Free Royal Love by John Simpson Page B

fact, you’re not. I may just give you a bare butt spanking right now.”
    “Dad won’t let you!”
    “Do you see him here?”
    “No.”
    “You’re confined to your room for the rest of the night. The Scotties will stay with the Marines. In the morning, I’ll be back, and if I think you’ve learned a lesson from this, you can go to school on time. If you haven’t learned anything, you’re going to have a red butt!”
    Shane left the room and closed the door. Before he reached the staircase, he heard Jack crying but steeled himself and kept going. The dining room was dead silent when he walked in. Shane took his seat to finish his dinner.
    “What did you do?” David asked.
    “I restricted him to his room tonight without the Scotties and told him he might get a red ass in the morning if his language hasn’t changed. We just can’t allow that kind of talk at the dinner table. He’s not an adult, and we need to remember that. You spoil him rotten.”
    “I thought it was funny,” Darren said.
    “Well, it wasn’t. We’ve all laughed at some of the things he comes out with, but it’s time for him to act like a gentleman.”
    “I suppose you’re right, Shane, but no spanking. I won’t use physical violence to discipline that boy. He’s been through enough already. The fact that he can’t have the pups with him tonight is the real punishment and far more effective than five minutes of embarrassment and pain.”
    “Okay, but if it continues, he’s going to get spanked, and that’s the end of it.”
    David threw his napkin on the table and stood.
    “I’ve already closed that subject. I forbid you to spank him, end of story!”
    David went into the living room. Shane and Darren put down their forks, having lost their appetite. Blaine came in, having heard part of the row.
    “Is everyone finished, sir?”
    “Yes, you can clear the table,” Shane said. “We’ll have coffee in the living room.”
    “Yes, Mr. Thompson-Windsor.”
    When Shane and Darren entered the living room, they found David cool and collected, reading the London papers.
    “I’m sorry we argued,” Shane said. David looked up at him as he continued. “I’m just doing what I think is right, but I’ll go along with whatever you think is best.”
    “Thank you. I feel strongly about the subject, and as I said, Jack has been through enough. Now let’s enjoy our coffee.”
     
     
    T HE NEXT month passed quickly. The night before the Windsor family and their guest were to board one of the White House’s older jets, Michael was staying overnight with Darren at Winfield House. After dinner, they watched television and had a drink.
    “Darren, don’t let me forget to give your mother the king’s wedding present! He’d have my ass for that.”
    “Don’t worry, nobody is going to have your ass but me,” Darren whispered.
    “Promises, promises. You know you can’t handle this on a steady diet,” Michael said as he slapped his ass.
    “Put me to the test!”
    “What kind of test?” David asked.
    “Oh, um, nothing, Uncle David,” Darren said, and he and Michael giggled.
    David frowned, rightly figuring they were talking about sex.
    “You guys ready to go in the morning? You pack your tux, Darren?”
    “Sure have. Michael has his prince’s uniform, so he’s set.”
    “Prince’s uniform?” David said dubiously.
    “It’s not all that grand, but—” Darren began before he was interrupted.
    “I can’t help that I don’t look like my cousins when they dress up,” Michael said. “They’re military officers and major royals. I’m a nobody, a little prince. People have to ask who I am at parties.”
    “Well, to me, you’re a big royal,” Darren said and leaned over and kissed Michael.
    “Let’s all be sure to follow protocol,” David said. “If you’re not sure how to do something, ask an aide, or check with me or Shane. I’m sure you’re both going to be just fine.”
    “I’m tired, and since we have to be