So this chapter's title is from Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Minor Op. 23 - Allegro non troppo.

Because I wrote this entire chapter, all 7500 words of it, to this classical masterpiece on loop.

There's a quote from a classic Disney movie here, just not in the same words.

Pepper wears:

in-en/listing/195342069/18-discount-the-accolade-wedding-dress?ref=shop_home_active_35


Quos amor verus tenuit, tenebit.

Translation: True love will hold on to those whom it has held.

Tony straightened his clothes for the evening's event. In keeping with Patait's military dressing style, he had opted for a dark blue, high collared short jacket, with a simple gold thread loop at its sleeves and collar. Its shoulders were adorned with gold epaulets. Underneath, he wore a scarlet vest, heavily decorated with gold filigree and buttons. This was something fancy that he had borrowed from the Duke. He wore black trousers with red piping and laced up boots.

King Rheiner was finally engaged and was throwing a grand ball to celebrate his engagement. Of course, this was the ball Rorshach had wanted him and Pepper to attend. Tony, who at the time, had been busy thinking how to excuse himself, ultimately agreed to attend, only because of the visible excitement on Pepper's face. He was finally feeling physically alright, his bruises had faded to a pale yellow and most of his cuts were scabbed over. Except for the occasional twinge in his abdomen and the slight ache in his thigh, he was alright.

Tony was on edge because somehow, Pepper had been steadfastly avoiding his company for the last two days. She would wake up before him, so he could not have breakfast with her, conveniently disappear during lunch time and return straight for supper, which she would eat with Milene. Through his snooping (talking to a chatty stable hand), he learnt that Pepper would ride out to the Marketplace and spend a few hours there. When he tried going to her room at night, he was shooed away by an overprotective chambermaid.

He mentally girded himself. Tonight's the night. I tell Pepper how I feel. I confess all. I take whatever she says manfully. And then I convince her to take me back.

He heard a knock on the door and said "Enter".

It was Rorshach. He smiled at Tony, pride in his eyes. "Lord Stark... I just came back to see if you are ready for the ball. The ceremonial ball will sound in ten minutes. You and your lady are to be presented to the King."

Tony clicked his heels smartly and stood absolutely straight as Rorshach looked him over critically. It seemed fitting because the Duke had been the first man who had instructed him on the art of dressing for court.

Rorshach said musingly, "You pass muster. I must take my leave now. I must review the arrangements." He paused near the doorway. "Anthony... that young lady... Virginia. Does she know?"

"I am sorry, sir, I do not understand."

He smiled gently, "Does she know you love her? Or are you going to make the declaration today?"

Tony flushed. "Is it that obvious? That I love Pepper? And yes, I am going to tell her today."

The Duke nodded, a soft smile on his face. "Yes, you both can barely take your eyes off each other. She looks at you when you are not looking and you do the same. Best of luck, Anthony, Virginia is a rare woman, a one-in-a-lifetime kind of woman and you need someone like her in your life."

He was in the doorway when he turned to say, pausing slightly, "All is fair in love and war but I would just like to mention this as I am on your side, so... the Count of Hertzau... he is captivated by Virginia and is going to monopolize her company."

He winked at Tony, "Just thought you should be prepared for the war."

As he closed the door, Tony gritted his jaw. The Count of Hertzau was the nobleman from whom he had stolen the invitation to the Oracle Ceremony. Initially Tony had thought he was another corrupt ally of the Menolestes, who wanted to use the Great One's power for his own. Just like the Picaros and the Rusitanians.

But Rorshach had surprisingly revealed that Count Rupert was in fact, his ally and had come to Patait under false pretenses, to find out what had happened to the Duke. Just like Tony and Pepper, he was working in the background, to find a way to infiltrate the Menolestes' circle. Only Tony had beaten him to it. Now he was a welcome guest of Patait and so, would be expected at the ball.

Tony exhaled deeply and lightly closed his eyes. Count or not, I will not let anyone stand in my way and take my Queen. Be prepared for war, Count.

He sheathed his sword and left the room.


On the floor directly above Tony's room, Pepper was critically analyzing herself in the mirror. She was very excited about the night's event, the Kings's engagement. For the first time, I am attending a formal ball as myself. Yippeee! and look at my dress.

An ivory white, velvet and silk concoction, with full tapered sleeves. It had a narrow bodice, trimmed with indigo lace and a rich blue brocade embroidery at the hemline. She had picked this dress from the Marketplace on one of her secret shopping expeditions.

She twirled lightly, admiring herself in her attire. I wonder if Tony will like it. Then she frowned deeply. Why should I care what he thinks? I brought this gown for myself. I care for no one's opinion.

Again something deep inside her, said LIAR, of course you care what he thinks.

She pushed aside the thought and smiled to herself. There will be dancing and noblemen and curtsying and music and soft lights... It is going to be magical.

Milene entered and said excitedly, "Pepper, it is time for the ball! You look lovely! Let us make a grand entrance!"

As Pepper left the room, she secretly said to herself, I hope... I hope I get to dance with Tony.


Patait was a land of celebration and beauty and so the King spared no expense in making sure his engagement ball would be a testament to this fact. The ball was being held in the Alto Bueno Hall, a massive ceremonial area on the first floor. The Hall's entrance was actually on the second floor as guests had to descend to the area, using one of the two ornate gold staircases.

The Hall was decorated in hues of blue and red tones.

The entire staircase and dining area was covered in a rich, thick, crimson carpet and the room's six large windows had velvet, deep blue drapes with gold tassels. The hall's dance area was large and circular with a hard floor, marked off by its unusually colored flooring, sea blue with oceanic waves. The Palace orchestra played from a raised dais nearby.

There were three gold plated fountains in the hall. Guests were arriving and thronging the hall, lingering around the fountains or near the large windows, in groups. The King had not yet entered with his fiance to be, so the atmosphere was casual and relaxed.

So no one paid any attention to the man and the woman who had entered the Hall from opposite entrances. Each was slowly descending their respective staircase because they were looking at each other with admiration and love.

Pepper was descending the staircase on the right. She could see Tony and only Tony. The noise of the Hall faded away. Time seemed to stand still. She could hear her heart in her ears, beating loudly at the sight of him.

My Knight is here. He is perfect in every way. Warrior, tinkerer, nobleman, genius... savior. Look at him, standing there in blue, so straight and regal. His face is so dear to me. So what if he's not mine? Today... today I m going to pretend Lord Stark is my lord, my knight.. just for today.. then I will go back and forget him, no matter how much it pains me to do so.

Tony on the opposite staircase, could feel the flame burn so brightly in his chest, that he felt he could fly around the room. God's teeth, Pepper, could you be any more beautiful? Could you be any more pure? Queen of my heart, you make me... you make me want to be a better man, just so I am worthy of your love. And I know I am not worthy... But bastard that I am, I am going to tell you that I love you anyway. Then... then it is up to you...

They both finally reached the bottom and stood in front of each other, both shy suddenly, as if they were meeting for the first time. Tony was the first to come to his senses. He reached for her hand, Pepper placed it in his instinctively and made a little 'o' as he bowed deeply over it. He kissed her fingertips and she shivered at the sensation and the way he looked at her as his mouth caressed her flesh.

As he straightened, she curtsied daintily. Then they smiled at each other, that secret smile that friends give each other in unusual circumstances. Pepper came close to him and whispered, "Did I do that right?"

Tony looked at her, slightly shocked. He whispered back, "Are you talking about your curtsy?"

When she nodded, he murmured, "My lady, it was perfect. Everything about you, is perfect."

She giggled, covering her mouth to stifle the sound and lightly swatted him. "Please, Anthony Stark, look around you, this room is filled with the bold, the beautiful and the powerful. I am just trying to make sure that I do not embarrass myself... I am just a simple woman, struggling to rub away the dirt from under her fingernails."

He offered her his arm and as she took it and stepped closer to him, he whispered in her ear, "This may be a room full of roses but you, my wild rose, are the only one that has bloomed in adversity, the most rare and beautiful flower of them all."

Pepper looked at him in wonder then and said slowly, "Tony, how do you always know just what to say to reassure me, when I am scared?" He just smiled at her. She squeezed his arm.

An announcer said in a ringing voice, "Ladies and Gentlemen, the King will be making an appearance soon. Please clear the staircase."

Tony and Pepper descended then and stood together, near the large windows. A few people were staring at them curiously, especially at the possessive manner in which Tony was holding on to Pepper but one glare from him, was enough to make them turn away.

All the guests looked at the grand staircase now as trumpets were sounded and then a gong was rung, its sonorous tone echoing through the hall. Then King Rheiner came into view at the top of the staircase. The guests bowed and curtsied as the King descended the staircase to the bottom and stood before them. He asked them to be at ease.

He was a young man of fifteen summers, dark haired and boyish with a downy mustache and a tall, slender build.

A young woman appeared on the other staircase and the announcer said, "Lady Rania of Xandu!"

A pretty blonde girl of twelve summers, descended the staircase timidly and stood near the King. Rorshach stepped close and said loudly, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please greet the King and the Future Queen of Patait, King Rheiner and his fiance, Rania!"

The crowd went wild and the young couple stood together, girl blushing, boy smirking proudly.


Tony impatiently tapped his foot at the long-winded lecture being given to him and Pepper, by an enthusiastic Lord something of Patait. The man was going on and on about the architectural beauties of Patait and Pepper was listening to him, rapt with attention.

He surreptitiously signaled a nearby waiter for a drink. The waiter came close to him and then the lecturing buffoon took one of the last two glasses. Tony scowled at him and took the last glass off the plate. He offered it to Pepper, who accepted it gratefully.

She gave Tony one of her half smiles and squeezed his arm as if urging him to be patient. Then as the buffoon started to slow down, Pepper smiled winningly at him and said, "My Lord, sorry to leave you but I must have some fresh air."

She walked away then, Tony gladly coming with her. As soon as they were out of earshot, she giggled.

"Thank God, Pepper, I was going to burst with impatience over there! He was prattling on and on..." Tony exclaimed, unable to keep quiet any longer.

Pepper smiled at him over the rim of her glass and he had to smile back. She gently explained, "Tony, that is what happens at balls, people come and talk and socialize. You have to smile back and listen."

Then the sound of music came to their ears. Tony turned to see the Orchestra tuning their instruments.

"Tony, they are going to start playing music," Pepper said excitedly, "The dance floor will officially be open. Let us go there."

They walked there, Pepper practically gliding with excitement. There was a small crowd around the dance floor, people pairing up and chattering animatedly. Tony took Pepper's glass from her hands and handed it to a waiter nearby. Pepper was staring with awe at the couples standing still on the floor, hand in hand, waiting for the music to start.

Tony cleared his throat, took her hand in his and gently turned her to face him. "My lady, would you do me the greatest honor and agree to dance with me?" He asked her, his heart in his mouth. Pepper, please say yes, he silently pleaded.

She nodded, eyes sparkling and they walked together on the floor.

She stood in front of him and he braced himself.

He was amused to hear the Dragon hissing at him, out of the blue. Okay, Tony, you can do this, remember how it goes, one hand at her waist, one hand holding hers high. To pull her closer, hand at the small of her back. Remember! Not lower than the small of her back. DO NOT step on her toes, one two, one two, step in place, nothing fancy. Look into her eyes but be aware of the couples next to you.

So glad you could make an appearance, my friend, thank you for the advice, now shush, I want to concentrate.

He stood straight in front of Pepper, who was grinning at him very mischievously, her blue eyes twinkling at him. He shrugged, "What, what did I do?"

She pursed her lips to stop her smile and said, "Nothing, nothing... it is just, you are tensing as if you are going to fight someone.

Tony, relax. It is just a dance."

He nodded and was going to say something but the music started and Tony put his hand at Pepper's waist, she clasped her hand in his other hand and he raised their joined hands. She placed her other hand on his arm. He swallowed hard and gently moved, she moved with him.

The music played and people twirled but all Tony could do, was look at Pepper in his arms. She feels so soft. And she moves like the wind through the trees, so light, so soft. And there's the aroma of lilies again, Pepper, Pepper, Pepper...finally.

Her eyes were bright and her red hair shined in the light of the room. He felt a little confident, so he twirled them, making Pepper laugh with joy as he spun her powerfully with him. Then Tony moved his hand to the small of her back hesitantly, his eyes asking her "Is this okay?"

She answered by silently moving closer to him, so close he could feel her face lightly graze his slowly. He fluttered his eyes at the feel of Pepper's lush curves pressed to him intimately. She was quiet too, looking down.

They moved in silence, Tony's senses too fully enamored with the amazing woman in his arms, to talk. His eyes drank in her face, as if he was committing her face to memory: her downcast eyes, long, long lashes, how they lay delicately on her porcelain skin, her delicate profile, satiny cheekbones, her sensually pink curved lips and her beautifully firm collarbones, visible because of the scooped neckline of her dress.

Then she raised her eyes. Tony felt his heart stop and start again with a jerk, at the deep blueness of her eyes holding his captive.

Azure, oceanic depths, I would give anything to gladly drown in.

He swallowed and she sighed softly, her breath softly wafting over his face. He closed his eyes, trying to calm his heart which was thrumming painfully, full of emotion. He wanted to press his forehead to hers to calm down but...

Slow down, slow down, she's not a court strumpet or some easy lay. You need to be slow. Don't scare her with too much physical contact.

The music stopped, so Pepper stopped for them both and Tony irrationally, was irritated. He wanted to experience more of the slow, swaying torture of Pepper dancing with him. They parted but he took her hand in his and said, "Once again, sweet maiden?"

Her face was flush, eyes bright with happiness and she nodded. His heart lifted. Just then, someone came right next to them and cleared his throat. They both turned to stare. Tony stopped himself from scowling openly.

It is the damn Count of whereeverzau.

Count Rupert stood there before them. Tall, regal and attired in his red ceremonial coat, which I got to wear, so haaah!

He bowed deeply and smiled charmingly at Pepper.

"My lady, I believe my dance is next." He said in courtly tones.

Both she and Tony spoke at the same time, one voice soft one growling.

"I'm sorry, I'm dancing with him now." "She is dancing with me, friend."

The Count turned slightly to Tony and raised his chin, so that he could look down at Tony, from his perfectly narrow nose. He said loudly, in a very haughty tone, "Do you not know the rules of the court? Lady Virginia's next dance is promised to me, Count Rupert, you uncouth man."

Tony snarled and was going to pounce on him but Pepper pinched his arm tightly. While he rubbed the spot, she said gently "I am sorry, Count, we do not know the rules."

The count softened and said, "See your dance card, Milady. I wrote my name against this dance." And he turned slightly to Tony, his voice hardening, "So I have come to claim my dance."

To Tony's astonishment, the Count neatly pulled Pepper's hand from his, placed it on his own hand and strode away with her. He could feel the flame roaring in him as Pepper looked over her shoulder at him sadly, blue eyes searching his.

"Oh," the Count turned and said loudly, "And the next dance is mine as well, please do not disturb us." He tittered and as the music began to play, he started to dance with Pepper.

Somehow Tony was gently shoved off the dance floor, to stand on its fringes. Like his own panther Tigliath in a fury, he paced its circular edge broodily, glaring at the Count dancing beautifully with Pepper.

What just happened! whispered the Dragon, equally angry. Did that upstart idiot take Pepper from you?

Tony watched them twirl together and felt so warm with anger. I feel like I could breathe fire, just like Pepper. Look at them, she looks so beautiful like a fairy in white... twirling about, stepping daintily. My Pepper. My perfect Pepper.

Then the Count leaned closer to whisper something against Pepper's soft ear and Tony's vision turned crimson. Why that good for nothing snooty man, I'm going... I'm going to tear him limb from limb.

"Lord Stark, I think you should dance with me!"

He was suddenly pulled back onto the dance floor, by the charming historian. Tony huffed as they moved together to the music.

Milene was struggling to control her laughter and he glowered at her. "I suppose you heard Count stick-up-ass over there."

She composed herself, cheek red with mirth. "If looks could kill, the Count would be dead and buried by now. You need to calm down, my lord. You are practically steaming."

"Yes" muttered Tony, conveniently ignoring her advice to calm down. "If only looks could kill, my job would be easier."

Then he had to ask.

"Okay, what is the deal with these damn cards?"

She pursed her lips at him. Trying to control her smile. "Well, my lord..."

"Tony, please. I insist."

She smiled easily, "Tony... to prevent one partner from monopolizing the other. we came up with a card system. Since the men are the competitors here, each lady is given a dance card with 10 slots. And the man who wants to dance with her, has to write his name against the numbered dance on her card. This is done in advance. To formalize this and to stop fighting, the Duke stamps each card with his seal."

Tony scowled. "I do not like what I'm hearing. So how come Count Stuffy Ass over there, did not stop me for the first dance?"

Milene smiled sweetly at him. "Because the Duke has a soft spot for you and wrote your name on Pepper's card for the first dance."

Tony widened his eyes at his uncle's thoughtful gesture. "Fine, so how many dances has this Rupert the Great, booked with Pepper?"

The Count twirled Pepper beautifully in place, laughing while she smiled sweetly at him. Tony felt a roaring in his ears.

Milene hesitated. "Oh dear, you are not going to like what I have to say. Well... Pepper has 10 dance slots, you had one, he has four..."

"Four!" Tony exclaimed. Milene shushed him.

"He is a Count and outranks you, my lord. You do not even have your formal title anymore. But the Duke decided to ignore that."

She looked at him sadly. "You get just two dances as per your rank. He gets five. He's taken four with her."

Tony nodded, "Okay, so I get one more."

She winced, "No you do not because Pepper's card is full. She has two dances with the Earl of Sandwich over there." Tony glared at the young red-haired nobleman dancing nearby.

"And another two with the Commander of the Royal Guard."

Tony scowled at the young blonde commander in his smart blue uniform.

"That leaves one dance left..."

"Which the Duke has booked." Milene completed his sentence.

Tony stared at her in horror. "So I had just one dance with Pepper? And it is over !?"

She nodded sadly.

He glanced at Pepper, still dancing with the Count. She was smiling at something he said. Her eyes were lowered and she looked so sweet, so far away.

Tony sighed.

Maybe this is Fate's way of telling me to let her go. To let her be. She is better than me. She deserves someone better than me. Like a count or a commander. Someone powerful and good. Not a broken down tin soldier with a hole in his chest.

He looked away then and suddenly it came to him. Pepper falling through the sky, Pepper being carried away by the Beast into the stars.

His heart twitched painfully and his flame flared. NO... I will not let anyone take her away again. If Pepper rejects me... he gulped. I will accept it. But not this.

He whispered at Milene, a devious idea in his head. "Milene, can I ask you for one last favor?"

She nodded.

"Where are the empty dance cards kept?"

"Empty dance cards? Why I have some in my room. Why do you... wait Tony! You can't be serious."

He shrugged, feeling very devilish. "All is fair in love and war. The Count has declared war."

He raised his chin. "I will counter for my lady's hand."

She looked at him rather sternly. "Lord Stark, I may be stepping out of line here but... Virginia is not a thing to fight over."

He whispered desperately, "She is not a thing. I know that! She is the woman I love and I would do anything to win her heart. I just

... I just want to tell her how I feel. And see if she will accept my love. That's it."

He pleaded with Milene silently. She huffed and said, "I will help you, Tony, because I feel you are sincere. Come quickly, let us go to my room!"


Pepper absently moved in sync with the Count of Hertzau, who was busy going on and on about his castle and his horse and his land, blah and blah.

She was bored. When she asked the Count to tell her stories of his experience on the battlefield, he scolded her like a child and told her that gently bred ladies should not ask about such matters. He also did not want to talk about his weapons or his people.

I wonder where Tony is. When I last saw him, he was dancing with Milene. She sighed inwardly. Am I greedy to want one more dance with Tony? No I'm not. I want one more slow dance with Tony. I want ... to dance with my knight.

Then she remembered who she was dancing with. Their second dance was going on and she had a nasty suspicion, the Count had booked a third as well.

She smiled with relief as the dance came to an end and the Count bowed. Then she saw a tall, handsome, blonde man in a dark blue uniform come towards them. As he neared, she recognized him as the Commander of the Royal Guard, Lord Lancelot.

He bowed and kissed Pepper's hand. She smiled at him. Lancelot gave the Count a cool look and said in a commanding tone, "This is my dance, Count."

The Count straightened and said, "Watch your tone, soldier, I have another two dances with the lady."

Pepper rolled her eyes at them both. Sure, Gentlemen, please argue over me and do not regard my opinion at all... anyways I do not care who I dance with... because the man I wanted to dance with, has disappeared.

She was about to interrupt the fighting, when she saw a dearly familiar dark head moving through the thronging crowd, coming towards her. Tony came into view, grinning at her boyishly, hair ruffled rakishly.

Oh Tony... come and save me from these blathering idiots.

She could not stop her smile from deepening as he came to stand next to her. He caught her hand tightly in his own and she squeezed his.

He said firmly, "Gentlemen, it appears we are at an impasse. You see, neither of you have this dance."

The Count and the Commander turned to glare at Tony. Lancelot sneered. "Lord Stark, Lady Virginia's card says otherwise."

"Well, that's just it." Tony smirked at them. "Said card says the next 7 dances are mine and oh, one is the Duke's."

They started to argue and Pepper stared at Tony.

How, how is that possible? The Count is insisting it is his turn.

Tony raised his free hand. "Do not believe me? Then take a look for yourselves."

He pulled a card out of his jacket and they all peered at it, Pepper the most curious of them all.

Sure enough, on an ornately decorated card of blue and white, there were 10 lines, each preceded by a number. In a neat bold script, Tony's full name was listed on 7 lines, 1 line had the Duke's name and the other two had Count Rupert's name.

"This is not the card I filled out!" Shouted the count.

"But her name is on the card." Said Tony so sweetly.

He's right, that's my name at the top.

Lancelot said, "How the hell did you get 7 dances, you are nothing but a lowly lord. You should get only 2. I'm going to complain to the Duke."

"Sure" said Tony easily, narrowing his eyes. "Good luck reaching him." They turned to see the Duke climbing the stairs, talking to the King animatedly.

Then Tony added, "Plus the Duke has agreed to this because his seal is there on the card, see Gentlemen?"

He pointed and Pepper tried to stop her giggle. Yes, there's the Duke's seal at the bottom.

The Count and the Commander were mutinously glaring at him and Pepper braced herself for a fight.

Then Tony did something extraordinary. He tore up the card viciously, right in front of them and said firmly, "Enough with the card and the slots. Let us give the lady a choice. Pepper," he said, stepping away from her slightly, but not letting go of her hand. "Whom do you want to dance with?"

She stared at all three of them askance. This is supposed to be every girl's dream come true. To be the center of attention and have three handsome men fight over her. But... this is actually a nightmare. I want to dance with Tony but I can't openly refuse the other two.

Tony sensed her turmoil and said softly, "Or perhaps you do not want to dance at all?"

Thank God, Tony.

Pepper took his opening, lifted her chin and said "You are right, Lord Stark, I do want to dance with any of you. I am tired of dancing."

He gulped and let go of her hand, bowed stiffly to her and walked away. The Count goggled at her and Lancelot smiled at her sadly.

He bowed and said nicely, "Of course, my lady, your wish is my command" and he walked away as well.

Pepper did not wait for the Count's reaction, she turned and saw Milene talking to a group of people about the battle against the Menolestes. She walked away then and quietly joined the group, trying to find Tony. She stood there for ten minutes, joining the discussion now and then.

When someone else from the group started talking, Milene whispered urgently to her, "If you are looking for Lord Stark, he is over there by the fountain."

She whispered back, "Thanks" and walked towards Tony quietly, keeping an eye out for any more gentlemen who wanted to dance.

Tony's back was to her. He was standing in front of the fountain, shoulders slumped. She crept behind him, wanting to scare him, when he suddenly turned around to face her.

"Tony!" She whispered loudly. "What are you doing here, skulking by the fountain?"

He shrugged. "Staring at my own reflection."

She shook her head at his affected nonchalance. Then she took his hand and bowed over it. "Would you dance with me, my lord?"

Tony's face slowly broke out into a grin. He said casually, "I am just a lowly lord... are you sure you want to dance with me?"

She couldn't resist smacking him lightly on the arm. "My lord, you are the Iron Knight, the hero of Patait... Who wouldn't want to dance with you?"

He grinned at her and took her arm. "You are right my lady, we have a reputation to uphold. We are the heroes of Patait for today. Us heroes need to stick together. I shall empty my dance card, just for you." She laughed aloud at that.

They walked back to the dance floor and when Tony stopped to wait for the next dance, Pepper firmly pulled him onto the floor. They started moving to the music instinctively.

This being the second time, she was in his arms, Pepper did not want to be bashful. She moved Tony's warm hand from the side of her waist to the small of her back, moving closer to him. She rested her chin on his shoulder for just a minute, inhaling his musky scent. Then she raised her head.

This feels so right somehow.

"Tony how do you always know it is me, when I am sneaking around or trying to hide?"

"Pepper, you look so beautiful tonight."

They both spoke at the same time.

He grinned at her and said, "You go first. How do I know you are there? Hmm I don't know... I have a sense."

"A sense?" She raised one eye brow quizzically.

"Yes, a Pepper sense."

"Alright, since you choose to be vague, Anthony." She sniffed at him but his boyish grin won her over and he spun her quickly, so she gasped in joy.

Pepper surreptitiously started to study Tony. Good Lord, Tony is so close. And he feels so warm, she clutched at his firm bicep under her fingers and so hard ... then she blushed at the dirty sentence in her head. That sounds so perverted. She stared with admiration at his broad chest, But he really is so vitally masculine and she gazed at his beard so virile, but yet so... she landed at his lips, so damn soft in some places...

Then she looked up, straight into Tony's brown eyes, staring at her with such sensuality, that she moistened her lips instinctively. He immediately shifted his gaze to her lips and she shivered at the way his eyes darkened.

Determined to fluster him, the way he was flustering her, Pepper leaned close to his ear, breathing deeply, not breaking a step and whispered slowly, "Tony..."

Tony stiffened suddenly and she grazed his warm flesh with her lips. She exhaled, feeling herself press into him and his body harden against hers.

He stumbled slightly at that and she leaned back, trying to hide her smile. Aha, she noted his deep flush with pleasure, you are not as impervious to my touch as you pretend to be, my Lord...

"Hmm," he said very nonchalantly. "What is it, Pepper?"

She asked firmly, "What did you do with my original dance card? I do not believe that the Count was mistaken when he says he marked four dances with me."

He barked out a laugh and then became wary, his eyes searching hers. "I did something devious, I know, but... do not be angry Pepper, I just ... I just wanted to dance with you."

She smiled at him, "Tony, I am so relieved you saved me from the Count's incessant boasting. But tell me, what did you do? I am dying of curiosity."

He grinned at her and said softly, turning her slowly, "Well, Milene had some spare blank dance cards, so she filled in only my name and the Duke's name, then I went to Rorshach and asked him nicely to stamp the card. After some teasing, he acquiesced and I came to face your handsome suitors."

Pepper did not know whether to laugh or applaud the lengths that Tony went to just to dance with her. She stammered out, "Tony, Tony, dancing with them did not mean anything to me. They were pleasant company, that's it. I do not understand why ... why did you do so much? We could have danced later."

He shrugged at her. "I do not know about later." He grew serious. "I do not know if we will get such a chance again. All we have is now."

Before she could ask him what he meant by that cryptic sentence, the gong was rung twice. The music ended and pepper looked around as people started to move towards the fountains.

Tony tucked her arm in his and told her, "It is time for a lavish dinner. You are in for a real treat now."

They walked to the large dining table.


After an impressive dinner, Tony and Pepper were taking a leisurely stroll around the room. Talking to people, admiring the decorations, accepting pats of approval and words of gratitude.

Then the announcer shouted, "Will Anthony Edduard Stark and Virginia Potts come to the main staircase please?"

They looked at each other. "This must be the felicitation that the Duke mentioned", Pepper muttered.

"Do we have to go? Felicitations make me nauseous and we had such good food." Tony stuck his tongue out comically.

She shook her head at him, trying to control her smile. "Tony..."

"Ah well, I had to try, Pep". He shrugged.

"Hey! You two! Get over there!" Milene hissed at them.

They hurried forward, Pepper tugging Tony along by the arm.

When they reached the staircase, he very gallantly offered her his arm and they stepped up together.

Then the trumpets were sounded and the King descended the staircase. Everyone bowed and curtsied.

He came close to Tony and Pepper, a wide smile on his youthful face. The Duke was walking slowly behind him.

The the King spoke in his young voice, "Stark and Potts, please rise. It has been brought to my attention by my steward, that you both saved Patait from certain ruin, brought about by evil forces within its government."

He looked at the audience. "Our very own, the Menolestes, our holy men, were plotting behind my back, with external forces, to destroy Patait."

The crowd hushed and tittered.

"But these two brave souls came to Patait's aid and fought bravely to destroy this evil and save us. They deserve our everlasting gratitude."

The crowd applauded thunderously.

The King beckoned at someone behind Tony. A courtier came forward, carrying a tray containing two scrolls.

The King took one and opened it. He displayed it to the crowd. "This is the deed to twenty leagues of Patait land. I confer this land as a gift to Virginia Potts."

The crowd applauded once again as the King stamped his seal onto the deed and handed it to Pepper, who curtsied.

He picked up the second scroll. "This is the deed to the House of Carbonell. When the owner of said House, Maria Stark, passed away, the ownership of the House passed back to the Kingdom of Patait. I give it now back to Maria's son, Anthony Stark."

Once again, Rheiner stamped his seal onto the deed and handed it to Tony, who bowed deeply.

"In addition to this, the Kingdom of Patait gifts each of you, a sum of 1000 gold coins, in thanks for your faithful services."

As the crowd went wild, Tony and Pepper smiled at the King. Tony felt the ceremony was over and tried to take Pepper's hand to walk away with her.

"Wait, Anthony Stark, there is one last thing," the King said regally, smiling at him.

Tony stopped where he stood, eyes wide.

"Anthony, I know you were a nobleman, a Knight of Lorinthia and a Lord. But your title was taken from you by King Leoric."

The crowd began to whisper loudly and Tony flexed his jaw.

"But... I feel you deserve your title once again. Now I know your concerns," he said as Tony opened his mouth to object, "You will not be a Knight or asked to perform any service as part of a duty. But I am a King and I will restore your birthright, your peerage to you. Kneel, Anthony."

Tony obeyed, slightly awed by what was going to come. Pepper was staring at him and the King, eyes filled with happy tears.

The King unsheathed his long, golden sword and Tony bent his head. Then the King lightly touched his sword on each of Tony's shoulders and sheathed it again.

"I, Leroy Alan Frederick Rheiner, King of Patait, bestow upon you the rank of Lord. Rise now, Lord Stark, son of Carbonell and Stark, scion of the House of Carbonell."

Tony rose to his feet and bowed gratefully to the King as the crowd whooped and cheered.


It was 11:00 pm. Most of the guests had retired to their rooms because of the late hour. The Orchestra was still playing, slow romantic tunes this time and a few couples were dancing.

Pepper laughingly pulled Tony back to the dance floor. "Come my lord, one last dance, this time a slow one. My dance card is nearly done."

He smiled at her and they slowly started to sway in time to the music.

Pepper gasped as she saw one of the other slow dancing couples, was the King and his fiance.

"Look, Tony," she whispered, entranced, "the King is dancing with his future bride. They look so sweet together, don't you think so?"

Tony smiled against her ear. "She's just a child, Pep."

"I know, I know, but somehow, I have a hope that they will do well together, they have a spark you know."

He asked slowly, "Care to elaborate?"

"Well, look at the way, he's holding her hand, the delicate way he is guiding her, because she is nervous, this must be her first dance in a court this large. They are whispering to each other, so sweetly in each other's ears."

Tony glanced at them fleetingly, "I wonder what they are talking about. Probably making silly promises to each other. Young Lovers!"

She looked at him, her gaze soft as she looked at his handsome face. "Well my Lord, no harm in having some fun, tell you what, You are going to guess what the King promises and tell me. Then it will be my turn for Queen Rania. The one with the funniest or best guess wins!"

He smirked at her, "Alright, me first."

She watched Tony look at the young King whisper something in his fiance's ear and how Rania smiled shyly back at him. Pepper giggled as Tony put on a light falsetto to imitate the King's youthful voice.

"I promise that I will never ever come to you, straight from a long ride, smelling like a horse."

"Tony! That's rude!"

"Well, it is true, Pep, who likes a man smelling like a horse?"

"My turn, I bet she's saying, if you do come to me smelling like a horse, I get to sprinkle my lady soap all over you!"

He laughed softly. "Good counter."

Pepper saw the future Queen say something to the King, that made him chuckle. She leaned closer to Tony.

"I promise that I will never tell your secrets to anyone except my hairdresser, my costumer and my lady in waiting."

Tony chuckled hard at that. He countered with "I will never ever make the mistake of trying to change you, oh no, that is a mistake no man should make."

Pepper nodded at him, smiling. "That is a good promise my Lord, holds true for older men as well."

He widened his eyes at her. "Point taken, my lady. Your turn."

She watched Rania's eyes sparkle with mischief as she said something to the King. "I promise not to call you any weird nicknames like apple of my eye or sunshine of my heart or...light of my loins."

Tony nearly stumbled with laughter at that. "Light of my Loins! Pep! That's pure genius."

"Your turn, Tony, the King is whispering something, oh he looks serious."

Tony looked at Pepper, all mirth gone from his face. "I promise to never dance with any woman other than you. You are the only woman, my arms will ever hold."

Pepper stared at him. "That's a very serious promise. I'm not sure he can keep it, Tony, being the king."

He sighed softly, pulling her even closer to him, his lips floating over her cheek in a feather-soft caress. She took a deep breath, flustered by his gesture.

He whispered to her slowly, "I'm making this promise to you my lady."

Pepper leaned back in his arms, eyes wide with shock. She gasped at the intense loving look in his eyes and couldn't stop herself from placing her hand on his soft yet prickly beard, stroking it, loving the way Tony closed his eyes and leaned into her touch.

"Tony, I... I do not know what to say." Her heart was beating painfully.

The music stopped and as the couples began to exit the dance floor, since that had been the last dance, Pepper stood still, unsure what to do. Tony gently took her hand in his.

As she stared at him in wonder, he bent low over her hand and he kissed each finger tenderly, saying softly to her, dark eyes locked onto hers.

"Pepper please know this. Come what may, I promise, I will always, always care for you. With all my soul. In this life and the next. My heart is ever at your service, my lady."

She gasped at his words. "Oh Tony, I... I.. Tony... what..." God Lord, is he saying what I think he's saying.

Her throat felt dry and she gulped, ears ringing with heat. Her heart was thumping loudly in her chest.

He straightened, his eyes looking at her with fear and sadness. "Pepper, I... I just want to say what is in my heart. I've been hiding it for so long..."

"Anthony Stark! Lord Stark!"

She turned and Tony stared ahead as the announcer was calling out Tony's name. He swore under his breath but Pepper heard him and whispered, "We need to talk, Tony. We really need to talk about... about us."

He nodded firmly. Then he whispered back, eyes glittering. "Stay awake, Pepper, I will come to you at midnight."

She nodded and then composed herself as she saw some guests heading her way.

Be still, beating heart ... tonight we will find out what Tony really thinks of us... and whether his sweet words mean what we think they mean.