Oliver tried to make excuses not to go but Felicity was adamant.

"Oliver, I know. It's going to be gruesome and you will be under attack but we have to be there."

Oliver's disgruntled look said it all.

Felicity took his hand and proceed.

"First it's a Family Queen event, you're a Queen. Second we must be there for Tommy, he needs us there."

She was right. Oliver had talk to Tommy even before the invite.

"Your mother is doing what?"

"Organizing a get together where both Sara and Laurel will be attending."

"Why?"

"To be honest, I'm not sure what the real endgame is, but I bet it as something to do with her not wanting Felicity in my life."

"So she ruins mine?"

"I don't know, Tommy. Her reasoning eludes me. Maybe you can get Laurel not to go?"

"You wish. She loves Moira more than she ever loved you."

"She never loved me, Tommy, she just thought she did."

"True."

The invite had arrived and both Tommy and Laurel were attending. Neither of them knew if Sara would attend but Oliver figured she would even if just out of curiosity to met Felicity.

So the dreaded night was upon them and they presented themselves at Queen Mansion.

Moira was there greeting everyone, as was Oliver and Thea. Felicity decided to skip the welcomes all together and was admiring the artwork.

"Beautiful Picasso"

"It is. We look at it and can't help but feeling the angst the terror."

"An art lover." Felicity look at the power-filled man by her side "A pleasure to met you. Malcom Merlyn."

"Tommy's dad." She smiled and turn to face him "Felicity Smoak."

"Ahh. The Lady of the hour. Moira was impressed by you."

"Was she? Didn't notice."

"Our Moira is a bit stubborn. Doesn't like to adjust or change plans. But she will get over it."

Felicity wasn't sure she would.

Laurel and Tommy join them.

"Dad, Felicity."

"Mr Merlyn."

"Honey, may I present you to Felicity Smoak."

Honey... it was like that already good for you Tommy. And a split second before turning to Laurel she make that known to Tommy, one glee-filled look from her was enough for Tommy.

"A pleasure to finally meet you, Ms Smoak."

"Like wise, Ms Lance. And please call me Felicity."

"Then call me Laurel."

Felicity really wished Tommy to be happy. Laurel was beautiful but there was something that was making Felicity take a step back. It could be all the situation but she wasn't sure. Overall though Laurel was nice and funny and they were able to talk some until Sara came into the room.

Tommy was immediately by Laurel side, his arm around her waist.

Felicity excused herself and went to find Oliver. This was a terrible situation to him and she could see it in his face.

Oliver had greet Sara but few words were exchange and just polite circunstancial ones. He knew nothing of her plans for the evening and it bothered him. He felt Felicity by his side. Her body against his left side. And peace return.

Moira had invited a lot of people. Oliver and Felicity were mingling from group to group. Felicity amazed him every time. The way she held her own, the way she was able to ask the right questions at the right time. He had to stop himself from kissing her more than once until dinner time.

The talk's at dinner were intertwined. Everybody talked in small groups Oliver was between Felicity and Mrs Fenny he was content. Mrs Fenny was an old and quite boring lady always talking about her illnesses but having Felicity's hand on his thigh most of the time help with the boredom. Felicity felt even luckier as she sat between Oliver and Tommy. She missed Tommy.

"Tommy, I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"Leaving like I did. I didn't keep the promise I gave you."

"I understood, Felicity. At the time I wished I could follow you and leave but I couldn't."

"I knew you would understand but still it was wrong of me."

"How's Oliver?"

He was really asking about the truth spill and Oliver reaction to it

"Better. I have to thank you for that too." She smile openly

"You run, I talked, we got the job done." He glimpse to Laurel.

"I guess I didn't fail the promise I made then." She winked

Tommy laugh "I've missed you, Felicity Smoak."

"And I you. Now let me save Oliver from Mrs Fenny."

"You better. She's like a sleeping pill that one."

Moira saw when Felicity turned back to Oliver. And she saw her son's smile to her.

Any other woman would be happy to see her son so in love but Moira could only see Felicity as a woman interested in becoming a Queen.

Sara was also looking at Felicity and Oliver. She could see the love and feel the heat from where she was and she was happy for Oliver. For Sara this was a goodbye dinner she was going away. Nyssa was a better company than she ever expect and they were going to live together in Nyssa's country. Sara was to leave Starling.

Also Laurel looked happy alongside Tommy Merlyn. She always wanted to marry rich, Sara guess she would via Tommy Merlyn. So all was well and she could leave knowing she didn't mess anybody's life.

Moira decided it was time to make her move.

"Sara I was surprised the papers printed you were in a relationship with my son sometime ago. Where did they get that idea?"

All guest's suddenly stop talking everyone was curious about what the tabloids said.

Felicity reach for Oliver's hand under the table has did Tommy with Laurel.

Sara looked at the four of them, smile, an out of context little smile, and then turn to Moira.

"Mrs Queen, you know tabloid reporters. I told a friend, at least I thought she was my friend, I had a crush on your son before he was my sister's boyfriend and they just spinned it out of proportion."

Moira wasn't expecting this answer from Sara. She was expecting Sara would take the opportunity to exert her revenge and that Laurel would follow suit. But Sara did not act at all as expected, not Sara-like.

Malcom intervene "Tabloids are all about lies to sell papers. No surprise there."

Sara looked back to Laurel, Tommy, Felicity and Oliver and this time she winked.

Felicity wanted to laugh but she couldn't.

Dinner ended between laughter and all acknowledge, the day after, it was a wonderful dinner. Queen Family level was still unbeaten. And Oliver Queen new flame was an elegant, witty and enjoyable young lady.

The ball closed the evening.

Finally Oliver could embrace Felicity, totally take her into his arms.

"Let's dance"

"I thought you didn't dance."

"I don't like to dance" he spun her round at the dance floor "doesn't mean I can't."

"I stand corrected. I thought you didn't like to dance."

"Today I do. It's the only way I can hold you in my arms." And he did just that breathing her in.

"Sara. Why did you lie?"

"Laurel." Sara smile at her sister. She love Laurel with all her heart even on her darker moments, deep down, she loved her family "What was the point in telling the truth. It was a mistake, it never should have happen, I regret it, I'm sure Oliver does too. Why prolong its existence and impact on all our lives. It's over and done. I want to move on. I'm in love and I'm happy. I can see Oliver and you, Laurel, are too. Why mess that all up for something that should have never happen in the first place."

"Thank you." Laurel embraced her sister with tears pricking on the eyes of both sisters.

"Laurel. I must tell you something, I'm leaving."

"Leaving?"

"Me and Nyssa are going to her home country. I'm not planning on coming back."

"But... what about dad?"

"I will be in touch. But I must follow my happiness, Laurel."

Laurel consider her sister's words for a moment and then kissed Sara's cheeks "Go. Be happy."

"The night wasn't dreadful at all. I rather enjoyed it"

Felicity was in Oliver lap, her head on his shoulder, on the back seat of the car going home.

"So did I."

Moira's plan had failed. For the first time in his entire life he witnessed his mother failing. And he was so glad she did.