Chapter 1 The winning cruise
Lucy was sat down and started to tell Sidonie and friends her story. Petal, “Perhaps Alexis should start the story and then the relevant person continue.” The whole group sat down. Petal, “Perhaps Alexis should start the story and then the relevant person continue.”

Alexis looked around. “Shortly after taking over the ancient castle at Skipton I became aware of another group in the town I had let slip through my fingers. The story though starts with a husband and wife winning a cruise to the Norwegian fiords”

It had been 25 years since William & Lynn had first married in the ancient Parish Church of Skipton. That wedding now seamed such a long time ago now. Lynn’s father had died some eight years ago now at the age of only 68 from cancer. Their daughter Louise was 21 and away in her final year at University of Leeds reading genetics after winning a scholarship there. They had decided they would take a tour of Scandinavia after winning a cruise in a competition, they did not even remember entering. Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are their destinations. Lynn was excited this was their first journey abroad for some fourteen years. Usually they visited Scarborough and took a flat, as that was all they could afford. Their last trip abroad had been when Louise was seven years old and, that had been to the Island of Rhodes in Greece. On that occasion Lynn had come into a small legacy and decided they should all have a decent holiday. Now after their win they were off to the land of the midnight sun on a cruise they thought they would never have.

Their daughter Louise drove them up the A1 to the Newcastle docks where they would board their cruise ship. Before they boarded there ship the Midnight sun. The two of them took their anti sickness tablets. Their daughter Louise watched as their ship departed on its journey to Scandinavia. She was a big girl now, soon she would soon have her doctorate and be finished at the university and then she would be looking for a job.

Not that finding a job for her would be all that difficult, as firms had been falling over them selves to offer her a job. This would be a major decision for her as she had received several opportunities from abroad. One was from a clinic in Sweden. Louise had come the top in her field in all the universities of Britain. Her field was genetics and that was why she was in such demand. Sweden looked like it would be the best option. Whilst her parents were away she would fly to Sweden to see the clinic and see if it would suit her needs. She also wondered if she should tell her parents about Max he was the love of her life and they had met while at Leeds University. Max was a real gentleman. Louise knew he was going to propose to her soon as she had spotted all the signs.

Lynn & William looked around the Midnight Sun their home for the next three weeks. After unpacking their cases they went to explore their new surroundings. On board the ship there was a selection of shops and stores. Everything was priced in Pounds and Euros. Their ship was like a mobile hotel with every thing they would require for their vacation. There was even a small hospital on board the ship. Their first port of call was to be Copenhagen. They had already worked out what to see and the Tivoli Gardens was first on their list.

Lynn. "It is far more posh than I ever expected. I thought it would just be sort of a ferry that went to different countries. I hope we have sufficient clothing. Did you see the prices of the dresses in the onboard store?"

"Yes I was pleasantly surprised as well how nice the ship is. As to the dress prices I did not notice them darling."

There were three dinning rooms on board the Midnight sun. The Church family soon found they were seated in the Arial dining room for their meals. It appeared to be rather grand and so they decided to put on their best clothing for the evening meal. They where greeted by a Steward as they entered the dining room and asked their names.

William said, "Mr. & Mrs. William Church."

"Ah yes Mr. & Mrs. Church you are on Captain Swens table."

The steward escorted them to the table.

Captain Swen. "Mr. & Mrs. Church your daughter telephoned the company, and asked if we could do something special, as it apparently it is your Silver wedding anniversary while away on this trip."

William, "We have planned on having a belated party once when we returned home. That was to be for family and friends."

The Captain, "Well we may not be family but on this ship we are all friends. I for one have great respect for anybody who manages 25 years of marriage. Too many people these days have a slight disagreement and it is the divorce courts. A marriage to me is a commitment for life. I am myself celebrating 40 years with my wife Glenda this year. When my firm got the message from your daughter we looked to see if any others who were travelling with us were also celebrating. All at this table are celebrating their unions this year."

A steward came and presented each of the females with a bouquet of flowers. The men were given a bottle of malt whisky. The evening ended with dancing on the floor before they all departed for their cabins.

Lynn when they got back said, "That little minx Louise never said anything to me about this."

William. "I have enjoyed our first day on this ship and I hope the others are equally as good. I will have to write to our good friend Maddy Bell in Australia and tell her what happened to us. She could include part of it in some of her stories she writes."

“Yes William but did she not say that she intended to return to Yorkshire. By the time your letter reaches her she will be back home with her parents in Sheffield.”

“Now you mention it I do believe she gave me her new address.”

They sailed through the night and the steward awakened them for breakfast just before they reached Copenhagen. It was quite a sight as the ship neared the harbour.

"That is the statue of the little mermaid. I always felt sorry for her as she gave her life for love.”

William rubbed his right chest. "The old trouble seams to be flaring up again darling."

Lynn sighed, “I hope it does not get too bad like it did before. I am not sure what to do if it does as we have nothing with us that could help."
William, "Well all the countries we visit they are all in the EEC now so have reciprocal health agreements. If worst comes to the worst I will have to go to a local health clinic.”

They disembarked the ship as it had two days in port before it departed on its next leg. They visited the Tivoli gardens and got talking to a nice couple they met in the gardens. The lady invited them back to her home for tea.

William took the initiative and said, "We would love to, but we only have two days in port before we go on to Oslo. We were wanting to see the Royal palace and hopefully take a few pictures for our album so we can show our daughter Louise when we go home to England."

The woman, "Oh we can show you that and then you come to tea yes?"

William. "OK we will come to tea."

Lynn. "I wonder if we will get see the Danish Royal Family at the palace? That would be the highlight of the trip for me and then we could tell our daughter Louise all about it."

The woman, "You have a good chance of meeting them as they often walk or cycle in the park."

William, "We have got chatting to you and we have not properly introduced ourselves. I am William Church of Skipton and this is my wife Lynn we are on a three-week tour of Scandinavia. We have another day here in Copenhagen and then our ship the Midnight Sun departs for Oslo and the Norwegian fjords."

The woman, "I am Helga Sax-Coberg and this is my late husband’s older brother Willie."

Lynn took it in her stride but William said, "Sax-Coberg as in the late Prince Albert of Sax-Coberg the husband and Prince consort of the late Queen Victoria."

The woman smiled and said, "William you did say you hoped to meet the Danish Royal family."

Lynn started to curtsy and Helga said. "Oh we do not go for that sort of formal nonsense here. Now how would you both like a personal tour of my palace and then you can tell your daughter all about it?”

Helga got one of the Guards to take photo of them with William & Lynn. Eventually they had to get back to their ship but Helga said, "A car will be sent for you in the morning and we can continue your tour of Denmark."

They arrive back at the ship in a Black Rolls Royce along with members of the Danish Royal Family.

Helga asked the captain for details of the trip and exactly where they were going. The Captain was a bit shaken but gave them an itinerary. “Thank you captain.”

The Royal family departed. William & Lynn went to their dinning room for their evening meal and while they were eating their belongings were moved to the stateroom. The captain appeared at the table and said,

"Mr & Mrs Church I am sorry I did not realise you both were well connected with our Royal Family. I have been ordered to move you to the stateroom. Your belongings are being transferred as we speak.”

Back at the palace the telephone was red hot. Helga was ringing other family members along the route.

The other guests at the table could hardly believe William & Lynn had only just met the Royally. Even the Captain Swen found it hard to believe.

William, "I have some Norwegian friends at back at home in Skipton and years ago I had a Danish girl friend who I met while on holiday in Tunisia." She was on holiday with her parents and sister." But today is the first time I have met your Royal family.

The captain, “We will let it rest." "Did you both have a good time?

Lynn, "We had a fantastic time. Queen Helga is coming to take us out tomorrow and then they will both see us off on the ship.

The Captain, "Excuse me I am required." The Captain had pushed a button under the table, which summons all the senior staff to his office. "Ladies and gentlemen as some of you are aware we had Royal visitors earlier today. Apparently two of our guests are great friends with the Royal family. I want everything clean and spotless. It appears the Royally will be coming back tomorrow and I would not be surprised if we have further visits from them along the way. Also I want all staff in full dress uniforms before 09.00”

Back at the Palace Helga was laughing as she was talking to Willie. "William Church has not yet realised I have known him for a very long time. Both he and his younger brother had a great time with Angela & me in Tunisia. They both got on well with my parents. I even went to stay with William and his Aunt in Brandon in Norfolk. Eventually I had to go home and William took me to the boat at Harwich. Never once did he realise who I was or who my parents were. I miss led him twice though. I gave him my home address as Bonhomie and he and I often exchanged correspondence. After father died I had to stop the letters and as far as I know he never realised who I was. He thought I was going to France for a teaching job.”

There was a knock on William & Lynn’s cabin door and the Captain entered. "I have come to check all is OK in your new cabin? I also would like to ask you both if you mind coming to breakfast a little earlier in the morning. It will make things easier for my staff. It was a great surprise for my staff to have her majesty Queen Helga come to the docks. When I learnt that we could have two more visits I call all my senior staff to ensure every thing was running smoothly. At the table you mentioned you once were friends with a Danish girl.”

William said, “Yes her name was Kirsten Blom of Smallsund 33 Bonhomie Denmark.”I had intended to visit her but I found it almost impossible to get transport to Bonhomie. I had managed to work out I could get a flight to Malmo in Sweden and then a ferry. Unfortunately her father died and then she got a new job. Shortly after that we stopped corresponding when she move to her new job in France.”

Later on the Captain called his Steward and said, “You used to live on Bonhomie do you know this address or this person?

"Yes sir I know the address and we both have met that person recently. I used to know her as Princess Kirsten of Bonhomie and now she is Queen Helga. She used to go everywhere with her cousin Angela. They often pretended they were sisters and would tell people that. I think sir if our guests know those two then we can expect visits from more than one Queen on this trip.”

Chapter 2. Preparations for Further Royal Visits.

“I take it Cousin Angela is the Swedish Queen. I think stateroom two had better be checked over because I would not be surprised if we have Royal visitors for this trip.”

The captain sent a message to head office that there was a strong possibility that they might have royal visitors.

Head office replied, "We already have had the request. You are to change itinerary slightly. Tomorrow two queens will join your cruise just before departure for the fjords." Stockholm and Malmo are to be left untill the very last.” The Captain decided to call the couple’s daughter to ask some other questions.

Louise answered the telephone. "Yes Captain they do have Norwegian friends." Or at least the wife is. They are called Rose & David Kirkham and live on Greenacres in Skipton. The captain called the number he had been given he spoke to Rose. Sorry for disturbing you at home but we have a slight problem on board the Midnight sun. By any chance are you also known as Princess Rose of Oslo?

Rose laughed, Yes that is one of my names but nobody round here knows me as that."

"Can you confirm you know William & Lynn Church."

"Captain they are great friends of mine as is their daughter Louise who is my god daughter." As she was speaking the doorbell rang and Louise entered the room.

“Something is very odd Aunt Rose the captain rang from the ship about my parents.”

Rose, "Captain can you squeeze Louise and myself in a cabin somewhere. We will take a flight to Oslo and meet you there.”

Louise , "I only asked him to do something special because it was their 25th Wedding anniversary.”

Rose dialed a number and spoke with her older sister.

Rose put the telephone down. “Apparently my sister has had a similar telephone call about me.”

Roses daughter Annmarie, "I am coming as well mum. Dad can manage my daughter OK. I hope we can solve what trouble they are in.”

The captain spoke to his second in command. That was Princess Rose of Oslo she is bringing her daughter Anne Marie and their daughter Louise.

"I take it sir in that case we can also expect a visit from her Sister Queen Olga? This trip is certainly going to be different. How can they go through life with out realising who their friends are?”

As they were speaking the head office spoke. What is happening on your ship? We now have the Norwegian Queen asking to have a berth?"

It appears we have a guest on board who are great friends with all those Royal families. I already have had a Norwegian Princess inform me she will be having a berth on board ship.

Head office replied. "It appears you are going to have to divert to Oslo and there the majority of your passengers will have to change to the Daylight Moon." We already have double-checked the passenger list and it might be better if these passengers stayed on board as they all have Royal connections.”

The captain called his stewards and they went round the passengers on the stay list. The Captain spoke through the shops Tannoy system. I am terribly sorry but we are encountering engine problems so to facilitate repairs we have to stop at Oslo. So as not to disturb your holiday I have arranged for our Sister ship the Daylight Moon to take some of you. Your luggage will be packed up and placed in the appropriate cabin on that ship while we have the alterations done. Unfortunately the Daylight Moon can not take everybody so I have decided to do this by lottery. If you have won a place on the Daylight Moon your steward will inform you." "For the remainder of the passengers you may have a day or so longer in Oslo before we set sail again." You will still have tomorrow in Copenhagen.”

William & Lynn had packed up half expecting to get moved. The steward came in and saw the cases. Sorry but you are not being moved. The truth is we have to lose some of the passengers because we need the room for security. Her majesty has decided she will be accompanying you on the tour of the fjords. You must have done some thing to impress her.”

William, All we did was talk to a couple in the Tivoli. They are supposed to be taking us out today.”

“Yes I know and so does all the crew as we have been up all the night making sure every thing is spick an span.”

Captain replies, "Yes I understand you are going to Legoland for the day with them."

Sure enough on the dot of nine the Black Rolls Royce again drew up bearing the insignia of the Queen. This time the Captain and crew were prepared for the visit. Helga tapped one of the crew. "You can accompany us also."

The Captain, "Her Majesty out ranks me so you had better do as required."

William had been confiding with the same crew member how he was looking forward to the stop at Bonhomie. "I doubt that my friend will still be living there but we can pay our respects to her father and lay some flowers on his grave.”

The crew member, "Kirsten he has not twigged yet you are his young friend from all those years ago." "He though has never forgotten you and told me something that surprised me." He told me he had made arrangements to go to Bonhomie with the intention of proposing to you but fate intervened. He does not expect to see you as you told him you were moving to France. He does intend to lay some flowers on your father’s grave though.”

"I was correct then he would have proposed to me had father not died. I think the two of them are going to learn there are distinct advantages in having a queen or two as friends.”

“Actually your Majesty there may be more than two Queens as Princess Rose of Oslo is also joining the ship along with her daughter and their daughter Louise who is her god daughter.

Kirsten laughed ; "Apparently William knows more of my family than I realised."

"Mistress from what Princess Rose said, "Neither of them have any inkling who she actually is." "She was one of the first to see their daughter after she was born and is one of the girls god mothers along with her sister Queen Olga of Norway."

As William and Lynn left the ship there was considerable activity. Those who remained were surprised how fast the men seemed to be working.

One chap said to his wife, "We could do with a few like these at home every thing would be done in super fast time. Just before the boat was due to depart they all packed up and sided everything away. One chap was heard to say. "That was the quickest refit we have done so far."

Meanwhile William and Lynn along with their companions were enjoying the pleasures of Legoland. Eventually it was time to return & William noticed the ships name had been changed to the Royal Midnight Sun. Captain Swen and crew were awaiting their arrival.

Helga, "I see a few improvements have been made while we were away?"

"Yes Madame we have had a slight refit." The Steward showed her to her cabin. William noticed though she apparently knew exactly where to go." William asked the steward who had been with them all day to come and answer a few questions.

Both Lynn & William sat down as the steward said, "What would you like to know?"

"Well Queen Helga knows her way around here as if it is she travels on this ship every day."

"That is easy to answer for her majesty along with her cousins owns Scandinavian lines. Indirectly of course she is my boss.”

“Ah that accounts for the instant refit of the ship.”

“That would have been due in a few weeks time, anyway it was just brought forward.”

“May I ask why she picked on you to accompany us today?”

"I have known her majesty from being a little princess on my home island."

Lynn was far more observant than her husband was and he had just gone to the toilet. “What was the name of your island steward?”

“Bonhomie Madame but please do not tell your husband yet.”

Am I to take it my husband has previously consorted with Queen Helga."
"The truth Madame is he knows more than one queen and does not realise it & I believe you have one of our Princesses as a god mother to your daughter.”

"No we have my Brother in law and Rose & her sister Olga."

"As I said mistress, Princess Rose of Oslo is your daughter’s godmother. She is meeting this ship with your daughter and her daughter in Oslo.

Lynn decided to keep quiet and see how long it took William to realise who he had been consorting with. “Madame over the years your husband has unwittingly made friends with many Royally.”

“William told me about meeting the Princess Royal unexpectedly at Bramham.”

Chapter 3 More Royals Arrive.
William came out from the bathroom and the Steward said, "Sir your wife was telling me how you met the Princess Anne."

"Yes that was a big shock to me and had been arranged by friends. I once made friends with a girl from Bavaria & there was something odd about her. "I went with my brother and we were shown round Royal palaces and the hotelier who put us up was torn off a strip when he charged us and he was made to reimburse us." Olaf listened carefully to all this from William.

When he left he went to speak to the Captain. As a result the Captain went to Speak with Queen Helga. She listened, "I suppose it could have been our Renate."

"To be sure I will give her a call."

Back in Bavaria the telephone was ringing and Renata actually answered it herself. "Hi it is Cousin Helga in Denmark. Renate I need to ask if you ever knew a person called William Church.

Renate, "It should be his 25th wedding anniversary soon."

“When did you first meet him?”

Renate thought and said, "Oh that was back in 1972." He stopped writing after he got married his wife was a little unsecured and did not like him writing to me. I still write to his sister in law though. I even got told at one time he was going on holiday with a Danish girl to his aunts & that he was thinking of proposing to her.”

Helga, “Did he ever visit you?”

"Yes several times but I never let on who I was."

"Well Renate from what I have learnt he had his suspicions about you which were confirmed when he found pictures of you with Fritz in Liechtenstein on the television."

"I clean forgot they had met. Why this sudden interest in my friend?

"At the moment he is on board the Royal Midnight sun on a tour of the fjords and he has just met me & has no idea who I was. Would you like to join the cruise along with the other Family?

Renate thought for a moment and said, "I will need to clear my desk but I will be there with my family."

Helga decided to ring Norway, "Hello cousin some of our cousins and your sister are on the way to join my ship for a cruise.”

"Our Rose is coming across with her daughter and goddaughter. Helga that would not be my goddaughter Louise Church would it? I was visiting Rose the day of the christening and gave the child a Norwegian christening gown. I was invited to their party, which was held in the church rooms of the Parish Church. I had a good time. Each time I visit Rose she insists we go and visit them. Oh I have just realised something else. Helga before he met and married Lynn he told us he had a Danish friend. Rose teased him that perhaps she would be going to Bonhomie for a wedding.

Helga took a deep breath and said, "Yes that was little old me. Had Uncle and dad not died in quick succession I would in all probability have been his wife although I have just found out cousin Renate was another strong contender for that position and she knew him far longer than me. He also stayed with her several times and she stayed with him. I did manage to stay with him just before dad died. Our Renate found it was funny when I telephoned her. Apparently he had told her he had a Danish fiancée & that he intended proposing to her."

"Helga this is one party I am not going to miss." Bavaria, Denmark & Norwegian queens as friends take some beating.

"Actually Renate there is also Cousin Angela from Sweden."

Helga he chatted you both up at the same time?

"Actually he was with his younger brother but we both fancied the elder one."

"My dear cousin what are we going to do with you? As I said previously I will be they’re waiting for you all to arrive, but considering who is arriving I think it would be appropriate to have you all as my guests for a meal. Helga put the telephone down.

Helga, "Olaf can you ensure both William and Lynn have adequate clothing & charge it to me. "I doubt very much that they had expected to be with so many of our royal family."

"From what I gather Madame the two of them has actually had a very rough time. I was there when the daughter spoke with the Captain. I heard all she told him. If you wish I could repeat it all."

"Go on Olaf but do not repeat what you said outside these walls." Olaf proceeds to tell Helga all he heard then said,

"Their daughter Louise sounded very nice. I did some checking and they would not have been on this cruise if William had entered a competition and won it. I contacted the organisers and they said, "William was outright winner in the competition. There were some questions they did not expect to be answered but apparently he knew them all. All the questions equate to where the ship calls. I heard him ask one of the other stewards to arrange either a wreath or some flowers as he wished to call at a grave on Bonhomie. It appears your majesty he has never forgotten you or your family.”

"It appears that William intends to honour a promise he made years ago to you." "I have promised the both of them I will go with them to locate the grave as I told him I was born on the island. The wife joked he almost had a Danish wife from your town. I said I knew of the Blom family but I did not see any of them these days. Whilst they do have a house on the island it is not used very often these days. If the family do return I am on board the ship and so never get to see them."

"Thank you, please ask the Captain to go to Bonhomie first and go with them to lay the wreath. Father would have liked to see both brothers again as he liked both boys.”

A shortage later the ship pulled into Bonhomie harbour. William had his digital camera at the ready. Olaf did you get what I asked?

"Yes sir we had best go straight there and then you can look round the town. There is not much to see most people round here live off the sea. They soon found the grave but there was somebody else there dressed in black. William waited and then went and laid a wreath. He looked at the woman and then recognised her.

"Angela is that you? William Church and my wife Lynn. We won a tour of Scandinavia and I thought I would visit you uncle’s graves. Kirsten eventually told me you were her cousin and not her sister as we had been led to believe while in Tunisia together."

“Alas William we live in different countries these days and that it is not often I get to see Kirsten. I believe she was in Copenhagen a few days ago. I know a little place were we could have a drink and chat about old times if you wish. Lynn you are a very lucky woman both Kirsten and I wanted William for our husband. I these days have a very busy career in the family firm. In fact Kirsten does the same job as me but in a different division."

Lynn, "I am lucky to have him and I for one would like to hear what you two got up to all those years ago. So if there is a nice coffee shop or something round here that will suffice.

"I know just the place for us. In fact the Scandinavian Royal Families all use it if they call on the island but that is not often."

Lynn laughed and said, "If it is good enough for the Royally it is good enough for us." Did you know William here was a friend with a Bavarian Princess? Princess Renate of Bavaria. Angela tried to act surprised.

"William you never let on to either of us."

"Renate I met in 1972 in Yugoslavia as it was then. The following year I went to her home and then she came to mine.

Angela, "How did you eventually twig she was a princess?"

William, "Actually it was a TV program about Liechtenstein that did it. Renate introduced me to her cousin and wife who actually paid for a meal in a restaurant for us in Obersdorf in Bavaria. Anyway there was a photo of Renate with the two of them & Fritz was introduced on the television as the Prince of Liechtenstein. I was told he was a banker. It was true but slightly misleading.”

Angela giggled.

Lynn, "When we won this trip it is our 25 wedding anniversary is in 2 days times. The Captain laid a bit of a do on for us but we will have a real party for our friends and family when we get home. Angela I do not suppose you would like to attend as one of William's friends? I realise you might have other things to do but it would be nice to have some old friends at the celebration.”

Angela, "Have you sent the invites out yet? I was thinking perhaps my secretary could send them out for you."

Lynn thought for a moment, "Well we have not finalised the venue yet to be honest."

Angela, "Do not worry just enjoy your holiday she will find a suitable venue for your guests. It is the least I can do for an old friend Ah here is the place I told you about."

Lynn, "No wonder the Royally use it. It looks exquisite.” The waitress looked across at the floor manager who came across to ask if every thing was OK.

Angela spoke in Danish & said, "I have brought friends of mine in for refreshments."

Olaf who was with the group said, "Madame I think you may have missed the ferry home. I could ask the captain if we could accommodate you."

Angela, "Yes you are correct it is leaving and there is not another ferry for two weeks.

William, "That was the problem I had trying to visit you and Kirsten all those years ago. Every time I attempted there were problems."

Lynn, "We have been upgraded to a smashing cabin & it has a spare bed if you are willing to share with us you are welcome to it.

Angela thought for a moment and said, "Well it beats staying here on my own. I usually visit Uncles grave once a year it was a surprise to see you though."

“Olaf here told us he was from the island and arranged the wreath for us. He was to have been showing us around before we met up with you.”

Angela, "Olaf will you go back to the ship and make the arrangements for me to join the cruise. I will show them both around the island. Thank you Lynn for that kind offer. I will take you up on it as it beats waiting around for the next ferry. In practice we try and get on cruise ships if we miss a ferry.”

Olaf left. He started laughing away as he got back to the ferry.

Helga saw him and he said, "They recognised Angela straight away she was at your parents graveside when we got there. Then to cap it all she missed her ferry and so Lynn offered them the spare bed in their room. It might be better not to acknowledge who she is as apparently they do not realise what she is."

Chapter 4 A cry for Help.

Angela, "Well I better show you around the town. It is relatively small."

A young girl ran up to Lynn and tugged on her skirt. "Mummy, Mummy." She pulled at William, "I think she wants us to come with her."

The child took hold of William's hand, "Please Help Mummy." They found a young woman unconscious on the floor.

Angela, "There is no doctor on the island but there is one on the cruise ship." Angela dialled a number and before long several men arrived in an ambulance.

The ship doctor, "I will have to take the lady back to the ship, & I should be able to sort her out before we get to Oslo."

William picked the child up and said, "I think we had better pack you a case and one for your mummy." "You will have to come with us until your mummy gets better."

The child took hold of Angela’s hand and said, "Will you all look after me while mummy is sick?"

Lynn, "We cannot leave you here alone can we?" "Mummy will get well soon and then you can come home again." Will you show me where your and mummy clothes are. Angela and Lynn packed the cases. Angela whispered they do not appear to have much do they?

William, "Lynn I think we can do some thing about the child."

Lynn laughed and said, "You old softy, I though do agree with you she will need some things while on the ship."

The Captain came to see William. William said, "The child will stay with us while her mother recovers. How is she doing?"

"We will off load her in Oslo and then she will be sent to the Queen Margaret hospital."

Angela, “All three of us will act as the child's guardians while her mother is ill."

Lynn, “William told me how Kirsten and you had pretended to be sisters back in Tunisia."

"Sorry about that but we always pretended to be sisters and spent out holidays together. "Kirsten is Danish & I am Swedish but we are first cousins."

Lynn, "It must be some job you have that you can clear your diary to be with us."

"Well I did miss my boat and this was the next available ship. It is better being on here than waiting for the next actual sailing, to be honest we all use the cruise ships as ferry if we have to."

The steward brought some clothing to the cabin. "Madame we guessed at the sizes but hope these will do for our young guest."

The young girl ran across and gave him a kiss. Mummy usually washed my things at night and they were dry in the morning."

Angela, "Lucy we have had to sign some documents to say we will look after you while mummy is sick."

William, “Angela Bonhomie is Danish and as such a member of the EEC. Well I was wondering, It is obvious to us both child and mother need help & while we are not well off we apparently have far more than she does. Perhaps we could arrange for the two of them to come and stay with us. We have a spare room as our daughter has now bought her own home."

Angela, "I think I can arrange transport for the two of them and as I am the third guardian I will arrange too send you both a little something to cover costs."

The child spoke, "Mummy worked for the queen but she has not been well and we will lose the house now."

William, "Did you say the queen?"

"Mummy got this job to keep the house clean but has never told them she has me. Grandma & Grandpa both died and now mummy has only me? Mummy has to work a month before she gets paid and so until then we do not have much."

The doctor called, “I have called for a helicopter as she is in need of surgery that I can not perform." A helicopter hovered over the ship and then landed on the deck.

Angela, "They are taking your mummy to hospital now. I will have to go and speak with the Captain about your Mummy."

The child burst out crying and said, "Mummy is going to lose her job because she is sick."

Angela, “Captain I need to make a call to my cousin Olga. Hi Olga we had a slight problem on Bonhomie. We picked a mother and child up. The Mother has been admitted to Oslo General & William, Lynn & I have the child and become her legal guardians. I need to tell you because the mother must have recently started working for you and I doubt that you know about the child. Somebody needs to go across and check both houses out."

"OK Angela One of the housekeepers is going across and closing down. I have instructed her to bring back any of the maids belongings."

A short while later the Steward came and said, "Madame you are wanted in the Captains Cabin." Angela went & the captain handed the telephone over. He left Angela to speak.

Olga spoke, "The Housekeeper did not realise there was a child or she would have thought twice before sending her to Bonhomie. Apparently she is fleeing an abusive relationship."

Angela, “I have a suggestion if you agree. William & His wife Lynn have agreed to give the two of them a home."

Olga, "Can you have a passport photo of the child and I will have one for the mother ready when the ship pulls in to Oslo."

The child was telling the other passengers she was on holiday with her Grandpa & Nana. Angela went to the phone again and spoke. "Olga that problem we have the child has solved it she is calling herself Lucy Church and she is on holiday with her grandparents."

"OK Angela the two of them will have British documentation & show the mother as a twin will that do? I will arrange for the child to have me and you as god mothers and her mother to have a pension as I have just been told she should not work ever again."

When the ship pulled into Oslo the child said "Grandpa can we visit mummy?" William & Lynn took a taxi to the hospital & found the mother sat up & she almost fainted when she saw Angela.

Chapters 5 A visit to the Hospital

William, "Your daughter will have to stay with us while you are in here. It will be two weeks before we return and by then we hope you are much better."

The mother held something out for the child “I think you forgot Topsy when you left. The rest of your clothing is in those cases."

Angela, "Once we return to Oslo, William would like you two to go and stay with him and his wife in England.”

"Mummy I like my new Grandpa & Nana can we go and stay with them until you are better please?"

"Yes but I though would like to talk to the other lady while your Grand Parents' take you for a drink to the cafe."

William, "I think your mummy knows my friend Angela."

"Grandpa Can I have a milk shake please?"

Meanwhile Lucinda the mother spoke. “I was going to object to strangers looking after my child and then I realised who you were. Sorry Queen Angela I cannot curtsy."

"Please just call me Angela. I would prefer it if you told William that I am an old school friend of yours & Kirsten." At the moment Queen Olga is arranging for you to become William & Lynn’s daughter or at least twin daughter. I also took the liberty of arranging for Kirsten and I to become the child's godparents. You do realise you will have to be pensioned off as you are not fit to work again. Poor William has no Idea who I am. To him I am an old friend he has got reacquainted with. He did not recognise not even recognise Kirsten in the Tivoli. She though did recognise him straight away."

Lucinda, "You mean William he courted Queen Helga?"

"Please for the moment keep quiet as there is a party for him.

As William & Lynn returned. Lucinda, "Mum & Dad has Lucy been good for you?”

Lucy beamed all over and said, “Mum do I get to keep them?"

"Well we cannot have total strangers looking after you and your god mothers will also be keeping their eyes on you. Father would it be OK for Lucy and me to come home and live with you as I have been told I cannot work again?"

"Darling you know there is always a home for you with us."

"Mum Lucy has grown rather a lot recently & I doubt that much of her clothing will fit. I had intended getting her something once my wages came through."

Angela, “All four of us are taking Lucy shopping as she will need something special for tonight."

Lucy, “I have seen mummy with Aunt Angela and another lady before. I was very sleepy though when they both called round."

William, "Your mummy is a friend of my friend.”

"Good because I also like Aunt Angela."

Angela, "Do not worry though neither Kirsten nor I want rid of you so we will be visiting my cousin in Skipton and checking up on you and our god daughter. I do not think your former boyfriend will be looking for a twin in England do you?”

They then spent some time looking around Oslo and then went shopping with Lucy. They walked into a department store and Angela was recognised. They headed for the children's department.

Angela, "My niece needs all sorts so we will be buying rather a lot today. William this time I am paying for what is needed. She is going to need clothing for at least two weeks.

Lynn looked at the prices, "I doubt that we could afford any of these dresses. I have just realised how expensive they are."

Angela, "Yes I know but I can afford to get what she needs so please let me."

Lynn, "I could do with a coffee and a sandwich."

The manager, "Sorry I should have brought some refreshments." A short time later a girl brought some open sandwiches and coffees and a glass of milk for Lucy.

William, "Thank you how much do I owe.

The manager, "It has all been taken are off along with the child's clothing. You are Mr. Church well your daughter’s employers have given us instructions concerning the child and we have to give her clothing to last at least a month.”

William smiled and said, “Yes they are very kind."

Lucy, "Grandpa can Nana & I have our ears pierced.

Angela, "I think that is a good idea & would Topsy like hers doing?

The manager, "We have a special offer if you bring Nannies and Topsy."

The girl wiped Topsy's ears and then put in two studs.
The girl, " See Topsy is OK.”

Can I sit on Nannies knees?" A short while later both Lynn & Lucy where both sporting new studs in their ears.

Can we call back at the hospital and show mummy Topsy's ears?

The manager handed Angela a bag with something in and said, I have sent the rest to the ship along with some cases. I also wondered if the little miss would like to have her hair and fingers done."

Lucy, “Like mummy does when we go some where special?"

It did not take long to do Lucy's hair and her nails. “May I keep the long black dress on to show mummy please? She calls me her little princess."

The manager chuckled as they left.

The shop assistant, "Sir are you OK?"

"Yes I am fine now." He thought for a moment and said, "Has all that clothing gone yet?"

"No sir we are just going to take it now.”

“Well I have just had a thought call the toy department that girl could do with some toys and I doubt that, that has been thought about.”

A short while later he had a message all covered sir we sent a selection, which should last her a month or so, and a new doll.

Chapter 6. Back at the Hospital.

Back at the hospital Lucy was showing off her new dress. “Look mummy I am a real Princess now. Look what Nana & Topsy have had done.”

Lucinda, “I suppose you just might just have had to show them how it was done". Lucy has wanted her ears done for ages now & I had meant to allow her to have it done.

"Mummy the man would not let Aunt Angela or Grandpa Pay for anything & he must have known it was my birthday because he gave me these."

Angela went to the telephone and rang the store. "There has been a slight slip up I need lots of presents wrapped up and a Birthday cake for Lucy." In the toy department many more items were added to the list.

Whilst they where doing that Kirsten & Renate entered the store. "Sorry your Majesty we are trying to sort out what to send for the little girl’s birthday."

Kirsten laughed and said that is what I have come over. I realised after we sent the previous order." Kirsten added a few more items to the list and said, "That should do her now can you show me the jewellery counter." "I need some thing special for the grand parents as we had intended having a party for them tonight but instead we will have one for the child and tomorrow it can be their party."

As they where talking Kirsten spotted Rose with Anna Marie & Louise. "We left in a hurry & did not bring presents."

"There has been a change of plan." "Louise as of today you have a twin sister and a niece." "Please take it as gospel." "You are shopping for her birthday present."

They went back to the toy department. Louise said, "My niece does she have a princess or fairy dress?"

The manager looked down the list and said most of the clothing was practical."

Kirsten, The instruction was all the clothing she might need." "All little girls like to dress up."

Louise said, "They also like to put on makeup."

The manager sighed and rang the makeup counter."

"Yes sir what colour eyes & hair." "Yes we will have an extensive pack ready wrapped.

Kirsten said, "Sorry I could not resist those dresses." “Rose are you going to introduce us."

"Louise this is one of my cousins your father knew her as Kirsten but in Scandinavia she is Queen Helga of Denmark."

"Aunt Rose does that make you a Princess?"

Anna Marie answered, "Mums correct title is Princess Rose Marie of Oslo her sister is Queen Olga"

"Sorry I am finding it hard to believe dad has a princess and a Queen as friends.”

Rose, "actually you have a queen as a god mother as well as me." Louise’s mouth was opening and shutting like a goldfish. Your father and mother should be heading for the hospital where your sister currently is.

We will all go there before we go back to the palace. I need to brief everybody we are having a party for Lucy today as she is four.

A short while later they found the room Lucinda was in with the nurse said, "Your Highness you have just missed your cousin."

Louise looked shocked and said I thought you were kidding me." They entered the room. Louise looked at the name above the bed. Lucinda Church.

Louise looked at her, “We do almost look like sisters. I am told I have a birthday party to attend. I have not even got Lucy a card."

"It is a good job I am here sister then as I have this for you to sign."

"Thank you Louise."

Louise picked the documents up and read them. "Apparently I am the eldest by 5 minutes."

Louise, "Actually it is my true birthday and time."

Louise thought for a moment and then hugged Lucinda. "I always wanted a sister but mum could never have any more or she might have died. Now I have a sister and a niece.”

Kirsten, "Louise have you the keys to your parents home as It might need a few alterations before Lucinda can be returned home with you.”

“Sorry Louise but two of the queens have pensioned me off already. As they were talking another female entered the room.

“Ah Kirsten I understand there is a change of plan.”

Louise, "Aunt Olga are you in on this also? Did you know dad knew Queen Helga or at least knows her as Kirsten?

"Sorry Rose I did not see you both there." Lucinda mouth was opening and shutting like a gold fish." Olga turned to Lucinda, "So you are mine & Roses other god daughter."

Louise started to think and said, "Well Uncle David is my godfather,” Louise then tried to do a curtsy.

Olga laughed, "That is the first time you have ever done that."

"I did not know before and now I do. Dad has no idea at all."

Olga, “Actually he has four queens as friends and at least two princesses he knows but has no idea about." There is one he has a suspicion about and he very nearly married her, but then he met your mum and that was that.”

"Would that be Renate of Bavaria?"

Olga started to laugh. Tell me your mother is she a princess or a Queen?

"No but I do know mum and dad are some sort of cousins he did the family tree some time ago and my great grandparents were cousins.

Olga, "Well you young lady should not miss your daughters party so we are taking you to the ship and then you will be brought back here. Neither of you is to let on that you know who I am. The only one your father has met who will be on the ship is Helga and he has not recognised her as Kirsten as yet. Renate has agreed to keep away for another night.

Lucy was excited all the way back to the ship. Aunt Angela will you give me a piggyback?

Angela lifted the child up and said, I remember having this done to me."

She put Lucy down as they boarded the ship. The steward said, "We put the clothing in your cabin sir as instructed but the other items we have placed on the stage for later."

Lucy said, Look Nana all the ladies are wearing long dresses
Angela said, Yes they have to for the evening meal. We have to go back to the cabin & change.

"Do I have to change because I like this dress?"

Lynn looked at Lucy and said, "No you will do fine although you could do with a little something extra."

A short time later they where all ready. William, "All three of us have bought you this present."

Lucy ripped the wrapping paper off and looked at the box. “Thank you, Thank you this is the nicest present I ever have had.”

“Angela would you like me to help you put it on?"

"Yes please Aunt Angela." Grandpa William will you escort me to the dining room Please?" William took her hand and the four of them where almost ready when

Angela said. "Silly Aunt I almost forgot this and placed a small tiara on Lucy's head.

Lynn smiled when she saw the item. "They will all know it is my birthday now grandpa."

As they entered all the ladies curtsied and the men bowed. Lucy went up to the captains seat and saw there were some new people at the table. Hello I am Lucy & this is my Grandpa William & Nana Lynn & this is Aunt Angela she is mummy's friend.

Chapter 7. Party Time

Lucy stared hard at Olga, The last time I saw you. You where in tears and so was mummy. Did you know Aunt Angela has got me a princess crown because it is my birthday?

The Captain, "In that case before we eat, we shall have some party games and sing Happy Birthday to you." A tear started to come from Olga's eyes.

Lucy, "Stop that you are not allowed to cry. I will look after you. I was sad because mummy was sick. But now I have William, Lynn & Angela they are my guardians. I have just realised I know some more of you.”

Olga, "Lucy come here and sit on my knee."

William, "Rose & Louise I did not expect to see either of you today."

Louise, "We had to come for this party."

Anna Marie, I have a girl about your age and I happen to know she likes these so I got you the same."

"Thank you very much when I can wear them I will put them on."

Louise, "Well are you going to give your Aunt a kiss.

“Yes but first I have to sit on Grandma Olga's knee and do, as she wants. I have two grandmas now. Grandma Olga & Nana Lynn. You can be my Aunt Louise if you wish.”

William, "As from today this is your Aunt Louise as she is my daughter Lucy."

Lucy looked at Louise, "You even look like my mummy. I think I will call you mummy Louise.” Louise had all the guests playing party games with her. I am hungry can we have something to eat please."

The Captain, before we all eat we have a couple more guests who have just arrived.”

Lucy was out of her chair and across the room like a rocket. “Mummy, Mummy.”

Lucinda, the doctors have only allowed me here so long as I have a nurse or too to look after me. I could not very well miss your party could I Lucy.”

Lucy looked at the woman pushing Lucinda and said, "You can also be one of my aunts."

William hugged Renate, "You are the last person I expected to see tonight."

"I was visiting family when I discovered your daughter was ill. So I thought I would gate crash the party so to speak."

Lucy, "You are a friend of Grandpa."

"Yes we both go back a long way although I have not seen him for some time as I am rather busy."

"You will have to come and visit me. Mummy and I are going to live with Grandpa & Nana & Mummy Louise."

Louise "That is me as from a few moments ago.”

Lucinda, “Lucy the lady who is pushing me is very important. I doubt that she will have time to visit you."

Lynn, "It is not a palace but you are welcome anytime."

Lucinda, "I hope you like the card Aunt Louise bought it for me."

Olga, "I think some thing else is missing.”

Lucy looked puzzled, "No I have My Mummy's and Aunts & Grandparents what else would I need?"

Renate, "Well what about a few presents also?"

"Aunt Angela got me my Princess outfit. I have these from Anna Marie." I have my mummy back now so all will be well.”

Anna Marie, "Well my mum and me are both nurses so if we are allowed to look after your mum she could stay on the boat with us."

The Captain signalled to the band that played happy birthday. A steward brought a cake with candles on. Lucy blew them out and made a wish. The steward then took the cake for cutting up

Lucy, “Could I have the piece with the fairy on please?”

Mean while all the other courses where served. After eating Angela said, “Come with me and Renate we will take you round each table.” All the ladies started to curtsy again.

Renate, “They all know you are very important today." At each table there was a card for her.

Angela, “There are lots of cards for you. And we might even find a few presents.”

“But I have already got my presents.”

Renate, "I think a few others might think differently."

The captain, "We had a special delivery for a special little girl."

Lucy looked at the pile of presents and then said, "Mummy Louise you will have to help me unwrap them and so can my Aunts."

Before long Lucy was in the centre of a pile of wrapping paper. Lucinda said, “Would somebody check on her as she had gone very quiet?”

William looked and then picked her up. "It appears she wishes to go to bed."

Louise, "I will take her to your cabin and stay with her."

Anne Marie, "I will come to open the doors and we need a chat."

Lynn curtsied to Renate and said, "Thank you your majesty."

Renate, "I am not the only Royal William is friends with. Neither am I the only one who’s wanted your job Lynn."

Lynn, "For years you had William puzzled but it was not until we watched a documentary on Liechtenstein that he finally twigged who you were."

"Ha Fritz & Heidi I forgot you had met up with some of my cousins."

"So are you Princesses or a Duchess."

"Well neither actually it is Renate of Bavaria."

William looked blank. Olga, "Renate I am glad to see you here it is not often we get together these days."

William, "I take it you know each other."

Olga, "We used to sleep in the same bed at times."

Lynn, "So besides being godmother to our daughter are you also Royal."

Olga, "Lynn look at the change in your pocket and you will get the answer."

Lynn looked, “Oh Queen Olga of Norway. Sorry I find it very funny neither William nor I had any inkling of what you did. I take it Rose is a Princess or something then?"

“Princess but she never uses it, as is Anna Marie.” Olga said, "Renate is not the only Queen, William walked out with. There was another two we think he was trying to get a full set of Queens. Kirsten and Angela along with Lucinda who was being pushed by Angela arrived at the berth.

“We though we had better call and check up on Lucy.”

Olga, “We now have the full set in here." William looked at Angela and then across at Helga.

"I have just realised what you mean. I did not realise when we talked in the Tivoli. I apologise Kirsten.”

Lynn, "That also means Angela must be the fourth."

Angela, that’s not bad going it, has only taken you thirty years to realise."

With that the group all started to laugh. As they were all laughing Lucy woke up and said Aunt Kirsten will you take me to the toilet please."

When they both came back Lucy said, “Grandpa why are you giving Aunt Kirsten funny looks?”

“I tell you what I think. I think I have a very pretty princess for a Grand daughter. I also think us winning a competition were no accident.”

William turned to Lucinda and said, "Truthfully when where you born?"

Lucinda, “Sorry Louise we do share the same birthday, but I am three years older than you."

Kirsten looked down at Lucy and said, “Today in the hospital was when I was sure just who Lucinda was. Especially when her sister was there. Lynn, William was never less that the perfect gentleman with me although he talks in his sleep." William was practising his proposal in his sleep so I knew what was coming. The following evening was going to be my last during the day William tried unsuccessfully to propose to me. Had he managed I would have accepted. I decided I was going to have to take the initiative. Just before bed I slipped William a tasteless drug. He was out like a light. I then did something I am not proud of. The following morning William had no recollection of what I did. He drove me to the docks and there gave me a kiss and said I love you. I was in tears as we left & he promised to come and visit me. Back at home I started being sick. Father was less than pleased when I told him & he said we will not talk about this again. He had two courtiers bring the child up. I did not realise who she was and often saw her playing around. Father took the secret of where my child was to the grave.”

“Eventually I got married but could never have any more children, as my husband was sterile. I had realised you were celebrating your wedding and I have kept a discrete eye on you both over the years. I know you both have had a hard time and I decided you should win a trip. My office put that in to practice. Even meeting you in Tivoli was no accident. What was not foreseen was Lucinda had been engaged by a housekeeper to look after my old home on Bonhomie? I knew nothing about that.”

Angela, “I contacted Kirsten and gave her a piece of my mind when I discovered the condition Lucinda was in.”

Kirsten, "You should have heard what she said it was pure Anglo-Saxon."

"Then Angela informed me that she along with William & Lynn are the child's guardians as we have signed in the presence of the mother.”

Queen Helga, "I thought I had better visit the young woman. It was when I saw here I realised it was my missing daughter. A blood test and a few questions revealed the truth. Even stranger was the fact her real father had just signed the adoption papers to make Lucinda his daughter. I had intended having a celebration wedding party for you but instead it was altered to a Lucy birthday party. The last time Angela gave me a telling off was when I told her how I got with child. It was Angela who told father the truth. He apparently had told her where he had placed the baby. Angela never let on to me until she realised who the young woman was."

For a minute there was a stunned silence then Renate said, "Are there any more secrets that need to come out.” Lucy who had dropped off to asleep awoke as this was being said. I have a big secret to tell about Grandpa William.”

Lynn, "I think I know what is coming. I am still in love with William but we have had a slight problem for some time. Sometime ago William fell and needed medical treatment. It was discovered he had an illness that required surgery. Following this the drugs he has to take had a strange effect on his body.”

William, "Lucy did you see Nana putting bandages on me?” Lucy nodded her head. “At home I would have used some support but on here I have to use bandages.

Lynn, I tried to tell him it was not a good idea.

Lucy spoke, "Grandpa you need a proper bra like mummy." At this they all cracked out laughing.

Lynn, “William gets self conscious about his development."

Olga, "Well William are you going to show us?

William undid his shirt. Lynn started to undo the bandages and before long they could all see what William had been trying to hide.

Kirsten, "Is all his body smooth like this?"

William replied. “If I go swimming all my body hair just drops out. I have been having difficulty in getting any clothes to fit.”

Lucinda started to laugh, "Sorry dad but it is obvious to us all here you will have to be taken in hand."

Louise, "Dad I knew you both said there was problems but even I did not realise you looked like that."

Olga fished out a tape measure and said, "Will you let me see what size you actually are?"

William, "You all know now. Lynn will tell you how self conscious I get over them."

Kirsten, "William if you had been my husband as I planned I would have had you wearing the correct garments. Binding yourself like this is plain silly. With Lynn’s Permission when we get back I am booking you into a private clinic to get their advice about you.”

Louise, “Dad it is obvious to all of us you need to wear a bra like the rest of us and I think the clinic will find most of your remaining body is as feminine."

Lynn looked at William, “Lynn has been buying me ladies jeans for some time because they fit better."

Lynn, "Actually a clinic might be needed. He appears to be lactating again."

Lucy, “I do not understand all this but grandpa makes a comfy pillow for me.” The next instant she was fast asleep on William's knee.

Olga, "Look at those two they are both asleep.”

Lynn looked at her watch, "Spot on time. He will not stir now for the next 3 hours or so. There could be an earthquake or explosion and he would sleep through it. Kirsten I know how frustrated you must have been. I do know he sleeps solidly & I also managed to play with it before we were married. He never ever knew.”

Lucinda, “I keep looking at mum Lynn & Mum Kirsten & I am not surprised dad went for either of you.”

Louise, "I agree sister because our mums could be twins themselves."

Lucinda, “They do look alike don't they."

Lynn, "My mums mum died in child birth and an uncle brought her up as his daughter."

Lucinda said, “Well sister I think we both now have two mums or possibly three now."

Louise stated to pluck her dads eyebrows. They have annoyed me for some time and now he is asleep he will not know. Lucinda started on the opposite side and before long they had given them a nice shape.

Lucinda, “Lynn did I hear you correctly? You did say my dad was lactating again." Look at Lucy and what she is doing. She was fast asleep but still sucking away. Apparently my daughter is quite happy.”

Lynn, “I am the partial cause of him not wanting to wear the correct clothing." He remembers a program about transsexuals and what I said at the time. He has no real idea where I get his clothing. The shirts and socks is the only male clothing he is wearing these days.”

Kirsten, "You have not got him in skirts and dresses yet."

Ann Marie started to do William's Eyelids, “He has lovely eyelashes.” She looked across at Olga and said, "With makeup on he would look like you Aunt Olga."

Olga spoke in to her mobile phone and said, "Maria can you come to state cabin 1 and bring all your equipment then can you inform Lisa I want to speak to her."

Lisa answered the phone, "Yes Madame, Yes I will bring all those as requested."

Before long the two females arrived at the stateroom. The maids looked at the sleeping William. Olga said, "We have decided to give my sister a makeover as she has been a tomboy for long enough."

Maria, “Can we get her in the dress before I start on the Hair and nails?"

Even Lynn got in on the act, "Helga we could have had a lot of fun if we had been sisters." "Maria after you have those two matching can you also do us."

Maria, "This is going to confuse everybody on board the ship." Maria looked across at Anna Marie, Louise & Lucinda. “I suppose you three also want to look the same?”

Anna Marie, “Well we had not thought of that but as you suggested perhaps we could try and see what we look like.”

“Madame does your sister always sleep as heavy as this. I could redo her make up just like yours is done. I also brought a wig, as I was not sure what your sisters’ hair was like.”

A short while later Lynn said, "I can not believe how much you both look alike. I suppose it is our turn now Kirsten.”

The maid arrived back with matching dresses they had just finished when the ship doctor called. “I have to take a blood sample from the young lady.”

William Church and the Scandinavia trip.
by Sharphawlad
Chapters 8 DNA tests.

Kirsten, “As you can see several of us appear to look alike. As you are here can you take DNA samples from us all and have it tested.

"Madame all I need is a swab from your mouth and a blood sample. I can do those tests on board."

Kirsten, "At the moment the fewer that know what we suspect the better." William started to stir. He looked at himself and then at Olga.

Lynn, "William we decided while you were asleep to dress you. Nobody will give you a second glance as you look like Olga. The doctor was just going to take DNA samples as it seams a coincidence. You look like Olga & I look like Kirsten & both your daughters look like twins.”

Personally I think some how we are all related to each other and somebody has been telling porkies. The doctor left the room and started to test the samples. "Well well Olga & William you two could be identical twins. He continued to test all the others. He decided to take all the samples to the hospital and have then double check his results. He was away most of the evening from the ship. He got back to the ship just before 23.00 then he went straight to William's cabin.

Angela, "Well what did you find?"

“I will start with Miss Louise & Lucinda. They appear to have identical parents and according to their blood and DNA are identical twins. The same is applicable to you Madame and Queen Helga you also appear to be identical twins in fact I could find no difference. The strange thing is you and your husband has the same relationship to each other as Queens Olga & Helga have. Between Queen Olga & your husband there was only one discernible difference. In your husband his testosterone level is almost nil in fact he is showing all the signs of being a pregnant female.

William, "Doctor I can assure you I am currently male. I do though occasionally start lactating. I started again just after we boarded the boat. When this happens my testis start to get very painful.”

The doctor examined William's breasts and said, "You are going to need to express or they will get painful. Do you mind lying on the bed, as I also need to check you below?” William flinched as the doctor touched him. “I take it they are very sore?”

William, “Extremely painful when they get like this."

The doctor, "I could give you a local in both sides and that will give you some respite from the pain."

William, "Go on then." A few seconds later there was a pop and then a second pop.

Lynn, “What was that noise?”

Your body has apparently pulled both your testis back inside after I injected them. Whilst you are like this I will do a rectal examination.

William, "Be careful I occasionally start to bleed."

Lynn joked, “I keep telling him He will have to use towels like I do.”

The doctor continued with his examination and noticed several folds of skin. These he teased apart with his fingers. Lynn can you pass me a towel you husband has started to bleed. The doctor asked William a few more questions and said. “Can you both come to the ships hospital I can continue my investigation better there.” William looked at the bloody mess on the bed.

Angela, "Do not worry the maid will deal with that."

In the Clinic William had to put both his feet in stirrups and lay on his back. The doctor said, "I have almost finishing removing all that gunge. Now I can see clearly what is going on. William have the hospital ever said anything about you been anything other than male?”

Lynn replied, "A nurse did say once he was lucky he did not have everything removed when he had a growth removed. Other than that no."

"Well William it appears you are not entirely male after all and your blood loss is entirely natural or would be for a genetic female. You will also probably now find your lactation problem abates. I suspect you have always been a hermaphrodite and when you fell it somehow damaged your testis. Your body compensated by bringing in to play your female system. I will need to keep check on you while on board but for now you should be OK. You will though need to change the towel often but I am sure your wife will give you the advice you need.”

William sat there looking shocked.

Lynn spoke, "I took you for better or worse for richer or poorer. You will always be my husband even if you now look like Queen Olga.”

William, "I suppose I had better get out of these clothes before somebody mistakes me for Olga."

The doctor, “Actually a skirt would be a good idea for you as there would be no pressure down below. You were very tender and sore down there." William and Lynn went back to their cabin and he tried getting the make up off.

Lynn said let me try. Maria had come to change the bed and Lynn said, “Do you know what sort of make up was used last night?"

"Queen Olga always has semi permanent put on so it lasts a few weeks. I usually do it every three weeks or so."

“Thank you Maria.”

"Well William it looks like we will have to get you some clothing after all. The Doctor said you had to wear skirts and dresses."

Angela, "Watch the reactions this morning when we enter the dining room." Sure enough everybody stood up and then either bowed or curtsied as the three of them entered. They all think we are all Queens. Even the Captain was surprised. "Sorry you’re Majesty but I was informed you had gone ashore."

William, "I will be going on shore shortly."

Angela spoke to the maid Maria. "Can you go into stateroom one and remove all male clothing you find. Double check there is no item of value left on or in them. They are to be disposed of immediately. I will be shopping with the family." Maria curtsies.

William looks at his debit card and says, “This card is going to take a hammering.”

Angela, "Kirsten & Olga will be footing the bill as they have decided to get you both a new wardrobe."

Louise & Lucinda joined them. "Mum why is dad still dressed like Aunt Olga?"

Lynn for a moment was stumped what to say.

Lucy said, "Mummy because Queen Olga wants it."

Angela, "She should be here shortly. Several black Rolls Royce's pulled up.

Lucy "Mum I am going with Grandma Wilma."

Lynn, "The child has apparently named you." Olga had the same dress on as William.

"Maria told me you still had that on so I have the matching one on. I also have had the full doctor’s report. It is strange how we are identical.

William, “Well as far as I know there was no Royal blood in my family or Lynn’s. I always keep a record of our family tree on disk."

Olga, "Can I borrow that and said to one of the drivers can you call for a courier to take this to the Royal Genealogist."

A motor cyclist appeared and then sped off with the disk. Louise said, "Mummy said it was OK to put on this dress do you like it?"

William, "You look beautiful in that."

"This is my new baby I have brought her to show her off."

William chuckled, "You are not the only one showing their baby off." The drivers did a double take when they saw three apparent sets of twins getting in to the cars. It was back to the department store.

Lynn jokingly said, “We should have shares in this place the amount we have spent here the last few days.”

They were spotted by the manager of the store who rushed up to greet them like long lost friends. Lucy said, “We have come shopping for my Mum & Grandma this time.”

Olga, “Actually we are looking for three sets of two."

Louise, "I hope we can get a good discount."

Lucy," The last time I was in here with Aunt Angela we went into a room where I was brought dresses and I was also brought milk and sandwiches. I got this dolly for my birthday."

This time they were led into a much larger room. Girls came in wearing various designs and Olga or Wilma said yes or no. Then they tried on the designs and decided if they wanted them. Then the same girls came wearing slightly younger designs Kirsten & Lynn immediately agreed on the designs they liked. Finally it was the turn of Louise & Lucinda.

Louise said, I will model these myself and Lucinda can say if she like them or not.

Lucinda kept saying yes or no and then the manager said, "Could I borrow the princess for a moment?"

A short time later Louise and Lucy came out holding hands. This is from our mother and daughter range would you be interested. There was an immediate yes from all in the room. In that case can I borrow these two so you can see the entire range?

Lucy said, "Mummy Louise I need the Toilet. After that they all had a refreshment break.

9. Lucy knows her furs.

Olga, “While we are all here can your measuring service check us all out as we appear to have lost some weight recently?"

A woman appeared with a tape measure and started with Olga & then Wilma. She put all their measurements in a computer and then did the same with the other ladies.

Lucy watched and then said, "Are you going to do that for me and Ariel?"

The lady smiled and said, "We can not forget you and Ariel can we." "I have just the thing for you providing it is OK with your mummy."

The woman appeared a short time later with a little silky bra and pant set. Lucy did not hesitate to see if they would fit.

Lucinda, "I presume you have them in larger sizes."

"Yes madam we have them in all your sizes but that is the smallest we do."

Lucy turns to the doll and said, "When you get big like me you can have some." Louise dressed again and she was fingering a fur coat.

One of the models said, "Do you like this? Let’s see if we can find one to fit you.

A short while later Lucy returned, "Mummy I found this & it will keep me very warm."

Wilma and the others burst out laughing, "Did you have that made for her."

The manager, "No the company make sample coats that will only fit children." This is one of those that has been left behind by a rep." The manager dialled a number and spoke to the Company managing director.

The others did not hear what was said but then the manager said, “Your Majesty they wish to talk to you."

"Yes that is correct Princess Lucy is wearing it at the moment."

“Our MD is coming round with the accessories that go with the coat."

Lucy would not take the coat off. Eventually a young woman arrived with a stole, hat and gloves. She asked for permission to photograph Lucy. "Lucy I was told it was your birthday yesterday would you like these as a present from me?"

Lucinda, "You can not be giving these away they are worth a fortune."

"Actually Madame they are from our reproduction range for ladies who want people to think they are wearing real fur." "I am being cheeky but have I permission to put on the range by appointment to Princess Lucy?
Olga examined it closer and said, "It looks like the real thing to me."

As she was speaking a very harassed rep appeared and said, "I left a sample and I will be in trouble with my boss if I do not collect it."

The sales girl, “You better go in there." Lucy was still in the coat. He noticed Lucy in the coat and tried to show her the other coat he had on his arm.

Lucy, "This is softer I like this better." By now the rep was sweating profusely. Lucy went over to the Lady, "He does not want me to have this coat, but that other does not feel quite the same."

The MD felt the coat and started to smile. “Lucy I promise you can keep the coat you are wearing. You have just proved to me even a four year old can tell the difference between real and fake fur. I take it you are our only rep with both samples."

Olga felt the difference, "The fake still looks impressive."

Lucy, "Have you a small one to fit my baby? She will not mind if it is a fake but I prefer the real thing."

The rep, "I have this sample in my case,” Lucy tried it on her doll and then went and gave the rep a kiss.

Kirsten, “How much do we owe for these?"

The MD, “Nothing, I told the management that people could tell the difference."

Lucinda felt the difference, "It depends who you intend marketing them at. Many girls will go for the fake because it looks like the original but is considerably cheaper. Some who are vegetarians or Vegans will also wear it."

Olga, “We will take nine of your real coats to match the one Princess Lucy is wearing. The seventh is for Queen Renate of Bavaria who is to accompany us on the Royal midnight sun. You should have her measurements on file."

Helga, "Your request is also granted. You may put. By appointment to Queen Helga of Denmark she looked across at Lucy and said and of course for the children's ranges by appointment to Crown Princess Lucy of Denmark & Norway. The rep and the MD both left quite happy.

Olga, "He should be happy now. I would be with an order like that."

Helga, "I suppose we all should apologise for what we did last night. Before we even got the results we all realised you looked like Olga."

Olga, "When I called for my maids I forgot they use semi permanent makeup on me as it saves me having to do it daily.”

Louise, “Dad you saw the effect this morning. Everybody round here is going to mistake you for Queen Olga and treat you as such."

Helga, "I was the instigator of you two winning the cruise. Even the meeting with Angela was planned. What I did not plan for was you adopting your own daughter & Grand daughter. Between the two of us we had planned to give you a surprise party."

Lynn thought for a moment. "I gave Angela a list of all those we were going to invite which included Rose & family."

Angela, "We already have a venue for your party. Apparently none of the guests have refused so far although we have had difficulty in finding your brother & wife."

Lynn, "I hope you included all the present company."

Lucy, "Are you and grandpa having a party. Can I help open the cards and presents?"

William, “All our guests are in for a shock, but I think you can be the official card opener. Thank you Kirsten for arranging this trip. In fact it could not have come at a better time. The two houses either side of us appears to have workmen in. I for one will be glad to get away from all that noise. I talked to the foreman & he said he expected the work to take three to four weeks but all the noisy stuff should be done in the first three weeks.”

Louise, "There were clouds of dust coming out of those houses. I think when we get back we will have a major cleaning task ahead.”

“The foreman. They had discovered the dividing wall in the yard was in a bad state and would it be OK if they replaced our stretch as well. I was humming and arr-ing and he said, we quoted to replace the whole stretch so there is no charge for the building work. I gave him Permission I hope that was OK."

William, "It we get a nice wall out of it then it is."

Olga, "If it is permissible I could send a team of housekeepers to clean the house before you arrive home."

Lynn, “I for one would appreciate that. I was not looking forward to all that cleaning."

Lucy, "I would have helped and so would mum."

Louise, "I think you might be stopping with me or my Grandparents when we get back."

Helga, “Well do you to rush back for anything or would you like to be put up in my home when the cruise ends?"

Chapter 9. Lucy knows her furs.

Olga, “While we are all here can your measuring service check us all out as we appear to have lost some weight recently?"

A woman appeared with a tape measure and started with Olga & then Wilma. She put all their measurements in a computer and then did the same with the other ladies.

Lucy watched and then said, "Are you going to do that for me and Ariel?"

The lady smiled and said, "We can not forget you and Ariel can we." "I have just the thing for you providing it is OK with your mummy."

The woman appeared a short time later with a little silky bra and pant set. Lucy did not hesitate to see if they would fit.

Lucinda, "I presume you have them in larger sizes."

"Yes madam we have them in all your sizes but that is the smallest we do."

Lucy turns to the doll and said, "When you get big like me you can have some." Louise dressed again and she was fingering a fur coat.

One of the models said, "Do you like this? Let’s see if we can find one to fit you.

A short while later Lucy returned, "Mummy I found this & it will keep me very warm."

Wilma and the others burst out laughing, "Did you have that made for her."

The manager, "No the company make sample coats that will only fit children." This is one of those that has been left behind by a rep." The manager dialled a number and spoke to the Company managing director.

The others did not hear what was said but then the manager said, “Your Majesty they wish to talk to you."

"Yes that is correct Princess Lucy is wearing it at the moment."

“Our MD is coming round with the accessories that go with the coat."

Lucy would not take the coat off. Eventually a young woman arrived with a stole, hat and gloves. She asked for permission to photograph Lucy. "Lucy I was told it was your birthday yesterday would you like these as a present from me?"

Lucinda, "You can not be giving these away they are worth a fortune."

"Actually Madame they are from our reproduction range for ladies who want people to think they are wearing real fur." "I am being cheeky but have I permission to put on the range by appointment to Princess Lucy?

Olga examined it closer and said, "It looks like the real thing to me."

As she was speaking a very harassed rep appeared and said, "I left a sample and I will be in trouble with my boss if I do not collect it."

The sales girl, “You better go in there." Lucy was still in the coat. He noticed Lucy in the coat and tried to show her the other coat he had on his arm.

Lucy, "This is softer I like this better." By now the rep was sweating profusely. Lucy went over to the Lady, "He does not want me to have this coat, but that other does not feel quite the same."

The MD felt the coat and started to smile. “Lucy I promise you can keep the coat you are wearing. You have just proved to me even a four year old can tell the difference between real and fake fur. I take it you are our only rep with both samples."

Olga felt the difference, "The fake still looks impressive."

Lucy, "Have you a small one to fit my baby? She will not mind if it is a fake but I prefer the real thing."

The rep, "I have this sample in my case,” Lucy tried it on her doll and then went and gave the rep a kiss.

Kirsten, “How much do we owe for these?"

The MD, “Nothing, I told the management that people could tell the difference."

Lucinda felt the difference, "It depends who you intend marketing them at. Many girls will go for the fake because it looks like the original but is considerably cheaper. Some who are vegetarians or Vegans will also wear it."

Olga, “We will take nine of your real coats to match the one Princess Lucy is wearing. The seventh is for Queen Renate of Bavaria who is to accompany us on the Royal midnight sun. You should have her measurements on file."

Helga, "Your request is also granted. You may put. By appointment to Queen Helga of Denmark she looked across at Lucy and said and of course for the children's ranges by appointment to Crown Princess Lucy of Denmark & Norway. The rep and the MD both left quite happy.

Olga, "He should be happy now. I would be with an order like that."

Helga, "I suppose we all should apologise for what we did last night. Before we even got the results we all realised you looked like Olga."

Olga, "When I called for my maids I forgot they use semi permanent makeup on me as it saves me having to do it daily.”

Louise, “Dad you saw the effect this morning. Everybody round here is going to mistake you for Queen Olga and treat you as such."

Helga, "I was the instigator of you two winning the cruise. Even the meeting with Angela was planned. What I did not plan for was you adopting your own daughter & Grand daughter. Between the two of us we had planned to give you a surprise party."

Lynn thought for a moment. "I gave Angela a list of all those we were going to invite which included Rose & family."

Angela, "We already have a venue for your party. Apparently none of the guests have refused so far although we have had difficulty in finding your brother & wife."

Lynn, "I hope you included all the present company."

Lucy, "Are you and grandpa having a party. Can I help open the cards and presents?"

William, “All our guests are in for a shock, but I think you can be the official card opener. Thank you Kirsten for arranging this trip. In fact it could not have come at a better time. The two houses either side of us appears to have workmen in. I for one will be glad to get away from all that noise. I talked to the foreman & he said he expected the work to take three to four weeks but all the noisy stuff should be done in the first three weeks.”

Louise, "There were clouds of dust coming out of those houses. I think when we get back we will have a major cleaning task ahead.”

“The foreman. They had discovered the dividing wall in the yard was in a bad state and would it be OK if they replaced our stretch as well. I was humming and arr-ing and he said, we quoted to replace the whole stretch so there is no charge for the building work. I gave him permission I hope that was OK."

William, "It we get a nice wall out of it then it is."

Olga, "If it is permissible I could send a team of housekeepers to clean the house before you arrive home."

Lynn, “I for one would appreciate that. I was not looking forward to all that cleaning."

Lucy, "I would have helped and so would mum."

Louise, "I think you might be stopping with me or my Grandparents when we get back."

Helga, “Well do you to rush back for anything or would you like to be put up in my home when the cruise ends?"

William Church and the Scandinavia Trip
by Sharphawlad

Chapters 10 The Von Kirks

.

William, “Actually Kirsten there is something me, you and Lynn need to discuss. You do not need to be a rocket scientist to realise these two are sisters. As to how had me baffled until I woke up when you had all been playing with me. I notice my eye brows had been tweezed. I know just who had been dying to do that for some time." Louise looked sheepish away. “If that can be done when I am asleep then I presume something else was done while I was asleep.”

Angela. "Kirsten told me what she had done. Uncle made her go through with the pregnancy. Then the baby was removed. Other than Uncle I was the only one who knew were Lucinda had been placed. Shortly after the placement both father and Uncle died and we both had to take up our new positions. At that point even I lost track of where the child was.”

“Kirsten has wanted to contact you both for some time & then she realised it was your silver wedding and so we planned this between us. What we did not realise was your condition or that you already knew Olga & Renate our cousins.”

Louise, "Mum I would like to add my fiancé Max & his parents & Otto his brother to the guest list if at all possible."

William, Well I suppose we had better meet them before you start planning their wedding. "Thanks daddy the Von Kirk's will be pleased. Max has wanted to meet you both for some time now."

Kirsten, "Louise by any chance is the father of Max called Willie?"

Louise, "Yes Willie von Kirk, but I do not know exactly what he does."

Renate burst out laughing, "Sorry about that William you have already met Willie. He was walking in the park with Cousin Kirsten when you met her.”

William, "Renate it appears my daughter wants to get hitched to your Nephew."

"I did not realise Willie was referring to your daughter. He was telling me his eldest son wanted permission to ask for the hand of a young lady in marriage he had fallen in love with at University."

Olga, "They have already arrived in Oslo and are currently at the Palace. I doubt that Max realises who he wishes to marry.”

Louise’s eyes lit up, "Please can we squeeze them on the boat please?"

Olga spoke in to the telephone and it sounded like an order rather than a request, "Willie I need you and your family down at the Midnight sun immediately. I have three young ladies who need partners for a dance tonight."

The three boys were not enamoured by the thought of playing partners to Olga's guests. They said, "Oh Dad do we have to go?"

Willie, "It is probably Olga's attempt at matchmaking. So I expect all three of you to be nothing less than the perfect gentlemen."

Louise, "Sister & cousin it looks like we have one boy each."

Helga, "I bet they are kicking up something rotten. Louise dialled Max from her mobile he answered. "Hi Max it is me Louise, I am staying at my aunts. I am ringing from Oslo at the moment."

“Hi Louise I am at my dads cousin Olga’s home. I have to go to a party she has organised and so do my brothers. Knowing Aunt Olga she will be trying to pair us up with females of her choice."

"Remember Max you are mine and we are going to get married so no funny business with any other female. My family are waiting for you to officially propose to me. My father is a stickler for correct procedures. That means you have to ask him for my hand in marriage. Knowing dad he will probably want to meet your family. He will almost certainly want to make sure you come from a decent family."

"Louise I told my dad and he has no objection, but then I find Aunt Olga is fixing me up with some friend of hers."

“Max I have a sister and a cousin with me at the moment that could accompany you & your brothers if you wished. Neither of them currently have boyfriends.”

“Thanks Louise, but I better do as father wants. My brother’s are asking if your sister and cousin are pretty as you are. They would like to meet you all tomorrow if possible."

“My sister looks like my twin but she has been seriously ill and is in a wheelchair at the moment. When our cousin is with us we look like triplets.”

Max, "Olaf wants to speak.”

"I do not mind pushing her around if you need help."

Louise put the Telephone down. “I have the three of us dates. Anna Marie I take it you will not object to treble dating some German brothers with us tomorrow? I think all three of them are in for a shock tonight.

Anna Marie, "Can I borrow your phone? She telephoned Kurt, "Hi may I speak to Kurt please?"

Kurt here, "With whom am I conversing?"

"This is Anna Marie, Louise’s cousin. I understand you are taking us out tomorrow. Could you not take us all out tonight?"

"Max is already upset as he wants to meet up with Louise his fiancée and now we have to go and act as escorts for three females we do not know."

“Do not worry we have to go to a party with our aunt tonight. She is always trying to fix us up with dates, but we are all looking forward to meeting you."

"Father says we have to go this dance. So unfortunately we can not invite you girls to come as our guests."

Renate, “I bet Willie is giving the boys a hard time."

Anna Marie giggled, "Your turn Lucinda."

Lucinda, "Hello can I speak please with Olaf? I am informed by my cousin and sister you will not mind pushing me around in my chair. I hope you are very strong."

Olaf, "Once I give a promise I keep it."

"So Olaf are you looking for a wife like your brother? I understand my sister is very likely to become your sister in law."

"I am given to understand the same, but my brother has to do it correctly and get permission." He needs to ask your father, and cousin Renate for permission before a wedding can go ahead. I hope there is no problem as he is madly in love with your sister."

Lucinda blew a kiss down the telephone.

Olga, "Well what did he say?"

"Apparently Max has mentioned it to his father, but he needs to ask my parents and cousin Renate."

Renate started to laugh, “You and me both know there will be no problem with that. I think we will make him squirm a while yet. Now have we got all we need?”

Wilma, "Actually I could do with some underwear. Then I for one would like to be shown round this town.”

Captain Swen and crew were busy preparing the Midnight sun for the party.

Lucy, "Mummy that was very naughty of you to tease those boys. Why do they need to ask Renate’s permission is she their mummy?” This caused Renata to splutter.

William, "I presume my daughter has got herself a German or Bavarian Prince if they have to ask Renate’s permission as the rest of the Germany has no King or Emperor, but there will be quite a few families with royal connections.”

Renate, "Actually they do not need my permission. Willie is my cousin and is named after his father the late Kaiser."

Lucy, "Aunt Louise you are lucky getting married to a member of a pop band. I like the Kaiser chiefs." This had all the adults laughing.

Louise, "Sorry Lucy to disappoint you, but it transpires Max is a Prince or similar.”

William, "Yes I remember years ago being introduced to a banker who turned out to be a Prince of Liechtenstein."

While they were chatting the telephone rang and Olga answered it. It was the Royal Genealogist. “Madame I need to see you and your guests immediately.”

Olga, "By any chance William have you your birth certificates for your self and Lynn on your person?”

“Yes they are in our passports why."

A short while later the genealogist turned up. “You’re Majesty for you and Wilma to be sisters you had to come from the same egg. The odds on you both having the same genes in the same proportions are infinitesimal. So I started to work on the premise that you are sisters and a mix up had occurred somewhere.”

William brought out his birth certificate, "This has puzzled me all along as I thought only twins had the time put on."

"William I am not sure how it happened but this proves you and Olga were both born in the same hospital & somehow there was a mix up."

Kirsten, "Well I was also born in England.”

Lynn, “It appears we are sisters, but how did we get separated and split up.”

William started to grin like a Cheshire cat, "Kirsten I apparently did marry a princess after all."

Olga, "It might be better all round if I introduce you as my twin sister and her daughters to the boys."

Rose, "For once I agree with you."

William, “Looking like this I doubt Willie will believe I am William."

Queen Olga, "Once I realised what had happened I organised the correct documentation."

"Queen Kirsten you now have a sister as has Queen Olga. Only Princess Wilma & Princess Rose though have children though."

Chapter 11. Shopping for a New Tiara.

Olga, "That brings me to something else we must do." Rose I know your tiara is far too small for you and in all probability will fit only Lucy or Marie. So we had better get you all fit up with the correct headgear."

Following their choice of Tiaras they went around Oslo. Quite a few people greeted them and then they entered the Royal Standard Hotel.

Olga, "Ah Kurt I wondered if you could find a table for us? He clapped his hands and they were shown to a table. Different waiters appeared with separate menus.

Lucy looked at the menu, "I would like a glass of Orange juice and Princess crowns with French fry's & peas & Black Forest Gateau with Ice cream to finish please.”

Renate, "In that case I will have the adult version and have white wine, Chicken Kiev with Peas and French fry's & finish with an Irish coffee & the same dessert as Lucy.”

Olga looked at the others. “In that case we will all have the same."

The manager had to send somebody to the supermarket to get the Princess crowns. The chef looked at them and said, "I can make better than these." Eventually all their food was served.

The manager "Is everything to your satisfaction."

Lucy, "I like these princess crown they are the best I have tasted."

The manager went to the kitchen, "The Princess sends her complements to the chef and says these are the best Princess crowns she has tasted."

The chef decided to come to the table to serve the Gateau. He noticed Lucy's glass was empty, "Would you like one of my special milkshakes?"

"Yes please I am very thirsty."

Olga, "Oh if you are making them then I will cancel the coffee and we will all have one."

The girls wanted to get back early so as to prepare for the arrival of the boys. The Guests started to arrive and it was obvious to all that they were all members of the Royal family. Wilma recognised Fritz and his family as they all greeted them. The last to arrive was Willie.

Olga, "I am glad you made it as we are still a few men short. I decided to pair the boys off with my nieces." Willie noticed Max grinning like a Cheshire cat.
"Max do I have to insist on you taking my nieces arm."

"Aunt Olga nothing would please me or my brothers more. I was not expecting to get a Princess as a partner, but as I have, I wondered, with your Permission Aunt if I may make our union permanent?”

Louise kissed Max, "Yes I agree."

Wilma, "Well young man are you going to ask my Permission?"

Max looked at Olga and then Wilma. "I think I had better ask formally for Princess Louise’s hand in marriage."

Renate, "I presume that means asking me also as your queen. Max you did tell Louise you had to get Permission first I take it."

Wilma, "Max she is teasing you this party is to formally announce the engagement of Willie's three sons to Olga's three nieces."

"But my brothers have not met the princesses yet".

"Max looks round and sees what they are doing and tell me they are not suited to each other.”

Willie, "Max tell me they are not embracing each other already."

Willie looked at Lucinda and then at his son, "It will be a while before she can walk down the aisle."

"Father I would myself prefer to finish college before we get married. but I have no objection to us being formally engaged."

Rose looked across at Anna Marie who said, "Mum I did not realise he was a Prince or even related to me but we have met a few times although he was the last person I expected to see when I came across with you & Louise."

Olga, "So I take it my niece has no objection to the partner I have selected?”

"Your majesty I was supposed to be meeting him tomorrow to treble date with his brothers. But I had no idea he was the same boy who has tried a time or two to chat me up."

Lucinda looked across at Kirsten and Wilma, "Personally I think the boys should ask all the Queens present for our hand in marriage."

Olga, "I think it is time you accompanied me and my sisters in Willie, and the girls can follow behind." The remaining guests stood as they entered.

Willie, “Some of you already know why you were asked on this cruise. Apart from the crew we are all related in some way. A short while ago both Olga & Kirsten realised they had twin sisters or to be precise Identical twin sisters. Even more amassing was the fact that two of my sons have been walking out with two of their daughters.”

Queen Olga, “I would like to announce the engagements of my three nieces to the three sons of Willie. Also as Kirsten, Angela or I have no children we have decided to name all three of my nieces as heirs apparent to our thrones.”

Renate, Like my cousins I have no heirs and hope to live a while yet. Kirsten has decided that Lucinda shall have Denmark and it will eventually pass to her daughter Lucy. I am though going to name Lucy as my heir apparent.”

Little Lucy's took hold of Wilma's hand. "Granny what dos that mean."

"It means one day you will be Queen of Denmark & Bavaria."

"But what about mummy and her job?

"You and Mummy are still coming to live with us. I might have to have some alterations made though and perhaps Queen Helga can offer us some accommodation while the work is done."

Willie, “Well I for one would offer you a home for a while."

Olga, There is no need Willie, "Rose and I already have everything sorted."

Louise, "I gave the keys to two of the housekeepers to clean it up for when we got back."

Olga, " Even I realised Lucinda was going to need help getting in and out and so asked the house keepers to make the arrangements for all that are needed.”

Wilma, "Thank you sister." and kissed her.

Olaf, “Lucinda I am in no rush to get married."
Lucinda. "Olaf somebody seriously hurt me and while I have a child I can never have any others. I am not a good prospect as a wife. While I may be able to walk down the aisle I will need a wheelchair for the rest of my life."

Olaf smiled. "I gave my word and I will stand by it one day. Olaf whispered there is some thing you should also know about me.”

Lucinda started to grin, "If you accept me then I can accept you."

Willie, “Boys you will have at least three weeks to get used to your cousins and brides as we will be staying on the ship." Olaf took Lucinda on to the dance floor in her chair. Eventually he pushed her around the deck.

Lucinda, "I did not want to embrace you in there, but you say you are both boy and girl.”

“Lucinda I will show you, but as the weeks go by I appear to be getting more female. I can not exactly tell dad what is happening to me and mum is no more to advise me. I had thought of talking to Aunt Olga and seeing what she suggested.” Wilma & Kirsten walked in on them.

Olaf stuttered, "Aunt I was showing Lucinda something."

Lucinda, "Mum Olaf has a similar problem to William."

Kirsten. "Olaf you had better let us see your problem.”

Lucinda smiled as Olaf undid his shirt. "See what I mean."

Lucinda, "Olaf they are nothing to be ashamed of.”

Wilma, "Olaf it is obvious to us all you need to be wearing a bra. Come with me to the medical facility and I will get the Doctor to check you out."

Lucinda, "I will be there with you. So do not be scared.

The doctor examined Olaf, "Prince Olaf has the same problem as a previous Royal personage only more advanced. I estimate Prince Olaf has about two to three weeks left as his now.”

Wilma, "It appears Olaf we are going to have to rush your wedding after all.”

Olaf, "I had intended going to stay with Aunt Rose and going to college in that town."

Lucinda, "Mum will we have room for Olaf.

Willie came looking for his youngest son.

Wilma, "Olaf has the same problem as William. The doctor has just given him Two to three weeks at the most. I was just going to suggest that he comes and lives with Lynn and me. That way he can take Lucinda to college and we can look after Lucy."

"Kirsten informed me of William's problem & what happened to him.”

Willie, "Unless your father can put in an appearance would you object to me walking you down the aisle."

Wilma, "Hopefully William will be available for that date but if not then that would be agreeable."

Lucinda, "I do not know all the ins and outs but could we use the Cathedral in Copenhagen as our wedding venue, and would Aunt Kirsten object to hosting our reception at the palace?”

Willie stood to attention. "That is one thing I am good at is organising. Usually something likes this takes ages to plan, but I will go ahead and organise it."

They went back to their stateroom and Wilma went out and brought a new bra back and said, "Try this."

Olaf said, "That is far more comfortable now. Olaf looked at Wilma, "You went through the same thing as me."

"Yes Olaf I started some time ago but my final change happened a few days ago. I was still male when I met your father & Queen Helga. It is not magic or anything like that it is all due to a gene that starts replacing all your Y cells with an X cell. In my case it was due to a fall and I twisted my testis. This caused the gene to kick in and my body started to change."

Olaf thought, "About six months ago I was watching a game of golf when the club slipped out of the Golfers hand and hit me. The blow knocked me out. I awoke in the hospital and eventually I was discharged.”

William, "I presume you started shortly after that."

Kirsten appeared, "What is this about a quickie wedding?"

Lynn, "Will the palace be OK for the reception?"

Chapter 12 Olaf-Orena, Kurt-Kirsty

"Lynn my office already was planning your Silver Wedding party if you do not mind combining it with Lucinda’s Wedding.

Lynn looked at William and said, "We could re-say our vows at the same time."

"OK then that is fixed I will have the invites altered and I better have a dressmaker come to the ship."

Olaf, "Could you ask the official tailor to attend as well because if I wear one of these my jackets do not fit correctly."

Willie, "I take it that it might be possible to save something from Olaf so I could have a grandchild?

"Father once I get married I will have a daughter that is related to us. I though will never be able to have any children. It was too late when the clinic realised my testis were damaged and I had stopped producing sperm. I would still like to go to college as planned.”

Kirsten, "I was going to keep it as a surprise for when you returned but I had better tell you now William & Lynn. The extensions the housekeepers are over seeing are more extensive than I led you to believe. By now your house will have been emptied and gutted along with the other four. The end house now has parking space for four cars. The downstairs rooms have all been extended into the rear yard. There should be room now for any guests who might decide to visit you in the future."

Willie looked at William, "At least Olaf will a have an aunt to advise him."

William, "You do realise he is going to need documentation."

Willie smiled, "I took a liberty & hope you do not mind. I have had a second set of documents produced for Orena Church. I presume you will be living as a female and as such with Lucinda. I thought it might be better if you both resided together as sisters.”

Lucinda looked at Olaf, "I had not really thought about how you would dress.”

Willie spoke in to a telephone, "Can you ask Maria to come to stateroom one." A short time later Maria arrived.

"Maria we want to play a joke on Queen Angela. Prince Olaf is to be made to look like Princess Lucinda, but no permanent or semi permanent makeup this time."

Maria, "Has that to include dressing him as the Princess?

Lucinda, "Yes from head to toe Maria".

"Princess I may need to use some of your clothing for the joke."

Willie, "Just do your work Maria. Then I will get what is needed later."

Maria started on Olaf's face, "Actually it is very similar to the Princess so I will have an easy job. Have I permission to trim your hair a little?"

Olaf, "As my father said, He wants to see what I look like as a female."

Two hours later Maria said, "All ready now as soon as we get you in some clothes.”

Willie looked at his son, "Congratulations Maria you have done a good job. How did you pad him out like that?"

Olaf, “Father that is part of the problem I was talking about. I thought you realised what the problem was."

Willie called the ships doctor. "Yes sir there is virtually no male cells left in Prince Olaf's body. In fact when I checked the records he was listed as a Hermaphrodite when he was born. That means he was born with both male and female organs. Now though the female ones have kicked in and shortly he will be going through a female puberty."

Lucinda grinned like a Cheshire cat at the news. "Uncle it that case we had better get married before Prince Olaf changes completely."

Wilma & Kirsten looked at their daughter who said, "After what happened to me I am completely off males. Olaf on the other hand is not entirely male and we do get on well, and he is my cousin."

Olaf, "Once we return to England it will be as two females and it would be better for me to change my surname to Church. Doctor I am coming back to your clinic with Lucinda. We want to know roughly how long before I change completely."

The doctor started asking Olaf questions. As they were talking Lucinda noticed Olaf holding his tummy. "Sorry doctor I have the most horrendous pain down here."

"I think Prince Olaf we are already too late. Please get up on the examining table and I will give you a thorough going over." Olaf lifted his feet up into the stirrups as the doctor asked questions.

The doctor, "This may be a bit uncomfortable but it has to be done. Lucinda watched, "Oh I better look in my purse for something."

Olaf, "Doctor I do not know what you have done but I feel considerably better."

“Prince Olaf, Your body will now change more rapidly than it was doing. Your female self has taken just full control of your body."

Olaf, "You talk as if there was two of me."

"In a way there was. Initially there was Prince Olaf but Princess Orena has eventually taken over. As far as your body is concerned Prince Olaf is already dead. But Princess Orena is thriving & will continue to thrive.

Willie and Wilma came into the room, "Is he OK?"

The doctor, "Sorry sir but Prince Olaf has not survived the examination. However Princess Orena should have plenty of children if she so desires."

"Sorry dad but even three weeks is far too late for me. I just had the most horrendous pain and nearly passed out. The doctor got me up on the table and checked me out. "

"Sir at it is obvious to me both Wilma & Orena carry the same gene I would like to test other family members to look for it all I need is a blood sample."

Wilma, "At least we would know who was at risk and who was not."

Willie, "OK you best start with me. I will send my remaining sons."

Max appeared, "Father said we both have to come for a medical." He burst out laughing when he saw Orena. “You have finally decided you are female at last. Both Kurt & I have always thought of you as a girl."

Wilma, "Max you and your brother Kurt could end up the same way as Olaf yet."

Max, "You’re kidding me. We always knew Olaf was different."

"No Max we are not kidding you. That is why the doctor needs to inspect every male in the family to find out who is at risk.”

Max, "Well if I am at risk I am going to have some samples saved for future use."

The doctor took measurements of Max's body and then said, "Can you hop on the table?" "I need to check your prostrate out and your testis."

"See doctor I am fine down there."

"I will send a full report to your father, but I can tell you that you are very healthy and should be able to have plenty of children."

Max got down and left the medical centre, "Thanks doc." He left the cabin laughing.

Kurt entered the cabin, "Father ordered me here. Hi Olaf what are you doing in a dress? You look rather pretty in it and if I was not your brother I could have fancied you. So I have a sister now. Well that is no surprise as you always were the most feminine of us. I would like you to stay though, as I may need your help. Doctor is what Olaf's got very contagious because I might be going the same way. I have been too embarrassed to tell anybody at home. I could not exactly go to father and say I am developing breasts like a woman. I have been bandaging them so people do not notice them."

The doctor looked at Kurt, "You are going to have to stop doing that in future or it will make you quite ill."

Anna Marie entered the clinic, “Hi I was told Kurt was down here and I came to see if he was OK."

Kurt, “Ann Marie you better come over here and watch as it concerns you. Did you know Olaf has become Orena? Well it looks like I will be going the same way. That will give Max something to laugh about having two sisters instead of two brothers."

Anna Marie, "Kurt I would say you have already gone the same way & I am surprised you have managed to keep the deception for so long by binding yourself. Not that I am complaining. At least having you as a partner will be different from the one I had previously."

Kurt, "You still want me when you can clearly see I have boobs & I do not know how long I have left. If Aunt Wilma & Lucinda can make a go of it with Lynn & Orena I see no reason why we should not."

Willie, "Well I do not need a doctor to tell me that I have got only one son now."

“Father I will still appear as you son when I marry Cousin Ann Marie. After the wedding though I feel we should use the Anglo version of our name. Anne Marie would you have any objections in becoming Anne Marie Church?”

Willie started to chuckle, "I suppose I could change mine to the same it is not as if we are actually changing the meaning Rose surname means Church Village, ours of the Church & William's Church. So basically we have the same name already."

Wilma, "I suppose if the boys and girls agree we could arrange for all three to be married at the end of this trip."

Kurt, "That is OK by me but am I going to have to get used to wearing these?"

Anna Marie said, "Kirsty nobody on here will notice how you are dressed and after our official wedding all your masculine clothing will be disposed of any way. So it might be better if you and your sister started to dress as such."

Willie looked at his two sons & said, "Your late mother would be over the moon to discover she has given me two daughters after all. I though know nothing about fashion or what is required for either of you."

Anne Marie, "Uncle Willie, It will not take Lucinda and I long to get what is needed for Kirsty and Orena, but It may be very costly too your pocket."

Willie replied, "I half expected something to happen like this with Olaf but, I was never prepared for it with you Kurt. Today was going to be a get to know the family day with William & Lynn before we all set off on this cruise. I suppose it still is a get to know the family, but it is not what I expected. The entire planning cousin Kirsten made appears to have gone out of the door.”

Renate looked at Kurt, “Kirsty I think your aunts and cousins are going to have an enjoyable time shopping for and with you and Orena."

Maria arrived with a dress. "Madame I brought the items you requested. I presume Princess Kirsty needs the same treatment as her sister. I took the opportunity of bringing a wig as her hair is rather short at the moment but, eventually it will get to a reasonable length, and then I will be able to do something with it."

Willie started to smile, "Max and I will come as well. It is a long time since my wife dragged me round the shops looking for that perfect dress. Max will have to learn like I did that ladies like to take their time and it is not always the first dress they try on they go for."

Little Lucy, "Please can I go because I like going in the store as they give me sandwiches and a drink. Also as Mummy is marrying one of your sons can I call you Grandpa Kaiser Willie?"

Willie picked Lucy up, "Yes that is acceptable by me. You may be the only grand daughter I ever get."

“Grandpa they have been teasing me telling me I was to meet the Kaiser chiefs."

Lucinda explained they had been trying to explain that Grandpa Willie was related to the late Kaiser and Lucy thought they meant the pop group the Kaiser Chiefs from Leeds in Yorkshire."

Willie started to laugh, "Lucy the Kaiser they are all referring to was my grandfather Willie. He was Emperor of all Germany."

"So grandpa are you a Kaiser Willie as well?"

Renate said, "No Willie is not, I am the only monarch of any German state."

Lucy, "So one day I will be Queen Lucy or Kaiser Lucy."

Willie, you will almost certainly be Queen of Bavaria & Queen of Denmark one day and unless there are more children you will also have to become Queen of Norway and Sweden as your granny is senior to Rose."

"In that case Grandpa Willie you can accompany me when we go shopping and you and Aunt Renate can tell me all I need to know about being a queen or Kaiser.

Willie, "Lucy you will have plenty of time to learn. When this holiday is over you will be going to live with William & Lynn in their home. Your mummy will need their help for a long time to come, but Orena will also be there to help them."

"So am I not going back to the little house were mummy got sick? I am glad we are not going back there, as there were no children for me to play with. When I go to your house will there be children to for me to play with? I hope there are lots for me to play with. I miss my Markus."

Chapter13. Planning a Visit to a School.

Lynn, “We need you to help look after your mummy. So you will have to tell us all she likes. Also you will have to go to school and there you will make friends of the same age as your self. I would not tell them you are to be a queen though that will be our secret for the time being."

“Will you and grandpa take me and collect me as I might get lost on my own?”

Wilma, "Lucy we would not think of sending you on your own. We will send you to the same schools your Aunt Louise went to. Orena, Lynn or I will be there to collect you from school. It is like going on a great adventure. They teach you different languages."

“I can speak several languages already, as that was one thing mummy insisted on & I can also write in them. So as I already know them I have no need to go to this school and I can stay and look after mummy."

Olaf, "When I marry your mummy you will become my daughter and then Grandpa Willie will be your grandpa. It will be my job to help Grandma & Grandpa look after your mummy. So you will be free to play with your new friends at school and then when you come home you can help look after your mummy.”

Louise, "Lucy I had to go to school and I have only just finished going and now I have to look for work. I did not realise Max was a Prince and we met at University. We got on very well together and, it was not long before he told me he wanted to marry me but he would have to ask the family for permission first. I had planned to tell mum and dad that I had a job offer in Sweden when they got back from this holiday.”

Lucy, "So Aunt Louise you will be able to stay with Aunt Olga and see more of Uncle Max."

Queen Olga who had been listening started to laugh. "By any chance was the job offer it in genetics at a certain clinic near Malmo?”

Louise, "Yes it was but, I have not yet looked round the place. I was intending to go there while my parents were on the cruise, but now I am with them on the cruise."

Olga spoke into the telephone. "Did you ask a Louise Church to come for a job interview?"

"Your Majesty how did you discover that fact? Yes we did and we expect her here any day. She is by far the top in her field and as you know we are the leaders in that field. It would have been very remiss of us not to have offered her a job."

"In that case I better inform my niece Princess Louise she has the job if she wants it. Unfortunately my niece Louise will be with me for the next three weeks on holiday. Then I will bring her personally with some of the other family members who need checking out in the clinic. After that she will be having her wedding before she will be available to start.

This telephone call put the clinic in a panic & the director was called his office manager.

The director, "Can I see those forms we sent out? Do you mind if I telephone the palace to see if you have managed to offer a job to Princess Louise or if we are the victims of an elaborate joke? The director telephoned the palace in Sweden.

Angela's secretary received the call. "Sorry her majesty can not reply herself as she is currently on vacation with other family members. I can give you a private telephone number if you wish to contact her."

A short time later Angela's private telephone started to ring. "Yes Queen Olga is here along with the rest of the family. "Yes we have a Louise Church on board. Yes she is my godchild and Olga's as well as being her niece. Louise sends her greetings and to tell you she has decided to accept your offer. It will be six weeks before she starts although she will be calling to see what the clinic looks like. I am sure you will ensure my heir is well looked after in her new job."

Louise, "It is a dream job for me but what about Max? Also did you have to tell him I was your heir?"

Angela said, "Louise one of these days you will have to take over from me and I hope it is not for a long time. When that day comes they will have to find a new geneticist to replace you. As it is they also have somebody else starting. That person has already said, "They will be very busy until 1st September. So I took the initiative and said in that case you would start at the same time. It does help in the real world if you have family connection. Now I suggest you go and have a long talk with Max about your new job.”

"Max I need to talk to you about after we are married. I have a job offer in Sweden doing a job I am well qualified to do. The job starts on the 1st of September at the clinic. I hope it will not interfere with your job plans."

"Louise your plans and mine mesh perfectly as that is the date I also start work at the same place as you. I doubt though that they realise I am Prince Max Von Kirk of Obersdorf as at college I was Max Kirk. As father has already decided we should all bear the Church name in future, I decided to ask the College authorities to change the name on my certificate to Max Church.

Willie was relaxing when his telephone went off and he answered it. "Sorry about the intrusion but this number was given by a student. Recently we got a telephone call asking to change the Surname on the certificate."

"Yes that is correct my son Prince Max von Kirk of Obersdorf is to get married to his cousin Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Louise Church of Norway. We decided as all my children were getting married we would all become Church."

"Thank you, sorry sir are you a King or a Prince?

Young lady Willie will suffice. But had I got my grandfathers title I would have been Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany. I though am glad both Max and Louise made it through college without anybody realising who they were. They both achieved everything with out a helping hand from anybody."

The young woman put the telephone down and went to see the Dean who pulled out a copy of who's who. "Apparently what he told you was correct as far as the son is concerned." The Dean telephoned the emergency number for Louise.

"Hello can you put me through to William Church please."

"Speaking."

"Sorry but an apparent problem has arisen and I need to clarify it. Is Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Louise Church of Norway your daughter Sir?

William started to laugh, "Yes that is my Louise but, all she was known as at College in Leeds was Louise Church."

William, "I take it that I am speaking to the Dean or Principal of Leeds University?” I know normally only parents & siblings normally attend the graduation ceremony but I Have four queens here who wish to see the presentation in addition Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Lucy Church of Denmark & Bavaria wishes to attend her aunt presentation."

William put the telephone down and then said, "I have just got you all invites to Louise’s and Max.’s graduation ceremony in Leeds at the university.

Angela, "I bet the University telephone is red hot by now."

Sure enough the dean had decided to ring the palace & he asked to speak to Queen Elizabeth. The personal private secretary actually took the call. "Yes sir the Queen is not here at the moment but can I help you."

"I hope so as it concerns two of my students who are due to graduate." "One gave his name as Max Kirk and the other as Louise Church."

"Would that be Prince Max Von Kirk of Obersdorf sir if it is then he is the Kaisers Wilhelm eldest son & we understand he has got engaged to the niece of Queen Olga of Norway in fact that is were her majesty is going at this very moment. Actually the Germans never got around to crowning Willie, but he to all intents and purposes is the Kaiser of Germany.

"If that is the case then I better rearrange who is to do the presentations. Would her majesty be gracious enough to agree to do the presentations? I know it is short notice but I have only just discovered we had the two members of the European Royal family on the student presentation list."

"Yes sir I have already pencilled it in and I will make all the security arrangements that will be required. So be prepared for visits from security over the next few weeks and then again just before the event."

Back at Leeds University the dean called the entire faculty together. "I have managed to obtain the service of her majesty Queen Elizabeth to make these years presentations. So we will be having security teams coming over the next few weeks to check the venue out. Apparently we have had two senior foreign Royals' attending here over the last few years and they will be the last presented. "

"Sir Do you mind telling me which students were the Royalty as nobody has any idea we had any royal students?"

"Let us just say that the genetic faculty department had two top students."

The head of genetics said, "My top students were Louise Church from Skipton & Max Kirk from Germany. Those two will soon became an item & I would not be surprised if they got married soon after leaving. I do know Louise had a job offer from Sweden as to Max he was having to go and visit a relative in Sweden."

The Dean, "Well I can tell you Max has officially got engaged to Crown Princess Louise Church of Norway. Louise happens to be one of the three nieces of Queen Olga of Norway and is the heir apparent to the Norwegian crown. As to Max Kirk he is the son of Kaiser Willie of Germany. From what I can gather Louise until a few days did not know her heritage although she had Royal god parents."

Mean while the group had gone shopping again. They headed straight for the same department store they had all been in recently. Lucy took hold of Willie's hand, "We can have sandwiches and a drink while we watch. After watching for a while Lucy started to get fidgety, “Grandpa I saw something the other day that I would like to show you."

William Church and the Scandinavia Trip.
by Sharphawlad
Chapter 14. A visit to the toy department

Wilma, "I think I will come with you Willie to the toy department."

Lucy took them to the toy department. The assistant approached them and said, "Can I help you? Lucy said, "Yes my grandparents wish to try the racing car set out with a view to getting one for me.

Before long Willie & Wilma were both engrossed in trying to beat each other with their race car. They both totally forgot they were in a department store.

Lucy, "Have you a set bigger with more cars and some bridges or chicanes. I think grandma will allow me to have the best you have if it keeps those two occupied. Whilst they are playing can you take me back to the dress department to get your order? Kurt & Max had managed to slip away and saw Lucy with a strange man.

"Lucy are you OK."

"Yes uncles my Grandpas are in the toy department racing cars so the assistant is taking me back to the dress department.”

"In that case we will go and find them.

Olaf was the only male left with the group and he had noticed the disappearance of all the others. Lucy entered with the assistant. Queen Olga was just saying right that is all we want today.

Lucy, "Grandma I have left the boys in the toy department & the assistant has brought me back. I wondered if perhaps I could have a racing car set so the boys could race me, but they seam to be enjoying playing with it themselves." The second assistant was busy placing a second track along side the original. Max and Kurt then were challenging the other two.

Renate, "Well, well ladies we appear to have found some children.

Willie, "Sorry we just got that engrossed that we forgot where we happened to be. Willie looked at the two assistants and said, "I must apologise for our behaviour. However I believe my Grand daughter Lucy would like a track similar to this but with six lanes.”

Olaf, "You better include grandstand, Chicanes, Crossovers in fact all that are normally extra." The manager came to see what all the fuss was about.

“Ah you again Princess are getting to be a regular here."

"Grandpa Willie would like the biggest & best racing set & it has to be six lanes and then I can race my Grandpas & Uncles all at the same time."

The manager clapped his hands, "You heard Princess Lucy so we had better prepare the order.”

Kurt looked at the extra track lengths they had used and said, "We will take all you have in stock as six tracks may not be enough."

Eventually all including the demo was packaged up and taken to the Royal Midnight Sun.

Olga, “We also will have to be going as the ship sails in two hours."

Back on board the ship they found the stewards had opened the Scalelectric sets and laid them down in the main dining room. The stewards were just going to test the track when the Royal party arrived. "Sorry sir we were just testing the track to see if we had connected it correctly."

Lucy, "In that case you can test it against me."

Willie, "Well you heard Princess Lucy she has challenged you to a race."

Most of the afternoon was spent with different people challenging Lucy. Sometimes she lost sometime she won but everyone was enjoying themselves. Captain Swen was the last to challenge Lucy and she managed to beat him.

Lucy, "I think now it is time for the big boy’s race. I know they have all being wanting to have a go so Captain you may substitute for me."

While they were racing a helicopter was heard over head and it landed on the ship. Lucy went to investigate and saw an elderly regal lady getting out of the helicopter.

"Hello I am Lucy; you are a little late for my party but just in time for racing the cars. Grandpa Willie is challenging the boys and then we are having the Queens race, and then the grannies race."

Queen Elizabeth spoke, "So you are the young lady I have been hearing about. Do you live in England?”

“After this holiday I have to go with mum and live there with my grandparents. Grandpa Willie bought me this car set but as you can see he and my uncles are monopolizing it."

Elizabeth entered the room and spoke, "Greetings everyone, Willie, I suppose Berlin or Moscow has not contacted you yet." Willie stood to attention and saluted. "

“Cousin Elizabeth we were not expecting you as you can see."

Willie it is obvious to me that you were too engrossed in the race to notice me arrive. At least a Zarina noticed me arrive and greeted me.”

Olga, "Excuse me Elizabeth what did you say?”

Lucy, "Grandma Elizabeth said a Zarina welcomed her and I was the only one to do that. What is a Zarina?”

Willie, "Did you say Berlin & Moscow?”

Elizabeth, "Both governments have decided to re-establish their monarchies. As from noon today Germany will have an Empress designate until she come of age at 21. Until that time there will be a regent who will act as Kaiser until that time. Moscow has decided to go down the same road and will accept the same Regent."

Lucy, "I will just have to tell them all Grandpa Willie is my Kaiser."

Lucinda, "Sorry Elizabeth she does not understand that she already is heir apparent to Norway, Sweden, Denmark & Bavaria thrones."

As they were speaking another helicopter arrived and some men got out. Lucy started to laugh at their strange walk. "They look as if they have stiff legs Grandpa."

Willie, "That is called the goose step Lucy."

They marched up to Renate and saluted and then to the other Queens and did the same. They marched up to Lucy & saluted her. "You two forgot Grandpa Willie he is my Kaiser."

Renate, "Lucy has decided she wants a joint team of regents consisting of the five queens you see here and Willie who will act on her personal representative. The men marched up to Willie with Teutonic precision and saluted and stamped their feet.

Willie saluted them back, "At ease. You both heard Lucy my grand daughter, that she wishes me to be called Kaiser Wilhelm but I will only be regent until she is twenty one and on that day she will take full charge. As for now she will be living with her other grand parents and mother in England.”

"Grandpa I think you will look nice in a uniform and you will have to wear one when you stand in for me. What is the top man in the Army or whatever called? Because I think you should wear that to show everybody you are the top man."

Elizabeth was chuckling, "In England the top men are called Field Marshal, Flight Marshal or Admiral."

"Well Kaiser Grandpa Willie shall be all three for me. Now you two boys as you are here you can race cars with me."

"Yes Zarina."

The other adults watched on as Louise showed she was determined to win. Win she did with a two lap lead. Lucy looked at the two officers and said, "You two need more practice on this and less stiff legs."

Willie smiled as Lucy said, "Do you both speak English?"

"Yes Empress."

"Good because you can stay and play with me here. I am keeping you both to play with."

Willie barked out an order, “I take it you both are 16."

"Yes sir."

"In that case I will notify your units you are both on special duties until further notice and have your gear sent here. I will tell you now this is a twenty four-hour a day job. Names please Romanoff S White Cossacks division sir, Battenberg Imperial Prussian Infantry Sir"

"Well apparently you both carry famous names and I take it you were both personally selected for this assignment."

"Sir I was summoned to Chancellor Angela who informed me the monarchy was restored and I had to tell Empress Lucy personally. It appears though other sources have already told the Empress. I was chosen sir because I was the youngest in our armed forces. And yes I am the youngest son of Baron Louis von Battenberg.

Sir like my German friend the same was applicable to me, as I am the youngest son of Grand Duke Nicholas Romanoff of St. Petersburg.

“So you are both my cousins’ children. I had better put a call direct to your parents in that case so they know were you are.” Willie went to the helicopter pad and said, "Can I speak to base." This is Flight marshal von Kirk here Officers Battenberg and Romanoff are transferred here with immediate effect. They are to be transferred to a brand new unit with special duties of protecting the Zarina Lucy.”

"Yes sir we will send their effects over immediately."

Willie Dialled two numbers. "Hello cousin I am on board the Royal Midnight Sun along with the Empresses two new protection officers. Apparently they both come from good families and she has decided they will make her excellent playmates." For a moment there was a silence and then the voice at the other end said,

“Willie is this one of your practical jokes?”

"No cousin it is no practical Joke and as of 10 minutes ago it is Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany so please use that. The title was conferred on me in the presence of five queens a few moments ago."

"Yes Willie, sorry Kaiser Wilhelm congratulations.”

Willie put the telephone down, "That will put the cat among the pigeons and I bet the telephone is red hot within a short time."

A short time later the telephone rang. "Hello is our Willie there, it is his Sister Margarita. What is all this nonsense I have been hearing from Battenberg & Romanoff families? Willie has you no sense at all, telling them you are Kaiser indeed. You always were one for practical jokes."

"Margarita listen please. I was visiting Cousin Helga when something came to light. What I said to both families was no joke. Empress Lucy the granddaughter of Helga of Denmark has been chosen as Empress of both Russia & Germany, & will automatically inherit both Denmark & Bavaria, & I am Prince Regent until Lucy is twenty-one. Empress Lucy calls me Grandfather Willie and has created me Kaiser until she is of age."

"Willie put me on to the child." Willie hands the telephone to Lucy. “Hello Lucy I am Willie's big sister Margarita. Is Grandpa Willie playing silly games again?”

Lucy took a deep breath & said, “Princess Margarita of Hess the Army helicopter arrived and two boys came out with very stiff legs and greeted me as Empress Lucy. I was with Elizabeth, Renate, Helga, Angela & Olga and mum and my grandparents. The Queens along with Willie have become my regents & Willie is my top man."

"Child can you find room for an aged German princess & her daughters on the boat?"

Lucy handed the telephone to Helga who spoke, "Sorry Margarita it is no joke this time. I know Willie is a practical joker but this has taken him by surprise. You will have to get here by helicopter along with the Romanoff and Battenberg families, and yes there is room for you on board the ship. Make sure you bring the girls as Lucy is already complaining she has no young friends to play with."

Margarita put the telephone down and looked at her youngest daughters. "We are packing up to visit a queen."

"Mummy will we have to curtsy like you taught us?”

“Yes darlings although I think the new Queen might not mind too much if you do not do it correctly."

"Mummy that is silly all queens know what a curtsy is like."

“Children the new queen we are to visit is a very young girl and is only four, she has just had her fourth birthday."

"Mum we should take her some birthday presents and a party dress." Margarita and her daughters went shopping. When they got back they found a helicopter on their front lawn.

"Princess Margarita & family I had instructions to collect you all so I came in my personal helicopter."

“Cousin Louis you are going also?”

“Margarita I have something to ask. You are husband-less and I am wife less & can not have children, but would you consider taking me as your husband, and would the children like me as a father?"

"Louis you know we will have to ask permission as do all of Royal Blood from Elizabeth and now Lucy but as far as I am concerned yes."

The children all replied, "You were dads friend and we can think of nobody better to help mum look after us. So we say yes as will the Empress when we ask her."

"My only son is already on the ship. My late wife did not live long enough to see him & I always felt there was some thing wrong with my son but I have not managed to work it out.”

Margarita, "Mary can you go and pack another case with a complete selection of your clothing. In fact double up on everything same with you Alice." Both girls looked puzzled but did as instructed.

"Mother we packed everything as instructed. Why do we need to double up on everything & our sisters do not?"

"Well Alice & Mary you never know when it might be needed."

Louis rang Willie back and said," I am bringing your sister and nieces & she thinks I might have a daughter waiting for me when I arrive."

Willie said, "Louis lets put it like this I had three sons and now have one. But I will order the two of them to have a full medical immediately." Both boys were busy playing with Lucy.

Willie. "I need you one at a time for a full medical."

"But sir we have had one already."

"I know you had one, but we have to ensure you have nothing contagious when the Empress health is concerned."

Chapter15. Romanoff & Battenberg companions.

Young Battenberg was the first into the doctor’s office. He looked around rather scared and saw Rose & Anne Marie. He stood to attention and passed all the initial tests.

“Strip completely," said the doctor, "Did you not here me I said strip completely. I have seen enough naked men before."

"But sir I am not a normal naked man."

Anne Marie, "Would you be more comfortable if I checked you over?"

“Please nurse if you will. I passed the full medical the only thing wrong was nobody bothered to check if I was male or female. As you will soon see I had to take preventative action so these would not be noticed."

Anne Marie wrapped a towel round the top half and asked the boy to lay on the table and lift his legs up. The doctor came and checked the remainder and then said, "It appears there is a tendency for this condition to run in the Royal family. By now the boy was shaking. "Am I going to be OK Doctor?" And then he burst into a stream of tears.

Anne Marie cuddled the boy, "Those tears tell me with out the doctor’s diagnosis what we have to do next."

The Romanoff officer came in and saw his colleague in a distressed state. He was told what the problem was. "Oh is that all in the Russian army all soldiers are treated the same. Men and women have to strip side by side. We get use to it. So when my problem started to occur the ladies made me wear the appropriate garment. I now have my own supply & will bring you one if you wish."

The doctor, “Will you strip please."

"Yes sir."

As the doctor was examining the second boy the drone of the helicopters could be heard over head. The first helicopter discharged the Romanoff family and then flew away, leaving room for the next helicopter.

Louis expertly landed his helicopter on the deck and then ensured it was fastened down. Lucy came out holding on to Willie and Wilma. Margarita as soon as she saw Lucy curtsied, as did the others.

Lucy, "Good I have some more playmates now. The other two are with the doctor."

The youngest of the girls curtsied and said," I am Princess Fiona & these are my sisters we have to ask if our Mum Princess Margarita can marry her cousin Prince Louis of Battenberg. We have already said yes but we have to have your advice."

"Do they love each other Fiona?"

"What we know is we will have a daddy to look after us & we know they like each other and their eyes sparkle when they are together."

"Well Fiona I have never been a bridesmaid do you think I will be allowed to be one for your mother along with your sisters and my two other companions."

Prince Louis von Battenberg bowed, "That can be arranged Empress Lucy. Now where is that son of mine?"

Before they could leave the Romanoff family presented themselves. "Zarina Lucy greetings I am Grand Duke Nicholas Romanoff of St. Petersburg and this is my family. We are all eager to see my youngest son and are very surprised he is one of your special guards."

Willie, "Ah we might have a problem with both of them as they are with the doctor. We have been awaiting the results of the examination. I was just about to go and see how they are."

Lucy, "Prince Nicholas and Prince Louis you may accompany me and my new friend Fiona to see how my new companions are."

They entered as the doctor was just finishing the examination when they arrived. Lucy saw young Battenberg was still very upset. And went across and cuddled him.

Anne Marie, "They both need new uniforms before they can leave here and this one is very upset at what has been discovered about her."

Lucy looked at young Battenberg, "Princess you might have been able to trick others you were a man but a man would not be blubbering like you are doing. I have your father here who is equally as shocked. Fiona can you ask your sisters for the loan of appropriate clothing?

Fiona ran off and found her mother and said what was required. Margarita looked at her elder daughters who said, "Mother you expected this to happen, have you seen it before?”

"I half suspected what the problem was and that was why I asked you both to pack extra cases."

Meanwhile Lucy spoke Romanoff and Battenberg I expect you both in similar uniforms to my latest companions. So I will leave you in your cousins’ care and expect to see you are correctly dressed in future. I am now leaving with these two boys who can take your places and race the cars with me. Do you both fully understood?"

"Yes Empress."

"Yes Zarina."

Lucy left giggling. She saw Fiona coming back.

Louis spoke, "Margarita we have another daughter who along with her cousin needs help can you sort them out and then when that is done bring them to Ariel. Fiona here can accompany the Empress and race against us.

Margarita entered the cabin & found Rose with daughter Anne Marie. "Sorry Rose I did not realise you were on board the ship. Willie has not told me everything; I have brought a couple in both sizes so we should be OK."

Rose, "The weepy one is Louis daughter."

"So you are to be my daughter. Well young lady we better have you dressed like a Royal Princess should be. I certainly will not permit any of my daughters to be dressed in combat outfits. Alice dispose of those clothes I do not want to see them ever again. Tell Maria I want her here immediately, as I need her skills.

Alice vanished with the clothing and returned with Marie. Margarita, "Marie my daughter & her cousin need their faces repairing. I suggest semi-permanent as they do not yet have the skill to do it themselves yet."

Marie worked hard on both girls including fitting acrylic nails and painting them. Margarita smiled and said, "It is a good job you both have long hair I can fit you both with tiaras. Now you are dressed correctly we can take you too see your fathers. I think they might have something to say. Now what do we call you two?"

"I like Victoria as it was the name of a great lady in the family."

Margarita, "Victoria, Rose, Renate, Angela, Elizabeth, Will do for you. Now my niece what about you?

Princess my name will be Alexis, Ann Marie, Olga, Helga, Margarita. That will do fine for me. Now can I please get back to my duties of guarding the Empress? As you can clearly see this uniform does not bother me it is only clothes after all. Some of those in my old unit would love to have a uniform such as this and will never get the chance."

Margarita decided to check their training and said, "Attention." Both former boys stood to attention and the girls decided to follow their lead. Right I am going to inspect your uniform and makeup before you go on duty I expect you to be perfect every day in future and if not you will both be on charges."

"Yes sir” The girls giggled and then said, "You two are our sisters now. Mum is not so bad but she does insist on everything being perfect.”

Alexis, "She is far scarier than my old sergeant and I thought he was scary."

Victoria, "I am surprised she did not inspect our fingernails."

"Oh mum does that sometimes and if you bite them then you will have a sore backside, but as Marie has just fitted acrylic you have been let off. Tomorrow you have to start basic training but first we need ammunition."

"But we have already had basic training."

"Not like this you have not. I think though mum will want to take you to get your ammunition similar to ours. You will also need additional clothing so we will have to go to the supply depot to get you both fitted out. Now though we are ready to do our job.”

Victoria did not understand, “I do not see any weapons how you can defend Lucy?

Alice, "Sister allow us to demonstrate with you, Alexis try and attack Victoria as if you meant to harm her." The next second Alexis were on the floor with the two girls sat on her.

“Perfect, Perfect girls and you have not even ruffled you hair. Now help Alexis up and check her over. "

“Yes mum."

Victoria looked at the girls. "Only the very best in my unit got that sort of training. I think I might like this after all. Now all I have to worry about is what father is going to say.”

Margarita, "He has already had instructions from the Empress that she and you two along with my daughters are to be my bridesmaids, when I get married to him. Now do you understand why I called you my daughter?”

"Yes sir sorry I mean mum." This brought more giggles from the girls.

"Come girls we have delayed long enough and the others will be wondering where we are."

As they entered the room Lucy was sat with Fiona who was saying that is six times we beat you both and so we win by five races.

Margarita, "Hello how is the race going."

Victoria & Alexis stood to Attention and said, "Empress Companions ready for duty & inspection."

Lucy and Fiona pretended to check the whole group over and then Lucy said, "Yes you all will do nicely for now and I would much prefer Lucy rather than Empress or sir, is that clear? Now Uncle Louis it might be an idea tomorrow for you and Aunt Margarita to take me and my companions out shopping. "Both Victoria and Alexis will need complete wardrobe. Uncles in future I want to see you all in Marshall's uniforms is that understood.”

Nicholas, "Do I understand I am promoted to Admiral & Louis to Flight Marshal?

Willie replied, "Lucy has already put me in charge of all her armed forces and apparently you both are now heads of all armed forces in your respective countries."

Nicholas, "This trip could it be extended a little as I would like to show Lucy St. Petersburg?

Captain Swen, "All none family have already been moved so if you wish we can extend the tour. My wife was expecting me at the end of the three weeks because it tallied with our wedding anniversary. We had nothing special planned though."

Lucy, "In that case have her pack a bag and join us on the ship. You have no other family but you consider the crew are as much your family." Uncle Louis there is no point in Captain Swen turning the ship around so can you take us shopping, and also collect the Captains wife at the same time?”

Captain Swen radioed his wife who was stunned and then replied, "I will have to go and get some new dresses then." She packed her cases and then drove her car to the department store and was looking at dresses when the party arrived.

Lucy saw the older lady fingering a dress and was counting. "Hello that is a nice dress and it is very pretty."

“Yes love I was just trying to work out if I could afford to buy it. My husband is the Captain of a ship and he has some very important guests and they have told him they will send somebody to collect me from this store and I have to leave my car in the car park. Have you lost your mummy? I will help you find her."

"I came in with my cousins, aunt and mum is also here as we all came looking for new clothing for my cousins. Look mum is over there with Uncle, he is pushing her."

Captain Swen’s wife curtsied when she saw Prince Willie, “Sir I presume you must be the party who was due to meet me. Sorry little one I did not realise you were a Princess I honestly thought you had wandered away from your parents."

Willie, “Madame I presume you are Captains Swen’s wife and the party who we are supposed to collect. I though should tell you Lucy is no Princess."

"Well Prince Wilhelm the young lady who you are pushing around looks like Queen Olga to me and Lucy here called her mother so I presume she is a Princess of Norway."

Lucinda, "I do look like Aunt Olga. My mother is Helga of Denmark & my late father was Olga's brother."

"Oh Swen told me that you sir had been appointed Kaiser although he said nothing else. I never realised Olga had a brother, I knew there was a sister that lived in England."

"Actually there are two sisters who both live in the same town and I will be living with one of them along with my daughter."

"Sorry little one I have just realised that you must then be the Danish Crown Princess."

Lucy by now was accompanied by her companions and was giggling away. Lucy had Fiona go and bring the dress Captain Swen’s wife had been fingering she found her.

“Willie Anna here was about to get a dress for her presentation to somebody special when she stopped what she was doing to help me find mum.”

Lucinda, "I am a Danish & Norwegian Princess; I am not the Crown princess. That title goes to somebody younger than me. Who you happen to be holding the hand of at the moment. Anna meet Crown Princess Lucy of Denmark & Bavaria & Empress & Zarina designate of Germany & Russia.

The manager came back with Fiona and the dress. Lucy, “Well am I going to see you in it? Anna went and changed into it and then returned.

Captain Swen, "You love children but could not have any.”

Lucy, “Well I am making you an official Grandma and then you can play with us. As for the dress that will be part of your uniform."

Willie, "I am one of her grandfathers and it is Lucy who decreed that I am to be known as Kaiser. Lucy will have a team of advisors who will act as Regents until she is twenty-one these include her Grandma and great aunts and me. For now though we will try and give her a normal life. So she will be going to England to live with my son and her mother."

Fiona, "As official Grandma you get us all as we are all companions to Lucy. In fact mother has decided we should move to be near Lucy so our new father has decided that while we will still visit our other homes we will be living in the same town as Lucy.”

Louis, "Lucinda when I realised after talking to Olga where you were going to move to I acquired the adjoining row and had the houses ripped apart and the developers have worked very fast. I am afraid Lynn and Wilma are in for a slight shock as the two rows of houses now look more like a small palace. I had also to make arrangements for the education of all the children. After the girls mother reminded me Lucy was supposed to be attending a local school and Fiona would have to go to the same place. I had a word with Wilma and she recommended St. Stephen's for the younger ones. I telephoned my friend Cardinal Basil Hulme about the girls starting the Catholic schools in September. Not surprisingly the schools where both happy to accommodate the girls. Especially when they both got unexpected visits from the Cardinal."

Victoria, "At least we get out of that Alexis."

Louis, "Actually Victoria you are wrong as both you and Alexis will go to the Secondary school and among other things study various languages along with your older sisters.”

“Papa we can not as we are Lucy's protection and soldiers.”

Nicholas, "I agree with your decision Louis but if they insist they are Lucy's protection then they will have to start at the reception class with her and Fiona.” This caused the older girls to giggle.

Alexis, "But sir we are both conscripted into the armed forced of our respective countries."

Anna picked up Lucy, “I take it these two do not fully realise they have been reassigned duties as I appear to have been. Now before we go would all my official grand daughters like a cola or ice cream?”

Lucy, "Well we can have nice milk shakes here if the chef will come and make them for us. Also we need to get you Anna a few more grandma dresses. Alexis I have conscripted you to be my companion then that is what you will do. Neither you nor Victoria looks good in combat outfits. In fact you both look far nicer as you are dressed now. I like girls to look like girls and not pretend boys.”

Margarita, "Well said Lucy, I agree totally with those words and ordered their uniforms disposed of. To be honest I am enjoying shopping for the two of them. In fact I was thinking of going to the toy department to get them each a doll. First we will have that snack Grandma Anna wanted to have.”

Lucy said as they were eating, "Anna we will all call you Grandma and you can refer to me as Lucy now as to Captain Swen I like him so Grandpa Willie what is the top man called who is in charge of ships? I think Captain Swen should get the job and anytime I need to sail he can drive my ship.”

Nicholas smiled, "That is easy to arrange all we need to know was do you mean all our ships merchant and navy? Or just our merchant fleets?”

“Uncle Nicholas you know jolly well after Grandpa you two is in command of all my armed forces. I doubt very much that Captain Swen wants to be back in the navy. Captain Swen shall be promoted to Marshal of our merchant fleets.

Nicholas corrected Lucy and said, "Admiral of the merchant fleets is the correct name Lucy."

"OK but I expect Captain Swen to be informed of his promotion before the end of the day and, that he is to be my personal driver.”

Lucinda, "She may be only four but she will be making quite a few decisions herself."

“I need to refill the helicopter before we return to the ship. So I will have to call at the military base to refill.”

Chapter17. Arrival at the military base.

The arrival of Louis Battenberg personal helicopter caused some consternation and alarm at the camp especially when the troops realised they were getting a visit by top brass. It did not take long for the entire camp to be lined up in the parade ground.

Willie took hold of Lucy's hand, "They expect us to inspect them so we have to see they are perfect."

Whilst they were inspecting the men in a tanker came and filled the Helicopter up. Lucy tapped Willie, "Grandpa the man who hurt mummy is among them." He though did not realise whom Lucy was as she went back and said, "You have a spot of oil on your trousers."

His colleagues were even more surprised when armed guards arrested the man and escorted him to the glass house. Lucy stopped by a soldier. "I know you as you used to play with me and then you vanished. Grandpa why is Marcus a soldier when he is only 13? If I am to go to school so should he.

The camp commandant, "You know this soldier."

"I should he has played with me from being a baby. His parents both died in America in the Twin towers incident but his older brother was looking after him."

"Sir I tried to tell them when I brought the letter addressed to my brother but nobody listened to me so I became a soldier. Not that I am complaining at least I am getting three meals a day while here."

“Where then is your brother soldier?" asked the Commandant of the camp

"Well Sir the last time I saw him he was in intensive care on a life support in the local hospital."

The Commandant telephoned the hospital, “Apparently you are telling the truth. We though now are going to have to let you go."

"But sir can I not stay here at least I get fed."

Lucinda had Wilma pushed her up to the young Soldier. Then she spoke "Commandant has recruit Olson passed all basic training?"

"Yes Madame in fact he was the top of the platoon and went on to learn unarmed combat. In fact I could have done with a few more like him in my unit."

Lucinda, "Markus you are to defend Lucy." Lucinda pointed to another soldier (Who appeared to be the tallest in the unit). "You try and get a kiss off Lucy."

The soldier was on the floor before he reached Lucy. Lucinda came across and gave him a kiss, "That is for proving Markus will be ideal for a new job I have in mind. Markus do you have a full dress uniform?

"I have only just received it as it had to be made especially for me."

Willie spoke, "Commander I presume you realise who I am. Well recruit Olson is not the first who has been signed up under age and I doubt that he will be the last. A mistake has been made with Markus Olson and now we will have to rectify it. Markus go and pack all your equipment and put on the dress uniform. Commander he is also to have dress uniforms made in these units immediately. Now to address your unit."

"Gentlemen one of your number has proved to be excellent soldier and has excelled in all he has attempted with that in mind he has been transferred to a very special unit which he is admirably suited to be in. He was mistakenly admitted in the place of his brother who is in hospital. With the courage and resourcefulness he has exhibited I have no hesitation to promoting him to Captain. I would like to ask for volunteers to take his kit bag to my helicopter. Now before we depart I propose you give Captain Olson three cheers.

The soldier Lucinda had kissed picked the kit bag up, “Sir that pleasure should fall to me as I was the one he demonstrated on. Field Marshall take good care of our Captain and if he ever needs help he can rely on me.

Nicholas, “Yes there is something your unit can do his brother is in hospital and should have been the one to serve in this unit. I want a member of this unit at his bed side all the time and I expect daily reports on how he is recovering."

"Yes sir, I will ask for volunteers for that duty. May I ask what to do with Grim Shaw sir?

Markus, "Comrades some of you may wonder why recruit Grim Shaw was arrested. While the Commander decided not to let on the reason I think it is fair you all were told. It was not because of a spot of oil that was just an excuse for Empress Lucy to identify him.”

Lucy took his hand, "Markus I will tell them all. For years he has terrorised my mother and me with my mother finally being confined to her wheelchair following one of his assaults. As you can see I am with Grandpa Willie or to you all Kaiser Wilhelm. I myself have been hurt by Grim Shaw but not as badly as my mother has. I though am safe now as I have Markus and my royal princesses to guard me in future."

Markus, "I know there are some in this unit that have been terrorised by Grim Shaw bullying tactics. So I know most of you will not miss him. One of the reasons he was hard on me was because I recognised him & I had been thinking could I get away with an accident happening to him during a training exercise."

The big soldier saluted Willie, "Sir Permission to push the Princess up and down the troops. Markus and Lucy accompanied them. Two officers stopped them and said, "No sir we have a far better way." as they made a basket with their arms and Lucinda was lifted on by the soldier.

The commandant said, "Sir they wish to know if they can be called the Princess Lucinda platoon and for permission to carry there commanding officer among the troops."

Lucinda looked at Lucy and then across at the others. Markus noticed Lucy give the thumbs up to Field Marshal Willie. He then spoke, "Permission granted to this company and Princess Lucinda will return in several weeks time and present you all with her photo and standard." As they were talking there was the sound of gunfire. A red cap came running up and said, "There was an attempted jail break, but all have been recaptured."

GrimShaws Trial & punishment.

The officers carried Lucinda back to the Helicopter and carried her on board. After they had departed a court marshal was started. GrimShaw found he had to defend himself and it was not long before he was found guilty of instigating the jailbreak. He then found he was on additional charges. He was quizzed about Lucinda,

"The only woman I ever mistreated was some slut & her brat. All sluts like her deserve all they get. Hell when I found her and threw her to the floor her spine fairly snapped.”

With that the big soldier smashed him in his face. "That is for injuring the lady. The officers conducting the trial said, "Well as three witnesses have already spotted you and told us what you have been up to we find you guilty. Before we sentence you though we will allow you to say a final farewell to your comrades in arms."

GrimShaw found his former colleagues all lined up on the parade ground. The commanding officer ordered him to strip to his underwear. He then realised he was going to have to run the gauntlet of the tunnel. Each soldier was holding two clubs and before long he was on his hands and knees crawling to the end of the tunnel. As he crawled through the tunnel he found he was also getting the boot. More than one booted him in his testicles. Eventually he made it to the end of the tunnel. He was then taken to hospital under guard. At first the medical staff sympathised with him until they were told what he had done.

The doctor, "Actually he would be better transferred to the Clinic in Malmo for them to work on. Would you like me to make arrangements for him?"

“He will need secure accommodation as he has tried to escape once. But if you think he would be better there then I will arrangement for his guard.”

“You should be aware though only female guards will be allowed inside although you will be welcome as a guest.” The Captain issued instruction and units of female troops were sent to the clinic.

The female Sergeant with the troops, "Is he the one who crippled the Princess? We have all heard about him and there is nothing we would like better than to look after him, especially as all those I have selected have all been abused at some time. We are though all registered nurses or doctors so his health will not be in danger."

“I will accompany you all to the clinic they have been made aware you are here and have made accommodation available for you all. It might be some time before you are free to associate with your families & friends as I have been told it could be at least six months before he can be returned to his unit for final sentencing.”

The Sergeant grinned, "We all realise that and that is why we volunteered rather than just send somebody."

The coach transporting them soon arrives behind the ambulance. A doctor came out to greet the Captain. "I will show you ladies to the rooms you will be staying in while you are here. I understand you all have medical training, as that will be useful. My team will be preparing our client for the required surgery. Then he will need a full-time nursing team. Sorry you will have to share the adjoining rooms with each other but your meals will be in our canteen and there will be no charge. We are rather short staffed at the moment. We are expecting some new staff before long.”

The captain, "Sergeant I presume you have brought all you need so if you ring the bell somebody will come and show you all around and then to canteen as I am sure you are all hungry. Captain you might as well come with me while they unpack.” The Captain watched from a viewing area as GrimShaw was being operated on.

"It looks like they are ready for me so I will have to leave you here but my secretary will be along in a minute."

A short time later a young woman appeared and gave the Captain a running commentary. The Captain was shocked at what he was told, "You mean they have to remove it all."

"Yes the trauma he received was just two great. By the time we have finished you would not know he was not a genetic female. I have seen hundreds of males brought in here some came voluntary and others were forced or had to come because of trauma received. Regardless they all leave here female.”

"Surly they will still think of themselves as men regardless of how they look."

"Come Captain I will show you the rogue’s gallery. We always take a before and after photo of all clients."

The Captain looked at the photographs and said, "They all have come out very pretty in fact one or two of them appear to be famous. In fact I could fancy most of those girls’s myself. Now if he could be made to look like her and be obedient then I would have him."

The secretary took some notes and made a note of the picture. "Are you already married sir?"

“No I could never find a woman who would accept Army life and liked the things I do. Now if she liked fishing, Camping was a good cook and pretty as you and to be honest Delia I fancy you something rotten."

Delia, "Would you be surprised if I told you I was a client here. I came here voluntary. I could leave here now. The reason I stayed on was we have a new geneticist starting soon and I am hoping she can help me to be a mother. With that in mind I had them save all that was removed. Just so you know I do enjoy both fishing and camping so would you like a date Captain now you know about me?”

The Captain smiled, "Even if the geneticist can not help you I would certainly date you with a view to marriage in the future. Of course we would need to get to know each other first. What you once were do's not bothering me and if you can be helped then I would be very happy to be told we could have a child. Della do you mind if I kiss you?"

The team working on Grim Shaw smiled as the Doctor said, "It looks like our Della has finally found somebody she likes. At least we will not have to program her as most of their likes and dislikes coincide."

Finally breaking their clinch Della said, "We better go and find your girls Captain."

Soon they found the Ladies had unpacked the Sergeant said, "Sir I hope you liked the kiss you have traces of lipstick on your face."

The Captain smiled, "Yes I did enjoy the kiss and I am going on a date with Della." "If all goes well Della will need some bridesmaids if you want the job, although at the moment it is a little early to tell, but I have the feeling we are made for each other."

“Sir we would be all willing to do that job if required.”

Della gave a cry, “You mean you would all do that for me when you do not know me?"

"We know the Captain and any of us would have been glad to catch him but none of us are on the same wave length as him. If you like Fishing and camping then he is your man & he is very romantic. At different times he has tried to date most of us but we never clicked although we are all friends. You must have that little extra we do not." Della gave the Captain a kiss in front of the ladies to ensure they knew she was staking her claim on him.

After having a meal with them the Captain again kissed Della and then departed back for the camp. After he was gone the Sergeant said, "I bet he is back tonight, I have never ever seen him like this before.

The others laughed and one said, “I bet before long he has his own army.”

Della came back to see if they were OK, "Please stay and chat to us as at the moment we have nothing to do."

"The surgery could be another four hours at least girls so we have plenty of time to chat. So you all have dated the Captain at one time or another.”

The Sergeant, "Actually Della you already are doing better than any of us as none of us ever got to the kissing stage with him. He was always the perfect gentleman & unlike others he will wait until you are married. We do not need telling you have already caught him so it is time to start reeling him in now girl. We will tell you all about our prisoner. Now that is one nasty piece, any one of us would willingly take a carving knife to him for what we have suffered at different times. He though decided to assault Princess Lucinda the daughter of Queen Helga of Denmark. In case you are wondering she has no idea he has been brought here. His court marshal was left up to our commanding officer and he has been found guilty but his final sentence is to be determined when we eventually return to camp.”

Della, “You did say Princess Lucinda?

"Actually Della he also assaulted her daughter but her crippled the Princess Lucinda. As I said. We all volunteered for this duty because we have all been assaulted or raped at some time. To be honest Della it is probably why none of us made it with the Captain & he is a real gentleman. We are probably more suited to this as it is an all female environment rather than the current one we are in. Claire here can never have children as she was badly damaged.”

"Claire as you are here would you agree to the doctors checking you over and seeing if they can help you. There is no charge to staff and you will be that while you are here. In fact all of you are supposed to have a full medical before you start duty, but we can gradually get round to that as there is no rush. You will be living and working here and there will be little time for going out. You will gradually get use to working here. Most of us hardly ever leave the clinic, as we are very busy.”

“Some of the ex-patients decide to stay on as staff. They are usually the ones who come here voluntary. Some can afford our fees others pay by working and living here for a time after the surgery and all our ex-patients are always welcome back.”

“Could we meet and chat to some of those patients?”

Della started to laugh, "You have being. As a child I always felt I was a girl but I looked like a boy. Through the grapevine I heard about this place and decided to sell all I owned. I bought myself a one way ticket here. I was shocked to learn I would not have sufficient money even with all I had brought with me. I agreed to work here after my surgery. The money I brought went in a bank account. I finished my term some time ago, but as I have nowhere to go and I enjoy working here I stayed on. Normally I am used to advise the newly created. In case you think I have deceived the Captain I have told him every thing including the fact I am hoping to be one of the first to be able to have children. We are expecting a new Geneticist here shortly I believe she is called Louise Church. By the time I get married to your Captain I hope to be fully female, as I should have been. And then I can have the children I long to have.”

Claire, "No wonder you though the clinic might be able to help me if they can do that for you. Although there is something you are obviously unaware off. Our Company recently had the pleasure of Louise Church along with other family members.

Della looked puzzled, "We were informed she had family commitments in Norway, and she said nothing about visiting army camps."

"I think Della the helicopter she was travelling in needed fuel. It was how we discovered about GrimShaw. After the party left the boys took exception to what had been done to the Princess. Hence the mess you have in there.”

“What was our top geneticist doing with the Royal party Claire?

“I honestly do not know although both Princess Lucinda & Louise Church look like identical sisters. So I presume she is some how related.” Della pressed a button.

The Doctor came in, "Why the panic button Della?"

“Doctor did you know who Louise Church might be? As I have just been told she was with the Royal party that visited the Army camp recently.

"Ah actually when you sent the original invite I did not and neither did I know about Max Kirk until earlier today when I saw the paper. I know you normally do not bother reading them. This you should find interesting. Wilhelm von Kirk today announced the engagements of his three sons to Twin sisters Princess Lucinda and Louise the third brother is engaged to the daughter of Princess Rose of Norway. In future the Von Kirk's will be using the Anglo version of their name and be called Church. He also announced the engagement of his sister Princess Margarita of Hess to Prince Louis of Battenberg.

Claire looked at the photograph and said, "Yes that is the group who called at our camp. The young girl was calling the Field Marshal, Grandpa Kaiser Willie. In fact I would have said that four-year-old called Lucy was running the whole show. Others may have missed the fact but she sent enough hand signals to the three men who appeared to act on it. We all may have to go back for a short time because our unit is to be renamed after Princess Lucinda.”

Della brought out the files with the two names and a copy of their photo, which had previously been sent. Della decided to see what the computer could tell them about Lucy Church. After a short time the computer started to divulge information. Lucy the daughter of Lucinda and Otto. "Good grief no wonder you thought the child was giving instructions. She most certainly was." No wonder she was calling Wilhelm von Kirk Kaiser, He apparently is until she reaches twenty-one. That is one mighty powerful young lady to have as either a friend or enemy.

Chapter 18 Markus Olson's brother

Back on the ship reports filtered through about Markus Olson's brother. Markus informed “Lucy after you and your mother left, GrimShaw was bragging how he was going to finish the job he had started. He attacked my brother for protecting you previously. He came after me, but I got away and he vanished. I called the police and the ambulance. It was a shock to me when I found Grim Shaw in the same unit as me in the army. Lucky for me I was adopted by the big soldier and his friends.”

Willie read one report and decided he had better talk to Markus personally. "Markus your brother is out of his coma and would like to talk to you so I have asked Cousin Louis to take us there in the helicopter. We also need to collect your new uniforms so we will be calling at your old base for them."

At the hospital Markus found his brother talking to the big Soldier. “Hi Markus I have been hearing how you got mistaken for me and had to do my army service it is doubtful though that I will be doing that for some time to come."

The big soldier shot to attention when he saw the three men with Markus. "I got promoted to Captain and now I am on security duty for younger members of the Royal Family. I miss you brother and hope you will be out of here soon."

"Ah Markus I am being moved to another hospital as it was discovered I needed specialist treatment." They have waited until I came out of the coma to tell me so it would not be a total shock to me."

The big soldier, "I have promised your brother I will keep my eye on you although it appears you have plenty looking after you. Markus your brother was very badly injured down below. So following medical advice he will have to become your sister. Regardless of that I and your friends will be visiting him."

Willie spoke both you and Marcus has done us a great service in protecting Princess Lucinda so we have a few medals for you. Marcus will receive his medals, which are the same as yours later today in front of his unit. As will certain other soldiers who have won various medals.

"Sir if possible I would like to see that?”

The big soldier spoke, "I was being asked to get your brother some clothes and I was wondering what to do about it?” The brother moved and Marcus clearly saw his brother had breasts.

"Yes Markus they are all mine & that was why your friend was in a dilemma about getting me clothing. It is also why I decided the doctors would have to finish off the job. Better a live sister than a dead brother.”

Nicholas pressed the button at the side of the bed, "Nurse Can you help? This patient had all their clothing cut off and she has to be transferred to another hospital.”

The nurse returned with a bra and pants set, some tights and a white nurse’s uniform. "Sorry Gentlemen that is the best I can do at short notice. What I can do though is the young ladies hair and makeup before she leaves us.”

A short time later Markus said, "Even I find you attractive so you will be turning heads at the camp." The big soldier pushes the wheelchair to the awaiting ambulance. Markus went in with his brother and said, "I suppose I am going to have to rename you rather than call you Robin."

"Markus my name is still Robyn it is just spelt differently."

Back at the clinic the Girls had been instructed to handcuff GrimShaw to the bed and then come back to camp.

The Captain also had brought Della to see the presentations. The big soldier was pushing Robyn.

Willie, "Most of you already know Markus, and that he was promoted recently to Captain. What some of you do not know was he and his sister tried to prevent an attack on my Grand daughter Empress Lucy and her mother Princess Lucinder. Earlier too day I presented Robyn with her medals she though asked is she could receive them with her brother at what should have been her unit. As you can see like Lucinda Robyn is going to need a long time in hospital so I hope some of you will visit her. Now though it gives me great pleasure to present Sister Oleson with these medals. Now Captain Oleson you may be the youngest recipient of these. Sergeant Ludwig please, "First your rank is reinstated to Captain after what I was informed by Captain Oleson now you and your two fellow officers are also to Receive the order of Lucinda in recognition of you help to Markus.”

Della kept looking at Nicholas and she whispered he reminds me of a boy called Sebastian I once knew. Nicholas came up and asked if he could speak with the young lady privately.

"You knew my son?"

"I know what happened and why he vanished but I am not sure where he actually is these days. Sir do you know of a girl called Anna Marie Kirkham, well she was one of several Girls that was assaulted and raped at the college. The campus police would do nothing for the victims because they knew you were a powerful man. With this in mind the student body created its own police with the task of stopping further rapes. Well Sebastian was caught. I am told Sebastian was injected to calm him down and then sent to a clinic to be rehabilitated.”

Nicholas looked at Della, "Show me your arm young lady?"

"I think Della it is time the death of Prince Sebastian was announced. I also think you have already served your sentence and should be reunited with your family.”

“Father I am getting married to the Captain in six months time if Cousin Louise can create what I need. I would like you to give me away if possible.”

Nicholas, "It looks like I have two girls to give away now and no sons.”

"But father I have a little brother who should be old enough for the army by now."

"Obviously Della you had no idea we carry a faulty gene that starts changing a genetic male to female. There is no way to stop the gene and the transformation can happen over night or gradually as in the case of your brother. I can only presume you were affected in this way and it blew your mind.”

Nicholas, "Captain Do you intend to marry this girl?

"Yes sir we were hoping to get married in about six months time. Della has already asked the nurses from our company if they will be our bridesmaids I would have liked to see some smaller ones as well."

"In that case I think I can help you. As a senior officer Della has asked me to give her away would you object? As I am also playing the father part. I better ask you about your family.”

“Sir I come from a good family my father is Count von Bismarck and I am his youngest George, my mother is Helena of Hess.”

“Captain in that case you had better pack a suitcase as you are also going on prolonged leave of absence. That is a direct order from a senior officer. The officer whom I have just reinstated come here immediately. Captain Bismarck is taking his Fiancée to show her off to his family, and will be away for some time. You are appointed acting Commander of this Garrison & I better increase your rank again to Major.”

"Yes sir"

Della, "The clinic will need somebody to substitute for me while I am away. So they will need to have good secretarial skills.”

The captain grinned, "Well I have one who would fit the requirements, but there is one major problem with Wendy."

In front of the captain stood a soldier dressed in female uniform. “Sir this is Wendy after she was on numerous charges for dressing as a female. I ordered her to hand in her male uniform and collect female uniform. The ladies all have accepted her although she does live in a single room. Since the day I gave Wendy the order to return her uniform there has been no problem with her. As a result I ordered the previous charges removed from her record.”

The helicopter landed on the front lawn at the clinic. The doctor came out to see what the problem was and Nicholas said, "Doctor thank you for looking after my daughter we wondered where she had gone. It was by accident I found her. She is coming on vacation with me and arranging her wedding with her cousins. It also appeared that her brother also died in this clinic and was cremated. I have brought you a new secretary as standing while Della is with the family preparing for her wedding. While Wendy is here perhaps you can help her with a problem she has."

The nurses looked at Della, "Are you a Romanoff Della or is the Field Marshall having a joke at our expense?"

"Young lady this person you are talking to is my Eldest Daughter Princess Della, Victoria, Alexis, Elizabeth, Mary Romanoff. She went away because she kept thinking she was a boy. The doctor here has successfully treated her and now I can announce formally her engagement to General George von Bismarck-Hess.

Chapter19. Wendy at the Clinic.

Della showed Wendy where everything was and how to access the records. Then she left, but as she was leaving said, "Doctor I will be back because I need that wedding present for my husband."

After they had gone life got back to normal at the clinic. The doctor, "Wendy I better start with you. So will you strip completely?" The doctor asked Wendy many questions and then asked her to do a computer quiz. "Well they both tell me the same as my eyes that you should have been female all along. I understand you have been living full-time at the camp as a female for nearly two years."

One of the others spoke up, "It will be actually longer than that, but it is two years ago Wendy was ordered to live in the women’s section and dress like us. Since that date she has never worn any masculine clothing."

“Well Wendy we can do your transformation gradually while you work here. Are those implants?”

"No sir they grew naturally and just so you know I have never taken anything to make them grow. I had considered laser treatment to remove what body hair I do have.”

“Actually Wendy I was going to suggest we start with that and another small procedure.”

Wendy hopped on to the table. "OK then do it."

A short time later there were two globular objects in the kidney dish. I better freeze these with your name in case they are required in future. As Wendy had been given a local she did not feel the stitches go in and was amazed when she got down that she was flat. "That is only the first stage but I will do as much as I can under local so you can continue to work. Now we can do the Laser treatment and then you will have had enough for today.” Wendy's body was red when she came out of the treatment, as was her face. It took a week for the swelling to go down.

The doctor examined Wendy and said, "That is fine apart from some on your face that will need a second treatment. Each week a treatment was performed on Wendy while some of the others asked if they could have laser treatment.

As the time went on it was obvious to all that Wendy was far happier. All the others had forgotten Wendy had come in male and they treated her just like they would any other female. One day the doctor said, "Well Wendy there is only one procedure to do now and then you will be almost as complete as I can make you." I will have to wait for Della to return before I can do that though. I was wanting to take x-rays of you as I previously noticed an abnormally below. The doctor looked at the X-ray and called Wendy's Colleagues.

The one who was a doctor said, "Well it looks fully formed to me."

Wendy had to get back on the table. Very gently the doctor teased the folds of skin apart. As the doctor did so there was a flow of blood. This was soon cleaned up. Apparently Wendy you are a girl after all and I will only have to perform a minor operation after all. During this time the doctor had also been dealing with GrimShaw and Robyn Oleson. Robyn like Wendy had opted for several minor procedures rather than everything all at once. The two of them had a good chat and the nurses taught them all they needed to know.

Neither of them realised they were monitored all the time. Robyn, "I wonder if I can train as a proper nurse as I like it here. I see one of the Captains has been paying you a lot of visits?”

“He always was nice to me before and it was him who persuaded General Bismarck to put me into the women’s quarters. He also persuaded the General to wipe my slate clean and to send me here. If I had realised this place existed I would have been here long ago. You on the other hand are because of circumstances.”

“Yes it is strange to find two friends are princesses and we never knew. Markus my brother was always the playmate of Lucy she even dressed him up in her mothers clothing and called him her big sister they spent hours together like that and he never complained once. Mind you when our parents died Lucinda would look after Markus until I came home. Sorry I am blabbering on about myself. Have you noticed Glenda has been walking out rather a lot with the other Captain?

Back on the Royal Midnight Sun the princesses were that engrossed in racing the cars they failed to notice the helicopter arrive back. Nicholas, "You better come with me and we will find you something more suitable to wear."

A short time later Della reappeared and her father placed her mother’s tiara on her. Time we went to find the others. Willie was just reappearing with George Hess-Bismarck wearing the dress uniform of a German general.

Nicholas, "That was a rapid rise in rank to General George? Now you two better go arm in arm."

They entered the room and George, "Hello I am looking for Aunt Marguerite."

"George I am here."

“Aunt I came to see if my cousins would be bridesmaids or flower girls for us at our wedding in six months time."

Marguerite looked at the young woman and then across at Nicholas. "George have you told the young lady you are also of the Royal house of Hess?

“Aunt I have already spoke with the young ladies father and he gives us his blessing. We will also be having my younger sister and several nursing friends along with my cousins if they agree.”

Lucy, "Would I be included?”

George, "Are you Lucinder’s daughter? If you are then yes as you and Fiona would make superb flower girls."

This brought a whoopee from Fiona.

Della, "I take it I have two flower girls at least. Anna Marie I am not my brother he died some time ago. I apologise for what you were put through. All I can say was he was suffering from an illness when he did what he did. I found out and got him to a clinic, but he was to die there. I myself suffered because of him & it is only recently I have been reunited with my father."

Marguerite, "I do not know what this is about but I do know the Romanoff Tiara. Nicholas I presume this young lady is one of your daughters as she is wearing a tiara I did not expect to see for a very long time?"

Lucy, "You may be a Romanoff Princess but you have failed to observe convention."

George then noticed Elizabeth and the other queens and bowed and said, "Sorry I presume Lucy means we must ask your permission."

Renate, "George how did you become a General because you go round with your eyes closed."

"Cousin Renate I was promoted by Field Marshall Wilhelm himself. I do not go round blind. I noticed things the other day that others did not. I did notice who was pulling the strings and it was not the Field Marshal so I presume my appointment came from the same source, as did certain other appointments after certain officers carried the Princess Lucinda around the camp."

George also started to talk with his fingers and then said that is a language I learned some time ago and I almost had forgotten it when I saw this signal, which I clearly understood. I also noticed the recipient of this signal fully understood it as I did. Now perhaps the sender of the signal will understand this.”

George put both his hands on his head and then down his chin and then appeared to be doing a scissors action. He followed this with four hand signals.

This brought laughter from Lucy who came across and gave him a kiss and said, "How can I be a flower girl if you do not get permission. Now are you going to ask me as you are supposed to do?"

Della, "Lucy until earlier today I have been in a semi closed environment and knew little of what was going on in the world outside. I was very surprised when the doctor showed me a news article about several Royal engagements including my aunt and uncle. This was the first real media item I had received in a long time. Shortly after reading that item I went with George to see the presentations. I got quite a shock to see my father and my uncles making presentations. Whilst packing to come here I re-read the article and tucked away is a small item about the daughter of Princess Lucinda apparently both the re-unified government in Berlin and that in Moscow have decided to reinstate their royal Family. You also appear to be Crown princess to Denmark & Bavaria. So Empress has Della Romanoff and George permission to get married and will you and Fiona be our flower girls?”

Lucy replied with hand signals. George, "To those of you who did not understand Lucy replied in the affirmative so we can get married."

Anne Marie came across, "Della there are a few more here who are eager to be flower girls or Bridesmaids & can I be your matron of honour?" Also I would like a quiet chat with you in my cabin if possible. I suggest we go now while the others plan our weddings.”

"First let me say I am glad you are safe I wondered what they had done to you. In actual fact other than a sedative and something to calm you they did very little. They all realised you could not be the campus rapist. You looked male but lacked the obvious equipment."

"I disposed of all I had at college and decided to leave because I could not deal with the shame of everybody knowing I was not normal. Eventually I found myself at the clinic & I have been there ever since. That part of my life just faded away and I have been working at the clinic ever since. I am only on leave and I will have to go back to work. When I go back it will be as George's wife. Father when I was born had my birth registered as both boy and girl as the doctors were not sure what I was. That is why my brothers death was announced as it is obvious the female me has finally taken charge."

Della do you have any vacancies for nursing staff as I will soon need a new job. We do but the doctor do's not normally take on married ladies. He prefers to have those with no commitments or those traumatized in some way."

Anne Marie grinned, “Della I think you had better be introduced to my partner." A very attractive young woman came in and greeted them.

Della, "I was expecting to meet your future partner."

"You are Della I can assure you he has not finished changing regardless of how he looks. How ever on our wedding day he will be dressed as a male for the very last time ever. This is one reason our wedding was rushed. We have already chosen a female name and have started using it.”

Margarita entered the cabin, "Hello girls I brought these two as I think they should meet you they were elsewhere on the ship. This is Victoria & Alexis."

Della picked Alexis up and said, "Little sister have they told you I need lots of bridesmaids and I presume you Victoria are one of my cousins."

Margarita, "Victoria is the daughter of Louis of Battenberg and shortly to be my daughter. So she is living with her sisters as is Alexis. I think you may have been put in the same cabin as the girls. The maid brought me the dress you are wearing and asked for permission for you to wear it as your father thought what you had was not suitable attire for a Princess. To be honest I have just been with Maria and looked at your wardrobe and while the underwear will suffice as will the footwear. The remainder could do with replacing. Lucky for you my two eldest packed extra cases and we can manage without another shopping trip. However I insist when we get back I accompany you on a shopping expedition."

Victoria, "Aunt Margarita had our uniforms discarded and we are to be sent to school in England. We had to borrow clothing off our younger cousins until we went on a shopping trip. What an experience that was and besides all the clothing we got it ended up with Lucy getting a racing car set. We had just challenged Markus and the steward to a race when you arrived.”

“Aunt perhaps I do need some advise from you and my cousins so I would be pleased to have you accompany me on a shopping expedition. However I think father's bank account may take a hammering as I know what I paid for the clothing you do not like."

Victoria, "If I was you I would get new everything especially as you will be getting married soon. Also we need to look for a wedding dress for you unless you commission one. See aunt I am learning fast. Has the doctor given you a full medical sister he did with me and found I was a girl and not a boy as everybody thought?”

"Well I suppose I could do with seeing him but I doubt that he can tell me anything I do not already know."

Anne Marie, "I think I had better accompany you to the doctors."

The ships doctor, "Now what can I do for you young ladies."

Anne Marie, "My cousin Della is getting married soon and she wanted a complete physical to ensure all was OK. And I also need a physical for the same reason."

Anne Marie was first and there was no problem. Then she put her fingers to her lips as the doctor asked Della questions. Della then answered yes or no to all the questions and the Doctor said, "Fine so far now for the bit most ladies hate. When did you last have a period?"

"Well to be honest doctor, while I have had a little tummy ache each month I have never had one of those."

A Short Time later the doctor said, I can clearly see what the problem is."

At this Della burst into tears, "I suppose I am going to be one of the odd ones who are unable to have children. I was going to ask the Doctor who I work for to have a look but I never got round to it."

Della could feel the doctor fiddling with his hands and then a short time later she said, "Ohoooooooooo.

The doctor, "Well everything appears to be working perfectly now princess. I had to separate the folds of skin surrounding your vagina it was almost as if they were super glued anyway they are free now and judging by the gunge that came out everything appears to be in order. You may now want to use a pad or a tampon."

Anne Marie handed her both and said, "Use both until it has all come out.

Della came out grinning like a Cheshire cat. George noticed she was very happy and said, "It looks like you have good news."

“George whilst I was in there your wedding present decided to kick in so I do not need surgery after all. I would still like to go back and work for the doctor especially as my cousin will be working in the same place. I have been thinking though if it can happen to my brother and cousin then it could happen to any male in the family depending on whom they are descended from. So once we are married I propose we do not delay.”

Anna Marie, "Della I was going to tell your brother that it was possible he could be the father of my daughter. As he is dead there is little point in me doing that. At first I though you were him who had received a sex change but having a period proves you are certainly female. I honestly now have no idea who the father was. I kept quiet as to whom it might be so as not to rock the boat with the family.”

Anna Marie “If I was you I would not wait until your wedding to test your husband out. In fact I would make the most of what you have while you have chance. My little brother is not going to get that chance and neither has Cousin Victoria. They both will develop as women. I could eventually have the same problem with George so I will use it until it finally drops off as mine did." It appears the males are born with both male and female sets of sex organs and the male for a time are dominant and then for some reason or other the female ones take over and the male ones drop off as mine did. I developed the breasts first and the other came away in the shower. It actually came as a real shock when the Doctor told me I had a fully functioning vagina. I had fantasized that perhaps the new geneticist (Louise) could grow me a set.”

“I also had considered bringing my daughter here but she is stopping with her grand father and friends. Well one thing is for sure is that you can not give me any more children. In fact we could be side by side in the maternity clinic if we both get pregnant.”

"Had father known it might have made a difference as to who became the Empress of Russia?"

"Sorry Della, but Lucy would still have had the greater claim. In fact Aunt Wilma would have had the best claim of all on both countries, but she stated her grand daughter Lucy was the best claimant.”

“But I thought Lucy was Helga's Grand Daughter”.

”She is, Lucinda is their child just as mine is to you and me. Until a few days ago Wilma was called William Church."

"Oh so it can happen to older ones as well and not just the younger ones." George started to grin and said, "I was just thinking of father and aunt Margarita, and what it would be like if it happened to him. I bet the doctor has not given all the senior males a medical or even thought about it." Lucy who decided it would be a good idea over heard this discussion.

They decided to rejoin the others in the Arial dining room. They just arrived in the dining room when Captain Swen entered with a big grin on his face and said, "I understand I am married to an official grandma now. Thank you girls for making her official grandma. I also believe I have Lucy to thank for making me Admiral of the merchant fleet and commander of this floating palace. I presume being married to a grandma makes me an official Grand father.

Alice, "Captain as you can clearly see we have a shortage of men so we all agree that is OK with us. Even our mothers have agreed we can call you grandpa when we are on the ship or in your company.”

Chapter 20. Visit to Helsinki

"Ladies I thought I had better tell you we will be docking at Helsinki in about an hour, I thought you might like to look around as we missed Stockholm."

Thank you Grandpa we will be glad to look around and Uncle Nicholas is also dying to get ashore.”

“Lucy we will sail through the night so you can have longer in the town and you will be fresh when we arrive in Russia.”

Nicholas was grinning away, "In that case as we are not far from St. Petersburg Louis do you mind if I borrow your Helicopter as I have urgent business I need to perform in St. Petersburg?"

"Willie it might be better if you and George also come with us."

George, "Markus, we are leaving you to guard the ladies but we envisage no problems in fact the ladies might find in the fur shops interesting as here they can get some real bargains.

Lucy, "I doubt that I will be able to get as good a bargain as I did in Oslo."

With that Lucy and the others disembarked from the Royal Midnight Sun. As they came off the ship they noticed soldiers in grey uniforms lining up along the dockside.

Lucy, "Markus put these crowns on your epaulets now and put your medals on."

Much to his surprise the officer in charge saluted him as he would any senior officer.

Markus, “The Empress and their Highnesses have come to look for furs and do a bit of shopping."

"Yes sir would you care to inspect the troops." As he walked up and down the lines Marcus noticed one young soldier who looked terrified and remembered how certain older soldiers had befriended him. "You step out of the line and follow me."

"Yes sir."

"Captain I need an Aide while I am here so I have selected this officer to accompany me. Now has the transport arrived?"

A fleet of cars arrived along with the Finnish Prime minister. "Welcome Zarina and companions. We are pleased to have you visit us. Officially you are already Grand Duchess of Finland as this is a principality although we once had a king."

Lucy, "We are all going shopping and then we will have lunch after that I would like to go to a big church as I like visiting them."

With this bit of information the Prime Minister grinned and said, "I can arrange to show you the last king's tomb if you wish?" There is something you may be able to help me with. Most of my companions have tiaras of some sort Della here wears the Romanoff one.”

"Empress Lucy I think the people of Finland can help you. We have one small tiara that was made for the kings wife since it was made nobody else has managed to wear it. Would you like to try it and see if it fits?”

"Yes please if you can find it before we leave."

One thing Lucy noticed was even the men wore fur coats and hats in Finland.

Marguerite, "Della whilst we are here. You might as well do serious damage to your fathers account and get a few things. All too soon the shopping spree was ended and they were dining.

Lucy turned to the young soldier who was accompanying Markus, “Will you accompany Fiona on to the dance floor and Marcus can take me as I feel like a dance?”

Lucy and Markus glided across the floor. Several of the adults decided to also dance. All too soon the day seemed to be over and Lucy asked, "Have we time to go to church as I feel we should after I promised the Prime minister I would." As they got near the church Lucy noticed the guards again. “They are obviously expecting us.”

The Dean of the Cathedral came to greet the party and give them a conducted tour. After walking round describing everything he stopped at a chapel and Lucy said, "Please can I say my prayers now as I am getting rather tired it has been a very long day for me?"

"Sorry yes you can say your prayers just sit in that chair".

Lucy sat in the chair and was concentrating on saying her prayers she did not notice the Dean as he placed a tiara on her head and said, "At long last we have a queen who has sat in the coronation chair and worn the crown of Isolde the great.”

Wilma looked, "It appears Lucy was correct as she is fast asleep on the throne." Wilma picked her up and wrapped an ermine wrap round Lucy and passed her to Lucinda."

The Dean, "It was as informal as we could make it for your grand daughter sir. We were surprised you did not accept for yourself. As you are direct descendants of Anastasia. But we agree with your suggestion of a completely new start by us skipping your daughters and giving the job to Lucy.”

Della, "So the stories were correct she did get into England and marry an Englishman."

Fiona, "Grandma Can I keep the boy soldier he seams nice?”

The Dean grinned like a Cheshire cat, "His late mother would have been pleased if she heard a Princess of Hess liked her son."

Margarita, "Pray tell us who his mother was?

"Madame She came from one of the lesser German families & was called Constance of Fischer. She was my late wife who died tragically along with several friends. My son as you see gave a false age and joined the army as an act of rebellion."

"I know he misses his mother and having a nursemaid did not go down well. So from my point of view I would welcome him staying with a Princess of Hess. However he is now in the army and I have no say."

Markus, "But I do so we will collect his belongings and he will return with us." "Lucy would have ordered him to stay so I will anticipate what she would say."

As they got out side Markus spoke with the Captain who drove the group to the army camp and there the young boy collected his kit. Lucinda stayed in the car with Lucy who was still fast asleep.

Fiona, "Mum I will stay with Lucy as I am also feeling very tired."

A short time later the young soldier appeared and said, "I have been ordered to report to Princess Marguerite of Hess. Father has also told me that Princess Marguerite has to treat me as if I was her child and I have to act as if it was mother instructing me.”

Margarita, “You had better share with Marcus and I will read this letter your father sent me. For now go and unpack, Markus will show you where to place your clothing. A short time late Renate saw Marcus coming out of his cabin in a hurry.

William Church and the Scandinavia Trip
By Sharphawlad
21. A Princess of Fischen.

"Queen Renate I have done nothing wrong, he laid on a bed and fell asleep immediately so I decided to side his equipment away for him. All was OK until I came across these. Now I am wondering if he is a boy or a girl. He also talks in his sleep come and listen to him

"Markus you had better come with me and talk with Marguerite about what you have found. But first I will come and listen to what he says."

Renate sat at the side of the bed and listened to the child talk in fluent German. After a while Renate decided to reply and surprisingly she got a response. “Mum can I go shopping for some new dresses it is a long time since I got Iolanthe any new clothing & she needs them?”

"Markus can you go and ask Margarita to come here with clothing for Iolanthe. I think perhaps you should pack his clothing back up but leave the personal items out."

His mother was very pretty. I found a photo of several people and there is a lady holding a baby in fact two of them looks like my parents."

"Can you show me the photos Markus?"

"That is my parents or at least they look like my parents."

"Oh, Oh, Markus I know when that photograph was taken, Yes that is his mother and father those other two are his aunt and uncle. I am at the back holding my godchild and Helga is holding on to his brother. So if that is your parent then I was holding hold of you. Markus nobody here has asked what your surname is, or if you are a child of Count & Countess of Brandenburg."

“When mum and dad died Robin looked after us. We were supposed to contact a number but each time we got through we got some snotty woman who told us to stop playing pranks. I still have the number and I still try once a week. I can try now as you are with me."

Chapter 22 Operation Brandenburg.

Markus dialled the number and again got the same person who came out with a tirade of abuse. Renate took hold of the telephone and listened and then spoke. "Glenda I will not have any of my staff speak to any of my people like you have just done. Do not pretend you do not know who is speaking as this is a private line which is only known to close family members. When I receive a telephone call on this line I expect to be informed immediately. No call on this line is to be ignored as you apparently have being doing for some time. It is only by an accident of fate that happened to be with the young boy when he telephoned and asked for help. Now if you value your job you will telephone him back and ask what he wants as it is not my duty to correct your mistakes.”

A short time later Markus received a telephone call from a very contrite woman. "Sorry I thought you were a practical joker and time waster and I apologise.”

Markus, "Our parents instructed us we had to telephone this number if they both died. Well they both did, as they were victims in the twin towers. I also have to ask you to implement operation Brandenburg."

Renate took hold of the telephone. "I take it you got the instructions this time. Because of your actions I did not know my godchildren needed help or that their parents were both dead. As you realise Markus Count of Brandenburg is at my side and his sister is recovering in hospital following an assault on her. You will go personally to the hospital and collect her. Then you will go shopping and buy every thing a Princess of Brandenburg requires including a tiara, which I doubt she has. After a make over you are to go to the military base and you will both be flown here is that clear or do I have to repeat my instructions sister?”

Glenda put the telephone down and wept. One of the other staff asked Princess what was wrong.

"I have to get this job right or I am out of a job as I well and truly messed up this time & I doubt that Renata will be very forgiving."

A helicopter flight to the military base and then a car to the clinic were needed and that was what Glenda got. At the clinic Robyn was surprised when a smartly dressed lady asked for Robyn Brandenburg. "That is me but nobody here knows my surname as that they all call me Olson."

"I am clerical assistant to Queen Renate of Bavaria, "She has instructed me to take you shopping and replace all your clothing as befits a Princess of Brandenburg. As we will not be returning you had better collect all you need.” Robyn thought for a moment.

“There is nothing I will need."

A short time later they were in the same department store recently frequented by the others. The manager said, "I presume you would like the same or similar to what the other Princesses and the Empress have been getting?"

Glenda, "The Princess of Brandenburg has been in hospital recently and I have been instructed to completely replace all her wardrobe including what she is currently wearing so can your staff measure the princess and we will start with the basics and work out.”

The manager, "I wonder if we could interest you in a tiara. I will be honest with you we call it the Brandenburg Tiara as it was commissioned by that family but they never collected it"

Robyn, “In that case it is appropriate as I am Princess Robyn of Brandenburg and my late parents would be unable to collect it due to their early death. As explained I have been in hospital and changed considerably from entering. I doubt if you saw a photo of me before you would ever recognise me."

"Princess I do recognise your face as your brother was in a few days ago with several Queens in tow and Lucy & lots of younger females. In fact we have only just replenished the Scalelectric after they bought up all we had for Lucy's Birthday. Now we have the newest latest sets"

Glenda using her initiative said, "While we are here could somebody come and advise the Princess on makeup and scents. Also do you have a restaurant as I am sure by now the Princess is hungry as I sure am?"

The manager, "Madame I am sure the Princess would like to follow the example of the others and eat and drink while watching the models display the dresses that the others purchased."

Girl after girl came in and to most of them Robyn said yes but occasionally she would say no. After they had eaten there fill the girls from the beauty counter came to do the make up and Robyn eventually ended up with a large case of makeup. At the same time Robyn also chose Miss Dior scent, as the one she liked the best.

Robyn thought for a moment, "You have just reminded me today is Markus birthday and I doubt he has told anybody.”

Glenda immediately telephoned the ship and got Renate. "Tell Robyn to get all the cards and presents and bring them to the ship."

Robyn, "Do you sell birthday cakes and if you do can it be inscribed with Happy Birthday Markus? I need a very large one if possible. I also need some presents, and from what I have already heard I know exactly what to get. Glenda have you packed yourself?”

"I brought an overnight bag in case I needed it, but I have not anticipating that I would be staying longer than overnight. I doubt that Renate will want me around. I am half expecting to find I have lost my job as I made a serious mistake. I thought it was a young lad playing a practical joke and I told him off in a rude manor. I did not realise that only family or very close friends had that particular number."

Robyn thought for a minute and then said, “You appear to be nearer my age and would make a good companion for me. Also to be honest I find you quite attractive so would you like the job of looking after me as I have not yet fully recovered?"

"Princess Robyn there is something you should know about me. I was raped as a child and since then I am only comfortable with women. I have tried to keep my sexuality a secret as if it was discovered I would in all probability find my job going west."

Glenda, “How would you feel if your partner started out life as a male and in certain countries would still be legally male, but because of certain genetic abnormalities and an assault he now has to live life as a female. We may need to tell Renate a white lie that you knew me before the accident and I had proposed before it happened. You can also say you had no idea I was related or even a Prince."

"Actually Robyn that may be easier to substantiate as I told some at work I had a boy friend and that we had got engaged without telling Renate. I actually bought my self an engagement ring to ensure they all thought I was telling the truth."

Robyn, "In that case let me put it on you and ask you to be my life companion. I unfortunately will be unable to give you children, but I doubt that is high on your priorities. Now to get two presents, "As it was little Lucy's birthday I had better get her a present so we had better go back to the toy department. Markus always wanted an electric train set and I suppose we had better get some more Scale Electric, and many birthday cards."

The department manager looked up what had previously been bought and said, "They wanted lots of track, what they have not got is these that go with the train sets and they bring the barriers down and the lights flash like real crossings.

Glenda said. "We will need a massive electric train set along with loads of track bridges, Crossings. Also we need as much Scalelectric as previously purchased. As our car is here we will take the lot but can you gift wrap, and label them the Train set has to have to Marcus on and the Scalelectric Lucy."

Back at the car it was filling up with the purchases. Finally Robyn & Glenda returned and were transported back to the helicopter. The pilot helped stow all the purchases and then the three of them fastened themselves into the seats, and they set off in search of the Royal Midnight Sun. Unlike the ship they were able to cut across country and headed directly for Helsinki. Half an hour after setting off they saw the ship was still moored in Helsinki. The pilot skilfully landed it on the deck alongside the other helicopter.

Willie came out to greet them and said, "They are shopping at the moment but should be back before long."

Robyn said, "Did the crew get the message it is Marcus birthday today? We brought the cards and presents but the cards need writing."

The steward came and said, "You two will have to share a cabin as we are getting rather short of cabins now."

The steward unpacked the dresses while Robyn & Glenda started to write the cards. Willie came to see if he could help and he grinned like mad when they told him what they had bought.

Robyn said, "Sir I need some advise. "I would like Glenda here to be recognised as the wife of the late Prince Robin of Brandenburg. Then nobody could say anything about her living with her sister in law."

Willie called the captain who asked them if they loved each other and they replied in the affirmative. Robyn pulled out a wedding ring and said, "This was my late mother's but it will do for now, and I will get you your own when we go shopping."

The captain, "The certificate is back dated to a date before the time you were attacked and injured. I only send the book in when it is full, so it will be a while yet before what is in it is recorded officially." Now you two can share a cabin. You two might get into trouble though with Renate. I would suggest that you Glenda pretend you did not know you had to ask for her permission. Princess Robyn it may be better if you also did not know about asking for permission.

That is easy Captain I did not know neither did I realise I was a prince. Neither Markus nor I realised who or what Lucinda and Lucy where sir. To us Lucy was just a little friend that Markus played with. In fact I have often seen Lucy and Marcus dressed up pretending they are getting married to each other & promising they would be true to each other."

Willie grinned and said, "No wonder she spotted Markus at the camp. I thought they seemed pretty close to each other. She may only be young but all the others' already realise he is her chosen mate. In fact Markus is with them now. We thought he had some competition but the competitor turned out to be female.

Willie said, "I see Robyn you are wearing the Brandenburg tiara. I am glad to see it once again being worn. Now you young lady do not appear to have one so perhaps I can help you. I will loan you this although eventually I want Lucy to have it."

Glenda looked at the tiara and took a gulp, "Sir are you sure you want me to wear this as it belonged to your late wife?"

Just because you are a younger sister does not mean you should not wear a queen’s tiara. As things stand even Renate will have to live with my wishes. You may borrow it until Lucy is 21 and then it goes to her and you will have to get a new one.

Nicholas, "I would like to escort Princess Glenda in & Willie can escort Princess Robyn. I understand you already know my eldest daughter who is planning her wedding to a distant cousin."

"Sir I think I would remember if I dated a princess of Russia or anywhere else. As being like this there was one female who was kind to me but she got called away urgently, and we never got to say good-bye. "

"Robyn you will soon be reunited with my eldest daughter Princess Della Romanoff, and she is also in for a shock, as she did not realise who you where either. Have you two had your medical yet? If you have not then it may be a good idea to go now and Glenda better go with you."

The doctor was not busy. "What can I do for you ladies?"

"Uncle Nicholas suggested we might like to come for a full medical."

"Normally I have a nurse here to help me but I should manage OK if you will both stay with each other. I will just get all I might need. As I am getting used to these medical. "

A short time later he said, "Princess Glenda you are perfectly healthy, and you Princess Robyn should have no more trouble with your periods. You had the same trouble as some of your cousins but that is now rectified so you can have children."

Both of their eyes went wide with surprise. "But I thought I could never have children?"

"Princess over the last few days I have seen several with the same genetic defect as you in which a female is mistaken for a male and this mistake continues until something happens and the hormones correct the error."

Robyn noticed the excited look on Glenda's face. "Glenda I was male with everything a male should have. I even asked the doctor to freeze what I had in case it was ever needed."

"Well Robin or Robyn I do not care I have a certificate to say we got married. If the doctor did save your equipment then perhaps we can have children in the future. Renate is going to go ape when she sees me wearing this tiara even if it is only loaned to me. For now we had better go and get prepared for if I remember my Aunt Margarita not even a hair should be out of place. She was worse than a sergeant major and we got a swat on out backsides with a hairbrush if there was a fault."

They had only just finished preparing when there was a knock on the cabin door. Willie and Nicholas were waiting outside. Willie said, "The others have arrived back although they had a couple of sleepy heads. Even those two are now awake and ready so now ladies we will enter the room."

As they entered the room Robyn found Lucy had launched herself like a missile at her. "I am pleased to see you Robyn. They told me I had a special friend coming to see me."

"Lucy have you being looking after that little brother of mine? And has he being behaving for you?"

"Grandma Wilma is helping me look after him."

Margarita, "I am pleased to see you at lest have the sense to wear your mothers tiara. And you young lady why are you wearing that one as it is not yours and not likely to be?”

Robyn spoke, "Aunt as Glenda had not one of her own with her as she did not expect to be staying uncle Willie kindly loaned her the one she has on. Glenda knows full well it is only loaned although she has been instructed she can borrow it until Lucy reaches 21. I though will rectify that long before then. In case anybody is wondering we met and got married quietly before I was attacked. “I did not realise we needed permission as I had no idea Glenda was a princess of Bavaria."

Lucy, "Princess Glenda you may continue to borrow my tiara. Grandpa Willie was correct in letting you borrow it. As I have this one at the moment. I though will need it for when I marry my Marcus."

Markus, "Sorry I was busy opening my presents and all I heard was Markus. This is great it is what I always wanted. Lucy there are some presents for you from these two."

"Lucy we did not know what to get and then the man said, you had got quite a bit of this so I decided to get you a bit more. I hope it is OK. Glenda thought you might like a princess doll and outfits."

Lucy gave both of them a kiss and said, "We can have lots of fun now you are here Robyn. I am annoyed with you though I could have been a bridesmaid for you if I had been told."

Glenda, "Lucy you had moved away and Robin did not know where you went otherwise we would have had you as a bridesmaid. Then he got badly injured and I had to go back to my sister. I never got round to telling Robin I was a princess. Likewise I never found out who he really was. We will never have the chance to have a little girl like you so I suppose we will be spoiling you as if you are our little girl just as my sister appears to be doing. Robyn already looks on you as a little sister. I had to vanish, not before I called the police and gave them a description of the man and watched Robyn being taken away in the ambulance.”

“Markus I have an apology to make personally to you. I did not realise you were Robyn’s little brother. Regardless of that I behaved shockingly towards you. I apologise most profusely. I did not act or behave correctly towards you or act as a princess should."

Markus, “Glenda I accept your apology. However your sister Queen Renate might have something to say to you. You did though save my brother from further injury & he was injured because he refused to say where Lucinda and Lucy had gone. In fact he did not know as neither did I know where Lucy & Lucinda had gone. The attacker was eventually caught after he tracked Lucinda to Bonhomie, after attacking her, and leaving her for dead he joined the army at the same camp I was already at. Talk about coincidences"

Lucy, “Glenda I am afraid your sister has had to replace you with somebody else more reliable. Robyn you do realise you can now have your old job back, and now you are the official baby sitter, and that is a job I know you do well, so perhaps you could train up this rude princess on how to do the job correctly. Now Robyn I have a lot of hugs and cuddles to catch up with from you."

"Lucy I have only just collected Robyn from the hospital and she is still very sore but as I am her assistant then perhaps I will do until such time as Robyn is fully recovered."

Lucy gave a flick of her fingers and the next second Glenda was covered in princesses all wanting a cuddle. Now she is occupied perhaps your number 1 girl can have what I asked for."

Lucy clambered up carefully. "I missed you and Markus, and I have something for you. Aunt Margarita would say this should be done formally but I think this is a better way as I can still get a cuddle out of it. I like the new you Robyn.”

Lucy gave a second flick and all the princesses got off Glenda and sat in front of Lucy. Margarita was heard to say, "Lucy has my daughters well trained Renate."

Renate, "Glenda what am I going to do with you. It appears you can not even control young princesses."

The youngest Princess Fiona spoke, "Queen Renate you are wrong, we were instructed to welcome our new nursemaid. Your sister will make a fine addition to our group. We all think though as she did not ask for permission before to get married that she should do it again with us in attendance."

Renate, "I agree with our younger cousins, but what does Lucy think?"

“Well as my mum and cousin are getting married to a Prince that is now a princess, so I do not see why the same should not be applicable to Robyn & Glenda. It will give me another big sister to look after me. Of course my permission and Markus permission as Count Brandenburg will be based solely on if my younger cousins and I get to be attendants.”

Renate, "Robyn I must insist that this is done correctly. For the wedding you will dress as Robin Brandenburg in full military uniform wearing the medals you have just been awarded. You my dear sister will have many attendants on that I insist. As Empress Lucy and her cousin wish to be flower girls then their wish shall be granted. After your official wedding is over I only want to see Princess Robyn with my sister and other than your dress uniform all other male attire shall be discarded.”

"Sister as Robyn has got no male attire that is no problem. Robyn will still need to be fitted for a dress uniform."

Willie smiled, "We have a vacancy for a General in the 1st Bavarian division."

Lucy, "Robyn it appears you have been conscripted to the 1st Bavarian as their general. You will though be on permanent detachment with me. I suggest you have both male and female uniforms made up, as occasionally you will have to review your troops. Now while I am too young to get married there is no law to stop me announcing my engagement is there aunt Margarita?"

"Well no but should you not wait a little longer."

“Aunt I know what I want and that will not change. I have to marry a duke and nothing less so I suppose I better make Markus Duke of Brandenburg then we can formally announce our engagement. I also have been thinking and Grandma Wilma is a genealogist. After this trip I want to see all members of the family who I have not yet seen. What I want to know is how many of our families have sons who are likely to turn into daughters or have turned into daughters. My Aunt Louise will be logging all the data so we will have an idea who is affected, and who is not. From what I have already seen most of the main families are already infected, as there appears to be very few males among us. Now though both Markus and I want to try out our presents as we already have had the staff laying it out for us. Marcus wants to see if he can drive a train faster than I can and my companion queens can drive a car. So for this race we will have all the queens and my two aunts."

Chapter 23. Car & Train races

Willie, "Well Duke Brandenburg I think us boys should stick together so I will drive the other train and lets see if we can beat the ladies."

Max carried a very tired Lucy to the stateroom while Louise pushed her sister Lucinda. "You know Lucy is correct about the family. You and Max are ideally placed to both log all those affected and give them a full medical at the same time."

Max, “Louise you should know both father and I carry the same gene but so far we are unaffected but one day it might be accidentally triggered. I also think once we both start at the clinic we should start requesting family members, both male and female come in for a check over. There are several females and males on board the ship that have not been tested.”

There was a knock on the door Robyn entered with Glenda. Glenda, "You two can go back and have a chat with the others while we will stay here with them."

Max looked at Louise and then her sister and said, "I can not believe Grim Shaw did that to you. I would love to give him the same medicine you received from him.

Robyn, “Max Grim Shaw will already be going through his own private HELL. He can never father any children & soon he will look like the slut he referred to Lucinda and Lucy as."

Glenda looked puzzled and Lucinda said, "Glenda he was the man who badly hurt me and Lucy & also your Robyn."

"In that case he should be punished."

Robyn, " He has already been punished the hazing went a bit too far but the men were angry at what he did to Lucy and Lucinda. They did not find out about me until much later. I did have a captain visit me but he went off with Della Romanoff. As for Grim Shaw he is in for a shock when he finally awakes as the consultant decided to do all the work immediately. As for his sentence that depends on when the doctor is finished with him & that could be some time.”

Louise happened to notice the news broadcast was still on and she gasped & then turned the volume up. The news reporter was saying. "I am stood here on the Greenacres estate in Sheep town where a gas explosion has totally demolished houses numbered 18-26. Luckily there are no fatalities but there are several people badly injured including at least one child."

Max looked puzzled as Louise said, "I better tell my parents & Rose. Max one of those houses belonged to Rose and her husband David and Ann-Marie's child could have been in it."

Max made no more to do than go directly to the telegraph office and called the police in Sheep town. He quickly followed that up with a call to Airedale Hospital at Steeton. Eventually after saying he was family, he was put through and was informed David had sustained only relatively minor injuries but the little girl Marie's injuries were far more serious. We though are allowing them both out as soon as they can be collected.

Posted 14.59 GMT 25/01/16

Chapter 24. Explosion in Sheep town.

Max thought for a moment and said, "Can you arrange transport to take both of them to the Norwegian Consulate in Newcastle and they will take over their care then. If anybody queries these instructions say they came directly from Queen Olga of Norway who is concerned for her brother in law and great niece." Max then telephoned the consulate who promised they would get them to safety.

Max entered the Arial dining room to find quite a bit of sobbing going on. Anna-Marie your father and child are safe, but injured. As we speak they are being taken to the Norwegian consulate in Newcastle. Sorry Queen Olga but I said it was on your instructions."

Just as Max was speaking the private phone of Olga went off and it was the consulate secretary. "We have just had a strange telephone call & I have been instructed to double check."

Olga, "The child is the grand daughter of my sister Princess Rose & the man is my brother in law. Please equip them with all they need and charge it to me. In a few hours we will be in St. Petersburg so if it is possible fly them to us there."

"Madame they have just arrived at the consulate by Air Ambulance."

In that case put them on as I wish to speak to the both of them."

David came and answered the telephone, "Olga I was wondering what to do the whole street is cordoned off and apparently there is nothing worth salvaging. I have somebody here who wishes to speak to her mum & granny."

Olga put the telephone to speaker mode and a little voice said, “Mummy & Nan there was a boom and a bright light and the house and all my clothing went wush. Then I came round in hospital and the nurse said I was a brave little girl. I have a wig on because my hair was all blown away and I have bandages on my face but Grandpa keeps hold of me so I do not get lost. Mummy I have to have a lady who will look after me and change my dressings, as grandpa can not do that, as he was also hurt. The lady she will be coming across with us and she helped me get some new dresses.”

Lucy awoke to see Robyn sat in with her. "Robyn can we go back as I am needed there."

Robyn carried Lucy back and they caught the end of the phone call. Lucy, “Hello I am Lucy are you coming to play with me and Fiona?

"Lucy we are coming by a flight to St. Petersburg will you tell mum I need everything important like a new princess doll."

Anna Marie smiled, “I am sure we can get you one of those and if not Lucy has promised you can look after her baby until we can get you one."

"Mummy does Lucy realise I am in a wheelchair and will be for some time?"

Lucy, "In that case you can race my mummy as she also is in a wheelchair."

Captain Swen, "We have managed to establish a video link with the consulate and they should be on screen now.” Rose gasped as she saw the two of them swathed in bandages. She also noticed the lady they had been told about.

Louise, "I presume you are a nurse that has been detailed to accompany the two of them."

"Sorry madam I did not realise you could see us I am Jennifer and a doctor and my twin sister Jeannette is the nurse your daughter referred to. We got the job, as we were the only ones available at short notice who could travel. The authorities thought the two of them would be far safer away from the hospital as they had a nasty virus going round the wards."

The ships doctor came and spoke and at the same time was grinning. "Jennifer what is required and I will have it here before you arrive. Also I better arrange accommodation for you two and the patients."

Willie, "I take it the Norwegian Ambassador has also arrived at the consulate by now. Please tell him I wish to speak to him.”

"Yes sir"

"I have had a personal request from the Empress of Germany & Russia and crown Princess of Norway, Denmark & Bavaria she would like to hire the services of the doctor and nurse for her cousin and uncle. Please see that they have adequate warm clothing as they will need it here."

Lucy, "I hope you can now see us as well as we can see you."

Jennifer, "We only packed an overnight bag as we did not expect to be staying on a long term job. Other than that we have no commitment although we could do with a neighbour collecting and redirecting the mail for us."

The Ambassador, "Ladies are you both willing to work for the Royal family for at least a year? If that is OK then I will ask house keeping going and closing your house down and arrange redirection of your mail."

Jennifer, "Actually we rent the flat and were considering giving it up once we got a job. The television and video are all on rental & that is ending this month. The remaining electrical goods are ours."

While the two of them signed the documents placed in front of them by the ambassador. Then the ambassador said, "My wife has agreed to take you two and the little girl to get more clothing & I will arrange for your remaining belongings to be sent on to you as now you are officially part of the Royal household and will be expected to dress appropriately."

On board the ship the Doctor was saying, "Madame my sisters still have not realised who they will be working alongside."

Lucy, "Jennifer will you get my cousin the Princess doll she asked for while you are shopping and I will see you all tomorrow, as I understand you will all be flying during the night." With that the screen went blank.

Olga, "Looking at the bandaging I am surprised they are both allowed out of the hospital. Regardless of that we better ensure we have all that is needed.

Glenda surprised everybody by speaking, "If the two of them have bad burns we could do with Professor Della Perriman as she is the top in the field of skin grafting and replacement.

Admiral Romanoff, "I will make that a priority to be dealt with"

They switched on the news broadcast, which was running a clip shot by a local who happened to be video filming his family at the time of the incident. He had managed to capture the event as it unfurled. He left his child holding the camera and was seen pulling David and the child out of the burning building. Then the fire engines arrived along with the ambulances.

For a minute all was quiet and then Lucy spoke, "That man was brave if it had not been for him Uncle David & my cousin could have been dead. Look that little girl has run into the fire and is pulling out something else out."

Rose, "It is Lady our pet dog that she plays with often." Rose pulled out an address book and dialled a telephone number.

The child answered the telephone. "Hello Aunt Rose I will get mummy. I have been playing with Lady she was very scared. I had to give her a bath because she was very smelly with smoke from the fire."

Hello Rose, There is nothing left of your house and the others it was a fractured gas main that blew up. My husband is at the hospital having treatment for burns to his hands. Your dog is safe but we took her to the vets to be sure. We will look after her until you can collect her. I understand your two family members have been moved to another hospital. I hope they recover soon. David looked to be very badly burnt to me."

Rose, "It was brave of your David to go into that inferno and rescue my family and of your daughter Loretta to bring out our Lady"

Lucy, "Hello I am Lucy will you play with me when we return to Sheep town? I think you and your dad are very brave and should receive a medal each for what you have done."

“Sorry Rose there is a person at the door so I will have to speak to you later. Can you give me a telephone number to contact you on?”

Olga handed Rose a card with a number on. "This number will get me but currently I am on board a ship near St. Petersburg with my sister. So it might be better if I ring you at 9 in the morning and you can tell me how your David is."

Elizabeth turned to Lucy. "So you think they should receive a medal each so do I as they were both very brave. Would you like to help me ensure they get one each?" Elizabeth dialled the office of the Prime minister and said, “Tony normally I do not do this but I think these two should be in line for at least a Victoria medal and George cross each. Also I would appreciate it if you contacted the appropriate departments and give my recommendations. Now I have a young lady here who also wishes to speak to you."

“Hello this is Lucy; I have told Grandpa Willie the two of them should receive medals for pulling my uncle and cousin & their dog out of the fire."

Elizabeth, "Tony that was Empress Lucy speaking and Grandpa Willie is Kaiser Wilhelm. I happen to agree with Lucy and will have no objection to those two receiving other awards for their bravery. As you know full well I am one of Lucy's regents I expect you as my Prime Minister to implement her wishes."

Tony put the telephone down and called his cabinet together. He explained what had happened and the defence minister said, “The man was on leave from the Yorkshire Regiment so we have no problem awarding him a VM and GC. His daughter is too young but we can award her a GM and both should be in line for awards from the Royal Humane Society."

The Foreign Secretary. "I have spoken with the relevant foreign departments and they will comply with Empress Lucy’s wishes. Also I understand that the two could also be in line for a hereditary peerage as those rescued have Royal connections."

25. Shopping for Marie.

Tony had his personal secretary send a couple of letters out to the address they had been given. Meanwhile David & Marie had been taken to the Metro Centre. They where busy buying clothing for themselves. They stopped at a shop selling old-fashioned clothes.

Janetta. "Look at this cloak it would be ideal for Marie while she is in a wheelchair."

Jennifer. "It will keep her warm and it is very soft. How much is this Please?"

Marie. "Please can I feel what you want to get me?"

Jennifer took off one of Marie’s Mittens. "Now you can feel it."

The shop assistant. "Has your daughter been in some sort of accident Madame?"

Jennifer replied, "Marie is not my daughter but both her and her father were in that accident in Yorkshire the other day."

The two shop assistants looked at each other and one said, "In that case we have one that will help your father as well as you. The cloaks have herbs sewn into them that promote healing. This is a new venture for us as our other shop is in Whitby and is run by our sisters. All our clothing is hand made by family members."

Marie. "I will take this now and can you wrap up the other one for my father."

Jennifer. "Marie was that mark on your wrist before the accident?”

“I did not notice it before, but Grannies friend William did have something similar."

The two women. "Please can we see the mark you have?”

Marie. "You will have to look yourselves as I am swathed in bandages."

As they looked they said, "You are a Princess?"

Marie. "Granny is a Norwegian Princess but I am not. How did you know that though?"

The two women smiled. "Princess we are experts on the marks you have on your wrist. Doctor if you care to inspect our wrists you will see we have similar but not the same. The mark the Princess has tells us she is a Norwegian Princess. Even her father will have the same mark unless he is from a different line. As for the burns there will be no scaring. A shell will eventually form and then split and you will find the princess as pretty as ever."

Marie. "I can smell Jasmine & Juniper."

"You certainly can as that is our names. What puzzle’s us is why you were not claimed earlier as you live in her town? You may think we are being nosy but have you met the Queen?

"Which queen do you mean Grannies sister Olga or her cousins Helga, Angela, Renata or Elizabeth? Other than Olga it is a long time since I met the others. We are going to join with them soon as I have to play with Lucy."

“Sorry Marie but while I have heard of the others I have not heard of a Lucy?”

Jennifer & Janetta started to get rather protective of Marie. "That is private and confidential information. Come Marie we had better be going."

"Please give this card to Renate and say the sisters in Whitby send their greetings. Do not worry over payment as Renata will cover the cost of the cloaks & I would not be surprised if she orders you two one each."

Marie, "Those ladies seamed strange to me. It almost seamed as if they expected us to call in the shop and buy the cloaks."

Jennifer, "Marie it is apparent they both know Renate but just who is she?

“Well I suppose she is one of mums or Gran's cousins I am not sure which it is, I do know she has the same sort of job as grannies sister Olga as one time I heard them comparing jobs."

Janetta did a quick search on her mobile and got Renate of Bavaria. She then said, “Renate of Bavaria?”

Marie, "That is Cousin Renate you two are talking about and those ladies."

Jennifer, "Sister we appear to have landed ourselves with a plum job. Maybe but I am not looking forward to informing Princess Rose about the injuries her husband sustained. And it is bad enough with this one."

Marie, "You two are silly did you both not hear the two ladies. Both grandpa and I are going to be fine once the bandages come off. Just you wait and see. Once Grandmas house is rebuilt I will be going home and I will have Cousin Lucy to play with. Have you got me the princess doll I asked for?"

A quick visit to Toy world and the princess doll along with all her requisites were purchased. A couple more stops and they had virtually all they needed. The ambassador’s wife rejoined them along with quite a bit of baggage. "Now ladies we just have time for a drink before I have to get you to the Airport and your waiting plane.”

At the airport they quickly cleared customs and security then they went on the gantry to the waiting aircraft. Janetta said, "There are not many on this flight."

The ambassador’s wife, "The flight has been specially organised for you as there was no direct flights to St. Petersburg from here so this was chartered to get you there."

Soon after they boarded the plane was taking off down the runway. The Captain spoke, "You may now undo your seatbelts if you wish the stewardess will serve you drinks if you wish but it might be advisable to try and get some sleep & I will wake you in plenty of time before we land." Both sisters rapidly fell into a deep sleep.

Marie, "I can smell Jasmine & Juniper again so I know you two are here with me. What have you done to our doctor and nurse?"

"Your grand father along with the others is fast asleep. We got instructed to ensure your medical staff got some sleep and we were to watch over you instead."

"You two think because I am bandaged up like an Egyptian mummy that I can not see you well you would be wrong. I can see Cousin Lucy & her Mummy is in a wheelchair like Grandpa and me. She is just going to bed with Fiona. You two are sat in front and behind me and are signalling to each other. You forget some of the Royal line has special abilities."

"Marie you said you once met Renate, but have you met her sister Alexis?"

Janetta, “So if I gave you a name can you try and find them? I would like you to try and find Astrid and Cleo."

"No I have not met Alexis but I have heard things. People tend to forget I am about and so they say things that perhaps they should not have. I know I have inherited some of those abilities my cousins all have. Neither mother nor Nan knows though. Soon I will have some new friends to go to school with including Astrid & Cleo."

Marie giggled, "Could you not have found me a harder task. Those two never stop talking I can hardly get a word in with them. Even now they are bombarding me with questions. Astrid tells me you two where missing when they had a visit to Whitby. However I am to tell you both that you will be expected to be wearing formal wear when we get to meet the Queens. Apparently being presented to Renate is like being presented to her Sister. I also have messages from your mother and sisters. They are miffed with you both that you were not doing your studies at Durham University as you were supposed."

The two looked at each other. "Marie are you like a broadcasting Antennae and sending out to everyone. If so tell mum we have not being skiving as we passed top in our year. We were helping a friend out with her store and decided to sell a few items we made whilst at University for extra money. The cloaks you bought are examples of our work."

Marie, "I have to tell you two to wake the doctor and nurse and tell them that I need attention." This two of them did.

The two sisters came to see what the problem was. "I think you are going to need to re do my bandages as some of them feel slack."

Janetta, "Yes I can see they have worked loose so we had better take them off and then re bandages you." The two stewardesses helped roll up all the bandaging into balls.

Marie, "That feels better now. I feel as if I am going to burst." With that there was a tearing sound and the burnt shell surrounding Maria dropped away leaving a very pretty four year old standing there."

Marie looked at the four of them. The doctor and nurse had their mouths gaping wide but there was an "AH" from the two stewardesses.

Marie, "It is only little me so do not look so shocked."

The doctor checked Marie over and said, "There is not a scar anywhere and no trace of burning." She then examined the shell, which had split evenly. This is strange it is almost like scales rather than skin."

The two stewardesses grinned across their face. One of them spoke, "It is obvious you will need some clothing now and everything is in the hold. We though have some items in our flight bags we bought as presents for our niece, but we think you perhaps could make better use of them." Marie accompanied them and soon was dressed in a long white dress and sandals.

"Grandma and Mummy are going to be very surprised when they see me like this. Can I go and tell Grandpa Please."

Marie went with the doctor and Nurse to find her grandpa. "Grandpa, Grandpa you will never guess what has just happened to me. My bandages came loose and then my skin split and I am me again."

The doctor spoke, "Sir it is true and we found it hard to believe considering her injuries. But it has happened and it is almost as if she has been in a cocoon."

David went very quiet, and then he spoke. "Marie I am very pleased you have recovered so quickly. Come and give me your Grandpa a kiss? Marie went on to her tiptoes to reach David and stretched her arms out as she did so her wings unfurled. Much to the shock of the two sisters.

The Nurse, "Oh my god she is an angel."

"Grandpa look at me I am flying. How do I get down again?"

David, "Marie I honestly do not know but they appeared when you stretched your arm so perhaps they will go away if you gradually lower them.

"Grandpa if I do that I will fall."

The two stewardesses came in and saw the problem. "Sister it looks like we will have to do the mothers job and bring her back down to ground."

Both the doctor and the Nurse rapidly crossed themselves when the wings appeared on the two stewardesses. Each taking a hand they brought Marie back down. "Sorry if we scared you but we mean you no harm. We are here to ensure there are no problems with Princess Marie."

Janetta spoke in a trembling voice, “Why did I not see it before you two are the two girls from the shop who sold us the cloaks and asked if we knew Renate. Are there many like you around?”

David, “It appears the stories my wife told me that some of her cousins could produce wings at will was not a fairy story as I thought. I also am remembering other stories she told which I thought was a load of fiction. Now though I am not so sure. Ladies please can you confirm Renate of Bavaria can do the same as you."

"David, While we know of her we can not actually say what talents she has but as your grand daughter is able to fly then we presume both mother and grand mother can. Some times the skills are slow to manifest themselves and need an accident to trigger them like what has happened to Marie."

David thought for a moment, “The explosion should have killed us both but we are both here. True Marie is slightly different but I still love her with all my heart and soul. Am I also going to change? Am I likely to find wings shooting out of my back like yours?"

David did not get an answer to his question as the Captain asked them all to put their seatbelts on as the plane was due to be landing at St. Petersburg.

Marie, "Grandpa I think your shell will crack like mine did and there will be a new grandpa inside. Then we can practice flying together. But as you are older and bigger it will just take a bit longer."

Jasmine, “David, The fire will have purged the two of you of any human DNA you had in your system previously. Like Marie you will know when the bandages go slack and the shell starts to crack."

The Plane taxied to a halt and there appeared to be soldiers playing instruments. "Grandpa there are lots of soldiers out side."

"Yes Marie I can see them. Your Aunt Olga must have sent them to welcome us. Jasmine & Juniper can you two look after Marie and ensure she does not inadvertently fly off. While Janetta & Jennifer you can attend to me.

Admiral Romanoff approached the group and said, “The Empress bids me welcome you so the Cossacks of the 1st White Russian regiment are here to greet you and your family."

Juniper, "Marie we also have spotted them and those must be your playmates."

Lucy held her hand out and Marie accepted it. Marie, "It is like looking at two more of Me." with that all three cuddled each other.

Lucy, "We are going to have lots of fun together. Ah Juniper and Jasmine I take it, your mother was worried about you both. I see you have decided to be nursemaids for Maria well if that is the case you get us two as well. I suppose I had better inform Aunt Renata you are here. You two are now permanently part of my court."

The procession stopped at three females one who was in a chair. Marie looked puzzled and said, "You must be Lucy's mum, I only know that because you are in a chair. If you want you can borrow my cloak and it will make you better like it did me."

Juniper & Jasmine curtsied and said, "We can make you one if you wish similar to the one Marie has. Oh look another plane is landing and the sky is going black."

Marie, "Aunt Renate these two are Juniper and Jasmine and Lucy, Fiona & I have already claimed them."

"Marie I think my sister might have something to say about that or at least her daughters. That is her arriving now."

Chapter 26. The Arrival of Alexis
The soldiers all laid their instruments or arm down and started to pray. The only ones left standing were Renate and the small group with her. A man came down and approached Renate.

Marie, “You should bow when approaching a queen. Men bow likes this and ladies Curtsy like this to a queen & like this to a princess. I am only a princess because my mum is a princess."

Lucy, "Yes Marie you are correct he has insulted us by not doing it correctly. Now you sir would you care to do a bow correctly for us."

Back on the plane Astrid & Cleo where laughing away and Astrid said, "She is correct & Grandpa Draco does tend to forget little things like that."

Alexis, “It looks like you will be getting another three joining you Astrid. Astrid the remaining flights are coming in to land."

Marie stood her ground and Draco said, "Are you not afraid of me?"

"I am not afraid of you or anybody. I may be small but I have angels to protect me so I know no harm can come to me or my family."

"Well I suppose you must be a little Angel then."

"My mummy calls me that, but then that is what I am & I can prove it?"

Draco, "I better bow then as I do not want to upset your angels do I."

Renate chuckled as Draco bowed before her and then he said, "Was that OK Princess Marie? As he spoke some more little girls came running up and one spoke.

"No it is certainly not, you have not bowed to Lucy as you should."

Lucy looked at them and said, "He did not bow to me and I am supposed to be an Empress."

Draco got quite a stare from Astrid and he bowed to Lucy and then to Astrid.
Astrid said, "I suppose I will have to get Grandma to sort him out he gets so forgetful as to who is who when we all look so alike. We have been talking for some time so I thought it was time we came to meet you all especially as Nicholas has planned your Russian coronation for later today.”

Lucy. "Well he missed one earlier today as the Arch bishop of Finland placed the Crown of Catherine on my head. So I suppose I am already Queen of Finland. Glenda is borrowing my German tiara and that has already upset a few here. They though have to abide by my wishes. Are you and Cleo going to be on my team with my cousins Marie & Fiona?”

Cleo "We have been on the same team all the time or at least from when you found you could contact us. We wondered how to break it to you that you could fly. But you managed that fine and so did Marie who managed to find a couple of stragglers who should have been brought into the fold long ago. We thought it was very funny when you told Grandpa Draco off. Although you where correct in doing so."

Marie stuttered, "He's yyyyyyourr GGGGrandpa? At this she curtsied. "I apologise for telling you off sir? As she spoke Marie saw what she thought was Renata coming down the aisle.

She threw her self at Alexis, "Cousin Renate I have just told Astrid’s Grandpa off for not bowing to the queens. Honestly I did not know he was Astrid’s Grandpa?”

Marie clung hold of Alexis who then spoke. "Well Draco have you offended some young queens today?”

Lucy spoke in his defence. "He was excited and momentary forgot who he was with. Nobody here wishes to make an issue of it, but perhaps he could do with some lessons on etiquette.”

Marie looked at Renate and then at Alexis, "Opps I thought I was clinging hold of cousin Renate, but there are two of you.”

Alexis. "I came to see our youngest Empress or Lucy as I believe Lucinder's daughter is called. I see Marie has already attempted to heal you Lucinda with her cloak. You need a full-size cloak like this to heal your wounds. David your wounds should have healed by now so perhaps it is time the bandages came off. Rose & Ann Marie would you be so kind as to help take the bandages off."

David. "Rose this is not a good idea there is something you need to know about what happened in the explosion."

Marie . "Grandpa David your shell can crack now and you can fly with me as you promised me you would."

Alexis. "Marie if he promised you that then I will have to see he honours his promise." As she spoke the last of the bandages where removed and shortly after that David’s shell cracked and split apart revealing a new David to everybody present.

As the shell of burnt flesh cracked the tone of David's voice also changed. At first David did not realise the changes he had under gone. "Rose that feels better now. You do realise we can never have any more children." This caused the group to start laughing.

"David or at least I presume you are still my David. The hospital informed me what you had lost and that there could be some feminisation of you. I though did not expect a younger version of myself. Now I am in the same boat as William & Lynn who I initially came across to see."

Janetta & Jennifer rubbed their eyes. "We saw what happened to Marie but you David look more like your Daughter Ann Marie than your wife. You appear to have under gone a total biological transformation. Your shell like Marie's also appears to show signs of scales."

At this Draco said, "Ah, so Rose & Olga must have inherited those genes after all. Or you David would not be here now. No wonder the doctors where surprised you both survived the inferno. I take it you two have been attending to the burns as best you can. Alexis I am afraid these two will also have to go on the pay roll now. They will have almost certainly been contaminated. The others do not matter as they are already family."

Janetta, "It sounds like we both have to go into Quarantine or similar, How long will we be in quarantined?”

Marie, "You both contracted to look after me and Grandpa David for a year. What Lord Draco should have said is your job is now permanent with good remuneration. Like these two you both will by now be angels."

Alexis. "Marie is correct. Your life span like mine has considerably increased from the three score and ten attributed to normal humans. We have to place a restriction on you consorting with males or at least human males. David we are going in future to have to call you Davina if that is OK with you?"

David, "I did not expect to turn into a younger copy of my wife. I realised nearly straight away I had started developing breasts & was wondering how to explain them to my wife. I knew she had been informed of what I had lost below in the fire. Will the man from next door and his child who pulled us both out of the fire also be contaminated? Now I should see if I could do the same as Marie. So will Juniper & Jasmine stand by in case they needed again? Marie you can show me how you did it."

"That’s grandpa is easy you go on to your tip toes like this and then bring your arms up like this and then they just pop out. See you can do it like me."

The sisters watched as David floated up supported by Jasmine & Juniper. “I suppose we had better see if we could also do the same. You do realise we will never see our brother again Jennifer now we are angels.”

Astrid was watching over the two of them. "Want some help the first time is the scariest? Your brother is safe for the moment but one-day he will also change, as do almost all the males here. You have no need to worry about contaminating him as he already has received infusions from many of my family."

Jennifer looked at her sister. "Does he know it could happen to him?”

Lucy. "Your brother knows it can happen to any male descended from a certain Royal line. He has got to be quite an expert in double-checking who is affected and who is not. After he first diagnosed my Grandpa William. I doubt though that your brother has considered that he might also be affected like William.”

Astrid. "We have a hospital where you all can work. We are private hospital but do a considerable amount of work for the NHS. In addition all those who live or work for our estate also get treatment there. As I understand you both are contracted to work for at least a year. Now is not the time to worry over contracts, as it is your first flight.”

Astrid & Lucy took hold of Jennifer while Cleo & Marie took hold of Janetta. Jasmine & Juniper were already in the air holding on to Davina.

Astrid. "Good all three groups are still in the air. We can now form a circle." All nine joined hands and then circled clockwise getting faster and faster then there was a sonic boom. "Good we managed to create an astral lift so we can all slide down it. Just one thing I take it you all agree to sign up for my gang as you are dancing with me."

Davina quickly followed by Marie was the first down the astral slide.

Davina. "Rose you should give that a try it is fantastic."

Rose looked at Davina. "David is that you as you have changed again?"

"Rose stop being silly of course it is me. You knew I was changing into a female & apparently that is what I will be."

“David a few moments ago you looked like our daughter and now you look like a twin of our grand daughter Marie.”

One by one more four-year-old started to arrive at the bottom of the slide. Finally Astrid and Cleo arrived. Alexis spoke, “Astrid what have you been up to now?"

David was the one to speak as it was obvious Astrid & Cleo where stunned at what had happened. "I had promised Marie I would still play with her. We all appear to have regenerated including our doctor and nurse."

Lucinda looked at her dad. "Mum nobody is going to believe that is dad they will think it is Marie’s twin."

Olga. "I think it would be better to announce the death of David due to the injuries he sustained and at the same time have the records corrected about you having twin grand daughters, but we can attend to that another day.”

The ships doctor entered the room and said, “Madame I have sent out letters to members of your family asking them all here for a full medical."

Wilma. "Ah doctor we had intended springing a couple of surprises on you in the form of your sisters but something happened we did not expect. In fact we all find it hard to believe but it has and now they are considerably younger."

The doctor burst out laughing. "Well I am in no doubt as to which is my sisters. Queen Olga I fear that I may have come in to contact with a similar contaminant as your brother. I tested myself as an after thought and find I will soon no longer be the girls brother. Looking as they do now though I could be their older sister once my changes are completed."

Olga. "Doctor some time ago Lucy mentioned we should check all the branches of the family and we realised you belonged to a very minor branch. However it appears that the gene still runs through your family’s line. As to the five who have regenerated it will cause a slight problem, but nothing we can not work on."

Alexis spoke to the two stewardesses. "You two both knew what you where although I doubt this was an outcome you expected. I better claim you as my daughters as that would seam the best course of action.”

Juniper. "But mum will be wondering what has happened to us? She knows we where on board the plane as she gave us instructions that we had to stick with Marie like glue.”

Alexis, "You have forgotten she is already a companion and as such I claim all the children of companions. Your mother and sisters know full well you both have regenerated. I fact they all find it highly amusing.”

Lucy. "They can now be flower girls for me along with Marie, Davina, Fiona, Alexis & Cleo and the other small ones I have missed as we all appear to be on the same team.”

Nicholas Romanoff came up and bowed and said, "Lucy the transport is ready to take you to the cathedral. I see you have another Queen as advisor." He then spoke to Wilma. "Your highness as you refused the throne yourself we thought perhaps you should at least be a Grand Duchess as you are descended from Grand Duchess Anastasia."

Lucy. "That will be one of my first things to do. Grandma Wilma you will not get out of this."

Alexis and the others had to hide their faces as they smirked. Lucy turned to Astrid, "I have to go and live in England and go to school there. Fiona & Marie where due to be coming with me. I also think Davina better had come as well unless she suddenly grows up again.”

Astrid. "I will be there also. I was attending a private school previously. Mother though has decided we should all be educated together. That is so we can all look after each other, as some of the other children will not be as special as us. We know that you Lucy and Marie are as good at broadcasting as we are.”

Alexis. "Wilma you heard the decree of your grand daughter. I slipped up with you two and Rose I should have brought you in to the fold a long time ago when I realised who you where. I though had been busy with other things and you completely slipped my mind. Now though we should not keep the young Empress waiting.”

Chapter 27. Coronation in St. Petersburg.
In-groups they all departed in Black Russian cars. Eventually all had gone but Lucy, Wilma, Alexis & Willie. Grandpa Willie as you are my top man you had better hold my hand and Grandma Wilma & Cousin Alexis can walk behind us. Will Fiona and the other little ones be waiting for us as I do not want to go ahead if they are not?"

Alexis. "Markus will walk you down the aisle and all your flower girls will follow you."

"I want everybody to know Markus is mine. He has played with me for as long as I can remember. Long before mum was taken ill. Will Marie's friend be going to the same school as us and will Marie's little dog becoming to live with us?”

Astrid and Cleo. "Questions, Questions, Questions. Well we live at the Castle some of the time and the remainder we live in the country with our friends. We happen to know Your Grandpa Willie has bought the old convent near to where you are to live and he is having it demolished and rebuilt to his specifications. We also know the builders who are doing the work on both houses." Before they could answer any more questions they heard the music playing of the great organ.

Alexis, "I and the other queens have to go in now as has Grandpa Willie. All your attendants are waiting for you." With that she was gone

Wilma was still there though. "I have to walk in front of you Lucy".

"No Gran Wilma you hold my other hand and then I know I am safe with you and Markus".

Nicholas smiled as he saw Lucy holding on to Wilma’s hand. Nicholas pointed to a chair and asked Wilma to sit in it Lucy looked around and then scrambled on to her Gran’s knees.

The Russian Orthodox priest asked if Wilma still agreed to be a regent with the other queens for Lucy."

"I promised that I and the other Regents will look after Lucy until her coming of age."

The Archbishop, "In that case you had better be Zarina Wilma and Grand Duchess. Now you young lady agree to be our Zarina Designate and once you are 21 take on the full duties of a Zarina of Russia?

"I do sir and I want the entire world to know Markus is mine."

"Do you Markus Duke of Brandenburg agree to take the Zarina Lucy as your future wife?"

“Sir both Lucy and I know we are made for each other and once she is old enough we will say our vows until that time I am happy to be engaged to her."

The arch bishop spoke, "Under British or German rules that is impossible however under Russian rules a under age Zarina may elect to marry a male of her choice provided he agrees to take on the Zairian’s surname."

Markus looked at Lucy, "In a way it might be better as people will think I am your big brother. Sir if you can arrange it both my sibling and me will take on the same surname as Lucy.

In that case I have no problem of calling you and Lucy, Zarina & Prince consort Markus.

The peoples of the recently united Germany have also asked me if I will pose you similar questions. This time I need your grandpa WILLIE here as well.”

"Do you Wilhelm agree to be Kaiser of all Germany and rule wisely as regent with a team of other monarchs until Lucy comes of age and confirms her vows for both countries in the Bavarian capital city of Munich?"

"I agree to take on all those duties and responsibilities that my grand father before me took on. Lucy already has made many decisions for herself and I will try and counsel her as best I can."

“Now can I have those who are to be part of the team of Regents for Zarina Lucy Empress of all Germany and Queen of Finland, Crown Princess of Denmark & Bavaria?

Elizabeth spoke, "As you all know these last few years have been a very trying time for me with the terrorist explosion that took out my family. At 86 I had to continue on regardless. What some of you will not realise was I had to have a successor, and so I had to get the royal genealogist to look at the remaining Royal lines. Likewise the Greeks have decided to re establish their monarchy and wanted help. We agreed we would both have the same person.

The result came as a surprise to me and I thought I better check it out and so I went to visit my cousin Helga of Denmark who was on a cruise with several other queens. It soon became apparent to me my source was correct and that we had found my successor. I hope to go on for a few more years yet. I have to be prepared for the inevitable. But I would like to know my throne is in safe hands. From what I have already seen my successor will have no problem other than she will be queen or Empress to far more countries than I ever was.”

“It soon became apparent that the grand daughter of Helga had the best claim but she is only four years old. Rather than have one regent each country has decided to select an official Regent as you can see Willie & Wilma are two of the group. I represent the British Commonwealth, Olga has agreed to represent Norway and Finland while Renate has agreed to represent Bavaria & Greece and of course Helga Denmark, as Lucy is already Crown Princess there. We also have the archbishop of Finland, Prince Louie Battenberg, Prince Nicholas Romanoff, and Princess Robyn of Brandenburg, Princess Margarita of Hess & Prince George of Hess. Princess Della Romanoff & Princess Glenda of Bavaria will be also be part of the team of regents.

After the service they all headed to the palace where a grand ball took place. Lucy went across to Alexis. "Please I know you are Astrid’s and Cleo's mum & you must be sister to Renate. Why has she chosen me as her heir when she already has you and Glenda?”

Alexis smiled, "Lucy yes I am & you realised that but others do not all they see is Renate. When they look at you they all see a young girl. We know differently. Come take my hand and I will show you something."

<
"Oh you also have wings like mine. We can fly together."

Lucy gives Alexis her hand and they take off. Alexis shows Lucy many sights around the world. As they passed over South America they heard cries of help and screaming. They went to investigate and it was obvious that a riverboat had run into trouble along the Amazon. Alexis dived in and a Lady shouted no Killer fishes but Alexis took no notice. As soon as Alexis touched the water the Piranha fish all left the site very fast. Lucy managed to get a distress call off to the others and before long help started to arrive.

The sisters of Mercy arrived with villagers and started to help. The mother superior looked at Lucy. "Where is the Queen?"

Lucy pointed to the water. "She dived in there and a lady shouted no killer fish. Then she was gone and so was the fish."

"So who called for help?"

"I did I was flying with Alexis when we saw trouble and came to investigate."

"You are one of the queen’s angels?"

"Mother this was my first major flight and I have never flown alone before but I will for you if you wish so although I would prefer Alexis to be holding me as I am still only little?”

Mother looked at the river. "She will keep the fish away while the others search for any who might have been swept away."

A voice said, "Hi".

Lucy looked at the girl. "Are you looking for those who got swept away?”

"I am Lucy who are you?"

The mother looked at her. "Is my time up already River?"

"No mother I came with my sisters as we all heard the Empresses call for help and they are all doing their assigned tasks. My assigned task it to look after the girl you are holding the hand off."

The Mother superior looked at Lucy. "Are you an Empress?

"Until a few days ago I was just plain little Lucy and then it all changed when mummy was attacked and injured and I found my real grand parents by accident. I saw some people who looked nice and I asked them to help mummy. Queen Renate and the others Queens are all supposed to help look after me until I am 21.

Lucy noticed all the villagers turned away & shield their eyes as River got out of the water. "We may go back to your village Mother?

Lucy. "River are you a Queen or Princess? I ask as I told Grandpa Draco off for not bowing to Renate and the others. I did not realise he was father to Renate.”

The Mother superior had a smirk at this news. "Yes Lucy I heard and so did Grandpa Neptune who said, Good on the young lass she did right telling him off if he can not behave correctly. I am only a Princess of the waters well the sea to be precise. I enjoy swimming in this river when I can."

Lucy tried to curtsy & River. "No I should do that to you although Astrid tells me. you and her do not bother when together."

"Astrid, Astrol, Astral, Cleo & Marie all have to go to school with me but I do not want to go. I can already speak several languages. My mother says I have to go & while there I am to be just Lucy Church."

"Well girls we are almost back at the village."

River. "In that case I better tidy the two of us up before we arrive." River pointed her hand at Lucy and then herself. "That is better we look like Royally now."

The Mother tried to curtsy. Lucy spoke, "I think I have much to learn after all. I thought I knew all I needed but after seeing that I think you will have to show me how to do it."
29. Cousin Adrienne.

Lucy noticed all the villagers where kneeling down and then crouched right down. She saw a child looking round in awe at what was happening. The child then spoke.

"Hello I am Adrienne. I was in the Jungle with my dad after our plane came down. Dad is very poorly after something bit him. The water swept mummy away and there was nothing we could do. I am very pleased to see two friendly faces. The villagers all look at me and stare and some do what they are all doing now."

Lucy held her hands out, "Well Adrienne we will be your friends. Come give us a hug. Now we will go and visit your dad.” The three of them entered the hospital together.

Adrienne ran across to her dad and gave him a hug. "You are awake now? I missed you and until today nobody would be my friend but now I have two."

David looked at Lucy and River. "By any chance are you two children of my brother William's Children and if so is he close by?”

“I am Lucy & William is my Grandpa. I take it Adrienne was a bonus as neither Graham & Jessica who where both summoned to come to Grand Pa William & Nana Lynne's party, said anything about another sister."

Adrienne. "I was born out here when my parents decided to help the poor people. We got a letter telling us to come home & that is what we where doing when the plane crashed. Dad mum got swept away by the water & I will never see her again." At this Adrienne burst into tears.

David cuddled her. "I bet your mum is somewhere down stream working her way back to us right now. You know she is a good swimmer so I would not worry too much about her." As David spoke there was quite a commotion & Lucy and the others heard several shrieks.

The shrieks got closer and closer. Lucy saw it was Alexis accompanied by others. David grinned when he saw Alexis. "I was told you had been swept away dear."

Alexis. “I do look a little like my sister. I came to tell you she is safe, and is being well looked after. She has asking over the two of you & if you both got to safety."

Lucy grinned and said, "In that case I have a job to do?" Alexis as Adrienne is your niece she can join the others and me and be part of my group. If I have to go to school then she can also come with me. Now let’s see how did River do it? Ha like this.” Lucy waved her hands. "That is better you now look like a Princess of the wind."

Adrienne looked at her self. "I look like a Fay Princess. All I need now is some wings."

As she spoke her wings appeared and Adrienne floated up wards. Lucy & River shot after her and they held hands for a while and then one by one they came down on their own.

David looked shocked. "Am I likely to be doing that in the near future?"

Alexis. "My sister does not know herself she has the ability to do that and Lucy has only just discovered what she can do. As for you though I will have to insist you come home with us. As for you River your mother was wondering where you had vanished to & even she does not know you can do that."

“Mistress I heard the cry from Lucy & got here pronto to help. I did not realise at first Lucy was with you or that you had dived in and scared off the killer fish mistress. Some of mum’s sisters came with me and started to search the river. They should be here soon to collect me."

"Ha that explains how they came to find my sister."

River, "Do I have to go to this school place with Lucy & Adrienne and the others?"

David, "Well Alexis when we get back home I will have to arrange for Adrienne to go to School as she still has much to learn."

"Actually David a place is already reserved for Adrienne along with her cousins and River. We cannot have Lucy going to a new school with strangers can we."

River noticed several smiling females approaching with a very happy old man. "Grandpa, I was looking after Empress Lucy and her cousin Adrienne."

Neptune bowed. "Greetings Empress Lucy I see you have already claimed River. River I am extremely pleased how you responded to an emergency call from the Empress Lucy, as is your other grandfather. Lucy was only supposed to be on her training flight, but it turned to an emergency. I understand you also now have had your first flight. Well done. Now to you young lady you where quite correct in telling my brother Draco off. He tends to forget the niceties and gets over excited. Our mother has decided to punish him for forgetting."

Lucy looked shocked at Alexis and said, "I did not mean for your father to get into anymore trouble because of me. Perhaps if I go and see his mother when we return perhaps she will not be as harsh on him. I was annoyed because he had not bowed to Queen Renate. I did not realise he was her father. My mother tried to instil in me respect for all adults. Marie blurted out what I said to her. Sir I am sorry if your brother has got into trouble because of my words. Perhaps when we return home I could have a word with the lady & see if she is not so harsh with him. Now sir I have a request to make, My friend River tells me I may call you the Old man but that seams rather rude."

Neptune chuckled. "Actually it is one of my titles. The Old man of the Sea is the full title. They all abbreviate it. As to speaking with Endora she is approaching with some of my daughters & Grand daughters."

Lucy tried a curtsy. "Alexis how many sisters do you have? The Old Man is a practical joker. For a minute I believed him & then I thought it was Queen Renate.”

Endora held her hand out. "I did not get to meet you before Alexis whisked you off. Now Empress Lucy has this son of mine been behaving?”

Lucy looked at the other females and went and took the hand of one. "I may not know the others but I certainly know you. Your statue is in the entrance to Copenhagen harbour so you are the little mermaid. Will you be my Princess of the Sea? Lucy flicked her wrist and said that is better now you look like a true princess."

Lucy looked at Alexis and then at Endora. "You could be Renate or Glenda but you are far too young to be the Old Mans mum. Regardless of who you are I am one of the youngest here and so curtsy because of your seniority."

Lucy then noticed Wilma had appeared and ran to her and threw herself at Wilma. "Glenda is playing tricks on me & tried to tell me she was the Old Mans mum. That is plain silly as she is no Older than you and the Old mans mum must be a very ancient lady by now. I was going to ask that she was not so harsh on Grandpa Draco. He is nice & I like him."

"Well well it appears most of the family are here now."

Lucy did not wait to be told who it was she just launched herself at him & said, "Glenda has been naughty she tried to tell me she was your mum, but I know differently. I hope you did not get into to much trouble with your mum. But if you did I will sort it out for you."

Draco. "Empress Lucy with Astrid, Cleo and all the others I am always in trouble. River I understand you have recently found your wings?”

"Yes grandpa Draco Lucy & I had to fly to Adrienne’s aid when she developed her wings unexpectedly. I thought I could only swim, but apparently not. Lucy this lady is my mum."

Lucy curtsied and so did the lady. Pleased to meet you sister of Alexis. You look so much alike not to be sisters. I am having River & the Princess of the sea as my companions along with Astrid, Cleo and the others we have much to teach each other."

The little mermaid went across to Neptune and said, "Grandpa Neptune my new friend Lucy needs one of your bracelets as do Adrienne and some of the others and then they will have to return to St. Petersburg before they are missed."

Lucy looked at the lines of females all in neat rows behind Rivers mother. "I think I have another job to perform before we can receive any presents. Now how do I do it? Ha yes I remember from aunt Margarita, she said, "Attention, Present hands."

Draco was amused at how serious Lucy took it. Occasionally she would look and say that nail looks gimpy and needs filling. Eventually she got to the very back where there was a female who looked battered and bruised and her hands where covered in mud and blood.

Adrienne saw her. "Mum you are alive this is my friend Lucy."

“Sorry Lucy I am not as presentable as I would have wished. I got knocked out by a tree trunk & have not yet had time to clean up. I was hoping by staying to the back so I would not be noticed."

One of the women groaned, "Apparently the mini army has decided to put in an appearance." Astrid gave the appearance of being a General and was riding a Shetland pony.

Astrid just in time I need your help and that of your friends, my Cousin Adrienne’s mother has been injured and we can make her better."

The first few attempts by the youngsters soon cleaned Julie up and even caused her nails to re grow but other wise did little to affect her. "Stop" Said Lucy. "We are not powerful enough to affect an adult." Lucy Turned to Draco and Endora who Lucy still thought was Glenda. Aunt Julie needs to power of one or several adults to restore her. Our little power balls have not done much other than make us all sleepy. So as you two are the nearest adults to me at the moment do you mind helping?”

Endora grinned. "Yes we will help." David got out of his bed and came across, Embraced Julie, "Love you need the bed more than I do. I have something to tell you and I am not sure how to tell you."

As they embraced the fireballs from Endora & Draco hit the two of them and the two bodies for a second or two became one and then reverted back. Julie bent down and picked up Lucy and said, "I see you are already good friends with our Adrienne? We where coming to your enthronement when the plane crashed killing the pilot. We then got into a bit of a pickle ourselves. As for what David has to tell me. I have already guessed what the problem is so that will wait for a while."

Lucy thought for a moment and said, "Grandpa William said you sold your house at Thornton when you moved out here. So you had better come and live with me and my Grandparents I think there will be room to accommodate you all and then Adrienne can go to school with me and my cousins."

David, "What I remember of my Brother William's house was that it was very small. But we do need somewhere to live and you are correct over Adrienne she would be better going to school with you. Especially as you both have special talents. I though would not tell the other children at school you can produce fire balls or fly though.”

“So Aunts that is settled I will let housekeeping know my aunts and cousin will be returning to the house with me and to make the arrangements for Adrienne. Now Aunt Davina are you going to give me a cuddle. I only had mummy and now I have lots of Aunts and they are all magic. The villagers are scared because they know they have the Queen of the heavens in their midst and many princesses of the seas. They all know River and yet are terrified of a little girl like my cousin. See there is another little girl in the corner nobody speaks to her or goes near her but I will.”

Chapter 39. Paula’s time in Arial
Paula found her way to the dinning room and realised that it was a giant play room. Markus up “Hi, Have you come to race me?”

Paula looked the cars. "Why not do you mind if I have the number 9 car?"

"No that is fine with me. Robyn please ask Glenda over here and join us in a race or two.” Some of Fiona’s elder sisters came and took the remaining places.

Paula noticed Debra who was very quiet and reserved. Without thinking she handed the Sheltie to Morning Star and said, "Will you look after this for me while I deal with Debra? Then she went and cuddled Debra.

Debra started sobbing away. "Mum has vanished again."

"Yes I know and she asked me if I would look after you as if you where one of my daughters. With Mary and Anne that include lots of cuddles. Now do you want to help me win this race and give me a cuddle?"

"Please." Before long the others had stopped what they where doing and Lucy was now joining with Marcus.

Glenda. "Most of the other will be doubling up and it tends to get rather noisy during a race as you will soon find out. It looks as if you have been chosen to join our play group Paula."

"After being in the army and seeing some of the things I saw looking after these should be a doodle all they need is some discipline. I will demonstrate after this race."

Paula & Debra win the race and then Paula blows a whistle. "Well that apparently got your attention. Now I would like you all to line up with the smallest at the front and then you can tell me your name rank and number."

As they where doing just that Margarita walked in. "I was going to have a surprise inspection but it appears you have got an able instructor after all. As you are all lined up we will have a presentation of nails for your new instructor.”

Lucy. "Aunt Margarita you need to stand at the end of the line as you are the tallest of us and then you can give your name rank and number like us. Paula needs to know who is who."

"OK Lucy I will play your game."

“Sir Zarina Lucy and these are my cousins and friends.”

Fiona was next who said, “I am Princess Fiona youngest daughter of Marshall of Princess's Margarita." One by one all the others did the same.

Paula tried to curtsy when she got to Margarita who had to stifle a laugh. "You appear to be a little rusty on that curtsy. With plenty of practise you will be OK. Now can I see your hands please?"

“If you can get these bandages off you can. As you can see I still have a little bit of a problem."

Margarita gave some hand signals and some of the older girls started to undo the bandaging. "Oh that feels a lot better but as you can see they are still charred from the fire. They do tickle like mad."

Marie prodded one and said, "It is ready to split now like mine did." As she spoke the skin split and the crusty shell dropped off. Good you are almost like me. I thought you had been born a man? This says you are a daughter of Draco.”

Marie, "I was a normal man who was friends with some of Draco’s daughters as I have recently found out."

Margarita looked at the mark on Paul's hands. "This looks genuine to me but I better call an expert on them.”

Endora appeared a short time later. "I know for sure Paul never had that on his hands previously. So either Draco is your real father or a large proportion of Dragon daughters have accepted Paula as their sister for that mark to appear as it has. I know you said the words with Night star as she admitted it to me."
Morning star.

"Endora there was far more involved than Night star. It is time I and the other admitted our part in the ceremony we performed. Night star is now reunited with me and all my sisters including Alexis. Look again and you will see Paula bears the brand of Alexis. As for the daughters of Draco all currently known daughters of Draco have accepted Paula as their sister and feel she would benefit to a spell of time looking after the younger family members.”

Endora looked at Astrid. "I presume you are spokes person for Alexis as she is not currently here."

Lucy. "No I am as Glenda & Renate are part of my team now and likely to be so for some time to come. Paula I see now why Alexis wanted you to stay here. It is clear to me you are used to giving orders and so can keep those sisters of Alexis who have decided to stay here in check. I cannot make you Marshal of Princesses as that title is Margarita but you can be General of Princesses."

Paula thought for a moment and said, "I will need some officers to help me." Paul tapped Robyn, Night star & Morning star & Captain Swen's wife." Madame I noticed all the girls call you Grandma and so I presume it is an honouree title. Will you be grandma to all my princesses & senior officer after me?”

She laughed. "I am that all ready after Lucy made me official Grandma. One thing I have learnt is that my life is certainly different from the lonely existence I had with Swen away quite a bit of the time. With the girls around you do not get chance to be lonely. I see you have already discovered the benefits of being around the girls. There is always one who needs a cuddle or reassuring."

Debra was clinging to Paula like a leach. Marie spoke, " Debra do not be scared of us come give Lucy and me your hands?

"I was promised if I did as instructed I would be on the same team as Aunt. That cannot be now as the black flight is all gone."

Morning star.” Debra take those hands offered. You will be on the same team as me if you do. I have a new job these days. Paula selected me to help her look after all the little ones.”

Debra let go of Paula and launched her self at Morning star. "I was told you had joined the black flight and I wanted to be with you. I want to be with you for ever."

Morning star looked at her sister. "You have taken the flack for me for long enough. It is time the truth was known."

Lucy. "Oh that you are Debra’s real mother we all already know that. Paul told Endora the truth when he said he had never copulated with Night star. She though did not believe him. We do though because we know all about Debra.”

Night star. "Honestly sister I never let on to anybody I was not the mother. I could not say who the father was because I did not know. Nobody believed me and all thought Paul was responsible."

Morning star. "For a while I went to college and while there I was attracted to a human he already had two girls fawning over him and I made my play. I managed to kiss him under the mistletoe. He joked if he could have a harem he would have all three of us but he had chosen Christine as his mate. A while late we both fell into the swimming pool together he slung his arms round me and told me he could not swim. What he did not realise was that with that kiss I was bound to him and would soon be have his child. The others told me how brave I was diving in to rescue him they did not realise he could not swim. I told Night star my adventure and the predicament I found myself in. She said she would see what she could do."

When we eventually returned home everybody thought the child was Night star’s and she took all the repercussions. Unfortunately I had a bust up with father and the only place I could go was to the Black flight. Even then there was no way I would ever turn against a golden queen. Now I am companion of the Golden queen and as such Debra is her daughter as she is mine.”

Debra started to grin. "That makes me a golden princess like my friends." As she spoke there was a crack of thunder and then the whole room was illuminated.

Alexis along with her sisters and cousins appeared. Astrid and Cleo took hold of Debra. "Mother we your blood sisters lay claim to Debra as our companion and your blood sister."

Morning star spoke, "A while ago you spared my life and made me your No1 Dragon companion since then my aunts and cousins have all followed me to be your companions. I should not be your number 1 dragon companion for I failed to notify you of my child.”

Endora shook her head. "I thought I had brought you dragon girls up correctly. Obviously you did not hear Astrid correctly. Alexis has known all about Debra ever since you became her companion. I expected Alexis to collect you both long ago. Other things though took precedence. Debra if you are what I think you are then you will never be a Golden Princess. Neither Astrid nor her sisters are Princesses and never will be. As for you Morning star I should have seen it long ago, But I mistakenly believed Paul & Night star where Debra’s parents. Paula I apologise for what has happened to your home and family. Part of your change was inevitable especially as you appear to acquire a daughter of Neptune along with Night star as a partner.”

Night star. Endora was it you playing mind games with me when I started getting dreams of lion cubs and cheater cubs speaking to me and saying come home sister the queen needs you. I saw a lion cub trapped and some ladies came along and released it. I saw the fear in the villagers when the ladies entered their village. "

Endora. "It appears others had also locked on to you and knew you where a Sheltie. The dream was more likely to be a blow by blow of events as they unfurled. I also think the sender had not learned to control how she sent messages out."

Night star noticed Cleo squirming and held her arms out. "I take it you are a daughter of my cat sister. I am your aunt Night star and like you besides being human and dragon I can morph myself to a Sheltie."

Cleo. "Marie and Mary love to play with you when you are in sheltie mode and so would I and my sisters. Can you teach us how to be shelties so we can do something different to cats"?

Alexis. "Morning star and Night star your positions where assured long ago. Night star you recently followed your sisters and permanently bound your self with me. Your friend Paula did likewise. Morning star you this time have avoided it but it made no difference. You bound yourself early on in your life when even an Empress did not realise her abilities."

"Oh I have just realised what you mean. Alex as a baby fell into the water and could not swim and I dived in and dragged him out. Everybody thought I was very brave diving in and rescuing Alex. Twice now I have rescued Alex from the water. It was not the kiss it was the water that impregnated me. Alex must have had the same abilities as Lord Neptune & Lord Draco. He never showed any signs of being a dragon lord though. If that is the case then Debra was already a dragon princess. I will have to find Alex and inform him he has a daughter."

Andora. "It is apparent you never listen to what is said to you."

"Aunt I do listen and I know there are those here who wish to see me fly with my Golden sister and see us united for eternity. In fact Night star also asks for permission to fly as well. First I will have to find Lord Alex and inform him he has a child by me."

At this all the others started to laugh and Cleo said, "Aunt you will search for an eternity and never find Alex. He went some time ago.”

For a moment there was silence. "Empress I clearly was not listening correctly where you once Alex? Even if you where I must formally seal my union as my sisters have done before me. Previously was an accident. Regardless Debra is still the daughter of Lord Alexis. It also appears my nieces are also my daughters. Will I have to train them all how to be fairy dogs?"

Cleo. "There is no need Aunt, once we have been shown we all can do it. Debra has given us a quick lesson in being a sheltie, and in return we have shown her how to be lion cubs or cheater cubs.”

Alexis took her hand. "Debra is already being taken in hand by her sisters. They have already accepted her as such. As you have already united with me long ago, there is no need to do it again unless you wish to prove to Debra and the family we are one."

As they where speaking Wilma and family arrived. "Hello Alexis Lucy here wanted to come and play with Astrid and the Leprechauns so I thought we had better pay you a visit. As it is quite a while since we returned from the cruise.

"Greetings Empress Lucy, You will find Astrid with the leprechauns somewhere near the water jets. Cleo can you equip Lucy and companions with water cannons and then you can go and enjoy yourselves."

Night star.”I know you, your friends with Paul sorry Paula. How is he coping with his changes?

Wilma said, "Like me he had quite a shock but we realised there was several of us in the same predicament and so we have regular meetings and exchange information. Regardless of that life goes on almost as normal. As for Lucy she is enjoying the attention she has been receiving. As you can see she has quite a following."

A short tame later several shrieks could be heard including those of Astrid. "Lucy was that you who soaked me?"

“Sorry Astrid, You where making that much noise I thought you must be a leprechaun."

Astrid blew a whistle and the leprechauns all appeared. “Lucy these are Leprechauns and I am not one. Now as we have all her perhaps we should pick teams."

“Do I get to have one of those tall girls in my team Astrid?” They decided to select their teams by size and so each one had a young giantess each.

Chapter 40. Willies new Home.

Margarita looked around at her new home. She could look across to where Lucy was now living. The younger children only had to go through a gate and past the Catholic church of St Stephen and walk about 100 metres and they where at school. The older girls on the other hand had to travel half a mile to the bus station and there get the school bus that took them directly to their school.

Margarita was looking at some photos Wilma had provided. These showed what their homes once looked like. Fiona tugged at her mother’s skirt and asked if it was ok to go and play with Lucy. Margarita nodded.

Louis Battenburg put his arm round Margaritas waist. “You know when I got the call I thought it was another of your Willies practical jokes. I had been wondering for some time though if I should propose to you. I did not envisage us though having a new home together in another country.”

“Louis I was just looking at these old photographs of what this area looked like before the Fay builders got their hands on it. It certainly looks a lot different now to what it was several weeks ago.”

Petal. “Yes they did all the work in record time. I hope we did not forget anything in our hurry to complete the job. If there is anything you need then the Fay builders are always happy to oblige. The Big Boss has sent me to collect the girls. Today is the first time the daughter of Constance of Fischen has entered an official race. Alexis and Astrid both thought it would be nice if we all supported them.”

“Mum are you coming it is Iolanthe’s first race? All the rest of the family are going.”

The family boarded the underground railway that took them directly to the palace on Ingleborough. They spotted Alexis. “Renate has asked if this race could be dedicated to the late Sigfried of Bavaria and Clause his son. Who both died tragically in the car explosion a while back?”

Jules was wearing black as she was in mourning for her late husband. Every member of team Bond was wearing a black armband. Like the previous time the dragon singers where there. This time though they where in the stands. From the race starting until the three peaks was finished the singers would not stop singing. This time the race was receiving international attention. Media from round the globe where broadcasting the race. This was in addition to the local and national media that where all wanting the prime positions. Through the benefit of modern technology the race was being beamed to virtually every country on the planet.

Lucy asked why the singers appeared to be repeating the song and getting faster. Cartumandia replied. “When going into battle in ancient times they used to sing to scare the enemy away. Here they sing to encourage Gaby and the team to win. As they get faster then so should Gaby.”

“If that is the case then the rest of us better start singing the same song.” Even miles away all the riders could hear the singing. Not all though realised the significance of the singing. Because of the broadcast many Fay who had not previously answered the calls of Alexis managed to lock on to the signal and obey the call. Upon arrival they joined the swelling ranks of Fay and started singing. The broadcasters where almost drowned out by the noise of the singing. All of a sudden the singing got very fast. Gaby & Iolanthe both made their move. It was obvious to all that one of them was going to take the race. As it happened Gaby won by a wheel. Both of them collapsed at the side of the course before waiting for the third place to come in.

Jules was making the presentations. “Ladies and Gentlemen it gives me great pleasure in handing the winners trophy to my sister Gabriel. This is the third successive time she has won this race. As such I understand she gets to keep the trophy. Next year there will be a new Trophy dedicated to my late father in law and husband. By next year we might even be seeing a new winner as Iolanthe certainly gave my sister Gabriel a run for her money.”

Lucy felt somebody tug at her skirt. “Please do you know where we are? The singing stopped and we lost our bearings.”

“The singing stopped when the race ended.”

“We must go and find the singers for they tell the dragon lords have returned and they call for their entire Fay.”

Lucy grinned, “Do you know how to recognise a dragon then? Are you not afraid one might make a snack of you?

“Please we have to find them we have travelled long and fast to get here. As to how to recognise them we have no idea. The music though calls to us.”

“My friends the dragon lords already know you are here and bid you rest and refresh yourselves. Would you all like some refreshment?”

As Lucy spoke a small man pushed himself forward. “Would yea be inclined to employ the likes of me?”

Lucy giggled. “Well little man dressed in green whom might you be?”

“As yea asked so nicely my name is Octavian & this is one of my brothers Severus Fartus. We have misplaced our brothers.”

”Well I am Lucy to some & Emperess to others.”

Octavian looked at Severus. ”By any chance would you have a position for the two of us?”

”Well I do not know of a Fadius but I do know of lots like you. The only difference is they are all Royals of Astrid. Well you two are you going to be mine?”

Both of them did a high five. ”We accept the position.”

William Church and the Scandinavia Trip
By Sharp

Chapter 30. Lily The Leper.

As Lucy got near the girl said, "No no closer I am unclean. Do not come closer or you may become unclean like me."

The Mother superior, "Lucy She has bad Leprosy and is waiting to die. Her family is already dead. There is nothing we can do for her, as the drugs we have do not help her. So all we can do is to make her comfortable until she leaves us.”

Lucy looked at her. "In that case I better clean her as I can do that and then you can play with us."

The girl knelt down as if to say a prayer. "Gynae earth mother protect my new friends from me they do not understand the terrible illness I have contracted."

Lucy "To late I am already cleaning you.”

The girl looked at her withered arms. "The flesh is growing back. I was supposed to eventually be priestess to the earth mother. I was rejected by the priests because of my illness."

Alexis. "Lily Gynae the earth mother has already claimed you as one of hers. You sought to protect the others but there was no need. Had she not intervened I certainly would have. As it was you sought protection for the one who cured you. Gynae is known by many names in many lands as I am and Lucy is one of those names. Lucy, Astrid, Cleo, River and any I have forgotten would you like to take Flora for an astral dance.”

Adrienne grabbed hold of one of Floras hands and Lucy the other. "That was a royal command from the Queen of the Heavens so you are obliged to dance with us."

As the girls danced Flora realised she was no longer wearing the rags she had on. She looked at her skin and it had changed to a pinkie white and she had blond hair like the other girls.

Flora. "There should have been another who was to have been Fauna. I do not know what happened to her though."

Adrienne. "She is very close by and has been dancing with you. Her power is not as strong as Lucy's but it still flowed into you as did that of all the others you danced with. Now you see those two old men you are to go up to them and say you are Flora and you are now united with Gynae and Fauna." Flora did as Adrienne instructed.

Neptune. "Young lady it was quite plain for all to see, all three of you where present along with my daughters in that dance.”

Flora looked at Draco. “Sir I have seen you before when you came to my home & promised my parents I would be Flora although I was called Lily at the time. If I am Flora then I will need somebody to teach me Mr. under the hill. Sorry I do not know your correct name but mum referred to you as the little red Lord from under the hill."

Neptune. "You know full well who I am then?"

"Sir like the villagers I often have seen Princess River and many others swimming in the great river. I learned long ago that it was safe to enter the water if they where close. but I never disturbed their play. The killer fish all vanished if Princess River was close by. Sir I know you as Aqua the Lord of the Waters." With that Lily leapt into Neptune’s arms.

"Astrid is correct you do make a comfy pillow and I will be safe with you. I feel very sleepy will you look after me." With that Lily dropped off to sleep in Neptune’s arms.

Draco. "Well it is time we returned to St. Petersburg with the Empress before somebody notices she is missing.”

The following morning Fiona decides to go and wake Lucy so they can play together. She gets quite a shock when she finds two more girls in the bed with Lucy. "Hi Fiona we are running short on space so these sleepy heads have bunked in with me."

Wilma. "Lucy is ready Fiona & needs somebody to partner her against the boys. I will come for you both when these two sleepyheads are awake but they could sleep for quite a while yet."

Lucy. "Will they also be joining us permanently? Can I tell the remainder of the group we have another two additions to Lucy's group? With that Lucy and Fiona shot off to be joined by Marie.

Marie. "Hi I have some news after you went to bed the adults who changed to be like us all changed back to normal. All except grandpa that is he is still a lady and Nana has grown younger so they both look alike."

Juniper & Jasmine arrived. "We wondered if you still wanted us to play with you now we are back as adults."

Lucy. "You two may have escaped Alexis but you do not escape me easily. Your mother instructed you both to look after Marie and me and stay with us always. Now I was told to always obey my mother. Astrid informs me you both can revert to a child whenever you wish so it is my express wish that you both reverted to that form while in my presence. As for Janetta & Jeanette they have skills that are needed elsewhere so they will be allowed to practise those skills. You two may revert to your adult form when not with me and you will not be required to go to school with us except to take us and collect us and for that you may be our older sisters."

A quick flash and Juniper & Jasmine where sat racing the cars with Lucy and the others. Lucy was determined to win the races and had just won one when River appeared with Adrienne and Flora. "I told your Grandma Wilma I would bring these two to you and then we would all have breakfast together.”

Flora. "I wondered where I was as I was in a strange bed with a girl I did not know. I got out and looked at myself and saw a different me looking back. Your grandma smiled at me and said, "Lily this will be your home for a short while and then you will return with me to my home where you will live and go to school."

"Shortly after the other girl awoke and spoke to your grandmother calling her aunt. River walks into the room about the same time and was asked to take us to Lucy. So here we are. Please tell me did I dream meeting Lord Aqua & the other one."

River answered. "No you did not dream either of them as they are both my grandfathers. In fact they both laughed at your description of them."

"Oh in that case I did not dream the rest either Princess River of the waters. I thought I had a very strange dream. When I awoke I was in a different body and did not look as I once did." As she spoke Draco entered the room.

"Ha Lily we did not finish last nights business. First though come here and sit on my lap. All three girls you see here are very dear to me. Some are my grand children and some not but they all call me grand father as they do with my brother Neptune or Aqua as you called him Lily. I see both River and Lucy have laid claim to you."

Adrienne. "Sir we have decided as I am Adrienne and Fauna then Lily as Flora should be my sister."

Flora. "I still need to visit the temple so the priests know that both Flora and Fauna once again walk the earth."

Lucy, "I think Grandpa Draco already has that underhand. I have noticed most the males who do survive are great at organising. Even my Markus although he is only young spotted a Princess of Hess & corrected the situation. Uncle Nicholas planned my coronation with very little time.
31. Princess Iolanthe of Fischen.

Renate, Glenda & Robyn entered the room with a very scared young girl wearing a tiara. Renate spoke, "Lucy this is Iolanthe. Glenda, Margarita & I are her god mothers she is scared, as she knows nobody here. For a while she pretended she was a boy after her mother died. That has now all changed. As she has been placed under our care by her father. She needs some new friends and we wondered if you would all like to be friends with her.”

Fiona. "Iolanthe looks nearer my sisters in age but she is welcome to play with us if she wishes."

“Father said I have to Obey Princess Margarita of Hess as if it was my own mother instructing me.”

Fiona. "In that case, "You are one of my sisters as that is my mum and I am the youngest. Come you can share my car with me.”

Renate smiled as they sat down together.

"Do you mind if I cuddle your doll?

Lucy. "If you promise to take good care of her I will lend you my Topsy she has gone everywhere with me apart from when I left her once."

Renate, "I will leave you with the girls Iolanthe, and collect your doll for you. Then Lucy can have her Topsy back.”

Renate spoke to Margarita, "They just accepted her as Iolanthe she needs a doll. & additional clothing. Also I have remembered it is her birthday today."

Margarita. "I am very surprised the Finnish Army accepted him considering his size as he is not much larger than any of Lucy's Group."

Lucy and the others noticed Iolanthe was very weepy. They asked what the problem was. "I miss my mum. She would have remembered today & daddy has forgotten again. He will make it up when he remembers but today is my day."

Lucy signalled to Jasmine & Juniper who went and informed Renate. "No wonder she is weepy. It is her birthday and we where not informed until now."

Margarita. "Louie can you take Helga & Helena and go shopping for all these items we will need for Iolanthe?" Jasmine & Janetta can you ensure the girls keep her occupied all day so she does not think to long about today. Nicholas can you take the other helicopter back to Finland, and perhaps take Willie with you & bring the father back with you do not fail."

Nicholas saluted and stood to attention and said, "Yes sir.”

He and Willie then burst out laughing. "Sorry Margarita for a moment you reminded me of my old Captain giving out orders."

Lucy came to see how they where doing and overheard them. "Aunt Margarita is no captain she is the Empresses marshal of Princesses & Princes. That makes her the same rank as you Uncle Nicholas & Uncle Louie, but as you are both Princes it makes her your commanding officer. Now go on your assigned tasks as we keep Iolanthe occupied in Ariel for the rest of the day.”

Before too long Iolanthe had forgotten what day it was as she played with the girls. Fiona's elder sisters where also sent in to ensure good care was taken of Iolanthe. They started to teach Iolanthe dances and pretended to be shocked when she said. "She did not know the steps."

Fiona. "When I thought you was a boy I wanted you like Lucy has Markus but now I have you as a sister and that is better still as we can do things together that we can not with boys. Can you imagine going to a boutique with Markus and trying on dresses while he was there or having him at a sleep over?"

Iolanthe burst into tears again. "Fiona I am a boy I am in the Army of Finland and only came here because I was ordered too by a senior officer."

Adrienne. "Well if you are a boy you are the first I have met that looks as good as me in a dress. I doubt that even a boy in a dress would be as emotional as you are bursting into tears like you do."

Anastasia one of Fiona's elder sisters. "Well Iolanthe I know the truth that you are certainly a girl. I helped mother and Sarah change you when you fell asleep and a confused Markus called for Queen Renate. In your sleep you talked and thought Renate was your mother. Once dressed Kaiser William carried you to the room you awoke in."

"I am a boy and not a girl, Iolanthe was only pretend with mother. I only ever dressed as her when mother was around. Since then I have been a boy and I joined the army. Father instructed me I had to obey Princess Margarita and so if she wants me to pretend I am a girl I will for her."

Lucy. "No you have been trying to be a boy to please your father. He knows full well you are a girl, and he was very surprised you had managed to get yourself enrolled in the army, & did not know how to get you out. My poor Markus got rather a shock when he started to unpack your kit bag after you fell asleep.”

With this news Iolanthe let out another wail. "Now Markus, he will think I am very strange."

Victoria spoke up. "No he will not. There are two others here who tried to pretend they where boys and one of them was me."

Iolanthe started to laugh. "No way you are far too pretty to ever be mistaken as a boy."

Another girl spoke up, "I was the other girl Iolanthe that once thought I was a boy."

"Now I know you are joking as you also are also very pretty. Thank you though for cheering me up. Boy or Girl my task is supposed to be to defend Empress Lucy and as this appears to be my new uniform so I will have to get use to it. I must be a boy though because when I first saw Princess Fiona I thought to myself I could fancy her. She is a princess of Hess and will want nothing to do with me."

With that Fiona threw herself at Iolanthe. "Good because I had the similar thoughts. I even asked if I could keep you and the priest said yes. So Markus ordered you here."

"Fiona I do not understand when I was a soldier I was not so weepy as I am here and when I saw your mother all I want to do is have cuddles off her. I think it must be that she reminds me constantly of Constance my mum & I wonder if she will object if I call her mum. One day she would be my mother in law when we get married."

Fiona gave Iolanthe more cuddles. "Let us ask her now as she is coming to inspect all of us? Mum we have a problem; Iolanthe here is very weepy and need a cuddle off her mum. Can you help?”

Margarita looked at Iolanthe. "Iolanthe come her and I will sort your face out."
As Iolanthe cuddled Margarita a torrent of tears burst out eventually they subsided.

Iolanthe. "Mum I missed you so much now you are back things will be OK again and Iolanthe will be free as she should be."

Fiona. “Iolanthe you have sisters little and tall that love you dearly and will take good care of you. Look around, you are now one of us. No more playing a soldier or pretending to be a boy, our mum will not allow that. Now you are a princess like us.”

Margarita. "Constance would have wanted me and your other god mothers to bring you up as my daughter. So I certainly have no objection in you calling me mum. Now young lady I think it is time we cleaned you up and sorted that tear stained face out. I understand it is your birthday and I bet you thought we had all forgotten. Well a mum never forgets a child’s birthday unlike dads."

This brought a smile to Iolanthe’s face. "As I am to be a princess will I ever be allowed to cycle again. I did with mum but then it all stopped & I had to be strong & not weak like a girl."

Wilma who had entered the room heard this. "Well we cannot allow it on board the ship, but as you are coming home with us to Skipton I think that would be permissible. Some of your other cousins will be glad to have you cycle with them if you wish to. I have brought this tiara as your father felt you should wear it now."

"Mums Tiara,” She promised me it would be mine one day until I passed it to my daughter." With great care Iolanthe put the tiara on and then asked Margarita if it was on correctly?"

Wilma. "Iolanthe, Markus will escort you to the dinning room and we will all go and take our seats in there and then you can enter."

Iolanthe was a bit apprehensive but Markus said, "It is only a Royal birthday party thrown by several queens for Isolde daughter of Constance of Fischen."

As they entered a great cheer went up and Iolanthe blushed. She saw her father and went across to him. "Thank you for the tiara daddy. I was very upset because I thought you had forgotten it was my birthday."
32. Willie gives a present.

Willie spoke, "We have been rather busy arranging your party so we asked the girl’s if they would keep you occupied. I understand they did that admirably and I further understand from my sister Margarita that you have asked permission off her to go cycling. Your father tells me that was something you used to do with your late mother and he has not had time to do that with you. How would you feel if I got you permission to train with a cycling team?"

"Sir I would like that very much but will some of my new sisters be allowed to accompany me? Also I do not have a decent bike or skins and helmet to do any ridding in."

Fiona came up and handed Iolanthe some cards and said, "Read them carefully? We have some other presents for you but I think you might like these the best.

Iolanthe opened the first envelope. Happy birthday from Fiona & regardless of what anybody thinks I am claiming you. A piece of typed paper dropped out. It read your sisters had got you other presents. When we heard you ask about permission to go cycling we also wrote this and put it in Fiona's card. This is an IOU for a full set of skins and a helmet for you once we return to our new home.”

Iolanthe's father spoke, "Shortly after you left, I received a missive from the Queen of Finland and, apparently I have been appointed her personal chaplain Bishop. I have to attend functions and have my abode wherever the Queen chooses to live. While I will be close by I have several weddings to sort out. So I would appreciate it if you continued to take instruction off Margarita. I can understand why you call her mum and that is acceptable by me." Now Kaiser Wilhelm and I where pondering what to get you for your birthday when we heard about your request. Wilhelm quizzed me about your skills and I said you where good although you needed a new bike as your current one was far too small."

A second or two later a big grin came across Iolanthe's face.

Wilhelm, "I like cycling myself and have a little hobby. For a while I have been sponsoring a ladies cycle team they have the ladies world champion in their team along with another sister of mine who has been summons here with her daughter Katrina who is your age or so I am led to believe. Although you look far younger than you actually are"

Iolanthe thought for a moment and said, "Will I be allowed to cycle with Jenny Bond and Gaby, I try and follow all their races? They are both brilliant. One time mum entered me in a cross-country race up and down mountains in Yorkshire England. It was the first time I had ever done anything like that. I came in ninth place but the winner was a D Bond I often wondered if she was any relation to Jenny."

Another voice said, "I well remember that race as you told me it was your first time. For a first timer you gave me some serious opposition and I for one will be pleased to see you at our training sessions. As to what you wondered, I am known as D or as Gaby Bond youngest daughter of Jenny, but I am a champion in my own right."

“I know that as I followed your exploits. I knew you had gathered some friends including your sister Maddy to form your own team, & that you had been initially sponsored by Briggs Cycles in America. That was after mum died. For a while I lost track of you although even in Finland you had many followers and when you represented Britain in the Embassy race you had many cheering you on. I was also aware of the attempted assassination of you in the south of England, and I am glad that has been resolved.”

Princess Katrina. "We wondered what to get you and the team captain said, perhaps you would like a full pink set of our team skins along with the helmet. So that is what we brought you. Not all of us are into racing up mountains but apparently you like our team captain like to."

The skins they have GB on the back & I am half Finnish & Half Bavarian so I can not ride for Great Britain."

Katrina started to laugh. "Iolanthe it stands for team Gaby Bond not Great Britain although some of our team members are also in the British team as I represent Bavaria & so can you. Now Gaby and I understand there is a racing circuit on board and we wondered if we could have a go before we all eat.”

Gaby said, "Wow that is some layout. I bet the oldies are as eager to play on it as us."

After several races in which different contestants won Jenny said, "After we have had our tea Lucy do you mind if I challenge Alexis, Glenda & Renata & some of their sisters to a race or two on your circuit."

Draco. "And then perhaps the boys could have a go after that.

Iolanthe gave her father a nudge. "Yes I would like to challenge you Draco and have a go round the circuit a time or two."

Iolanthe cuddled Margarita "Thank you for the party. Once dad gets on the track he will be too occupied to notice anything else. I feel as if I am me again like I did with mum. Are we all allowed to dance as I feel that I want to dance?”

Cleo. "It is compulsory for us all to dance so if you want to dance then that is what we will do."

Eventually the day was over and everybody made their way to their cabins. All the children where soon asleep. Iolanthe’s father was having a good chat with Margarita. "I could do nothing with her after her mother’s death. Even those I engaged to look after her could do nothing with her & she decided she was a boy and was strong willed. Then you turn up and she is back to her old self again. So I owe you and the girls a big thank you."

33. Iolanthe in Pain.

The following morning Iolanthe awoke in considerable pain. Her face was red. She awoke Fiona and said, "Fiona can you get mum as I do not feel very well?" A worried Fiona shot off and found her mum who came to find out what the trouble was. A quick look at Iolanthe told her all she needed to know.

Iolanthe. "Mum I feel dreadful both sides of my tummy hurt and I keep getting hot and cold. I think I am going to have to go to the toilet."Margarita waited and a short time later an obviously shaken Iolanthe emerged.

Margarita. "You would be better if you changed all your clothes and had a bath and then go back to bed. I take it this was your first time. From now on you are going to need a supply of these. While you take a relaxing bath I will get the maid to change your bedding and I will return with a drink for you. You would be better spending the remainder of the day in bed.”

"But I am bleeding all over? And feel rotten."

"Ah Iolanthe it comes as a shock the first time it happens. It is only your body getting prepared to have babies. It happens to all females every month. Instead of me coming back would you like me to send one of the older girls who is nearer your age?"

"Yes please Mum but I will be having a soak for a while."

Margarita left Iolanthe in the bath and went & found the maid. She then went for her own breakfast. She looked around and spotted Gaby on her own. She went across. “Where are your sister Maddy & Katrina?"

“You need well ask both have taken to their beds. I was going to go and ask the birthday girl if she fancied racing me I quite enjoyed myself on the track yesterday."

"Sorry Gaby she also has taken to her bed and it came as quite a shock to her at it was her first time."

"Bummer, I remember when it first happened to me and I thought I was going to die it was that painful I passed out and awoke in hospital. I thought I was a boy but it transpired I was born both and the girl me took over. These days there is not a trace of Drew left."

Margarita grinned. "I had intended asking one of my daughters to go and keep Iolanthe Company. You could be the best tonic if you do not mind telling her about yourself?"

Gaby. "No problem there as I will be starting around lunchtime. So then you can bring me some of that tonic.”

Iolanthe was back in her bed by the time Gaby got there. "Hi I was hoping to race you with the cars. You look as if you have the same complaint as Katrina & Maddy. They always start at the same time. Sorry you do not want to here about me and Maddy that subject is kind of yucky anyway.”

“Mum could not have any more children after me so I was a girl for her and a boy for dad. When mum was killed I became a boy full-time and decided I was going to get those who hurt my family."

Before long Gaby and Iolanthe where comparing notes. Iolanthe giggled. “You had no idea you where part girl?”

"None at all in fact it used to annoy me when people got me and Maddy muddled up. The biggest shock was when Mother Nature decided to kick in full time as happened to you today. Then I realised there was no going back to being Drew. I discovered by massaging here and here the pain is not as bad.”

Iolanthe let Gaby massage her. "I think you are right it is not as bad, perhaps I can do that for you when you start. I think I will come and race you after all, but if I start feeling bad again I am going back to bed.

You know Iolanthe that day you raced against me I thought you had been doing it for a long time. You raced like a true professional in that race.

"I never got chance to enter any more as mum was killed shortly after and Bikes was not dads thing. My new sisters have promised me a set of Skins and a helmet and then you and Katrina also brought me a set.”

“Iolanthe one thing I have learned is you can never have too many sets especially if you train like I do. You tend to get a little wiffy if you know what I mean and so they are always in the wash. Same with the bikes, I have one for competitive racing and another for general pleasure and one for going up mountains. Then there are the specials like the tandem and the disabled bike and the multi person one.”

Iolanthe. “Gaby I know a great secret I have wanted to tell somebody. You know about the Russian history & How Nicholas & all his family where supposed to have died. Well I know, as does my father that at least two of the daughters of the Tsar Nicholas survived. One was grand Duchess Anastasia & there was much speculation about her escaping and, the other was her imperial Highness the grand duchess Tatiana Nicolaievna Romanoff and they both escaped to Britain and married British men. They both kept a low profile and the Anastasia in America was a maid who was instructed to let everybody know Anastasia was alive. She did her job very well all though some of the German families doubted who she was.”

“Why do you think both Germany & Russia wanted Wilma as Empress? They both knew she was a direct descendant off both Anastasia & Tatiana as is her younger sister Davina. Wilma is the Grand daughter of both of them."

Gaby, "Iolanthe you must be wrong because I met Wilma previously and she showed no signs of being a Queen or having lots of money. She used to run a youth club and she looked after my friends and me when we first moved further north. Anyway if she were Alexis long ago would have claimed her. Now Alexis I do know about and there is no way she would have let them escape her clutches.”

“Well my father seams to think the females all escaped the reds. At least two ended up in Britain. From what father said, The Russians dug up the bones of the Grand duke and some other members of the family. These they pretended belonged to the Tsar Nicholas and family. The DNA evidence showed they are members of the Royal Family but when the British checked them out they would only state the bones where from various members of the Royal family.”

William Church and the Scandinavia Trip
By Sharp.
(Part of this is set in the Gabyverse by Maddy Bell)

Chapter 34. "What is this about Alexis Gaby?"

"I suppose it is ok to tell you. Alexis and children are not normal people. I know you have seen her and the children so you must be included. You are part of Empress Lucy’s protection team well Alexis has her own protection including the hobbits."

“What is a hobbit Gaby?”

“As for Anastasia & Tatiana they where both photographed with the King of Portugal and the Grand duchess George on the 4th September 1918 in Harrogate Yorkshire the picture appeared in the Harrogate Herald so they cannot have died when the reds said they had."

“Hobbits are like children in size and love to play with children. They are very loyal the only thing they are not keen on is water. So with one exception you will not see them here. You will see plenty of them once you arrive back in England. In fact they will have been preparing your new home for you and the other princesses. They created the pool and track for my team to practise on in record time.”

Gaby clutches her tummy. "I appear to be a bit early, and I will have to join you in bed rather than go racing the car after all."

Iolanthe cuddled Gaby. "I still wish my real mum was here with me."

Gaby thought. "How did she die and is she buried or was she cremated or something different?"

“All I know was that she was killed along with some friends and she is buried in the old cemetery.”

Gaby. "Pain or not we have a job to do. I have summoned the others to meet us at the old cemetery in Helsinki. Come join hands with me and we will go there immediately."

Within seconds they both shot off and landed at the Old cemetery. They soon found the gravestone and on it was a picture of Iolanthe’s mother. "Mum it is me Iolanthe I missed you so much & I had to bring my friend Gaby to show her your resting place." The ground shuddered. As the ground shuddered again Lucy arrived with all the others.

Flora. “Mother earth requires your services Constance of Fischen, and likewise the daughters of the heavenly mother also command you here. I Flora on behalf of my friend Iolanthe command your presence."

Lucy. "Constance I know you are listening as I can feel your presence. Until a short time ago I was just plain Lucy. Now I am Queen of Finland, Zarina of Russia, Empress of Germany, & Crown Princess of the British Commonwealth, Bavaria, Greece & Denmark. I also discovered I like your daughter can fly. We also discovered we could do this, we call it a wake up call for sleepy princesses."

With that all the little girls started throwing fireballs at the ground. As they did so Wilma and the adults arrived. Lucy spoke with authority, “We have come to awaken Princess Constance as Iolanthe needs her mum."

Wilma. "Constance the cemetery is now also full of adults awaiting your return. We could easily have sailed on and left you here. Gaby remembered you and certain others may only be sleeping. As the Grand daughter of her Imperial highness Tatiana & Her Imperial Highness Anastasia I command you awake from your slumber."

The ground shuddered again and the earth fell away revealing a coffin. The children again threw fireballs at the coffin and the lid gave way. Constance spoke, "Greetings Zarina, as you can see I have recovered but have no strength to even lift myself out of here."

Gaby and Iolanthe took an arm each of Constance and then lifted her out of the grave. It was obvious to all that Constance could hardly stand unaided. Iolanthe spoke, "Mum I missed you and now I have you back as well as having the daughters of Margarita as my friends and companions."

Fiona ran forward & curtsied, "I am Princess Fiona of Hess & I was with Lucy when I first saw Iolanthe dressed as a soldier of Finland. I claimed her as my own and we are great friends now.”

Constance sat on the grass and then said, "I can fell strength flowing back into my legs.”Girls is Margarita here and does she know you both have inherited the ability to fly?"

"Mum fathers instructions were that I had to obey Margarita as if she was my mother. I have been very weepy and then I got bad tummy ache and Margarita attended to me. My friend Gaby realised you may have actually survived. As to that question I am not sure but Queen Renata knows as she was with me when I first flew."

Gaby curtsies and said, “I am to test your daughter out for my cycle team although I have raced her before on the Three Peaks Cycle race. For now we both have a similar problem and where keeping each other comfy in bed until, I remembered what cousin Astrid told me and it appears to be true."

"Well I appear to have regenerated but I am still rather weak. As she spoke there was an explosion and the grave burst into flames. I think girls we had better get away from here before somebody comes to investigate." With that the group departed.

Back at the ship Constance took a shower and Iolanthe brought her tiara. "Mum dad gave me this but you better have it back now you are alive again."

"No that is now yours I already have been given another one. You did say you flew with Queen Renate?"

"Yes mum she cuddled me as if I was her child when I was upset and spoke to me in fluent Bavarian like you used to. And when I calmed down she said, Iolanthe like your mother you will always be with me forever. I thought that was strange. I kissed her as if I was kissing you and said yes mum. Shortly after that she held out her hand and together we flew."

"Ah now I fully understand. By any chance have you made friends with any other young children apart from Empress Lucy and Gabriel?"

"Yes they arrived shortly after me." There are many but the main ones are Astrid, Cleo, Astrol & Astral. They showed me some neat tricks and have a couple of kittens with them. I can show you one of the tricks if you wish. I can make a pink ball like this."

“Iolanthe can you make them and pass them to me I know a good use I can put them to? Iolanthe you may stop now I am fully recovered. I did not expect to find you able to do that and somebody far more powerful than Renate has been instructing you. Yes I know you think it was Renate. It was certainly not Renate. Now it is time I took my daughter for a flight and present her as only a mother can."

With that they both held hands and appeared to fly into the night. They flew higher and higher eventually they saw some white gates. A voice said greetings, “You finally found your way here Constance?"

"Ah Peter on security duty as ever. I bring my daughter to formally take her vows with the heavenly queen although she may have already met the mother and child. As they where talking Cleo came chasing after two kittens and bumped into Iolanthe."

"Sorry I was playing chase with my elder sisters Iolanthe. Come play with us."

Peter. "Apparently she already knows the spirit as well. Child goes and play with Cleo, your mother and I have much to discuss.

"Cleo what did that elderly man mean when he said I know the spirit?"

"That is Peter by the gate & we are what he was referring to. We three all can change into cats so we have cat spirits residing in us. You have already met our sister Astrid & the twins. You and Gaby did great the other evening. We watched everything. Our mum was close by but was not needed, especially when Lucy was there with you. Are you going to be our sister also?”

Iolanthe pinched herself. "That hurt, I thought I was dreaming. Am I dead & is this Heaven?”

Cleo giggled and said, “No Iolanthe you are not dead and yes this is Heaven & you are an angel, although you like us will spend most of your time on earth. You have promised to care and look after Lucy. Well Lucy is Mother Earth and her companions are Flora & Fauna. As by now you will have worked out I am one of the daughters of the heavenly queen.”

Meanwhile Peter was chatting to Constance who also seamed to be slightly taken back at the turn of events.

Constance. "Peter am I correct in thinking that it may be possible to restore others of our kind?

As she spoke Alexis arrived with Gaby.

Constance. "Ah Gabriel there is no mistaking you or from whom you are descended. How is Jenny? Once I am fit again I would like to cycle with her as we used to once do."

"Mother is busy these days training the junior team and also trying to retain her title. I keep giving her a run for her money. Sometimes she wins and sometimes I do. I remembered racing against Iolanthe in the three peaks race and I had no hesitation in having her in my team. Even then she was very good although her bike was not very suitable for the terrain we had to go over."

"I suppose to do it correctly Constance you should also be training with us. This is my first time here and Aunt Alexis brought me here to show me around. These are great but I still prefer my cycles. Sorry sir I did not notice you there I was too busy chatting to Constance.”

"Gabriel I also have followed your career with interest as have some of the host. In fact several of them wanted to get involved when you had a slight problem in Dorset."

Constance. "Would you care to enlighten me?"

“Well short version is I went on holiday with my Aunt & Cousin Maddy. I lost my trousers and had to borrow clothes off Maddy. I was mistaken for a girl yet again & I borrowed a bike and entered a race and won it. I managed to cross a bully who also raced and I beat him once and in the second race he was killed. Then the one who killed him came after me and my family so with help from a friend we caught the gangsters."

Peter smiled. "I agree that is the short version and basically true although there are certain bits you have omitted. Nether the less we all here are pleased how you reacted and that was before you received your wings.”

The boy who died may have been a bully and involved in selling drugs but he did not deserve to die like he did. I was hoping that when I beat him again he would lose face and then not be as nasty. He was a good rider and I believe we could have become great friends if he had not been involved with Meadows. If I am here then I presume the other place also exists & I hope the boy did not get consigned there.

As Gaby was speaking Alexis returned with a child holding on to her. The child looked terrified and ran to Gaby. "Please save me I am sorry for being nasty to you before. I am in limbo until I am claimed by somebody."

As the child cuddled into Gaby Iolanthe spoke. "What did you do nasty to Gaby and why should she help you?”

Constance. "Alexis I presume you have just brought her from limbo and if so then she will have no recollection of what she did wrong. Am I correct in thinking you wish me to care for this child as if she was my own?”

Gaby, "Iolanthe it makes no difference what she did wrong. All she needs to know is that she has been forgiven and has a second chance to take the correct path. Between us all looking after her I think this time she will stay on the straight and narrow. Maybe eventually she will make the team. Alexis thank you for answering the question I previously asked.”

Constance held her arms out. "Ah I fully understand now. Child come here and embrace me."

As she did so she vanished. Iolanthe spoke, "Where did she go too? I was thinking we could be great friends.

Gaby said, "I know and will try and show you with Alexis." The next second Gaby vanished and then Iolanthe could here Gaby's voice.

Gaby then returned. "Iolanthe she has decided to be your sister & you have some choices to make. You can stay as you are and she will appear in 9 months as a baby or you can go and collect her and then she will be as you are now."

Alexis. “Iolanthe nobody else but us will realise what has happened as which ever way you choose history will be rewritten and you will have a sister.

Iolanthe gave Gaby a cuddle. "You helped restore mum & must know what you are doing so I must trust you. If you can do it then so can I. Can my sister be called Isolde?”

With that Iolanthe gave Constance a cuddle and vanished. "Found Isolde and she is scared. I have told her she has been forgiven and now she has to return with me."

Constance. "You knew Iolanthe would go and collect her Alexis."

"Constance it looks like the twin towers never happened and Iolanthe has save thousands of lives. As for Isolde she is already sharing her twin’s memory. Gaby as far as you are concerned you still meet Meadows and he is caught sooner."

"Iolanthe bring your twin here & you Gabriel take hold of Isolde's other hand. As she has not yet flown it is permissible for the two of you to take her on a short flight." With that the three of them took off and after a short flight returned.

"Mummy I was scared but Iolanthe and Gaby looked after me."
Constance. "Gaby will there be room for the two of my daughters to practise with you?"

Gaby. "Constance your twins will make a great addition to the team once they get up to standard. Then I will have to watch out like mum did with you. Perhaps you would like to give mum a hand with the coaching of the teams. Sorry I forgot to mention our chief supporters have ensured we have a fully equipped track & swimming pool which is better than the British Olympic squad had to use. So they tend to come and train with us. The laughable thing is we moved to our new home to be closer to the training centre in Manchester."

Constance "Gaby I do not even know where we will be living. All Iolanthe has told me is that she has to protect Lucy and so I presume we will be close to her and most of the others on the ship."
35. Paula & Anne.

Alexis. "Gaby you where quite correct I did slip up with Rose & family & William & family, and I should have collected them sooner. But as they where already in town they got overlooked. However that has been rectified now although I will have to collect another three because of what has happened."

Iolanthe. "That must be the family who rescued David & Marie as it can not be anybody else."

"Yes Iolanthe you are correct and I have had the father and daughter transferred to a specialist unit. To be near them the mother has also come and brought Lady with her. At the moment though she is more concerned about her husband that what is happening to him. The Little girl has found she has lots of little friends to play with. Lady does not stray far from the little girl.”

Gaby."I remember when I was changing and I got very upset because of it. Maddy and the others realised long before I did and for long enough I was both Drew and Gaby. Perhaps somebody older talking to the family of the soldier might help.

Iolanthe looked at Alexis. "I take it the man is still a serving officer with the Yorkshire regiment? If that is the case then he can be placed on special duties like I was. He got infected because he saved David & Princess Marie from the inferno. He like I, was a soldier and will follow orders especially if he is ordered to join a new unit like I was."

Constance looked at Iolanthe. "I think a visit by us will be in order. We have finished here and should be getting back but first we will have a detour."

Constance and the two girls landed close to the hospital and entered it. As they arrived some girls came up to them and said, "The mistress said we where to expect guests. Please follow us.” Soon they came to a private ward and they entered. Iolanthe & Isolde saw the little girl and went to play with her.

The woman started to curtsy when she saw Constance and then Constance. "I have come to visit a couple of heroes. I was told what you and your daughter did for David & Marie. I understand that because of your rescue of them your own life has changed."

The wife spoke, "I honestly do not know how we will cope. My husband has been contaminated by something that is gradually destroying all his X chromosomes. He will not be able to return to his job in the Army."

"That is why I am here, Once David & Marie arrived at the clinic we all realised David had been contaminated with a feminising agent and so instructions where sent to the hospital to send you here in case the same had happened with you. You appear to have received a similar dose of the same contaminant as David. Your wife is quite correct there is no way that you can ever go back to your old unit of the Yorkshire regiment.”

“However we can not let your husband’s skills and talents go to waste so I am here in my capacity as his senior command officer. I have been instructed to inform your both, that once your husband has recovered he is being transferred to a relatively new unit and his job will be expected to live with and protect various Royal personages. These include the Princess, Rose, and Davina & Marie who will be moving to a new home in their former home town of Skipton. I am not sure if you have been officially informed yet but both your husband and daughter are to receive medals for their bravery.”

As Constance was finishing talking the three girls returned and Mary spoke, “Mummy, mummy I have two new friends and they are princesses like Rose. They like Lady and say I am to be called in future. Lady Mary Christian protector of fairy dogs. Isolde and Iolanthe tell me we are going to live with them and my friend Marie.”

Paul the husband. "Dear would you mind going and taking the girls and Lady for a walk for 10 minutes or so. I think I may have some thing to discuss with Princess Constance of Fischen."

"So Paul you realise who I am?"

"I did not initially even when my wife tried to curtsy. It was the Title protector of Fairy dogs that reminded me. The girls used the old Celtic name not the modern shelties. I did not even realise Rose was a princess. She and her family were just our neighbours and friends. I would have done the same for anybody. However when I heard the Sheltie called that name I just remembered a story my old nurse used to tell me about fairy dogs.”

"Beware the Fairy dog, it will tell its mistress all that befell it be it good or evil. Then the day of reckoning shall befall those who failed to heed this warning. As a child I used to picture a little dog going running to the Queen and telling her everything. I clean forgot that ancient warning when I let Mary play with Lady & Marie."

"So Paul can you remember the remainder of the verse?"

"Be it good or be it bad the lady at the queen’s command with her minions will strike. The host high and low will search, if the kitten strays afar. Be ye warned take cover, the queens temper is a fearsome thing if one hair on the kitten is harmed.”

As Paul was speaking a door flew open and a nurse came chasing after a kitten. With a leap the kitten leaped onto the bed and scrambled under the covers.

The nurse. "Sorry Madame but we can not allow your pet kitten in here."

Paul. "Sorry but the kitten is not ours although it appears to like me. I doubt very much that you will be able to remove her as she is clinging on like a limpet."

Paul pulled the covers back. “See what I mean she thinks it is meal time and I am the provider.”

Constance started to laugh. "Paula it looks like she had decided you will make a good mother for her." The nurse tried to lift the kitten off but could not move her.

Paul. "Nurse let her stay. Once she has had her fill she will soon let go and tire of her game. Princess Constance I take it you can summons up the kittens mother?"

As Paul was speaking Astrid appeared with Marie. Marie came across and spoke. “This is my cousin Astrid we have lost Cleo yet again. Have any of you seen her?”

For a second or two both Paul and his wife where speechless and then he said, “Marie I was told you had been badly burnt & had been sent away."

"I was but as you can see I have recovered which is more than can be said for Grandpa he is gone."

Paul stuttered, "I,I,I,I was told he was OK but had been contaminated with something. Sorry Marie I am pleased you are OK after all. I have a little problem which need resolving. Sorry we have not seen another little girl but if we see her we will tell her that you are looking for her." Paul could feel the kitten tremble.

Marie. "Mary I need you to look after Lady for a while longer, but Astrid wants to play with her before we have to return and before we go you can tell us about your kitten.”

“Something must have scared the kitten badly as she jumped in bed with my dad and will not come out again for anybody. The nurse tried and it clung on as if its life depended on it. Once it has calmed down I will find a basket for it and I can introduce it to Lady unless somebody else claims her. Lady is a real softie with all babies’ even kittens.”

Astrid said, "Sorry I was just playing with lady did you say you had found a kitten it could be Cleo but she does not normally go to strangers only mum and my aunts." Astrid looked at the sheltie. "Lady Can you take Cleo to mum and request her to come here immediately.”

The sheltie jumps up and grasps the kitten by the scruff of her neck and runs off with her. A short time later Alexis appeared. "I got the two messengers."

Alexis was holding on to a small child who had a sheltie on a lead. "Mary I understand you are looking after Lady for Marie. I thought perhaps you would like your own puppy and that Lady could help you look after it."

Cleo. "It was my idea as Lady loves baby’s even kittens. Mum was cross with me because my kitten strayed and did things it should not have done. I apologise to Paula for what happened.”

Paul grinned like a Cheshire cat when he saw Alexis. "Your kitten is welcome any time. I think something scared her as I could feel her trembling away like a scared rabbit. Perhaps your daughter would like to play some times with my daughter Mary she appears to be about the same age as you and Astrid.”

Alexis. "Astrid you were correct in sending Lady to me. Now would you take your sisters and go hunting for those two items that have gone astray. In fact Lady can lead the hunt and you can also take these with you".

Constance “I take it that the accident was no accident and the target was David & Rose."

Alexis. "Almost correct Paul and Anne where the intended targets not David & Rose."

Paul. "But I have no enemies to my knowledge. I was in the Army but I have never had to shoot at anybody."

"Paul the intention was to wipe out you and your family. The two gasmen where but pawns for somebody more powerful who spotted you and has had you followed. He lost you all when you were transferred here. You smiled when you saw me as if you recognised me yet I know we have never met. I think though you may know one of my sisters. As to which will wait as we need to announce the death of Paul Christian follow his heroic rescue of David & Marie Kirkham. So we need to plan a funeral."

As Alexis spoke the kitten came running back and again jumped into Paula’s bed this time Paula caught her and said, “A long time ago I once met a lady who taught me many things. Some I forgot about until you reminded me. Some things I saw but could never do. Now let’s see if you understand me. Nod up and down for yes and sideways for no. Did something or somebody scare you?

"Yes so you do understand. In that case so do I Princess Cleo. Now perhaps you can tell me in English what is wrong?"

"Man with bad smell looking for something."

Cleo under the covers quick and stay quiet I also can smell him. Constance and the others appeared to vanish.

"So they left you unprotected. I suppose I better correct that statement that you were dead. Prepare to die."

Paula spoke, "I do not fear you. Your minions did me a favour. They awoke me and it is you who should tremble. They tell me you have already crossed the queen and she has her Valkerie hunting you. Run while you have the chance demon."

“No Human will make me run from my appointed task. My Lord may be long gone but I still do hill bidding.”

Paula heard a voice in his head. "Hold your hands out in front and do nothing else."

The demon fired bolt after bolt and Paula stopped them all she then said. “You are far too late all you are doing is making me stronger as you get weaker. Soon you will be that week that even my pet kitten could devour you and then where will you be. Gone like your master.”

The demon stopped. “You are correct I have failed my task & I am a failure as a demon. I should have got you when I had the chance in Iraq. But I was not sure you where the one and I had no intention of taking the wrong life. That is not in my nature. Then to cap it all when I found you again I could not get near you because of that fairy dog next door. Those idiots I employed made a big mistake & when you rescued those two and the dog from the ensuing inferno. I knew I was far too late. But I had to try as I promised I would. Now I am prepared for my fate. So finish me off.”

Paula. "Well it appears the hunters have also returned and I am sure they would love to hunt you down. However you stopped and apologised now perhaps Lady should decide your fate.”

Cleo got out of the bed. "Demon I take it you know full well who I am and who my mother is. Your fate may have been far different had you harmed me previously. O' dear we have a baby demon that needs a nappy. Perhaps we should put you in them permanently. No that would not be nice. No better still Lady shall have you as her charge and you will get to play in future with me. As for Paul the statement was correct he is dead and only Paula now survives. Even now her childhood memories are coming back. In a way you carried out your final orders for the late Lord Black & destroyed Paul, but you also made Paula strong."

All around Alexis and others materialized. "Opps the queen herself and retinue. At least there is no Endora, Andorra or Candora & the killer matrons to see my shame and failure. When even a kitten can afford greater protection and better me."

Alexis spoke, "You have proved to me you have tenacity and that you would have been granted your request had the black flight survived. But that has now gone and the remnants absorbed into the remaining flights. Your friend was responsible for reuniting all the flights by attacking me and my daughter. What should I do with you now?”

Andorra. "Perhaps Night star can help us with a decision or failing that her sister Morning stars?”

Princess Morning star of the Golden flight spoke. "Alexis I do not know where my twin is but I do know she is close by and observing as I could always feel her. I know she had a personal interest in Paul. She vanished long ago when Debra here tried to join the Black flight. Her heart was never in the black flight, but she followed me and at the same time her mother vanished and until today I had never thought about my twin. Please do not be too harsh on Demon as you call her.”

Alexis. "Cleo gave the Demon to lady. I suggest that Lady takes Debra and give her a good wash before I make my decision as to what to do with her." With that Lady grabs the Demon by the scruff of her neck and runs off with her."

Anne. "Paul what are you?”

William Church and the Scandinavia Trip
By Sharp 2008

36. Evening Star Returns.
Alexis. "Paul is your eternal companion, He was born human just as you where. His friends and former Nanny are not or you could call us super humans. That though is misleading. Going into the inferno ensured all three of you where on the receiving end of a promise made long ago to Paul. "

Mary. "Mum we must be in heaven because I flew with the other girls like an angel.

Paul. "I understand or think I do. I was told years ago by a dear friend flames could never harm me or my kin. I went into that inferno because my friends where in danger and I had to do something to help them. Likewise Mary with Lady the dog was similarly protected because she was of my blood. I though did not realise the dog had been providing protection for me and my family from that demon who was trying to harm us."

Anne blinked her eyes and said, "I was trying to see if I was dreaming all this as things like this do not happen in real life to real people."

Alexis. "Unfortunately they do and more often than I like. You though have been protected all your life. Night star has ensured that. At first I thought you were her child as she looked after you like a mother hen looking after her chicks."

"Hello everybody we seem to be having quite a gathering." Paul & Anne & Mary this young lady has something to say."

"Sorry I only wanted to be with Aunt Morning star & so Lord Black set me a test. Now I am in real trouble not only with mum but my aunts as well."

Anne. "I do not know what you have done wrong but I do know my daughter needs a friend. Now young lady why do you not go and play with Mary and her friends and this time be friends with them."

Morning star. "A special work team has already replaced or repaired all the damaged property although two houses are now up for sale due to other reasons. Anne the ancients had many names for us including Gods, Immortals, Dragon lords, and Fay. Normally we prefer a quiet life and not to be noticed. Sometimes we have a human who tries to track us down, but they always fail. Several times recently our people large and small gave help to the human race. Many of our people still do not realise they are as us. Yes I am including you and your family.”

Night star. "Anne the town you live is already a home for many of us. Most that live there are related to me and my sisters in some way."

As Night star spoke Anne started to float upwards. Both Night star and Morning star took hold of her. "It appears you also have wings like us so we will have to call you Daystar & you will be one with us."

Anne. "No, No, No Earth mother, Eternal Spirits of the Earth come and save me. Eternal Queen save this thy humble servant Anne." With that Anne collapsed.

Lucy along with her cousins Flora & Fauna appeared. So did Cleo and sisters. "Somebody called for us?”

Alexis. "Anne you are safe here already. There was no need to summons me or the girls as these are two of my sisters. But as you called for me and Lucy we along with our helpers are hear to listen to your pleadings. And then I believe Lucy has a task for you and Paula to do."

Anne found herself laid alongside Paula in a bed. Lucy spoke, "Paul or Paula it makes no difference what you did was very brave. Likewise Mary. Anne has just done something she was trained to do long ago before she met you Paul. Correct me if I am wrong Anne. Did you not train as a priestess and should have been priestess to Guya & the Eternal Queen?”

"I failed my calling because I met and fell in love with Paul so I could not take my position the others would not allow it. Shortly after taking our marriage vows I was with child. Mary was the joy in our life. We would have liked more but that was not to be."

Alexis. "Anne mortals may not have let you take your post as High Priestess but both Lucy and I are installing you and Paula in that position jointly. Now we have a slight problem to resolve. My daughters found these two babies who need nursing.”

Paula looked at Anne. "Sometimes dear you act thick. That was a roundabout way of asking us to feed the babies."

"But I cannot."

"Anne do not argue just take a baby and try and feed it if it fails then I will feed both."

"Oh it is sucking as if it has not been fed for some time. I do feel strange Paula. Sorry Paula you were saying something and my mind was elsewhere. I was thinking we will have to have some godmothers for our babies and I was wondering if Alex, Morning star & Night star would agree to do that job."

Paula handed the second baby over to Anne. "Do you mind looking after these babies as well as I need to go somewhere?" Anne took the second baby without a murmur. As Paula left so did all the others.

Night star took hold of Paula. "We have a few things to talk about some of which I am not proud. For as long as I can remember I wanted you. I was not permitted though as you where human and I was not. I like some of my sisters have the spirit and I change into, well I better show you."

"You are Lady the sheltie from next door that Mary saved. No wonder she vanished when you appeared."

"Please Paul can I now continue. I knew my time with you was coming to a close and I decided I needed a little reminder. Debra was the result; she has no recollection of what she tried to do. Just as your wife has no memory of you being her husband. You are her twin who has come to live with her to help with the twins following the death of her husband. I suggest you both take it in turns to feed them. You will find they will never grow any older than they are now. You and Anne though will get younger until you both look like teenage mothers."

Endora. "Night star realised what would happen to you if she took you as a mate so she decided she would ensure you gave her a moment of your friendship. Unfortunately Night star did not realise that action of hers also sealed your fate."

“Endora I promised you long ago that I would tell you if it ever got serious between the two of us. As far as I knew I had kept my promise to you. True there was times when I had to go and cool off. Until today I thought I had kept my promise to you."

“Paula like it or not now you have two companions. Night star did have your child & I was mighty angry with you for breaking your word to me. When my anger should have been at Night star that deceived us both."

Alexis. "You can stop this now Endora. Paula may I ask if you ever kissed Night star or any of the others?”

Endora. "Oh, Alexis the answer has to be in the affirmative. Many others also kissed Paul as he was then. The girls where for ever kissing each other and Paul.”

“Yes Alexis I will admit to that but none of us ever went any further. The last time we ever kissed I can still remember to this day. We where all playing in a pool and Night star asked for a kiss & said she had to go away for sometime but she would always love me. She also told me I would soon be getting married to Anne and would have a daughter. Shortly after that embrace I did meet Anne and get married to her.”

“That kiss though was something that has always stuck in my mind. I have never had one like it since. I felt as if all my body was on fire and I was tingling all over. I was greatly saddened when none of my old friends made it to my wedding all my correspondence was marked gone away return to sender. After that we lived in army accommodation and then we decided to buy the house on Greenacres. After moving in we became great friends with David & Rose although we never realise Rose was a Princess of Norway.”

Chapter 37. Anne, Paula & Night star.

"Alexis Paula is telling the truth & I have no Idea how I got with child or who the father was. Endora blamed Paul unfairly. We never once did as she suggested. Paul was my friend. I knew that he had to be protected from Endora’s wrath and so I became my spirit self. I was very surprised that Debra was the one selected for the task as I expected Endora to act herself."

Anne appeared carrying the two babies. "Some of you look very upset."

Alexis. “Anne nobody is upset. It just got a little over heated as to how to do it. Personally I think all of you should take them in the pool. I was going to say that you, Paula & Night star although she already is my sister should undergo an initiation ceremony."

"Oh great in that case can we all have you in the pool and can we embrace you as I would have done with the statue. Then I can say my vows formally to be yours for ever. This time though I get the real you and not a statue. Remember I was trained almost from birth for this job. I fell in love on the way here. I realise that was a test and I apparently have passed it or I would not be here."

Endora took the two babies off Anne and said, "You have no need of these now, my sisters will look after them. Night star it is obvious to me you still do not know how you got with child the first time. Perhaps it is better for you to make your vows before there any more accidents."

“Please I have to know and I think you all can help.”My grandmother who is buried in Lydd Kent and known as Larissa Tudor and Also known as Larissa Haouk/ Hauke. Was she as grandpa told me the Princess Tatiana Romanoff? He also told me that Anastasia was living in Yorkshire and was married to an Englishman."

There was a deathly silence & then a little voice piped up. "I am Lucy Zarina designate of all Russia. Grandma Wilma is currently the senior family member and can answer your question so if you will accompany me and then we also had better find Uncle Nicholas."

Chapter 38. Anne gets quite a shock.

Anne took hold of Lucy's hand and they appeared to walk through a wall. "Grandma this is Anne she wants to know about Larissa."

Wilma studied Anne for a moment. "Anne we where all told the same stories as children. Until recently I did not believe them, and I thought it was a story grandpa had concocted, now as you can see life has changed drastically for me and my brother David. You moved away sometime ago, and then we lost your address, and so we had no way of contacting you. When I saw your husband for the first time recently I realised who you were."

“But I never had a female cousin. We moved several times with the army so that is why I lost contact with my cousins. We have been living in a town called Skipton for three years. Paul decided it was a good as place as any to set down roots. Now I have to move again due to Paul's accident.”

"Anne as I said life has changed dramatically for me recently. Like Paul your husband I was male and your cousin William. Then I started to change and those changes have only recently just finished. Like wise my brother and David your next door neighbour have had the same thing happen to them. As to where you live I think that has already been decided by Zarina Lucy as she wants Princess Mary close to her. As far as you are concerned you can still continue in your job if you wish.”

“In future you though will be living close to me & Rose. What you may not realise is you carry the same life altering gene. This has been passed down to your daughter and almost certainly you infected your husband and not Evening Star. In a way it is lucky as neither he nor Mary would have survived those flames had they not been infected. From the day you conceived Mary, Paul has been gradually changing. This would be slow at first and not be noticed. It would have continued on that way but for the fire.”

“The fire caused the genes to kick in and provide the defence against fire. The fire also caused the remaining unchanged DNA to be destroyed hence the burnt hands but nothing else. As you can see I am different from the cousin you once knew. Now how about giving me a hug?”

"William sorry Wilma for once I believe you. My job is as the catering manager for the cafe in the Castle at Skipton. I suppose I will have lost my job if I am here with you."

Wilma grinned. "Let’s ask Lucy and the girls what they think."

“Wilma, Lucy is but a child and she can not say to my boss. Give Anne the time off work so she can spend it with me and Grandma Wilma on a cruise."

Lucy. "That is exactly what I would say to your boss and my helpers would back me up."

Anne's face went white when she saw Astrid and Cleo with the group. "Hello girls I am visiting my cousin."

Astrid. "So are we, I suppose you want me to tell them back home you are on vacation or better still you are accompanying us to our cousins. Nobody back home could argue with that even Angela"

"I am not due any holiday yet. Miss Astrid. And I did not accompany you here so I presume one of the Adults is with you. I only know Miss Angela & her Sister Miss Christine as they were the ones to interview me and set me on in the cafe."

Cleo. "You are silly everybody back home already knows where you are and what you are doing. We all knew about you getting soaked on your first day at work. That was accidental they were expecting us and they got you instead.”

"I hope the children responsible did not get into too much trouble for that. I hardly gave a good impression on my first day being soaked through."

Astrid. "I can assure you that the culprits where well and truly dealt with. They have asked us to apologize on their behalf as they can not come here. As to Angela & Chris we all out rank them a little bit so there is no problem there. Now how do you feel about being our nurse while on the ship? Then we can stay and play with Lucy and cousins?"

Actually Astrid I would like that very much. I had Mary and then discovered I would never be able to have anymore children ever. I was very upset as I always dreamed of being surrounded by lots of children."

"I think you had better come to the pool with us and watch the proceedings. Once we get you home we will have mother give you a full medical and then once that is done you can take your vows with Alexis as the others are doing now. For now though you can watch with us."

“Look Alexis is in the water and Paula is entering. Well girls there can be no doubt now my Paul has become totally female. She even has a good looking body; it does not look masculine at all. Oh they are kissing each other.”

“That is part of the joining Anne. Soon Paula will have lots of babies. They always do after a joining ceremony." Anne starts to cry.

"Sorry girls I was getting that out of my system as I cannot have any more children. Can we go across now and great Alexis?"

Alexis. "Anne you will have children again, I will guarantee that myself. For now though it might be better if you concentrate on Paula as she has something to tell you concerning herself."

"Alexis the girls have already explained to me what has happened to Paula and why. I presume you are also the adult in charge of my little friends here. If you are then I need to get a message to my bosses Angela & Christine. Due to unanticipated events I will have to be off work for some time. If you need to contact me I will be available on this number. Unfortunately I do not know when I will be returning."

Lucy. "Anne I have already informed you it would be OK with your bosses."

Alexis. "It looks like the younger family members have already claimed you as their companion. Now as I had not anticipated stopping on board the ship and these children clearly do want to remain with Lucy would you consider being a parent to them."

Mary. "Please you could tell Angela that the big boss has ordered my mum to remain with the children and then she will not loose her job."

Alexis. "Well actually you can tell Chris as she has just arrived."

Chris cuddled Anne. "Neither Angela nor myself realised who you where and we are pleases with your work. Now we understand the big boss has ordered you to accompany her is that correct."

Alexis."Yes that is correct & I was just sorting everything out with Anne."

Markus entered the room, "Lucy, Jasmine & Juniper have asked if you could bring Anne for an astral dance with them." One by one the girls all filed out on to the deck.

Chris. "Alexis are you going to permit them to do that, you know what will happen?"

"Sure I know, And Paula already knows what will happen, or is likely to happen. Anne loves being with children and that is why Jasmine & Juniper asked for the dance. They realised what might happen if Anne is tempted to dance with the children. They will be there to help her through her transformation."

Paula. “Alexis I know this may sound daft but do the Gemini, Era, Freya & Frigga all exist. I have realised that others of the ancients already are here and that I am currently speaking to the chief god or goddess. Alexis I studied the Viking gods and know all the stories by heart. Fjorgly or earth mother is certainly here, I recognised her in the form of a child, as are Flora & Fauna her companions. Likewise I noticed the daughters of other Gods Greek, Roman & Egyptian appear to be here visiting Fjorgly. There seems to be an apparent shortage of all the male gods though."

Astral. "Paula the Gemini are certainly here as I am one half of them and my sister Astrol is the other half. As to the others you named from Asgard I am not sure about. Perhaps Odin when he has finished playing with Perfecta can enlighten you on that." Astral snapped her fingers and several others appeared in front of Alexis.

Astrid. "We all before you are all one with Alexis who is both our sister and parent. Along with Cleo I am the youngest and together we make a great team. Especially when things need healing."

Alexis. "Paula relax if I had not wanted you to know you would not have done so. You have studied well to spot so many of us and to give us some of our ancient names. However these days I am called Alexis and my children all have more modern names. So I greet you as family and one descended from the Vanir. As a child you where marked as mine and you where told so. You though probably thought it was just childs play. Others at home were surprised I had not claimed you before. In a way I had although not personally Night star did that for me."

Paula. "I played often with a group of girls & they would often pretend they were being married. One day they said come it is your turn now. The words they spoke still ring in my ears. Draco take thee note we give this our friend of her own free will to be companion to the heavenly queen for all eternity. Their grandmother was cross with them when she discovered what they had done. I still continued to play with them and she said, perhaps it will be OK after all. It was shortly after this I was warned off Night star; to me she was a friend and always will be. Shortly after that I got some of the strangest dreams I ever had.”

This dragon came to me in my sleep. "From this day you are one with my daughters, Flames cannot burn you nor water drown you. Earth is your home and, the heavens you are in your element. When the time is right you will take your place along with the others of your sisters. I told Anne my dreams. She told me I was being claimed by the lord of the Heavens for his daughter."

“In my spare time I studied as many different cultures as I could and realised they all had similar gods. I read up on Constantine the Great. He was proclaimed Emperor in York & he is credited with making the Empire Christian although some historians believe he was hedging his bets. Anne knew about my promise as a child and said, "She would always be there with me. As time went by I began to think perhaps I was being over cautious and so relaxed. Then Mary came on the scene."

Alexis. "Night star is it correct she spoke the words with you as a child?"

"Alexis I tried my best to protect my friend, but it was she who saved me from the flames. Neither of them would know the flames could not harm me a daughter of Draco. The answer is also in the affirmative Alexis we your blood sisters all said the words together. Now my friend has said the same words with you in person rather than a statue, and so is bound with you for ever. Now my job is done and I can relax for a bit and chill out."

Alexis shook her head, "Night star think again! Anne, Paul's partner has joined Astrid and my others daughters in the astral dance. Paula is new to being a mother and needs guidance. You sister elected yourself for the job of training your sister in all she needs to know long ago when I was not around."

"But, But Alexis."

Morning star was laughing away, "Paul as you originally knew him was already descended from the Vanim. We all knew you had your eyes on him so it was no surprise when you asked us all to perform the binding with Paula. You, Paula and her daughters will stay on board the ship along with some of the younger family members. Unfortunately Alexis and I have to be elsewhere. Then you will have two other sisters on board if help is needed. With that both Alexis and Morning star vanished.”

They both looked around and Night star said, “It looks like we are the last as the others have all left. Before we go did you say father came to you in your dreams?"

"Well to be honest it was a small dragon who spoke to me originally, and then another one call Big Red. I think she is female though as she appears far more passive than the little one. Yet she spoke with authority as if she was used to giving orders. She has been coming often to me when I am asleep. Along with her came a golden Yellow dragon. Sometimes I also get what appear to be children coming into my head when I am asleep. They appear to be playing games although on one occasion I heard one speak who said, "PGMS has offered a reward for who ever finds PGES."

"Ah Paula I fully understand now why Alexis said I had to stay with you." Just clear your mind of everything and then think about that reward. I am going to try an experiment. By now they will all know I am here and so will have stopped looking."

The next instant there was a sheltie in Paula’s arms. Paula started getting those messages again. Paula spoke and said, "Hello who is that speaking?"

"Mum is that you? This is great Astrid is teaching us how to contact with out shouting. Night star has gone missing again and we can not find her. One second she was there and then pop and she had vanished. None of the girls managed to collect the reward before from Morning star. Now we are all playing hunt Night star."

"Girls I was supposed to be having a chat with Renata & Glenda do you know where they are? Good luck with your game."

"Hello Paula I am so please you decided to come onto the ship with us. I am having a great time with Mary & Anne. Inform Night star even Debra is being very good. Glenda is with us but Renata had to pop of somewhere. We are all in the Arial dinning room. Currently it looks more like a giant play room. Glenda could do with some help so if you have nothing to do come and join us."