XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Chapter 14 – Arrival

Lance, Jack and Legate popped inside of Tony's New York Penthouse. Samuel and Tony Tyler sat on the sofa with a game that had hovering players displayed on the television. Soli stood in front of them and Samuel was busy tying his tie.

"Lance! Look at my tie!" Soli exclaimed when he saw him.

Lance smiled. "You look great! Man, I need to get Jane. "

Samuel turned around and shook his head. He spotted Legate and stood up. "Legate! You came!"

Legate teased. "Boy, are you in trouble."

Samuel shrugged his shoulders. "Ah, learned from the best. Lance, Tony went to get Jane. He said he'll meet you at the party. But, he asked to have you take Soli."

Soli smiled. "And I have your tie in my pocket! Not to worry, Lance."

"Thank you, my Quauhtin brother! Alright. Come on then. I have to jump in my suit! We have to hurry!"

Soli ran up to Lance.

Lance shook Jack's hand quickly and thanked him before he popped away with Soli.

Jack nodded. "And I have to get dressed, too. Legate. Until later!"

Legate grinned, "Thank you, Jack."

Jack popped away.

Legate loosened the tie to his suit, walked over and leaned on the back of the sofa. "What are you watching?"

"Playoffs. I figure it would help pass the time." Sam told him as he sat back down on the sofa.

Tony Tyler sipped his tea. "It's good to see you, Legate."

"How are you, Tony?"

"I'm alright. How cross is John?"

Legate smiled. "I was told to tell you that he is 'conditionally cross.' As long as you can get yourselves and his TARDIS back in one piece, you are not in trouble."

"'Conditionally cross.' That is one of my Dad's phrases." Tony sighed. "Well, was."

Legate pat Tony's shoulder and handed Sam the file that the Doctor had sent. "Sam. John sent that for you to look over. He put some instructions in there for you."

Sam opened the file and nodded his head. "Cheers."

They were all quiet for a few moments. Legate looked around the penthouse and saw a large vase of fresh flowers sitting on the bar. He smiled. Tony always kept fresh flowers for Pepper in their penthouse. He remembered him telling him he started doing that after they had gotten married. Where they already married?

"Genie alright?" Legate asked.

Sam didn't take his eyes off of the file. "She just went upstairs to go to sleep." He laid his head on the back of the sofa and looked at Legate. "I'm sure she'd be happy to see you. Thanks for coming, Legate."

Legate grinned and pat Sam's shoulder. He walked over and took a red rose from the vase of flowers. As he walked behind the sofa, unseen by Sammy and Tony, he pointed at the television. "Plentitude wins it in the last."

"Does not." Sam insisted. "You're just trying to wind us up."

Tony laughed. "You can't have a 100 year losing streak if you win."

Legate took the steps, two at a time, until he reached the walkway. He followed it until he reached the door that Genie usually stayed in when she was with Pepper and Tony. Legate lightly tapped on the door.

Genie opened it and a smile spread across her face. "Are you really here?"

He presented the rose to her. "Well, I can't let you have all of the fun on your own."

She took his hand and he joined her inside of the room. She wore a long sleeved black shirt and a pair of white pajama bottoms. Her braid was already taken down and her long curls hung all around her beautiful face. She took her rose and closed the door.

"Where did you get these clothes?"

"Pepper."

He chuckled, "Already borrowing Pepper's clothes, huh?"

She giggled and pointed at the shirt. "And Uncle Tony's. And I've already told him that he's not getting this one back. It's so soft."

He felt of the sleeve and smiled.

She shook her head, "I can't believe you are here. And bringing me a rose?"

He smiled warmly, "I'll always bring you a flower."

She smelled it and smiled. "Thank you, Legate."

Legate took her hand in his own. "You're alright? A crash? "

"Oh. Sammy is with me. You know he can fix whatever."

Legate rose his eyebrows at her. "Genie?"

She looked at the hand he held. "I broke my wrist when we landed. Sam sorted it out."

Legate rose her wrist to his lips and kissed it. She smiled. "I'm so glad to see you! How are you here?"

"Well, Jack brought me back. Lance went to tell your Dad and Lewis where you lot are."

She closed her eyes and sighed. "Sam and Tony can be such, idiots."

"You're sure that you're alright?"

She grinned, "When have I ever been able to tell you something that isn't true?"

He smiled in relief. "Sorry. Just…."

She returned his smile. "Please, don't worry. I'm fine."

He nodded, "I told you I'd see you tonight. I just expected a different place."

"How cross are Daddy and Papa?"

He shook his head. "Really, not bad."

"Mum?"

"She's sleeping. John said he had pushed her into a sleep. Genie. John believes we can change what happened."

Genie laid the rose to her face. "Legate, I don't even want to think about it. Pepper and Tony went to that party, and all I can imagine is Grand and Grandfather there. Having such a great time. So, happy."

Legate kissed her hand before he let it go and took off his jacket. He tossed it on a chair. "I remember that night. Everyone was there. You danced with all of the guys-"

"I was a little girl!" She giggled, "You make me sound like-"

He caught her lips with his own and snogged her. She held him close to her and felt his hands on her bum.

She smiled at him. "I'm so glad you are here."

He returned her smile. "Do you have any idea, how much I love you? Any at all?"

She smiled, "I do."

He caught her lips again, picked her up and lay her down on the bed. He lay on top of her and continued to kiss her. She ran her fingers through his long hair and started to giggle. The rose lay forgotten, next to them, on the bed.

"What is it?" He asked her.

"Are you ever going to get your hair trimmed?"

"I can't surf without having long hair." He teased. "I've seen all of the photos."

"You are such a goof." She laughed, "I thought about trimming it while you sleep."

He bumped the end of her nose with his own. "Do it. I dare you."

She giggled.

He smiled as he looked into her eyes and caressed her cheek. "I sorted out my Ten. We can go to Lartius and make the promise to him. Then return and tell everyone."

Genie teased, "I'm not promising Lartius anything."

He groaned, "Come on. You know what I mean."

Genie looked up at him. "I can't believe you really want to do that."

"I've never wanted it so much. I wish you would say 'yes' already."

"I told Sam."

"You did?" He sat up and sighed. She sat up and rubbed his back. "I told him about me and you. Nothing about you wanting to leave the Quauhtin and remaining here."

"It's just….Genie. Lenox and I….we promised one another that we would be fair to our families if we ever made the promise. I've seen it with Poltious and Lewis. They continued to be Quauhtin, after they had made the promise and it took so much time away from their wives. Their children. I want to be there every minute I can be with you. One day, I'll re-enter it."

"After I'm gone."

He closed his eyes tightly, "Please don't. It's such a short time span for me. I want to be with you every day that I can. Every moment."

"You'll never age."

"Yes, I will."

"Not, like I will!"

"And we're not even completely sure about that!"

She sighed. "Dad can't tell either. Legate, there's no way to know how long I'll live."

"I don't care. I'll take every day I can. Genie, I love you so much. Please agree to this already. We've already lost so much time."

"You'll still love me even when I'm an old lady? And you're still off surfing?"

He smiled, "Who's not to say I'll have you surfing with me?"

She giggled and played with his loose tie. "Granny surfer."

"Beautiful surfer. Genie, you're 24. That's maybe….80 years, at the least. Please say yes."

She sighed, "I'm being practical. I don't believe you thinking."

"Rose did all of that….weird stuff to you, when you were so sick."

Genie rose her eyebrows and looked at him. "Weird, huh?"

"Sorry. But….maybe it expanded your life span. Has John said anything about that?"

Genie sighed. "He can't tell. There's no way for him to know."

He caressed her face. "I hope it did."

She smiled and kissed him again. Just as he started to really get into it, she pulled away.

"What? What is it?" He asked.

She bit her lip. "I just….we've had to keep this secret. What if we get caught, here? Then Dad and Papa will always know."

He smiled. "What if we did?"

She sighed, "I really don't know how they would take that. Legate….you've always been there with me."

"I want to always be there with you." He caressed her cheek. "Genie, you are …stunning."

"Did you speak to Lenox?"

"Yes. He can't hear Poltious anymore either. And it's odd hearing him, in my head. He's here now. He hasn't left yet."

"Legate. He's so far away."

Legate looked at his hand that rubbed her thigh. "Poltious has never been this far from us. Isn't that ridiculous? I'm nearly 300 years old and I just miss his voice."

"I suppose after what happened to Grand and Grandfather, we all just want to hear a friendly voice."

His eyes met hers. "Which is why I came. I needed to hear your voice. Hold you in my arms."

She leaned over and met his lips with her own. He smiled through their kiss.

"So, tell me yes."

"I want you to really think this over."

"I have thought ….us….. through. I really have. I could never lie to you."

"But, you'll lose your rank."

Legate shook his head. "Ah. Only for a while. I can regain it. It's not a big deal. You, are the big deal. You are the one I can't live without. Lance showed up tonight and told us you were here. My heart sank not knowing when I might be able to see you again. If you were really alright."

"I'm with Sammy and Arles. They wouldn't let anything happen to me."

Legate pointed at himself. "It's my responsibility to keep you safe. Has been for nearly 20 years."

She brushed her fingertips across his face. He kissed her hand and looked longingly at her.

He whispered, "You are the most magnificent woman I've ever known. Thou art to me a delicious torment."

"Quoting Literature?" She teased.

"I sat in on that Lit class last week when they were studying poetry. Headmistress."

She sighed, "Oh, my students. What will-"

He shook his head. "John told me to tell you that he will keep an eye on everything for you. Genie. We'll be back there soon."

"I really wish it was now. Legate, I really just don't feel safe here."

"I'm here, and I won't let anything harm you. You'll probably have to convince the TARDIS to even let us repair her. We'll get back home, Genie."

She nodded and lay back on the bed. She spotted the rose and smiled. "Thank you for my rose, Legate."

He picked it up and smelled of it. "I love these. They are my favorite ones here."

She giggled, "Maybe I should start bringing you flowers."

"You don't have to do that. Just being with you is the best thing I could ask for. You, are my flower."

"Instead of saying, 'yes'…."

He rose his eyebrows at her.

"…..I'm going to say that I'll consider it."

He smiled as he looked into her eyes. "I'll accept that."

She giggled, "You with that long hair."

"You love my long hair."

"I love you. But, the hair."

He chuckled. "I'll consider a trim."

She grabbed his tie and pulled him down to her.

"And my plans for tonight, haven't really changed."

She giggled at him. "Now, mine haven't either."

His lips met hers as they began to snog again.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Doctor groaned as he tied his tie. "And I'm finally ready."

Rose laughed. "Thank God! Let's go!"

He walked into the bedroom and saw her standing there. She was wearing a blue evening gown. The handbeaded bodice flowed into a gorgeous, floor-sweeping skirt. He stopped in his tracks and managed, "Wow."

She smiled, "That never gets old. You look very handsome."

He looked her up and down. "And you….."

She rose her eyebrows, "Yes?"

"Wow." He smiled. "That's all I have."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

"Where is Samuel?" He asked.

"Adriano popped in and took him."

He smiled. "Fantastic! I can see if there are knickers under this dress then!"

She pointed at him. "No! Party first. And then…."

He sighed. "Party later. Fine. Damn it."

She laughed. "I'm going to remind you about all of this complaining in about ten minutes."

He typed something in on his wrist. "Where is this party, anyway? White House?"

She hugged his arm and kissed his cheek. "Harriet's."

He looked surprised, "The Presidential Palace? I thought this was Howie's thing?"

"We need to show up in the blue room. Do you remember that one?"

He nodded as he typed something on his arm. "Okay. Got the numbers from Lance. Hmm…. I wonder if Jane came?"

Rose rolled her eyes. "Stop stalling! Damn!"

He groaned and popped them away.

XXXXXXXXxxxxxxXXXXXXXX

There was a media circus outside of the Presidential palace. Tony sat in a limo with Jane, Exton and Arcite.

Jane smiled as she looked out of the window. "Thank you for coming to get me, Tony. This is madness."

"I need you to do me a favor. And I realize this is last minute, but you can say no."

She smiled, "What is it?"

"Let me walk you in. I'll make it very clear that we're not together. But, I need to get some reporters off my case about Pepper."

"I've always thought you two would be a smart match."

"I agree with you." Tony insisted.

She smiled at him.

"Is that alright?" He asked.

She smiled, "Of course."

The car stopped and Exton opened the door. He climbed out and Arcite stepped out behind him. Tony stepped out to a tremendous applause. Lights and cameras snapped and clicked all around. He turned around and offered his hand to Jane. She took his hand and stepped out of the car. He smiled and escorted her, along the red carpet, to the door of the Presidential Palace. The entire scene was so overwhelming to Jane that she didn't even notice it was cold. The crowd cheered and took their picture.

She mumbled, "So this is what this feels like."

Tony smiled at her and offered her his arm. "Sucks, huh?"

She allowed him to escort her. "It really does. I didn't think it would."

He laughed. "Just smile. You'll be in every newspaper in the world within minutes."

A reporter approached them. A television camera was on her right side, and a photographer was to her left. Tony adjusted his sunglasses. "Make it quick. It's cold."

The reporter smiled. "Yes, Mr. Stark. Who is this lovely lady you are with?"

Tony looked at Jane. "This is a friend of mine's date. He is running late, so I escorted her to the party. We're not together. But, isn't she some beautiful arm candy?"

Jane smiled and whispered into Tony's ear. "You're pushing it."

He laughed. "One more question. The lady is cold."

The reporter asked, "Howard Shepherd has announced he will run for office again. Who will you be voting for?"

Tony sighed and wrapped his arm around Jane's shoulder. "Take notes, I want this known. I would have never got out of the desert without President Howard Shepherd cutting through the bureaucratic bullshit, and allowing Colonial James Rhodes to come back and find me. Let that sink that in. A weapons developer, in the hands of madmen. A president, who honestly gives a shit about someone enough to make that call. You're damn right he has my vote. For president, or booze maker. Anything I can ever do for Howard Shepherd, he only has to ask."

The reporter was left speechless. Jane was surprised, too. Tony and her started to walk towards the doors of the palace. A guard opened them for the pair.

As soon as they were in the palace, Lance stood smiling at them, wearing a nice suit. He held Soler's hand and as soon as Soli saw Tony, he let go of Lance's hand and ran to him. Tony picked up the boy and held him. "And my favorite guy!"

Soli laughed, "I gave him the tie, Tony."

Tony smiled. "Great job. And I see you kept him safe. Well done."

Lance took Jane's hand and kissed it. He looked back at Tony. "And what have you said now that Pepper is going to be pissed about?"

Tony smiled proudly. "Livid, is probably closer to it. Is she here?"

Lance chuckled. "She's in the main room."

Soli smiled, "I can take you to her, Tony."

Tony sat Soli down and held his hand as they walked down the long hallway towards the double doors.

Lance looked back at Jane and smiled. "It's so wonderful to see you. You look….amazing."

She smiled. "I had no idea what to think when Tony showed up at my flat."

He chuckled, "I didn't send him. I'm sorry about that. Was he a pain?"

"He was….surprising." She giggled.

Lance smiled. "That's Tony. Yes. I'm so sorry I was late. I had….to go….talk to someone."

She looked at his hands and smiled, "Lance. You don't have to explain. I know you are a busy guy, who handles such important things. It is alright."

He nodded, "And I feel that I need to apologize….for earlier. I swear. I wanted to tell you from the beginning. I just….didn't know how."

She smiled and nodded her head. "I've had the afternoon to think it over."

"And?"

She smiled, "You're still the same man."

He exhaled in relief and smiled. "I am."

"Looking back at everything now, I should have figured it out. I was…just….preoccupied with…."

He rose his eyebrows, "With?"

She covered her mouth and blushed. "Just you. The way….you…and me."

"Oh!" He rubbed his face.

"Lance? Are you blushing?" She teased.

He nodded, "Oh, I'm sure." He laughed and became lost, looking at her. "You look amazing. Have I told you that?"

She smiled, "I don't remember."

He was lost looking at her. Her lips appeared to glow. He couldn't guess why. Her eyes and hair were just perfect. "So. We're….alright?"

"I want to ask you one thing."

"Anything."

"Could we not let this change anything between us?"

He smiled in relief. "I love that plan."

She kissed his lips. She could taste some sort of lemon flavor in his mouth as she also felt his fingertips on her chin, gently holding up her head.

He whispered, "Jane."

She smiled at him, "Yes?"

"I'm so happy you are here with me. Thank you."

He kissed her on the end of her nose and wrapped his arm around her back. They walked down the hallway, to the double doors. "Okay. I need to explain before we go into this room. This is a closed party. So, only people that Rose and John want to be here, will be in this room."

She turned around and bit her lip. "Why are you telling me this?"

"There's no press. But, there are a lot of people. Important people, that want to meet you. I'll introduce you to everyone. But, you might see….some strange stuff. Just, don't be frightened. I'll be with you the entire time, and no one is dangerous. Nothing will hurt you. Alright?"

She smiled, "You'll be my bodyguard then?"

He smiled, "Always."

Jane laughed as she hugged Lance's arm. They walked down the hallway and a soldier opened a large, double door for them. They arrived into a large, grand ballroom. Large, stone pillars supported the ceiling and several round tables sat around the room. She saw people everywhere. There were men in suits, standing around and laughing with beautiful ladies dressed like royalty. Music played loudly, and she recognized the song playing as "Fever" by the Black Keys. She thought she saw Genie dancing with several little girls, and her grandmother, Jackie Tyler. The lights there danced to the music.

The atmosphere was exciting and playful. Pete Tyler stood just inside, speaking to Tony Stark. Both of the men held a drink in their hands.

Lance shook Pete's hand. "Hey, Pete!"

Pete smiled. "Lance! How are you? Where did you go?"

Lance waved his hand. "Ah… don't worry about it. It's been sorted."

"Sorted, is what I like to hear." He kissed Jane's hand. "It's lovely to see you, Jane."

Jane smiled. "And you, Pete."

Lance pointed at Tony. "Where's Pepper?"

Tony shook his head. "Ladies room, I-"

Pepper walked up behind him and put her hand on his back. He jumped at her touch. "I can go to the restroom, Tony."

His sudden jump had caused him to spill some of his drink. "Ah. I don't need to drink this anyway." He pointed at Jane. "Pepper, this is Lance's date."

Pepper smiled and offered her hand, "Jane. I've heard so much about you."

Pepper wore a beautiful, red dress without a back. It scooped low to her waist. Her ginger hair was down and she looked lovelier than Jane could have ever imagined. She had only seen her in magazines and on the telly.

Jane returned the smile and shook Pepper's hand. "That's ….amazing to meet you. Your dress is beautiful."

Pepper looked back at Tony, "Tony picked it out for me. Can you believe that?"

Tony put his glass on a waiter's tray as he passed by and rubbed his hands together. "I can pick out a dress. I have excellent taste."

Pete Tyler laughed. "I didn't realize you picked out dresses, Stark."

Pepper smiled. "You should see the one he got himself on Plentitude."

Tony insisted. "I thought that was a shirt."

Lance laughed. "I did the same thing. I have a blue one."

Tony pointed at Lance. "See. He is buying dresses for himself, too. It's not just me. I wonder what it makes his ass look like?"

Lance nodded his head. "Excellent. Without question."

Pete Tyler shook his head and laughed. "Wow."

Pepper rolled her eyes. She looked back at Jane. "Oh my God. These guys."

Jane held onto Lance's hand and laughed with them.

Tony looked around the room. "There's no…..blood sucking, press in here."

"It's a closed party. So, you can relax." Pete told him.

Tony grit his teeth and clapped his hands in excitement. "Hell yeah! Remind me to thank Rose later!"

Pepper smiled at Jane and whispered, "Hates the press."

Lance nodded, "He was talking to them just outside."

Pepper's mouth dropped open. "Oh, God. What have you-"

"Oh! There's Shenny!" Tony put his sunglasses on and looked around the room. "Come on Pepper. Let's dance."

Pepper groaned, "Damn it, Tony." He grabbed her hand and they walked away. She quickly looked back at them. "We'll see you later."

They laughed at her reaction as he danced animatedly away.

Lance shook his head. "Mad man."

Pete laughed, "Just wait until Doc' gets here. Oh, Jack said he might need a hand with something later. Is he here yet?"

Lance laughed, "Oh geez. Yeah. I know what that's about. I'll help. I need to get John back for my damn promotion."

Pete laughed loudly. "Jane. That's a hell of a story. I'll have to tell you that one sometime."

Jane smiled and looked around the room. The lights were rather dim, but she could make out several familiar faces. Including one lady that was walking towards them. She smiled, and put her hand on Pete's back. "Howie is mucking around with the music. I imagine we'll have to suffer through that damn drinking song shortly."

Pete laughed. "Oh geez. Harriet. Meet Jane. He's with Lance."

The woman held her hand out to Jane and smiled warmly. "Harriet Jones. President of the People's Republic of Great Britain."

"Yes. I know who you are." Jane smiled.

"It's good to see you, Harriet."

"Lance. I would ask you to go sort out, Howie. But. It would seem you are busy."

He grinned, "I've already asked Arcite to distract him. It's alright."

Harriet sighed in relief. "Thank you, Lance. Jane, you are very welcome. I'll see you a bit later."

Harriet walked away.

Lance smiled, "I'm going to introduce Jane to some people. Excuse me, Pete."

Pete nodded his head.

As they walked between the tables, Jane looked around and noticed there were people that looked rather odd there. A large man, that would have made five of Lance, easily….spoke to another black man who would have made three of Lance. They laughed and spoke in some odd language.

Jane asked, "How did you tell Arcite to distract Howard Shepherd?"

Lance smiled, "All Quauthin within a unit, are telepathically joined together. So, we are able to speak to one another."

"So, you're telepathic?"

"Only to other Quauthin in my unit. I can't read your mind."

She giggled, "Well, I always say what's on my mind. You're not missing anything."

He laughed as he led her over to a table. She recognized Lewis immediately. Several other men were sitting with him.

Lance walked over to the table and smiled, "Gentlemen. I have brought, Jane, for you to meet."

They all stood up and smiled welcomingly to her. Just as she was about to tell Lewis hello, Lewis came up behind them using a pair of crutches. "Hey! It's Jane!"

Another man, who looked like Lance, was with him.

Jane looked shocked and pointed at the other man who had just stood up at the table. "I thought that was Lewis."

The man she pointed at laughed, "I'm Licis. People confuse me and Lewis for one other all of the time."

Lewis shook his head and sat down carefully with his damaged leg. "I have no idea why. I'm clearly better looking."

Lance smiled and pointed at the man who stood next to him, "And our other brother, Luce."

Jane shook her head a bit. "I've not even drank anything yet, and I'm already seeing double."

Licis smiled and handed her a glass of wine. She thanked him.

Luce smiled and said something to Lance. Lance looked back at Jane, "He said, that it's nice to meet you. He also claims he's the better looking one of me and him." He turned back to Luce, "Now, you know how to say that."

Luce rolled his eyes. "It is nice to meet you, Jane."

Jane grinned. "It's so nice to meet you."

Lance wrapped his arm around her waist. "And you know Legate."

She nodded. "Yes. Is he here?"

Lewis pointed at the dance floor, "He's out there dancing like mad with everyone. His leg is going to tell him about it later."

Lance chuckled, "And from my mad story…." He pointed, "This is Poltious, father to Legate."

Poltious stood up and bowed to her.

Jane's eyes became large. "Wow."

Another man stood up next to Poltious and bowed. Lance introduced him, "Legate's brother, and Poltious' other son, Lenox."

Lenox smiled, "It is wonderful to meet you. My wife and children are on the dance floor with my brother. I'll introduce you later."

Jane couldn't believe she was meeting all of the people from Lance's mad story. "It's so amazing to meet all of you. Wow. I'm sorry, I'm just a bit….speechless."

Lance looked around. "Where is Arles?"

Lewis pointed. "There."

A man walked up to Lance and pat his shoulder. "And here he is!"

Lance let go of Jane and embraced the man. "I can't believe you came!" Jane noticed that the man didn't wear a suit, but held a commanding presence.

He let go of Lance and bounced on his feet. "I wouldn't miss it! Poltious came to get me just this morning. Martiea is speaking with Queen Ashena." He spotted Jane. "And is this the famous Jane?"

Lance smiled and took Jane's hand. "And this is Lartius. Hmm… the King, of where we're all from."

Jane's eyes became huge. She covered her mouth and gasped.

Lartius bowed to her. "I have that affect on women."

She lowered her hand and rolled her eyes. "I'm so sorry. Lance told Arles a story, that I'm realizing was all, completely true now. I'm….just…..in a bit of shock."

Lartius smiled. "This is normal. Please sit down with us, and I'll tell you some things about this Lance. Please allow me to embarrass him, proper."

Lance groaned, "Oh, brilliant."

They all sat down, Lance holding out the chair for her.

Meanwhile, Tony and Pepper had walked over to the Queen Ashena. Ashena wore a beautiful golden gown and her hair was wrapped in a white cloth. She smiled. "So, this is your princess. I thought it had to be her."

"Yes. This is her."

Pepper smiled. "I'm not really a Princess."

Tony groaned. "That's what she says."

Ashena smiled. "Tony is a Quauthin now, but also under the protection of Quauhtin. Therefore, he can deem you such if it is his wish."

Pepper looked back at Tony, who was looking smug. "You didn't tell me that."

Soli ran over to meet them. Tony held him and pat his chest as he stood in front of him. "Would you believe I forgot that?"

Pepper rolled her eyes. "We need to have a proper catch-up."

Tony laughed at her. "And this is Soler. Honorem Quauhtin Soler of Chaomlean, son of Mageer, and protector of the house of Stark."

Soli pointed out, "And Smith!"

Tony smiled, "And Smith. Yes. This is Queen Ashena of the Andromedaens."

Soler's eyes became huge. "Are you really?"

She knelt down and smiled at him. "Soler. It is such an honor to meet you."

He bowed his head and looked star struck.

Ashena stood up and smiled at the little boy.

Tony laughed, "Now, Shenny. You've put him in a state of shock."

Pepper rolled her eyes and took Soli's hand. "Come with me, Soli. We'll get something to drink." They walked away together.

Howard Shepherd walked over and shook Tony's hand. "I'm ready to get this shindig started. Where is the Sawbones?"

Tony looked around. "I don't know. I say we start without him. Everyone thinks it's your party anyway."

Howie clapped his hands together. "Hell. Every party I go to is mine!" He laughed and walked away.

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxx