Princess Whitelaw and his Toy Chapter 3: Act III, a star trek: 2009 fanfic

Act III

That Spock had been cursed was common knowledge among Vulcans, as he was the scion of one of the most influential families on the planet. Still, it was not something that the house of Surak would appreciate being spread far and wide. And so, it remained one of Vulcan's best kept secrets – although, if you think about it, all secrets Vulcans choose to have are well-kept.

It explained why not a one of the Vulcans – or Vulcanians, if you prefer – even so much blinked an eye at the obviously human appearance of Spock. Not that they would have betrayed surprise in such an obvious fashion. Be serious.

No, they were more curious about the unconscious human Spock cradled in his arms. Dressed in Starfleet's official uniform for female officers (though ripped) and bearing a startling resemblance to Captain James Tiberius Kirk. These were, however, secondary observations. Common sense ensured that they attend to the medical needs of the human. It did not take long to summon a Vulcan doctor sufficiently knowledgeable in Xenobiology (especially seeing as the summons was from Spock, son of Sarek). Humans and Vulcans, though they outwardly looked similar, had enough anatomical and biological dissimilarities between them that normal Vulcan healing practices could prove fatal.

Still, xenobiologist or not, Terran or Vulcan, the extent of Princess Whitelaw's injuries meant that it would take some time before he even regained consciousness. Even so, Prince Zachycakes Spock Quinto did not leave, did not himself rest. He waited outside as the Princess was tended to, and was there when he was transferred to Spock's home. He himself carried the Princess into the building and placed him on a pre-prepared guest bed.

He had to be instructed by his mother to perform his ablutions and take rest. But when he awoke he took his refreshments – rather, they were forced on him – and he spent a good portion of the morning in the guests quarters, merely sitting by Jamesina's bed.

It took a flat order from Sarek to get him away.

"Father."

"Spock. It is pleasing to see that you are returned." The only indication of his joy was slight crinkle at the corners of his eyes.

Amanda had no such qualms about making her emotions known. She engulfed her only son in a hug; for all that he was taller than she was. She held him at arm's length, scrutinised him. When her fingers brushed his temple, he stopped her.

"So," she said softly. "That's still there." She was, of course, referring to that which had gotten her son cursed in the first place.

"Yes." It was barely an exhale. "It is."

"Then that boy that you have brought here, he is –"

"Your true love," Amanda finished. She turned to meet her husband's eyes. Years of marriage (and their bond, of course) enabled her to see what most would miss. She smiled as she turned her head again to meet Zach's eyes. "That's wonderful!"

"Indeed, son. We would very much like to meet this boy, once he awakens."

Zachycakes said softly, "That would be unwise."

"What do you mean?"

He gently disentangled himself from his mother, and walked a few steps away, distancing himself from his parents. He stared out of the floor-to-ceiling windows, out at the Vulcan desert he knew as home, but not really seeing the dry sand and the jagged rocks. "I do not plan to marry him."

Sarek took a step forward to place a hand on his wife's shoulder. "Clarify," he stated plainly, no hint of rebuke or surprise in his voice. Well, obviously.

"I am a danger to him."

"Spock – not this again, please, we've tried to tell you –"

"Merely stating that I am not a threat does not negate the fact that I am, Mother. This should not have happened. I should never have kissed him."

"Regret is irrational now, son, seeing as you can do nothing to change the past."

"That may be so, Father; however, I am more than willing to ensure that nothing will happen to Jim in the future."

"Nothing will happen! Spock, do you honestly think you'd let yourself slip like that?"

Zachycakes placed his hands behind his back. His breathing remained as even as his tone as he replied, "There remains a possibility that I will. I will not risk it."

"And if he refuses to let you leave? He's human, Spock. Like me. We don't give up love so easily."

Sarek imperceptibly increased the pressure of his fore- and middle fingers where they lay on Amanda's shoulder. "Have you factored that into your assessment, Spock?"

"He has not, nor will he," came a new voice. "His assessment is based on emotion."

The three of them turned to face the newcomer, the head of the house of Surak. "T'Pau."

She surveyed her great-great-grandson, her hands clasped in front of her. Her posture was perfect, as was expected. Osteoporosis was not something that afflicted Vulcans, even in the past. "Explain yourself, Spock," she demanded.

Far from being cowed, he returned her gaze. "Though we do not dissuade common opinion that we are emotionless, we are far from being so. Emotion is necessary for decision making."

"This is true. Yet yours lacks logic." Not waiting for a reply, T'Pau went on. "We base decisions on all emotions, not the ones most convenient. You are letting fear overcome good sense, Spock."

"My fears are justified."

"Perhaps so. But there is a reason why this boy is the one to break your curse. He is your One. Your t'hy'la. You would not hurt him if you tried."

The Prince let out a shuddering breath.

T'Pau was not finished. "I have spoken with your Jamesina Whitelaw."

"He is awake?" Though toneless, there was eagerness in the tilt of Zachycakes' head.

"He still requires rest. In the time we conversed – brief though it was – I have managed to glean an impression of him. I approve of your union."

"As do we, Spock," Sarek said.

Zachycakes turned away again, plainly torn. On one hand, his family was proclaiming their support of him marrying his love, his One, his t'hy'la. On the other, their doing so was like signing Princess Whitelaw's death warrant. T'Pau was right in that his fears outweighed his love – but was there not a saying, 'if you love a person, let them go'?

He didn't think that quoting a Terran adage would impress Sarek. Or T'Pau, for that matter. Or his mother, seeing as she clearly wanted him to be happy with Jamesina.

Music started, and Spock stiffened. He heard rather than saw his mother step forward.

"All the house of Surak, all the house of Surak – all the house of Surak, all the house of Surak – all the house of Surak, all the house of Surak, all the house of Surak –

"Now listen up son; up in space, you just got cured, back to being Zachycakes. Now you decide that you don't deserve him, 'cause he managed to get hurt. But he'll be fine, he'll survive, don't you even feel guilty. 'Cause he makes you happy, and you do him, marry and I'll be content.

"'Cause if you like it then you should put a ring on it, if you like it the you should put a ring on it; don't be mad, 'cause you know that he wants it – if you like it you should put a ring on it. Wo oh ohh, oh oh ooh oh, oh ooh, oh oh oh, wo oh ohh, oh oh ooh oh, oh ooh, oh oh oh.

Then his father took over. Zach could count the number of times he'd heard Sarek sing on one hand and still have fingers left over. "I got a human as a wife, I'm ambassador to Earth, a place on the High Council. You my son, must make a choice, it's very important that you think. You need no permission, did I mention; you have our psychological support. 'Cause you are our son, child of two worlds, I am grateful for this.

Spock had to turn now. Because T'Pau had joined in. "Don't be ignorant of the things of the world, I approve of Princess Whitelaw. Your love is what he prefers, what he deserves, is a man that makes him, then takes him, and delivers him to a destiny, to infinity and beyond – pull him into your arms, say 'I'm the one you want'; if you don't, you'll be alone, and like a ghost he'll be gone.

"All the house of Surak, all the house of Surak – all the house of Surak, all the house of Surak – all the house of Surak, all the house of Surak, all the house of Surak – now listen up Spock! Wo oh ohh, oh oh ooh oh, oh ooh, oh oh oh, wo oh ohh, oh oh ooh oh, oh ooh, oh oh oh, wo oh ohh.

And all together: "'Cause if you like it then you should put a ring on it, if you like it the you should put a ring on it; don't be mad, 'cause you know that he wants it – if you like it you should put a ring on it. Wo oh ohh."

OoOoOoOoOo

When Princess Whitelaw came to (for the second time, and properly), he was alone. There was no Vulcan who was ancient, not in looks, but in the way she carried herself and spoke. T'Pau had intimidated him, but not as much as she would have had he been fully awake. She'd asked him several questions – Jamesina was surprised he'd managed to answer them coherently, actually – and had seemed pleased with what he'd said. How did he know? Well, she'd given him a small smile.

Then, he hadn't thought it odd, and had instead beamed back, albeit a little sleepily.

Well, whatever drugs they'd given him must have worn off by now, because the world around him was no longer fuzzy. For the first time he could take in the room he was in without fear that he was being rude, or that he would blackout halfway through doing so. It was a nice enough room, he decided, no way as cluttered and colourful as his own. Everything from the walls to the furniture was in muted, neutral colours. A few accents in red could be seen here and there, and the walls were unadorned. Jim supposed they didn't have to be, as they were interesting enough on their own.

Finished with his inspection, he sat up, pleased to note that no part of his body hurt. These people were surely excellent healers, even magicians, if they could restore him to health so quickly. The only thing wrong with him was his parched throat.

Almost soon as he acknowledged his thirst, a woman appeared in the doorway, carrying a tray that had a pitcher and a cup made of polished wood. Her smile was gentle and made him feel at ease as she approached and set down her burden.

"Hello," Princess Whitelaw said, at a loss as to what to say.

"Hello, dear," she returned warmly, handing him the cup. "Here, have a drink."

He did so, because he really was thirsty. "You're not Vulcan."

She laughed. "No, I'm human, like you. I'm Spock's mother." She gently took the cup from him and replaced it on the tray, gracefully sitting in the chair located by the side of his bed. "What do I call you?"

"I'm...my name is Jamesina Whitelaw, but you can call me Jim, ma'am."

"And you can call me Amanda. No need to make me feel older than I am." Though her tone was stern, her eyes twinkled. Oh, she was Spock's mother alright. No one came close to having irises that exact shade of brown.

That reminded him – "Where's Spock? Is he alright?"

"Yes, he is. He's been quite worried about you, actually."

The Princess looked down at his lap, trying and failing to not look as pleased as he felt.

"You love my son, don't you?"

He jerked his head up. She certainly didn't beat about the bush. "I, I do."

Amanda smiled. "Jim. My son...he's different. He's been alone most his life, and despite my best efforts, I'm only his mother. You have to promise me that his future will not be a repeat of his past. That you will make sure he's never lonely, that you will be by his side, that you will love him with all your heart."

Going on instinct, Princess Whitelaw reached forward and clasped one of Amanda's hands. "Even if you hadn't asked, I would've done so. But...I promise. I'll make him happy."

"I daresay you will." She squeezed Jamesina's hand, looking happy, then stood. "You should get dressed. I have the perfect thing."

Before the Princess could object, she went over to an intricately carved chest at the foot of the bed and withdrew a neatly folded bundle of cloth. She let it unfold as it would, revealing it to be a beautiful dress. It was asparagus green, and would doubtless bring out the blue in Jamesina's eyes. Along the shoulders was gold patterning, the only texture on the fabric. The upper half of the dress was in the style of a wraparound, except sewn shut, forming a V-neck.

"I couldn't possibly..."

"Oh, nonsense, dear." Amanda draped the dress over the chair she'd vacated. "You're practically family." She leaned over Jim and placed a kiss on his forehead. Smiling at his red face, she left the room to give him some privacy.

And he did need it. The blush had died down, and tears prickled at his eyes, causing him to slump back onto the pillows. Jamesina choked on a sob, and yet, as he brought his hands up to swipe at his wet cheeks, he found himself smiling. Because...even though it looked like he wouldn't see his parents again, the prospect of Spock's family being his own...well.

He couldn't quite get into that.

OoOoOoOoOo

Prince Zachycakes sat on a bench that overlooked the gardens. It was not usual for Vulcan homes to have gardens – the planet being primarily arid and dry – but his mother had insisted. (That she could out-stubborn Sarek probably played a large part in their own romance.) Amanda tended to the gardens in her free time, not that the plants needed much tending to. They were a mixture of Terran and Vulcan plants, the former specially picked to withstand Vulcan's desert climate.

Spock could appreciate the presence of the gardens. The prickly leaves and flowers with small petals surrounded him, and calmed his thoughts, soothed him. However, they could not stop his mind from continuously returning to the item in his pocket. It was illogical to think that it was at an elevated temperature when compared with the outside air, as gold was not known to give off heat, but it still felt like the ring was burning a hole in his pocket.

A hand on his shoulder broke him out of his musings. When he saw who it was, he felt the breath leave his lungs. It was enough that Princess Whitelaw was beautiful, and that his colouring was unique on Vulcan. But the dress he had on, its green stood out against the background, and the dying sunlight played across the gold design along the shoulders as they did in the Princess' eyes.

It was a sight to inspire awe – which it did – and did not diminish when he smiled sheepishly and said, "Hey."

The Prince immediately got to his feet and took Jim's hands in his own.

"Jim. You are well?"

"Yeah." He blushed. "I mean, yes, I'm well. And you?"

"I will rest better knowing that you are alright."

The blush deepened. "Uh, that's good."

As we know, these are two star-crossed lovers, so we may excuse them when they merely stood there, staring into each other's eyes. I would suggest reading a short story, or perhaps getting a snack, while you wait. This could take a while.

...

Oh, look, they're done.

Spock had regained some sense and said, "I have something of import to tell you, Princess."

Jamesina huffed. "I told you to call me Jim."

"Jim."

He would never tire of hearing his name from those lips.

"Perhaps it would be best for you to be seated when I deliver the news."

It was about this time, as Princess Whitelaw was led to a seat on the bench, that he started feeling a teensy bit worried. In his experience, people only told you to sit down prior to delivering news when that news was of the bad variety. (Or, if you were Bones, a way to make sure you couldn't easily run away from being given your disgusting-tasting medicine.)

Still, it was Spock. He had a different way of going about things.

"I confess; if anything had happened to you aboard Nero's ship that you would not be able to recover from, I would not forgive myself. As it is, the injuries you suffered are primarily my responsibility."

"Spock –" Jamesina wanted to assure him that he was in no way responsible for the Princess' recklessness, or Nero's insanity, that he didn't blame him in the slightest, but the Vulcan shook his head.

"I will admit that guilt over something I could not have controlled is illogical, but acknowledging this fact and accepting it are two different things. At any rate, for this reason, and because of the danger you face by merely being in my presence, I had decided it best that you never see me again."

Jim's heart splintered. Even if his chest hadn't felt like it was imploding, Spock's grip on his hand prevented him from interrupting.

"However, my great-great-grandmother has talked sense into me. You have met her. She accused me of making a decision without considering all sides of the argument, which is shameful for a Vulcan. But she was right. I had not taken your feelings into consideration. I had not considered that you would be unhappy should I not want to see you."

Now the Princess was...confused. It didn't stop him from saying, "Of course I'd be unhappy if you didn't want to see me. Or me to see you."

Spock shot him his version of an annoyed look, and he obligingly subsided.

"Therefore, I have decided, for the mutual benefit of all parties, that... I..." The Prince looked away, trying to collect his thoughts, jaw clenched. "That I...we..."

Princess Whitelaw found it incredibly endearing that he was at a loss for words, even though he wasn't yet sure what Zach was trying to get across, and whether or not it'd be agreeable.

"I..." He made a frustrated noise and dug something out of his pocket. It glinted in the sunlight. "Marry me?"

Jamesina stared at him, dumbfounded, for so long that Zachycakes actually considered putting away the ring. Then: "Of course, you idiot!"

Needless to say, there were professes of love and kisses exchanged, not to mention the placing of the ring on the Princess' finger. They were content to remain outside, in silence, as the temperature dropped with the sun's setting.

Well, mostly silence.

"Is that...a pie?"

Spock hummed in agreement.

"No, seriously, you're sun is a pie?"

"There are many oddities in my world."

And that, as they say, was that.

OoOoOoOoOo

On Vulcan, it was customary for bonded couples to remain on the planet for at least one Vulcan year before conducting off-world travel. Seeing as Jim and Spock were newly affianced, then, they should do their travelling (i.e., their honeymoon) before the bonding ceremony.

After they'd told the Prince's parents about their engagement, Amanda had handed over two shuttle passes with smiling eyes.

"I like your mother."

"Indeed. You two seem to get on most expediently."

The shuttle had taken them to the neighbouring planet, Delta Vega. When they landed, a figure greeted them.

"Mr. Spock! Princess!"

The figure looked surprisingly like Chekov – bar the fact that the navigator of the Enterprise had not had a tiara on his head and iridescent wings that emerged from his shoulder blades. They were something like the wings of angels as depicted in ancient Earth artwork, and were folded neatly against his back as he smiled at them. Beside him stood Sulu, who was resplendent in navy blue – not a colour he was seen in often, seeing as his uniform was gold. Their hands were entwined – which, Princess Whitelaw only just realised, was unsurprising.

"Mr. Chekov? Mr. Sulu?"

The two exchanged smiles. "Yes. It seems the breaking of your curse has had repercussions as to my real identity." When one of Chekov's wings cuffed him on the head gently, Sulu laughed. "Both our real identities."

"Da. I am zhe Sugarplum Fairy."

"And I am his Prince." Both blushed.

"Welcome to Delta Vega. The Land of Snow."

Arm in arm, the Prince and Princess stepped forward, both in wonderment of their surroundings (in their own ways). In the background Pavel and Hikaru could be heard bickering, apparently about the snow of Moscow, but this went ignored in favour of the pristine whiteness that stretched out as far as the eye could see. Had it been daytime, doubtless their eyes would have watered. But with the night sky above, soothingly dark and peppered with stars – and Vulcan, in the distance – the snowy view was especially enchanting.

They stood on a raised platform, overlooking an enormous, flat clearing. Enclosing the clearing were trees, if trees were somehow made of ice or glass or something similar. The leaves glittered like Chekov's wings in the starlight. Oddly enough, despite the fact that they were in a winter wonderland – it was the Land of Snow, for heaven's sake – the temperature was quite pleasant, even for Spock, who came from warmer climate.

"I am unaccustomed to snow," he said.

"You've never seen snow before?" Jamesina asked, surprised.

"I have seen holofilms and photographs. But to answer your question; no, I have not seen snow before."

He leaned to the side and rested his cheek against Zachycakes' shoulder. "Beautiful, huh?"

"Yes." He wasn't talking about the snow, but Prince Zach saw no reason to inform the Princess.

"Jim."

"Bones!" Jamesina exclaimed excitedly, separating from the Prince so he could throw his arms around the older man. "How'd you get here?"

"Whaddya mean how'd we get here, kid, our helmsman and navigator are standing right there." Despite his gruff tone, the good doctor was hugging back just as fiercely. "What the Hell were you thinkin', Jim? You coulda got killed."

"But I wasn't –"

"You could have." They'd separated by now, but Leonard had Princess Whitelaw at arm's length. Doubtless if he'd had his tricorder with him, he'd have it in his hand. He gave a harrumph. "Well, at least these pointy-eared hobgoblins know how to heal humans."

A gentle hand on his elbow drew Zachycakes out of his observation of the two.

"Nyota."

She smiled up at him. "I'm glad you're safe, Spock."

"As am I."

"So," she said slyly, "do I get to be the maid of honour?"

The Prince quirked a quizzical eyebrow at her.

"It's a Terran custom. It's traditional for the groom to have a best man – usually his best friend – while the bride has a maid of honour."

"Are you then implying that I am the bride?"

Before Uhura could reply, a voice broke in. "What's this abou' brides and marriage, then?" Scotty asked, grinning. "Ah trust ah'm invited."

"Mr. Scott. Of course. We would have it no other way." Spock didn't miss the way the Chief Engineer's arm went around Nyota's waist, but he'd also noticed her eyes glow with happiness as he did so.

"Yeh gave us quite th' shock there, Mr. Spock. S'good thing tha' Vulcan ship was there, if not we'd never've noticed our proximity sensors were b'yond repair."

"My friends!"

Everyone turned to face Sulu, who stood beside Chekov – the Sugarplum Fairy – in front of a band of musicians. They were familiar faces, possibly crewmembers of the Enterprise.

"My friends. To properly welcome you to Delta Vega Pasha and I have something special planned. So, if you would make yourself comfortable."

Chekov clapped his hands and rugs and cushions appeared on the dais out of thin air. Prince Zachycakes chose a comfortable looking blue one, and gracefully sat cross-legged upon it. Of course, its softness had little to do with his choice, as the cushion was next to where Princess Whitelaw sat, the skirt of his green dress carefully arranged around him. It proved to be a most advantageous selection when Jamesina reached over and took his hand.

Even more light seemed to shine from the heavens, as if it was being scattered by thousands of tiny little mirrors, and were particularly focused on the two standing before them. Chekov blushed deeply when Prince Sulu bowed to him, rakish grin on his lips.

"You can do that, yes you can, having the time of your life – ooh, see that boy, watch that math, dig in the Sugarplum Fairy!"

The Russian's voice was light and sweet, his wings fully unfurled to their six-foot glory. "It is night and the stars are out, welcome to the Land of Snow. Where detecting singularities, we can do ev'ryday – I'd rather it not be in a planet, though."

"I'm lucky I'm your guy, night is young and the moon is high. With a bit of impulse power, everything is fine. You're in the mood for romance. Then I don't have a chance..."

"I am the 'Plum Fairy, young and sweet, only seventeen! Russian whiz, I can do more than astrophysics, yeah. Give me the, manual control, and I will save your life. Ooh, see that guy, watch him fence, you will see what I see."

Scotty whooped when Sulu reached out and kissed Chekov slowly. Bones nudged Uhura, who grumbled and handed over what looked like credits. The song wasn't at its end, though.

"You're a teaser, you turn me on. Leave me burning whenever you fence. It's my fault I suppose, asking to teach you – you're in the mood for romance. Then I don't have a chance –"

OoOoOoOoOo

"So wha' brought th' two o' you t'gether?" asked Scotty curiously. He sat next to Nyota, nursing what looked like a Scotch on the rocks.

They had all eaten, and were now resting on the cushions, while soft music played in the backdrop. The dinner had been of vegetarian fare – in deference to Spock's Vulcan upbringing – which Dr. McCoy seemed to take offense to. Superficially, anyway. He didn't outright refuse the food, which just went to show that he only complained out of habit.

"Vell, Hikaru was being the first to see me for more zhan being Russian and smart."

"I wouldn't say smart, genius-boy," Sulu broke in, smiling, but Chekov waved him quiet.

"Besides, what is not to lowe?"

Bones gave a short bark of laughter. "You left out 'young', kid. Please tell me the dating is a recent thing, and not when you joined Starfleet."

Sulu glared. "Excuse me. He's seventeen and more than capable of making his own choices."

"The age of consent on Earth is eighteen, is it not?" Spock interjected, the corner of his mouth lifted up in his version of a smile.

"Sulu, you pedobear!"

They all laughed, and Pavel wrapped his wing around Sulu's shoulders as the Japanese man blushed. "Zhere, zhere, Hikaru. Zhey are only joking."

Uhura rested her head on Scotty's shoulder and his arm came up around her. "So what do you love most about Chekov, Sulu? Something must have drawn you to him."

He thoughtfully stroked the feathers that rested against his side, causing Chekov to sigh contentedly. "Honestly? I made friends with him because he was always alone and I thought we'd get along. Plus we could tutor each other. And then, it was just, one night in the library. He made the first move."

It was Chekov's turn to flush. "Hikaru is a tease," was his only explanation.

"But to answer your question, Nyota...I think I'm just a sucker for Chekov. Everything that he is." The helmsman got to his feet and approached the musicians. He relieved one of them of her instrument, and started playing.

"Love me Russian whiz kid; I'm a Jap from over the sea. That tiara means, you're the fairy of m'heart, curly-haired and smart."

The other instruments joined in, Sulu's being most prominent.

"Kill me romantically, fill my soul with affection, then ask me for manual control. In no way dumb, you're my sugarplum. You're precious, I love you!

"He moves through moonbeams slowly, he knows just how to hold me, and during his fencing lessons, his body is my coffin. I know he speaks kinda funny, but he wears me down to bones in bed... Must be the sign on my head, that says, oh... Love me dead! Love me dead!"

"You're an astrophysics prodigy; you're an ensign officially – seventeen years old, shirt oh-so gold, never leave me alone. You count so passionately, you never need a calculator, since then, you got my heart. Too young to get drunk, but the fun never stops. You're so smart, it's sexy."

At that moment Sulu started a complicated solo on what you and I know as an electric guitar, but was a mystery to Princess Whitelaw. Chekov had his chin propped up on his knees, and had a small, private smile on his face. It seemed that Sulu had many talents, not just fencing and botany, as his fingers flew across the frets with assurance.

"Love me like I do you – brrrot-dot-da-d-da-da! Brrrot-dot-da-d-da-da! How's your new toy? Do you know it's from me? We've to try it out next. You're born a genius! You're beautiful!"

Sulu got on his knees and shot Chekov the dirtiest smirk he knew, which had the navigator red all over. (As if the mention of the 'toy' in front of all their friends hadn't already.)

"Ohhh, love. Me. Dead."

OoOoOoOoOo

They'd stopped talking some time ago, their words dying away into a companionable silence. Jamesina looked around the circle, at all the faces that were familiar to him for one reason, and dear to him for another. He would not want to forget these people.

"Spock?"

"Yes, Jim?"

"The Enterprise is being repaired right now, right?"

He inclined his head. "Affirmative. It sustained quite some damage during our encounter with Nero."

The Princess couldn't help but shiver at the mention of the madman. At least he would trouble them no longer. Zachycakes, who'd seen the shudder, moved closer to his fiancé to offer some comfort.

"So once it's fixed, you'll go back to be Captain, right?"

"That is a logical assumption, yes."

Princess Whitelaw very carefully didn't look at Spock as he fingered the trim of his dress and asked, "And I'll be with you?"

The Vulcan was saved having to answer when someone cleared their throat. They looked up. Prince Sulu bowed to the both of them, and smiled. "Will the two of you honour us with your presence on the dance floor?"

"Dance floor?" Prince Zachycakes asked, standing with a raised eyebrow and a hand offered to the Princess to help him to his feet.

His smiled widened, and he gestured with his right hand at the clearing they were overlooking. "It is custom on Delta Vega for guests to dance a turn. Naturally, we would not force you."

Princess Whitelaw turned to the Vulcan, willing to let him make the decision. Zach was a private person, he knew, but he also would not risk insulting their hosts. However, when Jamesina noticed his hesitation, not because of the aforementioned reasons, but because he still doubted himself, doubted that the Princess was making the wrong choice my accepting him; then he stepped in.

"One dance."

Spock looked at him in concealed surprise.

"Of course," agreed Prince Sulu.

Those brown eyes softened. "Very well."

As they climbed off the dais, chatter ceased, and the music lulled. Those present watched with interest as the Princess leaned down to give instructions to the head musician, who smiled and nodded easily.

The two of them walked slowly to the centre of the dance floor.

"This is ice," observed the Prince, both intrigued and disapproving. Understandable, as snow and all pertaining to it was mostly a mystery to him.

Princess Whitelaw, on the other hand, had experienced colder winters than this in Tumblrland. He loved the snow, and he'd loved annoying Bones by making snow-McCoys. It was true that the ground underfoot was not actually ground, but ice. However, it was not slippery. "I think there's some magic at play here. And I really doubt that the Sugarplum Fairy would put us in any danger."

They reached the midpoint, and Zachycakes gave the Princess an indulgent look. "What do you suggest we dance?"

"Let's improvise," Jamesina said, smiling mischievously as the guitar started.

"Kiss me, out on the fresh fallen snow. We're not, on the Enterprise. Swing, swing, swing the spinning step; you wear that hat and I will wear that dress.

"Oh, kiss me beneath the milky twilight; lead me out on the moonlight floor. Lift your open hand, strike up the band and make the fireflies dance, silver moon's sparkling...so kiss me."

Other couples were joining them, but they had eyes only for each other. Spock was especially enraptured by the Princess' voice and the brilliance of his eyes.

"Kiss me in the Land of Snow – you love me, you said as Spock. Bring, bring, bring your paisley vest, we'll take the trail marked by the 'Plum Fairy –"

"Oh, kiss me beneath the milky twilight; lead me out on the moonlight floor. Lift your open hand, strike up the band and make the fireflies dance, silver moon's sparkling...so kiss me."

They were dancing in a tighter circle now, so close that their chests and their shoulders and their noses would brush against each other's. Other couples floated past them; the Sugarplum Fairy and Prince Sulu, Nyota and Scotty – even Sarek and Amanda, though why and how they were there was a mystery. Still, all this was somewhat lost on the two lovers.

"Oh, kiss me beneath the milky twilight; lead me out on the moonlight floor. Lift your open hand, strike up the band and make the fireflies dance, silver moon's sparkling...so kiss me. So kiss me."

The rest had stopped dancing. They merely gazed at Prince Zachycakes and Princess Whitelaw, feeling privileged to witness such a sight.

"So kiss me."

Zach stopped moving and gently took the Princess' face between his hands. As he leaned towards the Princess, Jamesina smiled, closed his eyes, and whispered, "So kiss me."

OoOoOoOoOo

Clapping surrounded them when they pulled away from each other. The Princess was pleased to note that despite Zachycakes' more human appearance, his skin still flushed green. He grinned up at him, and was rewarded with tenderness in those amazing brown eyes.

Suddenly, they heard gasps of surprise and horror from around them. Seeing that the focus of their audience was not them, they too turned their faces towards the skies...and gaped.

Slowly, so slowly it was almost imperceptible, their surroundings were melting away. It started with the sky; what was once glorious midnight black peppered with majestic constellations was now gradually fading to white. Princess Whitelaw stared up at it, arms still around Prince Zachycakes, who was equally fascinated.

"What's happening?" Jamesina asked, unable to prevent a note of fear from creeping into his voice.

"I do not know." His arms tightened around the Princess' waist protectively.

"Your time here is ending," said Chekov. The Sugar Plum Fairy's shimmering wings dropped sadly as he met Princess Whitelaw's stricken expression and Prince Zachycakes' raised eyebrow with a pout (it seemed an almost unconscious action. The pouting, I mean).

"You must return to your home, Princess Whitelaw," said Prince Sulu, coming up next to Chekov and placing a strong, comforting palm at the small of his back.

"Now?" he squeaked, very much disliking this new turn of events.

"Soon. This is not your world, Princess."

He turned to Prince Zachycakes then, who was still looking at the Sugar Plum Fairy and his prince.

"But…will you be coming with me?"

The expression in those beautiful brown eyes said it all, even if Prince Zachycakes didn't.

Princess Whitelaw closed his eyes, heartbreak plain on his face.

"There is time, yet, for goodbyes," said Chekov softly. "These things are not yet set in stone," he added cryptically. Then he and Prince Sulu disappeared, utilizing the magic they were in possession of, being the rulers of the Land of Snow.

The Prince cupped Princess Whitelaw's cheek. "Speak your mind, dearest."

He opened his eyes, and Prince Zachycakes felt physical pain at seeing the tears brimming in them. "I don't want to leave you."

He smoothed his thumb over a cheekbone. "You will not. You remain here." He took one of the Princess' hands and placed it over his heart. "As I am in yours…or so I hope."

"Always," Jamesina said earnestly. "I will love you always and forever."

Prince Zachycakes kissed hi gently on the forehead. "Then that is enough." He looked up, then, at the vanishing sky, in which the moon was still untouched, then looked back at the Princess in his arms.

Said Princess was absolutely enraptured, not by the moonlight playing across Zach's features, but the quirk of his lips and the expression in his eyes.

"May I have this dance?" he asked, voice huskier than usual.

"Yes," the Princess managed to say before the Prince suddenly twirled him. Obviously he had not meant to waltz or pavane.

Prince Zachycakes sang.

"Well, it's a marvellous night for a moondance, with the beautiful blue in your eyes. A fantabulous night to make romance, in the Sugar Plum Fairy's eyes. And all the leaves on the trees are falling; it's only a matter of time 'til they go. And I'm trying to please to the calling, of your heart-strings that play soft and low. And all the night's magic seems to whisper and hush. And all the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush.

"Can I just have one a' more moondance with you, my love – can I just make some more romance with a-you, my love.

"Well, I wanna dance with you tonight; I would rather the morning not come. And I know the time is just right, and in the circle of my arms you belong. And when you come my heart will be waiting, to make sure you're never alone. There and then all my dreams will come true, dear; there and then I will make you my own. And every time I touch you, I feel what you feel – and I know how much you want me that you can't hide.

"Can I just have one a' more moondance with you, my love – can I just make some more romance with a-you, my love."

They were alone in the snowy clearing, but had they been anywhere else, had they been surrounded by millions of people – they would only have had eyes for each other. They danced together, in every sense of the word, as if they'd done so for years and years and years. Jim knew every move Zach would make, and Zach knew every move Jim would make. Poetry in motion.

The Prince twirled the Princess so Jamesina's back was pressed to his chest. The music dropped in volume, as did Zachycakes' voice.

The saxophones swelled again, and the Princess was whirled back to face his Prince.

"And every time I touch you, I feel what you feel – and I know how much you want me that you can't hide.

"Can I just have one a' more moondance with you, my love – can I just make some more romance with a-you, my love. Can I just have one a' more moondance with you, my love – can I just make some more romance with you…my love. My love. My love – I just want one more moondance with you…"

Princess Whitelaw laughed as the Prince dipped him, the sound managing to be merry and sad all at once. The Vulcan felt his heart constrict, but he could do nothing more, could offer no more comfort than a lingering kiss.

By this time the sky was completely gone, and the canopy of the trees was slowly disintegrating into that same painful whiteness.

When they pulled back, the Princess was gazing into his eyes, his own an enchanting blue.

Prince Zachycakes wasn't too sure when they started revolving on the spot, gazes intent on the other's face. He didn't notice much else beyond the Princess' eyes and the soft tenor of his voice.

"In your brown eyes, I see love. In your brown eyes, what you couldn't say. In your brown eyes, you watch me so – and turn me 'round and 'round, and wonder what went wrong; why I have to go…

"If everything was everything, but everything is over. Everything could be everything; if only we had longer. Guess it's just a silly song about you… And how I lost myself, in your brown eyes.

"In your brown eyes, I was feeling wanted. But they're your brown eyes and you never know. Got some brown eyes, but a soft face –" he touched the Prince's face here "– I knew I wasn't wrong. So baby, turn me 'round and 'round, dance with me –

"Where everything was everything, but everything is over. Everything could be everything; if only we had longer. Guess it's just a silly song about you… And how I lost myself, in your brown eyes."

Prince Zachycakes' arms were around his waist, while his hands rested on the Prince's shoulders. As they slowly turned, Princess Whitelaw's voice faltered, and his gaze dropped, and his grip slackened. Spock opened his mouth to ask what was wrong, when that grip abruptly tightened, and blazing blue eyes met his.

"Everything was everything, but baby it's the last dance. Everything could be everything, but it's time to say goodbye, so; get your last hug, and your last kiss, I'll never forget you, I love you.

"Honey, yeah, it's no surprise that I got lost in your brown eyes."

At this point they weren't even dancing anymore, weren't even moving; they were merely holding onto each other as the world faded around them. Princess Whitelaw wondered if he would ever feel as safe as he did now, encased in Prince Zachycakes' arms. His voice was barely a murmur now, eyes shut against the growing brightness.

"In your brown eyes. Brown, brown eyes, your brown eyes. Brown, brown eyes, got some brown eyes. Brown, brown eyes…"

Jamesina's voice had dropped lower than a whisper, and he was painfully aware that he was alone, that he was clutching at himself, that there was no one holding him, and the white light was trying its damndest to seep into his eyelids, just like the way the tears wanted to get out.

"Brown eyes…"

It was a blessing when his thoughts were silenced by sleep.

OoOoOoOoOo

Unbetaed, but I'm sure I caught *most* of the spelling/grammar errors.

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Trek. I don't own Princess Whitelaw, either the real one (rawr) or the fictional one of the children's book series (that belongs to natatas), but I do own this particular aspect of him. I don't own King Natatas and Queen Lamama, nor do I own Lady Gaga. I don't own the title of this story, but I did come up with the plot by myself. I don't own the songs mentioned in this story, though I do own the time used to butcher them. Are you getting a sense of what I do and do not own yet?

Act III. So, one more act left. REVIEW PEOPLE.

Anila.