Makarovia? Where The Hell Is That? Freshman Year - 22. Chapter 22

Hugging Peter, I smiled at him. “Now, the fun begins,” Peter said as we looked out at the many smiling faces still applauding. I was seeing my grandmother who was smiling but using a handkerchief around her eyes. Next to her were Wayne and Drew who were applauding hard. Then I looked at the many strange faces of the others from Makarovia. People I would meet later. Then I saw…my eyes widened and I didn’t believe it. There were those from England here, but…there was the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson! Beside her was Prince Andrew! They were both smiling and clapping with everyone else! That was one monarchy I hadn’t even given a thought would be here!

“But she…” I gaped at the woman in disbelief. “I mean, I thought…”

Peter frowned and looked where I was looking. “What?”

“They’re divorced!” I finally got out.

Peter then saw who I was speaking about. “That doesn’t mean they aren’t together. Haven’t you wondered why they never remarried anyone else?”

I looked at all the people here. “We should have just done the wedding.” I smiled. “We covered almost everything except the vows…which we pretty much did.”

Peter grinned. “We do everything else. We only missing the legal part.” He pressed his forehead against mine.

Olek came behind me. “That was some great words you gave, Eric.”

“I meant them,” I told him.

“I know you do.” Queen Alla said joining us.

“Thanks, Mom.” Yes, I was getting used to calling her that. I guess I feeling more comfortable with her. She was a Queen! Olek I knew as Olek after the first meeting…and I even saw him completely naked, so the armor was a little tarnished where he was concerned. He was just…Olek to me.

Now, came the meet thing. A reception line where I greeted all those that attended; meeting mayors of the townships and villages. Then all the others from various countries. David Burke walked up with his wife’s arm in his. There was another kiss, but not with David. I kissed Helen on the cheek.

“I’m very happy for you, Eric.” Helen smiled.

David leaned forward and said quietly like he was going to ask me secretly. “You two are pretty much married now, right?”

I waved at David to Peter. “See!? That’s what I said!”

Peter laughed and nodded. “It’s a tradition. We’re together now, aren’t we?”

“We are pretty well married.” I nodded as Edmond Hammond came up next with his wife.

Olek shook the General’s hand as they hadn’t gotten to us yet, but I overheard Olek ask. “What about that car bomb? Anything new?”

General Hammond sighed shaking his head looking away. “I can’t tell you how sorry that happened.” He patted his wife’s hand a looking again at Olek. “They were some confused young men. Their families came to England and their parents became citizens before they were even born! They are citizens by birth. They were…” he thought of the best way to say it, “trying to get in with some more radical Islamic organizations to further this jihad they seem to want to wage.” He sighed. “They were trying to win favor with some of the more hardcore terrorist groups and thought this was the best way to win that favor after seeing what they had done and be welcomed with open arms as heroes.” He chuckled. “They weren’t very good at it. That bomb went off too soon and outside the gate.” He looked at the palace. “Not that they would have gotten in…and even if they did…as thick as the walls are…”

I moved nearer to them. “So, it wasn’t a real terrorist attack?”

Edmond looked, smiled and shook his head. “Little boys with big ideas and not a lot of sense, My Lord.”

My eyes widened. “My Lord!?”

Edmond chuckled. “You’re an Earl now. That’s the address for someone with your title.”

I grimaced. “Okay, do you prefer Ed or Eddie? All these titles! Call me that again and I’ll choose one!”

Edmond laughed even harder. “You’re the Earl!” He moved his wife up. “And this…” he presented proudly, “is my wife Eloise. Peter Ivanov and Eric Richards.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” The woman greeted us holding her hand out.

I took the hand and, not to be outshone by Peter and how he greeted grandma the first time, did the hand kissing thing which Mrs. Hammond giggled slightly getting. “It’s great to have friends here. Your husband is most definitely a good friend, I hope we will be, too.”

“I’m sure we will be.” She said.

Before Edmond walked away, I stopped him and leaned in to whisper. “I was impressed last night. You talk like an aristocrat, but last night…that was some right-handed punch!” I squeezed his arm over his arm muscle. “That was pretty awesome.”

He grinned. “There are times when a gentleman can’t be a gentleman.” He held up his free left arm and balled his fist. “My left isn’t too bad, either.” He winked at me. He was back to being grandpa…a badass grandpa with a killer punch! Knocked the guy out with one punch!

Soon, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson came up.

“That was an interesting tradition, My Lord.” Prince Andrew said smiling.

I inwardly groaned. “It is. I’m still getting used to this…the titles, Your Highness.”

Sarah chuckled. “It does take a while, but you seem to be holding up well.”

“I admit to being surprised seeing you here,” I said I held my tongue before I said: together.

Prince Andrew smiled. “My nephew would be here, but he honestly had a conflict he couldn’t get out of.”

“He’s king and therefore busy.” I nodded.

“The British Monarchy is changing with Wills as King, but there are still obligations.” Prince Andrew explained as he looked at Peter. “I was second in line for a while, it can be…challenging. I see you seem to have found your place in this.”

“I didn’t help you,” Sarah said to Prince Andrew, but smiled at him. “I wasn’t ready for it.” She looked at me. “You seem to be handling it just fine. How old are you?”

“Twenty-five,” I answered.

“I was about the same age as you are now when I married this prince. You seem to be doing very well.” She smiled.

“You know everyone will see this?” I said pointing at them. “You’ll be seen…together.”

“They will.” Prince Andrew laughed lightly. “We never really broke up actually. We did have to separate for a while, but she is the mother of our children and we often got together. It just sort of…worked out for the better.”

“The divorce was more for…” she looked at Prince Andrew, “appearances.”

“It was just easier.” Prince Andrew said. “Now that they’ll see us together,” He shrugged. “But this wedding that is shaking things up.” He smiled at Sarah. “Mum would never have entertained the very idea.”

“I know.” Sarah laughed and changed into a fair imitation of her ex-mother-in-law. “That simply isn’t done!”

I noticed others there I wasn’t so sure about. Let me just say, I knew that saris on a couple of women with men that were from India or that area obviously. They weren’t gay-friendly from what I understood. Coming to the proposal was not discouraged, but more in their favor from Makarovia by being here. There was a limit on space even in this big room. They must have been okay with something here. Olek had explained before…we have what they want. They won’t dare say a word against us.

We had a dinner the night before, but now there was kind of a party. With limited space there was no live band or anything, but there was music and there was dancing. A proposal reception? Why not?

There were invitations from others by others to me and Peter, which we accepted and danced with them. I was even asked to dance with Queen Alla herself! I even danced with Olek! He was pretty good, but not Peter. I knew he would lead, so…

While after finishing one dance, I was waiting for Peter, who finished, but asked by another person…my grandmother came up to me.

“When he’s finished, you can dance with him, but can I have one?” She asked smiled holding her arms out.

“Anytime.” I smiled holding out my arms. “If I remember how to lead.”

“I taught you to dance at five.” She smiled. “I knew you’d be good at it. I’m sure it will come back.”

As we danced, I noticed her looking at the various news crews and reporters.

“I know you’re very happy with Peter.” She said. “He’s a very good man, but are you going to be happy here…in Makarovia?”

“This is Peter’s home. We’re joining our lives, so it’s my home, too.”

“From what I’ve heard…this is going to a trying time for them…I mean for all of Makarovia, meaning specifically, it will be hard work for you.” Grandma said to me and saw the puzzled look on my face. “No, I have no doubt you can do it, but…”

“But?”

“I sense something…” she said looking at Peter. “I heard what you said about the past with him. I know he’s a sensitive man. I also know he has a strong sense of duty. This acne thing was pretty devastating for him. There are times I get the feeling he lacks confidence…and he withdraws...”

“It was a very hard time in his life. He’d lost his father and then when self-worth is doubted in adolescence…” I nodded. “He had a hard time adjusting and he does at times, but he’s getting better. It left some emotional scars.”

“He got through it, because of you.” She sighed. “There’s nothing sexier than a damaged soul, feeling that you’re needed. He needs you. Are you going to be there all those times?”

I waved at the raised area. “I told the whole world I would, but mostly to Peter.”

“I know.” She nodded. “He depends on you, but he may become overly dependent on you. Almost codependent.”

I know my head went back a little on that. “He isn’t!”

“No, he’s not yet.” She agreed. “You know what I’m talking about. He can become so reliant on you for his image of himself because of you.” She stopped dancing. “Just make sure this doesn’t become a one-sided relationship. Otherwise, you will feel trapped.”

I shook my head. “But he’s not. He depends on me, yes, but I don’t enable him for things…he doesn’t do drugs or alcohol.”

She shook her head. “No, but I’ve watched you and heard what you’ve said. He was in trouble, he had acne, he lacked good self-esteem, he needs you…you’re a rescuer.”

I was surprised. “Grandma!”

She nodded patting my shoulder and hugged me. “I’m just saying, be careful. You don’t want this to become a one-sided relationship. Just be sure, he’s giving as much to you…as you do for him.” She smiled. “He loves you and I know you love him, but just watch he doesn’t become…too dependent.” She kissed me on the cheek. “He should think of you just as much.”

“Why are you saying this?” I asked.

She chuckled. “Because like I said, you take a lot from your grandfather, but you also take a lot from me. I bet you even have the rule.”

“Rule?”

“When you ask what’s on his mind, you want an answer.” She said smiling.

I nodded. “We did that almost at the very beginning.” I smiled.

“See!?” She waved. “That came from me! But you need to do the same thing. If you’re feeling something…tell him. If you’re feeling even just a little disconnected…tell him. Be as honest with him as you want him to be with you. Your grandfather and I had a very good marriage. It was solid, he could tell me anything, but I knew I could tell him anything. Even if I just felt the need to reconnect with him by making love, which he had no problem with making a reconnection.” She chuckled. “You make sure to meet his needs, but make sure he knows your needs and he knows what you want. Just because he knows you, doesn’t mean he can read your mind. Talk to him.”

That’s when Peter tapped grandma on the shoulder and smiled at me. “Excuse me, Grandma, but can Eric and I have at least have one dance together?” Peter asked.

Grandma smiled at Peter. “I think that would be fine.” She kissed him on the cheek and as she was about to walk away she turned to me. “Just think about it.”

I nodded as I grinned at Peter. “I am marrying you. We dance all the time, but sure…let’s go and show them how we do it in Makarovia.”

The music was varied, but once we got on the dance floor…naturally the music changed to a slow song. Again, we’d done this many times so we just started…dancing. Since we were in Makarovia we were not the only same-gendered couple dancing.

“How are you holding up?” I asked.

Peter looked surprised. “Me!? How are you holding up?”

“I’m fine.” I smiled. “Why wouldn’t I be? I was just proposed to by a devastatingly handsome prince where everyone with a TV can see it!” I looked at him. “As long as we keep talking, we’ll be fine. Remember our rule?” Peter nodded. “Part of that rule I hadn’t complied with,” I confessed.

Peter looked surprised. “You haven’t?”

I shook my head. “I need to be telling you more how I feel. I haven’t always. I will, starting now.”

Peter smiled. “You are big on feelings.”

“Sure.” I nodded. “I entertained the idea of going into Psychology. I told you that, but I thought the environmental issues needed to be addressed more. The human psyche is fascinating to me. I used to read about it all the time and what I found was most problems come when people don’t talk about what’s on their minds or how they feel. It doesn’t matter if they are important or not…” I grinned at Peter, “or silly. They are what you’re feeling. So, talk about it.” I kissed him gently. “If I feel anything…you’ll know from now on. What I feel mostly now is…good. It could be overwhelming. It’s not, it is intense, but it’s good.”

Peter nodded kissing me again. “I’m here.”

“I will say, I feel very confident about us…as a couple.”

That night, I did tell him what I needed. “I love our passion, I love you more than anything, but I need you right now. I need you to touch me and to love me.” I smiled touching his face gently. “We are connected, but I need you to make love to me, gently and with love…calmly and slow. I need you.”

Peter smiled kissing me gently. “You’ve got me. Anyway and anytime you need me.”

Like I’ve said before; explosive passion is great when you’re gasping and trying to regulate your heart! I love that, but, to me, there’s nothing better than the slow, loving presence of the person you cherish the most. He was solid, in my arms, against me and I loved him. There was not a shred of doubt knowing: He Truly Loved Me.

After the proposal, everything sort of went back to the way it was. My grandmother had to go back to Asheville making us promise to have her come to Boston when we got back. She still had a business to run. Wayne and Drew had to return to London but swore they’d be back soon and Drew said he’d have more questions to ask in the future. The news crews had to return. By Monday morning things at the palace were returning to normal. There was less noise.

We came down for breakfast to find Olek dining alone.

“Where’s Mom?” Peter asked as we sat near Olek.

“She’s having to go to breakfast with some officers’ wives in Skoal,” Olek said rolling his eyes but chuckled. “I’ll deal with negotiations from potential hostile powers rather than face that!”

I frowned. “I wished we’d known. I was planning to go to Skoal myself to talk more with Generals Burke and Hammond.”

“Not because I’m concerned you’ll need help or anything, but why?” Olek asked.

“These military people are here to protect Makarovia from potential threats and invaders. They have personnel here that should be used. From what I’ve been told about the winters here, you need help.”

Olek frowned. “I don’t want to be dependent on them.”

“Why shouldn’t we?” I asked. “We’re giving both major countries, the US and Great Britain, a good part of the uranium. That should be earned. They can say no, but I don’t think they will. Both David and Edmond said they have enough personnel to help build the terrace farms and greenhouses…even asked for things to be given to them for something to do. Why not ask for help getting the areas covered that are remote? In the worst weather, they can probably help clear the areas in the townships if for no other reason than to help themselves.”

Olek nodded with a grudging shrug. “You can ask. We’ve always done things ourselves.”

I nodded. “When you have the manpower…now, there are more men and women who will need something to do! Why not?”

Peter smiled as his brother gave a nod still not certain. “So, what are you doing today?”

Olek grunted. “I meet with the German portion of our guests.” He smiled a little bitterly. “They are helping us.” He said a little testy. “But if I hear one more,” his voice lowered, “Das ist nicht hinnehmbar! I’ll be fine.”

I chuckled. “Sorry, what did that mean?”

“This is unacceptable!” Olek translated. “We’re all friends, right?”

“Right.” I nodded. I knew he spoke German.

Then he smiled. “But now, we have the upper hand. If they want even a little of what we’ve got, they will have to compromise.” He looked seriously at me. “That’s a word they don’t seem to understand sometimes.” He returned to his breakfast. “You guys will be moving when you get back to Boston.”

Peter looked up. “Why? I was beginning to like where we were.” He grinned looking at me. “I was even going to put the hockey stick in the corner.”

I squeezed his hand. “They’ll have corners at this new place, I’m sure,” I said bumping my head against his.

“I was home,” Peter said. “With you.”

“And I’ll be wherever we are.”

Olek gave a shrugging nod. “You need a bigger place. Since the televised proposal, you two are very known now. Everyone will be trying to talk to you and follow you around. You’ll need more security and therefore more room.” He sighed. “Besides, your President thinks it’s the best course of action.”

Peter nodded. “Do you have any idea where that will be?”

Olek shook his head. “Not yet, Boris and Yuri will be heading up the move. I did stipulate that it needed to be near the University. That’s all.”

“Have you seen any of the broadcasts of the proposal?” I asked.

Again Olek shook his head. “Not yet, but it was on the news last night in England and the United States as a report. It’s been recorded if you want to see them.” He looked at me. “Life as you knew it; is gone.”

I nodded. “I knew this would happen.” I smiled. “And I don’t regret a moment.”

We did see the news coverage from the BBC, CBS, NBC, ABC, and CNN. It was purely presented as what it was. A prince proposed to an American male; nothing about the significance. Though, I did note that Louis Garner was presenting his version as a simple matter of happened fact. Nothing about the fay, fag or fairy shit. I knew Drew would cover that part.

We drove…or rather, Peter drove to Skoal. I didn’t have a license here.

Peter looked at me with the “really?” look when I said that. “No one would give you a ticket here,” Peter said and he thought. “I don’t know that they give tickets here. I’m sure they must, somebody’s run a red light or something, but this country isn’t overrun with cars.”

I waved at the driver’s side, which was on the correct side for US drivers. It was an American made car. “Just drive. You’ve only done it a couple of times in a year. You have to miss it.”

Peter thought and shook his head frowning. “No. Not really.”

At the Base, we went toward the temporary offices for Headquarters. Things were shaping up! The area around the Base was clear of trash, there was even an Airman mowing grass! In this hilly and rocky soil, that was proving tricky. I only heard the man cuss once as the lawn mower died in some thick grass. Apparently, it had happened before was why he reacted. Being hilly, having a smooth lawn was difficult to even start a lawn, much less maintain. The Base was shaping up more as it was developing a more…permanent appearance for this group of temporary quarters.

Entering the offices, it was…just that! An office. Phones rang, people were talking on the phone and typing on computers. A young man with an arm that had three stripes, but no star…a Senior Airman looked up and his eyes widened.

“Your Highnesses!” He said in awe as he rose quickly.

“Here we go again,” I muttered to Peter.

“Just go with it,” Peter said back quietly as we approached the desk. “Is General Burke and General Hammond in?”

The Airman nodded. “Certainly, right in there.” He waved to a door behind him.

Going in, they were doing things a general does. A map open they were poring over and discussing something. Both looked up and smiled at us.

“Peter, Eric! Good to see you!” David greeted getting up.

Edmond looked and I saw his eyes almost glisten when he bowed slightly. “Your Highness. My Lord.”

My eyes narrowed. “Okay, Eddie! I told you, I’d choose one. What irritates me; you did that on purpose.”

Edmond laughed and nodded. “I did.” He admitted.

David chuckled. “Well, since you’re here, come look at these plans.” He waved us over.

Things were coming into place. David and Edmond showed us areas they thought best for the greenhouses and terrace farms which would be both. Not those glassed-in ones, but just simple heavy plastic to insulate against colder weather and stretching the growing season. There were areas that were a lot like around the Base that was rocky, they showed us plans to build greenhouses there. I spoke to them about the future months and what they had planned for the Base when it got cold. When they told me, I asked if they would consider doing that on a grander scale and they agreed instantly they would do that.

By dinner time that afternoon, we had a lot planned, now we just had to do it.

This was working!