Chapter 34

The flight was long. It’s only redeeming feature was the reclining chairs that allowed Jam and I to lie together. With my boss, Mo, and Anna and Mason all in the same area, nothing was going to happen. I still liked to snuggle with Jam!

We landed and took the short flight to the Landers field. Upon our arrival, we were conveyed to the castle. Jam and I were given my old bedroom. Mo was given Angela’s room in the suite while Mason was in his prior room. Jam and I pulled our cases in and set up housekeeping quickly. We came out to the sitting room and found that Berthold was there on the love seat with Mo. I grinned. This was getting interesting.

Their heads were close when we entered. I cleared my throat to get their attention. Berthold said, “I was just explaining to Moira the security precautions around the castle.”

I smirked. “You really expect me to believe that?”

Mo said, “It was worth a try.”

“That’s all it was. Why don’t you two ‘fess up so we’ll know rather than wonder.”

Berthold asked, “What is ‘fess up?”

“It’s a southern expression used for telling someone or ones that something is obvious and they shouldn’t deny it or try to hide it.” Jam told Berthold helpfully.

Berthold said, “I was talking to Moira about moving to Landers. She agreed that she had some interest in doing that.”

I said, “That’s a good start on being honest. Why should she consider such a move?” I grinned. “Would she become Princess Angela’s lady in waiting?”

They both blushed deeply.

I nudged Jam. “That’s what I thought, and hoped.” Jam grinned at me and I grinned back.

Moments later, we were called to eat supper. It was a nice young lady who gave us notice. The four of us left. As we went out the door, I said, “It would seem that I’ve lost my escort.” I grinned noticing that Berthold was giving Mo his arm.

Of course, I was holding hands with Jam. We walked down the hall with the young lady beside me. She said, “May I ask Your Grace a question?”

“Of course.”

“Are you enjoying married life?”

“Very much. Jam has proved to be a great partner for me in so very many ways.” He gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

The young lady said, “You two look happy as does Prince Roger and Princess Angela. I’m glad for all four of you and looking forward to Princess Anna’s wedding Saturday.”

Jam said, “We are also. That would seem to complete the royal weddings for this generation.”

We entered the dining hall. King Marcus was entering and looked sad. I went to him and hugged him kissing his cheeks and then his lips. I said, “What’s wrong, my dear King?”

“I realized I’m losing my children including you and Jam.”

Jam was beside me. “Wrong,” he said. “We will return here frequently and you will always be welcome at our home.”

Jam reached around us both to hug us with his strong arms. I smiled. King Marcus smiled. He said, “You two cheer me. I truly appreciate your presence at any time.” Jam hugged both of us again. King Marcus reached around to pull both of us into his embrace.

Only then did we take our seats. King Marcus was now smiling. Jam and I were smiling. Angela and Roger were smiling. As they then entered, Anna and Mason were smiling, too. I noticed that Berthold had seated Mo and had taken a seat beside her for himself. They were smiling. I smiled at that. It was a good meal.

After the meal and some time talking, Jam and I retired to our sitting room. We were joined by Mo and Berthold who were holding hands as they walked into the room with us. They were followed, to my slight surprise, by Angela and Roger.

Angela had Roger sit in an easy chair as I had Jam. We took possession of our husbands’ laps. Our husbands put their arms around our waists. I enjoyed sitting with Jam this way. I had gotten used to sitting in his lap when on our honeymoon though then we were both naked!

Angela looked over at us and asked, “Jar, how’s married life?”

“It’s all I could hope it would be and more. Jam and I truly enjoyed our honeymoon at the farm. No one was there and we were somewhat uninhibited. I enjoyed myself and I think Jam did, too.” Jam nodded his head grinning.

Mo grinned over at us. “Ange, how’s it going for you? You’ve had more practice at being married.”

Angela blushed. “Roger has been great. We honeymooned in the royal chalet. It’s quiet up there during the summer.”

Mo said, “I bet it wasn’t so quiet while you two were up there.”

Both Angela and Roger blushed. She said, “I have a license and we make use of its privileges frequently.” Jam and I smiled at each other and gave each other a quick kiss.

I think Mo realized that both her friends had changed now that we were married. Angela seemed to be happy and I know I was.

Mo asked, “Are the meals always so formal?”

I looked at Angela who said, “All evening meals are. Lunch is less so and breakfast is even less. Jar will keep things from getting too stuffy. She has really earned a reputation here. All the staff love her though she does ruin discipline.”

I blushed. Angela continued, “However, I appreciate her because she introduced me to my husband and a new life. Mo, they’re the Duchess and Duke of Meuse and those titles are taken seriously here. Jar and Jam have earned the country’s appreciation and love.”