alexindigo: I'm sorry you feel that way, about Lois losing at poker :( maybe it's laziness on my part but it was the only way I can think of to make Lois spend time with Clark lol.. hope you still like the rest of the story :)

Jen: Wow! Thank you so much! I hope the Clois in this chapter satisfies you :)

razorstar90: Nicknames! That's a good idea! I will try to incorporate that in the next chapters. Thank you! :)

LoisNClark4Ever: oh gosh.. really sorry about Lois losing the game.. but I hope their interactions in this chapter makes up for it. Thank you for reading :)

LunaJ134: Thank you! I love jealous Clark as well.. *tee hee*

Guest #1: Thank you! sorry it took me ages to update :(

Eleid: Thanks! Ah.. the horses :) You guessed right! I'm glad you think Clark is charming and not pompous lol

Guest #2: Thank you! Such kind words :)

Cloisfan93: Thank you! But it will get darker in the middle chapters, but I still hope to inject the fun in the story :)

jill: Thank you! I plan on finishing this one, even if it might take me centuries.. lol

Guest #3: Thank you! Update coming! :)

It has been a sickness of mine, taking too long to update :( I hope you stick with me and this story, and hope you like this chapter as well :)

Chapter 4

Standing up, Lois accepted the offered hand, she was a gracious loser, and she would honor their wager, but she had to tell Chloe first.

"Your Grace, if you would permit, I would like to inform my cousin of the current predicament I am in."

Clark laughed, seemingly delighted at every word that spouted out of her mouth. "You see as a predicament, I see as good fortune." Placing a kiss on her hand, he smiled. "Go tell your cousin, who I assume will be our chaperone for the night. Meet me by the refreshment table." With a wink, he left her at the doorway of the game room.

Calming her furiously beating heart, Lois scanned the room, and found Chloe with Oliver chatting with some of the attendees. She made her way to them and excused her cousin, pulling her to a private spot just out of earshot of everybody.

"I lost a bet." Lois said, and Chloe blanched at the distress her cousin's face showed. It must have been a huge sum.

"Where? How?" Chloe asked.

"Poker."

Chloe's face showed her surprise. "You were in the game room all along?" At her cousin's nod, Chloe continued. "Well, how much did you lose?"

"My dignity, my pride, my self-esteem, my…"

"Hold on." Chloe said, putting a hand up to stop Lois' self-mortification. "How could you lose those?"

"I do not know. One thing I was winning, and then I bet all in." Lois gave a pregnant pause, and with a grimace. "And more."

Chloe's eyes widened. "And more? What else did you wager?"

"I wagered my whole night with him." Chloe's mouth dropped, and Lois was forced to add. "With a chaperone of course. Which is why I came to you. You should chaperone us. He told me to meet him by the refreshment table."

Craning her neck, Chloe's eyes went towards the direction of the refreshment table, and she could not help the astonishment from enveloping her.

Lois just shrugged. "He said his name is Clark Kent, Duke of Metropolis. I could not forget that name, when you told me all about his beautiful horses, and I just had to see them. So if he lost I get to see his stable."

Chloe's then faced her, and she could not understand the twinkle in her cousin's eyes. "But you lost."

"You don't have to reiterate the fact, cousin." Lois said dejectedly. "Will you be my chaperone? He might turn out to be in the same league as Lord Sacks."

Chloe put a reassuring hand on Lois' arm. "I know him, he is nowhere near that lecher. Do not fret, I will join you shortly after I inform Oliver. You go ahead and I will be with you soon."

Lois smiled and placed a kiss on Chloe's cheek. "Thank you."

Chloe watched as Lois went towards the refreshment table, and she could not help but be giddy. She will keep an eye on them all right, but that does not mean that she would have to be by their side all the time. She could not wait to tell Oliver.

"No. I really prefer a Thoroughbred over the Easterns. They have the strength and stamina of the cold-bloods but the temperament of a blood horse. It is the best of both."

Clark let go of Lois' waist to twirl her around. Immediately, his hands returned to where they were before. He has to hand it to Oliver and Chloe: they as well do not conform to society's standards, as most of the dances were waltz, which some of the older members of the society frowned upon. That the ball was a masquerade made it all the more risqué and exciting.

"Have you seen a pure blooded Eastern?" Clark inquired, trying to imagine her facial features covered by the domino.

"Yes. We had a Turk once."

"Take it from a man who had at least ten Easterns in his stable at once. Once you have experienced the power of an Arabian, you will never go back. My current horse of choice is an Arabian."

"But the last couple of races at the Jockey Club were won by a Thoroughbred. Surely you cannot discount that fact."

"True. But those races were dominated by Thoroughbreds."

"Because horse owners know that the Easterns would not be able to adapt to the colder temperatures here. It would greatly affect their performance."

"And they are simply that, horse owners. They are neither horse breeders nor horse trainers. I am both. My Arabian and I would trounce any Thoroughbred in that stud book at the Jockey Club."

"That is a rather soaring statement. If you were in my home, I would gladly challenge you in a horse race and see if your Arabian matches my Thoroughbred."

"Aha." Clark said rather loudly over the music, catching the attention of the other dancers. "Speaking of your home, you still have not told me about it."

"My home is conversation for another time, don't you think so, Your Grace?"

He smiled at her statement that there will be 'another time'. "And I am still surprised by the fact that you are Chloe's cousin and have not heard of or met you all this time." This truly baffled Clark, for he would not be able to forget a woman like her.

"I am but a girl from the country. The only time I visit Metropolis is during the season, and believe me, Chloe always mentions you and your horses, knowing my fondness for them as well. It was you who was always absent."

Clark understood. He generally avoided the season, and it was fortunate for him that his espionage assignments were during that time, attending seasons of the neighboring countries. Only his last assignment was off schedule, stemming from the urgency of the matter, hence his presence at least here in Chloe's masquerade. "Pressing affairs have pulled me from seasons past."

"I see my reputation has not reached you. I am quite infamous among the gents. Have you not heard of what happened with Lord Sacks?"

Clark recalled the stories he had heard of Lord Sacks, most of them unsavory, and then seemed to recall one wherein he was missing for almost the whole afternoon, only to be found completely unable to free himself from a tree. He let out a guffaw, which once again caught the attention of the other dancers surrounding them.

"It was you!"

Lois smiled. "Proud of it."

"It is of my firm belief that what you did was warranted." Clark said just as the dance ended. After bowing to each other, Clark grabbed her hand and went towards to the wall where Chloe was standing.

"It seems you enjoyed that dance more than the others." Chloe told Clark, and then gave Lois a surreptitious glance, which she chose to ignore.

"How can I not? When the company is very engaging." Clark answered, which resulted in a telltale blush from Lois.

Chloe, with all her will, tried not to dance in glee. Craning her head as if looking for someone, she then announced. "My dear husband is looking for me. Forgive me, I have to leave you alone for a while. Surely nothing would arise after my departure." And sure enough, the two were left to themselves.

Lois then turned to Clark. "I would have invited you to their library, but since our chaperone so brazenly left us, we would have to await her return before we venture there."

Clark was tempted to say otherwise, but for the first time in his life he had wanted to do right in this instant and vowed to wait for Chloe. "Most certainly."

As they have decided to just stay there and wait for Chloe, a masked attendee wormed his way to them and bowed in front of Lois.

"May I ask for a dance from an intriguing young woman?" his gaze piercing Lois that made her uncomfortable. "Your current companion has already monopolized your attention. Surely I must have a space on your dance card."

Clark responded before Lois could. "I am afraid her dance card is already full."

Lois looked at Clark with a raised eyebrow. His steely look directed at the other gentleman did not falter.

"Full of your name perhaps?" The other man questioned.

"How astute of you." Clark said, voice still frosty. "Now I hear the beginnings of the next song." Turning to Lois, he again offered his arm, and she took it, leaving her would-be suitor fuming a little.

Back on the dance floor, Lois gave her dance partner an irked look. "I could have handled it on my own. I am not a damsel in distress in need of safeguarding."

"And miss the joy of putting him in his place? He is way out of your league."

"And you are not?"

He leaned his face forward and said in a whisper meant for her ears only. "I would like to believe so."

Lois could not help the shiver than ran through her spine. But she would not let him know of the feelings he evoked in her. At least not now. "Is this what I think it is?"

"Think what you like, my lady. But I am a man who knows what he wants. And at this moment, I want your company. Is it a sin to be selfish once in a while?"

Lois was overwhelmed. Never had a man make such a mark on her as this one.

A few dances later, and still Clark has not relinquished his hold on Lois. Chloe could not believe her good luck. "Have you seen the gardens at night Lois? They look spectacular." Chloe said, a definite lilt in her voice.

"I can vouch for that." Clark answered, and tucked Lois' arm in his own, leading her towards the gardens.

"Many of your trysts happened in their garden that you know how it looks like at night?"

Chloe choked on Lois' statement, and Clark, instead of being offended, laughed heartily. She was really one of a kind.

"Forgive her, Clark. Sometimes her mouth is faster than her brain." Chloe said, giving Lois a glare, who only smiled at her while shrugging her shoulders.

"No need for the apology. But if the lady must know, I do not have trysts, as you so eloquently said." Clark said, directing his last statement at Lois. "The marble statues are magnificent at night, especially now the moon is shining brightly. Correct me, Chloe, if I am wrong, but hasn't Oliver recently acquired a Birth of Aphrodite statue?"

"The rise of Aphrodite from the sea foam?" Lois inquired.

Chloe just nodded. "It is magnificent."

Clark was impressed. "You have studied Greek mythology?"

"And history. Theirs and ours." Lois answered. "You might find it odd, for a woman to be learned of such things, but it is of my firm belief that the society today is the child of the yesteryear. Learning from the past would be one step forward to progress."

"I do not find it odd. I find it rather refreshing."

Reaching the statue, Lois looked at it in awe. It was truly magnificent, as Chloe has said. "Fine hands, whoever made this statue." She said, running her hand over the 'foam'. "Oh Chloe, Lucy would have loved this." Turning around to address her cousin, only to find her gone. She sighed. "Our chaperone has gone missing again."

"That husband of hers surely misses her a lot." Clark remarked, and then inquired. "Lucy?"

Lois' lips pursed. "My sister Lucy. The reason I am here is to find her. She has fled home."

"I am sorry to hear that." Clark grabbed her arms and faced her. "I can be of assistance."

Lois gave Clark a sad smile. "You need not worry. Oliver already has men searching for her. I am not too worried, I know my sister. She can take care of herself, but after our mother passed away, my father has been keeping us in a tight leash. But I understand his over-protective tendencies. He does not want to lose us too."

"I completely understand." Clark said. "Do not fret, I will discuss this with Oliver. More eyes would not hurt the search."

A radiant smile broke from Lois' face that Clark could not help but be mesmerized. "I would very much like to kiss you right now. Would you give me permission?"

Lois raised an eyebrow. "I think it is inappropriate for a lord to ask a kiss from a lady, especially from one who has not yet revealed his whole face."

Without hesitation, Clark removed his mask. "Now will you give me your permission?"

Lois could only stare at the beautiful face clouding her vision. No words came out of her mouth. Being that handsome was surely a sin.

"I guess I would have to steal one then."

Warm lips descended upon hers and Lois knew that this was out of this world. She has not been kissed before, but she knew that nobody else would compare.

Expertly, he coaxed a reaction from her, but all he heard was a whimper, and it spurred him more. His tongue reached out, tracing the seam of her lips, and a gasp escaped her mouth. Clark took advantage and plunged inside, glorifying in her taste that he knew was explicitly hers. A tentative tongue met his, and it was almost his undoing. His hands leaving her arms, one arm encircled her waist to bring her closer while his other hand went to her neck, tilting her face to kiss her better.

Lois' hands landed on his chest not to ward him off, but to feel his powerful body. Lois felt that this was as close to heaven as she could get. Emotions swirled inside her, and she vowed to ask Chloe if she had felt like this when Oliver kissed her.

Clark knew that he had to stop, but not before seeing her entire face. His thumb encircling her cheek once, which elicited a shiver from her, his hand travelled to her hair and untied the ribbons holding the domino, catching it and dropping it to the ground. Clark pulled back, and he exulted in her expression: eyes closed from bliss and mouth parted deliciously, seriously invited him for another turn.

As if sensing that he was not to repeat his earlier action, Lois opened her eyes, only to find him staring at her intently. Stepping back, her hands left his chest and clapped it over her mouth.

Clark smiled and gently pulled her wrists from her face. "I knew you would be beautiful. Exquisite." His finger traced her eyebrows, down her nose, to her cheeks, her chin, and then to her lips.

"I would like to extend an invitation for you to visit my stables. The day after tomorrow. Bring Chloe with you and I will meet you there. I think a ride would be in order."

Lois smiled, not only because of his invitation, but also because of the time going to be spent with him. She then groaned, realizing she was turning into a giddy miss.

"Would there be a problem?" Clark asked, misinterpreting her reaction.

Lois shook her head. "I would love to visit your stables. I will ask Chloe if she can accompany me."

"Accompany you where?"

Clark and Lois both turned their heads sharply towards a glowing Chloe, who has her hands behind her back, rocking on the balls of her feet.

It was Clark who recovered first. "I invited her to my stables. Will you be able to join her?"

"Most definitely." Chloe said, and if Clark was not mistaken, she was ready to burst with glee. Clark chalked it up with a possible secret rendezvous with her husband.

"It is settled then. The day after tomorrow, I will have a carriage waiting for you. Afternoon tea would also be nice, you reckon?"

"Yes." Lois nodded automatically. She was hoping Chloe did not witness anything.

Chloe then gasped. "Your masks! You are not supposed to take it off this early."

Lois was at a loss for words, and again it was Clark who came to her rescue. Bent down, he picked up the domino and handed it to Lois. "She caught something in her eye, a glitter from the domino maybe, and I simply offered my help."

"Yes." Lois answered emphatically. "He helped me." Then turning to Clark, she said. "Thank you, Your Grace."

"You are most welcome." Clark replied, and Lois could not mistake the teasing glint in his eyes.

Chloe nodded, as if completely understanding. "Well, I think it is high time that we return. Unmasking will not come soon enough."

Turning on her heel, Chloe walked towards the house. Clark and Lois took their time returning their masks and soon after Clark took Lois' hand and followed Chloe. He was already looking forward to her visit, and it cannot come soon enough.

Maxima could not contain her rage. Linda, who was known as her chaperone to the society, but really her half-sister through her mother, tried to console her.

"Calm down sister. We still have enough time. The only other single woman he had talked with besides that harlot was you."

"That woman did not leave my Duke's side!" Maxima threw her reticule at the mirror inside her bedroom.

Linda hated seeing her sister like this. She was everything to her. Most of her younger years she felt alone, even if she grew up with a group of nomads who had taught her everything they knew. They were family, yes, but not by blood. And she longed for that. Now that she had found a family in Maxima, she would do everything to keep her by her side. And that would mean making her happy. "I do not think that is true. I saw him step outside alone."

"Do not lie to me Linda." Maxima bellowed. "I followed them. I saw that kiss! That should have been me!"

"What could I do sister?" Linda pleaded. "Let me help you!"

The plea managed to work its way to Maxima's clouded mind. Maxima went over to where Linda was standing. "Would you really?" At Linda's nod, Maxima could not contain her smile. "Use your magic. Help me win the Duke over. Make him love me."

Linda's face fell. Love was one of the things that the nomads told her they cannot create. It was one of the most powerful magic in the world. "M-Maxima…"

"Do not tell me you cannot do it." Maxima threatened, retreating from Linda.

Linda felt her sister's absence. She stood up and followed her. "It cannot be done, creating that feeling…"

"Then what use is your magic?" Maxima said, falling on the bed face first, tears soaking the pillow.

"There might be another way." Linda suggested.

But her idea fell on deaf ears. "What does he see in her? What does he see in her?"

The repeated phrase tugged at Linda's heart. She had witnessed how her father died because of heart break, when her mother was married to that old noble. She will not witness it again.

See in her… see in her… see in her…

A sudden thought entered Linda's mind. Going over to the bed and grabbing Maxima's shoulders, she lifted her into a sitting position and stared at her straight in the eye. "You would not care at the way you get the Duke? As long as you have him?"

Maxima's sobs stopped. She nodded.

"Then tell me everything you know about that harlot. Everything."

As Maxima started telling her what she knew, Linda's mind worked overtime. Her plan was highly improbable, but she would do whatever it takes for her dear sister.

Whatever it takes.

How was it? Again, thank you all for reading and do not hesitate to tell me your thoughts, good and bad, so I can make the story better for you guys. Love you lots! :)