A/N: Please forgive any errors. Thank you all for reading and reviewing! Here is chapter 6.

Lady Quinn witnessed Prince Sam leaving the party, and eagerly decided to follow. She jumped at the opportunity to get him alone, so that they could converse. She didn't like how Prince Sam had cut her off, and she missed their time together. Making a dash for it she looked around, but wasn't quick enough to see where he went. It was then that she decided to look in the sleeping quarters. Having seen Princess Mercedes with the Imperial heir Michael could not have boded well for his ego, and she wanted to be the one to comfort him. While wondering aimlessly down the corridors in search of where Prince Sam could have gone, she heard singing. It was a male voice singing Madonna's "Forbidden Love" and it peak her curiosity. She opened the door without announcing her presence sticking her head in to see who the crooning guy was. She was pleased to find Puck, Princess Mercedes guard, sitting alone singing without an audience.

"Is this a closed showing, or is there room just for one to join?" She asked. Lady Quinn had every intention of allowing the handsome man to continue with his heartfelt plea while she watched in silence; however, something in her couldn't help but to interrupt him. She sympathized with the pain expressed through his gift, and wanted nothing more than to help him through it. She was drawn to his spirit.

They stood still eyes trained on each other both afraid to move or speak. Realizing it was silly Puck invited Lady Quinn to join him.

"Hello Lady Quinn, how are you?" Puck asked.

Her eyes glared with concern for him as she shot back her response. "I'm fine, more concerned about you. How are you feeling? She asked.

"I've been better," Puck said.

"Does this song choice have anything to do with why you are in here alone when there's a big celebration going on out there? She inquired.

"Yes, but I don't want to talk about it. You look pretty I like your dress," he said. He ran his eyes down the length of the gown before releasing the deep breath he had inhaled. Puck had spent so much time pining for Princess Mercedes, and he was just realizing some of the side effects. It had been a while since he had been intimate with someone. His volunteering to watch over her during the night shift had effectively killed his sex life. At the time he named it worth the wait, but in light of this new information he wished he had made a different choice. He now realized he was in a self-imposed drought, and was looking at Quinn like he had stumbled upon a bowl with a few drops of rain water in the desert.

"What are you thinking about?" Lady Quinn asked.

Puck gasped at the interruption from his trip to a time where ignorance was bliss.

"How gorgeous your green eyes are," he said.

The compliment brought a smile to Lady Quinn's face, and she giggled with excitement. Her time with Prince Sam had been a string of quick lays with Lady Jane watching. No doubt she had fun, but Prince Sam had never complimented her sincerely or looked at her the way Puck was looking at her now. Prince Sam's focus was always on Jane's beauty, Jane's hair, and Jane's eyes; now all of that attention had been redirected towards Princess Mercedes. Lady Quinn wanted to feel sorry for Jane, but she couldn't. She was now getting a taste of what she had felt throughout the entire ordeal. She never felt like he desired her, but was using her as a convenience. She knew her role and was content with it. Recently she had begun wanting more, and she was beginning to think Puck would be the one to give it to her. Quinn was comfortable with both her decisions to check on Puck and subsequently to stay with him. It wasn't as if she sought him out she just happened upon him abandoning her search for Prince Sam, so that she could offer Puck some support in his time of need. Coincidentally she was the one being comforted by his kind flirtatious words. Needing to be closer to him, she went to take a seat next to Puck, so they could talk more.

Princess Mercedes had finally gotten away from Mike. Not wanting to think or speak of the conversation they had, she decided to head back to her guest room. As she was walking she noticed Princess Miski, and decided her seclusion would have to wait. She needed to finish her conversation with her sister that Mike had previously interrupted. They were having such a good time conversing. She was just about to share with her the details of her ever changing feelings towards Sam. She really was on a roller coaster with her emotions regarding the Prince; however, she felt the dust was starting to settle around the situation.

Princess Miski was in the hall grinning from ear to ear while talking on her cell phone. She was no doubt speaking to her Fiancé whom Princess Mercedes had never met. His name was Geesi a brave and successful warrior. There was a sizeable age difference between the two, but that had no bearing on their up and coming nuptials. The two were quickly in love, and judging from that smile things were heating up fast.

"That smile is downright rude," Princess Mercedes said. She snatched the phone from her sister bringing it to her ear. "Hello, we have never met, but I am Princess Mercedes-your future sister in law. I just wanted to say congratulations before that smile swallows my sister's entire head. I look forward to meeting you when I return home," She said. After listening to the man thank her she handed the phone back to Princess Miski mouthing "wrap it up". Princess Miski did as her sister ask, whispering I love you into the phone as well as some other endearing words.

Once she was done, Princess Miski playfully tapped Mercedes on the shoulder. "That was not nice Sid, I was really enjoying our conversation," Princess Miski complained.

"I know Kai, but I had to. That smile was snatching your edges, and we cannot have that. I was doing my due diligence," Princess Mercedes replied.

They continued to talk as they made their way towards Princess Miski's guest room. "I was introduced to Princess Santana, and she is a riot, but I don't think she is interested in Sam, which is sort of a relief.

"Why do you think she is not interested in Prince Sam," Princess Miski asked?

"Because I saw her off in the distance hugged up with that naked blond that was coming out of Prince Sam's room in Belize."

Shock ran across Princess Miski's face. "Wow, what did Prince Sam say?"

"I don't think he knows about her playing for the other team," Princess Mercedes replied.

"Not about that, about Brittany coming from his room. She is Princess Stacey's dance instructor; correct?"

"Yes, you are correct. Well I still refer to her as the naked blonde. But he told me that she was not invited, and he has no interest in her. He said he stepped out the shower and there she was. So he threw her out. No Questions!

"And you believe him?" Princess Miski questioned.

"Yes, he hasn't given me any reason to doubt the validity of his explanation. He has had every opportunity to get with her if he wanted, and as far as I know he hasn't shown any interest."

The sisters continued to catch up on what they had missed while Princess Mercedes has been in England. They laughed while Princess Miski told her in detail about her beau. She smiled as she told her of her newly developed feelings. They both were excited by the prospect of new love. As they caught up, Princess Mercedes conveniently left out the information regarding her birth mother. She didn't know how it affected her life. Could she possibly be renounced? Luckily everyone who knew of her birth mother agreed to take the secret to the grave. Yet, the burden of keeping a secret weighed heavy on her, and the pain of not knowing her birth mom was ferocious. Somehow finding out their mother was no longer her mother changed things, but she couldn't determine what was different. She refused to allow the dreadful thoughts to color her time with her sister. She pushed the memories to the back of her mind, so that she could continue conversing with the same wonder and enthusiasm they started with.

"Okay so what is going on with you and Mike?"

"Nothing," She said! Her mind wandered back to the brief discussion her and Mike had before she met up with Princess Miski.

Flashback

"Mercedes, I have talked to the Emperor about my desire to make you my wife. I am confident I have convinced him that you are the bride of choice for me. I…"

She cut him off.

"Mike you knew me a week. Not sure it's love you feel for me," she countered.

"Mercedes, when you know, you just know. And I am certain; I know that I love you. So the question remains, how do you feel about me?

"Mike, I still feel the same as our last conversation." He took a step back with a look of disappointment. He tried to mask his hurt, but she had already seen the look and felt bad.

"So the rumors are true? I know you were developing feelings for me; so this must mean what I'm hearing is true. Tina told me that you were rumored to be falling for the English prince. He's bad news Mercy. He has a trail of women he has ruined and no hope of changing. You would be subject to a life of resentment. And you think they will accept you in England as a Queen? Come on Mercedes, let us be realistic," Mike said.

Tears weld in her eyes as she stared him directly in his eyes. "You're wrong Mike," she said. With those words she walked off. She refused to stay and listen to his ramblings about the fate of her relationship with Prince Sam. Even though she hadn't sorted out her feelings, she could not bear to hear the horrible things he was saying about him. She wasn't sure how she felt about his other comment regarding the citizens of England accepting her as Queen.

End of Flashback

Princess Miski waved her hand in front of Princess Mercedes face and still didn't gain her attention. "Sid, Hello," She said snapping her fingers. Princess Mercedes snapped out of her thoughts.

"Sorry Kai, I just don't want to think or discuss Mike right now. I would rather discuss Prince Sam. I need your help making sense of these emotions.

Prince Sam did not get very far before his mistake hit him like a ton of bricks. I'm being childish again and in the process I left my woman in the lion's den, he thought. With that he turned and ran back to the ball room. He shot a glance to the corner where Mike and Princess Mercedes were last seen. They were no longer there. He muttered some gibberish backing out of the room and into an unsuspecting Princess Santana.

"Watch it guppy; you want to watch where you place them clown feet! Estupido!" Princess Santana yelled. Prince Sam apologized before running off in the direction of Princess Mercedes sleeping quarters. He didn't have time to deal with Princess Santana's brand of crazy; he needed to pry his lady from the grasp of a grubby handed Mike.

Queen Anne II decided she had enough of her son's shenanigans. She had to put this notion that he had a choice in who he married to bed, so she decided to speak with the Sultan. She noticed the Prince Sam and Princess Mercedes were missing, and she could only imagine what mischief the two were involved in. Stripping away all pretenses, she made her point to the Sultan crystal clear. "Look Mercedes is a wonderful girl, but her time at court has to end. I will not have her interfering in our affairs. She is a distraction for Sam," she said.

"You asked her to come, not the other way around. And now that she wants to stay, you need her to go away. I'll let her know that she will be leaving but hear me good. I take offense to your harshness; it has led me to believe my daughter could come to harm in your care. The well-being and safety of Princess Mercedes is of most importance. I have no obligation or care for you or your plan. I will not forget this," he said. The Sultan turned to walk away but was stopped by the Queen.

Queen Anne II tried a different approach. "I resent the implication that any harm would come to the Princess Mercedes. I have grown to love her like a daughter. It is just Sam is not right for her. His lust for woman runs deep, and I fear an innocent girl like Princess Mercedes would end up emotionally scarred. Add to that his engagement to Princess Santana and it becomes a recipe for disaster.

The Sultan looked at the Queen as if she had suddenly spawned another head. "Most Kings have an increased lust for women, and the ones that don't well we won't speak of. Make no mistake I see what you are doing. I have no problem with you looking out for your country because I'll certainly be looking out for mine. My daughter has had several proposals, and I have refused them all. They weren't worthy of her and neither is your son. That fact we are in agreement on. When we leave Mercedes will be accompanying us back home," he said.

The Queen nodded in agreement. She would do anything to protect her legacy including belittle her son. It wasn't as if what she stated was not the truth however, she knew Sam was changing. She had been informed of his ending things with Lady Jane; he also hadn't been caught frolicking with any of the girls throwing themselves at him during the holiday season. He spent a great deal of the holiday moping over Mercedes not speaking with him, and it was sickening. Kings don't sulk or follow a woman around like a lost lovesick puppy, she thought. Sending Princess Mercedes away was her only option now. The longer she stayed the more tangled in her web Prince Sam became and soon nothing would be able to pry the two apart. Her mind wondered back to Sam's exit just a short while ago. He was infuriated just by Princess Mercedes having a conversation with Michael. The realization that Prince Sam may actually be in love with Princess Mercedes made the Queen frown. If his embarrassing actions were any indication, then she was sure he was in love with her. His jealous rage shown in his eyes as well as his actions, and that is when she knew she had to send Princess Mercedes away. She smiled with satisfaction having arranged the departure with the Sultan just a short while ago. She was feeling better already.

Puck was on a high from his love making session with Quinn. The two were talking and one thing led to another. Before long they found themselves ravaging each other. He was taking a much needed break to get them something to drink, but first he needed to stop by Mercedes room to check up on her. The news of their maternal situation left both of them with a sour taste in their mouths, and he wanted to clear the air. He wanted nothing more than to put all of their differences behind them and get back to being friends. He needed to see where they stood. Even though it still pained him, he decided he would have to stand by her decision to date Prince Sam rather he liked it or not. Protecting her from hurt was still his top priority, but he could no longer begrudge her happiness for his own selfish reasons; so as a piece offering, he was going to let her know he wouldn't be actively working against them anymore. He felt good about his decision.

He rounded the corner lifting his fist to knock at Princess Mercedes door. He heard shuffling about the room and then suddenly everything stopped. He called out to her while knocking yet again, wondering why she hadn't come to the door. Again he was met with resounding silence. He thought it rather suspicious, so Puck decided to enter the room. "Hey Princess Mercedes are you in here? Are you clothed?" He asked.

The room was dark and silent. No one had responded to his prompts even though he had heard shuffling moments ago. He turned on the light and gasped. "What are you doing in here? Why didn't you re…?" Before he could finish his question, the intruder swiftly slid the cold sharp blade across his throat. Instinctively his hands went up to his throat to place pressure. He tried to flee but fell short as the assailant made haste to leave him for dead. While he was trying to hold onto this world his mind slipped back to the woman that was in his arms a short moment ago. He was so happy, on his way to share the news, that he let his guard down. He wasn't sure if it was his distraction or that he didn't believe this person to be malicious. He just wished he had been more prepared, so that he could warn Princess Mercedes that all was not right here at court. With a smile plastered on his face he begun to lose consciousness, and the memory of he and Quinn became more vivid.

Flashback

The pair had stopped talking and was now in a dare of will. Who would be the first to make the leap? They were content staring in each other's eyes; neither knew what would be the others next move. Quinn was the first to take the plunge leaning in kissing him fully on the lips. He smiled as he kissed her back. He was ecstatic that their stalemate had ended with her being the one to make the first move. They had been flirting for quite some time, but he didn't want to assume he could just kiss her, and make a complete butt of himself. He allowed her to lead their course, and he enjoyed the path she was taking. She brought his hands to her waist and pulled him in closer moaning as she rolled into him. Every movement was slow and precise. Taking a little initiative, he slid his hands under the lengthy material to find she wasn't wearing panties. He was taken aback wondering if she planned this or if she just was opposed to wearing underwear. Either way he decided to just go with it. He pushed his finger into her wet heat and pumped. Her head fell back with another moan at the pleasure. He kissed her neck and then remembered "Oh, we have to stop; I don't have any protection." He waited pensively for her response. He didn't really want to stop, and would gladly suffer any consequences from their session.

She straddled him pushing her wet heat into his hardness "Don't worry; I am on birth control," she said. Her statement eased his conscious, and she started to undress him. Once relieved of their clothes, she slid down his member and began to rock her hips slowly. Even though she didn't know him well at all, she wanted the feel of being made love to, and Puck simply had to give it to her. They continued their slow torturous grind until they each exploded into profound ecstasy.

End of Flashback

The Sultan had just finished his discussion with the Queen and was still a bit agitated. He just wanted to retire to his room for the night so he could leave in the morning without incident. He didn't like what the Queen said in regards to Mercedes, but he would rather not start an international incident because he couldn't cool his temper. It's one of the reason he despised dealing with woman leaders-Too emotional, he thought. He already knew what the Imperial Heir wanted-Mercedes they all wanted Mercedes. He shook his head. Right now he felt like agreeing to a match just to get back at the English, but he knew better. His daughter's well-being came before any feud or disagreement. At first glance he had turned down the match and now he could see the benefits of an alliance with the Chinese. He really wanted Mercedes to marry a Somali, but now he was realizing an alliance would be of greater consequence. He was under a lot of pressure to choose seeing as Mercedes was almost 18, and if she were any other girl, she would have been married off by now. After some internal debate, he waved off his guard so that he would allow the young man access to speak with him.

Mike refused to accept Mercedes reaction as the end so he went to plead his case straight to the man. He bowed to greet the Sultan.

"What is it you wish to speak to me about?"

Knowing rulers did not appreciate prolonged words, he got straight to the point. "I wish to wed your daughter-Princess Mercedes. I have fallen in love with her and I believe she has in turn fallen for me. We have talked at length. I know that I should have waited for my father to speak with you, but I had to know if there was any chance that you would agree to a match. I also fear that the English Prince is using tricks to try and bed her."

"What evidence do you have of this? Do you think or you know?"

"I have only heard rumors of this. When I asked her about them she acted irrational, but I know that is just her strong will talking."

"Michael I like that you have come to me and so I will agree to this; pending your father approval of course. You have shown great courage and are looking out for the well-being of my daughter and she hasn't even become your wife. I will speak to my daughter and make her aware of the change in status."

The Sultan decided against summoning Princess Mercedes to his chambers to talk thinking it better to speak to her on her own turf. It would give her nowhere to run off to. He knew from the look of things he hadn't got the full story from Michael, but he did believe Michael's feelings for her to be real. Yet he also knew he would face some resistance from Mercedes. She had expressed her desire to choose whom she would ultimately marry. She didn't want to be Queen but she couldn't reasonably marry a pauper either. He would try to get her to see how this match was in her best interest because as soon as the Emperor agreed they would be wed. There was no way he would stand by and let Prince Gigolo sink his teeth into her.

Lady Carol walked with urgency over to the Queen. She did what one would call a slight curtsey before hastily speaking. "Her highness, have you seen Lord Burt? I haven't seen him since you called me away and he hasn't shown up to the celebration. I had assumed he and Duke were working. Have you seen either of them?"

"Yes, the Duke has been in his chambers every night. Come we will go to ask if he has seen Lord Burt. The couple went in search of their significant others.

Meanwhile in an undisclosed location Lord Burt sat tied to a chair knock unconscious by the butt of the gun. His attacker was searching through his phone to see if he had placed the call to anyone. Once they were sure he had not, they smashed the phone. They didn't want to leave a cell phone lying around on the off chance he got out of his restraints. The rebels needed more info and had lucked out when Lord Burt peered from the entrance of the castle. No one could know that the bravest of the rebels had made it onto the grounds and were camped out awaiting the signal. Lord Burt had stepped outside at the most inopportune moment, and could now pay the ultimate price. He didn't know how long he had been trapped there. He believed it was longer than a day, but couldn't be sure. He was blind folded in a dark space. They continually questioned him, and when he didn't say what was expected they struck him with something hard. This questioning continued often and he didn't know how much more he could take.

The soldiers that made it through moved in silence as one. They had just made it past the guards and were on their way to the location scouted out. Through their contact they found out about a house on the ground that was rarely visited especially this time of year. If they could make it there, they would be able to exact the next phase of their plan.

Mercedes ran down the corridor in search of Sam's room just as she rounded the corner she ran straight into his arms. He had been looking all over for her. She wasn't in her room, at the party, or any of the other numerous locations he had checked; including sniffing around the imperial heir's dormitory. He hoped he wouldn't find her there but his jealousy simply got the better of him. He was just about to give up when she went flying around the corner and into his arms. Had it not been for the tears that continually poured from her eyes and onto his shirt, he would be enjoying the feel of her pressed against him. She was shaking which immediately made Sam clinch his fists. "What has happened Mercedes? Why are you crying?" She continued to sob against his chest. He took her hand leading her forward making the remaining few feet to his bedroom, so that they could talk away from prying eyes.

Once inside Mercedes began to calm down and Sam wiped away the tears from her eyes. He kissed her gently on the forehead before he pulled her back into a warming embrace placing his chin on the top of her head.

"I don't want to leave or marry him." She said. The declaration was barely heard as she whispered into his chest. Sam felt everything stop around him. He was afraid to ask the question, but his curiosity was peaked and he had to know. "Marry whom?"

"Michael" she said still timid yet matter of fact.

"Don't worry Mercedes; you won't have to," he said with a finality.

Taking a step back and pacing the room she continued to plead her case. She was speaking more so to herself than to Sam. "I am up and down spinning around. Is this the right choice? Maybe, maybe not." She suddenly stopped in front of Prince Sam, looking up at him a smile stretched across her face. "Through all my confusion, I know that I do not want to be without you. My feelings, however murky they are I know that they are there. I may not be able to express them but they are there," she said.

Sam understood what she meant. "sssshh, you don't have to vocalize it. I feel it whenever you hold me, with every kiss, and when you peer into my soul with those perfectly rounded brown eyes. The love is expressed to me, and one day you will be sure enough to say it. Right now I just want to hold you and kiss the worry away because as I said before, you will be staying here by my side. I don't care what anyone says and that includes the Queen," he said.

They walked hand in hand over to the bed and climbed in. He pulled her in snuggly to his body placing a soft kiss upon her lips. He smoothed her hair from her face before kissing her again more passionately. As his tongue explored the wet warmth of her mouth, Mercedes felt her reservations slipping from her grasp, and she placed her hands at the nape of his neck pulling him in closer. They both moaned simultaneously at the sensation. Sam dragged his hand slowly down the length of her back stopping on her butt. He rubbed his palm over every inch of her perfectly round feature. It felt significantly better than he had ever imagined and he couldn't wait to experience more. His mouth left her lips only to explore the soft skin of her neck. He trailed kisses down to her breast kissing the exposed skin. She pressed her head back further into the pillow; her hands found their way into his hair and she pressed lightly on his scalp. He took this as a signal to travel down exploring her southern regions. She gasped in surprise when he placed a kiss on her panty clad sex. Noting her inexperience she hadn't realized what she done. He had his head buried between her legs and she wasn't sure what to do. Her hips involuntarily bucked in response to his hands sliding her panties down her thighs. She thought maybe she should stop him but his warm breath blew on her and she forgot everything-her mind literally went blank.

Shots rang out in the distance startling Sam from his task. He was not sure if he imagined it or if the sounds were real. He and Princess Mercedes had been exploring each other on the bed, and he was just about to taste his prize when the noise broke their focus. Sam looked up into Mercedes frightened eyes. The sounds made her relive the war that her country had just finished, and she wasn't prepared to be in the midst of another anytime soon. Sam was about to tell Mercedes not to worry believing must have mistaken shots for some other similar noise, when his guard burst into his chambers.

Henry said, "The Rebels have made it past the gates and are just outside the castle doors. We have to get you somewhere safe now! The Princess will be taken to her father's men for protection. We have to leave at once."

"No, she stays with me. There is a tunnel that leads from my room straight to the tower. Once she is safe there I will return to command the army," Sam said. Henry tried to argue but quickly realized Prince Sam wouldn't see reason. He sent three guards with them so that they could be left behind to protect the Princess Mercedes.