Encounter

Part 25:You Stole the Show

This chapter is shorter than ususal but I'm getting there.

They hurriedly left the chamber while the house was  still clamoring.  Carolyn spied Luxenbourgh's flags on her limo in the distance.

"There Freddie" she said pointing, "Let's go."

There were paps outside Parliment and one of them saw Freddie and he called out to him alerting the others. Freddie and Carolyn, while holding hands, made a run for the car. Out of breath, they reached the car and as Carolyn grabbed the handle, Freddie grabbed her, his arms encircled her waist and he stood very close to her. "Wait, before you get in, you kissed me. In front of Parliment, you kissed me"

"Freddie" sighed Carolyn.

"You kissed me with no concern of the hundreds of Parlimentary members watching, no concern if there were cameras present and no concern of what your father might say. Why did you do it? Carolyn, I want to know."

"I just felt like it Freddie, it was sort of a thank you kiss. Besides, I like kissing you" said Carolyn.

" You know darling," his voice as smooth as his melodies, "I've performed love songs all my life, but none have ever felt as real as this moment." The princess looked up to him with a teasing smile, playing on her lips. "And what moment is that Freddie?"

He took her hand gently, pressing a soft kiss to her fingers. "The moment where I want nothing more than to kiss my princess senseless."

She laughed, a sound sweeter than any harmony. "Then what are you waiting for Rockstar?" Freddie closed the distance, capturing her lips in a kiss as passionate as his ballads. The world outside faded - the only music that mattered now was the beating of their hearts.

The flashing of the photographer's bulbs reclaimed them from their euphoria. Blinking, Carolyn cried out, "Oh dear" and into the waiting limousine they jumped.

The group of paparazzi stilled for a few moments, all in apparent schock, bufuddlement and to some, amusement.

"Would you look at that" 

                                                                               "I thought he was gay",

" I thought he had a girlfriend,                             "I thought he had a boyfriend,"

                                                   "I thought he was bisexual."

"Isn't she the royal Princess of Luxenbourgh" 

                                    " Gotta hand to Freddie, he lives a charmed life."

"Well, we have tomorrow's headlines and shots" someone yelled as they all scattered to meet their deadlines.

---------------------

As the car sped through the streets towards Kensington, Freddie edged closer to the princess, he held her hand and told her how wonderful she was. "You held the whole assembly in the palm of your hand darling, you're going to smash it with your violin concert."

"I must say, your speech to the House of Commons was absolutely magnificent—truly a performance worthy of the grandest stage! The elegance with which you articulated your points, the poise in your delivery, and the sheer brilliance of your message left them all completely spellbound. I was so proud watching you shine like the radiant star I always knew you were. Bravo, my royal dynamo!"

"Thank you Freddie."

"I think we should celebrate" said Freddie

"How Freddie?" she asked.

"I can think of a few ways" said Freddie with a mischievous grin.

" If you're serious Freddie, I would like a fun day with you if that's all right.  Can you plan something that we can do together?

" Well darling, let me think on it" as they entered Garden Lodge.

Freddie paced around his lavish London home, tapping a finger against his lips. He was determined to give Carolyn the most fabulous day of  her life, no stiff engagements, no endless curtsies,  just fun, laughter, and a touch of rock 'n' roll madness.

First, he had a luxurious luncheon prepared: a Quiche Lorraine, caviar with all the accoutrements, champagne, strawberries and blueberries  bathed in crème fraîche not to mention the little petit fours that are such a rage.

Freddie clapped his hands together and said "Darling today we're going to do it my way" he declared with a wink. The first step was a private rollerskating session at a hidden away rink away from the "Madding Crowd."

 Freddie had rented out just for them - they dressed in dazzling sequinced outfits. The two of them zipped around the floor and  laughing every time one of them wobbled. At one point, Freddie attempted a daring spin and landed unceremoniously on his backside. The princess laughed so hard that she fell down herself.

Next, they  visited  a little antique shop tucked away in Notting Hill. With a rummage through eccentric trinkets and ridiculous hats,  Freddie found a feathered crusted crown headpiece and plopped it on the princess's head. "Now you really look like royalty" he teased.
For dinner, he whisked her away to his favorite little out of the public's eye café and indulged in the richest chocolate cake imaginable.  

"You know, my dear" Freddie mused, licking frosting off his fork. You may have all the diamonds in the world, but nothing beats a perfect slice of cake."   

Freddie gave a private performance at his home. He sat at his grand piano, eyes twinkling and played the song he had written just for her. Something soft, something playful, something that would always remind her of this perfect day.  As the last note faded, the princess wiped away a happy tear, "Freddie this has been the most wonderful day." she whispered. Freddie gave her a  dramatic bow, "Darling, with me life will always be wonderful" 

"Life with you Freddie, are you proposing?" Carolyn asked with a smirk.

"Uh, uh, no darling, just an expression" said Freddie as he hurried from the room. Carolyn threw back her head in a fit of laughter seeing a frightened Freddie Mercury escape.

As Freddie heard her laughing, he thought that life with her would be interesting, but  he  didn't think he loved her.  He was intrigued by her, but it wasn't love, was it? Marriage  was not for him he thought, bah! He lived a fast life filled with extremes. If he was to marry, there was always Mary, but he gave her up quite a while ago to live his life. 

Carolyn walked into the kitchen for a glass of water and saw Phoebe sitting at the table reading the newspaper.

"Phoebe, everyone is going to sleep now, why are you still up?"

I'll retire when I'm convinced that he won't need me anymore tonight."

"What are you, and indentured servant?"

"No Carolyn, just his  personal assistant and friend. My job is to look after him and his needs."

Well, goodnight Phoebe I think I'll retire as well"

 It's been a fun and glorious day and tomorrow I'll try to visit with Cousin Elizabeth.