much if she kept entertaining him thusly.

The King could easily see upon his face just how Violet felt about Elizabeth, it gave him the reassurance he needed, to know that she was greatly loved.... and patiently tolerated.

This pleased him, and it rose the pirate another small notch in the King's measure of the man.

"I have record of the many children, and most of the funds reaped from your illicit activities, the rest of the funds went where?" The King was perusing the pages listing the charitable deeds Violet's crew had supported.

"'Twas your own loyal subjects who benefited most from my deeds." Violet imparted, "I had to pay taxes to one Marcus Bailey, as it was already established before I took over the ship. If I had not paid the man, I would have been cut down by others he would send after me, who did."

The King wondered if Violet knew that Bailey had been killed by a Spaniard, the Earl of Trent's first mate.

"Marcus Bailey is dead." The King watched Violet's face closely to see his reaction.

"As he should be, your Majesty." Violet nodded. He hoped it was the Spaniard who had had the satisfaction, he had more reason than anyone else to kill the twisted source of evil.

Except perhaps the Duke, he too had legitimate reason to want Bailey dead. If anyone took Elizabeth and kept her from him for years......

Vi did not want to think about that.

The King thought he should see if this man could support Elizabeth, since he was giving up up his current profession. "That is the extent of where the funds went from your spoils?" A quirk of the royal brow spurred Violet to continue.

"Except that which my men and I needed to survive, and a wee bit to put aside, the rest went directly to your own loyal subjects. Widows, and their children."

Violet had enough set aside, that he and Betsy would have a comfortable life if they lived sensibly, and if they could get donations to build, or buy a suitable building. They had not even really discussed where they wanted to live yet. On land was about as far as they had gotten in making that decision.

Elizabeth returned along with the King's man. She entered shyly, still a little embarrassed at her outburst, she went straight to Violet.

Half hiding behind him, she held onto Violet's arm and peeked around it at the King.

"You are fine, Elizabeth, come out from there." The King chuckled at her.

He then looked pointedly at Violet, as Vi took Betsy's hand and she stood right up close beside him.

Violet spoke truthfully and from his heart, "I had been putting a bit aside for a better ship, however, my good wife has inspired a better idea. I am leaving the seas, to God willing, raise an orphanage." Violet spoke about the subject that was very near to his heart, "I can either give the money to you in repayment of my crimes, or I can try to give many unfortunate children a home, if it pleases you, Sire."

"In that case, I could have your ship as recompense, Petals."

"I was hoping to hand it over to my first mate, my King. He would still like to sail the seas, as some others of my crew may, also. He was hoping to continue to save the young souls, then bring them to us, to figure out their futures."

Violet spoke the truth, he had hoped Brutus could still use the ship, or sell her for a better one, still saving souls from the pirates and the docks.

However, if the King wanted the ship......."You, by all means must have it, though," Violet bowed his head, "If it pleases you, Sire."

Violet thought, if they lost the ship, so be it. He only hoped that was the extent of what the King would want.

"It does please me." The King furrowed his brow.

All of this pleasing him was starting to grate on his nerves. He needed to somehow unbalance this young man, but it had not happened yet. He had thought the ship seizure would do it, but it had only seemed a small set back to the man standing before him.

"Yes, Sire." Violet bowed slightly again.

The King could not help but to like Violet Petals, he seemed a gentleman, yet the pirate must be made to realize the severity of his past crimes. He could not have Violet going back to his old ways and endangering Elizabeth.

Hmmmm..... what to do, what to do.....

He hit upon an idea, he now knew what he would do with the pirate.

"Would you be willing to take punishment for your entire crew, if I were to pardon them, holding you accountable as their Captain?"

Violet did not hesitate. "I would, Sire, if it please..."

"Hrummffff!" The King just barely stopped Vi from saying it again, he could not stand to hear him say it one more time, he frowned at Violet for his overly agreeable attitude.

Violet smiled to himself, he had finally worn the King down. He had come in here, willing to do whatever it took to get his men free, and he was being offered the way.

Vi, of course, did not want to have to pay for his past, yet if it meant every one of his men would be pardoned, how could he not be willing?

"Your men will let you take their punishment?" The King wondered.

"Most likely not, so it may be best not to tell them." Violet smiled, he could just imagine Brutus, Sam, and Pete, blustering their way into a cell with him.

"Before you lock me away, however, we brought more gifts," Violet gestured towards Marcus, then smiled at the Monarch, "For your pleasure."

Violet knew the King would be curious, if his past behaviour counted for anything at all.

Elizabeth stood next to Violet, not liking this talk of him being locked away, frowning, even as she nodded, agreeing there were more gifts with which to bribe him.

The King knew a bribe when he heard one, but the first gift had been such a good one....he mentally rubbed his hands together, "I will see what you have brought."

As Violet turned to look at Marcus, Marcus took his package by the handle on top and came forward, towing Katherine along behind him.

Katy was being pulled forward, even as she was whispering to Marcus that he did not need her.

She pulled a leather strap over her wrist, trying to give the bag she carried to Marcus as they walked, yet he did not heed her pleas as he pulled her along with him.

Katherine stopped her struggles as soon as she realised Marcus was intent on her coming along.

As Marcus and Katherine came forward, Betsy whispered to Violet, "What have you given him already?"

Violet looked pointedly at the throne where the sword leaned against the armrest.

Betsy had not noticed the Claymore there, as the King's arm half covered it from view.

Her eyes flew to Violet's face, she had not known he was giving the King her favourite sword. She could not come close to lifting it herself, but the knowledge that Violet could wield it, made her insides melt. It made her warm considerably, watching him swing the mighty, battle sword, just as his fencing did also. She frowned at the thought that the massive sword was gone now. Wrinkling her nose at him, she hoped the King appreciated the weapon, because she knew she sure had. And she knew Violet had, also.

The King waited while Marcus set down his prize and then took the leather bag from Katy.

"Which should we give you first?" Marcus smiled at his King, knowing the man would be most curious to see either one.

"The large one, if you would." The King's eyes were shining, as Marcus' own danced with merriment.

Marcus knew the King was not going to punish Violet too harshly, he could tell whatever punishment the King chose, it would be more for the King's own entertainment, than it would be hurtful to his son.

Hopefully, the gifts would be enough entertainment for him that he would go even easier on Vi.

Marcus pulled the cloth from atop the cage he had brought in.

A gorgeous, russet falcon, with a downy, white and russet, spotted chest peered keenly at the King.

"Ah......." The King appreciated the beauty of the raptor, it's eyes returned his piercing stare, as they took one another's measure.

"And these, go along with that." Marcus then handed the King the leather pouch, and stepped back to stand next to Katy again.

The King opened the pouch and removed his handcrafted falcon's hood and glove, the glove was long enough to reach just past his elbow, to therefore protect his lower arm from the falcon's intimidating talons.

The King admired the workmanship and fine leather, looking at his bird again, he then looked to Marcus and smiled, "It seems we have a new hobby, Marcus. Shall we set a date?"

"Most assuredly, Sire, I was told she was a hunter, but I would love to see her bring down prey for myself." Marcus had hoped he would be invited to see the falcon hunt, he was even considering acquiring one of his own now.

"One more box and we will have presented all." Marcus strode to the door and allowed the King's man to open it.

"Brutus!" Marcus gestured for him and Sam to bring the crate along.

Brutus and Sam left the crate where Marcus asked them to, they then went back out to wait in the anteroom.

"Some of your crew?" The King asked.

Violet nodded. He would supply what information the King asked, but felt no need to elaborate if the King did not insist upon it.

The King was then presented with his Spanish saddle and tack, the silver shining brightly, all of the leather matching the falcon hood, glove, and the bird.

A fine, russet saddle bag was presented next, filled full with more leather items.

A coat, to keep the King warm and dry on the misty mornings when he wanted to take his bird and go hunting.

Leather trousers to be worn at the same time, to protect his legs from brambles and brush while riding. Riding gloves and an additional empty saddle bag, to then give him one on each side.

The King was extremely pleased, and he made no pretences otherwise. "Where did you find all these wonderful things?" The King asked Marcus.

Marcus gave Katy her due. "Violet's mother made all for you, save the bird and tack."

The King heard the pride in Marcus' voice. He could see why Marcus would be proud, as these things had to be very close to the finest made the King had ever seen.

"My good woman, do you create these things for your living?" The King's eyes roamed over this extraordinary woman, whom he could tell Marcus still loved.

"I have in the past, Sire, yet now I only do so for those I love." She looked warmly at Marcus, Violet, and Elizabeth after she answered him.

"I am tempted to lock you up and have you make me more wonderful things." He teased Katy, as Marcus chuckled and looked down into her shining eyes.

She was pleased, she laughed nervously at the King's joke, as she acknowledged she had done well.

"'Tis only fair to tell you that Lady Kent helped me." Katherine imparted humbly.

Violet was proud of his mother, and pleased with the King's reactions to her hard work. Vi had the feeling that if she wished, she could have a list of orders that would keep her busy for years.

It seemed that the King would want her services first, though, if she ever did offer them to the public again.

"Oh posh," Ellie waved her hand, "A seam or two, the rest was all Katherine."

The King inclined his head towards Katy, "I thank you very much, Katherine Petals, I have been very blessed this day, thanks to you." The King thanked her warmly.

The King looked upon this group of people that stood in front of him, "Elizabeth, you shall be my guest this evening, and you may bring your husband. In the meantime, I shall decide what to do with you." His eyes pierced Violet coldly. He did not want Violet feeling too comfortable, he took better measure of a man if the man were off balance.

He smiled as he thought of how Violet would not be very comfortable when he heard what he must do to get off the proverbial hook.

"Marcus and Eleanor, bring the lovely Katy to dine with us also, I will expect you no later than dusk." The King waved his hand, signalling he was finished with them for the time being.

Thus, they were all dismissed from the King's presence.

Violet and Elizabeth exchanged smiles, before she turned a stunner upon the King, making him smile slightly, and wink at her. As they were filing out of the room, Betsy heard the King ask his man to call the commander of the Omega to present himself.

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For my #1 fan! We got Betsy out of there, lol!!!