Chapter 15

For once in a while Sammy woke completely. Patricia had pulled out all the stops to pamper the Prince in his bedroom. At least Tyler couldn't see. Then he noticed his Mother curled like a little girl on the couch across the bed. "Mom," Sammy said rousing her.

And she rose slowly. Still, hardly believing what her own eyes could tell her just a few feet away. "Oh my baby boy," she choked out as she nearly hugged him to death.

Now his ego was thoroughly smothered to submission, realizing how much he truly craved contact. Her eyes were red and more tears were welling up.

"What about Tyler?" he asked. At once she regained herself just a bit, rising her spine straight and with a breath, holding herself to the standards of the Queen.

Seated on his bed her face now held the look that had always indicated to Sammy a serious talk was at her lips.

A sickening cold had suddenly gripped his stomach. "Is Tyler--?" he couldn't get it out, refused to make a horrid notion final.

Like any Mother she grasped the situation immediately. "Oh no, Sammy, he's fine. Healthy, patched, and any trace-- well like it hadn't even happened. However, your Father... made an arrangement. One you should know about as to how he incurred the child's services," she said, at least assuaging those fears.

"What deal?" Sammy asked.

Lucy told her son of the vampire's probation period, with significant apprehensions.

She watched closely for his reaction. Of which there was no need.

It was quite unexpected and overt, the delight on Sammy's face. Going so far as to suggest the old playroom as his quarters.

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It was another week before Tyler was released. The nurses had been adamant that the wound had to be gone.

Immediately he was guided into a meeting room where the whole royal family was seated.

Of course Clemont projected strength as he faced him. "Well, there are details that still need to be worked out. Between us all, before you can start. For one Sammy has kindly suggested you take his old playroom."

The whole conversation went on like that. From schedule, salary, and other necessary accommodations along with which staff member to place the trust in enforcing them.

Which went along with the out-of-sight eyes Tyler should expect to feel roaming the castle from here on.

For the last, Tyler also asserted some power asking for a private conversation.

A good while later Tyler found Sammy waiting for him.

"So you want to--?" he started, the dark trace of suspicion present cluing Tyler into the hanging question immediately.

"No, not-- not right at this very moment," he replied, putting on an apologetic front, placating the Prince.

No book could tell these two friends what would come next. That this peace would be shattered and their bond tested.