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  • #16
    Sad about Sam but happy he came clean with both Kal and Lois. There is obviously a connection with depth growing between the new couple and they seem to be a good fit. I like that Kal, while close to his friends, is his own man.

    Wonderfully done, more soon. Please😊

    Comment


    • #17
      Originally posted by Sykobee
      Sad about Sam but happy he came clean with both Kal and Lois. There is obviously a connection with depth growing between the new couple and they seem to be a good fit. I like that Kal, while close to his friends, is his own man.

      Wonderfully done, more soon. Please
      Sam needed to come clean with both of them, mostly for the fact that he is pushing the marriage. Now they know his reasons for it. There is definitely a connection growing between the couple. Kal is definitely his own man.

      Comment


      • #18
        Chapter Eleven

        Tours were a major part of the job when serving one’s country, Lois thought, but they could be so tedious at times. She could remember one tour her parents had taken her and Lucy on and there had been a crowd of people just begging for a chance to meet the young princesses. Lois had been overwhelmed by all the attention, wishing she could be somewhere else.

        There were at least a thousand people lined up in the streets of Granville, waiting to meet her and her husband-to-be. Like the incident when she was a child, she felt overwhelmed by the noise and the crowd. Despite the local police’s efforts to keep the crowd at bay with a rope barrier, she could see people pushing just to get a glimpse of her.

        Lois stole a glance at Kal. He was walking behind her, as was the protocol, but seemed to be just as affected by the crowd. He appeared to be more than a little uncomfortable as various people shouted his name and begged to take selfies with him.

        He had been so good those few days in Smallville, she thought. He hadn’t pushed her to talk about her father’s revelation. Instead, he’d just quietly supported her, been there when she needed a shoulder to cry on.

        She’d spent the last few days avoiding her feelings, but she couldn’t ignore them any longer. She hadn’t wanted it to happen. Despite the fact she was marrying this man in three months, she hadn’t wanted to fall in love with him. Yet she had.

        It wasn’t just his good looks, she reasoned. It was everything about him. His kindness, his gentle nature – which seemed rather incongruous when he was such a big man. It felt almost like he understood her in ways no one else, not even Jimmy, who she considered her best friend, ever could.

        He caught her gaze and smiled, gently taking her arm to steady her as she almost walked into the barrier. She sent him a smile of thanks and resumed walking.

        “Princess look this way,” a photographer ordered. Lois shot the man a disgruntled look. If there was one thing she despised, it was photographers who tried to order her about. The officer escorting them turned and said something to the photographer, who backed off.

        As the man moved aside, she spotted a little girl holding a small bouquet of flowers. The blooms looked rather sad, drooping in a way that suggested it had been a long time since they’d been picked, but they were clearly wildflowers. The little girl must have picked them herself, Lois thought.

        She studied the girl, who couldn’t have been more than six or seven years old. She was such a pretty little thing. Except for the fact that she was leaning on a crutch and had only one leg. The other appeared to have been amputated above the knee.

        There was a group of boys, probably only slightly older than the girl, who kept shooting her dark looks. Lois gazed at them with disapproval, overhearing them saying something horrible about the little girl.
        She stopped beside the young girl.

        “Hi,” she said. “Are those flowers for me?”

        The girl nodded. “I liked them because I thought they were pretty, and I think you’re really pretty.” Lois took the flowers, treating them as if they were a precious gift.

        “Aww, thank you, sweetheart. What’s your name?”

        “Melissa.”

        “That’s a pretty name, Melissa. My name’s Lois.”

        Melissa nodded. A woman took the little girl’s hand, holding her steady. From the similar features between the two, Lois guessed the woman was Melissa’s mother.

        “I’m sorry, please don’t think me rude, but may I ask what happened?”

        “Cancer,” Melissa’s mother said quietly. She told Lois her daughter had been diagnosed a year ago, when she was six, with an aggressive form of bone cancer in her leg. The doctors had decided that amputation was the only way to stop the cancer from spreading and thus far it had worked. The little girl had only been discharged from the hospital a few days before but had wanted to come along to meet Lois and her future husband. Despite her illness, she was still very much a child who loved stories of beautiful princesses and handsome princes.

        Lois immediately felt sympathy for the child, wanting to tell her about her father’s own forthcoming battle, but she didn’t want to risk anyone overhearing in case it got out to the media.

        “They took the bad leg away so the cancer wouldn’t spread.” Melissa told her. “But the doctor says I’m gonna get better.”

        “I bet you will too, Melissa.”

        The child nodded and smiled. She glanced at Kal. “Are you really gonna get married?”

        “Yes, I am,” she confirmed.

        “I bet you’re gonna be so happy.” She shot another glance at Kal, then looked to Lois for approval. “Kal is sooo handsome,” she added dreamily.

        Lois leaned forward. “You know something,” she said, with a sly look at Kal, who pretended not to be listening. “I think so too.” She shared a quiet giggle with the girl. Melissa’s mother smiled broadly.

        “I think you just made her year,” she said. “Melly’s supposed to be resting, but she wanted to come out and meet you. She just loves you.”

        Lois thanked the mother quietly and bent to kiss the little girl on the cheek. Melissa squealed excitedly. The bullies appeared disgruntled at all the attention, but for some reason hastily backed away. Lois glanced at Kal and realised he’d been responsible for the boys backing down as she caught him glaring at them.

        Lois quickly spoke to one of the officers accompanying them and asked him to get the family’s details. She didn’t know what she was going to do, but she wanted to do something for the little girl who had already been through so much pain in her young life.

        She walked on, clutching the flowers. She knew they wouldn’t last in the heat, but they still meant more than any expensive bauble.

        There was going to be a formal dinner that evening with the town’s city leaders at the hotel where she and Kal were staying. They had been assigned a suite with two bedrooms. A door connected the two rooms.

        Once the tour was over, they returned to the hotel to change for dinner. Lois had just finished doing her make-up and was still in her bathrobe when Kal knocked and entered the room. He was dressed in black silk pants and a white silk shirt, with a black tuxedo jacket which was still unfastened. He had a bowtie around his neck but hadn’t tied it.

        “I can never get the hang of these things,” he admitted when she asked him about it.

        She laughed softly. “Come here. Let me fix that for you.”

        He stood still while she tied the bow, before smoothing the front of his shirt.

        “There, that’s got it,” she said. He started to fiddle with it, and she smacked his hand. “Leave it. It’s fine. And if you complain about having to wear a monkey suit, I’ll send you to your room without any supper.” She added this last in a teasing note, but he made a face.

        “You’re being bossy again,” he replied.

        “You said you liked it when I’m bossy.”

        “I knew I was going to regret that,” he said, with a wry grin.

        She chuckled, then realised she was still in her bathrobe. “I have to get my dress.” She started to prod him toward the connecting door, but he stopped, holding out a pair of gold cufflinks.

        “I, uh …” She rolled her eyes. Part of her wondered if he was doing it on purpose.

        “Ugh. Don’t tell me. You need help with the cufflinks too. Are you helpless or just hopeless?”

        “I’m not going to answer that.” He bit his lip. “They’re my dad’s. I don’t really … I mean …”

        “Guess you don’t have much use for cufflinks when you’re a writer.”

        “Yeah, you know, writing is such a solitary thing. I practically live in jeans and t-shirts.”

        She grasped his arm and inserted the cufflink. “You just have to make sure this part sticks up, then it slides right in.”

        She deliberately kept her gaze on the wrist, aware of the innuendo in what she’d just said. She couldn’t breathe for a second, wondering if he’d caught the same innuendo.

        She risked a glance at him and saw he was gazing at her with an unreadable expression. Then he was kissing her, pulling her into him. Lois felt a dozen different emotions almost all at once, wanting all of him that he had to give, but knowing they had little time for that.

        She laid one hand flat on his chest, pushing him away reluctantly.

        “We can’t,” she said. “We have to go downstairs soon.”

        He looked down at her. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I seem to be pushing you into doing something you’re not ready for.” He gave her the impression that he hadn’t been able to help himself. She understood that feeling. His kisses awoke something in her she wasn’t sure she was quite ready for.

        She still had butterflies when she thought of what would happen in three months’ time.

        She shook her head. “No. It’s not that. We really don’t have time.” She crossed the floor to the closet and took the cover off her dress. She looked at him again. “Uh, Kal …” she said, looking toward the connecting door.

        “Do you want me to go?” he asked softly.

        Part of her wanted to say no, while another part wanted to say yes. The simple fact was, they were going to be married soon. At some point following the ceremony, he was going to see her naked body anyway.

        Lois had never considered herself shy, but for some inexplicable reason, she was hesitant to let him see her in any state of undress.

        “I can turn my back, if it helps,” he offered.

        She nodded. “Please.”

        He did so, facing the connecting door. Lois quickly took off her bathrobe and put the dress on, moving to zip up the back. The last part was a struggle. Normally one of the maids would have helped her dress for whatever formal event she was attending, but she had chosen to forego the maid, not wanting to draw too much attention to herself by including an entourage on tour.

        “Um, could you …” She placed one hand at the neck of her dress to stop it gaping open. “I can’t reach the zip,” she confessed when he turned around.

        He came over and slowly fastened the zip. Lois lifted her long hair up so it wouldn’t get caught.

        “Thank you,” she said.

        He smiled. “We still have a few minutes. I wanted to tell you how impressed I was today.” He frowned. “Maybe impressed isn’t the right word. I mean, I know from what Pete was telling me that these tours can be quite draining, but … when you saw that little girl, it just … dare I say it, it felt less like you were doing your duty and more like … I don’t know. I just know that little girl will go home tonight knowing that her favourite person thinks she’s special.”

        “She is special,” Lois answered. “And thank you. You’re right. These tours are my dad’s way of connecting with the people and I always thought they were kind of a chore, but …”

        She realised after meeting Melissa that it wasn’t just about connecting with the people. It was making a difference in a small way. If that little girl felt someone she admired believed in her, she was more likely to fight to get better. In an equally small way, the child had made a difference to Lois.

        “You know, when I heard what happened to her, I thought about my dad and what he’s going through. I thought he was wrong in not telling me the truth a year ago, but now I realise that it was his way of coping with it. Like if he told me, it would make it … more real, I guess. By not telling me, I guess it gave him something to fight for.”

        She knew her father’s fight was only just beginning and there was no guarantee he would get better. She understood now why he’d been so adamant about arranging the marriage. He wanted to make sure she had someone who would take care of her, be there for her when he could no longer be. She loved him more for it.

        They made their way downstairs together. The hotel had arranged for a receiving line, of sorts and she saw there were about one hundred guests lined up. It was more than what she had expected but she supposed some of them had brought along their spouses.

        She was not pleased to notice Lex and his wife waiting in line. Lana looked put out at being made to wait in a line, as if she thought she was better than anyone else because she was married to a government minister.

        Nevertheless, she observed protocol, even if she did greet Lois in a tone that suggested she was sucking on a lemon.

        “Your Highness,” she said, the words coming out half-strangled. “Kal,” she added haughtily.

        Kal, to his credit, was gracious in his reply, when he didn’t have to be. Lois saw that Lex was glaring at Kal. If looks could kill, her fiancé would have dropped dead on the spot.

        She wondered if there had been more to the story Kal had told about their mutual enmity but didn’t want to ruin the evening by pressing him for more information.

        During the dinner, Lois had to give a brief speech to thank their hosts. She stood on the stage, behind the podium, and looked out at the sea of faces. Trembling with nerves, she narrowed in on the one face she wanted to see. Kal smiled in encouragement and her nerves settled.

        “Good evening,” she said. “My fiancé and I would like to thank you for your warm welcome in Granville. It was lovely to meet you all here this evening and this afternoon.

        “I undertook this tour at the behest of my father, who has taught me from a young age that even though he is this country’s ruler, he is and always will be a servant of the people, and he continues to set that example. He believes in showing compassion and kindness, no matter whom.

        “Now I want to tell you a story of a little girl I met today. Her name is Melissa. She’s seven years old and is about the bravest little girl I’ve ever seen. Why is she brave? Because she is being treated for cancer.” Her voice caught, but she carried on. “Even though she has only recently had major surgery and is still a very sick little girl, she came to see me on tour. Melissa picked some wildflowers for me. Because she wanted me to have them. This little girl, in spite of her pain, in spite of her illness, was thoughtful enough to pick me flowers.

        “That to me, is the most precious gift anyone could ever give me. May we all learn a lesson from such a gift. Thank you.”

        Kal stood up with the others as they applauded her. Lois stepped down from the stage and went to him, taking his hand.

        “That was beautiful,” he told her.

        She couldn’t help smiling at the warmth and love in his tone.

        I’m going to marry this man, she thought. For the first time since she’d been told of her future marriage, she felt a sense of excitement.

        Comment


        • #19
          This is moving along very nicely. Very much liking the slow build and continuous strengthening of their bond. Seemingly different with the reversal of their rolls and Kal-El being the consort. However, to me, it mirrors the public relationship of Lois and Clark. It is very telling that Kal, with no powers or alter ego, is secure enough to support and genuinely appreciate the weight of Lois' role.
          Thanks for another great update.

          Comment


          • #20
            Originally posted by Sykobee
            This is moving along very nicely. Very much liking the slow build and continuous strengthening of their bond. Seemingly different with the reversal of their rolls and Kal-El being the consort. However, to me, it mirrors the public relationship of Lois and Clark. It is very telling that Kal, with no powers or alter ego, is secure enough to support and genuinely appreciate the weight of Lois' role.
            Thanks for another great update.
            It is a role-reversal in a way where Kal is the support behind-the-scenes but that's what I liked exploring in this story. The bond between them is definitely growing stronger and it will be needed soon. I do like exploring a more mature Kal rather than the moody teenager Clark often was.

            Comment


            • #21
              Chapter Twelve

              Kal was looking forward to when the evening was over. In Krypton, his parents had often been invited to social events, but they chose not to go to too many. While he had also been invited to them, he preferred to stay out of the limelight.

              He knew that was going to change once he and Lois got married, but he would still rather stay home and read or watch a good movie than be forced to smile at people he either barely knew or liked enough to spend even a few minutes with.

              Tonight had been special. He’d seen how nervous Lois had been when she’d been addressing the guests, but he’d sent her a smile of encouragement, hoping that would help ease her nerves. He was proud of her for the speech. Especially for her story of the little girl. Everything she had said was true. Being from such prominent families, it was so easy to take everything for granted. That one little act of kindness had reminded her of what was important.

              He stood near the back of the room, watching her as she chatted with the mayor and his husband. She looked beautiful, he thought. His lady in red. The gown was stunning, the colour warming her pale skin, creating a becoming blush in her cheeks. She had put her hair up in a simple chignon, a few loose tendrils framing her face and long neck. For a woman who was a self-confessed ‘tomboy’, when she wore such gowns, she was incredibly beautiful.

              “Well, that was an … interesting speech,” Lana said beside him. “I would have thought she would have had someone write her something better.”

              Kal looked at the brunette, suppressing the urge to roll his eyes.

              “I enjoyed her speech,” he said.

              She smirked. “Of course, you would say that. You’re engaged to her.” His former girlfriend frowned. “How is it you can claim to have known her most of your life, yet I never heard a word about her when we were dating?”

              “Our families have done business for years. Just because we’re from separate countries doesn’t mean we have had little to do with each other. And frankly, Lana, my relationship with Lois is none of your business.”

              She looked affronted. “What on Earth do you see in her? I don’t think she’s anything special. Or is it that you’re just marrying her because she’s a future queen?”

              Kal didn’t want to answer that. While Lana had hit fairly close to the mark, there was far more to it.

              “You really want to know, Lana? Because she possesses all the qualities I once imagined I saw in you. Except with you, it was all an illusion.” To his annoyance, he saw Lex had pulled Lois out onto the dance floor. His princess was being gracious in dancing with the bald man, but Kal could tell she really did not want to be there.

              He was angry at Lana for distracting him, giving Lex the chance to step in. He fervently hoped the older man wasn’t telling Lois some lie about him to try to force a wedge between them. He was polite but firm when he spoke.

              “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go dance with my wife-to-be.”

              He strode over to the dance floor, dodging the other couples to make his way into the centre, where Lex was holding Lois.

              “May I cut in?” he asked.

              Knowing he couldn’t refuse without looking rude, or breaking protocol, Lex relinquished his hold. Lois smiled and thanked Lex for the dance, but her smile was fake. When she turned to move smoothly into his arms, her smile was much more genuine.

              “Thank you,” she said quietly. “Once again you come to my rescue.”

              He smiled back at her and kissed her cheek. “That’s what I’m here for. One save at a time.”

              As they danced, Kal saw Lana with Lex. The couple both looked annoyed, probably at having their plans foiled. A man came up to Lex and spoke with him for a minute or two. When the man turned around, Kal was startled to realise he recognised him. It was the man who had attacked Lois in the nightclub.

              Lex was up to his usual tricks, he thought. He’d always been manipulative in school, trying to involve students in one scheme or another. He clearly hadn’t changed, except now he had higher ambitions. It seemed obvious now that Lex had been behind the kidnap attempt. He wondered what the other man had planned to do to Lois once he had her. Would he have forced her to relinquish her claim to the throne? Or worse, hurt her so badly she would never recover?

              It was late when they got back to their suite. Lois went to her room, saying she wanted to change and for Kal to pour them a nightcap. He took off his suit jacket and his tie before pouring them each a glass of scotch. When Lois came out, she was wearing a fluffy bathrobe and had let her hair down.

              He handed her the glass and watched as she sat down on the sofa.

              “Long day,” he said.

              “Mm.” She sipped her drink, looking thoughtful. “Guess I’m going to have to get used to that.”

              “You were wonderful tonight,” he told her.

              “Thanks to you,” she said. “Thank you for supporting me.”

              “That’s my job,” he replied quietly.

              She looked up at him with a curious expression. “Is that really all it is? A job?”

              He approached her and sat down opposite her. “No. It’s more than that. You know that.”

              “Do I?” She sipped her drink again. “Lex said something to me. Something about how I shouldn’t trust you.” She frowned. “What exactly happened between you two? I mean, I know you said he bullied you, but why do you hate him?”

              Kal sighed. He fiddled with the glass in his hand, staring down at it as he turned it. He had never told anyone this story, but she deserved to know the truth.

              “When I first started at that prep school, Lex ignored me. He was six years older and did the same to any new kid. He considered himself above anyone. Well, one day, I was just walking to a class and I overheard him blackmailing another student. He had apparently caught them stealing answers to an exam. Instead of going to the headmaster, he blackmailed the guy into giving him the answers. He already got good grades, but he wanted better. I think he was abused at home, but I can’t be sure. Anyway, he cooked up some scheme which got the kid expelled.

              “I went to the headmaster to tell him what I heard and that nearly got Lex expelled as well, but his father must have offered a generous donation to the school, as he stayed. He must have found out I was the one who reported him as he turned on me. At first, it was just taunting. Saying bad things about my family. Then it escalated.”

              He shuddered when he thought of the things Lex had done to him. It had been just normal hazing. At first. Tripping him up here and there. Kal had broken his nose once because he’d fallen face-first onto some flagstones. Yet he couldn’t prove Lex had done it. The older boy had blackmailed several others into being his alibi.

              Kal had done his best to ignore the bullying but that must have enraged the sixteen-year-old enough to ambush him the day he’d returned to school after a week’s break.

              Lois’ expression was one of horror as he related how Lex had begun beating him to a pulp and probably would have killed him if Bruce and Oliver hadn’t intervened. That incident had also been reported to the headmaster, who had suspended Lex for a week. Once again, Lionel had managed to convince the school board to reinstate Lex and they’d fired the headmaster. Jor-El had wanted to instigate criminal proceedings once he had found out what had happened, but even then, Lex’s father had made it all quietly go away. Lex had never faced punishment.

              “Unfortunately, I can’t prove any of it as those records are sealed. Not unless you talk to our old headmaster. But you can talk to Bruce and Oliver. After what happened, they never let me walk around that school alone and they began teaching me self-defence.”

              “God, Kal, I’m so sorry.”

              “The thing is, I’ve never told anyone just how bad it was. Not even Bruce and Oliver know the full story. I know I’m not the only one he turned on. He supposedly had this friend who tried to walk away when he saw Lex’s true colours. I don’t know what happened to him, but he left the school not long after.”

              “Do you think that that’s why he married Lana? Because she’s your ex?”

              “I don’t know,” he said. “The thing is, even though I was completely infatuated with her at the time, I realise now we were over long before she married him. I was just too blinded by her to see what kind of person she really was.”

              Lana had made her own choices. Maybe Lex was manipulating her just as much as he’d manipulated everyone else in his life. Whether he was abusive toward her was another thing, but Kal had no idea. He could tell her what Lex was really like, but she had to choose to walk away on her own.

              What he’d told Lana earlier was the truth. He’d fallen for the illusion, but Lois was genuine. He’d watched her with the little girl and knew that when she had been sarcastic and prickly, it was just her putting walls up. It wasn’t really who she was. The real Lois was kind and compassionate. And he loved her. Maybe they hadn’t met on such great terms, but he’d fallen hard for her.

              Lois got up from the sofa and put her glass on the bar. “I should get to bed,” she told him. “I need my beauty sleep.”

              He stood up, stopping her before she could walk past him on the way to her room, kissing her gently.

              “Goodnight, Princess,” he said softly. She looked at him and for the first time, didn’t appear to mind that he’d called her ‘princess’, where before it had appeared to annoy her.

              “Goodnight, Kal.”

              He went to bed, but couldn’t sleep, thinking about her. He couldn’t help comparing Lana to her and realising that his ex-girlfriend was coming up short in every department. Kal lay on his back, his arms up on the pillow, head resting on his hands, staring in the darkness.

              He didn’t question his feelings for his princess. She was everything he had never realised he wanted in a life companion. Even if his friends were concerned about the pressures they might face together when she became queen, he felt it was his job to support her, be there for her when she needed a respite from the demands of her role.

              He was surprised when he heard the knock on the connecting door. He glanced at the clock. Two am.

              “Kal?” Lois said softly. “Are you awake?”

              “Yes, I’m awake,” he replied.

              The door opened and she came in. He sat up in the bed, switching on the bedside lamp.

              “Are you all right?” he asked, thinking there was something wrong.

              She sighed. “I just couldn’t sleep. Thinking about things.”

              She’d taken off the bathrobe and was wearing long cotton pyjama pants with a simple top with shoestring straps. The hotel was air-conditioned but it wasn’t cold. Kal patted the bed next to him, thinking she would be more comfortable if she sat down. She hesitated, but took the invitation, pulling back the bedclothes to get in.

              “What’s on your mind?” he asked.

              “I kept thinking about that little girl. And my father. I mean, she was just so brave and I … I’m scared, Kal. I don’t want to lose my father.” She frowned. “Is it wrong? To feel this way?”

              He hugged her. “No, it’s not wrong. Not at all.” He thought for a few moments. “Sometimes I think that we look at our parents as superheroes, in a way. Like they’re invincible. It’s hard when we have to realise that they’re not actually invincible and they’re not going to be around forever.”

              As a child, he’d looked up to his father, but there had been times when Jor-El could lose his temper. He was never violent and would never have done anything to hurt either Kal or his mother, but his temper would still get the best of him and that had resulted in a few arguments between father and son. Lara had told Kal he was very much like his father in that respect.

              Then there had been times when he could have talked to his father about anything. When he was ten, Kal had developed his first crush on a girl. He hadn’t known what to do about those ‘funny feelings’ but his father had sat him down and talked with him honestly about not only girls but all manner of subjects.

              They’d had further discussions since then, but as Kal had matured, the discussions had become more intellectual – about politics or world events rather than trivial things.

              “It’s the same with my dad,” Lois said, snuggling up against him, finally appearing to relax. “It’s not always about the job. Sometimes I’ll read something in the news and we’ll just sit and talk about it. I remember when I was a little girl, even before my grandpa died, I used to ask my father endless questions but he would never lose patience with me. I love that about him.”

              She was quiet for a while. Kal kept his arm around her, holding her close. He wondered if she’d gone to sleep, but when she moved restlessly, he knew she hadn’t.

              “I don’t want my father to die,” she said in a small voice.

              There was nothing he could say. She was hurting and scared and facing something that neither one of them had any control over. The only thing he could do was keep holding her.

              She sniffled and cried a little. Kal remained silent, knowing she just needed to cry out the emotions she’d kept bottled up for over a week. When the sniffles stopped and her breathing became deeper and quieter, he realised she’d fallen asleep. He kissed her forehead and gently settled her in the bed before falling asleep beside her.

              Comment


              • #22
                Back to back story updates🎉🎊✨🎊🎉
                This was a bit of everything, history, personal realization, intrigue, and some really touching moments. I'm feeling spoiled😊 cause now I'm off to catch up with the LC! Thanks for all the wonderful.

                Comment


                • #23
                  Originally posted by Sykobee
                  Back to back story updates✨
                  This was a bit of everything, history, personal realization, intrigue, and some really touching moments. I'm feeling spoiled cause now I'm off to catch up with the LC! Thanks for all the wonderful.
                  I love exploring a side of Lois that was often only touched on in the first few seasons. I wanted to show that love doesn't always happen in an instant but Kal and Lois definitely have a real connection that will ultimately be the foundation for a lifelong love. As for the intrigue, there will be more on this in a couple of chapters.

                  A slight time jump will be in the next chapter.

                  Comment


                  • #24
                    Chapter Thirteen

                    Lois was nervous as she entered the suite of their hotel ahead of Kal. Her husband. She felt a tiny fluttering in her stomach and knew it was just the nerves over what was ahead of them.

                    The last three months had been a rollercoaster. Between planning the wedding, her father being treated for cancer, and her growing feelings for the man she had married just a few short hours ago, Lois had run the gamut of emotions.

                    Kal had been amazing through all of it. He had stayed behind while his parents and his friends had returned to Krypton. Oliver, of course, would only be going back for a few more months. He had proposed to Chloe and she had accepted, but their wedding would have to wait until well after the excitement of Lois’ wedding had died down. Not that Chloe minded. She had gone to Krypton to spend a month with her new fiancé and had returned looking happier than ever.

                    The couple had decided together that they would live half the year in Metropolis and the other half of the year in Krypton, since they were both independently wealthy and neither one wanted to leave their families to move permanently to another country. Both sets of parents were equally delighted with the match. Lois had heard Chloe’s parents were very fond of Oliver.

                    Even though things had been going well for each family, there had still been some moments which had cast a shadow on them all.

                    Lois’ father had been hospitalised for two weeks when the treatment he was on had made him extremely ill and exhausted. The media, once they had been alerted to the situation, had crowded around the hospital like vultures, pestering anyone with even a remote connection to the family for information.

                    Kal had been by her side the entire time, protecting her from the questions being fired at her and telling reporters they had no comment at this time. It was usually Jonathan’s job to field media requests but Lois knew only too well many of them chose not to respect those boundaries. She had been grateful for Kal’s presence at those times.

                    Lois had had to watch her father growing increasingly frail. Sick from the aggressive treatment, barely able to eat for the constant nausea, he had lost a lot of weight. She had spent a lot of time in Kal’s arms, unable to express her grief in public but relying heavily on him for his support in private. He hadn’t complained at all. He’d just been there for her.


                    He hadn’t even commented at all the meetings with the wedding planner her mother had hired to take care of all the arrangements. He’d once mentioned to her that he had once decided when he got married it would be something simple, but even though the pomp and circumstance around their wedding wasn’t his preference, he still went along with it for her sake.

                    The ceremony itself had been attended by three hundred people in the Abbey, and thousands of people were lined up in the streets of Metropolis, wishing them both well. Once the news of her father’s illness had reached the media, no one even questioned why the wedding was happening so soon after the engagement. They probably realised she wanted her father to be there, even if he couldn’t walk her down the aisle. Instead, he’d sat in the front pew of the abbey, watching proudly as she walked toward him, accompanied by her mother, Lucy and Chloe.

                    Now here they were. The ceremony and reception were done. There would be no proper honeymoon. Not yet. Instead, they had opted for a night in Metropolis’ most luxurious hotel.

                    As she sat on the chaise longue and kicked off the high-heeled shoes she had been wearing most of the day, she allowed herself to relax. Kal knelt at her feet, massaging her stockinged feet and she sighed blissfully.

                    “Ooh, don’t stop,” she said. “My feet are killing me.”

                    “I could tell,” he replied with a little chuckle.

                    “You could not,” she returned.

                    “You forget, I know you, princess.”

                    She wrinkled her nose at him. “Suddenly you’re an expert on body language?”

                    “Yours, yes.” He grinned. “Anyway, I’ve often heard my mom refer to them as torture devices.”

                    “Yeah, no kidding.”

                    Kal got up. “You know, this suite does have a jacuzzi.”

                    “But I didn’t pack a bathing suit,” she protested, then blushed hotly as he sent her a look. “Oh. Right.”

                    “You wouldn’t be going all shy on me now, would you, wife?”

                    She felt a tingle up her spine, both at the way he looked at her and at the word, ‘wife’. It felt weird, somehow. Then again, they had been married less than a day.

                    It was going to take some getting used to.

                    It wasn’t that they hadn’t done anything intimate. They had spent quite a few private moments together, just locked in each other’s arms. Lucy had caught them kissing while they were sitting in a quiet spot in the gardens several times. She’d made a disgusted noise and walked away. Lois’ sister might be eighteen, but she was not as mature as Lois. That had been partly because of the way she had been indulged, while Lois had been expected to act like an adult from the moment she’d begun lessons on how to take her father’s place.

                    Lois’ feelings for Kal had grown in the past three months, to the point where just kissing him hadn’t been enough. Out of respect for her father, he had never pushed her to do anything more intimate but it had been an increasing source of frustration for both of them as their passion for each other grew. At least, that was how it felt for Lois, who still didn’t know how her new husband felt about her. All she knew was that she had fallen deeply and irrevocably in love with him.

                    She was unprepared as he scooped her up in his arms.

                    “What are you doing?”

                    “What does it look like I’m doing?” he asked, carrying her into the ensuite bathroom. He set her down on the edge of the tub and checked to ensure the water was warm enough.

                    Lois stared at him. “You planned this?” she asked.

                    He grinned. “Now, what do you think?”

                    “Silly question,” she replied.

                    Kal took her hands and pulled her to her feet, kissing her before turning her around so her back was to him. Lois stood, trembling, as his hands slid smoothly down her sides. He pressed close behind her, kissing her neck. She felt the pins holding her hair up being pulled out and her long waves fell down her back.

                    She started to turn to face him but he stopped her. She again stood quietly as he unzipped her dress. It wasn’t the gown she’d worn for the ceremony but a simple shift she’d chosen for the private reception afterwards.

                    Kal slid the cap sleeves down her arms and let the silk fall softly to the floor. Lois’ nerves increased tenfold as he slowly undressed her. She had thought sex was more intimate but realised that being undressed by a man was even more so. Especially with the way he was doing it, his big hands stroking her body as each piece of clothing was removed.

                    He continued to caress her, speaking softly to her. He must have sensed how nervous she was, she thought as his words began to reassure her.

                    Once she was completely undressed, Kal helped her step into the tub.

                    “You just relax there for a minute,” he said, making sure the jets were on. “I’ll be right back.”

                    Puzzled, she watched him walk out of the bathroom, but decided to just go with it, figuring since he’d planned the hot tub, he must have planned everything else as well.

                    He was back in about a minute carrying an ice bucket with a bottle of champagne inside and two crystal goblets.

                    “Wow! I never even thought about champagne,” she said.

                    He smiled, putting the ice bucket down beside the tub. “You were busy planning everything else, you couldn’t possibly have thought of everything. Jonathan helped me organise this.”

                    She smiled up at him, watching as he poured the wine into the glasses.

                    “You really are so thoughtful.”

                    He shrugged. “I wanted tonight to be special for you. I know the past few months have been stressful. I thought you needed a chance to relax.”

                    She smiled. “Well, this certainly is very relaxing. Thank you, Kal.”

                    His grin was sly. “You know, there is room in there for two of us.”

                    She pretended to consider it. “So, there is,” she replied. “How about that?” She added a sly grin of her own. “You planning on joining me, husband?”

                    He clearly couldn’t undress fast enough. She could almost swear he had some kind of super-speed as he divested himself of his suit before stepping into the tub. Lois swallowed hard as she looked over his naked body. Dressed, he was extremely good-looking. Naked, he was a God.

                    He lowered himself into the water beside her and grabbed the glasses, handing one to her. They clinked in a silent toast. Lois took a sip before setting it down on the floor. As nervous as she was, she didn’t need any kind of stimulant to know she wanted him.

                    Kal looked at her, then followed her lead, putting his own glass down. She moved easily into his arms, kissing him.

                    “There’s no need to rush,” he said softly.

                    “I’m not rushing,” she told him. “We’ve waited three months. I don’t want to wait any longer.”

                    “Me either,” he responded.

                    She moaned softly as they began to make love, their bodies coming together in mutual passion.

                    Some time later, they made it to the bedroom where they made love again, slept for a few hours then woke to make love once more, the sheets tangled between them.

                    Lois lay in his arms, her body damp with perspiration, wondering how she had managed to hold out for three whole months. Kal was a passionate, yet considerate lover, putting her own needs above his.

                    She was sore, her muscles aching almost as if she’d had a strenuous workout, but she’d heard enough about sex to know that her first time would feel like that.

                    “Are you okay?” Kal asked.

                    “Mmm,” she said. “I’m fine. Tired.” She was so exhausted from the stress of the day that she could barely keep her eyes open.

                    He continued to stroke her back. “Go to sleep,” he told her.

                    She rolled over onto her other side. Kal draped his arm over her body, taking one hand in his. He curled up behind her. Feeling comforted by his warm presence, Lois soon fell asleep.

                    She woke the next morning to find he was not beside her. She sat up, frowning, then heard the clink of china. Lois got up, grabbing the towelling robe the hotel had provided and left the bedroom. Kal was taking items from a tray and putting them on the table. He looked up and smiled at her.

                    “Good morning. I hope you’re hungry. I ordered plenty of bacon and eggs and some croissants.”

                    She went to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Mmm, I’m starved,” she said. He kissed her and she murmured a ‘good morning’.

                    He guided her to the table and took the covers off the dishes. He had certainly ordered a ton of food, she thought, but then again, she was feeling extremely hungry.

                    They took their time to savour their breakfast. Lois hadn’t planned on returning to the palace for at least a few more hours.

                    Kal looked at her. “So, what did you want to do today?” he asked.

                    She had thought perhaps they could spend a little time walking around the city. It was something she got to do only very rarely.

                    As she began talking about her plans for the day, the phone rang. Kal frowned but picked up the receiver.

                    “Yes?” he said, listening for a brief moment. He looked up at her. “It’s front desk. For you.”

                    She took the phone, wondering who was trying to reach her.

                    “Hello?”

                    “Forgive me, your Highness. There is a message from your mother. She did not wish to disturb you but requests that you return to the palace as soon as you are able.”

                    “Of course. Thank you.”

                    Knowing her mother wanted her to enjoy her all-too-brief honeymoon with her new husband and not spend time worrying about what was happening at home, Lois realised Ella wouldn’t have asked her to return if it wasn’t important. She just hoped her father was all right.

                    Her worst fears were realised when she walked into the palace. Her mother and Jonathan were talking quietly, but both looked up as she entered.

                    “Mother?”

                    “Oh, sweetheart.” Ella crumpled and Lois knew it was bad. She hugged her mother and looked at Jonathan.

                    “I’m so sorry, your Highness,” he said. “Your father collapsed very early this morning. We didn’t want to disturb you, but …”

                    “I would have insisted anyway,” she told him. “Where is he?”

                    “He’s at St Francis. In the private wing. The doctors … the doctors say it’s only a matter of time.”

                    Comment


                    • #25
                      Chapter Fourteen

                      Kal watched as his wife sat by her father’s bedside, holding his hand. Sam was asleep, but it was clearly not a restful sleep. He was in a lot of pain.

                      They’d been surrounded by the press the moment Lois had stepped out of the car to enter the hospital. Thankfully, the hospital itself was very strict on not allowing any members of the press into the building. Not that that stopped them, Kal thought. Jonathan had told him of an incident where a cousin had been in the hospital to give birth and a paparazzo had managed to sneak in. They’d snapped off a few photographs of the woman in labour but security had grabbed him and he’d been arrested.

                      They’d informed the local press that the consequences would be dire if anyone else tried to breach security.

                      Kal put a hand on his wife’s shoulder.

                      “Do you need anything, sweetheart?” he asked.

                      She shook her head, too lost in her grief to reply.

                      “I was going to get some coffee,” he told her gently. “Shall I bring you a cup?”

                      She turned to look at him and offered a small smile. She nodded. “Thank you,” she mouthed, touching his hand briefly.

                      He left the room quietly and closed the door behind him. Jonathan was standing outside.

                      “How is she?” Jonathan asked.

                      “Barely keeping it together,” Kal told him.

                      She’d been at her father’s bedside for several hours, refusing to leave him. Kal had been told that Ella and Lucy had spent most of the night at the hospital and had been sent home to rest. He had no doubt they would be back as soon as they were up to it.

                      “I’m sorry,” Jonathan said.

                      “For what?”

                      “This isn’t the easiest way to start a marriage.”

                      Kal shook his head. As bad as the situation was, he regarded it as just one of those things that couldn’t be helped. He had heard of a couple who had planned to marry but the woman had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. They’d decided to marry anyway, and the wife had passed away within days of the wedding. As horrible as it was, Kal realised that the woman had died knowing that she had taken a chance at happiness.

                      In his few conversations with his father-in-law, he’d realised that all the man wanted was to see his daughter happy and taken care of. As much as he’d disliked the situation which had brought about the marriage arrangement, he’d delighted in the way Lois had blossomed through their developing romance.

                      Kal had admitted to the older man in one of their chats that he was in love with Lois. The look on the king’s face told him that the man was indeed very happy at this news.

                      As he went to find some decent coffee, he spotted Lionel Luthor talking to one of the nurses at the end of the hall. Kal rolled his eyes, seeing Lex and Lana also standing beside the bearded man. The Prime Minister saw Kal and smiled at him. Anyone else would have been taken in at the apparent sympathy, but he wasn’t fooled.

                      “Kal. Such dreadful news,” Lionel said, his tone supercilious. “I’m sorry this came at what should have been a happy time for both you and Her Highness.”

                      Kal nodded, acknowledging the other man’s attempt at sympathy. “Thank you, Prime Minister. Unfortunately, these things happen sometimes. I’ll be sure to extend your regards to my wife.” He started past the other man but was blocked by the younger couple. “Excuse me. We’ve been here since late this morning and my wife needs coffee.” He made sure to emphasise the ‘wife’ to make it clear he wasn’t interested in whatever machinations Lex or Lana were planning.

                      To their credit, they remained silent.

                      “Of course, of course,” Lionel said, falling into step beside him. “Although, now that the king is, shall we say, permanently indisposed, the duty falls on your lovely wife to step into his shoes.”

                      Kal avoided the man’s gaze to stop himself from calling the older man out on his insensitivity. What he really wanted to do was berate the elder statesman. Lois’ father was dying. She should at least have some time to grieve before being expected to ‘step into his shoes’.

                      He knew protocol wouldn’t allow her to grieve for long. Yet, while they were a family determined to serve their country, they were also a loving one. Sam’s illness had hit them all hard.

                      “I appreciate the concern, sir, but my wife hardly needs reminding of her duty.”

                      He walked away before he could lose his temper.

                      “Kal?”

                      Oliver and Chloe stood at the end of the hallway. Chloe looked as if she had been crying.

                      “We just got the news,” Oliver said quietly. “How are you all holding up?”

                      “As best we can,” he replied. “Chloe, I’m so sorry.”

                      She hugged him. “Me too. How is Lois?”

                      “Not so good. She’s with her father in his room. I was just going to get some coffee.”

                      Chloe shook her head. “We’ll go get the coffees,” she said. “You need to be with Lois.”

                      He nodded. “All right.” He told her what to get and waited, watching as the couple turned and left for the coffee shop.

                      He returned to his father-in-law’s room. Sam was awake and talking with Lois, who was clearly trying not to cry.

                      “Please don’t cry, sweetheart,” he said. “I’m just glad to see you happy. You are, aren’t you?” he added with a slight frown.

                      “Yes, Papa, I’m very happy.” She turned and looked at Kal with a tearful smile. He squeezed her shoulder gently.

                      “We both are, sir,” he told the dying man.

                      “That’s … that’s good. You are the best thing that ever happened to me, Lois.”

                      “I love you, Daddy.”

                      “I love you too.” He seemed to gather some strength a little as he looked at Kal. “You know, I remember the first time you and Lois set eyes on each other. You were both six and it was one of my mother’s garden parties. Lois was wearing some frilly dress.” His grin took an effort but he managed. “You always hated those dresses. I used to call you my little soldier. That afternoon, you were playing with Jimmy, running around, being scolded by your mother for not acting like a little lady. I used to tell Ella, ‘leave her be’. Your mother used to get so annoyed.”

                      He again looked at Kal. “Your parents had come for a visit. I believe your father and I were involved in some kind of military business. I think perhaps your father’s company was supplying some ordinance. I don’t really remember. We were at the party. Ella was always strict about making sure I came along to be sociable. And there you were, the three of you, arguing about who had tagged who and you and Jimmy began rolling on the ground. You both got in a few licks for good measure.”

                      Lois choked a little. Kal wasn’t sure if it was laughter or tears.

                      “Ella yelled at you two, telling you to ‘stop that right now’ and your father and I had to break it up. Jor-El was ready to pull your pants down and whack your butt but I talked him out of it. And all the guests were laughing. Well, of course, that just set the three of you off, thinking you’d provided us all with a good afternoon’s entertainment.”

                      Kal couldn’t help laughing at the smile on the older man’s face. He had the feeling that it was because of his father’s friendship with the king that the arrangement had been made. He wondered if the two men had seen something that day between Lois and himself. They would never really know.

                      The days passed into weeks and his father-in-law seemed to be hanging on. When Lois wasn’t spending all her time at the hospital, she was doing her best to fill in for her father, with the help of Jonathan and her mother – when Ella was able. Lois’ mother was beside herself with grief.

                      Kal had moved into Lois’ room, but they hadn’t made love since that first night. He was willing to give her time, knowing she needed to come to terms with the fact her father was dying but she appeared to be avoiding any kind of intimacy with him. While she seemed grateful for his support, the walls that had started to come down after that night in the club were back up.

                      Needing to address the issue, he tried talking to her about it one night. It had resulted in an argument in which she’d accused him of putting his needs before hers.

                      “My father is dying, Kal-El!” she practically shouted at him. “And all you can think about is what you want.”

                      She rarely used his full name unless she was hurt or angry. It was the same with him. He rarely used ‘princess’ unless he was either teasing her or just as angry. He grasped her left hand and ran his thumb over the rings he had given her.

                      “You are my wife!” he told her. “And you’re shutting me out.”

                      “I’m not shutting you out,” she returned. “Don’t you get it?”

                      “You think I’m not hurting as well?” he asked.

                      “It’s not your father who is lying in a hospital bed!” Well, that really hurt. He stared at her, barely able to control the desire to hit back at her as much as she had hit him.

                      “Are you suggesting I have no right to grieve? I respect that man as much as I respect my own father. Don’t tell me what I’m supposed to feel, Princess!”

                      He knew he had to walk away before he said something even more hurtful. He understood how she was feeling, but she needed to understand that they were married and when she hurt, he hurt. He couldn’t stand to see her in so much pain but pushing him away was not the answer.

                      He decided to sleep in his old room that night but ended up tossing and turning, going over everything that had been said between them. He was exhausted when he went downstairs to breakfast the next morning. Lois wasn’t much better. She had dark circles under her eyes and looked completely washed-out.

                      “I’m sorry,” she said. “You’re right. I’ve been pushing you away. It’s just …”

                      “Been difficult. I know.” He took her hand. “We need to get past this,” he said. “Not just for our own sake, but for your father’s.”

                      “I know.” She sighed. “I just can’t stand seeing him so frail.”

                      He moved his chair closer to her and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m here. I will always be here, Lois. I care about you. And your father. I meant what I said last night. I’m hurting too.”

                      She shook her head. “I had no right to say what I said. He loves you too, you know.”

                      The argument seemed to settle things between them. Lois had apparently realised that she had shut him out. In the following days, she did her best to open up to him more.

                      As the cancer took over her father’s body, Sam began to lose any sense of lucidity. He was in and out of consciousness. Only his eyes showed any awareness of his family in the room. In the early hours of a December morning, he slipped away, his wife and daughters by his side.

                      Kal continued to support his wife through the few days her father’s body lay in state in the cathedral. Thousands of people left flowers, mourning the loss of their king, sending messages to the family telling them how deeply sorry they were.

                      There was standing room only in the cathedral during the memorial service. Lois clutched her husband’s hand as he walked with her, watching as she laid flowers on the coffin. She pressed a kiss on her fingers and touched them to the wood.

                      “Goodbye, Papa,” she whispered through her tears.

                      She came to him that night. It was the first time they had made love in weeks and she channelled all her emotions into passion. It was also the first time she had taken the initiative.

                      She lay on top of him, panting, looking down at him.

                      “I love you,” she said. He gazed up at her with a loving look.

                      “I love you too,” he replied.

                      Comment


                      • #26
                        Chapter Fifteen

                        Lois had relied heavily on Jonathan and her mother to help her in the first few weeks of her new job. Being called ‘Your Majesty’ took some getting used to but after a couple of months, she felt she had started to get the hang of things.

                        Life slowly got back to normal, or as normal as it could possibly be under the circumstances. A magazine editor decided they wanted to do a cover story on the new queen, although Lois hadn’t been officially crowned and wouldn’t until her coronation in August. She had wanted to refuse to do the cover, but Kal had convinced her that it would help the people get to know her a little better. He’d made sure to look over the article before it went to print so he could check for any errors or inconsistencies. The article had actually turned out well.

                        Her relationship with Kal was growing in leaps and bounds. While he understood she had her duties to perform, he often emphasised the need for them to spend some time together and she knew he was right. They had been married five months and there was always a period of adjustment. The emotional upheaval of her father’s death had caused a few minor bumps along the way, but she hoped they were past that.

                        Given that, she had set aside two evenings a week where they would go out on a date. Granted, they needed extra security on those evenings, but they still managed to go somewhere they were not mobbed by well-wishers or well-meaning ‘fans’ eager to get a glimpse of their new queen.

                        Sometimes, they would go to the theatre, or to a ballet performance. The royal family had always been a patron of the arts and it was part of her duty. Nonetheless, they took advantage of those events to spend some quality time together.

                        When they weren’t attending social events, they would go out in casual wear and just act like a normal couple. Occasionally, they would go dancing at the nightclub where Kal had saved her from that awful man, or they would go for an evening stroll along the Riverwalk, just enjoying each other’s company. No one even noticed them, or if they did, they chose not to accost them.

                        Those were always the best dates, Lois thought.

                        The day before, Lois had had to give a speech at the opening of a new exhibition at the Metropolis Museum. It had been dedicated to her father who many people had felt had brought the monarchy into the modern era. He’d chosen to be more approachable, not just to the aristocracy but to the general populace.

                        Lois had taken that lesson and followed it, even improved on it a little. When the museum curator had asked if she would like to invite any special guests, she had asked if Melissa and her mother could come along. The little girl was not only getting better, the doctors were extremely optimistic about her chances of being cancer-free.

                        Melissa and her mother Joanne were staying as guests of the palace. Jimmy had taken them out for a tour of the city as Lois had to work preparing for a meeting with the Prime Minister the next day, although she would have much rather be spending the afternoon with the little girl and her mother, whose husband had left her when Melissa was two.

                        She was taking notes at her desk when she heard a squeaking sound. She looked up to find her husband had sneaked in while she was absorbed and was sitting opposite her, swinging the seat around. She frowned at him and he smiled at her mischievously.

                        “Is this bothering you?” he asked, pretending innocence.

                        “The chair, or you in it?” she responded snarkily. She tried to go back to her notes, but he continued to play around with the chair, distracting her. “Honey, I really have to get this done,” she told him.

                        He leaned forward and looked up at her with a smile.

                        “I just wanted you to know, I was very proud of you yesterday. You really learned a lot from your father.”

                        She nodded. “Thank you. Is that really what you came in for?”

                        “That, and I wanted to tell you that I’m going to meet Oliver at the club for lunch. That’s if you don’t mind.”

                        Lois shrugged. “Mind? Why would I mind about you two going to a club so you can gossip about your wives?” Oliver and Chloe had chosen to have a quiet wedding a month earlier, out of respect for Lois. It had still been too soon after her father's death for anything more elaborate.

                        He chuckled. “Is that really all you think we do? Gossip about you? Besides, men don’t gossip. We wax philosophical. We debate the issues of the day.”

                        She wrinkled her nose at him. “In other words … gossip.”

                        “Call it what you like, dear,” he said. “Anyway, I doubt I’ll be back late. Oliver’s taking Chloe out for dinner.”

                        “Don’t forget, Melissa and her mom are here for dinner. So that gives you twice the reason to make sure you’re back early.”

                        “Yes, dear,” he said. He got up from the chair and came around the side of the desk to kiss her. “See you later. And don’t work too hard.” He went to the door then looked at her. “I wasn’t kidding about that.”

                        “I have to be prepared for my meeting tomorrow,” she said. “You know what Lionel is like.”

                        He made a face. “Yeah, I do. You’re right. You have to be on your toes with him.”

                        She returned to studying the papers, working until the shadows lengthened. When Jonathan came in to tell her dinner was almost ready, she frowned at him, having forgotten the time. It had started to grow dark in the room. He leaned over to switch on the desk lamp.

                        “Didn’t your mother ever tell you that you will hurt your eyes trying to read in the dark?” he asked.

                        “I thought that was an old wives’ tale,” she returned. She stretched, suddenly realising her back was aching from sitting in the same position for hours. “Is it really that late?”

                        He nodded. “Dinner will be in half an hour.”

                        “Is Kal back yet?” she asked.

                        “I assume so,” the blond man replied. “Did you want me to go check?”

                        “No,” she said, shaking her head. “I’ll just go up to our room and change for dinner.”

                        She left the office and walked up the hallway, intending to go up the stairs to her room. She heard voices coming from the suite of rooms Kal used when he was entertaining. Kal was in conversation with a woman.

                        Wondering who her husband was entertaining at this late hour, she opened the door. And froze. Kal was kissing Lana Luthor. Horrified, Lois hurriedly closed the door and ran up the stairs. She closed the door to her room and leaned against the door, her mind reeling.

                        As much as she wanted to pretend she had just hallucinated it, she knew she hadn’t. Was he cheating on her?

                        She tried her best not to show anything was wrong all through dinner but Kal kept shooting her odd looks anyway. Thankfully, their guests didn’t appear to notice anything amiss.

                        When they went to bed, Lois turned away from her husband.

                        “What’s wrong?” he asked. “You were awfully quiet through dinner.”

                        “It’s nothing. I’m just tired.”

                        “Are you sure?”

                        She looked at him. “I’m sure. You know how exhausting it is preparing for meetings with the Prime Minister. I’m sorry. I’m just not up to much tonight.”

                        He seemed to let it slide, leaving her to roll onto her side to sleep. She didn’t sleep a wink.

                        Her meeting the next day with Lionel went as well as she had expected. While he had listened to her father and was prepared to take any advice, he tended to treat her as if she didn’t have a single brain in her head. Despite the fact that she had proved him wrong on several occasions. She had shown him she knew the country’s constitution better than him, but he always seemed to take it the wrong way.

                        After their hour’s discussion on everything from politics to the latest victory by the Metropolis Sharks football team, Lionel left. Lois felt drained, wishing she could just go up to bed and catch up on sleep.

                        She spent the rest of the day with Melissa and Joanne. The little girl was fascinated with her job and Lois took considerable time to show her everything involved in her daily duties. The little family made preparations to leave late that afternoon on the train back to Granville. Joanne spoke to her for a few minutes while Melissa was saying goodbye to Lucy and Ella and told her how grateful she was that Lois had invited them to stay and that Melissa talked nonstop about her ‘friend’.

                        “You’re going to be a wonderful mother, some day,” Joanne said.

                        “Thank you,” she replied.

                        Kal kept shooting her worried looks during dinner and even as they relaxed that evening in front of the television.

                        “You’re awfully quiet,” he said. “Are you all right?”

                        “I just didn’t sleep well last night,” she told him.

                        “I know. You were very restless.” He offered to order her a hot milk drink with nutmeg suggesting it might help relax her.

                        While she did manage to get some sleep that night, she still felt on edge. Kal was attentive as he always was, running a bath for her and making sure she was relaxed.

                        She was unprepared for a visitor the next day. Jonathan entered the room telling her Lex had come to see her and that it was extremely important.

                        Wanting to avoid the machinations of her distant cousin, Lois tried to think of an excuse. Unfortunately, one wasn’t forthcoming. Reluctantly, she agreed to see him.

                        Lex’s tone was supercilious as he spoke. “Your Majesty, I apologise for coming without an appointment but I felt I should come to you. I have a very grave matter I need to discuss with you.”

                        “What is it?” she asked.

                        “I believe my wife is cheating on me. With your husband. I have evidence.”

                        She raised an eyebrow at him. “What evidence is this?” she asked.

                        He appeared reluctant but handed over a thumb drive. “Photographs,” he said. “I’m sorry,” he added as she loaded the photographs on the laptop in front of her. “I know you care for him.”

                        She stared at the photos as they came up on the screen. It was Kal all right, with Lana. The pair seemed very cosy.

                        She knew how damaging it could be. Especially if the truth about how they had come to meet came out. She could be forced to step down, even before she was officially crowned.

                        Lex left, telling her she could keep the thumb drive. She had no doubt he had copies. She continued to stare at the photographs, wondering how she could have been so foolish. Kal had assured her that he and Lana had been long over before his parents had agreed to the marriage, yet the evidence was right there in front of her.

                        It didn’t make sense. The past several months, Kal had seemed so happy in the marriage. Surely she would have noticed if he’d been at all unhappy. Surely there would have been a sign that he was cheating on her. She knew one of the first signs of a cheating spouse was a change in behaviour, but that hadn’t happened at all.

                        She knew there was only one thing to do. She rang for Jonathan.

                        “Could you ask Kal to come in here, please?” she said.

                        He frowned at her but said nothing, immediately going out to look for her husband.

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                        • #27
                          Serious rhut-rho! Kal has some 'splaining to do. And only two chapters left! More. Pleases and thank yous.

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                          • #28
                            Originally posted by Sykobee
                            Serious rhut-rho! Kal has some 'splaining to do. And only two chapters left! More. Pleases and thank yous.
                            All I will say is appearances are deceiving. Next chapter tomorrow.

                            Comment


                            • #29
                              Yeah, not overly worried. Figured with the Luthors both popping up, Kal's previous dealings with and the recent attitude of Lex's wife. . Something's fishy. Wouldn't expect Kal to kiss her with borrowed lips😇 Hopefully it will be early tomorrow 😊

                              Comment


                              • #30
                                Originally posted by Sykobee
                                Yeah, not overly worried. Figured with the Luthors both popping up, Kal's previous dealings with and the recent attitude of Lex's wife. . Something's fishy. Wouldn't expect Kal to kiss her with borrowed lips Hopefully it will be early tomorrow 
                                Yeah, you know the saying. Something stinks. Chapter coming right up.

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