Chapter 5: Persuading Charlton I

"Charlton, my man! Oops! I mean, your grace. It's been a while!" Lord Hugo Cobalt, an earl and the heir to the dukedom of Cromwell, who was also Charlton's compatriot during his exile in Norfolk, greeted enthusiastically upon seeing Charlton who just entered the room.

Charlton could not help but smile with Hugo's contagious exuberance. Looking back, despite initially questioning the man's competence, his idle days in Norfolk were less tragic because of his company. "Hello to you too, Hugo. No need to be polite, and by the way, congratulations on your reinstatement as vice minister of defense."

Hugo's nostrils flared in pride. Smugly, like his usual attitude with those he considered friends, he said, "Well, it was only a matter of time. Like I told you before, I would send those rebels running with their tails between their legs."

Charlton looked at him incredulously while trying to prevent himself from chuckling, meanwhile Lord Cross who was standing beside Hugo could not help but scoff.

Hearing the ridicule within that scoff, Hugo turned towards Lord Cross with his left brow raised. "What? you got a problem with that?" he challenged.

Lord Christopher Cross, a marquis, heir to the dukedom of Brenford, and the vice minister of justice, decided not to humor that with a response. He learned over time that by doing so, he would then be forced to engage in a long-winding senseless banter with Hugo. Besides, he knew that ignoring him was the most effective way to annoy him.

Hugo tsked but decided not to pursue the issue. He knew that they were there on a mission to persuade Charlton back to Windsor. Honestly, why can't the king just let Charlton be? Although he would say that he was a staunch monarchist and loyal to the crown, he does not agree with how Charlton has been and being continued to be treated.

Charlton was an acquaintance turned to a very good friend for him. He won't be a hypocrite to say that he liked the man from the very beginning. On the contrary, he had been quite prejudiced. Who won't be? They were of the same generation, but Charlton's achievements were already beyond him. Charlton was the golden boy, the crowds favorite, the one titled as the greatest catch by the ladies, and so on and so forth.

He can't count the number of times he has been overlooked whether in the house of lords or by the next lady he wished to woo because they have all been enamored with the bloke. Thus, when he learned that Charlton was also sent to exile with him, it made him feel good. In a sense, he did not see himself the most tragic figure any longer.

Moving on, in Norfolk, he tried to build a closer friendship with Charlton. Initially his intentions weren't pure. He rather wanted to see how low the golden boy has fallen. However, the more he got to spend time with Charlton, the more he realized how wrong he was about him. Charlton was far nicer and far cooler than he was made out to be. And to top it off, he was not some egoistical prick.

He knew that he was not the brightest and that even his father sometimes looked down on him. However, Charlton never judged his inadequacies. Later on, they have been through several missions together, and all those times, he knew that Charlton got his back. The guy even saved his life once. Something he would never forget.

Anyhow, no matter his views, he was just a subject. Besides, though he does not support their king's obvious interest to get Charlton serving the crown again, he does believe that coming back to society would be good for him… he misses him too… and… Ok, fine. He admits that his intentions were not that pure. What? He thinks that Charlton should take back his golden boy title and put the little sucker beside him (Lord Cross) in his place.

Since he got back from Norfolk, he found that after Charlton went MIA (missing in action), Lord Christopher Cross has somehow taken his place. Of course, he was still a far second from Geoffrey the crown prince, but Geoffrey was married.

He looked at Lord Cross from top to bottom. Fine, he had to admit, the chap was quite good looking, he had the position, the right pedigree, the strong family backing, and he was taller than him by, was that 2, no, definitely just by an inch and a half! UGH!!!! Enough about comparing himself. Look at Charlton! Ha! Just by the face value, that's the whole competition already down by half!

He could not help but grin just thinking about it.

"Hugo? You alright?" Charlton asked, noticing that Hugo has remained standing with a silly grin on his face.

With Charlton's words, Hugo was shaken out of his reverie. Did he just space out? Looking at Charlton and Christopher already sitting, that must have been the case. Darn, he did not even notice that they have already finished exchanging pleasantries.

"Charlton, do forgive Hugo for his blunder. As we all know, the heat in Norfolk has greatly affected his…. Faculties." Christopher jabbed not too innocently.

Charlton who was already used to their jeers and banters despite not seeing them for more than a year chuckled.

Hugo was not too pleased. But at least that got Charlton to laugh even though it was at his own expense. Perhaps that will help in persuading him to return to Windsor with them?

Call it petty or whatever, but he can't wait to see Christopher's holier than thou smirk like he was the greatest catch of the season (which, loath was he to admit, he was. But that was last season, never happening on the upcoming one!) wiped off his face.

Anyhow, having this imaginary scene in mind, he was again put into a good mood and so, he took his seat like a sport.

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TBC