The party ended with a beautiful blast of fireworks and everyone flocked outside to watch the spectacular display of Britannian lights. All of them were in a state of awe and wonderment as the words, "Long live the King!" were written on the sky in a trail of seemingly suspended fire. However, Clovis failed to see Audrey again that night. After the last kiss, lasting longer than the first, she had mumbled an excuse and ran inside, her long gown trailing behind her. He had quietly watched her then, his heart heaving with mixed feelings of sadness and of joy.

"The knight in shining armor swings his sword, slays the dragon, and rescues his damsel..." He reminded himself. "And they live happily ever after..."

- - - - -

A few days later, a private airplane from Britannia landed on the lawn of Avoch Castle. A tall, elderly man in white uniform came down and asked to see the lady of the house. The servants came in and soon, a middle-aged lady in a velvet gown and two younger girls came running out from the huge double doors. Their faces were flushed with delight and sweat. One could see that they were very much excited in having a stately man enter their, supposed to be, territory. Upon arriving in front of the man, they curtsied as low as they can. He, in respect to women, bowed also.

"What does my lord want?" The middle-aged lady asked. "Is there something of particular value that you want here?"

"I want to see the Lady Audrey Deneuve. I believe she is the lady of this house?"

"Oh, but Audrey is not available at the moment. She is sick and confined in her rooms." The older of the two girls said. "And as we all of us are very sensitive when it comes to sickness, we have decided to lock her up in her room for the mean time."

"You? Decided?" The lord asked, raising a blonde eyebrow. "I remember the good prince telling me that she is the lady of the house and she should be the one deciding what to do, am I not right, ladies?"

The middle-aged lady shifted her feet. "Well, sire, that is true but as she is unable to do so, we have done the deciding for her."

"Very well, I will see her." He replied with determination. "Where is her room?"

The trio followed him, all the while muttering excuses and trying to stop him from entering the castle. But the man was determined and ordered his soldiers to lock the door, which they of course did. He then proceeded to walk upstairs to where Audrey's room was. The hallway he entered was lined with huge armors of knights. They were nailed on the wall side by side. There were also collections of different weapons, some dating as late as the 12th century. Duke Reginald had been fascinated by these rare items and filled his house with them over the years.

The place itself was dark enough to scare you out of your wits. Sconces were buried deep in the gray stone walls and huge white tallow candles were stuck on them. A crow had somehow found its way in and was cawing to the strangers from its perch on top. The man looked cautiously about him, just in case something might chase after him.

Finally, they reached the end of the hallway. A huge mahogany door greeted them. It was open but, as courtesy states, he knocked softly.

"Yes?" A mellifluous, feminine voice from the inside asked. "Is there something you need, Aunt Sylvia?"

"Is this the Lady Audrey who speaks?"

Her voice trembled when she answered. "An emissary from Britannia? Did the prince send you?"

"Yes, my lady. He asks that you get ready as soon as possible for the journey back to his homeland."

"Is he with you?"

"No, my lady. But he has sent me, his uncle, to represent him."

"Wait a while, my lord." She said, trying hard to suppress the excitement in her voice. "I shall be ready in a few minutes."

The man smiled and bowed gracefully. "Gladly, my lady."

- - - - -

The plane ride to the Empire of Britannia was long but comfortable. Various delicacies and pastries were served, including lokum (otherwise known as Turkish delights) and sweet baklava. Spiced wine was also given and the two drank it with pleasure. Audrey enjoyed the company of the man who, as it turns out, was the uncle of Clovis. The man too enjoyed his conversation and was in much awe of her beauty and the seductive aura about her feminine being.

"The prince is very much delighted of your company, Lady Audrey." He said, smiling with a mysterious grin. "I have never seen my nephew so happy as he is now."

Audrey smiled. "I'm very glad to hear that he is satisfied."

"You ought to be, my dear." He said, taking a bite from his baklava. "There've been talks about the prince settling down with a nice, young woman that could just be you. Then again, they're just rumors..."

"Oh, I don't think Prince Clovis would be having his own family just now, what with his pompousness and arrogance and all."

"But you have to admit it," He said, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "It's what you liked about my nephew."

She smiled and her cheeks reddened. "Oh, perhaps..." She muttered under her breath.

Outside, the view was wonderful and they were already soaring above Britannia, its many structures looming below the plane. For some reason, her heart felt heavy and sad, as if she was more sorrowful about landing in his beloved homeland. Something about the coming situation frightened her and she felt nauseous just thinking of it.

"Lady Audrey," The voice of Clovis' uncle said suddenly, disrupting her thoughts. "We are almost in Britannia. Pray, look outside the window."

Obediently, she did so and what she saw made her cry with joy.

People were flcoked about the castle grounds. They were waving banners that said, "Welcome, Lady Audrey". A space was cleared for the plane to land on and a stage was set on one side. Clovis was standing there, smiling in spite of the noise and strong winds.

"A warm welcome, Lady Audrey..." He whispered. "Welcome to Britannia."

- - - - -

Author's Note: Next chapter will be last chapter... Heck. No one's reviewing... :(