Disclaimer: See chapter 1 as always

Author: J Bear

A/N: That last chapter was probably the best chapter I've written in a while… And as always, thanks for the reviews and suggestions. Who knows some may come true :)

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The Prince and the Colonel quickly fell into the love affair which they started two years ago. Harm would sneak out during the night to see her. Mac would take time out of her lunch to meet him secretly. The two were happier than they ever were in years. The only person who knew was Harm's closest confidant Jared Maynor. And he said he would keep the secret for them and the two went along with their business.

Soon after, Lorthien's beloved Prince had received an invitation to the NATO ball and he was expected to show. His father called and told him that the country had been accepted in NATO and he, was the one who is supposed to sign the treaty. Harm did hate large parties, regardless of who was there or what it was for. But it was his duty to so he went.

"Gilbert! Where have you seen my dress uniform?" He asked the servant.

"I have it sire." Gilbert replied handing him the freshly cleaned uniform. The uniform was white and it looked like an old naval uniform with a rope on the side, a sabre attached to the white belt on the side of his pants. A canary yellow with golden lining sash hung from his left shoulder to his waist. The gold buttons shone when the light hit the surface. To complete the ensemble, were the military hat and the white boots. He hated the uniform. It had a high collar and it was stiff. Putting on his gloves, he took a look in the mirror, then took a deep breath and sighed. Telling Jared that he was ready, he was placed into a limousine and taken to the ball.

"Presenting, Maxwell Harmon David Rabb II, Prince of Lorthien, Duke of Lionbridge." With that, the doors opened and in front of him was the red carpet and a set of stairs leading down to the ballroom. Taking a glance, there were a lot of military personnel. The president was there as well he could see at the back. And a woman on the balcony caught his eye. He smiled and walked down the stairs and walked on to the platform.

The woman was no longer on the balcony but in his audience, smiling at him. He gave her a knowing look, gave his speech and signed the treaty.

He did small talk with most people in the room and finally, walked up to a group of three people. The male was in the Navy for he had the dress uniform, the other he suspected was his date in a red dress and the other woman needed no introduction.

"Colonel, it's nice to see you again." He said.

"Your highness." She acknowledged. The other two looked at each other and their eyes widened. Mac went on to introduce the two. "This is Lieutenant Bud Roberts, he works with me at JAG operations. And this is his wife, Lieutenant Harriet Sims-Roberts, also working at JAG."

"Hello. How are you two doing this fine evening?" Harm asked the two.

"We're doing fine sir. And you?" Roberts spoke up.

"I'm doing quite well thank you very much."

The band was striking up a new song and Bud excused himself and asked his wife to dance. Grinning, Harm followed suit and asked Mac to dance.

"You look beautiful tonight." He whispered. Mac was wearing a simple black dress that touched the floor. "You attract a lot of attention."

"Attention?"

"From men. Attention from men."

"Excuse me Prince Maxwell. But it sounds like you're jealous."

"Well I am. I can't help it."

"You're turning a couple of heads as well." She said

"That's a given Mac. I'm the Prince remember?"

"Hm… I forget that sometimes."

Nearing the end of the waltz, Harm dipped her and asked her to meet him out on the balcony later that evening, agreeing, the two went their separate ways.

"Hello Admiral! I just met another two of your staff and was reacquainted with Colonel Mackenzie. She seems to be doing well." He said when he saw the Judge Advocate General.

"Yes she is sir." The JAG smiled "And it's wonderful to see you again."

"Likewise admiral."

A waiter walked by with a tray of champagne and both men took one.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Harm asked

"I'm not a ball kind of guy sir." He explained, trying not to offend him at the same time.

"That's alright admiral, neither am I."

Just then, another man came by. Commander Sturgis Turner, Mac's partner, he knew, but pretended he didn't know.

"Admiral, Your Highness." Sturgis nodded their way respectfully.

"Hello and you must be…" Harm questioned

"Commander Sturgis Turner sir. I work for the Admiral here."

"Right. Right. Nice to meet you." They continued their conversation a little longer. Harm took a glance and he knew he had to go. "I'm sorry gentlemen, I see someone I know. Please excuse me."

He quickly made his way to the balcony where Sarah was sitting on a bench beside the gardens. "Hello stranger." She said as she looked around for other people. Being assured that they were not watched and could not be seen by others, she stood up and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Hi." He said softly in her ear and brushed his lips across her forehead then lowered his head to kiss her in the lips.

"I love you." She let out. Where'd that come from? We've been doing this for a little more than a week and I love him? What the hell is happening to me? But she knew perfectly what was happening to her. She was falling in love with him all over again. The gentle way he touched her, the easy smile he showed her when she was around, the way he carried himself with dignity and mutual respect for others, the way he cared about people- The things that would make him a great king and a wonderful lover... the reason why they can never be together.

At that thought, she broke away from him. "But we have to break this off Harm."

"Why?"

"Your kingdom awaits a thousand miles away and my place is here." She swallowed, "You have about 4 days left. It's better if we break it off now than later, spare us the heartbreak."

"You just said you loved me Mac. I feel the same. I love you." He was desperately trying to hang on to her even though he knew she was right.

"It can never be Harm. It can never be."

"I'll abdicate the throne."

"What?" She looked up at him sharply.

"I'll abdicate the throne. It's been going through my mind."

"Harm you can't abdicate with only a week with me. You don't know where the hell this relationship will go!" She exclaimed "What if it doesn't last? You're a good leader Harm. A damned good one. And I'll be damned if I let you abdicate the throne. You'll be a great king."

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Sarah Mackenzie leaned back from her fantasy story displayed on her screen and was startled to see someone there.

"Harm!" Her eyes widened and she quickly turned off her screen.

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A/N: I bet you saw that coming a mile away. The next chapter is already written, there are two versions of it. Depending on how many reviews I get, if a lot then I'll post the continuation one, if not a lot then well… It's gotta be the ending. Am I evil? I certainly am.