Jon stood on the airstrip, leaning against the SUV, bouquet of roses in hand, nervously awaiting the arrival of his wife. Once the plane landed and taxied to a stop he took in and let out a deep breath. He strode toward the door that had yet to be open. The pilot, one of his good friends, came an opened the doors and set out the stairs. Bri was standing waiting. She came down the steps, dropped her bag at the base, and ran into her husband's arms.
0000000000000000
Chloe sat on the sofa of the suite, legs tucked underneath her as she thought about the whirl wind day she had with Oliver. After the mandatory events he had they hit the town sightseeing, shopping and they even stopped at a pub to have a meal. It was owned by one of his friends and he was treated like a regular guy, which was neat to see. Now they were chilling out before they had to go out to a premier of some kind. She sighed, thinking about how much of a fairy tale her life had become, and smiled.
"Well if that isn't a sight." He spoke from the door way, a towel draped over his neck. Chloe turned to see Oliver dressed in only shorts.
"Hi." She smiled at him.
"Hello yourself lass, Where were you?" he asked
"I was in a land far, far away." She teased.
"Really?" He spoke moving toward her and sitting down on the sofa and pulling her onto his lap. "How enchanting."
"It was really, there was a prince, a castle, all the good stuff." He kissed her cheek.
"Well then I must apologize for interrupting such a wonderful thought." he grinned.
"Nope," she grinned. "It was time for a Prince to come and sweep me off my feet" she laughed.
"Ohh Angel, I think it's you who swept me off my feet." He sighed. She shook her head and nestled into his arms. "Well, now that we have a moment to breath let's talk about tomorrow." She nodded. "We will leave here in the morning, kind of early. I have to go and exercise the horse I will be using. Then there is the parade of riders, the blessing of the field, then the match itself. My friend Adrian and his wife will have their own tent since he's hosting the event."
"He's hosting?"
"Yes, Adrian Ramos Vega Gutierrez Cruz, IIV, Crown Prince of Spain and his wife Lisa"
"Lisa?"
"Apparently you American women are popular with European royalty." He teased. Chloe just shook her head and laughed. "She's a wonderful lady and will be great company for you,"
"Sounds fun, now what about the gala? You did mention something about a minuet, a dance I clearly don't know." She sat up to face him.
"As you may know, it's an old dance. When this event first started my father was on the committee and thought it would be a nice homage to tradition. As the years have gone by and the themes have changed that dance has been done to some very eclectic music." He smiled. "This year would be no different. It's a very simple dance really." He stood and slid her off his lap. "It's all about mirroring movements, yours following mine." He gently grabbed her wrists and turned her to face him. "It's about trust," he smirked arrogantly. "Trust that I will lead and trust that you will follow."
"That sounds chauvinistic."
"Remember the period it was done woman held no power what so ever."
"So why do the dance at all?" she asked growing a little angry.
He smiled at the flush in her cheeks. "Because as arrogant and chauvinistic as this sounds to you right now, the dance itself is interpreted as symbolic. It's a promise, from man to woman, to work in compliment with each other, to each flatter the other."
"Well." she spoke looking down at her feet, scooting her sock covered foot on the elegant throw rug. "When you say it like that it definitely sounds more romantic," she shrugged. He raised her gaze to meet his with a finger.
"With you, all things are romantic," he kissed her softly. "Now, there are just a few basic steps that are repeated, with a few spins." He proceeded to lead her in the dance and she hated to admit that it was pretty cool. After a few hours of hanging out, they dressed and were escorted to dinner by Bart and Franc. Then off to the premier.
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The next morning Chloe and Oliver were having breakfast early with the security detail, including Jon and Bri.
"Are you ready to return to duty ore do you need another day?" Oliver asked Jon.
"He's ready," Bri spoke smiling at her husband.
Jon smiled and shook his head and kissed his wife's cheek. "Aye, I am ready. I want to thank you for the day, we got a lot worked out and called Neelie, she's getting the paperwork ready to adopt Finn."
"Excellent, I understand that this is a complicated situation, if there is anything you need."
"I will be sure to ask."
"So does this mean that Bri gets to hang with me?" Chloe asked smiling. Bri nodded.
"Cool," she smiled, "If you'll excuse me I need to get ready." She smiled and all the men stood as she left the table. Bri signed to her husband and also excused herself from the table. Oliver's phone rang and he answered it while the rest of his team either finished eating or went to get ready for the day.
"Hola, Adrian." He spoke smiling. "Yes, we will be there in about 30 minutes. I will tell her, and thank you." He spoke ending the call. He looked at his watch and went to the bedroom as well to dress for the day.
Sitting at the vanity Chloe was totally distracted as she watched Oliver dress in the mirror. He had on a black polo shirt with an orange sun over the left breast and a sporty striping on it, plus cream colored equestrian pants and black polished riding boots.
"You keep looking at me like that and I call Adrian and tell him we pass on the day." He smiled and watched the blush flush her cheeks as he caught her watching.
"Sorry," she smirked and finished with her make up.
He moved to stand behind her resting his hands on her shoulders. "No need to apologize," he kissed her cheek. "You about ready?" She nodded. "Good, Bart took the garment bags down to the car already,"
"Nice." She stood and checked herself one more time. He took her hand in his and led her out of the bed room.
0000000
Chloe was amazed at the sight before her as the SUV's pulled up to the sight. There were huge canopied tents with billowing flags on the top of all the countries involved. There was a large red velvet roped area for the VIPs to enter and there was already a large crowd waiting to see who was arriving.
As the vehicle stopped, Chloe's nerves hit a record high. "Easy angel" Oliver purred in her ear. His kissed her cheek as the door opened. He stepped out then extended a hand to her and helped her out of the vehicle. He then laced her arm through his and escorted her into the venue, while graciously waving to the people gathering.
As the entered the first tent, Oliver was greeted by a very elegant looking Spaniard, holding the hand of an equally elegant blonde woman.
"Oliver," he spoke, letting go of his wife's hand to shake the hand of the Prince. Oliver didn't let go of Chloe's hand, well he couldn't as she had a death grip on his.
"Adrian," he greeted warmly. "Lisa," he spoke to his wife and leaned and kissed her cheek.
"Hello sire," she spoke politely. Oliver just shook his head.
"I want to introduce you, to Chloe Sullivan,"
"Princess Consort, how exciting." She smiled and shook Chloe's hand. Adrian took her hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss.
"Welcome to our little event," he smiled. He looked over their shoulder to the guard. "I see familiar faces." He smiled at the ones he knew. "Hello Abriana." He spoke and signed. She signed back. "There is one I don't know." He looked at Bart.
"He's a member of my personal guard." Chloe spoke finding her voice. "Bart Allen" she introduced with pride.
"Well very nice indeed to meet you." He shook the young man's hand. "Chloe forgive my rudeness but we need to get the horses exercised before all the pomp starts."
"Certainly," she smiled then turned to Oliver. "I guess I'll see you in a while." She whispered. He nodded and leaned and kissed her. He then left with Adrian. Jet and Franc went with. Jon, Bart and Bri stayed with Chloe.
"Well, let's get over to the tent, we have a traditional breakfast served, with some of our best coffees." She smiled and turned leading the group through the tent and toward the field.
00000
The women sat at a table with the guard standing nearby. Chloe was in heaven with the coffee. "So Lisa, how did you meet a Crown Prince of Spain?" Chloe asked curious.
"I was studying abroad trying to get my Masters in teaching. I took in a part time job with some wealthy families, tutoring English and other subjects. I just happened to run into Adrian at a garden party. I was warned by all of my patrons that having a relationship with him was strictly forbidden. In fact I didn't see him for another year after that at another event, and well he was very charming in his pursuit." She smiled. "But it wasn't easy at first. I had a lot of the old traditional folks of court call me a gold digger, only after his money. I had a lot of people threaten me."
"Oh gosh"
"I know. I even left back for the US, until I got home and saw on TV the Crown Prince of Spain on TV making an announcement declaring his love for me. He was honest and open, and I flew right back."
"What an awesome story." Chloe smiled. Lisa just smiled.
"I know, once I got back it still wasn't easy, but it wasn't as hard either. Look, I heard your story from Adrian, he and the Prince go way back, and I would be the first to tell you that life in a royal house isn't easy, but man is it worth it. I offer you my friendship; call whenever it gets just a bit much."
"Thanks." Chloe smiled and then looked at Bri who looked a little left out. "I have some pretty cool friends already, but I have room for more."
"Sorry Bri, I didn't mean." Lisa signed.
"No offense taken majesty." She signed back. "So this year is gothic?"
"Yes" she sighed then shook her head. "It starts out every year when we look at themes, we listen to music first and the one song we all agreed on had a very gothic feel. We went round and round on them and this was a compromise of all of the ones on the table, the décor is cool," She looked at her watch. We need to go to the field to watch the march in." she spoke and stood, Chloe stood and smiled.
000
The morning was glorious; the sun was warming the field. Chloe was amazed at the sight before her. The men riding onto the field were sitting tall and looked every ounce of the regal that they were. They rode into the middle of the field. The ceremony then continued with a blessing, then they road to be next to their respective tents before the match. Chloe and Lisa were at the rope waiting for the two princes.
"Hey Angel." Oliver spoke smiling down at her.
"Hey yourself." She smiled.
"Having fun?" he asked.
"Absolutely." She grinned.
"Good," he winked at her when the match was called to start and he rode away.
As one who had never seen a polo match before she was totally enamored by the sport and its pageantry. When it was over the Spaniard team had one and they were getting a traditional trophy back plus each member got a medal.
Chloe was waiting beside the podium for the ceremony to be over. When it was and Oliver was released he came stepped up to her picked her up and spun her around kissing her and set her down.
"You really do get dirty?" she teased. Thinking of all the times she had seen him he was impeccably clean.
"I do get dirty, yes." He smiled. "And not just during target practice." He teased. Chloe thought about that day and blushed.
"Now what?" she asked.
"We do lunch." Adrian spoke, holding hands with his wife. "Please as my guests, all of you," he spoke to the entourage of Oliver, "Come to Paz, the restaurant on the grounds." he smiled.
"We would be honored." Oliver spoke and he and his team followed the Prince and his wife.
000
After lunch they were invited to some of the charity events. There was a make a wish foundation party with a circus theme that had a few celebrities arriving to take pictures and sign autographs. The royalty helped in serving cake and ice cream. They even played some of the games.
They then went to the Sunrise Foundation of Spain Fiesta. It was a foundation designed to raise money for education for underprivileged families and orphanages. They had mariachi music, piñatas, there was a dunk tank, pony rides, and fried ice cream. Halfway through all the children were gathered as Lisa sat down in front of them to tell them the story of the Sol -lea the daughter of the sun god. She spoke it in perfect Spanish. Adrian translated for Chloe.
Sol-lea was the precocious daughter of the sun god. She loved being bright, and warm, but always questioned why things were the way they were. She grew up to be a beautiful woman. When one equinox all the seasons and celestials got together to have a masquerade party she met a man, he was handsome but mysterious. She danced and laughed, but he was a man of few words.
As the night was waning, she had duties to greet the day, as was her heritage. She was leaving the party to go back to the palace of light when she was met again by her mysterious man. They removed their masks revealing their identities. He was the son of the moon goddess. There love was forbidden since they held responsibility of the different times of day. They tried to stay away from each other, but couldn't seem to. While she should be resting before she performed her duties, she would meet him on the beach of the ocean and he would sneak up to her balcony in the early morning and what started as a friendship blossomed into a beautiful love.
One day, they were caught by the two deities and were put before them on trial. The parents were angry, that their children had been lying, and sneaking out. They could have missed a rise of moon or sun. Disrupting the natural world. The angler subsided as they recognized true love and decided that the two had not committed any crime, they were the guardians of the end of day and new day, that is why the Sunsets and Sun rises over Spain were spectacular.
The children applauded and the adults supervised the piñata smashing. After that party they made their way to the last tent, it was to honor returning injured veterans of war and their families. Chloe was the first to start crying but not the last as each was greeted warmly by the Princes. There were many handshakes, hugs and even gifts handed out.
By four the group went back to the Royal Spanish tent. "What a day." Chloe smiled leaning on Oliver.
"Tired?" Chloe nodded.
"So glad you had fun," Adrian spoke holding his wife. "The gala is going to be at the Plaza, I have three suites reserved for you all to get ready for tonight, then we party." He grinned.
"Thanks Adrian, you didn't have to do that."
"I know, but hey," he shrugged. "If you are up for it, cocktails early?" he suggested.
"Sounds good." Oliver spoke shaking his hand. Chloe shook Lisa's hand and them all parted ways.
In the car, Chloe and Bri were having an animated conversation in sign. Oliver was going over the trip to Ireland with Jet. Jon was on the phone with Neelie and Franc was skyping with his wife and daughter.
When they arrived at the Plaza it was first class to the hilt, the bellman were in crisp uniforms and white gloves. They were denied access to royal guests but were pleasant escorts.
Once in the room and alone, Chloe slipped off her shoes and sighed. Oliver sat and took off his boot and sighed as well. Chloe went and sat on his lap.
"What a cool day."
"I'm glad you had fun." He smiled.
"It was neat to see Jet and the guys get involved in the tribute to the troops."
"Every year." he smiled. "One of the foundations that my guard gives to is Healthy Home to honor the veterans."
"You guys are so generous."
"They try to give back." He shrugged. Chloe yawned. "You want to take a little siesta before the party?"
"That would be great." She spoke and squeaked when she was in his arms and carried to the bedroom then tossed unceremoniously onto the bed.
"Good, you do that, I have got to take a shower." He laughed and bolted into the bathroom. Chloe just laughed as she stretched and curled up onto the bed and fell asleep.
0000
Oliver was dressed in a formal tuxedo with all his royal insignia. He was adjusting his tie, waiting for Chloe to be done in the bedroom. She had wanted to surprise him with the gown that she bought. The entire entourage entered from the adjoining rooms
They were all chatting when Chloe entered the room and cleared her throat, then you could hear a pin drop. Oliver was stunned. The gown was off the shoulder, black with red piping. It had a narrow bodice and a narrow skirt with an attached skirt that gave it a flowing look. The inside of the attached skirt was red. Her elbow length gloves were black.
"Ohh liscious you are one smoking hot mamacita." Bart spoke with pride.
"Thanks Bart." She smiled. She leveled her gaze with Oliver's.
"I think he is absolutely correct." He spoke approaching her. "You are smoking hot," he mimicked and with his accent it sounded cute. Chloe looked over at Bri who was wearing a beautiful gown herself and she signed her compliments. Bri blushed and her husband kissed her cheek.
"So we are off to have cocktails with Adrian and his wife and then to the gala." He smiled. The guard assumed formation as the entire party went down to the hotel bar that had been transformed into an elite social club.
00000
After relaxing socializing the party was being moved to the grand ball room. The security detail as sent in and scattered in the crowd. Oliver and Chloe were announced after the Crown Prince of Spain. They were greeted warmly and began to mingle.
000
Jon and his wife were chatting with his friends on the Spaniards guard. They had been in a different unit together before getting the privileges of Royal guard duty. The gala was so well decorated, and it did have a classic Goth feel without being over the top. After the mingling Oliver took Chloe onto the dance floor.
Jon took advantage of it and took his wife on the floor glad that they had finally settled their arguments.
00000
From across the room, from the shadow, the royal couple was being watched, the person watching focusing on Chloe and with each smile and laugh began to resent her more and more.
000000
After some dancing and pre dinner entertainment they group was escorted into the dining room for dinner. Chloe showing Oliver that she had finally mastered the table setting, conquering her fear. He kissed her cheek, proud that she finally conquered her nemesis.
Coffee and dessert were served while the silent auction and other events were being set up.
The party kicked into high gear after desssert. The dancing was raucous and Chloe was having a blast. She excused herself to head to the restroom. She was escorted by Bart. The line was short, and she entered. It was a two stall restroom and she entered the empty one. She did her business and then washed her hands.
"You enjoy dancing with my fiancée?" The voice spoke from the other stall. The door opened and an expertly coifed blond in a tight white dress stepped out. She was staring daggers through Chloe.
"I'm sorry do I know you?"
"Don't play dumb with me," she hissed. "I was promised to him as a child. A pact born of blood uniting to very powerful families." She hissed.
"I…"
"Quiet!" the blond woman shouted. "You don't think you honestly fit in here do you? They are all whispering about the great American phony. The pretend princess. How arrogant you American's are, thinking you can handle a strong European man."
"But," Chloe couldn't formulate a sentence the rug had just been pulled out from underneath her.
"No, if you want to spare what's left of your dignity you will let him go. Do you think he'd really marry you? Why have a pretend princess when he could have the real thing. I have his mother's ring, not you. You will never be worthy." Chloe couldn't hear anymore the tears were threatening to fall. She left the restroom and ran into Bart's chest. He could see her anguish.
"Chloe?" he asked.
"I'm not feeling very well, Bart. I want to go back to the hotel, can you take me?"
"Chloe I have to check in with Jet and with Oliver."
"Oh no, I don't want to bother him, he's having such a good time." she spoke fighting to keep her voice from wavering.
"Let me get Jet on another channel then." Bart saw Franc watching Chloe and he took a step away from her. The mysterious blond snuck out of the bathroom and into the shadows. Adrian had moved to a bar nearby and saw what had happened, at least the now upset Chloe who was far cry from the earlier version. He made his way into the crowd to her. He came up behind her in Bart's peripheral vision.
"Seniorita, whatever you do, don't let the people here see you cry." He whispered in her ear. She gasped and turned. "What ever happened, whatever has upset you, hold your head high," he smiled encouragingly. Chloe nodded fighting the tears with everything she had.
Bart turned to Chloe. "I'm sorry Princess, but you need to go tell Oliver. It's a part of the plan that you stick together." Chloe nodded. Bart led her by the elbow to the table where Oliver was sitting with Jon, Bri, and Franc. She put her hand on his shoulder and her heart shattered; she would never get to do that again. He looked up at her and then turned to face her, concern etched on his face.
"Angel, what's wrong?" he asked.
"I," she spoke and her voice cracked. "Am not feeling so good and would like to go back to the hotel." She managed to blast out in one sentence.
"What happened?" he spoke standing. The music that had been announced for the minuet before dinner was being announced one more time and folks were being invited onto the dance floor. He took her hand in his and she flinched, visibly flinched.
Oliver pulled her gently to r the dance floor. Chloe dragged her feet slightly. "Please." She whispered weekly. Oliver turned to face her on the dance floor and the look on her face simply broke his heart.
He cupped her face in the palm of his hand, "Look only in my eyes and trust that I will lead you faithfully." He spoke. Chloe let out a deep breath, trying still not to cry. The song, "All I Need," by Within Temptation began to play and the intricate dance began.
Chloe wanted to die, she memorized every step, every gentle touch every look. It would never be hers again. He belonged to someone else, and she was staking her claim. Chloe was a pretender, unfit to be in the room with the others, unfit to be with Oliver. Was he laughing, enjoying the show? Teasing, laughing. "Focus here, Angel" he spoke getting her attention.
Jet had seen the change in Chloe and grew suspicious. As Jon and Sabine also danced. Jet scanned the room and caught a glimpse of someone he hadn't seen in a long time. It was too big of a coincidence to see her and the anguish on Chloe's face. He got up and followed the direction the ghost of Oliver's past had gone.
When the dance was over, Chloe and Oliver were chest to chest, and her emotions were more evident. He leaned and whispered in her ear. "Just a little longer." He moved, laced her arm in his and led her from the dance floor and out to the hall and into a private room. Chloe walked across the room from him, arms crossed over her chest, closed off from Oliver.
"Angel, please, what's wrong." He asked and Jet entered the room.
"I think I know." He spoke. Oliver looked at him waiting for enlightenment.
"I saw Gretchen Bjok-Pynn leave the gala."
"I didn't know she was even in London?" Oliver spoke and Chloe looked at him sharply.
"So…you…" she broke and the tears began to fall.
"Jet get me Jon." Oliver spoke. He nodded and left the room. "Angel I don't know what was said to you, but you have to believe that none of it's true."
"I…." she frowned and turned her back to him. "Don't know if I can do this." She sniffed.
"Before you pass any judgments or make any decisions, let's talk with Jon?"
""Why? So all of you can continue to laugh at me?" she turned and Oliver had to bury his rage deep to fight off the impulses to rage, knowing it would only push Chloe away. Jon entered the room and looked at Oliver.
"Gretchen Bjok-Pynn." Oliver spoke. Jon moved toward Chloe and she glared at him.
"Chloe," he spoke raising his arms in a gesture of peace.
"Angel, what did she tell you?"
"Does it matter? You didn't tell me about her?" she turned to the window away from them both.
"I was very young when I met Gretchen, she is the daughter of a Norwegian diplomat, very old money and very old school. He would visit our home, and she and I would play. We were kids. She made me promise to marry here when we got older, I was a boy, and to me it was an empty promise. Like saying I was going to eat dirt or telling people that I could fly." He paused. "But she took it seriously. She went to her father, he brushed it off, and we were only children. Just before I went into the OCS, I ran into her again, she had changed a lot. She bought me a cup of coffee and explained how she changed. How she developed a power and wanted to know if I would still want her if she were different. She was a telepath, and my thoughts at that moment had her go into a rage, and I hadn't seen her since."
"Until tonight." Jon spoke. He looked at Chloe and held her gaze and focused. He closed his eyes and reached with his mind, there it was an insidious seed of doubt, planted firmly. It was like a knot, and he gently untied it and released the strings." When he opened his eyes, Chloe rushed to him and hugged him. "You're welcome." He pulled back and smiled.
"Find her and bring her here," Oliver hissed. Jon nodded and left the room. Chloe was embarrassed and turned from Oliver. "Angel," he whispered. She as jumpy as a cornered rabbit. "The doubt you had about me wasn't yours."
"But…i.." Oliver was behind her and wrapped her in his arms.
"She was unstable when I last saw her, IF I had known she was around, I would have certainly told you, warned you." He turned her to face him, "Please tell me what she said." He asked keeping his expression neutral. Chloe sighed, shivered and then word for painstaking word, told him what she said. Bart entered the room, his face pale.
Chloe looked past Oliver to her speedster and gasped. "I'm so sorry, to both of you." He whispered.
"For what?" Oliver turned to face him.
"I….didn't clear the bathroom." He frowned and waited for the shouting to start.
"Bart," Oliver spoke. "You young man, aren't at all at fault here," Oliver spoke calmly. "You are incredibly loyal to Chloe, and have been a wonderful friend. There is no way you would ever intentionally let anything happen to her. Security here is the best in the world. She is a high grade telepath. You may not have even detected her."
"So I'm not fired?" Bart asked.
"No," Chloe spoke and moved to hug her speedster. "Not fired," she kissed his cheek.
"Then I will help find her and she'll have to deal with me for hurting my liscious." He spoke and left the room. Chloe was shivering and then next thing she knew she was being draped in Oliver's jacket.
"Angel," he spoke softly. "Please," he spoke and she looked up into his face.
"You have to know and believe everything she told you was a complete and utter lie. All of it. You are so very important to me and have given our monarchy a breath of fresh air." He reached out and touched her face. She leaned into his touch. "Don't hold in your emotions, let it go, grieve. Her words cut you deep, but that's all they were, hurtful words." He leaned and kissed her forehead and wrapped his arms around her pulling her into his body and she melted into his embrace.
"Thank you." He pulled back from her and looked at her strangely.
"For what?"
"For having faith, when mine was tested." She frowned.
"I'll always have faith in you. Yours wasn't tested it was altered, this wasn't your fault." He pulled her tight into his embrace and held her as her emotions cut loose and she cried.
