To Dance with a Prince

Untitled Part 10

Felicity looked in the mirror for the 10th time running a hand through her hair and smoothing down her dress. Today was the dinner with King Robert and she was even more nervous than when she went to the polo tournament. She had gone through every single dress in her closet and had finally settled for a simple sundress in a light blue with a deep v neckline and a tie at the waist, and she paired it with her favorite pair of sandals. She had decided to wear her contacts and she had her hair down, because Oliver told her he liked to run his fingers through it. She smiled as she thought back on their first night together. They had binged on leftovers and then made love again before both fell asleep from exhaustion. They had been together almost every night since then, and Felicity knew he was getting some flak from his father because of it.

She walked into the living room about 10 minutes before Oliver was to arrive and pick her up. He had texted he was on his way and she smiled. She walked into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of wine. She felt like she was going to need it.

She smiled when she heard a knock at the door and looking through the peephole, she saw Oliver standing there looking more handsome than any man had a right to be. She opened the door and Oliver gave her an appreciative look before he pulled her close and kissed her soundly.

"I missed you today." he said.

"I missed you too."

"How was work?"

She had worked earlier in the day and it was actually an easy shift. There had been few customers. "Slow." she said.

He placed his hand at her back as he led her out the door and taking her keys locked her apartment before taking her hand and leading her to the car. She smiled at Slade who was waiting patiently by the door.

"Good Evening Miss Smoak." he said with twinkle in his eye.

"Why good evening Slade." she gave him a wink. As she had spent more time with Oliver, she had gotten to know Slade. She didn't know if she would consider him a friend but they had a nice understanding.

They climbed into the back seat of the car and Oliver pulled her close to his side. "So here are a few things you should know about my Dad. He likes things to be formal, so the dinner will be held at the formal dining table. It will be a three-course meal and something traditional. You should address him as Your Majesty. Also, my father knows we have been spending every evening together so expect some questions."

"Is that all?" she asked teasingly.

"Oh, and one more thing." He leaned close and whispered into her ear, "Try to keep your hands off of me during dinner."

Felicity rolled her eyes as he grinned and soon, they were pulling into the gates of the Palace. Felicity sucked in a deep breath as her nerves returned and Oliver leaned close. "You are going to do amazing."

She let out her breath and took Oliver's hand as he climbed from the car and helped her out. They walked into the Palace and she tried to pay attention as they moved down several hallways, through a door and then down another corridor to a large dining room. It had a huge table that sat 24 and Felicity had never seen anything so lavishly decorated. The table was rounded and had deep red cushioned chairs and the stark architecture of the room made the red colors stand out. There was a huge marble fireplace on the back wall with two large mirrors flanking each side and Felicity looked around in awe trying to imagine a young Oliver eating his dinners here.

Felicity saw Princess Helena and an older gentleman standing near the fireplace and Oliver led her over for introductions.

"Princess Helena." He acknowledged her and gave her a kiss on her cheek as Felicity looked at her with a smile. But something was wrong. She saw a look of resignation in Helena's eyes and she looked like she had been crying.