Upon their return to Buckingham Palace, Basil and company landed the aircraft safely within the palace grounds, where they were greeted by a very anxious Brenton and Lucinda. After told of the events which occurred at Big Ben, the mortified parents grew devastated when Primrose explained her sister was not only nearly raped but shot in the head. She needed medical attention as soon as possible. Dr. Julian Wolf just happened to be present at the time Ratigan almost took the throne for himself, so he took charge of the situation. Dawson offered his aide to help him because of his skills as a surgeon, but Basil also needed to get his wounds treated when the poor detective's legs could barely help him stand. Dr. Wolf sternly advised Dawson to look after Basil while he takes care of Anissa, assuring him that he too is a surgeon and she will be in good hands.
Queen Moustoria, who had been checking up on her subjects to make sure everyone is alright, grew shocked by Basil's and Anissa's disheveled and bloody appearances. When the group explained what had happened, she kindly offered to let the doctors use two of her guest rooms to tend to their patients. Bystanders stood agape, parting like the Red Sea to allow the procession entrance; Dawson and Hiram helped a limping Basil, who leaned on them for support, and Theo carrying the still unconscious Anissa in his strong arms, followed by a concerned Olivia and the Fletcher family to the palace. The Queen gave the strictest orders that nobody is to disturb the patients until they are fully recovered.
Cyril, wearing a bandage round his wing where he had been shot at, stared forlornly at his injured friend while he stood at the sidelines. Hector and his urchin comrades did their best not to shed tears, but the sight of the two lovers' aspect unsettled them deeply. Toby and Sophy exchanged glum frowns, then shared a sorrowful howl together.
In the first guest room, Basil discarded his damaged inverness cape and ruined shirt, leaving him bare chested and exposing those ugly scars. Having his medical bag delivered to him, Dawson began treating the wounds of his patient, applying medicine and bandages. The scratches on Basil's face aren't serious, yet he needed to wear a gauze on his muzzle and small bandages on parts of his face where the scratches left their marks. Dawson gingerly sewed up the gashes on Basil's back and right shoulder with great care, then placed a gauze on the injured shoulder and medical wrappings round the back to the middle of his chest. Finished, the doctor advised him to rest in bed for a while, although the stubborn Basil refused to sleep because he wanted to be by Anissa's side, he was overruled by his worried friends, whom had all stood anxiously outside the room to give him space.
Next door in the second room, Dr. Wolf and his assistants brought their own medical equipment and machines from the hospital to put Anissa under anesthesia so she'll be sensitive to pain and proceeded to remove the bullet from the motionless girl's head by using forceps. He used extreme caution when removing a bullet, aware it could inflict mental or physical pain if he didn't take care. It had been lodged in the side of her head, but it never reached the brain so there's no damage done, thank heavens. A bullet caked in blood was placed on a white cloth on the side table, except it was not like any other bullet they had ever seen - a soft-nosed revolver bullet. Several of her other injuries were cleaned and bandaged up. The operation was a complete success. Dr. Wolf stitched up the wound closed and placed a gauze over it. They kept the oxygen mask over her nose and mouth for the time being. Afterwards, the doctors told everyone to let Anissa rest. Her entire family volunteered to stay at her bedside until she awakens.
Suddenly Dawson paused when he heard a familiar voice give a cry of recognition. "Why, Dawson! How good of you to come." It was Stafford, his oldest college. He gave him a hearty handshake, which Dawson returned with warm enthusiasm. "I heard about what happened and came to see if you needed any assistance. You okay? And what are you wearing?" Stafford examined his attire in undisguised wonder.
"I'm fine. I'll give you a short story of my adventures, my good friend," Dawson explained. "It's a been an adventure for me, and quite an intriguing one when I met Basil-"
Stafford's eyebrows shot upward. "Basil? Oh, what a coincidence you've met the very man I recommended to you."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Remember on that day when you returned to London from Afghanistan? I met Mr. Basil in the chemistry laboratory a few days ago, just before you arrived. He was bemoaning himself because he couldn't get someone to share the rooms with at his flat. I believe I mentioned him to you during lunch at Holborn."
Dawson could only stare at Stafford in bewilderment, registering what he had been told. "I...uh, I don't know what to say..." The idea of living in Baker Street with Basil, solving mysteries alongside him, sounds exciting and thrilling. However, the good doctor wondered if he can deal with all these crazy adventures and near death experiences if he lives with Basil. "I...I'm not sure if I could-"
Stafford understood what his friend is trying to say, so he nodded softly. "I won't pressure you. Just think about it."
Just before he could leave, Sir Leighton and Count Von Stahlberg came stalking down the corridor, their outfits in tatters, most likely when Ratigan's henchmen tried to attack them. Those two bureaucrats stormed toward the two guest chambers where Basil and Anissa continued resting.
"That was a deliberate attempt on our lives!" Count Von Stahlberg ranted. "Where is she? Now she's done it! What a mess! The union is ruined!"
Dawson's group scowled and groaned at those pompous fools, made barriers in front of the doors and preparing themselves to defend their friends. Even Stafford joined the barrier.
"Which door is she in? Stand aside!" Sir Leighton demanded, pointing at the door where he sees Anissa's family blocking him. "That creature is not worth protecting!"
"That's none of your damn business!" Hector growled, arms spread out wide to join arms with his comrades in their blockage.
"I'd watch your tongue if I were you, street rat!"
"STREET RAT?! Why, how dare you-!" Dawson's expression burned with rage.
Hearing his voice, Sir Leighton stabbed an accusing finger in his direction. "And you, sir, have been deceived as much as Mr. Basil as been duped by that viper!"
Viper...? Primrose frowned angrily, how dare that pompous snake insult her sister.
"With all his supposed cleverness, she has tricked him, and you failed to prevent it!" Sir Leighton ranted further on. "After Mr. Basil's positive assurance... the steps we have taken in the matter by his advice... why this is-"
Count Von Stahlberg added, indignantly, "There is no hope to prevent a scandal now!"
"Is that all you care about? A stupid scandal!" Hiram lashed out, very much wanting to inflict pain on those creatures if not held back by Dawson. "They are both heroes, as far as everyone else is concerned!"
"That girl is a traitor!" Count Von Stahlberg smugly replied with bitter arrogance "She'll never be worth anything!"
With a look of bitterness, Sir Leighton screamed at the top of his lungs at Basil's door. "What you've done is scandalous! It is criminal, sir! You had no right to betray us in this way, and you shall certainly suffer the consequences. I shall see that you and your accomplice are brought into court to answer for it. It will be such a blow to your reputation that you will be ruined!"
Mrs. Fletcher's face darkened furiously. "Excuse me? My daughter is not an accomplice!"
"You stay out of this, wench!" Sir Leighton hissed at her. "And I shall see to it that you and your family will face warrants for your arrests in this matter!"
Having enough of this nonsense, Theo clasped Sir Leighton's collar and prepared to punch his lights out. "LISTEN, YOU POMPOUS BASTARD!"
"THAT IS ENOUGH!" The Queen and Prince Karl shouted in union, silencing the bickering enemies before things get ugly.
Theo takes a few deep breath's and regains his composure while releasing his hold on Sir Leighton's collar. "Almost lost myself for moment." I only wanted to kick his ass, he thought to himself.
Once everyone stood aside to give her space, Queen Moustoria sternly faced Sir Leighton and the Count to address them. "Now me and His Highness agree a scandal might have happened if that was released to the public before... all this happened," the Queen admitted, noticing the two idiot bureaucrats smirking smugly before she added venomously, "But we've also come to an agreement that it is BOTH your fault for deceiving the public..." the sovereign watched the two bureaucrats' smirks vanish with satisfaction,"...and tarnishing Mr. Fletcher's reputation by painting his youngest daughter a delusional stalker! Besides, you two should've kept Adolf under control then the affair wouldn't have happened in the first place!"
"Did you do all this for betterment of our country? Or to protect yourself, Uncle?" Karl asked, coldly.
"Now, look here-" Count Von Stahlberg tried to protest, only to be shut down.
"As for Adolf, well..." Karl looked off to the side, staring at the window as he sighed dismally, "Despite the heinous acts my brother committed, he will be faced with a proper trial. And I would like to request Mr. Fletcher and Theo to testify against him. Especially because Theo was originally part of Ratigan's gang, he's a witness. I'm sure his testimony will give him a light sentence or whatever the court decides."
"By all means, Your Highness." Mr. Fletcher willingly agreed.
"Absolutely." Theo bowed his head.
Finally, Karl faced a hard scowl back at Sir Leighton and his uncle. "As for you two... you will be stripped of your titles. Sir Leighton will be placed in the dungeon until his trial and the you, uncle..." Karl was hesitating to say this part despite this awful man being his relative, "You will be banished from our home country for your actions."
The Count was shocked to hear this! Especially from his oldest nephew.
"No, I object!" Count Von Stahlberg protested strongly as the real palace guards came in and began dragging him and Sir Leighton away, whilst the two men struggled. "K-Karl, you can't do this to me! I'm your uncle! We're family! Please listen to me..."
Olivia and the street urchins snickered quietly when the arrests had been made as she whispered softly, "Good riddance."
For the next two days, Basil remained in bed where he tossed and turned uncomfortably, due to horrific nightmares about Ratigan's attacks or agonizing fears for Anissa's well-being. The only time he got up was to use the loo, take a bath, or eat a meal brought to him on a silver tray by the palace maid. After bath, he changed his bandages for new clean ones. He refused to eat when he demanded to see Anissa, but Dawson had been firm, "You need to keep your strength up!" he always ordered, using tactics from the military in Afghanistan. He recovered better than anyone expected, walking without aide. The scars took a while to heal, yet they did eventually, although the scars on his back will forever remain as a permanent reminder of his late nemesis.
During his two day recovery, Olivia and her father stayed at Baker Street to keep Mrs. Judson company. The street urchins came by to visit and ask if there's news to no avail. The children began playing games or telling stories to pass the time. Hiram and Theo gave their testimonies to the police when questioned, however, Theo was arrested for his involvement in Ratigan's crimes, especially after confessing the crime of murdering his family at a young age and for his previous work for William H. Ratcliffe. Karl kept his promise to allow the black mouse to turn informant and testify for a lighter sentence. On his evidence, Ratigan's entire organization got twenty years in Dartmoor prison. For his cooperation and redemption, Theo Hebron was pardoned by the Queen, much to Olivia's delight. Anissa's family still remained in the room where the poor bedridden girl lay, ready to message the doctors when she recovers. Cyril's wing healed quickly, yet he started getting involved in the children's games.
The arrests of Ratigan's entire gang had been momentously victorious for Scotland Yard, so now began their search for the body of Professor Ratigan, after Dawson and Hiram told them of the climatic details at Big Ben. Despite finding a dead dove close by, what they found next left them sick and disturbed, some of the constables almost fainted when they located the monstrous rat's body. Beneath the majestic clock tower lay the grim motionless figure of the Napoleon of Crime, surrounded by a pool of blood. He lay stretched upon the pavement with an expression of horror and hatred, his malignant sightless eyes stared up at the sky and his mouth wide open exposing his fangs. If anyone had looked close enough, they would've seen the skulls in his pupils. Quite possibly, the master criminal has seen death himself before he died.
A public celebration was to take place, once everyone present at the Jubilee recovered from the dreadful catastrophe, when the civilians found out the evil Ratigan had perished and Basil of Baker Street had succeeded in defeating him, along with their beloved Queen saved from death. Prince Adolf had been placed under arrest for his crimes, kept under a stern watch by the real palace guards, found bound and gagged in the dungeons when ambushed by Ratigan's henchmen. He stood waiting for his trial to come, but what nobody had seen whenever guards passed his cell was the crazed look in his eyes. Behind that sadistic grin, an idea was forming inside his brain. The slimy wretch insinuated a plan to get out of his cell and take revenge on the bitch who humiliated and ruined him - Anissa Fletcher.
Poor Olga sat by her lonesome in her guest chamber, the revelation of her fiancé's adultery and crimes left her pale and miserable. She was visited by Karl, who consoled the heartbroken princess by apologizing to her on Adolf's behalf. He even admitted that if he had intervened early and stood up for Adolf against his tyrannical father when they were youngsters, then his little brother wouldn't turn out the way he did. Olga understood that he isn't responsible for his brother's actions. The two grew closer while they chatted over tea and biscuits, their acquaintance bloomed into something more wonderful.
Slowly but surely, Basil of Baker Street was back to his normal self. But the downside to his happiness is Anissa's coma. Primrose greeted him at the door, her parents had to take leave to discuss their side of the story during those terrible events to the Queen. When she finally allowed him to see her, his eyes widened at Anissa's delicate form lying in bed with an oxygen mask on her mouth and nose as the machine connected to the mask gave off strange wheezing or hissing sounds. In spite of the oxygen mask, his beloved resembled a beautiful fairy tale princess locked in a deep slumber with her hands crossed together over her chest and a look of peace on her pretty features. The detective sat on the bedside and gently took her dainty white hand into his own as his expression fell to worry and despair.
"How is she?" Basil asked, finding his voice at last.
"Annie's still in her coma," Primrose explained, solemnly. "She hasn't regained consciousness ever since."
Basil sighed in frustration, though not too bitterly so not to frighten his beloved's younger sister. He couldn't wait any longer. He wanted her to wake up, to tell her how grateful he is for saving his life and how much he loved her. These feelings, as comfortable as it felt, felt so strange to him. He grew up a proud bachelor and always believed emotions is an enemy of logic. Basil forced himself to build a mental wall around his heart years ago to make sure he will never fall weak to commitment. However, these last few days with Anissa during this crazy case convinced him to view things in a different light. He had come to admire her... respect her... love her. In all his years, he never thought he would fall in love with someone like her.
Primrose studied his expression, reading him like a book. Her eyes widened when she figured her out. "Are you and my sister an item?"
"Excuse me?" Basil looked at her, eyebrows raised.
"The way you look at her says you love her, right?"
Hesitating for a second, the detective admitted it at last, "Yes, I do... does it bother you?"
"Oh! No, not at all," the girl assured him. "I think it's wonderful that Annie has met someone...wait, what is that?" Her ears cocked up when the door creaked slightly.
The two mice turned to see the door left ajar. Nobody had come in. Puzzled, Primrose got up to close the door with shrug. She assumed some careless servant almost entered the wrong room. Basil, on the other hand, sensed danger. He saw the red flag clear enough under the curtain, a boot sticking out at the foot of the drapes. Whoever it is was not a servant, nor was it a doctor. Someone had come with the intention of harming them. Slowly, Basil grabbed a kitchen knife left on the dining tray and jumped for the intruder.
At the same moment, Adolf sprang out from the drapes and tackled the detective. Basil saw the muzzle of a gun in the prince's hand, lashing at him with the knife. He struck an opening at the wrist, for the gun dropped on the floor. Growling like an savage wolf, Adolf dodged round the table before knocking it over to trip Basil over. Leaping over the table, Basil pounced on him. Primrose stood agape and worried as she watched the two men throw blows to each other, clearly not expecting this to happen.
Basil's eyes grew wider in alarm when he heard the gun cock, but he managed to get hold of it before he could shoot it. He had it by the barrel, and they wrestled for it desperately. The sleuth never lost his grip, but he gradually directed it toward that insane maniacal face of Prince Adolf, who seemed to believe he will gain the upper hand. What happened next, Primrose was not so sure. What did happen though is a loud gunfire had awoken Anissa from her coma at last.
BANG!
Maybe it was Basil who pulled the trigger, or maybe they jolted it off between their struggle. Adolf got both barrels in the face when a sprinkle of blood splattered on the carpet. Adolf ceased his movements, his body gone limp and cold dead. Catching his breath, Basil staggered upward to stare down at what was left of Adolf. His own brother wouldn't recognize him as he saw him now. Primrose helped Basil back on his feet, but she fairly turned sick at the sight of her ex-boyfriend.
"Nnn...wh-what happened?" Anissa finally stirred and moaned softly as she opened her eyes.
Basil and Primrose gasped softly, watching her gaze up at them with a little smile. Anissa had enough strength to stretch her arms out for a hug, beckoning them to her. Shrieking in delight (making Basil cringe for his poor eardrums), Primrose threw herself in her big sister's embrace and wept softly.
"I thought you'd never wake up," she cried.
"Same here." Anissa's voice was hoarse, but she spoke perfectly.
Clearing his throat abruptly, Basil waited for Primrose to move aside and give him room. Hope and relief shined in his eyes to see his beloved had finally awaken come out of her coma. Part of him prayed this isn't a dream where he will wake up to find her still in a coma. Though he was never used to hugs, Basil leaned forward to wrap his arms around her, pulling her into his embrace. He welcomed the touch and warmth of her body instantly, he didn't want to let go. Anissa returned this with equal affection.
"I was so worried about you," he whispered.
"I'm just glad to be back," she replies.
Before either one could profess their love for each other, the moment shattered when a feminine blood-curdling scream entered the room. The mice turned round, finding a maid servant, Dawson and Dr. Wolf had burst in upon hearing the gunshot. Neither of them expected to find Adolf lying in a puddle of blood, nor did they expect to see Anissa raise up and look down at what everyone reacted to, her own eyes widened but she shook her head with a slight chuckle.
"You had it coming, Adolf," was all she could say.
Word spread like wildfire to friends and family that Anissa had finally awakened. She received visits from her relieved parents who showered her with hugs and kisses, but most of all, Olivia embraced her the longest and exclaimed how glad she is to see Anissa had not died. Anissa reassured her that she's a lot tougher than she looks. Cyril carried the news to Toby and Sophy, whom had gone back to their homes to wait patiently and not to make their human owners frantic of their disappearances, and the two dogs barked joyously when they heard the good news. Even Mrs. Judson, Thor and Ivy were the most excited of all. Although, the police had been notified by Adolf's death when everyone freaked out at the ghastly aspect spread out on the floor, Basil and Primrose gave their sides of the story, and later on it was discovered that Adolf had strangled a guard to death and stole his keys to make his escape. Then he swiped a gun off a constable's belt and intended to use it for murder.
Dr. Wolf was called and he did a re-examination of Anissa, deciding to remove the oxygen mask from her face and let her rest in comfort for a while. He explained that she had been shot by a soft-nosed revolver bullet and how lucky she is the bullet didn't touch her brain for it could have killed her if it did. Dr. Wolf showed the bullet to Basil in the hopes he might know which rifle it came from. Basil used his magnifying lenses to examine the bullet, deducing it had come from an air rifle; an automatic weapon invented by a blind German mechanic. Any number of crooks could be using air rifles, even Theo confirmed neither one of his late boss' thugs owned such a weapon.
When told of Ratigan's body found, Basil questioned one of the constables if he had seen anyone riding a raven carrying an air rifle. The constable didn't see anybody to fit that description, just a dead dove lying twenty feet away from the body. This did catch Basil's interest, no matter how trifle it is. With Cyril's air travel, Basil examined the dove's corpse carefully finding an open bullet hole in the head which matched Anissa's wound. The gears turned in his head when the detective's mind powers pictured the events that took place; this poor dove had flown in front of the sniper's aim when he fired the shot, unknowingly saving Anissa's life to slow the bullet down when it hit her.
Now that time of celebration had come at last. Multiple civilians flocked at Buckingham Palace gates to attend a second party and a wedding ceremony. Surprisingly, Prince Karl and Princess Olga decided to get married after a few days of courting, convincing the Queen to hoist a second Jubilee to make up for the last one and to celebrate the heroes' victory.
Walking down the grand palace hallway accompanied by her sister, Anissa felt so much better after a full rest and a good meal. She dressed up in the most beautiful golden ball gown she had ever seen; wrapped off-the-shoulder sleeves, a wide-hemmed floor-length skirt and yellow high heels. Despite the scar on the side of her head, Anissa never let it falter her beauty. She wore some of her hair in that familiar neat bun but the majority of her locks trails over the right side of her neck. Primrose wore the lavender ball gown she received on her birthday days ago, her hair curled in her usual Southern Belle style and the golden rose necklace draped round her neck.
"Thank you so much for what you did for me," Primrose clasped her hand in Anissa's grasp, having told the details of why her sister left home.
"You're my little sister and I love you, Rosie," Anissa replied, sincerely. "Besides, you think I'd just sit back and watch everyone make fun of you for no reason."
Primrose shook her head with a grin, then noticed they reached their destination backstage behind the green curtains where on the other side would be the entire city ready to welcome her elder sister. Her eyes perked up when she heard Basil and Dawson approaching. "Tell me all about your boyfriend's reaction when he sees you in your dress," she teased.
Anissa playfully shoved her out the door, just as Dawson and Basil entered the dimly lit room. She could barely see how they appeared, but she had not doubt the two men wore formal tuxedos to look their best for tonight. "Hey, guys." She waved at them.
"Hello, my dear. How are you feeling?" Dawson asked, smiling.
"I'm all right, and how about you, Basil?"
Even though Anissa can't see it, she knew the detective was giving her a warm smile as he responded, "I'm fine, my dear. A little sore from that struggle earlier, but it's nothing to fret over."
Before more words can be exchanged, the Queen's voice made the announcement to summon their presence. Together, the trio passed through the curtain. Onstage, the whole city of Mousedom applauded at their entrance as Basil, Dawson and Anissa politely bowed their heads. In the crowd, Anissa spotted the excited faces of her loved ones cheering or waving ecstatically for her and her friends; her family, the Flavershams, Thor and Ivy, Mrs. Judson, Theo, Hector's band, the Proudfoots, Dr. Wolf, Stafford, and Miss Hazel. Even Inspector Lawless and many constables had shown up to attend the party.
Stealing a glance at Basil's face, Anissa could barely hide her smile when he stared in awe at her radiant appearance. He mouthed a compliment, "You look beautiful," at her. She repeated the gesture, "Thank you," back at him. Even Dawson found her to be the most ravishing girl in the world.
Turning to kneel in front of Queen Moustoria, who sat upon her throne, the sovereign spoke her a majestic tone for all to hear, "On this glorious evening, we give thanks to you for vanquishing that horrid Ratigan and for saving the lives of Crown Prince Karl of Arenberg and myself. This country owes you a great debt, valiant mice. I bestow my royal grace and thanks to you." As she spoke, she raised her diamond scepter individually over their heads, first Basil, then Dawson and finally Anissa.
A servant came rushing out of nowhere, carrying a grand pillow with three brilliant medals on it. He carefully pinned the medals on them, as the Queen continued, "I hereby award you these medals for your bravery and pronounce you, Mr. Basil, the greatest detective in all Mousedom." With that, the audience exploded in another thunderous round of applause and cheered even more louder than ever, along with some whistling and hats tossed in the air and cameramen snapping photos of the joyous occasion.
After the award ceremony, the marriage between Karl, now the Crown Prince, and Princess Olga took place on stage once the trio exited off stage to rejoin their friends and family in the crowd. The priest from before happily performed the ceremony, pronouncing the couple as husband and wife. Karl and Olga shared a kiss and embrace, receiving more applause by the audience.
Everyone filed out of the audience chamber to the royal ballroom, where a small orchestra performed a series of famous themes by famed composers in the past, several rows of tables full of the most mouth-watering foods anyone ever tasted, and in the center of the large room multiple men and women in elegant attire danced together. Outside the ballroom, Cyril and the two dogs were slightly disappointed they couldn't enter due to their huge sizes. However, Olivia and several others had given Toby and Sophy a plate of juicy steaks to make them feel happy. Cyril was given a drink of champagne and a strawberry sponge cake to eat, except Mr. Fletcher warned him not to drink too much or the flight home will make him too tipsy.
Sitting at the banquet table, Hector and his gang (all cleaned and wearing the finest garbs the Fletchers bought for them to look their best) were secretly snatching whatever snacks and tiny cakes their grubby hands could get. They took their possession and hid behind one of the big tables and started gorging on their meal. But while they were stuffing their faces, a stern voice cleared his throat which made them look up nervously. There stood Basil, Dawson, Olivia and Hiram, all with half-amused or annoyance on their expressions.
"H-Hey Mr. Basil..." Hector greeted nervously with his mouth full of cake. Once he swallowed he spoke clearly, "S-Sorry... we thought this food was free and-" before Hector could go one, Basil interrupted him with his hand held up.
"Now, now, boy. None of you are in trouble." Basil assured them, calmly. "We came looking for you so we could thank you. And I also wanted to ask if you all would like to be my Baker Street Irregulars? Since you know the streets of London very well. You will be my agents to run errands for me or spy on anyone, either in high or low class status if that someone is suspicious. You will be paid for your work so neither of you will go hungry again. What do you say, lads?"
Hector looked to his friends, then they looked to each other to think it over. Reaching their decision, the ecstatic street urchins smiled and nodded in agreement. "We'd be honored, Mr. Basil!" Hector answered, while shaking the detective's hand.
As the kids rejoiced about becoming a intelligence agents for the famous detective, that's when Basil and Dawson finally noticed Gilia wearing a dress. At first, they silently puzzled in their minds to why a boy should cross dress at a Jubilee, until it hit them like a ton of bricks - this is no boy.
"Gil! Why on earth are you wearing a dress?" Basil demanded, his confused eyes widened like saucers.
"Because I'm a girl!" Gilia answered, rolling her eyes. "I detest dresses, but Mrs. Fletcher forced me to wear one after she gave me a bath."
Silently dumbfounded, Dawson and Basil stared at her in utter disbelief. Their jaws hit the floor, not literally like a cartoon character, and their eyes grew so large people might think they'd burst.
"What? You didn't know that?" Hector raised an eyebrow, surprised these two smarty pants men thought his only female member was a male.
"Well, to be fair..." Dawson stuttered, "you were wearing ragged clothes and... they called you Gil... we assumed Gil was short for Gilbert."
A trifled snickering brought them back to earth, forcing the two men to whip their heads aside and frown at Hiram and Olivia as the father and daughter duo couldn't help but laugh at the men's reactions. Their chuckles made the irregulars giggle at how silly the men are for not deducing Gilia's gender.
"I'm sorry..." Hiram covered his mouth in a failed attempt to hide a grin, "but the looks on your faces, I'd have given a thousand pounds for a camera and some flash powder!"
"Excuse me..." Anissa's soft delicate voice ended what could have been a lecture, making them turn around to look at her. "Basil, I was wondering if you... well, that is... would you care to dance with me?" Having been pressured by her sister to ask the detective to join her for a waltz, she was bit shy about the whole thing.
Basil froze, staring at her as he registered what she's trying to ask him. He had never danced with a woman before in his life, much less learn a waltz. First, he tried to turn her down politely and perhaps talk with her somewhere private about his attraction to her, "Oh, I don't know. Would you like to-"
"DANCE WITH HER!" Dawson, Hiram, Olivia and the irregulars urged forcibly, though not too loud so not to draw attention.
"All right!" Basil grinded his teeth, hating the pressure his friends forced upon him. Nevertheless, he decided to give it a shot.
Like a proper gentleman, the detective extended his gloved hand out to her. Anissa accepted it, allowing him to guide her out to the dance floor where several couples swayed or twirled about. Basil gulped nervously when he placed a hand on her waist. Anissa heard him do this, looking up at him worriedly.
"Is something wrong?" she asked.
"I-I-I never danced with a lady before. I mean I do know it requires elegance and grace, but I seem to lack those two qualities."
Anissa smiled with relief. "To tell you the truth, I guess I'm not the only one who's nervous elegance and grace in a waltz. But let's at least try it together."
Hearing her say this gave Basil consolation. He gently held her close by the waist as he placed his other free hand in her own. As they began to dance, Anissa glanced more than once at her feet, before Basil told her to keep eyes on him at all times. Turning in circles and a gliding spin, they kept each other at a steady pace.
Somewhere out there beneath the pale moonlight
Someone's thinking of me and loving me tonight
Somewhere out there someone's saying a prayer
That we'll find one another in that dream somewhere out there
From the sidelines, Dawson and Hiram and Olivia watched the couple with huge proud grins on their expressions. The irregulars still thought this lovey-dovey stuff was disgusting, but nobody dared make a rude comment. Primrose felt a little lonesome as she watched her sister dance with this dashing detective, until a polite voice cleared his throat to her. Looking to her side, Theo asked if she like to join him for a dance. Touched, she took his hand and he lead her in a spectacular glide out on the center room. However, despite everyone's full support for Basil and Anissa, her parents eyed the couple with different reactions; Lucinda was overjoyed to see her eldest daughter romantically involved with a famous detective, while Brenton had the look of a father concerned his child might be getting too involved with someone he doesn't trust well.
And even though I know how very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star
And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky
Somewhere out there, if love can see us through
Then we'll be together somewhere out there
Out where dreams come true
When Basil twirled her round, Anissa's dress flared gracefully. Then he slyly had her dance the Vietnamese waltz with him, having learned some of it from his mother when she described to him how it was done. These actions made multiple stunned eyes follow them. Nevertheless, Karl and Olga mimicked their movements in their first dance as a married couple. Once she was up close to Basil again, Anissa presses her head close to his chest. The detective's eyes widened in surprise, then he smiled warmly at her. He noticed Dawson giving him a thumbs-up and Olivia leaning at her father's side as she gushed at the couple happily.
And even though I know how very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star
And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky
Somewhere out there, if love can see us through
Then we'll be together somewhere out there
Out where dreams come true
Finished, the two stepped back and bowed low to each other. Taking Basil's arm, Anissa followed him as he escorted her off the dance floor and to a private corner in the ballroom, and behind a red velvet curtain to avoid staring eyes.
"That was very impressive," Anissa complimented, with a hint of tease. "I thought you said that you didn't know to dance properly."
"Well, I did learn the Vietnamese waltz from my mother," Basil admitted bashfully, "it's been a long time since I learned it." Aware nobody came over to bother them, he decided now is the time to get some things off his chest, including a confession. "Anissa, I need to tell you something..." he watched her gaze up at him with a face, like she was expecting a proposal without the slightest hint of suspecting what it is, "I know I promised I would hold onto your letters for safe keeping, but I originally planned to give them to Sir Leighton and Count Von Stahlberg to fulfill my case and I hoped to keep you safe from them."
Anissa stared at him in surprise and a slight pain in her eyes with a breathless, "You what?"
Basil expected her to react like this, though he faced her without a tremor. "I really did want to help your family another way, but after I overheard those two idiots bickering their concern over the scandal rather than Adolf's criminal activities, I realized my mistake. We're just lucky the Queen refuses to let either of us be brought to court. Believe me, I meant no harm to you... it was purely business with me. For that you see, I would sacrifice everything... even my feelings for you, to complete my work. I can understand if you hate me now... I wouldn't like myself either for what I intended to do."
Any woman in her shoes would have berated Basil for tricking her, but Anissa, in her case, holds no grudge against him. She wasn't angry at him for lying. She looked at his expression, seeing regret and hurt cross his features that he truly did feel guilty for his attempt betrayal. His behavior regarding his remorseful actions toward her displayed a lot more than she realized. Smiling gingerly, Anissa took his hand and directed Basil's face to gaze at her. "I don't hate you," her voice was quiet but still heard.
"B-But... why not? After what I-" Basil rambled in his words until he was cut off by a finger placed on his lips.
"From the way you speak... from the way you look at all sorts of things," Anissa gave him a very slight smile. " I can tell you regret it and you're sorry. You're not the only one who can tell things from small details."
Deeply impressed, Basil comes a step closer to her. "Your powers of observation is somewhat remarkable, and your deduction is quite correct. I suppose, indeed I know, that I love you." He watched her eyes widened when he finally made his confession, taking her hands in his own. "I love you, Anissa. And I'd really like to be a part of your life, if you will allow me to court you and get to know you better."
A small gasp escaped her lips as Anissa's smile broadened further. "I'd like that very much," her words made his heart soar.
There is nobody else watching them, so the timing seemed perfect for what else is to come. Basil caressed her cheek and brushed a strand of hair away, refusing to break contact from her gaze. Aware of what he's going to do next, but knowing it felt right because he wanted to do it for a while, he leaned in closer to Anissa. She closed her eyes and lifted her face up at him. Encouraged by this, Basil leaned further in as he closed his eyes. The instant their lips met, fireworks exploded outside the palace which almost seemed to encircle Basil and Anissa in an angelic aura, followed by more fireworks making the crowd rush to the window and watch the firework display, even Olivia was glad to have finally gotten her birthday wish to see the fireworks.
Anissa's arms wrapped around his neck as Basil's arms slid behind her back to pull her tightly to him, deepening their newfound relationship. His lips were a lot softer than Anissa noticed, letting a soft moan escape at the corner of her mouth. For Basil, he felt a spark of lightening ignite inside of him at the touch of her lips on his. The detective felt his heart thudding loudly in his ears he was afraid it might burst, which it didn't.
"Ew, yuck!" Hector and Ricky made gagging gesture, while they managed to eavesdrop on their conversation behind the curtain to see what is going on, feeling slightly grossed out at the two lovers' first kiss.