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The Lady in Waiting (Lady Bloody Ava & Greeneyed23)

When the bastard dared insult his bride Rallon had had enough. He snapped his hand in and fully destroyed the little shit's collarbone and tore the tendons and muscle there apart. He then brought his left hand up and grabbed the bastard by the throat.

He turned to Fisher. "You get to decide but I'm doing it."

Fisher nodded "Of course my lord."

The pair took him down to the dungeon where Rallon released the bastard while Fisher locked them both in the same cell. They both waited until the idiot charged the larger man then Fisher spoke. "An eye."

Rallon caught the fool by his ruined arm and twisted it around until it looked like jelly rather than a limb forcing Jerin to his knees again then Rallon's free hand snapped out into Jerin's left eye then just as rapidly ripped it out stalk and all. They ignored Jerin's screams as FIsher spoke again. "Fingers."

Rallon stomped on all ten fingers with his heels crushing them all. "Ankles." Brutal axe kicks shattered them both. Jerin's screams were hysterical and he was panting through them, unable to form words. "Other arm."

Rallon gripped the unruined arm and began to twist it until it literally exploded. Jerin began to twitch and seize in pain, still screaming. "Crotch." Rallon raised his foot and stomped then ground his foot down. Jerin now screamed so loud he was spitting blood as his larynx and throat had cracked. "Throat." Rallon chopped him hard and the room feel silence as Jerin gagged. Rallon crouched over his victim his eyes cold and empty. He gazed into Jerin's single eye and smiled coldly. "you never had brains. But to insult a woman. In front of her husband? And my wife no less?" Rallon raised up then came down crushing his head under his knee.

He stood. "You know if people continue threatening or messing with Rose I am going to get a very bad reputation."

Fisher shrugged. "There are worse things My Lord."

"True. Thank you Fisher. Please go tell my wife I will join her when I have bathed."

He gripped his friend's shoulder gratefully then went to bathe as he had said while Fisher went to tell Rose what had happened.
 
Rose watched as Fisher and Rallon escorted Jerin off. With that Rose went to the garden. The one place she could normally be found when she was not with Rallon. A deep breath of fresh air and Cynthia had found her mother with great ease. Rose smiled as Cynthia nudge her mother's hand, telling her mother that she would like some affection and the Lady of York laughed and sat in the grass and hugged the furry canine. "

The laughter of the Lady would ring through the air when Fisher found her to deliver Rallon's message. When Rose saw Fisher she smiled and stood up and gave him a massive hug. "Thanks Fisher. I owe you so much, that I can never repay you in this lifetime and probably in the next." She relinquished him and sighed as Cynthia sat at her side and barked as though she was agreeing with her mother.

It was time for lunch once more and Rose and Cynthia would make their way over to the dining hall where the girls were already gathered and conversing amongst themselves. All smile as Rose enter and inquired as to her day. "Did Rallon take care of the guy?" Thea asked with an innocent and concerned look about her. "Yes he has and let's leave it at that."

After seeing what Rallon had done to their brother's, they wouldn't put it past their brother if the man was no more. Then the conversation moved onto the baby and what they each would do for the little boy or girl to be. Conversing as to how they would spoil the child and the work they've been doing for the ball. Rose happened to yawn which was normal with the baby now, and the girls offered to bring her lunch to her room. Rose humbly objected with a blush to her cheeks.
 
"No no. Instead the lunch will be brought to you all." Rallon came out of the shadows of the house proper bearing two large platters balanced on his hands, with thee servants following carrying drinks, cups, and two large bowls of fruit.

Rallon set the platters down then grabbed a loaf of bread, sliced it in half, filled the space with meat, cheese and a number of vegetable slices, grabbed another smaller loaf and flopped onto the ground by his wife, laying his head on his dog's side. Cynthia whined but was quickly silenced as he gave her the empty loaf which she set to happily while her father ate.

He smiled up at his wife as he sipped his tea. "I would have made one for you two but i wasn't sure which ones you'd like or dislike. These are all the dishes from the dinner you missed reborn. i wanted to try them out as neither of us really got to eat that night. Inever got to see which ones you'd prefer."

He grinned returning to his food happily.
 
Rose smiled and turned her green eyes to the sight and sound of Rallon who, as always, was two steps ahead of everyone. Rose laughed as her husband admitted to not knowing what his wife would like to eat and when the eldest of his sisters brought forth a bowl of fruit. "She hasn't really been eating sandwiches. I know because her and I usually split one. Now fruit... she loves fruit. Right sis?" Rose laughed once more as a triumphant look was thrown from little sister to older brother.

"Yes, you are actually correct, but should I ever do care for a sandwich then ham is my favorite dear." With that a green grape was popped past her lips and the juices were so delicious. "Mmmm... thank you." The girls were stirring up all kinds of conversations and even their cousins arrived with bright smiles upon their faces. "Oh!" Rose said, surprising a few people as a hand came to rest over her stomach. "That hurt, little one." She said to no one in particular. Rose had polished off the entire bowl of fruit when Tia arrived and her pregnant best friend demolished a sandwich that Fisher had made for her. Rose laughed and Tia tossed her a 'don't even say a word' kind of look. Again Rose laughed and eventually rest her head in her husband's lap as she gazed up at the sky and enjoyed herself.
 
Rallon chuckled stroking her hair as he lay back his eyelids beginning to grow heavy, until he eventually drifted off to sleep, dreaming of small girls with his eyes but his wife's beautiful face and hair.

It was not until Fisher came over and gently nudged his lord that Rallon stirred and that only to open an eye. "What?" Cynthia growled at Fisher not liking being disturbed. "Easy dear. What is it Fisher?"

"Sir...Jerin's family is filing a grievance. You must speak with them."

Rallon laughed. "Bring them here. Tia do you have the documents?"

"Yes m'lord."

"Very good. Stay close. We will need to show our reasons."

Fisher brought in three persons, Jerin's mother, his brother, and his Aunt. They were all nobles in their own right and immediately began to badger Rallon, irritated that he refused to get up for them, though he did let them vent their spleen while he continued stroking his wife's hair, while smirking as Cynthia was growling at the people yelling at her daddy.

He waited until they paused then spoke. "Easy dear. Now as to your complaint yes I took your brother and executed him. he presented a clear and present danger to my wife, the lady of this land, and has presented a constant threat to her. I also have documentation of a number of other crimes he is known to have committed, and even more he is suspected in. They range from rape to murder, and include robbery, theft, and several dozen others. Nearly all of these would require his death. But attempting to harm my wife? I would kill John himself, or even Richard for that. They know this. SO unless you wish me to publish the sordid tales about your precious Jerin, I advise you leave quietly. After you have apologized to Rose."

They stared at him stunned. Tia moved forward showing them just a few of the documents about his crimes and they flushed in fear. "Lady Rose...we apologize...and take our leave." They fled the garden rapidly, much to Rallon's amusement.

He tickled his wife's neck. "That was fun."
 
Rose was resting with her eyes closed. The soothing touch of her husband caressing her long, luxurious tendrils lulled her into the sweet and calming moment. When she heard her husband speak, her eyes shot open and landed upon the sight of Fisher, whom she smiled at. She was very interested in what her husband would do and was a little surprised as his laughter filled the air. Being far too comfortable to move from her husband's lap, especially as he continued caressing her hair.

Not one ounce of pity was spared for Jerin's family. Sweet Cynthia was being protective of her father and Rose could only smile with silent pride. A silent nod was the only reply she gave to their apology before she giggled to herself and even more when Rallon tickled her neck.

Rose crawled up to join her husband at his side and wrapped his arm around her and her lips pressed a kiss to his cheek. "I love you so, Rallon and yeah, that was fun." She laughed and hugged her arms around him as the girls 'awed' at the sight of their brother and sister cuddling in the garden. "What would we ever do without you? However, you are going to have one heck of a reputation and anyone bearing the Granger name may eventually become someone to fear or be in awe of." This time she pressed a kiss to his lips and hugged him tight.

A heavy sigh escaped her lips and it felt as though this day couldn't get any better. The sun warmed her up and she was basking in it and her husband's embrace. It felt as though nothing else could go wrong from this point on. They would have their child after a fabulous ball. The mere thought had her smiling.
 
"Darling I want the Granger name to be a name to fear. With honor and power but fear and respect. If you attack or disrespect us you die painful horrible deaths. If you give us our due or even better make friends then nothing will touch you without our vengeance."

He gestured around at the girls. "Recall i have fielded more than dozen offers of marriage on each one of these girls that I would actually be willing to accept, and a few hundred more I would not. And they keep coming."

He growled at his sisters. "Likely because you little monsters have been flirting so much."

He laughed as they all began to yell at him. He lay back snugging into his dog with his wife. 'I think i upset them."

He laughed again stroking her neck as the girls gave up. He kissed her neck. "Always a positive point."
 
Rallon was always one to speak his mind and there was always a logical reason behind his actions, not matter how odd or seemingly rough they appeared to be. In the end it was better for his family and friends and those that depended on him as a Lord of York. She listened as he spoke about the girls and their plethora of suitors. As the girls yelled back at their brother, Rose merely hugged him tighter with her own little giggle before whispering directly into his ear, "They love you to pieces, almost as much as you love them."

A kiss was pressed to his lips and she smiled wide and bright as a kiss was pressed to her neck. "Besides, you're not the only one shooing away these suitors. Oh I go to these noble homes and they offer their sons or nephews and the mannerisms of their families alone were enough to make me cringe. I hope to find men who love them for them and not the money." Softly she sigh and gently hugged him tighter before relinquishing him.

"I just reminds me how lucky I was to have met you." Her smiled was bright and beaming and laying in the garden was an amazing idea to her. The girls were enjoying themselves and then a servant approached with a warm smile and bowed deeply before making an guest announcement. "My Lord and Lady, the Twin Lords Havish seek a word with you. They wish to ask permission to see Lady Degan and Lady Lock on an outing of your suggestion."

Rose laughed, "They are trying dear, you must given them that." She teased.
 
Rallon growled then sighed sitting up forcing Rose to do the same. "Tia, Fisher, you will escort the couples to the play this evening. I expect the young men to behave properly at all times. Tia you will determine propriety. As long as the girls enjoy themselves I am willing to overlook much. I want you two to enjoy yourselves as well. And let me know if the production company is any good. I am considering buying them out."

Rallon was about to lay back down when Thea suddenly leapt into the arm and landed on hsi lap with a thud. he grunted and grabbed the child and began to tickle her while kissing her on the neck and face making her scream with giggles. Cynthia saw the game and jumped up barking at the little miss and playfully tugging at her feet.

Thea finally stopped struggling when she was panting in exhaustion when he shoved her off him for Cynthia to begin sniffing at while he lay back pulling Rose to him. The girls lay around them and began to play games with each other and braid each others hair while Thea fought off and with Cynthia who was smiling, her tail flopping happily.
 
As Rose sat up with her husband she looked to both Tia and Fisher with warm smiles. Intently she listened to the instructions given to them by her husband and she hugged his arm as he mentioned buying out the production company. She relinquished her husband just in time for Thea to bombard her brother, sending the Lady into a fit of laughter as Thea was wreathing in laughter as Rallon went at her. Cynthia could certainly not be excluded from the fun and soon joined the fray.

Thea was rolled onto the grass at Rallon's side where Cynthia continued to have her fun, even attacking the girl with kisses. Rose could not help but smile and watch while her cheeks were starting to hurt from smiling so much in such a short period of time. Rose continued to smile as she was laid at her husband's side. " Any plans for today? You've no work that needs to be done? I hope not." She whispered the last part while feigning a pouty face.

It was certainly nice to be able to spend time with him, especially since he had been so long. The cold season was not too far around the corner, and with it their ball. Just the thought of it had Rose smiling as she would be dressed in nothing shy of the best and she knew that Rallon would love it. Even more so, the girls were going to enjoy themselves immensely. A hand came to rest over her womb as she remembered just how big she might be my then which made her blush profusely.
 
He poked her pouty lips. "I have to circumvent the progeny, devastate the afflicted, and endure the pathetic." he grinned. "in other words I have no duties other than to ignore my sisters, pester Cynthia, and somehow get you to stop pouting." he kissed her before she could get mad about the pathetic line.

"I am yours all day today my love. but do please stop pouting. You look like a fish." he nipped her lip knowing he would pay for the remark but not really caring.

He lay back sighing and closing his eyes with a happy smile on his face.
 
He indeed did catch her off guard with his words and the kiss to follow. She gasped out of surprise as he said that she looked like a fish. After he nipped at her lip she smacked him on the shoulder. As always, she found it hard to be mad at him and settled for pinching his cheek before she pressed a kiss to his lips.

The girls were still having fun and Rose could only hope that the double date was going was going well with their cousins.

"Rallon Granger, you are too much." She smiled and laughed happily as she raked her fingers through his hair and admired him as he relaxed. It was rumored that the Lord of York had a weakness, that he would do anything for his beloved wife. So simply, if one wanted to get to the Legendary Lord of York, Rallon Granger, one had to get to the lovely Lady Rose. Get to her and Rallon Granger would have no choice but to comply to demands. Hold the life of Lady Granger in your hands and you were safe. Or so... that was what some people were thinking.
 
He shrugged. "A fact well known my love."

He gently stroked her cheek with his large rough hands. They were hands that had torn apart city walls literally and figuratively, and his powerful body had proven that of a deadly warrior times beyond counting. Fisher and his men were built on the same lines and the Lord of York commanded another five thousand troops all of whom were utterly devoted to him and his lovely bride. The city was a bastion of light and hope and this made each citizen, even the newcomers, a part of the defenses.

Add to that the fact that the manor itself had been transformed into a fortress, manned with archers, pikemen, swordsmen and knights at all times, and of course the fact that Rose herself was far from defenseless in her own right with her own abilities, the Granger girls who adored their elder sister, Cynthia who would die protecting her mother, Tia and her vigilance, and again Rallon.

Rose might be his weakness but if Jerin had proven anything it was simply that to even touch Rose with ill intent made your life forfeit and the message had been loudly and clearly sent. Rose Granger was not to be touched. And the reason was now sitting in his garden with his dog and wife playing with her hair.
 
Rose absolutely and unconditionally love her husband. Despite his powerful self, she would always worry. Her husband was, in fact, a very powerful man. When Rose said that she was the luckiest girl in the world, it would have been surprising to know just how many would have agreed. Even the Queen herself was envious. While His Majesty held immense power, the affection shown for Her Majesty paled in comparison to what Rose and Rallon had. His touch was always comforting and one that she could easily identify with her eyes closed.

The children of the working servants were free to roam about and play. Apparently the girl had taken to being friends with a few of them and the garden was abuzz with laughter and cries from children chasing one another. At one point they danced in a circle holding hands around Rose and Rallon, causing Rose to laugh. It was clear that the peace was here and it loomed in the air, that it was here to stay or anyone who threatened it would be severely punished.
 
Rallon actually drifted off to sleep amongst it all. The guards were scattered around the town both at random and in overlapping groups. They formed an unbroken circle around the city, guarding the citizens and the city itself, especially the workers on the Hall and the walls that Rallon wanted around both the manor, the Hall, and the city and it's holdings. It would take time but Rallon had a strange but powerful plan for it.

The Hall, the manor, the city itself were being surrounded by a eight foot high, ten foot wide, four foot deep stone and brick wall, with iron spikes protruding in a half circle under ground to help prevent tunneling. They were also putting towers every hundred yards with ballistae and other war machines throughout. In addition a wooden fence was being placed around the various holdings, along with towers placed at random with powerful signal fires atop. These were going up rapidly as the farmers were delighted to have protection and were helping in every way they could and the latest reports said that five of them were already completed with another ten well on their way. the wall was also going well as the city had a massive stockpile of clay, stones, and lumber and the other building supplies.

What truly made this so dangerous was that each tower was to be manned by three shift groups of ten men each, and checked constantly by four groups of twelve horsed knights that would ride in a circuit about the perimeter. These were all given trouble horns and backed up by the four hundred other horse he had waiting in the city, the thousand archers and two thousand men at arms he commanded, and likely the numbers would be quadrupled as every day more and more people entered the city and his service.
 
Rose was indeed the luckiest of all women, when it came to husbands. It was said that Rallon Granger to bring Lady Rose the stars, if that were what she wished. As the lovely Lady's husband lay sleeping at her side her hand would come to rest over her womb. If Rose thought she was spoiled just wait until their first child would finally come into this world. Rose said on her side and raked her soft and slender fingers through her husbands hair and admired him in his sleep. He was her knight in shining armor even when they were young friends. In the middle of her thoughts a yawn escaped her lips and one of the girls noticed.

"Why don't you take a nap, Rose. Surely Rallon has no problem napping on the job, but you and the baby need rest." They girls laughed and poke fun at their slumbering brother, but Rose knew all too well that her sleeping husband was keen, even in his sleep. In the midst of her small laugh, she yawned once more. The breeze teasing at her loose tendrils and the girls talking as she silently admitted that she was a tad tired. A nice meal and warm surrounding that included those that she loved certainly made for a relaxing environment. It was no wonder she was tired, but it was so nice and she did not want to get up and lay alone in her bed."I'll be fine and I think your brother has earned himself a very nice nap, wouldn't you say?" She said as she enjoyed the feeling of his hair through her fingers. Unconditional love. That was everything she felt for him.
 
Rallon slept on, letting his wife handle things as she willed, trusting her absolutely as he did in all things, even with his very life, which no one else alive could say, save perhaps Cynthia who had long since earned her place under her father.

Rose was wise. her husband was not only keen but even in his subconscious was aware of the words about him and when she defended him he smiled gently stroking her hair and giving her a bit of a tender squeeze.

He was just letting himself drift fully into sleep when Thea nudged his head. "Brother...there is someone to see you..." he opened one eye to glare at her but then opened both when he saw how pale and afraid she was. He gently pushed rose away and stood crouching before his sister. "What troubles you little one?"

Thea gulped. "It's Uncle...."

Everyone in the courtyard froze and Cynthia whimpered ducking low. Uncle was their Uncle Silas, their father's estranged brother. He had long claimed the Governorship of York should have been his as the most worthy of the two, though younger and less able. he had also claimed divine privilege of any and all of the girls seeing it as his duty to keep Granger blood pure. Though they had never been alone with any of them, each of them girls had been warned of their Uncle and each of them had their own reasons to fear him.

Thea likely the most as when Lord Granger had fallen ill Silas had come and tried to steal the girl away from the family, only to be stopped by the Lady Granger, Cynthia and a furious Lord Granger. Thea had taken a bad beating that night and had been shaken to her core, only her father's kind hand and words having stilled her fears enough to let her sleep. That image of her father would always be with her and her sisters. Despite his illness he had risen from what would be his deathbed to rescue one of them and he would have for any or all of them. They knew only Rallon and James had captured that same goodness and this was why they trusted and loved their brother so.

Now this was confirmed for instead of growing angry he pulled Thea into a tight embrace and kissed her cheeks. "No my love. We have no Uncle."

'But Rallon-"

He stilled her words with a finger. "What did mother say about such things?"

She blinked not understanding but one of the others spoke. "Anyone who betrays family are themselves betrayed."

Rallon nodded. "And?"

"And such traitors no longer share our blood."

Rallon nodded again, again kissing Thea and hugging her tightly. 'Now my dear you will stay here and keep Cynthia company. I will see to Silas."

He stood and pointed at Rose at which point Cynthia lay back down crawling to her mother laying her head on her lap while Thea sat by the pair still scared but without the chilling fear she had been in.

Rallon walked out of the garden shedding his shirt and weapons, kicking off his boots. Amelia gulped nervously while Jane touched her sister's shoulder. "He..."

Amelia nodded. "He..he is severing ties."

The elder girls looked at each other very frightened, while the four youngest, the three having joined Thea with Rose, looked around with fear but without comprehension. Amelia looked at Rose knowing she would know.

Lord Granger had had to deal with many false claimants both to his role and his daughters and sons, and had developed a peculiar but effective method of handling them. He would strip to his breeches and meet them thus appareled, refusing to give them the honors and kindness he was capable of, then would explain them in very clear terms that there remained no connection between them in anyway, in many cases having records adjusted to fully sever the relationship. The reason this was so frightening to the elder girls was also simple. The rage it caused their father to enter to achieve this level of action was utterly terrifying. Amelia and Jane had seen their father, a powerful fighter in his own right, hurl a man out of his study window into the fountain in the garden, several yards away.

This was but one of the reasons they were afraid but the chiefest was still Silas himself. they knew Rallon would protect them but Silas had always managed to survive whatever happened to him and had constantly sent them gifts and requests, often along with filthy letters telling them in detail what he would do to them. Their mother had kept each letter, despite her own rage and had sealed them in a special box with instructions to either Rallon or James. The girls did not know of any of this, least of all that Rallon had found the box, along with other items, in the ruins of the Granger manor, and was taking his mother's orders as he would have if she were alive. In matters of family her word had been divine orders with no room for argument or disobedience.

Recalling this Rallon had special orders for Silas. He was taken to the front garden, well away from the girls and nowhere within the house and given a small but polite tea while he waited.

He was left to wait for ten minutes while Rallon made arrangements, then the Lord of york sauntered out to his Uncle yawning and clearly giving no respect. This wrankled Silas but he was too well mannered to begin the meeting by shouting.

Rallon flopped into the chair across from Silas. Silas glowered waiting to be addressed but Rallon ignored him taking some tea and a small snack and having at it. Silas waited another ten minutes while Rallon drained the tea and ate all the treats then finally he snapped. "Have you nothing to say to me boy?!"

Rallon shook his head wiping the crumbs from his chest and wiping his lips clear.

Silas snarled. "You dare act with such disdain for me? your own Uncle?"

Rallon laughed. "My father was the only son his parents had."

"You insolent little shit how dare-"

Rallon chuckled. "My poor grandparents were blessed with but one son while they, like their son had many daughters. Sadly my many aunts did suffer the attentions of a beast claiming to be their family but he was both a mistaken fool and a filthy monster in dire need of death."

Silas flushed. No one had been supposed have known that he had raped his sisters and likely had attempted to rape both his own mother and his sister-in-law. Rallon clearly did. "When i last spoke to my grandmother she told me how her son had rescued her from the attentions of this same foolish monster, as he had my mother. Who also informed me of this monster's intent to do the same with my own sisters. Now my grandparent's, my own parent's and even my dear aunts, who I adored, have all predeceased my return home. I understand that this foolish monster has mistakenly taken their inheritance as his own. Fortunately i have rectified this with the proper authorities and will be distributing them amongst myself and my sisters as is my right and duty. Sadly this leaves this monster in a most uncomfortable state."

Silas' fists were clenched in rage but he said nothing.

"i also have evidence linking this monster to the deaths of my beloved grandmother and aunts. As well as my grandfather. meaning this monster is likely the murderer of no less than fifteen nobles of this nation."

"You lie! you have no proof!"

Rallon sniffed. "I have eyewitness statements, reports of the monster's whereabouts, numerous accounts of the monster's own confirmation of the acts, and a lengthy file of reports of the monster's collection and use of the inheritance. Which brings up another matter. The monster was wise enough not to sell land that was not his, likely in wait of my own death, but he has spent quite a bit of the fortune he received. i will require all of it repaid, with interest. Immediately."

Silas' face was now ashen as he twitched then shook his head. "i...You...I do not have that kind of money!!"

Rallon smiled coldly. "Ahhhh but the monster in question is worth that kind of money...collectively."

"What do you mean?"

"In his many years of deviance the monster has damaged many persons and families. In time they have gathered their courage and offered a quiet but lucrative bounty for certain portions of the monster's anatomy."

Silas shrunk in his chair as the guards moved in blocking his escape. Rallon continued to speak, now for the first time speaking directly to the man. "So my 'uncle' I am going to cash in those bounties. and rid myself and my family of your filth. You should have stayed in France."

Silas started to beg but Rallon lunged forward and grabbed him by the throat. "I have not forgotten what I saw and heard when i was younger Silas. Nor have I forgotten by ninth birthday."

Rallon had caught Silas spying on a bathing Rose and fondling himself, then later had caught him again trying to sneak into the room Rose was changing in, as she had been staying with the Grangers for a month during a trip to court. Rallon had beaten the crap out of his uncle even then and now more than two decades later, a full grown man and warrior Rallon was far more dangerous which even Silas could not deny.

Rallon stood lifting Silas with one arm. "Nor have I forgotten what my grandfather and father told me. I also remember how close you and William were. I killed him. And the others. Including Gregory. Now I am going to end the cycle of murder and rape you began. i suspect that you planted the idea in William's head in the first place. You were always a coward."

Silas tried to struggle, but his blows did nothing to Rallon who held his arm out at length and held out his free hand which a guard filled with a sword. Rallon swung the blade.

Ten minutes later twenty riders set off each with a well wrapped but still bloody package.

Rallon washed and returned his family calm and silent. Thea reached him first. "Where is uncle?"

He rubbed her hair. "We have no uncle dear one."

She blinked but slowly nodded. Now she understood. Silas no longer existed both in reality and never had in Rallon's mind. Such surety frightened her, yet also comforted her. Her brother was indeed a marvel to her. He would do anything for her or her sisters, and he did it without fear.

She followed him back to Rose and sat beside him studying his face trying to understand what he did then shook her head. "Rallon...how do you refuse fear?"

He smiled. "Survive your worst fear my love."

She blinked. She had certainly not expected that. "What was your worst fear?"

He laughed and kissed Rose. "Losing Rose and the lot of you."

Thea nodded still watching him.

Rallon left her to her thoughts as he cuddled with his wife and furry daughter.
 
Thea was rushing to comeback and instantly Rose was worried when her eyes landed upon the poor girl's face. Rallon was quick to try and ease the poor girl's worries, but when it was announced that their uncle was visiting, even Rose couldn't stifle the rush of goosebumps that danced across every inch of her skin. After Rallon tried to comfort the girls and their beloved Cynthia rest her head upon her mother's lap, Rose embraced Thea in a strong hug. A kiss pressed to the young one's forehead. "Don't worry, my dear, you could not be in safer hands. No harm will ever come of you as long as we are with you." She regaled the girls with two short tales of how Rallon helped her out in times of desperation. When their brother William nearly drowned her in the river when they were kids. He coaxed her with a tale of beautiful fish and when the young Rose got over to the edge he pushed her over the three foot overhang and into the water.

Which caught Rallon's attention, William's hysterically sadistic laughter or the frantic cries of Rose as she splashed in the deep freezing water. All Rose remembered was waking up next to a warm fire with Rallon at two of his other brothers, apparently for being so harsh on William. Needless to say her parents were never too fond of leaving their daughter within the noble hands of the Grangers. Another time entailed another young noble heir who went by the name of Armand. The guy had a foreign mother and he thought that his exotic charm would win him the heart of Rose, even when they were still so young. Rose was not blind though. He was materialistic and flirtatious with every pretty woman that he happened across. The guy was getting on Rose's nerve very much so, one day and after she vented to Rallon, the guy apologized a thousand times over and seemed to avoid her like the plague, something the Rose was far from disappointed with.

Thea was still help in Rose's arms and another reassuring kiss pressed to the girl's forehead while the other girls spouted out theories as to what their brother might have done to both William and Armand. She caressed the soft and beautiful tendril's of Thea's hair that rivaled that of Lady Granger herself. Suddenly Thea sprang from Rose's arms to get to her brother. From the look of Rallon, Rose knew that the whole ordeal was thoroughly taken care of and there was one less person for their family to worry about. No doubt the girls were in awe of their brother, Rose surely was and when Rallon joined her once more she relished a kiss upon his lips before cuddling with him. "Thank you. I was just telling the girls about how you made the foreign kid stop messing with me when we were young, and how William pushed me in the river. We all know that there is no safer place than with you." Her hand rubbed over her womb, including their unborn child in the mix. "Still tired, my love? Maybe I can get us some tea." She was actually craving a cup. The wonderful aroma and the warm feeling of the cup in her hands, it reminded her of Rallon when he was away and provided a comfort akin to him.
 
Rallon chuckled rubbing Cynthia tummy. "It's up to you darling."

He lay back stretching his body. "You know dealing with family, especially the lot of you is incredibly tiring!"

The girls laugh and he chuckled again closing his eyes beginning to drift off into a nap again, hopefully this time without an interruption.

Seizing the opportunity Thea and the other younger girls sat by his head and began to braid his hair. James had never had long enough hair and none of the others would let them while Rallon both did not mind and had gorgeous black hair that fell to the middle of his back, not having cut it since joining the crusade. He left it at Thea's request as she claimed it reminded her of their parents, their father having possessed the same black hair, while their mother had had luxurious golden hair that fell past her waist that the girls had always loved playing with.

Rallon's only rule was that they had to remove any knots themselves and they could only remove split ends. They delighted in playing with his hair and had thus ensured he had hair far prettier and in many cases better cared for than ever ladies of the court.

As he slept the others began discussing the various men who had sought their hand and their merits, and while they found many of them comely none had yet impressed them sufficiently.
 
Rose looked down upon her husband as he relaxed once more. She joined in the laughter as he blamed his tired state upon the lot of them. Rose relieved herself and left the girls to play around with their brother. After hoisting herself onto her feet she walked her way towards the kitchen. Making tea was something she found pleasure in doing herself. As she walked the corridor three guards were dragging a man by his arms and the man was struggling and arguing in an angry voice with a hood shrouding his face. A look of concern sat upon her face as she approached the men.

"What goes on here?" The men stopped and bowed their heads out of respect for their Lady.

"We caught this one trying to sneak in, we're were going to take him to The General, My Lady."

"Fisher?" She reiterated before she approached the man and threw back his hood to look at his face. A smile instantly sprout upon her soft pink lips. "Release this man, at once." At first one of the men was going to speak up, but Rose gave him a look that made his second guess himself.

"You want me to slap you again... cousin?" She laughed with a contagious and beautiful smile. Malachite, withhis thick facial hair and tired eyes hugged his cousin in a tight embrace that almost knocked the wind out of her. She laughed and gave the guards a look of reassurance as they feared for their Lady. "Worry not men, he is family."

Malachite chuckled loudly like the merriest of men as he over looked his beautiful and glowing cousin. "I came to see if the rumors were true. Rose Granger, Lady of York, formally known as Lady Rose Amelia Beaumont. I couldn't be happier... for the three of you?" The man with the rough appearance wielded the gentlest of touches to rest a hand over the womb of his cousin with a silent nod of permission.

"You are no longer wanted, cousin. You will return home, and restore your estate. All is well and we are no longer hunted like animals." The man chuckled once more with his rough auburn locks and eyes that rivaled the blues of Rose's. "Who's to say that I want to return?" Rose promptly punched him in the arm and the dear man feigned as though it did him a lot of pain.

"Stop kidding around, I want you back, and besides, where else would you go? Now... come with me. I want tea and then you will meet Rallon again."
 
When the pair came out to the garden Rallon scowled at the two then leapt to his feet. "Malachite!!"

He rushed over forcing the smaller man to loom up at him as he hugged him then stole the tea tray from his wife. "You bring me wanted criminals and tea. What should i give you in return?" his eyes danced playfully. he knew full well Malachite was free now.

He set the tea on a small table and sat by it pouring three cups and adding his touches to his own while he watched the girls gather around Malachite wanting to know about his adventures and a few quite taken by the handsome man. Rallon rolled his eyes at this but smiled, sipping his tea thoughtfully.

he touched his wife's leg with the toe of his foot. "now what was he wanted for again? You never told me."
 
Rose smiled at her husband's reaction to the sight of her cousin. The girls soon swarmed him and he relinquished a hearty laugh. She stood at her husband's side while he sat and enjoyed his tea. She soon joined at Rallon's side and began making the tea to her liking before enjoying in the warm sweet liquid. Her attention was stolen from that solemn moment as Rallon caught her attention.

"Those who wished you dead did no like his open opinion and thought to rid him for 'slander'. There were no true charges, but his life was sought after with a nice bounty. However I'm pretty sure the people that were to pay that money are no more." She continued on sipping her tea and it made a smile tug at her usually lax lips. The warmth flowing and spreading throughout her body.

The girls were certainly having a good time with Malachite, especially the older ones. It made for a fun sight as he lifted Thea onto his shoulders and the young one thoroughly enjoyed feeling that tall.

In no time her tea was gone and she was happily sated. Everyone seemed to be having a nice time and her bottom was starting to hurt from sitting on the garden ground. "Malachite?" Rose said his name with a smile and her hand held out. With ease he assisted her onto her feet.

"Make him comfortable, ladies, he will be joining us for dinner." Rose threw her cousin a mischievous smile as she gave him no choice in the matter and it was awfully difficult to say 'no' to Rose. "I'm headed off to the kitchen to help with dinner." She announced, wanting to feel useful in some way.
 
Rallon nodded listening to his wife and watching his sisters silently.

"If they aren't and are foolish enough to send even one person after him then ....well you know how i feel about protecting family." He smiled at her.

When she stood he watched her go with a smile, blowing her a kiss as she went, then let his hand fall to stroke Cynthia, still watching Malachite and the girls with a happy smile, laughing at them all frequently.

Finally Rallon clapped his hands. "Alright my little devils. It is time to wash." They moaned and he looked at Cynthia. "To the wash my love. Set on."

She barked and began to actually herd them inside, ignoring their arguments.

Once they were all gone Rallon smiled at his cousin-in-law and poured him some tea. "Sit a bit. it has been a long time since I've seen you. you've grown. Glad to see I was right about you. Always thought you were a bit too clever for your own good, but a good man. Anyone who my wife loves like she does you has to be good."

He smirked. "And don't argue that. I am well aware of just how bad bad is to her. Remember it was my own brothers that tried to kill her. So...what have you been doing since I saw you last? And when was that? it was some time before i set out for the Holy Land I do remember that."
 
Rose laughed and smiled because she did know exactly how he felt about protecting family. "Some days I envy that dog." Tauntingly she smiled at her husband before she pressed a kiss to her husband's lips, followed by a kiss to her cousin's cheek.

"I'll leave you two to converse a little while I was up for dinner as well." Don't be late gentleman, and yes I expect you to be there as well cousin." Her tone of voice left the man no room to question her.

Malachite laughed and merely shook his head, unsurprised that his cousin was so assertive and still sweet at the same time. "You've certainly got your hands full, Rallon, that's for sure." He responded as he sat at the man's side and chuckled at the man's compliments.

"You know, our family, both Rose's and mine, have this legend, that there are a reason why only one child is what they have is because our wit and looks can't be replicated so..." He shrugged his shoulders as he made himself a cup of tea and relished the entire cup in one go. "Well... if I know her, she won't take to waiting too long for us, so... one of the girls insisted that they were going to show me to my room. I gotta wash up and I'll meet you there. Thanks for taking care of things."
 
Rallon kissed his wife and nodded. "of course dear."

"You almost make that sound like a bad thing Malachite. As to your legend? You i don't know about. But rose...most certainly. No one will ever compare to my angel."

He sipped his tea then his hand flashed out gripping Malachite's wrist rather hard. He whispered softly. "You're family. But also as family you need to know. The price may off your head and I removed the big problem, but he had friends. So watch yourself. i would be very cross if you were harmed Malachite."

He stood releasing the man's wrist. "i am also warning you now. John hates you and everyone knows how much he hates this family. Watch yourself." He stepped away to go wash up himself.

Ten minutes later eh was the dinner table, chatting with his sisters in between arguments with Cynthia who was insisting something. "Well you'll have to ask your mother."

Cynthia laid her ears back, and gave a unhappy growling whine. "What? You mad at Mom?" Cynthia huffed. "Oh....this is what you think is a Daddy decision?" The dog barked. "Well my love it isn't...." Cynthia huffed again. "What?! my fashion choices are notoriously horrible. Mom is the Queen of such things." Cynthia whined again. "Now she won't put you in pink. I told her you hate it." Cynthia visibly relaxed and licked her father, then crawled under his chair to wait for dinner, and to prevent her long tail from getting stepped on.
 
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