Grasping Lances' arms and relaxing his body, Joshua arched his back slightly, allowing for the 'student' to go as far in as he could. "Oh God," he moaned as he felt Lance push his way in until he was settled.

Mimicking Joseph's moves, Lance slowly thrusted in and out of Joshua, the elder lord's moans filling the room. Lance's motions clearly showed his extreme nervousness and lack of experience, but Joshua whispered words of encouragement.

"Th...that is it La...Lance," Joshua whispered, his blue eyes openning slightly to look at the blond. "You are...are doing fine..."

Suddenly Lance stopped his motions and pulled out of Joshua. Filled with shame at his fear and lack of experience, Lance lay down, turning his back to Joshua as the tears slowly slid down his face.

"Lance?" Joshua asked, moving slowly over to him. "Wha...what is wro...wrong?" His breath was still heavy, even with the short time Lance had been in him. "Yo...you were doing...very well..."

"I...I...can't," Lance sobbed. "I...I can't do this...I...I'm sorry Joshua, but I...I..." He was having difficulty adjusting to Joseph's lovemaking. He was just not ready to be the one in charge.

"Shh. I understand," Joshua replied, turning Lance to face him and pulling him close. "I should not have rushed you into this. We should have waited until you were ready." Pulling a blanket over them and wrapping his arms around Lance protectivly, Joshua whispered, "Rest for a while, then perhaps after you have your lessons with Christopher, you and I can take Midnight and Ares out riding in the countryside."

Looking at Joshua shyly, Lance nodded. "I...I'd like that," he replied softly.

Kissing Lances' forehead while he gently rubbed his back, "Joshua replied, "I'll have Jason saddle them then when you are ready."

"All right," Lance agreed as he started to get up from the bed. Stumbling, he almost fell as a stab of pain went through his lower body. Joshua caught him and helped him sit down. Turning away from Joshua in shame, Lance gasped, horrified to see the blood-stanined sheets.

Hearing the sharp intake of breath, Joshua shot a confused look at Lance. "What is wrong?"

With a trembling hand, Lance pointed to the sheets. "Wha...wha why did this happen?" Easing himself off the bed, Lance gasped again as he looked at the small blood stain left where he had sat. "I...I'm bleeding," he cried, instantly frightened. "Joshua, why am I bleeding?"

Jumping and taking Lance in his arms, Joshua held him close and explained that it was all part of his body adjusting to lovemaking. "It will stop in time. Justin and I bled too when we first started. You will be okay Lance."

Sitting down on the bed, Lance sobbed brokenly. "I'll never get used to all this," he choked.

"Yes you will Angel," Joshua whispered. "I know everything seems too overwelming right now, but it will all settle down and fall into place. You just have to give it time."

"I...I guess so" Lance whispered, unsure that he would get used to it. Slowly getting dressed, Lance jumped when Blake knocked on the door.

"M...M'lord?" Blake called, his voice laced with quiet tears. "Ar...are you in...in there?"

Joshua told Lance that he would meet him at the stables. Opening the door, he nodded to Blake and walked down the hallway, whistling as he went. Turning to Blake, Lance lowered his head. He hadn't wanted to punish Blake this morning, but Joseph had insisted. Putting a hand on the trembling servant's shoulder, Lance spoke gently to him. "Blake, I...I am so sorry about this morning. I didn't want you to have to clear away the dinner dishes by yourself."

Sniffling and shaking his head, Blake whispered, "It...it is not your fault M'lord. I...I should not have been daydreaming when I should have been working. I...I deserved it."

"N...no...you didn't, Blake," Lance whispered. "You have been very loyal and I...I'm sorry."

Looking up quickly and past Lance, Blake noticed the bloodstained sheets. "I'll...I'll change the sheets for you...M'lord," he whispered, changing the subject. Walking to the linen closet, he pulled out clean sheets and went about changing them. "M'lo..." he started, then thought twice about asking. As quickly as he spoke, Blake grew silent once again.

Lance turned away from Blake, his eyes filled with shame. "Blake I did not mean for you to...I mean...I...I am so embarrassed."

Not looking up at his charge, but only busying himself with making sure the sheets were perfect, Blake replied, "There is no need for you to be embarrassed M'lord. I am not new to changing sheets with this type of stain in them."

Desperately wanting to change the subject, Lance looked at Blake. "You...you started to say something a few minutes ago," he inquired. "What was it you wanted to ask?"

"Nothing M'lord. It was not important," Blake said all to quickly. Finishing with the bedsheets, the young servant left the room with the soiled sheets in his arms only to come back a moment later. "Is there anything you will be needing M'lord?" he asked, his voice already sounding tired from his days' chores.

"Yes, Blake there is one more thing," Lance replied quietly. "I would like to know what it was that you were going to ask earlier."

"Nothing M'lord, really," Blake insisted. "It wasn't important." Walking around Lance to leave the room again, Blake got about 2 steps past his charge when Lance grabbed his arm.

"Blake, please," Lance begged. "Please do not be afraid to ask me anything. You will not be punished again, I promise."

"It is not my place M'lord," he whispered, again trying to leave the room. "I...I should get back to my chores."

"Blake, please," Lance begged again, this time near tears. "Please don't be afraid of me because of what happened this morning. I did not want to punish you and I feel very guilty for doing so." Walking over to sit on the bed, Lance looked at Blake shyly. "I know I am a member of the royal family now, but I...I don't feel like a lord," Lance whispered. "And I don't think of you as a servant, but as someone who is trying to find his place here as I am. You've been very kind to me since I've been here. Please, whatever it is you want to know, you can ask."

"I...I heard..." Blake began after a moment or two of silence. "M'ord...that you were le...leaving us?"

Touched at the show of emotion in the young servant's eyes, Lance tenderly put a hand on his shoulder. "It is all right Blake. M'lord has allowed me to visit my parents this weekend. I am going to the farm." Smiling at Blake, Lance spoke softly. "Is...is this what you wanted to ask me?"

Closing his eyes and nodding his head slightly, Blake acted as if he were going to speak again, but he said nothing.

"Blake, were you thinking that I was leaving Herfordshire for good?" Lance inquired, seeing a lone tear slide down Blake's cheek.

Nodding his head again, Blake whispered, "I thought I had done something...to make you want to leave M'lord. Or that you were not happy here..."

Impulsively, Lance stood and walked over to the young servant. Putting an arm around him, Lance hugged him lightly. "Blake, you have been wonderful to me in the short time I've been here," Lance replied. "You have done everything you can to make me feel comfortable and I appreciate it so much. You...you are more like a friend than a servant. Yes, I am happy to be here with M'lord and with you."

"I didn't want to ask...but they were talking," Blake whispered, looking up at Lance finally. "It sounded as if you were leaving. And I...I didn't want to..."

"It is fine, Blake," Lance said, smiling. "I am glad you asked. I will be back in two days, all right?"

Another tear slipping from his eyes, Blake nodded and lipped, "Yes M'lord."

"I will miss you, Blake," Lance whispered. Forming an idea, Lance again looked at the young servant. "Blake, M'lord had said that I could explore my new home, but it's so big that I may get lost. Would you like to be my tour guide and show me around?"

"Wh...what about your lessons, M'lord?" he asked quietly. "Lord Christopher is waiting for you in Lord Josephs' study."

"I almost forgot," Lance replied. "All right, after my lessons then. Would you show me around my new home, Blake?"

Not knowing about Joshua and their plan to go riding later, Blake agreed. "Yes M'lord."

Smiling, Lance left his chambers and walked to the study where Lord Chrisopher was waiting. "Good...good morning, M'lord," Lance replied softly, bowing.

Returning the gesture, Christopher smiled and held his hand out to the empty seat next to him. "Good morning Lance. I was beginning to wonder if you wanted to continue with our story." The tone of voice Christopher used was serious, as well as joking; moreso with the latter.

Lowering his eyes, Lance sat on the plush sofa, his hand folded in his lap. "I...I am sorry, M'lord," Lance whispered. "I had a few things I needed to...to go...go over with Bla...Blake." Nervously fiddling with his hands, Lance looked down, as images of his 'lesson' with Justin and Joshua popped into his mind.

Handing the book to Lance, Christopher asked, "It is quiet alright Lance. I understand. And do I have to make you write my name 100 times? Will that make you stop calling 'M'lord'?" Again, his voice was teasing, his eyes twinkling as well.

"I...I am sorry, M'lor...Christopher," he replied.

Sincing something was wrong, or bothering Lance, Christopher asked just that. "Are Joshua and Justin teasing you again?"

"N...n...no...no," Lance stuttered, trying to hide his nervousness and fear, but failing miserably. "They...they ha...have apo...apologized for the wa...way they treated m...me..."

"But something is bothering you," the visiting lord pushed. "I can tell by the way you stumble on your words. Do you wish to talk about it?" Overcome by fear, Lance burst into tears. Christopher, instantly concerned sat next to the young lord and put his arms around him. "Lance, what is wrong?" Christopher demanded as he motioned for a servant to go fetch Joseph. "Tell me what is bothering you, or wait until Joseph arrives and tell him. But you should not keep your fears to yourself. Please...what are you scared of?"

"Chris...Christopher, please," Lance whispered as the tears continued to fall. "Please say nothing of this to M'lord. He...he can't find out."

Still just as confused and puzzled by Lances' actions as before, Christopher asked, "He can't find out about what Lance? This is making no sense."

"I...I can't let him know how I feel about...about my...my lack of experience," Lance replied, his voice barely a whisper. "I...want so much to ple...please him, but I...I...each time we are together the pain is...is..." Turning his tear-stained face to Christopher, Lance continued. "I'm scared, Lord Christopher. I'm scared that M'lord will tire of teaching me how to please him...that he will be angry with me for crying each time we bed together or for displeasing him."

His heart breaking for the frightened one, Christopher dried his tears and asked, "Has he given you any hint as to that he will tire of teaching you? Or that you will ever displease him Lance?"

Sniffling, Lance looked at the concerned lord. "N...no, but.."

"But nothing," Christopher interupted. "I have known Joseph long enough to be able to tell when he is please with someone, or when he is displeased. Believe me Lance, he is thoroughly pleased with you."

Looking at Christopher, Lance nodded. The brown-eyed lord had been very warm and kind to him, and Lance felt guilty for not being completely truthful with him. He wanted so badly to confide in him about his 'arrangement' with Justin and Joshua, but he'd promised them not to say anything. He just hoped that they could help him get used to bedding with Joseph. "I...I hope so," the young lord whispered.

"I will tell you a secret to keep on his good side," Christopher replied. "Never give up that innocence you have about you. Joshua and Justin never had it, they were brought up to be the nobles they are. You were brought up to be yourself. That is what Joseph loves about you Lance."

"Oh, Lord Christopher," Lance sobbed, his head in his hands. "I...I love...love him so much. I've only been in the family a short while, but I...I ha...have grown to love him with all my heart. That is why I want so badly to please him...I'm scared of...of losing him."

"Angel?" Joseph asked as he stood in the doorway. It was clear that he was alarmed by the servant telling him that Lance was crying, or on the verge of crying when he left. Now, the sight in front of him sent Joseph over to where his husband and friend sat. Taking Lance into his arm, he held him tight, comforting him, hoping that just by doing so, he could will all the troubles that plagued him to go and never return. "Oh Angel, don't cry. Please? Don't cry. Whatever it is, it is not worth sheding your precious tears over."

"M...M'lord," Lance sobbed as Joseph held him in his arms, Christopher looking on. "M...M'lord, I...I'm sorry...I...I didn't mean...mean to..."

Standing and moving aside, Christopher whispered, "Perhaps I should leave you two alone for now. Lance, come and find me if you'd like to continue the story today. If not, I'll understand."

Jospeh nodded to his friend as Christopher left the library. Lance's present state had Joseph clearly worried, and he continued to hold his young husband as he spoke gently to him.

"Angel, please," he started, lowering his blond angel to the couch, then taking a seat next to him. Turning Lance so that they faced each other, Joseph cupped his soaked cheek in his hand. "What are you sorry about? You have nothing to apologize for."

"Y...ye...yes I...I do" Lance choked. "M...M'lord ho...hold m...me," Lance choked. "Hold m...me and don't let me go."

Complying with the request, Joseph again took Lance into his arms. "I would never let you go Lance. You're my angel," he whispered soothingly. "In just the few days you've been here, you've become the air I breath, the one that I want to live for. You've given me so much already Lance. I will never let my angel go."

"I...I'm sor...sorry," Lance whispered. "I'm sorry for be...being so inexperienced that you have to spe...spend so mu...much time teaching me ho...how to ple...please you. I wan...want so bad...badly t...to ma...make you ha...happy and to ple...please you. I'm sca...scared, M'lord. I'm scared that you will gro...grow tired of teaching me ho...how to please you and that you won't want me anymore." Looking up into Joseph's eyes, Lance's eyes were filled with fear. "I'm sca...scared of losing you."

Smiling slightly at his honestly, Joseph leaned down and dropped a faint kiss upon Lances' forehead, then pulled him as close as he could to him. "You needen't be scare my love. I will never grow tired of teaching you what it is you need to know, or loving you for that matter. You will never loose me either. I will never push you away, or do anything to make you want to leave Herfordshire. I would rather die first then hurt my angel."

"I...I...I love you, M'lord," Lance whispered, the tears continuing to fall. "I...I love you...so very much."

"And I you Lance," Joseph whispered, his voice choked with impending tears. "And I you."

Needing to be close to Jospeh, Lance looked up at him. "M...M'lord, will...will you do...do som...something for me?" the young lord asked timidly.

"Of course Lance. What it is you want?" Joseph asked, a twinkle in his eye as the sunlight caught the moisture of tears.

"Ta...take me back to your...your chambers?" Lance asked, fearful that Joseph might say no.

Giving Lance a stern look, Joseph asked, "Would that be for more experimenting? Or for more privacy in which we may talk?"

Frightened by the look on Jospeh's face, Lance's body began to tremble. "I...I...I want to be with you," the blond lord whispered.

"You know I do not like the servants hearing what goes on within the bed chambers Lance," the elder lord replied simply.

Lance looked down, thoroughly embarrassed. "I...I forgot...please forgive me, M'lord," Lance replied quietly. "I...I'm sorry...it's just that I...I want to be with you."

"We can talk if you would like Lance," Joseph replied, lifting Lances' chin up. "Or I could give you your reading lesson today. But what you had in mind, that will have to wait until the sun sets tonight and the servants all retire to their rooms."

"Joseph?" Christopher replied, peeking his head in the doorway. "The servants have finished their chores on your wing of the castle, if you and Lance would like to be alone." Smiling at Lance, he nodded toward him. "We can continue your lessons tomorrow, Lance. I think it's more important for you and Joseph to spend some time together."

Nodding and shooting Christopher a thankful smile, Joseph looked over at Lance. "Would that be alright with you Lance?"

Wiping his face, Lance nodded. "Than...thank you, Lord Christopher," he replied softly as Christopher left the study once more. Looking at his blond angel, his heart full of love, Joseph leaned over and kissed Lance, a kiss that quickly deepened. Hearing Lance's soft moan, Joseph stood up. Reaching down, he picked Lance up and carried him to his chamber. He had some last minute business to attend to before leaving on his trip next week, but put it aside. Nothing was more important to Joseph at that moment than being with the one he loved more than life itself.

"I hope you did not have any other plans except with Christopher this morning," Joseph teased, as he stepped into his bed chambers. "Because I have a feeling that you will not be able to keep your appointments."

"I...I do....don't wan...want to be anywhere else," Lance whispered as Joseph laid him on the bed and began to undress him. "I...I just want to be with you."

Smiling, Joseph took his time, making sure Lance was comfortable with what was going on within the room. "Then I am sure Christopher will not mind if you miss you time with him today. And I saw Justin and Joshua head towards the stables, so we have Herfordshire all to ourselves."

Looking up at his handsome husband, Lance held out his arms to him. "I...I love you, Joseph," Lance whispered softly. "I love you so very much."

Sliding into Lances' arms, Joseph kissed his lips gingerly as he whispered, "I love you too my angel." Neither one of them that they had a listener outside the door.