Timberella13

King Lou dug through the large refrigerator, looking for something greasy to munch on. He pulled out the leftover turkey they had eaten for dinner a few nights ago and set it on the counter. He ripped off one of the turkey legs and went to go sit down in his chair. Just as he sat down and took a big, slimy bite, the doorbell rang. He cursed and yelled with his mouth open.

"Somebody get the door!"

Kevin popped his head out from the hallway with a grin. "I'll get it Dad!" he said cheerfully. "After all, I'm the *good* son."

From somewhere down the hall, Nick's indignant response floated out. "Oh, shut the hell up Kevin! Go stick your head in a toilet and flush a few times!"

Kevin chuckled and whistled as stepped into the room. "But then my hair would look like yours does now!" he yelled back, heading for the door. He looked over at his father and rolled his eyes when the king wasn't looking. 'The old man looks like Henry the eighth, with his big 'ol turkey leg in one hand.' He laughed and opened the door.

"Who are you?" he asked.

The two guards bowed at Kevin, and after rolling his eyes he bowed back. One of the guards took a large scroll from the other and held it out a foot in front of him as he began to read. "Prince Lance has come to the Pearlman Castle in search of one Prince Justin Randall."

Kevin's eyes widened. "The Prince is here?" he asked. 'Oh shit, and he wants Timberella. What the hell did that little weasel do this time?'

The guards split apart, allowing Prince Lance to step between them and in front of Kevin. Kevin's mouth fell open and he fell to his knees, bowing without shame for the young prince. Lance sighed. "You may rise," he said. When Kevin did not do so, Lance rolled his eyes and stepped over him and into the castle. The guards followed, shutting the door behind them.

Kevin's head snapped up when he heard the door close. He stood up and started banging on the door. "Hey!" he yelled. "Let me in! This is *my* house!"

"Kevin, what is all of the racket out here for?" King Lou asked as he stepped out into hallway by the door. His eyes widened when he saw who was by the door. "Prince Lance!" he said in shock. He bowed and gestured for the prince and his guards to follow him. "Please, come in and have some tea."

Lance nodded and followed King Lou into the castle's living room. Lou sat down on the couch, leaving the plush recliner for the Lance. "So, prince, what brings you here?" he asked. "Was my carriage parked illegally?" He started to laugh loudly while the guards just rolled their eyes.

Lance smiled politely and leaned forward in his chair, resting his forearms on his thighs. After what Josh had told him, he figured that King Lou wouldn't just hand Justin over to him. "I was wondering, sir, just how many people live in this castle?" he asked, trying to look only faintly interested.

King Lou looked suspicious. "Why?"

Lance smiled at him and sat back in the chair. "My mother and father wish to know so that they may invite your people back to another ball."

Lou grinned and Lance tried not to grimace. "Well, by all means, that's
fine!" he said. "We have three here. Myself and my two sons, Prince Kevin and Prince Nick."

Lance nodded and looked purposefully puzzled. "I thought I heard someone say four lived here," he said. "Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought that's what I heard."

King Lou snorted. "Oh, yes, there's Timberella, our little slave boy. Pay no attention to him prince, he isn't worth your time."

Lance nodded and bit back a nasty response. "Very well then," he said
cheerfully, faking a smile. "Would it be terribly rude of me to ask for a
tour of this lovely castle?"

Lou grinned and stood up, his chest puffed out with pride. "Of course not," he said. "Everyone is welcome here! Follow me."

~*~
Lance tuned King Lou out, following him and the guards up the staircase as they got the full tour. They had been all over the first floor, and Lance had seen no sign of Justin. He figured he must be upstairs, so he asked Lou if they could go up there. He had looked hesitant, but finally agreed.

Lance sighed and nodded, pretending to be interested in what Lou was saying. He saw a closed door and leaned his back against it, turning the door knob quietly. Locked. Lance smiled and walked up to Lou.

"King Lou!" he said. "This is quite a house you have here! I'm afraid there's one little problem though. I need to use the restroom quite badly but alas, the door is locked. Would you happen to have a key?"

Lou rolled his eyes and grumbled. "That would be the fault of my son, Nick. The boy is *always* in front of the mirror." He sighed and took a key out of his pocket, handing it to Lance. "That there is a skeleton key," he said. "It'll open any door in the house."

Lance grinned. "Perfect. Oh, and king," he said. "I've heard such *fine* things about your security in this castle. Would you mind showing my men here your state-of-the-art armor?"

Lou beamed with pride. "Of course not!" he said. "It's downstairs though. Follow me gentlemen!"

Lance waited until Lou was out of sight, knowing that his guards would keep the king occupied while he got to Justin. He kissed the key in hand and rushed to the locked door. He slid the key in and turned the door knob, opening the door slowly so as to not frighten Justin. The peeked his head inside, frowning at what he saw.