Nora was helping Rosalie with her hair, the sling around her arm still restricting her movement. No corset needed with this occasion.. Doctors orders. In her white camisole, she sat by the mirror, watching her reflection. saw Nora softly combed through her hair, The mouse grinned "I think your hair has gotten longer since last I've helped you comb it.." taking the beautiful dark hair and pinning it to the sides of her head. Rosalie remained silent as the hair brushing continued.

Nora stepped to the closet, putting the brush down "And as soon as I'm done with your hair, I have a perfect dress for you, your sling won't even get in the way!" Rosalie continued to sigh heavily, "Rosalie, what's wrong?"

Rosalie stood and stepped to the bathroom "Nothing.."

As the night went on, the ball began.. Big wigs and parliament, local socialites and glittering dames all around the new house. Nellie stood with the high end government officials, stunning in her coral pink gown. One white mouse with a thick white mustache laughed, "Oh but your niece was surely aware of Elijah's plan?"

Nellie stirred her drink "Of course she was, she was the one who warned the proper authorites!" She took a glance up the stairs and grinned "Ah! There she is now to tell the tale!"

Rosalie stepped down the stairs, Nora right by her side. Rosalie stood in a light pink gown with long sleeves. It was pleated on the corset that tied her in, being careful not to mess with her current wound, the beautiful and intricate lace around the bustle made her every bit a vision to the crowd.. Her cane helped her down practically independently. The crowd watched and applauded, happy at her return. Rosalie slightly smiled and spoke "Thank you.. Thank you all of you for supporting me. I'm very happy to be home."

Nellie shouted above the crowd "A hero she is! She single handedly helped our family escape!"

Rosalie stood at the top of the stairs, faking a smile the best she could muster. Rosalie sighed and walked down the last step. Ready to face the wolves..

The party continued on, Rosalie bored as ever. The main hall very well lit and filled with the elite of the elite in London's society. The people congratulating her on escaping Ratigan's clutches. A woman mouse sighed "But if I ever had the chance to meet that scoundrel I'd surely faint!"

Her husband patted her hand "Now dear, that rat is as good as gone! He's the lowest of the low, That low life scum!"

Rosalie raised a brow "Now I admit, he may have had me captured, but he wasn't-"

The woman patted her shoulder "I can't even imagine the ordeal he made you go through! No need to explain." She laughed and nudged her husband "But it's an absolute blessing in disguise that he stopped that entanglement with Mr. Lockson! Oh what an ordeal!"

Nora watched them walk away and saw Rosalie once again alone. She swooped in quickly "Having fun, dear?"

"It's all kind of overwhelming." Rosalie said, she chuckled softly, covering her grin with her hand. Nora grinned with her "What is it?"

"When I was back in the lair, the boys used to play poker, and they'd let me join them for a game or two.. and always be upset when I'd win." she sighed "I kind of wished they'd be here…"

"You know what would happen if they were here?" Nora questioned, Rosalie nodded "I know…"

Nora's face softened "Well darlin, maybe they had something to get done.. It has been a couple of chaotic weeks." She smiled hopefully.

Rosalie nodded, still her heart broke a little… where was he?

Suddenly the doors opened wide, two large red coated guards entered the door and stopped at the entrance. The two guards were decorated with large red coats and sparkling medals and epaulets, an attendant quickly ran in, blowing a melody of the british army in his horn. Loud enough to gather even the large crowds attention. He brought out a tan looking scroll, unrolling it and smiling "Welcoming her majesty Queen Moustoria the first, of Mousedom. Into the home of Lady Nelinda Plunket."

Nellie pushed to the head of the crowd, as everyone bowed. The two American mice; Rosalie and Nora didn't know what to do,but followed suit in a slow bow. Rosalie bowed as best as she could, despite her constraints. Nellie bowed deeply, her coral gown flowing behind her legs "Your Highness! What brings you to my humble abode?"

The queen smiled, her small crown bestowed on her head "Oh come Nellie, I come bearing no ill will. I simply came to say hello and celebrate the victory London has had!" the crowd rose slowly and the queen smiled "And we wanted to take the opportunity to have some old fashioned enjoyment tonight!" she said with a gentle laugh "Please, everyone, be merry!" she gestured to the guards, they closed the doors and guarded the sanctum with upmost care. The queen whispered to Nellie "After that entire Ratigan scandal I have to be extremely careful when I travel… I can't trust anyone you know."

Nellie nodded "I've had my share. I'm still shaken from the ordeal." The queen slightly turned, seeing Rosalie and Nora stand in awe. The queen gently walked to them, the crowd still slack jawed, watching the queen act almost in a casual manner. The queen smiled kindly, standing inches below Rosalie "And you must be the young lady that saved your family."

Rosalie nodded "Y-Yes, your majesty." She stammered. Nora bowed in suit "Your highness. It is an absolute pleasure to meet you."

The queen nodded, accepting the respect "It is lovely to meet both of you.. We have heard very much from our exchanges with Nellie herself."

Rosalie smiled "I've never met royalty before, not even an American President-"

The queen laughed "Well, I assure you my dear you're not missing much, simply a crown on another individual." The group laughed together softly. Rosalie grinned "I actually wanted to let you know your majesty… That it wasn't only my skills that saved us from Elijah.."

"Oh?"

Rosalie grinned, hoping that this was her chance to redeem her friend "Giving credit where credit it due, it was actually the skill of Professor Ratigan!"

The crowd gasped at the name, it was almost like death had entered the room by the very mention of his name. Even the queen became flushed "My dear, we try not to mention that name-"

"That scoundrel is the scourge of the earth!" one crowd member roared

"He should be tried and sentenced to death!"

"He brings a plague of evil across the land!" a woman yelled.

"But he saved my life!" Rosalie spoke "He's actually kind and gentle… at least to me.."

The crowd muttered to themselves, eyeing Rosalie with concern. She just wanted to help, to give someone a chance… it wasn't right of the crowd to be so judgmental to someone who could not speak for themselves. Rosalie nervously looked around, even Nellie was in shock "I-I'm sorry.."

"It was a simple mistake!" Nellie said "Just some misinformation."

The queen motioned her hand to the large group of party guests "Please do not panic, it was simply a slip of the tongue!" the crowd's murmurs slowed and the queen smiled "I guarantee as a head of this kingdom, justice will be served! Including Lockson, Ratigan or any traitor of the crown!"

Everyone cheered, their queen was right! No one could ever even think of taking over again! Rosalie's eyes saddened, as she slowly slipped from the crowd feeling overwhelmed. She walked to one of the empty sitting rooms, with a large balcony. The new roses sat out in stone intricate vases that sat on the stone. Rosalie leaned on the balcony and sighed, overwhelmed, her face turned into a solemn frown. Looking to the sky, her face welling up with slight tears "Please… help me forget him.." She placed her two gloved hands at her temples and held the side of her head. She thought about the many moments she wanted to forget forever, but couldn't. She thought of all the moments they shared and all the things they've told in confidence.

She shook her head "He wanted to talk to me…" She remembered the last moment they had together, right after she was shot.

"Stay with me.." she sadly sighed "What if that's the last time we've ever talked… why didn't I say yes?"

"When I let him walk away
What if I had spoken "stay"?
Why did I go on concealing
The confusion I was feeling

She stood on the edge of the beautiful balcony, still pacing the floor in her beautiful gown.

"Now I'll never get to say
All the things I should have said
Now there's no more love, just echoes of
A life we should have led.."

Her mind raced, she looked to the sky filled with beautiful and bright stars… still her heart continued to ache and yearn for answers.

"If I could take that moment back
If he were here beside me still
I'd let him see inside my heart
Now he never will.."

In Ratigan's study, he stood with Bill and Fidget, turning to them slowly "I think it's time to move.."

"What do you mean?"

His eyes, tired and sad, had no motivation for a sarcastic quip. "We need to relocate… disappear any evidence that we were ever here.. I want to uproot everything and leave."

"Move? Completely? But this is our home?" Bill asked, worriedly looking around.

He sighed "There is too many memories here.. many of them harsh and cruel on my heart." Turning "Tell the children and prepare everything.. by the end of the week I'd like to leave this place."

"But sir.." Bill started

Fidget gasped "The end of the week is in two days!-"

The boys hesitated until the boss turned his head "Please.."

Taken aback by the kind word, they left, Bill slowly closing the door. Ratigan took Rosalie's necklace out of his coat pocket, he held it tenderly in his hands.

"Maybe if I gave her time
Maybe if I didn't go.."

Maybe things somehow would change, but now
I guess we'll never know.."

Rosalie brought a hand to her heart "If I could take that moment back

Ratigan sat at his desk, hands in his face "If I could turn back time, I would!

Rosalie leaned against the doorway to the balcony, Ratigan leaning on his chair "If we could make a brand new start, How I wish we could."

Rosalie slowly approached the balcony "Wish I could take it back
But now it's gone for good.."

A voice behind her cleared their throat, Rosalie turned quickly "OH! Your highness!"

It was the queen, standing happily at the proscenium of the balcony. Rosalie blushed hard, hoping the queen didn't hear her crooning sentiment. She begun to bow and the queen laughed "No need to continue bowing.."

Rosalie stifled a laugh "Thank you.." A pause "Did you need something your majesty?"

The queen smiled kindly "We noticed you left the party.."

Rosalie faked a grin, thinking of an excuse "I just needed some air.."

The queen rose a brow, knowing that look on her face all too well. The royal nodded "I've known that look long before. And your cheeks are a peculiar shade on such a cool night."

Rosalie nervously laughed, it was an awkward pause "Well…" Rosalie started "I should be going back to the party…"

"Very well." The queen nodded. Rosalie begun her walk back, slowing her steps…. She hesitated… this was probably her only chance at some kind of answer "You're majesty..?"

"Yes?"

"I feel like I'm in a room shouting at the top of my lungs, but no one seems to hear it.." her ears drooped down "I'm so conflicted.." she rested her elbows on the balcony. The queen sat on the stone bench, facing the party "Look at them," the crowd dancing and laughing along with a beautiful glow of the house full of life. "..sitting and indulging.. not a worry in the world. Even myself as queen of these people, I still had some reservations. I have been through that long ago.. It was the month I was to become Queen." She paused, enticing Rosalie to sit with her.

The queen continued "As the future and youngest queen I was ordered to look and be my best at all times. I couldn't falter and show my emotions." Her face showed a kind grin "At that time, however, I was told I would be given protection.. knights."

Rosalie grinned "I'm guessing they were handsome?"

The queen softly chuckled "Very.." she smiled "But none like him. He stayed by my side through the day and night… although he was stoic and stiff at first, he softened and started to know who exactly he was watching this whole time.. Those days turned into moments of sharing parts of our souls.. the nights turned long and filled with yearning and love for the other."

Rosalie took a sigh "It sounds so wonderful.."

"It was.. innocent and new. But short-lived." Her eyes saddened "My coronation was inching closer and I knew about the law.. He was still a commoner and I, royalty.." a tear fell "As you can imagine I was hysterical." She laughed "I begged him to meet me late at night in the garden.. I offered to him the chance to leave with me.. to elope and run away.. never to be seen again. But he knew, the law had to be followed.. The next morning, I was told he left… I never knew where he went.. or if he's still thinking of me." She wiped her tear "Everything became so clear. I had made my choice without truly making my choice.. it was written for me."

Rosalie thought for a moment, she shook her head "But couldn't have you-"

"It was an impossible thought my dear, Even I, who conjured a plan to leave knew deep down that it wouldn't work.. it was not for me to decide."

Rosalie's eyes saddened "I'm so sorry your majesty. I never knew such pain like you had…" a tear fell from her eye. The queen lifted up the young girls chin "Don't cry for my shortcomings dear.. let's hope you never feel such pain as I did.. There is still time for you."

Rosalie quirked her brow in question, The queen elaborated "You need to make your own choice.. no matter how it may trouble others.. follow your heart." She gently caressed the girls chin "You remind me so much of me at your age. I hope you find what you're looking for."

Rosalie looked to the party "But how? How do I…"

"Be honest…" she rose from her seat and begun to walk back to the party before stopping "If you'd like any kind of help.. please come to Buckingham palace and alert the guards of your presence." Turning with a grin and a wink, she walked back.

Rosalie smiled at the queen and looked back to the sky "Maybe there is still a chance.."

The following day…

Nellie sat at her usual spot in the sitting room with the balcony, the sun peaking out of the large space of the balcony, sipping her tea. The twins sitting across from her, watching the balcony as well.

Nora came down the stairs, pulling the last of her curly brown hair in her bun "Morning everyone," a pause "Hello?" she looked around and saw the family in the sitting room, "Why are all of you in here?"

Turning her head, they noticed Rosalie sitting by the balcony alone gazing out in the city. Nora shook her head "Whats the problem? Is she ok?"

Nellie sipped from her tea and sighed "She's been out here all morning.. just sitting and staying quiet.. I have no idea what to do.." A pause, she carefully grabbed Nora's hand, looking in her eyes, both of them knowing what was to be said "But I know what to do."

Nora gasped a little, then realized their silent agreement. Nora nodded "I'll go talk to her then.."

Walking to the balcony, Nora sighed and sat at the bench as Rosalie was standing at the edge, leaning on the balcony's wall. "Did you sleep well?.." Rosalie leaned with her elbows on the sill "Not really… Ive.. kind of been a little restless these past few days.."

"Oh?"

"I don't know how to put it into words exactly.." she began. Nellie stood by the door and took a sigh "I think we can already elaborate for you." Rosalie and Nora turned and Rosalie began to well up with some tears "I-I'm so sorry, I don't-"

"If anyone should be sorry." Nellie began "It was me for being so selfish.. And not asking what you want." Nellie touched the girls hands, holding them in hers "I know exactly what you want.. it's up to you if you want to follow it."

Nora lifted the girls chin "We're here by your side if you'd like."

Rosalie looked to them, they're approval and love is all they need. She at last felt that the stars were aligned perfectly for this one moment. Rosalie nodded and hugged them both, all three ladies crying in each others arms.

Letting go, Rosalie wiped her tears "Are you sure?"

Nellie touched her face "Well, what do you want?"

Rosalie nodded, thinking of the queens words "Right.." she shook her head feeling hopeless "But.. I don't even know where to start… he could be anywhere.." Nora patted her shoulder "I'm coming with you.. we're not setting much action by standing here." Rosalie started to perk up, running out of the balcony area, she quickly darted back and gave Nellie a hug, with tears slowly starting to well up again.

Charlie handed Rosalie her dark cloak "Best of luck Miss Rosalie!"

With a smile she opened the door and-

"Dr. Dawson?!"

True, Dr, Dawson stood with a reluctant Basil being gripped hard by the ear. The detective cringed and winced under the doctors hold "DAWSON, RELEASE ME AT ONCE!"

Dawson grunted "Not until you tell this poor girl what you've done!"

Rosalie, confused watched the exchange "What-"

Basil finally released himself and crossed his arms. Dawson nervously grinned at the girl "Hello my dear, we are here to see you! Mr. Basil would love to speak to you about something!" he nudged the man, who grunted. Dawson slapped him hard on the arm, to which the man child grimaced "OW! Dawson Old boy!"

"Don't you old boy me! Tell her the truth!"

Basil took a long sigh and gazed to the ground "I may have disclosed some information from you.. about the professor.."

Rosalie raised a brow, curious of what had transpired during her slumber. The detective rolled his eyes "I stupidly told him that you may be content without him.. he actually refused to leave your side, the entire time he stayed, yearning to see you wake up… I convinced him to leave you alone and safe.. so you can be…" Rosalie's eyes saddened, as the detective felt guilt in his gut "Miserable for the rest of your life.. So I'm here to perhaps make things right."

A pause, Rosalie suddenly reached him, pulling him into a hug. Basil softened and returned the favor, feeling some solace. Dawson crossed his arms "See? Was that Hard?"

Basil sighed "I suppose not."

Rosalie smiled hopefully "Well I'm on my way to find him.. And I need help."

Basil rubbed his chin "There is a way.. I might know where the bloke is.."

Ratigan looked around at the full empty lair, no more memories of Rosalie, of the children, of anything he left behind..

Bill watched his boss solumly watch the lair, their whole lives are uprooted because of a broken heart. He folded his hands "Sir?" Bill began "Felicia is nowhere to be seen.."

"She's probably napping somewhere.. I've already given her directions about the trains departure.. she knows where to go.. At two we leave on the last train.."

"Are we sure we want to do this?"

"It's the only way now… I no longer wish to be here. Too many memories."

"Of course sir.." Bill nodded "I understand."

Alex, behind one of the barrels, looked to Victoria "We can't leave yet.." Victoria raised a brow "I don't know... what if she-"

"We need to try.. one last time.. I have a feeling in my gut, she's coming back." he slipped his Uncle's pocket watch out of his pocket, the gold watch gleaming in the little bit of light they had "I have a plan."