Tina let out a sigh as she entered the Armstrong Suite with Luke following her. She shivered as the heat from the roaring fire washed over her. Her mind raced. She had questioned Remus, Rosemary, and Jacob once they were back in the carriage about what happened after the pallbearers disappeared into the Crypt. They didn’t see anything, let alone hear a conversation through the thundering rain. She pushed it out of her mind as she turned to see her maid, Kagome, walking out of her chambers.

  Kagome paused as she caught sight of the boy. Tina glanced at him. She had given him her cloak to keep warm once they had reached the courtyard, wrapping him up in it like a burrito. The cloak dragged out behind him.

  “Kagome,” Tina started, “Could you find pipsqueak here some clothes that will fit him?”

  “Yes, my lady,” Kagome nodded and walked out of the room.

  Tina turned to Luke and gave him a half of a smile, “Hey, let’s get warmed up by the fire. I don’t want you to get sick, okay?”

  “Okay,” Luke said, shyly. He walked over to the fireplace and sat down in front of it. Tina could hear the sigh he let out as the warmth washed over him. She frowned.

  Luke had been a lot more outgoing when Genesis was with her, but the moment her cousin- older brother - left, the boy seemed to shut down. She hummed at the thought. She shrugged her shoulders. It could be the fact she was a complete stranger to him and he knew Genesis more then he did her.

  “I’m going to get changed, Lu,” Tina announced, “I will be right back.”

  “Alright,” Luke replied.

  Tina hurried into her bedchamber and shut the door before she reached behind her and undid the strings of the annoying corset she had been forced to wear with the dress. She hated it - the corset. It had cut off her breathing more then once during the parade. She felt the dress immediately loosen and she took a deep breath. She let it out slowly as she pulled at the strings to loose the top more before she was able to pull at the top of the dress.

  Her eye twitched as she realized getting the dress off was going to be a fight by itself. She growled softly and tried to pull out one of her arms of her dress. She huffed as she managed to get her right arm free. She fought to get her other arm free before she started to shove the dress down her body. It fought her the entire way until it past her hips and it fell to the ground.

  “Thank the gods,” she muttered as she stepped out of the accursed dress. She shivered as she hurried over to the bathroom or what past as a bathroom during the medieval ages to grab a towel to dry off. She rubbed her skin dry as she walked over to the closet and walked in.

  She groaned as she realized she couldn’t see anything in the darken closet. She turned around and went to the fireplace where a fire glowed and grabbed a log before she hurried back. She wanted to get something on before Luke started to wonder what was taking her so long and try to walk into her bedroom to see her running around, wearing a pair of shoes and her underwear.

  She entered the closet and held it up. The fire glow lit up the closet and she found the simple dresses. She grabbed a pale blue dress. She exited the closet and strolled over to the fireplace. She tossed the log into the fire. She slipped the dress on and she glanced down.

  Luckily, the dress didn’t have an opening on the front. She reached behind her and pulled on the strings until she felt the dress tightened a bit. She tied the strings into a bow at the top of her tail bone and slipped off her shoes. She grabbed the wet shoes. She hurried over and bent over to grab the wet dress before she went to the hamper in the closet. She threw the wet clothes in it.

  Tina grabbed the towel and went back to the common room of the Armstrong Suite. She spotted Luke sitting in front of the fire. The cloak was piled around him. The firelight danced over his face as he stared into it, looking sleepy. She frowned as she wondered when was the last time he slept decently.

  “So,” She called out as she approached with the towel in her right hand, “How old are you?”

  Luke looked at her. He cocked his head to the side, studying her for a long moment before he replied, “I’m 5.”

  Tina sat down in a chair near the fire and placed the towel over her knee. She grinned, “Really? I thought you were older then that, considering you haven’t cried over what happen to you, earlier.”

  “Drew says I’m a crybaby, I’m too old be one,” Luke frowned, “I’m trying to stop being a crybaby.”

  “Well, what does your mom or dad say about that,” Tina asked. She couldn’t let an opportunity pass like that. She had been wondering how the boy’s parents had stepped forward to claim him yet.

  “Don’t have one.”

  Her eyebrows shot up and stared at him in shock, “You don’t have a mom or dad?”

  “No,” Luke surprisingly looked alright with that, “They disappeared one day and haven’t been back. I was alone until I met Drew, Seth, Ichigo, Marco, and Lenus then I wasn’t alone anymore.”

  “I’m glad you have your friends,” Tina admitted, “Come over here, Luke. I want to dry your hair.” Luke got to his feet and walked over to Tina. She parted her knees and allowed him to stand close to her as she placed the towel over his head. She began to rub his dark hair dry. “Tell me about your friends.”

  “My brothers,” Luke corrected her.

  “Okay, brothers,” Tina said.

  “Well, there is Andrew,” He started as Tina uncovered the boy’s head and rubbed the ends of his hair, “He is a meany! He is always calling me a crybaby. He did try to kill me when I first met him.” Tina paused at that. Her mouth opened as she stared at Luke’s head. “But he didn’t because Seth stopped him.”

  She nodded. “Seth is the bestest big brother ever! He lets me have some of his food when we have it. He wants to be a…a…a..oh what’s that word?” Luke got a thoughtful expression before he shrugged, “He tells the best stories about pirates finding treasure, people digging for history and finding lost treasure, knights saving kids from the scary monsters, those kind of stories. He wants to tell the greatest adventure story ever when he grows up.”

  “So, Seth wants to be an author,” Tina summarized. She returned to rubbing the ends of Luke’s hair was dry.

  “Yeah! That’s the word!” Luke excitedly turned to her with a mile wide smile on his face. “Ichigo is our big, big brother. He likes making sure Drew, Seth, and I are safe. He thinks I shouldn’t go out on food runs since I am the baby.” The boy pouted at that, crossing his arms over his chest.

  “Maybe he is right,” Tina said. She resisted the urge to laugh when he sent her an outrage look. She went on, “I mean look what happened today. You could have been killed by the carriage or the horses if I hadn’t acted like I did.”

  There was a knock on the Suite door and Kagome walked into the common area as Luke nodded before he continued talking about his brothers to Tina. She glanced up when the maid walked in and raised an eyebrow at the other woman. Kagome nodded. Tina turned her attention to Luke, cutting him off, “Hey, do you want to take a bath and get changed into dryer clothes?”

  “Yeah,” Luke nodded.

  “Well, let’s go to my chambers and find the bath tub,” Tina suggested, standing up. She held out her hand to him. To her surprise, he reached up and grabbed it. She smiled at him before she led him to the bath tub in a chamber off her bedroom.

  General Genesis yawned as he entered his military office. He had slept well the night before, but it seemed like the parade took a lot out of him. He fell into his chair with a huff. His legs stretched out in front of him as he slouched in the chair. Hopefully, the rest of the day would be quite, thanks to the storm. He glanced at his uniform. He wanted to get out of the formal uniform. However, it meant he would have to get back up and walk all the way to the White Hall Wing of the Castle to his room to get changed.

  “Decisions, decisions,” he muttered.

  “WHERE IS THAT GENERAL BASTARD!?” a roar echoed from the hallway. Genesis turned to the door with a frown. “I WANT TO KNOW WHERE IS MY BROTHER!” that voice was familiar. He groaned as the running footsteps came closer and the door to his office burst open. The red head didn’t bother getting to his feet as his gaze rested on the teenager, around Natalie’s age, standing in the doorway. “Where is Luke?”

  “If I had to take a guess,” Genesis started, giving the teen all of his attention, “I would say he is with my cousin, Lady Valentina of House Armstrong, in her family suite, Ichigo.”

  Ichigo glared at the General and growled, “I want him back.”

  Genesis stared at the teen, studying him. Ichigo had been slowly getting thinner. ‘Like he wasn’t thin enough,’ Genesis thought. Ichigo’s hair could have been red or blonde, but the older man couldn’t tell from the amount of dirt on the teen. He asked, “When’s the last time you had a decent meal?”

  Ichigo blinked then growled, “None of your business.”

  Genesis sent the teen a smirk as the teen’s stomach let out a rumble. Ichigo’s face turned red. The General brought his legs up and stood up, saying, “Go get the rest of your brothers. I’m sure my cousin is forcing your brother to eat something hot before she lets him go.” He strolled across the office and stopped in front of Ichigo, “You and the rest of your brothers are welcome to join me while I join my cousin for an early dinner.”

  Ichigo scoffed before he glanced over his shoulder. Genesis followed his gaze to see the four other brothers standing on the far side of the courtyard, trying to stay out of sight. “The offer is still open - Come work for me and your brothers will never go hungry again.” A grunt came from Ichigo, indicating he heard the General, but he didn’t reply.

  Genesis walked past Ichigo and started to head to the White Hall Wing of the Castle when Ichigo finally said, “We will go with you.” The General stopped and half turned to face the teen as the rest of the brothers hurried over to Ichigo and Genesis ran his eyes over each of the boys.

  Marco stood half-way hidden by Ichigo’s right shoulder, his head poked over Ichigo’s shoulder, giving Genesis a glare with his piecing blue eyes. His hair was a dark color, perhaps brown, but the General couldn’t tell with the dirt. Marco’s clothes hung off of him, just like Ichigo, but the second eldest brother didn’t appear to be as thin as his older brother.

  Glaring up at Genesis, Seth stood on Ichigo’s left. He was one of the youngest boys, not yet hitting puberty, and barely reached Ichigo’s chest. While his clothes didn’t hang off of him, he did appear to be eating well enough to keep some weight on and his clothes fitted him like a glove.

  Andrew, Genesis knew, had dark hair and hateful dark eyes. He was a bit thinner then Seth, but gave the appearance he did eat enough to keep on the weight. His clothes was a mixture of formfitting and hanging off of him.

  Lenus stood slightly above the younger four, but a few inches shorter then Ichigo. He was pale with shadows under his golden, critical eyes. He was almost as thin as Ichigo was. Over his shoulders, a bag bounced off his back. Genesis had no doubt that it held the boys’ most prized processions and knew they were few.

  “Are we going to Luke or not?” Ichigo snapped.

  Genesis glared at Ichigo before he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, calming himself then he replied, “Yes.” He stepped around the boys and started toward the White Hall Wing. He heard the boys scramble after him.

  Tina laughed at the tale Luke spun about his brothers. It sounded like the boys could be the poster kids for worshiping Loki, the Norse God of Mischief, from the amount of trouble Luke was retelling. She reached for the goblet, sitting on the far side of her plate and took a drink of water. She eyed Luke who sat next to her.

  He looked a lot better after a bath. He had the healthy look of a 5 year old boy who simply played in the dirt too much and at the end of the day, didn’t bother to clean up before crashing. He had black hair that curl at the ends. His dark brown eyes glowed with a joy of getting attention. Kagome did managed to find some spare clothes from the White Hall Suite that fitted Luke perfectly. Tina didn’t know why Kagome thought it would be best to go through the White Hall Suite for boys’ clothes. Maybe Genesis had a younger brother that Tina didn’t know about.

  She thought back to the letter. It did mention about a Vincent and a Victor, but nothing about their ages. Her mother hadn’t disappeared in the last decade for nearly a year like she did when she came home with Natasha when Tina was 6 years old. Perhaps, those clothes belonged to one of her mysterious brothers from when they were a lot younger.

  A knock echoed through the common room. Kagome went to it and opened the door. She was immediately pushed aside and a tall teen stormed in to the room, “LUKE!”

  Tina narrowed her eyes at the tallest of the boys. She watched from the corner of her eye as Luke looked up and grinned. He launched himself from the chair, tipping it back until it fell with a thud. He ignored it as he ran across the room to the group of boys, crying, “Ichigo! Marco! Seth! Drew! Lenus!” he wrapped each boy into a tight hug before he let out, “What are you doing here?”

  “To get you,” The tall teen replied, “Let’s go.”

  “I don’t think so,” Tina cut in. She eyed each of the boys with a critical gaze. They didn’t appear much better then Luke when they had entered the Armstrong Suite. “Luke is staying the night here to make sure he doesn’t get sick and has a couple hearty meals in him. You are more then welcome to join him.”

  The door to the suit shut. She glanced up to see Genesis standing with his back to the door. Kagome was back on her feet, glaring at the boys. There was a familiar look in her eyes. One that made Tina pause and think about. When Kagome blinked, the look was gone and she straightened up.

  “Should I retrieve more clothes and food?” she asked.

  “Yes, please, Kagome,” Tina said, “And thank you for your help.”

  “I’m just doing my job, miss,” Kagome bowed at her before Genesis opened the door for her and she disappeared into the hallway.

  “No,” the tallest of the boys announced, “He is not going to stay here.” Tina turned her gaze back to the group of boys. “He is coming with us.”

  “He will in the morning when I am sure he isn’t coming down with a cold,” Tina argued, “Unless you can retrieve one of his parents.”

  “We don’t need anyone to take care of us,” the boy shot back with a glare.

  “What is your name?” Tina asked, lending back in her chair.

  “None of your business,” the boy answered.

  Tina smirked, “Well, None of your business,” Genesis snorted in amusement as Luke giggled, the rest of the boys snickered as the boy nicknamed as ‘None of your Business’ glared at Tina, “My name is Valentina of the Armstrong House, please call me Tina, and I have took Luke under my protection for the day. You see, he was nearly killed by someone pushing in front of my carriage. I saved him from becoming a pancake by a pair of horses.” She pushed away from the table. “So, in a way, he owes me his life. He can repay it by staying the night in a warm place and have a couple decent meals in his belly before he is free to return to his previous life.” She stood up and she walked over to the group of boys, looking them over, “Like I said, you are more then welcome to join him.” She stopped in front of ‘None of your business’, saying, “Think about it. When was the last time you had a hot meal? Possible a warm bed? Not have to worry about waking up with one of your brothers sick?”

  One of the younger brothers stepped forward. She turned her attention to him. He gave her a toothy grin. She noticed he was missing a tooth. He spoke up, “Well, my lady, you have given my brothers and I some good arguments.” She raised an eyebrow at him in surprise. “Please, give me, my lady, I didn’t introduce myself. I am Seth Stonewall and this is my eldest brother, Ichigo Stonewall or as he introduce himself as None of your business.” A quick glance at the newly named Ichigo informed Tina that he didn’t appreciate when Seth calling him out on his bull shit. “If you would excuse us, my lady, my brothers and I need to discuss your kind offer.”

  Tina wanted to laugh. The way Seth had sneer the word kind told her all she need to know on his thoughts of his offer. However, she didn’t let the boy know how much she was amused by his tone and nodded, “As you wish, little one.”

  She stepped around the group of boys and walked over to Genesis.

  “They won’t take the offer,” he said in a way of greeting.

  “On the contrary, I think they will,” Tina shot back, “So, care to enlighten me on what the name of Stonewall means.”

  “It is given to the children born without fathers,” he explained, “There are a lot of them in Camelot. Most of them are street urchins.” He paused, watching over Tina’s shoulder as the boys whispered in nearly unheard tones. “Camelot does have a couple of orphanages, but they are overrun, underfunded, understaffed, and nearly falling apart.” He went on, “After the Era of the Kingless Kingdom, many of the children left alive had no where else to turn to and most of them went to the orphanages. If they had any family left, they weren’t retrieved from the orphanages, so a lot of them stayed in the Northern Area, staying in poverty.”

  “There was no aid available in that aftermath for the kids or the family looking to adopt,” Tina asked. Genesis shook his head no.

  “The Ancient and Noble Houses like mine had vessel houses to look after beside their own,” Genesis explained, “We had to build damn near everything..” He glanced at Tina, “I’m sorry for my colorful language. It’s no way to speak in front of a lady.”

  “Well, damn, cousin, I don’t see a lady in this room,” Tina said, “I don’t really give a damn or not if you speak freely or not.” She blinked innocently at him as he gapped at her.

  “You are a handful,” Genesis said, “I almost feel sorry for your future husband.”

  “Assuming I will have one,” she shot back.

  “If Grandma has anything to say about it, you will,” the general grinned, “I can’t wait to see how he will react your ladyship skills.”

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  “That would be amusing to see,” she agreed, “Anyway, getting back to rebuilding…”

  “Ah, yes,” her cousin - older brother - started, “Many families didn’t have the extra money to help out the poor anymore.”

  “You mean they were before,” she asked in surprised. From what she knew of history, that didn’t happen. In fact, the welfare state was a new thing, started in the 20th century when the New Deal was signed into law thanks to President Roosevelt in the aftermath the Great Depression as a way to help the unemployed to get back onto their feet while they were looking for another job or the single mom who tried to make ends meet.

  However, shortly after the Plague of the 21st Century swept over the world, there was a new surge of welfare programs put in place thanks to the Administration of the early 20’s. While Tina understood the reason why such programs existed, she didn’t like the idea of living off the programs for long periods of time. The programs were a safety net that work for a short while, but when the safety net ran out, that where the real problems started, at least for the unemployed. The rest of the society who worked had to pick up their burden and had to work longer and harder hours to make ends met due to the high taxes for the welfare programs to work. It was something she was not looking forward to when she returned home.

  Genesis nodded. Tina sighed. It was starting to seem like Camelot wasn’t the Legendary Kingdom she had grew up to thought it was.

  “Remember Mikey!” one of the boys raised his voice. Tina and Genesis glanced at each other before they turned to look at the boys. Ichigo’s back straightened then he slumped forward. Drew kicked at the rug before he nodded. Ichigo nodded back before he faced Tina and the General, walking over.

  “Fine,” Ichigo admitted defeat. His hands in his pockets of his brown pants. He didn’t meet Tina’s eyes. “We will stay the night here.”

  “Thank you,” Tina said, gently, “I know it is not easy asking for help.” The teen scoffed, looking to the side of Genesis, at the door. “Now, I would like you and your brothers go get washed up for…well, is it almost dinner time?” She glanced at Genesis.

  “It’s an early supper,” he answered, “It’s only 5.” Tina gave him a wide eyed look. “Usually, the kitchens won’t serve Supper until closer to 7 on most days, but I do believe someone requested the Head Cook to serve Supper early.”

  Tina nodded, “Hopefully, by the time you and your brothers are finished getting cleaned up, Kagome will be back with fresh clothes you boys to wear.” Ichigo jerked his head down, sharply, understanding. “Luke, could you show your brothers where the tub is?”

  “Sure thing, Miss Tina,” Luke chirped with a grin, “Come on, Drew, Seth, you guys are going to love this tub. It’s HUGE!” he walked to the same room where he used earlier. His brothers shuffled behind him, but Ichigo didn’t move, still standing in front of Tina and Genesis.

  She raised an eyebrow at him when he blurted out, “I still won’t take your apprenticeship, General!” He spun on his heel and followed his brothers.

  Tina frowned before she turned her head to Genesis. He looked sheepish and he headed to the table. She crossed her arms over her chest, walking after him, asking, “So, I’m guessing you have tried to persuade him into taking an apprenticeship, possible in the military, under you, General?”

  Genesis let out a deep sigh and claimed a seat at the table while Tina went back to the seat at the end of the able. She stared at him, waiting for him to give her an answer.

  “Yes,” Genesis huffed.

  Tina didn’t stop the amused smile from pulling at her lips, “He keeps saying no.” He glared at her. That was all she needed to hear before she started to giggle. He scrawled.

  Arthur wanted to bang his head against the nearest stone wall until the gray matter exploded from his skull. His grandmother Bella would not drop the topic of Arthur being King. She had started talking about it the moment they had entered the Queen’s Tower, nearly a hour ago.

  “I am sure the reason why the Holy Sword has not chose you, yet, Arthur, is because you are unmarried,” Nana Bella argued. “Looking at the past several decades, the Chosen King was already married or at least had chose a bride when the Holy Sword chose them to be King.”

  He wished she would shut up, already. He already announced he won’t be King of Camelot. Plus, he wasn’t ready to get married. He should be out there, on quests, proving he was a skilled fighter, not wasting his time arguing with Nana Bella about his options over the various eligible women in the Court who were already looking for a husband. He silently groaned. He looked toward Kalliope.

  She sat in the Queen’s Chair, sipping on tea. Her eyes were red rimmed, still, but she had the image of a collected Queen. He would like to know how she did it. It felt like there was a hole in his chest and whenever he looked toward the future, he was unsure on what to do or where to go. The only former queen that wasn’t in the common room was Grandma Clarine.

  Grandma Clarine retreated to her room and hadn’t been seen since the Ruling Family had return to the Queen’s Tower. One of her servants had made an appearance, claiming the former queen had been requested to be left alone for the rest of the day to mourn her remaining son.

  Aunt Elizabeth never showed up for the funeral. Arthur sighed. He had been hoping she would suddenly show up again and at least saw her brother lay to rest with the rest of the Chosen Kings. Of course, it had been too much to hope for. He understood why she didn’t bother making her way to Camelot after all these years.

  Maybe, the new Chosen King would allow him to track his Aunt down and figure out what had happened to her. It was an interesting thought. Maybe it will help Grandma Clarine finding some closure. In a way, he needed some closure as well.

  From her seat by the window, Aunt Holly finally voiced her annoyance, “Mom! Leave Artie to alone!” she slapped the arm of the chair she sat in. “He will find a wife when he is ready to.”

  “He still needs to claim the throne,” Nana Bella shot back, glaring at Aunt Holly, “Unless you want another Era of a Kingless Kingdom?”

  “Jesus Christ!” Aunt Elsa groaned. She rose a hand to cover her face. She sat in one of the chairs in the back of the common room, by a large bookcase. She had a large book in her lap.

  “Elsa Marie!” Nana Bella shouted, “You will not take the Lord’s Name in Vain!”

  Aunt Elsa rolled her eyes as Nana Bella glared at her. Arthur bit his lower lip to hid a smile. Aunt Elsa knew how to make a scene and directed Nana Bella’s ire somewhere else.

  “I frankly don’t care if I took your Lord’s name in vain or not,” Aunt Elsa started, “Suggesting anyone here, in this room, wanting another Kingless Kingdom era is highly irresponsible.” She closed the book on her lap with a loud snap. She straightened up from the way she was sitting and swung her legs from over the arm of the chair. Her feet barely made a noise as they landed on the stone floor. “As right now, we don’t know if there will be another time where Camelot won’t have a King on the Throne. We just know Arthur wasn’t found worthy by the Holy Sword, nothing more, nothing less.” She pushed herself into a standing position, allowing her simple icy blue dress she had changed into after she returned to the Queen’s Tower to flow around her legs. “We just have to hope one of the Knights are found worthy of the Holy Sword.”

  “What if none of the Knights are found worthy, then, my winter daughter?” Nana Bella asked, “What if the Lords of Camelot are the same way? The Free Men of the Kingdom?”

  “I am sure the Battle Mage and the Black Mage have plans in place,” Aunt Elsa’s voice held a note of confidence as she spoke, “for cases like that.”

  Arthur didn’t want to ask the one question that roam around his skull. A glance around the room told him the other members of the Ruling Family thought the same way. However, Nana Bella voiced it, “What if they don’t?”

  The former crowd prince wished she had voiced that question. The entire room was silent as they wondered what the answer would be.

  “It is a serious question,” Nana Bella argued, “One that needs to be answered soon.” Elsewhere in the castle, Merlin groaned, silently as another Knight was rejected by the Holy Sword. Belladonna wouldn’t like this. He rubbed his face. Hell, he wasn’t beginning to like where this was going. He would have to send out a summons for all of the Lords in Camelot, stating they were allowed to try to pull out the Holy Sword. If they weren’t able to, the next step was to allow all of the free men to try. If the Holy Sword doesn’t find a worthy King among them, he would have no clue on what to do.

  He rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. This was one of the reasons why he hated living as long as he did or at least being forced to stay inside Camelot. He raised his head and stared out the window, seeing the sky had cleared up.

  He would love to feel the wind beneath his wings as he soar through the skies, to see distance lands, and only return when it was necessary - perhaps once a century or two. It was a dream. He was trapped in Camelot by an oath he took many years ago when Camelot was still trying to find its place in a post-Roman world then when the magi moved the Kingdom into the parallel world.

  “Lord Battle Mage,” a nearby scribe spoke up, “What are you planning to do, now?”

  “Send a summons to all of the Lords in the Castle,” Merlin spoke, trying to keep his aggravation out of his voice. “They are required to try to pull the Holy Sword.” The scribe nodded, his attention turning to the scroll on the top in front of him, and started to write a letter. The team of scribes Merlin had ordered to help him started to copy what the first scribe wrote.

  A loud noise echoed from the hallway. He glanced up to the doorway as a guild member of the South Messenger appeared in the doorway, panting. Merlin blinked as he took in the Messenger’s form. Strands of black hair stuck to the sides of the Messenger’s face. Wild, panic eyes met Merlin’s. The messenger’s clothes were mud splatter. “Lord Merlin!” He panted as he hurried forward. “ Lord Merlin! I have terrible news.” In one hand, he held a scroll. His knuckles turned white from how tight he was holding the scroll.

  Merlin felt something heavy land in his stomach at the messenger’s tone, but he gave the messenger his attention, waving his hand, “Go on.”

  “The kingdoms of Mercy and Franks have came to arrangement of alliance through marriage,” The messenger started, panting, “The Princess of Franks is to marry the Prince of Mercy in less then three weeks time. The Kings of Mercy and Franks will march on Camelot to claim the Holy Sword and the Throne of Camelot for themselves.”

  “Shit,” Merlin breathed. This was something he feared. He nodded at the messenger, “Thank you for bringing me the news.” That explains the bad feeling he had been having for a bit. He turned his attention to the Holy Sword, wondering what the Sword was waiting for or whom, in this case. He shook his head. He should really have cast a spell on it where it could speak.

  However, he remembered the last time he cast such a spell on an object. While the reactions had been amusing, the comments coming from the said object were not. He could have sworn many ladies wanted to throw the object into the fires and cheer as it melted. Lucky for him, no one found out who cast that spell because magic was still legal and there were many magi within the castle walls.

  He shook his head. His thought came back to the problem at hand. They had to find the Next Chosen King before the armies of Mercy and Franks arrived at the gates of Camelot. The fate of the Kingdom, once again, rested on the unknown King.

  The bells from the clock tower rang out. Merlin counted the tolls. It was only 6 o’clock. He sighed. It was going to be a long night. He, now, had to inform the Queens, Lady Morgana, and The heads of the Military and Knights of the current developments. They had to plan for the worst case happens - another Era of the Kingless Kingdom or the utter destruction of Camelot.

  He glanced at the Scribes still working away. He called out to them, “Once you have wrote the letters to the Lords in Camelot, please, write a letter to the Ruling Family, the Generals, and the Head of the Knights, requesting they met me in the War Room, at 8.”

  “Yes, Lord Mage,” The acting Head scribe nodded, “I will personally see it done.”

  Merlin nodded. He started to pace back and forth, trying to think of a way to deal with the Kingdoms of Mercy and Franks while they were without a King. First, he had to let Morgana know so she wasn’t blindsided by the Queens’ reactions. He immediately thought of Belladonna’s reaction. He winced.

  On the top floor of the Queen’s Tower, Morgana frowned when she heard a peeking noise at her balcony doors. She strolled over it and opened one of the doors to see one of the falcons Merlin used to pass messengers to her when he couldn’t get to her faster then the messengers did.

  She took the small scroll from the bird and unrolled it, before she read it. The color drained from her face. She twisted on her heel and darted through the hallways and staircases, running as fast as she dared. She panted as she threw herself into the common room, startling the Queens, the Princesses, and the Princes sitting in the room.

  “What is wrong,” Susan started to stand up when there was a knock on the door to the tower. A servant nearby answered it and stepped out of the way, allowing the Southern Guild Messenger to step in. Morgana heard him gulp out of nerves before he announced, “There has been a political alliance announced between the Kingdoms of Mercy and Franks. The Princess of the Franks is to be wed in three weeks time to the Prince of the Mercians before the two kingdoms plan to march on Camelot.”

  Merlin had said so in his letter. Morgana, hearing it straight from the messenger, slumped her shoulders. War was coming rather they like it or not. She wasn’t sure now if the Chosen King was announced would cause the two Kingdoms to back off. She sighed.

  Belladonna slipped to her feet, looked at Morgana, and announced, “I’m calling the war council.” She didn’t wait for Morgana to reply before she hurried out of the room. Arthur jumped from his seat and rushed after her.

  “Merlin already did it!” the black mage called out after the warrior queen, “We are meeting in the War Room at 8, Belladonna!” It took a heartbeat to realized the Warrior Queen had ignored her, but Arthur paused long enough to glance over his shoulder at her before he resumed his fast pace after his grandmother.

  Morgana glanced at the rest of the Queens and the Royal children. She didn’t have the time to instruct them on what to do next. Most of them were either child, teens, or young adults the last time they faced a war time.

  “Go, Morgana,” Vivian spoke, “I will handle the rest of it here.”

  The black mage nodded before she ran after the Warrior Queen and the Prince. Vivian would know how to handle the situation, given the fact she was the one handing out orders for the Ruling Family to follow.

  Morgana followed the path Belladonna and Arthur took to get to the War Room, near the Seasonal Throne Room. She saw several servants leap to get out of the way of Belladonna. She rolled her eyes. She knew the Warrior Queen could be fearsome, but such dramatics was out of line.

  Tina glanced at the spare room as she heard cheerful chatter echoing off the stone walls before she turned her attention to Genesis. He still stood by the door to the Suit, looking tired. The shadows had grown under his bloodshot eyes. He still wore the same outfit he had earlier that day. Apparently, he didn’t have time to change or didn’t want to.

  “Are you going to sit down,” She asked, “You look like you could fall over any moment, cousin.” She still fought the urge to call him brother. “Besides, once the boys get out here, we are going to eat.” She lend back in her chair, “You should join us.”

  Genesis stared at her for long moment then he nodded. He strolled over and claimed the seat at the other end of the table. He relaxed. His legs stretched out in front of him. “So,” he spoke up, “What are your plans?”

  “I kinda need a time reference, there, Gen-gen,” Tina smirked at him as he glared at her when she spoke the nickname, “I have plans for tonight, possible tomorrow morning, tomorrow night, next week, next month…”

  His glared deepened as he snapped, “Are you planning to leave Camelot and when?”

  Tina giggled before she answered, “Yes, I do plan on leaving Camelot, possible tomorrow night after dinner while it is still light.”

  “Why not the following morning,” Genesis asked with a raised eyebrow, “At sun break?”

  “Personal reasons,” Tina said. She had thought about that, but she didn’t want to stay any longer then she had to after she spotted Team Ralph in the crowd during the Funeral Parade. She still had no clue where Kikyo was hiding at. Tina mused the female ninja was hiding in the last place the red head would think of.

  A knock on the suit door echoed through the room and the door opened. Kagome stepped into the common room, holding several articles of clothing. She shut the door behind her. “After I leave, I think I will heading home, perhaps. I might go exploring the country side. I really don’t know. I haven’t thought that far ahead.” Tina explained, “Thank you, Kagome.”

  “You’re welcome, my lady,” Kagome bowed and left the pile of the clothes on the couch.

  “You got those from the White Hall Suite, didn’t you?” Genesis lend forward. There was a look of suspicion in his eye.

  “Yes, my lord,” Kagome admitted.

  Tina raised an eyebrow at Genesis. He nodded.

  “Next time, ask,” Genesis ordered, “My family has heirlooms we pass down from parent to child.”

  “Even clothing?” Tina asked, surprised.

  “Yes,” he glanced at her, “Some of the clothes stashed away are for my own kids or one of my siblings’ brats. My mom has her wedding dress stashed away for my sisters to use when they get married while my dad has his wedding uniform at ready for when I get married and my brothers will use it when they settle down.”

  Tina blinked, surprise. She had no clue her mother still had her wedding dress and wanted her to use it when Tina got married. Maybe that was why her mom had pushed so hard when she found out Tina was suppose to marry her ex to return home and have family-only vacation.

  She frowned, thinking back to that conversation. She did remember her mother arguing her ex wouldn’t understand where Tina was from and wouldn’t allow him to accompany them to wherever the hell they were going. Tina refused to visit home for the plan fact her ex wasn’t allow to accompany them and that started the rift between herself and her mother. Now, looking back with the knowledge she had, Tina figured her mother had wanted her and Natasha to met the rest of their family before Tina got married and possible found another man to marry. She sighed. Her mother didn’t like her ex for many reasons, but the old lady had respected Tina’s decision to date him.

  There was a loud clamber from the spare room and Luke led his brothers out, rushing to the table. He climbed into the seat closet to Tina. He looked at her with a grin, saying, “They smell a lot better.”

  She cracked a smile at him before she glanced over to the boys, “They look a lot better, too.” The eldest boy - Ichigo, right? - glared at her. “But I think they would look ten times better if they had new clothes to wear, don’t’cha think, Gen-gen?” Genesis stared at Ichigo who stared back. “Genesis?” Tina asked, glancing between them. He didn’t answer. She scrawled. Her gaze dropped to the table and spotted a red apple. A grin slid across her face. She grabbed it and tossed it between her hands. “Apple head!” she called out as she throw it across the table, aiming to hit Genesis’ head.

  Genesis took her by surprise when he raised his hand and grabbed the apple from the air. He tore his gaze away from it and glanced down at the apple. He waved his hand, holding the apple. “Thanks, cousin.” He said and took a bit from the apple.

  Tina crossed her arms over her chest and pouted, glaring at her older brother - cousin. Luke giggled. One of the brothers snorted, Tina didn’t know which one.

  “However, Tina is right,” Genesis said, “You will look better in newer clothes.” He took another bit. “Still look too thin for my likening, though.”

  Tina rolled her eyes at the General. She knew he was playing some sort of psychological game with the boys, especially with Ichigo, the eldest boy.

  “Okay, you two,” Tina stood up and pointed at Genesis then at Ichigo, “Stop this pissing contest.” Genesis gasped before he started to cough. Ichigo turned his attention to her. “This won’t help you or your brothers, ‘None of your business’,” the boy glared, pressing his lips together, and an angry flush across his cheeks. “We are trying to help you, believe or not.”

  “I’m sure,” Ichigo drawled.

  “All I’m asking is you stay the night, have a couple hot meals, fresh set of clothes, and have a safe place for you and your brothers to stay the night,” Tina stated, “In the morning, you are free to leave if you wish.”

  “And him?” Ichigo jerked his jaw to Genesis. Tina glanced at her cousin - older brother.

  “He won’t stop you from leaving,” Tina stated. She narrowed her eyes at the General, staring at him from her end of the table. He met her gaze. She crossed her arms over her chest. She spoke sternly, “Isn’t that right, Genesis?” He didn’t answer as the boys hurried over to the table and claimed seats. Neither red head spoke as they stared each other down. Tina wondered if she was going to be the one who would up cracking first when there was a knock at the door.

  She didn’t bother looking at the door, knowing Kagome would be the one answering it. She let out a low throaty growl as she kept Genesis’ gaze.

  “Yes, the General is here, Lieutenant Reno,” Kagome’s voice rang out.

  “Thank you, Miss,” Reno’s voice sounded. Tina sensed him strolled across the room and paused. His gaze traveled between Tina and Genesis then over the brothers, “Well, this is an interesting site to see. I will have to get the story from you, later, General.”

  “You will,” Genesis spoke, “What is it?” His gaze didn’t leave Tina’s stare.

  “An Urgent Meeting in the War Room,” Reno explained, “at 8.”

  Genesis and Tina blinked before they turned their gaze onto Reno. Tina felt a flash of amusement as a panic expression darted over Reno’s face as he saw both of them had turned to look at him before he managed to school his face into a stoic expression. He continued, “Something about the Mericans and the Franks being united in marriage before they march their way to Camelot.” He rose a hand and rubbed the back of his neck. “Belladonna and Merlin both called for the Meeting. They are already in the War Room, waiting on us and the rest of the Generals and their seconds. Merlin also called for the Head of the Knights.”

  Genesis nodded, standing up. He directed his next comment to Tina, “I believe we will discuss this more when I return.”

  “Assuming the boys and I are still up,” Tina shot back, “If we are not, you will have to wait until morning. I will need my beauty sleep.”

  Genesis snorted, “You will never have enough beauty sleep then.”

  Tina blinked once then twice before her eyes flew to the table, glancing over it to see what she could throw at her cousin- older brother - and decided against it. She shot back, “Obviously, you have not look in the mirror, lately. Oh wait! You break mirrors if you look into them.”

  Luke burst out laughing as one of his brothers snorted. Genesis opened his mouth to reply, but he snapped it close when he couldn’t think of a comeback. He stalked out of the room. Reno shook his head and followed him. Tina smirked at Genesis’ back. The door shut behind the two military men. She glanced at Ichigo who had claimed the seat on her left hand. He looked impressed. His voice radiated it when he spoke, “I have never seen Apple Head like that before.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed that small bit of entertainment,” Tina gave the teen a grin. “I could have kept going if he did.” She winked at them.

  Nearly two hours had passed since Merlin requested the Lords of Camelot to visit the Chamber of the Holy Sword. He sighed as he watched the last Lord attempted to pull out the Holy Sword. The Lord couldn’t.

  “You have been found unworthy of the Holy Sword and ruling Camelot,” Merlin intoned for the unknown time.

  “I knew I would be,” the Lord admitted, shrugging his shoulders, “Ruling a kingdom wasn’t my thing. I only did it so we wouldn’t experience another Kingless Kingdom.”

  Merlin nodded in understanding. There had been a few lords who truly wished they didn’t have to try to pull the Holy Sword out of the stone, but did it anyway for the sense of duty. No one wanted to go through what happened 20 years ago. He sighed before he ordered, “Go home and rally your forces.” The lord raised an eyebrow at him. “We are facing war with the Mercians and the Franks.”

  The lord paled, but he nodded, saying, “As you commend, Lord Battle Mage.”

  The scribes at the nearby table could be heard scratching with a quill at the scroll held opened. Merlin sighed, again.

  “Alright, thank you for your help,” he directed his statement to the scribes, “But I need everyone to clear out so I can lock up this room.” The head scribe nodded. “Prepare an announcement of the Public Choosing, Ori, starting at noon tomorrow for all free men.”

  The Head Scribe’s, Ori, eyes widened, “Public Choosing for all Free Men?”

  “Yes,” Merlin nodded, “We don’t have the time to waste. We need to find the next Chosen King before our enemies get here.”

  Ori nodded. The Head scribe ordered the rest of the scribes under his command to leave the room. “Will you be in the War Room? It won’t take me long to draft an announcement of the Public Choosing. I would like have your approval before I send it out to the Messenger Guilds.”

  “Yes,” the Battle Mage nodded, “I fear I will be there for most of the night.”

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