Last chapter of this story. A nice long one too. It's a bittersweet feeling for me, but now I can fully focus on my other stories. So will Kendall be able to marry Ivy? Or will he be forced to settle with the conniving Mercedes?

Kendall's POV

As the final preparations were put on my wedding, I was becoming more and more nervous. Mercedes had clearly dropped Jett and Jo, and now Ivy was gone too. Our wedding was in a few days, and I'm not sure I had the confidence to keep myself from marrying Mercedes without Ivy supporting me.

As I walked down the hallway leading to the library, Logan approached me grinning from ear to ear.

"Guess what?" He asked me.

I blinked. "They legalized gambling?"

He shook his head. "You can do better than that. My parents are letting me be with Camille!"

A 152 year-old feud, and he still gets to be with the love of his life. Amazing.

"How did it happen?" I asked, trying not to show my emotions.

Third Person POV

Flashback

Earl Hortense Mitchell sat in his study with his wife, Joanna, standing behing him.

"What can I do? He clearly loves her. But how can I have a Roberts for an in-law?"

Joanna leaned down. "You know, our parents didn't exactly want us together either. But look how we turned out. We have to at least give them a chance, the way our parents gave us one," she said.

Hortense looked up. "So you're saying I should call them right now," he said.

"I'm saying you should do what's best for our son," Joanna responded, walking out.

Two weeks later, Baron Andrew and Baroness Leah Roberts sat in the Mitchell study. Unbeknownst to them, their children were outside the door listening.

"You know what? I'm starting to think this is all ridiculous. Just because our great-grandparents didn't get along doesn't mean we can't. How can I teach my daughter to be kind to everyone except the Mitchell family?" Andrew said.

Hortense nodded. "Time to bury the hatchet, for the betterment of our children."

The two men shook hands as Camille burst in, followed by a stumbling Logan.

"You mean you're declaring peace?" She exclaimed.

Andrew stepped forward and took her hands. "Yes. You have my blessing to be with Logan," he said, before turning in Logan's direction. "Treat my daughter well."

Logan nodded. "Yes sir."

End Flashback

Kendall's POV

"And that's what happened," Logan said.

I tried to smile. "That's great," I said.

Logan saw and his smile faded. "Is this about Ivy, as in your assistant?"

"How do you know?" I asked.

Logan scoffed. "I might not have talked to you for ten years, but I'm not blind. I've seen how you look at her."

I looked around and led Logan into a passageway. "I recently discovered information that would make it legal for me to marry Ivy. But Mercedes has done something, and Ivy's gone. If she's not found, or doesn't turn up, I'll have to marry Mercedes."

Logan nodded in understanding. "Then I'll help you. No one should have to marry Mercedes Griffin. And I'll get James and Carlos to help me too."

I smiled. "Thanks Logan. Let's get to my room and plan."

Ivy's POV

Everything was black.

I had no idea where I was, and as it felt that I was waking up, I began to hear more things around me. I tried opening my eyes, but it was too hard.

Taking a short rest, I tried again, and this time, I succeeded. As everything came into focus, I became aware that I was in a small room, not much bigger than the actual space I slept in. The walls were made of rough wood, and Jo was standing over me.

Wait. Jo?

"Jo?" I asked.

Jo's face broke into a wide smile. "You had me worried for a second. Mercedes gave you more tranquilizer than she did to us."

I shook my head to clear it. "I underestimated her. I thought I could get her to crack if I got under her skin enough. I made the mistake of revealing that I knew a lot more."

Jo smiled. "All she did with me was give me chloroform and send me here."

I nodded. "And where is here, exactly?"

"An old Californian gold mining town. The mines were closed up after an earthquake, and I'm not exactly sure how the local economy supports itself. Welcome to Coloma, California."

The door opened, and Jett walked in with two other men.

"I see you're awake, Ivy," Jett said. The men with him laughed.

"When we found you, Jett carried you back here so fast that you would have thought you were lovers. How old are you?" One man asked.

"20. How did you find me?" I asked, smothering a smile.

"She's an adult then. We found you in the woods. Jett turned pale and ran back here."

Jett, who had turned red, turned to me. "I'm sorry about my friends here. They're not really used to being composed."

I smiled. "I don't mind. Aren't you going to introduce me?"

Jett sighed. "These are Robert and Andrew. We call them Buddha Bob and Andy."

I laughed, but stopped short when I saw my hand.

"What's wrong?" Jett asked.

I held up my hand. "My ring. Kendall gave it to me before I ended up here. It was his grandmother's. I really need it."

"Calm down Ivy," Jett spoke up. "I'll look for it for you."

As Jett left, I turned to Buddha Bob.

"So what do you do?" I asked.

"Chimneys," he said, with a broad smile.

"Excuse me?"

"We clean chimneys. Until Jett saved the Prince's life. We just cleaned them without him. You're welcome to join us."

I looked at Jo. She subtly nodded.

"Then I will."

Soon, we were all laughing and talking, until Jett came in.

"I found it," he said, smiling and placing a ring in my hand. Buddha Bob began to laugh.

"Now he's proposing to her. Tell him you're already seeing someone," he said.

We all laughed as Jett turned pink. But a sudden thought caused my smile to fade. Jo noticed and gestured for me to follow her.

"What's wrong?"

"It's almost Christmas. How am I supposed to get back to San Francisco?"

Jo sighed. "I honestly don't know. But we need to focus on right now. We don't have any money, so we need to clean chimneys. We'll figure out everything from there."

I smiled. "Thanks. Go inside. I need to call my family. If I can get a signal out here."

I walked around to the back of the cabin, and called my house. As I was hoping, no one picked up.

"Dad? Kyle? It's Ivy. I've really messed things up with Kendall and Mercedes. I might as well just give up." I was suddenly dumping my problems, but I just didn't care. "Everything I've done up until now has just turned out so wrong. I honestly don't know where to start or where to finish. Just...just wish me luck. If everything else fails, I'll come back home as soon as I can."

I quickly hung up, wiped my eyes, and went inside, thinking about all of the things I never got to do since taking on the job of Executive Assistant at Williams.

Complete a multi-million dollar deal.

Give my Dad the birthday present of all birthday presents.

Actually spend time with Kyle.

But then I leaned against the door as I thought about the things I never got to do in California.

Become a role model.

Put down rumors about me dating Kendall before we actually got together.

Personally meet Kendall's friends.

I slid down the door as one thing I wished I did above all others came to my mind.

Tell Kendall I love him.

And right there, I made a promise to myself.

If I ever get out of here, the first thing I'll do is tell Kendall that I love him.

Kendall's POV

I sat in my room and stared out of my window, ignoring the fact that Mercedes was in the room with me.

"Kendall, why are you so quiet? You're getting married soon," Mercedes said.

I didn't answer her.

"You're getting married. You should be happy," she clarified.

"I'm marrying a power crazy girl who shipped away a girl she thought was her rival but wasn't," I responded.

"I know you and Ivy were together, Kendall. I saw the ring."

I was glad I was facing the window, because my face would have sold me out.

"Give up on your fairytale. Ivy did. See?" Mercedes asked as she produced a series of papers.

One was a letter of resignation. The other one was a letter to me.

Dear Kendall,

Looking back, I've realized that our relationship wasn't going to work. It's time for both of us to accept reality and move on. You're a wonderful person, and even more supportive, but you should marry Mercedes. We just don't have enough in common. Mercedes knows California, I don't. Your people can learn to embrace her, but not a foreigner. Do the smart thing and marry her.

Best Wishes,

Ivy Johnson

"See, Kendall? She gave up on your ridiculous relationship."

I got up, crossed the room, and grabbed Mercedes' shoulders.

"Don't talk to me about Ivy. You don't have that right."

For a second, I saw fear, so I decided to take my opportunity.

"So where are they? Where did you ship my adviser, publicist, and assistant?"

Any trace of fear was gone from her eyes. "Let's just say I sent Jett back to his roots."

And with that, she turned and walked away.

I stood confused. Back to his roots? What did that mean?

Suddenly, I understood. I went downstairs and found James, Carlos, and Logan, who were standing around, talking.

"Guys, I think I know where Mercedes shipped Jett, Jo, and Ivy. But the only problem is that it's far. If we want them, we have to start now."

James nodded. "Where do you think they are?"

I looked around and dropped my voice to a whisper. "Coloma. That's on the other side of the country. We should talk in my room."

Ivy's POV

I woke up and walked to the bathroom, carefully avoiding the sleeping bodies of Jett, Buddha Bob, and Andrew. Looking to make sure everyone was asleep, I closed the door and took out my phone. My last chance of being rescued.

I dialed the Palace's number. Straight to a recorded message that didn't even let me leave a message. Then I dialed Kendall's number. I was redirected to the National Parks Service.

Obviously, Mercedes had been busy. I quietly slipped back into bed and went back to sleep.

Maybe an hour later, Andrew woke us all up to work.

As we ate a simple meal of bread and hot chocolate, I turned to him. "So how's the business going?" I asked him.

He shook his head. "Not too well. People just aren't hiring like they used to."

I smiled. If I couldn't make it back, at least I could help these people. "Lucky for you, you've got the world's best businesswoman under 40 sitting next to you. I'll help you get back in the green."

After finding clothes for Jo and me, we left the cabin and walked to a large building. As we stood at the door, I felt a sinking feeling because today was the day. December 25th. Christmas Day. The day of the Californian Royal Wedding. But it was replaced by a feeling of hope. I could still find a way out, even if I didn't end up with Kendall. But while I was here, it wouldn't hurt to be helpful. And I couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to happen.

I looked up at the building, wondering exactly what it was. A large faded sign offered no help, because of the rotting wood.

"Orphanage. Most of the kids grew up and left, and this town isn't exactly rich enough to be able to afford an adoption. We clean their fireplaces and give them wood for free," Jett said, reading my mind.

As we were let in, a heavyset, motherly woman smiled. "Thank you so much for coming. We can't afford presents for the kids, but they always look forward to your visits. I'm Mrs. Chadwick, by the way."

A bunch of kids came into the foyer. Some looked no older than three, while others looked close to Kyle's age. How could someone live in a gloomy place like this, with little to no hope of a real family?

Almost instantly I thought of Kyle, who was probably sitting at home opening presents or spending time with Dad.

Jo patted my shoulder, bringing me out of my thoughts. "Let's get to work, Ivy," she said.

I followed her to a large fireplace that looked like it was from a Jane Austen book. I knelt down and began to clean the ashes. Soon, a little girl skipped up to me.

"You're pretty," she said to me.

I smiled. "Thank you. You'll be a very pretty woman too."

She looked at me closely. "Did you know you look like Princess Ivy? We don't have a T.V., but I saw her picture on a newspaper and made the big boys tell me what it said."

I laughed. "I'm not Princess Ivy, but my name is Ivy. What's your name?"

She smiled brightly. "I'm Emma."

"Well, Emma, do you like it when Jett and Bob and Andrew come?" I asked her.

She nodded. "Mister Jett always gives me candy. He's nice."

We continued chatting until I finished with the ashes. Jett and Buddha Bob would clean the actual chimney and place the wood. Emma soon became disinterested and scampered away. Soon, Jo came up to me, her face and hair streaked with soot.

"It's dangerous, you know," she said, as we worked on another fireplace.

"What is?" I asked.

"Telling the kids that you're Princess Ivy," she responded, placing emphasis on "princess".

I shook my head slowly. "I didn't tell anyone that. That little girl over there said it. I told her I wasn't, but little kids hear what they want to hear."

Soon, Jett lumbered over. "The girls are whispering about you. I'm not sure if it's good or bad.

Things seemed to blow over, but then Mrs. Chadwick was practically dragged in by the girls.

"Girls, I'm sure she isn't a princess. Let them do their work. Don't you want a warm fire tonight?" She asked them.

I thanked her under my breath. Just when I thought order was restored, two policemen came in, followed by...James Diamond and Carlos Garcia?

"Hello, Officer, can I help you?" Mrs. Chadwick asked.

He nodded. "I'm looking for a Mr. Jett Stetson, and two other individuals."

Jo started to rush forward, but I held her back. "Don't excite them," I whispered to her. She nodded as Jett stepped forward. He briefly whispered to James and Carlos, and then beckoned for us to follow him.

Jo and I walked up. James thanked the officer, and motioned for us to follow him. Before we left, I turned to Mrs. Chadwick. "Expect a late Christmas miracle," I whispered to her.

She stood stunned as we walked into a large black car. Jo and I waved before driving away.

I sat back. "So what's going on?" I asked.

James looked up from his seat as he told the chauffeur directions to get back on the highway.

"Your wedding is happening in two hours, and we don't have much time before Kendall is forced to marry Mercedes. By the way, it's good to finally meet you," he said, as Carlos agreed, corndog in hand.

James tossed back a pack of baby wipes for us to clean off, and spoke again.

"Camille, Logan, and the Marquess of Marin are trying to stall, but I'm not sure how long they can. So be ready to jump."

Jo spoke up. "That's all great, but I can't exactly crash a wedding wearing this," she said, gesturing to our soot-covered clothes.

"Already thought of," James replied. "Carlos?"

Carlos passed back a garment bag. In it was my white dress, a red dress for Jo, and a tuxedo for Jett.

We quickly changed, and after brushes were provided, brushed our hair.

Satisfied, James turned and told our driver to speed up.

"But Sir, I don't think we have enough gas to make it back," answered the driver.

"We'll worry about that when we get there. Don't stop for gas. We don't have time for that."

Kendall's POV

I adjusted the epaulettes on the jacket I was wearing and checked my gloves for the thirtieth time. There were 45 minutes until the wedding, and I needed more time. Logan, wearing a jacket similar to mine came in and closed the door behind him.

"No sign of them. Camille is doing her best, but I'm not sure how much longer we can do this. I'll think of something, so don't worry," he said, practically running out.

Shortly after he left, Mom came in, wearing a white dress and the crown she wore on special occasions.

"Nervous?"

I nodded. "There's no sign of James, Carlos, Jo, Jett, or Ivy."

She sighed. I knew she was starting to give up, and wanted to gently get me to face reality. "Kendall, maybe you should slow down. I know Mercedes isn't a pleasant person, but maybe you'll find something nice about her."

I nodded. "I know it was a long shot to begin with, but I thought it would work. But life isn't a movie."

Mom smiled. "Maybe you will get your happy ending. But for now, think about the present."

She got uo and gave me a hug before leaving. After she left, Katie came in.

"I just bought you some time. The rings are hidden in a fold in Mercedes's dress."

She quickly left, and I sat in my room, not keeping track of the time. Logan came in again.

"I'm sorry. It's time."

With a heavy heart, we walked to the front of the church. I took note of all of the foreign dignitaries and felt bad for them. They wouldn't see a real wedding.

The bridal chorus began, and everyone stood up as Mercedes walked in on Lord Griffin's arm.

From then on, everything seemed to play in slow motion.

Ivy's POV

As we were entering central San Francisco, the chauffeur groaned.

"There is no more gas in this car. We can't stay on the road much longer," he explained.

He pulled over just as the engine died, and we stood on the side of the road.

But I refused to accept defeat. I didn't come this close only to get stuck.

"What can we do?" I asked James.

He shrugged as it began to snow. "I don't know. It's too far to walk."

Suddenly, I smiled as the sound of jingling bells reached my ears.

"A buggy," we all said at the same time.

James quickly walked over to its owner. "Excuse me, I was wondering iif we could use your carriage," he said.

The man shook his head.

I stepped forward. "I'll give you ten thousand dollars if you let us use your carriage. Just let me know wherento find you, and the money will be given to you."

He eagerly agreed, and we climbed in.

"Where to?"

"The cathedral of Saint Mart of the Assumption. Fast as you can."

He whipped the reins, and the horses sped off.

Kendall's POV

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of His Royal Highness Kendall, and Lady Mercedes Griffin."

I looked at the door, hoping for a Christmas miracle. For my happy ending.

Ivy's POV

Faster and faster we sped through the streets, nearing the cathedral. I just hoped I wasn't too late.

Kendall's POV

"If there is any reason as to why these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace."

That was it. James and Carlos were too late.

Ivy's POV

We rushed up the steps, before being blocked by Hawk.

He motioned for me to follow. Jett suddenly tripped and grabbed his arm, but told us to go on. We finally reached the door to the cathedral sanctuary. I put my ear to the door.

"If there is any reason as to why these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace."

There it was. My moment.

I threw open the doors.

"I object to this marriage."

Gasps were heard all around as row after row of people turned to look at me. I slowly stepped forward.

"I object to this marriage on the grounds of it being for power."

Mercedes stood, stunned. Finally, she found her voice. "That's impossible."

I looked at Kendall. I saw a glimmer of love, happiness, and above all, relief.

"Lord Arthur Griffin and Lady Mercedes Griffin, in the name of the Crown, I hereby olace you under arrest for conspiring against the Crown and kidnapping Royal Aides."

Lord Griffin stepped forward. "You have no evidence that I've done anything wrong. So I'll do you one better. I'll take you to court for libel."

I smiled. "The trade agreement you signed with North Korea begs to differ," I said, before looking at the leader of the lower house. "Doesn't California have an embargo against North Korea?"

Gasps once again resonated as Lord Griffin closed his mouth faster than a silver bullet.

"Mercedes, may I remind you that blackmail is illegal? Like how you blackmailed me into signing those papers? So I would recommend that you use your phone call in jail to call your lawyers."

As guards escorted Mercedes and Lord Griffin out, she began to yell.

"She has no legal power! She signed a letter of resignation!"

"That letter wasn't notarized, now was it?"

Again she fell silent. Then she turned to Hawk.

"You were supposed to guard her!"

"I made sure no harm came to her. My allegiance is to the Queen, not you."

"How embarrassing," mused an old member of the Mitchell family.

Mercedes wheeled around and pointed at Logan. "He's marrying your family rival!"

The old woman stood up. "And I don't see him being kicked out of his own wedding."

I walked up and took Kendall's hands. "Look, I know I never said this to you, but I love you. Ot took me a while to realize it, but I do."

A judge stood up. "That may be so, and you may have saved the Prince from a potentially dangerous marriage, but laws are laws," he said.

Kendall smiled broadly. "I can legally marry her. Ivy's grandfather was made an honorary member of the Californian Military by my grandfather, King Kevin."

The judge smiled. "No further objections, then."

I looked at Kendall, then stepped forward.

"I know I'm pushing my boundaries, but why not override that law? We saw today that the law wasn't always good."

A female judge nodded. "The matter will be discussed."

I smiled. "Thank you, your Honor."

It was official. Queen Jennifer had just signed a law that overruled the previous law of Royal marriages. Kendall and I were officially engaged.

We stood in the ballroom, talking. Around us stood Jett, smiling despite his arm in a sling, Jo and Dak, who couldn't seem to get enough of each other, James and Princess Heather, Carlos and Princess Stephanie, and Logan and Camille.

I smiled. "It's so perfect."

Kendall smiled and asked for me to follow him outside to the back porch. The snow had stopped falling, leaving a lacy layer on the trees, and a soft white blanket on the ground.

"Remember the ring I gave you?" Kendall asked. I nodded and held up my hand.

"Get rid of it," he said.

I raised my eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

"It's not an engagement ring. This is," he said, producing a white gold ring with sapphires cut into it, topped off by one large sapphire.

I leaned in close. "It's beautiful."

Kendall leaned in and kissed me.

"Your Highness, Ivy, control yourselves," Jett said. We pulled apart and noticed everyone looking at us.

"Let them be, Jett," Queen Jennifer said, leading everyone back inside.

Kendall gave me one more kiss before whispering, "I love you, my California Queen."

We embraced each other before going inside.

And that's a story. I promised it would finish before March, didn't I? Thank you so much Pink Princess 777, Nightmare-Prince, deb24, all of the guests, and everyone who favorited, followed, and reviewed this story. There will be a sequel.

By the way, the results for the BTR Non-slash Awards came in, and I won Best OC, Breakthrough Writer of the year, Breakthrough Story of the Year, and Best OC story. Thanks for voting.

Should I write an epilogue? Review please!