The next day began early for both Frank and Andrea.  After breakfast with the Queen, they went back to their quarters to prepare for Frank's grand appearance at the stadium.

Frank groaned when his hand slipped yet again as he attempted to apply his eye makeup.  "It has become painfully obvious I'm completely out of practice.  Just finishing the makeup will take me hours at this rate."

Andrea sighed in sympathy.  "Do you want me to do it for you?"

Frank choked back an obscenity as he dropped the eyeliner onto the floor.  "No, I have to get used to doing this again.  As my mother has already informed me, it is what the people expect of me when I make public appearances."

"Don't worry, we have plenty of time.  I'll finish getting dressed in the next room.  Maybe it will be easier for you if you're alone."

"Perhaps, but it's an absolute certainty it will be easier for you if I'm alone.  Trust me."

She laughed.  "Just holler if you need me."

He smiled back at her.  "My love, I always need you."

An hour later, she went back into the bedroom to check on his progress.  When she saw him, she gasped in amazement.  Of course she'd seen him in full regalia many times in photographs and on video broadcasts, but the effect of seeing him thus attired in the flesh was completely overwhelming.

He looked absolutely gorgeous.  He may have struggled with the application of his makeup, but the end result was flawless.  His large hazel eyes were accented with purple eyeliner, and eye shadow in various shades of purple and lavender.  His sensuous lips were painted a glossy, deep shade of plum, blush in a similar shade of plum lightly highlighted his cheekbones, and shiny, well-groomed ebony curls framed his face.

In place of his casual Earth attire was a deep purple, sequined corset, black panties, and black fishnet stockings.  Accenting the outfit were gold lamé opera-length gloves, a sparkling diamond choker, a purple satin cape lined in gold lamé, and black rhinestone-studded platform shoes. 

He caught sight of her in the mirror, and smiled at the stunned expression on her face.  "Well?  What do you think?"

At last, she found her voice.  "I think you look completely amazing."

He grinned.  "Thank you.  I should mention you look quite amazing yourself."

It was true.  Andrea was clad in beautiful silver robes, gathered at her waist.  Her auburn hair was styled in an elaborate upsweep, and her makeup was as skillfully applied and flattering as Frank's.  She looked like a sexy, exotic Transylvanian goddess.

She smiled back at him.  "Thanks."  She walked over to the bed and sat down.  "Are you nervous?"

"No, not really.  Why should I be nervous?  The crowd will love me no matter what I do.  I won't have to be articulate, or amusing, or even remotely interesting.  My mere presence will be sufficient for them.  I was more nervous facing my classes for the first time.  The students expected a lot more of me."  He took off the cape, tossed it onto a nearby chair, and sat down next to her.  "How are you feeling?  Are you ready for what's about to happen?"

She thought a moment before answering.  "I can only hope so.  As I sit here with you now, I feel confident.  How I'll feel once our relationship is a matter of public record, I'm not sure."

He nodded.  "Fair enough."

Before he could comment further, Wadsworth, the head butler for the royal family, knocked discreetly at the door.  "Your Highness, it is time to depart."

Frank looked at Andrea.  "It's Showtime."