Title: Glamorous Glambert (22/?)
Author: Amberwinters
Pairing: Adam/Simon; Adam/Kris
Rating: R
Summary: AU fic that takes place in a fictional country around the 1700s. Kris is a landowner, Simon is a powerful trader and Adam is a theater sensation.
Wordcount: 2902
Notes: Here is part 22. Uh-oh. Sorry for being lazy and glossing over the sexy times. Comments/Concrit are loved and appreciated.
Warnings: Not too many, some cursing, some sexy times, light violence, domination.
Kris did not know Prince David well but hoped his illness was not fatal. Katy was worried. After about twenty minutes of riding in silence. Prince Archie smiled,
“Prince David is fine. He fell from his horse and sprained his ankle. I exaggerated.”
Katy and Kris exchanged confused glances. Prince Archie noticed and went on to explain that he had overheard Adam and Kara fighting over their engagement. He understood that Simon’s intent was to stop the wedding. Prince Archie had then approached Adam and the two had concocted a plan to help the couple.
“Why would Simon want to break us up? He introduced us. Are you sure it wasn’t Adam trying to break us up?” Katy questioned skeptically.
“I am sure. I gathered Simon wanted Adam’s brother to marry you. I think it has to do with creating alliances.”
“That would have been a great alliance for the Lamberts,” Katy readily acknowledged, “They would have had marriages tying them to both the Lisantia and Mauritia royal families. Why would Adam give that up? I don’t trust him.”
Kris too was a little surprised Adam would give up such a power play. Perhaps, he was trying to make up for some of his and Simon’s manipulations. Although he was worried that Adam would be in danger if Simon found out his role in aiding Kris and Katy, he sincerely hoped Adam was choosing to do what was right.
After they arrived at the Mauritian court, they spent the next few weeks feasting and enjoying themselves. Prince David was indeed healthy although he was limping a bit. Prince David cornered Kris on the second week to discuss his impending marriage.
“Katy has asked my father to allow you two to marry sooner. She claims she loved it at your house and wants to begin her new life. What is the real reason? Did you take advantage of her?”
“No, I swear I have not touched her like that.” Kris was completely caught off guard by the question. He had been worried Katy had voiced her fears about Adam’s desires or Simon’s intentions to break them up.
“OK, I just had to check. Why did Kara marry Glambert? She could have had anyone she wanted.”
“I am not sure that is true. There was a bit of a scandal and she publicly displayed having a relationship with Adam while being engaged to Simon.”
“So, married people have affairs with Glambert all the time. I have heard he can be quite accommodating. Anyway, hopefully he will be a good husband. I also hope you treat Katy right because if you don’t we will make sure you change your ways. Katy is very dear to us.”
“Understood, your highness. I will treat Katy very well.”
Kris was happy when the meeting with Prince David ended. The King granted them permission to marry in a month’s time. The wedding would be in Maurtia and a very big event. Kris was apprehensive but knew it was for the best. Adam was married and it was too late to act on his dream of running away together.
Allison had proven herself to be a good companion for Katy. She was always perky and energetic. It was also apparent she was very loyal to those she served and hero worshipped Adam. She would admit Adam had a moody side but fiercely defended him on other criticisms. She also admitted she was not crazy over Lady Kara and was sad that Adam married her.
Kris wondered if Allison wasn’t just jealous and harboring a slightly broken heart. Kris said as much and was shocked to learn the red-headed servant was head over heels in love with Neil Lambert and Adam knew. Katy had questioned whether Adam would allow his brother to marry Allison a mere servant. Allison corrected her and said she was going to be a governess which would make it OK according to Adam. The more Kris learned about Allison and her life with the Lamberts the more convinced he became that Adam was still a good man.
+++
A month later, prominent guest from Lisantia and distant areas of Mauritia arrived. Kris was happy to see his family show up. The King and Queen arrived with Adam and Lady Kara. Kris noticed Adam toned down his usual flamboyant persona and was in turn being treated with more respect by other gentry. Kris exchanged glances with Adam and each one was electric yet painful. In two days time the final cage door would be closed. He would be married to Katy and conform to society.
Kris wondered how well Adam was adapting to his new role and if he and Lady Kara were getting along. Both seemed to be acting politely to each other. Simon Cowell and Princess Paula arrived a few hours later. Prince Archie told Kris that they were now officially betrothed. Simon came over by Kris and Katy.
“I am so glad Prince David recovered from his mysterious illness. It was also fortuitous for you both since you were able to speed up the wedding. So will you be settling in Mauritia or Lisantia?
Kris and Katy had decided to live in Lisantia and build a separate house for themselves. “We will return to Lisantia. I am the oldest so I will eventually take over the estate.”
“Well in that case you should make a decided effort to get on better terms with me. I can be a very good friend to a landowner ask Adam. His estate seems to already be turning some profits and he has only had one crop.”
Katy looked at Simon, “What sort of ‘friend’ are you expecting Kris to be?”
Simon laughed, “Your jealousy is cute but relax Miss O’Connell, Kris is really not my type. I like them a little more…creative. All I am looking for is some loyalty and friendship. Nothing more.”
“That is more than you have shown Kris and I. Considering, we are aware of your desire to break us up, it is up to Kris if he wants your friendship but mine is not for sale.”
Kris admired Katy’s spunk but worried it was misplaced. Simon was indeed powerful and they really could not afford to offend him.
“I won’t deny I thought there were better matches. But that is in the past and it is in everyone interest to move forward.” Simon looked pointedly at Kris, “Adam has seemed to move on.” He gestured toward Adam and Lady Kara who were walking with arms entwined toward the buffet table. Kris hated to admit at the moment they did make a beautiful couple with their dark looks.
Kris did not trust Simon and certainly did not want to be his friend. He resented Simon for getting between Adam and him and forcing Adam and Kara to marry. Even if Adam claimed it was his idea, Kris believed Simon was the true ringmaster.
Kris and Katy moved on and greeted many of the other guests. Since the wedding was on the morrow, it was a low key affair to entertain guest staying at the castle. After the wedding, there would be a more extravagant ball to celebrate couple’s union. Given the subdued atmosphere, Kris was surprised when the Queen of Mauritia announced that Adam Lambert, better known as Glambert, would sing a song in honor of the soon to be married couple. Kris watched as Adam sang a complicated and beautiful song. Kris was always surprised just how talented Adam was and the emotions he could elicit in others. Even Katy seemed to melt under his musical spell.
Adam bowed and returned to his table. He went by Lady Kara, dipped her and kissed her long. Everyone in the hall gasped until the Queen of Lisantia laughed, “It is nice to see your passion also extends to your wife, Glambert. However now that you have retired your theatrical career and chosen to be gentry, you will have to become restrained and boring like the rest of us.”
Adam smiled a wickedly, “I have known enough of you to say…maybe not so boring.” Half the hall laughed while the other half was silently appalled. Luckily, the King of Mauritia was in the former group and raised a glass, “To music, love and honesty and all those brave enough to pursue them.”
Everyone raised their glasses and attention returned to the couple tying the knot the next day. Kris did not mine sharing the spotlight with Adam. In fact, Kris hated attention so was relieved that Adam seemed to love it even though he did not encourage it. The King raised his glass again and toasted the Kris and Katy wishing them health, happiness and fertility. The rest of the night went by quickly. Kris felt a little hurt that Adam did not seem to be making any attempt to talk to him. In fact, he seemed to be avoiding him and choosing constantly be surrounded by large groups. This made Kris sad but what could they really say to each other anyway.
The party ended around midnight. Kris went into his room and had the feeling he would have a sleepless night. He was anxious about the wedding and still wishing his life could be different. He heard a soft knock at his door and answered it hoping it was Adam.
“I know I should not be here. I wanted to-“ Kris pulled Adam into the room and up against him. Against his better judgment he pressed his lips against Adam’s mouth. Adam pulled back and made sure the door was closed. He walked across the room to a sitting area and motioned for Kris to join him.
“I needed to talk to you and apologize for avoiding you all night. I did not trust myself not to make a scene. I am so envious of Katy and the fact that she can be with you every night. She is a good woman and I think you both make an adorable couple but I want you for myself.”
“You didn’t want me enough to make any sacrifices. Adam, I love you and I want us to find a way to still be friends. I don’t really want to cheat on Katy because I could not deal with the aftermath if she found out.”
“Kris, why do you keep rehashing the same arguments? Anyway, I spoke with Simon and He asked me to join him on a trip to the islands. He needs to negotiate some trade agreements and since I need to get away, I agreed to accompany him. I’ll be gone for about three months.”
“What! Why would you go with Simon? Are you still fucking him Adam? After everything he has done to you, why would you go away with him?”
Adam looked miserable, “He asked me to go and I could not say no after marrying Kara without telling him about the baby. I am trying to make things right.”
“Kara does not mine you leaving?”
“I haven’t told her yet. Simon only mentioned it tonight.”
“I do not trust Simon and would not put it past him to leave you on the islands or throw you overboard. Don’t go, Adam.” Kris stood up and kneeled down by Adam and placed his hands over Adam’s which were balled into fists on his lap. Kris brought Adams palm to his lips, “Please don’t go.” Kris kissed his palm and held it against his cheek. Adam started to shake and Kris watched the tears roll down Adam’s face.
Kris pulled Adam to the floor by him and started kissing him and wiping his tears. Adam started kissing him in return and the feelings of desperation began to change. Kris could feel the passion mounting and was powerless to stop. Despite his moral convictions, he knew he had to be with Adam one last time. This was his soul mate and the one person that made him feel complete. No, he could not stop and wondered if after the wedding he would be able to resist.
Adam and he spent the last few hours before dawn making love to one another. Both trying to imprint their love on one another and create memories to carry them through the next day. Just before dawn. Adam got up and began to dress. Kris sat up, “Adam, I love you so much. I know I said I would not cheat but-“
Adam smiled, “Kris, you can say that a million times but we both know it is inevitable. I am going to go away with Simon which will give you and Katy time to cement your relationship and maybe make an heir. She may look the other way in regards to us once she cannot leave you. No woman leaves a man whose baby she carries.”
“Kara did.”
“Kara had no choice. I should have said no woman would choose to leave a man who is the father of her baby. I have to go, lover. Good luck today. I will try and keep my mouth shut during the ceremony.” Adam kissed him on the head.
Adam went to the door, opened it and froze. Kris looked over and saw Katy on the other side. She was pale and looked at Kris who was still in bed naked. Katy raised her hand to cover her mouth as she started to swoon from shock. Adam quickly grabbed her before she passed out and pulled her in the room and shut the door. Kris jumped up and pulled on his pants and ran by Katy.
Katy started to come back alert and turned to Adam who was still supporting her, “Get off me you bastard. How dare you on the night before my wedding.”
Adam let go and moved back looking small and guilty. Kris wanted to die, “Katy, its not-“
Katy turned to Kris looking hurt and angry, “Kristopher, do not try and lie to me when I am sitting near your soiled bed with your lover less than five feet away. I had a feeling there was more to you two and Simon had hinted as much. I just assumed you would have ended it when you decided to marry me. Who were you planning to spend our wedding night with?”
Kris’ worst nightmare had come true but part of him felt relieved. A part of him hated the lies and deceit. He looked at Katy, “I am so sorry, Katy. I-“
“Shut-up. Just tell me, do you love him, Kris? Do you love him more than me?”
“It is different, Katy. I do love him and I love you. I never wanted to hurt you and I was going to try and be a good husband.”
“Really, Kris because good husbands usually don’t sleep with their friends on the eve of their wedding. Good husbands don’t walk down the aisle a few hours after…whatever it is you two did. I expected something like this from Adam because he doesn’t know better but I expected more from you, Kris.”
Adam spoke up, “Katy, this is my fault. Kris was trying to stay true to you and I pushed him.”
Katy just started crying, “Kris, I loved you so much. I thought I was going to have the most perfect life and now you have ruined everything.” Kris felt crushed and just hated himself for hurting Katy.
Adam turned to Katy, “I am going away for a while and I will stay away from Kris. Please don’t blame him. Hate me instead.”
The door opened again and the King of Mauritia was there. He looked around at the scene in from of him and started to get angry, “Katy, did you spend the night with Kris?” Kris was surprised by the King’s interpretation but then he realized both he and Katy were in sleeping attire while Adam was fully dressed.
Katy looked at Kris, “Yes, your highness. We couldn’t wait.”
The King laughed, “Well, it’s a good thing you will marry today. Now it is bad luck for you to see the groom the day of the wedding.”
Katy looked at Kris sadly, “Yes it is, Uncle.” Katy got up and followed the King out of the room. Adam sat down before he fell down and looked at Kris.
“That is a good woman. Kris, if she had told him the truth we would have been killed. Do you think she will go through with the wedding?”
“I don’t know but I don’t think it will be a happy marriage.”
“I am sorry, Kris. Really, I am so sorry.”
“It is my fault. It was my responsibility to say no. You better go.”
Adam nodded and left the room. Kris got up and started to bathe and dress. He had no idea what was in store for the future. He felt terrible because not only were he and Adam trapped but now so was Katy. She could not call off the wedding since it looked as if she had lain with Kris. The only way she could call off the wedding was to tell the truth which would be a death sentence to Kris and Adam. Kris was going to be stuck in a loveless marriage and it was all his fault. Kris wondered if things could get any worse.
~~~End part 22~~~