Chapter Six
The press conference on the engagement took place outside The McCoughlin Company's main building. Traditionally it was to be held outside the Palace but Robin changed the venue so that right after it, she could get right back to work.
William looked out to see the ocean of reporters and photographers and felt something inside him feel sick. But no way was he going to show it to them. See so many of them at once... He looked down at Robin and wondered how she could remain cool.
Robin was nervous. She had handled the press before. But it was strictly on business matters. She threw a few numbers at them, a smile, and they were happy. This was a bit different. She looked at William, wondering how he could be so composed.
His hand interlaced with hers over her shoulder. Each one held the others in shared need, and each one was grateful for the other's touch.
With a flash of the camera the moment was immortalized.
"So you've finally set a date for the wedding?" the first question was shot.
"Yes, we have," Robin replied. "It will take place at Westminister Abbey at Midnight next Wednesday. It was my future husband's idea." she smiled at him.
"William, since you're soon going to be a married man does that in anyway change your plans for attending college?"
"It does not. My mother instilled in me the value of a good education and I intend to get it."
"Harvard?" was the question.
"Cambridge," William answered.
There were murmurs in the crowd.
William felt like kicking himself. As an unspoken rule: all major decisions had to go through protocol. He just violated that rule. But as if he owed the monarchy anything? They chose the person who he was going to marry even before he took his first breath.
"Miss McCoughlin. After your marriage will you be changing the company's name to Windsor?"
William noticed Robin turn stiff.
"Are you all right?" he whispered worriedly.
She shrugged his hand off, feeling burdened by it. "The Windsors wish!" she joked feebly though she was serious. She shook her head. "I have no intention of changing my name or the company's name."
The crowd gasped.
"Not change your name?"
"But Miss McCoughlin..."
"The company was found by a McCoughlin. It stays a McCoughlin and it will be ruledby McCoughlin." Robin stated firmly.
There was a pause before the next question came.
"How do you feel about Matthew Cunningham transferring over to the Foreman's."
"Matt is no longer under my employ. What he does with his life is of little concern to me?" Robin lied. His life to her mattered a great deal. Once she extracted her revenge then he would be nothing to her. But right now she was obssessed with him. His destruction.
"The President of Foremans Industries called your team "a couple of weak teenagers". How do you respond to that?"
How did this happen? Robin wondered. The questions are supposed to concentrate on my enagagement with Prince William.
William noticed her shift in mood but didn't mention it. He guessed what was bothering her. The press can switch topics just like that. To find out the answers the public wants. Be it on the agenda or be it not. He gave her a slight squeeze on her shoulder to show she had his sympathy.
"Mr. Foreman can say anything he wants," Robin retorted scathingluy. "My team is more than capable. If he has any doubt of that he can take a look at the stockmarket!"
The group laughed at her quip.
Robin looked to Vicki and at Dylan who were at the far side. Only they knew how angered she was.
"What do you think about "the man in the mask"?" the inquiry came out of no where.
It was William's turn to have a change of mood. Only Harry who was nearby picked up on it.
"The man in the mask" had captured the imagination of England overnight. Everyone was wondering about his identity. Man, they had nothing better to do?
Robin laughed though she didn't find the situation funny. She was reminded AGAIN who it was she was marrying and who she loved. And that they weren't the same person. "He's obviously a teenager who had too much time on his hands last night," she scoffed. Then grinned, "But his legs are sooo fine."
"How would you know?" a reporter picked up on the mistake immediately. "No one's ever seen the masked vigilante except for Miss Maicon."
"I've heard her discription," Robin made-up the excuse as she went along. "Black tights? A mask?" She laughed. "He's clearly reliving a childhood fantasy. Who does this boy think he is? England's Hero?"
And with a royal's knack for spouting out pre-soon-to-be-overused lines...
"England's Hero. England's Hero," the annoying reporter who asked the question murmured.
Robin turned to William andd wondered why he had grown quiet. "I doubt we'll ever see him again." she told the public.

"You're him," Harry said as William entered the car.
William sighed. The car door slammed. He watchd from the one-way glass and the crowd was disperse. Robin had a small talk with Vicki and Dylan before entering the building. "Come again?" William asked his brother.
Harry grinned with excitment. "England's Hero," he echoed the name Robin had given. "You're him."
William groaned and threw his head back, ran his fingers through his hair. "I warned you about hangover's little bro. They cloud your thinking."
"I've been fully recovered since ten this morning." Harry reported.
William made sure the sound proof divider was up. "Yeah, it was me doing aerobic is leggings last night."
A pause.
"You need a better costume," Harry finally commented. "And a cool car. Like Batman. Better yet a great cycle. Can you swing on ropes? Is there a way you can do that? I know you can't fly. Do you need a name? The public seems to be stuck on England's Hero. Too soon to tell..."
"Hold it. Hold it." William broke off his brother's Recipe of a Super Hero. "Last night was an accident. Miss Maicon needed help. I intervened."
Harry looked at William quizzically. "Why did you leave the party early to don that clown outfit last night?"
William thought of the girl. Of Eve? Was that her real name? "You wouldn't understand." he breathed.
The girl, Harry understood.
"It was a one night thing. Like Robin said, we're never going to see him again."

"Damn, don't you sleep?" Vicki asked her boss as she handed Robin the progress reports.
"Not when I can be awake," Robin informed, drinking her coffee. The last few days went by fast for Robin McCoughlin. Which is how she would've liked it. Less time to think about the wedding. She swiveled in her leather chair and saw the view of England at night.
"I've never seen anyone work as hard as you," Vicki said, sitting at the opposite end of the desk.
"Sure you have. My father," Robin reminded, swiveling back.
"Well, I have to go home," Vicki stood up.
"You go ahead. I'll be by later. I still have to look over this."
"Rob," Vicki called from the doorway.
"What?" Robin asked not looking up from the folder.
"Do take it easy. It is your wedding day."

"Madam!"
"Miss McCoughlin."
The stream of servants greeted her when she came to the Palace from work.
Someone took her coat and scarf and gloves.
Another put away her briefcase.
"The crowd is already gathering in front of the Abbey," someone Robin recognized as a PR for the royals informed her. "William is already there along with Harry and Charles. The coach is waiting to come by and pick you up. All we need is you." The man gave her a once over. "Take a shower."
Robin rolled her eyes as she felt the perspiration on her neck with her palm. Wow! He noticed.
"Miss McCoughlin a Mr. Dylan Blackwell for you on line one."
Robin took the phone that was handed to her. "Buy or sell?... Well, give me the figures... what are the setbacks?... Mmm-hmm. Mmm-hmmm.... Sell. And Dylan get yourself into a classic black and white. I expect to see you in the front pew."
"Yes, Miss McCoughlin."
She handed the phone back to the servant. She sighed and for a moment didn't realize what she was supposed to do. Oh, that's right. She was going to get married. She took off her suit jacket and went into her bedroom and got ready for that shower.

"Charles..." Robin said into the phone as calmly as possible. "I don't have a wedding gown."
There was a pause. "I thought you took care of it."
"I thought you took care of it!" she exploded. "You were taking care of everything else."
"I always thought the dress was the bride's responsibility. When Diana and I got married she--"
This was no time to go down memory lane. "I have no dress!" Robin reminded him of the current situation. "I have a groom. I have a wedding but no dress. The whole world is going to see me marry your son in a bra and a slip!"
"This has never happened--" Charles voice faded in bewilderment.
His voice was lost on Robin. "There has to be some store open. I don't care if I have to wear a size thirty!"
"At this time of night?"
Robin started mentally scanning her dresses on hand to see which would suffice. None. In the palace it was all business suits. She felt herself on the verge of a mental breakdown.
A tap was on her shoulder.
"What?" Robin snapped at the servant. She dropped the phone.
On a hanger was a long flowing, white wedding gown. The satin shimmered under the full lights. Lace over layers of lace made the skirt. Pinned to one of the beaded sleeves was a note with three little words and a signature.

Hope it fits.

William

Chapter Seven
Having the wedding at midnight caused a few complications.
Security had to be extra tight because the darkness allowed the element of surprise and who knew what kind of characters were in the crowds watching the wedding. Hooligans, kidnappers, assassins... The groom was after all the heir to the British empire. The bride was afterall the one of the five richest people in the world. Anything could happen.

Breaking tradition William and Robin met each other in the front steps of the Abbey instead of the altar.
"It fits," William seemed grateful as he helped her out of the carriage.
The million of camera bulbs flashed in the darkness. They twinkled like fireflies high on caffienne.
"Yes," Robin tried to balance herself as her heels hit the groud. Her grip on William's hand was tight. "Did you try it on yourself?"
William smiled at the joke. "Vicki tried it on. She said you were the same size," William explained. "It looks much better on your though."
Robin stared at him intently. Had that been a compliment?
Not liking to be exposed to photographers too long, William cleared his throat. He looked at the double doors to the church. "Ready?" he asked her.
Robin looked into the entrance of the church. It was brightly lit by the orange glow candles and the overhead chandeliers. A red carpet was rolled to the altar.
Invited guests cranned their neck to catch a look at the exit, smiling with anticipation.
Robin faced William. "Yes."
William took her hand and they stood in thier place.
The notes of the wedding march swelled from the church organ, filling the night with its harmonious sound.
One by one the procession line went in front.
The bridesmaids and thier escorts...
The flower girls...
The ring bearer...
Then it was thier turn.
Robin held her bouquet of white lilies and admired the interior of the building. Whoever Charles' secretary found to decorate the place did a good job. The theme colors of blue, gold, and white were combined in a modern yet traditional blend.
William felt her change in mood. Her expression hadn't changed. She was still smiling serenely. But the change was there. "Are you all right?" he whispered.
"I am," Robin said softly. "I just wish--I just wish my dad were here to see this."
William was silent. "I wish my mum were here to see this," he reflected.
Their eyes met for a moment.
Robin looked away.
Was it his imagination or was she clinging to him closer than before.
Murmured comments from the observers were passed in the church.
"She looks so beautiful..."
"They're going to be a great couple..."
"A little young but..."
The trip to the altar was a long one.
William asked at the side of his mouth. "What's that?"
It took Robin a few seconds to realize what he was talking about. "A sword." It was strapped in a cloth sheath by her side. "My father's," she met his eyes through her veil. "I don't need to explain to a man of your position the value of a family tradition."
William nodded with lack of anything better to do, but in his mind he was wondering where he had seen the sword before.
They kneeled in front of the altar.
There was a shuffle as everyone sat down.
"Dearly beloved..." the priest began.

"I do..." Robin answered the priest's question about loving and cherishing William till death do them part. Even as she delivered the lie her voice was clear and unwavering. Dad, I'm just doing this for you... Her eyes looked into William's.
The watched as his hand received the gold ring she placed on his finger. She actually went through with it, he thought proudly. There was a part of him that thought she would've backed out at the last minute.
"And do you, William Arthur Philip Louis Mountbatten-Windsor..." thr priest went down William's list of titles and asked him the same question.
William placed the ring on Robin's finger. He looked into her eyes and answered, "I do."
The both shared smiles. A cameraman walked around them, videotaping the moment for the world to see. William's and Robin's smiles grew wider.
At his seat Charles let out a sigh of relief.
"Get a grip, Dad," Harry said. He looked away. He wasn't going to cry. He was the sporty bro. He was the macho bro. He did not cry at weddings! Still he felt William was leaving him behind in some way.
"If there is anyone in this congregation that feel this two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold..."
The sound of splintering glass was heard.
William and Robin looked at each other again. They turned their heads to the sound.
Chaos happened. Assassins came into the Abbey on motorcycles. Or were they gang members? Anyway, big guys with bad haircuts and mean looks and weapons. Screaming who knows what. You know, kinda like a rock concert except less smoke and fire. Gee, who knew they would be this upset for not getting an invitation. Sheesh!
A few of the women shrieked.
The men asked in their gruff voices, "What's going on?"
Charles nudged the gaurds awake.
They blinked their eyes open. Oh, they were actually needed for something?
Queen Elizabeth fainted.
Harry caught her (Big strong boy he is). He handed her to Wills. "Here bro. I need to go get something. Bring her someplace safe." He dashed off.
"Harry!"William cried indignantly. There was a battle going on and Harry needed to go get something? What did he need to go get? Breath freshner??? William looked around him. Robin was warding off two guys with her sword. Well, what do you know? She actually knows how to use that thing. And I thought it was just for decoration purposes. What was it that Harry said? Oh yes. Bring Gandmum to a safe place. "C'mon," William told the queen as he carried her.
Robin held up her skirt, so she wouldn't trip. I dare England's Hero to fight in high heels, she thought as she flashed the blade in front of her assailants. I just dare him! Where was William going? Great. Runaway you big sissy! Even even your Dad's over there least trying to fight there with... what was he holding? Robin couldn't make it out as she blocked one of the bullies from grabbing her.
"Safe place," William thought going down the hall. Around him, he heard crashes and bangs against the walls as the fight continued. Safe place. Hmmm. He tried the bride's room. Closed. He tried one of the prayer rooms. Locked. William began realizing how heavy his grandmother was. He opened a door. Broom closet.
He looked at his grandmum.
Maybe she wasn't used to such accomodations but it will have to do. He dragged her in the, sat her on a box, and folded her arms on her lap. "Now, Grandmum, I want you to stay here till I get back. Understood?"
The queen didn't move a muscle.
William gave her a thumbs up. "Perfect." He closed the door.
Harry came running down the hall. Coming from the back entrance of the entrance of the church.
William put on hand on his hip. "What is it that you had to get?"
"This," Harry showed William his hero costume.

Robin wiped the sweat that was forming on her brow. There goes my make-up, she thought. As she backed up on the stairs of the altar her viel fell off. She cursed as she almost got her legs tangled in it.
Around her the guests fought the rioting mob the burst into the Abbey. Where was Scotland Yard when you needed them?

In traffic.
Chief Officer honks horn. "Can we bloody move it along?"

Inside the Abbey:
In sails England's Hero (well, William to those who know) in tights. From the choir loft he swings on one of the fringed tapestries. Does not break. That's good quality cloth they're using over there.
The bullies look at him in wonder: who is this comicbook reject? Obviously they haven't been keeping in contact with the outside world. Listening to the news. But they did hear about the wedding.
The girls swoon as he swings over them
Hero lands next to Robin. He flashes her a peerfectly aligned smile. "Are these scoundrals giving you problems, Fair Lady?"
Robin grins with excitement at seeing him again. It's me, Idiot! she felt like jumping on him and giving him a huge hug. Then she remembered. He never saw her without her mask.
"Go get him!" the Boss cries out to his gang of henchmen.
William sees ten guys running towards him.
Harry bites his nails from his safe view on the chior loft. When he sent his brother in to fight, he hadn't been anticipating that.
But William doesn't worry. Man of cool. He has had screaming girls chase him before. This was basically the same situation. Except he'd NEVER consider dating these guys. He warded them off with his expertise swordsmanship.
"Show off," Robin thought.
Inspired by his presence, England's elite put more effort in the fight with the vermin. Some of them actually can kick bum quite nicely.
Well, EVENTUALLY the police came and took the troublemakers away. A few fighters, both on the good and bad side, who were seriously wounded, were taken to the hospital. The bad guys frown and complain.
"Oh we should thank that masked dude," one of the teenage daughters gushed, wondering if the guy was single.
There was approval of her decision.
But he was gone.

"Wasn't it exciting when England's Hero rescued you?" the female reporter asked.
Him rescuing her? "I, uh," Robin stammered, trying to straighten her hair and readjust her veil so the ceremony.
"Oh, there's Prince Charles!" she shrieked. "Your Highness I need a word from you!" she called waving her microphone.
"Where were you?" Robin asked William when he approached.
He was fixing his tie. He ran through his hair, though not a strand was out of place. "I, uh, I was out getting coffee..."
Robin gave him a look.
Harry was escorting the queen back in.
"I was in a broom closet!" she was screaming indignantly.
"Mother," Charles went to her side, anything to get away from the reporter and tried to calm her down.
The guests retook their seats and William and Robin took thier places in front of the priest.
"If there shall be no more interruptions..." the priest looked around the Abbey.
There were a few coughs and a few sneezes, one hiccup. Other than that respectful silence.
He looked at Robin and William. "I now promounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Midnight: Chapters 7-...