Well, as promised, I said I would finish this story. And I think it is finally done. In my head, I always saw this story as the second of a trilogy. If the writing gods are with me, I may. But only if I can write the whole thing before posting. I wouldn't want to leave something hanging unfinished. Also, I still haven't read the new books from KC. I promised I wouldn't until this story is done, so it isn't influenced by what she does in her world. Enjoy. Thanks to those who sent me notes and reviews. I appreciate you more than you know. I hope you find this a fitting end for right now.

Love to all, SJ

...

CH 32

Ethan opens his mouth to speak and then shuts it again, and I can feel the tension creep up my back and into my neck and shoulders. I wish he would just spit it out, as I feel Fae's weight sag against my side and then disappear as she stands. She folds her arms across her middle, closing herself off to both of us.

I stand to join her, finding I don't like the space between us. She looks over her shoulder apologetically as I reach for her, and she steps away just enough. I content myself with turning my attention back to Ethan, "So everyone's in the conference room? Including Mom?"

"She's in your dad's office with Marlee and Brie; I was supposed to bring you and Viv so you could leave for the Children's Hospital for your philanthropic performance." He gestures toward Fae, "I think you both need to come with me. I swear Calix…" his muttering is lost as he leads the way into the hall.

"Fae," I say before she can follow him out the door. "Wait." She stops, and lets me wrap an arm around her shoulder and gently drop a kiss on the furrow between her eyebrows. "It's going to be all right," I whisper into her hair. She doesn't respond with words, but covers the top of my hand with hers. We both want me to be right, and stand still for just a moment more. Then we hear Ethan's voice raise, urging us on. We move together this time, and there's no hesitancy in my step. The hot coil in my chest has finally released and I feel a surge of confidence and excitement I hadn't felt since before graduation.

As we enter Dad's office, Aunt Marlee gasps. Mom and Brie glance away from the television playing eastern news stations. Dad's still sitting at his desk with a stack of newspapers. A slow, triumphant grin spreads across Brie's face. Before anyone else can speak, I announce, "We need to change the plan for this morning."

Dad recovers first, though his eyebrow may be permanently stuck raised toward his hairline. "There's obviously some details that we've missed in the last few hours." He looks at me with Fae tucked into my side; involuntarily, his hand moves to his hair and he glances toward Mom.

Her face is composed. "Ethan, find someone brave enough to rouse Princess Nicoletta. I think she'd like to be here," Mom comments quietly. Ethan doesn't even quip as he turns on his heel and goes right back out the door.

Dad moves to the conference table and motions everyone to join him. Aunt Marlee distributes mugs of coffee without even being asked. Uncharacteristically, Fae's eyes are lowered, and I move my chair close enough so she can lean on me if she wants. Meeting Dad's gaze, I admit, "I made a mistake in having the Selection. And I've caused unnecessary pain because of it. At the time, I thought it would help me move on and find a love like you found in Mom." I took a breath and turned my eyes to Fae, "But I had already found someone who challenges me and makes me better than I could be alone. Someone to build a life with." She finally lifts her chin a bit, so she can judge my sincerity. I'm rewarded with a half-smile as her hand moves to grip mine.

"This is unprecedented, and there are several reasons for that; namely, that the Kings of Illea have been tyrants before Dad. And not since Gregory Illea did a king have more than one male child. Imagine faking your death instead of abdicating the throne?"

Dad hurriedly interjects, "No doubt that we are left with several issues that we will get through together." He emphasizes together as he looks around the table. "I don't think abdication is even something we have to entertain. Why bring it up now?"

"I think we'd be short-sighted if we don't at least discuss it," I press on. "The people have just begun to see me as a possible leader, but no one wants to see Dad step down any time soon. They're just beginning to realize that I'm an adult. If I hadn't started the Selection, abdication wouldn't be necessary for many reasons. But once this gets out, I don't think anyone will trust me. And the work we've been doing to create new governance and freedoms for the people will be undermined by this lack of trust. I think everything is on the table now. It has to be."

The silence after I stop speaking is intense. Dad looks at Mom and she looks back with sad resignation as she reaches for his hand. "How long have you been thinking this way, Cal?"

"This is what I was afraid of Calix. This conversation," Fae begins quietly. Her voice doesn't waver even though her eyes threaten to spill tears down the sides. "And I wasn't brave enough to tell you at graduation. And by trying to protect you, I caused this to happen. I never wanted to separate you from your family."

Auntie Nic clears her throat at the doorway, "Oh, my dear Fae. The Schreave connection can't be severed by this. You'll soon see they're connected here." She places her hand over her heart as she sits and takes the mug that Aunt Marlee offers her. "But I will say the International Summit is about to get a LOT more interesting. Maybe the most interesting one we've had in thirteen years." She sounds thrilled by the prospect.

Brie turns a snort into a fair approximation of a cough. She looks admiringly at Auntie Nic, and turns a kind face and voice to Fae. "You have nothing to apologize for." Her look turns mischievous as she turns to me, "We all told Cal to get rid of Ana much earlier. And you know how much he likes to be told what to do."

Brie's comment did what it was intended to do, and the mood lightens considerably.

"Cal," Dad prompts, "Your mother did ask a valid question. How long have you been thinking about abdication?"

His demeanor is calm, and I answer in a similar manner. "I don't know. I became aware of my reluctance in June. I realized that being king felt like more of a burden to me, and I'm not sure when excitement for the responsibility changed to dread. But the most intriguing possibility for me is how I can lessen my own power and extend freedoms to our people. I don't think that I have to be king to do that." I felt confident and balanced again, even watching my dad roll the idea around in his head didn't worry me. I know I am making sense, and that he is listening. Fae has finally raised her head and is looking at everyone thoughtfully.

"Abdication isn't the ONLY answer right now," Auntie Nic agrees. "However, it makes sense for the short term and long term, if that's the decision that's made. And Calix, the freedom you will feel from not having to assume rule because of your birth order and your genitalia!"

Brie cannot hold back her laughter now and neither can Aunt Marlee. Dad and Mom just shake their heads at her, while Fae rolls her eyes good-naturedly.

"Son," Dad begins. "This decision does not have to be made right now. But, what we do need to face is the conference room. Asa Sutton, as well as Gavril and Stephen, are there to have conversation regarding the PR campaign and the end of the Selection."

I had almost forgotten about that.

"And we can't forget the Children's Hospital, though I would like to move our visit to around the Summit's afternoon break." Mom looks thoughtful, while Aunt Marlee moves to the phone to make the necessary changes. "Calix, you're excused. And, Fae, dear, I'm not sure now would be the best time for you to join us. Of course, Brie and Marlee will still come with me. Nicoletta?"

"Oh!" Auntie Nic exclaims, "I think there are several of the Women's Delegates who would be happy for the excursion. Especially those representing forward-thinking countries with deep pockets."

Mom looks satisfied. I am continually reminded how happy I am that those two are on the side of good in the world.

Dad blinks, and that is the only small tell that he is impressed about how effortlessly Mom just arranged a strong show of solidarity from our allies. In my head, I was thinking that Fae and I would have to flee Illea when the news broke. But, I am more satisfied now that we can keep her safe at home with us as we navigate the next few weeks.

…X…X…X…

I lean on the doorframe looking into her room, and she looks up before I speak. Her smile makes it to her eyes, and she stands swiftly. It feels like we've been separated for days instead of hours. I meet her on her path to the door, wrapping her in my arms. She reaches up and touches my cheek with her palm, "Rough day?" Her tone is teasing.

"Not as rough as it could have been," I answer, nonplussed. I'll fill her in on everything. But not right now. "And I'm about to have a wonderful break."

"Oh, you are?" She laughs in her throat, "How can you be so sure of that?"

I just shrug and grin, and finally, she stands on her tiptoes and touches her lips to mine. The achingly sweet initial kiss deepens quickly, and I can feel her body arching into me, and I almost forget what I intended to do as those thoughts are replaced with what I could do now.

Stepping back, I reassure her, "Love, I want to show you something. I promise, we have time for both."

"I'm not really dressed for an excursion," she motions to her casual pants and light sweater. Not yet dressed for dinner and just changed from her day suit.

"You're perfect," I assure her.

"Says the man in a suit and tie." She raises an eyebrow but takes my offered hand, and I guide her down the hallway to the stairs to the family floor. I walk with long purposeful strides, and Fae is almost running to keep up with me. I refrain from taking the stairs two at a time, and slow down a bit on the family floor.

We reach my bedroom door and I open it and guide her in. She looks at me quizzically, and I explain, "This is my room, and I just need you to see something."

"O-kay," she responds. She looks around the room, taking in the furnishings and running her hands over the books on the bookshelves. She reaches out and touches an old map of Italy. "You have much more space to hang your maps here. They look nice."

I motion her over to the bedside table, "Open the drawer."

Laughing, she does, but jokes, "Are you sure you don't need to hide anything in here? There have been thirty-five women in the…" She stops her teasing when she sees a stack of our photos in the drawer. My favorite one at the top. She covers her mouth with her hand.

I take her other hand, "I needed you to know that I kept them." She nods, blinking quickly trying to keep tears from spilling over onto her cheeks. Fae does not cry easily, and doesn't like to. I didn't see her do it the whole time in Columbia.

I guide her to the bed, and perch on the edge, holding her to me. I bury my nose in her hair, and rub circles into her shoulders and back, feeling the tension leave her muscles as I work my way down to her hips and then let my hands rest there. She tilts her face up and I can't wait to cover her lips with mine. The length of our separation and mutual longing pours into the intensity of the kiss. It's a connection I don't want to break. I pull her into my lap and she runs her hands over my hair and neck, and I fall backwards taking her with me deeper into the bed.

…X…X…X…

"Cal. Ca-l." The second Cal comes with a poke to the ribs, and I start awake, rubbing my eyes with the heel of my hand.

"You know, Love, kissing me awake works pretty well," I suggest. "Just for future reference." I run my free hand over her hair and move closer. Our bodies are relaxed and I can't remember the last time I felt better rested. Scratch that. It was August. So, at least three months.

"I remember. And frankly, we don't have time for the repercussions of that. It's getting pretty late, Cal." But she cuddles closer. "What happens if you skip a state dinner?"

"Um, probably not a good time to find out, actually. Especially with… Just not an option and Ethan would be sent to hunt me down."

"He always ruins everything," she grins into my chest,

I stage-whisper, "I'm pretty sure that's what he's paid to do." I can't keep my hands from roving over her back and arms. "I am so glad the other translator got so sick."

"Other translator?" she sounds confused.

"Auntie Nic, she said…" I trail off. Auntie Nic and I will have to have a conversation before she leaves. "Never mind. Not important right now."

She turns over, pressing her bare back into my chest and I adjust my arm over her hip and breathe deeply. The peaceful companionship is easy, and I hate to ruin the quiet by speaking. "Fae, if we don't get up and get dressed Ethan will barge in here soon to make sure I'm getting ready for dinner."

"Okay, okay," she groans. "You first."

"Fine," I acquiesce, dropping a kiss on her cheek and rolling away. She pulls the sheet up almost to her neck and watches as I throw on work out shorts and a t-shirt. "Ta-dah," I say with a fake flourish. "Come on, Love. I want to walk you back so you have time to get ready. There's a serious lack of dinner dresses in my closet."

She rolls her eyes but scoops her clothes off the floor, a tap on my door stops our conversation.

"Yes?" I answer.

"Fae?" Brie asks, quietly.

I stifle my laughter at the look of surprise on Fae's face. She's already slipping her feet into her flats as I flip the lights on and open the door enough to allow Brie entry. "Come in, Sis."

Brie actually has the decency to look a little embarrassed, "I didn't want to interrupt. But, I also didn't want Ethan to interrupt you either. Fae, I wanted to know if you'd like to get ready together tonight?"

Fae smiles, "The story hit, didn't it? How bad was it?"

"Not great," Brie admits. "But Mom and Auntie Nic with the Women's Delegation were really superior this afternoon. It definitely got more coverage."

"Did they mention?" Fae didn't finish her sentence and I realized that she and my sister must have established a strong friendship overseas because it seemed Brie knew what she meant with just a look.

Brie's voice is soft, "No. Your doctor kept your confidence, at least for now."

"Well, that's something," Fae looks to me. And I flash her a smile, and cross to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

"I hate to be the one to say it—" I'm interrupted by a loud rap at the door followed by its sudden opening.

"Cousins!" Ethan is surprised to see us all standing in the middle of my floor. "Just came to remind our dear Calix that it's time to get ready for dinner." He recovers quickly.

Brie grabs Fae by the hand. "Let's go before these two get more ridiculous than usual…" Fae laughs and blows a kiss over her shoulder at me, and allows Brie to guide her from the room.

I watch them leave, with what must be a ridiculous grin on my face, and Ethan narrowly misses hitting me with my own balled up suit jacket.

"Seriously, get a move on. You have to be the picture-perfect model of adulthood tonight, and that includes being on time. Brie and I have been running interference for you all afternoon."

"Fine. Fine," I answer, feet already hitting the cold tiled floor of my bathroom. "But we've got a lot to discuss after."

…X…X…X…

As I was getting ready, Ethan filled me in on Ana's on-air interview. And surprised me by saying it wasn't as bad as he expected. Although, depending on how deep her father is willing to dig into his pockets, there could be additional stories over the next few weeks. Auntie Nic also seems confident that Fae's physician would remain silent on the subject. I didn't ask how she knows. But the fall-out from our meeting this morning might be a bit rougher. According to Stephen's polls, the country loves both Charlie and Viv and the elections are stretching our systems. Hyde's arrest threw constitutionalists for a loop, and loyalists will use that as an opportunity to say I was progressive just to be progressive. Sutton didn't mention how happy he would be if I abdicated, but you could see he was thinking it.

Dad doesn't want me to make that decision quickly. But, he does admit both Griffin and Barrett have a more polished approach to leadership that I haven't developed. And they're much more interested in the day-to-day work of the monarchy. Brie has said in no uncertain terms that she is not interested in taking on rule or getting married for the purpose of an alliance. Mom hasn't spoken about it yet.

I straighten my dinner jacket after I tap on Brie's door. It's partially open and I can see Brie in her deep green dinner gown putting the finishing touches on Fae's hair. I am so light I am almost bouncing on my toes. It means a lot to me that Brie approves.

As I step into the room, I notice Charlie, sitting on the edge of the bed in a conservatively cut blue dress. She laughs at the look on my face, getting the others' attention.

"Ch-Charlie?" I stumble over her name and my own feet.

"Don't worry, my dear" she teases. "You're not-so-secret secret is safe with me. Didn't I say I thought you should get to be happy, too?"

Brie has moved on to Fae's eye makeup, and as she brushes something over Fae's eyebrows, she mentions, "When we went down to get Fae's dress we ran in to Charlie in the hallway. We invited her up, and have enjoyed getting to know your running buddy."

"Although, I really should be devastated, Calix. All the rest of the Selected are gone and you haven't proposed," she fake pouts. "Lucky that kissing you is like kissing a herring."

"Right back at you," I quip, crossing my arms over my chest and moving towards Fae. "Going home tomorrow?"

"Actually, we all had an idea that we thought we'd talk to Gavril about tomorrow. It really irritates me that it took you so long to figure out Ana's modus operandi, but I am willing to help smooth a path for you and Fae. With everyone's approval of course."

I hold up my hands in front of my chest in a sign of fake surrender. "If I've learned anything in the last few months, it's that the women in my life are much more intelligent than I am. And much more important than society here gives them credit for."

"Took you long enough," Brie snorts. "There, you're done," she tells Fae. "Now hurry up and tell her how gorgeous she looks. But don't do anything stupid, like touching her hair or kissing her. I don't want to have to re-do all my work. Charlie, you're up!"

Fae takes my offered hand while exiting the chair as Charlie looks bemused with this sibling interaction.

"You do look amazing," I whisper into her ear, "but it has nothing to do with the hair or makeup." I scan her figure, taking notice of the black gown with a neckline that covers her neck and shoulders in the front, but bared her back until it was almost too interesting. "Although, that dress…"

She winks at me and responds quietly, "Something told me this would be the one to wear tonight."

"How mad would Brie be if I kissed you right now?"

Brie responds, "Very. I'm not kidding, Cal. Hands off or I'm kicking you out and getting Mom. Ooo! I'll get Mom and tell her what you were doing all afternoon."

I guess we weren't talking as quietly as I thought. Fae is trying her best not to laugh out loud at me. "Brie, Mom has six kids. She knows exactly what we were doing this afternoon." Brie narrows her eyes at me. "Fine. I promise." I try not to stick out my lower lip. "Later, though," I whisper. My breath tickles her neck and Fae squirms a bit.

"Definitely. I'd be mad if you didn't." She appraises my outfit as well, and touches a small hand to my tie. "I haven't seen you this dressed since January. Did I tell you how deeply attracted to you I was?"

"Could have fooled me," I responded. "You wouldn't even take my arm. But good to know." I put an arm across the small of her back and she matches my action, "I wish I could escort you tonight."

She sighs a little, "I know. But soon. And it is just dinner followed by dessert in the gardens. There isn't even dancing. After, we can spend the rest of the evening together." She pauses and adds, "I love you, you know."

I'm grinning now, can't get enough of hearing her say those words. "I know. I love you, too."

"Fine!" Brie play-yells at us. "One kiss. But just ONE. And then, Calix, get out. You two are so sweet you're making my teeth hurt."

She doesn't have to tell us twice. I bend to cover Fae's lips with mine. She presses her small body against me, and I feel complete. Love won't solve the issues in front of us, but I don't think either of us are naïve enough to think that it will. Thankfully, we'll tackle whatever may come together.