Whoops, was that Jerry's toe? Gracious to a fault, Elaina chanced a look in Lord Taylor's direction as well since the man must know they were speaking of him thanks to Jerry. A smile and nod were presented to the nobleman (she was not plagued in her own right from the likes of those holding title and privilege!) before she drew in a deep breath of preparation. "I'm through with you, wicked man." Even though, the dance was completed and she had truly enjoyed this time with her brother, she would make it appear otherwise.

"At your will, good lady," he replied smoothly, directing her from the floor with her hand held a bit high. Once near the bouncing Lord Taylor, he left a kiss to her knuckles and bid her a happy birthday. A quick, curt bow was offered to the nearby lord, and after a sideways glance to Elaina, he strode from their company to find the lone Cara. After all of the formalities were out of the way, he guided her to the floor with a smile. Cara was lovely, as he had previously stated, and as he expected was jabbering as soon as his hand found her waist. Thankfully, Jerome had a reason to distract himself now and again, for he had promised his father to keep an eye on all the gentlemen with whom Elaina danced.

With Elaina left near the lovesick Lord Taylor, Connor gave the man a nod from across the room, forfeiting his dance with the Princess for now. That left him the talkative Norma to dance with and soon he was leading her toward the dance floor, a most tolerant smile plastered on his face, nodding now and again to her as she chattered away.

There was a new light in those burnt sienna eyes as his focus found Jerome and Connor in turn, respect in that they had managed to keep from the traps he now knew must snap near every day here. Of course all were with Elaina's encouragement he was certain. He soon saw to leaving Nycole with Norma near the refreshment stand, before he did dance with a few other ladies of the noble houses he would be expected, even if short before handing them off to other gentlemen he knew would be jealous otherwise. He finally took a break but to a refreshment table across the other side from where he had left Elaina's friends and enjoyed the respite of watching the others dance with a good glass of whiskey in hand. Soon, he could leave to see his father as the night did wear on. His attention was more on the three held closest to him. It would also not do to encourage Elaina's friends when he would be gone again in two days time, taking Jerome and Connor with him. When he spent time tomorrow with Elaina, he would propose to her a visit to these lands also, surely under the escort of both brothers and a loyal trusted friend, James would concede. Such a trip would do Elaina good and show her other lands than just this one being the only one she knew.

Her slender finger lifted to halt Lord Taylor, in fact, both of her index fingers were lifted...a double attack to still the fidgeting man. "Lord Taylor...I do believe His Grace, the Duke of ..." As she spoke, she turned in a circle in search of Connor...just to catch that nod. Lord Taylor needed no further encouragement from the Duke and even before Elaina had turned back to him, he had her swept up and into the swirling mass of dancers. Lord Taylor. Of all the men! With Jerome's attention drifting to her on occasion, she was able to shoot him a look. For, Lord Taylor, was often dabbing at those thick lips of his with his lace-lined hanky...however would he manage a dance without doing so? Better Elaina kept her gaze elsewhere unless in answer to a query by the nobleman, or she'd be forced to watch that drool gather. Once around the dance floor was enough for Elaina. "Lord Taylor, thank you so very much for this dance...you do know how to sweep a Lady off her feet. A drink is in order now, though, for me." Frantically, her attention turned to the room. "It appears Lady Hendricks is in need of a partner for this next ensemble. How kind of you to offer." He hadn't offered...but who would argue with this princess. A hand to the man's upper arm lightly started him on his way with a guided nudge, then she started in the opposite direction toward the refreshments.

Jerome had to throw Connor a knowing look and a grin when the dance drew them near enough to each other. Elaina had and would always save a dance for him, even if it was only because he was Peter's best friend. It wouldn't hurt to let Taylor intervene...this once. Of course, when she chickened out after only one revolution, Jerome shook his head. Thankfully, Cara took it as a response to her prattling. Even more thankfully, it fit with what she wanted. When the dance ended, he escorted her smoothly from the floor with a bow. After fetching them both a drink, he excused himself from her side to speak with a few of the older lords who were graciously of an age to allow them away from the dancing. The drink and the conversation would serve the same purpose for Jerome.

Connor was as eager to be rid of Norma's constant chatter as Elaina was to be rid of Lord Taylor. When he noted their dance had ended he graciously did the same with Norma, sure to place her in the arms of another dance partner before making his way toward Elaina and offering a most courtly bow. "My Lady, I believe this dance is mine." Sparkling, errant smile in place as twinkling grays met the gaze of the Princess.

Seeing the smart move of Jerome's, he made his way to his brother's side, allowing introductions of lords he didn't know well for so long ago. The conversations he found informative and these particular lords ones for him to know now that he was 'back'. He knew that no matter what decisions were made in the near future, he would be here also. Once he got a moment he did mention to his brother. "I will be going to see Father soon." All that needed to be said before taking a moment to watch Connor with Elaina, such did have him sporting just enough of a hint of a smile.

"Your Grace...I believe the last was yours..." She fought the smile which might give away her amusement. She took only a small sip from her glass so that Lord Taylor would not be offended. She dipped into a proper curtsy to compliment that noble bow and then...she was truly smiling to the man. As he lead her to the floor, her voice lowered with her complaint. "You knew as well, did you not, Connor Kavanaugh." That did not need his response, for Elaina knew the truth of it already. These men. Was it any wonder she attempted to thwart their best efforts to avoid the ladies of this land? Would it not be better if they had a wife to answer to? She had four lovely Ladies available to fit that bill. Elaina would be the first to admit that Connor Kavanaugh, for all his womanizing ways (which she was not supposed to know about, but please!), could set a lass' pulses racing with just a glance. Even she was not immune to that intriguing gaze. Still...he was Connor though, and would always be...Connor.

He knew, he knew but Lord Taylor had seemed so very eager... he did not reply verbally for the grin he wore was reply enough. There had to be some repayment for being forced to dance with endless chatterboxes like Norma and he could think of none better than the drooling Lord Taylor. What man would not feel some pride, though, in leading the lovely Princess across the dance floor. His hand splayed against her back while silvery eyes smiled into hers. "It's good to see you so happy again, Elaina."

Jerome offered to see him up to see their Father so he could discuss his health on the way. They excused themselves from the older lords whom were very understanding, in fact expected them to. They did part with the reassurance they would speak again before their departure as they would be assisting their Father in their absence. Making their way along the outskirts of the dance floor, Peter did catch both Connor's and Elaina's attention with a dip of his head, expressing silently he would be talking to both soon, at least by the morrow. The grand hallway doors were opened by the attendant as they approached and soon closed behind the duo as Jerome started to relate the state of affairs of their father's health once the doors were closed behind them.

"My cheeks ache, Your Grace." For she had not smiled so much in quite some time. By the morning...her feet would be aching as well. There was only a slight falter to that mentioned smile as Jerome and Peter started on their way from the room. She knew where they were headed. "It is...how it should be." These words were spoken softly, then once more, the full blossom of a delighted smile spread over her features. "Quite the dancer, you are, Connor...you've been practicing without my knowing..." And so...the night would continue...

Father and Son: The walk to his father's chambers seemed to go quick as Jerome filled him in. As suspected, their father's condition was very serious. They thought he would die a year ago, only his stubbornness to continue was what kept him alive. Still, they didn't believe he had a lot of time left. Jerry believed he only stayed alive to see Peter home and be able to amend things so when he passed on he could rest. In his heart, Peter knew he was right, he felt like the grim reaper in a way, now to shadow his homecoming. A blessing and a curse at the same time. He watched Jerome leave to go back down to the ball and only once he was out of sight did Peter tap on the door to his father's chambers.

The door was opened by one of the three physicians whom gave a bow of his head before stepping back to allow Peter's entrance. The room had the feel of a tomb, hardly any light and held the feel of death lingering just beyond the heavy drapes that covered the windows. Peter frowned for he had a feeling they were kept so even in the light of day. A few candles were lit, here and there just to throw off enough light, once one's eyes adjusted, to see. His father was propped up with a dozen or more pillows behind him, some kind of medicinal concoction on a table by his bed, within reach. There was a large chair that had been obviously moved at an angle close to the bed near James. He indicated for Peter to take that seating while he waved the physicians off with his other hand. He did seem to be better, still there were those frowns upon the physicians faces that showed they wished to continue to hover over the ailing King. They did comply, however, and filed out, shutting the door behind them. Still, one knew they hovered just outside those closed doors.

Peter settled into that chair, luckily it was a comfortable enough one for he was still on the edge of it, arms crossing over his knees as he slightly leaned towards his father. There was a long moment of silence as if James needed time to decide where to begin. Peter knew it would be for his father to speak first and if it wasn't for his years of training and honed patience, he would have been fidgeting. Instead, not a muscle moved not even that one along his jaw that sometimes did when in such circumstances. Once James did speak, Peter did notice his voice was a lot stronger, not as weak sounding as it had been downstairs. "I never reinstated you." That was how James began as he watched his son but found no physical reaction to register to his words. It did have him smile just enough with a glint of pride. "Because I never disinherited you as my son, nor heir." He gave that dismissive wave of his hand. "In spite of what was said." The only reaction from Peter was that slight dip of his head, more to show he was listening and letting his father's words sink in.

James took a moment to drink more of that thick liquid left for him with a slight comment, more mumbled, "Nasty stuff", as it was set back. Whatever it was, it did seem to help. For as much as the physicians hovered, Peter was now thankful for them. There was even a longer span of silence as James adjusted himself against those pillows then folded his arms across his chest. It was a gesture Peter remembered herald more important talk or something James didn't like to be talking about but the need was there. "I was wrong and you were right those many years ago. I was wrong not to even listen to you and worse, to try and harm you when I knew you would not strike your Father." He held up a hand just in case Peter would try and say anything. He would not have him do so for James took on the responsibility fully and would not have Peter ease it by anything his son would say. Peter was going to say something about the extenuating circumstances but did halt any words and only dipped his head instead.

There was another long pause as James just sat there looking over his son, there was sadness and pride combined in his aging brown eyes. "I can still see your mother in your looks, you did always favor her side of the family." Bringing up his mother did have a twitch in that muscle along Peter's jaw but he remained silent until his father would give him indication it was time for him to speak. "I am dying." It was stated as matter-of-fact by James as he gave one of those dismissive gestures of his hand again. "You are my heir but I want to propose something to you, not to answer now, but to think on." He did watch his son carefully before continuing. "I would like to crown you myself, step down if you accept, rather than waiting for me to die. It would be my way of making amends in a way. It would give me gratification before I move onto the next life. As it is, Jerome and Elaina, along with close friends, have been taking care of the state of affairs here." The pause afterwards indicated to Peter he was to respond to this comment.

Brows lifted as he sat up more, there was no hiding the look of surprise, nor the slight frown in this talk of his father's impending death on Peter's features now. His stoic demeanor was abandoned finally, what he felt and thought were there to be seen. His father had opened up, not hiding behind the wall of that stubborn man he had always been, so too did Peter follow suit. It was a new beginning for him to allow this, something he had made a habit not to. There was a slight cough that came with finding his voice, as one would that had not been use it in a long time. "I will think on your words Father and let you know within two weeks time at the latest." It was something he would have to think about, especially with his present circumstances. His words did earn a smile to actually grace his father's features, something very rarely seen. James took another drink of that thick liquid before it was replaced once more. His motions indicated this talk was not over yet as he sat back re-crossing his arms and that look given upon his son. That look that went over those colors of another country he wore.

Peter noticed the look as he sat up straighter, there was pride in his eyes as he braced himself for what might come of his father. What did come was once more unexpected and a great relief as James spoke. "I am interested in knowing of these lands that you obviously wear their colors so proudly." He did uncross his arms to indicate with his hand the cape and the sword. "I will admit, I wish to see you wear your own again, which is understandable, not to take away from these lands. I have a feeling you have many a story to tell your father. I would like to hear of the last, of where you are now, first." James resettled himself, indicating to Peter to start and he seemed in no hurry to have his son gone or for himself to seek sleep.

Peter did make himself a little more comfortable as he began telling his father about Heathfield, starting with how he went there when hearing of the tournament. The friend he had made of man named Karl von Rundstedt, who joined him in this event. The challenge he met on the field was like none he had before, where honor was kept in the test of one's mettle. When he started to tell him of the Queen of these lands, James became even more interested and plied him with questions before he was satisfied with the answers. He proceeded to tell him of others he had met, some prominent citizens and others that passed through. Their structure of law, the peaceful ways and the charity extended to all without question. James would nod every so often or ask a question for more in-depth answers before Peter was to continue. There was only one bit of information Peter would not give him, and that was of the Kavanaugh family. James did sneak in a question or two to see if that would be divulged but seemed to respect now his son's right to keep some things to himself.

As there were some things Peter didn't divulge there were such James didn't either. He had tried to keep track of his son, spies were sent to follow only to find a bloody battle field wondering if they would have to come back to tell the King, his son was amongst the dead. The trails would be cut of dead then later another picked up, but they were not to give up until they had proof. He eventually put Jerome in charge of this quest as it became hard for James, especially when it was almost certain that Peter was one of the unknown dead of a massive battle that left a whole battleground soaked in blood. Most were so badly mutilated one could not even tell what they had looked like. Some, only pieces of bodies found. Most were buried in one great trench dug. James' heart had started to fail him at that time so Jerome took over. Jerry would at least weed out the rumors when he updated his father, but the surprise tonight even James had not known that Jerry had finally found him. His wicked and very beloved son Jerome would get a chiding from his father.

James' thoughts were wandering some as other, older battles were depicted. Peter had a way with description and he noted how animated his son could be. It was the Peter of old that he knew that talked now, not all that much unlike his brother Jerome. Peter always did have a more serious side but he use to be a lot more light hearted than what James had picked up upon earlier. He was pleased now in seeing this aspect was not lost in his son. Eventually he was more enjoying himself just watching his son as Peter even got up and walked about the room as he spoke. Hands were used in gesture as he even showed some of the moves that had impressed him. James was almost startled when Peter finally turned and presented him with a question of his own. "I ask permission of Jerome and Elaina to come back with me to visit these lands of Heathfield, while I make my decision. I feel Jerome could use the experience of another tournament to be run there and Elaina meet others besides only those she knows here. If she is to find a husband, would it not be good for her to have others to judge by? Most here she has known all her life, too many viewed more like a brother. She will be well protected as Connor has already said he would come. It is but a day's journey away. Lord Atkins and Malborne, both said they would help in our absence."

This did give James food for thought. Peter had presented his question and request well, giving reasons up front for any debate otherwise. He did take long enough to respond for effect, as he should. He eyed his son well, knowing he would make a good future King of Innis Daingneach, still, he would get his own way back in return. He would broach the matter with Elaina, if she wished to go, to see about a suitable match for her older brother. King would need a Queen and an heir one day, but he would express the desire she be extremely picky in her matchmaking ways. One of her addle brained friends would not do, even if he looked upon them as daughters. Someone that could make a good queen and wife for her older brother, then the real challenge to convince him. This would also give Elaina a mission while there so she would not be too overwhelmed in a land where he had no idea what the males were like. This part did bring out the protective father in him too. "If they wish to visit these lands, then they can go with my blessings. I will expect correspondence at least once a week, Elaina can take care of that. There is one stipulation I will insist, where Elaina is concerned, that two personal guards from here will accompany her also. They can also carry all the luggage I'm sure she will just have to take with her."

When their talk finally finished, Peter did give his father the three fisted salute to his chest before he took a steps closer, embracing his father like a son should do. The embrace was returned before they parted, lifting both their spirits and hears. The physicians all but tripping over each other to rush in as the door was opened by Peter to fuss over their King. Peter left his father's chambers with a smile on his face that he didn't plan on forsaking again. James slept the best he had in ten years that night, as well as his son would now sleep easier. Two days hence saw Peter, Jerome, Elaina, along with her two guards, and Connor aboard a ship heading for Heathfield lands. Correspondence had been sent ahead to have rooms ready for them at the Castle so all would be prepared. If James' health had been better, he too would have made this journey. He would settle, in lieu, for Elaina's descriptive letters which he knew would tell him everything his daughter saw and felt.

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