Part LX

If you don't draw conclusions, history will repeat. This is an old saying but it is true. Those who don't learn from the past mistakes are bound to repeat them. Joel decided not to do so. He made a fair share of mistakes in his life so far and was willing to change.

"Michel, stop please." Joel grabbed the duke's hands and pushed him a bit.

"It's not that I don't like you or hate what we are doing." There he blushed even a bit, so he still had some sense of shame. "But I don't want to live my life pretending I'm a woman. No matter how female I might look in those clothes, Michel. I'm still a man. I need some occupation and I don't need a partner who is ashamed of me. I get it that you cannot officially acknowledge me as your partner but I don't want to hide either."

Michel was still kneeling in front of him with a puzzled expression. He was listening without interrupting, Joel wasn't sure whether it was a good or a bad sign.

"If you expect me to dress in female clothes for the rest of my life then I'm sorry, but we have to part." Joel's decision was firm. He made himself clear. As much as he liked Michel, he decided not to give up upon himself.

The wrinkle between Michael's eyebrows got deeper. The duke was quiet for a moment and Jel felt a bit awkward. He wasn't sure what to do, he already said everything if the duke disagrees then that's over. Joel's chest got tight. He suddenly felt a stab of regret.

Joel sighted as the silence continued. Joel stood up.

"I see, that's your answer. Well …'

"Stop Joel! Not a single word before I finish." Michel stood up making Joel feel a bit intimidated as he was now looming over him.

"I needed a moment to collect my thoughts as I believe our future depends on this answer. I won't force you to wear dresses and act as a woman, though I love how sexy you look in that kind of clothes. I respect your wish and I will give you a task to do. First, however, I need to explain something to you."

Michel looked pretty serious and seemed to still need some time to collect his thoughts so Joel sat down again waiting for the duke to continue.

"You probably heard that I was married once. My wife died shortly after giving birth to our son. There wasn't much love in our relationship, but there was respect and I felt deep regret after losing her. Our son is being raised by my parents in law on their estate. I rarely see my child, not because I don't love him but because there have already been three attempts to assassinate my son."

Joel's eyes went round from shock. That was something he has never heard about. The duke looked concerned so this must have been true.

"But who is behind that?" Joel asked bluntly.

"The king, my uncle." Michel looked at Joel then took the other chair and moved closer to Joel. As he sat next to him the duke grabbed Joel's hand.

"You see, I'm next in line to the throne, my uncle has only got a daughter and she can't inherit if there is a next male successor. That is the law. So both me and my son are a threat to his reign. He even went as far as to inflict conflict between our country and the neighboring Farnac leading to a few short battles on the border. I managed to calm the situation down but my dear uncle won't stop. He is trying to inflict another conflict and two months ago there was another attempt to assassinate my son. I need to put an end to this madness."

Michel looked at shocked Joel who was holding the duke's hands tightly.

"I will fight my uncle and overthrow the king. He no longer cares about the welfare of the citizens. For his own sake he is willing to start another war." Michel's eyes looked cold, there was a sudden change in his expression.

"I will rule this kingdom." There was no boasting in Michel's words; he simply stated an obvious truth for him. He looked so determinate and so powerful at the same time.

"I want you to become my son's protector. You will become one of my most trusted knights." Michel looked at Joel who stood up and hugged the duke.

"I will protect your son, you can trust me." Joel made a promise, holding his lover in a tight embrace. He felt so elevated by Mikel's words.

" I know you will." Michel was brushing his lover's hair.

'For now we will have to part. You will go to Deloney Castle and I will lead the rebellion."

Joel lowered his head, there was one thing bothering him.

"Michel, my father is a king's guard. I hope nothing will happen to him." Joel looked with a pleading look at Michel.

"I will do my best to protect your parents." Michel placed a small kiss on Joel's forehead.

"I really don't want to part with you." He sighed while his hands started wandering around Joel's back. A pleasant warm feeling flooded Joel.

There was a knock on the door again.

"Commander, we are all ready." A hushed voice behind the door brought them back to reality.

"I'll be right on my way." Michel answered parting unwillingly with Joel's warm arms.

He quickly collected his clothes and handed Joel some men's clothes.

"Change, this sight should be for my eyes only."

Joel smiled and obediently changed under the watchful gaze of the duke. The clothes were a bit too big but it was better than the dress. Before the duke opened the door, Joel stopped him. He wanted to confirm something really important to him.

"Michel, project my family and I will protect yours."