Disclaimer: I don't own The Flash characters or comic book series. It is all property of DC and whoever else has legal authority. I am not making any kind of profit from this writing; it is all for fun and freedom of expression.

.

Warning: Bloody gore and violence in this chapter.

Chapter 20

.

" I think my foot fell asleep." Barry grumbled from where he sat in a chair, doing his best to remain as still as he could.

Barry was currently in one of the large galleries of the palace, where Hannibal Bates had basically set up shop. Len was sitting in a chair a few feet in front of Barry with his legs crossed, enjoying a cup of fresh cocoa while Ronnie and Cisco stood by. Len snorted lightly at Barry's words, while Ronnie and Cisco both smiled.

Hannibal for his part, allowed himself a smile as well, while still focused on his work. The Decoy Specialist was currently hard at work shaping the block of clay he had set up on a thick wooden pedestal. Currently, the block of clay now looked like a basic head and shoulders, just the shape with no identifiable features. Now Hannibal was slowly adding in a mound of clay for a nose.

" Please bare with me your Highness, I will admit, this process is slow, but the end result will be well worth it." Hannibal assured.

" Besides, you've only been sitting there ten minutes." Len quipped, chuckling when Barry stuck his tongue out at him childishly before they shared a smile.

" That's good that you smiled your majesty, gives me a chance to see how you facial features move and change. I will be asking you to emote throughout this session." Hannibal said serenely.

" Whatever you need of me Mr. Bates, I'll do." Barry said before he schooled his features back into a neutral expression like Hannibal had asked of him when he had first sat down.

About two and a half hours later...

Barry groaned lightly as he stretched his arms above his head, chuckling when as he lowered his arms he suddenly found them filled with a handsome husband of his who proceeded to lavish some welcomed attention on him. For the last few hours Barry had either sat still or had to make exaggerated facial expressions so that Hannibal could be accurate in his construction. By the end of it, Hannibal had a bust that roughly resembled Barry. It still needed a lot of fine tuning and detailing, but it did look like a statue version of Barry by this point.

" You did good Kid." Len said as he pressed a kiss to Barry's temple.

" Wasn't too hard, I could stare at you all day." Barry said quietly, earning a chuckle from Len before he closed the distance between them and pressed his lips to his husband's in a chaste kiss. They held each other for a few moments longer before they drew apart and turned their attention to Hannibal, and the clay bust.

Hannibal Bates was indeed skilled, for the basic shape of a head, neck, and shoulders now looked like Barry, only it was not lifelike as of yet, unrefined, unpolished.

" It's a good start Hannibal." Len said as he gazed at the bust, while Barry leaned in closer so that he was face to face with his clay copy, looking over his shoulder to smile and Len before he nodded to Hannibal.

" Thank you, your Majesty, I will endeavor to have the mask ready by the end of the week." Barry smiled warmly at the master decoy.

" I can't wait to see the finished product." Cisco said as he looked from Barry, to the bust, and then back at Barry, making his own comparisons.

" I think we'd all like to see if Hannibal here can pull off another fake out, like the one he did with his Majesty King West. I couldn't tell at all." Ronnie said, sending a grin Hannibal's way, which the other man returned warmly.

" Yeah, it was almost seamless." Barry agreed, still remembering how jarring it was to see two Joe West's standing before him. Everyone mingled amongst each other, Hannibal being peppered with questions about his mask-making skills and his method of learning mannerisms. Hannibal answered in mostly vague terms, enough for those asking to understand, but keeping the valuable information such as his exact formula for making the material of his mask, and some of his more in-depth techniques of learning mannerisms to himself. The atmosphere was easy enough, but the trickle of the sands of time were always there in the background and felt even though the grand engagement party was not going to be for another month. They hadn't even sent out invitations yet, but the kingdom was already abuzz with speculation.

" Your Majesties, shall we continue?" Hannibal asked with that quiet, unassuming voice of his.

" Yup." Barry said with an exaggerated sigh, that turned into a startled laugh as Len deftly reached out and pinched him in the left side where he was dreadfully ticklish.

Everybody retook their seats, and Hannibal went back to work, now going about refining the rough shape of Barry's head and facial features. It would be a long day of sitting still for Barry, but the end result would be well worth it.

A couple of hours later...

Len and Barry walked hand in hand along the hallway, with Ronnie and Cisco dutifully walking behind them. Hannibal walked along side them, holding quite conversation with the royals and their pages. The five of them were currently headed towards the lower levels of the palace, where Lisa's gold working guild was located. After A few more hours of Hannibal working hard to perfect the sculpture, everyone was definitely in need of a change of scenery. With this in mind, Hannibal had asked if he could observe Len and Barry and how they interacted with each other and their subjects. Part of what Hannibal did was also studying specific mannerisms and unique aspects of how the person he would be mimicking acted with those they were close to, and those they weren't.

Len had then suggested that they all go see Lisa and the progress that was being made of the splendid jewelry that had been commission for the grand engagement celebration. Cisco still turned bright red as he remembered how Len insisted that everyone would be getting new chains or necklaces, especially the future Bride and Groom.

Cisco himself had secretly gone to one of the most senior craftsmen that worked in the guild and commissioned a necklace which he planned to present to Lisa at the party. The man had been most pleased to be of service and had sworn that he would keep utmost confidence, and hide the necklace he was creating from Lisa with diligence.

The group of five descended down the large flight of marble stairs that led to a pair of arched, ornately gilded doors, at the center of which was a gorgeous and fierce looking lion's head hewn from gold. The doors were flanked on either side by three heavily armed guards. These six guards all bowed in respect to their King and Prince Consort before two of them broke formation and reached for the mouth of the golden lion. The five visitors watched on as the guard pulled the golden lion's jaw open and down like a hinge, hearing a metallic clank as the lion's head was now roaring at them. Then with another metallic groan, the lion's head slit down the middle as the doors parted, swing out with the two guards guiding them, revealing the gold workers guild.

Though he had visited many times, Barry still felt his heart leap in wonder at the sight that greeted them. The guild was spacious, with high ceilings, almost cavernous with everything painted in a soft, golden light. Hundreds of dedicated men and women were milling about, working on exquisite pieces of jewelry, or moving heavy machinery and supplies. The gold workers guild and the forges for weaponry took up this space beneath the palace. The main door to the forges was on the opposite side of the the underground, so that one could walk in through the gold workers guild and exit through the metal workers forges.

As Len and Barry stepped across the threshold, a loud gong sounded to announce their presence. Everyone paused in what they were doing, and then as one men bowed and women curtsied, a thundering rumble of " Your Majesties" gently buffeting them as Len and Barry were greeting by their subjects. Hannibal watched on silently, observing the way Barry's eyes took in everyone, the warmth radiating from him, the way he squeezed Len's hand, and especially the smile on his face. Hannibal could not help but also notice the admiring looks both Barry and Len were getting from the guild and forge workers. There was near total silence, that seemed almost hallowed in its respect.

" Carry on." Len declared loudly, his voice carrying through the respectful silence.

As Len and Barry led the way further into the guild, everyone went back to work. There were hundreds of eyes on Len and Barry now, and Hannibal watched on as Barry stayed completely relaxed, smiling and nodding at the many greetings he and Len received as they walked past.

They found Lisa in the gem worker's section, presiding over the skilled craftsman who was currently inlaying gorgeous oval cut sapphires and aquamarine stones into an intricate chain of state. Caitlyn was not by her side, Lisa having asked her to go and check on the progress of the royal tailors at the South Wing of the palace.

" Hey you guys." Lisa said warmly as she made her way over to them, exchanging warm greetings with her brothers, and a quick kiss with Cisco.

" Hey Sis, decided to come and see you. How goes the progress?" Len asked as Lisa led them over to the work tables.

Hannibal did his best not to get distracted by all of the finery laid out on the tables, it was a sight to behold after all. There were unfinished chains and individual gem stones all neatly color and sized coded on trays, glittering in the warm light. Hannibal turned his attention back to Barry and Len, who were currently listening and watching on as Lisa showed them the progress on some of the ornate jewelry that Len had commissioned for the engagement party.

" This one's for Joe." Lisa said as she pointed at an ornate and heavy looking chain of gold disks with the sunburst emblem of Central Kingdom at its center. A worker was carefully setting small, oval-shaped rubies and pearls into the wavy rays of the emblem and into its center. Even though the chain was about two thirds complete, it was magnificent.

" You have all outdone yourselves." Barry said warmly as the craftsmen working on the chain blushed beneath his snow white beard and said his soft thanks to the royals before ducking back to work.

Lisa then went on to show the chains for Eddie Ronnie, Harrison, Mark and also the one Len had commissioned for Hartley. It was meant to be a surprise for the young man, who in the weeks past had regained his strength and was flourishing wonderfully as an apprentice healer under Harrison's guidance. The chains the guild was making for Len and Barry, Lisa kept secret.

As the tour continued, Lisa showed them the tables where the elegant necklaces for Iris, Antonia, and Caitlyn were being constructed, Len and barry holding quiet conversation and complimenting the fine work of the craftsmen, who were a bit star struck by the handsome duo, Hannibal noted. Then Lisa was called away by Shawna over a small problem with one of the furnaces, giving Cisco the chance to duck away and check with the master craftsman he had gone to regarding the engagement necklace he had secretly commissioned. He scrambled back to Len and Barry quickly, ducking his head when Len, Barry, and Ronnie all goodnaturedly teased him for being such a sugary romantic.

When Lisa returned, the group headed further in to have a look at what was happening in the royal forges.

The royal smiths were hard at work creating new armor for the latest recruits to the army and royal guard, or repairing damage on that armor which had seen a skirmish or two. Again, the smiths paused in their work to pay their respects to their royals before they went back to their tasks. Len led the way to a smaller alcove of the forges, where stood several finished sets of armor that were vastly different from the regular armor that was worn by the royal guard and Nevarian soldiers. This armor was lighter looking, and upon closer examination, was actually thinner.

" Your Majesties." Greeted the senior smith who was working in this alcove, a man named Mason Bridge.

" Master Bridge, how's the new armor coming along?" Len asked as Barry and the others eyed the light armor with interest.

" Going well my King, we have been designing and testing this new, lighter armor for years now. The latest tests we've conducted have been promising." Bridge replied.

" Good." Len said before he and Barry stepped forward to examine the armor for themselves.

This armor was designed to be worn underneath clothing, such as royal finery. There was still a fear that poison might be used again, for that reason Len had asked for a veritable army of trained poison testers to be on duty for the party. After learning about Harkness' preference for blades, it was also decided that armor would be necessary. When Len had sent word to the forges asking if the smiths had anything that could be discreet, Master Bridge had come forward with the schematics for this new, light armor. Len had gone on to explain that he wanted his husband to be extra secure considering what had happened during the last big even and that was all the explanation Bridge had needed. The plan was that Len and Hannibal would be the ones wearing this type of armor on the night of the engagement party, since Hannibal would be masquerading as Barry to lure Harkness and Jesse into the trap and Len would be their beside him to keep up the ruse. Len was pleased beyond words that Barry not even be around should Harkness deem to strike. However, Barry had been less than pleased with that thought, huddling in a separate room while his husband and the man willing to play bait in his stead were going into a potentially deadly situation. He and Len had argued about it at length until Len had put his foot down and threatened to literally hogtie Barry himself. The argument had been heated one, but after a while it had rapidly devolved into something more primal, more passionate. It had been in the aftermath of their argument, turned love making that Len had practically begged Barry to stay away from the party until both Harkness and Jesse were neutralized.

As he and Len shared a look while they inspected the light armor, Barry remembered the look of raw desperation and open fear in Len's eyes as he had spoken. It was that look that had made Barry solemnly promise to stay out of sight like Len wanted. However, even with the promise he had made to Len, Barry was now trying to figure out a way to stay out of sight but still remain close enough to where he could see what was going on.

" Your Majesties." Bridge said, gaining the attention of Len, Barry, and their entourage before he continued. " Perhaps a demonstration on the latest model's resilience against a blade?"

They all stepped aside as Bridge stepped over to a table that had several newly finished soldier's swords resting on it. He picked one of them up and then made his way over to the armor. He came to stand at arms length and took a fighting stance, raising the sword and holding it steady. Everyone watched in silent anticipation, then Bridge let out a small breath and let the sword fly with a small grunt.

There was the sound of metal hitting metal, a loud 'clang' reverberating through the air as the sword slashed into one of the thin armors set up on the mannequins. Len, Barry, Lisa, Hannibal, Cisco, and Ronnie all watched as the sword bounced off the chest of the light armor without so much as leaving a dent in it.

" Man that is sturdy." Cisco said, all but bouncing with excitement as they all gathered around the armor to get a better look at the non-damage.

As they inspected the armor together, Len and Barry both had the same thoughts running through their minds. It was dangerous beyond words, the trap they were setting, but it was pieces like the armor and Hannibal's skills in mimicry that afforded some reassurance. What could happen on the actual night of the party was anyone's guess.

A few days later, at the estate of Lord James Jesse...

The servants standing in attendance within the dining room did their best not to gawk at the food that was spread over the table or let their disgust show on their faces as they watched their master, Lord James Jesse eat with all the refinement of a pig, using his hands and making a mess as he so often liked to do just to pile on the work. Jesse sneered and even went so far as to taunt them by waving pieces of food at them, like they were dogs. The servants remained silent, knowing the consequences should they make a sound of protest. Jesse went about eating his breakfast until the sound of approaching footsteps caught his ears. The lord looked up just as Axel Walker tentatively stepped over the threshold into the dining room.

" M-My Lord?" Axel began, doing his best to keep his voice steady.

" What?" Jesse barked, eying Axel with distain. Though he'd never say it out loud, Jesse actually missed Hartley, who had been his favorite whipping boy. At least Hartley was pleasing to look at and knew how to do things without being told, unlike this ugly little toad that now stood before him.

" Forgive the interruption my lord, but there is a messenger here from the Palace, says that he has a missive which h-his majesty King Leonard wanted delivered to your hands personally." Axel explained.

Jesse instantly perked up and then turned to glare at Linda Park who was standing in a corner.

" Come here and clean my face you useless Bitch." Jesse growled.

Linda swallowed thickly and wordlessly came forward, quickly grabbing one of the silk handkerchiefs Jesse insisted be neatly folded and resting on a silver tray. She quickly unfolded the kerchief and began to wipe at Jesse's food stained lips and cheeks, being sure to add an air of delicacy for her master's "sensitive" face. In all honesty Linda wanted nothing more than to grab one of the butter knife on the table and bury it into the horrid bastard's eye, but she stayed silent and worked quickly, wanting to spare herself and others a flogging as she cleaned Jesse's face with the old man glaring at her hatefully. Once Linda had cleaned his face, another servant came forward holding a circular mirror up so that Jesse could look at himself. With a derisive snort and a scowl at his servants, Jesse headed out of his dining room, following Axel towards the front of the house where the royal messenger was waiting.

The royal messenger was a young man in his early twenties with light brown hair and brown eyes who dressed impeccably in a blue and purple uniform with the Nevarian Snowflake emblem over the right breast. He also wore a satchel with the strap across his chest.

" Lord James Jesse." The Messenger began before bowing. " I come on command of their Majesties King Leonard and Prince Bartholomew to deliver this to you personally."

The Messenger stepped forward, reaching into the satchel and pulling out an elegant, gold hued envelope. He held it out to Jesse who took it eagerly. His curiosity peaked, Jesse untied the little red ribbon that was holding the envelope shut and pulled out the deep red card that was contained inside it. The card had writing and the emblems of both Nevar and Central Kingdom embossed on it in gold. As he read the words, Jesse's eyes widened in astonishment before a small grin spread across his face.

Jesse could scarcely believe his fortune. He was now cordially invited to the engagement ceremony of the king's sister to her little boy toy. Harkness had been complaining in his secret correspondence how after the whole fuck up at the Solstice ball, stupid Snart the younger had basically tucked away his precious little husband to where there had been no opportunity to finish the job he had started. Now here Jesse was with a golden opportunity literally handed to him in a golden envelope. It would be another four weeks till the party itself, but that just meant that Harkness could use the time to sharpen his blade and plan accordingly.

" My Lord." The Messenger said, breaking Jesse out of his musings. At his look of askance the Royal Messenger continued.

" Please be advised my Lord to arrive in a timely fashion and that in the wake of the horrid events of the Winter Solstice Ball, there shall be added security and that you will have to present this card before you will be allowed entrance. In addition, should you decide to bring anyone with you as your plus one, you will have to request a similar card from the palace within a week before the event. Have you any questions?" the Messenger asked.

With the wheels turning in his mind, Jesse shook his head.

" Thank you my boy, your delivery has pleased me greatly. Do tell their majesties that I am most honored to receive this invitation." Jesse with the sweetest tone he could muster, all the while doing his best to push down the urge to cackle in glee.

" You're welcome my Lord. I shall take my leave of you." The Messenger said.

" Axel, please show the good Messenger out." Jesse said with a smile to Axel that the servant knew was only a front.

" My Lord." Axel said with a small bow before he gestured for the Messenger to follow.

As Lord Jesse looked over the card yet again to see the dates and times, he didn't pay attention as Axel held the door open for the Messenger, and the Messenger deftly handing Axel a small white envelope as he stepped across the threshold. Axel was stunned at receiving the envelope made quick work of tucking it away inside the waist band of his pants before Jesse could spot it. As he shut the door, Axel felt his heart pounding wildly inside his chest for he had a feeling that the envelope was monumentally important and had come from someone he had helped "bury" just a few weeks ago.

The Messenger himself had found it a bit odd when King Leonard himself had handed him the white envelope and told him that under no circumstances was Lord Jesse to see or be made aware of it in any way, that he was to hand it in secret to a servant named Axel or bring it straight back to the palace. The King had been so deathly serious that the Messenger had sworn on oath to do as he was told. He had been about to leave when Lord Jesse indicated that the young man who had let him in was indeed named Axel. The Messenger had done as he had been tasked, and while he was curious as to what had been all about, the Messenger quickly pushed away his curiosity, he still had a full day of delivering royal invitations to the nobility of Nevar ahead of him.

Once the Messenger had ridden away from the Jesse estate and Axel had shut the door, he and the servants all felt their blood curdle as Jesse threw his head back and finally cackled to his heart's content.

" I gotta tell Boomerang about this." Jesse giggled, referring to Harkness by the weapons the demonic assassin loved so much.

Jesse shuffled off to his study to go write the note, but not before barking at the servants to clear the table and give what was left, which was a great deal in all honesty, to the pigs outside, that they the actual human beings weren't allowed even the scraps today.

Axel for his part could care less as he helped clear everything away, he just wanted a moment alone so that he could see what was inside the envelope. Axel had to go through a full hour of doing chores and getting wine for Jesse before he finally got his chance.

Axel was upstairs in the library doing some dusting, and he was blessedly alone. Ducking behind some shelves, Axel quickly pulled out the envelope and opened it, pulling out the letter inside. As his eyes glided over what was written, Axel was thankful beyond words that Hartley had spent years teaching him and many of the others how to read in secret. The fact that Jesse that they were all illiterate orphans was one of the reasons why he had been so lax regarding the tome of forbidden arts, thinking that they didn't even know what the pictures meant let alone read anything from it. Axel felt his knees go week with sheer relief as he read the letter. It was a note really, with only a few words, but for Axel, and by proxy the other servants, it meant everything. The letter read simply.

I made it, they know the truth. There is a plan, Jesse and Harkness are going down. You all just keep quiet and hold on for a little bit longer.- Hart

Axel took a moment to allow a few happy, happy tears to escape him before he quickly pulled himself together. Axel quickly crumpled up the envelope and letter from Hartley and shoved them into his pocket. After dusting and organizing some more, Axel made his way to the kitchens with an air of normalcy, asking if the servants in charge of cooking needed anything. When one of them asked him to stir the chowder Jesse had ordered for lunch later in the day, Axel nodded and set about the task, Resisting the urge to full on spit in the good lord Jesse's food, Axel made sure the chowder wasn't burning and deftly pulled the pot away from the stove fire so that he could toss the papers into the flames, getting rid of the evidence that Hartley Rathaway was very much alive, and that there was indeed a trap being laid for Jesse and Harkness.

For the rest of the day, Axel did his chores and got yelled at by Jesse along with the other servants, but inwardly he was screaming with pure joy. The nightmare would end soon, they just had to be patient.

Later, in the dead of night at the Jesse Estate...

" Well, I'd say the son of the late great King Henry Allen is either very brave, or stupider than I originally thought." Harkness drawled as he looked over the fancy party invitation.

Jesse giggled as he sat back in his chair at his desk, taking a sip from the glass of expensive honeyed wine he had demanded. Jesse had sent for Harkness via the carrier pigeons he kept in the attic area. The assassin had been holed up in a run down, abandoned cottage that stood at the far outskirts of the kingdom. Before that wanted posters had gone up and the kingdom had been scoured by the royal guard, the assassin had been laying low around the city, sneaking in and squatting in the unused rooms of inns and stealing food discreetly from the markets or hunting in the woods, using all of the survival skills he had picked up along the way to becoming the deadly assassin he was now. The heat had side down some, and Harkness was always using the shadows to his advantage, materializing at the door to Jesse's house around midnight.

" So should I count you in as my plus one?" Jesse grinned with a mad glint in his blue eyes. Harkness looked up from the invitation and spoke.

" Tempting as that may be, I will have to decline your generous offer." He said.

" What? Why?" Jesse asked, to which Harkness gave a little put upon sigh as spoke as he set the card back down on Jesse's desk.

" While it would be easy for me to just slip in as your plus one, don't you think people, especially nobles who love to talk, would find it odd that you my good lord, who has no wife and always shows up to big events such as these all by yourself suddenly shows up at the engagement party of the King's sister with an unknown man. It would be even more difficult considering my face had been plastered all over the kingdom." Harkness explained.

Jesse deflated a nodded in understanding and agreement before he looked back up at Harkness.

" So I'll go by myself, but how are you going to get in?" He asked. To this, Jesse watched as a calculating and truly terrifying smirk spread across Harkness' face.

" Oh don't worry, I'll find a way in, even with there so called "tighter security"."

A few moments later, Harkness' deep chuckle mingled with Jesse's harsh cackle. From where he stood stationed by the door to Jesse's study, Axel kept his face neutral but smiled inwardly, for he had put two and two together and figured out the party was the trap, and that Jesse and Harkness were both walking right into it. Now he prayed that whatever plan the Royals had come up with would work.

Four weeks later...

The night sky over Nevar was clear, the stars twinning brightly while the moon, full and gleaming, smiled over the winter kingdom. The Palace of Nevar glittered in the moonlight, the flags raised and the fires lit. From the main gates of the palace there was already a line of stately horse drawn carriages stretching down the path all the way into the city area of Nevar. Tonight was the night of Princess Lisa Snart's engagement to Marquis Cisco Ramon, and everyone who was anyone in Nevar had been invited.

Within his changing suite King Leonard Snart stood somber yet regal as Ronnie draped the heavy, ornate new chain over his shoulders. The King of Nevar was resplendent in a deep, sapphire blue Tudor jacket with a light silver snowflake filigree pattern over the sleeves. Over this is wore a matching over jacket of the same hue and with the same silver snowflake filigree overlay. Over the shoulders and along the hem the coat was lined with exquisite pure white fur. The chain that Ronnie had just lowered onto the kings shoulders was a true work of art. It was hewn from glittering white platinum and inlaid into each hexagon shaped panel was a glittering hexagon cut sapphire, with pearls and white diamonds inlaid around them. At the center hung a large Nevarian snowflake that seemed almost encrusted in white diamonds. And finally, resting atop Len's head was his grandfather's favorite crown. It was not as ornate as say, Len's wedding crown, but it was still a gorgeous heirloom. It was hewn from lines of silver that seemed woven together to form intricate snowflakes with glittering white gems inlaid throughout. Black trousers, knee length boots, and his grandfather's sword with the lion-headed pommel finished off the look.

Len looked every bit the king he was, but there was a tension radiating off of him, and it was understandable, for beneath all of the regal attire, he was wearing light, blade-proof armor. Tonight was what most believed to be an engagement party, while the King and his inner circle knew better. As the king gave himself a final look over in the standing mirror, Len took comfort in knowing that at least the person who was meant to be in the most danger tonight was actually going to be tucked away safely from his would be assassin.

If said assassin even showed up at all tonight.

Len quickly banished the many 'what ifs' from his mind and instead nodded to Ronnie, who stood tall and handsome in a blue-gray tudor jacket with black trousers and knee length black boots, and a silver and aquamarine jewels draped over his shoulder with the Raymond family crest hanging at the center. The king then wordlessly headed out of his changing suite and out into the living room area of the royal apartments.

As he stood there waiting for the door to the other changing suit to open, Len felt his heart begin to beat faster, but it was not with the excitement he usually felt whenever he anticipated Barry coming out of his suite. Len did not have to wait long as he heard the door to Barry's suite open. Len turned and felt his heart stop a little at the sight that greeted him.

There coming towards him was Barry, with his signature rugged hair and hazel green eyes, dressed regally in a bright purple Tudor jacket with gold piping along the sleeves and a high collar. Matching trousers and knee length black boots on his feet. Draped over his shoulders was was an ornate chain of gold, amethyst stones, and pearls, with the combined emblem of Nevar and Central Kingdom hanging at its center in intricately woven gold and glittering garnets. Atop his head was an elegant coronet of gold with white square gems around the circumference and pearls at each point. Barry looked amazing, but Len did not feel the pure joy he normally would have felt.

The reason being that the Barry dressed in full royal regalia was not in fact his Barry, if the person standing behind the decked out Barry, dressed in a simple dark blue Tudor jacket with no jewels or a crown in his head was anything to go on.

" Hannibal." Len said as he turned his steely blue eyes to the Barry decked in finery.

" Your majesty." Hannibal replied in his regular, softer voice that was so very different from Barry's as the mimicker bowed fully to the King of Nevar. He was the fake Barry, right down the jewelry he was wearing, which was made from counterfeit material at Hannibal's insistence to ensure some ease of movement considering he was wearing armor underneath his outfit. Said armor had also held him achieve the overall body shape to match Barry's and had enough room for him to put in some extra padding just in case.

It was all so truly surreal and yet, this was the night, this was really happening. To those who did not know better they would have thought that Prince Bartholomew's long lost twin brother had suddenly shown up and was standing there behind him. Hannibal had one of the swords Barry had received as a wedding present handing from a bejeweled belt around his waist, and on his left hand he wore exact replicas of Barry's glittering wedding band on his ring finger, and his mother's ruby engagement ring on his right pinky, both of which Lisa herself had crafted in secret at the guild so as to maintain total confidentiality.

" Man this is so weird." The real Barry said, Cisco noticeably absent. Tonight was the young man's engagement party after all, the Marquis was off duty as Barry's Page and instead was off getting ready with his mother and older brother.

" No kidding." Len agreed as he stepped forward, holding his hands out to his husband.

Barry quickly stepped past Hannibal and all but lunged for his husband, the two of them sharing a deep kiss and holding each other almost painfully tight before they drew apart.

" It's going to be alright Barry, you just have to stay out of sight until we have Jesse and Harkness trapped." Len said reassuringly. Barry frowned unhappily but nodded before he leaned in and pressing his forward to Len, being mindful of the crown as he spoke.

" If anything happens to you or our family I swear I will either join you in the worst or tear everything apart with my bare hands. All of you are living through this night, you hear me?" Barry gritted out.

" I hear you, we'll get those two bastards tonight, one way or another. " Len promised solemnly. Barry nodded before he spoke.

" At least I can keep Hartley company, that poor guy's been a wreck ever since the messenger we sent to Jesse's estate reported that Axel got his message." Len nodded as he reached up and cupped the side of Barry's neck.

" After tonight he'll never have to fear Jesse or Harkness ever again, and the moment we know Jesse's here in attendance, Mark will know to send his men to Jesse's estate to free the rest of Hartley's family." He said, smiling as the stress temporarily left Barry's face so that he smiled and leaned in to press another deep kiss to Len's lips. When they drew away, Ronnie stepped forward.

" Forgive me your majesties, but we really should get going." He said quietly, his eyes going to Hannibal who was standing there in respectful silence, looking exactly like a perfect replica of Barry.

Len and Barry reluctantly parted and stepped forward so Len could properly greet his husband's decoy.

" Sir Hannibal Bates, you are voluntarily putting you own life on the line to help me catch the conspirators against my husband's life and the crown of Nevar. You have my eternal thanks." Len said somberly as he held out his hand to Hannibal.

Hannibal nodded, and lightly cleared his throat before he reached out and spoke.

" My duty is to aid in the protection of the royal family of Central Kingdom, and by extension those they care for. You have my solemn vow, on this night I will do my part to ensure both your safety, and the capture of Digger Harkness, King of Nevar."

Hannibal then bowed deeply in respect to both Len and Barry. Barry felt his eyes burn a little, deeply moved by Hannibal's oath and bravery. Len felt his own throat tighten but quickly swallowed it back as he spoke with all seriousness.

" May you be blessed with long life and good fortune forever Sir Hannibal Bates." He said firmly before he held out his hand to the man who was risking his very life on this night.

Hannibal smiled wearing Barry's face, and they could all see the difference of it even with the strikingly realistic mask the man was wearing. Hannibal reached and held the offered hand, the king and the decoy shaking hands firmly.

A few moments later, Len and Hannibal disguised as Barry were standing side by side before the doors to the royal apartments with Ronnie standing behind them. Barry stood on Len's other side as his husband spoke.

" It's going to be okay Kid." Len said quietly as he held Barry's hand. Barry sent Len a lopsided smile as he nodded wordlessly.

" It better be." Barry said, his voice shaking only slightly. Len smiled wanly before he spoke.

" You remember the way I showed you how to get to Hartley's quarters unseen right?" He asked cryptically.

" Yeah, I'll get there. You guys better get going too." Barry said before with a final squeeze he let go of Len's hand.

Steadying his own nerves and banishing his own uncomfortableness, Len then turned to Hannibal and gestured for them to head out. Hannibal looked to Barry, as if asking for permission. Barry found himself smiling warmly as he nodded, though he felt an irrational pang of jealousy as he watched Hannibal place his hand, painted and modified with the same mask material to look exactly like Barry's own hand, into Len's. Even though Len and Hannibal were just heading to Joe's quarters to meet up with the rest of the family, they had to keep up the appearance of a couple deeply in love.

Len sent Barry an apologetic look but Barry just shook his head and gestured for them to get going. With a final look, Len and Hannibal headed out of the royal apartments with Ronnie dutifully following after them, leaving Barry to himself. With a shaky breath and a prayer to every deity he could think of, Barry all but ran into the small, private library that was part of the royal apartments. Once he was inside, Barry made his way over to the far wall and pulled on the candleholder that was affixed to it, the holder going down like a lever. There was a soft, metallic click and then the wall was swinging away to reveal that it was actually a secret door with a dimly lit corridor hidden behind it. Barry stepped over the threshold and the secret door swung shut behind him as he disappeared into the secret palace hallway.

As he walked along the initial corridor, Barry reached into his inner jacket pocket and pulled out a folded piece of parchment. Unfolding it revealed it to be a map. In the weeks leading up to the engagement party, Len, wanting to err on the side of caution had decided that the royal apartments would be to obvious a place for Barry to stay during the party, so he had revealed this secret of the palace to his husband. There was a hidden network of corridors through the palace that only the king and his spouse ever got to know about. These corridors had a history of being used in both emergency situations when the palace was under attack and the King needed to escape, but also for certain scandalous activities for which secrecy was needed. Now as he followed the map that Len had given him to get to the guest quarters that had been assigned to Hartley, Barry could not help but feel grateful for this way to get around unseen, the last thing he needed was for the guards to see first Hannibal walking alongside Len in the main corridors, and then spot him and cause the plan to go haywire, and to also avoid making the guards on duty question their sanity too at seeing two identical versions of himself.

When Barry had asked Len why his husband hadn't revealed the secret tunnels to him sooner, Len had explained that the tradition was that the royal couple had to have been married for at least year, till they were sure of each other's trust before the tunnels were to be revealed. Len had given Barry one of his signature smirks as he had explained that since these were extraordinary circumstances and that their own one year anniversary was only a month away, the Snart ancestors were probably just rumbling a little and not fully rolling in their graves. Barry had been quick to forgive Len the delay in revealing this very important secret their home possessed, especially since that smirk of his always did leave Barry wanting to kiss his breathless, which he in fact did right after.

Barry banished such memories from his mind as he made quick work of navigating his way through the veritable maze of hidden corridors until he finally reached the end of the corridor that would leave him as close as possible to Hartley's quarters. Len had made sure that there would be no guards posted in the general area of where the secret door Barry had reached was located. Taking in a deep breath, Barry put away the map and then carefully pulled on the secret door's handle. On the other side, a piece of the castle wall basically fell away and the real Prince Consort of Nevar stepped out from behind it.

Barry quickly pulled the secret door shut and then made a B-line down the hallway that was in front of him. In long stride he made his way around the corner and sought out the first pair of dark, stained oak doors with a simply Nevarian snowflake emblem carved over them. Barry knocked three times and them waited, albeit a little impatiently as he glanced left and right to make sure the hallway was deserted. It was a welcome sound when the locks clicked on the other side and one of the doors swung away to reveal Hartley Rathaway. The young man now standing before Barry was the complete opposite of the half-frozen shell of a person that had literally fallen at the gates of the palace. The bruises had healed, and the scars that remained were beginning to fade both figuratively and literally. The square meals and actual medical treatment had done wonders for the young man. He stood up straighter, his dark brown hair lustrous and his face now spotting a healthy fullness and color. Hartley's eyes, once dulled with all the years of cruelty and abuse were now a vibrate dark green and held a quiet strength to them that had not been there before.

" My Prince." Hartley said with a shy smile as he stepped aside.

" Hey Hartley." Barry said with a warm smile before he quickly ducked inside. Hartley shut the door behind him and followed Barry into the living room area.

" You Highness I... I mean... have they?" Hartley asked hesitantly to which Barry stepped closed to the young man and gripped his shoulder.

" The plan is now in motion, His Majesty the King and the man serving as my decoy just went down to join the rest of my family for the grand entrance. The guests are arriving. The moment we know that Jesse is here at the Palace, Mark will dispatch Captain Bivolo and his regiment of guards to Jesse's estate to gather the evidence and free your family. We just have to wait for Ronnie to come and get us when the time is right." Barry watched, still smiling as Hartley's face crumbled with pure relief.

" Hey now, none of that." Barry eased as he squeezed Hartley's shoulder.

To his credit, Hartley quickly composed himself and nodded to the Prince Consort of Nevar. Barry drew away and spoke.

" Was everything delivered alright?" He asked.

" Yes your Highness, Lord Raymond delivered everything this morning. I don't mean to sound ungrateful but I just-"Hartley began to say when Barry help up his hand, instantly silencing him.

" Don't say that it's all too much because it'll never be enough for what you did for me and my family Hartley Rathaway. For as long as we both live, me and his Majesty the King will be in your debt." Barry said, meaning every word.

Hartley ducked his head to hide how furiously his face flushed before he composed himself and led the way to his bedroom. Once they were inside, their eyes immediately went to the two large trunks that were sitting on the floor at the foot of Hartley's four poster bed while two large wooden jewelry boxes rested on the bed itself.

Barry turned to look at Hartley.

" Let's get ready, we are one of the big surprises of the evening after all." Barry said with a glint of anticipation in his hazel green eyes, Hartley smiling back at him as he nodded.

" Of course your Highness."

With that in mind the pair proceeded towards the trunks and boxes that had been left for them, Hartley assuming the role that Cisco usually took in first helping Barry get dressed. He had spent nearly his whole life dressing Jesse so he knew what to do, only difference was that this time around he was actually honored and elated to help who was getting dressed.

Meanwhile, in Joe's apartments...

" Man this is so freaky." Cisco said in amazement as he stared unashamed at Hannibal, who smiled back at him wearing Barry's face and in exactly the same way that Barry usually smiled. Everyone else in the room shared similar sentiments.

Cisco was dressed in a deep champagne colored Tudor jacket that had a pure white filigree overlay with black trousers and shiny black boots. Draped over his shoulders was a chain of gold flyer de lis' alternating with glittering yellow gems that were laced together with strings of pearls. At the center of the chain hung the Sunburst emblem of Central Kingdom in bright gold. On his right hand he word a signet ring proudly baring the Ramon family crest. Cisco had also got his hair trimmed at the end so that it now just barely reached his shoulders. He looked regal and handsome, but it was the bright light in his eyes that truly made him look the best, he was alive and getting officially engaged tonight despite the other, more dangerous agenda for the evening.

A look around the room saw Antonia dressed in a deep maroon gown, with her long black hair elegantly done up. Around her neck was an elegant necklace of rubies and white gems, a gift designed by Lisa herself. Dante was dressed in a black Tudor jacket with an elegant gold filigree overlay that looked like interlinked sunbursts. Draped over his shoulders was a chain of gold squares with square-cut yellow gems. His hair was well styled and his face still holding some stubble to add a little but of ruggedness to him. He too wore a gold ring on his right hand with the family crest. He and Cisco complemented each otter nicely tow here one could tell that they were related, but each standing out as himself.

Eddie was dressed in a pale blue Tudor jacket with a red sash across his shoulders baring the Central Kingdom emblem. Draped around his shoulders was a stunning sliver chain with white gems. On his head he wore a simple yet elegant silver coronet with white gem glittering at every point if the crown. Next to him Iris was regal and elegant in a matching pale blue and white gown with billowing sleeves and a bejeweled sweetheart neckline. Around her neck was a beautiful necklace of silver with white gems shaped like teardrops that glittered brightly in the light. Her hair was look and she wore a matching tiara of white diamond on her head. Eddie and Iris were yet another matching pair.

All of those hours of carefully observing Barry's facial expressions and mannerisms were paying off, for had they not known that this was a decoy sitting before them, Barry and Len's family would have though that it was the actual Prince Consort of Nevar.

Len crossed his arms where he stood with Joe a little removed from everyone else. Besides Cisco, Eddie, Iris, Antonia, and Dante were all openly staring at Hannibal, who didn't so much as bat an eye at the attention that was leveled on him.

" Those glass lenses sure are convincing." Joe said quietly to his son-in-law.

" Yup, still don't know how he can stand to have them on." Len replied.

" Is Barry with Hartley?" Joe asked, the King of Central Kingdom dressed in a regal bright red Tudor jacket with velvet sleeve and a matching floor length over jacket with lush looking light brown fur along the hem and over the shoulders. Draped over his shoulders was the heavy chain of gold and rubies the craftsmen had been working on in the gold worker's guild all those weeks ago, now resplendent and stunning in completion.

" Yeah, he should be there by now, I made sure the path was clear and discreet. They should both be getting ready for the evening as we speak." Len answered.

Joe's lips turned up into a half smile as he spoke.

" I can't wait to see the look on those bastards faces when the jig is up." He rumbled, delighted when Len smirked as well, his steely blue eyes bright with the promise of justice.

Lisa was secluded to her own apartments getting herself ready, with Caitlyn by her side. The Princess and soon to be bride would join them at the main gates. Len could not help but feel his heart both swell and bleed at the thought. This was still his baby sister's engagement party. She was getting married. Len did his best to keep his emotions in check, to keep a level head about himself in this actually terrifying situation. Hopefully if the plan went off accordingly, by the end of it he and his Barry would be the ones to actually walk Lisa to her intended husband.

Now they just had to wait for Harrison to come and get them when it would be time for them to make their grand entrance.

Outside at the main doors of the palace...

General Mark Mardon stood tall and imposing, but no less handsome in gleaming new silver ceremonial armor. He stood at the great doors to the palace and greeted the party guests as they disembarked from their carriages and entered the grand palace. He smiled and greeted the noblemen and women as they passed him by. However, he was not their to simply greet guests, he was there to make sure that a certain Lord was in attendance. The guests had started arriving for the party about an hour ago, and the line was far reaching to say the least.

But if there was one thing that being the Head General of Nevar taught Mark, it was patience.

From where he stood at the entrance to the Great Hall receiving the party guests similar to Mark, Harrison was ironically sharing the sentiment regarding chief Royal Advisor and Healer of Nevar stood dressed in a regal Tudor jacket of deep bronze with a bight gold filigree pattern overlay in honor if Lisa and her love of gold. Draped around his shoulders was an elegant chain of glittering square-cut yellow gems with small black gems around the borders. From the center hung a golden Nevarian snowflake emblem with pearls inlaid within it. Tonight Harrison looked every bit the noble Lord he was, rather than the scholar and healer always dressed in black robes.

There were many appreciative gazes being leveled Harrison's way, and while he was flattered, he didn't pay them much mind. Though he remained as outwardly calm and collected looking as he always was, inside he heart was already pounding. Though he prayed that maybe by some miracle they caught Harkness before the assassin could infiltrate the palace, Harrison knew that the man was a world-class killer and more likely than not, he'd find a way in. Barry was safe and away at least, but the King, and also the brave man posing as Barry would still be a great risk. Harrison wanted this to be over, well and truly, but he knew that the long night was just beginning for this trap disguised as a party.

However, even with the full stress of what was really going on tonight, Harrison could not help think about a certain green eyed, brown haired, young man, his newest apprentice in the healing arts. Even with everything that was going on, Harrison could not help but think about Hartley Rathaway and how gorgeous the young man would look tonight in the formal attire he had heard the King and Prince had ordered be made for him by their own personal tailors. Harrison quickly shook himself out of his musings and turned his attentions back to greeting the who's who of Nevarian high society.

Back at the grand doors of the palace, Mark nodded to a noble couple and bid them a pleasant even before he turned his attentions to the next carriage that pulled up in the long line of carriages. What caught Mark's attention and had him instantly on high alert was just who the single occupant of this carriage that was a bit older than the other carriage and was being pulled by a pair of horses that looked a little to skinny for Mark's liking. Mark did his best to keep his emotions in check as he watched the palace footmen pull the carriages door open and lower the stairs. A few moments later, Lord James Jesse with his graying, dirty blond hair styled in such a way that it was nearly sticking up on end and wearing robes of a garish orange with blue stripes over his rotund frame, stepped out of the carriage with a grin. A chain of jewels ranging in bright greens and reds to dark blues and purples was draped over his shoulders, adding to the gaudy look.

" Hiya General Handsome." Jesse greeted as he made his way up the steps. Mark did his best not to throw up in his mouth as he forced his face into a polite smile ad gave the lord a small bow.

" Good evening my Lord Jesse, so pleased to see you after your absence from the Winter Solstice. How are you?" He asked.

" I'm doing swimmingly my dear Mardon. I had heard about what happened at the Winter Solstice, such dreadful business. Hopefully tonight will be smooth sailing for our dear princess and that delightful young man she's chosen for herself." Jesse said with an air of feigned sincerity that Mark found sickening.

" Oh you are going down so hard tonight you old shitbag." Mark thoughts he kept on smiling pleasantly and ushered Jesse to head in.

" Enjoy the evening my Lord." Mark called after him as Jesse sent him a grin and a wave before he proceeded inside. Once Jesse was out of sight, Mark let the forced smile drop from his face. The plan was already in motion, but now that Jesse was here at the party, Mark could go ahead with his task.

Freeing Hartley's family and finding the damning evidence needed to bury that smarmy old toad and his crooked nosed killer for hire.

Mark made quick work of getting to the stables were Captain Roy Bivolo was waiting with his blue roan stallion saddled and waiting.

" Is it time General?" Bivolo asked as he stood beside his horse.

" Indeed, are the rest of the men ready?" Mark asked as Bivolo quickly got on his horse.

" Yes General, they are waiting in the Eastern woods along with three wagons with the necessary supplies should they be needed." Bivolo replied. Mark allowed himself a half smile before he grew serious again.

" Remember, once you and you men get to Jesse's estate, your priority is getting the servants out of there, and then you look for the incriminating evidence we need."

Bivolo nodded, his face grim, about two weeks earlier he had been brought into the fold and told the truth about what was going on, and Lord James Jesse's involvement in both the stealing of Lord Scudder's cows and the assassination plot against the Prince that had nearly taken the life of Marquis Ramon.

" As you command my General." Bivolo said with a sharp nod before he headed out of the stables and used a side gate in the palace wall to disappear into the Eastern woods where his men were waiting for him.

Mark watched him go before he turned and headed back to the grand doors of the palace. As he passed by the many parked stately carriages that a veritable legion of palace guards were carrying out searches as an added security measure, his eyes lingered on Jesse's carriage, which was in the process of being searched by some of his men. As he drew nearer, the soldiers stood to attention at their commanding officer's approach.

" Find anything unusual in your searches?" Mark asked with an air of ease, all the while subtly taking a look inside Jesse's carriage himself.

" No sir, unless you could the rather... unique smell." One of Mark's men replied, while the other guards all did their best to not wince or laugh.

Too curious for his own good, Mark stepped closer to take a sniff and immediately regretting it. It appeared that while Lord Jesse had gone to great lengths to polish and primp the outside of the carriage, he had not done nearly as much for the inside, which in all honestly spelled like really, really dirty feet. And the fact that the seats and interior of the carriage had puce green cushions only made it that mush worst.

Shaking his head and not even bothering to hide his disgust, Mark turned away. He ordered his men to finish there search fast and move to the other carriages. Despite the rank smell, nothing seemed out of the ordinary regarding Jesse's carriage much to Mark's disappointment.

Mark headed back to the palace entrance to continue to greet guests while the soldiers were more than happy to move on. Once Jesse's carriage was deserted, it was then that the floor of the carriage suddenly moved, with someone grunting beneath the wood. With a low creak the floor was pushed away, and a man with a crooked nose and cold black eyes emerged. Digger Harkness stayed low and out of sight, his annoyance at having been cramped into that hidden compartment of Lord Jesse's carriage for over an hour with that revolting stench was assuaged by the fact that he was here in the palace grounds once more. He could not use the same plan as he had on the night of the Solstice Ball, of sneaking in with the wagons of supplies and sneaking out with the trash, since a stealthy reckon a few days back had shown him that that part of the palace was now under heavy guard. However, Harkness had remembered that there was another way he could get into and out of the palace with no one the wiser. A way which he happened to remember back when he was planning his entrance into the palace for the Solistice Ball.

Once he was sure the coast was clear, Harkness, dressed in a body hugging black suit pulled up the attached hood and swiftly exited the carriage through the door that was opposite the one that the guards had opened to search through, with a small each tight securely to his back. Once he was out of the carriage Digger quickly rolled underneath it. Staying low to the ground, Digger literally crab-walked his way from under one carriage to the next, and to the next until he was reaching the very back of the palace. Once there he rolled out from under the last carriage and sprinted as fast as he could into the shadows, cursing that the night was clear. For all of the beefed up security, the palace and good King Leonard had overlooked a weakness in their so-called fortress. As he moved along the wall, Hakness smiled as his ticket into the palace came finally came into view.

There low to the ground were a pair of storm cellar doors with a rusted only lock holding them shut. Digger crouched before these doors and reached for a small pouch on his utility belt. He undid the tie and carefully dumped a fine white power onto the lock. Within a few seconds the metal was melting with a soft sizzling, the corrosive agent eating through it. With a smirk, Digger used his gloved hands to lightly brush the remnants of the lock away before it at through the handles of the storm cellar doors as well. With a self-satisfied little smirk, Harkness eased one of the doors opened wide enough and ducked in, shutting the door behind him. It was not a moment to soon for the assassin as a pair of palace guards came around the corner and walked past, not noticing the storm cellar doors or the lock that was missing from them.

Once inside and allowing for his eyes to adjust, Digger's smirk only widened as he surmised that he was inside one of the palace's store-rooms. Unlike the last time where he had blended in with the servants, this time he would have to simply blend in with the shadows. Beneath his cape and hood, Harkness was basically wearing an arsenal. Besides his favorite boomerang blades that he had situated in his special chest guard, Harkness also had various powers which he could use to knock out and incapacitate anyone who came in his way. He was also carrying several smoke bombs that would help his disorient his intended target and aid him in his escape. Now that he was inside, the Great Hall was his intended destination. Once he was there he could finally seize his chance to take the most precious thing from both that son of a bitch Joe West, and also from the good King of Nevar. Hell it could also be a final insult to the late, great King Henry Allen.

The life of Prince Bartholomew Henry Allen. He'd slaughter King Leonard's pretty little fucktoy and revel in the misery he'd cause.

About an hour later upstairs on the floor of Joe's apartments...

A knocking on the doors to Joe's apartments had all eyes turning them as Joe immediately stepped forward to receive his visitor. The air was instantly tense with anticipation as everyone else went on the alert. Joe pulled the doors away to reveal a very well dressed Harrison Wells.

" King West." Harrison said with a small bow.

" Well look at you Lord Wells." Joe said with a warm smile despite the seriousness of the situation, for indeed Harrison cleaned up really well.

Joe quickly stepped aside and allowed Harrison to step inside, and the moment he did the Chief Advisor and Healer of Nevar did his best not to blush bright red at the many appreciative looks that were leveled his way.

" Cleaning up nicely as always." Len said said with a smile as he stepped forward and shook hands with his Chief Advisor and Healer. Harrison smiled warmly, but then his face grew serious as he spoke.

" The esteemed Lord Jesse has arrived." Harrison announced grimly. In an instant the air in the room grew dark with quiet anger, the smiles dropping off the many faces at the mere mention of one of tonight's intended targets.

" Has Mark dispatched Bivolo?" Len asked, taking charge.

" Yes my King, Bivolo and his men ride to Jesse's estate as we speak. Mark's seeing to the last of the guests. He told me that a search of Jesse's carriage yielded nothing save for an unfortunate odor." Harrison said before his face grew even grimmer. " My king I just have this feeling in my gut that Harkness is already here, that he's found a way in somehow."

Len nodded mutely as Hannibal came to stand beside him. Harrison opening stared at the man serving as Barry's decoy, astonished at just how accurately the man had mimicked the Prince Consort of Nevar.

" If that is the case, this Harkness fellow will be in for a grand surprise if he tries anything." Hannibal said in his regular, soft voice, totally jarring Harrison for a moment before the lord nodded in agreement.

" Well then, we best not keep our guests waiting. Husband." Len said, with special emphasis on the last word as he held out his hand to Hannibal.

" My King." Hannibal said, now sounding just like Barry as he took the offered hand.

Hand in hand the King and the decoy led the way out of Joe's apartments, everyone else following them in no particular order, the formations would take place when they were at the doors to the great hall to make their entrance. The order in which they would be entering the Great Hall was actually a key component of the plan, and hopefully Harkness would fall for it.

As he walked hand in hand with his not husband, Len's heart was pounding hard with each step he took. What would happen in the next few minutes was anyones guess. His mind did ease a bit, knowing that Barry was safe and sound with Hartley at least.

Meanwhile, in Hartley's quarters...

" You look amazing my Prince." Hartley said in slight awe as he stood respectfully behind Barry.

Barry had shed the simple attire he had come into Hartley's room wearing and now stood tall and proud in full royal regalia before the standing mirror in Hartley's bedroom.

He had on a bright red Tudor jacket with a vibrant gold filigree overlay on the sleeves. Over this he wore a matching sleeveless over-jacket with lush light brown fur over the shoulders and along the hem. Draped over his shoulders was a stunning chain of hexagon cut rubies inlaid in gold with glittering white diamonds surrounding them. At the center hung his emblem, the snowflake with a lighten bold going through it in delicate gold with pearls and glittering white diamonds. And finally around his waits was a jeweled belt of rubies and diamonds from which hung his father Henry's broadsword. He stood the true match to Len, but he would have to be patient to be reunited with his husband, until the threat was neutralized. With this reluctance lancing through his heart, Barry then turned to Hartley, who still stood in a plain black cotton Tudor Jacket and matching trousers.

" Alright Hartley, your turn." Barry said with a smile as Hartley began to stutter in astonishment. He was expecting to simply get dressed by himself now that he had finished assisting Barry, not that the Prince Consort of Nevar were turn around and then insist on helping him get dressed in return.

By the end of about half an hour it was now Hartley standing before the mirror, in awe of how he now looked. The young man, who had been through so mud and never really owned anything in all his life, now stood dressed in a deep, emerald green Tudor jacket that fit him like a glove. Draped over his shoulders was a simple chain of silver with bright, oval cut emeralds and sea green gemstones with the Nevarian Snowflake in silver and white diamond hanging from its center. Black trousers and shiny new knee length black boots finished off the look. Gone was the starved and abused former slave of Lord James Jesse, now stood a young man healthy and handsome.

Hartley's eyes were over bright as he gazed at himself, never having believed in even his wildest dreams that he would ever look like this, with the Prince Consort of Nevar himself smiling behind him.

" It's a good look on you Hartley Rathaway." Barry said with his grin widely as he reached out and gave Hartley's shoulder a squeeze, the young man ducking his head shyly to his his blush.

" T-Thank you your Majesty." Hartley said softly.

" C'mon, let's go wait out in the living room. Hopefully we won't have to sit for too long." Barry said as he headed out of the bedroom with Hartley following behind him.

Meanwhile, at the outskirts of the kingdom where a dilapidated estate stood...

Axel did his best not to wince as Tony gently applied some liniment over the fresh welts that stood out angry in purple and red over his back. The two of them were currently in the kitchen at the table in the center with Linda by the stove with one of the other girls getting dinner, if one could even call it that, ready for everyone, ladling the disgusting grayish white porridge into the many metal bowls Jesse allowed them to eat out of. In the weeks leading up to the grand engagement of her Highness Princess Lisa, Lord Jesse had given new meaning to the word "hellish". The man had been more insufferable than usual, had intentionally been messier to add to the already backbreaking work, and had been even more quick to take out the strap and use it on anyone that struck his fancy.

Tonight, just before he had left for the party, Jesse had caught Axel just taking a small break from scrubbing the floors of the kitchen and just lost it. Jesse had grabbed Axel by the hair and dragged the boy boy to his study, ranting about what a lazy pig Axel was despite the poor young man's hands already being red from all the scrubbing he'd been doing all day, Jesse having inexplicably ordered the entire hour cleaned despite everything being in order. Axel had found himself bracing against Jesse's desk and taking every biting blow from the strap before Jesse had calmed down, shoved Axel out of his study and had lumbered upstairs to get ready for the party, screaming for Linda and Tony to get his clothes out and dress him.

Once Jesse had come down the stairs looking garish in his orange and blue striped outfit, Harkness had materialized from the shadows, dressed in black with his boomerang blades gleaming where they were attached to his chest guard. The killer had smiled at the servants, leering at Axel in particular. It had chilled Axel to his very core, the promise of ill-intent in those cold black eyes. Harkness had then disappeared, most likely to go into his hiding place within the carriage while Jesse had been occupied with the driver that he had rented for the evening, no doubt trying to weald his way out of paying the man the full amount. Then Jesse and the driver had headed out of the house, leaving Axel and the other servants to themselves, forbidding them from even touching any food other than the gruel he usually let them have.

Tony had just finished applying the lineament to the last of Axel's fresh welts when there was loud, insistent knocking on the front doors. Sharing a look, Axel quickly pulled on his shirt and headed towards the front doors, Tony, and Linda following him. Axel's heart was pounding almost clear out of his chest as he reached the front doors and opened them.

Axel, Tony, and Linda all froze as the doors opened to reveal a grim looking Captain Roy Bivolo along with the garrison of soldiers he had brought with him, all dressed in gleaming silver armor. For a long moment there was only silence and then Bivolo finally spoke.

" Will you grant us entry sir?" He asked formally.

Axel blinked owlishly, having never been addressed as 'sir' in all his life before he quickly nodded and stepped aside, Tony and Linda following suit.

" Thank you." Bivolo said as he stepped across the threshold with his men following, those who had been driving the covered wagons staying outside.

Once the soldiers were inside, Axel and Tony quickly closed the doors before they and Linda followed in the soldiers wake into the foyer. Bivolo turned to Axel and spoke.

" May I have everyone in the house gathered here please?" He asked, once more jarring Axel, Tony, and Linda, who were use to only harsh orders from anyone of authority.

" O-Of course sir." Axel said before he, Tony, and Linda all split up to get everyone.

It took a good twenty minutes but by the end of it everyone, all twenty-four souls were gathered at the top floor, all of them wondering what was going on. Bivolo stood stunned at both the number and the poor state of these long sufferers of Jesse's cruelty, and his men were no better, but he quickly reigned in his emotions and spoke.

" I am Roy G. Bivolo, Captain in the army of Nevar. It has come to the attention of his majesty the King that your master, Lord James Jesse had partaken in several high crimes including theft and cruelty towards human being and animal alike, but above all conspiracy against the Crown of Nevar, specifically a plot to assassinate his royal Highness Prince Bartholomew Henry Allen, husband to his Majesty the King."

The way that none of the the servants showed any surprise at this revelation was not lost on Bivolo and his men as the captain continued.

" By order of his Majesty King Leonard Snart, you are all hereby released from servitude under Lord James Jesse. I have been tasked with removing you all from this estate and taking you straight to the palace where you are all to receive medical treatment and recover. Any questions?"

Bivolo's words were met with dead silence, the many servants all just gawking at him with wide eyes and open mouths. Then Linda was letting out this ear splitting shriek before she all but flew across the room and tackled Bivolo in a hug. That was the drop that opened the floodgates as more screams and shouts sounded and the people, now free people, all rushed forward and buffeted Bivolo and his men. There were cries of sheer joy and laughter from many, while others were too stunned to speak as they kissed the hands of the soldiers and kept asking them if this was real. Not even the soldiers could keep their composure in the face of such pure joy, they were seeing in these unfortunate souls, many of them shedding a few tears and carefully hugging back alarmingly thin bodies.

It took a good long while for things to calm down but when they did, Bivolo had never seen a house empty so rapidly in all his life. The poor men and women all but ran out of the house into the cold night air without care, some of them padding barefoot to the waiting wagons. The now freed servants all piled into the wagons, where the soldiers handed out warm blankets and the food that had been packed. As cursory search of the house was carried out, where a pair of Bivolo's men found the sealed up entrance to the cattle tunnel.

Axel, Tony, and Linda did not join their fellows in the wagons, they stayed with Bivolo. Bivolo turned to them and spoke.

" My main priority was to free you all, but his Majesty told me I was also supposed to bring something back with me, something I assume you three know about." He said. Axel, Tony, and Linda all nodded before Linda stepped forward.

"Come with us, we'll show you were we hid it." Linda said grimly.

With a nod, Bivolo followed Linda as she led the way to Jesse's study. Once they were inside, Linda and Tony stepped forward towards one of the windows. Tony looked down at the panel wood in front of the window and then reached his fingers under neath it. With a small grunt Tony ripped the panel clean off, revealing the rectangular crevice beneath it. As Tony uncaringly tossed the piece of wood away, Linda came forward and reached into the crevice, pulling out a large, old looking black leather bound book with a sinister looking symbol emblazoned in red over the front cover. She then turned and held out out to Bivolo, who looked upon the book with disdain.

This was the forbidden tome of dark arts, the tome that had been used to nearly take the life of Barry and Cisco, and was the key to Hartley gaining his freedom. And now, it was the bringing of Lord James Jesse's ultimate downfall. It had been right under Jesse's nose for all these months.

"Let's get out of here." Bivolo said quietly.

Axel nodded, clenching his jaw tightly before he turned to gaze at Jesse's immaculately organized desk with blazing blue eyes, which he had just this morning painstakingly organized because Jesse had demanded it. Breathing hard through his clenched teeth, Axel rushed forward and hooked his hands of the edge of the desk and gave it an almighty push with a furious yell.

Bivolo's eyes were wide as he watched the young man, so thin and pale, flip his former master's heavy desk on end with enough force to actually crack the wood. Linda and Tony looked on in silent approval before Tony made his way around the ruins of the desk to grab the garish portrait of Jesse that was hanging on the wall behind the desk in its gilded frame. Since he was so tall Tony easily took to off the wall and then promptly smashed the painting over the broken desk, letting the pieces of wood that were sticking up skewer the canvas and slash apart Jesse's painted face. When Bivolo turned to Linda, he found her standing before a large armoir with frosted glass doors standing across from the desk. She ripped open the doors and revealed the many devices of cruelty punishment that Jesse kept there. Bivolo felt bile rush into his mouth as he saw the whips and straps, and even the cat o'nine tails that were on display within the armoir. With a savage roar of her own, Linda pulled on the side of the armoir and toppled it. She watched with satisfaction despite the tears coursing down her face as its contents spilled over the floor and its glass doors shattered.

Bivolo kept silent, letting these three brave souls have this moment of catharsis. Once they had calmed a bit, Linda, Axel, and Tony all walked out of Jesse's now ruined study without a backward glance, Bivolo following in their wake. Once they were outside, Bivolo ushered Axel, Tony, and Linda into the front most carriage while he placed the tome in his saddleback and fastened it securely shut before mounting up.

From where he sat just about flattened between Tony and Linda, Axel could't keep the smile of his face even as his hands trembled. They were free, and now he couldn't wait to be reunited with Hartley Rathaway, the brother who made it all possible.

Captain Bivolo shouted his command and then they were off, back through the wooded path to provide extra security. Barring anything unforeseen, they would be back to the palace within the hour.

(Please try listening to "Christmas Tide" of the soundtrack to the show The Tudors Season 3).

At said palace...

" You look beautiful sis." Len said with a smile as he beheld his baby sister, holding her at arms length .

Lisa was resplendent in a flowing champagne color gown with billowing sleeves. The bodice had intricate threading work done in vibrant gold thread with a off shoulder neckline that had strings of pearls draped from it. There was more of that intricate threading around the hem of the dress. At her waist was a golden belt with the Nevarian Snowflake emblem at its center. Around her neck Lisa wore a choker of golden flowers and pearls. This was the special necklace Cisco had commissioned for his bride to be. Lisa had originally planed to wear a couple of gold chains around her neck when a smiling Ronnie had shown up baring an ornate jewelry box, saying that it was a gift from Cisco. Lisa had taken one look inside and nearly shattered Ronnie and Caitlyn's eardrums with how loudly she had yelled out in pure joy. And atop her head, with her lush, chocolate brown hair done in an elegant half-up, half down style, she work a tiara of golden flowers with pearls at each point, similar to her necklace. Here eyes were lightly painted with kohl while her lips were a deep, striking red. She was angelic, with a hint of sassiness.

A few feet away Caitlyn stood dressed in a deep blue gown with a choker of blue sapphires around her neck and her hair elegantly braided. She was the perfect complement to Ronnie who was currently in the other alcove, he would be accompanying Cisco tonight instead of usually being right there by Len's side as his page. Hannibal, stood off to the side with Harrison and Eddie on either side him and watched on with a smile, feeling privileged to be there among them but also feeling saddened for it was supposed to be Barry here seeing his sister-in-law in all her elegant beauty. Instead the Prince Consort was in seclusion and missing out. They were all currently in a secluded alcove of the Great Hall, the deep rumble of the many guests within the hall muffled but there.

Once Len and Hannibal had reached the doors to the great hall with their entourage, they had split up, with Cisco's family and Joe and Iris heading off to the alcove on the right, while Len, Hannibal, Eddie, Harrison and Ronnie had headed to the alcove on the left where Lisa and Caitlyn were already waiting.

Now they all had to wait for the gong to sound and the royal announcements to begin. The plan was to be as formal as possible thus lulling Jesse into a false sense of security and giving Harkness ample opportunity to strike and thus fall into the trap.

Sure enough, within a few minutes a loud gong sounded, reverberating through the entire Great hall and making all who were inside it fall silent.

" Show time." Len declared as he and Lisa parted and everyone within the alcove lined up in the order they were going to go out.

Then, the royal announcer's voice sounded.

" All who gather this evening make way, for comes before you the royals of Central Kingdom and Nevar, your hosts for this a glorious evening!"

There was a pause before the doors to the alcove were pulled open by the guards who were standing watch on the other side.

" Presenting, his royal Highness King Joseph Martin West, Supreme Ruler of Central Kingdom!" Boomed the announcer's voice.

As he looked past both Eddie and Harrison who were standing ahead of him, Len could see Joe step out, a picture of regality and poise. Then the announcer's voice sounded again.

" Accompanying him, his Grace Lord Harrison Thomas Wells, Chief Advisor and Healer of Nevar!"

Without missing a beat, Harrison stepped forward out into the Great Hall, walking towards Joe. The two men met at the center where the cerulean blue aisle began. They stood facing each other, both silently sending each other reassurance through a warm look before Harrison bowed before the King of Central Kingdom who nodded. Then they turned on their heels and stood side by side before proceeding down the blue aisle at a sedate pace so that the crowd could get a nice long look.

From where he was back in Hartley's quarters, Barry was on high alert, his ears having caught the faint sound of the gong from the Great Hall, signaling the start of the ceremony. It took all Barry had not to just run out of the room and get to his family, but he stayed put with Hartley sitting beside him looking just as anxious. The plan was for Barry to stay here with Hartley and wait for Ronnie to come and get them when the time was right. As he sat there, Barry could feel the filed up map of the hidden tunnels of the palace that he put in his inner jacket pocket. He was already thinking about the tunnels that could take him to the Great Hall the fastest. He would stick to the plan and stay put, for now at least.

Back at the Great Hall...

Joe and Harrison were about a quarter of the way down the blue aisle when the announcer's voice sounded.

" Presenting, her royal Highness, Iris Elizabeth Mary West Princess of Central Kingdom."

Iris stepped out of the alcove and stood still, looking resplendent as the princess she was as she waited for the announcer to continue.

" Escorting her, his Royal Highness, Edward James Anthony Thawne, Prince Consort of Central Kingdom!"

Eddie then stepped out from the alcove and together, he and Iris stepped forward towards each other till they met at the center. Eddie bowed to his wife, while Iris curtseyed back to him. Then they both turned to face the crowd and linked their arms together before starting down the blue aisle.

From where he and Joe were not halfway down the aisle, Harrison subtly scanned the crowds and saw many familiar faces, like Kyle Nimbus with his parents, Shawna Baez who worked at the gold workers guild was there with her family as well. Harrison also spotted a happy Lord Roscoe Dillion with his son and daughter-in-law, who was beautiful with the glow of pregnancy. Lord Samuel Scudder and his family were in attendance tonight as well, the good lord looking so much more improved now that the disappearances of his cattle had stopped. Harrison could not help but smile inwardly, hoping that after tonight, when Lord Scudder would finally receive some answers as to just who was responsible for it all, the man could finally have full peace of mind.

Then Harrison's eyes fell on Lord James Jesse, who was chatting it up with a noble lady despite the fact that she clearly wanted to see the royal procession. It took every ounce of will Harrison had not to just go over there and bury his fist into that awful, abusive piece of shit's face for everything he had done. Instead Harrison focused his attention on keeping decorum along side Joe and sticking to the plan. He needed to be patient, justice would come swiftly if all went according to plan. With that in mind, Harrison and Joe made their way towards the raised dais, where Mark was already waiting off to the side, his silver armor gleaming.

Back in the alcove Len took a deep breath, smiling when he felt Lisa's hand on his shoulder. He then turned his attention to Hannibal beside him, eying how calm the man disguised as his husband looked. It just made the King feel even more guilty, that this man was putting himself in such danger for him and his family.

" We'll get them my king." Hannibal said without turned to look at Len.

" Yeah, we will." Len said with a nod before he turned his attention back to the proceedings as the announcer's voice sounded.

" Presenting, her Ladyship Antonia Esperanza Cortez Ramon, accompanied by her eldest son, Lord Dante Raul Ramon, beloved mother and brother of Marquis Cisco Antonio Ramon!"

Len felt his heartbeat skyrocket as he watched Cisco's mother and brother enter the Great Hall through the opposite alcove, knowing that once Antonia and Dante had made it a quarter of the way down the aisle, he and Hannibal would be up next. Dante was smiling, while Antonia already looked like she would burst into tears at any second. Mother and son made their way to the start of the blue aisle and bowed and curtseyed to the crowd before they started walking down the long blue carpet at the sedate pace that had been set by Harrison and Joe, who had now reached the steps of the raised stone dais where the ceremony would take place.

The minutes passed by agonizingly slow, but sure enough, the announcer's voice boomed once more.

" Presenting, their Majesties, King Leonard Lewis Richard Snart, and Prince Consort Bartholomew Henry Allen, the Supreme Rulers of Nevar."

Paralysis struck Len for a moment, he stood there in the alcove not budging as a million thoughts ran through his mind. But then he forced his feet to move, walking hand in hand with Hannibal out of the alcove.

Len felt like he had a live current running through his whole body, a buzz beneath his skin as he and Hannibal made their way to the start of the blue aisle. Len and Hannibal bowed to the crowd, Len plastering a smile onto his face that he honestly did not feel but hoped was passable, while Hannibal used his skills at mimicry to smile like Barry.

Hand in hand the King of Nevar and his husband's decoy made their way down the blue aisle, nodding and waving at familiar faces as the unknowing guests bowed to who they believed were their royals. Len too caught sight of Lord Jesse in all his garish attire. The Lord had the gaul to smile brightly at him, to which Len had to used all the will he possessed in his body not to simply hurtle through the crowd and get his hands of Jesse and tear the murderous son of a bitch to shreds himself. Instead Len nodded before turning his attentions fully to the rest of his surrounding. He was hyper-aware of everything from the many admiring guests to the guards standing to attention on either side of the blue aisle. Anything could happen, and that was the worst feeling.

By the time Len and Hannibal were halfway down the aisle, still nothing had happened. While a small part of him wanted to think that maybe Harkness had not gotten in somehow, that the security measures had been enough to repel the killer that wanted his husband's blood, Len wasn't letting his guard down for a second as he and Hannibal continued to walk.

From where they all stood, Len and Barry's family, from Joe to Antonia were just as tense, their eyes scanning for anything out of the ordinary with the large crowd none the wiser as to what was really going on.

Then, just as Len and Hannibal were but a few feet away from the dais, something small and black suddenly caught Len's eyes as it sailed through the air right above them. The next thing Len knew, there was an unearthly 'bang' as the small black thing exploded above him and Hannibal.

" Len!" Joe screamed, moving to rush forward before Mark could stop him.

Len was momentarily stunned, but then his eyes caught sight of the figure cloaked in black standing by one of the side entrances into the Great Hall, a man with cold dark eyes and a crooked nose.

It was Digger Harkness, with a cold smirk on his face. Before Len could even shout, the assassin was reaching at his chest and pulling out a wicked, curved blade and drawing his hand back, his dark eyes fixed on the person standing next to was instantly in action, using his own body as a shield as he crowded everyone to the other side of the dais and away from Harkness where the cold-blooded killer was standing.

" No!" Len screamed, watching with the world somehow slowed to a crawl as Harkness threw his boomerang blade, the weapon cutting through the air in a graceful arc, right past Joe's shoulder.

In the next instant Len watched on in horror as the blade buried itself right into Hannibal's chest, knocking the man clear off his feet. Despite knowing it was Hannibal, the man was wearing Barry's face, making Len feel like his worst nightmare was coming true. Len was instantly dropping to his knees beside Hannibal to make sure the decoy was alright.

In the distance Len could hear the screams and shouts of the guests, but his focus was on Hannibal.

" Hannibal!" Len shouted as Joe reached them, dropping down to his knees on Hannibal's other side to check that the mimicker was alright.

The decoy lay on his back, a stunned look on his face through the mask of Barry. With a small groan Hannibal pushed himself up onto his elbows and looked down and his chest where the boomerang blade was sticking out right over his left pectoral. The blade was in, but there was not blood gushing, no pain. The armor and extra batting had done its work and stopped the blade from doing its intended work.

" I'm okay, it didn't get through the armor!" Hannibal shouted as he looked up at Len.

From where he stood, Harkness was flabbergasted by the sight of the king's little pet was up and moving and not even bleeding even with a fucking boomerang blade stuck clearly in his chest. As he watched King Leonard rise to his feet, his steely blue eyes filled with unbridled rage, Harkness quickly pulled out another two boomerang blades.

Well, if he couldn't kill Henry Allen's smarmy little son, he could make the brat suffer by watching as his beloved husband got two blades buried in his face. As Len moved to unsheathe his sword, Harkness drew back his arm to throw the blade in his right hand. Just as Harkness was about to let his loose his first blade when there was a primal scream of rage, and the sound of metallic singing through the air. The next this Harkness knew, his right arm was exploding in monstrous agony. As metallic clatter had Harkness looking down to see his boomerang blade on the ground, still held in his right hand, which was also on the ground severed, and in a rapidly growing pool of dark crimson blood.

Harkness threw his head back and screamed in pure agony as he clutched at his bloody stump, but then he was roughly yanked around and found himself face to face with the last person he was expecting.

Prince Bartholomew Henry Allen, with his father's now bloodied sword clenched in one hand, and a look of raw fury on his face.

Before Harkness could even try to make sense of it all in his agony riddled mind, Barry was drawing his free hand back and letting it fly, burying his fist right into Harkness's face with a resounding crunch. Harkness went flying backwards, the back of his head smacking into the stone wall behind him. The assassin slumped to the ground out cold, with his nose broken and bleeding profusely from his severed hand.

With a shaky breath Barry turned away from his would be killer and face the stunned crowd. He cared not about the many eyes that were leveled on him, his eyes zeroed in on only one person, Len, who was standing there stunned. The moment hazel green eyes met those of steely blue, they two of them were rushing forward. His father's sword slipped from barry's hand and hit the floor with a loud clatter as he all but flew across the distance between him and his husband.

" Len!" Barry shouted as he face broke out into a wide, relieved grin.

" Barry!" Len shouted back as he barreled towards his husband.

They met in front of the dais in a tangle of limbs as they all but tackled each other while their mouths smashed together in a desperate kiss. They distantly heard Mark shouting orders at his men to seize an unconscious Harkness and make sure the now crippled assassin did not bleed out right then and there on the floor of the Great Hall. Harkness was soon being disdainfully dragged away by the guards, no doubt to be dumped into the dungeons where a healer would make sure he would survive. He had already faced the wrath of Nevar's Prince Consort, but he still had the wrath of Nevar's King to look forward to.

When Barry and Len finally pulled back from each other with a gasp, they stayed close as Len reached up and seized Barry's face in his hands.

" What the Hell are you doing here Kid?" He asked sternly. Barry just shook his head as he clung to the material at the back of Len's jacket.

" I tried to stay put, I did, but I just couldn't sit by and do nothing, not when all of you were in danger." Barry said, a stubborn defiance in his eyes despite the telling sheen of salt making them over bright.

Len let out a huff despite himself and then pulled Barry in for another deep kiss.

" Len, Barry!" Came a pair of unexpected voices. Barry and Len broke apart to see Lisa and Cisco rushing towards them hand in hand with Ronnie and Caitlyn behind them.

Len and Barry soon found themselves tackled as both Lisa and Cisco seized them in bone-bending hugs. Soon Len and Barry were surrounded by the rest of the family, all of them from Joe to even Harrison taking turn squeezing them.

Meanwhile, outside...

The main gates of the palace opened with a metallic clang, and once they fell away, Captain Bivolo atop his blue roan stallion came charging in with his mounted soldiers and the three covered wagons behind him. When the entire procession pulled up in front of the grant doors of the palace, Captain Bivolo quickly dismounted and began barking orders to the guards that came to greet them.

" Get every single one of them to the medical wing immediately, by order of the king they are to be fed, clothed, and treated. They are to want for nothing do you understand?" Bivolo barked.

A chorus of 'yes sirs' answered him before the soldiers went about gently helping the newly liberated servants of Lord Jesse's estate out of the wagons. Bivolo made his way to his stallion, giving the tired creature a good pat on the neck before he reached for the large saddle bag over the horses shoulders and took the entire thing off of the animal before letting a stable attendant tend to the animal. While his men had their orders to help Hartley's family, Bivolo needed to get upstairs to the Great Hall.

Back at the Great Hall...

From where he stood, Lord James Jesse was wide eyed with horror as he gazed at the disgusting, love filled reunion of Barry and Len with their family. Unlike the rest of the crowd, who were horrified at seeing someone try to harm their Prince Consort, Jesse was feeling horrified only for himself as he dream of seeing Barry dead crumbled to ruin along with the man he had hired to do the deed. Now though, as he broke out into a cold sweat, Jesse focused of finding a way to get out of there.

The old Lord started cutting through the crowd towards the doors to the alcove, coming up with a plan to feign illness and get to the healing ward or something. He had made it just a few feet before a firm hand was clamping down on his shoulder. Feeling his insides freeze, Jesse turned and found himself face to face with a smiling Mark Mardon, except there was no happiness in the way the man was smiling at him, only a dangerous edge as the Head General of Nevar spoke.

" Where do you think your going my Lord Jesse?" He asked, still smile that shark's smile.

" Well I... I just, felt a bit light headed and I just wanted to sit down and..." Jesse trailed off as Mark shook his head and tightened his hold over Jesse's shoulder as he spoke.

" But his Majesty the King wishes for you to come before him." Mark said with mock cheer before yanked Jesse forward.

Jesse's stuttered protests fell on deaf ears as Mark made his way back to Len and Barry.

" Y-Your Majesties." Jesse stuttered as he bowed to Len and Barry.

Len and Barry just eyed Lord Jesse coldly before Len stepped forward and turned his attentions to the crowd and spoke.

" Ladies and Gentlemen, please forgive me for what has happened here tonight. While it is true that on this night there will be an engagement ceremony for my sister, tonight was also a carefully laid out trap against those who wished to harm my husband the Prince." Len declared, causing an excited murmur to ripple through the entire hall.

" Come forward Sir Bates." Len commanded.

Hannibal still dressed like Barry stepped forward, having pulled out the boomerang blade from his chest with some assistance from Joe, leaving only the hole the blade had left in both the fabric and the metal armor beneath.

" Before you stands Sir Hannibal Bates of Central Kingdom, a professional decoy brought in by his majesty King West to take my husband's place and face the threat of assassination head of."

With that, Hannibal promptly reached up and pulled off his mask, causing many to cry out as he basically peeled off Barry's face and revealed his own before everyone, causing many to cry out in astonishment.

Jesse himself gawked where he stood, but that still didn't explain why he was here before the king.

" Sir Bates performed his duties and shall be honored accordingly." Len declared, as he and Barry both sent him warm smiles. The smiles dropped from their faces however, when they turned their attention to the grubby old man standing before then in orange and blue. Len's steely blue eyes were like two chips of ice as he and Barry stepped forward and glared down at Jesse as Len spoke.

" While catching Harkness was a main priority of mine, I also wanted to know just who was behind the killer for hire. A very reliable source came forward some weeks ago and revealed to me the party behind this plot to assassinate my husband." Len said, his voice booming through the hall before he raised his finger and pointed straight at Jesse.

" It was you Lord James Jesse!"

There was a beat of stunned silence and then the hall was erupting as everyone started to speak at once. Len allowed it to go one for a bit until he held up his hand and the hall quickly grew silent. Jesse's eyes had grown wide in panic as he shook his head.

" Lies my King! I did no such thing! Whoever told you this rubbish just wants to do me in, ruin me! I am a faithful subject to the crown of Nevar!" Jesse cried, doing all he could too look pitiful and confused.

Barry did his best to keep the disgust from showing on his face as he stepped forward.

" Then as a subject, you have the right to face your accuser." Barry declared, before he looked past Jesse and Mardon to the guards standing at the closed doors to the Great Hall. With a gesture of his hand Barry ordered them to be opened.

The guards did as Barry commanded and pulled on the levers on either side of the great doors. With a metallic clang and a low groan the doors slowly fell away to reveal a young man standing on the other side. At Barry's gesture, the young man stepped over the threshold into the hall, keeping his eyes focused straight ahead as all eyes were on him.

Jesse squinted a bit because the young man was too far away for him to make out a face, but as the young man came closer, Jesse felt the bottom drop out of his stomach as recognition donned on him.

" Y-You?" Jesse whispered as he beheld the servant he was under the impression had committed suicides several weeks earlier.

Hartley Rathaway gazed at his pale and gobsmacked former master with cold blue eyes as he stepped past the man, making his way to stand before Len and Barry.

" Your Majesties." He said with a deep bow. Len and Barry both acknowledged him with a smile before Hartley straightened and Len addressed the crowd.

" This is Hartley Rathaway, some of you may know him under a different name and in his position as a new apprentice in the Healer's wing. The false name was for his own protection. Before he came to us, he was a servant in the household of Lord James Jesse for twenty years. It was through Hartley that I came to know just what kind of man Lord James Jesse truly is." Len seethed, before he began to explain Hartley's harrowing story of the abuse he had endured and the desperate way he had faked his death in order to escape and tell him and Barry the truth about what was going on.

By the end of it there were many accusing and disgusted gazes leveled at Jesse, who still looked on in defiance and denial.

" My King I beg of you, do not listen to this little miscreant, he lies, just to get into your good graces!" Jesse cried desperately.

" The scars on Hartley's back and the specific information he gave about the forbidden tome you used, and the confirmation of Lord Wells say otherwise. But just to provide something more concrete than mere words, earlier in the night, once your attendance was confirmed, Captain Roy G. Bivolo and a small garrison of soldiers were dispatched to your home to conduct a thorough search and more importantly, free those poor souls you had the gaul to think you could keep in such a manner." Len shot back.

" Y-You won't find anything there your Majesty I swear. There is nothing to incriminate me, nothing because I-" Jesse began to shout before he caught himself.

" Because you what, Lord Jesse?" Barry asked with the barest hint of a smirk on his features. Hartley looked over his shoulder and found Harrison smiling at him, to which he smiled back shyly.

Lisa had a look of savage glee on her beautiful features while Cisco looked on satisfied but grim as the man who nearly killed him floundered. Iris was smiling as well, while Eddie was gritting his teeth. Joe had his fists clenched tightly, while Antonia's eyes were swimming with angry tears. Dante stood behind Cisco with his hand on his little brother's shoulders, looking on in grim satisfaction. Ronnie had his arm around Caitlyn, the two of them silent but clearly angry as they glared at Jesse. Mark smiled at Hartley from where he stood behind Jesse, barring any chance of escape, nodding at Harrison who wordlessly came to stand behind Hartley in silent support. Hartley looked over his shoulder and smiled shyly at Harrison.

" B-Because I did nothing of which that little rat is accusing me!" Jesse said with a nervous giggle, earning only glares from Len and Barry.

" My King!" Called a voice from the doors to the Great Hall, all eyes once again going to the entrance where Captain Roy G. Bivolo now stood, holding a large saddlebag.

" Come forward Captain, we've been expecting you." Len called.

Bivolo made hast and rushed down the blue aisle, feeling distinctly uncomfortable at all the eyes that were on him. As he reached Len and Barry in the middle of the blue aisle, he spared Jesse a glare before he turned to his rulers and bowed.

" How was your night Captain?" Barry asked casually.

" Enlightening my Prince." Bivolo replied before he continued.

" When my men and I reached Lord Jesse's house, we found twenty-four servants in total, some bruised from recent beatings, others barely able to stand, all sickeningly malnourished. As per your orders, my men and I have safely transported them here to the palace where they have been taken to the Healing Wing to be treated."

Hartley's knees gave out beneath him as he sagged in pure relief, Harrison being quick to catch the young man and hold him steady before Len spoke.

" Did you search yield anything?" Len asked, eying the saddle bag Bivolo was holding with interest.

" Indeed my King." Bivolo replied before he undid the clasps and pulled out what was inside the bag.

Jesse could not hold in his gasp of horror as Bivolo pulled out the Forbidden tome in all its black leather bound glory.

" Impossible! Impossible, I ordered that thing burned!" Jesse screamed before he could stop himself.

Len smirked humorlessly as he reached up and wrapped his arm around Barry's shoulders, his husband chuckling despite himself. There were gasps of shock and murmurs through the whole hall. Then Bivolo spoke.

" A search of the house also yielded the tunnel in the lowest basement. It's there, filled with debris but there." he confirmed. At the many looks of askance, Len explained.

" This tunnel my Captain speaks of has to do with the assassination attempt that occurred on the night of the Winter Solstice, when Harkness poisoned my husband's wine." Len began before glaring at Jesse, who was sweating profusely now. Pointing an accusing finger, Len continued.

" You used the forbidden tome my Captain is holding to resurrect an ancient poison. The process of making the poison requires that it be distilled through the stomach of an animal, and the best animal for the task would be a cow. To that end, it was you who started stealing Lord Samuel Scudder's cows by siphoning them though a tunnel beneath you home!"

" It was you Jesse? You thieving bastard piece of filth!" Lord Scudder cried in outrage as he wife tried to hold him back. From where he stood Lord Roscoe Dillon was pale and shaky, looking ready to collapse at the startling revelation about his former friend, now revealed to be a murderous traitor to the crown of Nevar.

The rest of the hall rumbled in discontent, many people hurling insults at Jesse who stood there sweating like a pig and stuttering.

" Hartley's account as an eyewitness started this, but I have no doubt that those others souls now free from your clutches would be more than happy to give their statements." Barry said firmly.

At the sound of his voice, something in Jesse just snapped. With a banshee wail Jesse suddenly had a knife in his hand and lunged forward out of Mark's grip with more speed than was thought capable of a man his size and age. He barreled right for Barry.

" I'll gut you, you stupid cunt!" Jesse roared as he thrust the blade at Barry.

Barry was about to take a defensive stance, and Len was about to step in front of his husband to deflect the blow when sudden Hartley was in Jesse's path.

" Hartley no!" Harrison yelled in dismay.

Instead of tragedy, everyone watched as Hartley knocked the knife clean out of Jesse's hand with swift grace. Then the young man, who had come into their lives so frail and near death, drew his hand back and sent his fist flying with all his might. James Jesse saw stars as he jaw exploded in pain and he tumbled backwards. He hit the floor with grunt, the wind knocked out of him, wheezing like a goat as he lay dazed.

Hartley let out a shaky breath and looked past a moaning Jesse to Mark who stood with a stunned look on his face. In all honesty the entire hall was gazing at him in astonishment.

" T-Thank you for the self-defense lessons Mark, I've been wanting to do that for a while." Hartley said with a tremulous smile. In an instant Mark's face was breaking out into a wide and proud grin.

" It was my pleasure Hartley." He said with a bright chuckle.

Hartley turned to face Len and Barry, but before either of them could say anything there was a flash of yellow engulfing Hartley as Harrison all but tackled the young man and started berating him for being so reckless, not caring at all that he was doing it in front of all of Nevar's nobility.

Len and Barry looked at each other and then back at Harrison and Hartley. Knowing grins spread across both of their faces. It seemed that their hearts were not the only ones that Hartley Rathaway had made a place for himself in.

Things devolved into a chaos after that, Mark and his men converging on Lord Jesse and dragging him away, but not before Len stripped him of his title and assets in front of everyone, going so far as to rip the chain of state off of the disgraced traitor. The former Lord basically went off the deep end after the declaration, raving and spitting like a madman even with the broken jaw he received from his former whipping boy.

Once Jesse was taken, Len and Barry had rushed Hartley to go and see his family with Harrison and Mark tagging along, assuring everyone in the hall that the party was still happening, but that this matter was a bit more pressing. It was a joyous reunion and Hartley was buffeted by his now newly freed family. When Hartley was reunited with Axel, Linda, and Tony, the young man had clung to them tightly, the three who had helped him escape in the first place. There were tears of pure joy and relief, but even in their precarious state, the rest of the newly freed servants all bowed in respect when Len and Barry had come forward to greet them. It had been one of the most humbling experience of both Len and Barry's lives.

Len had taken a moment to quickly divest himself of the armor he was wearing under his own outfit, sharing some kisses with Barry before they all rushed back to the Great Hall.

(Author's note: Please try listening to "Anne's Coronation" from the soundtrack to the show "The Tudors" season 2 while reading.)

Now though, an hour behind when it was originally supposed to take place, Len stood proud and regal with Barry, the real Barry standing faithfully by his side as they, and everyone else in the Great Hall watched Cisco Antonio Ramon get down on one knee before Ileana Cassandra Snart and ask her a very important question while he held out his Grandmother's heirloom engagement ring in a little red box.

" Lisa Ileana Cassandra Snart, Princess of Nevar, will you make me the happiest and luckiest man on Earth and be my wife?"

With her eyes glittering with happy tears, Lisa nodded her head and spoke.

" Yes, I will be your wife, Cisco Antonio Ramon."

Cisco beamed as he stood up and took his Grandmother's ring, a breathtaking square-cut diamond in an ornate gold setting with little white diamonds around the circumference. With a slight tremor in his own hands, Cisco took Lisa's left hand which she held out to him and slipped the beautiful ring onto her finger.

With a tearful laugh, Lisa pulled Cisco to her and pressed her lips to his in a deep kiss, one which he fervently returned. The Great Hall erupted into thunderous cheers and applause.

Len didn't even both trying to high the happy tears sliding down his face as he clapped, Barry no better beside him. Iris was crying happily as well, while Eddie held he close, grinning ear to ear. Antonia was all but bouncing with Dante and Joe standing on either side of her, clapping. Harrison and Mark stood smiling with Hartley between them, the young man grinning brightly, and finally, Hannibal stood clapping with a bright smile on his face, now dressed in a fresh, purple Tudor jacket with a simple chain of white stones draped over his shoulders, changing out of the ruined Tudor jacket and armor and padding into something that was more him.

Now it was Cisco and Lisa who were buffeted by their family, Len and Barry being the first to hug the newly engaged pair. A little while after that, the tables were rolled in and the food was brought out. The full orchestra that had been hired began to play beautiful and celebratory music. Lisa and Cisco sat at center of it all with Len and Barry flanking them. Speeches were made, sumptuous food and wine were enjoyed, and the Great Hall fell into warm, merriment.

When it came time to dance, Lisa and Cisco shared their first waltz as an engaged couple, before everyone else joined in. Len and Barry held each other close, reveling in the fact that they had survived the night's earlier ordeal. Iris and Eddie were dancing too, the Princess of Central Kingdom grinning even more brightly, for she had a very special surprise for her husband. A few weeks earlier she had been feeling a bit odd and had gone to her mother-in-law, the head healer of Central Kingdom, where she had received the most wonderful news. Iris was pregnant with her and Eddie's first child. She'd tell him once they were alone in their room, right now though she just smiled and kissed Eddie soundly. This part was for Lisa and Cisco after all, she would not steal the spotlight.

Mark found himself dancing Shawna Baez, enjoying the young woman's gorgeous smile and fiery personality and feeling the mutual attraction between them despite only just meeting each other properly on this night. Harrison and Hartley were dancing together as well, Hartley being the quick learner that he was already keeping up and gliding smoothly with Harrison holding him close. And if Len and Barry glanced their way in time to see them shared a sweet kiss, the royal couple just smiled, pleased beyond measure that Hartley had found happiness with Harrison amidst all the horrible things he had be forced to endure in his short life.

As they shared a deep kiss of their own, Len and Barry sent their thanks to whoever ran the universe for allowing things to work out such that they, and everyone they loved to come out unscathed after all of the nights dramatics.

It was around four o'clock in the morning that the festivities finally ended and Len and Barry had bid farewell to the last of their guests. The royal couple shuffled upstairs to their apartments, the both of them dead on their feet and already feeling the after effects of all the alcohol they had consumed. Once they had reached their apartments, Len and Barry made a B-line straight for the doors of their bedroom.

Inside their bedroom, both men made there way over to their bed and sat down side by side at the foot of it. They tiredly pealed off the boots from their aching feet, Barry taking it upon himself to take off the crowns on both his and Len's heads along with the heavy chains still draped over their shoulders. He got up with a groan and made his way over to the round table where he promptly set all the heavy jewelry down. Padding gingerly on his aching soles, Barry lowered himself back now onto the bed, pressing up against Len's side. Len wrapped his arm around Barry in turn.

The royal couple sat together, and for the longest time they just stared ahead at nothing in total silence. Then Barry let out this deep breath and spoke.

" Holy crap." He said simply, still staring straight ahead

" Yeah." Len agreed with a nod.

Then Len turned his head to look at Barry, and Barry turned to met Len's gaze. Hazel green eyes stared into those of steely blue. A few moments later Len's deep chuckle was mingling with Barry's bright chortle. In the face of all the crazy things they had survived just hours before, the slightly hysterical laughter was most appropriate for the King of Nevar and his beloved Prince. They were still chuckling even as they shared a deep kiss.

Outside, the dark skies over Nevar were brightening as the sun was slowing beginning to rise, bringing with it the promise of a bright new morning over the Winter Kingdom.

The End

To all of the readers of this story, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for your patience and giving this first time ColdFlash writer a chance. You all are the best!