Called by the Siren

Chapter 17: Courting!

“You…you want to..Court Bee?” Frank said astonished. He knew the Princes had been popular with the Ladies, but never had they asked to court anyone! There was a reason for this, once you began courting someone the expectations were that it would end in Marriage. To see other people whilst courting was seen as a major taboo in the gang world. It meant you were not trustworthy and this would effect your gangs reputation. In short, a person did not enter into courting unless they were absolutely serious.

Kurt shot Alannah a panicked look, this was a complete surprise. He knew the Twins liked Bee, but this? Before the challenge!

“What are you doing?” Alannah said quickly in Chinese.

“Following our hearts and being men. We know Bee is the one, just like you know Kurt is” Ethan said making Bee choke.

“Well, of course we will consider your request. But, you have to understand Bee is a person of outstanding reputation and this has come from hard work. Forgive me, but you don’t strike me as that…type” Lenoid said kindly.

“Meaning you are well known for acting like a pair of idiots and that is not suitable partners for the Siren!” Frank snapped.

“We know how to work hard! We were part of the Nine Tails Fighting Group!” Ethan protested.

“We also have many businesses that we have grown and we are part of the Mad Dogs Mercenaries!” Aiden said firmly. They might be seen as jokers and pranksters, but the Twins were actually extremely hard working and capable. They were not going to let the love of their life slip away on a misconception!

“I just want to clarify something, are you both wanting to court my Granddaughter?” Rosemary asked.

“Yes! Unless Bee wants to choose one of us that is” Ethan said as he looked at Bee, who still had a look of shock on her face.

“I see. Well it is not that unusual in the Sea Gang World, especially for Sirens. In fact my Aunt had two men, don’t you remember Leonid?” Rosemary said

“That was different, Philip and Reginald were strong Sea Men!” Leonid pointed out.

“We are happy to learn the Sea Gang ways!” Aiden said and Ethan nodded. They just needed a yes from the Grandparents.

 They heard Bram growl and say “You think it is that easy?”

“I think we were talking to the Clearwater’s” Aiden said in a authoritative tone. They were Princes after all!

‘Well, I for one think it is a good idea! It is about time Bee was courted and thought about her own happiness for a change!” Rosemary said with a wink at the Twins. She had seen the way her Granddaughter has reacted to them, as hard as Bee had tried to hide it.

“Rosemary! There are plenty of more suitable candidates out there, Viktor for one!” Leonid said in a shocked voice. The Twins faces fell for a second, before they pulled themselves together. 

“No! I don’t want to marry Viktor!” Bee said suddenly. She had been quite this whole time!

“Bee?” Frank said gently.

“I….I have done everything you asked of me Grandfather and I hope I have made you proud. But I won’t have my marriage arranged without my permission. I want….I want  to be courted by the Twins” Bee said blushing deeply.

 The Twins face burst into wide smiles and Ethan said “You won’t regret it Princess!”

Alannah smiled and thought “That a Girl! Taking charge of her own destiny!”

Leonid was about to reply when they all heard a commotion near the entrance to the Cabin.

“I am afraid you cannot go in, the King and Queen are in a private meeting!” James said in an annoyed tone.

“Yes and I know who with!” A male said in arrogant voice. Suddenly the door flung open and a man with two women came in.  Bee recognised the women instantly from the lift snd her eyes opened wide when she realised who their father was!

“Elgar Marsh!” Leonid growled as he stood up with Bram and Frank. They instantly took a protective position in front of their women. Even Rosemary grabbed Bee and put her behind herself.

“What is the meaning of this?!” Kurt roared as he saw how defensive the Krakens had become. Something more was going on then he realised and he intended to find out what.

“So it is true, you are hosting the filthy Sea Gangs rather then someone from your own syndicate!” Elgar said. 

“Who I host is no business of a syndicate member!” Kurt said in a dangerous voice. He clenched his fists, clearly trying to hold on to his temper.

“Forgive me your highness, I was just worried that your reputation would be…sullied by hosting such low class people. They are hardly worthy of your time or energy!” Elgar said smoothly with a bow.

“Why you…” Bram said making a motion to move forward but Bee put her hand on his shoulder to stop him.

“Don’t Bram! It is what he wants! If we attack now, Kurt will have no choice but to defend him. Am I right, Mr Marsh?” Bee said as she made her way to the front of the group.

Elgar chuckled and walked forward saying “So this is the Siren? I must say, I expected more!” 

“You know perfectly well who I am or you should - I have stopped many of your slave ships!” Bee said casually. She knew that she hit a nerve as Elgar’s face twisted in hatred.

“You have no right to stop them!” Elgar spat

“We will not have slave ships in our waters! You have been warned Mr Marsh, countless times!” Bee pointed out.

“Daddy, why are you arguing with such a lowly creature?” Camilla said in a smooth voice.

Elgar turned and said “You are right of course my Dear, it is such a waste of my precious time!”

“Yes, those slaves will not sell themselves, will they Elgar?” Leonid said putting his hand on Bee’s shoulder.

“No, they won’t. I also don’t mind telling you, your Granddaughter would fetch a fine price on the Open Market. Many men would like to try and break the Siren, including myself!” Elgar said staring directly at Bee.

“You lay a hand on her and I swear..” Lenoid growled.

“There is no need to worry Lenoid, Bee is family and therefore under the protection of the King and Queen,” Alannah said in a warning tone.

“Absolutely, no one would dare touch her as it would be a personal attack on us” Kurt growled.

Rosemary nodded and said “Thank you, but I feel we must return to our camp. Bee needs her sleep after all” 

“Of course! Our conversation can wait until another time” Kurt said formally. Rosemary was a wise leader and was trying to remove themselves from a potentially damaging situation. 

“Please let us escort you home” Ethan said moving towards the group.

“Isn’t that improper for a Prince to do that?” Priscillia said.

“Not if they are officially courting Bee, which they are!” Leonid said.

“Oh Grandfather, thank you!” Bee said putting her arms round her Leonid and stepped on her toes to kiss his cheek.

“Don’t thank me yet!” Leonid muttered 

“NO! This can’t be! Surely you can’t agree to ..to this abomination!” Priscillia spat angrily as the Twins walked to Bee’s side and took one of her hands each. The Trio did not dignify the insult with a reply as they walked out together, the Twins were almost skipping with joy.

“Well it looks like the abomination is incredibly happy! Thank you once again for your hospitality. Come now boys, it is time we left the King and Queen alone” Rosemary said as she dragged her husband out. Frank nodded at Kurt and left with Bram.

Once they had left, Kurt’s face twisted in fury as he looked at Elgar. He was going to tear them a new one, but Alannah got there first.

“How dare you insult our guests in such a manner! The Krakens are doing this syndicate a favour and you decide to treat them like that!” Alannah snapped, her green eyes blazing with fury.

“My Queen, I was just seeking to protect your reputation” Elgar stuttered.

“Any who asked you to do that?” Alannah asked and Elgar remained silent.

“Your Queen asked you a question!” Kurt growled.

“No one” Elgar said

“No one what?” Alannah said. Normally she hated titles, but she was beyond furious at what had just happened.

“No one My Queen” Elgar said formally with a bow.

“Good. So in future you will not question our decisions or there will be unpleasant consequences for the Marsh Harriers. Do I make myself clear?” Kurt said in a tone full of authority.

“Yes, My King. I thank you for your mercy” Elgar said bowing again.

“While we at it, the Canadian Princes are now officially courting. Therefore, any claims you think your daughters have is now rescinded!”  Alannah said

“Yes, My Queen. I thank you for the clarity” Elgar said through clenched teeth. He would get his revenge on the Krakens.

“Daddy!” Camilla protested as she pouted.

“Be quite girl, the adults are talking!” Elgar snapped.

“Yes we are indeed. Now tell me, have you been dealing in people after my express order not to? The reason I ask Elgar, is that the Krakens are know for being levelled headed, yet they seemed somewhat perturbed at seeing you. Of course, transporting people that are going to be sold off as cursed ones, through their waters would do that!!” Kurt said as he started to watch Elgar squirm.

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The walk back to Bee’s tent seem to take forever, but as soon as the three of them were inside, Bee turned and said “Are you insane? Asking to court me!”

Ethan just walked over and kissed her making her moan. He broke off the kiss and said in a voice thick with longing “Bee, it would be insane for us not too!”

“This sort of thing comes along once in a life time Princess” Aiden said as he began kissing her neck. Bee knew what Aiden wanted and turned round. As expected Aiden kissed her deeply and said “We misses you Darling!”

Bee chuckled and said “It has only been a day, you two are so dramatic!”

The Twins laughed and Bee went in to kiss them again.

“We have to go soon” Ethan said in a sad voice.

“Yes,  we want to this right!” Aiden said firmly and Bee smiled. They had every right to spend the night together, but the Twins wanted to take it slow.

“Hmm well, we have got time for a few more kisses” Bee said as she pulled Ethan towards her.

“Yes Ma’am!” The Twins said with a smile. 

They were so busy kissing that they did not notice Lenoid passing their tent and walk towards the Russian encampment.