"Joseph," he corrected, his voice also a whisper. "No one else is around, unless you want to count that bird sitting on your window-sill. Did you sleep well Angel?"

"Y...yes, thank you," Lance replied, snuggling closer to his brown-haired husband and snaking his hand southward until he found what he sought.

"Na ah ah," said the older one, reaching under the blankets and grasping Lances' hand. "Not this early in the morning." Bring Lances' hand to his lips, Joseph dropped a light kiss on the back, then looked up at his husband. "Becoming bolder are we?" he asked, an approving smile creasing his lips.

Looking hurt, Lance lowered his eyes. "I...I'm sorry...I...did not mean to displease you," he whispered in a frightened voice. "I...I...just wanted to try and...and exper...experiment like you told me last night."

"I'm not displeased with you Lance. It is just that this early in the morning, the sevents are already up and soon they'll be coming to the door to wake us up. I'd perfer that they not hear the going ons in the bed chambers."

"Oh," Lance replied. "I did not think of that." Looking at Joseph, Lance snuggled even closer. "I...I wish..."

Holding him securly, the elder one laughed quietly as he rested his chin on Lances' head. "What am I now?" he asked, his tone of voice teasing. "A genie from a lamp?"

"I...I wish that we did not have to rise this morning," Lance replied softly. "I...I want to stay here in your arms the rest fo the day."

"As do I," Joseph confided. "But Christopher will be waiting in the library for you after breakfast so that you can continue with your studies. You would not like to have him teach you in here would you?"

"No, I guess not," Lance said smiling. Just as quickly, the smile disappeared. Feeling the change in Lances' embrace as the smile faded, Joseph ask quietly what was bothering his young lord.

His body shaking, Lance looked up at Joseph. "I...I know you want to see Joshua and Justin this morning because of what happened yesterday," Lance began. "Do...do I have to be present for the meeting?"

Pulling Lance close to provide as much comfort as possible, the elder one replied, "I would like for you to be there Lance. This concern you, and I would like, if possible, for you three to talk out your differences."

"I...I...M'lord please don't make me face them," Lance burst out, not meaning to. "I...I've tried to get along with them, but they hate me. They'll nevr accept me."

"Shh," Joseph whispered. "Angel, please...just try one more time. I'm sure they will come around. We just have to make them see that you are their equal."

"They...they'll never see me as an equal," Lance replied, on the verge of tears. "Joshua said that to me yesterday. No matter what anyone says, all I'll ever be is a...a farm boy from the lower lands." Turning his back to Joseph, Lance lay on the pillow, silent tears slipping from his eyes and down his face. How he dreaded this meeting, he thought.

Placing a hand lightly on Lances' shoulder, Joseph replied, "Lance, when you married into this family, who did you vow to please?"

"Y...you," Lance gulped, choking back a sob.

"Then, if you vowed to please me, why are you so worried about pleasing Joshua and Justin?" Letting a moment pass, Joseph went on. "I know you want to be friends with them, but I don't want you changing from the innocent 'farm boy' that you are into a snobby nobel like them."

Wiping a tear away, Lance turned to face Joshua. "I...I know you are right, M'lord but I...it's just that I...I want them to like me."

"Then show them that their teasing does nothing to affect you Lance," he began. "If they see that their teasing doesn't hurt your feelings anymore, they will stop and then, you can try and become friends with them."

"I...I will try, M'lord," Lance replied softly as he sat up in bed. "Anything for you."

Smiling, Joseph leaned forward and kissed his husband lightly. "That is all I can ask of you," he whispered. "I'll send Blake in to help you prepair for the day." Standing and walking towards the door, he turned and added, "I'll see you in the dining hall Angel."

Scooting out of bed and touching Joseph's arm before he walked out, Lance looked up at him. "M...M'lord?" he whispered.

Turning around, Joseph asked, "Yes Angel?"

A shy smile crossing his face, Lance looked at Joseph, his eyes full of love. "I...I love you...so very much," he replied.

Returning the smile, Joseph brushed his thumb over Lances' cheek. "And I you Lance."

Continuing to smile as Joseph turned and walked down the hall, Lance walked over to the window and looked out on a cloudless sky. The sun shone brightly and all the colors seemed brighter. Presently Blake came to Joseph's chamber and knocked. "Come in," Lance called.

Walking in and shutting the door quietly behind him, Blake clasped his hands in front of him, being careful to not wrinkle the white shirt and black pants he held drapped across his arms. "G...good morning, M'lord," he whispered.

"Good morning, Blake," Lance returned. Blake smiled at his young charge as he carefully placed Lance's clothes over the back of the chair and moved to prepare his bath.

"Would you like anything else beside a bath M'lord?" Blake asked before entering into Josephs' private bath chamber. "Or anything special added to the bath water?"

"Y...yes, Blake," Lance replied softly. "Maybe some musk scented oil if there is such a thing."

Nodding, Blake moved to study the small cabinate that kept all of Josephs' bottled oils. Finding one that he felt might be to his charges' liking, the servent walked over and handed it to Lance, keeping the top in his palm. "Will this do M'lord?"

Sniffing at the proffered oil, Lance nodded in reply. "This smells wonderful."

"It's Lord Josephs' favorite," Blake explained. "He has quite a stock of it always on hand." Looking down and chewing on his lower lip, he asked quietly, "Would you like it added to the water, or rubbed in afterwards M'lord?"

"I...I think I'd like it added to the water," the young lord replied.

"Of course M'lord," Blake said. Bowing slightly before turning to re-enter the bathing chamber, he poured and ample amount of the oil into the bathwater before going back and helping Lance. "M'lord...may I ask you a personal question?"

Lance looked at Blake, tilting his head to the side. "Yes," he replied shyly.

Helping Lance settle into the warm bathwater, Blake said, "You...you don't have to answer...I may be overstepping my bounds..."

"It is all right, Blake...you can ask your question," Lance replied, settling in the musk-scented water.

"Th...thank you M'lord," Blake whispered as he moved behind his charge to wash his back. "The...the night of your...your wedding...I was...what did it feel like, M'lord? Being with Lord Joseph?"

Lance lowered his head, his face turning red from embarrassment. "I...I...it...it..." he stuttered, wincing at the memory of how painful that first time was.

"I'm sorry M'lord," Blake apologized quickly. "I should not have asked such a personal question. I was only...only curious...forgive me M'lord, please? I meant no harm in it."

Looking at Blake, Lance shook his head. "It is all right, Blake. You did nothing wrong by asking...it's just that...it...it was...it was my first time and I...I..."

Chewing on his lower lip as he massaged in the warm water, the servant said, "I...I think I understand M'lord." Lowering his eyes for a moment, he added, ever so quietly, "At least you will know what it is like to be with someone..."

Turning his head slightly to look at Blake, Lance's eyes were filled with curiosity. "What...what do you mean?" he asked softy.

"The...the servants... M'lord," he began, his voice full of fear that he might upset his charge. "We will never have the chance to be with someone, like you and Lord Joseph can. The only thing close to that is when Lord Joseph decides he wants to try for a male heir, but even then, he'll choose a female servant to bed with..."

"Oh," Lance replied quietly as he thought about what Blake had said. "I...I didn't know...I'm sorry."

Smiling bravely as he began to rub in the shampoo into Lances' blond hair, Blake shook his head. "It's...it's okay M'lord...I...I guess..."

"You...you are not even allowed the company of another servant?" Lance asked. It didn't seem fair that they should not be able to find love with someone.

"No M'lord...the only company we may keep is Lord Josephs'...if he calls on us...but now that he has you, Lord Joshua, and Lord Justin, he rarely needs our company."

Lance looked down, suddenly feeling guilty that Blake would not know the love he had found with Joseph. "I am truly sorry, Blake."

Moving to Lances' side, Blake took his arm and held it up at the shoulder, so that he could wash and rinse it. "It's alright M'lord," he stated, his voice sounding as if it were far off in the distance. "I...I was only curious as to how...nevermind..."

Lance tenderly touched Blake's arm, motioning for him to stop his actions. "You do not have to be embarrassed, Blake," his young charge replied gently. "There is nothing wrong with wanting to know something. What is it that you would like to know?"

Shaking his head and lowering his eyes, Blake whispered, "No M'lord. Really...I...I can't ask...they are private moments that do not concern me. Please...forget I mentioned it."

Smiling at the nervous servant, Lance spoke tenderly to him. "Blake, may I confide something in you?"

Keeping his eyes lowered, the young servant nodded. "Of...of course M'lord."

"When I was brought to Herfordshire a few days ago, I was extremely nervous and frightened that Lord Joseph would not be pleased with me. I...knew nothing about the wedding chamber or what was expected of me...and I...I...it...it...hurt the first time...a lot." Smiling at the surprised look on Blake's face, the young lord continued. "I'll share something with you...I'm still a little scared and overwhelmed by everything that has happened to me. It is okay that you have questions. I will be happy to answer any you may have.

"Thank you M'lord. I...I cannot believe that you, a nobel, are scared." Blake stated. "I...thought the wedding chamber was suppose to be pleasing to both those involved?"

It was Lance's turn to lower his head. "There is a lot about being a member of the royal family that I still need to learn, despite my years of training," he replied shyly. "My parents were forbidden, however, to tell me anything about the marriage bed. I had no idea what would happen or what to expect, or what was expected of me. I...I know that it is supposed to pleasing to both people involved, but I..."

"It is not pleasing to you M'lord?" Blake asked quietly, not knowing what subjects would be off limits for questioning. "None of it is?"

"I...I," Lance trailed off, suddenly very ashamed. He loved Joseph; why couldn't he enjoy being with him? "I'm sorry, Blake, but I...I..."

Sensing the change in Lance again, the servant again began apologizing. "M'lord, it is I who should be apologizing. I overstepped my bounds. I never should have began asking such questions."

"It...it is all right, Blake," Lance whispered as Blake helped him step out of the tub and dry off. "You meant no harm. There is nothing wrong with being curious."

"Yes M'lord," Blake voiced quietly as he tried to busy himself with drying and dressing Lance. But his mind kept wandering, causing him to slow at the tasks before him.

Presently a knock came on Lord Joseph's chamber door. Blake went to answer it and was instantly frightened when Devin stood glaring at him. "Jeeves sent me to fetch you," Devin stated harshly, referring to the man who ran the castle's kitchen with precision. "He wanted to know what was taking you so long."

"He...he was just doing his job of helping me," Lance stated quietly. "It was my fault he took longer than he should have."

Blake looked up between Devin and his charge. When he set his eyes on the other servant, the younger one bowed his head in shame. "I was daydreaming M'lord," he whispered. "I...I should have kept my mind upon my work and not off in some dream." Pausing a moment to swallow the lump that had formed in his throat, Blake took in a breath and finished, "Kindly tell Jeeves that I will be down to help with the serving shortly Devin?"

Glaring at Blake, Devin turned on his heel and started toward the door. "M'lord," he bowed in front of Lance, then stormed off toward the kitchen.

Finishing assisting Lance, Blake escorted him to the dining hall, fully knowing everyone would be there, waiting for Lance to arrive. His thoughts were confirmed when they entered the large room. Looking up from behind Lance, Blake gulped to see everyone staring at them, especially Lord Joseph, at the head of the table.

"I...I am sorry, M'lord," Lance whispered, quickly taking his place at the table. "I...had Blake take a little longer than usual. I did not mean to get him in trouble or to keep you waiting." Justin and Joshua exchanged conspiratorial glances, then glared harshly at Lance.

Joseph broke his gaze away from the shaking servant and turned harsh eyes to his newest husband. "He knows the rules Lance. He knows he is not to doddle or hold up the rest of the staff with his slowness, weather you kept him longer then you should have or not. He should have sent word that you would be late to breakfast, yet he did not. That shows poor judgement on his part. I do not know if I want him as a member of the staff serving my family anymore."

Lance was instantly frightened by the harshness in Joseph's tone. "Ple...please, M'lord," he stuttered. "It was my fault, not Blake's. Please do not punish Blake."

Blake stood in front of Lord Joseph, his body shaking in fear. Bowing, he apologized. "I beg your forgiveness, M'lord," Blake whispered. "I apologize for not sending word that Lord Lance would be late for the morning meal and I give my word that it wo...won't happen again."

"Silence," Joseph barked. Turning to Lance, he began, "He needs to be punished Lance. How else will he learn from his mistakes." Leaning back in his chair, Joseph stroked the then goatee, deep in thought. "This isn't the first time you've been late due to your daydreaming is it Blake?" he asked, studying the shaking servant.

Lowering his head in shame, Blake shook his head slowly. "N...no, M...M'lord, it is not...and I apologize."

"You apologized last time, saying that it would never happen again, if I recall correctly. Yet, it has happened again Blake." Sighing and shaking his head, Joseph asked, "What was your punishment the last time you were late?"

A lone tear slipping down Blake's face, the young servant replied quietly "I...I had to clear away the breakfast dishes and clean the kitchen by myself."

Nodding, Joseph said, "Very well. You shall again clear the dishes and clean the kitchen by yourself. Since this is at least the second time this has happened Blake, you'll also have to do whatever it is your charge sees' fit to punish you with, pending it meets my approval."

Looking fearfully at Lord Joseph, Blake bowed."Y...yes, M'lord." Turning again to face Lance, Blake stood, ready to accept his punishment.

"Well Lance," Joseph began. "He is your sevant, and he needs to be taught a lesson in listening. What punishment do you suggest?"

His body trembling, Lance looked quickly at Joseph, then lowered his eyes in embarrassment. Blake had done nothing wrong...he was just curious. Looking at Blake, Lance sighed. "Blake, you will also have to clear away the dinner meal by yourself as well," the young lord replied.

As another tear slipped from his eyes, Blake nodded and whispered, his voice choked, "Ye...yes M'lord...as you wish."

Lance watched as Blake scampered off to help serve breakfast. Once they had eaten and Blake had began to clear the table, Joseph informed Justin and Joshua that he wanted to see them in his study.

"You mean we are allowed out of our rooms today?" Justin asked, stealing a glance Joshuas' way. Lord Joseph glared at his second husband, causing him to shut his mouth quickly. Following Joseph, Joshua and Justin went into the spacoius room, Lance following behind them slowly.

"Before you begin, M'lord," Joshua stated. "Justin and I have something we'd like to say...please."

Glaring at Joshua, Joseph nodded. "Say one word that could be thought of as hateful Joshua," he warned. "And you'll be banished to more then just your bed chambers. Am I clear?"

Wincing at Jospeh's tone, Joshua lowered his head. "Y...yes, M'lord."

"Choose your words very carefully Joshua," Joseph added, leaning against the wall, his arms crossed. "What did you and Justin have to say?"

"We want to apologize, M'lord," Justin replied quietly. "Apologize to Lance."

Having heard something similar to this before, Joseph raised an eyebrow, but remained silent. Looking towards Lance, he nodded his head in his other husbands' directions. The choice was Lances' alone, weather he would except their apology or not.

Justin and Joshua looked at Lance, their faces a picture of remorse. "Lance," Justin began. "Words cannot begin to express how sorry Joshua and I are at the way we've treated you since you became a member of the family. We knew how scared and nervous you were upon entering Herfordshire and we added to your fear instead of welcoming you into the family. I especially am sorry for embarrassing you a few nights ago by challenging you to read Hamlet. I...I just want to say that I am sorry and hope you will give us a second chance."

Justin's words were like a dream come true for the young lord. "I...I don't know what to say," Lance whispered, looking at Joseph for some kind of sign as to what he should do.

Having heard something similar to this before, Joseph raised an eyebrow, but remained silent. Looking towards Lance, he nodded his head in his other husbands' directions. The choice was Lances' alone, weather he would except their apology or not.

Before Lance could speak again, Joseph advised that his blond angel give his other two husbands a week, to prove that they were sincere with their words. "If, at the end of the week, you all have not fought, or hurt Lance in any way, then I think that you should except their apology Angel."

Inwardly, Justin cringed. Angel, he thought. He's calling him Angel? Quickly regaining his composure, he looked at Lance, a smile crossing his face. "We promise that we will make amends and do our best to welcome Lance into the family, M'lord," he replied.

"That is not for me to decide Justin," Joseph replied. "The decision is Lances'." Turning to his third husband, Joseph asked, "Will you give them a trial basis, or forgive them on the spot my Angel?"

"I...I accept your apology," Lance replied softly. "I...I want so much for us to be friends."

Still a little weary of Justin and Joshua, but having work to see to, Joseph had a servent loyal to himself, come and stay in the room with the other three. "I shall be going over some papers before I have to leave next week. If I'm needed, you can find me in my study." As he spoke the last sentence, he directed his words to Lance, as if giving him instructions, just incase.

"Yes, M'lord," Joshua replied, looking at Lance. Joseph smiled and walked out of the study, leaving Lance alone with Justin and Joshua.

"Lance," Justin spoke. "You may not believe us, but we are sorry for what we did to you. We honestly did not mean to hurt you as badly as we did, or to make you feel unwanted."

Tears filled Lance's eyes as he listened to Justin's apology. "You...you have no idea how much this means to me," Lance replied quietly. "All I...I have ever wanted is for you and Joshua to accept me."

Smiling and sitting next to Lance, Justin took his hand and wipped a tear with the other. "We can never make up for what we put you through, but I promise, there will be no more days like those ahead of you."

"Oh Justin, thank you," Lance whispered, hugging him.

Hugging him back, the youngest one offered, "You have lifted a world of worry from our shoulders Lance. And we cannot thank you enough. How can we make it up to you? Ask us anything and we shall do for your, or show you, or teach you."

Looking up at them shyly, Lance asked, "May...may I ask you a personal question?"

"Of course," Justin replied chipperly. "We are like brothers now. You may ask us anything."

Fiddling with his fingers, Justin and Joshua could tell that he was extremely nervous. "I...I...I was wondering how...I mean...when you were wed to M'lord how did it...I mean..."

Smiling and kneeding Lances' shoulder lightly, Justin replied, "You do not have to be so shy around us Lance. We all are family now. Now, out with it. What would you like to know about when we married Joseph?"

Looking down, Lance's face was red from embarrassment. "I...I...what did it feel like?" he whispered, his voice barely a whisper.

"At first," Joshua said, taking a seat on the other side of Lance. "It hurt for both of us, as we're sure it does you. But, soon after that, it started feeling pleasurful." Looking behind Lances' back, Joshua stole a glance at Justin. Turning back to the new one, he asked, "Have you been given the chance to give Joseph pleasure yet Lance?"

Lance looked down, still nervously fiddling with his hands. "I...I haven't...I mean..I didn't..."

"You've never been allowed to enter him?" Justin asked, his jaw dropping. "Has he not taught you yet?"

Lance lowered his head so Justin and Joshua would not see the tears filling his eyes. "I...I'm...he...he's still...I mean...I...I haven't..." he stuttered.

Placing his hand lightly on Lances' leg, Joshua asked, "Would you like us to teach you?"

Lance looked quickly from Joshua to Justin. "Wha...what do you mean?" the young lord whispered nervously.

"Joseph has to leave for business in a week," Justin began. "He'll be to busy at nights to be able to teach you much of what he likes when he beds with us. If you'd like, Joshua and I can teach you what he taught us, so you will know them for the next time he beds you."

"How...I mean...is this allowed?" Lance asked.

"Of course it's allowed," Joshua laughed, shooting the servent a glare that said basically to keep his mouth shut or there'd be hell to pay on his end. When the servent lowered his eyes, Joshua knew they were safe to go on as planned. "I taught Justin what Joseph likes, and we'll teach you."

"I...I guess it will be all right then," Lance replied. He wanted so much to learn how to please Joseph and if Justin and Joshua were willing to teach him, so be it.

Smiling a sweet smile, though Justin knew the true meaning behind it, Joshua stood and helped Lance to his feet. "Whose chambers' would you like to turn into a school room?" he teased, taking Lances' hand lovingly in his left hand, Justins' in his right. "Your chambers, Justins', or mine?"

"I invite you to come to mine," Lance replied happily as the three left the study and headed to Lance's chambers. Once there, Joshua carefully looked up and down the long hallway, then closed and locked the door.