by John Simpson
“Gerard, can we have coffee in the drawing room?”
“Of course, Your Highness,” the footman answered.
“Come this way please, Darren. I want to show you one of my favorite rooms in the castle.”
They walked a bit and entered a beautiful drawing room. It was furnished with a light-blue satin sofa, various overstuffed chairs, and of course, two very large crystal chandeliers. On the walls were the mandatory oil paintings of ancestors. One was of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Michael and Darren sat on the sofa, and a butler appeared shortly thereafter with a coffee service. He poured two cups, bowed, and left.
Michael fixed Darren’s coffee the way he liked it, and they sipped a wonderful blend of Jamaican coffee beans.
“Wonderful, Michael, just wonderful. Not only is this place filled with beautiful art everywhere you look, it’s extremely peaceful and comforting. You’re fortunate to be able to enjoy this, even if it’s only once in a while.”
“This is where the family usually celebrates Christmas. Everyone gathers here, and the staff does a magnificent job of decorating the place. Garlands are everywhere, and wreaths, and trees. It’s truly magical.”
“Ah, Christmas, my favorite time of the year.”
“Where are you going to spend this Christmas?” Michael asked.
“I’m not sure yet. Maybe with Uncle David and Shane, or maybe I’ll fly back home to spend Christmas at the White House.”
“Either sounds nice,” Michael said, stifling a yawn.
“You tired, babe?” Darren asked.
“Yeah, a little. I had to be up early to attend a couple of meetings.”
“Why don’t we finish our coffee and head to our bedroom?”
Michael drank down his coffee and smiled. “All gone.”
Darren did the same and stood. “Do we need the map to get back to our room?”
“No, I’m beginning to remember my way around. Come on, let’s get to bed.”
They walked out of the drawing room, leaving the door open to signal the staff that they could remove the coffee service and shut down for the night. A few minutes later, they walked into their bedroom to find the bed turned down. Darren walked over to the door and went into the second room. The bed in that room was also turned down. He smiled.
“Well, they turned down both beds, but we’ll only be using one,” Darren said. When he turned around, he found Michael totally naked in all his royal glory. It took Darren’s breath away for a moment.
“God, you’re beautiful,” he said as he looked the naked prince up and down. “I have to ask, why did you choose me when you can do so much better?”
Michael frowned as he walked around the bed to Darren. “Don’t ever ask me that question again! I chose you because you’re my type of man, and I’ve fallen in love with you. You are handsome, intelligent, good in bed, and you come from an excellent family. And most important of all, you tell me you love me.”
“Don’t be angry. I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. That we’re in love with each other. Don’t you understand? I don’t come from a land of fairy tales and castles. This is all breathtaking for me, just as much as seeing you standing there naked. I want you.”
Michael removed the rest of Darren’s clothes until he too was naked. They poured two glasses of water, set them on the nightstand, lit one candle, and turned out the lights. They climbed into bed and sighed into each other’s arms.
“Don’t take this the wrong way, Darren, but let’s make it a quickie tonight, okay? I’m exhausted, but I have to have you.”
“I have the perfect solution,” Darren said as he moved so he was facing Michael’s crotch.
They went down on each other, slowly sucking each other’s cocks. They took their time, using their tongues, lips, and teeth to please each other, teasing before they got down to some serious sucking. As they intensified their efforts, Michael couldn’t hold back, and Darren took every drop without spilling one. Shortly afterward, Darren shot his load, although he was able to groan in appreciation, since his mouth was no longer full. When both men had climaxed, they lay there catching their breath, and then Darren moved back up to his pillow. Both drank some water, then Michael blew out the candle, and they slept through the night totally at peace. A knock on the door the next morning startled both men, and Darren prepared to dash into the other bedroom.
Michael took Darren’s arm and pulled him back down.
“Yes, come in!” Michael said.
“Pardon me sir, but it’s half past eight, and I thought you and your friend might like to have breakfast in a half hour,” James said. His face showed no surprise or shock.
“Yes, thank you, James, we’ll be down.”
“Very good, Your Highness,” he said and backed out the door.
“He didn’t even blink an eye at seeing us together in bed,” Darren whispered.
“I told you, they all know. Half, if not more, are gay themselves. There have always been gay men in service to the Crown. Now let’s have a shower, dress, and order a taxi to take us to the dining room,” Michael said.
Darren laughed so hard he couldn’t move for a minute. “That’s not only funny, it’s true!” he said as he jumped out of bed and dashed naked into the bathroom.
Michael gave him a couple of moments alone in case he needed to do anything besides shower. Once it was clear that the water was on, he joined his boyfriend in the shower. They soaped each other up, rinsed off, and were out in five minutes. They dried off and threw on some casual clothes.
At five minutes to nine, they walked to the dining room, which took up the entire five-minute window. When they arrived, they found two footmen standing behind their chairs, who promptly served their breakfast.
One footman remained in the dining room against a wall, which made Darren a little nervous. He was afraid he might say the wrong thing in front of the servant.
“So, I trust you slept well last night?” Michael asked.
“For sure. We were both tired, and then, well, we got more tired. I was glad we had the ice water. I knew I would be thirsty.”
“No wonder. You sucked me off like a Hoover!” Michael chuckled.
Darren turned red and sought to hide his face by looking down at his scrambled eggs. Michael noticed and chuckled.
“Are you blushing?”
“Of course I am. I can’t believe you said that with someone else in the room.”
“Who? Robert over there? Robert, would you come here please?”
“Yes, Your Highness?” the servant said.
“My dear friend is embarrassed that you heard that he sucked me off last night like a Hoover. Does that shock you?”
“Not at all, Your Highness. I’d venture to say you were quite a lucky young man.”
“And how long have you been with your boyfriend?”
“Me, sir? Around seven years now.”
“Thank you, Robert, I needed to make a point to my friend.”
“I understand, sir. If I may…. Mr. Wilson, you need not hide your affection for His Highness. The household staff is aware of the nature of your relationship, and I assure you, no one looks down upon either of you.”
“Thank you, Robert. I’m sorry my embarrassment made you publicly explain your relationship.”
“Not at all, sir. His Highness has been to more than one party at our home.”
Robert backed to his original position as Darren relaxed.
“Well, you could have just told me instead of scaring the hell out of me like that!” Darren scolded.
Michael chuckled. “Yes, love, I’m sorry. There’s a river not far from the castle, would you like to walk down to it?”
“River? Yes, of course. I love the water.”
“Good, then that’s the first order of business for the day. We might get rain this afternoon, so I figured we’d go outside this morning and tour this old place this afternoon.”
“Sounds good to me,” Darren said.
After they finished their breakfast, they walked through the gardens and then headed down to the river. There were patches of clouds forming, but it was still mostly sunny. As they approached the river, they heard it before they actually saw the water. There was no one around, as this was part of the estate, and it was closed that weekend since they were there.
“Oh, Michael, it’s beautiful! Look at it. Are there fish in it?”
“Of course! Do you like to fish?”
“Only if you take the fish off the hook!”
Michael laughed. “Not very butch of you.”
“I know, I just can’t stand to see where the hook went through their mouths.”
“Shall we sit here a bit and watch the water?” Michael asked.
“Sure, it’s heaven here.”
They sat down on the grass a few feet from the edge of the water, and Darren leaned against Michael. They listened to the water and the wildlife in the woods.
“It’s so peaceful here. I don’t know what could make the moment any better,” Darren said.
Unseen by Darren, Michael smiled. “I do. Would you mind getting up?”
“Do you have a kink in your leg?” Darren asked as he stood.
As they faced each other, a ray of sunshine broke through the clouds to shine on them.
“Darren, ever since I met you, I’ve not only been attracted to you, but you make me whole. I always felt there was something missing in me, and I never knew what that was until I met you. You complete me, and I love you for that. I love the way you look at the world. I love that you love my country and my family. I can’t imagine living without you by my side.” He got down on one knee and pulled out the ring box.
Darren looked at Michael inquiringly as the prince spoke again.
“Darren Wilson, will you do me the extreme honor of marrying me and being my husband?”
Michael opened the ring box, and the sun hit the emerald and diamonds, making them look like all the Crown Jewels combined into one ring. Darren stared at it as he replayed what Michael had just said.
Did he just ask me to marry him?
“Did you hear me, Darren?” Michael asked.
“Did you just ask me to marry you?”
“Yes. I want you always at my side.”
Darren’s eyes welled up, and he said, “Yes, Prince Michael, I will marry you!”
Michael took the ring out of the box and placed it on Darren’s finger. It fit perfectly and looked like a million dollars.
“This was one of Edward VIII’s favorite rings. It has a twenty-one-carat emerald, with four diamonds. King William gave the ring to me to give to you, when I asked you to become my husband. It’s a historical ring as well as a family ring, a family that now includes you.”
Darren threw his arms around Michael and hugged him for all he was worth. They kissed, and when they pulled back, both were crying with joy.
“But what if the rest of your family is against us? What about the British people? The press? The White House?”
“All of these issues will be nonissues. The king approves of your marrying into the family and the rest will go along with it whether they like it or not. And frankly, I don’t care if any do disapprove. William also said I could invite you to Balmoral for the Christmas holidays as a member of the family. That says it all.”
“My God, I have to talk to Mom and Uncle David and Shane as soon as possible,” Darren said.
“I have a feeling David and Shane already know all about this.”
“How? How could they possibly know that you were going to ask me to marry you?”
“Haven’t you wondered how your engagement ring fit so well?” Michael asked with a smile.
“Come to think of it, yeah, why does it fit so well?”
“Shane borrowed one of your rings, and I had the royal jeweler adjust the size to match. Thankfully, you have large hands or such a large emerald would look gaudy.”
“Was this ring caper pulled off this past week, by chance?” Darren asked.
“Yes.”
“That’s why Shane was late to dinner. Did you return the ring yourself?”
“Yes, while you were at the embassy Thursday, I brought it by and gave it to Blaine with instructions to give it only to Shane.”
Darren stared down at the ring and began to cry once more.
“It’s so beautiful, Michael. How will I ever get you anything to compare with it? How do I match your ring with the one you’ve given me?”
“You needn’t buy me anything elaborate. For now, a simple band of gold will be more than sufficient, and I’ll wear it on my right hand.”
“Yeah, I guess we’ll both have to be kinda careful in public for a while.” Darren frowned at the thought of having to hide his relationship with Michael.
“Let’s not talk about that now,” Michael said. “For now, let’s just walk and be happy until we have to go in. There are more and more clouds, and it looks like the sun is gone for the day.”
Chapter 15
MICHAEL AND Darren took a short walk, and then headed back through the gardens into the palace. They went to their bedroom to watch a little television and talk about the wedding.
“TV sucks, as usual,” Michael complained.
“That’s why God invented DVDs,” Darren replied.
“I don’t have any really good ones that I’d want to watch again. So, that leaves talking about our wedding. Okay?”
“Of course, it’s okay! Where will the wedding be held, and who will officiate?”
“We can’t use Westminster Abbey because the conservatives would get their knickers in a twist. I imagine any other venue would be all right with the king. It is all right that we marry here in Britain, isn’t it?”
“Since you asked me to marry you, yes, Great Britain would be more than fine.”
“Which castle would you like to be married in? We really should use one of those for security purposes. More than likely, the entire royal family will attend. Do you think your mother and stepfather would attend? Your brother? Oh my God, I didn’t even think about American VIPs. This might be a security nightmare for MI5 and 6, not to mention Scotland Yard.”
“I don’t know. I can’t really see my mom skipping the wedding, but governing the United States has to come first. So, it will depend on what’s happening on our wedding date. Maybe that’s the first thing we should decide on.”
“I think we should give our engagement some time, at least, so both of us have a chance to be sure about this.”
Darren nodded. “That makes sense. What do you think about midwinter?”
“But you do see my point about waiting, yes? I want you to be sure you really love me, as in love me for life. Royal divorces are so damn messy!”
“Divorce! We’re not even married, and you’re worried about divorce? Maybe I should be the one who asks you if you’re certain you wanna marry for life!”
“Relax, I’m just being practical. You remember the uproar over the previous divorces in the family. The world press ate it up as if it was their last supper. Forget I asked.”
Darren thought for a moment and then said, “I understand why you asked. But let me assure you, I want you for life. In fact, maybe we can even adopt a kid down the road.”
“Another issue to be discussed, but I have to say, I have no immediate objections to that as long as we have the income to support a child properly. Your brother was lucky to be adopted by the vice president of the United States. Money was no object. I have to work, just like you, so income is a factor.”
“Okay, we’ll discuss that later, but knowing that you’re open to the idea pleases me. As far as the date, why don’t we set it for the beginning of winter, before the snow starts to fall?” Darren suggested.
“What, like November or December?”
“Well, it’s August now, so how about the first week in December? Christmas decorations will be up in all the churches. Of course, we haven’t decided on that y
et. I know that December shortens our engagement period, but I like the idea of a Christmastime wedding.”
“All of the castles have small chapels. Obviously, the chapel you fell in love with at Hampton Court wouldn’t do as there are so very few seats. St. George’s Chapel at Windsor might be big enough, if the guest list is small. I’ll talk to William and see what he suggests. You really need to find out if your mother will be attending. Let’s set the date as December the first. Is that all right with you?”
“Yeah, I think that’s a good date. I’ll call my mother. Can I do it from here?” Darren asked.
“Of course you can, but don’t forget the time difference.”
“Right! I’d better call her now if I’m going to call today.”
Darren walked over to a chair by a phone. He dialed the number for the White House residence and waited.
“Family quarters,” a butler answered.
“Hi, this is Darren Wilson. I’m calling for my mother.”
“One moment, sir, and I’ll see if she’s in.”
Darren grew nervous and began tapping his foot on the carpet. Michael was sitting on the bed with his knees under his chin and his arms wrapped around his legs.
“Hello, honey, how are you?” Victoria said when she answered.
“Hi, Mom, do you have a couple minutes?”
“For you, of course. Is anything wrong?”
“No. Are you sitting down?”
“I am now. What is it, dear?”
“Prince Michael has asked me to marry him, and I’ve said yes.”
“Oh my God! Are you sure, baby? You’re not rushing into anything, are you?”
“No, Mom, I’m sure. We love each other, and we want to spend the rest of our lives together. He’s given me an engagement ring that you wouldn’t believe. It’s a twenty-one-carat emerald ring with four diamonds that was once worn by King Edward VIII!”
“Really? It must be beautiful! If you’re sure you love him, and he you, then I approve and rejoice. My son marrying a real-life prince. I can hardly believe it.”
“Well, he’s sitting right here listening to my side of our conversation, and he’s smiling.”
