Chapter 23


The last formal event Chloe had attended was Victor Barden's memorial ceremony. That was almost two weeks ago yet it felt like it had been more than that. It felt like years.

She went as a Vanderbilt then. Officially.

Two weeks later and here comes another formal event, a bigger one actually. Other important figures from all over the world will be attending to celebrate a very important moment in history, the day the royal council had been created.

However, this time she'll be attending as Chloe Beale.

Only as Chloe Beale.

They say your life can just change in a moment. Chloe guesses this is what they meant. It feels weird. Strange. Ironic. But does she regret anything? No. Not all.

Is she nervous about it though?

Very.

So here she is checking herself in the mirror for what feels like the millionth time. Her hair gathered up into plaits that seemed like a crown on top of her head. Like royalty. Which was really a bold move to do, especially when there's only one person who is supposed to be wearing a crown tonight. To be fair, it wasn't her idea. The Queen herself must have ordered it since her hairstylist, Dylan, just went to work after telling her to 'Don't worry, I'll make you look like a goddess tonight' and a 'trust me' wink along with it.

Even her dress was already prepared beforehand. Chloe was in awe the first time she saw it. And to think that they even politely told her that if she didn't like the design they could always replace it with whatever she wanted. The beautiful gold coloured evening gown bathed in small diamonds and pearls was most definitely a dress every girl dreams of wearing. So the implication that she'd think it was rubbish was absurd because Chloe was already in love with it from the moment they brought it in.

Chloe is no stranger to formal extravagant fashion. She grew up with it. But tonight would certainly take the number one spot for making her feel really special. Which was ironic since she currently doesn't hold any title nor officially belong to any elite family, despite being born into one. Yet here she was invited to one of the biggest royal events, dressed in a very gorgeous dress and glittering shoes—she doesn't even know where to begin with her elegant high heels.

Maybe she should sweetly warn Beca next time to tone it all down a notch.

Turns out, the Du Pont has a knack for giving Chloe more than the proper amount or quality of almost everything. The other day Beca bought boxes of chocolate chip cookies especially delivered from Sweden after Chloe made a small comment about the delicious looking dessert she saw on TV. Or that time when she jokingly said that it'd be nice to ride a cable car from the manor to the arts building. She had to stop Beca from actually having one made. And don't get her started with all that delicious dishes she'd been making for her almost every day just because she requested it one time.


"Put that down, Jesse. Now,"

"C'mon Beca, just one bite!"

"Make your own. This is for Chloe,"

"Hey Chloe, can I have some?"

"Sure, Jess,"

"Chloe, no,"

"Chloe, yes,"

"Jesse, yes!"

"Shut up, Swanson!"


Honestly, asking Beca to turn it down a notch is going to be quite hard and Chloe smiles at the thought of the stubborn Du Pont. Beca who still gets awkward whenever she'd sincerely throw her compliments—or giving her a bouquet of roses just because. Sometimes it makes Chloe sad that Beca rarely gets told about how amazing she was. Back when they were children, Beca used to furiously blush when Chloe started showering her with sweet affectionate words and gestures. Now, it's subtle awkward fumbling and heavily deflecting through sarcastic comments or jokes.

It makes her think just how hard life was for the Du Pont to be able to take on harsh words without even a flinch but stutters when it comes to being told of how beautiful she is.

To Chloe, personally, it's when she is making music that Beca is most beautiful. When she is wrapped up in the melody and the beat, all of it consuming her. When she closes her eyes as she feels for it and when she opens them to look at Chloe and Chloe alone. It's that moment when everything else around them becomes silent, the noise dies down and another kind of music plays.

A breath.

A pulse.

A heartbeat.

All becoming one.

Beca's alcohol consumption greatly lessens despite being at the club almost every night. How could it not? Her lips are always occupied with Chloe's to even take a sip—because kissing is the only way to make flirty people back off forever. They'd stumble out of the club laughing in each other's arms and feeling high. No drugs. No alcohol.

Just high on each other.

Chloe's also enjoying illegal car racing. Not only because it's an adrenaline rush kind of fun and Beca becomes ten times more attractive when she's driving but also because they always win and gain prizes—there was concert tickets, the loser's sports car, and anything they'd want to bet on. It's bad and she shouldn't be enjoying it so much but staring at danger in the eye is just too tempting to resist. Especially when they are the colour of the deep blue sea and look back at her intensely as if she was the only living thing in this world. It catches her breath every single time.

Just like now.

Chloe's earlier worries quickly dissolve into dust as she stares at Beca through the mirror. The Du Pont stood behind her donned in a lovely black evening gown embroidered with gold fabric and encrusted with gold stones hugging all her curves. It's a dress fit for a queen. It's enough to make her jaw slacken in awe before slowly standing up to face Beca who also looks back at her appreciatively.

The Du Pont's absence in the past couple of hours had Chloe's mood dampening. Beca had quickly been ushered away from the moment they woke up due to certain important matters and so she can be heavily prepared for tonight. But then looking at the perfection in front of her now makes her think that the agony of being separated was all worth it.

What even made this look exceptional was the object resting on top Beca's head. The royal crown, custom made to the preference of the enthroned royalty, laid perfectly in all it's glory. This time it's more simpler in particular to the design yet still very much filled with elegance. Its presence suddenly makes Chloe conscious, reminding her of important royal protocols. So she moves down to kneel but Beca quickly stops her, a hand holding on to Chloe's arm.

"Don't," Beca tells her. "It's still me and no one's watching. Never kneel if it's just the two of us," she reminds with a small smile before looking down at Chloe's dress.

"Besides, I don't want you to ruin such a lovely dress," she admires unabashedly. "It suits you just like I pictured it to be, maybe even more,"

"Well, you look lovely," Chloe replies, fingers slowly trailing down on the golden patterns of Beca's dress.

"I thought I wasn't going to see you until the party started," she admits.

"Is that why I can feel your distress flooding all over the place?" Beca asks as she gently slides her hand from Chloe's arm to her wrist were it stays there. The soft pads of her fingers right at her pulse point. A small gesture of comfort and security.

She lets out a sigh, biting her lower lip before looking back at the Du Pont. "Some of my family are going to be here. My parents actually go to these events all the time," she finally says as she lowers her gaze from Beca's dark blues.

"They weren't exactly happy about my… choice, obviously. And now, seeing them again, it's going to be quite… hard. It's so different now," she continues slowly before mentally brushing the heaviness off.

"But tonight's not about me though. I'll be fine, Becs, really. Just concentrate on being the baddest, most awesome Queen out there," she assures the Du Pont with a smile, placing her hand on Beca's cheek.

Yet despite the assurance, Beca happens to be very particular about the things Chloe is uncertain of and isn't one to just put all that aside in favor of all these, as she says, 'useless crap'.

"I wouldn't mind it if you don't feel like attending this event. I don't want to force you into something you aren't ready to face. The main reason I brought you here is to enjoy and relax," Beca softly says before placing a hand above hers and tenderly planting a kiss on her inner wrist.

"And waste this gorgeous dress and shoes you picked for me?" Chloe asks in a ridiculous tone. "Hell no,"

"I'll be there, Becs. For you. Besides, I'll have to face my parents again eventually. It's inevitable. I can handle it and if it gets too much then I can always head back up here where I'll be waiting for you with this beautiful view," she says as she glances at the very impressive view of the ocean. When they arrived in Greece, the view of their room was one of the things that Chloe considers breathtaking.

Paris might be called the most romantic place in the world but Mykonos seems to be challenging this fact.

"Alright then," Beca says and when Chloe brings her gaze back to her, she notices the Du Pont holding a classy looking rectangular black box, the one she's been holding ever since she stepped into the room.

Beca opens the box in front of her and Chloe gasps at the very extravagant necklace she's ever seen. Her surprise hadn't only been because of its beauty but because she's seen this particular necklace before. It had been much talked about when Beca's mother wore it on her first prestigious occasion after she officially became a Du Pont. It was a family heirloom and had only been worn by female Du Ponts who had been either crowned or married to royalty or the head of the Du Pont high seat. It was even said that the Byzantine styled necklace consists of 118 pearls and 2000 diamonds of different sizes sitting on gold embellishes. It had been the labelled one of the most envied necklaces in history and had only been worn once by Beca's great grandmother who passed it down to her daughter, Beca's grandmother and then finally Robbyn, Beca's mother. A total of three times.

Four now, actually, as Beca carefully takes it out the box and slips it around Chloe's neck from behind. When Chloe looks at the mirror, the necklace shining and glimmering whenever the light touches it, she remains utterly speechless.

"Becs, it's very, very beautiful but I can't wear this," she finally blurts out in almost a whisper. "I can't possibly deserve to wear something so important. It's your mother's. It's too special,"

"Exactly. It is special," Beca answers, fingers gently brushing against the precious object hanging around Chloe's neck creating goose bumps all over her skin.

"Only someone so important to me deserves to wear it. It is where it's supposed to be," she adds softly, lips brushing lightly against the shell of Chloe's ear while her heart hammers at Beca's words and the implication of what such grand gesture could possibly mean.

"You will be the center of attention in the room. I want you to walk in there and dazzle so brightly than anyone else that no one would even dare look down upon you. I want everyone to gush at how beautiful you are that by the end of the night the only thing they'd remember is you walking down the stairs by my side,"

By my side

If she fully understood what Beca is saying then could it be that she wanted Chloe to walk right next to her, in front of everyone? Only the thought of it is making her dizzy. It's overwhelming and she didn't even expect to enter that way.

It's not traditional.

Nobody just simply gets to walk next to royalty in such events.

She's seen Beca's father attend grand occasions like this. When Robbyn Du Pont was alive, the family would always be formally introduced and given the highest form of respect, as with anyone who is crowned. After her death, Beca's presence had slowly decreased until she completely ceased to attend such important occasions following their heartbreaking separation. It wasn't until she returned to America that the reluctant Du Pont heir finally starts to make an appearance. If she was forced to, she'd be walking right behind her father looking like she'd want to be anywhere but there. Chloe's eyes would follow her, wondering how lonely it must be.

To stand in the spotlight alone.

And now she wants Chloe next to her.

Out of everyone, Beca wants her.

Only her.

She's placing such huge trust on her like never before, confident that there'd be no one else more worthy. Even willing to break a few rules because Chloe is important to her, willing to show the world that Chloe deserved the best. To be talked about not as the Vanderbilt who got disowned but the lovely girl who was special enough to walk next to the Queen.

"You want me to walk next to you?" she slowly asks, still in disbelief with what she heard.

"Yes, I want them to know," Beca starts, pausing for a second as she seems to be in some mental debate before finally taking the plunge, "How much you mean to me" she admits softly, eyes suddenly finding the vanity mirror interesting because of course Beca with her weakness for anything related to talking about cheesy things or simply, feelings.

And here Chloe thought she'd be hanging out all night at the back of the room, trying to make herself invisible.

The look the Du Pont finally gives her makes her melt but then it's really not that simple. "Becs, they're going to say things," she carefully reminds her.

"Then let them. I don't care. Vanderbilt or not, I don't care," Beca says, stepping closer to her.

Meeting her halfway, she leans her forehead against Beca's. Just basking in her presence. Softly. Quietly. Lovingly. It's moments like this when Chloe finds that they don't need words. They've always connected more than just the physical. A part of their souls already intertwined with each other.

Always together.

This was her choice.

Beca is her choice.

And every day Beca does everything to prove to her that she made the right choice. Even if she didn't have to.

"Your Majesty,"

Their moment cuts short as the event's organizers remind Beca of the time all the while looking at them both apologetically. Reminders were given here and there, a brief introduction of the important guests and security protocols are followed. Beca's hand wrapped around hers all through everything.

In between it all, at the back of her mind, a small thought slowly grows with each time she shares with Beca.

This would be your future. By her side.

And it's getting hard to ignore when Chloe begins to unconsciously think about it. The future.

The thought of it is feels huge and heavy. The responsibility attached to it, massive. She had been prepared for something similar all these years, with Tom. It's no secret that the Vanderbilts had plans in regards to the throne. Out of the five elite families they had the most number of crowned royalties. So these big plans are essential on securing another Vanderbilt royalty. Something that Chloe would've had a very huge role in if she remained with Tom. But then again a bloodline's high seat is clearly different from the royal throne. After Darius Du Pont steps down as king, had he been still alive, the other elite families would have the chance to send in their candidates to undergo intense deliberation within the council until they would have been left with two. From then on, the public decides who gets to be crowned. Still, it would have taken years until it happens.

And maybe it's still too early to think of things.

Maybe Chloe finally, truly realizes that she is in a relationship with the Queen.

And it could be scary to look at it as a whole and start asking about questions regarding the future. Yet thoughts about it cannot be helped.

Because as of this moment Chloe doesn't see a future without Beca in it.

And that's probably why it's such a big deal.

Chloe walking by Beca's side tonight at such an important occasion is like announcing a marriage. This was why they've prohibited royalties from walking along with their dates, no matter how much they would love to. It was supposedly made to eliminate rumours and scandals with regards to the crowned royalty's private life. As it is such sacred act to even stand by the crowned royalty's presence. A rule which Beca is clearly ignoring.

It would solidify the fact that she would officially belong to Beca.

That she would be a Du Pont.

"Sunshine," Beca's voice tears her away from her thoughts as she swiftly turns her head towards the brunette.

"Just a little nervous," she replies, seeing the worried look on Beca's face.

"Having second thoughts?"

"Nope, never," she honestly assures her.

"Good. Because I don't think I could possibly let you walk out there on your own looking as gorgeous as that," Beca admits, a smirk playing on her lips and it fortunately eases the tension.

"I knew it," she jokes with sigh, a smile growing on her lips until it fades as she looks into Beca's eyes.

"I'm right here," Beca whispers sincerely, her thumb creating small circles against her palm to soothe her nerves.

"I know. There's nowhere else I'd rather be,"

By your side

The doors slowly start to open and yet Chloe's gaze never wavers from those deep dark blues that hold her universe. Music starts to drift from inside the hall and the bright lights slowly bathe them both. She is momentarily blinded by the spotlight until her eyes adjust to it, Beca's face the only thing she sees. The chattering noise from inside dies down and the music stops. But none of that matters. It's just like every night in the club. There's only one melody she could hear.

A breath.

A pulse.

A heartbeat.

All becoming one.

"Her Majesty, the Queen, Rebecca Olivia Mitchell-Du Pont" the host gloriously introduced elaborately followed by the numerous titles Beca has attached to her name. But then it doesn't end there. At least, not how it usually ends. Because as of tonight, a new attachment has been added.

"And Her Majesty's most beloved, Chloe Sofia Beale,"

Beca releases her hold on Chloe's hand to move it up on her arm before securely placing a hand on top of Chloe's. Hearing the title, a genuine smile splits in Chloe's lips as they both finally look forward. Of course, Beca would tell them to say that. She could already picture the Du Pont scribbling possible titles for hours and then scratching it off in frustration before writing down a new one.


"How about just something simple but you know has impact like, 'my love' or 'my beloved' and it's also like some sort of announcement that she's your girl. They can all die in envy or something along those lines,"

"Jesse!"

"What? I was just trying to he—"

"That's a good suggestion,"

"Really?"

"Sometimes you're annoying but sometimes you're... okay,"

"Thanks Becs Becs,"

"Don't call me that,"

"Why? Chloe calls you that all the time!"

"Shut up, Jesse!"


And maybe that's the only title Chloe wants.

It's the best she's ever heard and she will carry it proudly, that's for sure.

Two weeks being the center of attention and gossip had prepared Chloe for this night because she finds that being in the middle of it all, surrounded by very important figures in their society doesn't actually intimidate her as much as she thought it would.

She walks with Beca down the staircase and everyone starts to bow down in respect.

"Her Majesty's most beloved, huh?"

"I was only sticking to the facts,"

"True. I like it,"

Beca doesn't conceal the proud look on her face and before Chloe knows it, the moment is over. It's funny how now that's she is seated next to Beca only does the overwhelming and astonished feelings start to fill her up again. Yet when Beca's hand finds hers once more, her heart starts to beat in a calmer rhythm.

The program starts with introductions, a short film presentation of the council's history, important people Chloe had studied about since they were in grade school, impressive presentations from classical opera to spell-binding orchestra numbers and important speeches. Beca gives one as well and unlike her very personal speech weeks ago, this time the delivery is done in a much formal manner, sticking to the script. Although, there were moments when she did go off-script and Chloe smiles because even in such formal occasion Beca is living up to her rebellious reputation.

The evening was going really well.

The food was good.

The music was pleasant.

Beca hates waltz.

At least that's what she says as they face each other in the center of the dance floor. Chloe, on the other hand, has been praised for her gracefulness so many times. Dancing was one of her passions, second only to singing, which is the reason she took up a major in theatre. It gave her the opportunity to do both. So her delight on doing what she enjoyed the most is plain obvious.

But if she expects Beca to be sloppy on her feet, she was surprised to find that somehow even in dancing, their compatibility is extremely high. It is based on experience that she knows that two people can be so good in dancing individually but when placed together can produce a mediocre performance. Chloe has always said that it's all about chemistry, dancing, singing, acting, all of it depending heavily on chemistry and trust. Maybe it's the connection they have.

Because no, they've never danced together before.

This is their first time.

But Beca would always catch her in perfect timing, matching her steps. Every twist and turn in coordination with the other. The contrast to their movements were present yet they blended together beautifully. Where Beca was sharp and precise, Chloe would balance it out with her gentleness and grace.

And as like any form of art, expressions, desires and emotions bleed out of it. As Chloe finds herself pressed against Beca, bodies melding against each other and hips swaying, she's suddenly struck by particular feeling. They fall into a slow motion and when Chloe looks into Beca's eyes, the spotlights suddenly feel hot against her skin and Beca's fingers running along her spine isn't helping. It's sensual and intimate, and Chloe doesn't even know how it turned out this way, Beca's eyes going a shade darker and Chloe knows she felt it too. And she should really stop herself right now because everyone's eyes are literally on them.

It feels really inappropriate.

And hot. So, so hot.

Thankfully, Beca was immediately pre-occupied with people who keep trying to talk to her. But despite her attention being focused on each important guest, Beca's hand remains its tight hold on her. Forbidding her from leaving her side as she slips it around her waist to pull her even closer. Most of the time, Beca would inject things in the discussion that Chloe could easily relate to, keeping her in the loop and not out of place. Chloe appreciates just how sensitive Beca could be sometimes and it's getting harder not to kiss her in public. Because if there's one thing she badly wants to do, that is to taste those luscious lips. Lips which she had been deprived of due to the preparations for this grand occasion.

Being attached to Beca all night, the only time Chloe was ever alone was when she went to take a quick trip to the ladies room.

A decision she really regrets. Next time, she's absolutely certain that going anywhere without Beca is a bad idea.

Especially when enemies lurk around in the shadows.

Walking out with thoughts of the Du Pont on her mind, her smile fades quickly at the sight of Tom leaning against the short hallway, a drink on one hand. He's had one too many to drink, Chloe can easily tell. His movements are lazy and relaxed, too relaxed. The sight of him already has her mood crashing down.

She continues on, hoping to just wordlessly pass him by as if they were strangers. That's what they are now anyway. That's what he had made Chloe to be. A stranger to her whole family. Unable to even talk to her parents or come close to her cousins. Stripped of her own entitlement as a Vanderbilt and being disowned from the elite household is like being exiled from society. Without the Du Ponts taking her in, Chloe would have been an outcast. Alone and heavily discriminated just because she doesn't want to become his.

"I see you've now latched yourself to the Queen," Tom slurs and it makes Chloe stop in her tracks, turning slowly to look at him. Obviously, he had indeed followed her, making his move when the opportunity came.

"What the hell do you want, Thomas?" she coldly asks and maybe she had gotten that from Beca. They've been inseparable for weeks that naturally they seem to be adapting to each other's personalities and quirks—The Du Pont is starting to like those lush bubble bath bars Chloe is addicted to and has been fascinated with theatre plays these past few days. Also Beca's been smiling a lot, a contrast to her very serious and broody image.

"You must be doing a good job in pleasing her that she'd let you walk right next to her. So now what? Did you let her fuck you? Is that it?" he brashly spits out and it has Chloe clenching her fists in anger.

He staggers towards her and Chloe takes a step back.

"So you're like her play thing now? Her personal entertainment. Her little doll. Doing whatever she pleases with you. Dressing you up in such fancy clothes," he motions over at her dress with a dry chuckle.

He keeps going forward until Chloe's back hits the wall and suddenly she feels trapped. It's like being taken back to all those years where she couldn't do anything but follow orders. Afraid of the consequences if she speaks her mind and oppose. Like a prisoner, trapped in a cell for life.

It's suffocating.

"But that's the thing about toys, you get bored with them at some point and Her Majesty is a woman who easily gets bored. You should know, how many women has she played with? How many whore houses has she been in? Heard she's even got a VIP card for being such a loyal customer," he shakes his head, clicking his tongue as he looms above her.

And that was really the last straw.

He can say anything he want about her but the moment he drags Beca's name into it, she's gone. Her instincts kick in and she shoves him hard, putting distance between them.

"Congratulations, you've really reached a new level of low. For someone who sits on the Vanderbilt high seat, you're rather disappointing. Before you go pointing out people's flaws maybe you should go check the mirror first, you just might be surprised of what you'll see," she throws right back, ready to walk away but of course, he's not done yet.

"You really think that Her Majesty is all that, what do they call her now? A hero? A revolutionist?" he laughs mockingly before grabbing her by the arm and harshly pulling her back to face him.

"How naïve of you to think that. You don't know anything about her, all the gruesome things she has done. Has your beloved even told you about Kosovo?" he asks and this time despite her irritation Chloe is suddenly blindsided, confused at what he could possibly be yapping about.

She struggles to break from his tight hold and the memories of his sudden outrage weeks ago has her gripping with fear and anxiety at what he might do this time.

"Oh yes, she kills to protect us all whatever. But do you think every blood that has spilled by her hands is a threat? How about those innocent human lives she's murdered for her own personal gain? For her own entertainment. Why do you think she was sent back to America three years ago when she was such a huge asset to Underworld? Hm? She didn't tell you? You, her most beloved," there's a mocking glint on his eyes and Chloe hates it, wishing to kick it off his face.

"32 innocent human lives. 32 teenage girls and boys. Kids. All dead. All from her hands. Of course they couldn't put her in jail. Daddy was king so she got dumped in another continent instead of being harshly punished for murdering innocent lives in her psychotic rampage and you call her a hero?" he sneers, yanking her forward and closer to him as she almost stumbles before forcing her against the wall.

The information was too much to process. All that's in her head are the words, 'Beca would never do such thing'. Beca would never harm innocent lives. There could be a reason. Or it was a lie. It had to be a lie. Beca whose soft gentle hands hold her to sleep, running her fingers through her hair and massaging her scalp so soothingly. Those gentle hands that create art through music. Those cold hands that turn warm in Chloe's own and lightly caress her face so lovingly.

Beca had been nothing but gentle.

"You've been sleeping with a ruthless killer all this time, Chloe," he taunts her as he leans closer. She quickly moves her head away.

And her Midnight would never do this to her.

"You really think that she'd share the throne with you? Let you bear her children? A vampire disowned by her bloodline? Would the council allow that? But if you bow down to me, I can give you one more chance. Come back to me and I'll forget this little act of disobedience. Then you can finally come back home and when I wear the crown rest assured, you'll still be Queen," he hisses, giving her a sloppy kiss on her neck. It's makes her want to vomit.

She shakes her head, eyes filled with anger as she looks up at him defiantly, her whole body trembling with the need to burst in rage.

Enough is enough.

She's done. She's been pushed to a corner for years, without a voice of her own, manipulated and threatened. Reduced to second best despite her huge potential to become something more. Reduced to serving someone she doesn't truly love. Reduced to just being the girl who would look pretty for display, a certified enhancement to someone's reputation.

Beca never made her feel any of that.

Beca, who like a peaceful beautiful night, would always make her feel safe, respected and loved. She would never say or do any of this to make her feel less and unworthy. The beautiful brunette who would tell her how special and important she is. Who would always take Chloe's political opinions and suggestions into consideration. Beca who even in her very busy schedule would personally deliver her snacks during her theatre play practices and wait for her until it ends, until they could finally walk back home together, hand in hand.

Home

The thought urges her to go forward. To fight back and defend her home. Her real home.

"Did you really think that I'd still want to come back to you?" she asks in a mixture of disbelief, anger and displeasure in her tone.

"No matter what you say about her. Still, I'd choose her over you," she finally says, her voice low and shaky but firm.

"I'd rather be her toy for her own entertainment than go back to you. I'd rather sleep in her bed, letting her do whatever she pleases with me than let you lay even a finger on the tip of my hair," she takes a step forward as he clenches his jaw in rage.

"You don't know Beca and you clearly don't know me. You disgust me so stay away from me and my Queen," she says through gritted teeth before swinging her knee with so much force right up at that area that would make any man double over in so much pain when hit.

Just like the poor Vanderbilt heir who is now groaning in unimaginable pain down the floor as he holds his crotch.

Guess someone should have told him that provoking the girlfriend of the one of the most skilled assassins in the face of the planet would be the worst idea. Especially if said skilled assassin keeps giving her overly enthusiastic girlfriend what she deems are very important defense lessons—'Never hesitate. Do it like you're making breakfast, babe. Hit it hard until it cracks. Let them fall and watch with pride as they burn'

It's also best to remember once more that Chloe is a really fast learner.

Leaving him and his pathetic state, Chloe storms away before sharply turning at a corner only to stop abruptly as she crashes into Beca's arms. Her adrenaline is still running high and her emotions all over the place. Everything is happening too fast that she doesn't even know where to begin.

"Come back here, you bitch!" Tom yells, voice loud enough to turn heads towards their direction. The royal guards stepping forward, ready to interfere.

Beca struggles for control and Chloe can feel it. The fire burning inside the Du Pont. If this wasn't a formal event, that dark moment in front of the arts building would've had a repeat. Chloe shivers, not from the cold but from what she feels from Beca. The air around them screams death and the corner of Beca's eyes are starting to flood with red. And suddenly in that moment, only then does she remember Tom's words.

Could Beca possibly do something so brutal to innocent lives?

But fortunately before the situation could escalate, Tom's father is rushing to his side, muttering ardent apologies in front of Beca as he firmly holds his son's arm while his wife, Tom's mother tries to placate her son. Aubrey and her father soon walks towards them and Chloe suddenly realizes just how much she missed her cousin. She and Aubrey used to talk every day, attending sorority parties and just hanging out in their favourite coffee shop. She missed all those badly. And finally, in between the mess, Chloe lands her eyes on her parents.

"Take your son away, Rafaele. I don't think he is capable of holding a decent conversation tonight," Beca says in a surprisingly calm tone yet her eyes look straight at Tom with malice, arms still securely wrapped around Chloe. The Vanderbilt heir is currently being pulled to the side by his mother and Aubrey's father as they try to preserve whatever dignity is left of him.

Rafaele, doesn't seem to like being ordered around by a Du Pont, more so by someone way younger than he is but he swallows down his pride and agrees. "Of course your Majesty, again I apologize in his behalf. This will never happen again," he assures but Beca wasn't finished yet.

"I'd also like to place a restraining order on him. He isn't to come near Chloe, ever again. He even dares cross that line and I'm sorry but I'd have him arrested for harassment. Have I made myself clear?" she says in what would be considered a verbal slap.

"Y-Yes, of course, Your Majesty," Rafaele says, his face becoming pale at Beca's words before bidding them good night despite not glancing at Chloe even once. He turns around as he grabs Tom by the arm and drags him out of the hall. The Vanderbilts follow him one by one. Aubrey looks at Chloe meaningfully before following her father. Lastly, Chloe's parents leave, her mother glancing at her with teary eyes before being slowly pulled away by her father.

The sight of her parents stings Chloe's heart and before she knows it, she's blinking back her own tears. Despite their arguments she still loves them dearly. She is after all their only daughter.

"Chlo," Beca voice breaks her thoughts and only then does she realize how tightly she is holding the Du Pont, her fingers digging through the fine cloth of Beca's dress making wrinkles. When she looks up at Beca's face, concern traces her features and gone is the Queen. Instead, she is replaced by her Midnight.

"Can I," she slowly begins. "Return upstairs now?" she asks quietly and before she knows it, Beca's leading her back to their room now, dropping everything immediately.

It takes a while for Chloe to collect her thoughts. She feels heavy and exhausted. This wasn't how this night was supposed to end. It was supposed to be memorable and happy. But what happened had happened and she prays none of this would reflect badly on Beca's image. Not to mention the obvious strain in the relationship between Beca and Rafaele. Tom's father is after all still part of the council.

Being in the confines of their room, braids finally untangled, Chloe runs her fingers along her now wavier locks. She had just unclasped the lock of the precious necklace Beca herself placed around her neck when the Du Pont suddenly speaks. Her back towards Chloe as she looks out on the breathtaking view of the ocean.

"The mission in Kosovo was to gather intel on illegal underground fighting which involves vampires and werewolves forced to fight to the death. Once we prove that it existed then we call the team and proceed with all the necessary action. It was my first mission as the team leader," Beca exhales heavily as Chloe places the necklace carefully back in the box before turning to her.

"Turns out it did exist and all I had to do was to go back, do the report and plan the raid along with the whole team. But I saw him," Beca pauses, sounding so distant.

"My brother, Stefan,"

Chloe frowns at the thought of Beca's half-brother, the manic look on his eyes, the scar on his face, all the terror he had done and his thirst for revenge. It brings back all those nightmares Chloe had dreamt after the incident.

"It's like he wanted me to know that he was there. That time, it's been almost nine years since he tore my family apart. Seeing him again. I just," Beca pauses again, arms across her chest, fingers drumming just above her elbow.

"I lost it. I blew my cover. Went rogue. Chased after him until I found myself in front of some abandoned building," Beca's fingers suddenly stop and stay still, her voice wavering.

"I walked down to the basement. Out of pure anger, I ignored all the safety precautions. Everything I learned, all gone down the drain. I just wanted to kill him. For my mother. For the change in my father. For me," the Du Pont massages her temples before finally turning towards Chloe.

"I thought they were his men. Faces all covered with masks, holding guns which actually weren't loaded if only I hadn't let my heart control my head. They happened to be orphans, teens, ordinary humans, some almost the same age as I was, some, younger. Picked up from the streets, paid to attack whoever enters and I," she hesitates and Chloe could feel just how hard it must've been, getting over something as traumatic as that.

"Killed them all, sadistically until the whole place looked like a slaughter house. I killed them like a real monster. Once I went at it, I just kept going even though at some point I know something just wasn't right. Everything just went dark for me and I can't stop,"

Beca lowers her gaze, settling it down the floor yet even then she seemed to be so far away. As if she was right back there in Kosovo, realizing the horror of what she had done when Stefan pointed it out, just as he has planned. The fear, the repulsion of her actions, the sight of her bloody hands trembling in front of her and of Stefan telling her words that would crush her even further.

'You and I are the same, lovey. We bleed the same blood after all,'

"And still despite that, I failed to kill him. Stabbed him on the chest but I was still trying to recover from what I did. My aim was wrong. I hesitated. I even almost lost my arm in the process and still he lived," Beca shakes her head sadly.

"I told you, I'm evil. I wasn't exaggerating. It runs in the family, apparently. With everything I've done, I'm far from good," she says with a sad smile but it fades just as quick.

Chloe stands up, eyes only on Beca as she crosses the distance between them. The amount of hurt she feels from her love could almost break her.

"You're not evil," she opposes and Beca looks back at her as if she expects nothing less. They've been at this for a total of three times by now. But Chloe doesn't let her say more because tonight, she was going to put an end to this debate.

Once and for all.

"Because evil people aren't filled with guilt or remorse," she says, a hand coming up to rest on Beca's cheek.

"Evil people aren't capable of mercy and compassion," she says, leaning closer until her lips finds home in Beca's. She pulls away slowly, a whisper escaping her as she does.

"You're not evil, Midnight. Because you are capable of love,"

She moves back in, softly kissing the Du Pont. Pulling back again to tilt her head to the side before coming in again for more. It takes a few more seconds before Beca's hands come to life as she pulls Chloe closer to her, a hand on the back of her neck as she kisses her back fervently and desperately. Finally.

It feels like flying for the first time, exhilarating and amazing. Chloe doesn't let go as she kisses Beca back just as hard. Beca pulls her even closer, the space between them now inexistent. Fingers tangle along her wavy locks and as they part to gasp for air, Beca's lips move to her cheek then down along her jawline before softly nibbling on her ear. Chloe's eyes flutter close, her hand coming up to the back of Beca's head, pressing her closer in a silent plea for more. And more is what Beca gives her, lips leaving a trail of hungry open mouthed kisses along her neck. Unconsciously, Chloe lets out a breathy moan but it was when Beca starts unclasping the lock of her dress that it instantly hits her.

"Becs?" she starts, her voice coming out weak and uncertain. A soft hum is all she gets as a response, lips continuing its assault on her neck, already starting to impatiently rid her of her dress. It's all going too fast and it's suddenly making her nervous.

"B-Beca, wait, stop!" she finally blurts out as she instinctively pulls away leaving Beca looking confused and lost as she searches Chloe's eyes.

"What's wrong? Did I...did I do something—I thought…" Beca stutters, still considerate as ever as she uneasily rubs her neck.

There's just a mixture of embarrassment and confusion in the Du Pont's face that the whole image of her just standing there was just adorable, and to think that she's actually still wearing her crown. If only the situation wasn't so awkward, Chloe would have laughed. But nope, laughing is the last thing in her mind right now.

Beca moves to take a step back but Chloe doesn't let her as she quickly wraps her arms around the Du Pont, stopping her from going anywhere.

"I'm sorry. No, it's not like that. It's not any of that. And it's not your fault," she repeats again and again until Beca hugs her back.

"Then please tell me what's wrong, Chlo," Beca gently asks.

Taking a deep breath, she buries her face on the crook of Beca's neck, shutting her eyes tight before finally admitting, "I haven't… done it before,"

"What do you me—oh," Beca's words come to a stop and Chloe could feel the exact moment when Beca realizes what she really meant. Even in the silence Chloe can already hear the questions floating the Du Pont's mind.

So she decides to make it easier for them both.

"Tom never touched me. I didn't let him. He wanted to but I just couldn't. I wasn't ready. We had this argument because after a while he just couldn't… understand," she exhales, already having a headache just remembering it.

"Hey," Beca softly says, making Chloe look at her. "I'm not him. I can wait. I will wait. There's no need to rush. I told you, I'm right here. I'll be right here, always," Beca says as she cups her face.

But she shakes her head, holding on to Beca's wrists and squeezing them lightly. "No, you don't understand. I wasn't ready, for him and I don't think I'll ever be because," she finally finds the courage to gaze up into her favourite dark blues.

"He wasn't what my heart wanted. Not when that storm came that night and changed everything I thought I knew. It turned my world upside down. I've finally realized it now. That since that day," she breathes out as she is reminded of that alluring image of Beca walking in the doors of Constantine Albert, hair damp from the soft drizzle outside, crosses her mind.

"It's you I've always wanted. Only you," she pours out before Beca kisses her lovingly.

When they part, Beca looks at her earnestly, "Are you sure?"

"Yes," she answers with all honesty.

"Do you trust me?" Beca asks again and Chloe doesn't hesitate as she nods.

"Then stop thinking too much. You don't have to try too hard to please me because you already do, god, you don't even know just how much," she says softly before pulling Chloe into her embrace, placing a lingering kiss on her neck.

"Just let me love you," Beca whispers sending goose bumps at the back of her neck.

The Du Pont takes her by the hand as she leads her to the bed where she kisses Chloe as if it were the last time. She breathes out a whisper in Chloe's ear and she obliges, her hands moving to unzip the back of Beca's dress until it falls down the floor leaving her in only her underwear. She's so beautiful that Chloe gapes in awe. It's like time slowing down at that very moment.

The sound of a golden crown falling down the floor breaks the silence like a record playing in slow motion finally moving in real time.

Beca draws her close, placing Chloe's hand against her body, letting her fingers slowly run through the smooth flawless skin, every enticing swell, curve and dip that she's always longed to touch. Beca captures her lips again as she reaches behind to finish what she's started.

Chloe's dress pools down her feet as Beca plants soft lingering kisses along her collarbones, hands slowly discovering every inch of her as if she was such a precious and rare find.

Pausing to take a step back, Beca slowly sits down the bed, eyes roaming Chloe's body in adoration, seductively biting her lips to let Chloe know that she picked the right choice of lacy lingerie and it suddenly makes her feel so self-conscious but Beca doesn't let her linger on that thought as she pulls Chloe towards her, hands on her waist before sliding them towards her back as she lets Chloe step in between her legs, knees hitting the edge of the bed.

Beca wastes no time in showering her body with soft, gentle open-mouthed kisses, taking time to taste every inch of her skin with her lips and leaving a burning trail that makes Chloe hold on to her tight. Her hands move to the back of the Du Pont's head as she lets Beca's lips travel down the swell of her breasts and this time it's her turn to bite her lower lip. Beca's mouth warm on her skin.

Being pulled down even further, she finds herself straddling the Du Pont. Their lips easily find each other, Beca's hand grasping her hair, her body flush against the Du Pont's and when Chloe instinctively moves her hips, they both groan at the effect it brings.

Beca's irises turn red and Chloe is most certain that hers were the shame shade as well, a common trait vampires have when experiencing pleasures of the intimate kind.

She feels a tug on her hair, her head falling back in submission as the Du Pont's lips find interest on her neck once more, gently nipping at the tender flesh as she closes her eyes in satisfaction.

Beca's arm wraps tightly around her waist as she starts rocking Chloe's hips against hers. Her head falls on Beca's shoulder as she wraps an arm around the Du Pont's neck, soft breathy moans escaping her lips. At this point, it seems so hard to believe that she's in Beca's arms in a way that she has repeatedly imagined it to be.

In a smooth motion, Beca flips them over and Chloe's back gently hits the bed. The momentary loss of contact has her pulling down Beca against her, seeking the delicious friction only Beca can give. In a second, she lets out a contented sigh as Beca moves against her, the Du Pont's hips cradling her own.

"Mine," Beca murmurs against her neck before leaving a trail of kisses down her body, whispering the highest form of compliments that make Chloe blush as the Du Pont's lips and tongue drag against every inch of her skin.

"Your mine,"

The words said in French are repeated like a prayer, sincerely and ardently as she worships Chloe's body as if it was the most sacred thing in the world.

Fingers curl on the waistband of her underwear before tugging it down leaving her completely exposed. She's never felt so vulnerable in her life yet she knows there's only one person in the world she'd willingly do it for.

"Beca," her lips weakly mumble as the Du Pont slides down to settle in between her thighs.

The contact is electrifying as Chloe gasps, her body writhing at the sudden jolts of pleasure coursing through her with every sinful swirl of Beca's tongue.

She doesn't even know where to place her hands, fingers gripping around at the sheets as uncontrollable moans slip out of her lips along with Beca's name. Her breathing starts to come in quick and shallow as she grips down on Beca's hair. It feels different, surreal and very, very satisfying. The sight of the Du Pont alone, head in between her legs, is making her blush furiously.

Then it happens.

It was like rain finally crashing down, symphonies reaching its peak and stars falling off the sky. Her back arching as she gives up trying to resist the urge to control, letting herself go completely. She cries out in pleasure, heels digging on the mattress and her head thrown back as her hands find Beca's, fingers intertwining as she holds on tightly.

Her body shudders as she releases sharp broken moans, her legs suddenly shaking uncontrollably. Beca's hands slides up to grab her breast and Chloe grips her wrist in reply. Her hips jerk upwards yet Beca holds her down, continuing in a steady rhythm with no sign of stopping. She doesn't. In seconds, another wave of pleasure follows, rendering herself helpless against such delicious torture.

When Beca finally lifts her head up, slender fingers replace her tongue, making Chloe's legs twitch. She then slowly makes her ascent, lips trailing back upwards and leaving wet kisses all over Chloe's body before placing more attention to her breasts, wrapping her mouth around her peaks.

She plants open-mouthed kisses along her neck, her jaw and finally back on Chloe's lips where Chloe deepens the kiss, her hands moving up to hold Beca's face before sliding up to grip her hair. She lets out a moan as she feels Beca's fingers tracing lazy circles along her folds before hovering near her entrance. She brings her legs together as a reaction, Beca's hand stops moving, trapped in between her thighs.

Her favourite deep blues gaze at her, heavy lidded yet Chloe could read the question in them.

"I love you," she whispers, thumbs grazing Beca's cheek as she holds the Du Pont's face lovingly, their forehead touching.

"I love you too," Beca replies, her free hand caressing Chloe's head.

It doesn't take long until she gives her answer, nodding her head in consent as she offers herself completely.

Beca's finger slowly slips inside her as she suddenly holds tightly on to the Du Pont's arm, letting out a gasp before breaking into a series of broken whimpers, instinctively burying her head on Beca's neck with her eyes shut tight. It takes a while for her to adjust to the intrusion, the mixture of pleasure and pain blending perfectly.

She welcomes it all in.

Beca slowly starts to move as Chloe winces, her nails starting to dig on flesh leaving marks on the Du Pont's back, red painting on her pale white skin that it's almost like artwork.

She slips another finger, stretching her further as Chloe's breathes out sharp moans against the Du Pont's neck. Beca's slowly quickens her pace, a thumb rubbing against those bundle of nerves, driving Chloe closer and closer to the edge once more until she shatters apart, hard.

Beca anchors her down, the Du Pont's body covering hers as she slowly comes down from her high. Beca's warmth is comforting that she tiredly leans the side of her head against the Du Pont's. In a few sweet quite moment, Chloe feels soft kisses being pressed on her cheek. Opening her eyes, she finds Beca gazing back down at her in a way that suddenly stirs her emotions.

The Du Pont's face quickly changes into panic at the sight of her glassy eyes.

"Chlo, are you alright? Was it too much?" Beca asks worriedly and she shakes her head to assure her that there's nothing wrong.

Lightly running her fingers across Beca's face, she blinks back her tears.

"It's just that nobody has ever looked at me like that before," she softly admits. "Like I'm…" she trails off, a tear slipping from the corner of her eye.

"Like you're everything? Like you're all that matters? Like nobody else can compare to you? Like… something along those lines?" Beca supplies with a smile as she gently brushes off her tears.

Chloe nods because that's exactly it and more.

"You are," Beca whispers in between soft lingering kisses until Chloe blushes at a thought. As if they haven't been doing very explicitly intimate things just now.

"Becs?"

"Hm?"

"Do you, like… you know—Do you need to uhm…" she stumbles over her words and fortunately, Beca is so good at picking things up.

The Du Pont smirks as she starts nibbling on the back of Chloe's ear before whispering a promising, "Later" following it with a seductive, "Watching you come undone again and again, and again is already extremely satisfying enough for me," along with that smug smile.

Her words suddenly make Chloe shiver and blush a deep shade of red before squeaking at the sudden little love bite the Du Pont possessively gives her underneath the curve of her jaw. And it drives her crazy because just below that spot, at the area right at that specific vein, her jugular vein, the one that vampires call as the pleasure vein which when bitten down on during love making elicits some sort of effect. Something stronger than any addicting drug known in this world.

It's a bite that would create a mark, a very special one that would last until eternity.

One that can would make Chloe completely Beca's.

A soulmate's mark.

And really, she's already doomed at this point when even Beca Mitchell's seductive voice is as of now officially her weakness.

Yet as her eyes start to flutter close as she settles perfectly in Beca's arms, snuggling against her, she concludes that she'd do anything and everything for her Midnight. The future doesn't look as scary as she imagined now.

Their love, her biggest strength.


Author's Note:

I want to go to Greece too.

Important reminder: "Later"

Reason for not updating: I got taken by aliens. They brought me into this rainbow colored planet where Bechloe was canon, everyone could love anyone they want without judgement or discrimination, travelling is free, unicorns are real, Alycia Debnam-Carey is my wife and we had a biological child which we named Clarke. But then I had to update this fic so I had to go warp myself back to earth.

Real reason: My annoying perfectionist brain. Because I wasn't satisfied with it last week, I deleted a few things, re-wrote some parts, added some parts and just constantly editing scenes for days. Therefore, I could say that this is the most hardest chapter to write, also the longest I think (although next chapter wants to challenge that fact) and I've never written a long-hopefully something as close to realistic-love scene (take note: I said love scene not fuck scene, if you want something less of romantic and more detailed and dirty go read those kinky fifty shades kind of fiction or something). I like to keep this classy people. Always be classy.

So, here I am, bruh.

Thanks to Shallou and Oliver Riot for making good (sexy) music that I can listen to while I wrote this chapter.

And oh god Midnight Sunshine is on Tumblr! That's so cool. Thanks to wordsfromfanfics !

Also, thanks to you lovely babes for reading, commenting, following and adding Midnight Sunshine to your favorites!