Darkmyth University

Chapter Twenty

Back at the Hephaestus Institute; Tuesday before Thanksgiving

Crystal's POV

I was getting ready to go out with the girls. Quinten was watching me closely. Quinten said, "I am sending the guards with you tonight."

I turn to Quinten surprised and ask, "Why?"

"I am not comfortable with you being out without me. And since this is the first time that you will be out without me I would rather you have the extra protection."

"You know that I can take care of myself, right?"

"I know you can take care of yourself, my angel. I just want to know that you will be taken care of while I am not there. Promise to call me if you need me."

"I promise to call my prince but, I will be fine. I will see you later." I went to meet Clarisse and her friends in the lobby. We left for the jazz club and the night went off without a hitch. I felt better once I had a few drinks and listened to the music. I did not even notice the guards that were supposed to be with me tonight which was a good thing because I did not want to ruin my evening. Clarisse and I had a lovely conversation throughout the night. When I got to the hotel Quinten was waiting for me.

Quinten's POV

I was worried about Crystal all evening. I had gone to Harry Winston, picked out a ring, and I wanted to propose to Crystal while we were here in Greece. It would be one of those moments that Crystal would never forget. I wanted to take Crystal somewhere romantic. I had been researching places to propose to Crystal for days. I thought about the Acropolis, it is one of the most popular places to visit, and it would be ours to explore for the day tomorrow. I was so nervous and excited at the same time. Crystal asked breaking me out of my thoughts, "Is anything the matter, my love?"

"No nothing is the matter. I was just thinking about something."

"Care to share?"

"Not yet, my angel. I will share soon I promise. Right now I just want to take a relaxing bubble bath with you."

"That sounds amazing." For the next hour, we spent time relaxing, if you know what I mean, in the tub. We changed for bed and fell asleep in each other’s arms. The next day I woke with the sun, got dressed quickly, ordered breakfast for Crystal and me, and asked them to bring a dozen red roses to our room. I woke Crystal with a soft kiss on the lips. Crystal’s eyes fluttered open and said huskily, "Morning handsome."

"Good morning angel. I had breakfast brought to the room and then I am taking you somewhere special."

Crystal smiled and said, "I suppose you will not tell me where you are taking me."

"I would like it to be a surprise, my love. Now, why do you not change and then join me on the balcony for breakfast?"

"As you wish, my prince." I watched Crystal get up, stretch, then go into the bathroom with a change of clothes. I made sure I put the ring in my pocket before going out onto the balcony and set everything up for us. After we ate, I escorted Crystal out to the awaiting car and talked with her about her evening out last night. Crystal animatedly told me how close she and Clarisse had become last night. I was so happy for Crystal. When we pulled up at the base of the Acropolis Crystal gasped and said, "The Acropolis. What a lovely surprise."

"I am glad that you like it. I have arranged for us to have a few hours alone here."

"That is completely amazing."

"Shall we, my angel?" Crystal nodded with a bright smile. I took Crystal’s hand in mine, guided her up to the Acropolis, explained the history to her, when we got to the center, I stopped Crystal, took her left hand in mine, got down on one knee, and said, "Crystal Montgomery you have been the light to my world. You have completed my soul and made me the happiest I have ever been to. While we stand here in the birthplace of some of the Greek Gods I want to ask you; will you marry me?"

Crystal had tears of happiness running down her face as she said, "Of course I will marry you, my prince."

I placed the ring on Crystal’s finger, stood up, picked her up and swung her around in a circle, and then kissed her passionately. Crystal’s lips molded to mine as I deepened the kiss. We pulled away from each other with huge smiles on our faces. I continued to walk with Crystal while telling her about the Acropolis. Crystal stared at her ring with a huge smile on her face. When we arrived back at the hotel we gathered my parents, Lucas, Brody, and Michael and told them the wonderful news. My parents were going to throw us a celebratory ball on Thanksgiving night after we had dinner. Crystal was so excited. My mother was going to take Crystal shopping for a gown that I was not allowed to see. Lucas was looking sadder than ever. I looked at him and nodded toward the hall, he nodded, and we walked out silently. We sat and talked for a while. Lucas wanted to make things right between him and Regina. I suggested some things that he could do which, Lucas was excited to see through when we went home.

Vanessa's POV

I was so excited to start planning Crystal and Quinten's wedding not that Quinten would have much input in the matter. I was going to get Crystal to tell me exactly what she wanted and then be sure that she had her dream wedding. I was sure that we were going to have to wait until we had Stephanie back. Crystal would never get married without Stephanie in attendance. Nicholas looked so conflicted. I would have to talk to Nicholas once everyone left. Quinten looked much more relaxed now that Crystal had consented to marry him but, something was going on with him as well but, I was sure that Crystal had handled it. When everyone left I sat with Nicholas and said, "Tell me what is going on. You have been distracted all evening."

"I am worried. Stephanie is Zander's mate. Marissa told me over a private phone call. Stephanie does not want Crystal to know. Marissa also told me that Stephanie will take her own life to stop Zander if he will not go quietly. I have not told Crystal or Quinten any of this information. I also want Crystal to be able to finish school. I wanted to talk to you about staying above ground for another year. I know that Quinten will not be happy but, I think that they both should have some time together alone before they take the throne."

"Quinten did tell me that you wanted to talk to him. This is what you wanted to talk to Quinten about?" Nicholas nodded. "Then I suggest that you be honest with our son. Quinten deserves to know what you think. I also think that they will be fine taking over at the end of this year. I would involve Crystal in your meeting with Quinten because this concerns her too."

"I was going to but Crystal has plans with Clarisse. I wanted Quinten to be able to process this information as well because I think that the information will be easier coming from him."

"I agree but, you cannot keep Crystal away from this information and I think that she will handle it the same whether the information is coming from you or Quinten."

"I do not even know what to do about Stephanie. Stephanie seems safe enough for now. Stephanie is pretending to still be under Zander's mental control even though it no longer affects her. Stephanie is planning a trip to visit Marissa and I want to talk to both of them. Marissa says that Stephanie is determined to stick to the plan that she has formulated."

"I know that you will figure this out. Quinten will help you because is capable of making wise decisions. Please try not to worry so much."

"I shall try but, it is hard."

"That is why you need to talk to me more. I am here to help you carry the burden of running things."

Nicholas's POV

I smiled at Vanessa and said, "I know you are my dear. I will talk to you more. Now come we have some planning to do." I say as I stand up and extend my hand to Vanessa. Vanessa takes it with a smile. Planning this ball would be a good distraction for me. I was happy for Quinten and Crystal. They made a great couple.

As the week progressed things were getting busier. Crystal was spending more time with Clarisse and her friends. Vanessa and I were planning the ball while also corresponding the protection detail for the party. Quinten and his friends were keeping up with Crystal and the other woman. It was now Thanksgiving Day and we were all sitting down to eat dinner. Crystal and Quinten were sitting at the head of the table smiling lovingly at each other. As the dinner wound down Crystal stood along with Vanessa and excused themselves to get ready for the ball. Quinten and I quickly followed. The ladies would be getting ready in Quinten and Crystal's room while we would be getting ready in my room.

Crystal's POV

I was sitting in the bathroom next to Vanessa getting my hair done while we were talking animatedly about my wedding. Vanessa had been very understanding when I told her I did not want to plan anything until I had Stephanie back. Once my make-up was done, I stepped into my dress, shoes, and then Vanessa said, "I have one more surprise for you, Crystal."

"That was unnecessary Vanessa."

Vanessa turned toward me with an open box that held a tiara and said, "I wore this at my first ball. I thought you would like to wear it to yours as well dear."

I walk slowly toward Vanessa and say reaching for the tiara, "It is lovely. Thank you, Vanessa."

"I want you to have this. It is an engagement present from Nicholas and me."

"Thank you. I would tell you that I could not accept such a gift but, I know that you would only argue. Will you help me put it on?"

"Of course. Sit back down please." Vanessa said gesturing toward the chair. I sat, Vanessa, put the tiara on and said, "There now we are ready to go down to the festivities."

I stood and followed Vanessa down to the alcove outside of the ballroom once again. Quinten turned as we entered the alcove. I walked toward Quinten with a smile on my face. He said, "You look amazing, my angel."

I looked at Quinten in his fine tuxedo and said, "You look as handsome as ever my prince."

After Quinten's parents enter the ballroom he asked, "Are you ready?"

"I am as ready as I will ever be." Quinten nodded, slowly strode to the door, and two gentlemen opened the doors from the inside. Everyone cheered as Quinten and I entered. My smile widened as we met several delegates from nearby countries. Quinten was ever the gentlemen. Quinten asked me to dance several times which, I gladly accepted. As the night went on we met several other students from Hephaestus Institute, talked to our friends, and took several pictures for the media.

After several hours Quinten escorted me to our room and said, "Enjoy your night with your new friends. I will be in Brody, Michael, and Lucas's room if you need me."

"Are you not forgetting something?" I asked seductively. Quinten smiled, leaned down, and kissed me passionately and said, "Have pleasant dreams, my angel. I will see you in the morning."

I smile at Quinten and say, "You as well my love." I shut the door after one last quick kiss. I changed out of my dress; put the tiara back in the box, then in the safe, and texted Clarisse letting her know that I was ready when she was. The girls arrived minutes later. We spent the night drinking, watching movies, and playing games. When Quinten called me I stepped outside on the balcony to take the call. I was so consumed in my conversation with Quinten that I did not notice when Clarisse came out on the balcony. A few minutes later I blacked out.