Roswell Fanatics

Hi gang,

Sorry I've been a tidbit busy lately. Strawberry season just started at my house, so I'm busy in the fields every day, all day. I did take the time today and found out that SciFi channel will be airing Roswell every Tues-Fri at 4pm EST, starting with the pilot on Monday June 28th for the rest of the summer. Talk about good times. I was also reading up about the prospective movie. Seems that good DVD sales has given Katims the boost he needed to start up the movie project. So far Max, Michael, Liz and Isabel have signed up for the project. Personally, I'm excited. Go to the SciFi channel website and the Roswell section and it will give you the lowdown.

Ok, I have to run again, but without further adue, here's the next part.
From Part 17

Max looked up at the people surrounding him and was surprised to see the love that they had for him was showing right on their faces, just as blatant as their very noses. All he had to do was look. Max couldn’t forget that they had let Liz leave, but if it meant that much to her that she had to leave him like this, then she really must have had a good reason to leave and he was glad his friends were there to help her in her time of need.

…


But, somewhere farther off in the galaxy, 2 small women and a tall, handsome stranger were making their way through the Gordovian forests, trying to relocate the lost homestead and Liz’s lost heritage.


Part 18

Liz gasped at the sight before her. There sat the Parker mansion, Ridgemont Estate. The house had not been burned down like she had been told. The gates had never been breached by the rebel army and it looked like there was activity inside the walls. Liz picked up her skirts and ran headlong for the great iron gates. She hit the gates at a full run, only to find them locked. Odd, she thought, her family never locked the home. Everyone was welcome.

"Hello?" Liz called, "Would somebody let me in?"

A tall, robust man rounded the corner of the gates from the inside, turning to address Liz.

"Go away, we aren't taking any visitors today." the guardsman told her.

"I'm not a visitor, this happens to be my house." Liz answered him. Liz didn't realize that she had yet to show her face to the guard because she didn't take her hood off.

"The only person who lives her is Lady Claudia Parker. Now, go away." the guard reprimanded her. Liz couldn't believe her ears. Her beloved grandma had survived the wars. This was the happiest news she had ever heard.

"Grandma Claudia is alive," she gasped. By this time Alex and Crystal had finally caught up to her and just heard her last exclamation. "Let me in, I want to see my grandma!" Liz yelled at the guard.

"Excuse me? What did you say?" he asked, staring at the little girl standing in front of him.

"I demand you open these gates so I can see my grandmother!" Liz yelled louder.

"Her grandchildren are all dead." the guard told her.

"Not all of them." Liz said whisking off her hood. "I am Lady Elizabeth Annabella Claudia Parker, first daughter on Lord Jeffery and Lady Nancy Parker, and I am most certainly not dead." The guard just stared at her in shock. The long lost Elizabeth. He couldn't get his hands to work fast enough to open the gates.

Finally the gates swung open and Liz ran up the road to the house where she flung open the doors and there stood her grandmother.

"Grandma Claudia, I'm home." Liz said in a triumphant voice, but she couldn't hide the tears in it either. Her grandmother stood there in shock, staring at the face of her long thought to be dead granddaughter. She whispered a shocked 'Lizzie' before she fainted dead away.

Liz rushed to her grandmother’s side, pulling her into her arms and hugging her tightly. The memories flooded Liz’s senses, just as her grandmother’s expensive perfume did. She hadn’t realized the depth of her loss of those years spent away until she felt her grandmother in her arms again. Her grandmother stirred and looked up.

“Lizzie Bear?” Claudia asked in disbelief.

“Yes Nana, it’s me. I’m home.” Liz said, letting the tears that she had been holding back finally go. Her grandmother turned and drug Liz into her arms, burying her face in her hair.

“Oh Lizzie Bear, I had given up hope long ago of ever seeing you again. Thank god you have come home.” her grandmother cried.

“I’ve missed you so much Nana.” Liz cried, the sobs getting louder.

“I’ve missed you too dear child, I’ve missed you so much.” Claudia’s weeping was taking on the same intensity as Liz’s.

“Liz?” Alex yelled out, trying to find her.

“I’m in here Alex.” Liz replied, not letting go of her grandmother. Alex and Crystal rounded the corner and found the 2 women embracing. Claudia looked up and quickly stood, ever the lady. She brushed herself off and wiped at her tears.

“Hello children. Am I to assume you accompanied my Elizabeth?” Lady Claudia asked. Alex walked up and bowed before Lady Claudia Parker.

“You have assumed correctly, milady. I am Alexander Whitman, son of Prime Minister Whitman and this is Crystal, Liz’s personal attendant. We are honored to finally make your acquaintance.” Alex replied in his most dignified tone.

“Nana, these are my 2 dearest friends, and they are the reason I am here with you. If it was not for them, I would still be stuck on Antar.” Liz explained.

“And what pray tell were you doing on Antar dear child?” Claudia asked, “It seems you have much to tell me of your adventures over the last few years.”

“Yes, I do Nana, yes I do.” Liz replied.

After a few more pleasantries, Liz, Claudia, Alex and Crystal moved to the study to discuss Liz’s tale from Gordova to present. Liz left nothing out, because she knew that even though it may shock her old grandmother, she would still accept her and love her, no matter what.

A long time later, Liz finally ended her story and looked up into her grandmother’s face. She saw nothing to indicate that she was anything less than proud of Liz for being able to preserve over these last few trying years.

“Well child, it seems you have not had an easy time of it.” was all Claudia said.

“No, that I have not Nana, but I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for what I had no control over.” Liz asked.

“I could forgive you of anything, my dearest grandchild.” Claudia said, rising from her chair and walking over to hug and kiss Liz.

“Thank you Nana, you don’t know how much that means to me.” Liz told her, hugging her back.

“So, now that you have returned to your home and your rightful place as Lady Elizabeth Parker, how do we go about destroying any record of your time as a Love Slave?” Alex asked.

“If I may?” Crystal asked.

“Of course, go ahead.” Liz told her.

“Thank you milady,” she said with a nod, “I think the best way to go about it is to tell the kingdom that she is dead. If they believe the Love Slave to be dead, and possibly confirmed by the royal physician, then we may be able to erase her memory, just enough so that people won’t think you are the one and the same.”

“Crystal, you’re brilliant!” Alex exclaimed. “When I get back to the palace, I’m sure there will be hell to pay from Max, but I’ll let him know that he is to spread that the Love Slave is dead. That the poisoning worked and that you died suddenly in the night and were buried quickly because Max couldn’t stand the grief. If Crystal’s deductions are right, then Ava may have done you a huge favor, and she will still get punished for attempting to kill you.” Alex explained.

“You know, I think that just might work.” Liz agreed with them.

“It has to work, because Lady Elizabeth Parker has come back from the dead, and I want no rumors tarnishing her luster.” Claudia said.

“Fear no Lady Parker, for I will spread the rumors myself. The Love Slave is dead. Long live Lady Elizabeth Parker.” Alex said in a tone filled with gusto.

“Hear Hear” the group cheered in reply.

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

Alex left after many hugs and a few tears goodbye. He arrived on Antar before the day was out and found Isabel on the landing strip waiting for him. Next to her stood her protective brothers Max and Zan, accompanied by Michael and Kyle. Oh well, he thought, you knew you weren’t going to escape the firing squad forever. Alex climbed out of his cruiser and stepped onto the launch pad. Isabel went running for him and wrapped her long arms around his neck, kissing him quickly.

“I’m so glad you’re back. Did Liz make it home ok?” Isabel asked.

“Yes, and actually better than ok, but I’ll tell you about that when I tell everyone else.” he said kissing her forehead. A deep guttural cough alerted him that they were definitely being watched. Alex looked up into the eyes of 4 very protective males. “Hello your majesties, Lord Michael, Lord Kyle. I suspect you want news of Elizabeth?”

“That’s not the only thing I plan on asking you about Whitman, but yes, I do want news of Liz.” Max said in a commanding voice.

“She was safely returned to Gordova and her grandmother, Lady Claudia Parker, but I don’t want to have this conversation out here in the open. We have much to discuss and formulate. Is there somewhere we can go in private?” Alex asked.

“My personal library is the most private place in the palace.” Max told him.

“Lead away gentlemen.” Alex motioned. The party turned and went into the palace, walking through the winding hallways, grabbing Maria along the way. They all gathered around Alex as he told them of finding the Parker estate still standing and a very shocked Lady Claudia. He then elaborated on Crystal’s plan to protect Liz’s name and still punish the would be killer. Max confirmed the suspicions about Ava. She was being held in the dungeon as they spoke.

“This might just work.” Zan said, pacing the room. “If we can make it look like Liz never recovered and that her story about being Lady Parker was a lie just to get us to save her, then we can ultimately save Liz’s reputation and she can return and marry Max.”

“I think that is the best news I’ve heard all day. I’m going to get some of the finest wine and we are going to celebrate.” Maria exclaimed, jumping up.

“Why don’t you join her Izzy, we men have some unfinished business to discuss.” Michael said to her ushering her out the door.

“Be nice, Maxwell, Zander, Michael, Kyle. I happen to like this one and I plan on keeping him.” Isabel said as she was pushed out the door.

Alex looked at the closing door, looking at it as though it was closing on his own life. He turned to look at the room full of tense men, those of whom he had the brash sense to fall in love with their sister. He thought fondly of Isabel, wishing she would come back, and then at least he’d have one supporter in the room.

“Come, sit Alexander. Now, tell me your intentions toward my little sister.” Max said, towering over him. Alex wasn’t sure if Max could hear him gulp in fear, but as he turned to look at each male in the room, he could see they sensed his intimidation, and each one smiled.

TBC…



Oh, and a quick PS

Thanks a million for the votes in the nomination forum. I love you all to death!!!

Katie

Part 19

Several months passed as Liz regained her title and status in society. Her story was that she had gone into hiding for the last several years, moving from planet to planet, trying to keep the rebels from finding her. She had said that she had been so intent on hiding that she didn’t even know her grandmother was looking for her. Lady Claudia’s only statement was that she was glad her granddaughter was safe.

It was a different story on Antar. Ava had been tried and convicted of murdering Elizabeth the Love Slave and was sentenced to death by hanging. It was the same punishment she would have received for the attempted murder of Lady Elizabeth, so Max and the others saw nothing wrong with her final punishment.

Ava’s hanging was a somber event, except her constant wailing to Max about how much she loved him. Max shuddered at the thought that this woman had been so obsessed that she almost cost him the most precious thing in his life.

Max missed Liz terribly, spending his days as king but his nights locked up in her old bedroom, laying in her bed in an attempt to feel closer to her. He wasn’t eating, he hardly slept and his temper would flare up at any occasion. Most everyone avoided him at all costs, because it was like walking through a giant minefield.

Max knew that he could send word to Gordova at any minute and just have Liz brought back to him, but he knew he had to be strong. He knew that Liz needed this and he had let her down before, so he wasn’t going to let her down now. If she needed this time, then he would have to endure this suffering in silence.

Isabel and Maria could see just how much this was affecting Max, even if no one else wanted to admit it. Everyone expected him to just be strong and move on, but that was impossible for Max. His mother had even tried one last attempt at setting him up. Max turned 16 shades of red, but thankfully Zan had stepped in before Max had launched his mother out the nearest window.

Michael proposed to Maria about a month after Liz left, and Maria accepted without hesitation. Michael had said that he wanted this to be a quiet affair, a few guests and closest friends, but Maria and Isabel noticed that this would be the prime opportunity to have Liz return to the palace. The wedding was scheduled to occur 6 months after Liz’s departure, more than enough time to lay the rumors to rest. Isabel went straight into wedding Nazi mode, arranging every last detail, including the guest list that invited one Lady Elizabeth Parker of Gordova. They planned the invite to surprise Max.

The big day arrived and all of the dignitaries from practically the entire galaxy were in attendance. Michael looked out over the hall and turned pale.

“I thought this was going to be a small affair.” he said to Kyle, who was his best man.

“Buddy, Isabel planned your wedding, what were you expecting?” Kyle teased.

“I know, but geeze.” Michael said tugging at his collar, “You know what Kyle, I was wrong about doing this today. Run upstairs and tell Maria that I’m needed at the bases or something, and then I’ll come back after all these people have left and I can finally breathe.”

“You so much as look at a space cruiser and I’ll kick your ass from here to our next life Geurin!” Maria bellowed down the hall way.

“Maria, you aren’t supposed to be here. It’s bad luck!” Kyle yelled as he watched the angry blonde march toward her cringing soon to be husband.

“And if I cared about that I would have been the proper little bride and hid in my room, long enough to let my husband run off to a barracks and leave me at the alter.” Maria was furious.

“Like I would have let that happen.” Kyle told her.

“Well, you don’t have to worry, cause I’m here now and he isn’t going anywhere!” Maria whispered in a low and deadly voice, staring Michael right in the eye.

“Sweetheart, I’m just nervous. I didn’t mean any of it. I just don’t like all these people around.” Michael tried to explain his way out of trouble.

“I know, I’m not crazy about the people either, but they are here for a reason. I didn’t tell you before, but Liz is coming.” Maria confided in them.

“Really?” Kyle asked in surprise.

“Really, and she should be arriving any minute. Don’t say a word to Max, it’s a surprise. Ok, I better go. And hey Spaceboy, you had better be at that alter when I get there.” Maria said kissing Michael on the lips.

“I’ll be there if you promise to join me.” Michael teased and kissed her back.

“I promise.” Maria whispered as he gathered her up in his arms. They started to kiss deeply but were interrupted by Kyle’s gagging noises.

“Could you wait till after the ceremony, geeze, that’s what the honeymoon is for.” Kyle whined.

“You don’t like the free show?” Maria asked sweetly.

“Not one involving Geurin over there.” Kyle compained.

“Oh, too bad Kyle. Ok, well I really shouldn’t be here. I love you honey, I’ll see you in a few minutes.” Maria kissed him one last time the turned and walked away.

“I love you too. Bye.” Michael said waving.

“You know, for a man who just had thoughts about running, I’m pretty sure I had nothing to worry about cause you short leash would have snapped you back into the palace by your neck.” Kyle said shaking his head and walking away from a briefly giddy, but now scowling Michael.


TBC…

I know this was short, but it’s all I have time for right now. The next part will be the grand entrance and Max’s surprise.

Part 20

The wedding was beautiful. Lady Deluca cried through the entire thing, no matter how much Lord Valenti tried to comfort or quite her. Isabel was the made of honor, standing by Maria’s side in a royal blue dress, but minus the tiara. Isabel didn’t want to out shine the bride. Michael was in full military dress, medals and all, mostly because Maria was such a sucker for a man in uniform. Kyle was in his royal formal wear as well, looking the part of a dashing best man. Zan and Maria’s cousin Chelsea rounded out the wedding party. Zan also went without his crown, but wore his royal sash as protocol decreed. Chelsea was the spitting image of Maria, short, brassy and her flaming red hair made her stick out like a sore thumb in a crowd. Chelsea loved being the center of attention, so the more flamboyant, the better.

The royal hall was decorated with the wedding colors of royal blue and silver and with the banners of both Michael’s and Maria’s households. It was a joining of 2 very powerful families, but none of that mattered to Michael and Maria, they were in this union for love.

Michael stood at the alter waiting patiently for Maria to make her entrance and it felt like he was waiting a century until finally his angel in a vision of white and lace floated down the isle toward him on Max’s arm. Maria asked Max if he would give her away and he gladly accepted. Max wore the crown of Antar and his purple royal sash, along with his purple, fur-trimmed cape. Max brought Maria up to the alter and the reverend asked who gave this woman to this man. Max answered a commanding, “I do,” and gave Maria over to Michael’s waiting arm. Max then graciously stepped back and joined his mother and father.

The ceremony was over in a blur and before Michael knew what was happening the reverend was telling him to kiss the bride and then introducing them as Lord and Lady Guerin. It was all so surreal. Yes, Michael knew that one day he would marry Maria and he had no reason to doubt that, but it was so mind boggling to actually have Maria by his side as his wife, his partner, his mate, his other half. You couldn’t have smacked the smile off Michael’s face if you tried.

Maria felt the same way. She couldn’t believe she was actually someone’s wife. She had a husband, someone to call her own, to share her life with through thick and thin and she couldn’t be happier at who it was. It had been an uphill battle to get Michael, but each and every mile was worth it.

Although many of the guests had attended the ceremony, many still were not arriving until the reception in the grand ballroom. Such luxuries were rather unheard of for anyone but the royal family, but when they happen to be your best friends since almost birth, it was easy to book the palace so to speak.

Michael and Maria entered with great fan fair and everyone applauded the couple. They stood in a long receiving line, greeting each of their well wishing guests. Max, even though not directly part of the wedding party, was made apart of the receiving line, because it was the palace and he was the crown prince. Even though he didn’t want to upstage his friends, certain things were expected of him.

Most of the guests had filed past and congratulated the newlyweds and were taking their seats. The wedding party took their seats at the head table and the champagne was poured. Kyle stood up for the best man’s toast.

“Well, I’m glad you all could make it. I know I’ve been waiting for this day for quite some time. Still amazed it happened, considering Shaggy over here’s ability to drag his feet like a 3 year old in a candy store.” Good natured laughter could be heard through out the ballroom, “But in all honesty, I’m so happy for both of you. I always figured your infatuation with Michael as we were growing up was just a cover for your true feelings for me.” Kyle teased.

“Watch it Valenti!” Michael yelled, laughing as he did.

“But Maria, I’m glad you finally got the big lug to admit he loved you and got your wish. I wish you both a wonderful future together and all the happiness you deserve.” and with that the guests all stood and cheered. Glasses were raised and clinked in the couple’s honor.

Next Michael stood and raised his glass, signaling everyone to join him.

“I want to say that I am literally the luckiest man in the galaxy, that a spitfire like Maria Deluca, now Guerin would actually marry a big grouchy oaf like me. I may not be a big romantic and I may not always say the right thing, but Maria, I love you more than anything and I am so glad you chose to spend your life with me. I plan on spending each and every day trying to be a better husband to you, and even if I fall short every once and a while, I hope you’ll stick by me and remind me of just how lucky I am to have you.” Then Michael leaned down and kissed Maria, who was crying like a baby now.

Maria stood up and quickly wiped her eyes, trying to get herself back under control. She raised her glass and gave her toast.

“I just wanted to tell each of you here that I’m glad you could come and share our special day with us. I’ve dreamed of marrying this man for most of my life, ever since I first met him actually, which was shortly before he pushed me into a big puddle cause I was a stupid silly girl and he didn’t have time for stuff like that.” The crowd erupted into laughter and Michael blushed. “But I do love you Michael, with all my heart and soul. I couldn’t ask for a better husband and I hope you will help me be the wife you deserve.” She said, leaning down to kiss Michael. The crowd once again raised their glasses and clinked them, then downed more of the expensive champagne.

“I would also like to do one more thing, while I have your attention.” Maria called over the guests’ boisterous noise. “I would also like to thank Crown Prince Maxwell and Prince Zander, along with Princess Isabel and the King and Queen for allowing us to be married here in the palace and for helping to plan. I would especially like to thank Maxwell for giving me away today. I couldn’t ask for a better friend than him. So as thanks, I have a special present to give him today. If I could turn your attention to the grand staircase, I would like to introduce you to a special friend of mine; the long lost Lady Elizabeth Annabella Claudia Parker.” Maria announced as Liz descended the stairs on Alex’s arm.

Max had been almost blindly listening to the proceedings of the ceremony and reception. He knew he should have been paying more attention, but he just couldn’t think of anything but Liz. Looking at Maria in her white gown, all he could see was Liz, framed in the same gown and himself in Michael’s place at the alter. He had nearly missed when the reverend asked him his all important question. He had almost answered no to the question, ready to protest that he wouldn’t give Liz away for anything until he quickly returned to the present and remembered where he was.

He heard all the good natured gabbing going on and heard Maria thank him, but then when she announced she had a special present for him, he wasn’t whole heartedly interested. He really wanted to leave and being put further into the spot light really didn’t suit him, especially in his present depressed mood. Max dutifully turned his head to the staircase, not knowing what he would find, but not excepting what he did. There stood Liz, on the arm of Alex, her long chocolate tresses swept up into an intricate style with small tendrils falling loose, wearing a stunning red gown that made her olive skin glow like deep gold. She wore very little make-up, but her ruby red lips and charcoal accented eyes stood out, making her beauty even more defined.

Max just sat there in shock, his mouth hanging wide open. He barely heard the rest of what Maria was saying, but he did hear her introduce Liz as Lady Parker, meaning she had finally returned, title reinstated and good name salvaged. The crowd gasped at hearing her name, because it was thought that Lady Elizabeth Parker was long dead.

Liz looked at the shocked expression on Max’s face and she hoped it wasn’t displeasure at seeing her again. Alex had told her that Max missed her, but she was sure he would still be mad at the way she just disappeared. She took the stairs slowly, praying she wouldn’t fall and make a fool out of herself.

Max stood and all royal protocol aside, rushed to Liz and gathered her up in his arms, kissing her passionately in front of every dignitary in the entire kingdom. Max didn’t give a damn if he wasn’t acting like a proper royal or what anyone thought of his behavior, his soul mate had been returned to him and it felt like that missing piece of him had finally been put back into place, making him whole for the first time in months.

Liz kissed him back with all her might, loving being in his arms again. He spun her around and finally brought her to rest in the middle of the grand ballroom. Liz gazed up at his eyes and found tears, bringing on the tears she had tried so desperately to keep at bay.

“I’m so glad you have returned to me, my love. I have been so lost without you. When I had found you had left, it tore my heart out. But all is forgiven; you are here and can finally be mine.” Max said, kissing her again.

“I’ve missed you too Max, and I’m sorry I had to leave. I didn’t want to. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, next to staying on Gordova and away from you these long months. I’m so glad to be back in your arms again. I love you Max.” Liz told him, her tears flowing freely.

“I love you too Liz, I love you too.” Max said, crushing her against him. The crowd was now applauding loudly and many of the women were weeping at the touching scene before them. To be reunited with the one person you never thought you’d see again was something out a fairy tale. Max turned to the crowd and his next announcement shocked the entire room.

“I would like to introduce you all to Lady Elizabeth Parker, the love of my life and my long lost betrothed. Thank you Maria, for the most wonderful gift in the world and I invite you all to stay the night here in the palace, because tomorrow their will be a royal wedding.” Max told them. Liz gasped next to him, not expecting that one. Max got down on one knee next to Liz and looked up into her eyes, now completely covered in tears. “Liz, will you do the honor of becoming my bride and my queen and allowing me the pleasure of loving you for the rest of our lives?”

“Oh Max, yes, yes!” Liz said, jumping into his arms and kissing him passionately. The crowd clapped and cheered and cried and muttered congratulations, but most of all reveled in the moment of their reunion and expression of their all consuming love.

Max grabbed Liz’s hand and drug her out of the room and into a deserted hallway, not giving a rip about what it looked like. Max wrapped her up into his embrace, kissing her with all the passion and love he could give and Liz gave back just as much. When the kiss finally had to break apart because both of them desperately needed air Max rested his forehead on Liz’s, looking deeply into her eyes.

“I can’t believe you have finally come back. Are you real?” he asked, new tears springing up on the edge of his eyes.

“I’m real Max, but it all feels unreal. I’ve missed you so much Max. I hated being away from you.” She said, brushing her hand over his cheek in a loving caress.

“And you’ll never leave me again. Twice I lost you Elizabeth Parker, but never again, even if I have to tie you to my bed and make endless love to you so that you can’t move an inch, but by then I plan on you being so swollen with my child that movement will be out of the question.” Max told her passionately.

“Max, we can’t stay locked up in your room forever.” Liz scolded lightly.

“And why not? Isn’t that what a Love Slave is for? You may be Lady Parker and the future queen of Antar to everyone else, but you will always be Liz, the infamous Love Slave and the keeper of my heart to me.” Max teased.

“Oh Max, only for you, forever.”



The End



Thanks to everyone who has stuck with me through this story. I’ve loved writing it and loved all your feedback. I’m so glad you liked it. It’s kind of bitter sweet to end this, considering all the time and love I have put into it. I hope to finish the other fics I have and possibly start up a few new ones. I’m also looking into starting a romance novel series and possibly look to get published. Who knows. You all are wonderful, and I love you all like I know you each in person. A special thanks to Tuesday and Steph for sticking behind me and encouraging me through out all of my writing and to all of you who have read my fic.

Lots of Love
Katie