A/N: Whew! Finally, the end is here! I hope you all enjoyed the story as
much as I liked writing it! Thank you all so much for taking the time to
read and to review. It really means a lot. OK, before I start crying a
river here, better move on! Here it is! The conclusion! Enjoy!
~ Chapter 10~
"It shouldn't be much farther, we there should be a bridge up ahead and then another few miles to the town," Pete told them.
"Unfortunately," came a voice from behind them, "this is as far as you go." The party turned around to see Whitney on horseback behind them.
"How?" Lana asked incredulously.
"I simply followed you my dear. I knew you'd lead me straight to them." He looked over at Pete, "And I had such high hopes for you."
Pete looked Whitney right in the eye and said, "If your high hopes made me anything like you, I think I chose the right path."
"I doubt you'll think that once we've returned to the castle."
"Give it up Whitney," Clark said moving toward him, "it's over. We're not going anywhere with you."
Whitney started laughing a cruel heartless laugh, "Stupid idiot, I don't give up on anything and I always get what I want."
"Not this time," Clark answered. "I don't care what it takes Whitney, you are going to leave us alone. Besides, looks like you're outnumbered six to one."
Whitney laughed again, "Did you really think I'd come here unprepared to handle the situation?" Whitney snapped his fingers and all around them guards appeared with their swords drawn. "Looks like you're coming with me after all. Seize them all for treason and bring Lana to me."
Clark, Jonathan, and Pete dismounted prepared to physically fight off all the guards if need be. "This doesn't look good, Clark, you're still week, you shouldn't even attempt this."
"We've got to keep them safe," Clark answered. Fortunately, it wouldn't come down to it.
"Stand down!" The guards looked over to where the command came from and immediately feel to their knees as Lex approached them. "Whitney, what is the meaning of this!"
"Your Highness," Whitney started, "they ah-kidnapped Lana! I was merely trying to bring her back home!"
"What!" Lana said.
"Quiet Lana, I'm handling this," Whitney said cutting her off.
"I'm sure you were handling this," Lex said looking down at Whitney. "I've had enough of you Whitney and it's finally time for me to do something about it. Let's return to the castle where I'll determine how I'm going to finish this."
~~~
"But I only wrote you yesterday, there's no way you could have received my letter," Lana said to Lex as they entered his study. The Kents, Pete, Chloe and a guarded Whitney were waiting for Lionel and them in the throne room.
"I was already on my way home. Running into you guys on the road was pure luck. Though I'm glad I found you when I did."
Lana shuddered, "Me too, I don't know what Whitney would have done."
Lex took her hand in his, "Why don't you tell me what happened and I'll see what I can do."
A few minutes later Lex and Lana joined the group in the throne room shortly followed by Lionel.
"Lex, how good of you to return so soon," Lionel said taking his seat. "Now do you mind telling me what this is all about?"
"Father, I'm really quite surprised how soon you forget conversations," Lex said taking the seat next to him. "Did I not tell you that I would arrange for Lana's wedding when I got back."
Lionel face was all innocence, "It seems that what was supposed to occur here was a wedding."
Lex reigned in his anger, "I also expressly remember telling you that I didn't want Whitney anywhere near Lana. Do you remember that part?"
"Lex, a divine mandate from God dictates that I run this kingdom," Lionel said with irritation, "I can't be expected to take charge of all your matchmaking schemes as well."
"Always the victim aren't you Father," Lex said turning to the rest of their audience. "Whitney step forward." Whitney moved to stand right in front of the prince. "Did you not in fact lie to me today?"
"Of course not You Highness!" Whitney readily replied.
"So when you said that Lana was being kidnapped that was not a lie?"
"No, they were removing her from the kingdom," he said weakly.
"And you saw who exactly take her by force?"
"Well, no but-"
"Did Lana not in fact leave of her own free will?" he shot at Whitney.
"But she shouldn't be leaving the castle without proper escort," Whitney said by way of explanation.
"And on whose authority were you going to have Clark Kent killed?"
"He was conspiring-"
"On whose authority!" Lex repeated louder.
"No one's," he said feebly.
Lex looked down on Whitney with loathing. He couldn't believe what he had been ready to do to marry Lana. "I forthwith strip you of your title and you are banished from this kingdom. You will be escorted out of this castle and are never to return."
"But Your Highness!" he said outraged. He turned toward Lionel, "Your Majesty?" he said pathetically.
Lionel at Whitney and spoke every word with malevolence, "I told you I was growing tired of you." He motioned to the guards, "Take him away."
"Not just yet," Lex said raising his hand to stop the removal of Whitney, "I want him to hear the joyous news. I have given my consent for Clark to marry Lana." Lex got his desired response from Whitney when his mouth fell open in disbelief. "You may take him away now."
As Whitney was being led away the rest of the group cried out in happiness. Lana turned to Clark and hugged him. "Thank you Lex," she said looking at him over Clark's shoulder.
"Not so fast," Lionel said. Everyone quieted down and looked at the king, "This I can not allow."
"No!" Lana shouted, "Why not?"
"Because you are a Lady, you can not marry below your station. I'm sorry, but I will not allow that to happen." Lionel said. He smiled inwardly as everyone happiness turned to sorrow. He couldn't let them think there would be a happy ending.
"Then it's a good thing that Jonathan Kent is the next Duke of Harrington," Lex said giving his father a haughty look.
"What?" Jonathan asked, "What do you mean?"
Lionel turned his full attention on his son, "Yes Lex, what do you mean?"
"Jonathan does the name Marcus Williams mean anything to you?" Lex asked.
Jonathan looked puzzled, "Yes, he is my mother's brother. They had an estranged relationship and I've never met him."
"Your mother's relationship with her family was estranged when she married your father. She was disowned after marrying below her and lost touch with her family," Lex told them. "However, Marcus Williams passed away a few months back and as he had no children of his own left his title to you, I'm guessing as a way to make amends with your family."
"You've got to be kidding me," was all Jonathan could manage.
Lex laughed, "No I'm not. The title comes with a few rather large properties and a sizable inheritance. Now, I think that takes care of any objections to Lana marrying below her."
The Kents stood there in shock. None of them dared to believe what was happening. Lionel stood up, "Well congratulations to you both." He turned and left them then.
"Lex this is incredible!" Clark said, "I don't know what to say."
"When the time comes, all you have to say is 'I do,'" Lex said.
Everyone started talking again and Clark turned to Lana. She was crying from happiness and Clark knew exactly how she felt. "Well Lana, I guess it's ok for us to be together now," Clark asked smiling at her.
"Clark, I would have found a way to be with you with or without any inheritance," she said wrapping her arms around him, "and I would have done it because I love you."
Clark brought his hands up to wrap them around Lana as well, "I love you too, Lana. Now neither of us will be lonely ever again." Smiling Clark leaned down and kissed Lana.
~~~
It was a month later and the castle was all a buzz with the impending nuptials. Clark couldn't be happier finally able to marry Lana. They would all be moving to his family's new estate, which, coincidentally, was near one of Lex's properties. Clark was in one of the castle rooms getting ready with Pete. When there was a knock at the door. Clark opened it and a servant was standing there with a note.
"Thank you," Clark said taking it from the servant. He opened the Note and read the quick note.
Meet me up on the north tower.
Lana
Clark smiled, she was probably having some pre-wedding jitters and needed just wanted a moment alone. Clark told Pete that he'd be right back and walked out of his room. When he reached the secluded top of the north tower Lana was already there.
She was standing with her back to him looking out over the land. She was wearing a beautiful white gown and her hair was down blowing around in the breeze. "Isn't it bad luck for us to see each other now?"
Lana turned at the sound of his voice and smiled. When he got close enough to her she stood on her toes and kissed him. "Well then why did you invite me up here?"
"What?" Clark asked kissing her again, "You invited me up here."
Lana pulled back a little, "No I didn't Clark, I got a message from you."
"What's going on here?" Clark wondered aloud.
"I invited you here." Clark and Lana turned quickly at the sound of Whitney's voice.
Clark pulled Lana behind him and away from Whitney's gaze. "How did you get in here?" Lana asked from behind Clark.
"You're not the only one who knows how to sneak in and out of the castle," he said taking a step closer. Clark automatically took a step back, but knew that he didn't have far to go, as there was a limited area on the top of the tower. "I've only come to give you both a wedding present. I thought long and hard about what to get you and then I thought of this," he pulled a knife out from behind his back. "I'm sorry Lana; looks like your second chance to get married isn't going to work out either."
"Whitney, you don't know what you're doing," Clark said trying to turn them so that they could run back down the stairs.
Whitney noticed what he was trying to do and moved in the other direction. "Sorry Clark, no exit that way."
Clark acted quickly; he dashed over to Whitney and knocked the knife out of his hand. He dove for the knife, but realized he'd made the wrong move. Instead of trying to retrieve the knife, Whitney had gone for Lana instead. He was standing behind her and was dragging her over to the side of the tower as she screamed and struggled against him. Reaching the side, Whitney climbed onto the ledge of the tower still holding on to a screaming Lana.
"Stop it Whitney!" Clark shouted.
"It's been great Clark, but I have to go. I think that I'm going to take her with me." He looked Clark in the eye, "I may not have gotten what I want, but I'll be damned if you get it. Say goodbye Lana."
"Clark! Help me!" she screamed.
Clark super sped over to where they were and snatched Lana away from Whitney.
"What the-" but Whitney didn't get a chance to finish the sentence. He lost his balance and fell backwards off the ledge. Clark reached over and grabbed Whitney's arm before he fell. "Let me go!" Whitney yelled at Clark.
"You don't know how badly I want to," Clark answered, "but I can't let you die." He pulled Whitney up and over the ledge. As soon as he had his feet on the ground Whitney tried to make a dash for it. "I don't think so Whitney. Are you alright?" he asked turning to Lana.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just a little shaken up," Lana said.
"Well, let's go find Lex and resolve this problem."
~~~
Lex was furious at Whitney for what he had done. He decided that since Whitney couldn't follow simple instructions that he would need someone watching him so he sent him off to a prison where he wouldn't be a bother to anyone anymore. Finally, it seemed, Lana and Clark could finally be married.
Many people were gathered to watch the ceremony, many of whom neither of them knew but none of that mattered. Clark's parents, Pete, Chloe (whom Lana had finally reconciled with), and Lex were the only ones they cared about. Clark and Lana couldn't stop looking and smiling at each other throughout the ceremony.
"I know pronounce you husband and wife," the priest said, "you may now kiss the bride."
"I love you," Clark said.
"I love you too." Clark leaned down and kissed Lana and the church erupted into applause. They turned and started heading out of the church. "It seems like it took forever to get here," Lana said as they reached the door.
"Yes, but it was definitely worth it," Clark said giving her hand a gentle squeeze.
Lana smiled back, "Definitely." They exited the church and headed into their new life together.
A/N: The End!!! What did you all think? ElectricSpyro, he kinda sorta fell off a building, but was saved. I think it's better that he spend the rest of his life in prison, but at least he fell right? Anyway, I hope that you all liked this story. It took a long time to finish! But thanks for sticking it out. Review if you have time!
~ Chapter 10~
"It shouldn't be much farther, we there should be a bridge up ahead and then another few miles to the town," Pete told them.
"Unfortunately," came a voice from behind them, "this is as far as you go." The party turned around to see Whitney on horseback behind them.
"How?" Lana asked incredulously.
"I simply followed you my dear. I knew you'd lead me straight to them." He looked over at Pete, "And I had such high hopes for you."
Pete looked Whitney right in the eye and said, "If your high hopes made me anything like you, I think I chose the right path."
"I doubt you'll think that once we've returned to the castle."
"Give it up Whitney," Clark said moving toward him, "it's over. We're not going anywhere with you."
Whitney started laughing a cruel heartless laugh, "Stupid idiot, I don't give up on anything and I always get what I want."
"Not this time," Clark answered. "I don't care what it takes Whitney, you are going to leave us alone. Besides, looks like you're outnumbered six to one."
Whitney laughed again, "Did you really think I'd come here unprepared to handle the situation?" Whitney snapped his fingers and all around them guards appeared with their swords drawn. "Looks like you're coming with me after all. Seize them all for treason and bring Lana to me."
Clark, Jonathan, and Pete dismounted prepared to physically fight off all the guards if need be. "This doesn't look good, Clark, you're still week, you shouldn't even attempt this."
"We've got to keep them safe," Clark answered. Fortunately, it wouldn't come down to it.
"Stand down!" The guards looked over to where the command came from and immediately feel to their knees as Lex approached them. "Whitney, what is the meaning of this!"
"Your Highness," Whitney started, "they ah-kidnapped Lana! I was merely trying to bring her back home!"
"What!" Lana said.
"Quiet Lana, I'm handling this," Whitney said cutting her off.
"I'm sure you were handling this," Lex said looking down at Whitney. "I've had enough of you Whitney and it's finally time for me to do something about it. Let's return to the castle where I'll determine how I'm going to finish this."
~~~
"But I only wrote you yesterday, there's no way you could have received my letter," Lana said to Lex as they entered his study. The Kents, Pete, Chloe and a guarded Whitney were waiting for Lionel and them in the throne room.
"I was already on my way home. Running into you guys on the road was pure luck. Though I'm glad I found you when I did."
Lana shuddered, "Me too, I don't know what Whitney would have done."
Lex took her hand in his, "Why don't you tell me what happened and I'll see what I can do."
A few minutes later Lex and Lana joined the group in the throne room shortly followed by Lionel.
"Lex, how good of you to return so soon," Lionel said taking his seat. "Now do you mind telling me what this is all about?"
"Father, I'm really quite surprised how soon you forget conversations," Lex said taking the seat next to him. "Did I not tell you that I would arrange for Lana's wedding when I got back."
Lionel face was all innocence, "It seems that what was supposed to occur here was a wedding."
Lex reigned in his anger, "I also expressly remember telling you that I didn't want Whitney anywhere near Lana. Do you remember that part?"
"Lex, a divine mandate from God dictates that I run this kingdom," Lionel said with irritation, "I can't be expected to take charge of all your matchmaking schemes as well."
"Always the victim aren't you Father," Lex said turning to the rest of their audience. "Whitney step forward." Whitney moved to stand right in front of the prince. "Did you not in fact lie to me today?"
"Of course not You Highness!" Whitney readily replied.
"So when you said that Lana was being kidnapped that was not a lie?"
"No, they were removing her from the kingdom," he said weakly.
"And you saw who exactly take her by force?"
"Well, no but-"
"Did Lana not in fact leave of her own free will?" he shot at Whitney.
"But she shouldn't be leaving the castle without proper escort," Whitney said by way of explanation.
"And on whose authority were you going to have Clark Kent killed?"
"He was conspiring-"
"On whose authority!" Lex repeated louder.
"No one's," he said feebly.
Lex looked down on Whitney with loathing. He couldn't believe what he had been ready to do to marry Lana. "I forthwith strip you of your title and you are banished from this kingdom. You will be escorted out of this castle and are never to return."
"But Your Highness!" he said outraged. He turned toward Lionel, "Your Majesty?" he said pathetically.
Lionel at Whitney and spoke every word with malevolence, "I told you I was growing tired of you." He motioned to the guards, "Take him away."
"Not just yet," Lex said raising his hand to stop the removal of Whitney, "I want him to hear the joyous news. I have given my consent for Clark to marry Lana." Lex got his desired response from Whitney when his mouth fell open in disbelief. "You may take him away now."
As Whitney was being led away the rest of the group cried out in happiness. Lana turned to Clark and hugged him. "Thank you Lex," she said looking at him over Clark's shoulder.
"Not so fast," Lionel said. Everyone quieted down and looked at the king, "This I can not allow."
"No!" Lana shouted, "Why not?"
"Because you are a Lady, you can not marry below your station. I'm sorry, but I will not allow that to happen." Lionel said. He smiled inwardly as everyone happiness turned to sorrow. He couldn't let them think there would be a happy ending.
"Then it's a good thing that Jonathan Kent is the next Duke of Harrington," Lex said giving his father a haughty look.
"What?" Jonathan asked, "What do you mean?"
Lionel turned his full attention on his son, "Yes Lex, what do you mean?"
"Jonathan does the name Marcus Williams mean anything to you?" Lex asked.
Jonathan looked puzzled, "Yes, he is my mother's brother. They had an estranged relationship and I've never met him."
"Your mother's relationship with her family was estranged when she married your father. She was disowned after marrying below her and lost touch with her family," Lex told them. "However, Marcus Williams passed away a few months back and as he had no children of his own left his title to you, I'm guessing as a way to make amends with your family."
"You've got to be kidding me," was all Jonathan could manage.
Lex laughed, "No I'm not. The title comes with a few rather large properties and a sizable inheritance. Now, I think that takes care of any objections to Lana marrying below her."
The Kents stood there in shock. None of them dared to believe what was happening. Lionel stood up, "Well congratulations to you both." He turned and left them then.
"Lex this is incredible!" Clark said, "I don't know what to say."
"When the time comes, all you have to say is 'I do,'" Lex said.
Everyone started talking again and Clark turned to Lana. She was crying from happiness and Clark knew exactly how she felt. "Well Lana, I guess it's ok for us to be together now," Clark asked smiling at her.
"Clark, I would have found a way to be with you with or without any inheritance," she said wrapping her arms around him, "and I would have done it because I love you."
Clark brought his hands up to wrap them around Lana as well, "I love you too, Lana. Now neither of us will be lonely ever again." Smiling Clark leaned down and kissed Lana.
~~~
It was a month later and the castle was all a buzz with the impending nuptials. Clark couldn't be happier finally able to marry Lana. They would all be moving to his family's new estate, which, coincidentally, was near one of Lex's properties. Clark was in one of the castle rooms getting ready with Pete. When there was a knock at the door. Clark opened it and a servant was standing there with a note.
"Thank you," Clark said taking it from the servant. He opened the Note and read the quick note.
Meet me up on the north tower.
Lana
Clark smiled, she was probably having some pre-wedding jitters and needed just wanted a moment alone. Clark told Pete that he'd be right back and walked out of his room. When he reached the secluded top of the north tower Lana was already there.
She was standing with her back to him looking out over the land. She was wearing a beautiful white gown and her hair was down blowing around in the breeze. "Isn't it bad luck for us to see each other now?"
Lana turned at the sound of his voice and smiled. When he got close enough to her she stood on her toes and kissed him. "Well then why did you invite me up here?"
"What?" Clark asked kissing her again, "You invited me up here."
Lana pulled back a little, "No I didn't Clark, I got a message from you."
"What's going on here?" Clark wondered aloud.
"I invited you here." Clark and Lana turned quickly at the sound of Whitney's voice.
Clark pulled Lana behind him and away from Whitney's gaze. "How did you get in here?" Lana asked from behind Clark.
"You're not the only one who knows how to sneak in and out of the castle," he said taking a step closer. Clark automatically took a step back, but knew that he didn't have far to go, as there was a limited area on the top of the tower. "I've only come to give you both a wedding present. I thought long and hard about what to get you and then I thought of this," he pulled a knife out from behind his back. "I'm sorry Lana; looks like your second chance to get married isn't going to work out either."
"Whitney, you don't know what you're doing," Clark said trying to turn them so that they could run back down the stairs.
Whitney noticed what he was trying to do and moved in the other direction. "Sorry Clark, no exit that way."
Clark acted quickly; he dashed over to Whitney and knocked the knife out of his hand. He dove for the knife, but realized he'd made the wrong move. Instead of trying to retrieve the knife, Whitney had gone for Lana instead. He was standing behind her and was dragging her over to the side of the tower as she screamed and struggled against him. Reaching the side, Whitney climbed onto the ledge of the tower still holding on to a screaming Lana.
"Stop it Whitney!" Clark shouted.
"It's been great Clark, but I have to go. I think that I'm going to take her with me." He looked Clark in the eye, "I may not have gotten what I want, but I'll be damned if you get it. Say goodbye Lana."
"Clark! Help me!" she screamed.
Clark super sped over to where they were and snatched Lana away from Whitney.
"What the-" but Whitney didn't get a chance to finish the sentence. He lost his balance and fell backwards off the ledge. Clark reached over and grabbed Whitney's arm before he fell. "Let me go!" Whitney yelled at Clark.
"You don't know how badly I want to," Clark answered, "but I can't let you die." He pulled Whitney up and over the ledge. As soon as he had his feet on the ground Whitney tried to make a dash for it. "I don't think so Whitney. Are you alright?" he asked turning to Lana.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just a little shaken up," Lana said.
"Well, let's go find Lex and resolve this problem."
~~~
Lex was furious at Whitney for what he had done. He decided that since Whitney couldn't follow simple instructions that he would need someone watching him so he sent him off to a prison where he wouldn't be a bother to anyone anymore. Finally, it seemed, Lana and Clark could finally be married.
Many people were gathered to watch the ceremony, many of whom neither of them knew but none of that mattered. Clark's parents, Pete, Chloe (whom Lana had finally reconciled with), and Lex were the only ones they cared about. Clark and Lana couldn't stop looking and smiling at each other throughout the ceremony.
"I know pronounce you husband and wife," the priest said, "you may now kiss the bride."
"I love you," Clark said.
"I love you too." Clark leaned down and kissed Lana and the church erupted into applause. They turned and started heading out of the church. "It seems like it took forever to get here," Lana said as they reached the door.
"Yes, but it was definitely worth it," Clark said giving her hand a gentle squeeze.
Lana smiled back, "Definitely." They exited the church and headed into their new life together.
A/N: The End!!! What did you all think? ElectricSpyro, he kinda sorta fell off a building, but was saved. I think it's better that he spend the rest of his life in prison, but at least he fell right? Anyway, I hope that you all liked this story. It took a long time to finish! But thanks for sticking it out. Review if you have time!