AN: I do not own TVD or TO or The Princess Diaries
2 months later
Elena basked in the rare moment of solitude. Since the coronation she'd had very little time to herself and even less time with Elijah. She had seen him almost every day but there was always someone else nearby; always the sense of invisible eyes watching.
Glancing at her watch she realized that she still had fifteen minutes before she was due in parliament. She slowed her pace to better enjoy the solitude.
The opening to the ballroom came into focus. She began counting the echoing footsteps… one… two… twenty-four. She paused momentarily outside the door of the broom cupboard where she had confronted Elijah nearly three months earlier.
Her heart leapt into her throat when a hand clamped down on her forearm and dragged her into the closet. An arm wrapped around her waist holding her to a broad chest. A second hand covered her mouth to stifle the startled shriek. Countless scenarios played out in her head: kidnap… ransom… murder. Instinctively she lifted her foot bringing her heel down hard on her assailant.
A soft grunt echoed in the tiny space. The arms released her as the man doubled over.
Elena's fingers had just closed around the handle when a strained chuckle reached her ears. She spun on her heel when she recognized the voice.
"Is this our thing?"
"Elijah," she moved to help him back up, "are you alright?"
"Fine, darling," he gave her a bright smile. "I'm getting used to you stomping on my feet."
"You're sure you're all right?" She squinted up at him. "Good," her tight-lipped smile had the grin slipping from his face.
"What were you thinking?" She motioned wildly with her hands. She shoved his chest a little harder than she meant to, causing him to stumble into the low shelves. "You scared me half to death!"
"I apologize, Elena," he stilled her hands, "that was not my intention."
"What were your intentions?" She cocked an eyebrow. Her hands fell against his chest as Elijah wrapped his arms around her waist.
"You and I have some unfinished business with this closet," his eyes twinkled. Elijah slowly stepped forward until her back was pressed against the door. "I also wanted to ask you something."
"What would that be?" She felt heat settle beneath his hands.
"I would like to make a formal request of my queen," he teased, "that she would join me for a picnic in the grounds after her meeting."
"Is that all?" Her fingers danced up his chest to wrap around his neck. "I'd be delighted."
"Splendid."
"Now… about that unfinished business," her eyes glittered in the dim room.
"There was one thing I wanted to do last time we were here." His hands slid up her back to tangle in her hair.
"Oh?" She pretended not to notice the way his gaze lingered on her mouth. Her tongue darted out to wet her lips.
She gasped when he grasped the back of her neck. Their lips met in a passionate kiss. He nibbled on her lower lip and Elena opened her mouth to allow him to deepen the kiss. They broke apart several long moments later, gasping for breath, when her phone alerted her to the time.
"I love you," Elijah smoothed down her hair and opened the door.
"I love you, too." She stretched up to kiss his cheek. "I'll see you later."
"That was lovely," Elena leaned back against the trunk of a maple tree. She tossed her head back to soak in the warm afternoon sun.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it."
Elijah took her hand. He ran his thumb lightly over her knuckles; it was the most he could do the security team lurking around.
"Where did you get fresh strawberries this late in the year?" She popped the sweet fruit into her mouth.
"If I revealed my sources it wouldn't be a surprise the next time," he teased. He climbed to his feet and helped her stand. "Would you care to join me for a stroll?"
"Of course," Elena grinned.
They ambled through the grounds aimlessly for a while. She never heard her security but she sensed them there keeping a respectable distance. As they walked they discussed the progress of the children's home and the upcoming changes to parliament.
She was just explaining that Charlotte had been one of the first woman awarded a spot in parliament when she realized they were alone in the hedge maze. Elena smirked when she heard water running around the corner.
"Where did everyone go?" She glanced over her shoulder.
"It would appear we've managed to shake them off," he winked.
Elijah led her around the corner. He stopped before a familiar fountain and placed his hands lightly on her waist.
"Is that the same fountain?" Elena ran her hands up his arms to rest on his shoulders. She couldn't believe her luck: two private moments in one day.
"It is," he tilted his head and smirked. "Are you going to slap me with your fan?"
"Shoot," Elena heaved a dramatic sigh. "I forgot to bring one."
Elijah dropped to brush his lips over hers. "I love you."
"I love you," Elena grinned and returned the light kiss.
"I loved you first," he smirked. His hands tightened around her waist and tugged her closer.
"We may have to draw up timelines for that," Elena grinned.
"I'll draft one tonight."
Elijah walked her backwards to stand in front of the fountain. "Do you remember the night we met? You stomped on my foot… I saved you from a truly horrendous dancing partner. I believe we had an instant connection."
"And then the sun came up and reality set in," Elena gave a soft laugh.
"I'd like to think we're making a new reality."
"Hopefully it's one where I don't have to pull you into a closet to steal a kiss." Elijah took a small step back before dropping to one knee. "Elena Isabella Petrova will you marry me?"
"Yes," there was no hesitation in her voice. She pulled him to his feet and brushed her lips against his. "Yes," she chewed her bottom lip between her teeth to temper her grin.
She pulled back to allow him to place the ring on her finger. Her eyes widened when she lost her footing. Elijah grabbed her arm to steady her.
Water sloshed over their heads.
"We have terrible luck with this fountain," Elena gasped for air.
AN: Reviews make my heart sing.
Next up is the events leading up to the wedding and the wedding itself.