Warning: The rating has been changed to R. You'll see why.

Chapter 16

"What are these called then? The color is so lovely."

Darcy and Keith were walking through a flower market in the heart of Paris. They, plus Ryan, had flown to France the day before to prepare for the wedding, and Darcy was practically giddy at being in Paris.

However, she was even giddier when she spent time with Keith. Her gut was telling her to bring Ryan along, but she couldn't help but leave him at the hotel. She wanted to spend time with Keith, as much time as she could. Besides, Ryan had become sullen and uninterested with the wedding plans. Keith, however, was wonderful, and they were having an equally wonderful time together. He was so handsome, and funny, and intelligent… Nonetheless, the situation didn't sit well with Darcy's conscience, but she blocked it out whenever she was with him.

"You look lovely," Keith said, taking her hand. She saw, and felt, what he was doing, but didn't try to stop it. The dim light of the early Parisian morning was making her head, and her heart, feel light.

"Keith," she murmured, as he took the other hand and drew her closer to him.

"I know," he whispered. A sudden spark lit up his eyes, and looked as if he was about to burst. "I know, it's wrong, but I must have you, Darcy. I can't live another day knowing you're right next to me and I cannot have you."

"You can have me," she said, surprising herself. "He'll never know."

Keith searched her eyes, looking to see if this was true. Either finding that truth or not really caring, he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her passionately and intensely. She returned it, not thinking of Ryan, but only thinking of the burning desire in her heart.

(asteriks aren't loading and it's pissing me off)

Ryan sat miserably on the terrace of their hotel room. Everywhere he looked in Paris, there were couples, any kind of couple, happily walking and merrily in love. And he was the one who was supposed to be getting married… to a woman he desperately didn't love.

Time had quickly turned his resolve to marry Darcy into a resignation. Over and over again, he reminded himself that he must do it, he must marry her. He was Prince Charming, he had to marry Cinderella. Fairy tales don't end with Prince Charming leaving poor Cinderella at the altar for another woman. Especially when that woman is anything but Cinderella.

But Susanna… Susanna was coming to the wedding; she had RSVPed the day before. How could he marry Darcy with her sitting right there, watching his every move, watching him profess his love to Darcy? Would she even care? Probably not; if she was coming, it probably meant that the kiss had had no effect whatsoever on her. And he had so thought that it had…

Darcy, on the other hand, was so obviously head-over-heels about Keith it was almost funny. And she thought that she was doing such a good job of hiding it… Ryan laughed. It may be a first that a woman marrying into the royal family was having an affair, and not the other way around. Teleran male royalty was, unfortunately, rather notorious for having affairs. He knew that whenever she left for hours on end, when in reality all she was supposed to be doing was picking up table linens, that she was meeting Keith for a little rendezvous. To his surprise, though, it didn't really bother him. He had stopped trying to make Darcy fall back into love with him.

"Just stop thinking about it," he told himself sharply. "About everything." He paused, thinking for a moment. "I can't, though!" He sighed, but just then an idea struck him. Perhaps he could get some advice that would help him put the whole thing behind him and let him get married without fuss. Or at least just get him to stop thinking about Susanna for awhile.

He picked up the phone and considered it for a moment. He then dialed his brother's number.

"Hello?" came Roberto's muffled, and uncharacteristically husky, voice. Ryan, beginning to blush, heard Alberta next to him making some pleasured sounds.

"I can call back," Ryan said quickly, wanting to hang up.

"No, Ryan! My brother, don't hang up. We're not doing anything," he said, and Ryan heard the sound of him getting out of bed and putting on a robe.

"Are you sure?" Ryan said, feeling like an embarrassed little boy.

"Yes, of course. Why do you call?"

"Well, actually, I have a bit of a problem." That was an understatement.

"What, about the wedding? Don't worry, everything always falls into place. Why, at ours, the girls were so afraid the tents were too small, and then…"

"Not that kind of problem. It is about the wedding, but it's not quite that," Ryan stammered, suddenly feeling uncomfortable.

"Oh," Roberto said, and then paused. "Well, I'm here to listen."

That comforted Ryan a bit, and so he went on, "I made a mistake, Roberto. Everything is falling apart. Darcy is having an affair and I'm in love with… someone else."

Roberto sighed. "That is a bit of a situation, but I don't see how it interferes with your wedding."

Ryan's mouth fell open. "What are you saying, that I shouldn't care about any of this?"

"I'm not saying that, I'm just saying that you are still getting married, come hell or high water." He paused. "Listen, Ryan, we're royalty. Alright? We can't let affairs or infidelity get in the way of marrying someone we've already promised to get married to. It's not honorable."

Ryan sputtered, trying to find some words. "So committing adultery is honorable?" he spat out.

"I'm not saying that," Roberto said, as if explaining it to a child. "I'm just saying that it comes with the property, you know?"

"So I should continue agonizing over a woman I love but doesn't love me and continue letting Darcy make love to another man?" Ryan said, not quite grasping the idea.

"Yes. But you should be making love to this other woman, as well. Or to any other woman. How long has it been since you had sex?"

"Roberto…" Ryan growled, his voice threatening.

"I just want you to have a healthy, well-balanced life, brother. If your wife is getting some on the side, you should be, too."

Ryan thought of Susanna. "The other woman wouldn't be a mistress to a married man."

"Then find someone else," Roberto said. "I'm sorry you aren't as lucky as I am. Alberta will go to it any time of the day, anywhere in the palace."

"I didn't need to know that," Ryan said, disgusted.

"Haven't you thought about this other woman like that?"

"Like what?"

"Sexually. Have you had any erotic dreams about her?"

"Roberto, I didn't call to discuss this," Ryan said. But of course, now that Roberto had mentioned it, visions of Susanna were flashing through his head.

"I'm just saying, it's good to have dreams about sex once in awhile. If you're too noble to go and do the real thing then you might as well dream about it."

"Sorry, but I don't have magical control over my dreams."

"Eh, I think now that we've talked about it, you may find her in your bed pretty soon, my friend," Roberto said in a sly voice.

Ryan grunted. "Gee, I'm so glad I called you for advice."

"Your welcome," Roberto said, not picking up the sarcasm. "I'll see you at your wedding."

"Goodbye." Ryan hung up, angry. Angry that his brother gave him such despicable advice, and angry at his brother for making him think of Susanna in that way.

All day, he did whatever he could to not think of Susanna, or Darcy for that matter. He watched movies, read books, talked with people… but the time came when he had to go to bed, the one thing he had been dreading all day. He hesitated getting into bed with Darcy, who had fallen asleep the moment she had gotten home. He crossed their enormous suite to another bedroom, getting under the sheets but trying to stay awake. However, all of his worrying had tired him out, and before he could stop it, he had fallen asleep.

His dream, however, began without any sign of Susanna. He stood in the hotel suite, looking out the window. Without much ado, though, he left the window and went to the bedroom, the doors of which were closed. He lingered there for a moment, but opened the doors and walked in. He found Susanna lying on her back on the bed, fully dressed in a wedding dress, veil and all; she opened her eyes when he walked in, and a mischievous smile curled at her lips. He walked toward the bed, stopping at the foot. He looked down, and saw glass slippers on her feet. He felt himself smile, and crawled onto the bed, one leg on either side of her body. Bending down close to her, he wrapped his arms around her torso. Somewhere his conscience was urging him to stop, but Dream Ryan was so caught up in the moment that his brain didn't heed it. Susanna was smiling, yet it wasn't her usual sarcastic smile. Ryan was surprised and gazed at her face for awhile. They didn't speak, but Susanna twirled her fingers in his hair. After a few moments, some layer of his subconscious wanted to feel that kiss again and with a smile, he lowered down and kissed her. Whether it was the real Ryan or the dream Ryan that felt it, it didn't matter. She responded to their increasingly-intense kiss by unbuttoning his shirt, and then gave a little gasp as his hand traveled up her leg.

His conscience was quieted from there on.

(asteriks again)

Susanna had traveled back to New York, her mind and body tired. Life had been nonstop since she had gone to Italy, and now all she wanted to do was rest. Ryan was a thing of the past, she continued to tell herself. Now back in her apartment, she was ready to fully convince herself that that was true.

She got in around eight in the evening, and she dropped her bags in the foyer and headed upstairs, desperately wanting a bath. She ran some cool water as she peeled off her clothes; the last futile attempt of summer heat had occurred during her leave, and as a result, her apartment was humid and hot. She plunged herself into the water, and let out a long, slow breath.

Just the day before she had called and confirmed her attendance at the wedding. She may as well go, she thought. Perhaps it would finally convince her that there was no way in hell that Ryan would ever get out of his commitment. Wild fantasies had been plaguing her dreams lately; fantasies of Ryan leaving Darcy at the altar and searching Paris for Susanna instead; of that kiss in Italy; she had even once dreamed of them making love in the Eiffel Tower. She chuckled underwater. She had awoken from that dream laughing, and it was a good thing, too, because the laughter kept her from thinking any longer about it.

She had lain in the tub for a few minutes when her phone rang. She grunted, but dried her hands off on a towel above her head and reached for the phone that sat on the wall next to the bath.

"Hello?" she said.

"Susanna, good, you're back." It was Mr. Simmons.

"Yes, I just got in."

"Will you be in the office tomorrow?"

"Yes, I'm planning on it."

"Good, good. There is something I must discuss with you. It's very important," he said, sounding both serious and nervous.

Her stomach lurched a bit, but she said, "Alright. I'll be there around nine."

"Good. See you then, Susanna."

"Goodbye, Mr. Simmons," she said, and hung up. Curious and apprehensive as to what he could want to discuss, she got out of the tub, dressed her pajamas, and fell asleep worrying.

She awoke the next morning and sprang out of bed, her trepidation and curiosity in overdrive. What could he want? He wouldn't fire her, would he? That's ridiculous, of course he wouldn't. Had she done something wrong? She had kept up with every designer, every line, every department… perhaps her new secretary, a young woman named Marie, had done something wrong. I'll wring her little neck…

She got dressed in one of her favorite outfits; a pink boucle Chanel suit, with a lacy turtleneck underneath, complete with pink shoes and a matching bag. She left her hair down and curly, and tried to put on her makeup as best she could; her hand was shaking terribly.

"You have nothing to worry about," she said to her reflection, but it was no use. Any thoughts of Ryan or Darcy or the wedding had completely flown from her mind as she left her apartment and got in the elevator. She nervously tapped her heel on the floor, until the glare from the man next to her was so intense that she finally faltered and then stopped.

With a determined gusto, Susanna left the building and walked vigorously to the Brittania building. She got there in record time, and her heart was in her throat as she waited for the elevator.

The moment the doors opened on her floor, she heard, "Susanna, good, come into my office."

She saw Mr. Simmons for only a moment as he turned the corner to his office. She scurried after him, receiving encouraging smiles from everyone at their desks and cubicles.

"Good luck, honey," Mr. Simmons' secretary said. Susanna just nodded, and taking a deep breath, went into the office.

The door closed behind her with a reverberating bang, and she winced.

"Come, sit," Mr. Simmons said, sitting at his mammoth desk. She gave a hesitant smile and walked across the floor, the clack of her heels like thunder in her ears. She was hardly ever nervous, and the feeling disarmed her. Usually she was strong and fearless… she could be strong and fearless now, couldn't she? Mr. Simmons did not smile as she sat down. Nope, no strong and fearless today.

"Susanna," he began, but then paused. "Are you nervous, dear?"

"Hm? Oh, no! I'm not nervous, not at all, sir, I'm rarely nervous, you know, I just don't get nervous, it hardly ever happens," she babbled, but then stopped. "Yeah, I am nervous."

He finally smiled, easing her discomfort a little. "You have no need to be nervous, Susanna. If anyone is nervous, it's me."

She smiled as well, letting out a long sigh. "You have no idea how good it is to hear that."

He smiled wider, but then sobered. "But it is something serious I need to ask you."

She nodded, ready. "Alright, then."

"I… I am leaving New York. I've been offered an excellent position in London, and I've taken it. It was a heartbreaking decision, but I leave tomorrow."

"Mr. Simmons, I-" Susanna began, but he held up his hand to stop her. She closed her mouth, but her heart fell. Mr. Simmons had been her guiding light ever since she had first come to New York, and now he was leaving?

"I want to offer you the position of President of Brittania, Susanna."

Her mouth fell back open. She felt out of breath; her mind was trying to process what she had just heard. "What?" she asked stupidly.

He smiled and repeated, "I want to leave you my position." He paused, and when she again did not quite answer, or even look human, he went on. "You have all the skills, the vision, the talent… I know you are primarily fashion, but so is this store. You're an excellent businesswoman and you can still be head of fashion. Your salary will be significantly increased… you may not have as much time off as you are used to, but the rewards are much better. What do you say?" he ended hopefully.

Susanna's brain was finally beginning to function, and she thought quickly. Pros and cons, Susanna, pros and cons… More money: not much of a pro or con. More power: definitely a pro. Less time:… she thought for a second, and then decided it was a pro. She needed to keep herself occupied as much as possible, that way she wouldn't think of… anything else.

She looked up at him and with a smile said, "Yes."

He grinned, clearly elated. "Excellent. I'll show you the ropes today, and you can start tomorrow. I know it's very quick, but between you being gone and my wish to cling to this as much as possible I didn't ask you sooner."

She nodded. "I understand." She then stood up, and rather deranged with happiness, she hugged him.

"I'll miss you, Mr. Simmons," she said.

"I know, I'll miss you, too. It's been my honor to watch you progress this far," he said.

They spent the day going over Susanna's new responsibilities, meeting people that she would have to deal with now as president, going through paperwork, and redecorating the office. They stayed until ten at night, at which time they bid their goodbyes and Susanna walked home.

She didn't sleep, however, and instead sat in her bed mulling over her new position. The workload, from what she saw today, was enormous. She smiled. Now she definitely would never think of Ryan ever again. In fact, she probably wouldn't have time to go to the wedding at all. Now she had a legitimate reason.

She was anxious, however, as she thought of her impending power and responsibility. Being president was not going to be easy, and although she was strong-willed and determined, she was still nervous. And it had happened so quickly that she barely had time to prepare.

"I can do this," she said out loud. "I can make decisions, I can negotiate, I can handle people." She gave a little 'hmph' as if to convince herself, but she had a desire to call someone to talk about it. Vivian was still on her honeymoon, Adrienne was never home, her mother would just be… well, motherly. You could call Ryan… she bit her fingernail, pondering the idea. Were they still weird from Italy? They had been friends before… well, sort of, anyway. No, she decided, it would be too awkward. She then lied down and tried to fall asleep.

The next morning she awoke extra early. Unlike her previous position, Susanna couldn't just wander in whenever she felt like it. The president was in the office by seven thirty, every morning, and didn't leave until four. Susanna showered, ate a quick bagel, drank some coffee, and then got dressed in what she called her power suit. It was a black, smart-looking business suit, and she decided to put on a red blouse underneath, with red, pointed shoes. She put on a strand of pearls and fussed with her hair for a long time, finally deciding on letting it lie straight and long down her back.

She walked to the building with her back straight and her chin up. Her hands shook a bit as she pressed the button for the elevator. The doors opened again with a little chime, and she took a deep breath and stepped out. Most of the secretaries were already at their desks, and Susanna was about to walk to her new office when they suddenly all stood up and began to applaud.

Slightly embarrassed, Susanna smiled amidst the noise, truly happy for once. They shouted congratulations, handing her flowers for her office. Getting swept up in the commotion, she gave a little curtsy and laughed. The applause finally died down but they still looked at her in anticipation.

Realizing they were expecting a speech, she cleared her throat. Not sure what to say, she said, "Thank you so much, that means a lot to me." She paused. "I know I haven't always been the most popular person in the world, but I know how hard all of you work, and I am honored to be your boss. But I don't want it to just be me making all the decisions, like some tyrant. I want us to work together, as a team." She paused again. "Um, that's all."

They applauded again, and blushing, she went to her new office. She walked in and closed the door, leaning on it for a moment. She looked around at the massive space, now filled with hibiscus plants and her vintage fashion posters. It truly felt like her space, and walking to her desk, she finally felt like she could get used to this.

She sat down in her chair and looked at her desk. Yesterday, she and Mr. Simmons had drawn up a to-do list for her first day, and her anxiety came back as she looked at it. It took up the whole page, and part of the back. Meetings, phone calls, deliveries… all to be done in one day. About three-quarters of the way down the page, scribbled in Susanna's own handwriting, was Call and cancel dress for wedding, and call Darcy? She wasn't sure who she was supposed to call, but right now that was about the last thing on her mind. She had barely put her briefcase down and turned on the computer when Tracy, Mr. Simmons' old secretary and Susanna's new one, bustled in with three men from some company. And so her day began.

The day was a wild, frenzied eight hours of nonstop work. Susanna went through it with her mind barely intact; somehow she managed to complete nearly everything on her list. Around quarter to five, Tracy announced she was going home, and that Susanna looked like hell and should go home as well. Susanna absentmindedly thanked her, but didn't move from her chair. She looked back down at the list; everything was crossed out except for Call and cancel dress for wedding, and call Darcy?. She sighed, but rummaged through her briefcase for her day planner. She called the store where she had ordered a dress, and they were rather irritated when she canceled her order. She then flipped a few pages and found:

Darcy and Ryan's hotel in Paris – can call room for information

She had written it down because that had been the number on the invitation to RSVP to. Darcy had told her that she could call that same number anytime for anything. Susanna took a deep breath and dialed the number.

She told the concierge which room, and then waited to connect. The phone in their room rang and rang, and Susanna was about to hang up, figuring they had gone out. Then, however, she heard it pick up, but no voice came. Instead she heard a clatter, as if the phone had fallen.

"Hello?" she said, wondering what had happened.

She heard sounds, and thought that maybe they were trying to find the phone.

"Hello?" she said again, louder. She listened, but something wasn't quite right. She had thought she was hearing a conversation, but now it seemed she was quite wrong. Instead, she heard heavy breath on the other receiver, and then some moans. Her mouth fell open and she held her hand up to it, both amused and embarrassed. Were they doing what she thought they were doing?

She was going to hang up, but then she clearly heard Darcy's voice moan, "Oh, Keith… a little lower… Keith! Yes, Keith, YES YES…"

Then Keith: "Oh Darcy, I want to-"

Susanna shrieked and practically threw the phone down. She put a hand to her chest to calm her breathing. Her mind was spinning… Darcy and Keith? Had she heard correctly? But how could that be? Darcy was in Paris… how did Keith get there? And why were they doing… that? How did they even…

She held a hand to her head to try to stop the whirlwind of thoughts. Ryan… did Ryan know? Where was he? That had been their hotel room after all… why would Darcy cheat on Ryan in their own room? Why was she cheating on him at all?

"Argh!" Susanna made a frustrated sound and sighed. "I don't have time for this," she muttered. And not only that, she thought, but I don't care, either. She would just have to (carefully) try to call again. She blocked out anymore questions, and proceeded to stay in her office until six writing another page-and-a-half-long to-do list for tomorrow.

(asteriks again)

Author's Notes: Double Argh! I know it's been too long, too long. Instead of slowing down like any normal school should, my teachers have decided to pile on the homework at the end of the year and it's driving me nuts!

If you could see me (and I hope you can't) I would be blushing. That chapter was a bit, ahem, raunchy, and I decided to up the rating to R. I hope I didn't offend anyone; I'm sorry if I did. But I figured they're all in their late twenties, except for Darcy, so it's not like my characters are immoral and damned to hell. I hope.

Please review. I didn't get many reviews last time, and I stayed up all night crying my eyes out. Okay, not really, but I swear a little tear rolled down my cheek. No reviews=no inspiration=no chapter. So review!!!

Love,

Emma the NazgulQueen