AN: Hello everyone! Yeah an update. I know they aren't coming fast, but I am working on them. There will be weddings and fun to come. I have in the works, updates for a Good Knight and Epic. Recon... well that requires a little more planning. I hope to have an update at least once a month, that's what my schedule these days really allows for. I really do appreciate all the comments and the encouragement. You are fantastic. As always, all mistakes are my own. I am only borrowing for fun, entertainment only.

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Oliver was smiling as he entered the room. "Thank you my friends, truly." He spoke. Chloe drew to his side and he wrapped his arm around her waist and leaned and kissed her temple.

"Sire." Jet spoke approaching while looking at his phone.

"Yes," he spoke looking at his friend.

Jet looked up from his phone. "The limos are downstairs to take everyone over to the tea." He spoke.

"Very well." Oliver nodded. "Do you mind giving us a few minutes?"

"Certainly." Jet smiled. He then turned to the crowd. "Alright, everyone, come." He spoke. He turned to his wife who was holding a sleeping Nina. Jet took her from his wife. "Come lass, lets give them a few minutes." He smiled and the room emptied.

Chloe turned her back to him and sighed heavily. "You alright?" he asked concerned. She shook her head. He moved to wrap her in his arms around her.

"What?" he asked, his breath tickling her ear.

"I wish I could kiss you, touch you." She spoke turning around and giggling. "But I don't want to mess you up." She grinned as she swept of an imaginary piece of fuzz from his jacket.

"Oh you are hilarious." He spoke and kissed her nose. Chloe just hugged him and he sighed at the feel of her arms around him. "There will be a break for us before the gala tonight." He whispered in her ear. He pulled back then cupped her face gently in his gloved hands looking into her face reverently. "Lady, I have no words but thank you. Thank you for being here with me." He whispered.

Chloe smiled and bit her lower lip. "I love you." Those words conveyed, 'you're welcome, I believe in you, you're awesome.' He gently let go of her face and cleared his emotionally tightened throat. He did a military turn with his arm crooked for her. She slid her arm through his and gently squeezed his forearm.

"Come love, any longer and someone will come along to fetch us." He gazed down at her and winked. He then escorted her from the ante room to the elevator and down to their limo.

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The tea was being held in the same elite hotel that the gala was. The room however was smaller, more intimate. It was for personally invited guests and a few dignitaries. The royals arrived through a back door and were escorted to the room to stand in a line to greet the guests.

Oliver and Chloe, Roberte and Bea, stood side by side as all the guests started trickling in. Friends were being let in first. Joey was pushing Joe's wheel chair while Aiden sat on his grandpa's lap. Mary was wiping her eyes with a tissue.

"How was the view, did you get to see everything?" Oliver asked. Mary blushed furiously and tried to curtsey. He smiled at her gently. "Mary," he spoke and took her hands in his and helped her to stand up right. "You are more than a friend to me, you are family. There will NEVER be protocol for you. Ever." He spoke and leaned and kissed her cheek.

"Thank you sir." She grinned. "The ceremony was so so beautiful." She sighed and turned to Joe. "Joe smiled through the entire thing." Her grin widened.

"Wonderful." Oliver spoke. "Now, I know you've had a long morning, please," he turned to see Maggie waiting off to the side. "Maggie will take you to your table. I will be by to visit in a bit." He winked at her and she blushed. Mary then moved on to Roberte and Bea. Joey who was in a military uniform nodded his head at Oliver who returned it.

Next were old friends of Ollie's that had come in for his birthday party. Then Mickie and Doug, Adrian and Lisa, A.C and Emma and A.C's father Tom, Bart and Emelia, Victor and Kimbra. Then the unit he had personally invited when they were in London. The young officer who had been injured was being pushed in a wheelchair by his wife. His son was sitting on his lap. All proper greetings were exchanged.

A few VIP's, dignitaries from other lands were greeted and then properly seated.

After all the guests were greeted and seated Roberte and Bea took their seats at the head table. Chloe and Ollie were last to the head table. Before they stepped onto the dais, Ollie turned to face them all.

He paused gathering his thoughts, and the room went silent. "The journey to get here for me, has been nearly unbelievable." He paused. "I do appreciate each and everyone in this room." He paused. "Now our Chef prepared a very special meal for this gathering. Please do enjoy." He spoke. He then led Chloe to their seats and pulled her seat out for her before he sat down. The room had filled with applause as the servers began to serve everyone.

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"Mom." Joey spoke turning to Mary.

"Oh Joey, I…." she spoke blushing.

He put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I am honored to call you that. So please don't try and change my mind." He spoke before she could protest.

"Oh you are such a sweet boy." She spoke. Aiden crawled from his Papa's lap and crawled up onto her lap. "You are such a sweet boy too." She spoke and kissed the top of his head.

"I'm thirsty Nana." He spoke. She gave him her glass of water. She looked over at Joey.

"He's still adjusting to the surface." He spoke. "It will take time, but he's young and strong. The adjustment won't be bad." He took a drink of his own water. "Thank you for keeping an eye on him this morning. I had an errand to run."

"Anything serious?" she asked as his posture changed.

"No, not really." He looked at his dad who was smiling at his grandson. "It's the second thing I wanted to talk to you about. I wanted to ask you if maybe we ..Joey and I….could spend more time with you both in Smallville?"

Joe was nodding. Mary's smile widened. "You know you're welcome any time." She spoke as she kissed the top of Aiden's head.

"Mom, I was hoping we could make it a little more permanent." He spoke looking Mary in the eye.

"I? Sorry?" she asked confused.

"I have served my King for a long time." He paused. "And have well-earned my retirement." He spoke. "I want to be able to be there for you and dad. I've missed so much, and I really don't want to miss any more. I want Aiden to get as much time with his papa as he can."

"But your home, your mother?" she whispered, so over whelmed by the conversation.

"Home is where you make it." He spoke smiling at her. "And my mother knows that I'm stubborn and won't yield on this. She is also very remorseful for what she did and by not fighting me is her way of trying to make amends."

"Joey?" Joe asked as a server set a special plate in front of him.

"Yeah, dad?" he spoke as he took the cover off the plate and helped his father pick up his spoon. "You in Smallville?" he asked.

"I would very much like to be…if it's ok with you and mom?" he grinned. Mary was near tears again. She nodded and Aiden hugged her tight.

"Yeah, Nana." Aiden spoke and gave her a big smooch on the cheek.

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"Miracles never cease." Chloe whispered to Oliver as she dug into her meal. She glanced over at him knowingly.

"No they don't." he grinned. "My legal team delivered all of their documents this morning."

"Such a softy." She grinned and sighed. "I love happy endings."

"Oh most definitely me too. You are proof of mine." He teased. Chloe blushed furiously as they enjoyed their meal.

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"So." Lisa spoke to Adrian as they watched the King and his Princess banter at the head table.

"Si mi amore?" he purred.

"Cuando es la boda?" "When is the wedding?"

"I les doy un ano mas," "I give them one more year." He replied. He then leaned and kissed her cheek. "Mi belleza." He whispered to her.

"Charmer." She smiled.

"Vamos a echar una princesa tarde paseo." "let's take a walk later."

"Absolutely." She grinned and kissed his cheek. "Absolutely."

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Everyone was chatting and enjoying the company. Servers brought out toasting champagne to everyone who was of age to drink. Roberte then stood and cleared his throat.

"Now, there will be another toast tonight, but I had to do this now." He lifted his glass and turned slightly to face his son. "The day you were born, we knew you were going to be a great many things. Although your road wasn't always straight or smooth, look at where you are now." He had to pause to clear his throat. Bea just put a gentle hand on his wrist to encourage him. "I have always been proud of you…ALWAYS….Today, my son, you have truly become the Couer de Baldivia. To his highness, King Oliver." He smiled and raised his glass. Everyone stood and raised their glass. Oliver stood and turned to his father and whispered to him in Baldivian, then hugged him. He took his glass of champagne and drank from it.

"Thank you all," he spoke his voice cracking slightly.

"And to you father," he grinned. "Thank you." Is all he could express. Roberte nodded his face beaming with pride. The two royals sat and enjoyed the rest of the meal.

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After a few hours, the tea wound down. The head table was the first to leave. There were to be pictures taken in the private garden of the hotel. Chloe sat with Bea while Oliver was having the robe placed back on his shoulders. His more relaxed crown replaced with the formal Tudor crown. Chloe was grinning like a loon watching the preparations.

"What a beautiful smile." Bea spoke. Chloe just blushed.

"So have you and His Royal Highness set a date yet?" Chloe asked.

It was Bea's turn to blush. "No." she shook her head. "He said anytime anywhere." She paused. "I say let Oliver have his time to shine….we can wait…we've waited this long. "

"Ohh Bea." Chloe spoke. "I…"

"Princess." Oliver spoke. Chloe turned from Bea to him in all his splendor again standing before her a wicked smile on his face. Chloe blushed furiously and took his hand and he helped her to stand.

"What?"

"Pictures Angel." He spoke as he escorted her to the setting. Bea was so entranced in watching them she missed Robertes approach.

"Bea" he spoke softly. She turned and gasped at him.

"Oh come now, do you think you are getting away with not having photos taken with me?" he spoke grinning. He held his hand to her as well and pulled her into a hug. "Come." He spoke and took her to the setting to stand in wait for Oliver and Chloe to be done.

When all photos were taken, Roberte led Bea with a guard escort to their private suite to retire until the gala.

Ollie led Chloe to the table that the formal crown case was set on. The smaller crown was on a pillow next to it. Oliver then stood before her. "Would you please do the honor?" he purred. Chloe started to shake her head when he bowed before her. She gulped as she reached and took the heavy crown from his head and set it in the box. "And now the other…" he spoke moving his head so he could look her square in the eye. "Please." He whispered.

Chloe sighed and turned and reached for it and then ever so gently set it on his head. She then stepped back and curtsied to him. He just shook his head and pulled her into his arms.

"Ahem." Jet spoke as he appeared.

"Yes, Jet?" Oliver spoke. Chloe turned to the man as well, her face still awash with a faint blush.

"You have 4 hours and 45 minutes until the gala if you would like to retire for awhile."

"I think we may." He spoke with a knowing grin.

"Good. Then Jon and Bart will take you while I get this into the vault." He grinned.

"Highness'" Jon spoke from behind them. Oliver held a hand to Chloe, she took it and he laced their fingers together. "Bart?"

"Ready." He spoke from behind them. Chloe turned with a start. He just winked at her.

"Alright then let's go." He spoke as they were escorted into the hotel.

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Oliver shut the door behind himself after Chloe entered the bedroom. He just watched as she glided to the bureau. There were large pillows set upon it for their jewelry. She was humming as she took off her charm bracelet. She then turned to face Oliver and grinned wickedly as she took her gloves off, slowly, one finger at a time. She set them aside and reached for the broach.

"Please allow me." Ollie purred as he stalked toward her taking his gloves off as well. He set them on the dresser and then stood before her. He reached for the broach and delicately removed it from her coat. He then undid the one button keeping it closed and eased it off her shoulders. "So beautiful." He whispered as he leaned and kissed each cheek then moved to nibble at each lobe. He then reached and gently and deftly undid the clasp to her necklace he then set it aside. "Turn around." he whispered his tone pleading. She did and he gently removed her crown and set it aside. He then reached for her zipper and pulled it down. He separated the fabric of her dress and pushed it off her shoulders. It pooled at her feet. She turned to face him. He stepped slightly away from her and took her hand in his, leading her to the bed. He turned her gently and helped her to sit.

She was blushing as he was still fully and regally dressed and she was in her dainties wearing her heals. He knelt at her feet and massaged each leg and ankle before he removed her shoes.

"You are still waaay overdressed." She purred breathlessly.

"Maybe." He grinned and leaned and kissed her. "You spoke today of miracles. You are very much my miracle. I know I say it a lot, but it's true." He cupped her cheek in one hand. "I intend to make every one of your dreams come true." He then reached to the hand that bore his promise ring and brought it to his lips for a kiss.

"Oh you have. Most definitely. You healed this very battered heart." She grinned.

"Have I?" he leaned and kissed her again, this time it was deeper more needy. He stood and what seemed like eternally slowly to Chloe did he undress. He even seemed to take his sweet time removing his crown and setting it on the pillow on the bureau. She crawled backwards on the bed when he finally turned around to face her again. He stalked to the bed then crawled slowly toward her. "I don't ever want to go that long without you at my side…." He purred. "I love you lass…" he spoke and kissed her greedily.

"I…." is all she could say as his ministration turned wanton and the man showed her with actions how much the days without her, during his preparations had affected him.

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They awoke 2 hours later to a blaring alarm. Chloe yawned and stretched, she was sprawled across his chest.

"MMM….best way to wake up." He grinned and kissed her forehead.

"I agree." She smiled.

He looked over at the clock and stretched. "Ok Love, we have to shower and get ready for tonight." He spoke. With her still on his chest he moved and sat up, then stood and carried her to the shower. She just laughed. "I told you, you aren't going to be far from my side." He just nibbled her neck as he set her down and shut the door behind them.

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Chloe stood in her robe staring at the two garment bags hanging in the living room. She had narrowed down her choices for the gala to 2 dresses and she still couldn't decide. There was a brief knock and then the suite door opened and Nicole and the stylist who did her hair for the coronation entered.

"Chloe why aren't you dressed?" Nicole asked.

Chloe frowned and sat down on the sofa. "I can't decide on the gown." Nicole just smiled.

"Can we see them and the jewelry to help you?" she asked. Chloe nodded. They ladies opened the bags. Chloe went to the table that had velvet boxes lined up and opened them up.

"OHHH WOW…" the two stylists spoke.

"What?" Chloe asked turning to them.

"This one." They both pointed to a navy blue dress. It was spaghetti strapped, deep navy blue bodice that narrowed then widened into full skirt. The blue slowly tapered to white at the ends. The most intriguing thing about the dress were the tiny crystals that gave the blue a starry night appearance.

Nicole walked over to the jewelry, tiaras, earrings, bracelets…all very elegant. She picked the one tiara that was purchased by the estate for Chloe. It was simple, elegant, there was bracelet that was near matching. "These," she spoke to Chloe pulling the cases. "Most definitely these."

"Oh and these earrings." Nissa spoke. They were tear drop diamonds.

Chloe smiled. "Thank you." She spoke and went and collected the garment bag and carried it into the bedroom. She returned 10 minutes later, carrying a small bag that held her shoes. She was holding the dress up. She turned to Nicole, "Zip me."

Nicole did and then helped Chloe get situated while her stylist set up. She placed a light coverlet over Chloe to keep the dress from getting dirty.

"So…" Chloe spoke as Nissa was getting started.

"Yes and Yes," Nicole spoke knowing that Chloe was asking but not asking about the event at the Manor the next day.

"Awesome." She smiled.

"Can I see the shoes?" Nicole asked. Chloe nodded and handed over the expensive bag. Nicole opened it slowly and gasped.

"Neat huh?" Chloe tried to hide her smile.

"OHHHMMMYYYYYGOSHHHH," Nicole spoke. They were navy, velvet platform pumps decorated with crystals. The crystals were thick at the toe and became more dispersed toward the heel.

"I know right?" The smile was evident from Chloe's voice.

"Gloves?" Nicole asked.

"White elbow length."

"Cool."

"Tony and AC are escorting you two down." She smiled.

"Awesome." Chloe replied. She had to be quiet as her makeup was being done. She was given a very elegant cat eye, to make her eyes pop and a very rich lipstick. Nicole brought over the earrings which Chloe put in.

"Now for this tiara Princess, I think you should leave your hair mostly down," She spoke as she pulled just a little of her sides back. Securing them with jeweled pins. "Then maybe a dramatic sweep to your bangs." Which she did with a bit of gel and a comb. Then liberally sprayed it with hair spray and put a few pins in to keep them in place.

"The tiara please?" She asked so focused on the hair she didn't even see the King enter the room.

"Don't mind if I do." He spoke and lifted it from the case and delicately handed it to the stylist who froze in awe of the King. He was dressed informally in jeans and a t shirt, and his presence was intimidating. He grinned, then turned to Nicole.

"Hello Nicole, how are you feeling?" he asked kissing her cheek.

"My feet hurt," she smiled rubbing her belly. "But I wouldn't change that for the world." She grinned.

The stylist came back to herself and placed the tiara on Chloe's head and adjusted it and pinned into place. It wasn't going anywhere. She then ran brush through the back of hair and curled it giving it a wispy look.

"Beautiful." Oliver spoke from behind Chloe and he watched her neck turn beat red. His attention then turned to the young stylist. "Miss, you have been granted some extraordinary privilege." He spoke. "A trust that isn't given lightly."

"Yes, sire."

"Majesty." Nicole spoke. "She was vetted, she worked for me at the Cirque, and she knew Vivian and wanted put her in the stockade for what she did. She's trustworthy…on my honor." She spoke bowing her head.

"Well," he grinned. "There is no better recommendation." He moved to stand before Chloe.

"Is that what you're wearing? Jeans? A t-shirt?" she was mortified.

"No…but I wanted to see you." He grinned. Nicole looked to the stylist who was blushing.

"I think that's our cue." Nicole spoke. She escorted the younger stylist from the suite leaving the couple alone.

Oliver smiled at Chloe and moved a step away to grab the shoe bag. He then got on bended knee for her. He unzipped it and pulled the shoes out. He gently rolled back the hem of her skirt and raised first her left foot and put it on his knee. He then slid the shoe onto her foot, massaging her ankle after. He set it down and repeated the same gesture with her right foot. He leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on her lips.

"I wasn't here the first time. I wanted to be here for this." He grinned. "I'm going to change, I shall return." He stood and winked at her then left the room.

Chloe sat there for a minute then stood and moved to the full length mirror, she was beautiful. Then it came, a memory that hadn't been in her consciousness came screaming to the front of her awareness. She had been in the seventh grade and the class beauty queen said she could never be anything more than a book worm. A nerd. What man would love her for her brain when she just wasn't pretty?

A smile spread across her face at that mean girl and that wicked memory was laid to rest. She was dating a KING. A man in whose eyes she literally hung the moon and who did the same in her eyes. He was smart, funny, and hot. So was she. She laughed at the victory for it was a huge one, one that was a long time coming.

There was a knock at the door and Tony and AC entered. A.C stopped, his jaw dropped. His eyes brimming with tears.

"Oh sunshine." He spoke and moved to give her a hug and spun her around. "You are gorgeous, simply gorgeous." Chloe laughed while he spun her and kissed his cheek when he set her down.

"You aren't so bad yourself." She spoke. He was in a tuxedo with a royal crest pin on his lapel.

Tony bowed to her then went into the bed room where all their clothes had been stashed and came out with a small bag and the crown on its pillow. He handed Chloe the bag and set the crown down on a table.

"What is this?" Chloe asked Tony.

"His majesty," he grinned.

"Ohh good grief. He's spoiled me rotten." She smiled.

"And why wouldn't he?" the King asked entering from the other bedroom. They all gasped as he was in a crisp black tux with tails. His shoes were impeccably polished. He held jewelers boxes in his hand. Tony and AC bowed their heads. Oliver just shook his head and sighed. "Go ahead, open it." He smiled. Chloe did and inside was a tear drop shaped stone on an elegant silver chain. "The stone is a polished one from where your father's tree was planted, engraved on the back is his initials." He spoke moving and handing his jewelers boxes to Tony. He then removed the neckless and place it around her neck and clasped it. He then kissed the clasp. Chloe sniffed. She turned to face him. "He is always with you princess."

She hugged him tightly. "Thank you." She whispered.

"You are very welcome." He spoke and pulled back. "Now I need your help." He spoke. He signaled Tony to come closer with the boxes and Tony opened the first one, it was a long and ornate chain. "This is the chain of my station." He spoke as he pulled it out. "And I would be honored if you would help me put it on." Chloe nodded. She took one end and draped it on one shoulder and then took the other end and draped it on his opposite shoulder. So the majority of the chain rested across his chest. He then turned and she found there were clasps to hook the ends together to keep it in place. He then turned to Tony who set that box down opened the next one. It was a gem encrusted crest pin. She then put that on his lapel.

"The last box Tony will help with it's the one with my military insignia." He smiled and turned to his friend who immediately got work on the order.

"Oh A.C could you get my.."

"Here." He spoke as he handed her her gloves.

"Thank you." She put them on. He then handed her the bracelet that she slipped on. "All ready." She sighed.

"I have one last thing." Ollie spoke. He moved to stand near the table and held a hand to Chloe. She blushed and took it. Tony moved quickly to put a chair next to the table and Ollie sat down. "Please Angel….will you do the honors?" he purred looking up at her face. She reached and traced a gloved finger down his left cheek.

"It would be my pleasure….highness." she whispered. She then took the crown in both hands and as she turned to place it upon his head, he bowed his head to make it easier. She set it atop his head and shiver ran down her spine as he sat upright. She curtsied. He gathered her gloved hands in his and pulled them to his lips for a gentle kiss.

"I am your partner.." he purred. "Always."

"Always." She grinned. He stood and took a hand in his and laced their fingers together.

"Shall we?" he asked.

"Yes…" she grinned. Tony led with A.C following as they left the suite, to go to a private meeting room to catch up to his father and Bea.