Oliver had had a hellacious afternoon after the Parliament closing. He and detail had to go to the Castle to ensure all was as it should be for their entrance and the ceremony. He was going to light the festival torch by shooting a flaming arrow at it. He had taken several practice shots to ensure he would make the shot ok. He then had to go to meet the clothier who was responsible for outfitting his guard. They hadn't had these costumes for a year and some alterations needed to be made.
Oliver was finally back at the stables, Scatlock was out and in parade gear, from another century. Oliver wasn't sure why he didn't talk to much about this Ball with Chloe. Except that she distracted him. It was hard enough for her to adjust to the concept of a Monarchy. What could she possibly think about them dressing up in medieval attire for one night?
This truly was the highlight of the year. The party had two tiers, there was the part for the VIP's outside the castle, but near an entrance to the main ball room, in case the weather went bad. While the rest of the castle was opened up for the general public. They would be lining up to see the arrival of the guests, which was tradition, then they could party it up at the faire.
His phone rang and he hitched Scatlock back up in his stall then shut the door and locked it before he answered. He looked briefly at the caller ID.
"How are you doing now, Angel?" he asked.
"Much, much better Highness." she teased.
"Good, good,"
"Nicole is wonderful, thank you."
"No, I'm glad she was able to help you."
"Me too, its not every day a girl gets ready for an actual Masquerade ball."
Oliver paused. "Chloe, I should have….."
"Please, I get it," she interrupted. "I think its pretty neat, personally."
"Well, good," he smiled. He left the stall area and was heading toward the guest room so he could shower and change.
"And thank you so much for all of the gifts Oliver."
"Well, once I started looking I couldn't stop." he was met by Antony who showed him the last remaining things on their agenda. "Look, Angel I apparently have a few more things to do before I can get ready, I hate to cut this short."
"No, by all means cut away, I'll see you tonight Ollie."
"Same here, love, good bye." he spoke and hung up.
"And?" Tony asked.
"Nicole was a hit, I can't wait to see Chloe." he smiled.
"Good, now lets get this done if you don't mind and then we can get ready." he smiled. Oliver nodded and the two friends walked toward the castle's side entrance.
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Nicole went to get her dress from down the hall, where she stashed it, while Chloe talked to Oliver. She came back to see Chloe with a mile wide smile on her face. Chloe hadn't been allowed to look in the mirror while Nicole made her up. Nicole had undone the unflattering up do and let Chloe have a more natural hairstyle for her features. They had spent 30 minutes looking at makeup ideas and finally came up with a plan.
"Now you're sure there was nothing else that came with this dress?" she asked Chloe.
"No, why?"
"Well, where is the garment bag?" Nicole asked. Chloe pointed to her bed. Nicole went and looked and found what she thought should have been there all along. "There is another pocket in here." she spoke giddily. She pulled out the clothe, and opened the folded material to reveal a very think silk set of wings, a pale mauve to match the dress.
"Whoah," Chloe whispered. "Those are incredible, how in the world to they work?" she whispered.
"Your arms slip through the loops and they just rest back there. The strap can tighten so that they don't slip." she smiled. She looked at her watch. "And the King should be here soon so," she spoke holding a hand out to Chloe to help her to stand and fit the wings on her. She walked around Chloe to her front, "So pretty, the Prince will be speechless,"
"Really?"
"Look in the mirror and tell me?" she spoke. She moved toward the corner of the room where she had spotted the full length mirror. Chloe gasped.
"Oh Nicole." she whispered and turned slightly to the left and right, to see the finished product. The dramatic purple eye shadow with the gems that went along her lower lids, the mauve lipstick with the faint silver outline, a light sheen of glitter on the exposed flesh of her neck. "It's wonderful." she turned to see her newly acquired friend smiling.
"You want pictures? Where's your phone?" she asked. Chloe pointed it out. She went and slipped on the elegant and dainty shoes Oliver had given her in New York. "Ok Chloe, smile." Nicole spoke and took several pictures of Chloe.
"You are coming tonight?" she asked.
"Yes, I was going to ask if you minded if I changed here? My stuff is set out and it would be faster if I could put my face on here."
"Oh absolutely get ready here." she smiled.
"Thanks." Nicole spoke and there was a knock on the door. "That would be the King, you ready?" she asked. Chloe nodded. Nicole moved to the door and put her hand on the handle. "Just breathe." she spoke to Chloe as she opened the door.
Chloe nodded and gasped as he saw Oliver's father, and he looked every bit a King. He was wearing an exact replica of the Tunic that Sean Connery wore in First Knight, only it was a deep green and he had an ornate chain going from shoulder to shoulder across his chest. He had a thick leather belt over his waist, and leather gloves tucked into it. His boots were black riding boots, and boy did he look regal. He also wore an elegant crown on his head. Chloe and Nicole curtsied.
"Please, ladies, relax," he spoke as he entered the room. "Nicole, you've outdone yourself." he spoke. Nicole and Chloe both blushed.
"Thank you, sire." she spoke. She turned to Chloe and hugged her. "See you later." she whispered. King Robert held a hand out to Chloe and she took it and he threaded her arm in his. Chloe took a deep breath as he led her out of the room.
Nicole smiled then quickly zipped into the bathroom to wet her hair down to get ready herself.
"You are stunning Chloe." the King spoke.
"Not so bad yourself, sir." she spoke. They had made very nearly to the front entrance when Nicole came running down the steps.
"Your wrap!" she shouted. She was out of breath. She unfurled the wrap and gently wrapped it around Chloe as to not disturb her wings.
"Thank you, I nearly forgot."
'"Trust me, you'll want this. The coach ride will be chilly." she smiled and ran back up the stairs.
Chloe turned to the King. "Coach?"
"Of course, it was my wife's favorite way to travel." he smiled and led Chloe to royal coach led by a team of 4 black horses. The King assisted Chloe into the carriage and than joined her. "So we ride through town toward the castle, the cocktail hour starts at 7:10, then when the sun set the torch at the castle will be lit. Baldivian come from all over this event, to eat, drink, and be merry." he nodded to the coach man who nudged the horses on . "Everyone dresses up for this event." he spoke.
"I wish I had a camera!" she smiled.
"Not to worry, we have 9 staff photographers, I will make sure you get copies." Chloe shivered. "Cold?"
"Just nervous, back home I would be on the couch eating cold pizza and watching TV."
"Sounds relaxing." he smiled.
"Sounds boring." she smiled.
"Chloe, you live the life you choose. I understand you've worked hard your entire life, to relax as such is how you choose. Not everything in life is going to be exciting as this."he smiled. "Oliver speaks very highly of your friends too." he spoke.
"Sorry?"
"He and I have a great relationship in that respect, we talk a lot."
"How much is a lot?" she asked.
"We're another country, not another planet," he winked at her. Chloe tried not to gape at him.
"Really?"
"Yes really." he smiled and patted her knee.
"You're really cool you know that?" she smiled.
"That's a first for me, but thank you for the compliment." he smiled. "So back in the day of my forefathers, the knights would be in full armor for this event. But as time wore on, it got to cumbersome. So tunics were worn instead of metal. Some things needed to be modernized, slightly. The menu hasn't changed much in over a hundred years, though. There is a large pig roast, lots of fruits, breads, there is some game and fowl served, and Mead, from our countryside."
"Cool."
"The music is definitely more modern though." he smiled. "We have a DJ for the event."
"And how long does it last?"
"All night." he answered.
Chloe just frowned. "My flight leaves tomorrow."
"Flights are great for sleeping. Don't start tomorrow until you've finished today," he smiled. "Now, wave." and he began to wave to the crowd gathered at the street. Chloe did the same, a peace settling over her, one that was so totally welcome.
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All the guard were dressed up as knights. Full length tunics ending just above the knees, black riding pants and riding boots with silver spurs. Black long sleeved shirts underneath, with leather bracers at the wrists. Leather gloves folded under their belts. Oliver was wearing a tunic similar to his fathers with a chain running from shoulder to shoulder across his chest. He also wore a smaller version of his father's elegant crown. He was chatting with his men as the limo carrying the wives showed up.
The cat calls started as each husband eyed their wife. It was a small group of very colorful fairies, gypsies, Nymphs, and mermaids.
Nicole and Antony approached Oliver who was talking to Jet and his wife. "Nicole," he spoke and kissed her cheek. She was dressed as wood nymph with pointed ears and dramatic green eye make up and an intricate leaf pattern drawn down the side of her face and down her neck.
"Your Highness." she spoke.
"Thanks for saving Chloe today." he spoke.
"It was my pleasure, she is so easy to work with," she smiled.
"Good, did she have fun?"
"Once the drama ended she had a great time."
"I'm so relieved." he smiled. "I've invited you and Tony to breakfast at the Manor tomorrow." he added. She looked at her husband, searching for and answer, he just shrugged.
"The coach is halfway." Jet spoke as he listened to his ear bud.
"Then its time to ride to greet them." he smiled. He whistled and his men immediately took to their horses. Oliver made his way to Scatlock, mounted, put on his leather gloves and waited as his men got into parade formation. He then led them down behind the castle to the main entrance and down the parade route backwards to greet the King's carriage.
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Chloe was convinced she was having an out of body experience. The cheers, the screams, the pageantry of it all was something that had ever been locked inside her secret heart, and here it was brought to life. The coach ride had seemed to take forever, so long that the sun began to set and the streets were being lit by torches, held by royally dressed persons. Chloe heard the cheering grow louder and couldn't fathom why until she looked up and saw the Prince on Scatlock riding toward them, his guard right behind him in formation.
The coach stopped, in the front of the church, the crowd drew silent.
"Father," he bowed his head and crossed and arm over his chest then back on to his reigns.
"Lead on." Robert replied. Oliver road up to the side of the coach, his face was a mask, no emotion could be seen, but Chloe saw the glimmer in his eye.
Oliver nodded his head in acknowledgment of her. "Lady," he spoke with a subtle touch in his voice that sent chills racing down her spine.
"Highness," she spoke. How she was able to keep her voice from cracking she had know idea. He road past, leading his men, then the turned to ride 2 by 2 behind the coach. Oliver cantered Scatlock past the coach to be in front. He led them, his horse at a canter as they made their way to the old looking but newly renovated draw bridge.
The entire sidewalk on the bridge was packed with people. There were trumpeters standing on its edge, on small platforms heralding the arrival of the royal guests. Again a million flash bulbs were going off.
Oliver led the parade into the castle and then to an outside road that would lead them up toward the festivities.
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If the coach ride was surreal to Chloe then arriving at the ball totally gob smacked her. There were a tea lights strung all over the place, green and black ribbons strung from the tree limbs. A royal crested flag billowed lazily in the light breeze. There were costumes all over the place, colorful and intricate, dainty and dramatic.
"It's a lot to take in isn't it?" the King asked looking at the wonder on her face.
"Its extraordinary." she whispered.
"It's a lot to put together, but it all comes together so well." he replied. The coach stopped in front of an ornate archway; posted at the entrance were two full armored suits one at each side of the entrance. The King stepped out of the coach and then held out a hand to Chloe. She took a deep breath and took his hand. He helped her step out, a foot man was also at the ready to help her if she stumbled.
"Thank you," she spoke.
"A pleasure," he smiled and moved to stand on her left side. "Now, come, the fun is only beginning." he smiled at her and winked at her. Chloe sighed, Ollie was so much like his father, it warmed her heart, made her feel blessed for the Prince in her life.
They walked under the archway to the large dance area. A solo trumpeter played a greeting then set his trumpet under his arm. "Announcing His Royal Highness King Robert and guest." he spoke. The crowd applauded as he led her into the crowd.
Chloe took to it like a fish to water. They were each given a goblet of Mead as they made their rounds. She charmed, dazzled and wowed, and Robert only smiled in adoration.
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"So I hear Chloe is making quite the impression at the event?" Jet spoke.
"Really?" Oliver spoke as he slung his long bow over his saddle horn.
"Oh yes, my wife has been watching and is very impressed." he smiled.
"Good, have her friends arrived?" he asked.
"Yes, they're here." he smiled.
"Good," he smiled.
"And…everything is in place." Jet added with a mischievous grin.
"You are the best!" Oliver smirked.
"Yes, I am sir," he teased. Oliver was about pipe in a witty retort, but he heard the trumpeter playing his cue.
"Thanks Jet, see you at the party." he spoke as he mounted Scatlock. His men were again mounted on their horses near by at the ready. "Gentleman, time to start the show." he shouted. They shouted back and they all rode their horses at a full gallop toward the gala.
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"Now Chloe, you'll see that around the outside of the tent there are six posts," Robert pointed out. Chloe looked around.
"I see, yes."
"One stand for each of Oliver's guard." he spoke.
"And what about Oliver?"
"His entrance, well, just wait." he smiled. "And lets get you over toward the edge, I want you to see this."
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Chloe was baffled by the illusive statements from the King. They arrived at the edge of the dance floor, and a 150 yards from the tent there was a lit torch. Chloe looked up the King curiously. "Listen do you hear it?" Chloe closed her eyes and heard what she thought was a rolling thunder. "Look," he pointed and Chloe turned her head to see the group of riders coming at full charge toward the flame. The lead rider was Oliver and that set Chloe's body on fire, he was just wow. As long as she lived she would forever describe him as wow. He pulled his horse to a yield and his men lined up beside him. Oliver had an arrow in his hand, where it had come from, Chloe wasn't sure. He put the tip into the flame and it burst to life. He then strung his bow, and took aim, and released. Chloe watched as in the distance a great torch lit from the impact of the arrow. The crowd went nuts. Oliver then spun his horse leading his men one by one past the flames and they each lit a torch. He then led them around the party and they each lit a flame at their stand. They then dismounted their horses and handed them off to paiges. They then each dropped to a bended knee. Oliver stopped next to the last guard, near to where Robert and Chloe were standing.
"Father," he spoke loudly.
"With the lighting of the flame, the grounds are ready, let the celebration begin."
"As you say, so it is," King Robert replied and the crowd cheered. Chloe was stunned. It was the most incredible thing she had ever seen. Oliver dismounted his horse and handed off the reigns. His eyes were locked on Chloe.
Chloe gulped and stood taller. Robert stepped back, smiling, the silence was nearly deafening and he hoped his wife was watching from wherever she was. Oliver bowed to her deeply, and Chloe was just amazed his crown didn't move. "Hello, Angel." he purred as he stood tall and looked down into her eyes.
"Hello your highness." she tried to keep a straight face, but the smile wouldn't stay hidden. It snuck out of it's hiding place, starting at the corners of her mouth.
"You look beautiful." he whispered and reached out to cup her cheek in his palm.
"Thank you," she whispered. "This," she whispered, "Is amazing."
"I'm glad you're enjoying this, but the night is far from over," he spoke softly, "And since you're leaving tomorrow, I want to leave a lasting impression," he winked at her. "So, Angel, will you do me the honor of being on my arm tonight?"
"But your father?" she smiled.
"Can certainly fend for himself." Robert piped in.
Chloe turned to him and smiled a mega watt smile. "You don't mind?"
"Lass, it would be a crime if I kept you from him." he stepped into her and kissed her cheek then moved back into the crowd.
"So I guess that's a yes?" she shrugged smiling.
"Wonderful." he spoke and took her arm in his and led her also into the crowd.
