A/N: Special shout out to those who have been reading this since the beginning. I went back through the beginning and whew. There were so many errors. As you can tell, I don't have a Beta. It took me a while to knock the rust off, but I think I have improved. I don't know. You guys tell me, or not. Whatever, no pressure. So I started editing the previous chapters, but then I realized y'all don't care about that. Well maybe new readers care. Y'all just want the next update, so here it is chapter 9. I'll go back and finish editing once I'm done. Thanks again to everyone who read, favored, followed, and or reviewed.

The Queen made it to the cell where Princess Stacey was being held. Once she arrived, she noticed the Princess was in a horrible condition. She was pacing back and forth muttering to herself, while shouting random gibberish. "How long has she been like this?" she asked to no one in particular. She grabbed Princess Stacey's hand dragging her down from the cell in search of the meds she had hidden in her chambers. They walked briskly whipping through the halls and rounding corners. When they arrived, she tasked the guards with tossing the room to find Princess Stacey's meds. Tristan entered the hallway with a wary expression etched on his face.

"Well, did you find them?" the Queen asked.

"Yes, but we found something else. Please come inside," Tristan said.

Nothing could prepare her for the scene before her. She stepped into Princess Stacey's chambers to find something out of a crime series. She had tons of pictures of Princess Mercedes. If that wasn't enough, she had a bloody knife thrown haphazardly beside the bed.

"What is going on Stacey?" She asked.

Princess Stacey just continued her muttering watching intensely as Tristan picked up the knife. He handed the pills to the Queen, and she told him to gather up the pictures. It would look bad if they were found. She didn't want Stacey's condition to be leaked outside the castle walls. She secretly blamed herself for her child's condition. Truth be told, she blamed the death of Prince Michael and Stacey's mental illness on her past actions. She hadn't thought about how far she had gone to escape her duties as a Princess. She brought her focus back to the pill bottle in an attempt to escape the troubling thoughts from settling in her mind. She was so focused on trying to get the top off, that she missed the swift movement, but felt the complete and utter pain associated with the assault.

Tristan set the knife down on the table so that he could gather the photos as the Queen instructed. With so much going on, he hadn't given a thought to the recklessness in his actions. It was too late. No sooner had he bent to pick up the pile, did he see Princess Stacey yielding the discarded knife and plunging it into Queen Anne II chest. Dropping the photos he ran to catch the Queen before she could hit the ground.

Princess Stacey stood in shock as her mother fell towards the floor in slow motion. An image flashed before her eyes, and she said the first words that came to mind, "Prince Blaine." She ran from the room with the guards hot on her trails.

Light flooded the sleeping area inside the tower stirring Princess Mercedes from her dream state. She felt a familiar heat creeping up her thighs and a swarming in her belly. Trapped in between her dream world and reality, she tried to decipher what was factual. Princess Mercedes moved her legs squirming only to have her thighs gripped tight and held firmly into place. "Ummmm," she moaned with a smile on her face. She felt his tongue lapping her walls then quickly flicking her clit. He sucked the button into his mouth and moaned. He rubbed his hand over her hips, then down her thighs, before reaching her wet hot center. He spread her folds further apart taking in the sight of her pink sex. He rubbed circles around her clit with his index and middle fingers before sliding the middle inside. She pushed forward onto his finger letting out a throaty groan. His tongue teased and nibbled her clit as his finger continued thrusting inside her. He added another finger as her hips bucked wildly against him. Alternating between swirling his tongue and thumb over her clit. Her rocking became more erratic as she screamed in pleasure. "Yes, oh God! SAAAMMMM, YES!" She felt as if she would burst at any moment leaving her body in a million pieces. He started swirling his tongue in something resembling letters, but she was too far gone to make sense of it. His other hand shot up her body tweaking and caressing her nipple. Ignoring the abuse his face was taking he took her bundle of fun into his mouth sucking intently on it. He hummed as she screamed sending her release into his mouth.

He climbed up her trembling body stopping to lay kisses on her belly. His eyes looked at her longingly as he thought of her being swollen with child. He wished it to be so, as he continued up, stopping again to suck and nibble on her breasts. Once he made it to her mouth he pecked her lips gently. "Good Morning my love," he said licking his swollen lips. "Have I told you how good you taste? Sweet as fresh Mango on a hot summer day! Ummm! So good!"

His hips bucked causing his tip to graze against her wet pussy, and they both shuddered with want. She rocked her hips, and he slid his stiff cock inside her. She was just as tight as the previous night. The feel caused them both to gasp. He began to rock gently coasting in and out. He bent taking her nipple into his mouth biting down, licking, and sucking. The action elicited constant moans of pleasure from her. He placed his arm around her waist grabbing her leg and turning her body. He was determined to get a view of her glorious backside. He continued gliding in and out of her as he turned her slowly around.

The new angle had her taking him deep inside her which caused her knees to buckle. Sam dick slipped out of her, and he helped her resume her position on all fours. He gently guided himself back inside gripping her hips. She begin to rock back against him whimpering with ever thrust. To someone on the outside it would have seemed that she was crying, but Sam learned the previous night they were sounds of pleasure. "OOOH MMMHHH YOU ARE SO SEXY." He screamed quickening his pace as he smacked her backside. She gripped the bed post pushing back harder as he clamped down hard into her hips. "I love you MERCY!" He yelled feeling the stirring in his balls.

"I love you too S.." She lost her words as he snatched and flipped her back over pounding into her deep and hard. Her legs began to shake uncontrollably as she felt her stomach tighten and her clit throb. As he drove, he placed pressure on her clit sending her into a screaming orgasm. Her walls clinched so tight he released his load sloshing against her walls. He jerked awkwardly inside her feeling the intensity of his orgasm wash over him. He felt tears springing in his eyes, and he quickly rolled to his back whipping his hands across his face. He let out a sigh before pulling his Mercy in and kissing her deeply.

"I want us to spend every day like this. Happy and in love," she said rubbing his chest.

"I need the same thing," he said giving her a shaky smile.

They were so into confessing their love that they didn't hear the door open. The guard walked inside the room to find them wrapped in each other's arms, completely naked. He cleared his throat to garner their attention. "We received word that his royal highness presence has been requested in the Throne room," Henry said. Prince Sam grabbed the cover to shield Princess Mercedes. "Get out! We'll be out soon," Prince Sam said. Henry turned leaving as he had been asked.

Prince Sam pulled her to him kissing her excitedly. He was happy they would be leaving the tower. He desperately wanted to set the record straight. He would Marry Princess Mercedes, end the war, and ascend the throne in that order. They got up filling the washbasin, so that they could clean themselves. Princess Mercedes tried to keep them on task, but Prince Sam kept veering off track. He pulled her into his lap pressing his erection against her. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head as she protested. "Sam we have to go," she said. He reluctantly released her allowing them to finish their bath. They dressed before heading out of the door and into the hall.

Freedom was amazing. Not that they hadn't enjoyed their captivity because they did. The couple walked, hand in hand, down the stretch eager to get back to the castle.

"Henry, we are heading to Westminster. Princess Mercedes and I wish to be wed immediately," he said. Henry looked at the Prince as if he was mad.

"Prince Samuel, we are in the midst of a war, and you wish to have a wedding! Why, I don't understand?" He responded.

Prince Sam halted the royal escorts, but before he could speak Princess Mercedes motioned him to the side.

"Sam, we don't have to do this now. We shouldn't do this now." She continued ignoring his crest fallen face. "I am not saying we shouldn't wed. I want nothing more than to become your Queen. It's just. I don't think running off for a quick marriage to stave off our parents is the way to go. We will be together. For this, there is no doubt. I think it would show more strength and character if we stood up to them and let them know they can't control us any longer. Then we can marry openly before the people and confess our undying love. What do you say? Do we cower and run? Or do we face our parents united in love?"

When she finished her speech, Prince Sam grabbed her pressing her firmly against the way kissing her passionately. "Fine, we will do it your way, but for now you will remain by my side every moment. I don't want anyone getting any ideas. I'll deal with my mother and arrange my coronation. Then we can announce our engagement and wedding details." She smiled and kissed him once more before they continued down the passageway.

Lady Carol relentlessly lashed into Lord Burt. She wanted to know if he had given any of their riches to his filthy whore. She asked him why he betrayed her, but he never said anything beyond his screams. She tortured him like a woman scorned, as if she had no secrets of her own. Her anger stemmed from the belief he had given this woman something he never shared with his family. She took his surprise at seeing Puck as worry over being caught. She begged him to no avail.

After hours of torture Lord Burt grew weary. He could take the striking from Lady Carol, but at one point she got tired. It was then she called in one of her goons to take over the interrogation. He couldn't take much more of these beatings. She was doing it just to spite him. He had nothing to give her. Just as he was about to be struck again someone entered the room. Looking through swollen eyes, he saw the Duke's valet. He thought he was being rescued until Lady Carol spoke.

"What are you doing here? What if the Duke notices you're missing? I told you to keep an eye on him. He's meddlesome and will be looking for his friend."

"Yes, I know, but the Queen is hurt; she is looking for you. What shall I tell her? Before he could finish his statement, Lady Carol was off in search of the Queen.

Prince Sam and Princess Mercedes made it to the Throne room, euphoric over the status of their relationship. Happiness left them as they took in the state of The Queen. She looked weakened. Prince Sam pulled Princess Mercedes along to check on the Queen.

"Mother, how are you hurt?" With alarm in his voice, he continued. "Did the rebels do this?"

"Yes, they made it into the castle, but they are long gone now," she said.

After hearing his mother was attacked by some scum that made it inside the castle, Prince Sam announced he would take men with him to sweep the castle. They scoured Windsor searching for the men responsible. Prince Sam wasn't sure which families were left in the castle. Also, he couldn't announce his presence; it would defeat the purpose of the search, giving them warning to hide.

He rounded another corner swiftly opening the first door on the left. He didn't find rebels; however, he found something equally horrifying. He couldn't believe his eyes. His mind shot back to Princess Mercedes running into his arms, distraught over having to marry the Imperial heir. He shook his head in protest and shock. He inadvertently stumbled upon the Imperial heirs having sex with each other. They looked at him, and kept going. Sicken by the act he witnessed, Prince Sam slammed the door shut. He had heard stories of incest, but never witnessed it. He wasn't attracted to women who looked like his sister, let alone his actual sister.

He continued his sweep avoiding the section where the Sultan resided. The area was heavily guarded, and he wanted to avoid a run in with the man. He wasn't afraid; he just wanted Princess Mercedes by his side when he confronted him. He couldn't risk him leaving with her while he made an effort to secure the castle. No rebels turned up during their sweep, so Prince Sam headed back to the Throne room.

Prince Sam hadn't been gone long, so he was confused by the shift in the room. His mother and father were having a heated debate over ruling the country. In his eyes, there was no question of who would be next to rule. It was him, he thought. He decided to end this argument with his declaration. "I am King now!" The room fell silent; everyone turned to face him. "There is nothing left to say. I won't sit back while you bicker and argue on the matter. It is settled. My country needs me to serve, and that is what will happen.

"You're not ready in the least," the Duke challenged.

"Then who is?" he replied.

"All the sacrifices I have made. It is my turn," the Duke declared.

"You're not King of this land. You're not even King of your homeland. And, what sacrifices have you made?" Sam asked.

The Duke faltered for a moment. His dubious demeanor told Sam all he needed to know. "IT WAS YOU!" The guards flanked the Duke to impede any thoughts of escape. The wind was knocked out of him. He couldn't believe his father capable of such a betrayal. "We could have all been killed! You do realize," Prince Sam said.

"No, you wouldn't have. I made sure of it. Don't look at me like that. If you want to blame someone, take a good look at Queen Mother dearest over here. You don't know half of what she has done. I did this to save us all. There is a change coming. You can feel it…"

"SILENCE! Not another word. I know how to end this," Prince Sam said. He walked over to Princess Mercedes kissing her fully on the lips. "I have to go stop this. No one else can die for greed and selfishness. I will return to your side immediately following. Do not worry." He wiped the tears welling in her eyes kissing her again.

She pulled him into an embrace, reluctant to let him go. She didn't want him off fighting. It was selfish, but she couldn't lose him. She wanted nothing more than him to remain at her side, but she had to let him go. The fate of his country rested on what came next, and she refused to stand in the way of it. "Please be careful, my love. Come back to me as you have promised," she said. With that he and his guards exited the castle doors.

It was a gruesome sight. Human carnage lay scattered as waste. The soldiers hadn't had time to pick up the casualties of that day. Prince Sam knew the grounds well, so he was able to move about undetected. He saw a man exit the Sublevel of the Gazebo, in the distance, and vowed to check it out once they had their target in hand. His senses were heightened in the face of death. His advantage was miniscule in light of his surroundings. He noted the head of the Duke's guard was surrounded by men. There would be a fight to get to him, he was sure of it. Either way, he had to take him in. It would be the only way to stop this without killing all the rebels. A guilt way heavily on his conscious; he couldn't conceive his father being behind it all. Prince Sam armed himself ready for the fight that would shortly ensue. They ran into battle taking down the men surrounding Sir Dave. Prince Sam was sure it was over, only he didn't see the shooter off in the distance. "Bang, Bang" the shots rang out leaving behind a wake of detriment.

"Henry, HENRY! Can you hear me?" Sam panicked at the sight of his guard laying shot on the ground. He owed the man everything having saved his life by risking his own. Henry spotted the shooter just in time to jump in front of Prince Sam, and fire off a deadly shot. The remaining guards surrounded Sir Dave leading him back to the castle. With no one to command the rebels, the Royal army quickly subdued the remaining enemy. Prince Sam thanked God and Henry for his life as they made the way back. At the last minute Prince Sam turned back. He remembered the guard leaving the sublevel of the gazebo. Confronting his dad was a more pressing issue, so he sent two guards to check on the gazebo.

Making an entrance Prince Sam looked for his love. With all the gunshots, he knew she would be worried sick. He found her pacing back and forth, lips trembling, and eyes red. The look of relief given to him was indescribable. She ran to him, but stopped to examine his face. She ran her hands over it, taking him in. "It's me. I have returned as promised. I have to deal with this, and I'll be right by your side," he said before turning to his dad. He stared him down a while then averted his gaze to his mother. Between the two, he didn't know which looked guiltier. Had she been involved? No, it wouldn't make since, he thought answering his own question.

"Well don't all speak at once," he said to the small crowd. "Traitor, what have you to say for your actions?" Prince Sam hadn't thought to separate them. His inexperience showed, but he had done the one thing the Army hadn't been able to. That was unmasking the head of the rebellion, and the commanding officer.

Sir Dave looked to the Duke for direction expecting him to come up with a plan to save them both. He mouthed something to Dave, and he nodded. Prince Sam was aware addressing the issue at once.

"Take him to the corner and tie him to the chair. I don't want him giving anymore guidance to this traitor." He turned his attention back to Dave. "I am King now. You will address me and only me. There is nothing the Duke can do to change your fate. I can only offer you a quick and sudden death if you gift me with the honest accounting. You were privy to all of the Duke's movements. What other plans of attack has he waged?" Dave stood fast not responding to the King; he refused to look at him.

Lady Carol ran into the Throne room in a panic. She didn't realize court was in session. Her only concern was for the Queen. She had been so wrapped up in her torture; she hadn't checked in with the Queen in over 24 hrs. She stormed past the group to get to her. "I have searched all over. What happened? One of the men said you were hurt," She said. She stroked her face and kissed her cheek.

The sight caused a madness to break free within the Duke. "THIS IS WHY! SHE'S PURE EVIL!" He shouted struggling against his restraints. "Tell them. Tell them, how you have been having an affair with your lady since I can remember. Oh, don't leave out the deal you made with the devil to get you out of your responsibilities as Queen. Yeah, that backfired. As long as you and your siblings were alive, England wouldn't accept another as King or Queen for that matter. Tell them how their grandparents really met their end. It's the reason we were punished with the loss of Prince Michael. The reason Stacey went mad. Oh you didn't know? Stacey has to take, I don't know how many, pills and potions. She needs them just to function during the day. A disease brought on by your mother's inherently evil traits. Go ahead tell them because we're all waiting." He breathed heavily slumping against the chair. His speech coupled with fighting his restraints drained him completely. He had no more strength in him.

"How dare you blame me for your ridiculous plan? There is no way I am at fault. Lady Carol and I have nothing together. She is only showing me the kindness one would show to their friend."

"Deny as you will, but it won't change. What you have done? You've ruined it all. Even though we were thrown together, I loved you. Imagine my surprise when I find that you were the one to have your parents murdered. You didn't do it, but you knew about it and agreed. What type of demented person does that? And, let's face it, you never cared about me."

The self-appointed King didn't know what to believe. It was all too much. He knew his mother to be conniving, cunning, but helping to murder her own parents was beyond his comprehension. He ordered the guards to take Dave to the cell to away his execution. With the secrets revealed, no traitors would be allowed to survive this. He also ordered them to prepare a speedy ceremony to solidify the beginning of his rule. The country was weak. They survived an attack, but the battle within proved more detrimental. Even a whisper of the truth could crumble the entire system. Without thinking he told them of his need for a wedding to Princess Mercedes, and the room gasped. They knew they were gallivanting, however, no one expected him to marry her. The Queen was the first to speak out.

"Sam you can't marry her! We need you to align with Spain; more now than ever.

"Mother, I say this with all the love I can muster. You don't control my life; not anymore. I love her!"

"More than your country?"

"Yes! More than anything, or anyone."

"Very well then! I wish you all the luck because you're going to need it. I taught you country should always come first. As King, and that is who you say you are, country should remain above all else."

"It's sad you feel that way. Maybe if more Royals married for love you wouldn't be in the predicament you're in today, Queen mother."

He never wanted the throne, but now that he had it, he was determined to make a success of it; he resented the implication that he would fail, especially since it came from his mother. She was supposed to encourage him. Instead she was so focused on alliance with Spain, she couldn't see the love he shared with his Queen to be. He never understood why she pushed so hard for Princess Santana. There could be an alliance without a marriage. He reasoned that to be a discussion for another day. Turning to his Mercy he shot her a smile. The love-sick eyes were making the room blush with embarrassment for the couple. They joined hands making their official announcement to wed. They had just said the word when The Sultan walked in.

"What have you done? Unhand my daughter" he said. The deep voice filled the large space with ease. Princess Mercedes shook with fear. She had never had that voice directed at her. She realized she could have to face him, yet she was still unprepared.

King Sam's change in status made them equals, and he tried to let that knowledge arm him with courage. He would tell him Princess Mercedes was no longer his daughter, but England's Queen to be and the love of his life.

The tension could be cut with a knife. People were afraid to breathe in fear it would start an international incident. "Come now, Mercedes! I have been searching for you for days. The only reason this castle is still standing is because I was sure you were still in it. Now, you are promised to another.

"No, she resisted. I won't go. I love him. I will never marry another," she said.

"Really, did they tell you how they murdered Puck? They haven't tried to find the culprit. We can't stay here another moment. Let's go this instant," The Sultan said.

The pain behind finding out Puck was murdered sent Princess Mercedes reeling. She grieved for not only the loss of her friend, but for the chance at ever getting to know him as a brother. She felt her dad pulling her away; she couldn't help but follow. He was taking her to gather her things, so they could travel back to Somalia. He wanted this place far behind them, and she didn't have the energy to fight. She followed her dad mindlessly ignoring the heartbreaking shrills and protest of the man she promised never to leave. She tried to look back to see him. Her father's guards formed a barrier between them. Her height posed a serious issue, and she couldn't see him. All she could hear was his disbelieving commentary; the screams, "IT CANT BE TRUE, SHE WOULDN'T LEAVE ME" ringing in her ears.

The war was over, yet another had started. The internal battle King Sam was experiencing was insurmountable. She made her choice, and he had to be content with it. Focusing on much else was a chore. He saw the men bring a battered Lord Burt in; he heard himself order Lady Carol to the dungeons. Not even seeing Prince Blaine drag in a crazed Princess Stacey could jar him. He explained that he had been trying to keep Princess Stacey on track ever since she confided in him about her illness. The residents and staff were notified of the rebel's demise, and Prince Stevie was released; he could barely acknowledge him. He couldn't even be bothered to look up when he ordered his parents to the dungeons with their ex-friends. His final task was to send guards to do another sweep of the castle, so that all guests could be sent on their way.

After all the tasked were complete, he dismissed everyone, so that he could grieve the loss of Princess Mercedes. His guards put up a fight; ultimately they gave in. The immediate threats to his life were gone, yet the biggest threat of all was present, the threat to his heart. He sat at the entrance waiting for Princess Mercedes to make her exit. King Sam declared then, if this was how love felt, he wanted no part. He put everything into becoming the man that was worthy of her and she still left, was leaving, or what have you.