Oliver set a blanket down on a hay bale for Chloe to be seated on, outside of the stall he went to. The horse in sign neighing softly at his approach. "This is Iggy," he spoke as he unlatched the door. "He was a gift from my father when I graduated Academy." He spoke. He entered and then exited with the reigns of a very stout, very deep black horse. He was saddled and ready for the evening. Oliver tied him to a hitching post outside of the stall to check his saddle and gear.

"He's huge." She spoke.

"He's a Friesian," he spoke. "Horses most commonly associated with mideival times, all of our guards have them. I just need to warm him up a bit, then Quinlann, the first in my team, will take him to the ruins where we'll meeting up before going into the arena. Before I can go the ruins, I do have to make an appearance at the museum for the ribbon cutting."

"Very cool." She smiled.

"Glad you think so." He spoke. Satisfied with all the buckles being in good order he untied Iggy. Chloe stood and moved to stand at Olivers shoulder the furthest away from the horse. Oliver just chuckled slightly taking her hand in his. "He won't bite, he does have some manners," he teased.

"Oh I'm sure he's as much of a gentleman as you, but I think personal space is important and I'm giving him his."

"Oh Angel, when my schedule opens up a bit, I'm going to teach you how to ride." He shook his head. They turned a corner and stepped into an indoor exercising arena. "Ok," he spoke. "This won't take long, I promise." He smiled, let go of her hand, kissed her cheek, then turned and mounted onto his horse. He gathered the reigns and nudged Iggy on.

Chloe just stood in awe, there was so much to Oliver than she could have possibly imagined. Chloe was so enamored by the sight she didn't hear the man approach.

"Quite impressive," he spoke causing Chloe to jump. "Sorry I didn't mean to frighten you." He spoke. "I'm Commadant Quinlann D' Poite" he spoke.

"Chloe Sullivan." She spoke, still trying to catch her breath.

"Ahh, a fine Irish lass, eh?" he smiled.

"Something like that." She smiled. Chloe studied the man quickly then turned to the arena to watch Oliver. Quinlann was about Olivers age if not a few years older; tall, hazel eyes, full of mischief.

"Welcome to Baldivia," he spoke.

"Thank you." She spoke.

"The Prince has spoken very highly of you."

"Really?" she looked at him curiously. He nodded. A cell phone chimed and he pulled it out of his pocket.

"Excuse me," he spoke and left to go out into the alley way. Chloe faced the arena again, sighing, she watched Oliver dreamily.

00000

After nearly 15 minutes of exercise, Oliver trotted his horse over to where Chloe and Quinlann stood. Oliver brought Iggy to a stop and dismounted.

"Commandant D'Poite." He spoke nodding his head to his guard.

"Sire," he spoke and saluted him. He then extended his hand to shake it. "Iggy's ready?" he asked casually.

"Of course, Quinn." He smiled. "Please," he teased.

"I got a call from Jet; apparently one of the kids from the hospital this afternoon is going to be joining us at the ruins." Oliver's smile faded. "He didn't mention a name, but by the look on your face, it's Elise?" Oliver nodded. "Well, let me get Iggy over there, and talk to the others, we'll make this special." He smiled.

"Thank you." Oliver tried to smile. Quinn took the reins and led the horse away. Chloe studied his demeanor and realized frowning really didn't become him.

"Ollie?" she spoke, taking his hand that was offered her as he led her out of the arena.

"I went to read stories to the kids at our Children's hospital." He spoke as they walked toward the main entrance of the Barn, where out front a car would be waiting to take him to the museum.

"Her name is Elise," he spoke. "And she's been fighting HIV her entire young life, and nearly 3 months ago, she developed the full blown disease." He spoke softly. "She wasn't at the story time. She told me today her disease is very advances and that they don't expect her to….."

"So she's coming to see a Prince and his band of heroes?" Chloe spoke stopping him. He turned to face her. He nodded. "That's very, very charming." She paused. "How are her parents holding up?"

"Don't know, she was orphaned as a baby, because of her disease, she's been a ward of the county since then. When I found out, I've done, well as much as I can to try and make her life easier." He looked out the door to see the driver waiting. "Come on," his tone sad, as they exited the barn and went to the awaiting limo. Chloe climbed in without any hesitation, Oliver following suit and they were on their way.

"Well, it sounds to me like you've gone above and beyond what anyone would expect of you." She spoke. "Just proves my point earlier as to why you would make a great King, you have such a great heart." She smiled.

"Thanks Angel." He spoke softly. Chloe took his hand in her and brought it to her lips for a kiss.

00000

The ribbon cutting was an uneventful media event. Oliver had managed to shield Chloe as much as possible from the media, which impressed her. After it was over they took limo ride back to the manor, and the car just went past toward a small dead end.

"Where are we?" she asked.

"About a 10 minute walk to the ruins."

"There's no path?" she spoke.

"Well that would be a problem if we were walking," he smiled and from around the trees appeared, a guard on horseback, leading Iggy.

"We?" she spoke to an empty seat, the door was open and Oliver was standing waiting for her, hand extended. Chloe shook her head in disbelief and took his hand. Oliver shut the door and they walked toward the man with the horses. He dismounted and saluted Oliver. Oliver nodded his head.

"Commandant Etienne Le Fhane this is Chloe Sullivan, Chloe Sullivan, Etienne Le Fhane." He spoke. Chloe took his outstretched gloved hand and shook it.

"Pleased to meet you." He spoke. Chloe repeated the same. The driver of the limo brought a long jacket to Oliver and handed it to him.

"Thank you." He spoke and the man turned and went back to the car and left. Oliver handed the coat to Chloe. It was a long jacket just her size.

"Here, it's going to get chilly, now, it's time to go."

"Ollie, I'm wearing a skirt, I AM NOT getting on a horse." She protested.

"Chloe, you forget," he spoke. "I'm a gentleman and I passed Chivalry with flying colors." He spoke. Chloe was about to protest when the next thing she knew she was sitting side saddle on Iggy's saddle and Oliver was sitting right behind her. She was clutching the jacket like a life vest. "Hold on," he purred in her ear as he nudged Iggy forward.

It took a few minutes for Chloe to take hold of her emotions, she was on a horse, wrapped in Oliver's arms, and it just reminded her of how much she had missed him over the past 2 months. Bart's words echoing in her head. "If you're going to be that sad not being around him, you should be around him more." He was so right, but her brain and her heart were suddenly not on speaking terms. As they came to a larger grove of trees there was an old stone ruin, what appeared to be a chapel or something, there was a stone cross at the front stoop.

"Remind me to tell you this story when we head back to the manor." He purred against her skin. They made their way to the edge of the clearing and Chloe gasped, there were 5 awesomely dressed soldiers, showing a petite red headed little girl, the time of her life. She was dressed in an over coat, so as to not get a chill, but her eyes were alight with joy as she got to pet the horses, from the arms of one of the men.

They all knew they had to stand attention for Oliver and he saw the flash of nerves at the slight breach of protocol. "At ease." He spoke as he pulled Iggy to a stop. He dismounted then helped Chloe off the horse.

"You've met Quinn and Etienne." He spoke. "Let me introduce you to the rest of my team, in order, Commandant's Jonathen DeGaul, Antony O'Herr, Francois Thealane, and Callum Franques." He moved to the man holding the child. "And this little miracle is Elise Brunam." He smiled and the child leaped into his arms and squished his neck for all she was worth.

A young woman was standing off to the corner holding a small multitude of gift bags. "And you are?" Chloe asked.

"That's my wife," Callum spoke. "She's a nurse at the hospital." Chloe nodded.

"Can I ride Iggy?" the young girl asked. Oliver nodded and he put her up on the saddle and began to lead her around. One of his men was taking pictures of them.

"He's not what you would expect is he?" The nurse spoke. "I'm Maggie, by the way.

"I'm Chloe, and no he's not." She smirked.

"Callum has known Oliver nearly all his life," she smiled at her husband who was now riding his horse alongside Elise on Iggy. "I get bowled over by the fact he's a Prince every time, he's not…"

"See, I've known a lot of politician types over the years, and he's definitely not." Chloe smiled at the woman. "Do you mind if I ask, um...how long?" she spoke looking at the young girl with the megawatt smile.

"Not long, really." She spoke saddened. "These men have adopted her as their own, even with their own families, she hasn't been left wanting."

Chloe sighed and watched Oliver and her heart broke for him. After about 15 minutes, Maggie had to break up the fun to get Elise back to the hospital. Chloe took a picture of all them with Elise, Maggie kissed Callum goodbye. The girl firmly in the arms of Maggie was carried off into the distant trees. Chloe's gaze followed them followed in confusion.

"There's a trail a few minutes that way that leads to the North Parking lot, there is a van waiting for them." He grinned. "I most certainly wasn't going to waist an opportunity to take you riding." He grinned. "You might want to put that coat on; the temperature is already starting to drop."

She did, and the next thing she knew she was again sitting sidesaddle on Iggy. "Brat."

"Yes, indeed." He spoke. He turned Iggy to face his guard who were now sporting there very formal helms. "Let's get going," he spoke as he led them in formation. A few minutes later, they were behind a high wall, next to the arena. Jet was standing there waiting with A.C.

"And where have you been young lady?" A.C teased as he stepped up and helped her off of Oliver's horse.

"Oh you're hilarious." She laughed. Jet handed Oliver his navy blue bell hat, with silver braiding above the rim and the crest of the royal house on its center. He set that on his saddle horn. Jet also handed him a pristine polished silver sword, and black leather gloves. Oliver gave over his white gloves. He attached his sword to his belt, and put on his gloves. He then put on his hat.

"Okay, well," he smiled at her. "Time to go and do this. Jet will escort you and get you seated." He smiled. "I'll be with you in a bit." He winked. Jet bowed to the Prince then turned.

"Follow me, please." He spoke and led Chloe and A.C to the box.

Oliver took a deep breath, "Guard Ready!" he shouted in cadence. The lined up 2 by 2 behind him. He led them onto the grounds to the alley designated for their entrance.

0000

Chloe was so nervous, A.C sat close by, only in the shadows to avoid having his picture taken. Vic and Bart were also present.

"Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to the 2010, Military Festival." An announcer spoke over the crowd which was cheering loudly. "If you will please stand while our first guests enter the arena." He paused. Two men in ornate military regalia carrying trumpets entered the arena. They rode to center. They began to play an elegant tune that called in a rider bearing the flag of Baldivia. He rode at a full gallop around the arena then taking his post in between the two trumpeters. "Now the announcer spoke, "Please welcome with his guard, His Royal Highness, our Crown Prince, Oliver." He spoke. The arena gate opened and coming in at a canter while his men rode their horses at a walk was Oliver. Goose flesh slid down Chloe's arms. They circled the arena then stopped in formation in its center behind the trumpeters and the flag. "And his Highness, King Robert." He spoke and the King riding a black Friesian brought his horse in at a canter. He rode around the arena then took a spot next to Oliver. "Please join in now to our National Anthem." He spoke and a bagpipe tune played over the P.A, the words being sung loyally by the people. As it was finished, Oliver and his father turned their horses to face each other, they saluted each other, and Oliver turned and ran Iggy out of the arena. He came back moments later with horse saddled, no rider, but a pair of boots draped over the saddle horn. Oliver had his head down, as a sign of respect. This was the tribute to the fallen of their army. They made the long trek around the arena and the Oliver left. His guard divided and moved to either side of the arena. 3 on each side. Oliver reentered; he pulled up short next to the steps leading from the arena floor to the box. He dismounted and an aid took Iggy's reins and led him out of the arena. His moves were precise as he turned to his father, put his right hand over his heart and bowed his head sharply. His father did the same and watched as his son took the steps into the royal box and stood next to Chloe.

The King his smile well. He had a duty to perform. He pulled his sword from his belt and pointed it to the arena entry. The trumpeters then played the soldiers call to the field. Oliver sat as the first guards entered and everyone did as well.

"This is really cool," Chloe whispered. "Man I wish I had my camera."

"Don't worry, there will be plenty of pictures," he looked down at her briefly and winked. He turned back to the field. He watched as his father moved to the head of the arena and turned his horse sharply to face the incoming men.

After nearly 2 hours of an amazing display of horsemanship, and the honored retirees taking their ride, Oliver left the box to reclaim his horse. He and his father took a final ride of the arena to loud cheers from the people and the event was over. Jet escorted Chloe back to where she had left Ollie behind. A.C sent her a brief text that he and the guys were going to go explore the city. She was so glad they were with her on this trip.

When she cleared the wall, Oliver was hatless, sitting on the saddle with one leg draped over the saddle horn; he was laughing and joking with his guards

"So," she spoke looking up at him, he was so at ease, so comfortable in his position, it just warmed her heart. "That was some pretty fancy riding out there." She teased.

"Ehhh," he smiled. He dismounted and hugged her. He turned to his men, "Have a good evening, and I will see you all for brunch."

"Aye, Sire," they all spoke in unison and saluted him and turned and rode off back toward the barn.

"Did you have fun?" he asked.

"I did," she grinned.

"Sire," Jet spoke.

"Yes?" he spoke.

"Everything you requested is done." He smiled and turned and walked away.

"What are you up to?" Chloe glared at him.

"Why would you think I would be up to anything?" he grinned, his hands on her waist and again she was on Iggy.

"I thought you said you were a gentleman?" she spoke laughing.

"I am; I have a certificate to prove it." He laughed and nudged Iggy with a gentle kick and they were off back to the barn.

00000

Chloe watched as Ollie took time in grooming Iggy down. He had his formal jacket off, all of it hung on a wall hook. He was in a black body armor shirt and his equestrian pants. Chloe's stomach growled. Oliver turned to face her, his eyes alight with laughter.

"I'm hurrying, really." He spoke. He led Iggy into his stall, and fed him. He exited, shut the door and latched it. He grabbed his uniform stuff and held it over one arm while holding a hand out to Chloe. She took and he pulled her up off the bale. "Now, let's get us taken care of."

00000

Candlelight illuminated the dining room; a table for two was set. Oliver had deposited his uniform on a corner chair. "Excuse me, please." He spoke and ducked into what Chloe only assumed was a restroom. He came out a few minutes later, in jeans, button down shirt, and loafers. He looked so much more relaxed.

"Well that's no fair, how come you get to dress down?" she teased.

"House rules," he teased. He moved to the open bottle of wine and poured them each a glass and brought one to Chloe. "I can finally relax," he grinned. "And welcome you properly to my home." He took a sip of his wine and set the glass down on the table. Chloe sipped her wine to and also set her glass down. He pulled her into the warmth of his body and Chloe just sighed. "Hi," he whispered.

"Hi yourself." She blushed. He leaned and claimed her mouth in a warm and wanting kiss. He pulled back, kissed her cheek.

"I'm so glad you're here, Angel."

"You know what?" she asked timidly. He shook his head, "Me too." He smiled.

"Dinner," there was a knock at the door and a staffer wheeled in a cart. "Is served." The cart was left and the staffer left quickly. Oliver looked frustrated.

"What?"

"She's new and always acts like I'm going to shout, 'Off with her head,' at every turn." He shook his head.

Chloe was laughing. "I'm sorry, but that's funny." She spoke hugging him. "Give her time." She tried to reassure. He went to the cart and lifted the covers off the dishes.

"Garlic roasted Chicken, and some traditional Baldivian foods. The potatoes are made with a vinaigrette native to us, and the vegetable is very similar to squash." He spoke proudly. "And for dessert, just cause it's you, Tiramisu." He grinned.

"You are so thoughtful." She smiled. They moved the plates to the table and ate and had a fabulous conversation. He shared the story of the ruins and the history of the Military Festival. They finished the wine, and Oliver escorted Chloe to her door.

"Are you going to come in?" she purred. He took a deep breath and pulled Chloe to his door.

"See I was going for chivalrous." He spoke as he pulled her in and closed her door.

"That can wait until later; I haven't seen you in 2 months." She spoke as she slid her hands under his shirt.

"Oh I know Angel, I know." He spoke and groaned as she cupped him through his jeans.

"Gonna keep me waiting?" she asked.

"No, Angel." He spoke and he kissed her with a vengeance.

00000

Chloe yawned and stretched, she had slept like a baby, the night with Oliver had been nothing short of delicious, she rolled over to face his side of the bed, and there was a rose, a note, and a cell phone on his pillow. Chloe smiled and picked up the note,

'Angel—answer the phone.'

Chloe held the phone that wasn't ringing, and then it did.

"Hello?"

"Good morning," his voice made her smile.

"Good morning to you." She purred back.

"Sorry, I had an early morning." He spoke.

"It's alright, it happens." She yawned, "Thank you for the rose."

"Oh, no, believe me I should be thanking you." Chloe could tell he was smiling.

"Where are you?"

"On my way back from a press thing." He spoke. "And apparently you're a pretty hot topic." He spoke.

"Really?" she grimaced.

"Yes, I was at a press breakfast, and all they asked was about the blonde bombshell that I've been seen with."

"Ugh," she groaned. "And?"

"I said she is an exquisite beauty who is remarkably shy, who would decide on her own when and if she wants the spotlight."

"You- s-s-said all that?"

"Absolutely Angel, it's all true. There is no pressure from me for you to be any more public than you want to. There is some canned footage from New York, but that's about it."

"Ohh boy," she spoke. "Hey what's with this phone anyway?" she asked.

"An easier and cheaper way to communicate so you don't have to burn through your minutes being out of country." He smiled, "And it's totally secure."

"You're a thinker, Queehne."

"I try, really," he paused. "Etienne said he would stop by to bring you to brunch."

"Bring me to brunch?"

"Yes," he paused. "And you might want to motivate, everyone will be on site in about 35 minutes."

"What?" Chloe screeched and she looked at her watch. "I gotta get moving." She tossed back the blankets.

"I'll let you go, lass." He spoke. "And Chloe?" he spoke, listening to the heavy breathing on the phone as he imagined her bolting across the hall to her room. "Chloe?" he spoke again.

"Yeeaahh," she sassed.

"Wear clothing suitable for riding," he said and before she could argue, the phone disconnected.

00000

A.C, Bart and Vic were drinking coffee under the huge tent set up near the barn. The caterers were still setting up the buffet. Oliver approached the table, shook their hands then sat down to join them.

"How was your evening?" he asked.

"This place is pretty cool," Vic spoke.

"Yeah, you have a pretty wicked night life out here." A.C smiled.

"And the food," Bart spoke.

"Well good, I'm glad." He spoke smiling. "I want to thank you all again for all you help."

"Dude, don't sweat it." A.C spoke.

"Well, I'm grateful and I would like to invite you to the coronation, as my personal guests."

"Whoah," Bart spoke.

He smiled. "If you would like to bring a guest, just let Jet know so that they could be added to the guest list."

"Thanks man." Vic spoke.

"It's my pleasure really, you're Chloe's family." He shrugged.

"Speaking of, have you talked to our sunshine this morning?" Vic asked.

Oliver chuckled, "Oh I did and she should be here shortly." He smiled. The boys laughed. Oliver saw the first of a few golf carts that would be arriving with the guests. "If you'll excuse me, the guests are arriving, enjoy breakfast. Oh and Bart," he spoke as he stood. "The buffet is all you can eat, look for Jenna, she's been instructed to take care of you." He nodded his head to them and turned to go and greet his guests.

00000

Chloe exited her room and turned to go the stairs, there was a tall brunette standing there. "Commandant Etienne?" Chloe asked. He smiled and nodded.

"Yes Ma'am, I'm to be your escort to brunch." He smiled.

"And I here we're going by horseback?" she asked reluctantly.

"Actually no ma'am, I have a golf cart." He laughed.

"Oh he is such a brat!" Chloe whispered.

"The Prince does have a healthy sense of humor ma'am." He spoke. They walked toward the main entrance and to the awaiting golf cart. They hopped in and Etienne started it up and drove them toward the event.

"So how long have you known him?" Chloe asked.

"Almost for 10 years." He spoke. "We were in what you would know as OCS school together." He spoke. "It was hard to believe he was a prince, he was so unassuming, acted like everyone else." He smiled. "We are his guard, we have protocol, but he's been a really good friend too."

"Thanks for being so open with me."

"It may not be my place," he spoke. "But I thought you should know." He smiled at Chloe and the rest of the journey was in silence.

When the golf cart crested the hill, Chloe was in awe of the tent, it was ginormous. There were a few saddled horses tied to a hitching post, but what struck her the most was the children running and playing, the sheer volume of people present.

"This is the 40th year for this." Etienne spoke. "The Royal do this to thank the families of his guard, military and personal, for the time they steal us away from them."

Chloe just shook her head.

00000

Jet and his wife were sitting chatting with Oliver when he was tapped on the shoulder.

"Excuse me Your Highness, but might we have a word?" she spoke sweetly.

00000

Chloe and Oliver walked hand in hand toward the horses. "I'm sorry Angel, I just couldn't resist." He chuckled.

"Have I mentioned that you're a brat?"

"I think you may have mentioned that a time or two, yes." He spoke he looked down at her and smiled.

"So how long does this thing go?" she asked.

"Until around 2pm." He spoke as they approached one of the horses. The horse whickered on his approach. Chloe stopped short.

"Another friend of yours?" she asked.

"This is Scatlock."

"Robin hood? Really?" she teased.

"What can I say?" he spoke as he petted the horse behind the ears. "I'm a fan."

"Me too," she spoke. "So what about the rest of the day?" she asked.

He shook his head. "It's booked solid." He frowned.

"Ohh." Chloe looked disappointed.

"By a blonde, she's about…" he squinted at her, "your height, and she's American." He grinned.

"Ha, ha." She spoke. Oliver stepped away from his horse to step into Chloe. She wrapped her arms around his waist. "Really? I get you all day?"

"Yes you do." He grinned. "My father is taking a few things on today, but it will get a little hectic until the King's Ball on Friday."

"Wow, what ever will we do today?" she smiled.

"Whatever you want," he smiled.

A loud whistle could be heard from the tent and Oliver looked past Chloe to the sound, it was Francois. "What?"

"It's time to eat." He smiled. He took her hand in his and led her back to the tent.

00000

Oliver stood at the front of the tent, all eyes on him, Chloe sat with her friends.

He spoke in Baldivian, translated to, "Welcome to the 40th annual family's brunch. I personally want to thank the families of my trusted security team for all their sacrifices. I appreciate it greatly. With the retirement of my father, there will be very a few changes, but not many and this will continue, as it was a tradition my mother was very, very fond of." He paused.

"Now." He switched to English, "Chef and his team have prepared and excellent meal, please, enjoy." He smiled moved to stand at the end of the table to speak the families after they got their food. After what seemed like an hour later he was finally able to sit. He sat with Chloe and her family, who had made it through the line.

After the meal, games were set up for the kids chairs were scattered around for the adults to sit. Chloe couldn't get over the ordinary man leading such an extraordinary life. As the evening was winding down, Oliver went to get Scath, and led him over to the group.

Everyone gathered, "I thank you all again, for your service and your sacrifices, it doesn't go unnoticed." He smiled. He smiled at Chloe who was standing next to him. He leaned and whispered in her ear. She frowned then nodded. He smiled and lifted her up and set her on his saddle. He hopped up behind her and they rode off.

The afternoon they spent together was glorious. He took her all over the property, then they had ice cream in the kitchen, they went bowling in the private alley. They sat in sitting room, fire place going, drinking wine and nibbling on a tray of appetizers. Chloe curled up against Oliver.

"I've had a great day." She smiled up at him.

"Good, I'm glad." He smiled sipping his wine. "Angel, I mentioned earlier that my schedule is very full until the ball," he spoke. "Just know that you're invited to join me for all of it, but in no way are you obligated. In fact, there is a car and driver available to your disposal and your friends for that matter if you want to go see the sights."

"Thanks Ollie," she spoke. "It would be nice to see the sights, but it's nicer to see you."

"Aweee, so sweet." He teased. Chloe just shook her head and kissed him. "I have to get up early," he frowned setting his glass down on the end table. He stood and Chloe looked a little put off. "Oh please," he smiled and scooped her up. "Like I would leave you here." He kissed her and carried her upstairs.

00000

The rest of the week seemed like a flurry of events. She saw him hold court with the public, and generally just dazzle the folks of Baldivia. Every day had been full of surprises, breakfasts, trinkets native to the country, new software. Oliver had wanted to woo her and made it an art form.

Now, it was Friday, the day of the King's Ball and Chloe and Ollie were on the back corner of the property, which they got to riding Iggy, reclining in a hammock. Chloe was resting against Oliver's chest while he read to her Beauty and the Beast in Polish, Chloe sighed trying not to think about the ball tonight or the fact that her flight leaves on Saturday. She had grown very quiet.

"Have you had a good time with me?" Oliver asked setting the book down.

"What?" she asked looking up into his face.

"Well have you?"

"That's a silly question."

"Well you've been so quiet, just thought I would ask." He smiled at her.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I just…well…" she frowned. "Yes, I've had a great time, seeing your family, and not just meeting your father, but your friends, too, is way cool. I've got to see you at home in your world, and that's pretty cool to.

"But?" he asked.

"I leave tomorrow," She frowned. Oliver set the book down and pulled Chloe onto his chest.

"And we will go on as we did before you came here." He was hoping she wouldn't be giving up. "I love you Chloe Sullivan, hopelessly in love with you. It happened so quickly, it even surprised me and nothing is going to change how I feel, not time or distance."

"Oliver,"

"Please, let me finish. My coronation is 4 months away; the country will be celebrating the entire month of my birthday. Come back for the celebrations, for the entire month, stay with me. There is no one I would rather spend those days with then you."

"4 months?" she smiled. "Well that would give me time to get my life settled,"

"Settled?" he asked sitting up a little.

Chloe nodded. "This week, it helped me to see things more clearly." Her eyes filling with tears. "I've been terrified of restarting my life over that being with you meant having to give up some part of me."

"Angel," He whispered.

"I want to be here, Ollie; with you." she spoke. "To start another adventure," It took him a minute to comprehend her words, for them to fully sink in.

"Really?" he whispered sitting up all the way. Chloe nodded, her lower lip caught in her teeth. He was stunned; the air had literally just been sucked from his lungs. He could see the uncertainty on her face and he blinked then kissed her, a kiss that curled her toes. "Thank you is so inadequate," he grinned.

"I love you," she whispered.

"Oh, Angel, I do love you." He replied with a cat eat canary smile on his face. Oliver couldn't contain his excitement.

"That's an interesting look you have on your face, Highness." She grinned.

"Ohhh, lady you have no idea," he smiled. He whistled for Iggy who came trotting up. He helped her off the hammock and watched with pride as Chloe climbed up on Iggy all on her own. "Mighty brave of you, Angel,"

"I'm all full of courage today," she smiled. Oliver hopped up behind her.

"That you are," he spoke turning Iggy toward the manor. "Now I think it should be rewarded." He grinned.

"Ohhh, I like the sound of that." She smiled up at him. He kissed the back of her head.