AN: Music for this chapter (on repeat): Myth, Power, Beauty by, Chevaliers de Sangreal by Hans Zimmer, PM's Love Theme by Craig Armstrong, Russian Waltz #2 by Dmitri Shostakovich, Grand Russian Fantasia by Jules Levy, Uf Dem Anger, No 7: Floret/Silva by Carl Orff from Carmina Burana, The Promise by Michael Nyman from The Piano Soundtrack, Fairy Dance by James Newton Howard from Peter Pan Soundtrack, Cuzco by E.S. Posthumus.

SIXTY

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Jack, Julian, Sergei and Marcelo were at the bottom of the grand staircase in Alexander Palace on the following morning, dressed immaculately and looking dangerously handsome in their Imperial Military Regalia. Jack was wearing a white jacket, Sergei and Julian in red and Marcelo, in dark blue in accordance to Imperial Court customs.

Vaughn, Weiss and Marshall also in blue as 'honorary' Grand Dukes, at least, until tomorrow's ceremony where it would be made official when Irina, as the Tsar, knighted them with the title at the gala the following evening at the Winter Palace, being the Godfathers of the Tsarevicha Lena.

Everyone else staying at the palace had left already to find their seats along the processional route.

"Oh, wow." Marshall gasped when he looked up to see Sydney, carrying Lena, Sophia and Katya all descending the Grand Staircase in their Coronation gowns made especially for the event in traditional Russian style reminiscent of the Court dresses worn at the last Coronation ceremony almost 100 years before during Nicholas II's crowning.

All of the dresses were the same design with each of them in a different color. Sydney's dress was a vibrant red, Katya's a navy blue, Sophia's a baby blue and Lena's white with gold as Irina's would be. The crushed velvet fabric of their trains made it look like they were floating as they moved down the steps with big beautiful smiles, feeling every bit the part of 'princess' in these gowns. The intricate inlayed gold pattern on each dress sewn by hand with 18 karate gold thread, making them fairly heavy.

"You look…" Vaughn couldn't get the words out as his fiancée glided towards him looking radiant in red. "Stunning. Gorgeous. Take your pick, you're all of the above." He leaned in and kissed her softly on the cheek in a gentlemanly fashion.

Weiss's eyes were boggled out of is head looking at Sophia and for quite a few moments didn't say anything but stare.

"Is she almost ready?" Jack asked nervously, feeling his palms already sweating beneath his white gloves in anticipation of seeing Irina.

"We don't know, we haven't seen her yet this morning." Katya smiled nervously, looking up to the balcony for her sister as well.

*Myth, Power, Beauty*

"Here she comes." Sydney smiled excitedly seeing the door to the room open upstairs and her mother's ladies-in-waiting, maids of honor for the day, come out, Irina followed moments later and though they couldn't see her fully yet, knew she looked spectacular.

When she rounded the corner and began her descent, flanked on each side by two attendants and two in the back managing her massive trains, they gasped in awe. Tears immediately flooding to Katya and Sydney's eyes as they met Irina's.

Her gown was simpler in design in accordance with tradition as she would receive numerous regalia as part of the ceremony. The satiny white fabric met the gold thread in a beautiful but humbled design. An enormous golden crushed velvet robe flowed behind her, trimmed with fur that looked like it came straight out of a fairy-tale. Her hair had been curled and was pulled half back and up on the sides in order to accommodate the large crown that would soon be adorning her head. When she reached the bottom of the steps she flashed her mega-watt smile and Jack had to remember to breathe.

"You look…simply…spectacular." He smiled and extended his arm to her, walking her to the front door and down the steps to the waiting carriage. She would be riding in the first open carriage alone. Jack behind her with the Imperial Life-Guards cavalry regiment, sworn protectors of the Tsarina; Sydney and Vaughn after them, Julian with Lena, Katya and Marcelo, Sergei and Sophia, and finally Weiss and Marshall who would be riding with several other 'honorary' knights including Dmitri and Alexei.

"Are you ready?" Jack asked smiling, looking up at his beautiful wife hearing the crowd outside the gates already cheering enthusiastically in anticipation.

Irina smiled confidently, shaking her head and kissed Jack's cheek when he had finished helping her along with her maids get her and her massive trains into the carriage.

"Yes, I'm ready." She smiled, inhaling deeply watching as he mounted his white steed, looking every bit 'Prince Charming.'

The miles-long passage formed by the troops led to the centuries-old walls of the St. Isaac's. Deployed inside were the battalions of the Life Guards Semyonovsky and Preobrazhenskiy regiments, the first regiments of the regular Russian Army created by Peter the Great. Commanding the troops was Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich, Nicholas II's uncle.

Considerable sums were allotted for repairing and decorating palaces, imperial theaters and places for outdoor fetes and spectacles in St. Petersburg for the Coronation and birthday Jubilee. Banners and standards, the Purples and the Regalia, as well as liveries for top officials and vestments for dignitaries, garments for heralds and other vestments were to be specially made for the occasion. The most prominent artists and decorators were engaged in embellishing the palaces and streets of St. Petersburg. Special coins and medals were minted to commemorate the Sacred Coronation.

Nine shots from the guns of the Tainitskaya Tower rang out in Moscow, and the bells of the Assumption Cathedral pealed in time with St. Petersburg. Not only the pavements, but the ledges and roofs of the houses were swarming with people, every pair of eyes fixed on the Triumphal Gates.

The gates opened and horse drawn carriages moved forward, with Irina holding her breath. Calvary and foot soldiers lined the processional route and Her Imperial Majesty's Own Escort, the Horse-Guards, the Life-Guards Uhlan, Dragoon, Cuirassier, Hussar and Cossack squadrons and regiments, the grenadiers as well as riflemen, sappers and military schools' cadets, made up an impressive, picturesque throng, with horses, guns and all sorts of arms, all of them subject to strict regulations and discipline. Gathered under their regimental standards, these troops represented the pride and glory of the Russian Army.

Suspense had crept over the crowd as they waited expectantly for days for the Imperial procession to appear.

At last the gun salute rang out from St. Peter and St. Paul's Cathedral to herald the departure of the Tsarina and Imperial family from the Alexander Palace. The sound of the guns had hardly receded before the bells of all the churches of St. Petersburg joined in the joyous cacophony. The people, as one, uncovered their heads and devoutly crossed themselves. Tears sparkled in the eyes of many at the new beginning for Russia and hopeful for her future.

From all the churches that the Tsarina's procession passed on their journey to the St. Isaac's where the ceremony took place, the priests carrying crosses, icons and gonfalons in their hands, came out to give the Tsar their blessing for a just and long-lasting reign.

The stunning splendor of the Imperial procession unfolded gradually, new groups of participants, one after another, joining this magnificent train. Preceding the Imperial procession rode the cavalcade of fourteen gendarme officers.

Following them were the four Cossack squadrons of Her Imperial Majesty's Own Escort, dressed in red Circassian coats.

Next came Her Imperial Majesty's Life-Guards Cossacks with Jack and, after them, horsemen mounted on beautiful half-tamed steppe and mountain steeds. The riders were valiant, dashing Central Asiatic and Caucasian Dzhigits, wearing oriental robes and Circassian coats embroidered in gold and silver. They were followed by the representatives of all Cossack troops.

In the rear of that part of the procession were the Horse-Guards squadron of the Life-Guards Cavalry regiment, the horsemen wearing helmets and cuirasses, with broadswords gleaming in their hands. And then, Her Majesty the Tsar appeared.

As befitting the occasion, she rode in the most splendid part of the procession were the fourteen coaches and phaetons covered with gold leaf and velvet, the train drawn by six horse harnessed in tandem. Some of the coaches, done in the style of Louis XV, dated back to the reign of Empress Catherine II and Emperor Paul I. Each of the horses, beautiful and graceful, with golden trappings, was led by an equerry.

Irina waved elegantly at the people along the roads and streets, overwhelmed by their outpouring of love and support. She spotted many faces as they passed along the processional route from unexpected people.

The man in Moscow who gave her bagels for free and traveled north to smile at her, the little girl and her grandmother standing next to a woman holding the 'new baby brother,' the nurse who had taken care of Lena, and Nicholas, the young man who had found her at the University before she had been outed waved enthusiastically with his parents who had come from Siberia. She spotted the faces of her American neighbors, and Dr. Ryan Peterson, Ann and their children.

One face that stuck out even though time had aged it, steeling Irina's breath away and it belonged to none other then Ms. Adams. The young woman she had left Sydney with on the night of her Extraction. She briefly wondered if Sydney saw her, too. Friends from all over the world came to see this great moment.

As they neared the cathedral, she spotted the world leaders and royal families; among them found President Bush, Laura, the Putins, Mikhail and Bella, and his entire family, Carrie, Dixon, and his children, Kendall, and Devlin.

*Chevaliers de Sangreal*

When the procession reached the cathedral Jack dismounted and helped Irina out of her carriage after having passed millions of people.

On all belfries of the city the bell-ringers held their bell-pulls awaiting the pre-arranged signal. Noiselessly, officials and their assistants carried the Imperial Regalia, the Chain of the Orders of St. Andrew for His Majesty the Tsar and Grand Duke, the Sword of State, the Banner of State, the State Seal, the Purple for Her Majesty the Tsarina, the Orb, the Sceptor, the Small Imperial Crowns for the Grand Duchess', and the Great Imperial Crown for the Tsarina, all arranged in a strict order of succession towards the St. Isaacs Cathedral. All of them having been re-set and sized by Cartier especially for the new Imperial family.

The cathedral was already packed with people and their group of friends found their saved seats immediately as the Imperial family started making their way up the aisle. Everyone gasping at Irina's beauty as she passed on Jack's arm making her way up to the front.

Jack released her arm and stepped off to the side with the others as Irina alone faced the Orthodox Priests.

The last portraits of Nicholas II and Alexandra, and their children were all placed on golden stands at the front of the church, the last one of Anastasia that Irina had found became her focal point as she waited for the ceremony to begin, trying to calm her nerves.

The new Imperial Choir and Symphony filled the massive expanse with music as the ceremony commenced; the priests first recognizing the last Imperial family, slain in Siberia, and acknowledging the transition, back to the monarchy and the tone was very somber.

As the ceremony continued, everyone's thoughts were flying madly around. Irina stood before everyone the entire half hour listening intently and very seriously taking the oaths she was giving to God and country. She was then made to lift her arms and was stripped of her golden robe and then dress, leaving her a plain white slip, essentially exposed to everyone in a symbolic gesture of purifying her before receiving Communion. She was given Communion from a cup in which only the highest priests were allowed to drink and knelt on their altar as she was blessed with Holy Oils.

Irina never looked more innocent in her life, was the general thought going around seeing her in nothing but a white slip kneeling at the altar of God receiving communion.

When that part of the ceremony was over, her maids dressed her once more in the beautiful white gown with the Order of St. Andrew.

A pillow covered in crushed red velvet with gold trim was set a few feet before Irina on the ground and the Imperial Regalia was brought out, each piece resting on its own pillow. She took a deep breath as the priest asked her to kneel. With guiding arms, she did as instructed and placed her hand on the Bible and recited her oath. She removed the Order of St. Andrew and handed it to the Metropolitan of St. Petersburg.

As she kneeled the purple robe was placed around her shoulders and the diamond chain of the Order of St. Andrew followed. Irina bowed her head and two prayers were said over her head, making the sign of the cross. She looked up and ordered the Imperial Crown be given to her, as was Russian custom. From the hands of the Metropolitan she accepted the crown and placed it on her own head.

She ordered that the other regalia be given to her and with the Scepter in her right hand and the Orb in the left, she took her seat on the Imperial Throne.

When her eyes meet her people they contained unshed tears and she looked over to see Sydney, Katya and Sophia sobbing with happy tears and Jack and Julian's eyes burning with unshed tears as they look at her proudly.

After a few minutes she rose to her feet and handed her regalia to her attendant, summoning Jack before her. He kneeled on the red pillow before her. Irina took off her crown and touched it to his forehead. She then placed the Order of St. Andrew around his neck with the baby blue sash and Imperial symbol of the Romanovs. She placed the rest of the regalia on him and summoned him to stand.

Irina's eyes were beaming as she smiled at him and excused him and Sydney stepped forward, kneeling before her mother and receiving her regalia the same way, with Irina touching her crown to her forehead. She placed Sydney's crown on her head and summoned her to stand, smiling brilliantly at her daughter who's face is washed with tears of happiness.

One after another the members of her Imperial family step forward and kneel and Irina anointed them with her crown and their regalia.

Lena was the last to receive her regalia and when Jack stepped forward and kneeled with her, everyone's hearts beamed with love seeing the little baby looking up at her mother with big brown eyes as she is blessed and received her own tiny blue sash as the Order of St. Andrew and specially made crown by Cartier that fits her head perfectly and weighing almost nothing to keep from hurting her little head.

*PM's Love Theme*

When she is finished, the Orb and Scepter were placed back in Irina's hands.

"I can't believe this is happening." Kendall whispered to Dixon with eyes wide as he looked at Irina in her full regalia, crown and robes looking every bit the Queen you only see in the movies.

Everyone suddenly broke into cheering as Jack joined Irina having passed Lena back to Julian, standing by her side as they exited the cathedral, golden confetti falling from the sky as every single Russian began singing along with the anthem of their new Tsar. The world celebrating together as the ceremony was the mostly highly broadcast event to ever be shown.

"Did that really just happen?" Irina turned her head to Jack with a soft smile and blank expression once they were settled in a new carriage, now adorned with the Imperial Crown and Insignia being the Official Ruler.

Jack laughed, clasping her forearm as her hands still held her regalia, the couch making the procession to Peterhof for the reception.

"Yes, My Empress, My Tsarina, My Love." He smiled, brightly with immense love. "I'm so proud of you. Your mother…your grandfather, must be so proud of you." He looked into her beautiful sparkling eyes. "You look amazing." He smiled, waving at the crowds. "Isn't that heavy?" He smirked looking at her crown loaded with diamonds and rubies.

"Yes, it is." Irina laughed, maintaining her perfect posture to support the weight. "Now I know why my grandfather didn't like this crown; it is very heavy. I think I will save this one for extremely, important circumstances." She smiled her brilliant smile at him and everyone in the crowds along the road. "I have another one, a much lighter one, waiting for me at Peterhof. Sydney and Lena looked so beautiful and you and Julian, quite handsome."

Jack looked at her in amazement; here was Irina, sitting in her Imperial carriage in a gorgeous gown and robe, massive crown a top her head and regalia covering her body, the official Tsar of the largest country in the world acting completely calm and normal and Jack had to laugh. For as much as their' life was going to change, some things were always going to stay the same…and his wife and her beautiful personality were one of them. He knew she could do this.

The reception began outdoors in Peterhof's luxurious gardens with thousands of people admitted alongside the world's leaders and royalty, Irina wanted to have her people amongst them celebrating and invited everyone from the gypsies to the Siberian tribes.

Shortly after arriving, she had sought some solace in her bedroom upstairs for a short reprieve and rest period, still careful of her diabetes and took an hour to play with Lena who was clearly missing her Mama's attention. She had changed out of her Coronation gown that would be immediately sent to the Hermitage Museum to be put on display as part of the Coronation exhibit the museum's curator was so excited to present.

Her heavy Imperial Crown weighing nine pounds was put back in High Security as well as her Orb and Scepter and she now wore a simple but gorgeous white dress, her baby blue satin sash of the Order of St. Andrew, the Romanov Imperial Eagle, her purple robe and the Russian crown that Queen Elizabeth had given back to Russia now, as it was part their' royal jewels.

The crown along with many other pieces of royal jewelry had been smuggled out of Russia when Imperial Russia fell in 1917. Now that the Imperial Family was back, Irina had enlisted the help of numerous other royals to find and return her family's jewels of the Romanov Dynasty going all the way back to the 1600s.

Jack rapped softly at the door and her maids smiled at her as she scooped the baby up off the bed, Lena completely fascinated with the fur trim on her Mama's robe.

"Come in." Irina called to him in Russian and smiled widely when she saw her husband looking terribly handsome in his royal uniform. "Did I tell you, how extremely handsome you look in that uniform?" She smiled coyly as he came to stand in front of her with a devilish smile.

"I believe you did." His smile grew as he took hold of Lena's hand and kissed it.

"Did I tell you how 'sexy' you are in that uniform?" She whispered in her seductive voice her bedroom eyes flashing brilliantly and Jack felt the familiar surge.

"I don't believe so, Empress." He flashed her his own mega watt smile. "Perhaps, you can tell me again…later." He waggled his eyebrows and she laughed. "Are you ready?"

"You've asked me that a lot lately." She arched her eyebrow laughing as she passed Lena to him and then took hold of his free arm. Navigating the exterior grand staircase would be far too dangerous with a baby in one arm wearing the enormous gown and robes she had on. "I suppose I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

*Grand Russian Fantasia*

Irina appeared at the top of Peterhof's grand staircase while the party and reception raged on outdoors in the palaces beautiful gardens and everyone stopped to stare at the music cue announcing her arrival. She made her way down the steps on Jack's arm, Lena in the crook of his other and smiling madly, enchanting everyone she passed, already the elegant Empress.

"Your Mom looks fantastic." Vaughn smiled, linking his fingers with Sydney's as they watched her parents join the party. "I think women in your Imperial Family put all these other royals to shame with your astounding beauty." He whispered in her ear, tickling her with his breath. "Did I tell you how ravishing you look in that dress? Wearing that crown, Your Highness? Who knew a crown would be so sexy." He laughed and Sydney broke into giggles when he kissed her ear, suggestively.

The front garden had been converted elegantly into a massive dance floor where hundreds of beautiful couples were dancing gracefully around the outdoor ballroom, tables set up around the perimeters for the banquet.

"Vaughn! Stop it!" She whispered sternly trying not to giggle when she felt his tongue graze her ear, "I can't cause a scandal on my first day as a royal!"

"Let 'em talk. You're hot and they're not. Let them deal with that. They just can't handle the 'new kids on the block." He laughed softly into her ear looking at some rather 'old' looking royals that from the sounds of it, were centuries beyond any real royal connection having been removed so many times with marriage and birth that few true royal families really existed and now Irina and her family were among that select few, being direct descendents.

*Russian Waltz*

When the dance finished, Jack handed Lena to Weiss and took Irina's hand for their first dance to the Russian Waltz, all eyes on them as they moved gracefully around the room.

"I always loved dancing with you." Irina smiled, whispering knowing they were being heavily scrutinized and not wanting to share her personal thoughts with her public.

"I've always loved the way you move." Jack said suggestively causing Irina to laugh as he twirled her and the other couples soon joined in and just as swiftly as he had her in his arms, the partners changed and he was dancing with Katya now, Irina in Vladimir's arms.

His eyes kept heavily focused on Irina and finally he turned his head to look at Katya when she laughed.

"I know I'm not the Derevko you want to be dancing with but could you at least try to look at me at least once." Her deviant eyes danced with laughter when Jack smiled and began to blush.

"I'm sorry, that was rude of me. I just-"

"Can't help yourself where Irina is concerned, I know." She patted his arm smiling and laughing all at once when their eyes both sought out her sister, laughing at something Vladimir was saying to her.

"Well yes, that's true and exactly what I was going to say." Jack smiled brightly and pushed her around the dance floor, spinning her once more. "She's so beautiful. I just can't stand to be away from her. Nothing against you."

Katya threw her head back in laughter.

"Oh Jack, I know you have nothing against me. She feels the same way about you and I think I can maneuver us into a position that in three partners, you'll be back in each other's arms. What do you say?"

"I'd say, I love you!" He replied immediately and Katya's eyebrows rose and then burst into laughter seeing his expression. "You know what I meant-" He mumbled trying not to laugh.

"Yes I know. Let's do this." She turned and edged them across the room and ahead of another couple.

She was right, in three partners, and one song later, Irina was back in his arms. The night was going fantastically well and everyone was having a marvelous time, the best party any of them had been to in years and even more fun as the 'classes' were mixed. Royals with gypsies, dignitaries with Siberian farmers… all drinking and laughing over their shared joy.

*Uf Dem Anger, No 7: Floret/Silva*

The dance floor was alive with gorgeous couples in traditional Russian dancing and Irina couldn't stop smiling looking around at all the happy faces on her family and her people and the other world leaders.

"Your Highness, everyone is having a blast." Vaughn smiled when Irina became his partner, addressing her formally for the first time. "This is the most fun I've had in years. Sydney, too."

"I'm so happy everyone is enjoying themselves." Irina smiled brightly looking around. "The next time you and I dance, will be at your wedding." She flashed him her famous smile with dancing eyes.

"Yes, I suppose it will be." Vaughn smiled shyly.

"You're a very good dancer, Michael. My daughter is a lucky woman." She leaned up and kissed his cheeks before switching partners in the wild dance.

When the song ended, and night had fallen, a spot-light appeared on the grand piano next to the symphony and Irina made her way towards it smiling at everyone as she went.

"What is she doing?" Sydney leaned over and whispered to her father, Lena asleep on his shoulder, all partied out.

"I have no idea. Your mother is full of surprises, I am guessing this is one of them." He smiled brightly turning back to watch Irina who was whispering to the symphony director. She took a seat at the piano, guided there by his arm and her maids straightened out her massive train.

"I was asked earlier tonight by Sasha if I wouldn't play something for everyone." She smiled back to the older man who was directing the symphony. "I haven't prepared anything so I am just going to play and see what comes out." She smiled and everyone laughed intrigued by this new Tsar having no idea she could play the piano. "I would like to dedicate this to my wonderful family." She looked over and found their eyes, looking at all of them, "And to all the people of Russia, you have my greatest respect. In saying that, I'd like to call this, 'My Promise' to all of you." She took a deep breath and let her fingers rest on the ivory as the crowd of thousands hushed to silence, her image be projected on massive screens on the far ends of the gardens for those in the back who couldn't see. Without a second thought, she just began to play what was in her heart.

*The Promise*

Irina hit the ground running and her fingers were rapidly flying over the keys at a feverish pace from the very first notes and Sasha and the symphony were paying close attention to the music she was writing as she played looking for an entry point to join her.

Weiss looked over at Kendall smiling seeing the man's mouth hanging open in awe as he watched Irina playing, creating the song out of thin air.

"I told you she played a mean piano." Weiss whispered laughing, "I'm convinced there isn't anything this women can't do and do it well."

"Now I know why Jack and Sydney were worried about her hand and losing her ability to play." Kendall spoke softly in realization. She was an amazing pianist, something else of her genius. Her hands were literally flying over the keys barely touching them and yet making the most profound sounds. "Now I know, why she's so deadly with a knife."

"That's what I said!" Weiss's eyebrows shot up, trying not to laugh as they whispered and were suddenly shushed by Sophia.

The massive group assembled stood humbly in awe as they watched her and Sydney's eyes welled with tears of happiness. Katya was having the same reaction and pulled her niece to her, kissing her temple and holding onto her as they watched Irina sitting in the spotlight, looking like an angel playing from her heart and for them.

When she was finished she stood to a thundering round of applause that lasted minutes and she graciously bowed slightly in her appreciation of their kindness. She sought Jack out immediately.

"That was beautiful. It just came out of your pretty little head?" He looked at her with obvious amusement and pride as he kissed her cheeks, transferring Lena onto her shoulder.

"Yes, I just played what I felt." She smiled and shrugged. She didn't have time to elaborate when the first whistle and then loud boom of the fireworks started overhead, illuminating an all ready gorgeous palace.

*Fairy Dance*

Jack looked over at his wife, looking so regal in her crown and beautiful gown, breathtaking as the brilliant colors of the fireworks display reflected off her dark eyes. Her face nuzzling their baby who had awaken the loud booms of explosions, Irina obviously talking to her with her mouth moving and they both looked so happy, so content.

He turned to look at Sydney, wrapped in Vaughn's arms, big smile on her face as she excitedly pointed out her favorites to Prince William of Great Britian, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her mother Queen Silvia and King Karl Gustaf, and King Juan Carlos I. of Spain.

Sophia and Weiss, Duke and Duchess of Lugo of Spain, Prince Harry of Great Britian along with Prince Karl Philip of Sweden were laughing and when followed their gaze saw that Sergei was pouring the young Madeleine, Princess of Sweden, another glass of champagne, obviously smitten with the young beauty.

Katya and Marcelo were enjoying themselves, just being able to enjoy time together with their busy schedules; something that was soon to be over now that he had accepted the Chief of Staff position in the St. Petersburg University Hospital.

Irina had been doing the same thing, looking around to her family and friends and realizing how truly blessed she was to have them all back in her life again, and how far they'd all come in just one years time.

A year ago she thought she'd lost everything and now she had everything. She had never seen Sydney happier, the last vestiges of their ordeal in Kashmir slowly fading into the background with time, both of them healing together and now looking forward to her wedding. Julian, she smiled thinking about her son, he was finally acting his age she laughed softly seeing him trying to 'woo' the Princess of Monaco and from the looks of it, succeeding. Lena had completely healed from all of her injuries and only a faint scar remained over her chest and abdomen and she had never seen a happier baby. Katya was overjoyed at having Marcelo moving to St. Petersburg and all of them living near each other, as one big family.

*Cuzco*

And Jack. Irina looked over and found him staring at her intently his lips turning into a smile when their eyes caught and he gently pushed through the crowd of people towards her as the night sky erupted in brilliant colors.

His lips descended on her to capture them in a sweet kiss, framing her face with his hands.

"Are your dreams coming true?" He smiled at her softly, his fingers tracing her cheek as they only had eyes for each other.

"Yes, I believe so." She smiled, looking intently at him, moving into his touch. "I have my daughter back. I am married to the man I love. I have a new baby girl who gave us all a second chance. I have a son. I found my sister and one of my best friends."

"What else were you dreaming of that you have now?" He leaned in closer, moving together in their' own rhythm. "What did you really really want, that you've found now?"

Irina was quiet for a moment, looking into his eyes, there were so many things she wanted and obtained could be summarized with one simple word, "Absolution."

"Absolution?" Jack repeated searching her eyes for all that word meant to her.

"Yes, from my family for all the hurt that I caused whether intentionally or inadvertently…from God, for losing my soul and committing terrible acts before I found it again." She paused and he saw the hesitation knowing there was more.

"And." He prompted her, softly, rubbing his nose against her cheek as Lena grabbed onto both of their faces, with one little hand on each of their cheeks. "Aren't you forgetting perhaps, the most important person who needed forgiveness." He whispered softly, remembering his talk with Sydney. "Needed to forgive themselves."

"Me." She whispered softly against his lips, tears prickling her eyes.

Jack closed the distance, hearing her admit what he knew was difficult and captured her lips and felt her warm tears finally fall.

"And now that those dreams been fulfilled, what do you want now?" He cupped her face with both his hands, their faces millimeters apart as their lips touched lightly between every breath every word.

Irina felt her heart racing, their light touches igniting every fiber of her being as the explosions went on around them and within them.

"Forever and Always."

~And just the beginning...

*The Sequel is "Forever & Always" and will follow immediately! It's already posted! - Wild - For those I reading, who I haven't heard from before, I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on the story :)

(The sequel continues on into the future for the new Imperial Family, as well as going back in time in an unusual and fun way to learn about what Irina, Jack and Sydney were doing during those 'missing 20 years' apart.)

ALSO:For those wishing to 'SEE' the Magazine Covers and photos associated with this story and its sequel, you can find them all as posted on this tumblr page: alias absolution forever and always. tumblr. com/ made especially for this story! Enjoy! Password: absofa