Whats that ya say? Nena and Gaby? By 'eck nah there's a tale to tell! Sharp does his best with this brand new fanfic which includes characters from both Gaby and Nena!

Gabriel was one of the very first up and ready. Northern Rail had put on many special trains direct from Scarborough station to Harrogate. Trains full of people were leaving the town every few minutes and heading for Harrogate. Coaches had been laid on in Harrogate to take the people directly to the show ground from the station. Maddy Anne looked around. “Gabriel am I supposed to be going to Harrogate as well?”

“Maddy you were informed yesterday that you had to write my biography. There is a lot to write. Most of it concerns my cousin Maddy and how we interact. I remember one time we planned to go to a con and Maddy promised to arrange the costumes. I should have known better as Maddy is forever trying to dress me as a girl. It is not long ago that I discovered she was a twin and she is trying to replace her twin. At one time I thought I might even marry her. I also at one point wondered if Maddy was a lesbian. Getting back to the con we made friends with a Japanese girl. She asked us to her home and then wrote later her father had forbidden her from mixing with non-Japanese. At first I thought she had said horrible papa, but it was it was actually Honrable papa. I was looking forward to a trip to Japan, but it was not to be. Now what was the girl's name? I think her grandparents must have liked opera or something as she called her father the Mikado. I presume it was a nickname for him.”

Maddy Anne spoke, “The Mikado oh good grief you talked to one of his daughters”

“Sure she was nice and we both thought of her as a friend. Maddy let on I was actually a boy. She talked about two of her Sisters Su Lin & Sue Yum. I think those names are correct. They both sounded like great fun.”

“Gaby it is obvious to me you have no idea who your friend is. In fact her father must have no Idea of who you are or he would not have prevented you going there. By now he must have realised he has made a great mistake. He must make up for the mistake he made and will be planning to make amends.”

“Gaby the Mikado is the old name for the Emperor of Japan. He has lots of daughters and no sons.”

“What ever he give you accept it graciously as it would be bad form to refuse. If you refuse a gift he will take it that you do not think it is worthy of you.”

“Ok I will remember that and thanks for the information at least I know more than Gaby does. We though have to get ready for the journey to Harrogate. Helicopter again I am afraid.”

“I have just remembered Kiko told me her grandpa died in the 1980's he was called Harry Ito or something similar. Harry does not sound Japanese to me.”

“Gaby the Japanese used to practise Polygamy, Most these days only have one partner. If Kiko told her father you are both male and female he might consider it possible to marry all his daughters off to you. There is nothing in their law to prevent lots of weddings to the same person. It is a long time since a male was born. So if he married them off to a king that king will become Emperor of Japan and he could retire.”

Tiny came and found them both. “Come on it is time we left.” With that they departed for the harbour and their flight. They flew over the countryside they could see the tailback on the roads approaching Harrogate. The only road into the town that was clear was the A59 from Skipton. The pilot looked for a landing area and noticed there was a Sainsbury's supermarket. The other pilots followed and put their aircraft down at the car park.

A very surprised car park attendant came running up. “Err are there many more as this is supposed to be a car park.”

“Well we are all here but there could be at least one more. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth might arrive by a similar fashion.”

“Oh, I better inform the gate.” As he spoke a helicopter of the Royal flight also put down in the same car park. A second helicopter arrived with a detachment of Scots guards. The attendant looked up to see several helicopters more about to land. He spoke into a radio. “This car park is full with helicopters all we can accommodate is an odd disabled car or two.”

Gaby was grinning away when she saw the pilot of the helicopter. “William you decided to come.”

“Well cousin Zara is taking part in the horse jumping section. So granny informed all the British family they were expected here to support her.”

As William was embracing Gaby more helicopter of the RAF along with ones from the Royal Northumbria services. Out of the RAF helicopters more Guards got out including bandsmen. Gabriel herself was surprised to see more helicopters of her flight. Out of each one a different unit came in their dress uniforms or ancient uniform.

“Well actually I did not bring them somebody must have instructed them to come here. An officer of the Hanoverian troops approached Gaby and saluted.

“Your highness we got a request from the ministry of defence in Whitehall to help provide additional security so I asked for troops from all your units to help. They in turn know this is a show and so wanted to look their best and so decided to put on their dress uniforms.”

The Tyrollers had all chosen to wear lederhosen and looked like what you might expect from Austria. Prince Phillip smiled as he saw one unit with white tights, white skirts, and slippers with pom poms on. “When did Greece accept you as Queen?”

“We went to Escape indoor Ski run yesterday and when we got back there was both the Greek & Italian ships in the harbour. Apparently both countries accept me. Italy said they had no choice as I am already the Duke of Savoy.” They are having a week of national celebrations in Italy.”

Several officials wearing black pinstriped suits and bowler hats came from the show committee and they arrived carrying boxes. “Your Majesties you arrived rather sooner than we expected. We understand Queen Gabriel will be jointly be presenting the prizes.”

Gabriel spoke, “I hope it will not put you to much trouble but our soldiers would like to put on a display for you. As Prince Phillip here recognises the units I think he would make a good commentator to tell us about them.”

Prince Phillip looked at his wife and then at Gabriel. “Phillip, Gabriel holds the same rank as me so I suggest you agree to be the commentator.”

As she spoke the officials were handing membership badges out to the groups. The ones Gabriel & Elizabeth got were different in that they were life membership badges of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.”

Prince Phillip said, “I do not know about Great Yorkshire. With the amount of the Royal Family present or taking part it should be called the Royal Yorkshire.”

Sigfried of Bavaria spoke, “Phillip I agree with you. This is the 150 th show it should be announced after awarding the prizes.”

Gabriel spoke, “Actually we have to award various medals to people and will do it after the announcement of the name change.”

As they were speaking they all heard a roar as a Harrier hovered and then landed on the car park. The canopy opened and out of it got a man.”

“Sorry about that. I was overseeing the trains and when I got to the St Petersburg the last of the Helicopters had gone. So I looked around and found this runabout.”

Gabriel hugged Draconaris. He quickly stripped off his jumpsuit and all could see he was clearly dressed as a prince of Transylvania. He bowed to Elizabeth. “I thought the occasion merited me coming in full dress.”

The official came with a badge but Draconaris said, “I am already a life member,” and showed his badge to the official. The official looked at his list of life members.

“Oh yes sir.” A convoy of what looked like golf buggies arrived to transport some of the ladies. Gaby was all ready for walking but the official said, “No madam you must ride. We will transport you and some of the older ladies.”

He looked at the small girls and said; “If the senior ladies do not mind them on their knee then they can come.”

The rest of the group walked through the car park and then through a gate. The official did not even look at their passes he just waved them on. One of the first things they noticed was that there was a ring. In the ring junior riders were already being judged. Gaby wanted the driver to stop so they could watch the jumping. It also allowed the others to catch up with them. The official looked at his watch. “Madam the flower tent is next on the list.” With that they all went the short distance to the flower tent. Attached to the flower tent was the cheese tent.

Gaby said, “Am I allowed to sample some of the cheese as I am rather partial to most cheeses. One of the exhibitors heard Gaby's remark.

“Your highness this is Real Wensleydale cheese made traditionally. We do several variations. We also have a plant in Lancashire that produces real Lancashire. We believe that if cheese bears a regional name it should come from there.”

Gaby and the others sampled the cheese. As the others moved on Nena stayed behind. Her Majesty Queen Gabriel of Northumbria has decided she likes your regional cheeses and wishes you to supply us.” Nena handed a parchment certificate over.

Nena then went to catch the others up. The man looked at the certificate and read it. This is to confirm the holder of this is a purveyor of cheese to Her Majesty Queen Gabriel Battenberg of Northumbria, Empress designate of most of Europe.

In the flower tent Greta had handed a similar certificate to Kershaw's of Brighouse for their roses.

In one tent there was a display of hams. One small producer from Thirsk was there with his traditional cured hams. Constance was the one who presented him with a certificate.

Eventually it was time for refreshments and they went to the Women's institute tent. Gabriel smiled when she saw all the original Calendar girls and the actresses who had portrayed them in the film. She stopped to chat with the ladies. Queen Elizabeth asked, “Who had brought the calendar to the Palace.”

“I understand that the amount you raised is now considerably greater than you ever expected?”

“Yes your Majesty, It is far more than we expected. However we will continue to raise money for the cancer charity.”

Gabriel and the others went to sit down and waitresses who were obviously WI members brought them refreshments. Jenny Bond handed the ladies a letter and then joined the others at a table. Angela Baker read it. The ladies of Rylstone WI known as the Calendar girls and the actresses who portrayed them in the film are requested to appear at the Grandstand at 17.00 today.

After refreshments the group continued to walk round the various exhibitions. In one outbuilding Skipton Building Society was sponsoring a fashion show by various Yorkshire colleges. From there they saw a demonstration of woodcraft. As they were leaving they noticed Godfrid and Bill with the Appolonaris bike display. Gaby's eyes lit up when she saw the mountain bikes on display along side the racing bikes.

Godfrid spoke, “Your majesty we would be happy to let you try one out, but perhaps it might be better if you wait for another day. Perhaps my assistant Bill could arrange a date that would be suitable.”

Gaby left giggling away. A woman approached Godfrid, “You called that girl your Majesty. Do you supply the Royal Family?

Bill was quick on the uptake. “Yes we certainly supply all the Royal households. Could we interest you in bikes?

“Well normally it depends on the size of an order. We have a minimum number we will deliver free of charge otherwise there is a charge.”

A man came up with a group of children. “I see dear you are looking at bikes again.”

“I have decided if these are good enough for a Queen they are certainly good enough for the De Clifford family.” Bill had each member of the family sit on a specially adapted frame and he took measurements. Bill also asked for each family members name. He wrote that at the side of the measurements.

The man was thinking and said, “The bikes is it possible to have the ancient coat of arms of my family put on them?

Bill spoke, “For Lord Clifford anything is possible. Is it just the mountain bikes you are interested in?

“My family all want to enter the Tri peaks race and that is why we want the bikes. One branch of our family was once were lords of that land.”

Bill spoke, “It will be an interesting race as Queen Gabriel will also be racing. She also will be using our bikes and like yours they will be personalised. I am afraid the bikes do not come cheap. As for your Family I presume you mean the Clifford's of Skipton & Appleby. I used to run a tour firm and I had to know about all the local people. In Skipton these days you would think Lady Anne was still alive as she is well thought of.”

“Lord Clifford of Chudley I decided to revert to the De Clifford. As my wife says if the bikes are good enough for the Royals then they are good enough for us.”

Maddy Anne Bell overheard this and spoke, “You certainly are getting the best from this stand. Has he told you that Appolonaris has the top Ladies and junior racing team in the world? Could we also interest you in racing bikes.”

Maddy ever the sales lady said, “Well we could supply one all fit out with all the spares you might need.”

Sigfried had come to see how Godfrid & Bill were doing replied. “Her majesty has one for each type of bike. You though will only need the one van.”

Lord Clifford spoke, “I hope these sales people are getting plenty of commission on this. It must be costing me quite a lot.”

Sigfried & Maddy stopped to help with other sales. “I thought I was supposed to be getting away from this. I did enjoy that sale to Lord Clifford.”

Bill rolled out a sign. Do you think it is too much? I was wondering if we should put it up or not. After that lady though perhaps we should put it up.”

“Well till I heard you with that family I thought I knew what I wanted. I am not into races but I like going over rough tracks. I want the best my money will buy, but unlike that gentleman I have not got a limitless budget.”

Sigfried spoke, “If you do not mind a demonstration model I think perhaps we could do a deal.”

“Sir I would stand here and help sell the bike if it would reduce the cost for me. I was not entirely honest with you I do go to races and I have an old racing bike. I do though require a mountain bike. I have saved up all my paper round money to get it.”

Gaby had given the others the slip and came back to the bike stand. “Hi are you looking for one of these to replace that bike you have.”

“Oh Hi Gaby I was attempting to buy a mountain bike. Thanks for those wheels you sent me. I have worked hard to get this money for a new bike.”

“Sigfried you should have seen him ride his old bike. When mum got me a set of new wheels I gave him my old wheels. How is your mum these days?”

“Hello Gabriel. Why am I not surprised to see you here at this stand? Congratulations on getting in the Junior Appolonaris. As you can see I am using a scooter to get round. I have a special adapted car to get around. His old bike is still fastened on the car. He can show you it if you wish.”

“If Gabriel thinks you do well on your old bike then I would like to see it”?

With that the boy got the car keys off his mother and started running to the car park. When he got to the car park he noticed all the helicopters and soldiers. He cycled back as fast as he could. “Mum, Mum the car park is full of soldiers and helicopters. Gabriel have you seen them?” Gabriel looked at her watch.

“Yes I saw some of them arrive. Sigfried I think you had better accompany the three of us. I take it I am still captain of the Royals? I need to talk to the others, but I think there might be a way to save you even more money on that mountain bike. Leave your old bike here with Godfrid & he will service it.”

Godfrid looked at the bike. “The only good thing about this is the frame and it has a slight twist, but I can resolve that.” Bill looked at the tyres and noticed they had been patched several times. He went and got a new set from the van. Godfrid shouted, “He needs a new seat, gears & brakes. We had better replace the lot.” Between them they soon had the bike roadworthy again. “Bill do you think this is what Gabriel meant by giving the bike a full service?”

“Well her friend has almost a new bike.” Bill looked at the serial number stamped on the bike and then telephoned a number.

“Yes we manufactured that bike, but it must be badly corroded by now. It was one of our first racing bikes. I can get the details for you if you are interested.”

“Sure I would be interested as it has just come into me for a service. I have just replaced everything but the frame.”

“In that case Bill I would be interested in buying the old parts for a reasonable amount. Where are you at the moment?”

Bill went looking for the boy and found him still with Sigfried & Gaby. “I have a problem with the bike we were replacing the worn out parts & I telephoned a friend about the number on the bike. He has said he will pay the earth for the bike.” Bill handed Sigfried the number and he telephoned the Appolonaris office.

“Oh I see Young man that bike you own was once owned by a champion. Head office tells me they would like it for our champion's museum. Normally a bike that age would be only worth scrap value. Bills friend is going to come and try and buy it. I am willing to supply you with the two bikes you want and in addition there is a cheque here for you. As I heard Gaby say she had given you some wheels I presume you have put them on.”

“No sir I decided I could get a bit more mileage out of the tyres. I did change the handlebars, as I did not like the original ones. I still have it at home though sir.”

The man then spotted Sigfried when he said. “As well as the two Appolonaris bikes his mother has a envelope with a cheque in. Now tell your bosses Sigfried of Bavaria has put in a offer that is far in excess of theirs and it looks like he will out bid them.”

“They are in town arranging for our display at the conference centre.” He tried his mobile and got through. “Sigfried of Bavaria has offered a racing bike and a mountain bike and a cheque.”

Bill spoke, “We have straightened out a slight twist in the frame and replaced the gears, wheels & brakes. The young man tells me he has the original handle bars at home.”

The man wrote out a cheque and handed it to the mother. She shook her head “No Mr Sigfrieds offer was far in excess of that. And he offered two top of the range bikes.”

After several more attempts he made another call and said, “We have been out bid at the first go.”

“My bosses have authorised me to offer you two top of the range Appolonaris bikes. Two sets of skins and helmets and a cheque for this amount.”

The mother showed Sigfried the Cheque. “Well that certainly beats my offer so it appears you can have the bike. Bill will you put all but the handlebars back on. Now sir you wish to order this man two top of the range bikes skins and helmets we can also do.”

Bill went with the man back to the stand. The man caressed the bike as if it was worth gold. “Bill leave it as it is the mother has promised they will bring the handlebars in.” As for the new equipment I will pay you for it as it will be interesting to compare it with modern equipment against the ancient.” Bill gathered up all the old parts and put them in a bag.

It was only after he had gone did the mother realise the man had left her with all the Cheques he had made out. She returned the Envelope to Sigfried. “How did you know he would go to so much”?

Sigfried said, “He actually has gone to far more than he may realise. Total all the cheques up. As there is a bank on site I suggest you bank them all in fact I will come with you to see it is done.”

The lady at the bank was shocked when the woman wanted to bank all the cheques. “You must have had a busy day trading.”

Sigfried also banked the cheques Appolonaris had received that day. “You two are my guests for the remainder of the day. Your friends Gabriel will be at the main stand by now you better come with me. Sigfried took them into the member's enclosure and moved some girls away from a table. “You should have a good view from here. They will bring you some refreshments shortly.”

“Mum look it is the parade of Champions.” Cattle were being led in on halters. After they had been presented it was the turn of the horse riders. The junior riders were the first and then the senior classes came on. “Mum it is Queen Elizabeth and a girl who are handing the prizes out.”

The mother looked at the day's event book she had bought. “Yes it is the Queen of Northumbria.”

“Cool a Queen and yet she looks no older than me. Mum for a moment I thought it was my friend Gaby.”

Lady Zara Phillips along with her mothers the Princess Royal were two of the senior riders who had to come and receive their prizes. Local rivals the Smiths & the Whitakers had been battling it out for the title the Cock of the North. The last laugh was on the men as the title went for the first time to a female not only that but as Laura Smith-Whittaker she had a foot in both camps. Both Robert and Harvey Smith went up to receive prizes they had won in other classes. Harvey took hold of the microphone. “As many of you already know most years it is a Smith or a Whittaker who wins the Title Cock of the North. Well today the winner uses both names and I am sure both families are proud of her achievement. May I as a Yorkshire man welcome her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on this our 150 th show. On behalf of the people of the new kingdom of Northumbria and as a Tyke who is known to speak his mind I also welcome our Queen Gabriel who like my family comes from sporting bloodstock. The committee asked me to keep you amused while an additional event is to take place. As you can see various military units are marching in. I am no expert on them and so I pass the microphone over to His Royal Highness Prince Phillip.”

Prince Phillip took the microphone, “Well I have no script, but I will do the best I can. The first unit is from Hanover or at least is wearing the colours of Hanover. Hanover retains the British royal flag as its emblem. Now we have units of the Highland regiment they look like the 51 st Black Watch also known as the devils in skirts. The next group is from Greece and are in dress uniform of the Royal guards. They wear slippers so their stamping does not disturb those they are guarding. Now these in white I presume are the White Russians. While the Cossacks represent the Ukraine. Then we have a joint group of Bavarian Alpine and the Tyrol mountain men. Coming up to date we have the Yorkshire regiment and from the same base but from far off Nepal we have the Ghurkhas. We also have the Guards. The band is the Scots guards while the remainder are from the Blues and Royals. As for the other units I am not sure on what they are called but I might know which country they are from, or at least I will guess. I recognise the flags of Lithuania, Latvia & Estonia so I presume these are from the Baltic States.” The Soldiers of those countries gave a wave. “Now this next group I thought was from Italy and then I realised they were flying the standard of the Duke of Savoy. The next unit I am guessing at as they are flying a standard with Dracula on it so I presume they are from either Transylvania or Moldavia. Oh I must have got them correct as they are waving. Bringing up the rear we have the Prussians and Russians. It appears we are ready for the next act so I will pass you back to Harvey Smith.”

“Well folks the Duke did a grand job of telling us a little about each unit. I would not have known who was who. So can we have a show of appreciation for Prince Phillip? No doubt he will get an ear bashing for missing the Poles out they came on with the White Russians. See they are waving. Now we get to the serious stuff. Normally this would be done down at Buck house. However today also marks the first official act by our Queen Gabriel. Whilst recovering from the shock that she was now Queen of Northumbria she became engaged to Prince William of Wales. No doubt there are other young ladies out there who wish it was them. During her first few days in office she also made several discoveries and asked Queen Elizabeth for advice.

“Now I want to take you back to 1945 and the very end of the war when some of the units you see today were fighting each other. One man from the East Yorkshire regiment along with his unit liberated a prison. There he found a man in a bad way and carried him to a Red Cross first aid tent. Both men are now in their 80's and until recently had never reunited. The soldier of the East Yorkshire these days runs a department store in Scarborough most of you will have visited at some time called Boyce.

Mr Boyce never realised that the person he carried to the first aid was Prince Regent, Sigfried of Bavaria. With that in mind he will today receive a medal from both Queens. Then we have another 80+-year-old Gunther Starkey. He risked his own life to bring people to relative safety. Every time he brought people to safety in England he and his crew risked their life. Among those saved was the grandmother of our Queen Gabriel. Also from Moldavia we have Prince Draconaris who apparently is good at saving princesses in distress. His exploits are numerous I will say he dived into the sea when a lady was swept off her feet and dragged into the raging sea. The local fishermen considered him either very brave or very daft. Then I get to modern times and a teenage girl is on holiday with her friends for the first time. She sees a lady fall into the Rhone and drags her out. Some of you may not know it but the Rhone is very cold where the lady fell in. We also have a special group the ladies of the Rylstone Women's Institute also known as the Calendar girls and the actresses who portrayed them in the film for the charity work in raising funds for cancer.”

“Now I have one more announcement is there a Martin Capstick in the show grounds?” Martin holds his hand up. “Come on Martin. Well Martin likes to cycle, But that is not why he is here. He is with his mother who is disabled and although still at school he is he primary carer. Martin as well as doing his school work and looking after his mother has been trying to hold down a evening job to get himself a new bike. Well the captain of the Appolonaris Royals was impressed with him and resolved to help him if she could. Well the Royals while primarily a girl's team are also a youth team and the Captain would like Martin to join the team. I should explain the mother is not forgotten, as a helper will be provided for her so Martin can try to become the future men's champion. Whilst the team mascots are escorting Martin and mother her here “

“I should explain who I am. Well I am the same Prince Sigfried that was carried by a British soldier to the first aid tent all those years ago. I should also thank the same soldier for getting me a wife, as my nurse became my wife. For years I have had an interest in bikes. Recently at the request of one of my many nieces Appolonaris decided to sponsor a ladies team. I made the only team member to come from England the Captain. Well that captain is known world wide as international ladies champion Jenny Bond. That same captain asked me if we had considered a youth team. Shortly after that I found my daughters and nieces all putting pressure on to me to form a youth team as they had daughters who wished to join. Well what was a poor male like me to do? At the same time one niece who previously had not shown much interest in the company suggested a team building exercise in England. So I decided it was the correct time to create a youth team. My grand daughters were over the moon at my decision and they wanted Gaby Bond the junior world champion as their captain. Since arriving here it has been one constant thing after another. The new captain of the Royal as they names themselves. Asked if she could select others she knew as good riders on to the team. That is how team Burton & Team Lamkin came into the fold. The junior captain also expanded the team to include a disabled section and a mountain bike section. Oh dear one of the escorts has fallen down.” As Sigfried was speaking Martin bent down and picked Tiny up.

Martin rubbed Tiny's knees for her and then gave her a cuddle and dried up her tears. “Wow you are light. I will put you on my shoulders and

“Well it appears almost all the members of the junior teams have turned out in uniform to welcome Martin on to the team. Earlier today I had the privilege of meeting and talking to Martin. I understand he has been racing on a very old bike. At my request he brought that bike for our team to service free of charge. One of the team's engineers spotted the serial number on the bike and discovered it had once been owned by The Late great Beryl Burton. A few telephone calls later and the original manufacturer wanted the bike back for their museum. They have offered Martin two top of the range bikes made by my firm along with skins and helmets. His mother also has banked a nice cheque that should help Martin in future. There was one thing they did not offer Martin and that was a place on their junior team. I am rectifying that as Greta my Grand daughter instructed me to get that boy for the team.”

Whilst this was going on the man had taken the bike back to the International conference and exhibition centre. He informed his bosses he had a bag with all the old parts. They took it to a mobile rolling road unit they had for testing bikes and carried various tests out to see how it performed with almost all new equipment. The firm's engineers took off all the new parts and put on the old ones they had been given. “It is not quite efficient with the old parts, but it did better than expected. Once the handlebars are brought in we will test it again. Even with the old parts it out performs the original specifications.

Meanwhile the flight from Japan was making its way to Britain. Some of the Princesses were in tears. Su Lin spoke, “The Mikado has made his decision and we must abide by it. At least one of our number knows or has met Gaby. The pilot informs me we can watch the latest broadcast on Gabriel if we switch on our viewing screens built into the headrests. All five terrestrial channels were broadcasting scenes from the show. Sky had also devoted a channel to the three-day event. Princess Kiko screamed, “Look there is my friend sat on a throne next to the older lady.”

Su Lin shook her head, “Sister that old lady is Queen Elizabeth of Britain and the Commonwealth. She is one of the longest reigning kings or Queens ever. We have about an hour before we land at Leeds-Bradford Airport and then a helicopter will take us the remainder of the way. So I suggest you all go and put on your kimonos.”

The princesses and maids helped each other get ready. They had just finished getting ready when the pilot asked them to sit down and put their seatbelts on. The engines roared as the plane came into land there were about three bumps and then it landed and taxied to the terminal building. They noticed the Japanese flag was flying along side a white rose on a blue background. They disembarked and were waved through customs.

From the custom hall they were escorted to the VIP lounge where the Ambassador to Britain was waiting. He bowed to the princesses. “I have to accompany you to represent your father. He hopes it will not be too long before some of you visit the country of your birth. This though now is your new country. If you need the toilet or need to refresh yourself then I suggest you do it now. We have not a lot of time to spare. Your boxes will follow directly. However we need to board a helicopter to take you to meet your spouse.”

With that they all boarded the waiting helicopter and fastened their seatbelts. The journey was relatively short. The pilot decided to put the aircraft down in the main arena. This in its self caused much consternation. The pilot got out and rolled a carpet towards that already lay on top of the grass. The Japanese Ambassador got out of the helicopter and was followed by the Princesses. He walked to Queen Gabriel and spoke in Japanese. Su Lin and the Princesses followed him. Su Lin spoke, “He brings greetings from our father the Mikado. He says the Emperor of Japan extends his hand in friendship to Gabriel Queen of Northumbria and dominions. He says the Mikado had to think long and hard what sort of gift he should send. Finally the priests advised father he should send the most precious things he had.”

Gabriel whispered to Maddy Anne, “You were right and wrong.” Ambassador will you thank the Mikado for his kind consideration. Princess thank you for interpreting for the ambassador. How long will you be staying here before you have to return?”

Su Lin spoke again, “Queen Gabriel you appear to be under the impression Father had sent precious stones. That is not the case my sisters and I are what he sent. Before we set off he married us on block to you by Japanese law. That marriage also allows father to retire as you are now Emperor of Japan.”

Maddy Anne burst our laughing. ”That is one thing I did not anticipate. Emperor of Japan to add to your other titles.”

Queen Elizabeth spoke, “Gabriel it appears now like certain Middle Eastern countries you are allowed to have as many partners as you want. I presume you realise the Princesses are not allowed to return to Japan without you. To do so would mean a death sentence for any of them.”

“Maddy Anne warned me it could happen. I thought she was joking. I know Kiko she was a friend. I did not realise that the word Mikado meant King or Emperor. I thought he was just a Japanese snob who thought he was better than me.”

Princess Kiko spoke, “Queen Gabriel my father the Mikado very much regrets insulting the Queen of Northumbria. He will forever rue the decision not to allow your visit to Japan. I am please to meet you again. This is now our country. The Mikado heard all the European Royal families are sending you their daughters to be your companions. So father decides, as we have not been invited to send our daughters it must be because you took offence at his banning of you. The priests all agree the Mikado made a big mistake. They had to look up in the books to find out how to rectify it.”

Gabriel thought and then spoke, “Ambassador this has arisen because of several errors. The Emperor was not being slighted in fact the order for the European Prince and Princesses to come here came from Renate of Bavaria. Most of these are related to me in some way and it was a family gathering. Regardless of that Kiko is a friend and I would hate to think I am the cause of her death. So I have no alternative but to accept the entire group. I take it the Mikado knows of my Engagement to William Wales.”

Su Lin spoke, “Father knows full well of your engagement. We like William will be are now your life companions. We may not go with another man without your permission to do so is punishable by death. Only their personal maids may attend to the princesses. They also have already been married off to you and so are your companions.”

Gabriel noticed one of the girls look at another one. Both girls had a shocked face. Gabriel thought, “Ambassador am I allowed to appoint the Mikado as Regent until I reach 21. Then I assume full responsibilities for all my titles. I have appointed others as Regents in some countries.”

The Ambassador smiled and said, “The Mikado will be happy with that decision. He did not feel ready to retire, but he had to because he insulted you.”

“Queen Gabriel the ambassador and princesses should accompany us to the international guests building. We are all dining there before we return .to Scarborough. As should young Martin and his mother as they are now part of your team.” Said Nena.

Su Lin started to laugh, “The Mikado has made another mistake. We all like to use bike, But Mikado banned it as not lady like.”

Queen Gabriel spoke, “Well we can not have my companions without a bike. We will get you all measured and then order the bikes for you.”

Princess Kiko spoke, “Queen Gabriel under Japanese law what you have done is create a harem and as your companions it is our responsibility to look after the injured or infirm members of that harem. Martin we will treat as a brother, Likewise William & Harry once they formally marry you. To be honest it is a long time since a Mikado had a lot of companions and then it was around 600. You could easily pass that number as other countries send their princesses. You may think I am being silly but they will come.”

Constance spoke, “I do believe you are correct Princess after all a harem contains all the female relatives of the King or Emperor. It is only accessible to those males related to the king. It also may contain concubines and slaves of either sex. For twelve days now to my knowledge females have surrounded Queen Gabriel. If we were to delve a little deeper we would probably find it was longer.”

Maddy burst out laughing. “It sure is a lot longer Constance. May I introduce Kim & Em, Jools and myself who are just a few of the young females companions of Gabriel's. Em & I are two of Gabriel's oldest friends and companions. Princess Kiko we met you at a con and do you remember what we were dressed as?”

Sharp 19.05.08 © 2008