A/N yes I dropped Extraordinary in this Chapter too. It is one of my favorites and cannot be heard too many times. :-)
A Parisian New Year's Eve
Bella's POV
Once the plane had landed and had cleared customs which Captain Landers had arranged for them to do on the plane, they had gotten their bags and the two couples had been whisked away in their waiting limo along with two of their bodyguards. The limo was provided by Le Marianne, the hotel in which they were booked. A second limo, also from the hotel carried the rest of their party. They arrived in the air limo within 20 minutes of leaving the airport and were immediately checked in and escorted to their rooms. When they got into their rooms, Bella's eyes sparkled at what she saw. Each room was actually a suite with a lovely seating area, a desk, a Cloud Stream unit in both the living area and the bedroom. which had a king-size bed and lovely oversized chairs and a mini sofa. The palette was neutral with a strong use of a pale gray. It was absolutely divine in appearance. A balcony that overlooked the Champs-Elysees with its amazing restaurants and world-renowned shops was the finishing touch. Prince stood smiling as he watched Bella's response to the rooms and the balcony. She came back into the room from the balcony and walked quickly to him and hugged him. "Prince it is so beautiful. I love it" she said. Prince smiled again and kissed her gently on her lips. " I love you and I am glad you are pleased. Let's get unpacked and maybe take a walk up the road to one of the restaurants and have breakfast". She shook her head yes and focused on the task. He looked at the clock on the desk to make sure of the time. It was 7:30 AM. They had landed at 6:10. Bella had unpacked her things and was just beginning to do Prince's when his phone rang. "This is Royal," he said walking back out to the sitting area. "Yes. Just leave it with the manager at the front desk as we will probably be out to breakfast when you arrive". Prince thanked the caller warmly and then dialed the hotel. " Is the Manager in yet" he asked? Whoever had answered said yes and transferred him. The Manager was named Jean-Paul and Prince told him what he needed and what he wanted him to do when it arrived. The Manager smiled to himself and said with a pronounced French accent, "very romantic. I will take care of it personally". Prince thanked him and made a mental note to be sure to tip him generously. He then picked up the desk phone and asked for Carlos's room. "This is Carlos", he heard him say as he picked up the phone. "This is Prince". "Do you and Elaine feel like walking up the Champs-Elysees for breakfast"? "Yes," Carlos said. "We are starving". "Okay, I will find a place...would you let the bodyguards know", Prince asked? "Sure," Carlos said and then disconnecting called Frank and gave him the plan. Prince called the concierge and asked where they might eat breakfast on the Champs-Elysees? The Cafe Le Jardin du Petit Palais was strongly recommended. Bella brushed her teeth, washed her face, combed her hair and put on light makeup, grabbed her coat, and was ready to go. They met Carlos and Elaine on the way out as they were in the room next door and all of the bodyguards and their wives at the elevator as they too were on the same floor. There was a mood of excitement among them this morning. All were very happy to be in Paris and this wonderful hotel in the hours before the Eve of a New Year. They arrived in the lobby and headed out the doors to their breakfast destination.
When they arrived at the restaurant they were really impressed. The place was in a magnificent building and had a magnificent outdoor venue that was warmed by warming lights. They, however, chose inside seating which was also very nice. They sat down and had a waiter that spoke fluent English and ordered some breakfast quiche, croissants with cheese and fruit and coffee and orange juice. The food was amazing and the service impeccable. Since they had been seated at a long table with seating on both sides, Prince thought it an ideal time to share their plans for the evening. He told them about the 5 course tasting menu thanks to Ross at L' Orangerie and then the show at Le Trianon where he would sing a few songs. Carlos told them about their college friend who had invited them and Prince asked if it would be alright to call upon Bella and Elaine to do harmony with Carlos and himself? The girls looked at each other and giggled and said "sing in Paris on stage? You bet you can" they said collectively and giggled again. Prince put his arm around Bella and kissed her lips and said "thanks Mama". Carlos kissed Elaine on the cheek and said "you are truly a trooper"! Elaine blushed and then kissed him back. They enjoyed their breakfast and Carlos paid the bill and then they decided to take a walk down the Champs- Elysees. As they walked, they came upon the L'Orangerie where they would have dinner tonight. Ross told them that it was a 5-star restaurant, one of the most beloved and respected in Paris and as they looked through the window of the yet to open restaurant, they could understand why. It was beautiful but also elegant. Exactly what Bella would have expected Prince to select. She would have to get some pictures of this place to show her parents. It was really gorgeous. Their friends were talking about the beauty of the place and then they walked a little farther down until they came to a street flower vendor. The men all bought their women a small bouquet of fragrant flowers and then walking a little further came to the Coco Chanel shop. They peered into the window. It was so elegant looking inside. Perhaps they could return to see the inside if they were not too tired tomorrow. The happy group then turned around and headed back to the hotel. They had a 6:00 PM reservation and Prince needed to talk to his musician friends before they laid down and took a nap. It was going to be an unforgettable night.
Prince's POV
When they got back to the hotel, the manager saw them entering and asked if he could speak to Prince for a moment. His delivery had shown up and he had put it into the concierge closet behind his office. What time did he want it delivered to his room, he asked? Prince thought about it and said he would like it to be laid on the bed at 3:00 PM. Please let whoever delivered it know that the bed might be a bit mussed, he said smiling. The manager said he would have it made up quickly and his purchase placed on the bed at 3:00 PM. He would make sure that Bella was in the bathtub at that time he thought to himself. As he started to leave he asked if he could see the parcel. Of course, the manager said. Prince told his friends to go on up to their rooms. Ross would check out the room for Bella and Frank would stay with him. He would be up directly. He then went with the Manager and Frank to the Concierge storage area and when the manager pulled out his package, he saw that it was inside of a leatherette hanging bag. He unzipped it and looked at the incredible dress that the designer had created, and it took his breath away. He would call her and thank her straight away. It was exactly as he had described it...elegantly feminine but not froufrou. He had asked for well above the knee but demurely so. Soft and innocent but with a touch of naughty to it. It needed to be a soft Lavender in color but not a washed-out shade and it had to emphasize Bella's tiny waist and lovely curves. She had delivered. It was just like his Bella...stunning!
He would be well matched to her as he was wearing a black suit with a pale, pale lavender pinstripe. She would stun all who laid eyes upon her, just as he wanted it. Look and drool but do not touch. This Bella...was taken, was his, and would be the mother of his babies. He chuckled to himself and then walked to the elevators with Frank and went to his room. Bella had changed into a grey dressing gown and was sitting listening to Cloud Stream in one of the oversized chairs in the sitting room. It was a music channel that showed videos with English subtitles. He entered the room and said "one call and we can relax". Prince looked up Kevin Durant's Paris number on his phone and called him. He answered on the second ring and said he was glad to hear they had made it. Prince asked if his pianist knew Strollin' and Livin' for the Music from his Album and if he had listened to the arrangement of Extraordinary he had sent him? It was yes to all three questions and yes they could play them well. He actually had learned to play Strollin and Livin' for the Music by listening to Princes's album earlier this month which he had picked up at Thanksgiving. " What time were they sound checking", Prince asked? They would do so at 4:30 at Le Trianon. He would be there he said but needed to go first as he was taking his new fiancee to dinner at 6:00 PM at L'Orangerie. No problem Kevin said. He then got off of the phone and told Bella the plan. He would go to the soundcheck at 4:30 and meet them at L'Orangerie at 6:00 PM. She said okay and looking at his watch he said, "let's take a nap". He needed to have her bathing at 3:00 PM he thought. It was 10:00 AM...he would make this work. They snuggled down into the softest cotton sheets they had ever experienced at this point in their lives and after kissing Bella they got into their favorite spoon position and fell asleep.
His watch woke him right at 2:30 PM. He went into the bathroom and ran some water through the coffee maker and chose a lemon tea for both Bella and himself and made two cups of the aromatic brew. He then kissed Bella all over her face until she woke up. "What is that wonderful smell", she asked? "It is a lemon tea with honey", he said. She sat up and he handed her a mug full. As they drank it, he said "I am going to run a bubble bath in a few minutes. I brought some lavender oil and bubbles". "Sounds wonderful", she said. They finished their tea and he ran the bath. It was 2:55 PM. "Go ahead and get in Mama, I will be right there". He waited until he heard the water slapping the tub sides when Bella got in and then opened the door a bit and leaned against the wall. He heard the manager approach and handed him a $50.00 bill and whispered his thanks. He then pulled the bed up and spread the dress on it artfully setting the lavender lace-up sandal heels next to it. Then feeling proud of himself, he grinned and went and got into the bath with his Bella. On his way, he noticed the colorful bouquet he had bought her this morning in a small vase on the desk. She was totally relaxed but noticed his huge grin and asked" okay...what are you up to"? "Nothing," he said in a sing-song way. Bella smiled and just shook her head. After bathing and moisturizing each other in the warm bathroom, Bella slipped on her undies and robe, Prince slipped on just his robe since he still refused to wear underwear and they went into the bedroom to dress. Bella saw the dress lying on the bed and picking it up said "Prince this is exquisite". "Yes, it is"...just like you he said smiling. She recognized the label from the fashion magazines she and Elaine were crazy about and the House of Virginie Viard was a favorite. She had lived in the 22nd century and had built a clientele of the young and trendy. Her followers were the same today. "How did you know to go there"? "I know someone who knew her brand here, so I called her head designer which is her great granddaughter and had her design the dress". "Design", Bella said as a question? "You mean it is an original", Bella whispered? "Yes Mama made directly to your measurements". Bella leaped into his arms making a sound somewhere between a giggle and a screech! "Thank you, thank you Prince. It is beautiful"! "Yes" he said..."just like you" and kissed her passionately. Trying on the dress, Bella found it fit like a dream. Prince went to the closet and pulled out his suit and putting it on, looked incredible. "My God", Bella thought. "Thank you for this gorgeous, generous man".
Once dressed Prince called Ross and asked him to keep an eye on his precious Bella and on Carlos's Elaine. They had to leave for a soundcheck. Larry agreed to accompany Prince and Carlos to Le Trianon and then to the restaurant for dinner. Prince kissed Bella as she put her dressing gown back on...she would change back into her dress just before time to go to the restaurant. Ross came and knocked on the door and said he would be sitting right outside. Carlos walked Elaine over to their room and Prince shook Ross's hand and thanked him and then Carlos and Prince met Larry at the elevator and rode down and jumped into the waiting limo and headed to the Venue.
Arriving at Le Trianon, all three men were duly impressed. It was magnificent. As they walked down an aisle toward the stage Prince sang a scale...the acoustics were amazing. He noted the reserved sign for the first row right near the dance floor and a set of steps to go up onto the stage. Counting the seats, he smiled when he saw that it was just enough for his party and two more. He guessed rightly that the other two were for Kevin and his keyboardist friend Brad's women. Kevin had waved when he heard Prince singing the scale. He walked upon the stage and shook hands with Kevin and Brad as did Carlos and then handed Brad the scores he had brought along just in case. They immediately began Strollin which went very well and moved into Livin' for the Music. Prince then sang Extraordinary. The band listened and then asked if they could do it again and the band joined them. They did well. They were not the World Changers, but they were good. Finally, Prince pulled out his Acoustic Guitar and played 4 the Tears in Your Eyes all the way through and then sang it. The band sat there stunned and as had become customary when Prince finished, both he and Carlos and the band had tears in their eyes. Prince asked if anyone minded if he prayed. No-one objected and then he asked them to join him if they saw fit. He and Carlos joined hands and soon all were standing in a circle as he prayed. He thanked the Creator for allowing him the opportunity to bring his soon-to-be bride to Paris for this New Year's Eve. He thanked Him for the generosity of friends who allowed Carlos and him to play in this revered place for the occasion. He thanked Him for the presence of his closest and oldest friend, Carlos being at his side once again and he then asked Him to use them on this special night to do His will through their musical performance. He thanked Him for health and strength and the talent of all present and all joined him in saying "Amen". As he prayed he and Carlos began to glow. As the band members opened their eyes they saw the golden glow around Prince and Carlos. They said nothing as they were not in fear but rather in awe. Carlos walked over to the drummer and shaking his hand promised to return his drums in good shape after his solo tonight. Both men smiled and then Prince Carlos and Larry excused themselves so that they could make dinner on time. After they had left the stage Brad asked Kevin "who are these men"? "Two of the greatest musicians ever born who were touched by the Lord for His own purposes", Kevin said. They had no idea at that moment, but later tonight, they would realize that his words were prophetic.
Returning to the Limo, the driver took them directly to L'Orangerie. They arrived ahead of Bella and Elaine and so they waited in the lobby bar having a glass of Pouilly Fuisse. Bella and Elaine arrived moments later and the men stood and greeted them and then carried their wine to the table as they were shown to it along with their women. As they arrived at the table, Bella and Elaine saw the glow of heaven around their men. Sitting down, the women also ordered a glass of the delicious wine and looking at their hands saw that they were also glowing. They began and enjoyed their 5-course tasting meal. In between the meal and the dessert, Elaine said "Bella that is an amazing dress". "Thank you Elaine. I really like it too. Prince has such excellent taste...as does Carlos. I understand the same designer created yours". "Yes she did", Elaine responded. They both looked at their men and kissed them on their cheeks. Both men blushed at the PDA but openly enjoyed it. After dessert, all had an additional glass of wine with the exception of Prince and Carlos who were going to play, and the bodyguards for obvious reason. Prince paid the bill and then they were back in the Limo and on the way to Le Trianon. As they walked into the stage door entrance, the men decided to accompany their women to their seats in the first row. The French were known to be aggressive in going after beautiful women and these were two of the most beautiful that would ever grace this country's soil. They made it known that they belonged to them through a short kiss on the lips and then went up the stage steps. Ross, Larry, Frank, and Melvin would ensure their safety and that of their wives as well. Within minutes after letting Kevin and Brad know they were there they returned to their seats and sat with their friends.
The band began to play the first set. The music was good...very good and as they moved into some dance-able tunes, Prince and Carlos and friends went onto the dance floor with the crowd. Two of their bodyguards at a time however did not dance but remained on watch. Returning to their seats after a while, they heard the song before theirs in the set. They were ready and as the song ended, Kevin stepped to the microphone. " Ladies and Gentlemen," he said in English, but with a translator repeating everything in French, "I have a real treat for you tonight. My friend from college who has become a major recording artist in the States is here. I have invited him and his drummer to perform for you. Please welcome The Royal Prince and Carlos Rodriguez to the stage". They walked up the steps and as they did the first strains of Strollin' began to play.
As the song played the audience was up on their feet swaying, some dancing at their seats others in the aisles. As the song came to an end the applause was deafening. They immediately segued into Living for the Music. Prince tore the stage up with his moves as well as his voice. When the time came for Carlos's solo...Prince said..." where da drums" and Carlos took Paris on a drum journey the likes of which they had never heard before. He stood and played, he sat and played. He played with his elbow and stood again throwing his sticks into the air, turning around and catching them, and never missed a beat. As his solo ended Prince said, "Paris...show your love for Carlos Rodriguez, American Drummer extraordinaire". The audience went nuts with applause. Prince then did the setup for Extraordinary. "I am the great-nephew, 4 times removed of the artist Prince Rodger Nelson". The audience applauded loudly. Apparently, they still played his music in France. "Recently I had the pleasure to rearrange a song he wrote and to dedicate it to the woman, who on Christmas Eve agreed to be my wife. Her name is Bella...Bella stand and say hello to the folks". Bella stood and waved. Again applause sounded. " I hope you enjoy the song. It is called Extraordinary".
Royal sang his heart out to his Bella and to the people of Paris, France. As the song ended the entire audience was on its feet chanting Royal, Royal, Royal. " Thank you Paris," he said. "Can I do one more for you?" The crowd applauded and screamed his name as a yes. As he did, Carlos magically appeared with a stool and his Acoustic Guitar. He thanked him and said, the song is called 4 the Tears in Your Eyes. "Bella and Elaine, will you join us"? "Ladies and Gentlemen this is my Bella" and Carlos said, "and this is my Elaine who will also soon be my wife". Prince began to sing and was backed up with the lovely harmony of Bella, Elaine, and Carlos. As he sang, they began to glow and the audience saw it. They became silent and you could hear some of them crying quietly.
As the song ended, Prince simply said thank you, slung his guitar on his back, and taking Bella's hand walked down the steps back to their seats. He was followed by Carlos who took Elaine's hand and did the same. The audience went wild. Some tried to approach the two couples but they were gently rebuffed by Prince's bodyguards and when they were unsuccessful they settled down returning to their own seats. Kevin took the mike and said that they would have a short break and would return for their dancing pleasure. He brought Prince's guitar case to him as he left the stage for the break. They returned and the rest of the concert was great. The couples danced a couple more times but as the concert began to wind down, the bodyguards decided to get them out while the crowd was still distracted by the band playing. Frank called the driver who drove to the stage door entrance and the 4 were gone by the time the lights came up and had been whisked away in their two limos back to the hotel. As they were leaving, Frank and Ross noticed the four of them were still glowing.
Arriving back at Le Marianne they went into the bar where there was a great party going on. They danced until just before midnight and then they counted down the seconds to the new year...10, 9, 8,7,6, 5, 4 3, 2, 1 "Happy New Year" the crowd shouted! Prince pulled Bella into his arms in the middle of the dance floor and said "Happy New Year Mama! I promise it will be a memorable one for us"! He then kissed her for all he was worth...as a thank you and a tribute to the huge difference this exquisite little woman had made in his life. As he kissed her, he said "Thank you to the Creator again, for... well just for everything", in his mind! And so it was that the year of 2216 rang in for the loving couples...it would not only be a memorable one it would be one of the true miracles for the four of them, their blood, extended and musical families, and the World!
They returned to their room after the countdown and while they were undressing, Bella turned on Cloud Stream. A newscaster appeared within seconds with a Breaking News Banner running at the top of the screen. The newscaster said This is Michel Francois of Paris 51 News and what you are seeing was actually filmed just moments ago. A young boy had been found wandering in the Area of Le Trianon a bit earlier. He was about 6 years old. He was crying. There was a strong police presence in the area due to the concert being held at the Venue tonight. When a policeman approached the little boy, he saw that under his open coat was some form of explosive wired around him. The policeman got down on his knees and asked who had put the things around his chest and waist. He said two bad men had broken into his house and shot his father and hurt his mother and told him to walk to the big grey building, Le Trianon, and then lay down on the top step and pull the green cord. They said if he did not pull the cord they would shoot him in the head. As the little boy walked he heard someone singing a song about Tears in Your Eyes and he heard another voice saying "you will not be hurt". Suddenly the little boy said he saw a "big Angel man with wings" who told him to keep walking until he saw a policeman. As the little boy spoke he began to glow a golden color and all of a sudden his coat flew open and the Policeman saw a huge hand pull a cord and the explosives literally fell off of the boy. The Policeman picked the boy up and ran for cover but the explosives did not blow. All of this was captured on film and Bella and Prince watched in awe. Someone began to bang on their door. Prince let Carlos and Elaine in..."did you see" they asked. Prince and Bella could not speak. He had run back to her and they were on their knees crying and praying to the Lord. Elaine and Carlos joined them praising the Lord for His kindness and his mercy. Praising Him for sparing the little boy's life and thanking Him for the Angel who had come to the boy's aid. Prince said thank you to Michael telepathically. Micheal said, "you are welcome Prince, but it was actually Uriel that had saved the boy".
By morning investigators would have discovered that the boy had been wrapped with enough explosives to have reduced the entire city block of the Le Trianon to rubble, but that they had somehow been rendered ineffective. The boy, the policeman, and the 4 musicians on their knees knew exactly how that had happened and the boy and the policeman's faith would become unbreakable because of the event of the evening. In future years they would be among the strongest soldiers on earth for the faith of Heaven. The Creator was claiming his own as the World moved ever closer to the final battle. After some time the tears stopped and the four friends embraced one another and said their goodnights. Each of the couples climbed into their beds and held each other close. While they were having a good time the Creator had been busy creating circumstances that would save their lives and those of thousands who were in the vicinity of Le Trianon this night. Prince had never felt so blessed. His Bella was in his arms and neither of them or their friends had been found in pieces or placed in body bags this night. The enemy was becoming bolder...but he was no match for the Sovereign God. Of this both Prince and Bella were sure. And so, despite the horror of what could have been, Bella and Prince felt the calm of the Holy Spirit and fell asleep in the safety and warmth of each other's arms. Day 1 of the year 2216 had come and the 4 had become true warriors of the Creator as it did.