Hi all!

Thank you so much for the great reviews.

I just wanted to give you a bit of a warning that the end of this chapter gets a bit risque, oh, and fluffy. I just couldn't resist, it just happened :) I don't know if it's R rated, since I was corrected last time I said that. But it is definitely a strong PG-13.

Enjoy!
Failte


"So you and Owen have been friends for thirteen years?" Cady asked as they drove toward the Alexander house in Catham.

"Yeah, we've been partners in crime for over half our lives. I used to spend more time at his house than my own, I practically moved in when we were in high school."

"What's his family like?"

"He has two older brothers, Denny is an orthopedic surgeon and Jaime is a dean at a private school in northern Massachusetts. His mother is the sweetest lady I have ever known, an angel really, to have raised the McIntyre boys. His father, is a state judge, and knows more stupid jokes than anyone I'd ever known in my life."

"A judge? Is that why Owen went into law?"

Tristan shook his head, "Partially. That's why he went into one form of law before switching his concentration. It's a really sad story, actually."

"What happened?"

"When we were in our junior year of high school, Owen met Colleen Warren. Colleen was something else, she was the only girl I have ever met who could keep up with Owen. They dated for five years when he proposed to her the summer before their senior year of college. The plan was that after college, Owen would continue on to law school, studying environmental law and Colleen, who was studying business, would find work. Their long term goal was to get married after he finished law school, Colleen wanted to open a small boutique and gift shop on the Cape and Owen wanted to start a small practice." Tristan stopped and cleared his throat. "Last year, Colleen was returning home late from work as an assistant manager at a bookstore. She never made it home. They…they found her body four days later."

Cady clasped her hands over her mouth and gasped, "Oh my God."

"I won't go into details, but it was pretty bad. Owen was devastated, totally inconsolable. He was about to drop out of school when his father sat him down and talked him through it. In the end, he returned to school and changed his concentration to criminal law. He is making it his goal in life to put as many criminals as he can behind bars, he wants to fight for victims rights."

"Did they ever find who did that to Colleen?"

Tristan shook his head, "No."

"Poor Owen," she sighed.

"He's a strong guy, he's doing so much better now that he has a purpose to fight for. He's a great guy, he'll be fine."

Cady turned and stared out the window. The snow had let up, leaving barely an inch on the ground as flurries continued to swirl around the car. Her heart broke for Owen, the sweet, funny, kindhearted friend she had made just a few days ago. She turned back to Tristan when she felt his hand gently squeeze her knee.

"He has an amazing family and support system, Owen will be just fine."

She laid her hand on his, "And he has wonderful best friend."

"He is pretty much back to his old self, I mean, he'll never be completely the same again."

"You never know when everything can change," Cady whispered. "They had their whole lives planned out together and then in one moment it was gone."

Tristan turned his hand over and curled his fingers around hers, "Which is why we need to appreciate what we have now, live each moment to its fullest."

Cady lifted his hand and kissed it, "I love you and I promise to tell you that at least twice a day every day for the rest of our lives."


"The kitchen is right through here," Keith said as he and Allura led Major Dinsman and Captains Sodian and Garner through the castle. "It's almost time for lunch, so Nanny should be in here. She is the one who prepares or oversees the preparations of all meals."

"Nanny?" Dinsman asked.

"She was my governess when I was a child and she has helped with our children, we all just got into the habit of calling her Nanny." Allura explained. "Her name is Edina. Edina Harad."

"Ach, no Nicholas," Nanny chided as the door slid open. "You cannot have scrambled eggs for lunch, I'm making chicken salad."

"Hey Nicky," Keith greeted his youngest as they all walked in. "Why don't you go find your sisters?"

"I'm hungry, Daddy," he whined.

Allura went to the refrigeration unit and pulled it open. "Here, Nicky, take this and run along. We'll come get you for lunch," she said, handing him an apple and a bottle of juice.

The little boy looked as though he was going to say something else, but he could tell when it was not a good time to argue. He took the snack from his mother and hurried out of the room.

"How many children do you have in the castle?" Captain Garner asked.

"We have six children ranging in age from six to twenty and Lt. and Dr. Audric also live in the castle with their three children, ranging in age from one month to ten years. With all the other Force members and their families living near by, we often have a house full of kids."

"I can see why you would want to keep the perps out of the castle."

"Nanny," Allura walked up to the gruff elderly woman who had played such a huge part in her life. "This is Major Dinsman and Captains Sodian and Garner of the Garrison. They would like to speak with you about the food you have prepared for the prisoners that were brought here in the past."

Nanny sat down at the table and went back to cutting cold, cooked chicken breasts into small chunks, "It will be lunch soon, if you would like to speak with me, you'll have to excuse me while I finish preparing the meal."

"Oh, of course," Dinsman pulled out the chair across from Nanny and sat down. "We just have a few questions, Ma'am, we won't take up much of your time."

Nanny nodded, "All right, go ahead then."

"You are in charge of all the meals that were sent to the prisoners in the cells?"

"I am in charge of all cooking and baking here, so yes."

"And what did you normally prepare for them?"

"They would have whatever it was I made for the family that night. I have a lot of work to do and I don't have time to make something special for the ruffians that were brought in here."

"So they were fed well?"

Nanny looked up at him, "Are you questioning my cooking skills?"

"No, Ma'am, I'm sure you're a fine cook," Dinsman said, eyeing the knife she held. "I mean nothing personally, we just have certain questions we have to ask."

"I am a fine cook and those rapscallions in the cells were fed better here than they ever were by the Garrison, I can guarantee that. I never fully approved of how well the Commander treated the prisoners. Not one of the hooligans that were brought in here deserved that kind of treatment. If I had my way, they would have only been fed water and stale bread and they would not have been given such good linens on their bed. Do you think those hoodlums learned anything? No! What kind of punishment do they get for all the crimes they committed? They get a warm place to lay around all day while their three meals are brought to them. Then you come and take them to bigger, better prisons. What ever happened to hard labor? There was a time when prisoners were put to work, pay off their debt to society. Now they're coddled for fear of lawsuits."

Dinsman sat quietly through Nanny's tirade as he watched the older woman chop the meat with a vengeance, a little intimidated by the way she wielded a knife.

"I have been on this planet for the entire seventy-four years of my life and I have survived more attacks than any person should ever have to survive. When I think back on what has been done to this beautiful planet and how they have threatened and hurt the wonderful royal family, oh! I just get so…oh! None of those ruffians should be allowed such privileges when they try to take so much away from innocent people."

Keith stood beside the door trying to decide if he was mortified by what Nanny was saying, or proud.

Nanny stood and collected a large bowl to mix the chicken salad. "Now, what questions did you have Major?"

"We are investigating some complaints that were made…"

"Oh I heard about those complaints," she interrupted, slamming the bowl on the table. "And it is all a load of horse manure."

"I appreciate your cooperation, Ma'am, but we must investigate all claims…"

"Ha!" Nanny snorted as she added the ingredients and whipped up the chicken salad. "Let me tell you, Major, that you are in the home of the most honest, kind-hearted, thoughtful Queen you will ever meet. No prisoner brought into this castle, in the forty-eight years that I have worked here, has ever been mistreated, if anything, they've been spoiled."

Major Dinsman pursed his lips, he knew Nanny would only stand up for the Queen and Prince Consort. Interviewing her was going to get him nowhere. He looked down at the clipboard he had been carrying and glanced over his notes. The sound of a plate being slammed down in front of him had him raising his eyes to Nanny.

"Try that," she said pointing to the plate in front of him. "That is what I have made for lunch today. If there were any prisoners in the cells now, this is what they would be having."

Dinsman looked at the plate. Two thick slices of wheat bread were filled with chicken salad and shared a plate with chunky applesauce.

"I made it all myself, baked the bread this morning, and I made and canned the applesauce a few months ago. For dessert is a cherry pie I made earlier. When was the last time you had anything that good?"

"It looks very good, Ma'am."

"Try it."

"I don't…"

"Go ahead, Major," Keith spoke up. "Nanny is the best cook on Arus, trust me, you'll regret it later if you don't."

The Major set his clipboard down and picked up half the sandwich. He felt a little foolish, having five pairs of eyes on him as he bit into a sandwich. "This is very good," he said, impressed.

"Of course it is," Nanny huffed. "I am a fine cook."

"I never said you weren't…"

She ignored him as she went about preparing lunch for the children. "I cannot believe the Garrison is taking the word of that man, Vinn, over ours. What has the Arusian royal family ever done to make you doubt their honesty and goodwill? Huh? What? Nothing! That's what! I can't believe that with all that is going on nowadays, you are wasting your time and ours with these silly allegations. Do you have any idea how busy Her Highness is? Obviously you don't or else you wouldn't be here now wasting our time."

"With all due respect, Ma'am, this is not a waste of time."

Nanny glared at him, "Tell me how it isn't."

"It is important that we are able to present a complete picture to the judge and jury of Mr. Vinn's trial and in order to do that we must investigate all his claims and either back them up or discredit them."

"Yes, well, I can tell you right now that he is making it all up."

"I appreciate your input, Ma'am, but…"

"I am an honest woman, Major, you can take me at my word."

"I'm sure I can, but you have to understand that we…"

"I have told you all I can tell you," she said dismissively. "But it is time I fed the children their lunches. If there is anything else, you can come speak to me later this afternoon."

Major Dinsman sat stunned for a moment, shocked that he had just been dismissed by the elderly governess of the royal family.

Keith bit back a smile and spoke up, "If you'll please come with us, Major, we can take you to speak with Dr. Audric."


Cady wrapped her arms around herself, trying to ward off the chilling wind that blew in off the ocean as snow once again began to fall. The 'cottage' Tristan had brought her to was actually a huge, five bedroom house with its own stretch of private beach. They had arrived in the early afternoon, after the snow had stopped and the sun had peeked out from the clouds, melting the remnants of the morning storm.

They had dropped off their bags at the house and returned to the car, ending up in Hyannis to have a late lunch and do some shopping and sightseeing. She had had a wonderful time with Tristan and was blown away by the historic beauty they had seen. But in the back of her mind she kept thinking about what Tristan had told her on the way up. She thought about Owen and she thought about everything her parents had gone through, how close they came to losing each other, or how close Uncle Lance had come to losing Aunt Darcy. Granted, things were not as dangerous on Arus as they had once been, but it didn't take a war to be in danger. She shivered at the thought of poor Colleen.

This was how Tristan found her. He had just finished placing an order to have their dinner delivered from the most expensive restaurant in town. He knew it didn't matter to her, but Tristan found himself wanting to shower Cady with everything extravagant he could find. Whether it was the most expensive lobster meal from the classiest place on the Cape or a bath of diamonds, he wanted to spoil her. He stopped in the doorway and turned back to the living room where he retrieved a warm blanket from a chest under the window and throwing it around his shoulders.

Cady was leaning against the waist high railing that circled the elaborate back porch. Tristan approached her from behind, passing the hot tub that had him hoping that at some point they'd be able to use it. The strong scent of the ocean washed over him and he was hit with a sudden sense of longing. Tristan loved the ocean, he always had, and this was his favorite place to be. Memories of years past spent in this very house, looking out over the beach and water flooded his mind. More than anything, he wanted to stay here, with her, for the rest of their lives. True, that was implausible, but it was a nice dream.

He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, enveloping them both in the blanket as she leaned back against him. "Penny for your thoughts," he whispered as her hair ticked his neck and her body warmed his.

"My thoughts are worth more than a penny," she teased.

"Okay, a nickel then."

She turned in his arms and slid her arms around his waist, resting her cheek against his chest. Rather than responding, they stood in silence, listening to the waves pound the sand and the random cries of seagulls. "This place is so beautiful," she whispered after a few moments.

"This was always my favorite place. I had hoped it would be warm enough to have a picnic on the beach."

"We'll have to come back in the summer," Cady said, tipping her head back to look at him. "We'll picnic all day by the water."

He brushed his lips over hers, "And make love by the water all night."

She giggled, "I hate to imagine all the uncomfortable places the sand might find."

Tristan rested his forehead against hers, "I was trying to be romantic."

"Oh you are," she assured him, hugging him closely.

He felt the shiver run through her. "Why don't we go inside where it's warmer? Dinner will be here soon."

"What did you order?"

"Lobster."

She wrinkled her nose, "You mean those big bug things?"

"They're a delicacy."

"They're big bugs."

"You cannot come to New England and not have lobster."

"Fine."

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and steered her toward the door and into the warmth of the living room. "And if you don't like it, there's always dessert."

Cady raised her eyebrows and smirked, "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah. This place has the best cheesecake."

Half an hour later, the two of them sat in front of the fireplace with plates of salad and lobster. Tristan was trying to show her how to break the claws off and use the small fork to pull out the meat inside. Cady sat with her mouth hanging open, watching him tear apart the ugly, dark red creature, her face turning a little green.

"Come on, Cady, it's not that bad, it's really good," he said, offering her a piece of meat.

"Uh, no thank you, I'm really not that hungry. I think I'll just stick to the salad."

Tristan mumbled something that sounded suspiciously like 'sissy'.

"What did you say?" She asked.

"I said, 'Oh goody, more for me.'"

"You did not."

He smiled mischievously, "Wanna fight?"

"That wouldn't be very ladylike."

"Yeah. So?"

Cady nibbled at her salad, "I can't believe you're eating that thing."

"Don't knock it till you try it."

"We'll have to call my parents tomorrow."

"Why?"

"They said the investigators from the Garrison were arriving today, I want to hear what they have to say."

"Cady," he took her hands. "You know Vinn is lying, right?"

"Yes."

"So they're not going to find anything, right?"

"Yes."

"So you can wait until Monday to call. Like I said, this weekend is just you and me."

She smiled softly, "All right, but what if…"

"Then they will call you."

"What are the plans for tomorrow?"

He pushed aside his plate and scooted closer to her, "I don't know, I'm more interested in what the plans are for tonight."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah," he nuzzled her throat.

"You know what I'm thinking about?" Cady whispered huskily.

"What's that?" He asked, slipping his hand under her sweater.

"Cheesecake."

"Cheesecake?"

"Cheesecake."

Tristan lifted his head and looked at her, "I'm trying to seduce you here."

"There is nothing more seducing than a big," she kissed him, "thick," she kissed him again, "slab of cheesecake."

"Okay, okay, I can take a hint. Stay here, I'll be right back." He stood and gathered their plates.

"Can I help?"

"No, stay there."

Cady turned to face the roaring fire in the huge, stone fireplace. She drew her knees up, wrapping her arms around her legs and resting her chin on her knees, watching as the flames danced and twirled. A contented sigh escaped her lips as she felt warm, happy, and loved. They would definitely have to come back here and visit, bring their children.

Tristan sat quietly beside her, holding two small containers, "I got chocolate chip and strawberry, which one…"

"Chocolate chip."

"How'd I know?" He teased handing her one of the containers and a fork.

"Are you saying the mystery is gone in our relationship?"

"Not at all."

Cady flipped the lid open, "This looks delicious." The cheesecake was a pale creamy yellow dotted with brown chocolate chips and a large chocolate rose on the wide end of the slice. She looked over at his dessert and licked her lips at the sight of the red sauce and strawberry slices that covered his slice.

"Want to share?" He asked.

"You mean give you some of mine too?"

"That's kind of the point of sharing."

"Okay," Cady stuck her fork through her piece, slicing it in half.

"You're keeping the rose?"

"Of course I am," she replied, swiping at the chocolate with her finger, meeting his eyes as she sucked her finger clean.

Tristan slid his fork into the smooth cheesecake and swirled it in the strawberry sauce before bringing it to Cady's lips. She closed her eyes and sighed as it melted on her tongue.

"Good, huh?"

"I never thought anyone could make it better than Nanny," she replied, returning the favor with a piece of her cake.

Tensions ran high as they continued to flirt and slowly tease each other. Tristan slid closer and they sat as close as they could without her actually sitting on his lap. Cady continued to slowly devour her dessert as he set his aside and began to devour her. Starting just below her ear, he kissed and gently sucked her skin, moving down her neck.

"You're still eating?" He whispered as he stroked her back and kissed his way back up to her ear.

"It's cheesecake," she replied as though that explained it all.

Tristan rested his chin on her shoulder, "Are you almost done?"

"You can't rush good cheesecake."

He sat back with a huff. "I can't believe I am sitting here all cute and sexy and you're more interested in cheesecake."

She smiled slyly, "Yes, well, you'll always be cute and sexy, but this cheesecake won't always be here."

Tristan trailed one finger up the inside of her leg, smiling as she shivered.

But Cady wasn't about to give in that easily. She made a show of licking her fork clean, slowly.

He watched closely as she swirled her tongue around the tines and he unconsciously licked his lips.

"Hm," she mumbled, staring at the container. "It's all gone."

Tristan snatched the container and fork and flung them across the room before pouncing on her. Cady laughed as he pinned her beneath him, his lips attached to her throat as he tugged at her sweater. He kissed his way up to her mouth, silencing her laughter as he took her breath away. After a moment, he lifted his head and looked down at her, her closed eyes and pink cheeks. Tristan gently stroked her cheek and shifted his weight so he was nestled between her legs.

Cady slowly opened her eyes and met his intense gaze. He grinned wolfishly and whispered, "Still thinking about cheesecake?"

She wove her fingers into his hair and brought his mouth back down to hers. "Always," she whispered when they broke apart.

"Then I guess I'm not trying hard enough," he said sitting up.

Cady watched as he pulled his shirt over his head and threw it aside. She sat up and ran her hands over his chest, her fingers burning with the heat of his flesh. Tristan took her hands in his, gently kissing them, before letting them go. He gripped the hem of her sweater and slowly pulled it up, brushing her skin with his knuckles as he moved it up over her head.

She framed his face and drew him closer, meeting his lips with her own. Tristan wrapped his arms around her and fumbled for a moment with her bra before breaking the kiss and pulling her into a hug so he could look over her shoulder and undo the clasp. Cady took control and forced him onto his back, straddling his hips as she rose above him, crossing her arms over her chest.

"You're driving me crazy," he whispered.

"What?" She asked distractedly. "Oh, sorry, I was thinking about cheesecake."

"Oh, that is it!" He flipped her onto her back and retook control. His mouth began its journey at her mouth and moved down her throat, between her breasts, and over her stomach before returning north, circling her breasts with gentle kisses.

Cady writhed beneath him, clutching his hair in her hands and arching up toward his mouth.

After a few moments of this sweet torture, he lifted his head and looked down at her, "Still thinking about cheesecake?"

"Huh?" She asked confused, her eyes glazed over.

"Yeah, that's what I thought," he smirked as his hands unsnapped the button of her jeans.

Cady snapped out of her stupor and reached between them to tug at the button and zipper of his jeans. She gently kissed and sucked his throat at his pulse point, feeling the vibrations as a moan escaped from deep within him. "I love you," she whispered against his skin.

"Mm hm," he groaned.

Cady jolted at the sound of a bell. "Tristan?"

"Hm?" He asked, not stopping his exploration of her body.

"What was that?"

"What was what?"

"I heard a bell."

"I didn't hear…" He swore at the sound of the bell. "It's the doorbell. Ignore it."

"Who could it be?"

"No one. No one other than Henry, my parents and Erik and Sky know we're here."

"There could be an emergency."

He shook his head and kissed her, "Ignore it, they'll go away."

She nodded, forgetting the doorbell as he ran his hands down to her hips, pushing her jeans down.

A loud insistent pounding at the door interrupted them as Tristan head's shot up. "Dammit!"

"Go see who it is," Cady sighed. "I don't think they're leaving any time soon."

Tristan stood, grumbling under his breath as he closed his jeans and grabbed his shirt, pulling it over his head. Whoever it was, was still knocking loudly at the door when he wrenched it open, a scowl on his face.

"Lt. Alexander?" A woman dressed in a skirt and sweater underneath a long black coat stood on the stoop.

"Yes."

"I'm so sorry to arrive unannounced, but I was hoping to have a moment of your time and that of the Princess's, if she's available."

He crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe. "No, she's not, and what is this about?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I'm Samantha Sparks," she offered him her hand, shaking it curtly. "I am with the Boston Globe. I was hoping we could talk about the allegations…" She trailed off at the dark look that crossed his face and he took a step toward her.

"I don't know how you found out we were here," he growled. "But get off this property now or I will call the police and have you arrested for trespassing."

"Our readers…"

"I don't care about your readers. We have no comment on any of this. Now this is your last warning before I call the police. Good bye." He slammed the door in her face.

Tristan took a moment, anger coursing through him. How did she find them? Why couldn't they just leave us alone?

"Tristan?"

He turned at the sound of Cady calling him, "Yeah, I'll be right there." He took a moment to collect himself and calm his anger before returning to the living room. The sight that greeted him wiped away any thought of reporters, Vinn, allegations, or even breathing.

Cady had removed the rest of her clothes and was lying on the floor in front of the fire, the blanket they had used earlier was covering her, outlining every curve and line of her body. He swallowed hard and crossed the room to kneel beside her.

"Who was it?" She asked.

"No one, they won't bother us again," he assured her as he pulled his shirt over his head. "Is there room for me under that blanket?"

"Hm," Cady pursed her lips and looked under the blanket. "It'll be close."

"I'm willing to chance it."


The fire had died down to barely a glow amongst the logs. Cady curled up close to Tristan, her head on his shoulder, her arm wrapped around his waist. The sound of the waves hitting the shore mixed with the strong wind and his gentle breathing, lulling her into a comfortable doze.

"Are you cold?" He whispered, his breath ruffling her hair.

"Not at all. I'm still a little warm, actually."

"I guess I finally got your mind off cheesecake, huh?"

"Barely."

He chuckled and stroked her back, "I love you, Cady."

She lifted her head and looked down at him, "Tristan?"

"Hm?"

With his eyes closed and his hair mussed, he looked so sweet. She gently stroked his cheek, "It's always going to be like this, right?"

He cracked his eyes open and smiled softly, "Absolutely."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

She laid her head back down and closed her eyes, "I love you, too, Tristan."