It was late Saturday night as Sir Robert Hatfield finally crawled into his bed. It had been a long day, complicated by the fact that his first grandchild had obviously inherited it’s grandmother’s most annoying habit and decided that it was going to arrive when it was good and bloody well ready.
Which meant that it was going to be at the worst possible time for everyone else in the way.
When the phone rang, he at first thought that it was going to be his son in law James, informing him that Sharon had indeed finally convinced the little bugger that it was fine to come meet the relatives.
The Queen’s assistant Private Secretary had NO way of expecting the call he got instead.
* * *
The American Hospital was on stand by for an emergency transfer of an important patient. As they were the hospital of choice for the various embassies in the area, they figured nothing to worry over. It was at most, probably an ambassador.
They had NO clue that it was going on
His Royal Highness The Prince John, Duke Of Menton had just returned to the Alamain family’s Summer Palace at Lorraine after overseeing a charity dinner gala for his mother’s pet charity: La restoration de la Palace Princesse Charlotte.
He hated all the pomp, but knew since childhood that to have the immense privilege that came with his title, he had to press the flesh so to speak. As he said goodnight to Patrick Jephson, his private secretary, John went into his suite of rooms and closed r32;the door.
As he undid his cufflinks, he checked the clock on the mantel above the fireplace. “No, it’s too late to call her. Elizabeth’s probably fast asleep.” He smiled. “Poor Darling, luckily this is her last engagement before our baby’s born.”
Reaching for the remote, John was aiming it at the screen when the phone beside his bed rang..
* * *
“This is the scene outside the American Embassy Hospital. Where the world is awaiting word on the condition of Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Menton.”
The reporter spoke while the scene changed to a video of the Royal couple’s remarkable wedding just two years before.
“For those of you just joining us, let me repeat what we already know. Apparently while on her way to her hotel after representing her mother in law at the gala opening at the Louvre of the Alamainian Royal Family’s art collection, the Duchess’s car was broadsided.”
He was silent when the images of the destroyed automobile were flashed.
“Adding to the confusion is that the Duchess is 8 months pregnant and was on her last engagement before awaiting the birth of her first child.”
Marlena sat still as her friends again commented on just how much she resembled the Duchess. Tucking her hair behind her ears, she smiled grimly and said nothing as she gathered her files and went back to her office.
As millions were doing, she quickly said a prayer for the safety for the mother and child and fell back to work until the phone rang.
“Hello, Doctor Evans here.” She paused for a moment and shook her head. “Hello Uncle Robert.” As she listened, tears filled her eyes. “I can’t do that.”
Robert studied the two photos in front of him. “Darling, please you have to help us.”
She hesitated. “Uncle Robert, it just can’t be done.” Robert shut his eyes. “Marlena sweetheart, you’re the last hope.”
* * *
“No, I don’t want a replacement, a double or whatever the hell you’re calling this person!” John spun around. “My wife has died and my child is fighting for its life.” He shook his head then raised his hand to prove a point. “THEN, I come in here and am told that I have to accept this?” He shook his head. “Just what the hell kind of a game you’re playing at?”
John’s mother Marguerite looked at her son. “You know as well as I do that we need this girl. Until we find out just how it was that a car that was supposed to be well guarded was left alone as it sped through the streets, enabling it to be broad sided in r32;such a way that totally destroyed the car, killed the driver PLUS Elizabeth’s guard. John, darling.”
She stepped towards her son. “I understand that you’re feeling adrift and I would do anything to make it right and bring your girl back for you. But I can’t do that. But what we can do is keep whoever did this on their toes and hope the diversion can work long enough to enable the security forces to bring the criminal to justice.”
John looked at his mother and wondered if what she was saying was right. “I just need time to think this over.” Patrick looked at his boss. “Sir, we don’t have much time. There’s been a press conference called in an hour to update the Princess’s condition. We’ll have to have the double in place for then if you agree.”
His blue eyes darkened to black. “You mean to tell me that she’s already in the air?”
* * *
“Do either of you remember your first time meeting?” The groom to be smiled at his fiancée and caressed the hand he held tightly in his own and then smiled at the reporter. “Actually I do. She was a beautiful toddler of 2 and I rescued her from a band of marauding five year olds.”
She laughed. “He lies. What he’s not saying is that according to our mothers, His Royal Highness WAS one of the marauding five year olds.”
The trio laughed. “So, does this mean that you’ll be taming his wild side?” Elizabeth with a smile looked at her groom to be. “Well, I don’t think that taming is the right phrase for this.”
John laughed. “More like sedating.” Elizabeth simply shrugged and gestured towards the man she had loved since childhood. “He said that. Not me.”
The images of the laughing young woman on her engagement day became blurry and it took him a moment to realize that it was his tears that were the cause.
“I can’t do this.” He looked around the room and regretted that as he realized that memories of her were every where.
But then as he picked up a photo taken of them at his Aunt Margaret’s beach house in the Caribbean, he couldn’t help but smile at how happy and suntanned she was. He realized that he owed it to her to find whoever did this to her, to their life together and their child.
“PATRICK!” He stuck his head in the study. “Yes sir?”
He hesitated for a moment. “I’ll do this. Get the arrangements made to get me to Paris.”
* * *
He didn’t remember walking past the hospital staff, their faces all a blur of grief as he walked the short distance to where his “wife” was waiting.
“Leave me.” Patrick nodded as they reached the room. “We’ll be down the hall sir.”
John nodded and after a moment’s thought, he went inside.
She was lying very still as he approached the bed. “Hello there. My name is the Duke of Menton.” She opened her eyes and he gasped. “She’s Elizabeth.”
Marlena looked at him, with the love shining in his eyes and knew that the Princess had been a very lucky woman. “Sir, I’m so sorry for your loss.”
He snapped out of his memory and looked at the young woman who was watching him with a mixture of gentleness and curiosity in her lively hazel eyes. “Thank you, uh.”
She held out her hand and sweetly smiled. “My name is, or was Dr Marlena Evans.”
He nodded. “Nice to meet you and let me thank you for taking this on.” She smiled. “Well when my uncle called and said how important this was.” John shook his head. “Your Uncle?”
She smiled and nodded. “My Uncle is Sir Robert Hatfield, Your mother’s Private Secretary.”
He nodded and was about to speak when suddenly they heard voices outside the door, causing Marlena to fall back against the pillows and shut her eyes.
“Sir, the Press have asked that you make a statement. I think it would be best if you would.” John gestured to him to come inside. “Shut the door please Patrick.” As he did so and came to the other side of the bed, John smiled. “Say hello to the Princess, Patrick.”
Marlena opened one eye and Patrick smiled. “How do you do Ma’am.” He looked at his old friend. “I promise you both, I will do all that I can to make sure this is never revealed. I’ll help you in any way possible.” Marlena opened both eyes. “That’s good, r32;because I’m going to need a LOT of help.”
* * *
“So what do I do?” He looked at her and came to sit in the chair opposite the bed. “Well for now, we need you to play my wife.” Marlena ducked her head. “That’s the easy part.”
He glanced to Patrick. “Well when we leave the hospital, you’ll stay quiet and not say a word. Just leave it to John to speak for you. Carry the baby out of here and pretend to be the adoring and very thankful mother of a healthy baby son.”
John was stunned to suddenly find Marlena looking at him and wondered just how someone who had only known him a few hours could seemingly see in his soul. She broke into a smile and laid her hand on his arm.
“Ok, so how about you go and get the little Prince and I released and we can start on solving this mystery.”
John nodded. “Ok. We’ll be back in a bit.”
* * *
Marlena was studying the face of the sleeping infant and then smiled at the Duke.
“Are you sure about this?” John leaned in and caressed his son’s cheek, smiling at the baby’s reaction. “For Elizabeth, I’m sure.” He looked at the man who joined the party. r32;”Patrick, stick with Marlena as we walk out.”
Marlena turned to lay the baby in the blanket and swaddled him for the outing to the car. “Ok, let’s go.” She turned back and found two stunned men. “What?”
John shook his head. “You’re supposed to be in the wheelchair.” She raised her eyebrow. “Pardon?” He smiled and gestured to the chair. “You’re a Doctor and you know from experience that as a patient, you’re supposed to leave the hospital in a r32;wheelchair AFTER having been in a car accident plus having just given birth.”
She suddenly blushed. “You’re right.” She climbed into the chair. “Give me the baby please.”
As she settled in, she glanced at John. “Thank you.” He smiled. “Let’s get this started.”
* * *
Nothing in the world could have prepared Marlena for what was waiting for them as they stepped into the bright summer sun. Carefully she cradled the baby so that he wasn’t bothered by the sunlight.
As the press yelled to get better shots, Marlena glanced up to John and he leaned forward to say something to her which made her smile.
She handed the baby off to his daddy and got in the car. As John laid the little boy into the car seat, she smiled and looked at the crowds and waved.
“She’s a natural.” Marguerite looked at her Private Secretary. “Thank god that you managed to convince her to help.”
Robert rewound the tape and watched the brief moment in the tape where Marlena allowed her love for children to shine through. She was in love with that child.
“Let’s hope for what’s at stake that my niece is still a fast learner. Because we’ve just tossed her into the deep end.”
Marguerite looked out the window and saw the Jaguar coming up to the circular drive. “Well between you and Patrick and the rest of the family, she’ll be fine. Robert, if she’s your niece, she’s smart and tough. She’ll be fine.” r32;
John watched with a vague amusement as Marlena stared out the window at the scenery that was rolling past. “What?” He shook his head. “Never found the view that fascinating.” Marlena dismissed him with a wave of her hand.
“Jaded royalist.” John found himself fighting the urge to smile and gave up. “You’re a royalist now too you know. You are the Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Menton.”
She shook her head. “Says you. But until I get out of the car, I say otherwise.”
John felt his jaw begin to hurt. “Your sense of humor is NOT funny. This New World you’re coming into is going to be quite the change for you.” Marlena shook her head. “Only if I let it.” She leaned over and looked at the baby, then peered up at John.
“And between you and I, I won’t.”
He nodded and glanced out the window with a smile. “We’re here.”
Marlena straightened up and realized that every childhood dream of a fairytale castle was summed up in the building their limousine was pulling up to. It truly was a home fit for a Queen. The sun was bathing the bricks in a soft light that seemed to r32;make the castle radiate warmth.
Marlena didn’t even realize that she was talking out loud as she spoke in a soft awe.
“It even has turrets.”
John smiled as Marlena’s eyes got wider. “While we don’t have the fire breathing dragons, I can tell you that we have the ghosts to wander the halls.” He nodded at the look of disbelief. “Ask my mother.”
Marlena glanced back up at the Castle and began to shake. “Marlena?”
She took another glance at the rounded arch with the metal gate that protected the huge wooden doors that led into the castle.
“Marlena, we’re going around to the family’s private entrance. We only use that door for ceremonial photo calls.”
He checked on the baby. “We’ll probably pose for photos here when he’s christened.”
Marlena watched as they drove around to the less imposing side of the castle. She turned back to John, with a twinkle in her eye. “So this is my home now.”
John looked up and smiled at the expression in Marlena’s eyes. “Yes, this is the family’s summer retreat.” She blinked. “It’s like out of a fairytale, but I think I’ve already said that once or twice on the ride here.”
She smiled at him and again, John felt the pang in his chest at just how closely she resembled Elizabeth.
“You must have had an enchanted childhood here.” He smiled and shook his head. “It was a wonderful childhood yes. Between my cousins, my sister Charlotte and various friends, I never wanted for anything and it was as you said, enchanted.”
He then tore his attention from Marlena and looked at his sleeping son. “As it will be for this little Prince.”
Marlena smiled at the love shining from the new father’s eyes. “John, he can’t be the little Prince forever. He does need to have a name.” He peeked up at her from over the side of the car seat. “I know that.” His smile grew. “But he first needs to be r32;introduced to his grandmother.”
He finished unbuckling the baby. “As do you.” Marlena smiled. “I already know my grandmother, but thank you for the offer.” He shook his head. “You have to be introduced to MY mother.” She smiled. “It was a joke your highness. Obviously a lame one.”
She gracefully climbed out of the car, mindful that she had to act as if she was still healing. “My darling Princess.” She looked and broke into a smile. “Hello Sir Robert.” He stopped mere inches from her. “All’s well?” Feeling suddenly uncertain of r32;everything, she found herself glancing to John, who was cradling the baby and coming around the car.
“As well as to be expected, considering the circumstances.”
He wrapped an arm around her. “Well let’s go inside.” Marlena froze suddenly, causing both Robert and John to look worriedly at her.
Robert cursed himself as he realized that his actions were more the doting Uncle and not the new role as the Princess’s advisor, however Marlena had caught the action immediately and Robert understood why she was reacting that way and blushed red as he stammered to his niece.
“I’m sorry Ma’am. It’s just that I’m so glad that you’re finally home and safe, as is the little Prince.”
Marlena’s eyes filled with tears, she felt so bad for cutting her beloved uncle off that way. She tried to smile but just shook her head. “I’m sorry. Forgive me Uncle please?”
John watched the display then went inside, allowing Uncle and Niece time to talk.
“I can’t do this.” Robert took her hand and gestured towards the pathway just off the driveway. He spoke gently to her as he guided her away from public eyes.
“Ma’am let’s get some air.”
* * *
“Welcome home my boy.”
With a smile, John laid the little fellow in the cradle and he took a moment to look around the room that when he was small had been his kingdom. His mother had the room redone when Elizabeth had joyfully announced that that they were to become r32;Parents in late September.
John went to sit in the window seat and thought about the past week. With help from Patrick, they had told everything to Marlena about the woman who had stolen his heart when she was 2 and had long Alice in Wonderland hair. The child grew into r32;the world’s most photographed woman and he had been so honored to be at her side.
He could still see her in his mind, the day that she had told him that she was pregnant. They had gone to a birthday party for his cousin Richard and she had looked positively radiant, dressed in a simple white tank styled dress, with metallic pink threads running through it.
* * * *
He had been talking to his cousins about this and that when she came over with a smile, reaching out and taking his hand as she sweetly said. “Sorry boys, MY turn.”
As they melted together as the music wafted around them, She smiled. “Darling, I’m sorry for taking you away from the boys club. But if I didn’t do this now, I’ll have to sit on this piece of news for four weeks while you’re away on the tour of Canada.”
He couldn’t resist the sparkle in her eyes as he smiled. “Ok, what’s the news?”
She smiled. “We’re going to have a baby.”
“Somehow, I thought that I’d find you here.” John looked up, felt his heart aching at having been brought back to the present.
He smiled at the figure standing in the doorway of the Nursery. “Hello Mother.”
* * *
“How am I supposed to be a Princess when I was never part of this world?” Marlena stood at the end of the garden and looked down at the rocks below as the waves crashed over them. “Uncle, just what was I thinking when I agreed to help you with r32;this?”
“Darling girl.” Robert came up and turned her to face him. “Listen to me. You may not have been raised as a Princess of the blood Royal, but you are in many ways exactly like Elizabeth.” He reached over and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
“You may not have been told by Patrick or the Duke of just why your portrayal of the Princess is so important.” Marlena shook her head. “Well, no they didn’t say. But I thought it was to find out who the killer was. I mean, if he doesn’t know that he r32;succeeded, he would be more likely to strike again.”
Robert smiled at the swift mind of his niece. “Well that’s part of it. But the other reasons tie into Elizabeth herself. You see, Elizabeth was not only John’s Duchess and of course, by marrying him, becoming a Princess of Alamainia. She was by her own r32;right, a Princess of Roquebrune, which is the country that borders Alamainia.”
Marlena nodded. “So by marrying John, she was uniting the two countries?” Robert nodded. “There was great joy with her marriage and also with the news that she was pregnant. You see not only was there a rule that Alamainia had to have an heir r32;presumptive, but Elizabeth also had to have a child by the time she had turned 25.”
Robert cleared his throat. “That way she would prevent any of her Father’s brothers from making their attempt for the throne. The line of succession isn’t as clear cut for Roquebrune as it is in Alamainia. While here it’s the right of the first born to be the r32;ruler, Elizabeth’s family was under the rule of only males are allowed to succeed. While Elizabeth was declared her father’s Heir Apparent, it was under the belief that she and John would have a son. She would be the technical keeper of the trust to be held for her child. That little boy has a lot of hopes resting on his tiny shoulders.”
Robert studied his niece. “And also on your shoulders. Marlena, you do understand now?” She nodded. “Yes Uncle Robert, I do. I also know that I’m going to need a lot of support.”
“Which you will get.” He smiled and took her hand in his. “I promise you that Darling.”
* * *
“Where is she?” John looked at his mother. “My WIFE is outside with Sir Robert.” Marguerite folded her hands. “Darling.” He shook his head. “This isn’t going to work. She looks just like her and I can’t.” He stood up and went to the shelf with the Beatrix r32;Potter books that Elizabeth had bought for the baby.
“I look at her and I see Elizabeth. Then it hits me that I can’t reach out and touch her anymore!” He shook his head and looked with empty eyes around the room.
“To know that I can’t hug her and laugh with her and cry with her. Can’t watch her weave a spell as she worked the room on an engagement.” He looked back at his mother. “All I want to do is curl up and grieve for what I’ve lost, what my SON’S lost. But I can’t do that; I’m not going to be allowed to as I’m blessed to stare into the hazel eyes of Elizabeth’s doppelganger. For the love of god, Mother please admit it NOW, to yourself if no one else! This little scheme isn’t going to work. We should fold and r32;walk away from the table now.”
Marguerite studied her son “It HAS to work.” She came to stand beside her son. “The killer is still out there and now that he’s seen her leave the hospital, he will come back. The security forces have made that perfectly clear. John, we’re too far in now for r32;you to feel regrets.”
His mother could see the traces of the boy as he shook his head.
“I don’t even know where she’s buried.” He looked at his mother. “Do you realize that?” He dropped his voice to a mere whisper. “If the truth was ever made known, I have the grief factor to fall back on. I haven’t been thinking clearly since I was r32;told Elizabeth died, you know that. But it was you and Sir Robert who came up with the switch. Outside of the damned inner circle that protects our family, NOBODY knows of just what danger we’re facing. Not even Robert’s niece.”
His eyes widened as he remembered the truest innocent. “Does Marlena even know of just how much danger she’s truly in?”
“Yes she does. Surprisingly, my niece doesn’t care. She just wants the killer found.”
John looked up to see Sir Robert come into the nursery.
“Where is Ma.” John caught himself. “Where is my wife?”
Robert nodded. “She’s outside.”
John’s eyes widened. “You left her ALONE?” In a panic, he was about to run out of the room.
“What Sir Robert meant was that I was in the hallway.” Marlena came inside the nursery. “I didn’t want to intrude on the moment.”
Marguerite smiled as the young woman came closer. Dressed simply in a white lace summer dress with her hair tied back in curls, She could see the extraordinary resemblance between the two women. With curiosity dancing in her lively hazel eyes, Marlena smiled shyly at her and Marguerite then saw something else in her hazel eyes.
“Welcome to Alamainia my dear.” Marlena nodded and dropped into an effortlessly graceful curtsey. “Your Majesty.”
She smiled. “Please my dear. You may call me Mother.” Marlena’s eyes widened and she could see that Robert and John were as surprised by the honor as she was. “After all, Elizabeth was like a daughter to me and for the duration of this, you ARE her, r32;so you have all the honors and privileges she had.”
Marlena blushed and was about to speak when the baby began to cry. For a moment, no one knew how to react, so Marlena reached into the cradle and picked up the tiny occupant. “Sssh, oh it’s alright now sweetheart.”
She cradled him and tried to calm him down. When that didn’t work and she dismissed the various other options of his distress, she quietly placed her little finger in his mouth. “Aha, so you’re hungry.”
She glanced at John. “Where can I get the baby a bottle?” Marguerite smiled and looked at her son, who was intrigued with just how easily Marlena had taken to her role as surrogate mother to the baby. “Well there wasn’t time for us to find a suitable r32;Nanny.” His eyes grew cloudy. “Elizabeth was going to take care of that after Paris.”
Feeling the tension growing in the room, Marguerite smiled. “I’ll get a maid to heat a bottle.” As Marguerite left, Marlena sat in the rocking chair and crooned to the infant, who seemed transfixed by the quiet calm in her voice.
Extremely amused by this new development, Marlena chuckled to the baby. “A nanny. Never thought that I’d be in a home where a Nanny would be needed.” She grinned at the others. “Guess I’m in for a whole heap of changes huh?”
She nuzzled her cheek against the baby’s and John felt his pain lighten for just a bit.
“You’re a Natural.” Marlena smiled at John. “I’ve loved children since as far back as I could remember. At the hospital where I work, on my off hours or in between patients, I could always be found around the nursery, volunteering with the premature babies. Giving cuddles when needed.”
John came and sat beside her, fascinated. “They allow that?” Marlena smiled. “They do with the premature infants. Touch is so important in cases like that. Helps to stimulate and encourages bonding. It’s so important.” She blushed. “I already said that.”
He smiled back. “It’s alright. I can see that’s a subject that you’re fond of and believe in.” She nodded. “Yes I do.”
Robert quietly slipped out of the room.
* * *
“Yes?”
John was walking down the hall from the nursery and found Marlena standing in the doorway staring at him wide eyed. “What is it?” She gestured back towards the room. “Why have my things been brought in here?”
He shook his head and tried to remember that as hard as it was for him, it was twice for her.
“Because you’re my wife and at least for the servants eyes, it’s easier to explain that your things are now here in my room with me than across the hall.”
She shook her head. “But Patrick and Uncle, I mean Sir Robert said.” John shook his head and came to her, leading her inside the room and shutting the door.
“You and I are going to face facts right now. You’re playing my wife and like it or not, we’re going to have to play the roles accordingly.”
He searched her hazel eyes. “Do you understand?”
Marlena stood transfixed at how his blue eyes were turning almost black. “Yes, yes I do.” John broke out into a smile. “Good girl. So let’s get ready for dinner.”
She shook her head. “I can’t do this.” John rolled his eyes. “Now why not?” Marlena blinked and shrugged her shoulders.
“Because all the clothes I was able to bring with me, I don’t think would pass muster for dinner with a Queen.”
He looked at her. “What did you bring?” Marlena shrugged and gestured to her suitcase. “Go see.”
He was going through her things when he began to laugh, as he held up her sleep shirt and read the inscription “Psychiatrists do it with an open mind.” He began to laugh as she snatched her things back. He held up his hand. “No offense, but you’re right.”
He shut the case. “Ok, I know that Elizabeth had ordered some new things for after the baby was born, they had arrived earlier today.” He looked at her. “You look the same size as her, so you can wear her things.”
Marlena shivered. “No I can’t wear another woman’s things.” John came and walked over to her, reminding her of a simple fact.
“They are YOUR things now and these outfits were not worn by Elizabeth, she never had the TIME to.” Watching Marlena uneasily step away from him with hesitation in her eyes, John cursed himself for allowing his bitterness to shine through and ring r32;out in his voice. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have taken my anger out on you.”
He walked away; feeling weak as the tears began to tickle at his lashes. His father had always said that Princes were never to cry. To the air around him, John simply whispered “I’m sorry.”
Marlena smiled. “You already said that. But it’s all right. You’re allowed to react that way. It’s the grief.”
He nodded. “Ok, so get ready and I’ll see you downstairs in an hour?”
Marlena smiled. Ok, an hour it is.” John was about to leave when she called his name. “Yes?”
She shook her head. “I’ve met your mother and was just wondering something. Is there any other members of the family that I’ve yet to meet?”
John paused. “Oh yeah, you still have to meet your father in law Phillip.”
Her smile faded. “Oh no.” He grinned. “Oh yes. Warning, he loves blondes in white.” He gestured to the dress Marlena had in her hands. “Change it for the blue.”
He smiled as Marlena groaned. “You’ll be fine love.”
* * *
John stood at the stairs waiting for Marlena and was checking his watch for the second time when he heard her soft footsteps.
He looked up and saw that she was dressed in a simple ice blue silk dress, her hair pinned up.
All he could say was “Wow.”
She gracefully walked down the stairs and John found it so hard to believe that there could be two women who looked that exquisite. It was as if Elizabeth had indeed come back to him as she came to stand just mere inches in front of him and smiled r32;mischievously.
She smiled. “Is that a totally appropriate word for a Royal Prince to say?” He smiled and took her hand. “It is when you see something look as incredible as you do.” He held her hand out so that she would turn. “That dress was made for you.”
She smiled and a faint blush washed over her cheeks. “Well you did say to change for the blue.” He nodded. “With your complexion, it was the better choice.”
He suddenly checked her hand. “Marlena?” She looked back at him. “Yes?”
He held up her hand. “Why is your hand in a fist?” She looked away, only to feel his hand cup her chin. “What’s wrong?”
She stepped away from him. “Nothing is wrong with me. I’m fine.”
He smiled. “Don’t lie, you don’t do it well. To get through this, we’ll have to trust each other.”
She was about to speak when a voice called out. “Hello there.”
John grinned. “Father.”
He came to her. “You’re late.” Marlena smiled. “I went to check on the baby before I came down. I’m sorry.” His grimace broke into a huge smile as he kissed her cheek. “Well then, it’s me who should say sorry. My grandson comes before dinner. I r32;apologize dear lady.”
As he and Marguerite went in to dinner, John offered Marlena his hand. “That was too easy.” Marlena shook her head. “I agree with you.”
* * *
The next morning, John woke up in the room alone.
He sat up with a smile and remembered the look in Marlena’s eyes from the night before.
“Oh no way. I’m NOT sharing the bed.” He grinned. “My room, so guess you’ll be sleeping on the chair.” She tilted her head.
“Obviously NANNY never taught you manners as a child. You’re supposed to share things with a lady.” He made a face and rolled over to peer under the bed. “What are you doing?” He straightened up. “I’m looking for the lady.” She made a face as he r32;began to laugh, stretching out on the bed.
“Seriously Marlena, you and I can share the bed. I mean I can be adult if YOU can.”
She stood looking at him from the foot of the bed before suddenly breaking into a laugh that John found lightened the room.
“What is just so funny?” Marlena shook her head. “This is getting more and more like a bad 40’s film.”
Getting dressed, John found his thoughts returning time and time again to the lady and realized that he was beginning to like her.
* * *
“You’ve got to be kidding.”
Patrick shook his head and tried to look serious, which of course sent his pupil into hysterics. “I can’t study my history with you looking like that. Patrick, this is NOT helping me.”
John stuck his head in the room in time to see Marlena sinking fast. She hid her face into a pillow and began to shake. “How goes the lessons?”
He saw Marlena’s hand gesture to Patrick, who smiled. “She’s definitely picking up the history. It’s everything else that is causing problems.”
Marlena reappeared and smiled. “Nah, it’s my teacher’s impression of an owl that does it for me.”
John watched curiously as Marlena reached across to the table, got her hair clip to pin up her curls and returned to her book.
“What is she reading?”
“SHE is reading about Queen Fabiola, who I believe if I’ve read this book correctly would be my great grandmother.”
John looked to see a pair of hazel eyes observing him over the book. With a smile, she addressed him. “I am in the room, so if you have questions about me, just ask me.”
With that, she pressed her glasses back up her nose and returned to the book.
John shook his head. “Yeah, she’s getting more and more like Elizabeth.”
She smiled. “I should hope so. I want to be perfect.” She shut the book and left the room. John shook, remembering the determination in her voice. “You may want to be perfect, but you’ll never be Elizabeth fully. You just can’t be her.”
* * *
The team that the Queen and Sir Robert had put together for Marlena had decided that her first engagement as Elizabeth was going to be at the for the Royal Command Performance.
John had been busy with his various events and so wasn’t able to keep an eye on her. But was finding from the various reports that she was picking up faster than they had planned on.
He found her reading near the fireplace the evening after learning of her first engagement. “John?” He came and sat with her. “Patrick said that this Command thing is an event that occurs EVERY year?”
John nodded. “Yes, the invitation to perform at this is something that everyone in the acting field kills for.” He grinned. “I remember the year the Spice Girl sang at my birthday.”
Marlena’s head dropped. “Oh good grief.”
John smiled. “It was good.” He looked at her. “It’s not very tiring. It’s just a case of being there to lend support to Mother. We look fascinated and applaud at the right time.” Marlena blinked. “Ookay.”
John shut her folder. “It’s going to be fine.” She still looked skeptic. “I’ll be with you and so will Patrick and your Uncle.”
Marlena shook her head. “No he won’t. James called, my cousin FINALLY had her baby.”
She grinned. “Care to guess who Uncle Robert would like to have as the new baby’s godparents?”
John smiled. “Babies are wonderful things. Make you focus on other things outside of what you want. To think that life does go on.” Marlena smiled.
“He’s your mainstay right now.” John nodded. “I’m so grateful that I have him. I don’t know how I would do if I didn’t.”
As they sat talking and getting to know each other, John explained for Marlena just how they had settled on that date. The advisors figured it would be perfect, as it wasn’t a very active role for her. It was more a spotlight on Queen Marguerite and r32;Prince Phillip.
It also would have been 3 months since the accident. Enough time to get her totally rehearsed in the finer points of becoming the second lady in the land. To the world and the Press, they had explained Elizabeth’s absence from the public eye r32;as recuperating at the Summer Palace.
The world’s first view of the baby was in the lovely photographs that had accompanied the announcement that the little Prince was officially named His Royal Highness, Prince Alexander Michael Phillip James.
John’s personal favorite was of a serene Marlena, who had her hair loose around her shoulders. She was cradling the baby, who was just falling asleep and the duo was lost in its own little world.
As he stared at the photo, he could swear he heard her singing the lullaby to his little boy.
* * *
“Ok, now this is a first.”
John smiled. “You mean you’ve never been to a training course before.” She grinned at him and then shook her head. “Not for a first date before.”
John smiled. “Well this isn’t a first date. As the second lady in the land, after my mother, you need to be taught how to be cautious and protective at all times.”
She shook her head. “I already know all this.” John shook his head. “Not this training you don’t. You’ll need to know how to drive defensively in case the driver was killed.” Marlena glared at him.
“I’m NOT five years old. Don’t treat me like I was. Scaring me isn’t going to make me bend to YOUR will.”
John ignored the outburst to continue explaining. “So that your bodyguards can fire on your assailants. You’ll need to know what to do in case.” Marlena shook her head. “Not that it matters. If you’re going to go, you’re going to go. Obviously all the r32;training in the world wasn’t able to protect your Elizabeth.”
Feeling his guilt coming back up to the surface, John suddenly grabbed her and the intensity scared her. “YOU’RE DIFFERENT!”
Shaking, he reached out to twine a strand of her curls around his finger as his eyes welled up with tears.
“I’m so sorry love that I wasn’t able to keep you safe. I will never let them hurt you again. I swear it to you.” His voice dropped to a choked whisper and again, his eyes changed from the softest of blue to black and with out thinking, she reached out to r32;touch his cheek.
“Oh John, I’m sorry that I came out with that comment. I normally don’t spout off first and think later. It won’t happen again.”
Suddenly hearing Marlena’s voice coming out of his precious Elizabeth’s face, he instinctively moved away, unable to untangle the images of this independent lady to his Princess. It was as if Marlena was how Elizabeth had wanted to be, and this r32;contradiction was confusing him.
“Um sir, its time for her Highness’s training.” She smiled and looked away. “Wonderful timing Patrick.”
She stepped to John, who looked distracted. “Will you be here?”
He nodded at the question. “Yes, I’ll be here.” He smiled, trying to lighten the mood. “Want to make sure you do the family proud.”
* * *
He stood in front of the window later in their room as she walked in. “Ok, what’s wrong?”
John turned and looked at the desk. “Nothing.” Marlena moved around the desk and studied his face. “Don’t say nothing cause I’m learning that I can read you like a book. John, what’s the matter?”
He looked at her and shook his head. “I’m forgetting what she liked and didn’t.” He moved away from the window. “I can’t forget her face because I see you and so she’s still fresh in my mind’s eye. But what made her HER.”
Marlena looked at him. “Maybe this wasn’t the best idea.” She looked away. “Maybe I should go home. You’ve just lost your wife and to have me here, well this is NOT helping you heal.” She turned to go and John grabbed for her. “You ARE helping me r32;heal.” He suddenly broke out into a smile. “You’re making me smile and focus on my son instead of losing myself in grief.”
She smiled. “I think your stiff upper lip royal training would have helped you there.” He cupped her chin. “Don’t sell yourself short.”
She stepped out of the embrace. “Marlena?”
She shook her head and again, he saw her fists in tiny balls. “Don’t do that.”
When she looked to see where his eyes were, she let out a sigh. “Your scared.” Her eyes widened and he could see that he hit the mark dead on as tears began to well up in her eyes. Like a petulant child, she issued her denial. “I am NOT.”
He came towards her. “I’m so sorry. I never meant to make you upset. Marlena, there’s no need to be afraid.” She smiled.
“Says you. Last time I looked, You’re not the one playing sitting duck. Or will be come the Command Performance.”
Catching his surprised look, she nodded. “Sir Robert and Patrick both told me of the latest reports on the madman. The Security forces and the police think the intended target was the Princess. To prevent the changes from being cemented with the r32;birth of your son.”
Marlena moved away and sat on the bed. “Alexander is a very important child as the heir to two kingdoms.” She looked up at him and John could see she had figured it out. “In my readings, I learnt just what the Government was proposing when your r32;mother first came to the throne. How the legislature decreed that as the sole male heir of Her Majesty, if you failed in having a living heir by the age of 30, Alamainia would revert to the ownership of Roquebrune.”
Marlena looked at him and whispered. “Elizabeth’s Country would own everything here. Which would have made it more valuable for whoever came to the throne. Uncle Robert told me of how Elizabeth had to have the preferable Male child by 25 to r32;prevent her Uncles from ascending the throne.”
John nodded. “Key word WOULD. Alexander is now here and so the law reverts into the Alamainian history books, and as for Roquebrune, well that doesn’t matter because Alexander is now here.”
Marlena shook her head. “So you have the heir and the Princess. There are factions out there that would do anything and everything to make sure that your happy world would cease to exist. They KNOW that Elizabeth is alive. At least a shell of her r32;is. John, they’ll come back for either her or that precious child sleeping down the hall.”
John could see just how frightened she was. How her eyes were close to filling up with tears. He stepped towards her and she sidestepped him. “This is getting too weird. I’m referring to her in the real sense. I’ve lived her life so far and right now I can’t figure out if I’m supposed to say I’M Elizabeth or not and why am I shaking?”
She looked around the room. “That’s IT. I don’t know where Elizabeth ends and Marlena begins anymore.” She looked at John.
“I can’t be ME because it doesn’t jive with what the whole wide world knows of YOUR Princess. Why in the world did I agree to this?”
He moved towards her and hesitated for just a moment before engulfing her in a hug. “It’s alright. Marlena, we’ll MAKE this all right. Believe me, I won’t let them hurt you and I’ll do everything to protect you.”
She shook her head. “You can’t. John, I’m not Elizabeth and right now I can’t be what you need me to be, or what you WANT me to be.” She looked at him. “I’ve only been here for a month and right now, I can see how badly you want me to be your love r32;and I can’t DO that.”
Sensing her close to exhaustion, he cupped her face in his hands and brought her face up to look at him. “Tell me you believe me.”
She nodded wordlessly then blushed as she stepped out of the embrace. “I need to sleep or do something ANYTHING other than breaking down or coming close to it.” John was about to speak but she cut him off with a hurried smile.
“Ok, I have to go to a dress fitting. I want to be a perfect daughter in law and not embarrass anyone at the Performance, so I’ll see you later.”
As she left the room, John nodded with a faint smile creeping across his face. “Yes, yes you will.”
* * *
“Oh my, look at you.”
Marlena looked up and saw Marguerite standing in the doorway. “This is the gown you’ll be wearing for the Performance?”
Marlena turned so that she could get a better look. “If it’s not alright, please tell me.”
She smiled. “It’s lovely and very suitable.” Marlena smiled. “I know it’s not one of her gowns, but I just wanted ME to be seen for just one night. In a way to make sure I don’t get totally lost in all of this.”
Marguerite smiled. “Understandable. You’re taking a great risk for my family and I think it’s alright to keep a talisman to hang onto.”
She studied her “daughter in law” again for a moment. The gown was a simple spaghetti strapped ice blue silk sheath that pooled gracefully at her feet. A short bolero brocade jacket to match was lying on the chair.
“You know, I have just the jewels for this gown. I know Elizabeth had a collection that was totally suitable. But I think that this needs something special. I’ll give them to you the night of the gala.”
Her smile faded as she took a look again at the tired girl. “Darling, take the gown off and go rest.” Marlena shook her head. “I can’t. I want to make sure that you’re proud and we find.”
Suddenly the blackness engulfed her and she surrendered to the depths with it’s welcoming warmth…
* * *
“What do you mean I just missed her?” Roman Brady shut his eyes and counted to ten. “I need to get a hold of her.”
Abe Carver came in just as Roman slammed the phone down in anger. “The phone didn’t do anything to you.” Roman shook his head. “How hard is it for someone to kindly pass on a message?”
The Commander of the Salem Police Department came and sat down. “You STILL haven’t found her?” Roman grimaced. “No, we’re still playing telephone tag.”
Abe smiled. “Well you know that she’s not been back home in years. She’s probably off with a cousin or something.” Roman glanced at his friend with a dark look in his eyes.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d swear my fiancee has run off with another man.”
* * *
“I wouldn’t if I were you.”
Marlena opened one eye and found a worried John sitting beside her bed. “Well last time I looked, you were NOT me.” She sat up, finding the room beginning to spin. “Ok, so you’re not me, but know MORE than me right now.”
She laid back against the pillows and found she was dressed back in her jeans and T-shirt.
“Your Highness, why are you sitting with me?” John seemed genuinely taken aback by that comment. “Well where else would I be?”
Marlena rolled over on her side. “Where else indeed.”
“I can’t even say goodbye to you the way that I wanted to.”
John studied the photograph in his hands. “Beth, I don’t even know where they’ve buried you or if they’ve EVEN buried you at all.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I love you.” He corrected himself. “Loved you.” He shook his head. “I don’t even know HOW to say it.”
He turned in time to see Marlena walk away from the door, her eyes sparkling with tears and shook his head.
“Good Morning Elizabeth.” Marlena smiled and looked away, drying her eyes. “Good morning Ma’am.” She curtsied to Marguerite. “Where are you off to?” She took a quick look at her jeans and T-shirt. “I thought that I would look around the r32;grounds, maybe go for a horseback ride through the park. If that’s alright?”
She smiled. “Of course that’s alright.” She glanced up the stairs. “Does John know where you’re going?” She was going to reply when she heard the voice from the top of the stairs. “No I didn’t, but I do now.”
Marlena rolled her eyes and smiled at Marguerite as she then turned her attention to John. “Good morning sweetheart.”
Marguerite looked from one to the other.
“My only concern with you riding darling is that you fainted yesterday.” Marlena shook her head. “I fainted because I was tired. Something about the sleeping arrangements as of late is doing real havoc with my physical state.”
She walked away and Marguerite looked at her son. “What’s going on?”
John shook his head. “I don’t know.” He smiled. “But I will find out what’s bothering the lady.”
* * *
Marlena stood watching the groomsmen preparing her horse. “Your Highness, are you sure?” She smiled and slipped on her cardigan. “Yes I’m sure. Thank you Jake.”
John arrived at the stable in time to see Marlena leaving. “Why are you running away from me?”
She glared at him before galloping out of the stable grounds. He hesitated and called to Jake. “Yes Sir?”
“Saddle Kismet for me please?”
* * *
“You’re a fool.” She leaned forward and rested her cheek on the horse’s mane.
“Marlena, what in the world were you thinking?”
She shut her eyes and thought back to the night before. “It’s a fool’s dream.”
She was coming back from checking on the baby when she heard John crying out in his sleep. Closing the door as not to disturb anyone, Marlena came to the side of the bed and knelt down. Worried, she softly spoke his name. “John?”
He whimpered. “Please don’t leave me. I’ll save you this time. Elizabeth don’t leave me.” Marlena saw a tear fall down his cheek and something inside her melted as tenderly she wiped the tears.
It was she could do not to want to hold him in her arms. “Marlena, you can’t do this.” She shook her head and softly whispered. “John, you’re just dreaming.”
He opened his eyes and he sleepily smiled. “You’re here.” He reached out and threaded a stray curl around his finger. “My love.”
She shook her head to clear it of the thoughts running through her head of wanting him to make love to her. “You’re involved with Roman, remember that Marlena!” She counted to 10 by 2’s and was proud that her voice didn’t shake as she repeated herself.
“John, Its Marlena.” But he was in the state of not fully awake, not fully asleep and he never heard as he tearfully looked at her. “Tell me you believe me. Tell me you know that I would never let them hurt you.”
She began to move away, but his grip was too tight. “Elizabeth, tell me please!”
She blinked, dropping her head as for the first time in a long time she was totally unsure of how to deal with this. How to deal with a man she was beginning to care for, who loved the woman who had worn her face.
“Yes John, I do know that you would never let anyone hurt me.”
It was as if she unleashed the genie as he slowly loosened his grip of her. He smiled and rose up so that he had her face pinned in his hands.
“I love you sweetheart.”
She knew that she was playing with fire, but she didn’t have any recourse. He leaned into kiss her and it was as if she had lost all reason and so allowed the kiss to happen.
“What was I thinking.” She sat up just in time to catch John coming out of the corner of her eye.
“Elizabeth doesn’t ride as well as you do.” Marlena shook her head. “I’M NOT ELIZABETH!” She glared at him. “Do us both a favor and please get that THROUGH your head!” She kicked the sides of her horse and flew off.
John shook his head and wondered just what he had done. “Did I take the covers again?” He turned the horse and began to follow her.
* * *
John couldn’t find her and so headed back to the Palace, where he had learnt that the Duchess was closed up with Sir Robert and Patrick. “Sir, I don’t know what the situation is, but she was crying after Sir Robert finished with her. That’s why they went into the library.”
Worried, John went after them.
He found Patrick standing at the window, his hands worriedly clenched behind his back. Sir Robert was looking down at Marlena, who was rocking back and forth shaking her head.
“Why can’t I?” She looked up at her Uncle. “You KNOW how much he means to me.” She stopped, catching herself. “Meant to me.”
Robert glanced at John before kneeling down to his niece’s eye level. “Darling, you’re now the Duchess of Menton. You can’t suddenly become Dr Evans again.” She lunged for him, clutching the front of his jacket as if a lifeline. “He’s been like a father to me. I can’t NOT be with him now to say goodbye.”
Puzzled, John looked at the two men. “Would one of you tell me what’s going on?” Marlena looked up and then shook her head. Curling up on the sofa, leaving her Uncle to explain to him just what was going on.
“I just checked in to get Marlena’s messages. We’ve been telling everyone that Marlena’s been revisiting old friends and old haunts from her childhood. Apparently a Commander Roman Brady has been trying to get a hold of her for days.”
Marlena lifted her head. “Dr Horton was a dear friend and like my father in Salem. He died two days ago.” She glanced at Patrick. “I was told that I wasn’t allowed to go home for the funeral.”
She looked back to John. “I haven’t asked for anything. I’m giving you all that I have. But I’m told that I can’t do this? The one thing that I want to do and that is pay my respects to the man who helped me find my way in Salem, I’m not given the clearance for.”
She shook her head. “NEWSFLASH. We’re going to have to figure out a convincing cover story.” She looked at her Uncle. “Especially as you weren’t very truthful a moment ago. You know very well who Roman is to me.”
She looked at John. “The Commander is soon to be my fiancé. He had asked me to marry him before all of this began.”
He dropped to his knees and looked at her. “You want to go home?”
Before she could answer, the Nanny appeared with the baby.
She took Alexander and stared at the child as John came to stand beside her. “Marlena?”
She shook her head. “I don’t know what I want anymore.”
* * *
“Talk to me.”
She finished doing up her diamond necklace and looked at him in the mirror. “Why?” She searched the jewelry case for the matching studs. “I think I made it clear in the library this afternoon. I don’t know anything anymore. All I know is that until a r32;madman is caught, I’m to be the Princess of the Jeweled cage.” She raised an eyebrow. “Your pretty doll for the marksman to shoot.”
She turned around and he got the full effect of the simple silvery white beaded gown. With her newly acquired tan and her blonde hair pulled back, she looked absolutely the opposite of the crying girl she was earlier that day.
Her voice was jaded as she addressed him. “You only need me for Elizabeth and nothing more.”
Something in her voice made him see red. He came across the room and grabbed her arms. “Marlena, I’ve told you that I won’t let anything happen to you. I’ve PROMISED you.” She yanked her arms back. “You’ve promised ELIZABETH.”
She shook her head, cursing herself for allowing her feelings to show in her eyes. “This wasn’t your fault. Sometimes things fall through the cracks and you can’t do anything. YOU can’t bring her back and crying in your sleep doesn’t help.”
He looked at her. “You don’t understand.”
Marlena smiled. “Oh but I do know what it’s like to lose someone you’ve loved beyond thinking. You lost Elizabeth and I lost my mentor. Tom Horton encouraged me from the get go and believed that I could do just whatever I wanted to set my mind to.”
She reached for her purse. “That was a very heady experience. To know that someone believes in you without question, without qualms.” She adjusted his tie. “Just like I hope that one day Alexander has in you.”
He smiled. “You’re something Dr Evans.” She grinned. “So I’ve been told. Let’s go.”
* * *
“Your Highness, it is so good to see you back up and around. You look incredible. Obviously marriage and that adorable baby agree with you.”
Marlena looked over at John before smiling serenely. “Well of course Elsa, you know as well as I do that it’s love that is the best medicine.”
“You’re the best example of that walking around.” Marlena shivered as John leaned in to kiss her cheek. “See Darling, I’m not the only one who believes that.”
She leaned in, laying a hand on his cheek. “Yours is the only opinion that matters my darling.”
Robert studied his niece from the other side of the room and shook his head. “She’s off.” Patrick came in from the garden. “Did you say something?” Robert nodded. “Yes, yes I did. Referring to the Princess. She’s off.”
Patrick studied the young woman he’d been watching over and helping. “You’re right. Her eyes seem guarded.”
* * *
Marlena was sound asleep when John came to bed.
There was just something absolutely innocent about her and John felt himself conflicted, thinking of his loss but yet wanting to lean in and gently take her in his arms.
Suddenly an eye opened and with wisdom gathered by an hour of sleep, Marlena smiled. “Did you know that one needs to kiss many frogs to finally earn the right to kiss a Prince?” John began to laugh, earning a prettily pink blush from Marlena.
“Ok wise expert. Just how many did you kiss?” He propped up his chin on his hand. “Before I was blessed by you?” She yawned. “12. Goodnight.”
* * *
“So are we totally clear on what our positions are to be?”
The man looked at the operatives and shook his head. He knew his men better than anyone and knew they had no qualms in taking the target out.
“May god be with us all.” He turned to shut off the screen that showed the layout of the Queen’s Hall, where the performance was to be held.
“And let us all remember one thing. This is for the Fatherland!” Hearing the men shout out their allegiance, he smiled.
If he had his way, the entire family would be destroyed this night. But he would simply settle for two key members.
* * *
John was walking into the bedroom and paused as he found her clad only in a mere wisp of silk and thigh high ivory stockings.
“What?”
He blinked. “I thought you were dressed already.” Marlena shook her head. “Guess again.” She gestured to the gown that was to have been worn. “It doesn’t go with the gift your mother gave me today.” He raised an eyebrow. “A gift?”
She smiled. “Yes John, a gift which some people also call a present.” He shook his head. “I know that, I was just surprised that she gave you a present.”
Marlena gestured to the dresser, where she had laid out the other jewels she was going to wear. “She gave you this?” Marlena nodded. “And asked that I wear it.”
John turned around. “She said once that a truly remarkable woman would wear Lover’s Kiss. I had always figured that it was going to be Eliz.” He hesitated. “But it’s right that you receive it.”
He smiled. “You are the perfect person to wear Grandmother’s choker.”
He stepped to her and was surprised to feel her shiver under his touch. “What is it?” She shook her head as she stepped away from him. “Lover’s Kiss?”
He smiled. “It was what my grandmother called it, it was given to her in a time of great joy. It proves love can cause happy tears as well as sad.” He looked at her, catching the look in her eyes. “Marlena?” She shook her head and smiled.
“It’s nothing.” He caught her arm and turned her back to face him and he could see the emotions in her eyes. “No it’s not. You can’t keep lying to yourself or me. It’s going to do more harm then good.”
She was about to speak when there was a knock at the door. “Yes?” Patrick’s voice was on the other side. “Sir, I need to speak to you.”
Marlena stepped away. “You better go see what he wants. I’ll finish getting dressed.”
John looked at her and was regretting his assistant’s timing. “This isn’t finished between you and I.” She shut her eyes. “Why did I think it was?”
* * *
Closing the door behind him, John turned to his friend. “What’s going on?”
Patrick hesitated. “We were just informed that there was a bomb threat called in at the event. We think it best that you and the Princess don’t go.”
Marlena’s voice called out. “But the Princess does think it best that she goes.” She stepped around the doorway and they got their sight of Marlena.
She was dressed in a strapless blue velvet gown with a sweetheart neckline that emphasized her tiny waist and pooled out in a full skirt that gracefully grazed the floor. Marlena had pinned her hair up in a twist, to showcase the incredible five strand pearl choker and its center piece, a large deep blue sapphire encircled by 21 perfect diamonds.
John turned around and took her by the arm. “We can’t do this.” She didn’t say a word, but just looked at him and he found himself wanting to shake sense into her. “Mar.” He shut his eyes. “My darling love.”
She nodded. “You can’t keep me hidden forever.” She tilted her head. “You can’t and you know that.” She glanced to Patrick. “Help me get it through his head.”
* * * *
John came out of the car first and grinned at the photographers that began to scream for him to look their way. “Wait till you see this.” He turned to help Marlena out of the car and she came to stand effortlessly beside him and smiled serenely at the cameras.
They did a photo call with some of John’s cousins before going inside. Everyone noting just how much by the body language, just how much the Duke loved his wife.
* * * *
“Their inside.” The captain nodded and looked at the timer. “She may have gotten away from that crash. But together, they’ll NOT have a second miracle.”
* * * *
As they watched the performance, Marlena leaned over to John and whispered. “How do you stand this?”
He smiled and allowed himself a moment to inhale her perfume, a delicate floral.
She let herself believe for a moment that the world closed in around them. “I think of anything but here. Just remember to listen for the applause.”
She grinned. “Wise move.” He seemed transfixed by the sparkle in her eyes and gently reached out to caress her cheek. “I do have my moments once in awhile.”
She laid her hand over his and shivered. “Marlena?” She turned back to the performance. “Time to applaud dear.”
* * * *
They were heading out after the thank you line photo call was finished. Marlena’s wrap had dropped, which had caught John’s eye as he stopped to pick up the edge and readjust it for her. She smiled. “Thank you sweetheart.” He nodded. “Welcome.”
There was a challenge that was going between them that caused her to break the gaze with a smile as the little girl who was chosen to present her with a bouquet arrived.
* * * *
“I see them.” The radio crackled. “Ok, this is it. Remember who we’re aiming for.”
* * * *
“For the second time in as many months, the world’s attention shifted to the tiny kingdom of Alamainia where an assassin’s attempt failed again.”
Roman watched spellbound at the images that came across the screen. The Duke and Duchess came out to the flashes from the various cameras, Elizabeth was smiling at John, who was giving the cameramen their moment to take photos and then suddenly all hell broke loose.
John was hit and Elizabeth was seen in the video to cover him with her body.
“No reports yet on the conditions of the Royal Couple, who were caught in the gunfire. But two of their guards were killed in the melee.”
* * * *
Marlena sat wide eyed in the middle of the rooms that were set off for them as they arrived at the hospital. She looked at her Uncle and Patrick.
“Is there any word?” Patrick shook his head. “No, he’s in surgery.”
Marlena felt so useless and got up to look out the window, suddenly her anger and fear not just of the unknown but for John rang up and she spun around.
“WHAT ABOUT THE KILLERS!”
Phillip came to her and wrapped his arms around her. “Dear girl, you need to think of John right now and conserving your strength.” He suddenly saw her shoulder. “You were hurt.” She shook her head. “Doesn’t matter. What does is John.”
Her eyes suddenly filled with tears. “I can’t lose him.” She realized what she had said and shook her head. “It’s alright darling.”
He smiled. “My son is the toughest man I know.” He chuckled. “I know it’s cliched. But you’ve given him so much.”
Stunned, Marlena could only listen to the Prince as he smiled. “You’ve helped him more than you know and definitely MORE than he realizes. John will be fine.”
* * * *
He was dreaming of her.
She was holding Alexander and singing to him as he came to the chair they were sitting in. Suddenly she faded and he was left alone. The room went dark and as he ran, he was getting more and more disoriented.
“Come this way!” He turned and found the figure standing there with a smile he was beginning to know as well as his own. “Take my hand!”
* * * *
Marlena changed her gown for a pair of jeans with a T-shirt. Her shoulder had been bandaged at Phillip’s order. Once that was done and she had been given clearance to be up and around, She was sitting by his bedside and watching him with a smile.
“You don’t have any idea do you. Just what watching you like this does for me.” She leaned her head on her hand. “I never believed in the myth of love at first sight. But here I am and now I don’t have any idea of how or what to do.”
She smiled. “Yes I do find this funny. I’m a psychiatrist, supposed to be able to help people and here I am playing dress up and being a Princess, all the while I’m as lost as Alexander.”
She reached out and brushed his hair from his face. “I’m in love with you, realized that I was falling the night you had your nightmares.” She smiled and softly continued. “Oh John right now, I’m so glad that you’re sound asleep, I don’t think this would have be so easy for me to say.”
She leaned forward. “Why couldn’t this have come with instructions?”
The whimper was like an electric jolt. Marlena leaned back and shook her head. “John?”
He opened his blue eyes and smiled. “You’re here.”
She nodded. “Where else would I be?”
He seemed contented at her answer and so fell back asleep, leaving her to wonder if he had heard any of what she said..
John woke up to find his mother sitting beside his bedside.
“Hello there.” He looked disoriented as he gazed around the room.
“John?” He looked to his mother. “Where’s … where’s my wife?”
Marguerite smiled. “She’s asleep. Your father insisted that the poor dear rest. Her shoulder was hurting.”
John suddenly remembered the night of the Command Performance, hearing the gunshots and hearing not only the screams of the crowds as they dispersed, but also the tearful pleas of someone else.
“She covered me?” The Queen nodded. “She saw you fall and ran to cover you, taking a bullet in her shoulder.” Seeing the distress in his eyes, she held up her hand. “I won’t lie to you, It was a serious wound, but she’s fine.”
He leaned back, his blue eyes grave as he looked at his mother. “Where is she?” Marguerite smiled. “She’s at the Palace, under tightened guard. Her first thought when she came in was to check on Alexander. She’s not let either of you out of her sight.”
John allowed this news to wash over him and a faint smile came across his face.
* * * *
“Hello there.” Marlena jumped at the sound of his voice and blushed at her reaction.
“You’re supposed to be sleeping. Nurse said.” As she came to sit with him, John smiled. “I was waiting for you.” She found herself smiling back. “You were?”
He nodded and suddenly felt foolish. “I wanted to thank you.” He hesitated for a moment. “I remember what you did for me.”
She nodded. “It was nothing.” She shivered and mentally cursed herself for lying. She KNEW it was more than nothing was, she couldn’t let him die. But she wouldn’t admit that to him.
“I saw you fall and all I could see was that you were hurt and I had to protect you.” She looked at his hands and remembered for a moment his hand touching her cheek at the gala and dreamt of his hands on her in bed, watching his eyes turning black with desire.
“Hello, earth to the Duchess?” She smiled. “I’m sorry, just trying to remember when I get to bring you home. Alexander misses you.” John decided to test out his theory. “Only Alexander?”
She smiled. “No, I’ve missed you too. I’d just gotten used to hearing you snore. The past few days I haven’t known what to do with myself with such a big bed.”
They began to laugh and John realized later that that was the first time he didn’t feel guilty or disloyal to Beth for laughing.
* * * *
“So how was it?” Marlena came inside the study and found John sitting with Patrick. “The Art Gallery opening and the hospital visits went well or so said Uncle Robert.”
John watched her leafing through her letters and let out a sigh. “If you gentlemen will excuse me, I’m going to go have a shower and relax with the files for tomorrow’s engagements.”
John waited until she was gone before looking to Patrick. “Is everything ready?” He nodded. “Yes Sir.” John smiled. “Good.”
He got up and followed her.
* * * * r32;
“Hello there. It’s Marlena.” She picked up the photograph, running her fingers over the smooth glass protecting the image inside. “Or as of late, I guess I’m you.”
She smiled at the image of Elizabeth sitting quietly in the chair, examining her hat and dressed demurely in a white lace and linen summer dress, not unlike what Marlena had worn upon her first meeting with John’s family.
“I just wanted to say that I’ll do what I can to help find who took you from John and Alexander and I will do whatever I can in the time that I’m in their lives to take care of them for you.”
She smiled. “I can see just how easy it was for you to fall in love with him. He’s everything that a woman would dream of. But he’s so hurt and I don’t know what to do to help him bring a smile back to his face.”
She laid the photograph down in time to hear him coming down the hall.
John arrived in the room to find her tying her robe. “Hi.” He smiled. “Hi yourself.”
Marlena blinked and began to smile. “You’re up to something.” He shook his head. “I have NOTHING.” She glared at him from under one eye. “You may not have nothing but you’re up to something and I will find out, AFTER I have my bath.”
He shook his head, crossing his arms over his chest. “Go soak your head. I have nothing planned for you.”
She studied him. “You have a weirder than normal gleam in your eyes Prince Charming.”
He turned her to the direction of her bath. “Get in there.”
* * *
She came out of the bath to find him fast asleep and in the middle of a nightmare.
“You’re Elizabeth, I can tell you two apart. Don’t do this!” He began to thrash in the bed, clawing at the sheets. “Stop this please!”
She climbed on the side of the bed. “John, you’re dreaming. Wake up.” He suddenly sat up, taking her in his arms. “You’re here.” He caressed her cheek and Marlena found herself melting. “You’re dreaming.” He shook his head. “No, no I’m not. r32;You’ve come back to me.”
She knew that he was dreaming, but she couldn’t resist the sleepy desire in his eyes. She had dreamt of running her hands over his chest, kissing his skin, tasting him and making love to him, here was her chance. But she couldn’t do this while he was r32;thinking she was Elizabeth.
“John, do you know who I am?” He twirled her hair around his fingers and smiled, lowering his lips to hers. “Yes I’ve known all along who you are.”
He slipped the robe off her shoulder and lowered his lips, sending waves of fire through her. “John, this isn’t right. I’m Marlena!”
It was like whistling through a hurricane as he claimed her lips with his.
“Elizabeth, you’ve come home.” She shoved at him. “I’M NOT HER!”
* * * *
Sir Robert came flying down the hallway and met John halfway. “What’s going on?”
John looked to the closed door and shook his head. “It’s all wrong and It’s all my fault.” He looked at his mother’s friend. “All our faults.”
Robert glanced at the door. “She’s going home.” He looked at the young man. “She’s gone and I’ve made the stupidest mistake.”
Robert began to knock on the door. “Darling Girl.”
She opened the door, dressed in jeans and a sweater. She looked more like a lost child than a grown up as she threw her hands up and went back inside the bedroom.
“Typical, they get you to figure out just how to clean up after the mess they’ve made.” She glared at John. “If YOU won’t bail us out of this, I will!”
Patrick’s clearing of his throat made the trio turn. “What is it?”
He looked to Robert. “A Commander Roman Brady has arrived to speak with the Duke on the Crash investigation.”
Marlena threw her hands up. “What a joy, my life isn’t complicated enough now playing dress up in other people’s clothes, now my REAL world is dancing into center stage.”
“He’s asked to speak with you both. I told him to come back in the morning, but he refuses.”
Marlena curled up in the easy chair. “Of course he would. I’m just destined to be involved with men who are truly stubborn pains.”
John looked at her. “What can I do to make this right with us again?”
Rubbing at her forehead with the palm of her hand, in obvious distress, Marlena looked at him and shook her head. “Right now, just leave me alone. Now that Roman’s here, we’ll have to be the happy couple again. Anything less and he’ll know something’s up.”
John studied her. “You know him rather well.” She looked at him. “Of course I do. He’s the man I was going to marry before you and this world just swept me off my feet.”
“You know, right now seeing you very cranky like this, I know how to make the difference between you and Elizabeth. I’m going to name you Doc.”
Marlena slumped forward and put her face in her hands. “As long as it’s not sneezy, dopey, grouchy or wheezy.”
He held out his hands. “Well we best go see the Commander.”
Marlena’s eyebrow shot up. “Oh no I’m not. It’s not for me and I WON’T go see him. He knows me better than anyone and he’s going to recognize that I’m not the Princess.”
Robert pleaded with his niece. “Darling, he’ll be suspicious after asking for two and only one comes to see him.” Marlena gestured towards John. “Then HE can go.”
She suddenly changed tactics. “On second thought, I will go.” She stood up. “It would be nice to see someone who while I can’t say anything to him, will at least know me.”
* * *
Roman was standing in the library and looked curiously around the room. At that moment, he wished that Marlena were with him to see this. A smile played across his face at the image of his lady in this world.
He knew that she had been brought up in a world of privilege and wealth, not this extreme but well to do, thanks to her Uncle Robert, who had taken her in after the death of her parents and sister Samantha and who was a member of this court.
“Where are you Marlena?” He turned in time to see Robert walk into the room. “Hello Commander.” He smiled. “Hello Sir Robert.” As they shook hands, Roman saw John walking in with Elizabeth.
“How is my beautiful niece?” Roman shrugged, “I wouldn’t know, Marlena hasn’t been in phone touch with me since she went to London to visit with the family.” He was unable to take his eyes off of the Princess, who kept looking at her husband.
“Well speaking as the head of the family, I do know that when we all get together, it’s easy to forget that time does pass quickly.” Roman nodded. “Well hopefully she’ll remember to call soon. I mean while she does have a leave of absence, there r32;are a lot of people waiting for her to come home.”
He smiled. “Including me.” He looked to Robert. “I mean I do know that this is presumptuous, but since I asked Marlena to marry me, I thought that I should speak with you as the head of the family. I guess when the ISA asked me to head the r32;investigation, I looked at this as killing two birds with one stone.”
He glanced at the Princess again. “Sorry.” She shook her head. “Commander Brady, why are you here at this hour of the night. If you wanted to speak with us, you could have come at a far more normal hour. Like first thing in the morning.”
He nodded. “That’s true, but with the second attempt it’s showing me that your family is in danger.”
Marlena moved away from John. “Yes I know that. I’ve known it all my life. That until I had a son, I was in danger from various factions in Roquebrune who feel it’s their right to be considered a republic. That 300 years of peaceful rule by my family was to r32;be destroyed by madmen swinging first, asking questions later.”
She shook her head. “I’m sorry, I’m just tired.” She looked at John. “It’s been a rather eventful day.” She made her excuses and left the room.
* * *
John came back into the room later and found Marlena fast asleep in the oversized wingback leather chair near the fireplace.
The position that she had ended in looked extremely painful and he knew that she was going to be paying for that in the morning, so carefully he lifted her and laid her on the bed.
Carefully as not to disturb her, he lay down beside her and wrapped his arms around her.
Nuzzling her hair, he inhaled the delicate scent of it and softly whispered. “I’m sorry Marlena.”
* * *
“Good Morning Commander Brady.” Roman looked up from his reports and found John watching him closely. “Good Morning Your Highness.”
He came and sat with the American, curious to see if he could glean more information about Marlena from him, without giving away the secret of just what Marlena was doing.
“I noticed that you were fascinated by my wife last night.” John took a sip of his coffee and watched Roman. “This is going to seem very strange, but the Princess is identical to my fiancée.”
John nodded and studied his cup. “Really?”
Roman smiled. “Yes, not just in looks but also in her outspoken manner, her gentle ways and especially how her hazel eyes light up when she’s watching someone she loves.”
He paused for a moment. “I could see that she had that look in her eye when she was watching you last night.”
John’s eyes widened as Roman continued. “Forgive me for being forward, but I could see by watching the Princess, that she loves you very much.”
* * * *
“Dear Alice,
I am so sorry for the loss of Tom. He was truly a wonderful man and a dear friend…”
Marlena crumpled the paper up and began a fresh sheet.
“Dear Lex,” r32;
She threw the paper across the room, watching as it landed beside the attempt to Alice.
“How can I write to you.” She slumped forward as Roman came to the door.
“Yes?” He smiled. “Your husband said that I could come to speak to you.” Her head shot up. “Hello Commander Brady.”
She came around the desk and Roman had to stop himself for thinking that the woman was Marlena. The effortless grace and the way that her skirt swirled around her were making him dizzy.
“Earth to the Commander.”
He smiled. “I’m sorry.”
Marlena studied him and then moved away from him. “It’s me that should be sorry.” She turned back around. “I was rather rude last night and I’m normally not that way. It’s just that with the birth of my son, the crash and now the attempt, well it’s a case of r32;delayed stress.”
Roman smiled. “Understandable. In fact my fiancee would say this is a case of pre-traumatic disorder.” Marlena smiled and corrected him. “Post-traumatic.” She froze. “Oh god, please don’t catch that Roman!”
She shrugged her shoulders. “Forgive me, I’m just about to become Patron of the Lighthouse Trust which is a charity that deals with psychological problems.” She r32;grinned.
He smiled back, feeling surprised at how easily he was talking to a live Princess.
“Can’t become a Patron without doing some homework.” They laughed. “Pardon my asking, but what does a Patron do?”
Marlena shook her head. “I don’t know. Look pretty and raise awareness of the charity I think.” She winked. “Can we tell that I’m new at the Patron thing?”
Roman chuckled. “Nope.”
John walked away from the doorway, unseen by either one and feeling vaguely uneasy that she was with Roman..
* * * *
“What are YOU doing!”
Marlena spun around and dropped the picture frame that she had in her hands. “I was just.” She suddenly shoved at him. “What the hell did you think I was doing?”
John’s expression changed. “I’m sorry.” She looked at him. “No, it was my fault.”
He shook his head. “It’s my fault.” He carefully fished the photo out from under the shattered glass. “Why were you?”
Marlena gestured towards the mantle. “I was just making room for a present.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I was just putting the frame back beside it.”
John glanced up and found what she had put there.
“Oh Marlena.” He brought the frame down. “It’s not much.” She smiled. “But what DO you buy a Prince that has everything.”
;He gazed at her and smiled. “You GIVE him friendship.”
Marlena nodded. “Don’t you know, you’ve had my friendship from Day One.” John nodded. “I’m beginning to see that. I know that I haven’t said this lately. But I am grateful for it.”
Marlena stumbled back into the chair. “Good grief. He’s ADMITING something.”
He reached for her hand. “C’mon Princess. We’re going on a outing.” She shook her head. “No we’re not.” She gestured to the doorway, where Patrick stood. “Time for my Princess lessons.”
* * * *
“When on state visits, I have to WHAT?”
Marlena shot the men a mutinous glare. “No way, no how.” She shook her head. “I will NOT walk five steps behind him. IF I last in this dress up game long enough to have to play tagalong with Prince not so Charming, I won’t walk behind him.”
She pointed to John. “The Duke and Duchess have always been considered a team and to have her walk BEHIND him is ridiculous.”
John hid a smile behind examining a plant, leaving Patrick and Robert to explain rules.
“As his wife, you’re considered not equal. He’s the more important of the roles.”
Marlena rolled her eyes. “Says you. Explains why women never run for positions of power. Men would NEVER do this if the situation were reversed. Tell HIM he’d have to walk behind me and he’d go sit in the corner with his thumb up his.”
Patrick’s cry of “YOUR HIGHNESS” sent John into a belly laugh. “She’s got you there Patrick.”
Marlena spun on her heel, muttering under her breath about male chauvinists that felt they needed to keep their wives underfoot.
“Funny, I don’t even remember marrying this guy and I have to WALK behind him.” She shot the unholy trio a glare. “Maybe I should walk behind you. Kick sense into you once in awhile!”
* * * *
“Why do I have to do this?”
John came to stand behind her and smiled at her in the mirror. “Because you’re a lady who should be spoiled.” He rested his hands on her shoulders lightly. “You’ve done so much for me and I think that it’s time that you and I make peace.”
Marlena’s head tilted and she said nothing, just watched him through the glass.
She shrugged. “Ok, you win.”
He turned her to face him. “That was too easy.” Marlena shrugged. “I’m just not into fighting with you today.” She twisted his arm so that she could read the time. “So when do I have to be ready?”
John found himself wondering if her lips were as soft as they looked.
Seeing that she wasn’t going to get an answer out of him, she stood up on tiptoe and lightly blew on his face.
“So I’ll ask you again now that I have your attention. When do I have to be ready?”
He shook his head, looking over her dress. “Be ready in an hour.”
* * * *
“Your Highness, you look incredible.” Elizabeth looked up and smiled at Roman as she cuddled her son. “Thank you Commander.”
“So this is the famous little Prince.” Marlena smiled. “The one and only.” She blinked. “That will change if his grandmother has her way. Her Majesty’s theory is why stop at one when five or eight could do just as well.”
They shared easy laughter that soon ended as John walked in the room. Sensing the tension in the way that he was holding himself, Marlena laid the baby in the cradle and came to his side.
“Are you ready Darling?” He tore his eyes from Roman and smiled at the beauty by his side.
“I’m very ready.” John raised an eyebrow and playfully bowed to Marlena. “Well then, let’s go.” His smile faded as he looked at Roman. “Goodnight Commander.”
Marlena smiled. “Good night.”
Roman followed them out, looking at the dimmed nursery for a moment and suddenly hoping that Marlena would call him soon..
“You don’t like your meal?”
Marlena looked up and sighed. “It’s lovely, but I’m.” John cut her off. “We can have them bring you something else.” She shook her head. “JOHN!”
He instantly fell silent. “I’m sorry. Just wanted everything to be perfect. Which is why I brought you here to here. To the house that my mother gave me to use as our local base, instead of the Palace.”
She smiled and dropped her head. “What’s so funny?” She gazed at him from across the candlelight and shook her head. “It’s usually the woman who’s wanting things to be absolutely perfect. I’m just not used to hearing this from a man, especially my r32;favorite spoiled rotten Prince Charming.”
He found himself smiling, responding to the sparkle in her eyes.
“So how long was this planned?” He raised an eyebrow. “I don’t have the foggiest idea of what you’re referring to.” Marlena smiled. “Of course you don’t. Something this perfect takes several days of planning.” She leaned forward.
“So I’ll ask you again. How long.”
A ballad came wafting over the sound system that was playing in the corner and so John stood and came around the table.
“Dance with me.” She shook her head. “I don’t dance.” He raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean you don’t?”
She hesitated. “I can’t, I never learnt how to.” She blushed. “Not to ballads.”
He couldn’t help himself, but kicked himself for doing it. “You mean the Commander never taught you?” The normally placid hazel eyes turned fiery. “There are times that I just want to break your neck. Now is one of those times Your Highness.”
He grimaced. “Marlena, I’m sorry.”
She shook her head. “No you’re not. You’ve been waiting for this moment to get at me since this mess all started. You’ve wanted to get at me for looking like your sainted Elizabeth. You can’t grieve properly; you can’t let your heart begin to heal r32;because I’m the excuse. Now Roman’s here and you’re mad. I can’t win and I don’t know what to do.”
He moved away and went to the fireplace, giving them time to calm down.
“It’s about the other night isn’t it.” Marlena refused to look at him. “I don’t know what you mean.” He turned around and sat down on the chair in front of the fireplace. “You do so, I’ve told you before that you don’t lie well. Please listen to me on that.”
He took a deep breath. “Marlena, I’m so sorry for that night. Believe me when I say that I wouldn’t take advantage of you that way. I couldn’t risk breaking your heart that way. I wouldn’t use you as the substitute for Elizabeth.”
She then turned around. “So here we are, very similar and miles apart. You’ve lost the one you love most and I can’t be with the man that I love.” She stopped, suddenly unsure of just who it was that she had meant to speak of. The man who had quickly r32;become the center of her world or the security of the man who was in her other life.
He smiled and got up, walking across the room in two strides and knelt down in front of her. “So what do we do now, my wise Psychiatrist.”
Her eyes grew sad. “I don’t know. A heart in pain is a tricky thing.”
He smiled and reached out to gently cradle her cheek. “Still Friends?” With eyes sparkling with unshed tears, she nodded. “Always.”
He stood up and took her hands in his. “So let me teach you how to dance.”
She stood up. “This is ridiculous.” He shook his head. “No it’s not. You’re going to have to learn this for when we go on state visits. You’ll dance to ballads with me, or foreign heads of state and diplomats.”
Marlena smiled. “Oh joy.”
He slid his arm around her waist and gently guided her to him. “It’s not that bad when you have the right teacher.” Marlena smiled. “Sounds like a challenge that I just may take you up on if you play your cards right.”
* * * *
John looked at Marlena. “What?”
She shook her head. “Nothing. Just watching you and thinking that we’ve come a long way in just a couple of months.” She propped her head up on one hand and rested the other hand against the leather couch.
“How do you figure that?” She began to laugh and John found himself wondering just what her laugh reminded him more of, a church bell or crystal tinkling in water.
“Well for starters, you probably would have killed me for saying those things earlier.” He smiled. “Nah, would have just had you thrown in the tower.” She groaned. “Spoiled Brat.”
He smiled. “Do you know just how pretty amazing you are?” She lifted her head. “I told you that you drank too much wine at dinner.” He waved his hand and hesitated. “No, seriously.”
“You’ve helped me through a rough time these last few weeks. You’ve allowed me to have Beth with me, even though I mixed you both up from time to time.”
“It must be so hard for you, not being able to see a gravestone and know that you could go to her when you need to.”
She paused. “I have something for you and Alexander.” She went for her purse. “It’s not much, but I do know what it’s like to lose someone so dear and can’t be with them.”
John searched her eyes. “You mean your parents and sister.” Marlena nodded. “Yes.” She pulled out the envelope. “To My Two Princes.”
John read the elegant handwriting and smiled.
“What is this?”
Marlena smiled back, hoping that he would be happy. “It’s a Star in her name.” She explained about how when they looked to the heavens, that they could see her star and until they could reveal the truth and they would be told of just where Elizabeth was, this was their way to talk to her.
He laid the certificate down and softly spoke. “Thank you.”
Marlena smiled. “Your welcome.”
* * * *
The journalist dropped her pen and found that for a moment she lost her voice.
“Tell me that again. You have to be joking.”
“No Ms. Dallow, I assure you that I’m not. The proof is there if you just search hard enough and believe me when I say that if you just skimmed, you’d find that what I’ve told you is true. Her Royal Highness, The Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Menton is r32;dead and the woman parading around is an imposter.”
Jessica was so shocked by this revelation that she never heard the caller hang up.
“What the hell do I do with this.”
* * * *
John wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to him as they walked. “Ok, repeat that question again.”
Marlena studied his face for a moment and smiled. “I said, if you weren’t a Royal Prince and King in training, what would you do.”
John paused. “No one’s ever asked me that.” Marlena smiled. “Well consider yourself asked.”
He laughed. “Ok, if I wasn’t the Heir to the Throne, I would love to be someone that my child could look up to and be proud of.”
He stopped and Marlena took that moment to step out of the embrace, feeling just a little uncomfortable near him.
“I would love to have a business raising thoroughbred horses.”
Marlena was about to say something but stopped as she recognized the person walking towards them.
“What’s wrong Patrick?”
He grimaced. “We have a problem. I just received a phone call from my brother.” John sighed. “How is Basil?”
The Private Secretary shook his head and Marlena suddenly got an mental picture of Patrick being like the little dog in the cartoons that she watched as a child that would tag along side the bulldog, never stopping from being super-hyper.
“Never mind Basil, what he told me however is bad.” John and Marlena exchanged glances.
“He just quashed one of his reporters, who received a tip from a source that the Princess Elizabeth died in the crash and this lovely lady is an imposter.”
Marlena looked at John, who found his voice, was cracking as he asked how Patrick handled that.
“I simply said that if that was true, how did they explain the Baby. I mean anyone with any sort of brains would know that if the Princess had died, so would have Prince Alexander.”
Marlena shook her head. “Oh if they only knew how close they were to this.”
She lifted her head. “I thought that you had said that everyone involved in this were sworn to secrecy.”
Patrick nodded. “They are.” Marlena raised an eyebrow. “Then you better find out who told the reporter the story. Cause with a leak like that, I’m going to be a double sitting duck.”
John turned to stand in front of her. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Patrick agreed. “What we’ll do is a little sugar coating.” Marlena’s eyebrows shot up. “Pardon?”
“We’re going to let you do an interview with the Journalist to announce that your going to be going on your first tour.”
Marlena shook her head. “Just when I think that you’re finally understandable, you zig when I think that you’ll zag.”
John hugged her. “You’ll be fine.”
She let out a snort. “Yeah says YOU.”
* * * *
Marlena slammed into the room and spun around. “That is one MISERABLE witch!” Patrick chuckled. “I thought she was lovely.” Marlena shook her head. “You weren’t the one being interviewed.”
Patrick held her hand. “You were just fine. Since Elizabeth had never given an interview, she had nothing to base it on.”
Marlena shook her head. “Ok, now that I’ve managed to do an interview, I can handle a tour.”
Patrick smiled. “Glad to see the positively finally coming through.” Marlena nodded. “Took me long enough.”
* * * *
Roman was reading over the translation of an interrogation that was done with a potential source when the interview played on the news.
Reaching for the remote, he listened to her for a moment and suddenly something that she had done while listening to Dallow’s questions set warning bells off.
“No, it can’t be.” He shook his head. “How can two women, who looked identical do the same gesture while their concentrating. There’s NO way, the odds aren’t THAT good.”
He grabbed his jacket. “Ok, things are going to be straightened out.”
* * * *
He pulled into the Palace grounds just as Marlena came walking up the pathway.
“Hello Commander.” He slammed the car door and came around to see her. “No more lies. We’re going to be honest from here on out.” Marlena’s eyes shot up. “Pardon me?”
Roman shook his head. “Don’t you dare pull that. Since I met you, I couldn’t get out of my mind just how you reminded me of my Marlena. I dismissed it as just how you and she look alike.” He ran his hand through his curls. “Then the talk we had the r32;other day. How easily you slipped into medical terms without missing a beat. Princesses just don’t quote medical terms.”
He grabbed her by the arms. “Marlena disappeared just at the same time that the Princess had her accident.” Marlena’s eyes widened. “Oh dear god, he’s figured this out.”
“And this is my fault?” Marlena tried hard not to let her fear show. “Sir Robert’s got NO clue as to where she is and she’s his NEICE!”
Marlena shook her head. “My name is Elizabeth Caroline Marguerite Alexandrina, Princess of Roquebrune and Alamainia, Duchess of Menton. I’m sorry that you’re missing your fiancée or what EVER she is to you. But would you let me go!”
He shook his head. “I’d believe you if not for something that you did in that interview.”
Marlena grimaced. “I didn’t do anything, he’s bluffing.”
“You tugged at your ear as you listened to the journalist. Marlena, when she’s deep in thought also does that. What are the odds highness that two women who look so identical would have THAT same mannerism and do it for the same reason?”
He shook his head. “I’ll tell you, it’s slim to none!” He began to shake her. “Why would you lie to me. Sweetheart you know that I could have helped you.”
She began to struggle and broke away, running for her car.
Roman just got to her when the time of the day Marlena loved most, the soft shadows of the approaching night suddenly shifted into sheer blinding light and heat that would have devoured him if the white hot pain hadn’t caused him to black out first.
* * * *
John was reading over the itinerary when he first heard screaming from just below the window, as he was coming to see who it was, he heard a noise that he was convinced was the world opening up, and as the night became day, the windows shattered.
Ducking, he suddenly realized what it was. “Oh dear god!”
* * * *
He ran outside just in time to see the Palace fire department staff trying to douse the flaming car while the others were dealing with the two victims.
His eyes widened as he recognized the first one. “Oh dear god.” His gaze darted from side to side, trying to find the other person as his mind kept saying over and over “No.”
Roman was lying on the ground, crying and pleading for them to help her. “She can’t die!”
John began to shake as he saw what the injured American was pleading for. She was broken beyond logic, her back raw and bleeding and mercifully she was unconscious as they tried to stabilize her. He stepped forward on legs that were threatening to r32;give out at any time.
“Elizabeth?” He knelt down as the medical staff gave him space and his voice began to break as he prayed to god that he heard her.
“I love you, please sweetheart, don’t leave me.” John gazed to Roman and then back to the hazel eyes that were now closed. “Please don’t leave Alexander and me. We need you, don’t go.” r32;
He had lost count of just how many hours he had spent with her in mind, when the family made him undertake his engagements, and in body, when he found that to be without her laughter killed him inside.
She lay so still that it broke his newly mended heart.
“Hello there.”
He took her hand and smiled, forcing his voice to be cheerful, even though he just wanted to pack her up and run away somewhere to keep her safe from harm. The first night after the explosion, when he sat waiting for word on her was the second longest night in his life. The first was spent in another hospital coaching this lady to be his love.
He leaned forward and gently whispered in her ear. “Wake up please. I would give anything or do anything if you would just come home with me now.” He sat back on the chair. “I would give the world to take away the pain you must have felt with that r32;explosion.”
“I guess it’s supposed to be my turn now huh?” His smile faded as he drank her in.
Despite the scrapes and gashes, he still could see the beauty underneath. But his mood sobered when he thought of what was told to the family earlier in the day. That the longer she stayed unconscious, the more likely she would remain that way.
Roman Brady’s injuries were not as severe, but insisted that he be kept informed on the Princess’s condition.
That new development had John fuming. Not even when Marguerite explained that technically he had every right to want to know how his lady was did that ease the rage John felt each time he saw the cocky American.
“Would you tell me what you see in him sometime?” He smiled. “Marlena, please just wake up.”
* * * *
“Hello Commander.”
He turned around from getting ready to be dismissed and found John staring at him.
“Hello Your Highness.” He sat on the bed to sign the release papers. “What brings you to my neck of the hospital.” He squinted at him. “Can’t be to wish me well.”
John shook his head. “No, it’s to find out from you just what in the world possessed you to fly at my wife and accuse her of being your lady.”
Roman smiled. “She’s not yours. The lady fighting for her life is MY love.”
John paused. “I think that bump to the head you took was rather harder than we thought. That lady is my wife and the Duchess of Menton. You don’t look the type to hallucinate so I’d be a little worried about your early case of senility.”
Roman leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees. “Do you even realize just who you have in her.” He shook his head.
“You probably don’t. You have NO clue that the lady loves to laugh, watch old movies, has an ENORMOUS capacity to love and understand. She would die for her friends and the people she loves most. She’s feisty and the best friend I have in the world.”
John began to count to 10 and stopped at 4. “Listen to me because I’ll only say this once and I never repeat myself. That lady lying in that hospital bed is my wife and I’ve already lost so much time with her. I don’t know where your Marlena, I think that’s what you said her name was, is. But if you hadn’t been screaming at her and doing your job, YOU would have had the chance to get at whoever is stalking my wife.”
Roman’s voice was icy cold. “But by screaming at her, I kept her from getting in the car. So right now, I think I’m owed an apology and instead of you acting holier than thou highness, I suggest you try humility.”
John glared at him and walked out, leaving Roman to watch speculatively. “I don’t care what either of you say. You are my Marlena and I will find out how you’ve gotten into this mess.”
* * * *
“Ok, here’s the deal and don’t answer me all at once ok.” John smiled. “Hear me out and then give me the answer.” He picked up her hand.
“I want to take you away from here. Someplace that’s warm and sunny. I have the perfect place already picked out and all I need is to have you open your eyes and smile as you tell me that you’ll come.”
He watched for a response and got none.
“I know that your stubborn, I’ve seen what you’re capable of and it’s scary.”
Chuckling to himself, with a soft smile he gently laid a hand on her cheek and brushed the stray hairs away from her face. “So please, for the friendship that we’ve begun to build, open your eyes and come back to Alexander.” His voice became choked.
“And, and for me.”
She made a whimpering noise that created a reaction in John similar to a cannon going off.
For the second time in their relationship, John began to cry as he saw her hazel eyes open; he broke into a huge smile as he brought her hand to his lips.
“Hello there Pretty lady.”
Marlena winced at the pain and yawned. “When can we go on our trip?”
He smiled. “As soon as they say you’re free to travel.”
* * * *
“How is she?” John turned to see his father coming down the hall. “She’s sleeping. Doctors said that for the first couple of days, she’s going to be tired. But I am so glad to have her home.”
John’s smile became quizzical as he studied his father.
“Do you realize what you’ve just said?” John shook his head. “John, just how do you feel about this girl?” Phillip went into the library. “What do you mean Father?”
Phillip poured his drink and checked his watch to make sure he could finish it before his evening engagement.
“I mean, have you realized and admitted to yourself just what she’s becoming to you?”
John hesitated and allowed his father to continue. “John, I’ve watched how she’s been around you and only a blind man couldn’t see just how much she feels for you. That child upstairs and you are her whole world.”
John looked away, feeling totally uncomfortable at how this was going.
“Then I see you and how you search the room for her, how you smile at her laughter. John, she’s made such a change in you.” He came and sat with his son.
“You know that I adored Elizabeth, everyone did. But life goes on and I know that she would have wanted you to find a new way. Reach for what fate has given to you.”
John shook his head. “What has it given me that I can give to her?”
Phillip smiled. “It gave you your heart back.”
* * * *
John came down the hall and found her watching Alexander in the nursery.
“Now that is a sight that I thought I wasn’t going to see again.” Marlena looked up and blushed. “Makes two of us. I just wanted to see him and hold him, I guess to make sure that he was safe. She peeked up at him.
“What is it?” Marlena dropped her head, allowing her hair to disguise her face.
“Doc?” John grew worried and moved to brush her hair away. “Marlena, please don’t shut me out.”
She began to shake and terrified, John gathered her into his arms.
“I had a nightmare and I woke up, you were gone and I was so scared and needed to hold him.” She lifted her head and suddenly shivered as she tried to break out of the embrace.
“No.”
She raised her eyebrow. “Why NOT?”
He smiled. “Because it’s time for a game of truth or consequences and lady, we are going to clear the air.” He held out his hand. “C’mon.”
Hesitating for a moment, Marlena looked at him. “Don’t you trust me?”
She smiled and nodded. “I do, I do trust you.” He smiled back. “Well then, let’s go.”
* * * *
They walked into the bedroom and Marlena went to sit cross-legged on the bed. “Ok, what are we supposed to be talking about?”
He came to sit in front of her. “US.”
Marlena couldn’t help but smile. “Pardon me?” John looked at her. “Marlena, it’s time for you and I to be honest about things. It’s been obvious to everyone apparently just how you and I have been dancing around this.”
Marlena shook her head. “Around what?”
He smiled. “Your feelings for me and mine for you.”
Marlena swung off the bed. “There’s no feelings. There can’t be as long as I look like her.” John came off the bed and came behind her. “There can be because lady, you are NOTHING like her.” He turned her around to face him.
“Roman brought up an interesting point and with a little help from my father, I was made to realize that I’ve come very attached to you and I don’t want to let you go.”
Marlena shook her head. “John, your saying this because we’re playing a game. I look like her, am supposed to act and BE her. You can’t love Marlena Evans for the simple fact, it’s NOT allowed.”
John pinned her face in his hands. “It can because the rules are going to change and soon.” As she started to shake her head, he claimed her lips with a kiss.
It was like everything was turning to liquid. The only way she could describe it was like the after effect of Brandy on a cold night. The warmth was seeping into every bone in her body.
John broke the kiss to see tears in her eyes. “Believe me please.”
Marlena shook her head. “I’m scared.” He cradled her face in his hands again, giving her no choice but to look in his eyes. “I know who you are. From the first day you’ve made a very indelible impression on me and it fully came to me when I thought r32;that I lost you.”
He picked her up as effortlessly as a feather and brought her to sit with him in the oversized wing chair.
“When I saw you lying so broken.” He shivered and looked at her and found Marlena searching his eyes. “I tried to be so strong, but to see you hurt.” He bit his lip and shook his head. “I just wanted to cry.”
“Strong men aren’t always strong. They have their breakdowns.” She suddenly smiled and John found himself comparing it to the sun breaking through the clouds. “Let’s make a pact, that we don’t keep things hidden and be honest always.”
He nodded. “Pinky swear.”
As they made their pact, John brought her hand to his lips, lightly grazing it to watch the reaction in her eyes.
“I love you.”
Marlena’s eyes widened. “Don’t say that.”
He shook his head. “Why not.” She bit her lip and blinked to fight back the tears. “To admit that, well I’m just superstitious and will wake up to find this isn’t real. That I’ll be alone again and alone is something that I just don’t do very well.”
He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her closer. “Listen to me, I won’t ever let you be alone again.” She peered up at him. “You can’t promise that.”
He laid his hand on her head. “I can so. Lady, I know that you’re scarred from losing the people closest to you as a child. But Alexander and I will make sure that you have love, light and a lifetime of happiness.”
She shifted to look at him full on. “So I can believe?”
He smiled. “You can.”
She laid her hand on his face. “You make it very easy to.” He began to nuzzle her neck. “Then simply do.”
She rested her forehead against his. “Ok, so tell me.”
Breathing a sigh of relief at her lightened tone, John smiled. “Tell you what?”
Her smile was radiant. “When do I get you alone on the warm island you promised?” She began to laugh as he grimaced. “You were AWAKE!”
She nodded. “BUSTED!”
He picked her up and carried her to the bed, trading kisses and smiles as he laid her gently against the pillows…
* * * *
“This isn’t right.”
Jessica Dallow looked up from the records that she had been staring at for close to 3 hours and rubbed her forehead, convinced that if she kept this up, she’d go cross eyed or stark raving mad.
“The Princess was rushed to the hospital under tight security and into surgery, where according to this, she gave birth to Alexander.” She rummaged through some files. “Ok, here’s where the red flag comes up. She’s unaccounted for around an hour. There are no nurse’s records.”
She fidgeted in her seat. “Which brings us up to the explosion at the Summer Palace. Witnesses said they saw Commander Brady arguing with the Princess just seconds before the car exploded and they said that the Commander said she was his r32;fiancée.”
She reached for the phone and punched in a few numbers. “Hey there, I need a favor.”
* * * *
“I never knew you were such a water baby.”
Marlena lifted her head from his chest and smiled as the hammock swayed in the summer breeze. “That’s cause you never ASKED me.”
He smiled and lightly ran his hands over her back as he lifted his head to claim her lips. “Well I guess it’s true what they say, you learn something new all the time and I think.” He smiled as Marlena shifted so he could see her tawny eyes sparkling. “No, I r32;KNOW that I can’t wait to find out all there is about the lady who holds my heart.”
“First things first.” She sat up and John followed suit. “Ok, what’s first?”
Marlena smiled as John handed the wrap to go to her bikini. “We’re going for a walk.”
* * * *
They were walking close to the water and John slung his arm over her shoulder.
“How could I have not seen that you had feelings for me?” Marlena glanced at him. “Think you had a few weightier matters than what the yank was feeling for you.” He spun her to face him. “You were never the Yank.”
Marlena grinned. “Not to you, but to Patrick when he was angry, I was.”
He looked wistful for a moment. “I still find it so hard to believe that while I lost one love, I found a completely different love.”
He laid his hand on her cheek and she tilted her head with a wink.
“A completely different one with the face that reminds you of what you lost.” She crossed her arms and looked at him. “You know, I want to believe you when you say that you love me, for ME and not who came before. But John, I’m a psychiatrist and r32;I know that people in grief transfer emotions on to other people. I can understand that you would do that with Elizabeth and I. I mean let’s face it, you never got to say goodbye and here I am.”
He covered her lips with the pad of his thumb. “Listen to me again please. Beth was Beth and I loved her beyond words. She was my first love and the mother of my son. But there is now you and lady, for everything that is similar about you both, there is r32;something completely different and I enjoy finding out all the hidden quirks.”
She stood still, needing to be further convinced.
“I mean look what we’ve learnt so far.” He grinned boyishly. “I learnt that you play a mean game of chess, play the piano beautifully and laugh at the worst jokes that I can think of.” He wrapped a stray hair around his finger.
“I’ve learnt at night, that when you’re lying in my arms and the moon kisses your skin, turning it to the most perfect ivory, that the way to make you smile and then shiver in my arms, is to find that certain spot, just where your neck meets your shoulder.”
He stopped mere inches from kissing her. “Should I continue?”
She shook her head. “You keep believing me when I tell you that you are only her in name. That will change once we find the killer. Then you are free to be Dr. Marlena Evans again, the lady I love more than life.”
She grinned and wrapped her arms around his waist as he smiled back at her.
“Even if it did take a near death for me to realize that I did love you.”
“Better late than never.” She let out a squeal as he scooped her up and slung her over his shoulder. “John, oh please let me down!”
He let out a whisper. “Nope, sorry. Not while the press hounds are watching about 10 meters off shore. We’re going to let them have their media shot.” He dropped her without warning.
She squealed again as she came up for air. Shivering as she slicked her hair back, she shot water at him. “This water is COLD!” r32;He pulled her to him and kissed her. Smiling, he saw the guards shoo the cameramen away. “Ok, let me make this up to you.”
She smiled as he carried her out of the water. “Something hot, steamy, slippery and very warm.”
“And in other news, the world’s paparazzi are following the trail being laid out by the Duke and Duchess of Menton, who are visiting Salem this week for the first time. The American tour was originally scheduled for late last year, but was postponed with the announcement of the Duchess’s Pregnancy.”
Roman groaned and laid his face in his hands. “How do I go about proving this?” He looked at the photographs of Marlena comparing them to the memories of his few weeks in Alamainia.
“That is you.”
He shut the files and rubbed his forehead. “Hey Buddy, why don’t you call it a night?” Abraham Carver came in his best friend’s office. “Come out to dinner with me and talk about what’s troubling you?” He waited for a response that he already knew would be negative.
“I can’t. I need to work on the ISA case. Missed a lot of time while I was recuperating from the explosion.”
Abe nodded. “Was there any word from our fair Marlena?”
Roman nodded. “No, but I think she’s gotten herself into something this time that she’s not going to be able to get out of.” He glanced at the photo on his desk and picked it up.
“I have to tell someone of what I think happened or else I’ll go insane.” Abe nodded, worried for both of his friends and what Roman began to tell him was not what he ever dreamt of.
“What are you going to do with this. I mean Roman, their both denying this. So if what you’ve just told me is true.”
Grimacing, Roman shook his head. “I’ve lost her to the Duke and if we can’t find who’s responsible for the crash and the explosion, then she’s gone literally because these people are playing for keeps.”
* * * *
“Princess is there any truth to the rumor that you’re an imposter?”
Marlena stopped and smiled sweetly, all the while wanting to cheerfully wring the neck of the reporter.
Shifting the bouquet in her hands, Marlena came to John’s side and smiled. “Miss Dallow, I really think that you need to start wearing a hat in the sun, heatstroke does really nasty things to the imagination.”
As they walked away from the opening of the Alamainian Embassy opening to go to the Mercedes, Marlena glanced at John. “I thought you said that Jessica wasn’t going to be in the Press Corp from home?”
John shrugged and laced his hand with hers as they waved to the cheering crowds. “Well that’s what I was told.”
Marlena shook her head and grimaced. “I HATE that woman right now.”
Knowing exactly how to make her smile, John brought her hand to his lips.
“She can’t hurt us. There is a tight enough circle to make sure that until the end of the criminal investigation, NOBODY will learn of just who you really are. But at that time, they will know of just how tight a hold you hold over me.”
Marlena grinned and plucked a tiny tea rose out of her flowers and put it in his lapel. “So where are we off to now?”
John smiled. “We’re off to change our clothes at the hotel and then it’s off to umm.” He paused and reached for the file to double check. “We’re off to the University Hospital for the Opening of the Dr. Thomas Horton Oncology Wing.”
He glanced at her and gently wiped the tears away. “I know how terrible you felt to miss his funeral. Which is why I asked that this be included for the tour.”
She smiled and then a realization hit her. “John, everyone that I know will be there. I don’t think I can do this!” She began to fidget in the car. “You can so and you will be brilliant.”
She shook her head. “They’ve known me for so long.” He reached across and turned her to face him. “Marlena, you’ve been away for months now and have absorbed so much that sometimes even I have problems with who you are. You can do this.”
She looked skeptical and looked at the flowers. “From your lips to God’s ears.”
* * * *
John watched silently as Marlena gave her second public speech of the tour and handled herself as a pro. He was proud, as she didn’t falter once. Beaming at the applause of the staff and public there, he kissed her cheek. “Well done Darling.”
“Yes well done Marlena.” Without looking backwards, Marlena kept her eyes on John as she addressed the person who called her.
“Glad to see that you’re up and around Commander Brady. But that bump on your head still makes you have those really terrible hallucinations.” John noticed Patrick coming towards them and excused himself.
“Finally, now that we’re alone.” She turned to face him and she shook her head. “Commander Brady. You’re not helping anyone with these ridiculous accusations.”
Roman caught sight of someone approaching them and shook his head. “Well if I can’t make you realize that you need to clear this masquerade up, maybe she can.”
Marlena turned around to find herself staring into the eyes of the one woman who she could never lie to.
“Excuse us please Roman.”
Once he was safely out of earshot, Alice turned to the young woman who was watching and hiding her fist behind the flowers.
“Would you like to talk about this Marlena?”
She opened her mouth to say something but Alice cut her off. “I know what you’ve told Roman and the world for the past few months, but I’m telling you now. I know you better than most and there is NO way in the world that you could disguise the aura that everyone knows you to have.”
She blinked and bowed her head to allow a moment to get her emotions under control.
“Oh Alice.”
John glanced over worriedly to see that Marlena was being ushered out of the room by Mrs. Horton.
* * * *
“I’ll admit that you’re not writing to us had me worried.” She laid a hand over Marlena’s. “But I figured that you needed time to reacquaint yourself with your past.”
Marlena sighed and looked at her dear friend and mother figure. “How could I tell you all this. The Palace felt it best that my identity remain hidden until after we found the killers. But it’s all gone out of control.”
Alice nodded. “I saw Roman when he first came home and yes I can see that things have gotten out of control.”
She searched her friend’s hazel eyes. “And it’s not just him that’s affected.”
Marlena started to laugh. “I’ve never been able to fool you.”
Alice beamed. “You’re in love with the Prince.” Marlena smiled. “I don’t know if I can officially come out and call it that. But if things go the way that their going. Yes I could see it being called that.”
At that moment, Patrick’s head appeared around the door. “Highness, it’s time to go. The Duke sent me to make sure that you were alright.”
Marlena smiled. “A Duchess’s job is never done.” She nodded to Patrick. “Tell him that I’ll be ready in a moment. I just had wanted to speak with Dr. Horton’s wife just to hear how wonderful a man he truly was.”
As they stood up to leave, Alice smiled. “Can I hug you or is that against protocol?” Marlena smiled back, feeling a sense of calm return after a long time. “Oh I would love a hug.” As they broke the embrace, Marlena looked serious. “Alice you can’t tell r32;anyone a thing of what I’ve told you.”
Alice shook her head. “You know better than that. This secret stays with me.”
* * * *
“You seem calmer.” Marlena glanced at John from the corner of her eye and burst into a radiant smile. “You think?”
He grinned, unable to resist her in this mood. “I know.”
Her eyes widened. “Thank you for setting up this engagement.” She leaned over and gently grazed his lips with hers. “Thank you for being you.”
He rested his hand on her cheek. “Your welcome.”
* * * *
John propped his head on one hand and smiled as he watched her getting ready for bed.
“You know, you have never told me about your childhood.” Marlena turned around and smiled as she looked at him. “No, no I haven’t. There’s not much to tell you.”
She came and knelt at the side of the bed, lacing her fingers with his. “I was orphaned when I was 3, thanks to a well placed bomb in a car.” She looked up at him and lifted her hair from the side of her face. “If you look very hard, you can see the faintest of scars. The only reason that I hadn’t been in the car yet was that I couldn’t say goodbye to my Grandparents.”
She smiled as she swiped her hand over her tears. “Uncle Robert and Aunt Frances took me in. As Mother’s only living relatives, they insisted that I was now theirs to love and spoil. Which as their children were 10 years older than me, I was considered their baby.”
“They made sure that I had everything I could need.” She laughed softly. “I never wanted for anything. Even though we’re such a loud and rowdy bunch when we’re together, I can safely say that Family is everything to me.”
She began to cry. “Thanks to losing it all too early.”
John rolled on his stomach. “Without family, we’d be nothing.”
He reached out and with his thumbs dried her eyes. “What can I do to make it better?”
She laid her hand over his. “Just what you’re doing right now. Just you’re being here with me. That’s comfort enough for me, John.”
He smiled. “Come to bed.”
She nodded and as she slid into the crisp cotton sheets, she smiled as his arms wrapped around her. “We’re quite the team Princess.”
She nodded and soon was fast asleep, never feeling John’s lips as they grazed her forehead.
* * * *
“We have a problem.”
Marlena began to chuckle as she read her files for the days events. “What now Professor?”
Patrick came to the breakfast table with only a cup of coffee. “Don’t joke.”
Marlena rested her hand under her chin. “When you come in here, looking like the world’s fallen on your shoulders and all you ever say is WE HAVE A PROBLEM, you have to be prepared to take a little teasing.”
He bit back a retort as John walked in. “I received a fax from the Palace early this morning. We have a new complication.”
John laid his hands on her shoulders and gently kissed her cheek as Marlena turned her head slightly, smiling up at him.
“Well don’t leave us hanging here Patrick. What is it?”
He looked at Marlena. “The plan is over. We have to end this now.”
Marlena shook her head. “What are you babbling about? Patrick you’ve lost us.”
He pushed away from the table. “You’ve tricked everyone, including most of your friends here in Salem, but there’s one place we’ve managed till now to keep you away from. For good reason and now we have no choice but to bring you to Roquebrune.”
John’s eyes widened. “Why?”
Patrick swallowed to break the pressure building in his ears. “Elizabeth’s Father has been killed.” He bowed to Marlena. “Long live the Queen.”
Marlena woke up in John’s arms and blearily checked the tiny golden travel clock beside the bed. Shifting slightly to get his arm off of her, she reached for her robe and padded off to the desk.
“Dearest Alice,
I have to write to someone and since I’ve placed the burden of knowing about the secret, well there was no one else that I trust more to listen without prejudice than you, dear friend and so here we are.
The complications got worse after we left Salem. Elizabeth’s father died, or if you chose to listen and believe the reports like Patrick, was murdered. Regardless, I’m now playing Queen. Talk about falling from the fry pan into the fire!
John’s been wonderful, helping me with fooling the various officials and making sure that I’m not left alone. Which has given me several Three Stooges type slapstick comedy moments. At one dinner, I swear that I had a moment where I wanted to break out into an Abbott and Costello Who’s on first monologue as I was introduced to several great-great cousins three or four times removed.
Between you and I, I felt as if Tom was with me, laughing at me for trying to keep everything straight.
I can’t stay in this world forever, I know that in my mind but my heart as I lie next to John at night and watch Alexander rapidly becoming more aware of the world around him, my heart wants nothing more than to be theirs.
John says that we can have the future, but I’m so afraid to dream.
Take care my dear friend and will talk to you soon…
Love always
Marlena froze as she re-read the note. She couldn’t sign as Marlena for that would give it away. She couldn’t sign as Elizabeth, for the simple reason that Elizabeth didn’t know Alice. With a smile as she remembered their brief chat at the Opening, it hit her just how she could sign it.
Your girl J
* * * *
Marlena sat wide eyed and solumn as the Privy council began to instruct her on just what was going to be expected of her in the weeks and days ahead.
She paused only to rub her head as she remembered what John told her. The Privy council was the circle of advisors for the King, and now for her.
“At the coronation, the first Duke to swear his loyalty would be your son. But obviously he’s not going to be taking part in the ceremony. So the first one will be your husband.”
Marlena shut her eyes and turned white. “Your Majesty?” Lord Chatherford rushed for a glass of water. She looked up. “I’m fine. This is just quite the ordeal. Father’s passing was just so sudden.”
The elderly Count Beckingham stepped forward. “Majesty, you are our greatest jewel and the brightest hope for our country and it’s future.”
Marlena acknowledged him with a slight bowing of her head. “Thank you all. I shall be, in the next weeks and months leading into the coronation, be leaning on all of you for as supports for my father, so I hope you shall be for me.”
John watched from the Poet’s Gallery with a smile. “Bravo little one. Your learning fast.”
* * * *
“Your Majesty.”
Marlena looked up from the antique globe to see a man walking towards her. “I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to welcome you sooner.” He bowed, taking her hand and resting his forehead against it. “It’s not every day that an Uncle welcomes home his r32;neice the Queen.”
He glanced around. “Where is the Duke?” She smiled. “John is checking with our Staff in Alamainia. We were planning for Alexander’s christening.” She smiled. “It is our family tradition to have the heir christened at 5 months of age.”
He nodded. “Yes, their officially acknowledged as Heir Apparent at that time.” He grinned. “You however managed to be christened far sooner.”
Marlena shivered at the tone in his voice. “Take it easy now Doc.”
“Well in our family, a girl is not nearly as important as a son. Father hoped that I would be the first girl to be truly accepted as the Heir and eventual Monarch of Roquebrune.”
Stephen, the Grand Duke of Timor bowed. “Well as we know, the rule designates that your only the regent until Alexander becomes of age.”
John chose that moment to reappear. “Unless she choses to put Roquebrune under Alamainian protection. Which as our son is the heir to both kingdoms, she has every right to do.”
Marlena said nothing at the display between the men and only walked out of the room, leaving the globe spinning in her wake..
* * * *
“Where are you going?” John had to practically run to catch up with her. “LADY HOLD STILL!” She stopped and spun around. “I can’t do this. I can’t stay in this world for what they’re planning. John, I’m NOT the Queen of Roquebrune!”
He drew her to him and heard her heart pounding in his ears. “Marlena. I’m so sorry.”
She shook her head. “I can’t do this. We have to reveal the truth now. You have Alexander and he is the true ruler. You can rule here as the Regent until Alex turns 21.”
John shook his head, correcting that. “18.”
He brought her hand to his lips. “We’ll go home to Alamainia and speak with Mother. See what she feels is right. I can’t make you stay this way and in my world. But I can’t let you go into danger.”
As they came together for an embrace, an observer faded into the shadows and let out a hiss.
“Welcome home imposter.”
* * * *
“Look at you.”
Marlena smiled and turned around from the window, unconsciously smoothing out the silk of the regal red gown as she stepped forward with a smile. “I could say the same for you.” She stood in front of him, adjusting his bow tie. “You do clean up rather nicely Your Royal Highness.” She raised an eyebrow. “Did you really earn all those medals?”
He glanced down reluctantly, tearing himself from the tiara holding her upswept curls in place. “Well no, but nepotism is a great thing.”
They both burst into laughter as he again looked at her and smiled. “You’re wearing the orders.” Marlena nodded. “Yep, your mother sent them via the diplomatic courier for me this afternoon while you were in emergency meetings with Patrick.”
She pointed at the one on the tiny delicate ivory taffeta ribbon. “This is the order of St. Rowan?” John nodded. “Very good.” Marlena smiled. “It’s amazing just what one can do with a little quick cramming.”
John smiled and fought his urge to laugh. “Ok wise one. What’s the meaning of the white ribbon with the red stripe?” Marlena hesitated. “That’s the order of the Knights of Queen Marguerite, which is given to the senior members of the family. To be worn r32;at events such as what we’re going to undergo tonight. The accession gala.”
John nodded. “Ok and last but not least. The tiny two stars.”
Marlena glanced at her gown. “I don’t have two tiny stars.” He held out his hand. “You do now. Milady, may I present you with the orders of St. Anne and St. Martha.” He pinned them onto the left shoulder of her gown.
“So are you ready to face the aristocracy?” Marlena clamped her eyes shut and let out a reluctant “Nooo.” He grinned. “Take a deep breath and we’ll be fine.”
She tilted a bit to look at him sideways. “What is this WE business?”
He brought her hand to his lips. “We’re a team, remember?”
* * * *
John stood beside Marlena as the Roquebrune National Anthem played. Wincing at the over enthusiasm displayed by the band, John was convinced that he heard her humming a different song under her breath. He recognized it as from Evita as soon as she cheerfully hummed “High flying adored.”
To his amazement, she managed to be silent just seconds before the song ended.
As the guests did the obligatory God Save the Queen and had a moment silence for the King, Marlena acknowledged her quiet rebellious moment by reaching out and squeezing John’s hand. As he turned to look at her. She smiled and he couldn’t help but react to the twinkle in her eyes.
“You’re incorrigible Your Majesty.” She smiled as he lightly brought her hand to his lips and dusted her knuckles with feather light kisses. “Only for you Your Highness.” She winked as she turned to step down from the dais. “Only for you.”
* * * *
“So what do you think?” Stephen turned to his brother Phillip. “You’re the best judge of character that I know.”
He shook his head. “I don’t know just who she is. But I know who she is NOT.” He turned his ice blue eyes back to the laughing young woman in the midst of the conversation with John and the Bishop of Savoy.
“That is NOT Elizabeth.”
* * * *
“Jess, I can’t acknowledge this without sources.”
The brunette threw the notepad at her best friend, who in Basil Jephson’s absence was acting editor. “J.J.”
Shaking her head at the dramatics displayed by the newest member of the team, she shot a wadded ball of paper at her.
“Enough!”
She continued. “You’ve got the makings of an investigation and I’d say go for it. But you have to realize that I can’t officially sanction it. Basil would break my neck and then go for yours just to have the matching set.”
Jessica Dallow shook her head. “Basil’s just afraid of what the Illustrious Patrick would say to this.” J.J took off her glasses. “You and I know that’s exactly why you have to be so careful with this. Patrick’s got the power behind him to knock us off the r32;earth. The Palace isn’t to be toyed with Jess.”
Crossing her legs, Jess smiled. “I’m not toying with the Palace. I’m toying with the Princess Imposter.” She held up a hand to correct her train of thought. “Or should that be Queen Imposter.”
J.J Johnstonne shook her head. “Whoever she is or isn’t, all I can say is may God have mercy on her soul by the time your done.”
* * * *
Marlena was walking down the hall when she heard someone call her name.
Turning, she found herself face to face with a man that could truly fit the description of a gargoyle.
“My Darling Girl.” He hugged her. “Surely you’re glad to see your Uncle Phillip.”
Marlena caught her composure, ignoring the hairs that were beginning to stand at the back of her neck. “I am. Just thought that all of my Uncles were in with the Privy Council, discussing the Coronation costs.”
Phillip waved his hand. “Well I’m not the one with the head for numbers. That was your father and the others. I was what do they call it.” He stopped, laying a hand on her arm.
“I remember now. I’m what they call the Clean up man. I hold all the secrets of the Family.” Marlena shook her head. “What are you referring to?”
He smiled and the gargoyle turned into a death mask. “You my darling.”
Marlena felt like she was Alice in Wonderland. Not knowing what end was up or which was which. “I’m lost.”
He nodded. “I thought so. Let me rephrase this for you. I mean after all dearest, becoming Queen so soon after a Princess is rather intoxicating.”
Counting to 10, Marlena realized that she couldn’t look for John or help.
“Let me put this into terms you can understand. I know that you’re a fraud and I’ll make sure that this ends here and now. My niece died in Paris and while that child of hers lives, I can have the legislation pulled so that it would jump right over that brat r32;and directly to me.”
He spun her to face him. “Do you understand me?”
“She may not, but I certainly do.”
Marlena suddenly recognized the voice and blacked out.
* * * *
Through the fog of unconsciousness, she began the familiar journey through her nightmares.
* * * *
John looked up at first Patrick and then Robert. “This is NOT a joke?”
Robert shook his head. “I was sworn to secrecy years ago. Frances was the twins’ mother’s lady in waiting. We did as we were asked. She was just a babe when she came into our lives. We told the older children that the baby was my brothers.”
He went to the window and worriedly rubbed his hands. “I would never have brought the truth to light. Marlena could have kept forever hidden.” John nodded. “Except for Elizabeth’s accident in Paris.”
Robert nodded. “There was no way that any of the Princes could have assumed the throne.”
John’s head fell into his hands. “She doesn’t know any of this. She thinks and has thought all along that she’s an orphan.” Robert nodded. “At the King’s request, we had a false history for her. If she had any idea that she was a Princess of Roquebrune, she would have been hunted as Elizabeth was, and as Alexander might be.”
John sat still for a moment, allowing this to sink in.
“We have to tell her.” He shook his head. “I have to tell her.” He excused himself.
* * * *
He walked into their bedroom, finding no sign of her.
As he was heading back out, he found a folded piece of paper. Turning it over, he found his name. Opening it, his eyes widened in alarm.
“Treachery deserves the strictest of punishments and none more than the deceit of being an imposter. For Roquebrune and free rule, she will pay for the lies you’ve brought to light.” r32;
Her mouth felt like cotton and her head, well that her head was in pain was beyond description by mortal man, that was a given.
Carefully she tried to roll on her side and found that she felt as if she was seasick. Feeling tears come rushing to the surface at the sight of her hands bound by handcuffs, she shook her head.
“I can’t let them get the satisfaction of this. I WON’T!”
Hearing voices approaching the room, she closed her eyes and stilled her breathing to make it seem that she was still sleeping.
As the door opened, she heard a voice call out. “Wouldn’t do that if I were you. We knew to the exact moment when you would be opening your eyes.”
She refused to acknowledge the voice that was giving her images of oil slicks and octopuses. Staring up at the ceiling, Marlena suddenly found her view of the ceiling fan being blocked by a man that at first impression was an overgrown baby.
“My name is the Grand Duke Mikhail.”
Marlena found herself being helped up to a sitting position and she could see the resemblance between he and the gargoyle.
“While you’re here, you are my guest.” Marlena turned her hazel eyes to him. “Call it as it is. I’m your prisoner.”
He laced his fingers together and smiled. “Well if I had doubts about just who you were before now, you’ve just confirmed it. Elizabeth would NEVER fight back the way you just did.” Marlena glanced at him. “Maybe she should have.”
He shrugged. “Too late to ask her now isn’t it.”
As they walked out, Marlena said a silent prayer for John to come find her.
* * * *
As the shadows on the wall began to explain for her that night was coming, Marlena thought back to that afternoon, when she heard the voice as she blacked out. Or so she had made it appear.
“Ah, if it’s not my good friend Commander Brady.”
Roman glanced over to him. “I’m a good friend only when it serves your purpose. Who do you think you’re kidding?” He carefully laid the bundle in his arms on the couch, carefully as not to hurt Marlena. “The ISA is an aide when YOU need the messy things done Mikhail.”
“Not that you weren’t rewarded when I had you plan out my niece’s tragic crash. Handsomely, if I remember correctly.”
Roman shrugged as he hoped that Marlena would remain unconscious for this. He couldn’t cope if she hated him.
He glanced to her, lying limply on the couch and silently pleaded forgiveness from her. “But I did this for US, to make sure you had everything you deserved in the world sweetheart.”
Marlena felt as if she was standing on quicksand, watching everything she loved fall away and not sure if she could handle it. She finally allowed the exhaustion, fear and anger take control and she began to sob. “Someone help me please!”
* * * *
John sat in the darkness of the suite, a drink in his hand.
“I failed you.” He shook his head; unable to believe that yet again, he failed the woman he loved. With a sigh that had the weight of the world in it, John addressed the darkness in the hopes that someone would hear his thoughts and his prayer.
“I never expect this second chance. I to be very honest didn’t want it. But she made me see that I did deserve and needed to have it. That otherwise I’d be dead inside. Elizabeth, if you can help me tonight, then baby please, please help me find her.”
He finished the whisky in a gulp and uncrossed his feet as he got up to find Patrick.
Snippets of conversations played in his mind, over and over until he felt as if he was going insane.
* * * *
Marlena woke up to find that she was lying in bed, the handcuffs having been taken off.
She looked around the room and found that while a prison, at least she wanted for nothing in terms of surroundings. Counting to ten, she let out a yell.
The figure that was hiding in the shadows stepped forward and smiled at her, reminding her of a shark that just smelt blood.
Marlena kept waiting to see if his eyes would roll back in his head. “Scream all you want to. The staff are all loyal to me and will not do anything to disobey my orders.” She shook her head. “Why are you holding me if I’m nothing to you?”
Mikhail smiled. “I’m holding you my dear Dr. Evans for the simple reason that you are very important to two people that I hate the most. As long as I have you, you fulfill the saying of keep friends close and enemies’ closer. You tie John and Roman to me.”
* * * *
“Why haven’t I gotten any word?” He turned around and looked at his mother and her Private Secretary. “Robert, you said that we should have had word from her kidnappers by now.”
Marguerite laid a hand on his arm. “John you have to stay calm.” He yanked away. “Easy for you to say. Mother, we put her into this situation. Time and time again, she’s been hurt and we shouldn’t have been playing with her life. Marlena should have been allowed to stay quietly in Salem.”
Marguerite fought the fear she was feeling for the girl and smiled at Marlena’s gentle influence on John.
He had stepped into the leadership role without hesitation, where with Elizabeth, he was willing to be quiet and go with the flow and be the stereotypical Prince.
“We will find her. Don’t forget you do have the one advantage right now darling. You’re the only one who knows that she IS a Princess, and rightful Queen.”
John shook his head and found himself looking at his mother as if she had grown an additional head. “That’s an advantage?”
* * * *
“So you’re the Imposter.”
Marlena rolled over on the bed and clamped her eyes shut, willing the new occupant of her room to simply go away.
After a few minutes of silence, Marlena had begun to think that she was alone and rolled over to find the ice blue eyes watching her with a smile.
“Nope, no such luck.”
Marlena sat up. “Who are you and what do you want from me?”
The older woman smiled and came to sit beside Marlena’s bed. “Now that is the spirited child that I remember.” Her eyes twinkled. “You always were willing to be involved with everything.”
Marlena shook her head. “You’re delusional. I don’t remember you and I was never a spirited child. I was always quiet and shy.”
The woman began to laugh. “No, that was your sister Elizabeth. YOU, on the other hand were a thoroughly delightful little girl.”
Marlena blinked. “You just said Elizabeth was my sister. You have mistaken me for someone else. I had a sister but her name was Samantha Caroline Evans.”
The old woman smiled. “Let me correct this right now, nip it in the bud. You were NOT born Marlena Evans. You were born Her Royal Highness The Princess Jocelyn Alexandra Grace of Roquebrune, Daughter of King Nicholas II of Roquebrune.”
Marlena squinted at the woman, trying to figure out just who she was. “How is it that you seem to know more about me than ME?”
The old woman began to laugh. “Let me introduce myself. My name is Her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess Olga Nicholaievna. I’m your Great Aunt.”
* * * *
“So how many people know who I am?” Olga smiled. “Just me I think. That’s because I was there with your mother when she gave birth. She and I knew that it would be hard enough for one daughter, but for two it would be impossible. She and I r32;arranged quickly that as the younger baby, you would be taken away.”
Marlena brought her hands to her face. “But I REMEMBER everything. I remember having a twin sister, the explosion that killed my parents.”
Olga looked at her and softly sighed. “They were foster parents that we had placed you with. That part was true. The security team had told us after the fact they believed that someone had come close to the truth, which explained the bombing. We could never find out just how they had learnt of just who you were.” Marlena shook her head. “A security team?”
Olga nodded. “Little one, just because you weren’t in the family, didn’t mean that you were out of certain people’s thoughts. The team that your mother and I hired to watch over you were to keep you safe and also to make sure we had reports on how you were progressing. It made your mother so proud to know just how well you were doing in school and that you became a doctor.”
Marlena slumped back against the pillows. “I’m so sorry. But this is just too much to deal with. I mean to learn that I had a family all this time and I went through time thinking that I was alone.” She began to sob. “And now I’m being held against my will by that same family. Why?”
Olga was silent for a moment. “Because your uncles are power mad and always have been.”
Marlena suddenly seized on a small hope. “Aunt Olga, could you please get word to John. Tell him to find me please?” Olga suddenly shrunk back. “I can’t.”
“To do that would hasten my demise.”
Marlena shook her head. “But if I’m the Queen, I can have them arrested, put away. They couldn’t harm us. Please, please help me.”
She was about to speak as the door opened. “It was a joy to meet you, but a shame that you pretended to be someone that you were not.” She glanced at Stephen. “Good afternoon Mademoiselle.”
As the door closed, Marlena began to sob and scream. “JOHN HELP ME PLEASE!”
* * * *
“A Costume Ball.” Olga turned around. “What in the world are you thinking of?” Stephen smiled. ‘This is the perfect way to announce that since the Princess Elizabeth has renounced the throne for not only herself, but also for her son, I will be taking the r32;throne.”
As he walked away, Olga smiled. “There is a chance ma chere.” She glanced at the retreating back of her nephew. “Elizabeth may have, but Jocelyn has not.”
She walked to the painting of King Nicholas and Elizabeth that had been done for her 21st birthday and moved it to reveal the safe. “Time for papers to be made known.”
John walked into the bedroom and found her curled up on the bed, a faint smile dancing across her lips as she lay watching him with hazel eyes that were drowsily turning amber, anticipating his touch on her skin, his lips on hers.
She smiled and held out her hands. “I knew that you’d find me.”
He smiled as he walked across the room, joining her on the bed. Facing her, he allowed her to lightly trace his face in wonder. “I dreamt of this. Of being with you.”
Cutting her off with a kiss, John lowered his lips to her neck, feeling a sense of desire as she shivered while he began to undo her robe. “Oh John, Make love to me.” He broke away, allowing her to begin undoing his shirt.
“I finally get to tell the world just who you are. That while you’re a lookalike for Marlena, you’re my darling Elizabeth.”
She froze. “My name is Marlena.” Ignoring her, he began to lower her to the bed. “You’re just hallucinating my love. You’re the Princess.”
She turned her head to the person in the doorway. “Tell him I’m Marlena!”
Olga stepped forward. “She’s not Elizabeth.” Marlena felt relief washing over her. “Thank you Olga.” The old woman began to laugh. “She’s your wife’s sister Jocelyn!”
With a scream that died in her throat, Marlena sat up, realizing that it was a nightmare and looked fearfully around the room.
“It’s about time that you woke up. It’s not every day that a ball is thrown in your honor.”
Marlena squinted and made out a figure sitting in the corner of her room, a figure she knew all too well and loathed more than most. She silently said his name while at least having the sense to still pretend. “Commander Brady, is that you?”
He came to sit beside her on the bed. Reaching for her hand, he lightly ran his finger over her skin, making her itch. “Marlena, there’s no need to pretend. The Duke isn’t here to force you to be his wife.” She didn’t like the way his eyes were glazing over, r32;but knew him well enough that if she spoke at this moment, he would go off.
“But I have to make you see. You have to understand where I’m coming from here.” He took her hand in his. “I did this for us.”
She bit back a scream and climbed off the bed.
“How did you figure handing me to the Grand Dukes was for us?” She tried to stay calm, not wanting him to know what she felt. But dying to know just why he would have allowed everyone think that he had known nothing of this.
“Because it would keep you from John.”
Marlena shook her head. “They’ve threatened to kill me. NO offense but this is not the best move that you’ve ever made Commander.”
Roman’s eyes took on a serious tone. “I won’t let them hurt you. Just sign their papers as the Princess and I’ll get you out of here.”
She suddenly lunged for him. “They’re NOT going to let me leave alive. Roman, they’ll kill me and you CAN’T stop them!”
As she watched him leave, Marlena reached for the pillow on her bed and clutched it to her chest. “How could I have believed in you Brady?”
* * * *
“You promised that no harm would come to her!”
With that statement of fact ringing in the air, Roman came storming into the study, his eyes on fire, focusing on where Stephen and Mikhail were sitting. Both men looked up at this display of emotion from their colleague in mild surprise. “And there hasn’t been anything done to her. Unless she fails to sign the abdication decree tonight at the gala.”
Roman tensed up. “So she was right. You have threatened.”
Stephen smiled. “Don’t worry. You will have her to take home at the end of this. But what we never said was if she’d be leaving in a body bag. You may tell her that the decision is hers and hers alone.”
* * * *
John turned around and held up his hands. “Just why in the hell should I believe a word of this. You’re not exactly the most sane of men at the best of times.”
Roman shifted in his seat. “Because despite my falling in with them again. I have NO doubt that they’ll follow through exactly to the letter everything they’ve told me. They will kill her tonight at the gala. If she doesn’t sign the abdication decree for not just her, but also for your son.”
John came to sit down. “Why have you done this. Why have you chosen to betray her and now betray the men you just said would kill without a moment’s thought?”
Roman looked up. “I love her. When they came to me and told me their proof of just how she WAS Marlena, I began to not think clearly. They had also proof on me of political killings that I had done for them with ISA blessing. I can’t have her hate me r32;more.”
John nodded. “It’s a shame you didn’t think of this before you allowed her to undergo this.” Roman began to laugh. “What about you. You could have stopped this sooner. Your family put Marlena into this world. You could have put your foot down.”
Roman came closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “It must have been so easy. Having her here. Having not to deal with the grief. You don’t have to go forward since you have the living reminder right there.”
John suddenly saw red, threw his arm back and connected with Roman’s jaw.
“Unlike apparently you, I know EXACTLY who Marlena is. I love her, unlike you and I have EVERY intention of bringing her back in one piece and making up for just everything she’s had to undergo by playing the masquerade.”
He suddenly yanked him up. “If you decide to suddenly have a change of heart and start doing an impression of a canary, I will use everything I have to, to make your life a living hell.”
* * * *
“Aunt Olga, I can’t do this.”
Marlena looked up at the older woman. “I can’t pull off being Elizabeth, now knowing that I’m Jocelyn.” She began to cry. “Either way, I am going to die because if they find out that there was another heir standing in their way outside of Alexander and his mother.”
Olga came and sat with her niece, taking her hands in hers. “You CAN do this. You’ll not be alone today. I’ve made sure of that.”
She smiled. “Now you have to go finish getting ready. I picked out the costume that you’re to wear.” Marlena shook her head.
“Trust me, I took our family history into account to make sure the costume was perfect and one of a kind.”
“One of a kind?” Olga nodded. “You don’t know when you’re going to be picked out of a crowd.”
Leaving her bewildered niece on the chair, Olga laughed. “See you at the gala Darling.”
* * * *
Marlena was standing on the landing as the guests arrive and John caught sight of her for a moment, his heart pounding so loud that he was convinced that she could hear him. She looked distraught but absolutely beautiful in her dark blue velvet strapless gown, with its light blue tulle wrap. Her hair pulled up with diamond pins.
But before he could call to her, he saw her being yanked away by Grand Duke Mikhail.
“My dear Duke.” He turned around to find Olga watching him, a vague secret dancing behind her eyes. “Ah, Grand Duchess Olga.” He bowed and brought her hand to his lips. “How are you, My dear Godmother?”
She grinned. “Not nearly as well as my grand niece, once she sees that you’re here.”
John’s eyes widened. “Your Grand niece?”
Olga nodded. “Yes, I believe you received files from me showing that Dr. Marlena Evans was actually born the Princess Jocelyn. I know you’re a very smart man and probably figured out just what that means for her safety tonight.”
John nodded. “Either way, as Jocelyn or as Elizabeth, Marlena’s life is in grave danger.”
* * * *
Marlena winced as his hand met her cheek. “SIGN IT!” Stephen’s face contorted into rage. “I don’t care if you are Elizabeth or the urchin off the street. I want all traces of my brother’s child wiped off the planet. SIGN THE ABDICATION!”
She screamed, feeling rage taking over her, but yet she found herself balling her hands into fists. “I WILL NOT!”
She felt herself being lifted out of the chair. “I’ll kill you here and now, sign it.”
“If I sign it, doesn’t matter. For there were TWO children born to the King and his wife. Elizabeth was the first born twin, the other was hidden away and YOU will NEVER find her.”
Roman let out a scream. “Marlena, what are you saying!”
She broke out of Stephen’s grip, heading for the open French doors. “You’re NOT that stupid, Figure it out Roman and I’m sure you’ll get it!”
* * * *
Olga searched the crowds. “She’s not here.”
John laid his hand on her arm. “What do you mean?” Olga turned slightly to face her escort. “She was supposed to be presented by Stephen and Mikhail at precisely 8. It’s now 9 and there’s a chill in my bones, the last time I felt this was when I was told that r32;Nikki had died and I learnt just how intensely his brothers wanted the throne.”
John shook his head. “This isn’t right.” Olga saw him searching the room. “If you’re looking for the Commander, he’s been locked up with the brothers Grimm.”
He suddenly broke into a smile. “Oh you have no idea just how much I needed this laugh.”
Olga smiled back. “You need to keep positive thoughts. To get my niece back, you’ll have to use every once of strength for the both of you.”
* * * *
She was curled up in a ball, hidden in the maze with her hands stuffed in her mouth to prevent any screams from being heard.
Her hair was haphazardly half up and half down around her shoulders, her feet and hands had cuts and scrapes from where she had come through the bushes trying to avoid Roman and the various guards.
Rocking softly, she said a silent prayer. “Dear god, help John find me.”
* * * *
John was walking back into the ballroom when he happened to hear two of the security men. Ducking behind the tree, he got his first break as he heard them saying where they had or hadnt checked.
“The maze.”
He had a sudden flashback of playing in there with a laughing Elizabeth as children.
“You can’t find me.” He grinned. “Make a bet?” He suddenly remembered that she had taught him all the hidden niches and hiding spaces in the maze that not even the guards knew. He checked to see if he could slip out. “Hang on Doc.”
Stepping outside, he glanced upwards and smiled. “Thank you Beth.”
* * * *
“Ah, Olga.”
She turned around and found Stephen standing there. “Hello Stephen.” She stepped towards him. “What’s wrong, the party is a huge success, you should be happy instead of looking like something the cat dragged in.”
He took her arm and led her inside the library. “Well I would be happy, but for one small thing.” Olga bowed her head, rummaging through her purse to avoid showing him just how happy she was. “And that is?”
“Our niece. She’s not co-operating.” He turned and leaned against the leather couch. “I need her signature on certain papers and the foolish child refuses.” He let out a sigh. “We tried to convince her, but she ran off.”
Olga looked at her nephew curiously. “Knowing our family’s style of convincing, can you blame her?”
Ignoring the older woman, Stephen continued with his train of thought.
“Apparently she says there were two daughters born that night. Elizabeth was the oldest and the other was spirited away.” He surveyed his aunt closely. “You were there if I remember correctly. Is that true?”
Olga shook her head. “I was late, being called away from the opera and arrived to find that the Queen had already given birth. Amelia had been holding only one infant. Not to say that she never had a second child, I just had only seen one.”
She turned away, missing the knife that Stephen pulled out of his costume.
Approaching her, he smiled. “So yet again, the imposter lied.”
Olga shook her head. “I don’t know. Unfortunately, the Queen had an attack of some sort just mere moments after I had left with the baby to tell Nikki of his daughter. Because of her heart condition, Amelia had never revealed much of anything after r32;that.”
He smiled as images of his smothering Amelia washed over him. “As will you. Sorry Aunt Olga.” He spun her to face him and thrust the knife into her. As she slipped from his grip, he shrugged. “You know what they say, keep enemies closer, but your r32;family closer. Can’t have anyone knowing that this could very well be true.”
He knelt down, removing the knife and smiling as he shut her eyes. “God speed Aunt Olga.”
* * * *
John walked quickly through the maze, going only by instinct, eyes darting from left to right, looking for the hidden niches.
“Where are you Doc?”
He began to whistle softly as to not give away what he was up to. He smiled as he began remembering the day he told her that he had a whistle to let her know that he was thinking of her.
She had merely laughed and snuggled closer. “My very own canary.” He played with her hair. “Insolent aren’t you my Princess.” She leaned in to kiss him, inhaling his scent and smiling. “Only when we’re alone.”
The whistle died in his throat and John nearly jumped out of his skin when a hand shot through the bushes.
Dropping to his knees, John’s eyes widened as he helped out a scared child.
“Marlena?” She shook her head. “Help me please. John, they want me dead.” He pulled her to him and pressed his lips to her cheek. “I have back up here and we won’t let anything happen to you.”
Shaking, she allowed him to help her to her feet. “John, the Uncles don’t know about Jocelyn.” He corrected her. “You.”
She nodded. “But they want me to abdicate as Elizabeth for her and for Alexander.”
He moved his jacket to show the pistol tucked just out of sight in his waistcoat. “We won’t let that happen.” He smiled and brushed her hair out of her face.
“When I thought that I had lost you.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, becoming as pliant as a tired child. “Help me please.”
He smiled. “I’ll help you as long as you let me. But let’s get you changed so that you can meet your subjects.”
* * * *
John stood watching the stars as she softly called out his name. He turned and smiled.
“Well look at you. Lady you’re incredible.”
Marlena smiled and said thank you to the maids who helped to put the tiara on her blonde curls and helped her to hide the cuts, scrapes and bruises. As they left the room, Marlena stepped to him and held out her hands with a wink. “Well since apparently I’m a Princess of Roquebrune and now the Queen I guess. To Aunt Olga, it made sense to wear for my costume, the court dress.”
He spun her around with a smile watching as the ivory taffetas full skirt pooled out and the pale ivory embroidery caught the light. “You look like an angel and this gown is giving me an idea.”
Marlena looked down and peered up at him from under her curls. “It is?”
He nodded. “I want to marry you tonight.” Marlena choked. “Pardon me?”
He smiled and hugged her. “Ok, I’ll admit too soon. But I do promise that when this is over and we clear this mess up. I’m announcing to the world that I’m marrying you.”
Marlena took a breath. “Don’t leave me.” He crushed her under his embrace. “Lady, that is something you’ll never have to question.”
* * * *
“Any word?” Roman turned around and found Stephen standing there.
“No, I haven’t been able to radio the guards. How about you?” Roman shook his head. “I tried, but nothing.”
Stephen was about to speak when the band suddenly stopped. He watched with barely concealed rage as the two figures paused just in the doorway.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and His Royal Highness, The Duke of Menton.”
John gazed at the crowd and suddenly his voice boomed out as he gestured to Roman and Stephen
“ARREST THEM!”
At that moment, the ballroom plunged into darkness and chaos.
* * * *
John had Marlena’s hand tightly in his. “No matter what you do, don’t let go.”
“Trust me, I’m never letting go.” She was about to speak a second time when the lights came back on and found Roman and the Grand Duke surrounded by guards. “John, what about Mikhail?”
He was going to answer her when suddenly someone let out a scream.
“WE NEED A DOCTOR HERE!”
Without a second thought, Marlena flew out of the room.
* * * *
“Hang on, please Aunt Olga!” Marlena knelt down and began to work on her.
The older woman smiled and weakly opened her eyes. “Jocelyn.”
Marlena smiled. “You have to hold on, because you’re the only one who knows all of the secrets and I’m going to be needing to hear all about my family.”
The Doctors arrived and began to work on her, allowing John to slip Marlena away from her Aunt’s side in order for them to work.
* * * *
“So two of them have been arrested. The security team has an APB on the Grand Duke Mikhail and now, we just have to decide on one thing.”
Marlena lifted her eyebrow. “And what’s that?” John spun her back to face him. “That is what we’re going to do now that we’re playing on an equal playing field now, so to speak.” He cradled her face in both of his hands. “You don’t look like a Princess r32;Jocelyn.”
Marlena turned her face so that she could kiss first one hand and then the other. “What do I look like?”
He slid his hands around her waist. “Mine.”
The darkness of the late night was softly fading into the early and very vivid colors of morning as John led Marlena back into the garden.
Holding her hand in his, he turned and smiled. “I think it’s time to take you home to bed.”
She shook her head, ignoring the contrast of saying no while a bone-breaking tiredness washed over her. “I need to know how Aunt Olga is before I can even THINK of sleeping.”
Sliding her hand out of his, she went to sit on the stone bench just behind her.
“John, this is getting way too scary.” She looked down at her hands and saw that they were beginning to shake. Seeing that his attention was elsewhere, she hid them in the voluminous folds of her gown.
“People are dying because of a man’s obsession with the throne.” She glanced at him.
“I can’t even begin to imagine dealing with this on a daily basis.”
She shook her head, correcting her statement. “I mean I know that I have to, I’m Queen now. But I don’t think that I can handle constantly dealing with looking over my shoulders, wondering if Stephen or Mikhail via a lackey will have me killed.”
He knelt in front of her as he brought her cut hand to his lips, as if by gently placing kisses, would help to wash the night’s events away.
“Listen to me. The police have one in custody and the other one won’t be far behind him. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
He cocked his head to one side as he held out his arms with a grin that stopped Marlena’s heart.
“Tell me you believe me.” She smiled as she rested her head against his shoulder for a moment, allowing his scent of rain and outside to wash over her, making her feel safe. “Make it very hard for me NOT to believe.”
He nodded and stood up, reaching for her hands to pull her up to her feet. As she stood up, she flashed him a smile that was pure impish delight. “Ok hero, tell you what.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and winked as she rested her head again against his chest for a moment.
“I’m so tired, I’ll let you take me home to bed.”
He began to grin lasciviously, which sent her into laughter as she looked up at him. “To go to Sleep John.”
He grimaced. “You’re not fair!”
She laid her hand on his cheek and quoted a line from the song she heard once. “Oh it just sucks to be you.”
* * *
“Awfully confident aren’t you?”
Jessica turned around to find J.J watching her with a curious stare and shrugged her shoulders. “Why shouldn’t I be? Basil isn’t due back for another three days and by that time it will be too late. The world will find out that their fairy Princess slash Fairytale Queen is a fraud and it nearly cost the Grand Duchess her life!”
J.J. sighed. “Jessica, this is going to have your career here in Alamainia ruined. Don’t you realize this?”
She came and sat in the chair on the other side of Jessica’s desk.
“I truly don’t care and do you know why?”
She leaned over and grinned. “Because, I’ve already had offers based on what is rumored to be in my expose to go and join other papers. Even BOOK deals.” She shook her head.
“Princess Fraud has given me more attention than anything else I’ve ever written.” She straightened up. “So right now, Basil can fire me, I don’t care and do you know why?”
J.J. shook her head. “I’m afraid to even tread on that ice with you Kermit.”
Jessica’s smile faded.
“Because dear Watson, this whole story is the truth.” She reached for her jacket. “And truth always comes out in the light of day.”
* * *
“Do you realize that out of everything that has gone on and everything that I’ve been given since you’ve come into my life, what I am enjoying the most out of all of this?”
Getting no answer, John looked down as he ran his hand over the long, tanned and very shapely leg of the other occupant of the bed, who at that moment was looking distinctively and very disgruntled.
He grinned. “Aw come on, guess.”
Sensing that he wasn’t going to give up, Marlena sat up and shrugged. “I have absolutely NO clue, but if it means what I hope it does, that at least I’ll be able to get at least ONE hour of sleep preferably with some blankets, then I’ll play.”
She drew her legs up out of John’s reach, wrapping her hands around them with a pout and turned her full attention to him, until he began to speak.
Catching her hands as she made the sudden move to reach for the blankets, John let out a warning. “Not SO fast!”
She let out a groan and grimaced as she realized she’d be lucky for 30 minutes of sleep at this rate.
In that small gesture, John could see two things. Just how a daughter of theirs could look and as the pain shot through him, just how Elizabeth was also known to make that same expression.
Marlena caught the look in his eyes and covered her hurt over the intrusion of the not forgotten ghost, with a smile.
“Good grief, the poster boy to SINGLE women around the world, IDOL of millions is nothing more than a glorified blanket HOG!”
Leaning in for a kiss, John found himself lost for a moment in the light floral scent of her. With a smile he shrugged his shoulders. “To get back to the main discussion, what I just enjoy the most is that I have you.”
Fighting the cold hand that suddenly shot out and grabbed for her heart, Marlena allowed him to take control, to smother the nagging thoughts. As he laid her back against the pillows, she welcomed the sensations of his skin on hers, his lips lightly searching for the spot that he had discovered would begin to turn her into liquid, convincing her that they were the only two in this space and time.
Suddenly the warmth was gone and she realized the connection had been broken. Opening her drowsy eyes, she found herself staring into the blackened bewildered eyes of her worried lover.
“Tell me.” She shook her head, unable to get the words out. “Marlena, TELL ME!”
Again, she chickened out. Unable to put into words the doubt that had always existed for her since they had professed their feelings. And now, with the shooting, she wasn’t ready to deal with the fear for the simple fact that if either fear was spoken aloud, brought out into the light of day that they would begin to BE. That alone terrified her most of all.
She began to shake and she softly whispered. “Please don’t ask me.” Feeling himself losing control out of frustration, John closed his eyes and began to count to 10 by 2’s.
“Don’t do this Marlena; I thought that we had begun to.”
She reached for her robe. “We did, but then there’s always something that comes along in my life that exists only to purely remind me that those who fly too close to the sun will get burnt.” His hand shot out as she reached for the sash for her robe. “Tell me!”
The bedside phone rang, breaking the tension. “It can keep.” John turned back to face Marlena. “Answer me.”
Marlena chose to stay silent.
At the fourth ring, he rolled his eyes and took the call. It was long enough for Marlena to get dressed and flee the room.
As he hung up, John found he was alone. Drawing his leg up, he rested his arm on it and paused reflectively for a moment. “We will finish this talk.”
* * *
Since her time at the Palace, Marlena had allowed herself to resume an old childhood love and began playing the piano to relieve stress. This morning found her playing a particularly haunting melody.
She suddenly heard footsteps behind her and she stopped, her hands hovering over the keys.
“Oh don’t stop because of me.”
She shifted slightly to see that it was Marguerite standing there with a delighted smile. “I always wanted one of my children to play. Despite lessons, both John and Charlotte never picked up the gift.” She came to sit beside Marlena.
“Though Charlotte does play the cello. Not as much since she moved to Madrid for her husband’s posting.”
She smiled indulgently as she thought of her adored daughter and son in law. Her thoughts turned back to the lady beside her and Marguerite chose to tread gently.
“How is Olga?”
Marlena tucked her hair behind her ear and took a deep breath. “As of early this morning, she was still in surgery. Apparently the wound was deeper than first thought and did a lot more damage. But the Doctors were hopeful.” She smiled. “So until I hear otherwise, so am I.”
She slid off the bench and walked to the windows.
Wrapping her arms around her waist, she turned back to face Marguerite.
“I suppose you’ve heard all of what happened last night?” The older woman nodded. “Yes, by Robert who was absolutely panicked over you when he got the reports from John and the security teams.”
Marlena nodded, a distance growing in her hazel eyes.
“Elizabeth was to abdicate not just for her but also Alexander.” She shook her head. “The look in their eyes when I revealed that while I couldn’t do that, didn’t matter as there was another child that still stood in their way.” She smiled. “The Princess Jocelyn.”
Marguerite smiled at the look in Marlena’s eyes. “Dear, John told me what you did and you took a great risk. You could have ended up like Olga.” Marlena nodded.
“It was better than to know those risks to the world were now in charge of Roquebrune.” She shook her head, searching for the words. “What kind of a Monarch would I be if I didn’t do what was best for my country?”
She stopped and began to chuckle. “I’ve only been a Queen for a week and I’m already sounding like a.” Marguerite interrupted by laying her hand over Marlena’s. “You are sounding like a Queen. A very kind and compassionate one.”
Marlena blushed. “I don’t know the first thing on how to rule.”
Marguerite smiled. “That’s something that you learn as you go.” She nodded. “I was 25 when I ascended the throne, mother of a very sweet and inquisitive little boy all of 2 and expecting my second child. All the lessons that I was taught by MY father were icing on the cake. They explained the country to me, the political views and my family history. But the cake was created via years of experience learning as you go r32;along.”
Marlena blinked. “So you’re saying that everything I’ve done in my life has led me here?”
Marguerite smiled. “By Jove, I think the Princess has got it.” Marlena shook her head with a grin. “Pygmalion.”
She started to laugh. “That actually fits here. Transforming a working girl into a lady. In my case it was twisted to be a Doctor into a Queen. But it works.”
Marguerite studied the young woman. “With a little help from the love of a good man.”
Marlena shook her head. “It’s not love, it can’t be.” She stood up. “John’s never had the chance to grieve for her and to have me here, well the only way I can call it is that it was quicksilver and nothing more. Maybe if we had met another time or.” She threw her hands up. “I don’t know and I can’t even begin to grasp at this anymore.”
She lifted her eyes. “Love and duty don’t mix.”
Marguerite looked at the young woman. “They do if you find the right person to share it with. Darling girl, you are NOTHING like Elizabeth and John loves you for you.”
Marlena began to cry, feeling the stress of the last weeks plus lack of sleep. “No.” She looked at John’s mother with the need to feel someone’s arms around her, telling her that it would be OK.
Marguerite saw the look and knew exactly what to do. “Go see him in the nursery. Nanny should have him up and dressed already.”
Marlena hiccuped. “I thought you were going to refer to John.”
Marguerite started to laugh. “OK go see my grandson.”
* * *
Robert was making his way to the nursery to check on his niece when a weird noise rang out of the room, followed by a tiny baby belly laugh. Peeking in the doorway, Robert smiled as he watched Marlena blowing on the baby’s feet.
“Oh you rude little man, you cheeky monkey.”
He cleared his throat, which got no response from her, so with a smile he called out.
“YOUR MAJESTY!”
With that proclamation, she lifted her head and smiled at the sight of her most trusted advisor. “Hello Uncle Robert.”
He came in and laid his file on the dresser. “John asked me to check on you. He knew that you’d need family.” He paused. “I guess that’s not really correct. The man on the street is more family to you than me.”
She grinned and carefully wrapped the baby back up in his blanket before laying him in the cradle. “You and I both know that you ARE my family. You’ve been with me for everything and I trust you with my life.”
She studied him for a moment, admiring the jovial Irishman with the Santa Claus sparkle.
Remembering how he would engulf her in a bear hug, sneaking her caramels on Sunday as they arrived home from Church and how he would read to her when she was sick, cuddling her so that she would always feel safe and secure.
“Believe me when I say that that bond will see us through everything as it has all along.” He patted her hand. “Including just whatever it is that has caused your lovely hazel eyes to be so grave and shadowed.”
He leaned over and searched her face. “Tell me.”
Marlena grimaced as she placed her gurgling baby Prince back in his crib. “Have I said lately just how much I hate your gift of second sight?”
Robert chuckled as he pulled her to him for a hug. “When it’s come to you lass, it’s served me well.” He laid his hand on her cheek and she smiled. “Now that smile is back and we’re alone. Tell me what’s wrong?”
With a sigh, Marlena began to explain.
He was stunned that she had kept this all to herself. “Why couldn’t you have told John of all this? Especially about your feelings about the three of you?”
She picked up a teddy bear and suddenly froze. “The three of us?”
He nodded. “You, John and the angel that had your face.” She suddenly became hesitant.
“If I wanted to be really honest, then it’s because I’m afraid of hearing him tell me that I was just his replacement, telling me that he loved me to have me weakened.”
Her hands fluttered up to dry her tears and he came to hug her. “Lass.”
She held out her hand. “I’m going to go for a walk. Thank you for listening to me Uncle Robert.”
* * *
He sat quietly in the semi-darkness, re-reading his note, even though he had already committed it to memory.
He sealed it and smiled indulgently, a smile that in his associates caused fear.
“Soon My Princess. Very soon.”
* * *
“Christmas is a time for children and in the spirit of that and for their enjoyment, I now proclaim the Christmas Lights of 1999 are now on!”
With the flick of the switch hidden in her bouquet of roses, Marlena heard the applause and looked to Patrick who grinned. “Well done!”
She smiled. “Patrick, can I go home please?”
He smiled back. “Yes, you’re done.” As they turned around, an assistant for the store’s owner stepped forward. “This is for you.”
She handed off her flowers to her lady in waiting and opened the envelope.
“Betrayals are so much worse when done by those closest to us.”
She glanced to Patrick, who looked as bewildered as she was.
“Let’s get you home.”
* * *
Marlena and Patrick walked into the Palace as John and Robert were coming down the gallery staircase.
“How did the Lighting go?” Marlena glanced to Patrick and walked down the opposite hall.
“Mikhail struck again.” John read the card and shot off in pursuit of Marlena.
Robert looked to Patrick. “You know what this means don’t you?” The younger man nodded. “Tighten the security around her even more. She’s not too happy, we’ve discussed this already on the ride home.”
* * *
Marlena flung one shoe and then the other before climbing on the couch with the package. Pulling her hair up in a ponytail, she read the card with a smile.
“Can’t expect you to learn all you need to in one day, but I know that she’d feel better knowing that you had this to read. To know via these letters your mother and I exchanged in the months before you were born, that you were wanted and cherished even though you would soon be thousands of miles apart.
Aunt Olga.”
Marlena slipped out of the package a tiny bundle, held in place by an ivory moiré taffeta ribbon. Undoing that, she swore that she smelt lilacs. That made her smile as she began to read.
“My Darling Girl,
Even though we’re soon to be millions of miles away, I still feel such a connection to you. I will thank God for your sister for two reasons, first that I’m not truly alone in this glorified cage. The other reason is a simpler heart felt one. That while I can never claim you, at least I can see you in her and know that you’re exactly her image. That you will be a happy laughing and healthy little girl with sun kissed golden curls and tawny eyes like your daddy.”
Tears sparkled like diamonds as Marlena folded back up the letter and with a gesture like a butterfly, she dried her eyes.
“Oh Mother, if you only truly knew.”
* * *
Patrick flew down the corridor that separated the offices of the Private Secretaries from the family wing. He had to speak with one particular person and as if by fate, Robert came walking from Marlena and John’s apartments.
“ROBERT WAIT!” Hearing the yell, he turned. “Hello Patrick.”
Flustered, he handed off the afternoon’s edition of the paper. “Have you seen this?”
Robert shook his head as he took the paper. “I’ve been in with the Privy Council dealing with Jocelyn’s coronation. I haven’t even seen my feet all afternoon.” He shrugged. “Why?”
He glanced down and Patrick was convinced that the elder statesman was about to have a heart attack. But he needed to know ALL of it.
“This was faxed to my attention with a note. It said that we’re to keep an eye on the National Treasure as things of great value once broken and fixed, are never truly the same.”
Robert shook his head. “What in the hell does THAT mean.” He scratched his head. “Not only are we dealing with lunatics, but they’re also DAFT lunatics.”
He read the article. “Where in the HELL was Basil while this was going on?” Patrick shrugged. “I can’t reach him.”
Robert fixed his underling with a glare. “That’s good. Maybe Sir Michael is wringing his second in command’s neck for letting this go through!”
Patrick nodded. “Right now, doesn’t matter. We are going to have to do damage control. We need to show the Duke. Not to mention the Princess and Queen Marguerite.”
Robert turned and went into his office, leaving the door opened for Patrick to follow. “Oh we definitely have to show the Queen and Prince John. This is going to have to be dealt with.” He shook his head. “But we’re not going to trouble The Princess as she has too much to deal with right now.”
Robert leaned back in his chair and chuckled. “She can’t STAND Jessica Dallow to begin with, once my niece reads this, The Princess is going to LOATHE her now.”
* * *
John came into their bedroom and found her cross-legged on the four poster bed, going over sheets. “What are you up to?”
She didn’t even lift her eyes. “Going over what I need to have brought back from Salem with me when I go to close up that chapter of my life.”
She gathered them up and began to climb off the bed.
“You can’t keep running from me.” He crouched to her level and she leaned forward with a shrug. “I’m not running because I know you’re always right behind me.” She stepped around him. “Marlena, we do have to finish the conversation from the other day.”
She sounded so small as she looked around. “I can’t do this anymore.” She shook her head. “I can’t. The cracks are too big and I can’t deal with this.”
Worried, he reached out to take her hands. “What are you talking about?”
She took a breath and gripped the sides of the chair. “Its over.” She looked at the hand that wore Elizabeth’s engagement sapphire and diamond ring, plus the band of gold for just a moment before sliding them off her hand.
“This world we created was fool’s gold and was never meant to be.” She prayed that her voice was more solid than her shaking body.
“If we looked hard enough, we can safely say that we’ve used each other to get what we wanted. I used you, as I never had a family of my own to love and care for. To have the safety net of knowing that regardless of how the day went, I would have someone who would catch me and never let me go. It may sound idealistic, but losing everything taught me to be honest.”
She laid the rings in his hands. “Alexander was the icing on the cake. Which brings me to you. I was your second chance. Elizabeth was gone but yet here I was. If ever there was a dream world, what we had, well that was it.”
He looked from the rings and then up to her as he realized that she was waiting for him to speak, to grant her absolution. By saying yes she was right. But he couldn’t, he wasn’t ready to.
“When do you go?” Even he winced at the harshness in his voice.
She blinked and picked up her files. “Probably tomorrow. Been gone so long they’ve probably disbarred me.” She grinned. “Good thing I’m now the Queen of Roquebrune, From a shrink to a Queen, not a bad career move. If I do say so myself.”
The smile faded. “I need to close that chapter of my life so that I can deal with assuming the throne.”
Wondering how all that he had known to be truth just moments earlier was now gone, John shook his head.
“You can’t be alone.”
Like a light in the darkness, he focused on what she was saying. “You need to grieve for her, we both do and now thanks to Jessica Dallow’s determination, the world is close to if not already knowing that Elizabeth is dead. She needs to be brought home.”
John shook his head again, unable to accept this.
“It’s for the best, you’ll understand soon.”
* * *
Marguerite watched as Marlena finished packing a few days later. She directed which boxes were to be sent ahead to the Amelia Palace, her new home.
“So it’s really true?”
Marlena turned around. “Yep.” She tucked her hair back in her braid. “I am leaving.”
Marguerite nodded. “Robert and John told me earlier today.” Marlena smiled and went back to packing her dresses.
Marguerite watched her for a moment before breaking out into a smile that had earned her the nickname of Sunny as a child. “It’s selfish, but I wanted you to stay with us. You’ve brought so much out in John for the better. I mean as much as I loved Elizabeth, you’ve made your space in our family and I can’t imagine what it will be like now that John is going to be alone.”
Marlena broke down. “Do you think that I want to do this?” she dried her eyes. “It’s not. I don’t want.” She stopped, correcting herself. “John has just never had the chance to deal with being without her and I don’t want to be the reason why he doesn’t mourn for the woman he loved. I can’t risk him or that precious baby boy.”
Marguerite caught the slip. “What do you mean by that?”
Marlena shook her head. “I can’t let myself love them if he’s using me for what he can’t have. I’m not Elizabeth.”
Marguerite nodded. “I understand that dear and I’m sure that John does too. But you have to risk love at some point, my darling girl. You two had started that already. Don’t throw it all away now.”
Marlena nodded. “Thank you.”
Marguerite hugged the girl she had come to love as if one of her own. “You have a safe trip to Salem and come home to all of us who love you very much.”
Marlena smiled. “Yes your Majesty.”
* * *
John watched with detachment as the world’s press converged on the Princess as she braved the run to the plane. “Is this report true?”
Marlena turned around and Robert could see that the laughing young woman had begun to change in front of everyone’s eyes.
“If you mean is it true that I portrayed Elizabeth. Yes it is. I did that to ensure her killers were brought to justice. I didn’t know at the time that I was Jocelyn, her twin. But I am proud to learn that I am a Princess and now Queen of such a wonderful country and I will do everything in my power to ensure that the country stays as prosperous as it has under my father.”
Suddenly Jessica’s voice rang out. “What about the Duke?”
Marlena smiled. “What about my brother in law?”
“Since you played his wife, can we see romance in your future?”
Marlena’s eyes grew reflective for a moment. “The past is past and can never return, the future we know not and only the present can be called our own. I hope to find a love, someone brave enough to take not just me but this kingdom on. He may be out there, but who knows.” She winked.
“I’m sure the press will find him if I can’t.”
John winced, unable to reconcile the flirt with the tearful young woman who peered up at the nursery window from her window in the back of the limousine. Her hand held up in a silent goodbye.
Marlena watched as Alamainia faded from view from her plane window.
“God, please watch over him until John finds his way through.”
* * *
John moved around the bedroom and tried to find one place that didn’t have her mark on it. He slouched forward in his chair beside the fire.
Even that was a bad idea as he remembered the night when they had sat there and soon had ended up lying in each other’s arms.
He lunged out of his chair and walked down the hall to the baby’s nursery.
He found Alexander staring fascinated at the mobile that Marlena had put up to keep his attention.
“Oh little one, this was NOT the first Christmas that I had planned for you and Marlena.”
As he stroked his son’s cheek, John found himself beginning to remember how Marlena had taken to the baby at first sight.
He gathered up his baby and went to sit in the rocking chair.
Studying his son, John suddenly began to cry and realized that he didn’t know just whom he was crying for and he grimaced as it came to him that the Doc was right after all. r32;
John sat listening to his mother give her Christmas speech and didn’t react to her words, having been there when Robert wrote the speech, he felt that he knew it back and forth and wasn’t up for a fifth repeat.
“And to those who are far away from their families this Christmas season, know that you’re not far from our thoughts and may you come home to all who love you very soon.”
He remembered just whom it was that was the inspiration for that line.
John let out a groan as he reached for the remote and flipped channels as he suddenly saw the face that had sweetly haunted his dreams for weeks, and had flooded his senses so that he didn’t know what to think or where to go.
“Elizabeth was a beloved fixture on the world’s stage. Do you think that you can take her place?” Marlena smiled, pausing for a moment as she studied her hands tucked demurely in her lap.
As she looked up and studied the reporter, she seemed to have the weight of the world on her shoulders as she spoke with a quiet cadence. “No, for that would take a great presumption on my part that I know I’m not willing to take.”
She tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled with a shy tilt of her head. “I think that I will make my place and that’s all that anyone can ask.”
John shook his head, silently in awe of how far she had come in the few weeks since her early November departure from their lives. That for every small glimpse of the lively young woman who arrived at the beginning that showed on the screen, there was now a regal presence that lured him in.
“How do you feel about your brother in law?” He felt his heart stop at the look of surprise that flashed across Marlena’s face. “What about the Duke?”
The reporter leaned in with a smile. “You can’t not say that there wasn’t chemistry between the two of you, I mean you played his wife rather convincingly on the tour you two made in the fall.”
Marlena smiled wistfully and he saw her hands reaching for the tiny rolling ring she wore on her left hand.
” When I was a child, My Uncle Robert said that I belonged on the stage.” She let out a laugh at that mental vision.
She sobered up and said a simple phrase that stuck in John’s mind. “People believe what they need to believe in order to survive.”
She shrugged and the mood changed from winter storms to summer skies.
“The Duke is a wonderful man and my nephew Alexander is truly blessed to have a remarkable man as his daddy.”
* * *
The couple’s retainers and the world’s press had their first chance to catch the couple together for the first time since the announcement to the world shortly after Jessica Dallow’s expose, that the young lady portraying the Princess, was in fact her twin. The Princess Jocelyn, now Queen of Roquebrune.
The occasion however was not a public glittering gala as the gossip columnists had hoped for, but a quiet day of calm reflection as the Princess Elizabeth, the Duchess of Menton was brought home to Alamainia on a softly overcast December afternoon, four days after Christmas.
Marlena was there, representing Roquebrune in her first official act as the Queen as well as being the senior member of her side of the family. She was quiet, dressed warmly in a Black Woolen coat against the cold winds.
John, Robert and Marguerite were there to welcome her at the airport.
She stepped out of the plane and to John she seemed so small as she gazed at the scenery that had been the last things she had seen just weeks before.
“Welcome home Your Majesty.”
She took a deep breath and began to walk down the stairs, breaking into a smile as she saw Robert come forward first.
She smiled warmly and then made her welcome to first the Queen and Prince Phillip, then to John who noticed that the eyes seemed more shadowed than what he would have expected for a sister that she had never known.
“Hello Your Majesty.” Marlena blinked and a faint smile flashed across her face. “Hello Your Highness.”
John bowed and lightly brought her hand to his lips, noting the uncontrolled tremor that rippled through her. He straightened up with a smile. “Welcome Home Doc.”
She snatched her hand away and he could see the calm hazel being turned to amber.
“Sometimes you go too far.” She allowed him to lead her to the car, his hand at her back burning a hole through the material. She glanced sideways at him. “Sometimes when I think on it, Marlena I don’t go far enough when it’s something that I want.”
Marguerite turned to Phillip with a laugh. “This is going to be very interesting.”
* * *
Marlena looked at John. “Hard to believe this still makes me speechless.” He glanced over. “What does?”
She gestured to the scenery with a smile. “While I’ve changed, this hasn’t.” The smile faded.
He glanced at her and suddenly the silence became deafening as bluer than blue eyes locked on tawny ones, who turned shyly away, unwilling or unable to accept the challenge in John’s eyes.
“So have you been made aware of your part in the funeral tomorrow?”
Wincing inwardly, Marlena nodded. “Yes I’ve been told of what I’m to do. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m scared to death.”
The honest admission took John by surprise.
“You?” He shook his head. “I could believe it of other people. But I mean you took on the biggest challenge by playing Elizabeth and that took great courage. Never saw a trace of fear.”
Marlena shook her head, with a smile. “That’s a lie and while I thank you for it, this played to my sense of adventure. Courage was.” Waving her hand as if to dismiss the conversation, she took a deep breath. Her expression worried John, who leaned over “Marlena?”
She again waved her hand as the car made a familiar turn past the stone water fountain. “Doesn’t matter. We’re back at the Castle.”
He smiled. “It does matter, and before you go we will talk again.”
Marlena turned around. “That sounds like a challenge.” He shook his head. “No it’s just a simple statement of fact.”
* * *
The darkness was slowly softened one flicker at a time as each tiny speck of light formed a chain that seemed to go for miles as each of the monks lit their torches. The procession was to be the monks and family and of course Elizabeth’s coffin.
The monks were to begin walking first for the procession from the Palace through the hilly grounds to the crypt that was the final home of the Alamains.
Marlena heard the sobs of the staff and the subjects as she watched silently from the quiet window of the Palace Chapel. She made the sign of the cross as the preparations finished and the monks began to sing the hymns and chants that were to guide them to the solitude of the marble hall.
“I can’t do this.” She turned to face Robert, who nodded and cupped his niece’s chin making her smile before engulfing her in a hug. “You can and you will. For those who are left behind and for the ones who left before.”
Marlena nodded as she caught sight of John, watching the Casket, draped in the specially created combined standard flag of Roquebrune and Alamainia being carried by members of the Princess Elizabeth’s Hussars.
“I think he finally understands this. What I said when I left here.”
Robert looked to see what she was watching, a sadness crossing over him as he nodded.
“For days after you left, he stayed quietly with Alexander and went away to Four Winds.”
Marlena smiled at the memory of their quiet week there after her recovery from the bombing. “He came home and began to put his life back in order. But he has always kept tabs on you.”
Marlena stayed silent for a moment, allowing those words to sink in.
“Sir Robert?” They turned to see the official waiting for them. “We have to go.”
* * *
Later, Marlena lay silently in her suite of rooms, assigned by Marguerite. Unable to sleep and debating the merits of shooting the next sheep that even invaded her mind for counting, she rolled on her side and sat up.
Reaching for her robe, she dressed and slipped out of the room, heading for the one person who always gave her a sense of peace and calm.
Rounding the corner into Alexander’s nursery, she smiled at the image that awaited her.
John was there, cradling his sobbing baby son. But he was dressed only in his pajama bottoms as if he had come in a panic into the nursery.
He sensed that he wasn’t alone and spoke. “I don’t know who needed comforting more, him or me.”
Marlena smiled. “There’s no need to explain a thing to me. I’m just so glad that you two get along so well.”
She came to stand behind him and peeked over his shoulder.
“He’s gotten so big.” She looked sideways at John. “He looks just like you.”
He turned to face her after laying the baby back in his crib. “He’s his own man, even at 4 months of age.”
Marlena nodded. “I haven’t seen him in weeks but yet he’s changed so much.”
John searched her eyes. “We all have.”
She tried to move around him but his hand shot out.
“Don’t go.” She looked at his hand on her arm. “Don’t run away from this.” She looked up at him and shook her head. “I did what I did for you.” She bit her lip. “You needed to mourn and from what I saw of you as the casket went by tonight, you still do.”
He fought to remain in control, wanting nothing more than to crush her in his arms, claiming her lips with his and never letting her go.
“Admit it John, you’re still haunted by what you’ve not been able to do. Being able to protect her and keeping her safe.”
He shut his eyes. “Of course, that is always going to haunt me. I was here in Alamainia while She went to Paris. I was supposed to go with her to that opening. But was asked to stay when the trade agreement with Alamainia and Monaco required my presence here. The Heir to the throne needed to be seen endorsing the r32;trade agreement.”
His voice dropped to a mere whisper. “But something I came to realize while you were gone was that I can’t mourn the past. Elizabeth wouldn’t of have wanted that. She wouldn’t have wanted me to stay the keeper of her memory, chained to the side of the crypt forever being her watcher. She would want me to find something to share my life and Alexander’s.”
Marlena began to shake. “Something?”
He stepped towards her and laid his hands on her face, transfixed by the play of emotions in her eyes.
“Someone.”
He lowered his lips to hers as his hands slid to her shoulders. She shivered as he slid her robe off first one shoulder and then the other.
“I have missed you so much. Wanted nothing more than to have you back with me.”
She began to shake as her hands wandered over his chest.
“I can’t do this.” She tried to step away from him but his hands slid around her waist and pulled her to him. “You and I both know that this was something meant to be. Fate works in mysterious ways, deny what you want but we both know.”
She pushed away. “We both know nothing.”
He shook his head, a smile playing on his face.
“Actions speak louder than words and that look in your eyes says something far more different than we both know nothing.” He caressed her cheek. “You and I are nowhere near finished. If it takes me forever, I will prove to you that I love YOU, Her Majesty Queen Jocelyn.”
He brought her hand to his lips. “My Doc.”
She shook her head. “Say Goodnight.” She smiled. “Good night John.” She broke the mood and walked away.
As she left the nursery, John smiled. “I know you, better than you do.”
* * *
“What?”
Marlena began to laugh. “In the short time that I’ve known you, I still haven’t gotten used to seeing you this still. Doesn’t jive with what you’ve told me in our conversations.”
Olga smiled and patted her hand. “Well the Doctors here have said that I’ll be going home in a couple of days, which will give me a few weeks to recover before the coronation of Roquebrune’s first Queen.”
Marlena’s eyes got huge as she let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. “It’s coming so fast and I still wake up thinking that I’m in the middle of a dream.”
Olga smiled, her eyes taking in every inch of her niece. “You remind me very much of your father as we came to his coronation. He was so serious about everything. But I think, from watching you as you’ve come through the past few weeks, you are definitely one of a kind.”
Marlena smiled. “That’s what everyone has told me. Most recently was the portrait painter.” She began to laugh. “So have you finalized just what name you will be reigning under?”
Marlena shook her head. “No, but trust me, outside of my personal guest list, just what I’ll be called the rest of my life officially is the number one concern of the Privy council.”
She began to laugh. “What?”
Olga shook her head. “I think you already know what you want to be called, but you’re just not telling the truth.”
She observed her niece. “Have you spoken with John since the funeral?”
Marlena squirmed in her seat, neither confirming nor denying the reason of why her whole demeanor lit up upon his name. It was as instinctive for her as breathing.
“Ah, so you have!”
Pursing her lips, Marlena’s eyes went wide. “I never said that.”
Olga clapped her hands delightedly, convincing Marlena that her Aunt was deranged.
“I think you need to sleep Aunt Olga.” She smiled. “Your still horribly in love with him.” Rolling her eyes, Marlena leaned over to kiss her soft cheek. “Good night Aunt.”
* * *
“Well, what do you think?”
Marlena was stunned and found that her words failed her as she turned slowly to see the gown in the mirrors. “This is the gown?”
The designer nodded. “This is the gown for the coronation ball. We’re still finishing the gown that you’re to wear for the coronation ceremony.” Nodding, Marlena’s attention went back to the fairy tale gown. Smiling, with one hand, she lifted her curls up so that she could see the effect.
“They’ll be ready to be delivered two days before the ceremony.” Marlena nodded. “Thank you.” She gracefully stepped down from the dais, taking the hand of the designer to help.
“You’re going to look absolutely lovely.” Marlena smiled. “As it should be for something like this.”
20 minutes later she came out of the couturiers, followed by her detectives, who were stunned at the transformation from a swan back to a jeans and leather jacket clad Queen to be.
Getting into the back of the Mercedes, Marlena smiled. “OK James, you know the drill.”
He grinned as he watched the Detective shut her door before getting in the passenger side. The other ones got into the unmarked car behind theirs. “Home Your Majesty?”
Marlena checked her watch and nodded. “Yes, I have to go pack to fly home.”
Settling back against the leather, Marlena fell asleep.
* * *
John was supposed to be approving his official and Alexander’s ceremonial roles for the coronation. But instead, his mind kept flashing forward to her.
He had to find the way to tell her and make her believe that he loved no one in the way he did her. Elizabeth was his childhood angel, who made him believe in fairy tales and being a defender. He was so proud when she stepped out on her own, and made the world love her in the way that he had always did.
Marlena, well Marlena was as different as night to day and if he had to be pressed to admit to it, she was the other flip side of him.
She was everything he wanted now.
Checking the time, he reached for the phone and called down to Robert.
* * *
Marlena woke up in time to see the Malachite Palace, the family’s official city residence coming up. Shifting position, she smiled as the lights came on, flooding the front and making the majestic home even more regal.
“So will you be coming back to Alamainia before the Coronation?” Marlena smiled. “Well Shane, I will be back once more for the little Prince’s christening then two weeks after that is the coronation.”
The beefy Englishman smiled. “As it should be. I’ve watched you with the baby Prince and it’s obvious that you love them both.”
Marlena’s eyebrows rose in alarm. “LOOK OUT!”
* * *
John flew down the hall and found Marlena shaking on the couch, her eyes wide and a bruise on her forehead above her left eye that was turning a violent shade of purple.
Wrapping his arms around her, he looked worriedly to the head of the Special Forces security team. “What in the hell happened?”
“We were just coming to the gates when suddenly it was as if a hand came out of the sky and flipped the car. It was a white flash and suddenly my ears began ringing.”
Marlena shivered and seemed to withdraw into herself. “Shane began to fire and.” She broke down, the sobs becoming the only sound in the room.
Worried, John looked to the team leader. “Sgt. Donovan was severely injured and was rushed to the hospital. Nothing to report on that Sir.”
Marlena burst into fresh tears. “What about James?” She glanced to John. “My driver.”
John peeked out of the corner of his eye at the official, who subtly shook his head. “Come on Marlena, let’s go for a walk.”
She pulled away. “What for?” She glanced at the detectives and in a voice that was barely a whisper, she spoke. “He’s dead isn’t he?”
Without waiting for the reply, she left the room.
John looked at the men before chasing after Marlena. “Thank you for all you’ve done.”
* * *
He found her curled up on the bed, clutching at the sheets as if reaching for a lifeline.
He closed the door and wordlessly she sat up to face him. Holding out her hands, she shook her head. “I can’t do this. I’ve tried and tonight I realized.”
He smiled as he came to sit with her. “Realized what?”
She searched his eyes and recommitted him to her memory. “Just how much I love you.” She broke out into a grin. “How much time I’ve wasted in running away from this.” She shook her head. “I don’t know.”
He grinned and with a pad of his thumb, he dried her tears. “You do so know.”
She leaned in and gently laid first one hand and then the other on his face. “You’re right. I do know.” She lightly traced his lips with hers. “I know that I want you.”
He shook his head. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear you say that.” Marlena nodded, a faint smile coming across her lips. “Since I made the mistake of leaving you.”
She grinned. “You can agree with me.” When she didn’t get the response she wanted from him, she slipped off the bed.
“Where are you going?” She grinned as she undid her hair from its pins. “Locking them out.” She came to stand mere inches from him. “Who’s them?” She smiled as she ran her hands through his hair. “You know, them, the suits, also known as the people who will ensure that in three short weeks, Dr. Marlena Evans will never be seen again. In her place will be a lovely creature known to the world as Her Majesty Queen Jocelyn of Roquebrune.”
John slid his hands around her waist, pulling her to him.
As she cradled his face in her hands, John smiled. “So it’s been decided then.”
Marlena nodded. “Yep, officially I’m Jocelyn.” John raised an eyebrow. ‘What about personally?” Marlena leaned down and gently bit his lip. “That depends on what you want to call me when we’re alone.”
She gave him a push back against the mattress, which of course meant that she landed on top of him.
“So now what?” Marlena ran her hand across his shirt before beginning to undo his buttons. “Well that just depends on you.”
He grinned and rolled over so that she was now nestled under him, which of course got her eyes blazing.
“That was NOT fair!”
He traced her jaw line with his lips, enjoying the whimpers that escaped her and slowly became fascinated by how her hazel eyes were turning to liquid amber.
“Now repeat after me.” Before she could saw a word, there was a pounding on the door.
Marlena broke into an undignified belly laugh that had her rolling onto her side and gasping for breath.
“Oh grow up!” He slapped her black jeans clad hip. That gesture sent her laughing harder. “As long as I have you to keep me entertained?” She sat up, propping herself on her elbows. “Nope don’t think so!”
She scooted over and began doing up her blouse.
John smiled at how fast she was able to pull herself back together, but yet look like she was able to charm the angels into falling without a net.
She made a face at John before grinning at him. Getting under control, she grew solunm. “Your Majesty.”
She glanced to John, who quickly came to her side. “Yes?”
The Security man bowed, not liking the look of fear that suddenly came into her Majesty’s eyes. But knowing that meant she would do as was asked.
John felt her hand slide into his. “We need to speak with you and the Duke with the rest of the family.”
* * *
Marlena sat on the leather sofa, extremely stiff. As if by relaxing against the butter soft leather, fate would make sure that it would electrocute her alive.
“So you’re saying that I have to live the rest of my life under armed guard?” She raised an eyebrow. “I won’t and it’s not fair that you’re asking me this.” She got up and moved around the couch.
She spun around. “I’ve never questioned. Done all that I’ve been asked with hesitations. But yet now because of some madman running around, I’m to be locked up and kept under glass like a china doll. I won’t.”
John didn’t like the tone in her voice, didn’t like the hands being clenched so tightly by her side. All he could see was that he wanted to take her and hide away until the danger was gone.
Marlena shut her eyes. “Next you’re going to tell me that you’ll be requiring that we cancel my coronation.”
The head security man blinked. “As a matter of fact.”
She smiled. “Let me say this once. I don’t back down and I will NOT let them tell me that I have to do anything out of the ordinary. I will go about my business the way I have since we began this.”
She glanced to John, then Robert and Marguerite.
“You told me that I had to play this out. To find Elizabeth’s killers and take it right down to the wire. We have one and we have to find the other. I’m the bait and I’m NOT about to stop this now.”
She bowed to everyone. “Good night.”
Marguerite smiled. “She’s stubborn.” John grimaced. “Too stubborn.” He leaned down to kiss his mother’s cheek. “Excuse me a moment.”
She watched him go with a smile. “She’s stubborn, John’s DETERMINED.”
* * *
She was moving as fast as a bullet. But John’s voice carried faster as he let out a bellow that had the staff freezing in fear.
“HOLD IT!”
He ran after her and yelled again, watching as she began to turn, stopping in front of the steps leading to the balcony. “What?” He reached out his hand. “I want you to reconsider.” Marlena shook her head. “No.”
He pulled her to him. “You listen to me, you and I have just promised forever and I will not lose you five minutes after. Your Uncle is playing for keeps and I’ll be damned if I lose another love to their bloody ambition for the throne.”
He pinned her face in his hands. “You’re very important to me, to Alexander and not to mention Roquebrune. A lot of hopes are resting on you.” He grinned at her. “Tell me you understand this.”
She began to tear up. “I’m not that stupid. I do know what is riding on my accession to the throne.”
She laid her hands on top of his. “But I can’t run and hide forever. Calling it anything other than what it is won’t help.”
Claiming her lips with a kiss that left her dizzy, John gathered her up in his arms and softly spoke.
“Marry me.”
r32;”Why not?”
She ran her hand through her hair and looked up at him, her hazel eyes sober. “I can’t. Not while this is going on. I can’t marry you and have YOU running from someone I can’t see in the daylight.”
John looked at her and shut his eyes. “This is the only way I can keep you safe.”
Marlena shook her head. “I won’t have you marry me because you think this is something that you have to do. If it was out of love than yes, I would marry you in a heartbeat. That goes without saying. But John, I won’t marry you now.”
She stood up and left the gallery.
***
Olga woke up and found John sitting by her bedside. She smiled and for a moment, John could see a trace of Marlena in the lively eyes of the dignified invalid.
“Oh this is a treat.” He grinned and leaned over to kiss her cheek.
“Hello Godmother.”
Olga smiled. “Ok, while it does my ego wonders to know that a handsome young man has come to visit, I know for a fact I am NOT the real reason why you’re here.”
John sighed and marveled that the sound took up the whole room.
“It’s your Niece.” Olga smiled and nodded. “Thought so.”
He glanced at her sideways. “She’s a pain in the neck.” Olga blinked innocently. “She’s said that same thing for you. She was here earlier today.”
John took her hand. “Olga, how do I make her realize that she’s the woman I want. That I would do anything to make her happy and safe AND loved?”
Olga shook her head. “You need to realize that she’s still not secure and with everything that has gone on for her, yeah it’s going to be hard to trust anyone. ESPECIALLY someone who says he loves her.”
Marlena was sitting staring at her pre-visit dossier on the people she was going to meet with to discuss the creation of the Princess Jocelyn Foundation. But her mind was definitely elsewhere. Reaching to the phone beside her, she punched in the four digit code.
“Hello there, it’s me. Are you busy?” She smiled. “Well I know that Marguerite has you busy. But if I’m intruding, say so please.”
Robert grinned. “I could never be busy for you. I’ll be over in five minutes. Just have to finish an proposal for the Privy Council.” Marlena smiled. “Thank you Uncle Robert.”
***
She was studying the wallpaper on the library walls when he came in. “What is it?”
Without turning around, she spoke. “I want the key to the safety deposit box that was left for me.” She turned her head. “It was stated that I was to receive it when I turned 25.” Robert nodded. “We wondered when you would ask for it.” She raised an eyebrow. “We?”
He nodded. “Auntie Frances and I.” Marlena smiled. “Well, I was talking to Aunt Olga and she said some things that made me wonder and I think the answers may be in the box.”
He smiled. “Alright, I’ll have Max deliver the key here this afternoon and we can get you set up to open the box.”
As Marlena walked away, Robert shook his head. “Olga should learn to keep her mouth shut.” He turned around and reached for the phone. “Let me speak to her please.”
***
She came walking out for her fitting and froze.
“You look incredible.” Marlena blinked. “John, what are you doing here?” He smiled and leaned against the door frame. “I’ve seen you dressed a thousand ways and undressed too. But lady, you have never looked more an angel than you do in that gown.”
Smiling, she did a model turn. Allowing the gown to billow out before stepping down to his level. “I’m glad to see that we’re still speaking. I thought that after the other night.” He reached out and laid a finger against her lips. With the shake of his head, John smiled.
“Lady, I’m not mad. Just unable to understand just why you’re so unable to trust in us.” Marlena shook her head. “That makes two of us. Its not that I don’t WANT, but I can’t and I don’t know why.”
She lifted her skirt so that she could see her red toenails. “John, I don’t know why I do push you away and I’m scared.”
He stepped towards her, bringing his hands up to pin her face. “That’s why I’m here. You’re the most important thing to me and I will die protecting you and our life together.” He smiled. “By saying No, you do realize that this does earn you or me.” He shrugged which broke Marlena up into giggles.
“Haven’t figured it out. ANYWAYS, by saying No, I will be asking you that question again.”
She nodded. “Ok.” She lifted her head. “Who knows, just may surprise you and say yes.”
She saw the designer coming in. “But now you have to go so we’ll talk again later.”
He leaned in for a kiss, which she replied eagerly to. “Just a talk?” She rested her forehead against his.
“Goodbye John.”
* * *
“Just how could you have told her to go after the safety deposit box?” He turned to Olga. “You know better than I that this is not the plan. She wasn’t to go there until AFTER the coronation!”
Olga waved her hand. “Sit down Robert before you have a coronary and end up in the bed beside me.” She looked at him. “All I said was that she should have a look inside it and see what was left to her. I have NOT told her what it is and why it was left.”
Robert shook his head. “So you’ve sent her into hell without a passport. You truly are a twisted woman.”
* * *
“You didn’t have to come with me. I was fully able to do this by myself.” John smiled. “I know, but it’s been awhile since I’ve been to Paris and so here we are and you’re stuck with me.” She smiled. “Actually it is nice to have you with me.”
He leaned across the seat and cradled her face in his hands. “With you I’ll always be.”
“Your Majesty?” The guard cleared his throat. “We’re here.”
* * *
Monsieur Renet met them at the door of the Bank. “Welcome Mademoiselle and Monsieur.” John allowed Marlena to go first and followed directly behind her.
* * *
“Robert, please. I need your help with this.” He turned around and shook his head. “Olga, it’s going to look incredibly suspicious that we suddenly have come into possession of a child. Especially when our two are already going to school.”
She turned around, a look of fear in her eyes. “This baby is in danger. We both know that. Amelia has already planned that the first born will stay with her. But the second one HAS to leave!”
He paced around the room. “I can’t take the child. Frances has not looked pregnant and it won’t work to pass her as ours.” He stopped in front of a picture on his fireplace mantel. “However, I know someone who can.”
* * *
Marlena looked at the journal and then to John. “Well?”
He smiled. “All this mystery over a little journal. There has to be more inside it.” he peeked over her shoulder. “Is there anything else in the box?”
Marlena nodded. “Yep, this.” She reached inside and pulled out the long velvet box.
John raised his eyebrows as if to say May I? and she nodded. “Go for it.”
He looked down and suddenly his eyes widened as the letter fluttered to the table.
Curious, Marlena opened the letter and began to read.
“My Darling Girl,
This has been for the best and please believe me that this was NOT what I had planned or wanted for you when I learnt of you. But Roquebrune has secrets and I will NOT allow both my children to be tainted. But this box has been designed for you to at least know that you were wanted. If not by her than at least by me.
Your Father.”
She looked up, bewildered. “This doesn’t jive with what I was told by Aunt Olga. She’s made it sound that Father never knew of me. Was never told of my existence. But yet here this is and if it is by him, then John.”
She shook her head. “Then he knew of me all along.”
He laid the box down and drew her to him. “This doesn’t sound right. This isn’t the King I knew or the grandfather of my son that I loved. There is more going on here.”
She pulled away. “What is this?” John smiled. “That my darling is what you were left by your father.” She blinked. “That’s incredible.”
She carefully brought out the diamond necklace. “Oh my.”
* * *
“We have problems.” Olga turned around. “What are you talking about?” Robert leaned over the desk. “My Dear Grand Duchess, there was a bombing in Boulder when the Evans’s were visiting with his parents. Their dead!”
The colour drained from her face as she looked up, realizing that their plan had fallen horribly apart. Taking innocent lives. “God forgive me this was not what we had not planned for.” She turned her attention back to Robert, hoping for a r32;miracle. “What about her?”
He shook his head. “Jocelyn was standing beside her grandparents while everyone else was in the car. It was because she was still saying goodbye that she was not killed. But this has got to stop. Someone knows that Marlena Evans is the Princess Jocelyn!”
* * *
“Hey Doc?”
She looked up from running her hand over the journal’s smooth brown leather cover. “What?”
He smiled. “What do you remember of your childhood?”
She laid the book beside her and drew her legs up under her. “Well from before the explosion, I don’t remember very clearly. It’s all rather fuzzy to tell you the truth. But since Uncle Robert and Aunt Frances took me, well it was a fairly common childhood. I was raised in the summers in Alamainia and went to boarding school in Colorado with My Evans Grandparents.”
She shook her head. “Why?”
He paused and came to sit with her on the couch. “Something is not right with this and to be honest this whole mystery of how you came to be Marlena Evans has bothered me since we learnt of just who you really are. Robert knows more to your being smuggled out of Roquebrune. Obviously he had to have had help.”
Marlena let out a sigh. “But where do we start?”
John reached around her to grab the book. “With this!”
* * *
Olga was sleeping when the door opened and the figure slipped into her room quietly. Carefully slipping a needle out of the pocket of the scrubs they were wearing, she smiled.
“Thank you for bringing her home Olga.” Slipping the needle into the vein, she smiled and slipped out of the room, blending in with the remainder of the staff on call at this early hour. She was gone by the time the alarms blared, alerting the floor of trouble in the Grand Duchess’s room.
* * *
Marlena and John were curled up on the sofa when the dream began.
“Hello there little one.”
Marlena finished skating and turned to find a smiling woman staring at her. Feeling suddenly shy, she smiled back. “Hello.”
There was something about her eyes that unsettled Marlena, even in dreams that she suddenly found herself wide awake.
Nestling closer to John, she soon fell back asleep.
“What’s your name?” Marlena blushed and then burst into a smile as she saw her daddy coming towards them. A smile that suddenly faded when he began to uncharacteristically yell at the other woman. “You promised that you wouldn’t come! You swore that to keep her safe you would stay away. For the LOVE OF GOD, DO WHAT YOU SAID PLEASE!”
She woke up again and shivered. “Who is that woman?”
* * *
“John, how did My mother die?”
She came out of the bathroom doing up the last two buttons of her dress. Getting no answer from him, she repeated herself. “John, I asked you a question?”
He lifted his eyes from the book. “I think you should read this.”
* * *
“You’re so pretty.”
She ran her hand over the photograph and then turned to the files, beginning to read just as the phone rang.
“Hello?”
The voice was like ice. “Are you ready?” She smiled and curled up on the couch. “I was born ready. I have watched all the interviews, memorized her mannerisms and am positive that I have her down pat.”
He looked at the cards in front of him. “You have to be serious. We need this without problems and you have to have this perfect.”
She shook her head and effortlessly dropped her accent into Marlena’s elegant one. “I am fully aware of what you want me to do and who I have to destroy.”
Suddenly the line went dead and the smile came across her face. “Your Welcome Uncle.” r32;
The smoke was so strong and the fire felt to Marlena as if it would eat her alive, It was all so intense as she remembered being shielded by not only Grandmother Evans, but also Grandfather. It seemed to the tiny girl that the earth was opening up and she could remember screaming that she didn’t want to go.
As the smoke cleared, Marlena sat stunned as the rescue teams and assorted police and firemen rushed around the place. Shaking, the tiny girl was afraid to cry. She remembered what Daddy said to her and Sami. That the Evans girls were fighters. That they never cried.
She wanted to make Daddy proud as she always did. But just the mere thought of her being without her brave laughing older twin made Marlena’s eyes water as she bit her lip to keep under control. “Grandpa, I want my Mommy.”
As she felt the arms of her grandfather wrap around her and began to croon to her as he cradled her close, Marlena saw in the distance a man scoop up what she figured was his crying daughter and rush away.
With a shiver, she suddenly sat up and noticed that the journal was still beside her on the bed.
Shaking her head as she checked her Tag Heuer watch, she let out a groan when she realized that it was 10 to 9. “So much for spending time with John and Alexander before the baby went to sleep.”
She rubbed her forehead wincing at the migraine that was threatening to rampage across the top of her skull.
Walking into the bathroom, she got her medication and a glass of water. Taking the pills, she laid back down and her last thought was of needing to talk to Uncle Robert.
* * *
“What are you talking about?” Robert turned around and stared into the angry blue eyes of the young man he watched grow up, and by falling in love with Marlena, slowly becoming the future King that he knew he would be.
“I know nothing of that time. As far as I knew, Marlena was my niece. I was never told of just who she really was until after the explosion, when Frances and I received the power of attorney and legal guardianship of Marlena.”
John threw him a disbelieving glare. “You mean to say that when she suddenly was given to you, you NEVER thought to ask just who this child was?”
John shook his head. “I’m sorry, I don’t buy it. Robert, I SAW that journal and I know what Nicholas wrote. He had learnt of two daughters but the last entry implies that he and Mikhail had a argument that gave him the impression of something far more important than TWO daughters. It sounds as if there had been a third r32;daughter.”
Robert shook his head. “There was NOT a third child, Olga said.” His eyes widened as he suddenly realized that he had said too much.
John turned around. “Olga said what?”
Robert gestured to the chair in front of his desk. “Sit down, because what I have to tell you is beyond belief.”
* * *
The ringing of the phone seared a pathway through Marlena’s foggy mind. Wincing at the sharpness of the tone, she shot her hand out and grabbed her cell phone.
“Hello?”
When she got no response, she called out again. “Hello?”
Suddenly a tinny sound began playing and for a moment she had a hard time remembering where the song was from. It WAS something that she heard before. She knew it but couldn’t place where it had been.
“I said Hello. Is there anybody there?”
A little girl’s voice began to sing. “On the wind, cross the sea, hear this song and remember..”
She suddenly began to shake not understanding why and slammed the phone shut. “What is happening to me?”
* * *
John came walking into Marlena’s bedroom and found her curled up in a ball, rocking back and forth in tears. “Hey, Doc what happened?”
She lifted her eyes. “She left me and never said goodbye and I think I’m going insane.” Puzzled at that response, John came and gathered her up in his arms. “What are you talking about?”
She looked at him. “It doesn’t make any sense.” She slipped off the bed and went to the window. “Someone’s playing tricks with my mind and I don’t like it.”
John looked at her. “Doc?”
She looked at him. “Their trying to make me go back in the past for something. But I don’t KNOW why.”
* * *
John had finally fallen asleep with his head resting on top of Marlena’s. He had gotten her to calm down and wrapped his arms around her, telling her to sleep.
The dreams came fast and furious to Marlena, leaving her gasping for breath.
As she watched her parents and Sam getting into the car, she had the sudden urge to hug her grandparents just once more. She had always loved the smell of lavender that had always surrounded her grandmother. “Do you love me more than Sami?”
Martha grinned. “I love you differently from Samantha because you two are as different as night to day. Now get in the car Sunshine before they leave you here with me and Grandpa.” Marlena had a sudden flash of wanting to stay with them. To be one instead of two. She was tired of being a twin, tired of being SAM’S twin. But in a blink of an eye, it was all gone as it was then that all hell broke loose.
“WAIT!” She ran towards the vision in white. “Don’t leave me!” The young woman turned around. “You’ve finally got what you’ve always wanted haven’t you?” She moved around her troubled twin. “You have a man who loves you, your now the Queen of a country and people LOVE you. Do us both a favor and leave me the hell alone.”
Marlena shook her head. “I never wanted to be alone. Sam believe me PLEASE!”
The slap came out of nowhere, sending Marlena to the ground. Helplessly, she looked up as she laid her hand over the spot where Samantha had made contact. “You’ve managed to ruin my life and now I’m in a place far worse than hell. Don’t ask me for forgiveness, because little sister, you will NEVER get it from me. NEVER!”
Marlena sat up and found that she had completely drenched the front of John’s shirt. “Hey there, what’s with the tears?” She lifted her head. “John, I’m remembering more of Samantha and I don’t know why.”
He looked serious. “Could be that you’re still feeling guilty for being the only one who survived that explosion?” Marlena lifted tear filled eyes. “I don’t know.”
“You do so know. Have always known.” She jumped out of the embrace as if electrocuted. “I have nothing to feel bad for. I was only a child and I wanted to be hugged by my grandparents.” She looked at John, shaking as she threw out her hands. “Is that a crime?”
He came and sat on the edge of the bed. “No, no it’s not. There were times when Charlotte and I were growing up that I wanted NOTHING more than to be one. To be the only child and I know she felt that same way. Children all go through a stage where they want to be only children. I’m sure that you two were the same.”
John chuckled. “Thank goodness that you two were fraternal.”
Marlena shook her head. “But John, she died and now someone.”
He rose off the bed and took her in his arms. “Listen to me. It’s probably one of Mikhail’s men playing games and tomorrow we’ll have that number changed. You have not done anything wrong and it’s going to be fine.”
She ran her hand over his shirt and looked him in the eye. “When I hear you say that, I actually begin to believe.”
He lowered his lips to hers. “Then do.” He slid her robe off her shoulders and ran his hands over her bare skin. “Their tormenting you and I promise you that I won’t allow this anymore.”
She stepped away and gathered her robe. “You can’t make promises that can’t be kept. You have seen what they’ve managed to do. John we can’t stop this.”
* * *
“The pain I had to endure was beyond description of normal man or most writers of ill repute.” She turned around and looked at the journal. “But while I can’t describe it, I know that I did come through the years of surgeries, therapy and tears. I had no choice BUT to survive. SHE was the reason I held on. There had to be justice for what I endured. I vow there will be justice. For nothing less than for being held outside of the light and the grace that she had been allowed to thrive in.” r32;
* * *
All she could see was red and all she could hear was that singsong voice calling through her brain. “This isn’t real and I am NOT guilty.” She shot her leg out and swung for the bag.
“Ow, Marlena!” Patrick poked his head around the punching bag. “I’m sorry Patrick.” She blushed. “Sometimes as of late, I’m not sure of anything, least of all my strength.” She smiled. “All I know is that I’m mixed up and Mikhail is playing for keeps.”
She suddenly spun around and did a spinning kick that had Patrick shaking his hand in pain.
“MARLENA!”
* * *
“I don’t care. John she’s broken my hand.” John examined his friend’s hand. “She has not. God I never knew you were such a wimp.”
Patrick grimaced and looked up at John. “Easy for you to say, YOU didn’t have a very angry young woman dealing with a TON of issues take her frustration out on your hand.” He shrugged. “At least she wasn’t wearing stilettos.”
* * *
“What is the first memory I have outside of coming out of the pain induced fog, you maybe asking. Well it was of seeing her face in the newspaper clipping that he gave me at my bedside. See how pretty she is. That is something you’ll never be, not now.” And in that tone was the beginning of that hatred I have for her. That for all she had, I had lost.”
* * *
Marlena was posing for pictures with John and the baby in front of St. James Cathedral, along with the rest of the family on the day of the anniversary of Marguerite’s accession to the throne.
She was smiling as she adjusted the baby in her arms when she suddenly froze at seeing someone in the cheering crowds. “Doc?” She reluctantly looked up and shook her head. “I’m hallucinating. I have to be.”
He looked around and protectively led them inside.
* * *
“I was 10 when I learnt of just who she was to me, and just who the gargoyle who never left my side was to us both. It wasn’t the happiest of birthdays let me tell you. In fact, I hated her more and blamed her for our being turned out from Heaven.”
* * *
Marlena looked at the man who loved her all of her life. “Why, why wouldn’t you have told me this. Why wouldn’t you at LEAST told me this. Olga had her reasons and I know that you did this for the Country. But DAMN IT!” She instantly stopped herself.
“Wouldn’t the connection we had count for something?” She gestured to her father’s notes. “I’ve been told so many lies and for once, we’re going to talk. Why was I told by you and Aunt Olga that Father never knew of me and yet in those notes he left in his journal, everything was contradicted!”
Robert suddenly seemed to have aged 30 years in 3 minutes.
“Ok, I’ll tell you and may you forgive us all.”
Marlena shook her head. “Forgive us?” She scratched her head. “Outside of you and Aunt Olga, there’s more involved?”
* * *
“So many players, yet no one has the rules. All scattered across the board. But soon. So very soon, all will be revealed and no one, especially HER will be the same.”
Reading over the entry in her diary and the ones she had left before, she smiled and added more to the newest one.
“Aunt Olga lied and as I was taught, liars were to be punished with the most severe of punishments. So God have mercy on her soul, because I know I will never and once the world learns of her deceptions, I know they won’t either.” r32;
She was lying on her back, looking up at the ceiling to where the fan was in constant motion. A gentle breeze was playing with tendrils of her hair, quietly calming her and easing her breathing. She was so totally engrossed in the hypnotic quality of the white noise that she was totally unaware that from the corner of the room, out of the shadows a shadow approached. Pure menace the intent for the figure in white lying on the bed.
Marlena’s eyes widened as the figure broke into her line of vision. A perfect O broke the symmetry of her rosebud lips as the figure smiled sweetly, running a hand across her pale complexion before laying her hand against Marlena’s cheek.
Just as quickly, the hand was taken away as she slapped Marlena.
Tearfully, she sat up. Shaking, she looked at the figure and whispered. “This isn’t happening. You’re not real. I’m dreaming, You’re in my mind.”
The pretty blonde with the hazel-green eyes shook her head. “Do what you have to and say what you will. You and I both know that you’re not dreaming.”
She stepped around the bewildered young woman leaning in mere inches from her.
“What difference will it make how you dismiss me. By dreaming, you’re coming for the truth.”
Marlena turned slightly, catching the gleam in those eyes and began to shiver again.
In a voice that was almost childlike with its solemn glee, the figure went back to stand in front of Marlena.
“Darling Marlie, you came for the truth and we both know that the truth is that the unholy trinity made us both. They shaped our lives, changed our fates.” Her voice became husky. “Killed our family.”
Marlena shook her head. “The unholy trinity?” She looked up. “I don’t understand who you mean.”
“You do so know who I mean. The circle of people who you have surrounded yourself with in the name of love and a bright reign. Marlena, don’t make me spell this out for you!”
She looked away, even in dreams unable to face the person who had once known her so well.
Marlena looked at her hands bound so tightly into fists that her skin had become as white as her pajamas.
“You hate me for all this don’t you. For failing you, for not dying with you. Don’t you?” She stood up and came towards her. “Isn’t that right Sam? ISN’T THAT RIGHT!”
Samantha smiled. “You know better than to ask!”
* * *
Marlena and John stood silently at the side of yet another coffin as it was lowered into the ground.
“She’s in a far better place.” Marlena nodded. “So we’ve been told. But there’s just something too untidy with this whole thing.”
He tightened his grip on her hand and began to lead her away to the car. “Olga wouldn’t want you to be grieving.” Marlena shook her head and broke away. “How can I grieve someone I just met and didn’t know?” John smiled. “OK a riddle sounds good.”
Marlena rolled her eyes. “You are too weird.” He reached out and turned her to face him. “I am what you have made me.” That comment and the look in his eyes made her smile. “Thank you John.”
He reached out and laid his hand on her cheek. “For what?”
She leaned in and hugged him. “For just being you and for making me smile.” He inhaled her perfume and allowed himself to drown in her. “That’s easy to do. I’m one of a kind.”
* * *
“I know, it’s not fair. You’re stuck with me and probably wanted her.” Gesturing towards the figure in the scarlet suit, John shrugged his shoulders and gathered the flowers that the matrons brought to the opening for the Princess, while a smile came across his face at the fact that she was nearly buried under a mound of flowers from her side of the street.
“When are you going to do right by that girl?”
John smiled at the elderly lady who had tugged on the sleeve of his jacket. “As soon as she’d let me, if I’d have my way. But she’s being stubborn.”
Marlena’s laugh rang out. “That would be a fine match.” He nodded, a playful grin coming across his handsome face.
“You’re starting to sound like my father now. One psychic is bad enough. No matter how cute you are with your gorgeous eyes.” As they began to laugh, He bowed to the lady and kissed her hand, knowing full well that small compliment and his gesture would set the ladies to a twitter over his manners.
Marlena jumped as his hand slid around her waist. “All right, we have to go now.”
She let out prettily a very unsubtle sigh and leaned slightly towards John. Smiling as she did so knowing full well the photographers were close by, snapping away merrily. “Men, can’t live with them and certainly can’t make them eat your cooking.” As everyone laughed, a question came sailing through the impromptu photo call. “Do you cook breakfast for the Duke?”
Marlena made a face. “I don’t eat breakfast.”
* * *
“Well you handled THAT rather well.” Marlena came walking into the room just behind him, shooting first one shoe and then the other off to various corners. “Thank you, I think so.”
John went to sit on the couch and leaned his head on his hand. “Awfully confident aren’t you?” She turned and nodded. “Yes, I think for the first time since this mess all started, I feel rather at peace.”
He nodded and patted the space beside him. “Well here’s to staying that way.” Marlena grinned. “Amen.”
* * *
Jessica Dallow climbed out of her black B.M.W and checked her watch to make sure that she was indeed on time. Grabbing her purse, she walked up the stone steps to the large stained glass door. Ringing the bell, she was welcomed by a butler who informed her that the person who asked for her was waiting in the living room.
Quietly impressed with the elegant setting and decorating, Jessica came into the room and found a slender young woman waiting for her. Sitting primly in a chair, her hands gripping the armrests as if a lifeline.
“Hello Ms Dallow.” Jessica blinked. “Why am I here?” The young woman smiled and gestured towards the couch. “Please sit down. All is going to be revealed to you now.”
Jess nodded. “That would work. How bout starting with your name. WHO are you?”
The young lady smiled. “I have many names. But as I said, you are going to hear all about this.”
* * *
“My name on the birth certificate was Samantha Evans, twin to Marlena Evans.” Jessica shook her head. “Princess Jocelyn’s sister was Elizabeth. We were told that you and the Evans were Marlena’s foster family and had died in an explosion.”
Samantha smiled. “Lies, all lies. Spun to protect Elizabeth and also Marlena.”
Jessica looked up with surprise in her eyes. “Lies spun by who?” She reached over to turn the tape recorder on. “Tell me from the beginning.”
Just as quickly the pretty blonde shut it off. “I never agreed to THAT and you know it. I’ll tell you and that’s all.”
Jessica tilted her head, assessing the opposition. “And again I will ask, who are you?”
With a bearing that belied just what life she had led to this point, the young woman saluted the reporter with a mere neck bow. “You may call me the Princess Madeline Therese Amelia of Roquebrune.”
* * *
Jessica stared at her screen for the longest time, trying to absorb just what she had been told at the townhouse. That there had been three instead of the two originally thought.
“This is a bad movie.” Jess shook her head. “Why would the King’s brother keep this child and why did Marlena believe that Samantha was a real child of the Evans?” She rested her face in her hands.
She read over her notes. “This is playing more and more like a soap opera.”
Turning her attention back to the laptop as she began to transcribe what had been said at the interview, Jessica forgot something that Basil had told her when the story broke about Marlena and Elizabeth.
“Never sit with your back to a window.”
The bullet ripped through the glass quickly, so much so that when the Police were called, they found Jessica’s fingers still on the keyboard, bent as if in mid-thought.
* * *
“So after the crown is placed on my head and the Archbishop says the prayer, than what?” Marlena sat in the ancient throne of state and looked to Patrick and Robert for answers.
“Then the choir will begin to sing and that is when the various Dukes and the Princes begin to swear their allegiances, starting with the father of your nephew.”
That struck Marlena as funny and she began to laugh. “What is funny with that if I may ask?” She raised an eyebrow. “The thought of you on bended knee swearing your loyalty.”
John grimaced. “You would THINK that becoming a Queen in just mere weeks would turn her into a regal creature, or make her focus on things. NO such luck.”
Marlena stood up and curtsied to the trio. “If I start to be as regal as YOU would like, then that would make me into your mother. As much as I love Queen Marguerite, I am NOT her. I’m me. Like it or not, I wasn’t born into this world.” She paused for a moment. “Change that. I was but I wasn’t raised in this. I have my own style.”
John came to stand beside her. “You know, if I didn’t know this whole story, I’d be very confused by this all.” Marlena grinned. “Stand in line.”
She glanced at her watch. “We have to go. The last pre-coronation ball is tonight and I have to get ready.”
* * *
Samantha examined her gown just once more before reaching for her wrap.
“You’re sure this gown is correct. That it’s totally identical to hers?” The man stepped out of the shadows. “Yes, it’s identical. We told the designer that the Princess needed two gowns made as one was going to be put on her wax statue at the museum.”
Samantha looked at him with a shake of her head. “She’s not going to know what hit her.”
* * *
“Ma’am, I’m sorry!” The poor maid looked terrified that the stain was rapidly spreading on the gown. “Don’t cry. There are other gowns for me to wear. Relax Elise.”
John stepped into the room shortly after and found Marlena now dressed in a soft blue off the shoulder gown, made of handpainted silk, each layer lighter than the one below it. Her hair was up in curls, showcasing the heirloom diamond necklace around her neck.
“You look incredible. But I thought that you were wearing the ivory beaded gown?” Marlena nodded. “I was, but it had an accident.” She stepped towards him. “Oh my, look at you.” She came and adjusted his bowtie. “You look absolutely incredible.”
He bowed gallantly and brought her hand to his lips. “As I should as I’m escorting my Queen.”
Marlena winked. “Don’t you forget it.” She blushed. “I have something to add to your collection of medals.”
She went to her table.
“I hereby bestow on you, the order of the Knights of the Garter.” She pinned the medal on his tuxedo, alongside the others. “This means.”
John blushed. “I do know what that means thank you.” She grinned. “You’re BLUSHING!”
Taking her hand in his, he tugged her along to the door. “Deal with you later.”
Her laughter rose above the orchestra, which upon hearing her, began to play Roquebrune’s version of God Save The Queen.
John leaned over and tickled her ear. “Their playing your song.” She grinned and nodded. “And rather badly off-key.”
As everyone resumed dancing and mingling, Marlena gestured to the Duke with a smile as she asked. “Will you dance with me?”
He bowed. “It would be my pleasure.”
Samantha snuck into the shadows and shook her head. “Enjoy this sister. For it will all end soon.”
The fire crackled in the fireplace as he studied the photographs. Three lovely girls, each talented, very beautiful and also accomplished. But out of the trio one stood out far more.
While two had the eyes of serenity and would be grace personified, there was the one that was beyond that. He had always been intrigued by her and if asked was thrilled that Madeline had become exactly what she was. Lethal and without remorse.
He had planned all of this out years before. When by accident he had discovered the hiding places of the two other children. Frankly if he had to be honest with anyone, he was truly surprised that his whiny sister in law had the sense to hide the younger daughters. While having detectives following them, he had decided that one was to be saved.
He didn’t count on Marlena having a urge to hug her grandparents just once more. When he saw that it was Samantha that had been in the car, he ran and in the distraction and smoke, was able to spirit out the injured, coughing child.
What was once fraternal, thanks to the surgeries was now identical thanks to the talented surgeons who were able to change her.
But what was never changed, was her spirit and that went a long way into turning this angel into the ultimate revenge against her father. Nicholas was going to pay for what Mikhail thought was the disgrace of his life. Being born after Nicholas and therefore missing the throne.
He and his useless twit of a brother Stephen had planned to take Elizabeth out of the photo and place Madeline into her place. She would abdicate, which would allow him to come into the position of power, with Stephen his loyal henchman.
He was furious when he had learnt that he had been hoodwinked by in turn by Olga, Marguerite and Robert. Placing the American on his beloved throne in her sister’s place, AS her sister first and then when the truth had been revealed, as her rightful name. Princess Jocelyn.
He threw the glass across the room, enjoying the sound as the priceless crystal goblet shattered. “I will get my revenge.” Reaching for his cell phone, he began to dial..
***
“Why have you brought me here?” John grinned as he shut the doors to the gazebo behind him. “Well despite loving watching you be our precious social butterfly, I wanted to be very alone with you for at least 10 minutes.” She smiled and paused. “Well I think you’ve managed that very well. Seriously, what’s up?”
He stepped towards her, a faint smile on his lips. “Well, what I wanted to say to you was simple, very heartfelt and honest.” He began to play with one of her curls.
“Queen of my heart.”
She smiled. “John.”
He snapped back to attention. “Marlena, I’ve asked this before and I’ll ask this of you again and again until you admit that we’re meant to be together and I get the answer that I want.” They both began to laugh.
“Seriously, I love you so much. You’ve brought a light back into my life that I thought was lost forever and made me see so much more than what was right in front of me. Will you marry me?”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the tiny box, opening it to reveal the antique platinum solitaire diamond. “So what’s the answer to be?”
Marlena nodded. “What better way to start a reign, than to announce to the world something they can already see when they see us together. That two people in love are going to be married.” She stepped forward to allow him to slide the ring on her hand. “I love you, so very much.” He hugged her and gently claimed her lips. “And I can’t wait to be your wife.”
***
Samantha was about to make her move when she saw John step onto the podium along with a smiling Marlena.
“I’d like everyone’s attention please. I know this is unusual, as I’m supposed to go jump through flaming hoops.” The guests laughed. “Seriously I would normally have to go through a bunch of red tape and ask the privy council’s permission, not to mention my mother’s. But sometimes you have to zig instead of zag to get where you’re going in life.”
A chuckle rang through the guests. “But I know that she’ll approve this. I want to announce that this lovely angel has agreed to be my bride.”
Marlena’s smile faded as she saw someone walking through the crowds. Tears began to well up in her eyes.
“This isn’t real.”
John looked to where Marlena’s attention was and his eyes widened. “Marlena?”
She stepped down from the podium and came to stop just in front of the vision in white, finding that her voice failed her as she took in the mirror image of her.
A mask came across Samantha’s face as she held out her hands. “Marley, it’s Sami”
Marlena shook her head. “This isn’t real. You DIED!”
Robert stepped forward. “Ladies, let’s take this into a quieter room. You don’t need to do this in public.”
Marlena looked to her Uncle and nodded. “Certainly. We should talk privately.” Her smile came back.
“Let’s go.”
They were joined by John and Robert while Patrick asked the guests to continue enjoying the gala.
***
She shrugged her shoulders, the hazel eyes subdued and sparkling with unshed tears. “How? Sam, this is so unreal. They told me all along that there were no survivors.”
The other woman sat curled up on the couch, watching her sister with hungry eyes. “They lied.” Marlena shook her head. “Something I’m learning more and more about in this world.” She turned around. “So who, how?”
Samantha looked down and up with fearful eyes. “Our Uncles had paid for this.”
Marlena blinked. “Our uncles?” Suddenly the realizations washed over her. “Mikhail and Stephen?”
Samantha nodded. “Apparently when our parents read the bible, they took it literally to go forth and multiply. The King and Queen had three daughters as opposed to two.”
Marlena’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Sam, you’re not.”
Samantha’s smile grew radiant. “Oh but I am. They had triplets, two identical and one fraternal. Thanks to the explosion, They made me look just like you.”
Marlena shivered and wrapped her wrap around her. “Why?”
Samantha leaned over and spoke in a voice that was best used for nurses talking to patients. “To overthrow the King.”
***
Mikhail smiled and hug up the phone. “Excellent. Their together and everything is now as it should be.” He picked up one photo and tore it up. “Soon, it will totally fall into place.”
He stood up and went to the safe, where he pulled out the replica of the Malachite Crown, the coronation crown of the family for centuries. “Soon this will be real and Jocelyn will have died just as the others and I’ll have what is rightfully mine.” r32;
“Ok, that’s another one finished. How many more?”
She blearily rubbed her eyes and looked up, shaking the feeling back into her hand.
“10 more for today and then that’s it.”
“Oh joy, only TEN more?” She made a face. “Couldn’t we rubber stamp my signature on these?” She raised an eyebrow. “I mean come on, who would know?” Her new Private Secretary removed the letters that had already had her delicate signature added and piled on the new ones.
“James, tell me honestly because I’m dying to know this. Do slave drivers really go to heaven?” She shot a mutinous glare at his back and began to sign the replies to the congratulations sent to her for the Coronation.
“Marlena, you know that it’s not nice to torment the help.” Samantha breezed into her sister’s office and came to sit in the chair in front of the solid oak desk.
James Fellows looked from first one sister to the other and shook his head, a common reaction of those who worked in the Palace in the past few days, while as different as night from day in personality, the girls were very identical.
He found himself thanking god as he observed Samantha examining her nails that he was only working for the one who was as calm and sunny as a spring day.
There was something unsettling about Samantha when you looked into her eyes. It was as if the darkness of her soul swallowed up her eyes, they were totally black, whereas the Queen’s hazel eyes were so lively, you would get the impression of being electrocuted if you brushed against her.
He understood after a week of working as her right hand man, how she became known to her staff as the “Livewire.”
Marlena looked up from her last signing and smiled. “James, at the staff meeting tomorrow, please would you remind me to announce that we’re going to get computerized. If I have to even translate ONE more effort at what YOU call handwriting, I’m going to go stark raving mad, which is going to be hilarious that a r32;psychiatrist can’t treat herself from a phobia of chicken scratching attempts at writing.”
Samantha shot a look to James, who smiled. “We’ll get the computers Ma’am.”
Marlena checked her watch. “Ok, I have to go for a final portrait sitting and we’ll be free for the evening, which is the Mayor’s Dinner.”
She smiled at the duo who were watching her. “So, I’ll see you all there.” r32;
“FIRE AND ICE!”
“Princess Madeline made her first public appearance along with her sister Queen Jocelyn and the Duke of Menton. The sisters, so alike were dressed in complete opposites. Her Majesty, in a simple scarlet evening gown, her hair loose around her shoulders while Madeline was dressed in a simple beaded ice blue sheath that showed to perfection her porcelain complexion.”
Mikhail laughed as he read about the public dinner at the guild hall, that was thrown by the Town Mayor in honor of the Coronation. Shutting the paper, he was getting up to pour another brandy when the phone on the desk began to ring.
“Hello?” Samantha turned around from looking out the window. “It’s me. Are you busy or can you talk?”
Mikhail let out another laugh. “Child, I’m in exile, I have NOTHING but time. What is the problem for you now?”
Samantha dropped on to the bed. “Oh GEE, let’s see. I’m stuck playing doting sister to a dimwit who thinks it’s just SO wonderful that I’ve come back to her. I’m forced to sit and watch as she and Ken play pattycake and kissyface for the cameras and the most sickening displays are when their with that CHILD!”
He chuckled. “His name is Alexander and he is your nephew.”
Sam grimaced. “If you’re saying that I’ll have to play the doting Aunt, you’ve got another thing coming. I’ll play my part in your scheme as you’ve said often enough, I do owe you. But we’ll do this as I see fit and NO one is going to make me do something that I won’t.”
***
“So any nerves, come on tell me!” Marlena smiled as she sat in front of the dressing table, allowing the make up artists and hairdressers to work their magic.
“Honestly Jenn, I’m not nervous at all.” She smiled and peeked up through her bangs. “Well at least not as nervous as I thought I would be for this day. I never DREAMED that it would be this exciting.”
Jennifer McDonald, her senior lady in waiting smiled and stood up to smooth out the skirt of her white gown. Her reddish blonde hair, normally seen in a riot of curls was today tamed into an elegant chignon that showed her long neck to perfection.
“Ok, so let’s get the tiara on this lovely hairdo of yours and then we can finish getting Cinderella ready for the ball.” She leaned over and hugged her friend. “Sounds good, but its not a tiara, it’s called a Kokoshnik.” Jennifer grinned. “You say Tomato and I say Tomato. Either way you look lovely.”
Marlena laid a hand on top of her friends. “Thanks for keeping me from flying off.” Jennifer smiled. “What are friends for?”
John knocked on the door. “Is it alright to come in?” Jennifer rolled her eyes. “Ok, while I’m glad that you’re thinking on your toes, THAT is the wrong tradition, you can’t see her BEFORE the wedding. Which is three months from now.” She glanced at Marlena, who laid the hand mirror on the dresser. At her nod, Jennifer opened the door. “Come on in.”
The vision who was standing at the window took his breath away. Dressed in court dress, Marlena looked like a little doll. It was easy to see just why it had taken her an hour to dress in the coronation gown. She wore layers of stiff petticoats, over which was a wide full skirt of silver brocade that opened from the waist down to reveal a second skirt of silver, edged with lace.
The bodice was cut low to reveal her neck and shoulders and the gown had short sleeves that had trailing lace edged tips. The tightly boned and fitted bodice was sewn with diamonds which showered the room with sparkles with every move. The folds of her overskirt fell back to form a train and a separate court train was made of cloth of gold edged with fur, she revealed to avoid controversy that it was fake, fell gracefully from her shoulders.
Over this dazzling image, a second imperial mantle was to be placed edged as well in fur was to be placed.
The mantle was so huge that it was going to take four pages to help carry it.
Over her upswept hair, Marlena wore a tulle veil held in place by a Roquebrune Imperial tiara or known properly as a “Kokoshnik” of diamonds set in platinum.
She also was wearing tiny diamond earrings, the jeweled chain of the Order of St. Andrew, the red ribbon of the Order of St. Catherine and a 475 carat diamond necklace, a present from John’s Parents.
“You look incredible.” She broke into a grin that quickly turned into a grimace. “Easy for you to say, John this weighs a TON!” She thought better of what she was going to do and held out her hands. “I can say that same thing for you, John, you look so handsome.”
John looked down at himself, dressed formally in the red uniform of the Queen Marguerite Hussars, the ribbon of the Order of St. Anne and Andrew across his chest. A gold braided white cloak was draped over his shoulders. “Well not every day that I have to dress up in the part of a supporting player.”
She patted his cheek. “But you do it so well.” The trio laughed and went to pose for some photos before getting in the State Coaches.. r32;
The services went by in a blur for Marlena in a mix of incense, Gregorian chants and vows promised by the assembled guests. The only true vivid moment was when John stepped forward to kneel in front of her and vow allegiance to the Queen of Roquebrune and the lady of his heart.
For the rest of her life, Marlena could shut her eyes and relive the intensity of his blue eyes, the warmth of his hand over hers as he whispered urgently his vows of faith.
“I, John, Duke of Menton do become your liege man of life and limb, and of earthly worship; and faith and truth will I bear unto you, to live and die, against all manner of folks. So help me God.”
“Somehow, I just knew that I would find you here.” Marlena looked up and smiled at him. “Of course, had to find some place quiet to just collapse. It’s not every person who has to wear almost 50 pds of clothes and jewels.” She grinned. “Bet I lose a good 10 pds by the end of today.”
She saw a flash and froze until she saw the photographer taking a shot of her laughing amidst the mist of tulle and satins.
The pure joy in Marlena’s eyes ensured that the picture of this when released was going to be one of his favorite shots. It would be placed on his desk next to a shot of Alexander and of the three of them, in a place of honor. r32;
“Ok, so now that my scalp can breathe again.” She looked up at John with a wink as she laid the veil and kokoshnik on the bed. Coming towards him with her hair in loose tendrils. “Just can’t wait to get out of this dress.”
He grinned and held out his hands. “I can’t wait to get you OUT of that dress either.” She rolled her eyes.
“You’re terrible.” He nodded, an gleam in his eyes. “There’s just something about you that makes me get this way.”
There was a discreet knock at the door and James’s head appeared. “Your Majesty, you’re to push the button for the light show.”
Marlena nodded and reached for John’s hand. As they came to the top of the stairs, a servant stepped forward with a silver tray, on which lay a bouquet of fragrant roses.
As she placed them in her arms, she triggered the beginning of the light display. As the ballroom filled with color from the fireworks, Marlena heard John’s voice whispering in her ears.
“To the start of a brilliant reign My Queen.” As Marlena turned with a grin to face John, she caught sight of her sister and the look in Samantha’s eyes sent shivers down her spine.
“Doc?” She looked up. “Dance with me please. I need someone to hold me up.” He laughed and leaned over to lightly trace her lips with his. “My pleasure.”
Patrick was walking down the hall when he heard some heated conversation. “Don’t do this to me. I did what you asked me to do, HAVE done what you asked and now you’re turning me out like this. I don’t think so. Family or not, you can’t continually control me.”
It took him a moment but he soon realized that he was listening to Samantha. What he heard froze him into silence, his brain absorbing everything
“I ended Olga’s miserable excuse of a life, I finished off Jessica Dallow. Did it all for you Uncle Micki. But now I’m alone. Maybe I should turn renegade and decide to tell them all just what you planned. Now that Marlena’s Queen and about to marry John. Would be the ultimate revenge that the man who’s wife YOU ordered to die, end your miserable excuse of a life.”
Mikhail let out a roar that even Patrick could hear from the hall. “Listen well you little bitch. I saved you once and it wouldn’t do anything to end what shouldn’t have been. Watch your back my darling little Princess as when I decide that its truly the end for our partnership, the end will be swift and merciless.
Decisions will be made and it will come soon.” r32;
“Marly, do you remember when we were little and we’d play with our dolls. Pretend weddings.” Marlena looked up from watching the designer pinning the fabric of the gown, a smile briefly dancing across her face. “Yes, yes I do. Seems a lifetime ago.”
Samantha raised an eyebrow and shook her head. “Yes, a lifetime ago.” She observed her sister and that insidious little voice in her head softly hissed. “MY LIFETIME.”
“So as I’ve been away for a few weeks, I haven’t been a very good big sister in helping you prepare for this wedding of the century. Have you and John finalized just where you’ll be having the reception?”
Marlena looked up and smiled. “Yes as a matter of fact. We’re being married at St. Mary’s Cathedral and the reception is going to be at the Summer Palace. The consultants have wonderful plans for this, want to carry on the fairytale belief of the romance.”
Samantha tilted her head and spoke softly. “And what do you want for this?”
Marlena turned her head slightly, watching as the light played with the creamy white duchess satin.
“Honestly, I would be perfectly content just running away and having just he and I with the minister. But I can’t do that. Not allowed to do that.”
Samantha nodded. “Why not. Who said that you had to have pomp and pageantry for this?” Marlena smiled. “John did. He felt that as I had been denied all of the perks of Royal life for so long, that I should get the chance to be the Princess Bride on this day of all days.”
Samantha shook her head. “Oh what a guy.” Marlena smiled. “Yes, yes he is.”
As Marlena stepped down to go change, Samantha leaned her head on her hand. “Shame that what’s to come is going to end this sickeningly sweet display.” Checking her watch, Samantha stood up. “Honey, I have to go. I have an appointment with the children’s charity about becoming their patron.”
Marlena grinned. “I can’t tell you just how proud I am of you that you’re willing to take on duties and charities. An united front again, as it always should have been.”
Samantha nodded. “Anyways, I’ll see you later.”
As Marlena went on her way to change, Samantha shook her head. “As it was NEVER meant to be. I’d kill us both before I went the way you’re thinking sister mine.”
****
Patrick was sitting at his desk, lost in thought when John came walking back into the offices. “What’s wrong?” Patrick looked up. “I didn’t hear you come in.” John nodded. “Obviously, had a lot on your mind from the looks of this. Now tell me, what’s wrong.”
Sensing that he wasn’t getting away until he told, Patrick began to explain just what he had heard the night of the Coronation gala.
“John, you have to keep Marlena away from her. I don’t trust Samantha and I have this nagging feeling that something terrible is going to happen again. We can’t lose her the way that we lost Beth.”
John’s blue eyes darkened. “Ok, this is what we’re going to do.”
****
“You have a lot of nerve summoning me here.” Mikhail shook his head. “Do you think that I got to where I am little girl by being meek and mild?” He got up from his chair with such menace in his eyes that Samantha was convinced that she was not going to be leaving the estate alive.
“Cut the operatics, you forget that I’ve seen you at your best and worst and don’t scare me.” Mikhail bluffed. “Then why are you shaking?” He chuckled. “Your sister controls her fear far more better than you. BOTH of them did.”
Sam spun around. “I beg your pardon?” He smiled. “I’ve had run ins with both Marlena and Elizabeth. Their stronger than you could ever hope to be. They also knew when to stay silent and when to speak.”
He checked his watch. “Now to get to why I wanted to see you. You’re going to be the distraction for my plan. On the day of their greatest happiness. You’re going to play spoiler.”
****
“What has you just looking so incredibly unhappy three days before our wedding?” John turned around and smiled. “That I hadn’t seen you all day?” She shook her head. “Lovely sentiment, but that wouldn’t be it. The last time that I saw you this worried was when you thought that I had died in the explosion. John, what is it?”
He turned around. “I want you for the next few days to stay away from Sam. Go visit friends, let me take you away.” She began to laugh out of bewilderment more than humor. “John, what’s going on with you?”
He stepped away. “There’s reason to believe that Samantha is part of Mikhail’s conspiracy to take over the throne. As your wedding nears, he’s going to strike out more.” Marlena shook her head. “John, he can’t hurt me. As for that allegiation against Sam. How could you. There’s no thread of truth.”
Marlena walked around the room and held out her hand. “Why would she? How could she?” She threw up her arms. “I..” She turned around. “John, I’m not Elizabeth, don’t look for fears and goblins when there isn’t any.”
****
“So The Duke’s coach will be leaving the palace at 10:45, His parents and the Princess Madeline will be at 10:50 and the children attendants at 10:55 and the Queen’s will be the last at 11:00.” Patrick finished examining the sheet he had in front of him.
“Ok, so the photographer if he wants to shoot the Duke with his parents can have from 10 until 10:20 so that he has time to get last minute things done and go downstairs to the coach. The Queen and the children from 10:30 until 10:50 and the remainder of the family shots can be after the ceremony.”
He was finishing with the person on the phone when he looked up and found Samantha standing in the doorway. “Hello Your Highness.” She smiled and bowed her head. “Hello Patrick.”
****
“So where are we?” John grinned and brought Marlena’s hand to his lips. “I’m bringing you to your wedding present from me.” Marlena rolled her eyes. “Wouldn’t it have been easier to bring it to me?”
He pointed out her side of the car. “I can do many things my darling, but this would have been a little hard to do.” Marlena watched curiously as they sailed up the winding driveway, under a canopy of trees.
“The Mission inspired estate was built in 1928, but I’ve had it restored to what it used to be.” Marlena spun around, astonishment written across her face. “You did?” His face broke into an enormous grin. “I did. Figured that would have to have someplace for us to go when we wanted to be alone.” Marlena smiled. “Oh really. Awfully confident that I’d marry you.”
He nodded. “Uh huh. You’re many things, but not stupid. You’d never let a catch like me go.” Marlena smiled as the chauffeur opened the door on her side, allowing her to slip out elegantly and she looked around the sweeping grounds.
“Oh my.” He came around the car and took her hand. “Happy soon to be wedding.”
****
“Ok, tilt your head for me just a little to the left Ma’am.” Marlena did as she was told, a smile coming across her face as she saw one of her tiny bridesmaids, Sarah, daughter of her friends Maggie and Mickey Horton dancing in front of her.
Maggie smilingly called out and asked her how she chose the gown. “I just wanted something simple, elegant and romantic. 20 sketches later, here we are and here it is.” Marlena gracefully rose and turned as she held out her arms draped in the wrap.
The gown was a simple column, beaded duchess satin, the wrap was also of the same material. Marlena’s hair was slicked back and held in place by a delicate tiara, which also anchored tightly, her gossamer veil.
The only jewelry that she wore was at her ears wrist and throat.
Her bouquet was also very simple to match the overall theme. Calla Lilies tied with a ribbon of ivory duchess satin. Nestled inside the bouquet was myrtle from the bush that had been planted by Marlena’s great-grandmother Queen Fabiola. on her own wedding day.
****
Marlena sat along with her Uncle Robert, her free hand lying on the blue velvet seat and smiled as she waved serenely at the crowds through the huge glass windows of the coach.
“I feel like a fish. Waiting to be fed.” Robert began to choke. “Oh come on, surely that thought hadn’t crossed your mind.” Robert smiled. “Actually no it hadn’t.”
Marlena grinned impishly and let out a sigh. “These are my subjects and its just overwhelming.” Robert smiled. “Everything is hopeful and positive. Above all, you are NOT your uncles and for that, the populace is truly grateful.”
As they drove through the city streets, Marlena saw the sun broke through the clouds just as the Queen Amelia trumpeters began to herald her arrival at the Cathedral.
Robert helped her down and Marlena smiled as the designer stepped forward to adjust her gown, plus tame her veil, just before her walk up the forty steps to the alcove of the cathedral and then it was to be another 5 minutes walk before she met her groom.
***
“We’ve done it.” John watched as Marlena signed the register, a smile overtaking his handsome features.
“You’re FINALLY my wife. Took us long enough.”
From the security of his arms, Marlena simply nodded as she listened to the soloist outside with the choir and the orchestra singing the hymn she had chosen. “I vow to thee my country.” It fit her new role and her devotion to the throne.
“Hello, earth to my blushing bride.” She turned and looked up. “I heard you.” She smiled. “Darling, I think the whole cathedral did. But to be honest, I just can’t think of what could best describe my feelings right now. I have you and I just love you so much.” She ran her hand over his lips. “So very much.”
As they came together for a kiss, Marlena noticed that Samantha wasn’t there with them to sign the registry books.
John held Marlena’s bouquet as with the help of Maggie and Marguerite, she removed the veil to show off her delicate tiara.
“Ready?” She couldn’t have been more radiant as she stole another kiss. “I think I was born ready to simply love you as much as I do.” She ran her finger tips over his lips. “Let’s go say hello to our subjects.” John winked. “Let’s do.”
They came out of the alcove and John slid Marlena’s hand in his. As they began to walk towards the guests, Marlena paused in front of John’s parents. As he bowed to them, Marlena dropped into a graceful curtsey as their signs of tribute to the couple.
They walked just a bit further and John waited to allow Marlena to show her parents a sign of honor and respect. She divided her bouquet into two and laid each on her parent’s tombs. “This is going to sound silly, but I think their with me today.” John brought her hand to his lips. “I don’t think that’s silly, it’s a wonderful thought and something that should bring you great comfort.”
She paused and thought on it for a moment and soon smiled. “It does.”
***
They emerged from the Cathedral, hand in hand and smiling in the softly overcast afternoon. John paused long enough to receive his hat back from the ushers before taking his wife’s hand to walk down the last ten steps to the carriage.
“Can this applause get any louder?” Marlena gracefully adjusted her gown around her to avoid wrinkling.
“Don’t think so, I can still hear my heart and the Archbishop’s words. I’m really your wife.” John smiled and kissed her hand. “Until death do us part.”
***
“Don’t you think you should be with your sister right now?” Samantha spun around, placing her glass on the table and found Patrick watching her from the doorway. “After all the time apart, you should be by her side on this day of all days.”
Samantha put down her drink. “Outside of nashing my teeth at the photographer, and smiling at just how many people ooh and aah over just how much we truly look alike, we both know that my very presence is not going to be missed.”
Patrick shook his head and stepped inside the study, closing the oak library doors as to avoid being overheard. There was no way that he wanted to have the wedding guests to even hear this conversation.
“Oh but I think it will be for your Uncle Mikhail. You’re a very good actress, and if it wasn’t for a very loud conversation that was overheard, no one would know just what a warped little psycho barbie you are.”
Samantha’s eyes narrowed to mere slits. “Oh but you do.” Patrick smiled. “Should learn that the Roquebrune Princesses do NOT yell.” She shook her head. “If I cared. But I don’t.”
She began to walk away. “It was a joy to talk to you Patrick, but as you say, I do have to support my sister on this day of all days. I believe that it is customary for the family to go on the balcony to accept the crowds applause. So excuse me.”
Patrick waited and counted until five before pulling out the tape recorder from his suit jacket.
Pressing the button, he listened with a smile on his face. “Gotcha.”
***
“So you’re really and truly mine.” She grinned. “Yes I am. The Archbishop is a truly honorable man, wouldn’t tell a lie. He did pronounce you and I husband and wife.” She stepped forward, running her hand over her husband’s shirt front. “You’re mine as I am yours.”
Reaching behind her, John undid her upswept hair and allowed his hands to run through her blonde curls. Leaning forward, he gently nibbled on her lips.
A gentle kiss that began to deepen as John’s mouth became insistent with determination, Marlena wrapped her arms around him with the realization that she wanted him every inch as much.
A second softer thought came over her, that being in his arms was totally and perfectly right. But that tiny voice in her head chided her for being foolish for so long. “All the time I tried to deny this.” He pulled away, feeling her hesitation for a moment. “Marlena?”
Worried, he cradled her face in his hands, searching those amber eyes he knew better than his own. “What is it?”
She shook her head. “I simply can’t explain this. But I just love you.” As if by her saying that, it was granting him permission to allow himself to rejoice in the lady. With a smile, effortlessly as scooping up a feather, he gathered her up in his arms.
As they came into the bedroom, Marlena saw that the room was softly lit with candles and was a romantics dream come true.
He settled her on her feet and smiled as she stood quietly. “Well?” She broke into a playful smile. “Well what?” She shrugged, suddenly wanting him to make the moves.
He stepped to her and the look in his eyes started making her shiver with anticipation, his hands began to lightly run over the silk of her dress, a smile coming over his face as he watched her reaction. “You’re not going to say a word?”
The challenge in her eyes spurred him onwards, as his fingertips continued to explore. As their lips met, he smiled. “What do you want me to do now?”
She stepped forward, so that they were in total contact. She slid her arms around his waist. “I just want you.” She nipped at his lip as a signal to take it forward.
He raised an eyebrow and began to undo her clothes, button by button. Pausing only to allow his fingers to raise a response from her. Watching her fighting the desire, John began feathering kisses on the exposed flesh.
Tensing as he slid the dress from her, Marlena watched his reaction as she stepped out of the dress.
With tawny eyes never leaving his face, Marlena began to undo her bustier. She had only gotten the first clip done before he stopped her. “You’re my gift and I’ll do this.”
Laying her on the bed, John leaned over her for a moment before smiling. As he continued exploring and his lips claimed her, Marlena bit her lip to avoid crying out, but her hands clutching for his hair.
Catching her hands in his, John stretched her arms above her head and watched her with adoring eyes for a moment.
As suddenly as the angel shone in his eyes, Marlena began to shiver as the devil appeared and he disappeared from her view.
Suddenly, she felt his lips on her, moving from her stomach, to her knees to her breasts, following no set path, other than to get re-acquainted with her body and soul. “Do you trust me?”
Finding her voice failing her, Marlena could only nod before suddenly finding him blocking all light from her sight.
Closing her eyes, she felt his breath at her ear as he whispered. “Don’t shut me out. I want to watch your face.” She felt his hands blazing patterns over her, sending sparks and shivers all over her.
As his fingers left their paths, his lips came to send new sparks. Losing control, Marlena reached for the pillows to have something to hold onto and she had an irrational thought that she was on the ocean with waves rocking her.
Suddenly she felt grounded, as John came to rest over her. Crying out as his fingers rested on her lips before suddenly feeling that the world was exploding in shards of crystal light.
As they lay together, still entwined in each other’s arms, Marlena lifted her head slightly and found that John’s blue eyes were darkening again and she shivered with the mental contrast to the man she loved as opposed to the volcano she was lying next to. She knew what was coming next and she leaned on one arm.
She grazed his lips with her finger. “I love all that you wear, but I think I like you best in candlelight.”
Marlena smiled and suddenly her eyes filled with tears. “What is this?” She shook her head. “Tears for happiness?”
She nodded and he rolled her over, cradling her as he began to kiss her deeply, hearing the soft sigh escape her lips. Pulling away for a moment, they looked at each other for a moment and yet again, the magic wove its spell and the dance began again.
***
Sleepily, Marlena rolled over and as her hand hit empty space, she found that she was alone in the big bedroom. The moonlight was drifting into the room through the open curtains that were dancing in the gentle sea breeze. Sitting up, curiously with a smile, she called John’s name and got no response.
Reaching to the end of the bed, she put on her robe and began to pad down the stairs.
As she was heading down the final set, she heard a faint whimper that made the hair on the back of her neck stand up. “John?”
Five steps from the bottom and Marlena let out a scream as she found John lying in a heap. As she flew down the stairs and gathered him in her arms, a voice called out her name from the darkness.
Turning around, she found Samantha coming out, dressed in an identical nightgown, the look of fear and worry in her eyes an exact replica of Marlena’s fear for her husband.
“Let go of him.” As she began to scream, a hand clamped over her lips and she felt the hand go around her waist, spinning her around so that she could see just who it was that began the assault.
“Thought I was gone forever, didn’t you little niece.” Marlena counted to ten, not willing to let him see just how terrified she was. She glanced sideways to see that John was still unconscious, lying in Samantha’s arms.
“Oh my love, please, PLEASE wake up. I need your help.”
She felt a yanking on her hand and she turned her attention back to her uncle trying to wrench her wedding rings off by brute force. She let out a yell and began to struggle. All the while, Samantha smiled and as Marlena let out a yell again for her to let John go, she simply leaned down and grazed his lips with hers.
“He’s mine now Marlena, you’ve lost him.”
****
John began to wake up, with a chill creeping through his bones from the tiles. Sitting up, he noticed that the house was in shambles. Panicking, he began to call Marlena’s name. Getting no answer, he stood up too fast, regretting that as the room began to spin.
Once under control, he began to run through the house, the smell of faint smoke and gunfire rising up to block his nose. “MARLENA!”
A memory as light as silk washed over him and was gone before he could fully grasp what it meant. But he could swear he heard her screaming with someone to let her help him.
He found her lying limp in the swimming pool’s shallow end. Jumping into the water, he turned her over and learnt that she had a pulse, just barely. Getting her out, he began to do CPR.
“Don’t leave me, don’t do this. Not now, not like this. Marlena.”
****
The next morning, John found himself facing Patrick and the rest of the staff. “I don’t care who we have to shake for answers and I don’t want to KNOW who we have to get answers from. My wife was nearly killed and I have a goose egg the size of a small country. Let’s get action on this or I’LL start to figure this out on my own.”
Patrick moved away from the group. “Ok, let’s get started and we’ll report back to you sir in a couple of hours. Hopefully we’ll have answers.”
John moved away and went back upstairs to check on his wife.
She was fast asleep, her pale skin flushed with the softest pink. Her hair was in disheveled curls and she looked so finally at peace that he began to weep for the reminisces of her screams. The raw pain that was evident in the screams would send chills down the spine of anyone with an ounce of compassion.
He came and sat down beside her, laying a hand on hers and running his fingers over her forehead. As he pushed her hair away from her heated skin, a puzzled look came over him. Leaning forward, he began to think he was hallucinating as the memory of what was bothering him came back.
From the explosion, Marlena had fallen and hit her head on a rock, the gash wasn’t serious but however it did need stitches. John had teased her for being his flawed angel.
But however, he had told her a couple of days after Sam had appeared that the tiny scar would be his way of telling the girls apart.
The lady lying in his bed, had no mark, no scars and suddenly he felt the hairs on the back on his neck. He moved off the bed as if it was on fire. He looked around for the phone, but paused out of fear of her hearing that the secret was known.
The screams in his head were real, the pain was true and it was Marlena who had cried out for him, for help and for them to stop.
“Marlena, I’ll find you.” He looked back to the figure in the bed and vowed to find her.
“Mikhail, I will hunt you down and kill you for what you have done.” He looked at Samantha, sleeping quietly in the bed and had the overwhelming urge to tear her apart. But knowing that she was the only link that he had to find Marlena, he decided to allow the dark side of him to come out, that for what was taken, he had to get back.
No matter the cost..
Over the weeks since the switch of Marlena with Samantha, Mikhail watched his niece with a mix of curiosity and anger.
Curiosity to see just what she would do facing this new situation, knowing that her sister was now ruling over all of Marlena’s world. Including sharing her bed with Marlena’s husband.
Anger that nothing seemed to get through to her. None of his jabs were causing her any sort of distress. She was in her own little world and this was also inspiring yet another emotion in Mikhail…
Fear.
Time and time again this beauty with the amber eyes looked at him, and yet she continually kept seeing through him, seeing nothing. Which annoyed him, being used to having what he wanted, when he wanted it. It was as if by losing what she loved most, she became a wraith, floating through without sounds.
Marlena lay on her bed, cocooned safely in the darkness of her room. After adjusting to the dark, she opened her eyes to look at her hand. In her dreams she was so positive that she still had her rings, in turn her connection with John. But then her amber eyes would open and she’d be forced to realize that she was truly alone.
Days turned into weeks and she began to lose faith. The girl who had come to Alamainia and Roquebrune in the hopes of adventure and the unknown, who was so full of life, had begun to lose her sparkle.
She pictured John and Alexander and wanted nothing more than to just simply come home to them. She found it hard to believe that there was a time that even she r32;was ready to take on the world and fight her uncles. Right now, she just wanted to have it all end.
****
“Any word from the sources?” John looked up from the reports to the faces of Patrick and Robert. “Obviously not. How in the hell with all the money, resources and everything that we have, are we unable to find my wife?”
Robert was about to speak, when Patrick cut him off. “Confront Samantha and force her to tell us.” John shook his head. “Too easy. There’s no guarantee that she’s not dead. Go after her and make her tell us could lead to her having Marlena killed and r32;that is something that I will NOT allow.”
He got up and went to the window, watching silently as the rain spattered the glass. For a sudden, very brief moment, he imagined Marlena crying and that thought tore through him like a bullet. To think she was out there alone, and hurting and who r32;knows what else was happening, was killing him.
****
“Do I really have to sit here and watch you eat?”
Mikhail turned his head slightly and nodded. “Frankly, yes you do. Maybe if you watch someone eat, that will inspire you to TRY and eat.” Marlena shook her head, the feeling of disgust washing over her. “There’s just something about you that makes me feel nauseous.”
He waved his hand. “Well niece, I feel the same way every time I look at you. You were the reason I was not allowed what was my right. To be told that your gifts are not to be appreciated because of the simple fact that your older brother was lucky r32;enough to get his wife pregnant.”
Marlena shook her head. “Then why dote on Samantha. I saw the way that you watched her the night you took me away. If I didn’t know better, then I’d swear that you were a proud father.”
Mikhail wiped his lips. “In all ways that matter, I was her father. Your father abandoned the two of you. Amelia was useless and so that set up the day of the explosion. There was something in her eyes.”
He looked at Marlena, who was watching him with a vague uneasiness. “It doesn’t matter now, because she’s now where she should have been all along. And you, you lucky girl, are going to spend eternity with me.”
Marlena picked up her dinner knife. “Not if I kill you first.” Standing up, she smiled. “As I know that while I’d go to heaven, you’d be stuck in purgatory, boring everyone with this Napoleon complex that you have had all your life.”
As he watched his niece walk away, Mikhail downed his drink in a gulp and began to figure out just how he could spirit her away from him to regain his sanity.
****
It had been the fifth morning in a row that Marlena had woken up feeling as if she had been on the roughest sea imaginable.
Rolling over on her side, she began to pray that this was going to be over soon. “I can’t last much longer.”
****
“Hello Darling.” Samantha came into the dining room and found John studying files. “Hi there. Sorry I didn’t come to bed. But by the time that the dinner was finished and finished going over my notes, well I fell asleep on the study couch.”
Samantha came around the table and began to rub his shoulders. “My poor darling.” He froze, the rage he had for this imposter ready to jump out at her with this slight contact. “John?” He shook his head.
“It’s alright. Just hit a really sore spot.” He kissed her hand. “I’m going to go for a swim.” He checked his watch. “I know that you have a council meeting at 9, better hurry my love.”
As he left the room, taking his files with him. Samantha watched him go, a raised eyebrow the only signal that she was furious.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you knew.”
****
Mikhail paced the study for the umpteenth time and was about to begin another circuit when the door opened and the Doctor appeared. “What do you want with me, your highness?” Mikhail gestured to the chair in front of his desk. “I’d like you to r32;examine my niece. She’s on a hunger strike for some unknown reason and she’s beginning to scare me.”
****
The door to Marlena’s room opened and Mikhail stared at his niece in amazement. Delicately wiping her lips, She smiled sweetly at the gentlemen. “I don’t know what you’re playing at, but I don’t like this.”
Marlena shrugged. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Brunch was lovely. Cook has been taking excellent care of me.”
As he frog-marched the doctor away, Marlena shut her eyes and willed the meal to stay down. “I can’t do this again.”
****
The heartbeat was loud, roaring through his head like a locomotive. Sitting up, John was disoriented. It was so real and yet, he wasn’t able to think of what had brought about that dream. It wasn’t like anything he had ever had in a nightmare.
As he began to calm down, his gaze fell on a photo of the two of them. Picking it up, he ran his hand over the glass and again prayed that she was safe. “Hang on and I will bring you home.”
****
Marlena sat up in the darkness and looked around the room, bewildered at just what it was that had woken her. As she quieted down, she suddenly realized just what was causing everything.
“Sleeping, lack of appetite then suddenly being ravenous, nausea, mood swings, the weeping.” She shook her head. “No way.” A smile came across her face. “A baby?” As she laid her hand on her stomach, she couldn’t believe that her medical background couldn’t have clued her in on this.
As she had a vision of a tiny baby in John’s arms, knowing that it was THEIR baby, Marlena felt a tiny glimmer of hope washing over her. That this tiny person was the inspiration for her to get out of this hell on earth.
****
She titled her head and smiled. “I don’t know what you mean?” Mikhail glared at his niece. “You can’t play games with me forever little one. What is it you’re after!”
Marlena blinked. “I don’t know what you’re saying. Everything that I had was taken from me thanks to you and my so called flesh and blood. All I’m asking for is to go outside and take a walk.”
Suddenly sensing a new calm about his niece that he found unsettling, he nodded. “Fine take your walk outside. Just get out of my sight!” With a meek nod, she left the room. But once outside of his study, she let out a grin that would cause shivers in those who knew her well, Marlena went to get her sweater.
****
“Hello Patrick.” He looked up and found her watching him with a curious look in her eyes. “Hello Ma’am.” He was about to continue reading the current files from the search teams, but as he saw that Samantha wasn’t leaving, he figured that it was best r32;not to. Looking up as he closed the files, he smiled. “How may I help you Ma’am?”
She smiled and came to sit down. “Well I was wondering if I could have a word with you.” He nodded. “Certainly, please sit down ma’am.”
She tilted her head. “I thought that we were always on a first name basis with each other.” He shook his head. “That was before you became Queen my lady.”
She hesitated. “I wanted to call a truce with you. We’ve been friends for a long time, I don’t want to have it end on technicalities.” She suddenly looked at him. “You do understand what I mean don’t you?”
Patrick smiled. “I have no reason to be at war with My Queen. She and I are friends, have always been. She has always had my loyalties.” He blinked and stood up. “She would have no reason to ask me that. But however, what you just asked reminds r32;me of someone else.” He paused. “There is only one person who I’ve been at odds with for awhile.” His eyes took on a dangerous glare. “That is The Queen’s sister Samantha.” He shook his head. “Do you have enough now John?”
Cornered, Samantha turned around. “Gotcha. I’ve figured that you were an imposter for weeks. Have never trusted you, especially since that horrific night. I just never had the proof to figure out just who you were working with. The ability to put 2 r32;and 2 together until Patrick told me that he had proof you were working with Mikhail.”
She shook her head, eyes full of tears. “I did what I did, because she’s had everything I’ve wanted for my entire life. Including the love of a good man.” John shook his head.
“Unfortunately, that’s not her fault. Mikhail was twisted and no one could defeat him. Marlena was the same age as you. What could she have done to save you? Did you ever stop to think that because she believed that she couldn’t has compelled her to r32;be better. To honor you.” John shook his head, spitting out the next words. “How do you repay her, by destroying her.”
Samantha shook her head, a smile replacing her tears. “It’s too late to issue complaints and plead for her safety and all that you’re trying to do, by pleading to a sense of mercy that has never existed. You see my darling.” She reached out to caress r32;John’s cheek, but as he stepped away, Sam’s voice turned icy.
“My good side died that day and sadly, Marlena has died as well.”
From her pocket, she pulled out a telegram and began to read.
John began to shake his head as Sam began to explain the codes. “The dove is Marlena. Annihilated means that she tried to escape and sadly, the attempt failed.” She handed over the form. “You can see it’s a real telegram. Face it John. You’ve lost.” r32;She broke into a radiant smile. “You’ve lost AGAIN.”
****
She floated in the water, allowing the gentle waves to guide her to someone safe. She felt the pain spreading over her, numbing her to everything except the unending replaying of just what she did to get away from the guards, who had seen her disappear after all.
Fearing that she had been cornered, she spun around and saw that she was standing close to the cliff edge. Laying a hand on her stomach protectively, she said a prayer hoping that whoever ruled her fate, would watch over her unborn child.
“DON’T MOVE!”
She glanced quickly and saw that Mikhail stood with the men, who stood with guns drawn. Without hesitating, she simply stepped backwards, allowing the wind to take possession of her.
Before the pain claimed her, she could still hear Mikhail’s words, being carried over the wind. “Don’t fire, she’s dead anyway. Waste of bullets.”
****
“What do we do now?” John lifted his head. “What else do we do. I’ve ordered Samantha to be under house arrest. The head of security has been given the order to break her if needed. Now that Marlena’s dead, there’s no reason to show respect to r32;someone who never had any for the lives of not just Elizabeth, but Marlena and so many others.” He shook his head. “I have never felt this angry. Right now, I could seriously kill her. I want her to hurt just as much as I do right now.” He studied his r32;drink. “Not very Princely. But that’s too bad. I feel so empty right now.”
Patrick shook his head. “I know that it’s not a consolation, but I think that telegram was a lie.” John peeked at him through an almost closed eyelid. “Your right, it’s not. What possible reason would they have to say something that utterly despicable?”
Patrick studied the note. “That I don’t know. But it’s not the first time that she’s left me being this puzzled.”
John drained his glass in a gulp. “This could make sense, but if that’s just a way to trick us, keep us off guard so that we can’t be ready.”
Patrick nodded. “But what would be the purpose of keeping this up?”
Before John could answer, the phone rang. “Hello, Patrick here.” His eyes suddenly widened and he looked at John. “One moment please while I get him.” Putting the call on hold, Patrick shook his head. “I just figured the reason. John, that’s Mikhail r32;on the phone.”
Counting to ten, John gripped the phone handle, imagining that the phone was actually that scum’s neck. “What do you want?” Mikhail began to laugh. “Now that’s no way to talk to your uncle in law.” John mimicked him exactly. “Well no, but that is the way to speak to you. Samantha’s spilled everything.”
There was a silence for a moment and then Mikhail spoke. “She hasn’t told you everything. Marlena’s alive. You can have her back for just a one small thing in return.”
John felt a heartbeat roaring in his ears. It was a like a locomotive. “What’s that?”
“The throne, you renounce the throne not just for Marlena, but also Alexander and you can have the woman you love back.”
John stayed silent as Mikhail’s final words found their way sinuously through him. “How easy it can all be. Have her back in your arms, just say the words John.”
****
Samantha stood in the middle of her cell, watching as the stars came out one by one to stand out brilliantly against the background of deep blue velvet. Holding out her hands, she dropped to her knees, a supplicant to the unknown god that was watching over her.
“Please help me. Allow me to find a way out of this.”
She heard someone coming down the hall and continued pleading her case.
“Don’t you think that it’s rather late to plead for forgiveness, when you killed Olga?” It was as if she had been frozen to the spot. She was shaking, afraid to turn around.
The gasps took her a moment to realize were coming from her. “Is it something that Jessica asked for before you shot her?” The door unlocked and Samantha felt her eyes welling up with tears as she began to say the childhood prayer that helped her r32;through her first pain filled days after the explosion. “Our father, who art in heaven.”
“What about me, what could I have ever done to you that would have you sign my death warrant?” She came forward and laid her hands on Samantha’s shoulders. “ANSWER ME!”
Sam shut her eyes and began to weep. “Marlie, please forgive me.”
The answer she expected, she realized would never come. Finally facing the courage to turn around, she found that she was alone..
****
The guards on duty heard a pain racked scream tear through the air around 1 am. One turned and asked just what that was.
The other, having been witness to one too many interrogations shook his head.
“She gave up.”
“She first came to us, badly injured and pregnant. She didn’t have the strength to speak. But we knew of who she was. Her mother had been one of us and we had watched over her for what had seemed forever. We had failed her and that was a stain on our souls that would last forever.”
John turned to listen. “And so if you knew of who she was and what she was. Why didn’t you come forward to us sooner? You had to have known just how terrified I was of losing her. I had already lost so much. Another love taken.”
She held up her hand, cutting him effectively off. “Would have destroyed you. Yes I know. But my first loyalties were to my Queen and her unborn babe.” She stood up. “Believe me your highness. If I was less than what I am, you would have been told r32;much sooner.”
She turned away. “May I see her now?”
She looked back and John marveled that someone that young could wield such strength. But with a smile, he realized that his belief system had been severely tested in the past few weeks.
“No, she’s asleep. But you can start earning the right to see her, by explaining just how the country was led to believe that you had betrayed us to a lying manipulative.”
John held up his hands. “I started that to make everyone believe. The only way that I r32;could lure him out was to make it seem that I had agreed.”
She shook her head. “How could you believe what he had said!”
Taken aback at her honesty, he paused. “I had lost the woman that I loved, not once but twice. First by the switch and then secondly by the lies that were told. I have never been that distraught, thinking that I could find her, that I had enough time. So r32;when Samantha said she had died, it was as if the bottom had fallen out of my life. I can’t possibly make you understand. What I have with her is so totally different than what I had with her sister and yet so perfect that yes, I was ready to do whatever he r32;asked. I would believe ANYTHING so that I could have her smile at me again. No matter what the cost.”
****
He hung up the phone and looked at Patrick. “John?” He shook his head and couldn’t believe that John’s complexion had turned that grey so fast, without warning.
“Are you alright?” He shook his head. “Get Robert.” When the normally fast private secretary hesitated, John let out a yell.
“NOW!”
Feeling dizzy, he reached out for something to hold on to and he felt tears rushing to his eyes. “I can’t do this. Doc, you have to help me here.” His voice became shaky. “Love, what do I do?” He staggered around the room and his eyes focused on a r32;photograph of her.
It had been taken at a formal photo shoot just days before their fairytale wedding. It had been arranged so that to create a shot that would be put into the silver engraved frames that Marlena had decreed were to be gifts for the dignitaries that would stay at the Palace.
For the official shot, She was dressed in a soft shell pink silk beaded evening gown, her hair in an elegant upsweep that was framed by a tiara. While she was posed formally, with her hands clasped behind her back, the hazel eyes sparkled with such r32;mischievous electricity that they seemed to just pop out of the photograph. John was by her side and they truly had looked to be the picture perfect couple.
That thought was sorely tested when the photogenic beauty suddenly let out a yawn and that was a shot that the photographer used to finish the roll. Marlena had protested that she hated that shot. But John overruled her with kisses and smiles..
“John?” He turned around. “What is the constitutional right of the Queen’s husband to abdicate for the Queen?” Robert shook his head. “You have NO claim on the throne, outside of being her nephew’s father, there is no legal standpoint for you to be renouncing the throne for her. Why?”
He had never felt this frustrated, to the point where a bone numbing ache was settling over him. “Then I have truly lost her.”
****
“What?” He looked up and found her staring at him. “Nothing. I just am finding it so hard to see you and know that your indecisiveness is the cause of the Queen’s sister’s death. I mean your love for her is not in any doubt. It never has been. But the r32;blindness that you have as you deal with people, has been the undoing of everything.”
John shook his head, holding up his hand. “What are you talking about?”
“You’ve never questioned, just have always gone along with the status quo. You need to start learning how to act. Trust your instincts.”
He shook his head. “You sound more and more like a fortune cookie.”
She stepped towards him. “You’re a fool.”
****
“So have you made the decision?” John looked at Samantha, who was gagged and tied up to avoid her blowing the game. He raised an eyebrow, which sent her into a muffled rage. Smiling he turned around.
“Yes, we’ve signed the papers. Exchange Marlena for the throne.” As he began to get the information as to where the exchange would take place, John found his eyes looking towards Samantha.
Despite his pure hatred of her, he still had qualms about using her the way that Patrick and Robert planned for her to be. Everyone had used her for their gains and had probably rationalized it the way that he just had.
That to keep Marlena safe, he would use everything he had. Including this imposter.
****
“So Commander Donovan, what do you suggest that we do now?”
John studied the quiet Englishman, who was glancing one more time over his notes. “Well it’s time to get ready to go. Outside of that, well we’re going to have to ensure that Samantha doesn’t talk.” John nodded. “Easier said than done.”
Shane chuckled as he checked the scratches on his hand. “Yes, yes it is.”
****
John watched as the young woman came in the room. “May I see my wife now?”
She came and sat down. “She’s sleeping and for the injuries that she’s sustained, well that’s the best thing for her right now.” She observed the Duke for a moment. “I think it’s time that you learn just what kind of nightmares she’s been having since she’s r32;arrived here.”
****
“It was with quiet eyes that I took you in.” He smiled and brought her hand to his lips. “For so long, I thought that I had lost you and when SHE had told me that you were alright.” Even in her groggy heavily sedated state, the recuperating Queen was r32;convinced that if it was possible, his grin was about to swallow his entire face.
“She?” John’s eyebrows drew together, lost in bewilderment for a moment and then realized just who she meant. “Yeah, your self appointed champion.” Marlena smiled. “You’re my champion.” John nodded. “The girl with the personality of a pirana.”
Marlena suddenly started to laugh. “Oh HER.” She waved her hand. “Rowan isn’t THAT bad.” John smiled, feeling as if his heart was a balloon being held by a string. Hearing her laugh set it free. “Easy for you to say, you haven’t made her mad.”
She tried to sit up, but John caught her and helped her get adjusted. “My mother was from here.”John nodded. “I know that. I’ve gotten to know quite a lot more about you from her while I was waiting to get to see that you were alright.”
His hand rested on her stomach. “That you both were alright.”
Her hazel eyes welled up with tears, casting a precious sparkle in the amber he knew so well. “How did you find out?” He smiled. “Through your bodyguard. She told me of just what you went through to get away from Mikhail and Sam.”
Her hands went from resting on his, up to her mouth. She shook her head. “When I saw you lying in her arms, I pleaded with everything in heaven and earth to let you wake up. I lunged for Sam.” She grimaced. “That was when Mikhail attacked and I r32;ended up with the migraine from hell.”
The tears began to overwhelm her again and to stabilize herself, Marlena reached out and laid her hand on his face. “Dear god, I love you so much.”
He smiled. “And I love you. As soon as your feeling stronger, we’re going to start making the plans to get you home.” Rowan came in at that moment. “Her Majesty is not leaving until she knows the truth.”
Marlena blinked and looked at first John, then to Rowan. “What’s going on?”
John turned back to Marlena and let out a breath. “Honey, I don’t know how to tell you this, believe me when I say, I didn’t mean for this to happen.”
Marlena nodded. “Ok, didn’t mean for WHAT to happen?”
John shifted in his seat. “Samantha’s dead. She died thanks to me.” r32;
r32;Marlena stood out on the shore, watching as the waves crashed, went away and came back again. Rubbing her back, she allowed her minds eye to take her back to the conversation that she had just had with her husband.
She felt so tired, it was as if her body was a wrung out cloth, so totally devoid of feeling. She had cried since John had left the room.
“Believe me, I would never have hurt her.” Marlena shook her head. “Would have, should have, but didn’t. You knew he was just as dangerous if not more than Sam, John, you could have been better prepared.”
The slight fluttering from inside her brought Marlena’s attention back to the present. As she gently rested her hand on her stomach, she took a deep breath. “What do we do now little one?”
Rowan appeared at that moment. “Well you face reality and go on. Emotions or not, you still are Queen of Roquebrune.”
Marlena shook her head. “Right now, I don’t feel like much of anything.”
Rowan wrapped a soft shawl around her shoulders. “Understandable, but you do have to face this. Samantha was willing and quite able to end your life without a care. Yet, you’re having regrets.”
Marlena wiped a tear from her eye. “We don’t know that. We don’t KNOW!” She began to walk further down the shore. “She never had a chance to say. If only I had a chance to see her.”
Rowan pursed her lips. “You did have a chance. If I’m not mistaken from the last time that you talked in your sleep, you said she was there the night that you were taken. SHE didn’t do a thing to prevent this.”
Marlena rolled her eyes. “I don’t talk in my sleep.”
Rowan grinned. “You do, and have more than once since you arrived here.”
Turning around to adjust the shawl, Marlena took a deep breath. “Guess I best go talk to him.”
Rowan nodded. “It won’t be that bad. Your Majesty, he’s hurting just as much if not more than you.”
Marlena smiled. “For being younger, you’re much more wiser.”
Rowan bowed and let her bearing slip for a moment as she grinned impishly. Marlena shook her head. “Rowan, you really are a Brat.”
Rowan pointed towards the compound. “He’s with your Uncle and Patrick.”
* * * *
Robert and a worried Patrick watched as John paced the room. “Don’t say a word.” Patrick held up his hands. “I wasn’t.” John stopped. “You were.”
Robert cleared his throat. ” He wasnt, but guess what, yes I was. John, after explaining just every thing that had gone on, why would you even expect her to hold out her arms, clasp you to her heart and say I forgive.”
John clenched his teeth. “You know that she wouldn’t. That’s not her style.”
He grimaced and threw up his hands. “Don’t remind me.”
“Oh, I will be reminding you of this for the rest of your natural life and the hereafter.”
The men turned around in shock and found Marlena standing there.
* * * *
“Should you even be up?” Marlena shook her head. “Uncle Robert, I’m pregnant, NOT ill.” He stepped towards her.
“You are recovering and sweetheart, I’ve just gotten you back.” He laid a hand on her stomach. “BOTH of you back.”
She smiled and tilted her head. “We’ve been through a very long road haven’t we.”
Robert nodded. “Aye, that we have. But first steps first.” He glanced to the back of John, who had turned to stare out the window. “You need to meet him half way.”
Marlena smiled. “You’re the second person to say that to me. Wise words.”
As the Irishman walked away, Marlena took a deep breath.
“Will you at least look at me?”
John turned around to face her and the look in his eyes tore her heart apart. “Why, you made it very clear earlier that you had nothing to say to me. I killed your sister.”
She sighed. “Anger does strange things to people. I should know. I am a psychiatrist. Or was.” She broke into a smile. “I’ve had quite the career.”
John’s eyes widened. “I know that I hurt you and I can’t take that back. Wish that I could.”
He shook his head. “I did what I did because.” She smiled. “Because you loved me.” She nodded. “Honey, I know, it’s just.”
She moved around the room. “It’s just that I was haunted by memories. Of being so close to her, believing that she WAS rather than what she IS.” She tucked a stray hair behind her ear.
“I clouded my judgment with memories from the past and by hurting you, have now regretted it.”
He came up behind her and turned her around to face him. “I won’t lie to you, it did hurt. But we can’t let your Uncle ruin us. What we have is too precious.” He laid a hand on her stomach.
“I love you and I won’t tell you that I regret my choices.” Marlena shook her head. “I would never ask to hear you say that.” He smiled. “Can we find our way around this?”
Marlena’s eyes grew shadowed as she laid her hand over his on her stomach. “The only thing that I will ask is if there is any dangers to our child or Alexander?”
John shook his head. “No, no there’s not. When Mikhail killed Samantha, Our sniper killed him.”
Tears of relief washed over her. “So it’s over?”
He nodded. “As far as I can see and it’s very far, it is over.”
He smiled as he looked down at her hands. “There’s nothing more to be afraid of.” He took both her hands in his and brought first one and then the other to his lips. “Angel, please believe.” She nodded and a shy smile came over her. “I do, I want to.”
He smiled. “Then do.”
She tilted her head and laid his hand on her stomach. “We do.” r
“Thank you Rowan.”
She turned around from going over her reports and smiled as first John and then Marlena came into the room. “Seeing this is all the thanks I need.” She glanced at Marlena. “But first there is something else that I would like you to see.”
Marlena slid her hand into John’s. “Okay.”
* * * *
“Is this?”
Rowan nodded. “It is. When we learnt sadly, too late of her death, we brought her here. Your father didn’t want to disrupt the country. He knew that it would be cause of riots if the truth had been ever learnt. So he allowed us to take her home.”
Marlena blinked. “Learnt the truth?”
She sighed. “Mikhail killed your mother shortly after you three girls were born. She somehow knew of his obsessions and had planned with Olga to have the two of you fall in the cracks. They never planned for Mikhail finding out about you and r32;Samantha.”
Marlena bowed her head. “Another death on his hands. I know its bad form to speak ill of the dead. But I hope he rots in hell.”
As John wrapped his arm around her, he brushed her cheek with his lips. “He will.”
Marlena looked at the grave marker and tears began to sparkle in her hazel eyes as she asked quietly. “Sassenach?”
“It means other worlder. It was said that your mother had one foot in with the common folk and the other in with the aristocracy. She truly was a blessing for our people. I can safely say that from the stories I was told by Olga and the others that r32;Queen Amelia was truly one of a kind and truly very missed.”
Marlena smiled and bowed her head. “I’m so sorry that I never got the chance to meet you.” She laid her hand on her stomach. “But I hope that I will be as protective a mother to my little ones as you were to me. I may not understand the choices, but I do the reasoning.”
She glanced to the man at her side. “I’d like to go home now.” He nodded and caressed her cheek. “Let’s go.” He smiled. “Thank you Rowan for watching over my wife and child.”
The young woman smiled. “That was an honor.” She stepped forward to Marlena. “Know that if you should ever need us again, we’re here for you. ALWAYS.”
Marlena nodded. “Thank you.”
As they left, Rowan smiled as she turned to the gravestone. “Watch over them Your Majesty.”
“I have always watched over my daughter Rowan.” She stepped forward from the shadows. “That was always my one concern, my main goal in life. You see it was like this. Elizabeth was her father Nicholas’s pride and joy as Samantha was a mistake. But Marlena.” The older woman smiled an adoring smile.
“Marlena was MINE. From the moment that I saw her and I was able to hold her. I knew that she was my darling.”
Rowan nodded. “SO why wouldn’t you have told her. Why make me say that Mikhail killed you?”
The older woman paused. “Because you see, he did kill me.” r32;
Queen Amelia came out from the shadows to face a curious Rowan.
“I can see your confused, let me clear it up for you. When the girls were born, Mikhail made it appear to everyone, family and doctors that I had a stroke after giving birth. Olga had taken Jocelyn and Madeline out of the room already, the nurses had been instructed by Aunt Olga that what they had seen was never to be revealed.”
She walked around. “She figured out that I had to disappear. That in my condition, I would be the weak link in Nicholas’s rule. So as I had my own fortune, it was easy to keep myself hidden away in a clinic while I recuperated. My daughters were never r32;far from my thoughts.”
She turned around. “When the explosion happened and apparently taken Madeline, I had my first moment of regret.”
She inspected her wedding ring. “The second was that we kept the fact that there had been three daughters, not just one from Nicholas.”
Rowan shook her head. “But Gran said that Nicholas had known that there were three.”
Amelia nodded. “She told me that he had known. I can’t figure out if it was from the brothers or if someone from the past talked. But yes, he had made sure that Jocelyn was taken care of.”
“You loved him very much.” She nodded. “I will always love Nicholas. I could see that my daughter loves her Duke in that same way. She sparkled when she was with him. That’s a very rare treasure.”
Rowan nodded. “So will you tell her?” Amelia’s eyes gave the illusion of her daughters gentle empathy.
“It’s getting cold, it’s time to go in.”
*~*~*~*~*~*
John came into the study and found her at the window, her hands clasped behind her back. He leaned against the doorframe and watched her for a moment.
“You don’t have to stand there, come inside.” He jumped at the sweetness in her voice.
She turned around and raised an eyebrow as she saw him still standing in the doorway. “What?” She looked down at her softly swollen belly and laid her hand protectively over it. “Do I have something in my teeth, my hair’s messy, John come on and tell me what’s wrong?”
He shook his head, the blue eyes softening as he walked to her. Laying his hands over hers, he gazed back up. “There’s nothing wrong. Its finally right again for the first time in a long time.”
She nodded wordlessly and moved away. “Honey, I know that it can’t get back to where we had been before this began. But please, you have to understand.”
Her fingers grazed the tears that were trickling from her eyes. “I do. Samantha was.” She stopped and shook her head. “Madeline was evil. The Uncles made sure of that. But she was once a little girl, who dreamed children’s dreams.”
She looked at him. “I mean it could have been so easily me they took and left her with Mom and Dad.”
John came up behind gently drawing her to him while he wrapped his arm around her shoulders protectively. Taking a moment to inhale the scent of her floral shampoo, he whispered against the side of her ear. “Marlena, don’t.”
She held up her hand. “Don’t what. It’s the truth. If only the quiet mouse was the one they had wanted. It would have been me dying there and Samantha expecting your child.”
He shook his head. “Fate has its ways. All we can do is try to go forward.”
She nodded. “If it was only that easy.”
He grimaced. “I’m game if you are. I mean after the wrong moves that I made during all of this, it wouldn’t surprise me if you say that’s it and bail out.”
She moved around him and went to sit at the desk. “You made the wrong choices out of the goodness of your heart. There’s nothing wrong in this.” She let out a small laugh.
“I mean, the one thing I’ve learnt since I fell in love with you, is that life certainly wasn’t going to be smooth as glass.” The laugh broke through her serious expression. “If anything, it’s been pretty bizarre.”
He came to sit on the side of her desk. “So does that mean?”
She grinned. “I’m sure if you think about it, you’ll get what I mean.”
He leaned over and caressed her cheek. “I missed you Princess.”
She stood up and came to stand just in between his legs. As he slid his arms around her, she smiled and cradled his face in her hands. “I missed this. Being able to stare into your eyes like this and feel a peace.”
He smiled and kissed the inside of first one hand, then the other. “Well we have now all the time in the world.” He moved a hand to rest it again sweetly on her stomach. “Hello there.”
Marlena suddenly paused at the figure in the doorway. “Hello Uncle Pat.”
He came in and smiled. “It does my heart such good to see you two together like this.” He laid his jacket on the back of the leather couch. “I never thought that I’d see this day.”
Marlena rested her cheek on the top of John’s head. “Neither did I if I was really honest. This was all I prayed for. All I wanted.”
He smiled. “So what can we do for you Patrick?” He chuckled. “Well I’ve come to request on the behalf of your Aunt Frances, who the young Prince of Roquebrune and Alamainia has run totally ragged since he caught a head cold and wouldn’t allow anyone to touch him but her, she asks.” He paused for dramatic effect. “She PLEADS that you two come upstairs.”
Marlena giggled. “It’s a good thing that I have Alexander to practice on before our baby is born. Poor darling is going to be a guinea pig.”
*~*~*~*~*~*
“Listen to me as I’m saying this once. I AM the Queen and the last time that I looked in the history and constitution of our country, Roquebrune is an absolute monarchy. So despite what was said or implied to you by my not so dearly departed late r32;Uncles. I am still monarch and I don’t take kindly to threats.”
The minister did an impression that reminded Marlena of a fish. “Your Majesty, I wasn’t implying that it was a threat.” Marlena leaned over the table. “You say one thing, your eyes say something else.”
She stood up. “I’ve just been through an ordeal with men who believed that they KNEW what was best for our country. My sister died at their hands. So to come back here and have to listen to another megalomaniac. Well that’s intolerable.”
The minister began to pack up his things. “I’ve never been so insulted.”
Marlena shook her head. “Well sit down. You probably came in here thinking that since I was a woman and therefore not to be listened to, that meant that you’d get to push your ideas on me and then onto the unsuspecting public. Well you thought wrong.”
He sighed. “They said that you were tough.” Marlena settled back into her seat. “Their right.”
She opened the file. “Now, lets try to work TOGETHER to get something down that’s beneficial for the bureaucrats and our people.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“Dearest Alice,
I can’t wait for you to come to see us. Things have finally calmed down to the point where I am able to breathe as I go about my day. Somehow, appointments with psychotic patients have NOTHING on psychotic ministers who believe that it’s important that I agree that they need to have the smallest thing for their offices.
It may be idealistic, but I want my reign to be just as my fathers had been. Where everyone in the country is prosperous. Apparently, Alamainia and Roquebrune are the only small principalities that have NO crime. Unlike Monaco that has a higher rate of crime per capita.
Marlena groaned and crumpled up the paper. “How in the hell can I write this.”
John came in, adjusting his tie. With a twinkle in his eye, he peered over her shoulder. His breath was tickling her as he asked.
“What are you writing?”
She looked up. “I’m trying to write a letter to Alice. But it’s getting so hard to have friends when I’m a) so many miles away from everyone I knew, and b) I’m not exactly back working at the hospital. I have NOTHING in common with them anymore!”
With a growl, she threw her pen across the room.
“Doc, you still are the same. It just is that the situation has changed. So what about changing things yet again. What if you create some charities?”
Marlena looked up at her husband. “What did you just say?”
John chuckled. “I didn’t think pregnancy was supposed to play with hearing. I said what if you created a charity or took a look at overhauling things?”
Her hand went to her stomach and a softness came into her eyes. “A charity.” She moved around her husband. “A children’s charity.”
As she went back to her desk and began scribbling notes, John rolled his eyes and went to finish getting ready. “Pregnancy hormones.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“That’s wonderful.”
She lifted her head from the pillow. “It is not. You’re just saying that so I don’t start crying.” She shifted on the bed and began to laugh, catching the look in his eyes. “That is EXACTLY what your doing. I may be many things, but I wasn’t born yesterday Your Highness. This is exactly what we need in Roquebrune.”
John held up his hands. “I’m not saying a word.” She grinned. “That’s very smart.”
He rolled over so that he was the mirror image of her. “I have my moments.”
She ran her fingers through his hair. “Yes and I thank god for that.”
He caressed her cheek. “I feel the same way when I see you looking like this. Doc, when I thought that I had lost you. I can’t even begin to tell you what I went through.”
Marlena nodded. “I do know. Don’t forget I was with you when you lost someone who looked just like me. If you love me just an inch of how much you loved Elizabeth, then yes I do know.”
He leaned in. “You know that You and Elizabeth are two different people. She’s my past and you’re my present and future. If you looked in my heart, you would find only Marlena.” He grinned. “And I think it’s safe to say that she’s not leaving me anytime soon. She has her place and if it takes me forever, I’ll prove that to her.”
He laid her back against the pillows, but suddenly Marlena’s face contorted in pain. “Doc?”
She began to shiver. “Marlena?” She began tearing up. “There’s something really wrong.” She began to shake her head. “Not now, oh dear god. Please, not now.”
Quickly realizing what was going on, John reached for the phone. “It’s the Duke. We have an emergency.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“I’m not doing this.”
Marlena lifted her head from the pillow and shook her head. “If you want me to stay calm so that Our precious baby can be born, then smile sweetheart as yes you are going to do this and you will like it. So start.”
John clamped his eyes shut. “I can’t do this.” Marlena giggled. “Well a real man would.”
He clutched his chest. “I’m offended.” She waved her hand. “Sing.”
He came to sit beside her in bed. “Now that hurt.” She began to giggle. “You are the sweetest man that I know and adore. Will you please sing?”
As she nuzzled closer to him and let out a yawn, he tucked her hair behind her ear. “Instead of singing, I’ll tell you a poem.”
As she drifted off to sleep, his words were like a gentle blanket or benediction to watch over her.
With a smile, John walked to the windows overlooking the Palace Park. The gardens normally full of the most vivid colors and heavenly scents in summer were bare. Feeling suddenly tired, he turned around and went to sink into a nearby chair.
As his thoughts turned into dreams, he began to be drawn into nightmares that left him shaking and suddenly checking to make sure that his wife was indeed where she was.
Asking him the next day what it was all about, the Duke simply smiled. “It was just new father to be nerves.” He kissed her cheek. “Don’t worry.”
As the weeks went on, and the visions would assail him at odd moments, John began to wonder if it wasn’t dreams at all. That they were warnings of a future…..
A Future without those he loved most. r32;
“At least LOOK happy.”
Marlena turned to the person who issued that command and raised an eyebrow. “Repeat that?” Placing her hands on her hips, she looked at her husband.
“I look like I swallowed a beach ball, my insides are stretched, my outside is swollen and I haven’t seen my feet in weeks, but I’ve heard their fat too.” She walked towards him and smiled as she poked a finger in his chest.
“But you my darling want me to LOOK happy?”
John shrugged. “Well I thought.”
Suddenly she broke into giggles. “What time is this gala?”
Confused, he turned around to check the clock on his bedside table. “We have to leave in 20 minutes for the airport to welcome Charlotte and Anthony home. Come back and dress for the gala. So if everything is on schedule, the gala should start r32;at 8.”
Marlena did some quick mental figuring as she sat on the sofa to slip into her shoes. “So I can be home and in bed by 12?”
John smiled. “Yes I would say that’s bout right.” He came to sit beside her and laid a hand on her stomach as she picked up something off the coffee table. “I can’t wait for this baby.”
Marlena laughed and held out her bracelet to him. As he began to do it up, she smiled.
“And you’re not the one even carrying our baby basketball. Imagine how I feel.”
He smiled. “For Alexander and this baby, I want to be a better parent than mine were.” Seeing the shocked look on her face, he continued. “I mean while Charlotte and I had everything material that we could ever want, we never had THEM.”
Marlena nodded. “I meant to talk to you about that.”
He brought her wrist to his lips to kiss her pulse point then smiled. “Okay.”
She smiled. “Do you think that we can be hands on knowing that with our schedules. We’re going to be running all over the place?”
He smiled. “Well that’s an easy question. The luxury of being rather well off. We can take the children with us. I mean Alexander is still a baby.” He hugged her. “and when the baby is here.”
She looked at him and cut him off with a worried glance. “But we’re not going to always be with them. The engagements and all.”
He nodded. “But we can schedule time.” She glanced at him. “John, that’s wrong.”
She stood up and moved around the room, tidying up here and there as she tried to figure out how to say this.
“I’m sure that was what your parents said to each other as they had their engagements arranged. But if wishes were horses EVERYONE would ride.” She paused. “Times like these, I want to go back to what I was. Dr. Marlena Evans, psychiatrist. That way I could be with my children, see them first thing in the morning and the last thing at night.”
He blinked. “Where did this all start?” She turned away. “Doc?”
She turned back. “It started when the Nanny reported to me this morning that Alexander came to her and called her Momma. John, I don’t want the NANNY being the one to see all his firsts.”
Coming to her, he hugged his wife. Resting his head on hers for a moment, he thought on what to say.
“So what are you trying to say Doc?”
She lifted her head. “I want to begin discussions on merging the two countries.”
John blinked. “What?” He let go of her. “Why?”
Marlena shook her head. “It’s not like it wasn’t going to happen. When Alexander ascends to the throne. He is going to be the ruler of the two countries.”
John held up his hand. “He’s only a baby. That isn’t going to be for a long time.”
Marlena nodded. “So it’s a few years ahead of schedule. But by merging everything now.”
He shook his head. “We can discuss this later. We’re late Doc.”
Marlena reached for her hat and purse. “God forbid we’re late.”
*~*~*~*
“Why do I have to come to this again?”
Charlotte glanced to her husband, a frown marring her ivory complexion. “Try you’re the son in law of the ruling Monarch. Remember LOVE, that you’re still supposed to be the doting husband to her Majesty’s daughter.” She closed her magazine and r32;checked her watch. “Buckle up Anthony, we’re about to land.”
A look of disgust crossed briefly over Anthony’s face.
“Wrong expression sweetie.” She glanced at him, her blue eyes turning steel gray. “I made one hell of a mistake marrying you. That’s the hell on earth that I have to pay. But for the week that we’re here. ENJOY the perks of being the husband of the r32;Princess.”
He opened his mouth and was cut off. “Remember that while my Parents live. They will NEVER know that you’re a philandering, lying and conniving son of a bitch.”
He shook his head. “Now is that the kind of language that a Princess uses?”
She reached over and sweetly patted his cheek. “Only when she’s talking to the man she loves and adores.”
He shook his head. “Don’t you mean loves to abhor?” Charlotte looked at him for a moment before reaching for her compact. “Now is NOT the time to use your far SUPERIOR intellect. Save that for the family. Make THEM think your something Tony. Cause I already know that you’re NOTHING.”
*~*~*~*
Marlena watched from John’s arm as the plane taxied over to the nearby limousines.
“So are you ready to meet your sister in law Doc?’ She looked up and smiled to him. “I can’t wait. After everything I’ve heard from you and your parents. I’m expecting to her walk on water and all that goes with a goddess.”
John chuckled at that and also watching as his wife adjusted her hat to block out the sun.
“She’s NOT a goddess sweetheart.” Marlena lifted an eyebrow. “That’s what you all have described her as. She’s sweet, loving, lovely and intelligent. Plays instruments, chairs several organizations and is the wife of an up and coming diplomat.”
John leaned in to kiss her cheek. “The woman that is a true goddess in my life is the lady by MY side. Angelic, sweet, exquisite, extremely intelligent and the mother of my children.”
Disbelieving, a faint smile came over Marlena’s face as she looked up at her husband. “You lie well.” Her attention was broken by the appearance of two figures coming out of the plane. “Here they are.”
*~*~*~*
“I don’t know why.” She turned to face him. “Don’t say again that I only just met him. John I know that. But there’s something truly off about him and I can’t be made to like him. Because I don’t.”
John glanced at his wife. “I’m not going to make you like him. I’m just asking that you TRY to get along.”
Marlena shook her head. “Sorry. I’m pregnant. Can’t be made to like something. Hormones won’t let me.”
John was about to speak when there was a knock at the door. “Come in?”
Patrick arrived with a smile. “Oh no, if you’re smiling. Something is TRULY wrong.”
He bowed. “Hello to you too Ma’am.” Straightening up, he smiled at the twinkling hazel eyes watching him. “I just came to tell you that she’s accepted.”
Marlena’s eyes widened. “NO!”
He nodded. “Yes. The Lady Juliana accepted the request to join the board. She just asked however if she could come and speak with you.”
John and Patrick watched in tolerant amusement as the dignified expectant Queen did a jig of sorts while absorbing the news of the Queen Amelia Foundation. “You told me I couldn’t get her and I did!”
John glanced to his friend. “Did I say ANYTHING of the sort?”
The tall English man snorted. “I never heard a word pass from your lips.”
Marlena watched them both. “That’s cause it never came from John, Patrick.”
He grinned. “Mind like a steel trap.”
Marlena winked. “The only thing I have left since the rest of my body is rebelling with no end in sight.” She stretched. “Since I don’t want to do this, let’s get this over please.”
John grinned and drew her to him for a moment. “C’mon Cinderella.”
Marlena tipped her face up to his for a kiss. “Not Cinderella.” She glanced down and made fun of herself. “Could pass for her pumpkin coach though.”
*~*~*~*
“Your Highness, where is your lovely wife?” John turned around to find his brother in law looking rather anxious. “You mean your sister in law?”
Anthony grinned. “Another term for Her Majesty Queen Jocelyn yes.”
John searched the ballroom and thought he caught sight of her. “If you see an illusion with blonde hair that looks like an angel who swallowed a beach ball. That’s my wife.”
John’s good humor disappeared for a moment. “Charlotte said that your father has been very ill. How is his recuperation doing?”
Anthony’s chocolate brown eyes turned nearly black. “Father’s getting better slowly.” He looked at his signet ring and began to fidget with it. “I just want him to finally be over this and just be well.”
Mistaking the emotion in his brother in law not for the first time, John nodded. “Well at least you had Charlotte to lean on. She’s very fond of your father. Or so I remember from her letters.”
Tony drained his glass of Glenfiddich whiskey in a single swallow. “Well memories are a comfort.” He nodded to his brother in law. “If you’ll excuse me.”
Leaving the party and moving swiftly through the family’s private quarters, he came back to the rooms set aside for he and Charlotte.
Yanking his white tie off and undoing his vest, he reached for a pillow off the sofa and threw it across the room.
“I can’t DO this!”
*~*~*~*
“I can’t do this.” She glanced to the amused trio in front of her.
“It’s not even funny so don’t laugh thank you.” She threw up her hands. “I’m pregnant and can’t even see my feet. On a good day, I can’t make promises on my balance and tonight of ALL nights, I’m expected to do a curtsey?”
She shook her head. “You are all insane.”
Charlotte bit the inside of her lip to keep from laughing. She had only gotten to meet her sister in law, but liked the American who stole her brother’s heart. “Boys, how much longer do we have to hear this?”
In unison, they announced with straight faces. “4 months, 2 weeks, can’t remember how many days and 48 1/2 hours.”
Marlena let out an unladylike snort. “Oh please, you can so remember right down to the seconds. You both made THAT clear the other day.” She patted her head to make sure that her delicate tiara was in place, nestled safely in her blonde curls, a gift r32;from Phillip and Madeline upon their announcement of the Pregnancy.
“I’m sorely tempted to write to Alice and ask her to send me a sympathy pregnancy belly. So that you TWO can learn some manners.”
John chuckled. “I have manners love. Just don’t want to even PICTURE where I’d have to.”
Charlotte blushed and Patrick’s pale complexion turned green, cutting his boss’s train of thought off. “Don’t go there sir.”
Charlotte and Marlena giggled. “I suppose that I best find my wayward husband. If we’re going to have to make obeisance to mother and her reign, it would be nice if her son in law was there to swear his loyalty to Queen and Crown.”
She left with the soothing tones of her brother calming his wife down ringing in her ears.
*~*~*~*
“Do you have your orders?”
Shaking in anger, he ran his hand through his hair. “I’ve been over them back and forth. Father I’m not stupid. I do know what I have to do.” He closed his eyes, trying to find a calm center from which to deal with the situation at hand.
“I want what was taken from us. Plain and simple my son.”
Tony looked at his wedding ring with a grimace and at that moment the simple gold band felt like a noose.
“I have followed every step sir as you ordered. Never questioned the why’s and why not’s. Swallowed my anger and annoyance at a bride who to be honest is a witch. Father, on what was once our family’s glory, I will not fail this sir.”
Tony waited on the silence and could picture his father, in his sickbed thinking of what to say. A giant demented child. “You’re my son and the last of our line. Tony, all I have planned is for the day that you start the restoration of our family name.”
Tony nodded and in his mind, saw the child he once was, reciting by heart what seemed to be the family’s rallying cry. “Long live the DiMeras.”
Coming back to the present, he heard his father. “Remember Tony. No matter what the cost, the Phoenix ALWAYS rises.”
Hearing the door opening, he quickly said his good-byes and made himself appear to be studying an emergency fax, as he had told a servant to tell his wife in an attempt to buy time to talk to his father.
“Hello Cara.” She stood in the doorway and silhouetted asked if everything was all right. “It’s almost time for the oath of allegiance. The family has to get ready.”
Even though he had a dislike of the beauty he married, Tony wasn’t that hardened by his father’s training not to appreciate it. Charlotte was a delicate strawberry blonde, model thin and stood in her stocking feet at 5ft 10 inches. When she was mad, r32;which was quite often in relation to her husband, her azure eyes blazed fire.
*~*~*~*
“Everything is in place Ma’am.” Rowan walked into the study to find Amelia staring into the fire holding something in her hands.
She seemed to speak to the object in her hands. “I want to make things right.”
Worried about the distance in her friend’s eyes, Rowan knelt down. “Ma’am?”
Amelia looked at her and opened her hands. It was a picture taken on a summer’s day of two little girls, sitting on a step with their arms around each other. The only thing marring the scene was that one little girl was missing a front tooth.
“I made such a mess of things.”
Rowan chuckled. “Well then, I guess her meeting with Lady Juliana is as good a start back as any.”
Amelia cringed. “I am not going to even ASK how you came up with all this.”
Rowan began to laugh. “You’re not the only one with tricks. I learnt at the knee of a master. Olga made sure that her granddaughter got very wise to certain intrigues.” She shrugged. “I just want to keep my family safe.”
Amelia smiled. “As do I.”
“How are you?”
Stunned as she thought that she and her nephew were alone in the garden, r32;Charlotte turned around and found her brother watching her with a smile.
“I’m fine, I think. Depends on when my heartbeat goes back to normal. r32;When in the world did you start creeping up on people?”
John grinned and scooped up his laughing little boy. “Hmm, I think it r32;had been when my bratty kid sister was around 4 if I remember properly. r32;You see, she was such a little whiner that I had to do this, just to get r32;her wound up.”
Charlotte raised an eyebrow. “You were such a snot then.”
John started to laugh. “Takes one to know one.” He put Alexander down. r32;”But I changed.” She nodded. “Yes you did. You grew up.”
He wrapped an arm around his sister. “Yes I did and I fell in love with r32;that little boy’s Mommy.” Charlotte tilted her head and looked at her r32;brother. “It still hurts doesn’t it?”
John paused. “Not as much now. There are still times when I think on how r32;happy we had been and it’s more a case of if only. But now.” His smile r32;grew bright. “Now I have a second chance. I have my Marlena and a new r32;baby on the way and a very special little boy to watch over and teach.”
Charlotte moved away from John. “Sounds like your life is all sorted r32;out. Want to take a stab at mine?”
He cast a worried eye at her. “Why?”
She looked at her hands. “Because I’m about to make a confession. John, r32;I made a huge mistake in my life. I did what my parents wanted and r32;married a man to keep the country safe. Now I’m stuck with a man that r32;not only do I NOT love, but I absolutely LOATHE.”
John shook his head. “Why didn’t you ever tell me this?”
Charlotte turned away. “I think that I just did.”
He shook his head. “First Doc, now you.” Charlotte peered over her r32;shoulder. “Pardon me?”
John looked at his sister. “Your husband gave my wife the creeps and now r32;you’ve just given me another reason to want to throw him into the moat.”
*~*~*~*
John came inside and found both of his parents in the study. “May I have r32;a moment?”
Phillip nodded. “Come on in son.” As John closed the door, he hesitated r32;for just a second. Trying to find the proper words to address this new r32;development, he looked around the room.
Memories of Charlotte’s announcing to the family that the approval by r32;the privy council of her engagement finally came through rushed back to r32;him. She put on such a false face of bravado back then.
“Son, what is it?” He looked to his mother and smiled. “It’s about r32;Charlotte.”
*~*~*~*
Marlena came walking into the Princesse Elizabeth Nursing Home with it’s r32;directors to applause from it’s occupants and various staff.
As the director’s daughter came toddling up to her with a bouquet of r32;wild flowers, Marlena smiled and graciously accepted the gift. “I hope r32;when my baby comes that she is just as sweet as you are.”
As their cameras snapped their pictures, the rest of the press went r32;crazy, sensing a scoop. Marlena turned to face the rowdy journalists and r32;smiled. “No I don’t know that it’s a girl. I’m hoping though that it r32;is.” r32;
The director stepped back forward and asked the Queen if she would wish r32;to meet some of the inhabitants of the home. “Certainly, I would love r32;to.”
*~*~*~*
“We did what we thought was best. The Prime Minister had said that it r32;was essential to silence the DiMera threat by having Charlotte marry r32;Antony.”
“That only served to give his father more ammunition.” John turned r32;around. “Don’t you see. It gives the old man more delusions of grandeur. r32;That family was supposed to be the rulers of Roquebrune not Marlena’s. r32;By marrying into our family..”
He stopped, suddenly fearful.
“By marrying into our family what John?” Phillip interjected. “You’ve r32;never been one to withhold thoughts. Tell us what your overactive r32;imagination is thinking.”
John shook his head. “The old man always struck me as being an octopus r32;or spider. A being with fingers in every pie. Cut one off and another r32;plan comes to fruition. He has more on his plate than just marrying his r32;son to the daughter of the ruling house.”
He sat down. “I just wish that I knew what the rest was.”
Tyger! Tyger! burning bright r32;In the forests of the night: r32;What immortal hand or eye, r32;Could frame thy fearful symmetry?
In what distant deeps or skies r32;Burnt the fire of thine eyes? r32;On what wings dare he aspire? r32;What the hand dare seize the fire?
And what shoulder, and what art, r32;Could twist the sinews of thy heart? r32;And when thy heart began to beat, r32;What dread hand? and what dread feet?
What the hammer? what the chain? r32;In what furnace was thy brain? r32;What the anvil? what dread grasp r32;Dare its deadly terrors clasp?
When the stars threw down their spears, r32;And water’d heaven with their tears, r32;Did he smile his work to see? r32;Did he who made the Lamb make thee?
Tyger! Tyger! burning bright r32;In the forests of the night: r32;What immortal hand or eye, r32;Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?
“Oh Mr. DiMera, that was lovely.”
Upon hearing the comment by the director and the applause of the other r32;people in the sitting room, Marlena turned from examining a painting to r32;find herself looking into the unsettling but familiar eyes of an older r32;man, sitting rather quietly in a wheelchair.
“Do I know you?”
Stefano smiled. “No Your Majesty, we’ve never met. But you do know my r32;son.”
Marlena smiled. “I do?”
“My son Antony is married to your sister in law the Princess Charlotte.”
She shivered, yet kept her composure as she addressed him. “How do you r32;do Mr. DiMera.”
As she held out her hand, Stefano took it to his lips. “I’m very well, r32;My Queen.”
“I want that book Patrick and I want to see it NOW!”
Marlena’s eyes gleamed with a fury that her staff had never seen and so r32; her private secretary threw up his hands. “I’ll go find it your majesty. r32; Please just relax and think of your baby and your blood pressure.”
Watching him go, Marlena just shook her head. “Watch my blood pressure. r32; How in the hell can I do that Patrick when a shark is circling us and r32; smelling blood.”
Trying to gather her thoughts, Marlena jumped when he reappeared. r32; “Majesty, the Lady Julianna is here.”
Raising an eyebrow, Marlena cursed herself for forgetting this meeting. r32; “Where have you stashed her Patrick?”
“The Music Room Ma’am.”
She nodded. “Patrick I’m truly sorry for biting your head off. It was r32; just that I had a rather bad encounter yesterday that threw me off r32; kilter so to speak.”
He smiled. “It’s alright. I’m kind of getting used to your mood swings.”
*~*~*~*
“Your Majesty, I would like to introduce the Lady Julianna.” Marlena r32; looked up and smiled as Julianna curtsied. “Hello, it’s an honor to r32; finally meet you.”
“It’s I who should be saying that. I’ve heard so much about you from my r32; husband but also from Patrick and others. Its funny, but I feel as if r32; I’ve known you all my life.”
Julianna smiled. “You’re very kind your majesty.”
Marlena gestured for her to sit down on one of the sofas. “No, just very r32; truthful. I wanted to meet you before upcoming events ensure that I have r32; to curtail my activities for a few months.”
Julianna nodded. “When is the child due, if I may be nosy enough to r32; ask?”
“If all goes to plan, the baby should be here in the early part of r32; December.” Marlena looked serene for a moment then focused on Julianna. r32; “Do you have any children or grandchildren?”
“No there’s none.”
The conversation was halted by a rather imperial command.
“MUMMY!”
The women’s attention was drawn to a rather unsteady little man who r32; wandered into the room. “Hello you.” Marlena held out her hands to r32; Alexander, who broke into a huge grin.
Julianna averted her eyes so that Marlena couldn’t see the tears r32; threatening to overflow. “A lie isn’t a lie when it protects the ones r32; you love most.” She tried to remind herself.
“I’d like to take this moment to introduce you to the future ruler, my r32; son Alexander.”
There was a catch in Julianna’s voice as she held out a hand. “How do r32; you little one.”
Alexander leaned his head on Marlena’s shoulder and smiled a shy smile. r32; “How do.”
Marlena grinned. “We’re trying to school him into the fine arts of royal r32; protocol. Alexander is taking after his father in this respect. Steal r32; hearts with few words.”
*~*~*~*
“What’s wrong?”
John looked up and smiled as his wife came into the room. “Nothing’s r32; wrong.” He stood up and met her halfway. “What’s up with you and the r32; boy?”
She glanced at the child who was fast asleep. “Well we had a successful r32; meeting with the Lady J and it’s all thanks to the young man who stole r32; her heart.”
John ruffled his son’s hair. “He’s my son. Course he’d be stealing r32; hearts.”
She grinned. “Why didn’t I see that you were such an egomanic?”
John took the boy and laid him on the bed then came back to his wife. r32; “Because you love me.”
Studying her face, he blinked. “You never did say how the visit went r32; this morning.”
Remembering Stefano, Marlena grimaced. “It was fine until I met the most r32; revolting man.”
Moving away from John, she went to sit in the chair near the fireplace.
“Wait a minute, what revolting man?” She looked at him. “I met Tony’s r32; father. I thought the son was bad, his FATHER is worse. John, the way he r32; looked at me and kissed my hand.” She shivered. “It was liking running r32; full force into an oil slick.”
John paused. “Could you be just hyper sensitive right now?” The glare of r32; her eyes quelled that question right away. “I just meant that.” She held r32; up a hand. “I know what you were implying and no I wasn’t. There’s r32; something very wrong with him. I’m getting a bad feeling.”
John knelt down in front of her. “Honey, just focus on the good that’s r32; coming our way. You have Julianna on board for the charity, our baby is r32; growing and doing wonderfully, life for you and I could NOT be any r32; better.”
Marlena nodded and laid a hand on his face. “You’re right.”
Silencing his fears from the conversation with Charlotte, John grinned r32; and kissed his wife. “I’m always right.”
*~*~*~*
The next few weeks went in a blur of happy chaos for John and Marlena as r32; she finished preparations for the first official function for the r32; charity, which was to also be her last official function before the r32; birth of the baby.
Dubbed by Julianna “La Bal de La Rose et Blanc.” The proceeds from the r32; gala were to go to establishing the fund for the children of not just r32; Roquebrune, but also for Alamainia.
Musicians and artists from around the world agreed to perform for r32; fractions of their usual asking fees.
“Are you happy?” Marlena looked in the mirror and smiled at her r32; husband, r32; who stood just behind her.
“I’m very happy.” She tilted her head as he stroked her neck. “It’s all r32; coming to fruition. It’s perfect.”
He lowered his lips to her ear. “I love you Marlena.”
As she reached up and caressed his cheek, she shivered. “Doc?”
She looked up into the mirror again. “It’s nothing.”
*~*~*~*
As the couple came down the stairs to the car, Patrick came to them. r32; “Ma’am I’m sorry. This just arrived for you.” Handing her the envelope, r32; Marlena opened it and began to read.
“Doc?”
She looked up and her complexion went totally white. Her eyes were huge r32; as she began to cry. “This isn’t true. It’s not real.”
Worried for her as she began to shake, John took the letter from her and r32; read.
“Get her back inside. We’re not going to the function.” As Marlena was r32; helped back inside, John took Patrick aside.
“You get ahold of the Lady Julianna. Get her here NOW.”
Marlena lay in bed, tears streaming down her face as she mutely looked r32;to her husband.
He reached for her hand and cradled it in his own. “It’s going to be r32;okay honey. You need to breathe and relax. This isn’t good for you or r32;the baby.”
She shook her head. “It’s not going to be alright, not anymore.”
Pulling her hand away, she lifted her eyes to study her husband. “John, r32;she’s alive and masquerading as freaking Lady Juliana. How did no one r32;know who she was?”
He rubbed the center of his forehead, trying to calm the raging headache r32;he was quickly inheriting.
“I don’t know honey, but we will find out. But will you please rest?”
She nodded. “The doctor gave me something to make me sleep.”
He began to stand up to let her go to sleep when her hand shot out to r32;stop him. “Please don’t go.”
He looked down. “Honey you need to sleep.”
She shook her head. “Not without you.”
His gaze softened and he winked. “Well then, since you put it that way. r32;Scoot over.”
As she slowly succumbed to the medication, John rested his cheek on the r32;top of her head.
“Juliana, you have got some explaining to do.”
*~*~*~*
She came walking into the study and her eyes widened in alarm.
The man who sat at the desk, glaring at her from shadowed blue eyes r32;looked nothing like her normally clean-shaven son in law.
He reminded Juliana of a hawk, watching its prey. Weighing whether or r32;not to kill or let go for another day.
“Thank you for coming.”
She nodded. “We need to talk. I have to explain.”
John propped his chin on his hand. “Yes indeed you do. Why would my wife r32;suddenly receive a note saying that her mother never died and in fact r32;was known now to the world as the Lady Juliana.”
He gestured to a chair. “I think we’re going to be here for awhile, so r32;might as well make yourself comfortable.”
By studying her son in law, Juliana finally understood why he was known r32;as the dark knight.
When it came to the ones he loved most, he would never let go when r32;something was terribly wrong.
*~*~*~*
Tony stood watching in disbelief as his father was rolling from side to r32;side, mirth dancing in his eyes.
“This is too good to be true.”
Tony sat down. “How is it too good to be true?”
Stefano stopped mid laugh and looked at his son. “Because, with the r32;return of the prodigal mother, Her Majesty will not know what hit her r32;when we throw our plan into overdrive.”
Charlotte stood just inches from the door and listened as her father in r32;law began to explain the plan for the overthrow of the Roquebrune Royal r32;Family.
“I have to stop this.” She turned away from the sounds of her husband r32;and father in law’s voices. “But how?”
*~*~*~*
“You have to understand, I never meant for Marlena to know of me.”
John nodded. “But she does know now.”
Juliana looked at her fists then back to her son in law. “Only that I’m r32;alive. She doesn’t know the whole story.”
John leaned back in his chair. “Neither do I, enlighten me Juliana or r32;should I be calling you Amelia.”
She blinked. “Amelia died on the night of her daughters birth.”
She stood up. “I was lying in bed, Jocelyn and Madeline having being r32;spirited out by Olga to a waiting nanny. We couldn’t have three little r32;girls as heir to the throne. While I was waiting for the nurse and Olga r32;to come back, Nicholas’s brother came in and tried to smother me. Almost r32;did me in. If he hadn’t of heard Olga coming back when he did, I would r32;have died.”
She turned to face John. “The next thing I remember was waking up in a r32;clinic and hearing a doctor tell my husband that I’d never recover. That r32;it would be best to go on and say that I had died to the world.”
She began to tear up. “I tried so hard to show them that I had woken up, r32;but they never turned around to see me.”
John rubbed his forehead. “So you went years without no one knowing?”
She nodded. “The life I had known was dead. But Olga still watched over r32;me and she kept me informed of my girls.”
“Elizabeth never knowing of her sisters, but at least Jocelyn and r32;Madeline had each other living life as Marlena and Samantha.”
John winced, remembering the brief reign of terror that Samantha had r32;wrought on his and Marlena’s life together.
“John, you have to remember that she wasn’t raised with Marlena. She r32;never had a chance.”
He glared at his mother in law. “Wrong, I don’t have to remember r32;anything. You see, I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t have to be r32;the one to give the second chances. I tried when thanks to Nicholas’s r32;brothers decided that they needed Elizabeth taken out. I lost Elizabeth. r32;Thanks to their sister, I nearly lost Marlena and we almost had a r32;constitutional crisis as a result of that.”
Juliana was about to speak when John’s eyes widened in horror.
Turning around, what she saw broke her heart.
With her face contorted in pain and tears trickling down her pale r32;cheeks, Marlena clutched the doorframe with one hand and held out the r32;other to John. “Help me.”
He ran past Juliana. “Baby why didn’t you call someone, call me?”
She crumpled against him. “I tried and no one came.”
He gathered her up and brought her to the couch. “PATRICK!”
*~*~*~*
The ambulance rushed through the deserted streets flanked by several r32;cars containing the family’s protection squad.
He held her hand and tried to will some of his warmth into her cold one r32;as he smiled at her.
“It’s going to be alright baby.”
She stayed silent, the tears still sparkling in her eyes.
He remembered the commotion as they rushed Marlena out of the Palace.
Patrick was instructed by John to stay behind to alert the key members r32;in the family’s staff as to the Queen’s condition, the Prime Minister r32;and other key members of the government and of course, the family not r32;just in Roquebrune, but in Alamainia and of course, the States.
*~*~*~*
Alice met Lexie and Maggie walking into St. Luke’s.
They all had the same intention. Thanks to Patrick’s phone calls they r32;were there along with the rest of Marlena’s friends, all praying for the r32;well being of not just Marlena, but her baby.
*~*~*~*
Stefano hung up the phone and wheeled over to the chess board.
“It began with a few choice words, grew into the plot that those r32;buffoons totally screwed up.” He rested his chin on his hand. “Got r32;diverted with the arrival of the girl wonder and now..”
“Now it will end with the arrival of a new heir to the throne and the r32;continued grace of my sister in law ruling as it SHOULD be.”
Stefano opened his eyes to see Charlotte standing there.
“Hello daughter in law.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Save the same old. Did you really think that you r32;would get back what your ancestors lost? Like you, they plotted for r32;empty dreams.”
He laughed. “Why did we never see this streak of determination from you r32;before?”
Allowing his eyes to roam over her, he chuckled. “I should have married r32;you instead of allowing Tony.”
She felt sick as she spat out. “I’d have killed you on our honeymoon if r32;you touched me, you sick pervert.”
He made a face, catching sight of Tony behind her. “You’re not going to r32;tell anyone darling girl of what you’ve heard today.”
Before Charlotte could contest that comment, Tony hit her over the head.
“One day soon, you just may make me proud.”
He looked down at his unconscious wife and then to his father.
“All for the family.”
The birth of a royal heir to the throne was of great importance and r32;this particular heir’s arrival had an urgency that bordered on fear r32;because this baby was 2 months early.
John made history as the first Royal Prince to be in the delivery room r32;for the arrival of his daughter.
*~*~*~*
“She’ll be alright.”
John turned around to find Patrick looking at him. “Do you really think r32;so?”
“I do sir. She’s little but she’s a fighter, she has you and her r32;Majesty to thank for her stubborn streak.”
John laid his hand on the glass and stared at his daughter, a tiny r32;alien amongst all of the tubes, wires and glass of her incubator.
“We haven’t named her yet, we’re waiting.”
Patrick nodded. “Have the doctors said when her Majesty will wake up?”
John shook his head. “Their hoping she’ll wake up from the anesthesia r32;soon.”
His voice grew wistful. “She’s the only baby in this nursery, they r32;moved the other infants to the other nursery for security reasons.” He r32;turned to Patrick.
“She may not live and yet she’s all alone in there except for her r32;bodyguards and the nurses.”
“Sir, think positive before you have to.”
“Patrick, I am thinking. This little girl stole my heart before I even r32;knew her and now thanks to all the stress Marlena went through, we may r32;lose her.”
He moved away from the window. “Its not that I WANT to be negative, I r32;want nothing more than to be able to hold my own daughter. But I r32;can’t.”
The stress finally began to show. “I need to go be with Marlena.”
Patrick nodded. “I’ll stay with the little Princess if you don’t mind.”
“Mind?” John smiled. “I’d like that very much if you would. She needs r32;all the friends she can get at this point.”
*~*~*~*
Charlotte’s head felt like it was caved in like that character from r32;Braveheart, but as her hand went to the back of her head, she found r32;that it was still intact.
Memories came at her as she remembered overhearing her father in law r32;and Tony describing how they were going to overthrow Marlena and John’s r32;reign.
Trying to get up, she felt nausea rising up and so she laid back down r32;as tears came to her eyes. How couldn’t she have seen this coming from r32;miles away?
*~*~*~*
“Hey there.”
Marlena’s blurry eyes made out the worried but loving expression of her r32;John leaning over the side of her bed.
Smiling, she reached out and laid a hand against the stubble on his r32;cheek.
“I haven’t had a chance to shave yet.”
She smiled. “Keep it.”
He covered her hand with his own. “You like it?”
She nodded and he saw her hand drifting down towards where until a day r32;before, she had safely carried their baby.
“Makes you look more dangerous.”
He caught her hand just inches from her flat stomach. “Doc, we need to r32;talk.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “She’s gone.”
He misunderstood and reached out to wipe them away with his thumb, r32;speaking gently for her. “It’s okay honey.”
Before she could speak, he continued to speak. “She’s in an incubator r32;in the nursery. She’s beautiful honey.”
“She didn’t?”
He shook his head. “No, she’s very tiny but no she didn’t die honey.”
He kept to himself his fears of their losing the baby now.
“When can I see her?”
John kissed her gently on her forehead. “Let me check with the r32;doctors.”
*~*~*~*
John kept his distance from the baby as they wheeled Marlena in to see r32;the little girl.
“We have to give her a name.”
He nodded silently, transfixed at how deftly Marlena handled all the r32;tubes so that she could have the unobstructed chance to touch their r32;daughter.
He remembered what Marlena had said all those months before, about r32;Preemies and the touch factor, but he still couldn’t do it.
“Mommy loves you little one and Daddy does too.”
She turned to John and found him shaking. “John?”
“I can’t do this.”
Worried, she began to stand up. “What can’t you do?”
He gestured to the incubator. “I failed Elizabeth, I failed you and now r32;her. I can’t keep anybody I love safe. What have I done to deserve any r32;of this?”
Wincing at the pain, she came to him. “You deserve all the happiness r32;you have. We’re together and nothing can make me love you ANY less than r32;I do right now.”
“Promise?”
She leaned against him and he carefully supported her. “I definitely r32;promise.”
“There’s a reason as to WHY you’ve told me … US that story.”
The lawyer looked to the young couple sitting before him, each the living r32;personification of the two lost to him, to the world and especially to their children.
“Alexander, Eden. I told you the story to this point to make you aware of the fact that Her Majesty and The Duke loved you both.”
The young woman lowered her head. “No, you’ve told me to this point that my father was scared of being father to a preemie in case he failed as he had Alexander’s mother.”
Patrick Jephson stared at Eden, named for her mother’s happiness.
“Eden, I told you this story so that you and your brother understood that there was great trouble coming into your family with the arrival of your Aunt Charlotte’s husband and his family.”
Alexander covered his sisters hand. “Patrick, you have to understand where she’s r32;coming from.”
“I do. Thanks to what I’m about to explain to you next, the two of you ended up r32;orphans, separated and unaware of who the other was and the significance of just WHO you are.”
She leaned forward. “Well now we know. I’m the Princess in exile of Alamainia and Roquebrune, sister to the King in exile of both countries and so what. We have no parents. They were murdered along with our grandparents in an attempt that failed to grab control by the DiMeras.”
She stood up. “Thank you for informing us.”
Alexander finally spoke. “Eden SIT DOWN!”
“Princess, don’t insult the memory of your parents. They loved you both enough to have you both spirited out of the country.”
“Obviously they didn’t learn from Grandmother’s mistakes about separating r32;Elizabeth, Jocelyn and Madeline.”
“They KNEW the trouble and that Stefano would insist on killing the two of you. He did NOT want any living rallying banners for the troops that were loyal to both Your parents AND Your grandparents.”
He paused. “Eden, you were sent to Salem and given to the care of Maggie and r32;Mickey Horton along with the funds to raise you and letter to be given at the age of 18.”
He turned to the young man, so like John but with the stillness of Marlena.
“Alexander, as the heir to the thrones.”
The blue eyes opened. “My fate was different.”
“Yes, your fate was different. You were given to friends of John’s, Katerina Von r32;Leushner’s family had been members of the court for years. They were loyal to your father’s family.”
Alexander nodded. “Well as the King in exile, I’d like to hear the rest of the story. r32;Patrick, do you know the rest of it?”
The older man’s eyes welled up with tears.
“Yes, yes I do.”
~*~*~
The day that the revolution began was on a day of joy.
The second child of the Duke and Queen of Roquebrune had been brought home just a few days before, finally healthy and happy.
The next thing was the christening of the child, who was now named Eden Alice r32;Victoria Charlotte.
Their daughter’s unusual first name was her mother’s choice and that choice had John puzzled.
“Why Eden?”
Marlena looked up from watching the tiny occupant of the antique cradle.
“Eden was a paradise and it was perfect.” She smiled and gazed down.
“This little girl is perfect and she’s the symbol of my happiness with you.”
He came closer to her and drew her to him. “I love you.”
She tilted her head. “Well that’s wonderful because you see.” She wrapped her arms around him. “I feel the same way about you.”
~*~*~
Tony went over the files once more.
The plans were to take effect on the night of the christening party.
But the problem was how to get rid of Charlotte …
“Have you finished with her yet?”
Stefano looked up from the chess piece. “Rolf said that the brainwashing is almost complete.”
“At the party, she will be the one to set in motion the downfall of both monarchies.”
~*~*~
“Charlotte, where have you been?”
She smiled as John and Marlena walked towards her.
“I’ve been …” She gazed to Tony, who was standing close by.
“We’ve been trying to give Eden and Alexander a cousin to play with.”
Marlena hugged her sister in law and John beamed.
Tony turned away. “Soon.” Checking his watch, he disappeared into the crowd.
Once she was sure they were alone, Charlotte began to cry.
“You have to forgive me.”
~*~*~
“They KNEW?”
Patrick nodded. “They knew as your Aunt told them of the plot.”
Eden began to cry. “They LET themselves die.”
“In order to let us live, yes they did.”
Patrick reached for a kleenex and handed it to Alexander who in turn gave it to Eden.
“I had been out of the country the week of your christening, so I learnt of your parents death purely second hand.”
~*~*~
The guards had been told to dress in ceremonial garb, as to blend in with the other security forces.
Charlotte waited until she saw Marlena return from making the quick calls before going to the door and opening it, allowing for them to come streaming in.
“John, I can’t do this.” She began to cry. “I don’t want to.”
He cradled her face in his hands, hearing the screams and the gunfire begin.
“Love, their going to be safe and that’s all that matters.”
She shook her head. “John you could leave. At least they’d have ONE parent with them. Oh John go NOW!”
He pulled her to him. “I’m not leaving without you and there’s not enough time. This is the only thing. At least she let you phone to get Robert to spirit them away from here.”
Marlena choked back a sob. “Its come full circle. I was taken away as a baby, and now MY baby…”
He kissed her and as his eyes closed, he relived their moments together.
“Doc, we’re going to get you out of here. At least if your safe the monarchy would be okay and in time Alexander could be raised to become King.”
“Not leaving, not without you.”
He lowered his face to hers. “I’ll love you and be with you, but at least it should be YOU that lives for the children. Promise me.”
“THERE THEY ARE!”
Marlena’s eyes grew wide as she looked at John, the bullets ripping into her like r32;lightening.
They fell to the ground together and John’s last words were “Their safe.”
Marlena’s eyes slowly closed as she nodded one last time…
~*~*~
“NO!”
Marlena woke up lying in John’s arms..
“Doc, I told you that you were working too hard.” His face grew worried as she looked shakily around the room. “It was a dream?”
She sat up and put her face into her hands, sobbing uncontrollably.
Rubbing her back, he leaned into her. “Honey, it was a nightmare.”
She looked up and nodded. “But it was *SO* real. John, we died.”
He cupped her face in his hands. “Love, we’ve only just gotten married and there’s NO way that your going to LOSE me.” He grinned. “Besides, you and I have our own special assignment remember.”
She blushed. “The baby.”
He tucked some hair behind her ear. “Yes, the baby.”
She wrapped her arms around him. “So Daddy to be, are you going to take me upstairs and have your way with me?”
He picked her up. “Best offer I’ve had all day.”
Heading to the stairs, John heard the phone ring.
“John, if you’ve EVER loved me. DON’T answer that!”
He lowered her to the ground. “I’m expecting a call about a deal.”
Slinking to the bottom step, she propped her chin on her hands and listened to John.
“Hi Robert!”
He turned to look at her. “Yep your niece is here. Do you want to talk to her?”
Suddenly Marlena’s eyes widened and she ran upstairs. “It’s just a DREAM!”
Rolling his eyes, John turned back to the phone.
“Robert, she can’t come to the phone right now. She’s having a breakdown.”
The Jarlena Journal 