After lunch had finished, Steve and Ava made the rounds, saying hello and greeting the other people attending the lunch. Steve shook each person's hand as he introduced himself, giving Ava the opportunity to do the same.

The prince and future princess moved about the room talking. Ava watched them and marveled at their ability to communicate and interact with whomever they met. She was beginning to realize they were so much more than just cultural/traditional icons. Prince Philip and Sarah represented a new age of royalty. One with social media interaction, and the ability to reach out to a new generation, to make a difference.

"Rose?" Steve's lightly calloused fingers intertwined with hers.

"Want to go for a walk?" "Pardon?" She blinked, trying to focus on his words instead of the tingling warmth his fingers created against her skin.

He smiled at her. "You're helping Sarah this afternoon and the prince has asked me to join him. I just thought a walk would give us a moment alone." Her heart sped. "S-Sure." "I'll just let Philip know."

Steve squeezed her hand before letting go and walking over to the prince. He returned. "Ready?" "Sure. Where are we going?"

He shrugged. "Just around the block." He held the door open for her as they stepped outside the antique building. He waved at the chauffeur to let him know they were walking. His fingers pressed against the inside of Ava's elbow as he steered her to the right and onto the sidewalk.

Where are you going? Connors' voice interrupted Ava's thoughts. She stumbled, not expecting to hear Connors after the continuous radio silence through her comms.

Steve's hand curled gently around her upper arm to help her. "You okay?" "Yeah." Ava rolled her eyes and tapped her ear. "Connor's just spoke"

"What does he want?" "He asked where we were going."

"Tell him that we're going over some details." Ava felt her cheeks grow warm. She had misunderstood his suggestion for a walk completely. She straightened and cleared her throat. She needed to wake up and focus on her job. She spoke discreetly in her comm while pulling Steve into a hug. They talked a little with comms off.

They walked, side by side, back to the hall. As they neared the building, Ava asked, "You and me... We okay?" Steve ruffled the top of Ava's head and then wrapped his arm across her shoulders pulling her against him. He hugged her tight and after a few moments kissed her forehead before slowly letting her go. "We are."

They headed back inside the hall.

"No admittance, kids." A front guard doorman would not let them re-enter. "The hall is closed."

"We were just here with the luncheon."

"Place is closed now."

"Prince Philip and Sarah are waiting for us."

The large man let out a barking laugh. "And I'm Father Christmas's Uncle." Steve gave the plain gray-suited man the once-over. "Where's Alfie?"

The man barely glanced at Steve before turning his attention back to the view outside the front door. Steve grabbed the man by the collar, getting his full attention. Three men appeared suddenly behind Steve and Ava; guns pointed.

Steve didn't even bat an eye. "Now that I have your full attention, where is Alfie?"

Ava's chest heaved. Alfie came around the corner, his face tight with anger. Ava swore she saw him fight back a grin when he saw Steve holding one of his guys against the wall. "What's going on here?" Steve let go of the man and smiled. "Alfie! I was just asking for you."

Alfie made a single motion with his hand, and the men put their guns away. "What can I do for you?" "Philip and Sarah are waiting. There seems to be a misunderstanding down here." "It's fine," Alfie spoke to his men. "Captain Rogers here works for the SHEILD. Miss Gardner is his girlfriend"

Alfie shot Ava an apologetic look. "She's clear. She checks outs. I contacted the SHIELD."

"Excuse me?" Ava asked.

Alfie smiled. "Your boyfriend's company knows everything about everyone. You date one of their top; they have tabs on you."

She realized she should probably appear mad at Steve to play the part of the annoyed girlfriend. She crossed her arms and pretended to be mad at Steve. "You could have told me that!"

A couple of the men chuckled. She turned to head into the main banquet hall but not before she caught Steve shrugging to the men and mouthing, "Women!"

She pretended she didn't see and pressed her lips tight together to suppress a smile. "Rosie! Steve!" Sarah came over when she saw them. She walked gracefully and flipped her long blonde hair over her shoulder. "I wasn't sure if something came up and you wouldn't be able to make it back."

She linked her arm through Ava's.

"Let me show you the hall and what we are going to do for the Masquerade. Do you have a costume yet? Don't tell me! It's supposed to be a secret who wears what. That way we are all equal for one night." She gave a perfectly pitched laugh.

"That's the idea behind the masks. If it sticks is a completely other question." She began directing Ava to a part of the large hall away from Philip and Steve. A large stack of boxes was piled in the corner.

"Everything is going to be red. The Queen wanted purple to represent the royals, but since I am in charge this year I wanted to change it up. Red for England. It represents the people, not royalty. This ball is supposed to be about tea with the Royals." She opened one of the boxes and pulled out a napkin. "See?"

She held up the fancy damask napkin with Royal Tea embroidered on the side in a garnet red thread. "It's going to be about a royal tea for everyone. A party that doesn't have a face for levels of society. We will all be equal."

They heard male laughter, and then Steve and Philip appeared in the hall. "You two all right?" Philip called out as they walked toward them. "Fine," Sarah said.

"Are we allowed to see what's in the boxes?" Philip asked, slipping his arm around Sarah and kissing her cheek. "Nope. It's still a surprise." Sarah winked at Ava. "Philip has no idea about all this." She gestured at the boxes. "I even picked out what he's wearing."

Philip groaned. "I'm not wearing pink. Or feathers. Please don't make my outfit into some peacock or something like that." She stood on her tiptoes and hugged him. "Never! It's very princely."

"Have you already picked out your dress and mask?" Sarah asked Ava. "I have someone designing it for me... and Steve's too. "Ava grinned.

Philip chuckled. "She got you too, 'eh?" Steve gave a low laugh. "Every time." "They always do, mate." Philip clapped him on the back. "How about a drink?"

Philip signaled to one of the staff standing near the wall. "Is there a bottle of wine we might be able to sample?" The staff nodded vigorously and nearly ran into the kitchen. "Apple juice fine with you, Rose?"

"It's fine Philip." Steve stuffed his hands into his pockets. "So Philip, what's been going on with Sarah?" He sat down on a high chair by a round bar-like table. "What's the situation?"

Philip sighed and sat down beside him. "We have no idea." He glanced at Sarah. "Come sit down, sweetie."

Ava followed Sarah and sat down between her and Steve. The staff came back with two bottles, one red wine, and the other apple juice. He returned a moment later with four lead crystal glasses. After he had poured everyone a glass, he scampered back to the kitchen.

"There's always a threatening letter or some worry to deal with. It started just after we announced our engagement. She would find a letter in her room or somewhere she was attending. At first, we thought it was one of the staff and questioned everyone. Then things progressed, and a dead rat wearing a crown with a note was left in her bathroom about a month ago. The wedding is this summer, and someone or some group doesn't want her to be in line for the crown! It's a frightening thought."

"It pretty much started after the engagement," Sarah said.

Ava couldn't get around why anyone would want to hurt her. Steve's knee banging into hers reminded her of the real reason. Powers. It didn't make sense. Sarah's ability was a helpful one. She wouldn't use it to harm anyone. Something didn't make sense.

"We may have our guards, but I am glad you are here, Steve." Philip raised his glass of wine in cheers. Sarah nudged Ava and winked at her from the corner of her eye. "I'm glad Rosie's here too." She raised her glass.

They clinked goblets and Ava tried not to grimace as her daughter had a football match inside her

"What are your plans for the week leading up to the ball?" Philip asked, oblivious to the inner turmoil Ava was going through.

Steve saved her from having to speak. He must have noticed her struggling. "If the girls are hanging out together, I can keep an eye on Sarah if you'd like."

"I'd appreciate that. I have cleared most of my appointments and meetings this week. "

"I know, I know. But you can't be on your own until this bastard's caught. No one is taking her from me. My fiancé. No one is taking my fiancé, who is my life." He lifted her hand and kissed her fingers. "No one."

Ava stared around the room, anywhere but at the prince and soon-to-be princess. She realized Steve was doing the same thing. Steve cleared his throat. "We should leave the two of you be. I think the chances of a repeat incident are not likely today."

"I agree. Alfie has upped the guard, and we will be leaving shortly to head back to the palace." Philip stood. Steve quickly followed, and Ava did too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They drove back to Joist Hall in silence. Once inside the flat, Ava kicked off her shoes and flopped onto one of the fancy couches. She blew a long breath out, let it blow her bangs away from her forehead, only to flop back down when she stopped. "What a day!"

Steve pulled his wallet out of his back pocket and tossed it on the stand by the door. "Such is the life of a SHEILD agent." He walked around her into the kitchen and appeared a moment later with two bottles. "Water?" "Sure."

She raised her hand and caught the bottle without bothering to look up. She rested the bottom of it against her bump. The front door opened. Ava sat up. "Where are you going?"

"There's a takeaway place around the corner. I can go grab us something. Or you can come if you want."

"Sure."

Changing into sweats and Steve's shirt, Ava grabbed her water bottle and followed him out to the car, and they drove in silence. The sun had begun its descent, and the early night sky was changing from gray to black fast. It looked like it might storm tonight. The air held the scent of spring, but it was being tossed around in the wind trying to get rid of the last remnants of winter.

Steve pulled into the restaurant and parked the car near the take-away door. Ava held her hand on the door but did not open it. "Do you mind if I wait here?" "Sure, why?"

She pointed at his clothes. "You're dressed to the tens and I've changed into comfy clothes. Seems a bit odd." "You look fine." Steve shrugged. "What do you want?"

"Egg Curry with rice. Or tikka masala. I'm good with anything." "I'll get you some cheese balls to eat on the ride back. Don't want that tummy of yours growling at me." He nipped out of the car before Ava could smack him.

The next few days passed without incident. No one went after Sarah, and Ava put all her concentration into the task at hand.

She and Steve managed to squeeze in two ballroom dancing lessons. Steve and Ava both knew how to dance considering both were into ballet.

The day leading up to the Royal Tea Masquerade Ball was spent at the spa in the early morning with Sarah, and then Ava rushed back to the house after lunch to meet with Peter.

Her hair and make-up had been done at the spa. She felt silly in jeans and a t-shirt with all the fancy on top.

Steve was getting into his car when the chauffeur dropped Ava off. "Everything go okay?" He too had been on friendly terms and seemed to be keeping Ava at arm's length. It made things easier for Ava. "Great. Have you been up to see Peter already?"

Steve stared at her and then slipped his sunglasses on. "Yup. I'm all set to go. He's waiting for you." He grinned. "

"I'm on my way up now." She paused in the doorway. "Where are you going?" "Quick trip to Boots." He rubbed his face. "I need razors."

Ava knocked on the door. "Babe, you in there?" "Come in." Peter's voice rang out loud and clear. Ava opened the door and stepped into the room. "I'm dying to see what I'm wearing tonight." She moved to the middle of the room, trying to find the dress.

Peter went behind the change screen he had set up in the room. He appeared again with a massive puffy, black dress bag.

"I found this dress yesterday. I found it online and then had to drive Steve's car to downtown London to pick it up. At a bridal boutique of all places! Who'd have thought?"

~After dressing~

Ava was in a stunning dark garnet red color-enhanced dress with floral and pearl details. It was long, off-the-shoulder, and princess-worthy. It had tulle straps that looped around her shoulders into a sweetheart ball gown. The tulle overskirt spilled like a waterfall and a fabric flower on the side of the cinched waist. It had a lace-up back.

She checked the flower to reveal a pocket.

Ava's mouth fell open. "There's a mask here somewhere as well." Peter reached inside the dress bag. "Aha! Here it is."

A shiny black feather mask with pearl detail and a shining stone reflected in the room sending a million sparkles dancing against the walls and ceilings.

Ava gently reached for the mask and ran her fingers lightly over the black feathers. The embroidered detail was done in the same pattern as the dress. "It's beautiful, babe."

"I am the best, babe. And matches Steve's outfit and mask."

"He's wearing a mask, too?"

"Of course. Isn't that the idea behind the Royal Tea Ball? Not knowing who anyone is?

There was a knock at the door, and Steve called from the other side, "Rose, you decent?" Peter scampered over and opened the door. "How's the tuxedo?"

Imagine Nomad Steve.

Peter said, "Okay. I need to go check the comms." He walked into Connors' room. Steve stepped in, his eyes going straight to her. His eyes grew big as they traveled down and then up Ava. As hers did the same. He wore a black tuxedo that fitted him perfectly. It accented his broad muscular shoulders and lean waist. Ava had never seen him look so handsome. She grinned. "You clean up nicely." He gave her an appreciative smile. "So do you."

He pulled a black string out of his pocket. "I need a bit of help with this." She took it and tied it into a bowtie. Ava sat down to get her shoes on. The billows of the dress made it next to impossible while sit in a chair. It would have been easier to do sitting on the floor.

Steve dropped down in front of her before she could slip off the chair. "Let me help." He slipped the first shoe on and adjusted the strap. "Okay?" She nodded, the warmth of his hand distracting her.

Then he put Ava's other shoe on and set the strap. He stood quickly. "Good to go?" He held his hand out for her. She reached for it and let him pull her up. She picked up her fancy mask and slipped it on. "Let's go save a princess.

~Masquerade Ball~

Ava's door opened. A valet dressed in black pants and a white jacket held his hand out to help her. She watched other people get out of their cars.

Steve came up beside her, his mask perfectly in place. "You ready?" "Yup." She forced her shoulders back and tucked her arm inside Steve's, mimicking the couples around them.

TV cameras and paparazzi were in full force leading up to the building. Ava automatically ducked her head down, forgetting that the mask gave anonymity until they neared the building.

"Wow," Steve murmured once they passed through security and stepped into the main hall. The place had been transformed and the people standing around talking, drinking, and dancing added to the atmosphere. The costumes ranged from simple to pretentious. "I hear ya," Ava whispered to him. "How are we going to find Sarah? Or the prince?"

Steve slipped his hand into hers and pointed with them. "See the peacock?" "Oh no! She didn't dress Philip up as a peacock did she?" Ava's gaze ran down their arms to the emerald green and blue fancy tail that had to be at least four feet wide. The peacock turned around and Ava let out a breath when she saw it was a woman. "Behind the peacock."

Ava had to wait for the lady to move before she saw Sarah. She didn't recognize her immediately but the man standing two feet behind gave her away. Alfie.

Sarah wore an emerald green dress with feathers on her shoulders. Her hair was set in a bun, hidden by a cap that also had an exotic feather. She was a princess through and through. Philip stood at her side, wearing a mask similar to Steve's but in the same color as Sarah's dress. Everyone else in the room wore their costumes, but the two of them belonged in them.

Orchestra music floated from the stage where a massive ensemble of instruments sat. "Shame we have to work," Ava told Steve.

"This is the kind of night little girls' dreams are made of." Steve nodded, his eyes scanning the room. "Yes. It's lovely."

The center of the room had been set up for dancing. Ava watched couples twirl and dip in perfect time with the music. It was beautiful. "Do you want to dance?" Steve asked. Ava nodded, realizing a moment too late that he wasn't really asking her, he wanted a better position to see everyone there and the dance floor was the perfect spot to move in circles and notice everything. "Watch everyone."

He led her to the dance floor. "I will." She looked down at her feet hidden under her dress.

"Let me lead, okay?" Steve looked down at her as he slipped his hand around her back. "It's my job. The guy is supposed to lead." Ava nodded, her voice lost somewhere as he twirled her around. She thought back to the dance at their last mission.

Steve twirled her around and led her through the dance steps perfectly. Their bodies fell in a natural rhythm with each other. Ava's gaze settled on Steve's strong, handsome face. She felt like a princess herself, floating around a dance floor with her Prince Charming.

If only he would look at me the way. That seemed to have happened too long ago. She knew she should be focussing on their surroundings, not him.

He lifted her in the air to correct her position and continued dancing as if nothing had happened. She looked away, anywhere but his face. She could feel her cheeks burn but did not want to acknowledge why she had gotten lost in the music.

Just then, her brain flashed a warning, a brief glimpse into the crowd. She thought she saw someone across the dance floor she knew, but couldn't be sure. A familiar feeling tingled on her back where Steve's hand rested. Ava almost misunderstood it. A movement by one of the archways along the ballroom walls caught her attention. The halls around the main ballroom were like a maze around the building.

Ava had studied the blueprint of the building last night. She and Steve had resolved to pay extra attention to people coming and going from the edges of the room. She stopped moving her feet to focus on the archway again.

Steve tried to get her to turn. "Everything okay?" She squinted. "You have got to be joking!" "What?"

Steve lifted her and spun around to catch a glimpse of what Ava was looking at. "I don't see anything." "Anyone."

Ava stepped out of Steve's arms. "It's Connors." Ava moved again so she could see the arch where she had just seen him. Ava stiffened. "There he is again. He just smiled and waved at me."

Steve huffed. "Get him back outside. He's going to blow our cover."