Beyond Simla - Twenty Three

[ismenin]

Hello, my loves! Just said goodbye to tweedle_ and lisabellex who have been wonderful and considerate visitors over the weekend. Loves them with great love.

So here is this week's part from the lovely ladysunrope 's hot and fevered hands. Poor thing is coughing, again.

I hope you like it.


Thank you, LSR for beta. Hope the cough will ease soon. xxxxx


Part - 23


Elijah sat down. His initial excitement at gathering all the relevant parties together swiftly faded. He had had second thoughts.

"Dom," he said, looking at the king. "I have been thinking. We have been too hasty. Before we examine those people, we should interrogate the sais brought in by Basmin Singh, and...and put Duleep further to the question. What say you?"

Dom, fired up by the thought of immediate action shook his head, then, because he never dismissed lightly anything Elijah said, sat beside him, and considered the facts.

After consideration, he was bound to admit that Elijah was right. The men needed to be questioned. Who knows what fear of torture would do to them? Loosen their tongues, maybe.

"Yes, I agree. We will meet with all concerned in an hour, as we planned, and tell them that...tomorrow afternoon we will begin our...let us call them 'interviews', shall we?...with them all."

Elijah twisted his hands together, and after a moment's silence, looked Dom straight in the eye. "I have kept something from you, my love, because there is no proof, but my word, that this occurred; and I was waiting and hoping that some would arise. But I must tell you, now, and your heart will be grieved at it."

Quietly and calmly, Elijah told Dom of the man he had seen talking to Duleep Singh, in the stable, on the day he was abducted.

Dom drew in a sharp breath as Elijah told his tale. It seemed to him that his whole life was being dismantled before him, and that he was powerless to stop it. He leaned forward and put his head in his hands. This was devastating news. First Duleep, and now....His heart felt heavy within his chest, as if weighted down by sorrows.


Then he gazed into Elijah's clear, blue eyes, and realised with a certainty, that he would find comfort in his love for this man, and great solace in his company in the days ahead.

Elijah saw the sad, yet hopeful look in his lover's eyes. "I will not leave you, Udom Singh. I shall never leave you, unless you send me from you."

Dom caught Elijah in his arms and kissed him, his lips hungry upon the willing mouth. "Never would I send you from me, my Lij. What man, in his right mind, would send away his soul?"

They sat together, talking, until it was time to meet with the assembled men, then went slowly to Dom's apartments, where triumph and disaster were waiting for them, seated side by side.

*

Before they entered the room, Dom asked a guard to bring in the others who were waiting - Gafur, Mahmoud Khan, and Sergeant Hill amongst them.

When all were assembled, and stood in silence before him, Dom spoke, in a firm, clear voice, Elijah standing to one side, a pace behind him, as protocol demanded.

"Tomorrow, at two in the afternoon, you will all gather here, into the same chambers that you were in before I called you together. You will wait for me in silence - from this moment, none may speak to another, unless it be in my company. No-one may leave the palace building, not even for the stables. Accommodation will be found for you, here. All the palace doors and windows will be locked, until I order them opened. That is all. You may leave."

Dom detained his grandfather by grasping his sleeve as he passed. "I am sorry, Dada-ji," he murmured, his low voice vibrant with passion, "but if I must do it for one, I must do it to all. I hope you understand. Dine with us tonight."

Ian put a hand on Dom's shoulder. "I understand, Udom Singh. I will speak with you - both of you - tonight." He smiled at Elijah, and left them. When all had gone, Dom sank into his chair, and bowed his head. "Will it never end?" he sighed, as Elijah approached him.

Just then Vigran knocked, and re-entered the room. “I have come to see if you wish to have the prisoners questioned, Highness. Before the gathering tomorrow. I have not spoken together since you said we must not, but I had discussed it with Commander Boyd beforehand. We are of like mind in this."

Dom glanced at the clock. "I will see my children, first. Wait until after dinner - but inform them what you intend to do, and do so loud enough so that others may hear. We will begin with Duleep Singh. I leave the questioning in Boyd’s most capable hands - but do not start without me. This I must witness for myself."

"It is my punishment for being too trusting of everyone. I shall be more careful where I bestow my friendship, in future," he said, as the doors closed behind his visitors.

"Never say so!" Elijah grasped Dom's hands tightly. "It is what I most admire in you - your ability to gather people to you in friendship. Do not cast off such a gift, I beg you! If I had had it, my formative years would have been so much happier."

Dom smiled at him, but it was a sad smile. "I cannot believe that you have not been surrounded all your life by friends, Elijah. From the first moment I saw you, I was...not immune, even then, to your charms."

Elijah stared at him, stupefied. "Charms? Dom, I have no charms. All my life I have been hedged in by my brother and his stultifying boring ilk. I have had no opportunity to develop charm - indeed, I have not!"

Dom rose from his chair, and pulled him close. "If I say you have charm, my Lord Prince Elijah - you have charm. Am I not your king?"

Elijah rested his head on Dom's convenient shoulder. "You are, indeed, lord king. I must believe you, for you say you never lie."

Dom stroked the dark head. "No, and never will I - at least, not to you."

They kissed, and then went to see the children.

*

Elijah had not had much to do with children. His brother's three offspring were hideously well-behaved, and Cecil's wife was so formal, that it was said of her, in wondering tones, that she had once, at a party, been heard to utter a spontaneous remark. He avoided his sister-in-law whenever he could.

Therefore, Dom's children came as a revelation. They were intelligent, behaved naturally, and appeared to be endowed by the gods with good manners and happiness.

Dom, stripped to his shirt, and skittering around on all fours, was allowing Mooma to sit on his back and ride him like a horse, whilst Udai, shy at first, was talking in animated tones, to Elijah.

Never, since he was ten himself, had Elijah spent time with a ten year old boy, and he was quite amazed at the things the lad knew about the world, about science and languages. He was, Udai declared with a hint of pride, like his Papa, very good at languages.

"For a king must know these things, sir, to be able to function in this world. Papa insisted that I be taught all that he knows, and, although I am slightly concerned by my progress in Greek, I do not doubt I will master it, in the end. Papa says I will."

Elijah was enchanted. He glanced over at Dom, now lying on his back, and allowing his daughter to tickle him unmercifully, when a thought struck him. When they paused for refreshments, Elijah took the opportunity to ask Dom a question.

"Are you certain you are the only person who knows how to get through the secret door, Dom?" he asked, his voice low.

Dom took Elijah across the large room, ostensibly to show him the wonderful jewelled clock on the wall. "Why do you ask, Lij?" he whispered.

Elijah pursed his lips. "Could your father have trusted another with the secret? Someone you do not know that knows? Think, Dom!"

Dom's head shot round. There was someone to whom Udai Singh had confided a secret that Dom had not known he knew.

"Do you think that my loved ones are safe, here? Should I have him taken and confined?"

Elijah took Mooma's hand as she toddled up and reached for him, and he carefully wiped her jam-covered face in his handkerchief before answering.

"Not for worlds, Dom! We need those involved to think we do not know of their actions. Just ask your lady mother to ensure all the doors to their rooms are locked and bolted, tonight. Tomorrow - God willing - it will be over."

Mooma reached up, again, stickily demanding a kiss, and Elijah lifted her in his arms, and held her tight as he obliged. "I would have no harm come to your treasures, Udom Singh," he said, looking pointedly over the little girl's head.

Dom smiled. "I love you, heart of my heart," he said, his whisper vibrant with passion.

Udai's voice was heard challenging his father to a game of chess. Dom went immediately to the table, and Elijah spent a happy hour stringing beads for Mooma.

As they prepared to leave, the Lady Aditi came to them. "My son, take the greatest care tomorrow. There are those here who wish you dead, I know it in my heart. It is strange that I do not feel the same fear for myself, or the girls. Be on your guard."

Dom kissed her, and Elijah took her hand in his. "If, by any power I may invoke, in heaven, or on earth, by which he can be saved for you, my lady, I will. You have my word," he said.
Then the Lady Aditi kissed him, also. "Thank you, prince. Your words strike true to my heart. May your god speed you."

Hand in hand, the men left the seraglio, and went to dress for dinner.

*

"What power were you speaking of, Lij?" Dom asked as they entered the king's chambers once more. "Whom do you think might intercede on your behalf with the forces of evil? Excepting God, of course."

Elijah rang the bell, and asked for Billy to bring his clothing, before he answered Dom. "There is one whom I am certain has been accepted by God. He was not a great man, in the eyes of the world, being a quiet soul, and much given to charitable works - but to me he was a colossus, a veritable titan. He was the only member of my family whom I knew cared for me, and I for him. My mother's father...my Grandpapa."

Elijah was not looking at Dom as he spoke, but Dom grasped his lover's shoulders and turned him. His eyes were bright, but they sparkled, not with tears, but with love.

"He died when I was seven. I miss him, even now."

After a moment or two, Dom rang and asked where Gafur was, as he needed him to tend to his clothes. Fadi came with the answer. "Gafur has eaten something that disagreed with him, Highness. He has taken to his bed."

Dom glanced quickly at Elijah. "Delay dinner for half an hour Fadi. I must see him."

Elijah touched Dom's arm. "Do you wish me to come with you?" Dom shook his head. "I will not be many minutes. Dismiss the man Gafur will send in his stead, when he arrives. Billy can serve both of us equally well."

Several minutes later Billy came with Elijah's clothing, and carrying a rather ruffled Lord Cecil in his wake.

"I have barely set eyes upon you for two days, brother," Cecil huffed. "And why are you dressing in his Highness's chambers? Surely your own rooms are..." he looked about him, frowning,"...better-appointed than are these?"

Elijah allowed Billy to disrobe him. "Yes, my chambers, though not as large as these, are certainly better appointed. His Highness has simple tastes. He has enough pomp and ceremony in his life - he enjoys a little, er...simplicity in his leisure hours."

Cecil lifted a pettish shoulder. "I cannot see why he should enjoy it. It has been said that he is the wealthiest man in the country. He should be used to display."

His lordship took a hasty turn about the room, so obviously dissatisfied with his brother's answer. "But why are you here, Elijah? It is not...right."

Billy fitted the last stud into Elijah's collar, and helped him into his white waistcoat and the black silk dinner jacket.

Elijah realised, with a light heart, that nothing his brother said now had the power to disturb him. "I am here, Cecil, because I choose to be here, and His Highness chooses to have me here. Does that answer content you?"

Cecil shook his head, still frowning. "It is not seemly..." he began, as Billy pinned Dom's gift to his jacket, but Elijah, accepting a clean pocket handkerchief from his valet, put up a warning hand.

"Say no more, Cecil. His Highness and I are lovers. If this disturbs you, I suggest you leave for England, at first light, and inform the Queen of it."

Billy picked up the discarded clothing, and left the room for an inner chamber. Clearly he was not unfamiliar with the layout of the king's private rooms.

Cecil stared at his brother in undisguised horror. "Lovers….? But...but...the Queen? Good God, Elijah, what will she say? And you admit to it freely...in public?"

"Billy Boyd is hardly the public, Cecil. I wish you to leave, now, and wait for us in the dining room. We will not be long after you."

After so comprehensive a snub, Lord Cecil could do no more than take himself off without another word. Elijah grinned wryly at the stiff, affronted back of his elder brother. He will no more tell Victoria - or, indeed, anyone - than he will fly to the moon! It falls too close to his own matters.

Dom entered, looking pale. He had found Gafur vomiting into a bowl. The old man had said it was nothing, and that he would be better by tomorrow, and Dom, apprising Elijah of developments, hoped that it would be so.

Billy wasted no time in returning to dress the king, and within ten minutes the two men were entering the dining room.

*

Dinner passed without incident. Dom smiled at his family, as he bade them sit. "Feel free to talk amongst yourselves," he said, as Lord Cecil frowned in confusion at hearing Dom speak.

Elijah glanced at his brother, but it was clear to him that Cecil was avoiding his eye. Elijah turned to Dom, shrugged slightly, and ate his dinner with evident enjoyment.

Dom, thinking of what was to happen after dinner, ate sparingly. He had never been present at an interrogation of a former friend, and was not looking forward to it at all. Duleep Singh might be a traitor - was a traitor - but...but....

His Uncle Arjit addressed a question to him, and Dom pushed the questioning to the back of his mind. It would come soon enough.

After they had eaten, Ian managed a few words with them both, but as others stood nearby it was impossible to be as open with him as they would wish.

"Do not fear, Dada-ji - all will be resolved tomorrow, we hope. It is all gradually coming together - we see the light, now. Until tomorrow, then." Ian smiled, bowed, and moved apart to talk with Basmin Singh.


As they left the dining room, an hour later, Billy was waiting, quietly sitting in a chair in the wide corridor. He stood as Dom approached.

"I will not stay to change my clothing," said Dom, firmly. Let us be done with it, Commander." He grasped Elijah's hand. "I wish you will wait in my chambers for me, Lij. I will need your company, after..."

Elijah shook his head. "I will come with you. Do you think I would leave you to bear such a burden alone? Never!"

Dom sighed. "You are a prince amongst princes, Elijah of Ranjipore. Come, then."

Billy raised his eyebrows he heard Elijah addressed so, but said nothing. Walking briskly, he led the way to the cells, which were arranged in a circle around a central arena.

Duleep Singh was very pale. He was not as dark complexioned as his fellow prisoners, who could see - and hear - everything through the bars of their cells, and Elijah hoped that he was frightened. However, his expression was as serene as ever it was.

Billy ordered the cell door to be opened, and chairs were placed for Elijah and Dom.

Ten guards stood near, as a man entered, carrying a large leather bag that clinked with the sounds of metallic objects as he walked. Elijah heard Dom swallow, and put a surreptitious hand upon his arm.

*


A little over an hour later, Dom and Elijah left the room. Duleep had said not a single word in answer to Billy's questions, although he had screamed for a long time.

It was clear Duleep was not going to reveal a thing, so Billy stopped the proceedings, and invited Elijah to take His Highness to his chambers.

Dom was trembling, but he made it as far as his rooms before his legs gave way, and he collapsed behind the closing door. Elijah quickly poured Dom a glass of brandy, and sat beside him on the floor whilst he drank it.

Soon, Dom was able to rise unaided, and Elijah took his hand and led him into the bed-chamber, and helped him strip.

Dom's breathing slowed as he lay in the bed. "I kept remembering things from our childhood. Climbing trees together, fishing, riding along the valley..."

Elijah ran a comforting hand along Dom's pale cheek. "I know..." he murmured, for he had looked at Dom's face as the interrogation had proceeded, and had seen, in his lover's eyes, the sorrow for lost friendship.

Elijah dimmed the lamps, and climbed in beside Dom, who instantly drew him close. "I have seen many things, being a king, that would turn the stomachs of many men, but never have I witnessed one I have called my brother - my friend..."

He put his head on Elijah's shoulder, and his arm around the slender waist. "Only the knowledge that Billy inflicted on him the same injuries that you suffered at his hands - and feet - sustained me. He received his just desserts."

There was silence for a moment. "I must know, Lij - did you scream so, when he...?"

Elijah shuddered at the memory. "I do not think so, Dom. But, who knows? It may be that Duleep does not think he did, either. The mind is a complex thing."

Dom drew Elijah even closer. "Thank all the gods that you are still with me, my love. I could not bear to be alone, now. Alone - without you, I mean."

They spoke no more, but gained comfort from each others presence, and eventually fell asleep.

*

It was not yet dawn when a hammering on the bedroom door wakened them from their comforting dreams.

"Good God!" Elijah murmured thickly, "what is it?"

"Come!" Dom called, and Vigran Singh came hurrying through the door, kneeling before the bed, head bowed.

"Speak!" commanded Dom, knowing that the man would not do so until permission had been given.

"Highness, three of the four saiswe brought in yesterday are dead - poisoned - Dr Ian says. He has the last one in the infirmary..."

Dom leapt out of bed, and pulled on a nightshirt and a dressing robe. Elijah did so as well, and without another word they ran to the infirmary.

Pray God that the man is still living! Elijah thought, If he has anything to reveal, let Dom be in time to hear it!

Comments

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

There's so much happening in this chapter. Elijah's brief conversation with his brother was totally satisfying. I'm glad he's overcome his dread of Cecil, the bully. Duleep deserves to be punished, but I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. And for Dom. He's so alone, except for Elijah. And I'm worried about Gafur. If the Sais have been poisoned, maybe Gafur has too.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Gosh! There is so much left to cram in. Well, I don't mean cram - I hate it when writers do that. So much to tell. It's all happening! :D xxx

[tristanpaulus.livejournal.com]

I may be completely off....when Elijah invited Ian to dinner I suspected Ian was the man he had seen talking to Duleep...obviously it was someone very close to Dom....

[verangel.livejournal.com]

I'm right there with you. (noted in my comment) xoox v

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

I'm not saying nowt! It could be anybody. But the story is winding down, now. All will be revealed in pt 25, I expect. :D xxx

[verangel.livejournal.com]

OMG you are freakin killing me!!! I can't imagine who it is that was involved that Elijah relayed to Dom. I am so suspicious I even wonder if it could be Dada-ji! The time with the children was wonderful. I adored the image of both men with little mooma.
Finally, Elijah let loose on Lord Cecil and told it like it is. That was a very satisfying passage to me. *happyhappy* In public! heehee
Poor Elijah, he has no awareness of his charm, his beauty, his kindness and fairness. His Grandpapa the only one who ever showed him love nad that only lasted till the wee age of 7. :*(
He is so deserving of love now and letting him fly with it. Both men are totally opening to the love. Dom calling him "Elijah of Rangipore" and his "soul". *squees in happiness*
Oh to hear the screams and the question Dom asked Elijah. It was very telling that Elijah thought no but then said one doesn't always know though if they do when they are outside their head. Knowing that the same injury was inflicted on Duleep would be even more sickening to witnesss for Dom as he could then see exactly how it was for his beloved Elijah and how godawful the pain was.
The poison is running rampant. Its getting scarier. You are driving me mad but I am loving every bit. I am such a masochist obviously. hugs you tons my Ru. You had a wonderful visi this weekend you lucky girl.
xoxooxxoxoxo v

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Poison everywhere! Very true! I hope you will like how the story ends. I certainly do. Wibble

The visit was wonderful, yes it was. ;D xxx

[laeliacatt.livejournal.com]

I loved seeing Cecil being made uncomfortable by Elijah's news and then summarily dismissed. :)

I was sorry that Dom had to find out about more treachery in his household. He has had so many painful discoveries. It was hard to see him having to bear Billy's interrogation of Duleep, even though Duleep's treatment was deserved for what he did to Lij. Hopefully, Lij will be able to stay with Dom and not go back to England with Cecil. He is strong enough to lose Elijah but he would never be the same man again.

I can't wait until next week when the individual interviews take place. Perhaps we will discover if Gafur's illness is related to the poisoning of the sais. I'm sure you'll reveal all in your own good time. But you like watching us suffer first. :D

I am insanely jealous that you were able to spend such a fun weekend with tweedle_ and lisabellex! I know you all must have had a wonderful time. :) *pets LSR - I want her and her computer to get better soon*

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

I do feel sorry for poor Dom. Suspects everywhere. But not long, now, before the reveal.

We had a great time - well, I did. I hope they did, too.

That computer is a darn nuisance! :D xxx

[primula-baggins.livejournal.com]

What a marvelous writer you are. I am still loving this story.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Aw, thanks, sweetie. I'm enjoying it a lot. And I've just had SUCH a surprise whilst writing it. I never know what's going to happen next. ;D xxx

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

Thanks for another great chapter; I really enjoyed reading it and I'm looking forward to the next :-)

(((((hugs))))
XXXXX

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Huggles. So glad you enjoyed it, my love! ;D xxx

[lisabellex.livejournal.com]

It was a wonderful, lovely weekend, Ru! Thank you for having us. *kisses*

As for this chapter - oh no, the poison flows yet again! I'm curious to know whether Gafur makes a recovery, which could be telling. :)

Elijah's talk with his brother was most satisfying. I wouldn't be surprised if snooty Cecil refrains from bothering his brother from hereon in! Good on you, 'Lij. :)

Lovely loving between Udom and 'Lij. Most enjoyable!

xxx

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

I really enjoyed our weekend, my dear. Thank you so much for coming. Hugs.

There is more poison floating about than in 'Hamlet'! :D xxx

[msilverstar]

faaaabulous, as usual!

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Aw, thanks! Happy to please. ;D xxx