Trouble nodded and took up the tale. “Braxton knew we would figure him out from Aiden’s sketches. He wanted to leave Regelence. Caldwell was in on it and so was the captain. I don’t know whether Benson was or not, but he knew what Caldwell was up to. He’s the one who kept taking Aiden’s screens.”
Nate and Cony exchanged a look, but neither said anything.
“Was there any mention of Englor?” Steven asked.
Aiden frowned. Englor was Nate’s home planet. “No. Why?”
“We found a note on Benson addressed to IN Colonel Hollister of Englor’s Royal Marine corp.”
“What did it say?” Trouble cocked his head. “Do you think Englor had something to do with all this?”
Nate shook his head. “I don’t know. The note indicated otherwise. Benson was obviously investigating the situation and reporting back to the colonel. It appears that we aren’t the only ones trying to figure out what is going on. Benson said they would buy schematics, but he didn’t indicate what they were for or who was selling them to Braxton. He did hint that it was someone pretty high up in the government. In his missive, Benson told the colonel that the whole scheme was bigger than it appeared, but again he didn’t give specifics.”
Cony sat perfectly still, his expression giving nothing of his emotions away. Father appeared very contemplative. He patted Cony’s leg. “What are you thinking, Raleigh?”
Looking around at everyone in the room, Cony shook his head. “I believe Benson was right. I think Braxton was a pawn.” He stared right at Nate. “Why does the name Hollister sound familiar?”
Running his hand through Aiden’s hair and over his neck, Nate sighed. “Because Hollister is the surname of Englor’s royal family. Colonel Simon Hollister is the heir apparent to the throne of Englor.”
Chapter Seventeen
Nate was dying to go check on his boy again and make certain he was all right. Raleigh had stopped him at the door to his cabin and asked if they could have Trouble’s DNA tested. Right after Nate had made the appropriate arrangements with medical, Admiral Jenkins called to discuss what happened and to ask Nate again about the admiral promotion. He’d made certain that Nate knew he could move fleet headquarters anywhere he wanted. He hinted heavily at Regelence. Nate was even more confused. He had a really bad feeling about all of this, but right now, all he wanted to do was see Aiden. Nate knew how close he’d come to losing Aiden today.
Opening the hatch leading to his bedroom, he found Aiden leaning against the bulkhead, staring out the porthole. He was so lost in thought he didn’t even notice Nate coming in.
Nate liked the way Aiden looked in his room. It was dark and masculine, much like the ready room. It wasn’t luxurious like their suite in the castle. It was plain and simple, decorated in a nautical theme. His elegant prince looked good in this setting. Of course, his boy looked good anywhere, but this room was Nate’s, and he liked having Aiden in it.
The hatch slid closed, drawing Aiden’s attention. He turned, his face a bit paler than usual, probably from the hellish day he’d had. “I want to go with you.”
Nate stopped dead in his tracks. He hadn’t expected that. Hell, it was a question Nate didn’t have an answer for, but desperately wanted an answer to. He was beginning to think that Aiden was in danger wherever he was.
Aiden paced around the bed, clearly agitated. “I want to stay here on the Lady Anna.”
Nate crossed to the bed and sat, patting it and looking up at Aiden. “Come sit down.”
“No.” Shaking his head almost frantically, Aiden bit his bottom lip. His boy was nervous.
“I haven’t managed to rid you of your rebellious streak, have I, boy?” He didn’t want to either. He liked Aiden just the way he was. But he didn’t like Aiden being upset. It was bound to get worse with what Nate was finding out, but he was going to do his best to make things as easy on his family as possible. “I don’t want to put you in danger.” Nate dropped his head into his hands and groaned. “I had planned on making you stay on Regelence until I could retire next year, but now I’m not sure what to do. I’ve been offered a promotion to Admiral. I don’t know if I’m going to take it or not. If I do, my headquarters can be most anywhere.”
“What are you talking about?” Aiden sounded confused, like this was news to him. It shouldn’t. Nate knew damned well he’d told Aiden he didn’t think a ship was a place to raise a family.
“Boy. Sit.” He tugged, giving Aiden no choice but to sit. He needed to see Aiden’s face. “What’s on your mind?”
Aiden looked confused. His face was a mix of emotions, like he couldn’t make up his mind. “You never planned on leaving me.”
“What?” Nate scowled. Aiden thought he was going to abandon him? “Where did you get that idea?”
Aiden laughed. It was a joyous sound and it scared the hell out of Nate because he had no idea what it was about. Aiden must still be suffering from the blow to the head.
Grabbing his face in both hands, Nate made Aiden focus on him. “Boy, look at me.”
Aiden laughed harder. “I’m fine.” He pushed Nate’s hands away and dove at him, knocking him backwards on the bed. “I love you, Nate.”
“I love you too. Are you telling me you thought I was going to leave you?” Nate pushed Aiden up, making him straddle Nate’s hips.
Aiden nodded. “You love being a captain. You love the Lady Anna and the IN.”
For several seconds Nate just lay there staring up at him. He didn’t know what to say. They were really going to have to work on their communication skills. Finally, he shook his head, reached up, grabbed Aiden’s neck and pulled him down, kissing him. His hands rubbed up and down Aiden’s back. He took his time, licking the seam of Aiden’s lips, asking for entrance.
When Aiden opened, Nate traced his lips and his teeth. He slowly pushed in, finding Aiden’s tongue as hands slid up the back of Aiden’s shirt, caressing. He rolled them over, breaking their kiss. “I do, but I love you more.”
“That’s good. Because I was trying to be understanding and not come between you and your dream, but I’m not above begging.”
“And you’ve proven that repeatedly, boy.” Nate caught Aiden’s chin, making sure he had his undivided attention. “I don’t know what is going to happen yet, boy. But I promise you whatever happens, I have no intention on deserting you.”
Aiden wrapped his hands around Nate’s neck, nuzzling their faces together. “I’m going to hold you to th—”
“Captain, we are about to dock at the Regelence Space Station. There is a shuttle waiting to take you and your guests down to the planet.” Anna’s calm melodious voice echoed through the cabin.
He was going to miss that voice. Nate closed his eyes and took a deep breath, silently saying goodbye to Anna, his first love. Even if he came back onboard, it would never be the same. Opening his eyes, he glanced at his new love and his life. “Let’s go home, boy.”
Planet Regelence: Townsend Castle.
Nate stared at the stunning painting of Muffin and the Regelence Roses with a smile on his face. Pride swelled inside him. Aiden’s art was worth sharing with the galaxy. It was something worth preserving, just like the man himself. Something Nate would die defending, if need be.
“Nate.” Raleigh came in wearing a sword strapped to his waist, making the smile melt from Nate’s face. Raleigh hadn’t worn a sword inside the castle since Nate had arrived. Sitting behind the desk, he steepled his hands. “Steven is on his— There he is now.”
“Jeffers, close the door and give us privacy, please.” Steven strode into the room, crossing to the desk. Dressed much the same as Raleigh in starched pristine white neckcloth, light-colored waistcoat, dark trousers and boots and a scabbard with sword, Steven looked every inch the gentleman except for the strained expression he wore. “Raleigh, Nate.” He dipped his head and perched himself on the front of the desk. “Shall we get started?”
“Steven, you make a better door than a window.” Ra
leigh didn’t wait for a response. He got up, came around the desk and sat on it next to Steven.
“You’ve called me worse, Raleigh.” Steven looked at Nate. “Now, the reason I called this meeting is to go over what we’ve discovered.”
Nate nodded. “I’ve got some news for the both of you too.” The sooner he got this out in the open the better he’d feel. As it stood, he felt edgy. Sadly, that wasn’t likely to change. He needed to ensure his boy’s and his son’s safety and he had a long fight in front of him to obtain that.
“Oh, well then, you go first, Nate,” Steven said.
Nate nodded. The best thing would be to just lay it out there and see how they responded. “The IN wants to make me Aries Fleet Admiral.”
Steven’s eyes widened, but that was the only change in his appearance.
Raleigh nodded like it didn’t surprise him. “And?”
“I believe they are trying to manipulate me into moving the Aries Fleet headquarters here. And I’d like your input. I had actually planned on finishing out my last year as a captain and retiring here on Regelence. I’d thought about starting a family and trying to give Trouble a more stable home life. But it looks like the IN is deeply involved with Braxton and whatever is happening on Englor, and I want my family safe. Aiden and my son are my main concerns. Because of who Aiden is to the two of you and Regelence, he, myself and any children we have can always be used as pawns. And I refuse to let that happen.”
Raleigh sat forward, challenging him. “And what do you plan on doing about it?”
Crossing to stand in front of Steven, Nate knelt and bowed his head, showing his respect. It was so quiet in the room that Nate became ultra aware of his own breathing. He’d never done this, not even for his own king, but to protect and provide for his family… He hoped Steven and Raleigh both knew what a huge step this was for him. Offering his complete allegiance and unquestioned loyalty to someone was not an easy thing for him.
The metallic hiss of the blade leaving its protective sheath made Nate hold his breath. He didn’t expect to be struck, but old habits died hard.
Steven’s shiny black boots came into view. “You honor my house, Nate, and I will gladly accept your oath.” The flat part of the sword touched Nate’s right shoulder. “You, being chosen to be one of the honorable company of the most noble order of The Black Rose, shall promise and swear by the Sacred Band of Thebes, that wittingly or unwittingly you shall not break any statute of the said order, or any articles in them contained. The same being agreeable and not repugnant to the laws of the IN, and the laws of Regelence as far forth as you belong, so help you.”
What? Nate raised his gaze. He’d offered fealty and Steven had chosen to honor him with knighthood. “I do.”
Steven brought the sword up and tapped him on the other shoulder. “Now rise, Sir Nathaniel.”
As soon as Nate got to his feet and Steven replaced his sword, Steven pulled Nate into a hug, pounding him on the back. “I know you well enough to know you are not a man to give his loyalty easily.”
“I love your son and I won’t see him or the things he holds dear destroyed.”
Dipping his head, Steven stepped back.
Nate hadn’t seen Raleigh move, but he stood slightly behind Steven ready to take his place.
Offering his hand, Nate bowed his head, showing his respect to the king-consort as well.
Raleigh clasped his hand and pulled him into a back-pounding hug just as Steven had done. “Thank you, Nate. I want you to know that he has only knighted someone once and I was that person.”
Nate stared. This was truly an honor.
“My father always said knights were for times of trouble and war. I have a feeling, unfortunately, both are upon us.”
The hair on the back of Nate’s arms stood up, the words were so significant.
Moving back to the desk, Raleigh took a seat on the edge of it. “This situation is going to get very ugly when and if what we’ve uncovered gets out.”
“Yes. Which is what this discussion is about. I know I’m not the only one here that is questioning the IN’s commitment to our protection and best interest, but until we know exactly what is going on we need to keep it to ourselves.”
Steven nodded his agreement and leaned back on the desk between Raleigh’s legs. “We will be making some drastic changes. This is what I wanted to speak to you about. We can no longer afford to trust the IN. Not only are radical changes in security going to have to take place, but we need to figure out what is going on.”
“If I become an admiral…it would be an excellent way for us to keep tabs on the IN.”
“I do like the way you think, Nate.” Raleigh rested his chin on Steven’s shoulder and grinned.
“Of course you would.” Steven snorted, bringing his hand up to rest on Raleigh’s cheek. “It sounds exactly like something you would do.”
Raleigh lifted his chin, turning to face Steven. “What does that mean?”
“I wonder.” The corner of Steven’s lip twitched as he turned his attention back to Nate. “It sounds like a wonderful idea, given the circumstances. You should give them what they want and make your headquarters on Regelence. I think this needs to be a case of keep your friends close but your enemies closer.”
Nate agreed. He was glad to see Steven shared similar views. It would make protecting what was theirs a bit easier. He took his seat back on the couch feeling much better. It also meant that he could stay here with Aiden.
Steven cleared his throat, resting his hands on Raleigh’s thighs bracketing his hips. “I got a report back from Wentworth, the head of the royal guards. Braxton’s townhouse didn’t turn up much. They did find a substantial amount of Rapture though. Apparently, Braxton was hooked on the stuff. His butler affirmed he was using the drug at least twice a day. He was hard up for cash due to his drug use and his gambling.”
Which would explain the spacey look in Braxton’s eyes the day he tried to take Aiden while they were all shopping. “I’m not surprised. It also means he’d be easier to manipulate. Which lends credence to Benson’s claims that he was a pawn.”
Raleigh nodded, running his hand idly over Steven’s arm. “Have the messages Trouble took from Braxton’s ship been translated? I want to know how Englor fits into this.”
“Not yet. But right now I think there is something more immediate that needs attention. The castle needs better security. Caldwell never should have been allowed to take Aiden and Trouble out of my suite, much less the castle. Are you aware there is a default loop in the security cameras and the princes have learned to get past it? It’s how Aiden managed to get into my room unnoticed.” Nate raised a brow at Raleigh. “You have got to stop treating them, your children, like they are too young to understand. They’re all grown men and they need to be told what’s going on. This is their fight too.”
Steven sighed. “You’re right. It’s only natural to try and protect your children, but you are correct, they must be told about this.” He stepped out from in front of his consort and sat on the desk next to him. “Nate, since you mention children, we need to discuss yours. I believe Raleigh told you his suspicions about Trouble?” Steven rested his hand on Raleigh’s thigh.
“Yes, he did. He thinks Trouble is Regelen.” Nate was impressed his voice came out as unemotional as it did. He wasn’t going to deny Trouble the opportunity to learn where he came from, but if anyone tried to take him away… The kid still had nightmares sometimes about being abandoned and having to fend for himself.
“Trouble is Regelen and we got the tests back. We are positive who his parents were.” Raleigh laid his hand over the one Steven had resting on his leg and intertwined their fingers. “The men I told you about? Marcus and Patrick Summers. They were the Marquis and Marquis-Consort of Winstol. When they were killed, they had their infant son, Jeremy, with them. We assumed Trouble died too.”
It didn’t explain how Trouble had ended up on a space station, but for some reason it made
Nate feel better. Maybe the kid’s parents did not abandon him as Trouble thought they had. Not that it mattered, Trouble was his…and Aiden’s now. “He has me and Aiden. Jeremy is my adopted son.”
“And as such, you will be in control of one of the most vast estates in Regelence until Trouble reaches his majority. You and Aiden also have seats in parliament until your ward turns twenty-five or marries.”
“My son,” Nate corrected. A seat in parliament? Nate felt like someone dumped cold water over him. He wasn’t about to deny Trouble what was his, but… “His name was legally changed to Hawkins. Will that be a problem?”
Raleigh shook his head. “I will see to it that it won’t be an issue. As long as you and Trouble both wish it, his name can remain Hawkins.”
“Your son comes from two of the oldest and most respected families in Regelence. I’m sure there will be some in parliament who want his name changed back to Summers, but…”
“Steven, you’re stalling. Tell him the rest.”
Shit. Nate didn’t like the sound of that. He raised a brow at Raleigh.
Steven caught Nate’s gaze. “Trouble was betrothed at birth to Rexley. Your son is to be the next King-Consort of Regelence.”
Chapter Eighteen
Nate walked up the stairs with a sinking feeling in his gut. What was the worse that could happen? He’d tell Trouble, Trouble would probably get pissed off and run to his room to sulk, then Nate would have to talk to him again tomorrow. Nate had witnessed the kid’s temper tantrums for years, he knew how to deal with them. But this felt different. There was the slightest doubt in his mind how Trouble would react and that worried Nate.
He had a lump in his throat the size of the Lady Anna. Which was ridiculous, this was good news. At least part of it was. Whatever happened, he’d handle it. Reaching his and Aiden’s room, Nate opened the door. It was empty so he crossed to the sitting room that adjoined his and Aiden’s room to Trouble’s.
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