Gabriella stared at her reflection as Tessa straightened out the skirts of the same dress she had married Troy in the first time only just over a week. This time, Emma was helping Pip put the veil on Gabriella's hair that was left to cascade down freely with a few strands pulled back from the front to show more of Gabriella's face. Gabriella had spent the past two nights in her old suite, making the wedding today special for many reasons again as she and Troy had gotten so used to being together every minute of the day and night.

"Gaby, you've already married the man before. Why are you nervously fidgeting right now?" asked Tessa, a teasing smile on her lips as she straightened and looked at her best friend via the mirror. "Are you nervous he'll run away all of a sudden?"

"No," Gabriella answered truthfully. "I'm just all excited again."

Sharpay laughed from nearby, finishing putting Taylor's hair up in a neat updo. "Guess that means you still love your husband of little over a week. That's a good thing right?"

"I'd say so," replied Taylor, smiling over at Gabriella. "I still can't believe that Patrick's father would go so far for power, even hurting Patrick in the process, his own son. What I've been curious about though is how if the notes were going straight to Edward and the search started in the fall how Curtis didn't know about it and warn Raul of trouble in the plan."

"Because there were no results being yielded. Raul wouldn't care if Edward was searching for the source so long as he didn't get discovered and he hid his tracks well. Curtis even was very careful with what he did when he contacted Raul," stated Annette, watching her daughter get ready for the now large wedding ceremony. The small ceremony that was originally planned by Annette and Lauren had been axed when it became obvious that the citizens of Copanvy wanted to witness the event and the entire Montez family felt they owed it to them for also being another important part to Gabriella marrying Troy in the end. "Edward chose to keep it limited to Paul for a while, even keeping it from the rest of the family until they were sure that there was a real threat. They had set up a watch on Troy with Curtis knowing, him even doing it from time to time with someone else but that was to be expected if Troy's life was threatened and the king knew about it. It escalated into a full out plan when the first threat to Gabriella's safety came, when we all decided it was time to put a final act together that would force Curtis and whoever he was working with out of the woods."

Tessa thought about it for a moment as she straightened, finally satisfied with the way the strapless dress's skirts flowed out. "So did Gabriella's uncle die in a true accident or was that planned by Raul as well?"

Lauren was impressed with this very good question from her granddaughter's best friend. "I suspect he was involved but that too will come out as Raul is investigated and interviewed further. The assassin has been happy to sing in order to get a lesser charge and punishment but Raul is the only one that could truly answer that and he has been pretty mum. No worries though because one way or the other, I believe that justice will prevail here. It's just a pity that Luis and Peter couldn't have been kicked off the Copanvy Royal Advisory Council instead of just the representative panel."

"Maybe they will in time though. That's something the people of Copanvy are capable of doing since they are the ones that put them there after all. Something like the United States' form of impeachment," commented Taylor, thinking about what she had learned in the past about how Copanvy was governed in comparison the US.

"Wow, both of you young ladies impress me with your sharp minds," admitted Lauren. "Gabriella, you really know how to choose them."

"I know," answered Gabriella, beaming at her best friends, who were both blushing in the moment.

Before Gabriella knew it, Stephen appeared in the room and indicated it was time to get married again. When it was just him and his daughter, Stephen turned to Gabriella and asked, "You sure Troy is the one? Last chance sweetheart."

"Without a doubt Daddy. He is the one and this is it, this is all I ever wanted," returned Gabriella with a smile of her own on her lips.

There was a quick knock on the door before Paul popped his red headed head in. "It's time to get married again Gabriella and not a moment too soon. Troy looks mighty pale."

"Is he okay?" she questioned, worry in her voice.

"Just nerves is all," answered Paul with a chuckle. "He'll get used to being up there in front of the public in a non-basketball manner soon enough."

If Troy had heard Paul from where Troy was standing next to the priest, with Chad, Chucky, and Ryan standing on his other side, Troy would have strongly disagreed. As Troy fidgeted again, rubbing the back of his neck, feeling thousands of pairs of eyes on him, Troy felt a firm hand be placed on his left hand he was using. Troy turned and saw his best man and groomsmen shaking their heads at him. "What?"

"Chill dude, you've already married her once," murmured Chad. "I don't think you were even this worked up the first time you married her last week."

"I didn't have so many people openly staring at me," returned Troy just as quietly.

Before Chad could say anything further, the music began, relieving Troy from being stared at when everyone in the pews turned to watch his parents, Annette escorted by Chris, and then Edward and Lauren make their entrance. Once the music changed and they were seated, Sharpay, Taylor, and Tessa made their appearance after two little flower girls who were distantly related to Gabriella somehow.

When Troy heard Chad's sharp intake of breath as he first saw Taylor, Troy glanced at him and shared an amused grin with Chucky when it became obvious that Chad was simply enthralled as he clearly should be by his wife.

As the music stopped, Troy's eyes zeroed in on the now closed double doors at the back of the church, at the end of the aisle, praying Gabriella really was on the other side and not running for her life. Troy let out the huge breath of air he hadn't realized he was holding in when the music started again and the doors opened to reveal Stephen and Gabriella before they began the journey down the rose petal covered runner.

Troy's eyes swept over Gabriella's dress, savoring every detail of it from the full skirt to the lacey patterns across her strapless bodice, seeing how the entire dress fit her just right in every way. He felt even luckier to not only be marrying Gabriella again but having the chance to commit this moment to memory as it was too dark the first time they got married to do her or the dress justice in this same moment. His heart sped up again as his sky blue orbs met those twinkling brown ones of his wife's, grinning as he saw a playful smirk on her face before it morphed into a regular smile, silently telling Troy she had caught him checking her out rather thoroughly in front of so many people.

Feeling more comfortable now that Gabriella was really walking towards him on her father's arm, Troy boldly winked at her, chuckling softly as Gabriella blushed. Stephen though caught this and gave Troy a stern look that told Troy to 'behave or else,' being far more effective than the loud scolding Stephen planned on later just to play with his son-in-law a bit.

Once Gabriella's hand was placed in Troy's by Stephen, the religious wedding ceremony that formally recognized their wedding in Copanvy flew by, leaving Troy and Gabriella to share in a quick but tender kiss amidst almost deafening cheering. Walking down the aisle, arm in arm, they both waved and smiled at people they knew, especially those they had personally invited like Selena and Iyana's family, Brandi and her parents, Luka with his family, Mikey with his parents, Tomas, Rodger, and a few others who had a positive impact on their lives in Copanvy.

Instead of leaving the church to take pictures as a normal, newly married couple would do, Troy and Gabriella were led to a side room where they waited for a few minutes before their parents, Edward and Lauren, and then the representatives of the Copanvy Royal Advisory Council showed up before the door was closed. George led the four behind him in greeting the royal family and Troy's parents, Benjamin and Miles taking extra time congratulating Gabriella and Troy along with George. When the two newest members of the representatives came last, George circled around and made the introductions.

"May I present the newest members of the representatives of the Copanvy Royal Advisory Council. Please meet Stacey Johnson, who has served as part of the council for ten years now, and Max Chavez, who is fairly new to the council, elected in the last election and is our youngest member," introduced George, indicating a petite woman with straight dark brown hair tied up in a bun with a friendly smile on her face and a young man who was taller than Troy with slicked back black hair and brown eyes with golden specks in them.

"It's great to meet you both," Gabriella said, shaking hands first with Stacey and then Max. "I look forward to the amazing things you will do for Copanvy."

Max chuckled, feeling at ease with the princess instantly. "As we are looking forward to seeing what you will do Princess Gabriella with your own share of the governing power. You have had quite a ride already and it isn't even your time to rule yet."

Troy laughed. "That's putting it lightly. I trust you won't be trying to kill me or my wife in the near future Mr. Chavez."

Max paled a little until he realized that Troy was joking, returning the smile. "Most definitely not Prince Troy, or will-be Prince Troy after this ceremony. I'm glad to see you can already joke about Mr. Diaz and his unfortunately choices."

Shrugging, Troy brushed it off. "That's exactly what they were, unfortunate choices but now in the past."

Stacey smiled as she saw the young couple look each other in the eyes as if no one else was around, the pure intimacy and chemistry between them making her feel like she was watching a rather private moment than just a shared glance between lovers, best friends, and husband and wife. "Which is represented by the Copanvy Royal Advisory Council making the choice of demoting Mr. Sanchez and Mr. Lewount from being a part of this representative panel. We cannot remove them all together as they were voted in by the people of this country but we have faith they can be controlled in the meantime for now without significant influence."

"That's for sure a comfort," commented Gabriella with a genuine smile.

"Well since Stacey has let the cat out of the bag early, I may as well tell you that the good news of the meeting we will still have after soon-to-be Prince Troy's ceremony is that both Stacey and Max have been chosen by the rest of the council to represent them in honor of you and Troy Princess Gabriella," explained George, grinning as he saw the confusion on both of their faces. "Your fighting spirit the past several months has made quite a bit of the council, who is majority male, realize that we need to have a woman be part of the head decision making for the council. Seeing how much the younger generations pulled together especially to help you fight the fight for your love's choice also made us realize how wrong we were to not have that younger perspective represented. I guess in a way this is a wedding present, as your Grandmother put it, from the Copanvy Royal Advisory Council to you both and also a promise that the Copanvy Royal Advisory Council will stand by you in all that is fair and just."

Tears filled Gabriella's eyes as she heard this, throwing decorum to the wind as she hugged George tightly, just so happy that things were really working out and not just for her. After a few moments though Gabriella stepped back, giving George an apologetic smile for her outburst of sorts but was glad to see that George merely smiled back at her.

"Thank you, all of you, really," stated Gabriella, looking each representative in the eye starting with Miles all the way to Stacey.

"Well, before anything else happens before we can make Troy's title official, what do you say to taking care of this ceremony now so you can run off and take care of pictures and all the other fun wedding activities planned for you?" suggested Benjamin.

"Sounds perfect Benjamin," returned Lauren, smiling as she saw the pride in Lucille's and Jack's faces as they watched their son kneel down in the center of the room with Gabriella on his right side and Stephen on his left.

Lucille watched with tears of happiness in her eyes as George led the ceremony with Benjamin's and Miles' assistance, not completely understanding all the words being spoken as it sounded like a mix of English and Spanish.

Jack beamed as the priest, who married Troy and Gabriella and who came in at the last minute especially for the ceremony, placed holy water on Troy's forehead before he draped a robe in the colors of Copanvy around Troy's shoulders, Stephen moving to help Troy extend his arms through the sleeves before Gabriella moved to close it with the buttons.

When the ceremony recognizing Troy as a genuine Prince of Copanvy neared the end, Lauren found herself tearing up along with Lucille and Annette, truly joyous that everything had worked out in the end and that Gabriella had found both happiness in her personal life as well as in governing Copanvy. Lauren recognized how hard things had been for Gabriella especially in the past month or two and was proud that her granddaughter had been able to hold it all together with minimal contact with Troy and with being unable to confide in those she normally would talk to in a heartbeat with something as hard as she was experiencing. When Max and Stacey both walked to George, who was now back in front of Troy for the conclusion of the ceremony with the ceremonial sword with jewels in the hilt, the same that had been presented to Edward decades ago, Lauren smiled even more as she heard the quick intake of breath from Troy as he saw what he was being given.

Although this was no coronation, there were still processes and symbols exchanged, and Edward had made sure everything was in place so as to not leave any room for argument later down the line. Troy Bolton, when he accepted the sword from George with one last blessing and the closing rites, effectively became Prince Troy Anthony Bolton Montez of Copanvy, a man who had endured far more than any normal human being would have for the hand of Edward's granddaughter, something that Edward would always respect.

After congratulations were shared and pictures were taken by Martin, who was allowed in by Paul, Gabriella and Troy, still dressed in the royal robe, sat down on the small couch in the room, ready to have this meeting with the representatives, who were now sitting in various seats around the room. Confident that all would go well, Lauren, Edward, and both sets of parents left the room, allowing the meeting between the newlyweds and the representatives to officially begin.

"So, everything is now official. I trust you both are very happy," commented George. "We are really very sorry that we did not figure out what was going on with Peter and Luis any sooner. In truth, myself and Benjamin had suspicions but were not free to act on them as we had no proof, and a great deal of the council was convinced that the tradition should be held, mostly due to the passionate arguments those two men often made for it."

Gabriella shook her head. "There's nothing to apologize for, honest. Troy and I are just happy that the plans all worked and that we are married. It feels incredible to call Troy my husband now and be free to love him, no matter where I am."

Troy twined their fingers together, causing Stacey to smile again at the mere sight of them. "I am curious, if you would indulge us as to how you felt Prince Troy when you were exiled or were you really?"

Realizing that all of the story hadn't been told to the representatives but still being careful with what he said, Troy replied by saying, "The words exile were spoken to me by… well… my grandfather-in-law, but shortly after Curtis left with Paul, Gabriella, and the other security members, I was told immediately by my father-in-law and grandfather-in-law both of what was going on. They explained to me how the threats started rolling in during the fall against me and then suddenly turned to Gabriella as soon as the site the teen center teenagers put together popped up on Raul's radar. To keep both Gabriella and myself safe, we had to make sure everyone believed I was out of the picture and that Gabriella was going through with the marriage to Patrick."

Max studied Troy's profile and saw the relief there. "I can imagine that was a huge weight off your shoulders and helped chase away your worries of really being ripped away from Princess Gabriella. Did you know before King Edward and Prince Stephen showed up that they were setting Curtis up?"

Sensing Troy's unease as to what to say, Gabriella stepped in. "I had done my best to act very upset after a staged argument with my family over marrying Patrick and then ran to wait for Troy in his apartment. Once he got there, I was able to explain to him a little, letting him know that no matter what was said when both my dad and grandfather arrived that I loved him and that we'd be together one way or the other. Luckily, Raul didn't chase me away in the end and I realize I have many people to thank for that."

"I think it was a combination of things," stated Miles, drawing the attention to himself. "One thing is for sure though Princess Gabriella, and that is how much you are loved by all types of people in Copanvy. The heart you have put into this country has hopefully been returned to you in this act and will continuously be shared between you and this country as you and Prince Troy continue to grow and learn more about Her and how to be as strong of leaders as your ancestors have been."

"We already see a lot of the potential in you both in what you have done so far but I suspect you've been somewhat holding out on us. No matter, time will show us all of your talents and strengths soon enough," stated Benjamin.

The rest of the meeting between Troy and Gabriella with the Copanvy Royal Advisory Council went quickly, laughter and a light atmosphere being present throughout, a very big first for Gabriella, who was amazed by how different it felt with the mere absence of two, well three, men in particular. When farewells were made, Troy and Gabriella left the room and met their families and their wedding party to take pictures in the church before heading outside to ride in an open horse-drawn carriage through a parade of sorts to give all those in Copanvy interested in seeing them a chance to do so.

Troy and Gabriella grinned at the crowds of people who lined their way back to the palace where there would be a reception in celebration of their official Copanvy wedding, waving at the children who anxiously jumped up and down as they passed.

"So, how does it feel Prince Troy? Are you regretting marrying me to become royalty yet?" questioned Gabriella, settling into Troy's side as his arm snuck around her shoulders, both relaxing as the carriage finally crossed through the gates to the palace.

Troy scoffed. "How in the world would I ever regret marrying you of all things? I admit that being called 'Prince Troy' is a bit unnerving but I think I can take it if that means I get to spend each day and night for the rest of my life with you."

As Gabriella felt Troy's lips in her hair and then on her forehead, Gabriella blinked back the happy tears in her own eyes, feeling the overwhelming amounts of complete blissfulness that slipped into her veins and traveled her entire body. "I adore you Wildcat, I respect you Prince Troy, but most of all, I love you Troy with every breath in my body."

"I worship you Princess Gabriella, I cherish you Brie, but most of all I am in love with you Gabriella, completely and totally," returned Troy, letting their lips dance together for the rest of the carriage ride to the palace, breaking away only when they stopped and heard the catcalls from their friends already standing and waiting for them at the entrance of the palace, Chad's and Chris's voices heard the best above them all.

"It's a pity Chad, Taylor, Sharpay, Ryan, Amy, Tessa, and Chucky all have to return to the United States so soon," got out Troy, shooting daggers at his childhood best friend as he spoke.

Gabriella laughed, untangling herself from her husband but making sure to kiss him once more before accepting Chucky's help down from the carriage, Taylor helping to straighten out the full skirt. Troy jumped down right after, instantly gravitating towards Gabriella where he placed a hand on the small of Gabriella's back as the group of friends began walking towards and into the palace to where the reception was being held.

After another reception full of fantastic food, excellent music, and general fun, Troy and Gabriella settled onto a small couch in the sitting room of their suite with Taylor and Chad nestled together on a couch to the right with Chucky and Sharpay sitting next to them, Tessa sitting on Chris's lap in a leather chair, and Amy and Ryan sharing another small couch nearby with Tomas.

"Dude, I think you need to get married again," stated Chad, turning his head that was resting on the back of the couch to look at Troy.

Troy narrowed his eyes from where the right side of his head was resting on top of Gabriella's, grateful they had removed her veil a long time ago, allowing Troy to freely feel the silk strands beneath his cheek and play with the loose tendrils at the same time. "What? Twice isn't enough for you Danforth?"

"Think of all the gifts and stuff you just got today not to mention the first time!" exclaimed Chad, wincing as Taylor slapped him on the back of the head, not even bothering to move from where she was curled into his side.

"You are such a moron Chad. Getting married is about a lot more than just what you get from people. It's celebrating your love for another person. Isn't that what you felt when we got married? Wait, I don't know if I want to know that answer because I'm nice and comfortable right now," stated Taylor, closing her eyes in exhaustion and flexing her feet. 'If I feel this tired, I can only imagine how both Troy and Gabriella feel.'

"No, I treasure our wedding day as the best day of my life Taylor," Chad said, affectionately squeezing Taylor's upper arm where his hand was resting. "I just remember how amazing it felt to finally have you as my wife, knowing that you were finally all mine, and you couldn't run away from me even if you tried after that."

"Uh, hate to break it to you Chad but there is such a thing as divorce," teased Chris, smirking as Chad just glared at him. "Not saying it's in your cards but it is a possibility these days and happens quite frequently."

"Well not for us," argued Chad, kissing Taylor for a brief moment before looking at Gabriella and Troy, who were barefoot, both of them having thrown their shoes into the pile in the middle of the room a while ago. "And I know for sure not for 'Troyella' over there."

Troy rolled his eyes. "Don't mock our couple name man. I think it's kinda cool."

Chucky laughed. "Don't worry Troy. Chad is just jealous that 'Chaylor' isn't a household name like yours is, at least in Copanvy."

"I love how this all became about Chad too," commented Ryan, unable to resist jumping on the 'gang up on Chad' bandwagon.

"It isn't," protested Chad. "All I'm saying is that you fools that aren't married yet are complete idiots because you don't know what you are missing being married to the love of your life."

"Sounds like he truly is in love to me," added Tomas, enjoying seeing Troy and Gabriella both relaxed and among friends. "But in our defense, marriage is a huge commitment and it's just not cut out for everyone. I know people who have lived for twenty, thirty years together and have no desire to get married. To each their own is what I say."

"Look at Chris and Tessa," pointed out Amy. "Those two are happy together, definitely rabbits too, but they aren't in any hurry to get married."

"Actually," started Tessa a bit nervously.

Sharpay's jaw literally dropped at this. "Don't tell me you are next in line Tessa! When did he propose?"

Chris shook his head, denying this but still grinning. "I didn't propose."

"Then what?" asked Ryan, looking between Tessa and Chris, who were silently communicating with each other.

Tessa drew in a deep breath before she said, "Chris and I are moving in together. He asked me and I said yes."

It took Gabriella a few moments to process this before she sprung off the couch, startling Troy in the process, and started jumping up and down. "That's fantastic! Tessa, when are you moving?"

Tessa laughed at her best friend's excitement, getting up from Chris's lap to embrace her. "This summer most likely. I need to give my notice at work and save up some more money."

"Wait, Gab how'd you know Chris wasn't going to move to New Mexico?" questioned Ryan, unsure of how Gabriella seemed to have instinctively known who was moving where.

"Because Chris is tied to the Royal Copanvy Ballet Company and wouldn't leave it quite yet while he's finally getting into the spotlight and I know Tessa would want what's best for him. She's talked about moving here every so often too and I knew it was only a matter of time before these two would be unable to stay apart from each other again," explained Gabriella, squeezing Tessa one more time before letting her go, both sitting back down next to the main man in their lives.

Chucky smiled a crooked smile at Gabriella. "That tie Chris has wouldn't happen to be you would it? I mean, I could see it with how sweet and adorable you are but you're married now."

Chris almost choked at Chucky's joke. "Chucky, that isn't even funny. Ella is practically my sister not to mention Troy now has a whole security team at his whim. It'd be a suicide mission to try to steal Gabriella away from him now."

Troy smirked at his wife's dance partner. "I wouldn't need a security team for that Chris."

"WAIT! Tessa, you're leaving me?" demanded Sharpay, suddenly put off with the idea. "How could you leave me all alone in the house?"

Tessa gave Sharpay an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry Pay but it's not immediate. I may even take the rest of the year to get ready. You could move here too."

"And be under Troy's rule? I don't think so," got out Sharpay, rolling her eyes at Troy's half protest. "Gabriella I could deal with because I know she'd always treat me fairly. Troy, well, he may try to get even with me for some of the things that have happened in the past. Surprised you Tessa are willing to risk it considering the number of times you've used intimidation on him."

Tessa paled at the idea of Troy seeking vengeance through some sneaky way as he was pretty much the law if he wanted to. Her eyes darted over to Troy's and nearly lost it as she saw him giving her a knowing look that proved the thoughts were in his head at the very minimum. "He wouldn't…"

As the silence dragged on and Troy and Tessa continued to have a stare off, Gabriella decided to end it. "Come on you two, clearly nothing has been done that bad by Tessa to warrant Troy abusing his power."

"Oh yeah? Clearly you don't remember the time Tessa practically threatened his life if he hurt you again," Chad supplied.

"But that's what best friends do," argued Taylor.

"How about all those times I heard Tessa stole Gabriella for the day for shopping when Troy had plans for a daytime date with Gabriella?" offered Chucky.

"Again, that's what girlfriends do. They shop together, duh," said Sharpay, giving Chucky a 'duh' look.

Ryan thought about it and said, "Well there are all the times that Tessa has ripped into Troy unprovoked just because she could and knew Troy was too nice to return the favor."

Troy beamed at Ryan. "Thanks Ry, you always have my back like that."

"And clearly not mine! Ryan!" exclaimed Tessa as she knew that what Ryan said was a valid point.

"What? It's the truth!" defended Ryan, throwing his hands up in the air in case he needed to protect himself from her.

The room burst into laughter shortly after as both friends of new and old began swapping stories, mainly centering around the twice-married couple who enjoyed the atmosphere of being among their trusted friends and knowing that despite where Troy and Gabriella had come from, what they did to fight for this moment, everything was going to be all right.

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