Albert had noticed that the trains seemed to be slower than he had expected. No wonder those on the train with him seemed inconvenienced. In fact they barely looked up beyond the occasional annoyed huff or shuffle into a seat. So far though he thought he had managed to navigate the Underground really rather well and was quite comfortably sat in a seat waiting for his next change over. No one seemed to have noticed him, which he suspected would be the case, he was looking forward to shoving that fact in Tommy's face later.

Of course any sense of triumph melted away when a familiar face stepped into the carriage. Had they really sent Lord Holmes to find him? He might have believed or maybe hoped for just half a second that it was just him commuting somewhere but for the very clear scowl on his face he knew instantly that it was because of him. Damn.

He just watched him as he sat down next to him, he looked as if he might explode! Albert wondered for a long moment if he could just stay on the train for long enough to either lose him or for that explosion to never come. He was not a man who usually struggled with silence but well, now he was uncomfortable as the train set off again, so how to play this?

"You were -damn fast," he praised him in a whisper, "I -expected I might have actually made it -before they -turned up. I see they --cheated in sending you."

Sometimes, it became immediately clear that Mycroft's day was about to be one of the worst in his recent memory. When the phone in the corner of his office began to ring, there was no doubt that he was about to witness one of those days.

Fearing the worst, he wasted no time in answering it, nor did the voice on the other end of the line waste time in informing him of the situation at hand. It was, at least, not a call about the King's death. Mycroft did breathe a sigh of relief at that.

All was not well, though. The King was, what? Lost on the tube? The idea of it was both utterly ridiculous and rather terrifying. It would be so easy to lose the man down there, and with all those people nearby? Well, anything could happen.

There were, however, a few saving graces. The first was that the tube system was remarkably easy to introduce delays to or even shut down completely. A single call was all that was needed to do that across the board - slowing the entire system down, and tactically stopping trains long enough to allow agents to board and scout for the missing monarch.

Mycroft, meanwhile, pulled up a series of maps and made a series of rapid mental calculations regarding the potential location of the King's train. Potential destinations based on the man's interests were factored in, and, after considering the travel time for Mycroft to get to the station, he believed he had found the most likely station where he could intercept in person.

There had been no absolute certainly to his gamble, but probability paid off in the end when Mycroft, who had never actually travelled via the tube system before, strolled down the station's platform and stepped onto a carriage. Luckily, there was a seat next to the young man that he immediately recognised as the King, which he wordlessly sat in, the clear scowl in his expression speaking volumes about how terribly unhappy he was about the entire situation.

Mycroft did not say anything. Not yet, anyway. He wanted to see if the King would offer up an apology for his stupid, reckless behaviour first. That, and it wouldn't do to cause a scene - not when they were surrounded by strangers (who, thankfully, seemed utterly unaware of who they were travelling with).

@governmentofficial

A phone reserved specifically for a very important building and it's attached institution went off in Mycroft's office. It rarely rang, the last time being when the most unfortunate accident had lead to their new King ascending to the throne as a boy. Years had passed since then and the King was now in his early twenties. The shrill bell was hard to ignore given it had been a number of years since it last went off.

"Sir, His Majesty's private secretary wishes to inform you that His Majesty is not in his scheduled location and has been spotted by a retired official boarding the 2:56pm Victoria Line train, Southbound to Vauxhall. Suitably equipped personnel have been dispatched but assistance my be needed to keep the situation under the radar if you are available."

That was less of a request and while the woman on the phone was not the private secretary she didn't think she needed to inform Lord Holmes that Tommy was indeed asking for his immediate help in locating the rouge monarch who was now loose on the London underground.

what's in my bag

Tagged by @governmentofficial

Tagging: @brassandblue (Arthur), @threecardtrick, @omniishambles (Drew), @herstoriies

Did he think it was fate? Divine intervention was the suggestion of the crown but Albert was not sure what it was. In his case, it was that his brother was an idiot, in his father's case, his brother had just been sickly... maybe there was more to it than cruel irony after all to put him of all his family on the throne. He did watch her for her slip and her embarrassment afterwards, pausing for a moment to consider his words carefully. Sad that she felt so burdened and at the same time like a failure because she was born a woman.

"I am not the -eldest," he began gently, "my elder -brother abdicated. He is the only --King in our history to do so and still be -very much alive." Albert was still hurting on that front but he did his best not to show it, meaning for David's escape from the burden of the crown as just a suggestion that she too had a choice, maybe not the best choice but it was there. "While I am a -stickler for -tradition, in this -country the -head of state -can be man or -woman. My -great -grandmother was one of the -greatest -monarchs in our -history and when my -time -comes my eldest -daughter," currently just eleven years old, "will become -head of state after me. I would be -both -furious and -horrified if anyone expressed any suggestion of doubt in my -daughter's right -to rule."

He did not want that life for Elizabeth but that was how 'fate' had worked out, he had ascended and she was not first-in-line. "You and I both -know you are -capable of -many things, I do not know, maybe -fate made you a woman for a -purpose?" He raised an eyebrow at her hoping to get her to think on it. Maybe she was a vessel of change for Panem, proof that women were just as valuable as men.

𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐓 & 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐀​ @bertievi​

It was with relief that Lucretia saw the King did not resent her for her behavior. Or that he was not offended by her promise of friendship! She was certainly very happy to be here. Curious and excited to discover a new country, yes, but also honored to spend time with the King. 

“Do you think it is fate?” she asked, for there was no such thing as God in Panem. “Perhaps fate is a jokester, then. Or else, it would have made me a man.” Lucretia regretted her words instantly. A flush of embarrassment colored her cheeks. “I am sorry,” she hurried to whisper, “that was… I don’t know what came over me.”

If her father heard of such a comment, he’d make her pay for it. Blame her for her disgraceful attitude. As if she didn’t bring enough shame upon him already! His elder, a daughter! An embarrassment from birth, now complaining to a King of all people!

“Yes, of course, but it is to be expected,” she replied, mortified by her little outburst, “as the eldest, it is my duty to respect the great traditions of my family, and to try my hardest to bring honor to my name.” She had spoken so fast, she’d barely taken the time to breathe. “I am sure you understand, of course.”

He couldn't help but laugh as Mycroft switched hands too, shaking hid head playfully. Granted, Albert had many more years of practice with his learned out of necessity as if a royal could not be left handed! The look that followed from Mycroft earned another little cackle, and another for the verbal response, enough that he had to stop his piping for fear of some very wiggly lines on the wall.

The laughter did come back under control and fizzled out with the comment that he really should not have been surprised. No, he was not at all surprised that the Holmes family did no such thing. He had expected that he had roped him into a competition on some previous Christmas but evidently not. "Was it something you -enjoyed? With the --cook?" He had apparently only done it once and Albert assumed it would be another 'no'. He had spotted that he tended to stop to talk though and Albert was competitive enough to try and take full advantage of that!

"My mother and -father were less inclined to allow us -to do this as -children, apparently it was not only -too messy but in their -eyes royal -hands should never be -working in the --kitchen." Albert shrugged and leaned over his creation a little to get a better angle at keeping another line straight. "However, as you may be well aware, I am -much messier and -prefer -to enjoy the -joys of such -trivial, silly things and -drag my friends and family into -them -too."

Two could play at that game, and Mycroft also changed hands as he raised an eyebrow in response. Mind you, despite having basic control over the piping bag, he did lack practice with it and thus the decrease in quality of his roof titles was noticeable, prompting him to quickly swap back to his right hand.

The look that Mycroft soon found himself giving the King - one that very much said 'are you stupid?' - was, thankfully, a fleeting one. Of course he'd never made a gingerbread house before! Whatever gave the other man the idea that he'd have ever done such a thing? The Holmes family were not the type to do something so frivolous, and Mycroft was not an exception to that rule.

"You do say foolish things sometimes," he responded, teasing but also perfectly serious. Mycroft then rolled his eyes, before going back to his icing. His reaction had caused him to pause, resulting in lost time when it came to the unofficial competition that seemed to be happening.

"I decorated a cake once with the cook when I was a child. That is it. This really shouldn't surprise you."

While he was sued to the eyes of others landing on him, something that despite it all, Albert very much disliked but at the same time was deeply touched about. Somehow in Panem it felt different, less an honour and more a scrutiny. Still, he took it in his stride as anyone might expect of a King, walking with Lucretia and enjoying the conversation.

He smiled for what she answered with, less so about winning but when one was fighting for principles well, yes that could be a good thing provided ones principles were not just about self gain.

"Yes there is a --strength in standing against the -crowd when one's -principles differ from many," he eyed her but was sure to follow up with a little smile, "I -believe you would be --quite the -formidable opponent, however I am -curious if you -have ever -had your mind -changed by a -debate -partner. Maybe they did not -win against you, but was your -own argument -altered with a -compromise?" Would she become a future leader of Panem?

The Snow family were powerful, it was perfectly possible although he was not sure that having a woman lead the country would ever be allowed, part of him hoped that attitude could be changed and if he was walking with Panem's future, well he had best make sure she had a good head on her shoulders.

𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐓 & 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐀​ @bertievi​

As they walked through the corridors of the Academy, Lucretia could feel the eyes of the students, following them. She pretended not to care, even though she felt a little bit proud. While it was normal that a Snow would be granted such an honor, especially considering she was top of her class, she was still a woman. Would her father be proud of her? She doubted it, and yet she hoped anyway.

The King’s question did bring a slight flush to her cheeks. His little smile, and the way he spoke, she felt like she was being tested. Was there a good answer to this question?

“I do like to win,” she replied sincerely, for she supposed that a King of all people could understand, “but I believe that fighting for one’s principles is what makes winning meaningful.” It was exactly why she wanted to join the army, one day. If she was ever allowed too.

Curiously, Albert did have to observe Lord Holmes for his laugh. It was a rare enough sound that he understood he should appreciate it when it came, like the call of a rare bird. He did have to wonder what he had done to have earned the laugh, but he was sure to smile up at him all the same, still far too excited the more Lord Holmes discussed this visit!

For Albert, having a graveyard on an estate was nothing new but if Lord Holmes felt he had to point it out then there must be something of interest there for him to see. Perhaps it was just the older and prominent Holmes family members?

He did however look a little spooked for a moment, it was quite obvious he was being assessed and he scrunched his face up just enough to show his uncertainty and partial concern. "One of your --favourite -places was the -graveyard?" In his head he was picturing that of the graveyard at Mary Magdalene's church in Sandringham, rows of headstones of varying ages, slightly overgrown but still fairly well maintained.

He supposed Lord Holmes was tall and had dark hair while being a little scary and he had a 'look' that could make most others be silent, that seemed to match the description of the priest at Sandringham. Maybe that's just where such men liked to be?

@bertievi continued from [x]

Again, Mycroft found himself laughing at the boy. He was rather sweet, in a way. In fact, he reminded Mycroft of himself somewhat - eager to please, and keen to appear as mature as he could be in order to gain the approval of the adults in his life. The King was doing a good job, too. Yes, he'd slipped character for a moment, but he had quickly adjusted and got back on track.

"Yes, if we have time to explore the grounds together, I will show you some of my favourite places," Mycroft promised. He saw no reason not to. Of all the things the boy could see at Musgrave Hall, the quiet corners of the manor's grounds were not a cause for concern.

"Do not get too excited, though," he then warned. "The most intriguing part of the estate is the graveyard, and even that has a grounded explanation. We will not be going on a grand adventure of any kind."

Of course, there were areas that held secret both intriguing and scandalous. Mycroft would not be showing those to the King, though. Even if he weren't a literal child, there were matters of family reputation to think of.

The awkward little hand gesture was noted but Albert decided not to address it, not wanting to cause him any sort of embarrassment. Instead he hummed, interested but not looking to push the topic just yet. Army training was of course different to hunting but he was reassured that Fergus could at least handle a gun sensibly if given one. Maybe he would be one of the lucky few to be allowed to use the King's gun seeing as there was no one else around.

There was a more curious and sympathetic side eye for his confession of not getting out of the city often enough. Albert knew he certainly missed the countryside when he was expected in London.

"You are -most welcome," he was glad in truth, it was rare he and a prime minster could be truly alone. Walks into the Scottish hills were not all too common with politicians, too few could withstand the weather or the terrain. "One -can find some -true -peace when reminded of our -true size in -comparison -to the world around us. I am sure the -people of Scotland would enjoy some -visitation from their -prime minister if you -have -time to spare while you are here." Oh! What an idea! "We -could go together if you would -p-prefer?"

Ducks and pheasants, that didn’t sound too diffcult. Or gruesome. Fergus wasn’t so sure if he had it in him to kill a mammal - though he would not admit it - but what did he care about birds?

“Not necessarily a hunting man but I know how to shoot. Army training,” he replied and cursed himself for the uneccesary hand gesture he made to awkwardly mime close combat fighting. He still had yet to find his footing with the king. The man made him nervous.

“And I thought I’d take in some of the morning air. I enjoy the outside. I’m not in Scotland often enough. Not out of the city often enough.” There really was something beautiful, the way the sun rose over the countryside. “Thank you for the invitation.”

While he had his suspicions, Albert was admittedly quietly pleased that Mycroft decided to be honest with him. Convinced by the apparent show of guilt, Albert did let out a quiet and surrendering sigh. He quite fancied a drink too in fact. Perhaps a small sherry would be ok?

"Yes, work doesn't -sleep," he hummed in half a laugh, "I -quite fancy a sherry myself." An eventual confession before he gestured for Mycroft to follow him back the way the King was coming from. Really he knew he should not indulge his friend in such a way, he was supposed to be supporting him in reducing his drinking habits. However, he assumed that if too was up in the early hours then it was likely due to work which Albert could not argue sometimes required a good drink.

He went to lead the way back to one of the lounges, one he knew he would find a decanter of sherry in. "If one might be -forgiven for asking, what is it that -has you up at this -hour? Something on your -mind?" That was the only reason that he could be up, right? The same reason as him?

Well yes, there was something that Mycroft needed. The thing was, he was reasonably certain that it was not a need that would be taken well. In fact, he was uncertain whether it would be classed as a need at all. He was looking for a drink, but it wasn't because he craved one any more than he usually did. Instead, he was doing it out of habit - seeking out a drink because it was what he usually did, and because he had assumed he would not get caught.

Despite this, Mycroft did not believe that he could get away with lying about what he was doing. He was simply not the type of man that went wandering for the sake of the experience. If he was out of bed, it was because he was doing something - in this case, as his friend had so succinctly noticed, because he was looking for something he needed.

The potential to lie about what he wanted was still there, he supposed, but it was late (or, was it early now?) and he was tired and, speaking with a friend, it would be far less tedious to just tell the truth.

"I was hoping to find a good scotch, or perhaps a sherry," Mycroft admitted. He at least had the good grace to put on an act of suitable, if mild, guilt to accompany his words. Whether or not he actually felt the guilt was complicated. Yes, he supposed that did to some extent, but he felt it because he didn't want to cause any disappointment - not because he thought he was doing anything wrong.

"A last resort to help me sleep," he then went on to explain. "I see that work has decided to prevent both of us from that pleasure tonight."

I am just now getting notifications of mentions and answered asks for things I gather are about a year old. I apologise if this means I am acknowledging or talking about things that are in fact ancient. I haven’t a clue why this is happening I’m assuming it’s a glitch, promise. 😂

what is your animal familiar?

~ Fox ~

Though often having a reputation as a trickster, the Fox familiar is actually a good mentor to their master. They are some of the best animals as guides through difficult situations, using wisdom, cunning, and intelligence to lead the way. Being very seclusive and quiet, you are very likely a more introverted individual, though that doesn't stop you from being kind and helping others. Like the fox, you are very aware of your environment and the people around you, and are hard to catch off-guard. A Fox familiar may act as a teacher or mentor to their master, helping them through difficult situations and keeping them aware of the world. ~~***~~ This familiar represents -Intelligence -Being secluded -Cleverness -Awareness -Quick-thinking -Wisdom

Tagged by: @governmentofficial (thank you <3)

Tagging: @brassandblue, @resignedworkaholics, @colpapabear, @hvbris for Lucretia??

Albert could only chuckle at the half grumbled question, thoroughly enjoying himself in their little competition. Harmless fun in his eyes. "Many -years of -practice," he explained softly as justification for his speedy gingerbread house building and decorating. "I am also -ambidextrous," he reminded him playfully before making a little show of switching the piping back to control with his left hand.

Really he thought Mycroft was doing a grand job, he could see the detail he was going into on the roof tiles and in truth was very impressed, "that looks very -good actually," he said thoughtfully, shifting his jaw for a moment as he looked at the somewhat messier detail on his roof. Hmm. Would he lose points for that?

He still smiled a little to himself as he saw Mycroft speeding up his decorating but apparently felt no threat to his lead on the little unofficial race...yet. "You -have done this before, -haven't you?" He checked, not sure if he had managed to trick him into such a thing beforehand or not.

Albert returned to decorating the gingerbread wall, adding in a small window quite happily. It was usually something he did with his daughters, however, royal or not there apparently came a time when making and decorating gingerbread houses with their father became 'uncool'.

gingerbread - Bertie and you KNOW it’s going to be a competition

🐝  *  ―  𝑾𝑰𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑹 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑪𝑯𝑹𝑰𝑺𝑻𝑴𝑨𝑺 𝑷𝑹𝑶𝑴𝑷𝑻𝑺. [ gingerbread ] sender and receiver make and decorate a gingerbread house

Mycroft Holmes was not a man that was known for his creativity. Yes, he could partake in creative activities, but only with clear instructions - sheet music for the piano, set moves for a dance at a ball, and so on. Having been somehow roped into making a gingerbread house with his friend, Mycroft had excelled at the baking portion, but the decoration? He was struggling there.

"How are you going so fast?" Mycroft asked, half grumbling as he looked over to see the King's progress with his own bag of icing, only to see that he was miles ahead of him. Not only that, but his work was good too. While Mycroft had been slowly and painstakingly icing the first side of the roof - very carefully creating the pattern for the tiles one by one - the other man had gone full steam ahead and was dearly done decorating the third wall.

He looked over the iced windows, with occasional flowers against the wall and a multitude of other tiny details, then back to his own simple, dull roof. Hm. Well, that just wouldn't do, would it now?

Picking up the pace, he drew a few more roof tiles onto the slab of biscuit. It was a little messier than his prior work, but at least he was going a little faster.

The boy studied him for a moment, no he very much did not want Tommy to have a fit! While he was sometimes annoyed with him, he did actually love him dearly and did not want him harmed! Albert of course imagining the poor man having a medical fit, which the family were sadly quite used to witnessing in Albert's youngest brother. The misplaced worry was cast aside though as Lord Holmes confirmed that he would be allowed to sit in his study while he worked. Nodding along his agreement, if just a tad reluctantly to not being able to see each other's work. "I --can do that," he promised.

His face became all the brighter at the suggestion they could for a walk around the estate afterwards! never one to ever pass up the chance to be outside, Albert's nodding turned a little more frantic. "Will you -show me your -favourite -places?" He was not about to assume that he was going to be so lucky but if he didn't ask then he wouldn't get, right?

He remembered himself again after a moment and he reined in that beaming smile and appeared busy as he smoothed down the sleeve of his little jacket as if it helped to ground him. He stopped and looked up to him seriously. "I would be very --grateful if you would -show me the --places on your estate that you --enjoyed while you were -young, Lord -Holmes," there, that was 'proper' wasn't it? That had to earn him some points right?

“Unless you have a particular desire to cause Tommy to have a fit, we both know that you will not be helping me with my work,” Mycroft was quick to point out. It wasn’t that he did not want to offer that chance, but rather there were all sorts of rules in the way of it for both of them. A lot of the content that Mycroft worked with was highly classified and complicated, so much so that it would be foolish to show it to a child - even if said child was an important one - and the King could hardly be seen secretly assisting with anything even vaguely political if he wanted to keep his good reputation.

“You can sit in my study with me, but you will have to sit where we cannot see what each other are doing. I will, however, allow for conversation,” Mycroft suggested as an alternative. It wasn’t ideal - he suspected Tommy would still be unhappy by the idea - but it would make the boy happy, and Mycroft found that he rather wanted to do that.

“And, if we can both get everything done in good time, I promise that - unless something happens that requires our attention immediately - we can go on a stroll afterwards, and I will show you some of the interesting hidden spots on the estate.”

That was another offer that he knew would make the boy happy - and, with some luck, considering it was the Holmes estate and not his own, the young King would also listen when Mycroft inevitably had to insist was time to head back inside.

Albert did not seem to give any indication that he did not believe for a moment that the young woman before him held the same beliefs as her father and grandfather. Instead he pretended to pay particular attention to a pattern in the stone work as they walked. Used to pretending not to hear things or have opinions, this was nothing new to him. Internally was a different matter though, she was already breaking tradition, hell, even just showing him around was a break in tradition, he was after all very much an outsider.

While he appreciated the politeness in modesty, this time Albert was sure to let his gaze flick to her and just a little even playful smile appeared on his face as if he knew she might have been playing down her skills. Really he had no idea! But he had two young girls at home and he knew that a little encouragement, even subtle could go a long way. He certainly hoped he was right in thinking Lucretia did not hold the beliefs of her father and grandfather though, what a mistake it would be to encourage that.

"-Debates are -greatly entertaining to watch, I have not been -part of such a -class for obvious reasons," although good luck to anyone who tried arguing with a royal back home, their tuition in such things was private. "I do -wonder though, is it the thrill of simply -winning, or is it the -ability -to --convince yourself with strengthening -facts about your own beliefs?" Polite of course, but did she believe what she was debating and so fought more for the win, or was it just about 'out-wording' her opponent.

𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐓 & 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐀​ @bertievi​

“Oh- yes, yes of course,” Lucretia hurried to reply, feeling perfectly mortified despite the King’s smile. If someone could understand family tradition, it would be a King! She scolded herself mentally, though she tried to look as poised and polite as before. At least, she hadn’t offended him. 

If Lucretia believed herself in accordance with the political views of the Capitol, she was grateful for the quick change in subject. There were things one did not discuss around here, especially not a respectable young woman like Lucretia Snow. Politics was usually only accepted in the debate room.

“I believe in upholding traditions,” she simply said, “I have the same views as my father, and his father before him.” Did she, though? The simple fact that she was considering herself as her father’s daughter, and not her mother’s, was already quite… Unusual. She didn’t want the future that tradition had in store for her. She wanted more. She wanted honor and power. 

But she wasn’t going to say that to the King of England. 

“Thank you, your majesty. I think I do alright for myself, I have won a few debates of course, but the Academy has many great students.” That sounded humble enough, right? The truth was, Lucretia was a force to be reckoned with, and mostly undefeated to this day. 

As Mycroft expressed himself, Albert did feel a twisting in his stomach. He should really have expected that such a moment would come, royal life when one was not the monarch could be very limiting on its own. When he had caught his son's expression earlier he had worried that he might break but of course he was dutiful and knew the rules perhaps even better than himself. Really he was grateful Mycroft chose to answer him truthfully. "I -agree." He said clearly, he had been giving it some thought for quite some time it seemed, but dreaded the moment coming all the same.

"--Politics is off limits," he reminded him, knowing that he didn't have to. "However we would -be remiss in our duty as a sovereign -family if we did not -speak out when we know a --representative or official is simply wrong or stepping out of -bounds," Albert at least agreed that what he had overheard, something should have been said. "While I am rather -restricted in such matters, you as a --Prince and a -member of the House of Lords have that right."

It was a delicate balance though, the press catching wind of a member of the family having the audacity to have a political opinion would be something of a media storm if not handled correctly. However, Mycroft was probably the most trusted member of the family in that regard, he was just more careful and had a remarkable talent for weeding out those who could not be trusted.

"You did not -hear this from me," he voiced playfully because of course those who would oppose, namely Tommy, would know it came directly from him. "But there is nothing in the --constitution that says a member of the -House of Lords --cannot speak to other officials in an official -capacity. Obviously you -need -to be -careful but... I also think your -talents are -wasted if I or others -expect you -to remain silent." He didn't like it, not really and Mycroft of all people could probably tell but at the same time he could see Mycroft was not happy and not only deserved to be able to speak up, but with everything as it was in the country perhaps he needed to. Albert looked him over seriously, it could also be a world of trouble too and the concern brushed over his features as he imagined the potential outfall of the wrong words.

"You were -biting your -tongue in there. What did you want -to say?" Bertie in the adopted verse

Questioning Sentences, Vol. 5

Mycroft was terribly good at covering up his thoughts when he wanted to be but, somehow, his father had a habit of being able to see right through that. It was a little irritating but, at the same time, he found himself grateful that he had a father that cared for him enough to pay so much attention to him. For a long time, such a thing had been strange to him, having been so used to the parenting techniques of his late family. While he did thing there was something to be set about the alternative method, he wasn't sure that he'd ever want to fully go back to it.

Yes, he had been biting his tongue - metaphorical, of course. He had hoped that nobody would notice, but he knew better than to lie about it.

"I simply feel as though I am being wrongfully discounted when I could, in fact, be far more useful than anybody is giving me credit for," Mycroft admitted. He didn't want to cause trouble, but... Well, he had been asked, had he not? And if he couldn't admit to such feelings when he was alone with his father, then when would he be able to?

"I believe that I'm capable of more than I am being allowed to do and, to be frank, I'm growing rather tired of it. I want to do something worth my skills, not busy work that just anybody could do."

Continued from X

It was always an interesting moment for Albert when Mycroft brought up his father in conversation. Though he was not keen on Siger Holmes, he did have to respect him as a politician and watch what he said aloud about the man, standard for any of his politicians but Siger was different in that Albert had some window into his personal life and behaviour through what snippets Mycroft provided.

Albert thought that Siger's aims as a politician made him relatively short sighted. Mycroft would be an astonishing Prime Minister in his own opinion but ultimately would have to step down, which would serve none of them well. He also gathered that Mycroft did not at all enjoy being in the public eye, the nature of his work would contribute to that but Albert doubted very much that Mycroft would be at all comfortable with reporters and members of the public approaching him on a whim for interviews or conversations.

"It -does not make much -sense -to me either," he agreed and watched him for a moment not wanting to step on his toes and speak ill of his father but to be frank, Albert simply did not like Siger. "Though I -suppose -to him, the -height of his -career -path was to be -Prime Minister," one which he had failed to achieve mind, "in some ways maybe he -subconsciously wished -to live -vicariously through your -success in a -political role." Or perhaps to control him as if he were Prime Minister himself. Albert was glad that had never come to be. Usually he might have smiled and offered up a compliment, a sure and truthful 'you would have been a great Prime Minister' would do the trick. However, Albert wanted Mycroft to think on his father's thoughts and actions too. Siger was not half of the man Mycroft was and if it only ever came in brief moments of lucidity, then Albert would do all he could to hold the topic for him.

"You know -him best, why do you -think -he behaves this way around your -career?" A most impressive career at that!

Continued from X

The scowl that greeted him in reply was warning enough that Mycroft was in no mood to negotiate on the matter. Albert knew all too well that he was overworked and he again believed the man should take some time to step back and recharge. Everyone needed to do that once in a while and while the pair of them were in something of a league of their own when it came to work demands, if he couldn't tell Mycroft to 'take it easy' then who could?

He did raise a playful if a little sympathetic eyebrow at the statement. He knew it was true, that ordering Mycroft to take a break would not work but Albert was crafty, he didn't need to order Mycroft to do anything if he really wanted to limit the work crossing his friend's desk. However, he was not going to interfere in his work, he knew they had been fortunate that Mycroft had crafted the job for himself, things had been quiet in the United Kingdom for a while in that respect and he knew it was in no small thanks to Mycroft's efforts.

"I know I -wouldn't," he gave back patiently and was sure to smile his way, if again a little sad that Mycroft was so willing to work himself to death. It was not lost on him that the frustrations were likely not entirely work related too. The younger Holmes seemed to be a constant headache for Mycroft on top of everything else.

"-However, I do -have a -cheat," he followed up after a moment and looked to Mycroft, still managing to hold that small smile. "If instead I -ask you as a -friend -to -please, make the effort to -take -care of yourself above all else, myself, your -brother, work for at least an -hour instead." His smile faded away and the King again appeared more serious though he still had that ever present air of gentleness about him as he tried to convey the right message. "I worry -terribly about you sometimes."

Albert could have his little tantrums and outbursts, yes he nearly always deeply regretted them later but there was not a soul alive that could turn around and tell him off. So far what little outbursts he had witnessed from Mycroft had all been in the form of sharp comments said to a friend. Of course Albert was also yet to see Mycroft while he was purely in his work environment at the office too, where he had heard stories he simply struggled to believe, but he didn't need to see those moments of frustration to know he was over worked and needed a break. The real struggle was getting Mycroft to see it.