TITLE: DAYS Fairy Tale: Eric & Greta: Chapters 116-120
WRITTEN BY: Heather Ferguson (fergus80)
EMAIL: hferguso@niu.edu
WEBSITE: http://eric_greta.tripod.com (from when Jensen was on days)
Rating: If you can watch DAYS, you can read this. If there is a rating change, a link to the chap. will be provided.
Disclaimer: Days of Our Lives and all of their characters are property of Corday Productions and NBC.
My Rant: Okay, I'm finally putting this up on FanFiction.net. Mostly to free up my website space. This was started way back in Oct. of 1999, and I haven't decided if it's finished yet or not. Reviews are always welcome!
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Chapter 116
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Greta couldn't believe what she heard, "Excuse me?"
Mickey started to explain, "In Prince Von Amburg's will, there are a lot of provisions, especially about a successor. Now it's known, that you are not biologically his daughter, but you are his legal daughter. So, the title falls to you."
"I'm sure there must be someone else, someone with an actual blood relation, someone more deserving than me." Eric also was in shock, *Princess?* He always joked about it with her, called her it sometimes, but never did he think it was actually possible, until now.
"The government has poured through it's historical documents, and family trees. There is only one other person besides you that could even possibly be given the title."
"Who?" Eric asked, trying to get in on the conversation.
"He is a distant cousin, blood related, but out of an affair."
"Well so am I." Greta said matter of faculty.
"True my dear," Lily interjected, "But, legally he does not have the name, and he was never acknowledged as a Von Amburg."
"So? He's got blood in him, I don't."
Lily smiled, and looked up a Mickey, "See why she won't have a problem with the tests?" Mickey nodded. "She's just so good hearted."
"Tests? What tests?" Eric asked, not likely the sound of it.
Lily sighed, "You see he was chosen first, with the blood relation, but there are a series of tests, and he failed, miserably. He does not have what it takes, he is not noble in the mind and heart. And if you pass, which I am sure you will, then you will be a princess."
"What tests?" Eric asked again, more demanding.
Mickey decided to answer, "Nothing that bad, mostly background checks, looking into your past, people you associate with, your present, your character. That type of thing. This other guy, Edward Haustenhour, he has a questionable past, criminal even. He's basically not the type of person the government want's to give the Von Amburg money, crown, title, and power too."
"But I don't want it." Greta said matter of factly.
Lily sighed, "But why dear?"
Greta sighed, "You saw my mother. Being a princess didn't make her happy, I don't want anything like that, besides, I am happy, right here in Salem, with my family, friends, husband, job, everything. Do they expect me to denounce my now American citizenship, and move there? I don't think so."
"Greta, you don't have too. None of that is required, they just need to give the title, the money, and everything to someone, and make sure it doesn't fall to someone it shouldn't." Mickey explained, "I looked at everything, it's all fine, the only thing you have to do, is these very easy tests, and the coronation."
"And my dear, there is a lot of good in it. The coronation is a big event, a huge benefit, for your father's, I mean, Prince Von Amburg's orphanage. With out him, it has been suffering, with you crowned, it can get the help it needs."
"I didn't know he had an orphanage..." Greta said as the four of them continued to talk. A half an hour later, and Eric calling the lab, canceling the rest of the shoots for the day, they were still talking about it. Even Eric was now trying to convince Greta that it seemed like a good idea.
"Okay, okay! Geez, I guess I'll do it." She finally said, "I'll have to take some time off work I guess." She said and looked over at Eric.
"And so will you young man," Lily said smiling at him.
"Oh, of course, I will be right there beside her for the whole thing."
Lily smiled, looking up at Mickey and than back to him, "Oh not just for that, for yours as well."
Eric gasped, "Excuse me?"
"You two are married, you will also be crowned." Eric's eyes widened, and he started to object, and Greta laughed.
"Oh, it's okay for me, but you don't want it." She said smiling at him.
"How can I be a Prince?" He asked in disbelief.
"Think about it," Mickey said. "Princess Diana, Princess Fergie, etc. etc. They married into the title, and so will you. This time you just got married before the title was given."
"Salem's Royal couple." Eric shook his head, "You know everyone's going to call us that." Greta started giggling, she couldn't help it. She could hear all their family and friends now, they were going to have so many jokes about it. Eric sighed, "Okay, I guess it is for a good cause. So, I guess I'll be a Prince." The four of them laughed, and then turned as there was a knock at the door.
"Come in." Greta said, as Lucas walked into the door, and then looked around.
"Oh kay, this explains it. I went to the lab, and no one was there, found everything was canceled, so I decided to go to the person, who knows almost always where I can find our famous photographer." Eric smiled at Lucas. A year or so ago he would have thought Lucas was being a jerk, and coming in here to cause trouble. But know the two of them, were almost even friends, and Lucas was actually being genuine. Sami and him had been getting along, mostly for Will, swapping him every other week, without any problems. It seems now that Kate was out of the picture, out of town, Lucas was living on his own, and away from anybody trying to 'help' him, his life was finally getting better.
"Well you found me, and it's good you are here, because we kinda need to ask for some time off."
Lucas looked at the two of them, "Okay, can I ask why?" And with a motion for him to sit down they explained everything to him. Once they were done, Lucas almost wanted to laugh, and actually he did. "A royal couple working for Bella, don't think it can get much better." They rolled their eyes at him. "But I hate to tell you, I won't give you the time off."
"What?" The four said in unison, and in shock.
"Yep, you can't have the time off, because you will be working. Greta, will be doing an article, and Eric you will be taking pictures. Along with the other reporter and photographer I send with you to get info on the coronation." He said as he smiled. "Don't expect me to give up this huge opportunity for the magazine." He turned to Greta. "The other reporter will be under your control, you will have a full in-depth article, your whole experience and everything that happened." He turned to Eric, "You will have the behind the scenes photo's of everything that has happened, and get to be interviewed by your lovely wife about your experience. The other photographer will be under your control as well. We can also do a lovely part about all the fashions worn at the coronation, of course I do expect an invitation." He said with a smile as he stood up.
Greta smiled, and hugged him. "Thank you!" Eric shook his hand.
Lucas smiled, "Now, I want you to do your jobs, but the others there will get what you can't, I know you will have a lot to do and think about besides work. So don't worry, I'll make sure to get good people. Now, let me go tell Victor all about it, he'll love it." Lucas said moving to the door, "Oh, and by the way, congratulations Princess," he said to Greta with a slight bow, and the looked at Eric and shook his head, "Oh and Prince, of what I'm not sure yet." He said his grin wider and then he was out the door.
"Okay, you two, I'll get the trip all set, and start the paper work. Now you get packed! You'll be leaving for France tomorrow." Mickey said looking at the Eric & Greta.
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Chapter 117
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Later the next day their plane landed in Paris, and they were whisked off in a Limo on their way to the Von Amburg castle. Greta laid her head on Eric's shoulder, as Gretchen, the woman who met them at the airport continued to tell them more and more information about the orphanage. "What?" Greta said picking her head back up, not believing what she had just heard. "Over two hundred children?"
"Right now yes, but while the Prince was alive, they were able to care for more, and hopefully after we crown someone else and have the benefit at the coronation, we will be able to help more." She continued with the information a little longer, and then the three fell into some silence.
"Gretchen," Eric said braking the long pause in conversation, "Can you tell us anything about these tests that we have heard of?"
She smiled at him, "Of course. Actually Mr. Brady, a lot of the testing has already taken place without you. Once Mr. Haustenhour was declined the title, we immediately started doing research on you Mrs. Brady."
Greta smiled, "Please call me Greta."
Eric nodded, the formality was bugging him as well, "And call me Eric."
Gretchen smiled at the two of them, "Okay for now, but after the tests, I cannot be so informal."
Eric and Greta looked at each other, almost sighing. But Gretchen continued to talk. "The council that is doing these so-called tests, started to do background checks on you. And as far as I know, those checked out just fine. They have also looked into who you associate with, etc."
"I don't mean to be rude, but who gave them the right to invade our privacy like that?" Greta said, a little unnerved and feeling a little exposed.
"I know it seems very invasive, but it really can't be helped. The only people that will even know the results is the council themselves, so it's not like it will get out to the general public."
Eric shook his head, "But still, they are examining our private lives."
"I understand your irritation, and all I can say is I'm sorry. But there is nothing that can be done about it, we have to be careful." They nodded, and she continued. "The tests to come, are basically just some questions, and just witnessing your reactions to things you will be doing while you are here. It shouldn't take more than a day for both of you to answer the questions." They nodded their understanding, and then began to ask her other questions about the things they would be doing, and the benefit at the coronation. After awhile they arrived at the castle, and led to their room.
Eric smiled as their bags were placed in the room and everyone left them to get settled in. Gretchen was the last one out, reminding them about the formal dinner they would be having in three hours, and that their clothes for it, were already and hanging up in the closet. And with that she was gone, leaving them alone.
Greta looked around the huge bedroom, she knew it wasn't the main bedroom, because it lacked the huge portrait of her mother and the prince above the bed. *We'll probably be moving there after the tests are all over.* She thought as she sat down on the bed, and then laid back with a large sigh.
Eric came over and plopped down beside her, "What have we gotten ourselves into?"
She rolled over onto her side to look at him, and then laid her head on his chest looking up into his eyes. "We'll get through it."
He smiled, and his hand came up to run through her hair. "So what are we going to do for three hours?" He asked her, a smile forming on his lips.
"Oh no, don't even think of it. I want to check this room out first, make sure there's no camera's or anything recording us. And two, we need to unpack, and if it's as formal as a dinner as I think it is, it's going to take me awhile to get ready." She patted him on the chest, leaned up and kissed him softly. "Sorry." Then she winked at him, "But after all that, and dinner, then who knows, you may get lucky." She laughed and stood up quickly moving over to the closet.
He stood and moved to her, wrapping his arms around her, "Can I hold you to that?" He asked, as his lips descended onto hers. She nodded yes, and he kissed her again. They then separated and she opened the closet door, "Yep, what I thought." She said taking out the dress and showing him.
Eric smiled, and then reached past her for his suit, *Actually a tux.* "When they say formal dinner, they really mean formal. What do you wear to a casual dinner?" He said laying the tux out on the bed.
Greta laughed, "Probably a three piece suit." She said hanging the dress on the door. "Now help me look around and see if they are watching us."
Eric grinned wide, and they started on opposite sides of the room, looking in, around, and under everything. "So why are you so worried they are watching us, worrying about doing something not so princess like later?" He said looking up at her.
"Well, if you don't keep looking, then you will never know." She said with a wicked smile, and turned back to looking.
"Sorry ma'am, I'll redouble my efforts." He said. Soon they were done, and had found nothing, "Well I guess we are alone."
"I'm going to ask Gretchen before dinner, just to be sure, well as sure as possible." She said and moved to start unpacking her stuff. Eric followed suit, and once done they started to get ready for dinner.
With fifteen minutes to go before it was time to leave, Eric was waiting, sitting on the bed, his tux coat laying next to him. "Greta? Just about ready?" He said getting up and walking to the bathroom door, knocking slightly. The door opened, and he smiled, there she was, all ready. "Beautiful." He said simply, taking her hand and kissing it. She smiled, and leaned in and place a soft kiss on his lips, and then her hand came up to wipe the lipstick off his mouth. He smiled at her, she looked almost like she did at the ball the first time they were in Paris together, *Was that actually two years ago?* He asked himself, almost in disbelief.
Greta looked up at him, her hand going to the side of his face, "Hey, where did you just go?" She asked softly to him.
His hand came up to lay over hers, "To our first trip to Paris." She smiled, "And how wonderful my life has been since." Her smile grew wider, and he enveloped her in his arms for a hug, but a knock at the door interrupted them. "Come in." He said pulling away.
Gretchen walked into the room, "Ready for dinner?" She asked, they nodded and followed her out of the room.
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Chapter 118
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Dinner went without a hitch, many people were there, all introducing themselves to the 'royal couple,' and asking tons of questions as well. The two knew that they were under scrutiny, and that this was all part of the 'test'. But they didn't care, they were just going to be themselves, well, themselves in a formal setting that is. It was a long night, a long five course dinner, and then drinks afterwards.
Eric had his arm around Greta's waist as they walled up the last few stairs to their room. Greta carried her shoes in her one hand, and held onto him with the other, leaning her head against him. She smiled, and laughed slightly, they made it to the landing, and turned for their room. "They find tons of information out on both of us, but when they go to get shoes for this dress, they don't get the right size. I guess they don't do their homework that well." She said with a laugh. He grinned, and then opened the door to their room. They both walked in, and Eric shut it, and locked it behind them. Greta dropped her shoes on the floor and walked over to the bed and sat down, and picked up her foot and started to rub it. "Oweee" She said.
Eric shook his head, took off his suit coat, then his shirt, leaving his undershirt and pants on, he then kicked off his shoes as well. Feeling much more comfortable he moved to sit beside her on the bed. "How bad is it?" He asked concerned.
She looked up at him, and smiled, "Oh it's not that bad, just cramped, and sore. Should be fine my morning." She leaned up and kissed him softly, he just looked too cute being all concerned.
He grabbed her one hand, "Stand up." She looked at him, like he was crazy. "Just for a minute, you need to get out of the dress, and get ready for bed." She stood up, and started to move for the dresser where they unpacked. His hand stayed on her wrist, she turned back to him with a questioning look, and his smile grew wider. "Now, didn't Gretchen tell you, there was no one spying on us in here." She smiled and nodded. "Well then let me help you with this dress." She walked back over to stand in front of him, with her back to him. His hands moved up, and to the zipper, and slowly brought it down her back, then helping her slip out of it. Leaving her in her strapless bra, underwear and nylons. He turned her to face him, and she leaned down and kissed him, as he pulled her to stand between his legs. His hands moved, and grabbed hold of the the nylons, and soon, with her help they were off of her as well. Eric then grabbed her by the waist and pulled her onto the bed over him. Kissing her, he rolled her to his side, and then sat up. Greta laid with her head back on the pillow, and then she looked at him like he was insane, when his hands moved to her foot.
"What are you doing?" She asked, and then let out a soft moan, *Oh that's nice.* She thought as his fingers started to work on the muscles in her foot.
"Can't let a princess have sore feet, now can we?" She glared at him, and then closed her eyes again when he hit another good spot. He just smiled at her, and continued, having fun watching her.
"Where did you learn to do this?" She said smiling at him, her one foot, already feeling much better, and she motioned with her other foot. He laughed slightly at her eagerness, and picked up that one.
"No where, actually, I've never rubbed anyone else's feet before." He said thinking about it for a minute.
She smiled, and let him continue, soon she was feeling much better, "So, my sweet husband and soon to be prince." They both slightly laughed at the last word. "What can I do to repay you?"
Eric's grin widened, "Well if you are feeling better, you could at least tell me, or better yet show me, why you were so concerned about finding out if we were being spied on." He said moving up the bed over her, and finishing the sentence looking down into her eyes.
Greta's arms came up and around him, and pulled him down onto her, "I think showing you would be much more productive and interesting." Her smile turning into a seductive grin, she then moved quickly, and rolled him onto his back, moving over him, her hands moving to his white T-shirt pulling it out of his pants. He sat up slightly, helping her take it off him, and flinging it across the room. Her hands shoving him back onto the bed, and leaning back over him, her mouth claiming his, his arms moving around her, crushing her to him.........
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For NC-17 Part Go Here: http://eric_greta.tirpod.com/chap118NC17.htm
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Ragged breathing, and rapid heartbeats started to slow, and he moved his face from the crook of her neck to look at her, kissing her softly. "Love you," he said tenderly, producing a soft smile on her face.
"Love you too." She said just as out of breath, he then rolled to his side taking her with him, pulling her head to his chest.
A minute or so later, he heard a slight giggle, "What?" he asked her, his fingers lightly trailing over her back.
"Here we are, being so sweet and tender..."
"Yeah, so?" he asked her, tilting her head up to look at him.
"Well, what we just did, wasn't so sweet and tender," she said with a large satisfied smile, "Definitely wouldn't be considered making love."
He smiled, "Yes it would."
"How?" She asked leaning up on her elbow to look at him.
"Just because it wasn't sweet and tender, and it was extremely passionate, and ... lustful." He said with a sexy grin, making her smile. "It was still in love, and..." He said pausing, "Afterwards, is always tender and sweet. Because I don't know about you, but after, I just want to hold you, and kiss you."
She smiled, and curled back up to him, "Yeah, I guess you are right. I feel the same way."
Both his arms came up to wrap around her, "But, if you really want to be all sweet and tender, give me, oh ten minutes."
She laughed, and playfully hit him on the chest. He grinned, and leaned down and kissed the top of her head, closing his eyes, getting ready to fall asleep, until her words filled his head once again, making the thought of sleep go away in an instant. "Okay, but it doesn't have to be all sweet and tender..." And it was a good thing that the room wasn't bugged, well, as far as they knew anyway.
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Chapter 119
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The next day was spent with questions, lots of questions. They talked to Greta first, for about four hours, and then they moved to questioning Eric. Two and half hours later, Eric walked out of the room, and found Greta waiting in the same place he had waited for her. "So how was the inquisition?" She asked him with a sigh. She knew what some of the questions were, they weren't that bad, some a little personal, but nothing horrible.
"I made it though," he said as he walked over to her, she stood and moved over to him, wrapping his arms around him and hugging him tightly.
Gretchen walked out of the room next, and moved over to the couple. "Well, that went really well, they are discussing everything now, and we should know soon. But I really don't think there is any worries at all. More than likely in three days you both will be crowned."
"Three days?" They said in unison, both shocked it would and could be done that soon.
"Yes, it's very important to get on with things, everything has been up in the air for much to long. The government wants to get everything settled right away."
"But, guests and stuff, how will they get here in time?" Greta said, knowing that three days was extremely short notice, and she did want her family there.
"All travel arrangements will be taken care off, do not worry Greta, everyone important to you, and the coronation will be here, unless for extraordinary circumstances."
"Well, now what?" Eric asked her, "What do we do while we wait?"
Gretchen smiled, "Well it's up to you, it's your free time. If you want to go anywhere, we have a car to take you there. If you want anything to eat, the cook can prepare it. Or if you want to explore the castle," she said looking through the folders in her hands, she soon produced a piece of paper. "Here's a map." They all three laughed slightly, "It's off the whole grounds, there are many gardens, and walkways, and if you don't know your way around, it would be easy to get lost."
Eric took the paper, "Thanks."
"If you need anything, all you have to do is ask." With that she turned back around, and went back into the other room.
"So what do you want to do?" he asked her.
Greta looked over his shoulder at the piece of paper, "Well we never got to see all of my mother's house, how about we try and take a look at say... oh, one or two percent of this one."
He laughed, and agreed. They found the library, music room, ballroom, one of the dining rooms, a study, and various other rooms, they weren't even sure what they were used for. They then made their way outside, and explored some of the gardens. The fountains, walkways, flowers, sculptures, were all extremely beautiful. "So let me get this straight," Eric said as they continued to walk and look at everything. "Is all this owned by the government or the Von Amburg estate?"
Greta smiled, "Do you really want to know?"
"Well, yeah."
"The estate."
Eric stopped in his tracks, making Greta turn back to look at him. "You mean..." He couldn't even say it, the realization of everything had really just hit him.
She smiled and moved back over to him, wrapping his arms around him. "Meaning, we are not going to be filling out a simple tax form next April." He laughed at her joke, and she continued. "Meaning, if we are both crowned, we will own all of this, the whole estate, everything."
He was still in shock, then he had another thought, "What are we going to do with it all?"
She laughed, "I have no idea. But I do know a few things."
"What's that?" He asked as they started to walk again.
"I'm still going to work, I'd go insane I think if I didn't have something to do."
"Yeah me too." He agreed, he couldn't believe the amount of money they were coming into, but he knew they both felt the same way about it, they didn't want it to change their lives. Heck, it wasn't like they were poor before, Titan paid really well, but this was going to be different, very different. They would actually have more money then John and Victor put together, heck maybe even Stephano. He shook his head in disbelief, and then he looked at Greta, as she moved over to one of the water fountains, and sat on the edge, letting her fingertips run in the water of the pool, and all other thoughts about the estate, and money just vanished. He didn't care, he never really did care about money, he had everything he wanted, she was there right before him.
When the sun was starting to go down, the two made their way back to the castle, and found dinner was already and waiting for them. But this time, it was in one of the the cozy dinning rooms, and just for the two of them. They enjoyed dinner together, in peace, alone. Afterwards they moved back up to their room, and called Salem, letting their family know everything was okay, and that they were probably going to be invited over soon. But the surprise was on them, when they were told that they had already been invited and were leaving in less than a day.
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Chapter 120
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The next couple days was a rush of stuff to do, people to meet, things to get ready for, names to remember, and family to greet. It seemed like all of Salem had shown up, and everyone was given rooms in the castle. Greta and Eric were moved into the main bedroom, it was slightly unnerving to Greta though to have a large painting of her mother and Prince Von Amburg above the bed. Enough so, that during the first night, Eric had actually gotten up, and threw the king size top sheet over the painting, making Greta laugh, but also feel much better. And it showed, as she basically pounced on him, after he laid back down.
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It was the morning of the coronation, and both of them were getting last minute fittings, making sure their attire was absolutely perfect. The red sashes sitting just in the right places across them both, the hems not too long, no threads lose. Greta was reading over the guest list, as they worked on her hem. She was wearing the actual shoes she would be wearing tonight, so they knew the exact height needed. And this time, the shoes were the right size, and actually quite comfortable. Eric was standing on the other side of the room, the seamstress working with the sash.
"What the.." Greta said as she got to one of the names, "What is he doing on the list?"
Gretchen came over, to look, and Eric asked, "Who?"
She looked over at him, "Stephano."
"What?!?" Eric asked in shock, "You have to be kidding."
Greta shook her head and looked at Gretchen, "Why? Why is he going to be there?"
"He's part of the European upper class, he had to be invited."
"But he's.... what he did to my mother... how? Why? Do I have a say in this?" She said looking at Gretchen then to Eric, who looked just as upset if not more so.
"Well of course you have a say in it, but I request that you allow him to be there, for the benefit, he usually does contribute nicely to causes."
"Stephano, contribute to a good cause? Only if it furthers something for him." Eric said in a huff.
Greta sighed, "Okay, but can there be someone to keep an eye on him?"
Gretchen smiled, "There is already going to be tons of security, only invited guests are allowed inside, and I assure you, everything will be fine." Greta nodded, but she still didn't like the idea, at all.
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Soon, the party was underway, the guests were arriving, the champaign and hordurves were being served, people were mingling, and starting to make contributions. Yet, the guests of honor were not there, at least not yet. It wasn't time yet for them to arrive, they of course had to make a grand entrance after everyone had shown up. Greta was going stir crazy, she had been fully dressed for over two hours, and they were just waiting. "You know, we are supposed to be royalty soon, right?"
Eric nodded, "Yes, so?"
"But no one listens to what we want, or does what we want, we just do what we are required to do. No wonder my mother was miserable."
He stood up and moved over to her, "Awh, the princess is all upset that her subjects won't do as she commands."
Greta looked up at him, her mouth open, and anger running through her eyes. "What did you say?"
He meant it as a joke, but he immediately saw she didn't take it that way, "I was kidding, honestly, I was just trying to get you to laugh."
"I'm not commanding anyone, I don't have subjects and neither do you! I just want to get in there, and see my family, is that to much to ask!"
Eric lightly took her shoulders in her arms, and pulled her into a hug. "I didn't mean that. I understand, I do, I want in there just as much, but this thing has been all planned out to the last detail, and unfortunately we happen to be one of those details, but after tonight, we don't have to do this anymore, at least not that often. Just remember all the good stuff, okay?" He felt her shoulders start to relax as she leaned against him.
She let out a deep breath, and spoke quietly, "Okay." She stood back, and fixed his red sash that had moved when he hugged her.
He smiled down at her, a matching sash across her dress as well, accenting the cream color dress she wore. "Have I told you how beautiful you look?"
She smiled, "Oh, about 100 times, but I don't mind hearing it." He leaned down and kissed her, but where interrupted when Gretchen walked in.
"Oh, sorry."
They broke apart, "It's okay." he said, as they looked over at her.
"Well, it's time to go greet your guests, and make your entrance. After the donations are all in, and counted, then the coronation will take place. Are you ready?" They nodded, and Greta took Eric's arm, they headed for the door, both with a deep breath. They heard the noise from the other side of the door quite down, and the music stop. Someone was speaking on the other side, and they knew they were being introduced. The sound of horns were followed by the doors being opened. At Gretchen's direction they stepped out, and walked into the huge ballroom. They walked in, stopped at the designated area, and bowed/ curtsied to the room, and then stood back straight, arm in arm. A large applause rang out through the room.
Greta then started to speak, reciting the speech she had been given, and had been practicing for the last three days about the orphanage, and the need for donations. On his cue's Eric put in his practiced lines as well, and soon they were finished, with that formality. "Now, on with the dancing." Greta added when they were finished. Eric smiled at her impromptu, and almost wanted to see if he could see Gretchen cringe at her words. The music started, and Eric led Greta onto the floor, for their first dance, a waltz, another planned event. Slowly other couples started in as well, and soon the floor was a buzz of dancers floating around the ballroom. After the first dance, they separated, and started to greet the guests on opposite sides of the room.
Eric found Sami and Brandon first, receiving a hug from his twin. "So, soon-to-be prince," she said teasing him.
"Don't start." He told her.
"Well, the two of you look fantastic, where is Greta by the way?"
"Oh, she'll make it around, you'll see here, we get to say high to everyone before we get to have fun."
Brandon smiled, "Lot more work than fun, huh?"
"Yeah, a lot. But it will be all over tonight, and soon we can get back home to Salem." They talked a little longer and then he was regretful, but he had to move on to other guests.
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Greta found John and Marlena after a few guests, and received a hug from each of them. "You look gorgeous," John told her with a large smile.
"Where's Eric? I thought you would be together all night." Marlena asked her.
"No, it's a little faster to greet everyone separately. But he'll be around, trust me."
"You don't look to happy princess." John told her, a slight worried look on his face.
"Oh, I'm fine, just, well..."
"Want to be yourself for awhile?" Marlena asked. Greta nodded, and they talked a little longer, and then she moved on to some of the other guests as well.
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Eric restrained himself from sighing, he was getting tired of his. His face was starting to hurt from all the forced smiles, and he was sick of talking to tons of people he had no idea who they were. He turned to the next person, a man, in his mid-fourties, and extended his hand. "Eric Brady, so glad you could attend, Mr..."
"Edward Haustenhour," the man said, taking his hand and shaking it.
Eric's head swam trying to figure out how he knew that name, and then he remembered, the guy they had originally tested for the title. *What is he doing here?* He asked, *They probably had to invite him like they did Stephano.* He thought. "Nice to meet you." He told him, not letting him know that he knew anything.
Haustenhour smiled at him, "Same here, Congratulations."
"Thank you," Eric responded, and then moved on when the next person started to barge in to shake his hand.
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Greta turned to the next guests, and almost gasped. She regained her composure quickly, and smiled at Lexi, and then looked to Stephano. Greta gave Lexi a hug and told her she was glad that she could make it, and Lexi commented on how beautiful her dress was. Greta then turned to him, "Stephano, I wish I could say I was glad you were here. But, I won't lie."
Stephano smiled down at her, "Greta, my dear. You may not like me, but I have known you for most of your life, and I would not miss this."
Greta didn't want to listen to it, and turned to Lexi, to tell her thank you for coming, and started to move away, when a hand on her shoulder stopped her. Greta looked up to the owner, and shrugged it off her. "What?"
Stephano, reached for her arm again, "Greta, I..." He looked around the room, an uneasy look on his face. "Be careful." He told her.
She looked at him strangely, "Are you threatening me?" She asked in shock looking to Lexi and then back to Stephano.
"No, not at all." The look in his eyes, actually seemed like he was being truthful. "I just have a bad feeling, something isn't right."
"Excuse me?" She said, and looked to Lexi.
Lexi sighed, "He's been telling me the same thing for the last half hour."
Greta looked back at Stephano, "What are you talking about?"
He looked preoccupied, "I know you don't trust me Greta, just keep your eyes open." Was all he said, and then put his arm out for Lexi and pulled her away to the other side of the room. Lexi and Greta exchanged looks. Greta shook her head, *That was odd.* She thought, *He's just trying to upset me.* She told herself, and shook it off, and turned to greet the next guest.
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To Be Continued
WRITTEN BY: Heather Ferguson (fergus80)
EMAIL: hferguso@niu.edu
WEBSITE: http://eric_greta.tripod.com (from when Jensen was on days)
Rating: If you can watch DAYS, you can read this. If there is a rating change, a link to the chap. will be provided.
Disclaimer: Days of Our Lives and all of their characters are property of Corday Productions and NBC.
My Rant: Okay, I'm finally putting this up on FanFiction.net. Mostly to free up my website space. This was started way back in Oct. of 1999, and I haven't decided if it's finished yet or not. Reviews are always welcome!
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Chapter 116
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Greta couldn't believe what she heard, "Excuse me?"
Mickey started to explain, "In Prince Von Amburg's will, there are a lot of provisions, especially about a successor. Now it's known, that you are not biologically his daughter, but you are his legal daughter. So, the title falls to you."
"I'm sure there must be someone else, someone with an actual blood relation, someone more deserving than me." Eric also was in shock, *Princess?* He always joked about it with her, called her it sometimes, but never did he think it was actually possible, until now.
"The government has poured through it's historical documents, and family trees. There is only one other person besides you that could even possibly be given the title."
"Who?" Eric asked, trying to get in on the conversation.
"He is a distant cousin, blood related, but out of an affair."
"Well so am I." Greta said matter of faculty.
"True my dear," Lily interjected, "But, legally he does not have the name, and he was never acknowledged as a Von Amburg."
"So? He's got blood in him, I don't."
Lily smiled, and looked up a Mickey, "See why she won't have a problem with the tests?" Mickey nodded. "She's just so good hearted."
"Tests? What tests?" Eric asked, not likely the sound of it.
Lily sighed, "You see he was chosen first, with the blood relation, but there are a series of tests, and he failed, miserably. He does not have what it takes, he is not noble in the mind and heart. And if you pass, which I am sure you will, then you will be a princess."
"What tests?" Eric asked again, more demanding.
Mickey decided to answer, "Nothing that bad, mostly background checks, looking into your past, people you associate with, your present, your character. That type of thing. This other guy, Edward Haustenhour, he has a questionable past, criminal even. He's basically not the type of person the government want's to give the Von Amburg money, crown, title, and power too."
"But I don't want it." Greta said matter of factly.
Lily sighed, "But why dear?"
Greta sighed, "You saw my mother. Being a princess didn't make her happy, I don't want anything like that, besides, I am happy, right here in Salem, with my family, friends, husband, job, everything. Do they expect me to denounce my now American citizenship, and move there? I don't think so."
"Greta, you don't have too. None of that is required, they just need to give the title, the money, and everything to someone, and make sure it doesn't fall to someone it shouldn't." Mickey explained, "I looked at everything, it's all fine, the only thing you have to do, is these very easy tests, and the coronation."
"And my dear, there is a lot of good in it. The coronation is a big event, a huge benefit, for your father's, I mean, Prince Von Amburg's orphanage. With out him, it has been suffering, with you crowned, it can get the help it needs."
"I didn't know he had an orphanage..." Greta said as the four of them continued to talk. A half an hour later, and Eric calling the lab, canceling the rest of the shoots for the day, they were still talking about it. Even Eric was now trying to convince Greta that it seemed like a good idea.
"Okay, okay! Geez, I guess I'll do it." She finally said, "I'll have to take some time off work I guess." She said and looked over at Eric.
"And so will you young man," Lily said smiling at him.
"Oh, of course, I will be right there beside her for the whole thing."
Lily smiled, looking up at Mickey and than back to him, "Oh not just for that, for yours as well."
Eric gasped, "Excuse me?"
"You two are married, you will also be crowned." Eric's eyes widened, and he started to object, and Greta laughed.
"Oh, it's okay for me, but you don't want it." She said smiling at him.
"How can I be a Prince?" He asked in disbelief.
"Think about it," Mickey said. "Princess Diana, Princess Fergie, etc. etc. They married into the title, and so will you. This time you just got married before the title was given."
"Salem's Royal couple." Eric shook his head, "You know everyone's going to call us that." Greta started giggling, she couldn't help it. She could hear all their family and friends now, they were going to have so many jokes about it. Eric sighed, "Okay, I guess it is for a good cause. So, I guess I'll be a Prince." The four of them laughed, and then turned as there was a knock at the door.
"Come in." Greta said, as Lucas walked into the door, and then looked around.
"Oh kay, this explains it. I went to the lab, and no one was there, found everything was canceled, so I decided to go to the person, who knows almost always where I can find our famous photographer." Eric smiled at Lucas. A year or so ago he would have thought Lucas was being a jerk, and coming in here to cause trouble. But know the two of them, were almost even friends, and Lucas was actually being genuine. Sami and him had been getting along, mostly for Will, swapping him every other week, without any problems. It seems now that Kate was out of the picture, out of town, Lucas was living on his own, and away from anybody trying to 'help' him, his life was finally getting better.
"Well you found me, and it's good you are here, because we kinda need to ask for some time off."
Lucas looked at the two of them, "Okay, can I ask why?" And with a motion for him to sit down they explained everything to him. Once they were done, Lucas almost wanted to laugh, and actually he did. "A royal couple working for Bella, don't think it can get much better." They rolled their eyes at him. "But I hate to tell you, I won't give you the time off."
"What?" The four said in unison, and in shock.
"Yep, you can't have the time off, because you will be working. Greta, will be doing an article, and Eric you will be taking pictures. Along with the other reporter and photographer I send with you to get info on the coronation." He said as he smiled. "Don't expect me to give up this huge opportunity for the magazine." He turned to Greta. "The other reporter will be under your control, you will have a full in-depth article, your whole experience and everything that happened." He turned to Eric, "You will have the behind the scenes photo's of everything that has happened, and get to be interviewed by your lovely wife about your experience. The other photographer will be under your control as well. We can also do a lovely part about all the fashions worn at the coronation, of course I do expect an invitation." He said with a smile as he stood up.
Greta smiled, and hugged him. "Thank you!" Eric shook his hand.
Lucas smiled, "Now, I want you to do your jobs, but the others there will get what you can't, I know you will have a lot to do and think about besides work. So don't worry, I'll make sure to get good people. Now, let me go tell Victor all about it, he'll love it." Lucas said moving to the door, "Oh, and by the way, congratulations Princess," he said to Greta with a slight bow, and the looked at Eric and shook his head, "Oh and Prince, of what I'm not sure yet." He said his grin wider and then he was out the door.
"Okay, you two, I'll get the trip all set, and start the paper work. Now you get packed! You'll be leaving for France tomorrow." Mickey said looking at the Eric & Greta.
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Chapter 117
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Later the next day their plane landed in Paris, and they were whisked off in a Limo on their way to the Von Amburg castle. Greta laid her head on Eric's shoulder, as Gretchen, the woman who met them at the airport continued to tell them more and more information about the orphanage. "What?" Greta said picking her head back up, not believing what she had just heard. "Over two hundred children?"
"Right now yes, but while the Prince was alive, they were able to care for more, and hopefully after we crown someone else and have the benefit at the coronation, we will be able to help more." She continued with the information a little longer, and then the three fell into some silence.
"Gretchen," Eric said braking the long pause in conversation, "Can you tell us anything about these tests that we have heard of?"
She smiled at him, "Of course. Actually Mr. Brady, a lot of the testing has already taken place without you. Once Mr. Haustenhour was declined the title, we immediately started doing research on you Mrs. Brady."
Greta smiled, "Please call me Greta."
Eric nodded, the formality was bugging him as well, "And call me Eric."
Gretchen smiled at the two of them, "Okay for now, but after the tests, I cannot be so informal."
Eric and Greta looked at each other, almost sighing. But Gretchen continued to talk. "The council that is doing these so-called tests, started to do background checks on you. And as far as I know, those checked out just fine. They have also looked into who you associate with, etc."
"I don't mean to be rude, but who gave them the right to invade our privacy like that?" Greta said, a little unnerved and feeling a little exposed.
"I know it seems very invasive, but it really can't be helped. The only people that will even know the results is the council themselves, so it's not like it will get out to the general public."
Eric shook his head, "But still, they are examining our private lives."
"I understand your irritation, and all I can say is I'm sorry. But there is nothing that can be done about it, we have to be careful." They nodded, and she continued. "The tests to come, are basically just some questions, and just witnessing your reactions to things you will be doing while you are here. It shouldn't take more than a day for both of you to answer the questions." They nodded their understanding, and then began to ask her other questions about the things they would be doing, and the benefit at the coronation. After awhile they arrived at the castle, and led to their room.
Eric smiled as their bags were placed in the room and everyone left them to get settled in. Gretchen was the last one out, reminding them about the formal dinner they would be having in three hours, and that their clothes for it, were already and hanging up in the closet. And with that she was gone, leaving them alone.
Greta looked around the huge bedroom, she knew it wasn't the main bedroom, because it lacked the huge portrait of her mother and the prince above the bed. *We'll probably be moving there after the tests are all over.* She thought as she sat down on the bed, and then laid back with a large sigh.
Eric came over and plopped down beside her, "What have we gotten ourselves into?"
She rolled over onto her side to look at him, and then laid her head on his chest looking up into his eyes. "We'll get through it."
He smiled, and his hand came up to run through her hair. "So what are we going to do for three hours?" He asked her, a smile forming on his lips.
"Oh no, don't even think of it. I want to check this room out first, make sure there's no camera's or anything recording us. And two, we need to unpack, and if it's as formal as a dinner as I think it is, it's going to take me awhile to get ready." She patted him on the chest, leaned up and kissed him softly. "Sorry." Then she winked at him, "But after all that, and dinner, then who knows, you may get lucky." She laughed and stood up quickly moving over to the closet.
He stood and moved to her, wrapping his arms around her, "Can I hold you to that?" He asked, as his lips descended onto hers. She nodded yes, and he kissed her again. They then separated and she opened the closet door, "Yep, what I thought." She said taking out the dress and showing him.
Eric smiled, and then reached past her for his suit, *Actually a tux.* "When they say formal dinner, they really mean formal. What do you wear to a casual dinner?" He said laying the tux out on the bed.
Greta laughed, "Probably a three piece suit." She said hanging the dress on the door. "Now help me look around and see if they are watching us."
Eric grinned wide, and they started on opposite sides of the room, looking in, around, and under everything. "So why are you so worried they are watching us, worrying about doing something not so princess like later?" He said looking up at her.
"Well, if you don't keep looking, then you will never know." She said with a wicked smile, and turned back to looking.
"Sorry ma'am, I'll redouble my efforts." He said. Soon they were done, and had found nothing, "Well I guess we are alone."
"I'm going to ask Gretchen before dinner, just to be sure, well as sure as possible." She said and moved to start unpacking her stuff. Eric followed suit, and once done they started to get ready for dinner.
With fifteen minutes to go before it was time to leave, Eric was waiting, sitting on the bed, his tux coat laying next to him. "Greta? Just about ready?" He said getting up and walking to the bathroom door, knocking slightly. The door opened, and he smiled, there she was, all ready. "Beautiful." He said simply, taking her hand and kissing it. She smiled, and leaned in and place a soft kiss on his lips, and then her hand came up to wipe the lipstick off his mouth. He smiled at her, she looked almost like she did at the ball the first time they were in Paris together, *Was that actually two years ago?* He asked himself, almost in disbelief.
Greta looked up at him, her hand going to the side of his face, "Hey, where did you just go?" She asked softly to him.
His hand came up to lay over hers, "To our first trip to Paris." She smiled, "And how wonderful my life has been since." Her smile grew wider, and he enveloped her in his arms for a hug, but a knock at the door interrupted them. "Come in." He said pulling away.
Gretchen walked into the room, "Ready for dinner?" She asked, they nodded and followed her out of the room.
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Chapter 118
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Dinner went without a hitch, many people were there, all introducing themselves to the 'royal couple,' and asking tons of questions as well. The two knew that they were under scrutiny, and that this was all part of the 'test'. But they didn't care, they were just going to be themselves, well, themselves in a formal setting that is. It was a long night, a long five course dinner, and then drinks afterwards.
Eric had his arm around Greta's waist as they walled up the last few stairs to their room. Greta carried her shoes in her one hand, and held onto him with the other, leaning her head against him. She smiled, and laughed slightly, they made it to the landing, and turned for their room. "They find tons of information out on both of us, but when they go to get shoes for this dress, they don't get the right size. I guess they don't do their homework that well." She said with a laugh. He grinned, and then opened the door to their room. They both walked in, and Eric shut it, and locked it behind them. Greta dropped her shoes on the floor and walked over to the bed and sat down, and picked up her foot and started to rub it. "Oweee" She said.
Eric shook his head, took off his suit coat, then his shirt, leaving his undershirt and pants on, he then kicked off his shoes as well. Feeling much more comfortable he moved to sit beside her on the bed. "How bad is it?" He asked concerned.
She looked up at him, and smiled, "Oh it's not that bad, just cramped, and sore. Should be fine my morning." She leaned up and kissed him softly, he just looked too cute being all concerned.
He grabbed her one hand, "Stand up." She looked at him, like he was crazy. "Just for a minute, you need to get out of the dress, and get ready for bed." She stood up, and started to move for the dresser where they unpacked. His hand stayed on her wrist, she turned back to him with a questioning look, and his smile grew wider. "Now, didn't Gretchen tell you, there was no one spying on us in here." She smiled and nodded. "Well then let me help you with this dress." She walked back over to stand in front of him, with her back to him. His hands moved up, and to the zipper, and slowly brought it down her back, then helping her slip out of it. Leaving her in her strapless bra, underwear and nylons. He turned her to face him, and she leaned down and kissed him, as he pulled her to stand between his legs. His hands moved, and grabbed hold of the the nylons, and soon, with her help they were off of her as well. Eric then grabbed her by the waist and pulled her onto the bed over him. Kissing her, he rolled her to his side, and then sat up. Greta laid with her head back on the pillow, and then she looked at him like he was insane, when his hands moved to her foot.
"What are you doing?" She asked, and then let out a soft moan, *Oh that's nice.* She thought as his fingers started to work on the muscles in her foot.
"Can't let a princess have sore feet, now can we?" She glared at him, and then closed her eyes again when he hit another good spot. He just smiled at her, and continued, having fun watching her.
"Where did you learn to do this?" She said smiling at him, her one foot, already feeling much better, and she motioned with her other foot. He laughed slightly at her eagerness, and picked up that one.
"No where, actually, I've never rubbed anyone else's feet before." He said thinking about it for a minute.
She smiled, and let him continue, soon she was feeling much better, "So, my sweet husband and soon to be prince." They both slightly laughed at the last word. "What can I do to repay you?"
Eric's grin widened, "Well if you are feeling better, you could at least tell me, or better yet show me, why you were so concerned about finding out if we were being spied on." He said moving up the bed over her, and finishing the sentence looking down into her eyes.
Greta's arms came up and around him, and pulled him down onto her, "I think showing you would be much more productive and interesting." Her smile turning into a seductive grin, she then moved quickly, and rolled him onto his back, moving over him, her hands moving to his white T-shirt pulling it out of his pants. He sat up slightly, helping her take it off him, and flinging it across the room. Her hands shoving him back onto the bed, and leaning back over him, her mouth claiming his, his arms moving around her, crushing her to him.........
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For NC-17 Part Go Here: http://eric_greta.tirpod.com/chap118NC17.htm
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Ragged breathing, and rapid heartbeats started to slow, and he moved his face from the crook of her neck to look at her, kissing her softly. "Love you," he said tenderly, producing a soft smile on her face.
"Love you too." She said just as out of breath, he then rolled to his side taking her with him, pulling her head to his chest.
A minute or so later, he heard a slight giggle, "What?" he asked her, his fingers lightly trailing over her back.
"Here we are, being so sweet and tender..."
"Yeah, so?" he asked her, tilting her head up to look at him.
"Well, what we just did, wasn't so sweet and tender," she said with a large satisfied smile, "Definitely wouldn't be considered making love."
He smiled, "Yes it would."
"How?" She asked leaning up on her elbow to look at him.
"Just because it wasn't sweet and tender, and it was extremely passionate, and ... lustful." He said with a sexy grin, making her smile. "It was still in love, and..." He said pausing, "Afterwards, is always tender and sweet. Because I don't know about you, but after, I just want to hold you, and kiss you."
She smiled, and curled back up to him, "Yeah, I guess you are right. I feel the same way."
Both his arms came up to wrap around her, "But, if you really want to be all sweet and tender, give me, oh ten minutes."
She laughed, and playfully hit him on the chest. He grinned, and leaned down and kissed the top of her head, closing his eyes, getting ready to fall asleep, until her words filled his head once again, making the thought of sleep go away in an instant. "Okay, but it doesn't have to be all sweet and tender..." And it was a good thing that the room wasn't bugged, well, as far as they knew anyway.
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Chapter 119
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The next day was spent with questions, lots of questions. They talked to Greta first, for about four hours, and then they moved to questioning Eric. Two and half hours later, Eric walked out of the room, and found Greta waiting in the same place he had waited for her. "So how was the inquisition?" She asked him with a sigh. She knew what some of the questions were, they weren't that bad, some a little personal, but nothing horrible.
"I made it though," he said as he walked over to her, she stood and moved over to him, wrapping his arms around him and hugging him tightly.
Gretchen walked out of the room next, and moved over to the couple. "Well, that went really well, they are discussing everything now, and we should know soon. But I really don't think there is any worries at all. More than likely in three days you both will be crowned."
"Three days?" They said in unison, both shocked it would and could be done that soon.
"Yes, it's very important to get on with things, everything has been up in the air for much to long. The government wants to get everything settled right away."
"But, guests and stuff, how will they get here in time?" Greta said, knowing that three days was extremely short notice, and she did want her family there.
"All travel arrangements will be taken care off, do not worry Greta, everyone important to you, and the coronation will be here, unless for extraordinary circumstances."
"Well, now what?" Eric asked her, "What do we do while we wait?"
Gretchen smiled, "Well it's up to you, it's your free time. If you want to go anywhere, we have a car to take you there. If you want anything to eat, the cook can prepare it. Or if you want to explore the castle," she said looking through the folders in her hands, she soon produced a piece of paper. "Here's a map." They all three laughed slightly, "It's off the whole grounds, there are many gardens, and walkways, and if you don't know your way around, it would be easy to get lost."
Eric took the paper, "Thanks."
"If you need anything, all you have to do is ask." With that she turned back around, and went back into the other room.
"So what do you want to do?" he asked her.
Greta looked over his shoulder at the piece of paper, "Well we never got to see all of my mother's house, how about we try and take a look at say... oh, one or two percent of this one."
He laughed, and agreed. They found the library, music room, ballroom, one of the dining rooms, a study, and various other rooms, they weren't even sure what they were used for. They then made their way outside, and explored some of the gardens. The fountains, walkways, flowers, sculptures, were all extremely beautiful. "So let me get this straight," Eric said as they continued to walk and look at everything. "Is all this owned by the government or the Von Amburg estate?"
Greta smiled, "Do you really want to know?"
"Well, yeah."
"The estate."
Eric stopped in his tracks, making Greta turn back to look at him. "You mean..." He couldn't even say it, the realization of everything had really just hit him.
She smiled and moved back over to him, wrapping his arms around him. "Meaning, we are not going to be filling out a simple tax form next April." He laughed at her joke, and she continued. "Meaning, if we are both crowned, we will own all of this, the whole estate, everything."
He was still in shock, then he had another thought, "What are we going to do with it all?"
She laughed, "I have no idea. But I do know a few things."
"What's that?" He asked as they started to walk again.
"I'm still going to work, I'd go insane I think if I didn't have something to do."
"Yeah me too." He agreed, he couldn't believe the amount of money they were coming into, but he knew they both felt the same way about it, they didn't want it to change their lives. Heck, it wasn't like they were poor before, Titan paid really well, but this was going to be different, very different. They would actually have more money then John and Victor put together, heck maybe even Stephano. He shook his head in disbelief, and then he looked at Greta, as she moved over to one of the water fountains, and sat on the edge, letting her fingertips run in the water of the pool, and all other thoughts about the estate, and money just vanished. He didn't care, he never really did care about money, he had everything he wanted, she was there right before him.
When the sun was starting to go down, the two made their way back to the castle, and found dinner was already and waiting for them. But this time, it was in one of the the cozy dinning rooms, and just for the two of them. They enjoyed dinner together, in peace, alone. Afterwards they moved back up to their room, and called Salem, letting their family know everything was okay, and that they were probably going to be invited over soon. But the surprise was on them, when they were told that they had already been invited and were leaving in less than a day.
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Chapter 120
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The next couple days was a rush of stuff to do, people to meet, things to get ready for, names to remember, and family to greet. It seemed like all of Salem had shown up, and everyone was given rooms in the castle. Greta and Eric were moved into the main bedroom, it was slightly unnerving to Greta though to have a large painting of her mother and Prince Von Amburg above the bed. Enough so, that during the first night, Eric had actually gotten up, and threw the king size top sheet over the painting, making Greta laugh, but also feel much better. And it showed, as she basically pounced on him, after he laid back down.
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It was the morning of the coronation, and both of them were getting last minute fittings, making sure their attire was absolutely perfect. The red sashes sitting just in the right places across them both, the hems not too long, no threads lose. Greta was reading over the guest list, as they worked on her hem. She was wearing the actual shoes she would be wearing tonight, so they knew the exact height needed. And this time, the shoes were the right size, and actually quite comfortable. Eric was standing on the other side of the room, the seamstress working with the sash.
"What the.." Greta said as she got to one of the names, "What is he doing on the list?"
Gretchen came over, to look, and Eric asked, "Who?"
She looked over at him, "Stephano."
"What?!?" Eric asked in shock, "You have to be kidding."
Greta shook her head and looked at Gretchen, "Why? Why is he going to be there?"
"He's part of the European upper class, he had to be invited."
"But he's.... what he did to my mother... how? Why? Do I have a say in this?" She said looking at Gretchen then to Eric, who looked just as upset if not more so.
"Well of course you have a say in it, but I request that you allow him to be there, for the benefit, he usually does contribute nicely to causes."
"Stephano, contribute to a good cause? Only if it furthers something for him." Eric said in a huff.
Greta sighed, "Okay, but can there be someone to keep an eye on him?"
Gretchen smiled, "There is already going to be tons of security, only invited guests are allowed inside, and I assure you, everything will be fine." Greta nodded, but she still didn't like the idea, at all.
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Soon, the party was underway, the guests were arriving, the champaign and hordurves were being served, people were mingling, and starting to make contributions. Yet, the guests of honor were not there, at least not yet. It wasn't time yet for them to arrive, they of course had to make a grand entrance after everyone had shown up. Greta was going stir crazy, she had been fully dressed for over two hours, and they were just waiting. "You know, we are supposed to be royalty soon, right?"
Eric nodded, "Yes, so?"
"But no one listens to what we want, or does what we want, we just do what we are required to do. No wonder my mother was miserable."
He stood up and moved over to her, "Awh, the princess is all upset that her subjects won't do as she commands."
Greta looked up at him, her mouth open, and anger running through her eyes. "What did you say?"
He meant it as a joke, but he immediately saw she didn't take it that way, "I was kidding, honestly, I was just trying to get you to laugh."
"I'm not commanding anyone, I don't have subjects and neither do you! I just want to get in there, and see my family, is that to much to ask!"
Eric lightly took her shoulders in her arms, and pulled her into a hug. "I didn't mean that. I understand, I do, I want in there just as much, but this thing has been all planned out to the last detail, and unfortunately we happen to be one of those details, but after tonight, we don't have to do this anymore, at least not that often. Just remember all the good stuff, okay?" He felt her shoulders start to relax as she leaned against him.
She let out a deep breath, and spoke quietly, "Okay." She stood back, and fixed his red sash that had moved when he hugged her.
He smiled down at her, a matching sash across her dress as well, accenting the cream color dress she wore. "Have I told you how beautiful you look?"
She smiled, "Oh, about 100 times, but I don't mind hearing it." He leaned down and kissed her, but where interrupted when Gretchen walked in.
"Oh, sorry."
They broke apart, "It's okay." he said, as they looked over at her.
"Well, it's time to go greet your guests, and make your entrance. After the donations are all in, and counted, then the coronation will take place. Are you ready?" They nodded, and Greta took Eric's arm, they headed for the door, both with a deep breath. They heard the noise from the other side of the door quite down, and the music stop. Someone was speaking on the other side, and they knew they were being introduced. The sound of horns were followed by the doors being opened. At Gretchen's direction they stepped out, and walked into the huge ballroom. They walked in, stopped at the designated area, and bowed/ curtsied to the room, and then stood back straight, arm in arm. A large applause rang out through the room.
Greta then started to speak, reciting the speech she had been given, and had been practicing for the last three days about the orphanage, and the need for donations. On his cue's Eric put in his practiced lines as well, and soon they were finished, with that formality. "Now, on with the dancing." Greta added when they were finished. Eric smiled at her impromptu, and almost wanted to see if he could see Gretchen cringe at her words. The music started, and Eric led Greta onto the floor, for their first dance, a waltz, another planned event. Slowly other couples started in as well, and soon the floor was a buzz of dancers floating around the ballroom. After the first dance, they separated, and started to greet the guests on opposite sides of the room.
Eric found Sami and Brandon first, receiving a hug from his twin. "So, soon-to-be prince," she said teasing him.
"Don't start." He told her.
"Well, the two of you look fantastic, where is Greta by the way?"
"Oh, she'll make it around, you'll see here, we get to say high to everyone before we get to have fun."
Brandon smiled, "Lot more work than fun, huh?"
"Yeah, a lot. But it will be all over tonight, and soon we can get back home to Salem." They talked a little longer and then he was regretful, but he had to move on to other guests.
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Greta found John and Marlena after a few guests, and received a hug from each of them. "You look gorgeous," John told her with a large smile.
"Where's Eric? I thought you would be together all night." Marlena asked her.
"No, it's a little faster to greet everyone separately. But he'll be around, trust me."
"You don't look to happy princess." John told her, a slight worried look on his face.
"Oh, I'm fine, just, well..."
"Want to be yourself for awhile?" Marlena asked. Greta nodded, and they talked a little longer, and then she moved on to some of the other guests as well.
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Eric restrained himself from sighing, he was getting tired of his. His face was starting to hurt from all the forced smiles, and he was sick of talking to tons of people he had no idea who they were. He turned to the next person, a man, in his mid-fourties, and extended his hand. "Eric Brady, so glad you could attend, Mr..."
"Edward Haustenhour," the man said, taking his hand and shaking it.
Eric's head swam trying to figure out how he knew that name, and then he remembered, the guy they had originally tested for the title. *What is he doing here?* He asked, *They probably had to invite him like they did Stephano.* He thought. "Nice to meet you." He told him, not letting him know that he knew anything.
Haustenhour smiled at him, "Same here, Congratulations."
"Thank you," Eric responded, and then moved on when the next person started to barge in to shake his hand.
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Greta turned to the next guests, and almost gasped. She regained her composure quickly, and smiled at Lexi, and then looked to Stephano. Greta gave Lexi a hug and told her she was glad that she could make it, and Lexi commented on how beautiful her dress was. Greta then turned to him, "Stephano, I wish I could say I was glad you were here. But, I won't lie."
Stephano smiled down at her, "Greta, my dear. You may not like me, but I have known you for most of your life, and I would not miss this."
Greta didn't want to listen to it, and turned to Lexi, to tell her thank you for coming, and started to move away, when a hand on her shoulder stopped her. Greta looked up to the owner, and shrugged it off her. "What?"
Stephano, reached for her arm again, "Greta, I..." He looked around the room, an uneasy look on his face. "Be careful." He told her.
She looked at him strangely, "Are you threatening me?" She asked in shock looking to Lexi and then back to Stephano.
"No, not at all." The look in his eyes, actually seemed like he was being truthful. "I just have a bad feeling, something isn't right."
"Excuse me?" She said, and looked to Lexi.
Lexi sighed, "He's been telling me the same thing for the last half hour."
Greta looked back at Stephano, "What are you talking about?"
He looked preoccupied, "I know you don't trust me Greta, just keep your eyes open." Was all he said, and then put his arm out for Lexi and pulled her away to the other side of the room. Lexi and Greta exchanged looks. Greta shook her head, *That was odd.* She thought, *He's just trying to upset me.* She told herself, and shook it off, and turned to greet the next guest.
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To Be Continued