The fourth floor of the castle featured a series of recreational rooms, from a music conservatory, to billiards, an armory, and several workout rooms. Two of the exercise rooms were larger spaces, designed for fencing and the weaponry. Facing the mountains behind the castle, both chambers were next to each other, with one side featuring windows. The remaining three sides were all mirrored panels. To a guest such as Lori and Judi, these seemed like normal mirrors.
For two plus hours, the girls had been working through stretches and dance rudiments. With music playing, they rehearsed ballet positions, moves and choreography. Lori had donned a sleeveless light blue unitard over which she wore white spandex briefs. Judy chose a sleeveless black body suit. Both had their hair back in a pony tail.
"So, you think next time you could let your partner in on the mission? After all, I am half the team!"
As they continued through a series of movements, the blond answered. "It was on a need to know basis. Yesterday was the first day you needed to know."
"You talk as if this was dealing with top secret government information," she said amidst a run and a turn.
"It is. Hefflin regularly cooperates with the CIA. Up to yesterday, all I knew was chatter or restricted material. Our job was to be apart of the King's scene"
"You never told me she was a great dancer"
"I didn't know she was this good. She looks like a professional." The king was lost in his gaze. "She is so graceful!"
"I like how you can tell that Judy is more athletic. So, what do you think they're talking about?" The King was still transfixed on Lori. It was no wonder. She had dressed without a bra (Judy did have her sports bra on). Alex noticed that other than the visible nipples, she didn't need one. He finally spoke.
"So how are our guests from Carpathia?"
Ron rolled his eyes. "Awful. They kept the servants running last night. Nothing could please them. All previous arrangements are being renegotiated. The princess doesn't even like the coiffeurs and treatment specialists."
The King finally laughed.
"Lori, we've been at this over two and a half hours. I'm starved!"
"As I said this morning Judy, we're back in training."
"Is she stunning."
"Barbie all the way," Ron replied. Then he looked at the King. "Hey, Prince Rainier, are you getting any ideas?"
"No," he said.
"Alex, you give the word, and I'll stop the courtship arrangements."
He looked back at his friend. "No. I would never do that to Lori." The minister opened a panel, betraying them.
"Good morning my ladies," said Ron as he bowed. The two men were dressed in white fencing gear. Judy ran up and gave Ron a big hug and a kiss. She was sweating and with a strong musk. He was in heaven.
"Hello Lori, good morning Judy. We were just working out" volunteered the King. Judy let go of the minister and curtsied, as Lori folded her arms.
"It seems you were actually spying on us," she said with a smile.
"These rooms feature two-way mirrors, to help instructors coach fighting. We didn't mean to peek." The King was looking at her with his boyish grin. Yet he was slightly aware of his pulse raising, of being excited by her appearance. And her smell. Two hours working out, this was the actual musk of a woman.
"I was overwhelmed by your ability Lori. Are you professional?" asked Ron.
The blond chuckled as she went to get a bottle of water. "No. I wanted to be when I was younger."
"What happened?"
"Life got in the way," she responded. Ron looked puzzled at the King.
"Her father died," Judy volunteered.
"Oh yes, that's right."
The King looked at Ron. "I never told you that!" Lori eyed him cautiously as she sucked down water.
Ron continued awkwardly. "And you Judy, what a jock."
"Oh yeh, watch." She proceeded to strike a pose, take off, and perform a double floor exercise flip. Lori shook her head, still breathing hard.
"Wow! Were you olympic bound?" asked the King.
"Yep."
"What happened?"
"Life happened," Judy said smiling at Lori.
"She blew out her knee," Lori volunteered, as she readjusted the waist band on her briefs. "And what are you two practicing?"
"Tourenbourg sabre technique. You see Lori and Judy, the ruler of the country has always been an expert in our own style of swordsmanship."
Lori walked over boldly, and proceeded to take the sabre out of the King's hand. "This is a very impressive piece of weaponry.
"Yes, Lori. It's the official sword of my royal family, the Buchanans. Each ruling member has used it. The sword is not only ceremonial, but the weapon we use in training." She handed it back to Alex.
Days of more sleep than usual, less stress, and pleasure had taken their effect on Lori. Now, with the two hours of intense exercise, her inhibitions were gone. She proceeded to grab the sword out of the Minister's hand, and remembering her weaponry techniques, she spun around, and raised her sword at Alex.
"Come on King.....Show your old classmate what you've got."
The King smiled. Here was his blond buddy....her long hair back in a pony tail, with wet spots on her unitard, sweat dripping off her face. Her skin was tanned from her days at the beach. Her nipples were showing. A vision of a Wisconsin beauty.
Alex would play. He lifted his sword and sent it down. Off target. She blocked it. He continued the assault.
"King, you're backing me into the wall."
"Yes."
"How do I escape?"
"Find my weakness." Lori studied him, but found herself pressed against the mirror. The King was about to make a motion for a fencing kill, but Lori suddenly pivoted, knocking the sword out of Alex's hand. She backed him into the mirror, as she held her blade towards his throat.
"So, King, once again the Queen proves her power over....." Ron grabbed her hand.
"Lori, some things we don't joke about."
"The Queen?"
"No, your blade!"
"Ohhhhh, Sorry!"
Upon the foursome splitting up to hit the showers, Ron stopped for a moment to reflect. He then picked up a phone into the castle line. "If the Carpathian Princess doesn't want them, then I know who does......." he said into the other line.
Lucretia cringed as she was shakled at the wrists and ankles. "So this is how you treat your prisoners in Tourenbourg? No sleep? No food? What about the Geneva convention?"
The Tourenbourg representative looked at her and chuckled. "Oh, you're no longer our concern. The King signed extradition papers earlier this morning."
"What does that mean?" she asked startled.
"Oh, that if you were to be in custody here, you'd be treated with mercy. But you are now in the custody of the United States. I suggest that you become familiar with the Patriot Act, the debacle at Abu Grave, and Guantanamo Bay. "
At that point, Hefflin returned, followed by four beefy US Military personal in jumpsuits. Indeed, they roughly carried her up to the roof of the prison, where there was a helicopter waiting.
"Lucretia, you can still help us and help yourself," Hefflin began.
"Frank my darling," the hidious villainess replied, "The only thing I want to see are your blessed superheroines crushed by my new "Empress". "
Frank grabbed her by her collar. "Look you little cunt, if a hair on their head is hurt by that robot, I will personally see to your demise myself." A military man stepped in to pull back Frank.
"Looks like I'm being protected by the dough boys, darling!" she lauged. The helicopter took off. "They're dead meat, Frank! Dead!" she screamed.
The helicopter flew directly out to sea. Lucretia pestered her company, but they had no comment of their destination. Indeed, it was about a half hour before the chopper went down close to the surface. As she peered down, she saw the waves breaking to reveal the largest submarine she could ever imagine.
Lori looked at her laptop.
"....unconfirmed purpose. Lucretia has created another Empress of evil." Judy gasped.
Lori typed back, "But not for her use?"
"For sale. And it has been sold."
"To who?"
"Unknown. But expect perpetrators to have infiltrated the palace. It is imperative that you protect the King during the change of government."
"Action for tonight?"
"Blend in with the action. But be prepared for more ghost hunting."
"Electraspooky!" Judy gasped.
"Is Minister Elander trustworthy?"
"He was a military prodigy from a modest background. He has a spotless record."
Lori nodded. "I told you so," Judy scolded.
Just then there was a knock on the door. Upon their response, three royal servants came in followed by Ron dressed in tales.
"My ladies, you are an incredible sight!" They were. Following an afternoon of enjoying the treatments that had been shunned by the Carpathian delegation, the girls were now dressed for the Democracy Ball. Lori wore a stunning strapless blue gown. Her long curly hair was twisted up, around, in an gorgeous wrap, with a strand laying over her left shoulder. Judy wore a jewel cut pink gown, with white gloves. Her bangs had grown out over the years into a part, with the length staying just below the shoulders. The beauticians had fun creating a series of stylish braids along side some loose hair.
"I took the liberty of exercising our royal jewels." The servants opened up their cases to reveal a selection of rare stones of unusual quality and size. Ron studied them both, looking over the choices. But Judy was not surprised.
"You're looking at me like you're undressing me, Minister," Judy smiled. He didn't respond, but chose the ruby necklace for Judy, with a sapphire earrings. She was glowing.
Lori watched in disbelief as Ron took out the diamond necklace that sparkled too much to look at. He continued with four-carat tanzanite earrings.
"Before you enter the ballroom, the King has requested you presence in his lounge."
They were led to a private chamber on the third floor, where some dignitaries and cronies were enjoying cocktails. Judy immediately noticed a smoking room that was heavily attended. The King was sitting on the sofa by himself with a glass of soda water, relaxing before his evening as the dignitary. When he saw the ladies, he smiled.
"You two look as if you lived in a castle all your life. Ron, you raided the jewelry box!" The minister smiled.
"Hey, we've seen that before!"
Alex looked down at his chest. "Yes. While I don't usually wear it, I put the Key of Tourenbourg on for official functions like these."
"Boy, did that cause a lot of trouble back in MetroCity," Judy chucked. Ron suddenly eyed her suspiciously.
"Here, let me show you the night view of the harbor from our balcony," the King said to Lori. Judy was going to follow, but Ron grabbed her hand. As she looked at him, he shook his head.
"He needs alone time." She nodded.
"Alex! The view is amazing!"
"Yes Lori. They knew how to build this shack. Do you realize that there will be 60 dignitaries, leaders of state, and royalty here tonight? They all want to witness our change in government."
"Incredible. What an event."
"There is also a royal family from the old kingdom of Carpathia. My country needs an heir. Even if it will only be benevolent." He paused, and without knowing it grabbed Lori's hand.
He continued. "When was the last time we were dressed like this?"
She thought for a moment, and then smiled. "Our senior ball. I still have our picture together at home. Both of us had hair styles from hell!" He chuckled.
"Yes we did." He looked out to the sea, and said softly, "Lori, marry me."
She laughed. "Let's get back inside." She grabbed his hand.
"So from here out, you've got work to do," Ron said to Judy, who was taking off a glove to down some shrimp.
"Boy, look at the size of these! Oh, yes. Now the articles and interviews. We got our few days of vacation." A shrimp disappeared as she grabbed a glass of champagne. "So where is Alex's fiance-to-be?"
Ron stroked his beard. "They are late. I think that they want to make a grand entrance." He eyed Judy closely as she gulped down the bubbly. "So, how do you like the champagne? It's from the King's special reserve. Dom Perignon '67. Very rare."
"It's all right if you don't have any better. I was hoping for a Coor's Light." The minister cleared his throat.
"Still, I'm surprised that Alex is pursuing the royalty route for a wife."
"I guess he's into marrying a cousin. What's this stuff?" Judy asked as she piled jellied little balls onto a cracker.
"Beluga Caviar. Something like five hundred euros an ounce."
"Tastes like shit. You mean there's another woman he wants?"
"I figured he would try to court ElectraWoman. After she saved him in America." He continued to eye her. She gulped more champagne.
"Yeh. I dunno. I heard she was actually a man in drag."
"You and Lori have a few scoops on her and DynaGirl."
Judy proceeded to grab a jumbo shrimp, dip an end in cocktail sauce, and turned to Ron. She peered into his strong green eyes with her large brown eyes. She locked onto his gaze as she tongued the shrimp, licking off the sauce, and sucking it. His ears turned red.
At that moment Judy felt the strong hand of her partner grab her. "Judy, come with me." The youth's eyes rolled. Then a servant chimed a bell, and guests began to leave. Ron cleared his throat before going over to the King to spot check his outfit.
The girls descended with the main party down the royal stairway entrance. At the bottom, people were lining the sides of the ballroom. "Lori, the Minister is starting to creep me out. I think he suspects, uh, that we have another profession."
"Judy, you have to distract him from that. Especially tonight. At all costs."
"That will be my pleasure."
At the end of the entourage came Minister Elander. He took his place between Lori and Judy. The brunette touched her hand to his. He turned his head to the blond.
"Lori," he said. "Want to do something funny?" He whispered to her.
The main ballroom was enormous. The ceilings towered three floors, while huge arched windows showed the lights of the city. The room featured incredible glass chandeliers, lit by candles. Over the walls were mirrors and gold leaf, creating a Versailles wannabe effect (as Ron had lectured them). On the floor, the guests lined up along the walls.
The orchestra waited, then played the Tourenbourg Royal March as King Alex descended the stairs by himself.
It was truly a sight as the well built monarch, still young and handsomely dressed entered. For the first time, he seemed to be of another world than Lori's. She forced herself to remember him as an awkward adolescent in prep school. And she tried even harder not to look at the Key, as that just gave her dejavous of Glitter Rock. She had not thought that she would take Ron's suggestion, but at that moment she could not resist.
Catching the King's eye, she motioned to his pants, mouthing "your zipper!" The King paused, checked himself, as a few in the crowd chuckled. He glared back at a cackling Lori.
The guests waited in silence as he inspected them. He was to start the first dance. Because of the late and temperamental Carpathian delegation, he had no obvious choice for a dance partner. He walked past the lines. On the second passing, he went to Lori. Now she was caught off guard.
A quick look at Ron, who motioned her to curtsey, Lori held out her hand to be led out, as the Minister quietly whispered "yes."
"What are we dancing?" she said. The King just smiled back. As the orchestra began the Tourenbourg waltz, he led her. Because of her dance training, she followed. The room watched, as was the tradition. But the members of the Tourenbourg press were aflutter. An American? A movie star? An affair? Grace Kelly?
Ron watched transfixed for a minute. <"My God,"> he said in Tourenbourgish. <"They're beautiful together. They're perfect.">
Judy looked up at him, wondering what he had said. He just stared, as Judy resumed watching them. But then Ron eyed Judy. Slowly she turned to Ron, and met his gaze. Thin cheeks. Strong gaze, dark complexion. Mysterious eyes.
At that moment, the Carpathian delegation entered late from the King's lounge, atop the stairs. A tall, black haired lady walked to the front beside a stout man with a blue turbin and large bloodshot eyes. Ron shot a gaze of attitude at them. Then to Lori and Alex. Then back to Judy.
"Dispose of that American slut when you get the chance," the man said to the Carpathian princess subtly. She smirked, nodding her head.
Lori was having a blast, while Alex had become transfixed in leading her. Ron was still staring at Judy, who was trying to battle for dominance.
"Take a photo, Ron. It'll last longer." He continued his staring at those big brown eyes.
"Confess Judy."
"What?" The dance ended with applause, as the orchestra began a tango.
"Glitter Rock was no coincidence." He held out her hand. She grabbed it.
"I don't know what you're talking about. And I don't know how to tango!"
He pulled her into him. "I do. Take my lead." His hand held hers, as he led her onto the dancefloor, which was now filling. "And answer me truthfully."
The party made their way down the stairs, as Alex left for his official duties. Lori lingered, wanting to give her friend support. She watched him kiss the princess' hand and bow, and then greet the delegation. Some local citizens had gone up to Lori, thinking that she was a movie star. They knew she was all-American, and the gossip machine was working overtime. But that was in another language, and she kept hearing a certain word. It sounded like a derivation of the Latin word regina. But in English, they were polite. It took her several minutes to work up the princess.
Ron turned Judy halfway around, and then spun her out, and back in.
"I know who you and Lori are!"
"That we're lovers, Ron?"
"No!" he shot her back out again, and led her towards the edge of the marble floor, under the balcony.
Lori bowed. "Your royal highness." The princess looked down on her.
"Rise," a heavy accented voice commanded.
"May I wish you and King Alex the best of luck. He is a childhood friend of mine."
"At prep school, right?" Lori nodded. Then the princess' eyes shot through her. "Well, he is old enough for real women. It's time he stopped hanging around you American tarts." Lori was stunned and speechless. The princess continued coldly. "Step out of the way and let a woman of his class relate to him." Lori moved back slowly, as the Princess kept her dominant gaze. Then the blond bumped into an elderly man, and in embarrassment, walked away.
Ron turned Judy toward the wall. "So, my little mischievous American, you want to play?"
Judy shot the look right back in his eyes. "Oh, my Minister of Etiquette, I say bring it on!" Ron pushed her against the wall behind the stairway support, as a panel opened. Before she could figure out what he was doing, they disappeared. She found herself in a twilight lit secret room. Ron let her go. Her blood was boiling.
"Well, now I'm impressed. But you know what, Ronnie boy, I ain't scared!"
"Let's play truth or dare."
"OK."
"You first."
Judy said, "Truth."
Ron continued. "Are you DynaGirl?"
"Dare?"
"Take off your shoes." Judy took off her heels. She held them up with a smirk. Ron chuckled like a kid in a candy store. "Dare."
"Take off your pants!" He obliged, as she grabbed them. "Now I'm heading back to the ball!" She ran to the wall, but couldn't find the switch.
"Your turn." She looked around."Were you in the west tower two nights ago?"
"Dare"
"Take off you dress." She stopped, eyeing him, and laughing when she saw his leopard print briefs. But not when she noticed the package. She turned her back towards him, as he undid the hook. Judy was in her bra and panties. She turned and poised.
"Stunning, I know Ron." She gazed at his briefs again, and she laughed with delight. "OK big boy. Truth." He nodded
"Does Alex love Lori?" He paused for a moment.
"Yes he does." She looked serious.
Lori sat down at the mirror. She stared at herself. She felt dirty, as she took off the jewels. The blond laid them down in their containers. She looked again in the mirror, and watched tears begin to well up in her green eyes, and flow. She had never felt so humiliated, so cheap, so fake.
"Truth"
"Are you and Lori dikes?"
"Hell no."
"Truth or Dare."
"Dare"
"Take off your vest and tie. Dare.."
"Undo your bra."
Judy was backing up, as she unfastened her bra. She turned her back to Ron, as the bra fell. So full, yet so modest, slightly pointed up. She saw him looking in the mirror, and began to blush.
"Your turn."
"Truth"
"Dare"
"OK"
"Go naked. Except for your tails." He stopped, taking off his shirt and competed the task. She gasped as an erect penis flopped up and down as he sat down on a love seat. She continued. "Truth."
"Is Lori ElectraWoman?"
"Dare."
"Touch yourself," his green eyes, more haunting than ever.
Judy's face went beat red. Never had she thought...... As her pulse raced, she laid down on a velvet sofa, shaking. The she raised one knee. Ron could see the dim lighting reflecting off of the ruby neckless, as the youth laid back, lightly caressing her thigh. He sat down as her sapphire earrings fell against her face, and her fingers rose, encircling her breasts. He saw the stones on her bracelet brush against her navel. She looked at his eyes, as he leaned against a chair. She kept the gaze as her fingers entered her public hair, then she closed her eyes. He could see her fingers begin making circles. Judy leaned her head back, as she lightly moaned. He walked over to kiss her, as she spread her legs for him.
Lori was still sitting there, in a funk. Then, she heard it. A sound. A scream! Yes, a scream. She looked at the bureau, wiping her eyes. and went for her outfit. Even the old fashioned way, she slipped on the spandex in no time. As she fastened the belt, twisted for the zipper and cape fasteners, she realized she had no way to get hold of Judy. Placing the jewelry in the secured bag for her outfit, she dashed into the panel.
Out of time and space, Judy drifted. She had lost all orientation, and appeared to Ron to have passed out. But then, amidst the heavy breathing, she moved.
"I'm cold," she whispered with vulnerability. He hugged her, using his body to press her close between him and the back of the velvet sofa.
She had never felt so exposed, so open to another. And yet, she blossomed in this atmosphere. Her eyes opened, immediately searching into her partner's gaze. Lost in each other, she grabbed his hand, and held it over her left breast, both feeling her heart beat go thump thump thump.
He warmly kissed her, savoring the sensation of her full lips. The youth's eyes were closed again. Normally, Ron considered himself a master at the tryst, but her bubbly innocence had infatuated him from the start. And now he realized the tables were turned. Their risque confrontation had left him more convinced than ever of who she was. And his sense of duty was so strong, there was no question as to his next move. He had been intimate with someone who he knew he was going to make more powerful than himself.