Fic:Glamorous Glambert (33/?)
Title: Glamorous Glambert (33/?)
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: 3374 (77,603 total)
Notes: Here is part 33. Facing the music. Comments/Concrit are loved and appreciated.
Warnings: Not too many, some cursing, some sexy times, light violence, domination.
Kris woke up and the bed was empty. He went downstairs and saw Adam having coffee while looking through some correspondence. He looked up at Kris.
“Goodmorning, have some coffee. We have both been summoned to court. I have a feeling it won’t be to pleasant.”
“I thought the King and Queen were you friends.”
“They were but I asked for the King’s help to escape and I failed. He will be worried if Simon is angry at him. Then there is the rumor about us and I am married to his niece. Hopefully, the Queen will be there to temper him.”
“Why am I being summoned?”
“You created problems with the royal family in Mauritia and you are the man I supposedly cheated with. Make sure no matter what happens, you deny our relationship. Even, if everyone thinks it is true, we still lie, OK?”
“Yes, Adam, I understand. I am going to get ready.”
+++
Kris was nervous but began to relax on the way to the castle. Adam did not seem overly nervous despite what he said earlier. They arrived and were immediately brought to see the royal couple who were sitting on their thrones conducting formal meetings. Kris and Adam were presented and kneeled.
The Queen spoke first, “Good day, gentlemen. It is good to see you alive and well, Adam. We had mourned your death and the loss of such great talent.”
Adam looked up, “Thank you, your highness. I am sorry there was so much confusion surrounding my trip. Luckily, Simon and Kris came after me or else I would still be stuck in Bantria.”
The King snorted, “I am sure you would have hated that. From the rumors I hear, you seem to like the customs of Bantria.”
“I appreciate other cultures but I am Lisantian at heart. Plus, I missed my lovely wife and child.”
“Enough, we will discuss this after I finish holding court. You will both attend me for tea. I can tell you all about the visit I received from the prince of Mauritia.”
“As you command, your highness.” Adam kneeled again and pulled Kris with him to the back of the hall. They watched as the King entertained complaints, settled disputes, and in some cases sentenced people to torture. The last part made Kris nervous.
Three hours later, Kris and Adam were led into a smaller salon and told to sit on some chairs. The King arrived a few minutes later. Adam and Kris stood and bowed. The King told the servant to pour some tea and then leave. Kris was surprised that aside from one guard they were alone with the King.
The King turned to Adam, “What the hell went wrong? You told me it was a fool proof plan. Does Simon know my role?”
“I think he has guessed.”
“Is he angry?”
“I am not sure. He hasn’t killed me and he seems to want things as they were before I left.”
“You said he wanted to marry Kara and you were scared he was going to kill you. Did you lie to me, Adam?”
“No, your highness, I really thought he wanted me out of the picture.”
“You realize if I find my profits dwindling or my stake in trade waivering, I will blame you and have your pretty body marred behind recognition. You are lucky you are still married to my niece because I am usually not so tolerant to fools. Keep in mind, my fair one, I would prefer to have Simon has a nephew.”
“Yes your highness.”
“Now, Kristopher is it?”
“Yes, your highness,” Kris responded nervously.
“Why is Prince David demanding I seize your family’s property for your mistreatment of his cousin? Apparently you have committed adultery and have not even bothered to consummate your marriage. You were given a wife far above your standing and yet you ignore her? Either you are stupid or unnatural.”
Kris hated lying and knew he was bad at it. Adam spoke up on his behalf.
“Your highness, Kris does not want to embarrass his wife. However, he did not consummate the marriage because she is in love with another.”
“So Katy committed adultery?” Kris could see the King’s wheels spinning looking for a leg up on Mauritia.
Kris spoke afraid Katy would be hurt, “No, your highness. She would never act on her feelings. She admitted she had feelings for my brother and we had decided to wait until they either passed or our love for each other grew bigger.”
“That is stupid you need an heir. What about the adultery charge?”
“It is false. I think because of the homosexual acceptance in Bantria, people made assumptions that are untrue.”
Adam added, “Why would Simon take Kris if we were anything more than friends. Kris is staying at Simon’s villa while this situation with Prince David gets sorted out.”
The King just seemed unconvinced either way. He then sighed, “I cannot afford to be in bad terms with Mauritia. How are you going to fix this?”
“Kris will get an annulment and give up his rights to be the Allen heir. Katy will be free to marry his brother who will be the heir apparent. Everyone will be happy.”
The King looked at Kris, “What will you do? You were raised as a landowner and now you will own no land.”
“I will help Adam run his estate and perhaps assist Simon with his businesses.” Adam smiled at Kris’ convincing performance.
“Very well. I think this is a good solution. Adam, try to be more discreet because I cannot ignore mistreatment of my niece.”
“I would never mistreat Kara. She likes a bit of independence.”
“Yes and it is your job as a husband to prevent her from acting outrageously and bringing dishonor on herself or your family name.”
“My family name is not without stain and I like Kara’s outrageous behavior and so does Simon. No one is going to risk upsetting him.”
“Are you sure he is going to protect you after you ran from him?”
“Yes. He is as committed to me as ever.”
“I hope so for all your sake. Go away and execute your plan. I want Prince David to return to Mauritia a happy man.”
Kris and Adam left. On the way home Adam commented that he thought the meeting went well. Kris was not sure but knew there was no going back. He would be single and landless before the month was over. Worse yet, they still had to confront their families and Katy.
+++
A few days later they received a letter each. Adam crumbles his and smiled, “My mother is irate and trying to play on my guilt. How is your letter?”
“My letter is from my father requesting I return home to settle matters.”
Adam reached out to comfort Kris but Kris pulled back and mumbled he needed to pack. They arranged to leave in the morning and did so promptly at sunrise. Kris knew he was being emotionally distant but was too apprehensive about facing his family and Katy. With Daniel traveling with them, the only conversation revolved around ensuring Daniel knew his role. They arrived at the Allen estate.
“Do you want me to come in with you or come by later today?”
“Come later. It will just fuel the rumor if we walk in together.”
“OK, sweetie. I will be there in spirit.” Adam added quietly in his ear, “Remember, I love you.”
Kris and Daniel climbed out of the carriage and went in the house. His mother hugged them both. Neil Allen came into the salon. His mother made an excuse to go and dragged Daniel with her. Neil Allen looked at his son sadly.
“I am glad you arrived safely from your journey. It must have been quite a shock to find Adam alive.”
“Yes, father it was.”
“Let us not mince words. Are the rumors true that you and Adam…”
“We are friends, father, just good friends. Rumors always surround, Adam.”
“It is no secret that Adam lies with men.”
“If I was sleeping with Adam, I doubt Simon would have taken us both back. It is also no secret that Simon and Adam were lovers.”
“True enough. Do you know of Prince David’s visit and his threats?”
“Yes, Daniel told me he forced Katy to leave with him to stay with the Sarvers.”
“Prince David has also threatened to petition for the annulment your marriage and seize our lands as repatriation.”
“He cannot seize our lands.”
“Why didn’t you consummate your marriage? You and Katy seemed a good match. The King of Mauritia had told me he found you and Katy together before the wedding. Is Prince David’s physician lying?”
Kris looked down, “He speaks the truth. Katy and I have never been together like that. It didn’t seem right. She-she loves another.” Kris felt horrible speaking the lie. He was not sure what he would do if she did not agree to lie. It was the second time she would sacrifice her own reputation and happiness to cover his transgressions.
Neil looked at his son and then changed his expression, “I am sorry son. That is hard. Is it someone in Mauritia?”
Kris tremble shake as he continued the lie, “No, he is Lisantian. It is Daniel.”
Neil Allen gasped. “Your brother betrayed you?”
“No, father. They have never been together but they do love each other. Katy and I decided not to consummate the marriage while our hearts did not belong to each other.” Kris hated these lies and felt like he was losing his grasp of reality.
“Have you spoken with Daniel?”
“Yes, and he loves Katy as I never could. I want to get my marriage annulled and allow Daniel to marry her.”
“I am not sure the King of Mauritia will allow her to marry a second son.”
“I was thinking of renouncing my rights as your heir and allowing Daniel to inherit.”
Neil Allen looked at his son. “What would you do if you were no longer my heir?”
“I would help Adam run his estate. He really isn’t very suited to that role.” Neil Allen stared at his son and then became angry and his manner cold.
“You are heading down a dark path, Kristopher Allen. You are willing to give up a beautiful wife, your birthright and power as a landowner for an aberrant lifestyle. I think Mrs. Gokey may have had it right when she claimed Adam was the devil. He has corrupted you and destroyed the life you could have had.”
Kris looked at his father and saw the disappointment and anger in his eyes. Kris had no response. His father continued,
“If that is your choice, once you renounce your claims to be heir, you will no longer be my son. You will no longer be welcome in our house and I will give you no allowance. I suggest you think long and hard about your course of action. There will be no going back should and I will not allow anyone in the family to help you.”
Neil Allen left the room. Kris crumbled to the floor and just broke down. After he released his pent up emotions, he wiped his eyes and headed to his room to rest. He woke up to a soft knock at his door. He opened it and saw Katy standing there. She smiled and kissed him on the cheek.
“Katy, when did you get here?”
“Just now. Simon, David and I came a few minutes ago. Adam and Kara should be here soon. I could not stop the physician. I am sorry, Kris.”
“Katy, you have nothing to be sorry about. I am the bastard. I have hurt you again and now I am making up more lies to cover my sins.”
“Kris, you can’t help your feelings. I am envious of Adam and I hope he appreciates you. I wish you would have trusted me more and been honest from the start. I knew your feeling for Adam were too strong for you to give him up. I worried when we thought he was dead you would either kill yourself or just whither away. So I am happy he lives, I just hope he doesn’t hurt you.”
“How can you be so generous?”
“Ironically, while you were gone I did spend a lot of time with Daniel and I do have feelings for him. He also wants me and that feels good. I told David that I loved Daniel and that you knew. I told him you loved me enough to continue the marriage and accepted my desire not to sleep you. He thinks you are a good man but said I cannot marry a second son.”
“I know. I am going to renounce my inheritance so you can marry Daniel and have the life you deserve. I hope you will be happy with him.”
“Oh Kris, how can you give up everything? Are you sure Adam won’t change his mind. He is a little …fickle.”
“I don’t care. Katy, even if Adam decides he doesn’t want me, I will feel better knowing I did not destroy everyone’s chance at happiness. I could not keep living a lie and making you live like a nun. I love you, Katy and I think I will make a good brother in law.”
Katy smiled, “Yes you will and you will always be welcome in my home.”
Kris smiled sadly, “My father has threatened to disown me and I will be banned from the estate. Besides, you should for all intents and purposes hate me.”
“Hate you? Kris Allen despite your abominable behavior, I think you are a good man and I love you too. You could have forced me to consummate the marriage and then continued to cheat with Adam. After all as your wife, I had no right to deny you and had to obey. Well, if you are banned, we will come visit you.” Katy kissed him on the cheek. “Be careful, Kris. Adam may not be all he seems and he may not fulfill the promises he may have made.”
Kris just stared at Katy will love and admiration. She was truly an amazing woman. He was sad he would be annulling his marriage but happy she seemed to want Daniel. He also hoped this would make Daniel mature and become the man Kris thought he could be.
Kris headed downstairs just as Adam arrived. Kris felt his heart sink and he watched him enter with Kara holding little Phillip like a proud father. Adam was greeted very coolly by Kris’ parents. Leila and Neil were with them and seemed oblivious of the tension. As they sat Kris noticed Prince David looking at him with pity. Kara was being overly affectionate toward Adam and Kris was alarmed when he saw Adam responding like a dotting husband.
Simon grabbed Kris’ arm hard and whispered, “Adam is an actor and you are not. Staring at them like a jealous lover does not help the cause. You are so insecure, Allen.”
“I have just given up everything I know and love for him, forgive me if I am jealous especially since I am already sharing.”
Simon sighed, “Just school your emotions before you fuck it up for everyone.”
Simon went by Neil Allen and chatted while Prince David spoke to Katy and Daniel. Kris just downed his wine and accepted another glass from a serving girl. Neil Allen motioned for Kris to come into the study. Kris followed his father and was joined by Prince David and Daniel.
Neil poured four brandies. Prince David spoke,
“I have spoken with Simon and I understand that Kris is willing to annul his marriage to my cousin and give up is inheritance so she can marry Daniel.”
Neil sighed, “I would prefer Kris stay married to Katy. They could learn to love each other.”
“I will not have my cousin married to someone who lies with men.”
Neil turned pale but Kris remained calm and spoke,
“You have no proof of that. You are listening to rumors and speculating.”
“I felt bad for you for being seduced by Glambert. He likes corrupting people and he even tried to go after Prince Archie. Had he succeeded, I would have killed him.”
Simon snorted, “Your father would have stopped you from killing my lover no matter what he did. Remember David, no Kingdom survives without armies and money. Without money you have no army and your money comes from trade I control. I understand politics and saving face but we are at a crossroads because you failed to squelch a vicious rumor spread by your country men. You are lucky the Allens are so forgiving to you.”
Prince David was red with anger, “How can you protect Glambert after he seduced your fiancé?”
Simon shrugged, “I had other interests at the time. Oh, but you know that since you usually chase my leftovers. Now stop making waves.”
Neil looked at Kris hopefully, “Kris will you stay married to Katy?”
“No, Katy and Daniel will marry because they love each other.”
“You are a stranger to me then. You have one hour to back your stuff and get out off my land.”
Prince David looked at Kris, “Will you go to your lover’s house and destroy another marriage?”
Kris ignored the question. Neil Allen looked at Kris questioningly but Kris could not hold his father’s gaze. Neil Allen looked at Prince David, “Will the King accept an annulment from Kris and a marriage to Daniel?”
“As long as Kris steps aside and allows Daniel to inherit.”
“That appears to be the case.”
“Fine, I have all the paperwork necessary and the Bishop is at the Sarvers awaiting my summons. Of course I had to promise him a large donation from you but I am sure that is no problem.” Prince David smiled innocently. “I shall return in an hour with the Bishop.”
Prince David left. Neil Allen looked at Kris, “I will ask you one more time and I want you to swear on everything that is holy, are you and Adam lovers?”
“Does it even matter anymore? What is done is done. I will sign the annulment and Daniel will start learning to run the estate.”
Neil just shook his head, “You are my greatest disappointment.”
Neil Allen walked out of the study. Simon poured three brandies and handed them to Kris and Daniel.
“All things considered, this is going well.” Kris and Daniel just stared at Simon in disgust and then slammed their drinks. Kris was numb as Daniel tried to comfort his brother.
“Kris, I will apply myself to learning the estate and when Dad calms down I will try and convince him we are all still family.”
Kris just nodded and followed them into the main hall to join the others. He immediately saw Adam look at him with concern. Kris looked at his mother and saw her turn away with tears in her eyes as Neil Allen whispered something in her ear. Prince David returned an hour later and the annulment was complete within ten minutes of his arrival. Kris barely even remembered Simon and Adam assisting him gathering his stuff. Daniel assured him they would send anything he left behind. Katy came over and kissed him on the cheek,
“Even though we annulled our marriage, you will still be my first husband and now my brother in law.” She kissed him and whispered, “I hope you get everything you need.”
“Be happy, Katy, that is all I need.”
Kris followed the Lamberts out and climbed in the carriage with them. Kris was distraught. Adam gave Phillip to Kara and Kris was shocked to see Kara breast feed her child herself.
Adam smiled, “Pretty cool, huh? It doesn’t taste good though.”
“Adam!” Leila hit Adam in the arm.
“Gross.” Neil Lambert made a face.
Kris looked at Adam and saw him smirking at him. Despite his depression, Kris couldn’t help but smile back at Adam’s outrageous behavior. For the first time that day, Kris started to believe things might be alright for them.
~~~End Part 33~~~